Making the grade
Class acts at St Thomas PS say school inspectors
Wishaw’s St Thomas’ Primary School has received a glowing report from Education Scotland inspectors.
The report praises “hard working, courteous and well behaved children who show resilience” and “positive relationships between teachers, staff and children which support a purposeful learning climate characterised by mutual respect.”
Inspectors found that staff across the school and nursery class work well as a team and enrich children’s experiences both within and outwith classes.
They said staff ensure that steps are put in place to ease particular barriers to participation in order to secure equitable outcomes for all children.
The report also highlights the drive of the headteacher and her depute in taking forward wellbeing, inclusion and equity.
Welcoming the inspectors’ report, headteacher Mary Cruickshank said: “It is a real tribute to the team work of the children, staff, parents and the wider community that we have received this report.
“We have really focused on nurture and that has come out really well.
“Our hard work in that area has paid off. The report contains some really nice comments, particularly about children’s hard work and good behaviour, and we are really pleased with the report.”
Inspectors identified “a strong awareness and understanding among staff of the social, economic and cultural context of the school community.”
The report says : “The headteacher is committed to securing improvements which will make a significant difference to the lives of children and families.
“It is clear that she knows staff, children and families exceptionally well and is well respected within the diverse school community.
“She is supported well by an enthusiastic senior management team who contribute to the improvement agenda in the school.
“This has a significant impact on the positive supportive ethos which permeates the life of the school.”
Inspectors found that all St Thomas’ staff are aware of the socio- economic context of the school and its impact on children and families.
They also praised headteacher Mary Cruickshank for working hard and showing a relentless drive to lead a strong faith community school that prioritises wellbeing and equity.
Areas for improvement, which were discussed with the headteacher and a representative from North Lanarkshire Council, include continuing to ensure that the school’s approaches to planning for improvement are underpinned by effective self- evaluation. This evidence, said inspectors, will secure improvements to raise attainment and develop children’s progress.
In conclusion, the report states: “We are confident the school has the capacity to continue to improve and so we will make no more visits in this regard.”