Positive HMIe inspection for St Madoes Primary and Nursery Class
Last updated | 03/06/2008
A recent HMIE inspection of St Madoes Primary School and Nursery Class has found the Carse of Gowrie school to have 'many strengths', according to a report published today (Tuesday 3 June 2008).
The school was inspected in February 2008 and assessed on key aspects of its work including the environment for learning, the achievements of children attending both the nursery and primary school, and attainment in English language and mathematics.
Key strengths highlighted by HM Inspectors were:
- the high quality of pastoral care provided;
- the contribution of staff to the life and work of the school;
- productive links with parents and the wider community that were supporting learning throughout the school; and
- the innovative outdoor learning experiences for children of all ages at the school
Parents expressed a high level of general satisfaction with the school, with particular focus on the quality of accommodation provided. Also, they felt their children were well cared for. Most pupils were equally positive about the school and especially about how well they were supported with their work by the teachers. Staff enjoyed working at St Madoes and were very satisfied with all aspects of their work.
HM Inspectors found a good quality curriculum operating at both the nursery and primary stages. Recent improvements to the school grounds had enriched the curriculum by widening opportunities for outdoor learning, including practical work in mathematics and environmental studies.
A number of innovations had been introduced by teachers in the context of the national Curriculum for Excellence, for example mixed age-group learning and increased pupil involvement in planning environmental projects. The use of co-operative learning techniques in a range of subjects in the P2 class had helped to build pupils' self-confidence and team working skills. More teaching staff were going to be trained to broaden the use of the techniques in the school.
In English language, attainment at both nursery and primary level was good. Most pupils were reaching appropriate national levels in listening, talking, reading and writing. In mathematics, good progress was also being made overall. Pupils of all ages were confident with written calculations and outdoor learning activities had improved their abilities.
The school was taking 'effective steps' to promote pupils' wider achievements. All the children had been involved in the process of improving the school grounds. Older pupils had taken on a range of responsibilities including acting as buddies to younger children and serving as junior road safety officers.
Success had been achieved in various sports, and pupils' self-confidence and ability to work with others had been boosted through different activities. A caring environment was provided by the school, with strong promotion of healthy living. Transition arrangements from nursery to primary and primary to secondary were also considered to be effective.
HM Inspectors found the school accommodation was very well-maintained and provided a stimulating learning environment. The quality of the outdoor learning facilities and involvement of pupils in their design and development is highlighted as an example of good practice in the report, with a sensory garden, outdoor classroom and area for growing vegetables among the facilities created.
Parental and community involvement was considered very effective, with regular information about pupils' progress and the next steps in learning provided to parents. Families helped out regularly with school activities and productive links had been established in the wider community, enriching pupils' learning.
The evaluation of the school's work as a whole found it was in a good position for continued improvement, with a broad and developing curriculum, good overall teaching standards, well cared for pupils, committed staff and effective leadership from the headteacher and principal teacher, whose teaching was viewed as a model of good practice.
HM Inspectors put forward three main points for action by the school and the Council:
- establishing consistently high expectations of pupils' achievements and attitudes to work;
- improving how information from assessment of pupils' attainment is used to help them progress; and
- ensuring the school improvement plan contains a manageable number of priorities and that these are put in place consistently by all staff.
St Madoes Primary School and Education and Children's Services will prepare an action plan showing how they will address these points, which will be shared with parents. Within two years of the HMIe report, parents will also be informed of progress made by the school.
Lifelong Learning Convener, Councillor Liz Grant said: "There is much to praise in this report and I am pleased that HM Inspectors have identified the many strengths that St Madoes Primary School has and the commitment of the headteacher and her staff to continuous improvement. The Council will be working closely with the school to address the report's main findings and parents will be kept fully up to speed in this respect."
