An Aberdeen school which has repeatedly overcome the threat of closure has been praised following a recent inspection.
Bramble Brae Primary School was saved from the axe in 2000, 2004 and 2013 after successful community campaigns.
But inspectors from the Care Inspectorate watchdog ordered improvements in 2017 following a visit where they described it as “weak” on raising attainment and on helping children progress during their time at the nursery.
Yesterday, Education Scotland published a letter revealing that the school had made significant strides in several areas since then.
The body highlighted improvements in assessing and recording children’s progress and praised staff for having a “clearer focus on learning and achievement”.
Aberdeen Donside MSP, Mark McDonald, was among those who fought to keep the school open and last night hailed its progress.
Mr McDonald said: “I know how hard the staff at the school work, on a daily basis, to provide the best education for the children.
“Having been heavily involved in the campaign which succeeded in keeping the school open in 2013, I know how much it is valued by the community.
“I hope this report will help provide the school and the wider community with the springboard they need as they work to improve further.”
The new report found that children at early levels are now benefiting from play-based learning and says there is scope to continue that approach as they progress through school.
The Northfield school was granted £114,000 through pupil equity funding in 2017, which was ploughed into efforts to increase attainment.
Inspectors noted that the money had been used “effectively”, covering the costs of educational excursions across Aberdeen and beyond to extend children’s knowledge of their local area.
