Primary needs 'improvement'
A STRATH primary school's key strengths have been acknowledged after an official inspection – but there is room for improvement.
Grantown Primary School and nursery class was visited in September by a team from Education Scotland and the Care Inspectorate.
The strengths in the report published on Tuesday were that the children were seen as "enthusiastic and proud of their achievements" and teamwork of all staff was praised.
The gradings were from good to only adequate and weak. The following areas are for improvement:
• The leadership and direction of the school and nursery needed to be "strengthened".
• The senior leadership team need to plan for improvement in a more strategic and focused way.
• There was also a need to "improve learning, teaching and assessment to ensure children are fully engaged" that learning experiences are of a consistently high quality across the school and nursery.
The report acknowledged that staff recognised the need to continue to promote positive behaviour and respect in all aspects of school life.
But improvements were required in how the staff used information on children's progress.
The report stated: "Staff should develop consistent approaches to planning, tracking and monitoring."
It summarised: "We are not at present confident from our short visit that the school has effective arrangements for ensuring continuing improvement in the quality of education for all learners."
Inspectors will return to the school in 12 months' time. A Highland Council spokesman said: "We will be providing additional support to the teaching team in Grantown Primary School.
"This will build on current strengths in the school; but will focus on the clear steer provided by inspectors' findings, as with any inspection report."
The council is currently advertising for a full time headteacher at the school.
The full report can be read at https://education.gov.scot/inspection-reports/highland/5146127
