'Could do better' inspectors tell Raigmore Primary School in Inverness
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
An inspection of an Inverness primary school and nursery has identified areas for improvement.
Following a visit to Raigmore PS and Nursery the inspectors found that both need additional support and more time to make necessary improvements.
An action plan is now in place to ensure the changes are made.
Parents and carers were told: "We will return to carry out a further inspection of the school within one year, and will discuss with Highland Council the details of this inspection.
"When we return to inspect the school, we will write to you as parents/carers informing you of the progress the school has made."
Key strengths highlighted by inspectors were: "There are positive relationships between children and staff in the nursery and school. The staff have a caring, nurturing approach which supports children to be happy and settled across the school.
"Children across the school are keen to learn. They welcome opportunities to engage in the life and work of the school."
However areas for improvement were identified and discussed with the headteacher and a representative from Highland Council.
The were -
- Senior leaders should improve the strategic leadership and review progress towards school improvement regularly throughout the year and keep track of how well changes led to improvement.
- All staff should work together to improve the quality and consistency of learning, teaching and assessment. Teachers and practitioners should make sure learning activities are motivating, well matched to each child’s needs and build on prior learning.
- In the nursery, staff should improve the quality of the learning environment, both indoors and outdoors.
- Senior leaders should ensure all children with additional support needs have clear plans in place, that are reviewed and updated regularly.
- All staff should have a clear focus on raising attainment of all children. Senior leaders and staff should use information on children’s progress more effectively to raise attainment in literacy and numeracy.
The inspection gave the school a grading of "weak" for Leadership of change; Learning, teaching and assessment; Ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion; and Raising attainment and achievement.
There were similar gradings for the nursery although "raising attainment and achievement" is called "Securing children’s progress."
A Highland Council spokesperson said: “The council is committed to providing quality learning environments, experiences and interactions for our pupils. The school is aware of the needs of all their children and take their health, safety and welfare extremely seriously.
"An action plan is in place to ensure that the necessary improvements are embedded and sustained.”
