Glasgow pupils celebrate after school is praised by inspectors

The children, who took part in a special fundraising obstacle course recently, were in no doubt about why Ashpark Primary had impressed the Education Scotland team.

“This is a very fun and friendly school,” said John McQue, who is in the Carnwadric school’s P5/6 class.

“We always have lots of activities on and all the teachers are nice. I really enjoy learning here. My favourite thing to learn about is science.”

His classmate Leah Glasgow said: “Every day I want to come to school because I learn stuff and have fun at the same time.”

Logan Hart, who is in P7, summed it up. “I think Ashpark Primary has to be the best school in the city,” he said. “Our school values bring everyone together and we have a good time and work as a team.”

On a recent visit, inspectors found that staff, children and families at the school benefitted from “positive, supportive and respectful relationships that help children feel safe, happy and valued as part of the Ashpark family".

The report added: “Led very ably by the headteacher and depute headteacher, there is a strong culture of nurture and inclusion across the school. As a result, children take responsibility for their learning, contributing maturely and articulately during learning experiences.

“The highly skilled staff team have developed consistent approaches to learning and teaching. As a result, children engage very well with school and experience high-quality learning that meets their needs.”

The inspectors praised staff for using “highly aspirational strategies and approaches to raise attainment” and found that almost all children were making “very strong progress".

The Education Scotland team said senior leaders should, as planned, develop more regular opportunities for teachers to engage with colleagues beyond their locality which would continue to “deepen teachers’ understanding of standards, particularly within children’s writing”.

Councillor Christina Cannon, Glasgow’s education convener, said the report was “well-deserved” and added: “This is a wonderful report for Ashpark Primary School and highlights the welcoming, supportive and inclusive ethos that they have created.

“The school’s values of healthy, hardworking, caring and kind shine through and it is evident both pupils and staff are massively proud of their school culture and learning environment.”

Headteacher Colin Gray said: “It was really pleasing to have the inspectors recognise the hard work of all the staff - the teachers, support workers, janitor, cleaners and catering staff – and, of course, the children.

“Our pupils uphold our school values every single day.

“This report is also testament to the parents who have been wonderfully supportive of the school throughout the years. We’re really privileged and honoured to have such a great school community.”

The full report is available on the Education Scotland website.