School chiefs told to up their game
Nursery wins praise but primary set- up is rapped
A school slammed as “weak” by inspectors has been ordered to up its game.
It follows management at Ayr’s Braehead Primary being rapped over poor performance.
A visit to the Gould Street campus by Education Scotland heaped praise on its nursery setup.
But sharp criticism of the primary school left council bosses admitting the report was a “mixed bag”.
Now school bosses have now been forced to issue an action plan for recovery.
Performance across the primary was graded weak in three out of four categories.
The report read: “There is a need for the senior leadership of the school to provide clear direction to manage the changes needed to improve outcomes for all children.
“The school should develop a curriculum that is relevant to its context, meets the needs of all learners and supports children to develop knowledge and skills across all curriculum areas.”
Inspectors added there was “a need to improve learning and teaching and ensure there is appropriate pace and challenge for all”.
The school, which has a roll of 190, was commended for its “wide variety and quality of family learning opportunities in the Early Years Centre”.
And inspectors also noted that staff in both the school and nursery “demonstrate respect and care and are committed to valuing all children equally”.
Council leader Douglas Campbell, ward member for the school, said: “The report is a mixed bag for Braehead.
“The Early Years Centre is performing well but there is a clear case that improvements need to be made in the primary school.
“The report highlights the commitment of staff and identifies strong partnership working with families and carers, something that will be vitally important in the months ahead.
“Our priority is to ensure the best start in life for children in South Ayrshire, and in the months ahead targeted action will be in place to turnaround performance and deliver the best results for children, parents, and carers.”
South Ayrshire’s education boss, Douglas Hutchison, added: “An action plan is being put in place to raise standards and provide the school with clear direction in the months ahead.
“We’ll be working closely with Education Scotland ahead of a return inspection in the next year and I’m confident that positive progress will be made.”