Her Majesty’s Inspector of Education Report on Kilmuir Primary School

Kilmuir Primary was inspected in January 2006 as part of a national sample of primary education, covering key aspects of the school’s work at all stages.

Inspectors judged that pupils’ behaviour was good and they were able to contribute effectively to school decision making through the Pupil Council. Pupils had a good relationship with their teacher and each other. Staff got on well together and most derived a great deal of satisfaction from their work with pupils.

Senior pupils gained great satisfaction and success from their participation in a joint schools environmental project run by the area arts team. They had co-produced a short film telling a new myth about The Old Man of Storr.

Staff paid good attention to the care and welfare of pupils. Staff had successfully maintained a good focus on health promotion over a number of years. Commendably, the school had won an award for its achievements in this area. Staff were aware of child protection procedures and there were good arrangements in place to support pupils with medical needs. However, provision of meeting pupils’ learning needs was weak.

Overall, the curriculum was judged to be adequate and staff provided a broad curriculum. The overall quality of pupils’ attainment in Gaelic language was good. By P3 all pupils had achieved appropriate national levels. At the middle and upper stages almost all pupils had achieved their levels and, by P7, a few pupils exceeded national levels. The commitment and ability of pupils in using Gaelic as the main medium of communication throughout the school day was considered a notable strength.

Some important weaknesses were identified in aspects of learning, teaching and meeting needs. There were major weaknesses in leadership. Over the past year, with the support of the education authority, there had been a good start to self-evaluation but this had yet to make an impact on improving learning and teaching and pupils’ attainment.

Mrs Helen Hunter, Head Teacher, said: "We are pleased the inspection has recognised that pupils were happy to be at school and had good relationships with their teachers, and the commitment and ability of pupils in using Gaelic as the main medium of communication throughout the school day. Equally, we are pleased that the Inspectors recognised the school’s achievement in gaining a Health Promoting School Award and the learning outcomes for pupils who participated in the Storr Project, an environmental arts initiative. We will all be working very hard together over the next few years to ensure the improvements identified by the Inspectors are delivered."

Laurence Young, Area Education Manager - Skye & Lochalsh, noted a number of positives in the report but recognised that there were some serious concerns on a range of issues. He said: "For some time prior to the inspection, we have been working with the school on a range of improvement actions. The recommendations made by the inspectors following their inspection underline the need to maintain a rigorous improvement agenda and we will continue to direct professional expertise towards the school. We will be closely monitoring the progress of the improvement plan and reporting this to parents and elected members."