An Orkney school has been described as the heart, soul and future of its island community in a glowing report by inspectors.
Education Scotland recently visited Sanday Community School and Nursery Class, which is run by Orkney Islands Council.
The junior high caters for pupils aged from three to 16 years (nursery to S4). It is also a community centre with a swimming pool and fitness centre that are used by pupils and all of Sanday’s residents.
In a report, a spokeswoman for Education Scotland said: “Senior leaders and staff have created an environment where children and young people feel cared for and included well as part of the school community. As a result, children and young people have the confidence to ‘have a go’ in their everyday learning.”
She continued that teaching and non teaching staff collaborate regularly and, “provide relentless wrap‑around support to children and young people. All staff are aware of how their roles complement each other’s skills and experience. They are caring and strive to achieve the very best for each child and young person.”
The strengths of the school are described as being the strong, close links across the island community which support children and young people to learn and develop.
The inspector concluded: “Together the school, community and partners ensure the Sanday Community School continues to strengthen its position as the heart, soul and future of their island community.”
Some areas of improvement were identified, however as the body is satisfied that the school has the capacity to continue to improve, it will make no more visits in connection with this inspection.
While senior leaders are aware of the need to continue to improve self‑evaluation, the school is asked to establish a shared responsibility for all staff to lead improvement.
It is also asked to continue to raise expectations of achievements and develop further approaches to the quality of learning and teaching.
