School Review Summary Report

The review programme comprised four areas:

• Self-evaluation

• Pupils’ learning experiences

• Leadership – the authority focus

• The school was given the opportunity to identify a fourth area but decided not to do so.

The review process

Two quality improvement officers (QIO) from Quality Services and a peer reviewer reviewed Lauder Primary School in February 2007 The review team used the level five illustrations from How good is our school? (HGIOS) as its frame of reference and made their evaluation on the basis of evidence provided by the school and their own observations. The results of their findings are given below.

In order to make their evaluations, the team consulted a number of school documents, including the school improvement plan, interviewed sample groups of pupils, staff and parents, and observed learning and teaching. In addition the team analysed responses to questionnaires issued to all parents, P4-7 pupils and teaching staff prior to the review. In total, 10 lessons were observed.

Key strengths of the school

Of the areas reviewed, the school demonstrated particular strengths in the following areas:

• Positive ethos which fosters a good climate for learning

• Positive engagement of children in their learning

• Leadership of the headteacher

• Communication and consultation with staff

• Committed and enthusiastic staff who work well together as a team

• Clear use of formative assessment techniques

Main action points for the school

The school should:

• Develop the remit of the principal teacher[s] as part of the management team to include a role in monitoring and evaluation.

• Extend the involvement of support staff, parents and pupils in school improvement planning.

• Plan opportunities throughout the staff and management calendars to review progress in attainment and school improvement.

• Develop consistency across the school through peer observation and the sharing of the very good practice in areas of learning and teaching.

What happens now

The headteacher, in consultation with the review co-ordinator and the school quality improvement officer, will produce an action plan in response to the action points identified in the review. This action plan will be incorporated into the school improvement plan for the 2007-08 session.