HMIe report on Mount Pleasant Primary School, Thurso, Caithness

A recently published HMIe report on Mount Pleasant Primary School, Thurso, has praised the good standards of attainment, particularly in mathematics, together with teachers’ high expectations of pupils’ overall achievements.  Also highlighted are the very positive and inclusive ethos and the attractive and welcoming environment fostered by the staff.

The inspectors identified the strong sense of teamwork among all teaching and non-teaching staff. The good quality of relationships between the school, home and the wider community is mentioned and the report commends the committed teachers and the effective leadership of the headteacher.

The inspectors recommend that teachers consider how their questioning might be improved to extend pupils’ responses and that staff and pupils be more involved in the process of self-evaluation. They also recommend that the school and education authority work together to improve the accommodation and the quality of leadership in the resource base.

Mrs Kait Farmer, headteacher, commented:  “I am extremely pleased that the report gives recognition to the effort that staff and pupils have put into creating a school we are all very proud of.  The inspection was a positive experience for all of us and the points for action will be included in our School Development Plan for the coming session.  Some work has already begun to address immediate issues.”

On reading the report, Mr Sandy Duncan, chair of the School Board, said: “The school is well supported by parents, carers and the local community. As the school progresses towards more Parental Involvement we expect it to go from strength to strength. The HMIe report has given us tremendous encouragement to continue working at increasing the strong links between the Parent Forum and the school for the benefit of everyone involved.”