HMIe Report on Crown School

In an HMIe report on Crown Primary School, Inverness, the Inspectors judged that almost all aspects of the work of the school represented good or very good practice.  A range of strengths were identified and the primary school was commended for:

• attainment in mathematics and writing;
• polite, well-behaved and enthusiastic pupils;
• the involvement of parents in the work of the school;
• the care and commitment of the head teacher.

Inspectors recognised the very good attainment in mathematics as being a particular strength of the school.  Inspectors also commented favourably on the very good partnership with parents and the community.
They made recommendations on areas where the school could further improve the quality of teaching and learning.  These included attainment in listening and talking and ensuring that the learning needs of all pupils are identified and addressed fully.

The school accommodation and facilities were judged to be weak and the school and authority have been asked to address accommodation issues relating to accessibility; heating and ventilation; the condition of toilets; the limited space available to work with small groups or individual pupils; and vehicular access and parking.

Linda Cowie, Head Teacher of the 364-pupil school, said: "The report reflects the positive ethos of the school, the opportunities we provide for all children to achieve, our partnership with the parents and community and our commitment to and capacity for improving the school.  Our thanks go to the children, parents, staff and wider community for their support during the inspection.”

Councillor for the area, Jimmy Gray said: "The is a good report for a school which has served the needs of the Crown area well. The inspection has identified some issues which the head teacher and her staff are all too well aware of. Although a very attractive building, Crown Primary School has a number of shortcomings when it comes to meeting the needs of a 21st century school.”

Robbie Davidson, chairman of the School Board, said: “I feel it is a very positive inspection report and have every confidence that the School Board, the School and hopefully the Parent Council to come, will continue to work together to further improve the standard of education and the quality of the learning experience for the pupils at Crown School."