The school

In the nursery and the primary, children are learning very well and most are achieving highly. Almost all children are very polite, well behaved, motivated and eager to learn. They enjoyed telling about their school. The recent focus on developing a Rights Respecting School has helped children better appreciate the importance of being caring and respectful of others. This, along with the contributions from the church, helps promote Catholic values.

Almost all children feel happy and safe in the school. In the nursery, most children cooperate well with others in their play. They are enthusiastic about their ‘creative den’ in which they learn by exploring and using their imagination. In the primary classes, cooperative learning is encouraging children to think and talk about their learning. Children very naturally and successfully collaborate with each other in pairs and small groups. They are taking increased responsibilities for their learning. Recently, the older children worked very well with parents and local businesses to plan and make decisions in organising a winter fayre. Children are getting better at describing what they are good at in language and mathematics and how they can improve. The school is planning to improve further children’s skills in evaluating their own next steps in learning.

Across the school, children take on responsibilities to develop their skills for life and work. They share their ideas confidently through membership of groups including, for example, Eco‑School and Rights Respecting School. Some children develop their health and wellbeing through a range of clubs and activities. In particular, children value badminton, drama and football. The school needs to look at how it can develop a range of contexts so that all children can benefit in these ways.

At all stages, most children are progressing well in language and mathematics. In the nursery, children engage positively in short conversations with adults and with their peers. They are showing an interest in early writing. Most children are developing good skills in counting and they recognise numbers up to ten. In the early stages of the primary, the new active approaches to literacy are improving significantly children’s skills in language. Children enjoy reading books. By the upper stages, a high proportion of children can describe a range of techniques that authors use. The older children need to be encouraged to write in more detail. Across the primary, almost all children are making secure progress as they move from stage to stage in mathematics. Information and communications technology (ICT) is well used to present information. Children’s skills in problem solving are very strong.

Key strengths of the school

• Well-behaved, confident and motivated children.
• The inclusive, nurturing ethos built on gospel values.
• Children’s continuous progress in learning and achievements.
• Strong teamwork of all staff and their successful partnerships with parents, agencies, the parish and local community.
• The impact of headteacher’s leadership on developing high-quality learning experiences.

The following areas for improvement have been agreed with the school and education authority:

• Continue to develop further the curriculum by applying Curriculum for Excellence.