'Important weaknesses' outlined at Broughton Primary School

Inspectors visited Broughton Primary School and Nursery Class, in October last year.

They talked to parents/carers and young people and worked closely with the headteacher and her staff.

In the category ‘leadership of change’ the school was rated ‘weak’, with the report stating that the headteacher had worked with staff to develop a school improvement plan but that it “does not focus on areas which require prompt attention to improve outcomes for children” and that a more “rigorous approach” was needed.

The report, which was published on Tuesday, adds: “There are important weaknesses in approaches to improving the quality of learning and  teaching. The headteacher has developed quality assurance calendar but it now needs to include core monitoring activities.

“All aspects of the work of the school must be reviewed an evaluated in a more robust and cohesive way.

“The headteacher needs to monitor teachers’ planning for learning and provide clear direction and support in this area.”

Learning, teaching and assessment was also rated ‘weak’, as was raising achievement and attainment, with ensuring well-being, equality and inclusion deemed ‘satisfactory’.

However, the inspection team did highlight a number of key strengths, with the environment in the school and nursery found to be friendly and welcoming.

The report says there are positive relationships between all members of the school community and all staff are caring and considerate in their interactions with children, and children feel safe, happy, and looked after.

The children in the school and nursery are respectful, settled, and polite and they listen attentively to staff and to each other and they are keen to engage and co-operate well when playing and learning, according to the watchdog.

But it also found that teachers need to plan learning for individuals and groups of children across all curricular areas.

In doing so, they should plan tasks and activities which are appropriately matched to all children’s level of ability.

As a result of the inspection findings, the school will receive additional support and time to make necessary improvements.

Education Scotland will return to carry out a further inspection of the school within 12 months of the publication of this report.

Headteacher Carn Peaston said: “The team at Broughton Primary are wholeheartedly committed to getting it right for every child.

“The identified actions from our recent HMIe report are already being addressed with rigour.

“We are engaging with SBC Curriculum Team and Quality Improvement Team to ensure we address all points within our robust action plan.

“We will continue to work closely with parents and community members to enhance partnership working and, as headteacher, I will lead all stakeholders in their engagement in addressing all areas for Broughton to continue to grow in strength.”

Chelsea Shapiro, chair of the Broughton Primary School Parent Council, added: “We are very pleased that the inspectors highlighted the nurturing environment that we recognise in our school, and as parents we appreciate the efforts of all those involved with the school.

“There is a detailed action plan developed to address the areas where the school can improve, and we will support the headteacher to lead the implementation of this plan so we can demonstrate both progress and reflect Broughton as a fantastic school when we are visited again by Education Scotland.”