Achfary Primary School HMIe Report (11/12/07)

In a glowing HMIe report on Achfary Primary School, Sutherland published today (Tuesday 11th December, 2007) inspectors praised the work of the school judging almost all aspects of the work of the school as either good or very good with arrangements for the care and welfare of pupils singled out as excellent.
 
Key strengths identified were :

• Enthusiastic pupils who were keen to learn.
• High quality teaching which helped pupils improve.
• Attainment of pupils in English language, and pupils' abilities in using information and communications technology (ICT).
• Staff's provision of care and welfare for pupils.
• Links with parents and the wider community.

The teamwork of all staff, and the overall leadership of the Head Teacher.
 
The report identified the outstanding and sector leading practise in the provision of care and welfare for pupils. Staff were praised for their knowledge of pupils' social, emotional and personal needs.

Head Teacher, Mrs Linda Gill, was described as a very effective leader and manager who had worked successfully to provide a stimulating curriculum for pupils.

Partnerships with parents and links between the school and the community were highlighted as being extremely effective and beneficial to the work of the school.

Pupils were praised for being very polite, friendly and courteous and there was a great deal of respect between pupils and staff. Almost all areas of learning, teaching and achievement were judged to be very good with ICT skills (utilised to produce an animated film), enthusiastic participation in PE, Art, Science, school drama club, music and enterprise activities all commended.
 
Inspectors identified only two areas for further improvement:

• to develop individualised educational programmes for pupils with additional support needs; and
• raise attainment in mathematics.
   
  Commenting on the report, Mrs Gill said: " I am very pleased that the HMIe report is so positive. I feel that it reflects the enthusiasm and abilities of all our pupils and the commitment of all staff, including visiting staff. Our parents and the local community contribute greatly to the life of the school and I am pleased that this has been recognised as a major strength in the report. Our thanks go to the children, parents, staff and wider community for their support during the inspection."

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