Very good progress highlighted in Inchture Primary School report
Last updated | 26/03/2008
A follow-through HMIe inspection report of Inchture Primary School, published today (Tuesday 25 March 2008), highlights that very good progress has been made overall on the main points for action identified in the school's initial inspection report in April 2006.
The school, located in the Carse of Gowrie between Perth and Dundee, was revisited in January 2008 after an interim inspection in December 2006. HM Inspectors returned this year to assess the extent to which the school was continuing to improve the quality of its work, and to evaluate progress on their initial recommendations.
HM Inspectors note improvements across all aspects of school life, led by the school's headteacher with support from staff, parents and the Council. The overall quality of attainment, learning and teaching had risen, and there had been a significant improvement in pupils' behaviour. Parents were more involved in the life of the school and their children's learning. Out-of-school learning activities had increased and good practice was being shared through links with associated primary schools, with pupils working on joint literacy and enterprise activities.
Very good progress had been made on four of the five points for action:
- Pupils' behaviour and attitudes to learning had greatly improved, with a new positive behaviour policy put in place. High morale among pupils and staff and a 'purposeful and calm atmosphere' in school were identified. The headteacher's positive, supportive presence around the school was noted.
- Staff had worked very hard to improve pupils' attainment in all aspects of English language and mathematics. Most pupils were reaching appropriate national levels and the majority earlier than expected for their age and stage. This upward trend was anticipated to continue.
- A new programme in English language was improving continuity and progression of pupils' learning in the subject. Lesson planning, learning and teaching approaches were clear and consistent across all stages and staff were meeting regularly with the headteacher to discuss progress and review their new approaches. Pupils had better learning experiences and were more confident in talking about their language development.
- The headteacher and staff had improved the use of the school's accommodation, providing a bright, welcoming environment for learning. Effective and creative use of space was enabling support staff and teachers to work more flexibly with small groups of pupils and individual children. The school's hall area was being used daily for PE, drama and as a dining space. The school and its newly formed Parent Council were considering further improvements to the accommodation.
Good progress had also been made on improving the school's use of assessment information to identify the next stages in pupils' learning and improve their overall experience. Staff were more confident in their use of a wider range of teaching and assessment strategies as a result of professional development activities. Pupils had more opportunities, particularly at the early stages, to work together and experience active learning. HM Inspectors state that the school should continue to strengthen its work in this area by extending good practice throughout all age groups.
As a result of the achievements made, no further visits will be made to the school by HMIe in connection with the original inspection report.
Councillor Liz Grant, Convener of Lifelong Learning said: "This is an excellent report which reflects the significant steps taken by the school to increase its capacity for continuous improvement. Under the headteacher's effective leadership, and with support from staff, parents and the Council, I am sure that Inchture Primary will continue to move positively forward."
