HM Inspectors Praise Work of Staff at Kinlochewe Primary School

HM inspectors have published a report of their visit to Kinlochewe primary and Nursery.  The report, published on 20th May, praises the work of the school and rates most aspects of the school as very good with three features as good.

Inspectors found that the school provided a high quality of support for its pupils within a caring environment. Staff were effective in promoting high expectations of pupils’ learning and achievements and worked well as a team and had developed strong relationships with pupils. Inspectors reported that pupils were relaxed and enjoying their learning and that teaching approaches were highly effective in maintaining very good levels of attainment in English language and mathematics. It was also highlighted that parents played a strong role in the work of the school.

Children in the nursery benefited from a broad range of well planned and purposeful learning experiences and were making very good progress in their learning and development.  Nursery staff provided very good care to children and were aware of their responsibilities for ensuring their safety and welfare.

Commenting on the very good level of attainment in English and mathematics in the primary, HM Inspectors noted that most pupils were achieving appropriate national levels of attainment in listening, talking, reading and writing levels earlier than might normally be expected and in mathematics almost all were attaining these levels earlier.

The school provided very good care for the children and placed a strong emphasis on positive relationships and health promotion.  Inspectors noted the high quality displays of pupils’ work, the very good ICT facilities and the good use made of the school garden.  The school has been very successful in involving parents in the life of the school and in linking with the wider school community.

Inspectors found the school’s Eco schools initiative which had pupils in working with a variety of outside agencies and writing very good accounts of their activities and wild life sightings, worthy of special note.   Pupils were also actively involved in setting their own learning targets which increased their motivation and progress in their work.

The very good leadership of the acting headteacher had ensured positive outcomes for the overall work of the school and she had a clear vision for the school’s future development.  Very good leadership was evident in other aspects of the school with other staff taking responsibility for developing areas of the curriculum and pupils actively involved in aspects of environmental studies and the eco initiative.

In continuing to provide high quality education, inspectors have asked the school and the education authority to improve arrangements in the playground and to further develop assessment.  However, HM Inspectors will make no further reports in connection with this visit but have asked the authority to report further progress to parents.

Acting headteacher, Viv MacLennan, said:  “We are really pleased the report recognises the part teamwork has played as a key strength. Staff, pupils, parents and in turn, the wider community have all shown their willingness and enthusiasm to work hard to contribute to the life of the school.”
ENDS