Inspection report praises Kinnoull Primary School
A recent HMI inspection of the work of Kinnoull Primary School found children eager to learn and very well cared for, according to a report published today (Tuesday 24th January 2012).
Particular strengths at Kinnoull, as identified by the inspectors, were the very positive school ethos, confident youngsters expressing themselves effectively verbally and in writing and being actively engaged in their learning, pupils' successes in the expressive arts, and the school's approaches to helping children who need extra support and challenge for their learning and behaviour.
Assessed against national quality indicators, the school was evaluated as 'very good' in terms of learners' experiences, improvements in performance, and meeting learners' needs, with the curriculum and improvement through self-evaluation rated as 'good'.
Enthusiasm to learn and effective teacher support
Kinnoull Primary School children were found to be enthusiastic about learning and keen to do their best. Teaching staff ensured that pupils were clear about what they were learning and how their performance would be assessed, and were to develop their approach to helping the children record how they were doing. Inspectors recommended that pupils had greater involvement in setting their own learning targets and recording their achievements in and out of school. Youngsters enjoyed coming to school and felt safe and happy there.
Almost all pupils were making very good progress in English language and mathematics, with new approaches to teaching reading having a beneficial effect. Pupils in P7 showed exceptionally good skills in writing at length, producing engaging work. Children's learning needs were being very well met by the broad and well-planned school curriculum. Teachers' understanding of Curriculum for Excellence meant they were able to effectively plan high-quality learning experiences and then measure children's progress towards meeting the expected outcomes. They were helping children to develop their number skills in real-life situations. Pupils were also excelling in other learning areas, especially in art and music. Children at all stages in the school were gaining a good awareness of health and wellbeing. Inspectors encouraged the further development of links between subjects so that children can use their skills in different ways and relate tasks to day-to-day life.
The quality of care and support for pupils was considered to be very high, with the school notably providing very effective nurture care for vulnerable children and their families. Youngsters requiring extra support for their learning or behaviour got the help they needed to succeed, and those showing greater potential had opportunities to extend their learning through targeted teaching.
The report notes that the headteacher had created a culture of improvement at Kinnoull Primary School, with her staff providing strong support and taking on board new ways of working. Inspectors recommended continued monitoring of new developments by the school's management team and additional support to staff as and when required, as well as increased opportunities for pupils and parents to contribute their views on how the school can improve.
Well-placed for further improvement
Overall, Kinnoull Primary is considered to be making good progress and be well-placed to continue further improving the quality of the education it provides. Consequently, inspectors will make no subsequent visits in connection with this report.
Lifelong Learning Convener, Councillor Liz Grant welcomed the inspection's findings: "I am delighted that HMI consider Kinnoull Primary School to be performing well and focussed on ongoing improvement for the benefit of its pupils. The many areas of praiseworthy achievement highlighted in this report reflect the commitment of the headteacher and her team of staff and the enthusiasm of the children at Kinnoull to learn and do their best. We will work with the school on the suggestions for continued improvement from the inspectors, and keep parents informed of progress."
