A HIGH SCHOOL for pupils with additional support needs has been praised by inspectors.

The Education Scotland team visited Bothwellpark High School in Motherwell in January.

In their report, the inspectors said the acting headteacher and senior leaders have established a school culture “based on supportive and positive relationships” and added: “As a result, young people who require support with learning are attending well and achieving at school. Senior leaders now need to sustain these recent improvements.”

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The report continued: “Staff plan effectively so that young people can demonstrate success in their learning. This is helping staff understand the progress children make in relation to their individual educational programmes.”

Inspectors also praised the “positive partnerships and range of learning opportunities for young people beyond the school” which enables young people to develop important skills for learning, life and work.

Michael McGinley, acting headteacher, said: “We are delighted that the inspection team recognised the school culture is based on supportive and positive relationships and as a result our young people are attending well and achieving at school.

“I am very proud of our hardworking staff who ensure that our young people progress in their learning and make the very best of learning opportunities in the wider community.

“We look forward positively to building on this success as we prepare for our transition to our new building in the autumn of this year.”

Bothwellpark High School currently shares a campus with Our Lady's High School. It will be relocated to the Edward Lawson Centre in Wishaw later this year.

Councillor Michael McBride, convener of children, families and education at North Lanarkshire Council said: “The report makes clear that staff at the school are doing a great job in providing pupils with their full support.

“The findings of the inspection are a clear reflection of the hard work being put in by everyone to ensure pupils are given wonderful learning opportunities.

“I would like to pass on my congratulations to everyone involved.”

The inspectors recommended some areas for improvement, advising that “senior leaders and staff at all levels should continue to implement the ambitious vision of the school and maintain the recent improvements in the quality of young people’s experiences” and “staff should ensure that all learning activities are set at the right level for the individual needs of young people.”

The report also stated: “Young people should be encouraged to be as independent as possible.

“Staff should continue to improve young people’s progress across all areas of the curriculum and raise attainment. Teachers need to continue to develop a shared understanding of national standards and expectations.”

The Education Scotland team has asked North Lanarkshire Council for a report on progress with the agreed areas for improvement within 12 months, which may lead to a further inspection.

The full report is available on the Education Scotland website.