School turns a corner with improved report

Staff at a Wishaw primary school enjoyed a special Christmas after being given an improved report by inspectors.

Education Scotland bosses savaged Calderbridge Primary in Coltness in 2016 with their report.

Inspector Sadie Cushley reported the primary’s leadership was weak as well and said there was “an urgent need to review the approaches that support children’s learning across the school and nursery”.

However, this time around inspectors were pleased by some improvements although they conceded that more work had to be done.

HM Inspector Moira Cummings said: “There have been some improvements in children’s attainment in both literacy and numeracy over the past year.

“Across the school, including in the nursery, staff are improving how they meet children’s learning needs. Most nursery-aged children play well together. At the primary stages staff are gaining a better knowledge of how to support children’s varying needs.

“There have been some improvements in ensuring greater consistency in learning and teaching across the school.”

Mrs Cummings confirmed they would return for a further follow-up inspection within the next 12 months and highlighted other areas which could be improved on.

She continued: “The pace of change across the school is improving but is still too slow, particularly in relation to curriculum developments.

“The headteacher with the depute head and staff have improved aspects of the school.

“The school needs to continue to develop the structure of the curriculum, at a much faster pace, to ensure the children improve their knowledge and skills in all areas of the curriculum including those with additional support needs.”

Calderbridge Primary headteacher Pauleen Clarke was happy with the work the school had carried out since the 2016 report.

She said: “We are pleased that the inspectors made many positive comments about our school and recognised the progress we have made.

“This is down to the hard work of everyone associated with Calderbridge Primary School and Nursery.

“We have a strong school community and I’d like to thank our parents, pupils and staff for their hard work and support.

“We are determined to build on what we have achieved and continue to focus on providing all our young people with the best possible start in their lives.”