An ailing north-east primary school and nursery has been given a boost after inspectors announced staff had made improvements.
Portsoy School was criticised in an Education Scotland report last year after HM Inspector Moira Cummings revealed children were not making enough progress.
Both the school and nursery curriculums were described as weak, as was quality of staffing and management.
However, in a letter to parents this week Ms Cummings said she was heartened that steps had been taken.
“Since the last inspection, the school has made much improvement in a number of areas,” she said.
Education Scotland raised serious concerns about children’s experiences at the nursery, and about overall leadership in the school following a visit in December 2013.
Staff were given a month to create detailed records of each child’s health, safety and wellbeing and another 30 days to start monitoring youngsters’ learning experiences.
The results of a follow-up inspection were revealed yesterday. The findings included praise for efforts to include pupils in evaluating their own education – in particular through the student council.
In the letter to parents, Ms Cummings wrote: “Children told inspectors that their learning in school is now much better and more enjoyable.
“To support further progress, we think that the school needs additional support and more time to make necessary improvements. The head teacher recognises that further work is needed to develop and implement fully Curriculum for Excellence.
“As a result, our area lead officer will work with Aberdeenshire Council to build capacity for improvement, and will maintain contact to monitor progress.”
Last night the local authority’s education director Maria Walker said: “We note the progress the school has made and the recommendations of the latest inspection.
“We commend the work the school has undertaken to date and will work to ensure that the school continues to improve.”
Education Scotland will carry out another inspection of Portsoy Primary School later this year and issue an updated report to parents.