Positive HMIe report for St Dominic's RC Primary School
Last updated | 29/04/2008
HMIe has today (Tuesday 29 April 2008) published a very positive report on St Dominic's RC Primary School and Nursery Class (Tuesday 29 April 2008).
HM Inspectors visited the school in January 2008 and their inspection covered key aspects of its work at all stages, with a particular focus on attainment in English language and mathematics. They identified a number of key strengths at St Dominic's:
- the quality of teaching and children's learning experiences
- motivated, confident and articulate pupils who demonstrated care and consideration for others
- attainment in mathematics
- an enthusiastic contribution to citizenship activities from pupils, and
- productive partnerships between the school and its Parent Council, PSA and the Roman Catholic Church, and
- committed staff with a strong sense of teamwork
Parents, pupils and staff questioned by inspectors were very positive about the quality of education and leadership in the school. Parents felt the school was well led and had a good reputation in the community. They considered that their children enjoyed being at school. This view was borne out by pupils' comments and by staff who found the children enthusiastic about learning. Morale among staff and pupils was high and inspectors considered the staff to be very effective teamworkers with a commitment to continuous improvement. Parents were also very happy with the work of the nursery class.
HM Inspectors considered children's learning experiences to be very good with pupils at all stages responding to stimulating and enjoyable activities. Nursery children and P1 pupils worked well together on science and problem-solving activities. Pupils took part in a weekly creativity day developing their skills in music, art, drama and PE. It was suggested that children should have further opportunities to broaden their abilities as independent learners.
Pupils' personal and social development had also been very well promoted through a range of initiatives, including enterprise and out of school activities. All children at the primary level were enthusiastically involved in the school's citizenship groups. Pupils felt that they were listened to by staff and their ideas used to improve the school. They had a strong sense of fairness and equality and at the time of the inspection had organised and taken part in a very successful Disability and Cultural Jamboree. There were also regular opportunities for pupils to celebrate their faith with very effective support from the parish priest.
Attainment in mathematics was very good with pupils found to be confident with mental and written calculations and presenting information in different ways including the use of computers. Attainment in English language was considered good with the majority of pupils confident about expressing themselves in class and group discussions.
The school delivered effective support for learning to pupils with additional needs, with regular reviews of support and learning plans keeping parents informed about their children's progress. A stimulating environment for learning was provided and available space was used creatively. HM Inspectors identified the need for accommodation improvements in relation to the headteacher's working area and first aid provision.
Parents and the wider community were also well involved in the school's work with active support from the Parent Council and Parent-Staff Association. They were kept up to date with school activities and their children's progress through regular newsletter and informative pupil reports.
Overall, the inspection found that the school provided 'a high standard of education for pupils within a caring and stimulating learning environment where pupils and staff felt valued.' Strong leadership from the headteacher and good support from the depute headteacher were also praised, with St Dominic's considered to be well placed to continue to improve.
Two main points for action by the school and the Council were identified, in relation to the care and welfare of pupils, and accommodation and safety issues, both of which are already being addressed. Aspects of the school's approach to safeguarding children have improved since the inspection. New fencing and gates will shortly be installed at the school, and the School Travel Plan for St Dominic's will cover arrangements for children entering and leaving school.
These improvements will be covered in an action plan to be shared with parents, who will be kept informed about progress made by the school.
Lifelong Learning Convener, Councillor Liz Grant said: "I am very pleased that the significant key strengths at St Dominic's have been recognised by HMIe in this report. There is a clear commitment to the school by staff, pupils and parents and together with the Council, steps are already being taken to address the inspectors' recommendations."
