HMIe report for Central Primary School

Inspectors praise the nurturing ethos and wide opportunities for all children at Central Primary School.

Central Primary School received a positive report from HMIe inspectors who visited the school in September 2012.  They recognised that children across the school are achieving well and are happy and enjoy learning.  Pupils are treated with equality, fairness and respect and HMIe commented that: “Children in the school think, quite rightly, that their teachers encourage them to do their best.”

As well as finding that almost all children in the nursery and school are achieving well in their literacy and numeracy, the inspection team also praised the ethos that promotes and celebrates wider achievement, and commented on the wide range of sporting and musical activities available to all children as being a strength of the school. 

Another key strength commented on by the inspection team was the inclusive and nurturing ethos throughout the whole school, where the needs of children’s emotional health and wellbeing are at the centre.  The inspectors said: “Staff support pupils to develop and learn well whilst pupil support assistants, visiting teachers and adults from other agencies all work very well with teachers to help children develop and learn.”

The support provided for pupils whom English is an additional language was also identified as being a key strength.

The inspection report made two key recommendations for the school to develop further.  The school should now review and further develop the curriculum taking account of national guidance for Curriculum for Excellence and continue to improve approaches to self-evaluation across the school and nursery. 

The acting head teacher, acting depute head teacher and acting principal teacher, along with all staff, are very committed to school improvement.  Teachers are very reflective and they discuss regularly how to improve learning experiences in their classrooms. 

Commenting on the inspection acting head teacher Rhona MacCormick said: “I am delighted that the hard work and dedication of all involved at Central Primary School has been recognised.  The children are at the centre of all we do at Central and it was pleasing to see that this was acknowledged by the inspectors. We will act upon the recommendations made and continue to work hard to make Central Primary School an even better place to learn.” 

Laura Burns, chair of the school board said: “I am very pleased with this positive report for Central, which recognises the hard work of teachers and the wider school community in providing a high standard of education for our children.  The report confirms that Central Primary is very much a “child-focused” school, which brings out the best in each young individual.”

The inspection team were confident that the school’s self evaluation processes are leading to improvements and as a result, will make no further visits in connection with this inspection.