A NORTH Lanarkshire school is celebrating following an “outstanding” inspection report.

Parents at St Brendan's Primary School in Motherwell have hailed it as “one of the best on record” in the area.

The inspection took place over a period of several days, during which the team observed lessons, met with staff, parents and students and reviewed the school's performance data and documentation.

The school was praised for its "strong leadership and management", "calm, relaxed and nurturing environment" and "high levels of attainment in literacy and numeracy".

Glasgow Times:

Headteacher Maura Oates was commended for her “strong and effective leadership”. The report added: “She is ably supported by enthusiastic staff, parents, children and partners who willingly take on leadership roles to improve the school and nursery.”

It continued: “Staff meet the care and wellbeing needs of children and families across the school and nursery with warmth, care and consideration. This results in a calm, relaxed and nurturing environment where children are respectful, supportive and kind to each other.”

Inspectors noted that “children’s attainment in literacy and numeracy is high and they benefit from a wide range of high-quality achievements” and added: “The strong approach to digital learning within the school is supporting this and is helping to motivate and support learners.” 

Mrs Oates said: “We are absolutely thrilled with the outcome of the inspection. It is a reflection of the hard work and dedication of our staff and students, and we are extremely proud of everyone involved.”

Donna Matthewman, chairperson of St Brendan’s Primary Parent Council, said: “This report is outstanding and one of the best on record across North Lanarkshire.

“It’s a real testament to the strong leadership, teaching and support staff in the school, its strong Catholic ethos and deep sense of community. 

“Teachers, pupils, parents and the wider school family will rightly take pride and confidence in this exceptional performance.”

Councillor Angela Campbell, convener of education and families at North Lanarkshire Council, said: “The positive report is a testament to the commitment and dedication of the staff and students at St Brendan's Primary School and is sure to be welcomed by the wider community as a demonstration of the school's ongoing success.”

Provost Kenny Duffy added: "Congratulations to St Brendan's Primary School in Motherwell on your outstanding school inspection results. Keep up the great work and continue to inspire the next generation of learners."

A number of areas for improvement were identified and discussed with the headteacher and a representative from the council. The inspectors advised the school should “continue to develop learning experiences across the wider curriculum in a planned way” and within the nursery, staff should “assess and record more effectively the skills children are developing".