'Very well deserved': Clydebank school praised by inspectors

Linnvale Primary School and Early Learning and Childcare Centre was praised by the Education Scotland team in a number of key areas.

The report said: “Across the school and ELCC, staff work well as a team to drive school improvement. Staff work together effectively to develop strong, positive relationships and a nurturing environment.

Pupils give the thumbs up to a positive report. (Image: West Dunbartonshire Council)

“Children across the school and ELCC are happy, confident and engaged in their learning. They are proud of their school and are polite, well-mannered and welcoming to visitors.”

The impressive outdoor learning classroom at Linnvale came in for special praise. Inspectors said: “Staff and school partners have developed an outdoor learning environment which supports effectively children’s wellbeing and promotes their understanding of nature and biodiversity.

“This is helping children to be physically active and participate in real-life problem solving.”

Areas for improvement were identified and discussed with the headteacher and a representative from West Dunbartonshire Council. The inspectors said senior leaders should “develop further systems and processes in the school to monitor children’s experiences across all areas of the curriculum” and  “use attainment information more effectively to ensure that all children make the best possible progress.”

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The report also noted: “Senior leaders and staff should develop systems to track the achievements of children in the ELCC and school. This will allow staff to carefully monitor children’s participation and ensure that no child misses out on opportunities for achievement in a number of different areas.”

The full report is available on the Education Scotland website.

Headteacher Lindsay Thomas said: ““We are very proud of all our staff and children here at Linnvale Primary and ELCC.  We are focused on continuing to build on the attainment and achievement of our children within our nurturing and supportive environment.”

Councillor Clare Steel, convener of educational services for West Dunbartonshire Council, visited the school to congratulate pupils and staff.

“It was an absolute pleasure to visit this school and pass on my congratulations to the headteacher, children and staff in person,” she said. “The feedback they received as part of this inspection was really good, and from what I saw on my own visit, very well deserved.

“I would like to thank the headteacher and all the staff for their dedication to achieve the best for the children they look after and for ensuring every child within their care is nurtured and encouraged to achieve their best.”

Councillor John Millar, vice chair of educational services, added: “It is clear from the report that both the school and the early learning centre are providing children with the best possible start to their education.

“The outcome of this inspection is testament to the hard work being put in by the staff at Linnvale Primary School and ELCC to ensure every child is treated as an individual with care and attention with the welfare of each child at the heart of all they do. A big well done to all involved.”