HMIe report for St Joseph’s Primary, Inverness

St Joseph’s Primary School, Inverness, has received a positive report from HMIe inspectors who visited the school in May 2011.  Inspectors recognised that children were confident and keen to learn and achieve.  The opportunities for a wide range of activities for children to experience success was also noted.  They found that staff knew the children well and were committed to the care and welfare of every child. 

In the nursery, children are confident, relaxed and enjoy their learning and at the primary stages children are increasingly demonstrating good skills as learners through peer and self assessment.  Whilst ICT could be developed further, it is currently used at all stages to present talks and for research.

The inspectors highlighted partnerships with the church and parents to support children’s development and well-being as being a key strength. Non-teaching staff provide very helpful and valuable support, and through effective collegiate working, staff have developed a broad curriculum for children.  The children are very proud of their school.

A particular strength of the school was the teamwork of all staff, led by the Head Teacher Christine Cameron.   Mrs Cameron said: “At St Joseph’s we pride ourselves on teamwork and the care and commitment of our staff to every child, and we are delighted with the very positive comments which reflect this spirit.  The report will assist us in our imperative to be a continuously improving school.”

Aspects for improvement include continuing to build on good practice to ensure consistently high-quality learning, and to strengthen arrangements for monitoring attainment.  HMIe are confident that the school is well placed to improve further and will make no more visits in connection to this inspection.