Paisley primary is top of the class
A Paisley primary school has been commended for a stellar head teacher and its ambition to see all children reach their full potential following a recent inspection.
Williamsburgh Primary School and associated early learning centre was graded very good across six of eight areas recently assessed by Education Scotland.
The school – where half of all pupils come from households experiencing high levels of deprivation – has been highlighted for its strong leadership as well as its learning , teaching and assessment.
Inspectors found the school was performing well in its efforts to close the poverty-related attainment gap, stating a new plan to bolster work in this area going forward was impressive.
In the report published this week, Education Scotland said: “Senior leaders ensure the school improvement plan is focused on improving outcomes for children and includes clear measures for success.
“This session, senior leaders and staff have prioritised raising levels of attainment in literacy and further closing the poverty related attainment gap.
“They have clear plans to achieve this through improving approaches to learning, teaching and assessment. Staff are wellplaced to take this work forward.”
Teachers were also commended for their success in making learning engaging and motivating for children.
Efforts to bolster children’s wellbeing was also graded as good. Inspectors said work in this area was seeing an improvement in children’s “resilience, confidence and overall wellbeing”.
Their ability to “recognise, talk about and manage their emotions” was also highlighted as an area of excellence.
Williamsburgh early learning and childcare centre (ELCC) was also assessed as very good across all four areas of assessment including leadership; wellbeing; learning, teaching and assessment; and nurturing care and support.
Inspectors found children who are “creative, absorbed and highly motivated learners”.
The report stated: “Practitioners’ strong focus on children’s wellbeing is central to the work of the nursery class.
“They are gentle, kind and nurturing in their interactions with children. As a result, almost all children are happy, settled and secure at nursery.”
Children within the nursery were also found to be making good progress in their early learning, with achievements evident in numeracy, literacy communication and mark making.
The report has been welcomed by the school which has attributed its success to teamwork from the whole school community.
Head teacher Vhairi Cochrane said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the outcome of the inspection with six of eight very good grades across the school and ELCC.
“It is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our staff and children, and we are extremely proud of everyone involved.
“The inspection findings highlight the collaborative efforts of our entire school community at Williamsburgh Primary and ELCC.
“We are delighted that inspectors recognised the hard work and very high standards in our school and ELCC.
“The journey of improvement that we have all been on over the last few years has made a significant impact.
“We are an effective team who will continue to provide the best we can for all the children at Williamsburgh Primary and ELCC.”