Public opinion of schools has fallen, according to the new Scottish Household Survey. Some 74 per cent were satisfied with schools in 2015, down from a high of 85 per cent in 2011. Satisfaction was higher in remote rural areas (83 per cent), which include many very small primary schools, than large urban areas (67 per cent); this was attributed mainly to greater faith in public transport in rural areas. Satisfaction with schools is very similar across all deprivation levels.

Donaldson’s School, in Linlithgow, West Lothian, has been ordered to make further improvements. Inspectors said insufficient progress had been made in improving the ability of the leadership team to manage the day-to-day running of the school - the school for students who are deaf has been without a headteacher since September 2015. However, Education Scotland said significant progress had been made in other areas, including pupil discipline and safety and the quality of education on offer. In 2014, it was served a government improvement notice after concerns over the safety of pupils.

The programme for Book Week Scotland has been launched. Every P1 in Scotland will receive free copies of the three shortlisted entries for the Bookbug Picture Book Prize, while all P2-3s will get free bags of books, writing materials and counting games. Events include a free webcast with Ruby Redfort creator, Lauren Child, while several secondary schools will be visited by Dave Hook of hip-hop group Stanley Odd. The annual celebration takes place from 21-27 November (bookweekscotland.com).

A Falkirk nursery has been named the best in Scotland. Wellside Kindergarten won the accolade at the Scottish Nursery Awards in Glasgow. Judges were “impressed by the 23 years of continuous high-quality, personable, respected and valued passion for the local community”. Manager of the Year was Lorraine Kirkwood of Monkey Puzzle Glasgow Central nursery. There were 11 awards in all (for the full list of winners, see here).

@TESScotland