School near Glasgow where children 'excel every day' praised

Carolside Primary in Clarkston was praised for its “highly inclusive and nurturing environment” by the Education Scotland team, who also recognised the “outstanding and inspirational leadership” of headteacher Bryan McLachlan.

The report said that Mr McLachlan and the school's senior leadership team had created a “culture where children, parents, staff and partners are empowered and motivated”, adding: “They work collaboratively and constructively to lead and improve the school. This is impacting positively on children’s experiences and outcomes in a number of important areas.”

Headteacher Bryan McLachlan with some of the pupils at Carolside Primary (Image: East Renfrewshire Council)

Inspectors also said: “Teachers design learning experiences which take account of children’s motivations and interests and promote active engagement in learning.

“Staff have worked well with children to develop a highly inclusive and nurturing environment. As a result, children’s wellbeing and learning needs are met very well by highly skilled and caring staff.”

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The report also praised the “very good progress” children make in their learning in literacy and numeracy, adding: “High levels of attainment and achievement are sustained across the school.”

Mr McLachlan said the report was the “culmination of a number of years of focus on school improvement.”

He added: “Ensuring all the children have quality experiences when they come to school every day has been our driving force and it’s fantastic for this to have been recognised.

“We’re really fortunate to have such an engaged and involved group of parents. All our families are so supportive of the school and we’re privileged to work with them.”

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Mr McLachlan also praised his staff, adding: “The staff team has been exceptional throughout my eight years as headteacher and they are all truly professional and committed to delivering the very best for all our children.

“The children are amazing too, and a real delight to work with. We’re so proud of them and it’s such a pleasure to work with them every day. They excelled themselves during the inspection process – and they excel every day when they come to Carolside.”

Two areas for improvement were identified and discussed with the headteacher and a representative from East Renfrewshire Council.

Inspectors said the school should “continue with improvement priorities to build on highly effective practice in learning and teaching and the support of children’s wellbeing” and “as planned, develop approaches to tracking and monitoring of children’s wider achievements and progress in all curricular areas.”

The report is available on the Education Scotland website.