Staff at a north-east primary school have been told to make improvements following an Education Scotland inspection.
Aberchirder Primary School and its nursery class were visited by a team of inspectors in November, prompting a call for Aberdeenshire Council to take a close look at its operation.
The report found several areas of weakness, including its leadership, teaching and assessment, as well as its efforts to look after the wellbeing, equality and inclusion of children.
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Also identified were the large turnover of staff, together with difficulties in recruiting teachers and filling the headteacher role.
The Education Scotland report states: “It has been difficult to maintain staffing at an appropriate level.
“This has had an adverse effect on the school’s capacity for improvement.
“As a result of our inspection findings we think that the school and setting needs additional support and more time to make necessary improvements.”
A further inspection will be carried out within the next year.
A spokeswoman for Aberdeenshire Council said: “We note the findings of a recent Education Scotland inspection of Aberchirder Primary School and have begun to work on improvement plans.
“We are pleased inspectors commended our acting head teacher’s efforts to provide effective leadership, resulting in an increased willingness by pupils, staff and parents to work together to improve the school.
“That said, we recognise progress is needed across a range of areas and are working closely with the school on their improvement journey.”
