SOME progress has been made at an underfire West Fife school however more is still needed.

That was the verdict of Education Scotland inspectors when they returned to Hillside School in Aberdour this month - adding that "the number of incidents of physical intervention has decreased significantly".

Earlier this year, "serious and significant" concerns were raised about the quality of care provision at the facility which provides 52-week residential care and education for young people aged 8-19 who have complex and/or additional support needs.

An improvement notice listed a string of measures to be implemented and a further inspection has been carried out this month.

A letter updating parents said the school had made "appropriate progress" in promoting positive behaviour and reducing the use of physical intervention.

READ MORE: Care Inspectorate reveals 'serious concerns' over Hillside School

"Senior leaders have reviewed the use of physical intervention and provided staff with appropriate professional learning," it stated. "Staff have greater clarity regarding the appropriate use of physical intervention.

"A detailed restraint reduction policy is now in place, aligning with national guidance, which is positively impacting on staff and young people. As a result, there have been no instances of the use of prone restraint since the initial inspection in January 2024, and the number of incidents of physical intervention has decreased significantly."

In his letter, HM Inspector Steven McPherson said there was now a "clearer understanding" across the school about when the use of physical intervention is appropriate.

It added: "Education staff and care staff are working more effectively together in the education provision, with care staff supporting learning activities. This has been very well received by both staff and young people and is having a positive impact on young people’s learning and behaviour.

READ MORE: Care Inspectorate gives Aberdour school time to improve

"The school has made some progress since the original inspection. However, there remain important aspects where further progress is required.

"We will liaise with the proprietor regarding the school’s capacity to improve."

He added that inspectors will return to the school within four months to assess further progress.

In July, a planning application was submitted to Fife Council for a housing development – with 186 new homes – and a replacement school at Hillside.

They include the creation of a new, modern Additional Support Needs unit within the grounds of the school's current estate which would accommodate 35 pupil places and 10 small business workspace units alongside the Cala Homes development.

Those behind the plans say the proposals will enable the school to move out of the B-Listed Hillside House, which has become impractical and expensive to use and maintain, into a brand-new sustainable, energy efficient building.