School near Glasgow praised after inspection visit

The Education Scotland team said pupils at Stane Primary School in Shotts benefitted from “calm, purposeful and inclusive learning environments.”

The report added: “Led effectively by the headteacher, staff, children and families have developed a positive and nurturing ethos across the school.”

It also highlighted teachers’ regular use of “high-quality questioning which is having a positive impact on children’s learning” and noted: “Children are given space and regular opportunities to explain their thinking which helps them talk confidently about their learning.”

The school’s approach to attendance, including a “warm welcome” programme, was singled out for praise.

Education Scotland plans to publish a case study report on Stane Primary’s work around exclusions as an example of good practice to inspire other schools.

There have been no exclusions over the last three years, because of a focus on “developing strong, nurturing relationships within and across the school community.”

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Headteacher Laura Simpson said: “At Stane Primary, we pride ourselves on the positive relationships with pupils, parents and partners.

“I am immensely proud that the approaches we take to attendance and exclusion were recognised as highly effective practices by the inspection team. Our approaches have resulted in an increase in overall school attendance and there have been no exclusions over the last three years.

“Fundamental to this are our positive relationships and recognition of improvements for both children and their parents.”

She added: “I look forward to our highly effective practice case study being published by Education Scotland.”

Inspectors noted some areas for improvement, adding: “Teachers need to use assessment information better to develop clearer learning goals for children.

“Senior leaders should support teachers to develop clearer plans for children who require additional support with their learning. Together these should ensure activities and experiences match well to all children’s needs and are set at the right level of difficulty.”

They also said: “Staff should help children recognise the skills they are developing through their achievements. This includes creating a system to record the progression of skills as children move through the school.”

Councillor Angela Campbell, North Lanarkshire Council’s education convener, said: “Congratulations to pupils, teachers, support staff and parents on this positive report and the supportive, caring environment within the school.

“I am pleased the school’s work to support pupils and parents with attendance has been highlighted, as it has made a real difference to families, helping all pupils to achieve their potential.”