Westruther Primary School receives positive report from HMIE

During their visit in February this year, inspectors talked to parents, carers and children and worked closely with the head teacher and staff.

Strengths

His Majesty's Inspectorate of Education found the following strengths in the schools work:

• The well-directed and effective leadership of the head teacher.  He has a nurturing and aspirational vision for all children across the school.
• Children who are respectful, polite, well behaved and engaged in learning.  They are proud of their school and demonstrate an enthusiasm for learning.
• Staff provide significant opportunities for children to achieve success in a variety of learning environments.  As a result, children develop a strong understanding of sustainability and the difference their action can make.  Children are passionate about making a difference and improving their local community.

Areas of Improvement

The following areas for improvement were identified and discussed with the head teacher and a representative from the education team:

• Develop further processes to evaluate the work of the school.  The head teacher and staff should ensure all improvement priorities are relevant and appropriate to ensure improved outcomes for children.
• Continue to improve learning and teaching.  Staff should ensure children experience well-paced learning that is matched carefully to their needs.  They should ensure all learning experiences are developmentally appropriate, engaging and allow children to develop effectively through their learning.
• Increase opportunties for children to learn about a range of different needs and cultures.  Staff should support all children to understand and value what makes us different and develop skills to tackle discrimination and intolerance.

Head teacher Robbie Oliver-Devlin:

"We are delighted with the positive outcome of our recent inspection, which recognises the strong, nurturing ethos we have built at Westruther Primary School.  This achievement reflects the collective effort of our entire school community - our dedicated staff, enthusiastic and respectful pupils, supportive parents, and wider community partners.

"As a small rural school, we take great pride in what we can achieve together, and it is particularly pleasing to see this reflected in the inspectors' recognition of our positive relationships, inclusive environment, and commitment to ensuring every child feels valued and successful.

"We remain committed to continuing this journey of improvement, working together to provide the very best opportunities for our children."

Westruther Primary Parent Council Chair, Claire Drynan:

"As a parent and Chair of Parent Council, I couldn't be prouder of everything Westruther Primary School represents.  This recognition is thoroughly deserved, our staff work tirelessly to create a warm, ambitious environment where every child genuinely thrives.

"Our children are proud of their school and are deeply connected to the community through local projects they have initiated, such as their Westruther Heritage event, learning all about the local history, reading cafes, and the implementation of various walking trails around the village.  In a small rural school, that sense of belonging is something really special to witness.

"We are so fortunate to have a school community like this, and I know I speak for every parent when I say how grateful we are to the staff who make it possible every single day."

Inspectors are confident that the school has the capacity to continue to improve and will make no further visits in connection with this inspection.