The Education and Children's Services Committee of Aberdeenshire Council met on Thursday, 26 March 2026, to discuss several key issues. The committee agreed to defer the public consultation on the Sandhaven to Fraserburgh school transport route until a later date, and approved the commencement of a statutory consultation for the permanent closure of Banchory Devenick School. They also considered the Child Protection Committee's Annual Report for 2024-2025 and received an update on the Stage 1 Secure Care Audit.

Sandhaven Transport Consultation Deferred

The committee decided to defer the public consultation on the proposed removal of school transport on the Sandhaven to Fraserburgh Academy route. This decision followed a meeting with elected members from Ward 2 and Ward 3, who raised significant concerns about the route's exposure to severe weather, flooding, lack of lighting, and high traffic speeds. These concerns, alongside the potential socioeconomic impact on disadvantaged families, led to the modification of the consultation plan to allow for further engagement with the affected communities. A special meeting of the committee is to be held on 3rd July 2026 to receive the output of this consultation.

Banchory Devenick School Faces Permanent Closure Consultation

A statutory consultation will be launched for the permanent closure of Banchory Devenick School. This decision comes after an options appraisal highlighted significant issues with the school's heating system, wider building condition, and low pupil numbers. The estimated cost of essential repairs and upgrades to the heating system, roof, electrical installation, and other facilities amounts to approximately £530,000. With a current roll of 25 pupils and projections indicating a further decline, the school is operating significantly below its capacity of 70. The Portlethen Cluster, which includes Banchory Devenick, has a total capacity of 1,738 pupils but is currently operating at 73% capacity, with a projected 474 spare places by 2029. As a result, officers recommend proceeding with a statutory consultation on permanent closure, with pre-engagement activities planned for Term 4 of the 2025/26 session and the formal consultation running in Term 1 of the 2026/27 session.

Child Protection Committee Annual Report Highlights Progress and Future Focus

The Child Protection Committee (CPC) Annual Report for 2024-2025 was presented, detailing the committee's work in areas such as voice and participation, workforce development, and support for older young people. The report highlighted achievements including the introduction of an innovative 'Hub and Spoke' model for the Bairns' Hoose, improvements in the quality and consistency of Initial Referral Discussions, and a robust use of data to inform practice. Future plans will continue to focus on involving children and young people in decisions, maintaining a skilled workforce through training, and addressing the needs of older young people within the child protection system. The report also noted the ongoing commitment to The Promise, aiming to ensure all children in Aberdeenshire are loved, safe, and supported.

Secure Care Audit Reveals Areas for Improvement

A Stage 1 report on the Secure Care Audit identified major risks and limited assurance regarding Aberdeenshire Council's use of secure care. The audit highlighted concerns in payment controls, written procedures, training, procurement, and review processes. Children's Services has accepted all recommendations and is implementing an action plan to address these deficiencies. Key actions include strengthening invoice checking processes, utilising digital tools for improved oversight, reviewing guidance for practitioners, and ensuring prepayments are not made for services without Head of Finance approval. The report noted that while the initial use of secure care was justified, significant gaps in control arrangements, particularly concerning statutory requirements for notification and reviews, need to be addressed. The committee was assured that actions are being taken to strengthen governance, risk management, and financial control.

School Roll Forecasts Show Declining Primary Numbers

The 2025/26 Based School Roll Forecasts indicate a continuing decline in primary school pupil numbers across Aberdeenshire, with a projected decrease of 415 primary pupils in August 2026 compared to the current session. This trend is expected to lead to 57 primary schools operating below 50% capacity by 2030, representing 41% of the primary school estate. While secondary school numbers are currently rising, a decline is also anticipated in the longer term. The report details specific schools facing capacity pressures or significant underutilisation across various council areas, including Banchory Academy, Port Elphinstone School, and Portlethen Academy, which are projected to exceed capacity. Conversely, numerous primary schools, particularly in Banff & Buchan, Buchan, Formartine, Garioch, Kincardine & Mearns, and Marr areas, are forecast to operate significantly below 50% capacity.

Tullynessle School Closure Recommended Following Consultation

Following a statutory consultation, officers have recommended the permanent closure of Tullynessle School and the reassignment of its catchment area to Keig School. The consultation process, which included public meetings, online surveys, and engagement with pupils, revealed mixed views. While many respondents expressed opposition to the closure, citing concerns about the loss of a community hub and the impact on rural life, a significant portion of those directly affected by the proposal supported the closure. The report highlights that the school's low and declining pupil roll, coupled with parental placing requests to other schools, makes its continued operation unsustainable. The Bairns' Hoose Pathfinder status and the Scottish Child Interview Model (SCIM) were also discussed in relation to child protection services.

Slains School Faces Permanent Closure Consultation

A statutory consultation is recommended to commence for the permanent closure of Slains School. This follows an options appraisal and pre-engagement activities regarding the future of education provision in the Slains School catchment area. The school building was deemed structurally unsafe after a ceiling and roof collapse in March 2025, leading to its demolition. With projected pupil numbers falling to four by 2029 and neighbouring schools operating at around 65-69% capacity, permanent closure is considered the strongest option. The consultation will run during May and June of this year, with an outcome report due in January 2027.

Carbon Budget Update Shows Progress in Sustainability Efforts

The Education and Children's Services Directorate has made progress towards its carbon budget reduction targets for 2025-2026. The report highlights initiatives focused on behavioural change, energy management, waste reduction, and green spaces. Schools are actively engaged in programmes like Eco Schools and Rights Respecting Schools, promoting pupil-led sustainability activities. Partnerships with community groups and third-sector organisations have supported projects such as tree planting and biodiversity initiatives. Schools are demonstrating good practice in whole-school approaches to waste reduction, recycling, and sustainable travel. A virtual apprenticeship placement has also contributed to developing new tools to support engagement in schools. While quantifying carbon savings remains challenging, the range of activities demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability.

Transport Transformation Update on Sandhaven Route

The committee received an update on the Transport Transformation workstream, specifically concerning the Sandhaven to Fraserburgh Academy school transport route. Following engagement with elected members from Ward 2 and Ward 3, significant concerns were raised regarding the route's exposure to severe weather, flooding, lack of lighting, and high traffic speeds. These points have been acknowledged and will be explored further during the formal public consultation. A draft consultation plan has been developed, with a special meeting of the committee scheduled for 3rd July 2026 to receive the output of this consultation.

The meeting also noted the minutes of the Aberdeenshire Educational Trust subcommittee meeting of 5 December 2025.