WIN tickets to GBX Hogmanay
Five pairs of tickets to be won for New Year dance party
Pupils and parents at Spittal Primary have given their school a positive report.
They were quizzed during a recent inspection by officers from Education Scotland.
Every parent who responded to the survey said their child enjoyed learning at Spittal and that the school helped them be more confident.
They were also unanimous in praising the school for safety and being happy “overall” with the facility.
However, a fifth of respondents were unhappy at the lack of activities provided outwith the classroom while 16 per cent didn’t feel the school asked for their view.
All pupils completed a questionnaire.
The school scored 98 per cent when asked if they “enjoy learning at school”, with no children disagreeing with the statement.
A number of statements scored in the high 90’s, including “staff listen to me and pay attention to what I say,” I have adults in school I can speak to if I am upset or worried about something,” and “I get help when I need it.”
However, 10 per cent of pupils didn’t think the school encouraged healthy eating and another 10 per cent said they didn’t know what outof-school activities were on offer to them.
A report into the inspection was first published in August, but the findings of the surveys only went to councillors on a Cambuslang and Rutherglen Area Committee yesterday (December 15).
The leadership at the school was also praised by both the inspectors and staff members.
When asked if leadership at all levels was effective, 93 per cent of teachers either strongly agreed or agreed.
And, commenting on head teacher Joyce Paterson, who started at Spittal last December, the report said she had “made a positive start by working closely with staff to set a clear direction for the school.”
It added: “Staff work very well together as a team.
“They are highly committed to improving the work of the school. They willingly take on leadership roles and professional learning opportunities.”
The inspectors praised the “enthusiastic, confident, courteous children,” and the “supportive and nurturing ethos in which everyone feels valued, included and respected.”
Councillors on the area committee were told the school had already implemented the changes suggested by the report, including continuing to develop the curriculum to improve progression and challenge in children’s learning; continuing to develop approaches to assessing and tracking children’s learning, supporting them to understand their own progress and achievements; and increasing the pace and challenge to meet the needs of all learners.
After the report was initially published, Ms Paterson had told the Reformer: “As a school, we will be looking at using a variety of teaching and learning methods to achieve the high aspirations we have for all our children.”