Knoxland primary school gets top marks from inspectors

Jun 26 2009 by Tina Kemp, Lennox Herald (main ed)

STAFF and pupils at a Dumbarton school are celebrating a special end of term report.

Government inspectors have issued a superb report to Knoxland Primary.

The HMIE team awarded the 324-pupil school two “very goods” and three “goods” following a recent visit.

This week head teacher Avril Davie attributed the accolade to the community saying its support was a huge encouragement to the school.

Inspectors highlighted one of the school’s strengths as its “polite, well-behaved and motivated children who enjoy learning”.

The quality of relationships and ethos of mutual respect between adults and children was also singled out.

The report made reference to the wide range of experiences for children during school and outwith school hours.

It was full of praise for the “outstanding” contribution to children’s learning experiences made by support and catering staff, as well as Ms Davie’s leadership and the role of staff in securing improvements for children.

A spokesman for West Dunbartonshire Council said: “We are delighted that the inspection visit was such a positive reflection of the work of the school.

"HMIE changed from inspection mode halfway through the week, will not undertake a follow through visit and awarded the school with two very good and three good evaluations. That says a great deal about the school.

“Parents should be thrilled when they read the statement about polite, well behaved and motivated children who enjoy learning. We are particularly pleased that the inspectors recognised the strength of leadership provided by the head teacher and promoted staff.”

New inspection procedures allow the identification of areas of good practice to be shared nationally.

In Knoxland inspectors noted the involvement of catering staff in health promotion and their partnership with teachers and staff, and the use of technology which children used confidently for activities including digital animation and movies, research and presenting talks.

Ms Davie said: “I am so pleased with the report and delighted that the inspectors have praised the hard work of all staff, pupils and parents. We have a hard working school greatly supported by our parents, carers and friends within the whole community.

“So many people have a strong commitment to Knoxland and the strong messages in this report are for them. I want all of our community to know how much I value and appreciate their ongoing support and encouragement.”

West of Scotland Liberal Democrat MSP Ross Finnie said: “Knoxland is a wonderful school with a first rate staff, led by a dedicated head teacher and I have no doubt that with some minor improvements in some areas, it will continue to go from strength to strength.”

The report indicates that the school should continue to improve attainment in mathematics, enable higher achieving pupils to reach their potential and strengthen approaches to self evaluation.

HMIE will not re-visit the school but the council will publish a progress report within two years.