Gartmore gets great grades from inspectors
Praise for school staff in report
Gartmore Primary School has been given a glowing report by inspectors.
The 32-pupil school is organised into two classes, with 13 children in P1-3 and 19 in P4-7, and shares a headteacher with Port of Menteith Primary School.
Education Scotland inspectors visited the school in April and their report published this week graded learning, teaching and assessment as “very good”, the same rating given to raising attainment and achievement.
The inspectors also detailed a number of strengths at the school.
They included a “strong staff team who work well together to provide high quality education for every learner, leading to highly motivated children who are engaged in their learning”.
Children were said to have a very clear understanding of sustainability and their responsibility in caring for the natural world.
There was also said to be very effective use of digital technology across the curriculum.
Learning experiences outdoors, within the school grounds and in the local community were said to contribute to a “strong partnership” between the school and community.
Areas for improvement highlighted included that the school should continue to develop its approaches to assessment and the recording of skills to help children further progress. They also said the school’s plans to improve the level of challenge for all children, including the most able learners, should continue.
The inspectors said: “Relationships across the whole school community are positive, respectful and reflect a commitment to placing children’s needs and rights at the heart of the school. All staff and children contribute to the school’s warm, welcoming ethos.
“Children are proud of their school and its many achievements. Staff know children and families very well and give generously of their time to secure the best learning experiences and outcomes for every learner.
“Both classrooms provide a very calm and purposeful environment for learning where expectations and aspirations are high.
“Overall attainment in literacy and numeracy is very good. Almost all children achieve or exceed national guidelines for literacy and numeracy.
“Almost half the children have represented the school at different sporting events and competitions. The school is very well supported by members of the local community who give of their time and expertise to offer additional achievement opportunities for children.”
They added: “A few children would welcome further challenge. Staff should continue the work already in place to ensure appropriate challenge is available for every learner.