3 days ago
'Delighted': Glasgow primary school praised by inspectors
Pupils and teachers at St Clare's Primary in Drumchapel are celebrating following the positive report from Education Scotland after a recent visit.
The team also found that across the school, pupils achieve above both Glasgow and national comparator schools in literacy and numeracy.
The report praised the school's young leaders, adding: 'Children in 'class councils' have been responsible for identifying and ordering a range of resources for the school … including playground equipment and class furniture' which 'helps children understand better that they have unique gifts and talents that can be used to influence positive change.'
The inspectors also praised the school's headteacher Maryann McGuinness, senior leaders and teachers, adding: 'They have worked effectively to develop a culture where raising attainment is a key focus for improvement.
'Staff have a deep understanding of the children and context of the school. They have a strong focus on supporting children's wellbeing. This is helping children to feel more confident, secure and be ready to learn.'
The report said: 'Children are welcoming, friendly, polite and proud of their school. They are keen to share and celebrate their successes and achievements.
'The positive opportunities for children to achieve success and develop a wide range of skills through a variety of clubs, committees and groups … is supporting successfully children's understanding of leadership and developing their skills for learning life and work.'
As areas for improvement, the inspectors said the headteacher and senior leaders 'now need to develop more effective approaches to seek and respond to the views of all stakeholders.'
They added: 'This includes parents and staff to inform improved decision-making.
'Staff should continue to develop consistently high-quality approaches to learning, teaching and assessment.'
The report also noted that senior leaders and teachers should 'develop plans to help parents understand how best to support their children's learning and wellbeing' and 'continue to raise attainment of all children, particularly in writing by providing sustained opportunities for children to write independently.'
Councillor Christina Cannon, Glasgow City Council's education and early years convener, said: 'This is a lovely report for the school, and I think what shines throughout it is how valued pupil voice is in St Clare's.
'I love the idea of the 'class councils' where the children get to influence decisions in their school and get to pick resources that will ultimately impact their learning.
'The school's motto is 'believe and you will achieve' which is something we want every child and young person in the city to do.
'Well done to everyone in the school community for such a good inspection.'
Ms McGuinness said: 'It makes us so proud to know that the inspectors recognised our deeply embedded Catholic values across the school.
'We are also absolutely delighted that the inspection team recognised our effective work in developing a culture where raising attainment is a key driver for improvement.
'Children are achieving above both their Glasgow and national comparator schools in literacy and numeracy.'
