HMI inspectors happy with Aberfoyle Primary School and Nursery

Dec 18 2009 by Kaiya Marjoribanks, Stirling Observer Friday

ABERFOYLE Primary School and nursery class scored good or very good in all categories of an HMI inspection.

The inaspection was carried outn in October, when the school roll was 94, including 22 children in the nursery.

At the nursery the inspectors highlighted improvements in performance, children’s experiences and meeting learning needs as being very good. The primary school was deemed good in the same categories.

The school and nursery were also said to be good in terms of curriculum and improvement through self-evaluation.

Particular strengths were: very good quality learning experiences provided by nursery staff; stimulating and inclusive environment of the nursery; confident, motivated, articulate children who are eager to learn; attainment in reading and maths; and staff teamwork.

Areas where the inspectors have asked for improvements are: strengthening relationships with parents; providing a consistently high quality of learners’ experiences; and involving staff and parents more fully in evaluating the work of the school.

The inspectors added: “Homework is regular and varied. Several teachers use homework diaries well as a method of communicating with parents.

“Nursery staff have developed strong, positive relationships with parents. Parents feel welcome in the nursery and regularly help with activities. Children and parents are well supported when starting nursery and parents are encouraged to stay until children are happy and confident.

“Across the school staff work well with a range of professionals to support children in their learning. Progress reports, parents’ meetings, class information leaflets and ‘meet the teacher’ events keep parents informed about their children’s progress.

“A significant number of parents serve on the parent council. They work very well to raise funds to support the school. Relationships between the parent council and headteacher are not yet positive enough. The school supports children well when they move from nursery to P1 and from P7 to McLaren High.

“The nursery and primary classes are very welcoming and children are happy and settled. Children have a number of opportunities to contribute to the life of the school and they have lots of good ideas and should now be given the opportunity to take the lead with these developments.”