Resilience and challenges highlighted in new report for Stratherrick Primary and Nursery
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Quality of learning activities and progress monitoring were among the weaknesses highlighted in a new report for a Highland primary school.
However the report also found that children were enthusiastic and respectful, showing resilience in times of change.
An Education Scotland inspection carried out in January rated Stratherrick Primary School “weak” in the learning, teaching and assessment
Inspectors said the school’s efforts in raising attainment and achievement were “satisfactory” - and both aspects of the evaluation for the nursery were considered satisfactory as well.
The inspection report read: “During our visit, we talked to parents/carers and children and worked closely with the headteacher and staff.
“Staff are beginning to work well as a new team. Working together with children in the small school setting, they create a warm, family ethos. “The Parent Council contributes considerable additional resources to enhance children’s wider experiences. All children benefit from their work.”
It acknowledges that in recent months the school has undergone a “significant number of changes”, with the headteacher having very recently returned to the school - following a secondment as a cluster headteacher elsewhere in Highland Council - and the classroom teacher and one early years practitioner having started only in January this year.
A Highland Council spokesperson said: “Following a recent visit with Education Scotland, we are pleased that inspectors found the staff and children of Stratherrick Primary School work together to create a warm, family ethos within the setting.
“The school will continue work to implement the agreed action plan to ensure that the best outcome for children and staff can be achieved and improvements are embedded and sustained.”
