HMIE Report on Auchtertyre Primary School

Auchtertyre Primary School received a good report from HM Inspectors who visited the school in June 2006 as part of a national sample of primary education, covering key aspects of the school’s work at all stages.  

Inspectors judged that the school had many strengths including:

The overall structure of the curriculum was adequate.  Staff allocated additional time to English language, mathematics and personal and social development (PSD).  This had begun to impact positively on pupils’ performance in reading and writing, particularly at P5-P7.  As yet there had been no evaluation of the impact on pupils’ learning of time allocated to activities which aimed to develop PSD.

In English language over the last three years attainment had been variable.  Across the school most pupils attained appropriate national levels in reading and writing.  The majority of pupils achieved these levels earlier than might normally be expected in reading and some did so in writing.  The majority of pupils achieved appropriate national standards in listening and talking. 

In mathematics attainment was adequate.  Across the school most pupils were achieving appropriate national levels.  At P2, P6 and P7, the majority of pupils were achieving these levels earlier than might be expected, however these were gaps in pupils’ skills in written and mental calculation. 

Overall, arrangements for meeting pupil’s learning needs were good and support for learning teachers provided very good assistance to pupils with additional learning needs. The school also had very effective arrangements to support pupils entering P1 and those transferring to Plockton High School.   However, in a few lessons the slow pace of learning and lack of challenge in learning activities meant that some pupils’ learning needs were not constantly well met. 

The head teacher, Alasdair Earnshaw, provided good leadership to the school and cluster.  He was highly committed to the school, worked hard to promote a positive and inclusive school ethos and had gained the confidence of staff and parents.  He now needed to provide a stronger lead in learning and teaching to ensure consistency and equality for pupils’ experience across all areas of the curriculum.  The education authority provided the school with effective support and challenge.  The school had a good capacity to continue to improve with the ongoing support of the authority. 

The school building provided good accommodation and security arrangements and the movement of cars and buses had recently been reviewed and improved.

Main points for action were that the school and education authority should take action to improve learning and teaching and meeting needs.  In doing so they should take account of the need to:

The school and the education authority have been asked to prepare an action plan indicating how they will address the main findings of the report, and to share that plan with parents and carers.  Within two years of the publication of this report parents and carers will be informed about the progress made by the school.  

Mr Earnshaw said “The report recognises the positive ethos and the commitment of all those involved with the school: we have worked hard to maintain this throughout our recent unsettled period of staffing. We are looking forward to building on this strong base in our development over the next few years.”

Laurence Young, Area Education Manager - Skye & Lochalsh, acknowledged the good work of the staff and headteacher and the good quality education given to pupils.