Primary school gets mixed report

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SCHOOL inspectors have criticised a Sutherland primary saying it does not meet the children’s learning needs well and that there are important weaknesses in the design of the curriculum.

But they praised Farr Primary School and Nursery Class for its positive relationships and interactions between staff and children and its polite, well-mannered and enthusiastic pupils.

The school, at Bettyhill, which at the time of the inspection in September had a roll of 30, including four children in the nursery class.

In the report published yesterday, inspectors said staff were already working together to develop aspects of the new Curriculum for Excellence framework, which had already improved children’s learning experiences.

But the report also highlighted that there were a number of weaknesses.

HMIE inspectors said that, in the primary school, the improvements in the performance of the children and meeting the learning needs of pupils were weak, adding that the learners’ experience was satisfactory.

They highlighted several areas for improvement including increasing the pace of learning in the school, improving communication with parents and making better use of self-evaluation to identify further improvements.

Acting head teacher Jane Kitchener said: “We were pleased our key strengths were recognised and acknowledge the areas to be addressed. Our current improvement plan identifies some of the issues and action to address them is already in progress. The positive teamwork that exists within the school will provide a sound basis for developing strong community links.

“The opportunity to engage in professional dialogue with the inspection team was appreciated by all the staff.

“Feedback and advice was readily given and has provided us with additional guidance towards greater improvement.”