School Openings & Closures Data Collection

1. School Openings & Closures Data Collection Summary of the current data collection procedures and discussion of how to improve efficiency

2. School Openings & Closures Data Collection • Summary of current process • Key issues identified • Timetable for 2014 collection • Proposed changes for future collections • Discussion

3. Summary of Current Process • Pre-2012 – excel spreadsheets • 2012 and 2013 – collection via ProcXed • Submission of forms for individual openings and closures throughout the year • Data collected: • School opening and closing dates • Director of Education awareness of change in status • Availability of pre-school department, Gaelic unit, integrated special unit, parent council • Denomination, receiving stages, maximum and minimum stages • Address and contact details

4. Summary of Current Process

5. Key Issues • Volume of work • Data quality checks • Pre-population • Recording of mergers • Recording of special schools versus integrated special units • Additional details fields

6. 2014 Timeline & Proposed Changes Timeline • Collection available to complete by end May 2014 • Submission by 15 July 2014 Proposed changes • Yes / no box added to clarify whether changes to the record have been made • Check box added to record mergers

7. Future Development • Open Data Pilot • (http://data.opendatascotland.org/themes/education)

8. Future Development Proposal: • Extension to open data site • Allows changes to be submitted through the website by authenticated users • Checked and approved by ScotXed • Live system updated • Defined set of users automatically updated about changes. Benefits: • Efficiencies for both local authorities and ScotXed • Information about establishments updated publically on a more timely basis Possible implementation from 2015.

9. Discussion • Timing of 2014 Openings & Closures collection • Proposed changes to 2014 collection. Any other suggestions? • Views on future development of O&C collection