Cawdor school welcomes glowing inspectorate report

Cawdor Primary School and Nursery class has received a glowing evaluation by inspectors.

Education Scotland inspectors visited in June, just before the summer holidays, saying they found very motivated children with high-quality learning taking place.

In the report published last week all aspects on which they focussed – learning, teaching and assessment as well as raising attainment and achievement – were rated as "very good".

They said: "Children are motivated, ready and eager to learn. They are kind to each other, respectful and have a real sense of pride in their setting and school.

"Staff provide high-quality learning and teaching experiences for children. This includes opportunities through outdoor and digital learning activities."

They also praised "robust tracking and monitoring processes" which they said allow staff to provide "early and effective interventions" where necessary, adding: "This is leading to high levels of progress and attainment across the school."

Head teacher, James Cook said: “When you enter our school, you are visibly drawn to our mural which includes our school values of ‘Kindness, Teamwork, Belonging, Respect’. It is very encouraging that these values which we work hard to practice and instil in all who attend our wonderful school are reflected in this very welcome report from the His Majesty’s Inspectorate (HMI). I am incredibly proud of everyone in our school community. HMI have recognised the very good practice in their recent visit and report, and we will continue to work towards our journey to excellence.”

For the future they said the school should aim at developing "approaches to questioning" in order to further develop pupils' thinking skills.

It was also recommended that they develop approaches to tracking and monitoring children’s developing skills and attainment across more curricular areas.

Councillor John Finlayson, education chair at Highland Council, said: "I am delighted to hear the results of the very positive inspection report from Cawdor Primary School. I would like to congratulate the head teacher, staff, pupils and parents for the part they played in achieving this recognition. team work, positive relationships and a focus on high quality learning and teaching are clearly embedded in the ethos of cawdor primary school and it is great to see this being recognised by inspectors."

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.