Lybster Primary and Nursery in Caithness praised for ‘progress’ in meeting Education Scotland inspectors’ demands
A Caithness school has been hailed by Scotland’s education authority for improvements made since a previous inspection.
Lybster Primary and Nursery School earned a mixed assessment in findings published by Education Scotland back in April.
The 64-pupil Highland Council-run establishment, which serves Lybster, Latheron, Latheronwheel and surrounding areas, was praised for its close community ties and “polite, friendly and keen to learn” children, as well as other aspects of teaching.
The teamwork of the nursery staff was also applauded, demonstrating “a strong commitment and enthusiasm to improve the quality of nursery provision”.
But overall, “leadership of change” for both the primary and nursery classes was found to be “weak”, while all other aspects of the inspection were assessed as merely “satisfactory”
Areas for improvement were identified and discussed with the headteacher and a representative from The Highland Council.
Education Scotland visited again, reporting this week, and concluded that the school had made progress since the original inspection.
That was particularly evident in “steady progress” in how it involved children, parents and staff fully in identifying improvements which focus on helping children make the best possible progress.
There was also positive progress in improving learning, teaching and assessment so that all children experienced consistently high-quality learning experiences, set at the right level for them.
The headteacher and class teachers had made a positive start in improving children’s progress and attainment across the curriculum, with clear focus on literacy and numeracy.
Overall, staff in the nursery had made positive progress in improving approaches to tracking
children’s progress in learning.
An Education Scotland spokesman said: “We will ask for a report on progress within 12 months of the inspection.
“This report will inform any decision made by Education Scotland regarding further engagement. This may include another inspection visit.
“When such a decision is made, we will write to you again detailing the improvements the school has made and outlining any further action, agreed with The Highland Council that we intend to take.”