Positive Follow through Report by Inspectors for Lochinver Primary School

In an HMIe follow through report on Lochinver Primary School the teamwork of staff in bringing about improvement, the positive atmosphere in school and the very supportive learning links with the local community were identified as key strengths.

In this report the Inspectors judged that most aspects of the work of the school had improved since the original inspection in 2007. They stated that the school is making strong progress in helping children to learn and achieve.

They commented on the strong links the school maintains with the Lochinver community and how the Parent Council have consulted widely to make sure the school’s aims take account of everyone’s views.

The inspectors recognised that the Headteacher, with the helpful assistance of the education authority, is giving strong support to staff in improving learning and teaching approaches, and that all staff have become more reflective, and that their work is more focused on improving children’s learning. Staff are increasingly active in improving the school and are now playing a leading part in some developments.

They observed that teachers now set appropriately higher standards and children are achieving more success as a result. Pupils now have more positive attitudes towards their own achievement.

Commenting on the report Mrs Claire Warwick, Head Teacher, said: "I am extremely pleased with this follow through report as it recognises the very clear progress and improvement in all of the areas which had been highlighted in our initial inspection report of 2 years ago. These improvements are down to the hard work and commitment of the staff team in Lochinver Primary as well as the wider school community. We look forward to continuing to develop our school within the new Curriculum for Excellence.”

Bill Fernie, Chairman of the Education, Culture and Sport Committee said: “I am delighted that the recent HMIe report on Lochinver Primary has recognised the very clear progress the school has made on its action points.  The quality of the teamwork in the school, as highlighted in the report, is the foundation of a high quality experience for the young people on Lochinver.  The school can also approach the future implementation of the Curriculum for Excellence with great confidence, as the pupils themselves become more aware and confident of their achievements.  It is also very satisfying that central role of the primary school in the life of the local community has been praised during the inspector’s visit.”