North Ayrshire Council

03/30/2023 | News release | Distributed by Public on 03/30/2023 10:05

Top-class report from inspectors who ran the rule over Beith Primary School

Posted on 30 Mar 2023

School staff have been praised by inspectors for their strong "positive" relationships and passion for protecting children's rights and well-being.

A glowing report from Education Scotland says Beith Primary is helping pupils in the school and nursery to become confident, successful and happy.

Headteacher Fiona Dunlop, who has been in post for 12 years, has been recognised for her strong leadership and for creating an environment of continuous improvement at all levels.

Along with her senior team, she was praised for taking the views and feedback of children, other staff, parents and partners on board.

The report states: "Staff create and maintain a nurturing and inclusive ethos. Senior leaders have a strong commitment to children's rights, which underpins the school's vision and values.

"Staff are very supportive of one another and treat each other with trust and respect, providing positive role models for children.

"Most parents value the regular communication through newsletters, the school app and learning conversations provided by the school.

"Parents comment positively on the very caring, approachable and supportive school staff, referring to the strong community spirit."

The four quality indicators are: leadership of change; learning, teaching and assessment; ensuring well-being, equality and inclusion and raising attainment and achievement.

In all four categories - in primary and nursery - the inspectors' evaluation was "very good".

Some areas for improvement were identified, including:

  • continuing to develop approaches to support nursery children to talk about their wellbeing through the focus on children's rights. This will support the planned work on improving children's opportunities to explore diversity
  • In the school, continue plans to develop approaches to assess children's learning and track their progress across all curricular areas and
  • In both the school and nursery, continue to help children to identify and talk about the skills they are developing through the range of experiences they take part in.

Headteacher Fiona Dunlop said: "We are delighted that the inspection team agreed with our self-evaluation and next steps for the service the school and Early Years provide.

"Our staff worked exceptionally well with the team, engaging in professional discussions around all aspects of our provision, demonstrating their professionalism, dedication to and regard for all our children and families.

"Positive relationships and rights-led learning, based on mutual trust and respect, are critical to our success.

"I am so lucky to work with such an amazing group of people, who share my values and dedication to educating our adults of the future."

Staff have also been praised for their long-standing work to support children who are care experienced. They have worked closely with a national charity to get a real insight and knowledge of how to support children who face additional barriers to learning, and to ensure the school community understands differences and the challenges some pupils face.

The children themselves have a very good understanding of difference and diversity through their work on children's rights - through learning about The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) - and their wellbeing.

The UNCRC ensures that all children's rights are respected and that they are free to learn, play and develop. And awareness is currently being raised among North Ayrshire Council staff to ensure that everyone knows about their ongoing responsibility to protect the rights of our children.

Care Experienced Champions present information to the school at assemblies and meet regularly to have their voice in school decisions.

Councillor Shaun Macaulay, Cabinet Member for Education and Young People, said: "I am delighted that the staff, and pupils, have received such a positive report.

"It is especially pleasing that the approach to care experienced pupils, respecting children's rights and how staff are great role models for the young people in their care have been highlighted."

Because the inspectors are confident the school, which covers the catchment areas of Beith and Barrmill and has 324 pupils across 14 classes, will continue to improve, there are no further visits planned.