A North Ayrshire primary school has been praised by inspectors for its caring relationships, effective leadership and commitment to giving pupils a voice.
St Peter’s Primary School in South Isle Road, Ardrossan, received the positive report following an inspection by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education in May.
During the visit, inspectors spoke with children, parents and carers while working closely with headteacher Susanne Dunne and her staff.
The inspection team highlighted the positive, caring and nurturing relationships between staff, children and the wider school community.
Staff were praised for knowing pupils and their families well and for creating a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment where children are happy, confident and eager to learn.
Inspectors also recognised the effective leadership provided by Mrs Dunne and her team, noting that staff have high expectations for pupils’ behaviour and achievements.
Senior leaders were found to manage the pace of change well while promoting leadership throughout the school. Inspectors said this has helped staff and children feel empowered and motivated to lead improvements.
The report also found that staff use a wide range of effective support and interventions to meet children’s individual needs. Almost every pupil requiring additional support was found to be making strong progress in their learning.
Children are also given opportunities to influence and lead change within the school, helping them contribute to school life and develop a broad range of skills.
Mrs Dunne said: “Our school vision is that St Peter’s is a safe, loving and ambitious place of learning. The staff and I feel that we are creating an environment where children feel nurtured and are given every opportunity to thrive.
“We are pleased that the HMIE team acknowledged the strong relationships between staff, pupils and our community and also found the children to be happy and comfortable when it comes to change.
“While I recognise that we are making good progress, my aim is to continue on this positive journey to make our children’s learning experiences even better.
“I would like to thank my leadership team, the wider school staff, pupils, the local church community and parents for helping to create an environment where every pupil knows they have a voice and is heard.”
Inspectors identified three areas where the school should continue to develop.
These include improving the quality of learning and teaching, ensuring lessons are appropriately paced and offer the right level of challenge, and continuing to raise attainment in literacy and numeracy.
Senior leaders have also been encouraged to extend opportunities for children, staff and parents to help plan, lead and review aspects of school improvement.
St Peter’s was rated “very good” for ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion. It received “good” ratings for leadership of change; learning, teaching and assessment; and raising attainment and achievement.
Councillor Jean McClung, North Ayrshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Education and Young People, said: “It is heartening to see that the inspectors have acknowledged all of the great work that is being done at St Peter’s by Susanne and her team, especially when it comes to wellbeing.
“I wish them well for the future, and I am sure pupils will continue to thrive in the positive, happy environment that has been created for their learning.”
Inspectors said they were confident that St Peter’s has the capacity to continue improving. No further inspection visits are required, and North Ayrshire Council will keep parents and carers informed about the school’s future progress.