Huge turnaround in just two years

May 8 2009 by Katy Gordon, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A PERTH primary school which was the subject of a damning inspection in 2007 has gone through a major transformation.

Two years ago, Goodlyburn Primary School was given a list of issues by HMIe that needed improvement, including ensuring increased pupil attendance, better attainment in English language and maths, and the school’s effectiveness for continuing improvement.

And in a report published this week, the school has shown that it has worked hard to turn all the negatives into positives.

Noted as strengths in the report were the “significant improvements” to attendance and behaviour in the school, the positive morale and teamwork under the new headteacher, and the great strides made in improving pupils’ grasps of English and maths.

Goodlyburn has also set up additional support for P4-P7 pupils with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties which complements the school’s existing support for vulnerable younger children.

The support systems help to improve children’s self-esteem and confidence and how they relate to others, in conjunction with their parents, with the aim of enabling them to reintegrate fully with mainstream education in the school.

The follow-up document stated: “With the continued positive leadership and commitment of staff, the school is very well placed to continue to improve.”

HMIe stated that the school does not need any more follow-up visits relating to the 2007 inspection.

Elspeth Maclachlan, whose ward includes the school, congratulated staff and pupils on the glowing report.

She said: “As one of the local councillors I was delighted to read the HMIe follow through report of the inspection carried out in January 2009.”

Councillor Maclachlan added: “The enthusiasm of both the parents and teachers is incredible and when going round the Perth City North ward this is recognised locally as everyone speaks well of the school.”

Goodlyburn headteacher Irene Thomson, added: “Everyone involved in the life of our school – staff, parents, pupils, education and children’s services and councillors – have worked very hard and are very pleased with the progress that has been made and recognised by HMIe in this report.

“We will continue to work together to provide the best educational provision for our children.”

lCrieff Primary School – The inspectors gave a less than stellar report to the school. A number of improvements were highlighted, including pupils’ performances in English and maths, building teachers’ skills and a review of deputy headteacher’s remits to ensure children’s needs are being met.

It was also noted that “children’s overall attainment is too low” and that in primary classes “children’s learning needs are not well enough met”.

However, strengths highlighted included polite and well-behaved children, pupils’ confidence in use of ICT and the positive attitude of staff towards improving the school.

The nursery class was also given a generally good report.

The school will now be subject to follow-up inspections.

lLogiealmond Primary School – The tiny primary school received very good comments from the inspectors, with the school’s enterprise initiative – the school recently won the Perth Grammar School Cluster Enterprise Achievers Award – involving all six of the pupils flagged as good practice and the use of ICT in learning as a particular strength.

Areas of improvement included keeping children actively involved in reviewing their learning and making sure higher-achieving children are challenged.

No further visits needed.

lInvergowrie Primary School – The quality of education provided was praised by HMIe. Inspectors considered that nursery children had very good experiences in outdoor learning, taking part in active and imaginative activities.

Primary pupils were learning effectively through a variety of tasks and the school will now ensure all pupils are “engaged in sufficiently challenging activities” and arrangements are made to monitor progress.

lFairview School – The school and nursery class had an extremely positive review, with inspectors only noting two points of improvement: the continuing development of the curriculum and tracking achievements of pupils, and to develop approaches to planning, specifically for the nursery.

The school was praised for the high levels of interest and involvement pupils have in their learning, for the “highly motivated and enthusiastic staff”.

No further visits would be needed.