HMIE Inspection Report - Milne's Primary School, Fochabers

Milne’s Primary School, Fochabers has received a very good report from HM Inspectors of Education, following an inspection in March 2005 as part of a national sample of primary education.  The inspection covered key aspects of the work of the school at all stages.  It evaluated the pupils’ achievements, the effectiveness of the school and the environment for learning, the school’s processes for self-evaluation and capacity for improvement.  There was a particular focus on attainment in English language and mathematics.

HM Inspectors examined pupils’ work and interviewed pupils, including the pupil council and staff.   They also met with the chairperson of the School Board, representatives of the parent-teacher association (PTA), members of the wider school community and a group of parents.

The key strengths of the school identified by HMIE were:

¨      The broad and balanced curriculum and the well-planned programmes of work in almost all curricular areas.

¨      High standards of teaching.

¨      Strong partnerships with parents and the local community and in particular the very supportive PTA.

¨      Approaches to monitoring pupils’ progress and taking action, including the effective contribution of support for learning staff, to meet the learning needs of almost all pupils.

¨      Procedures for self-evaluation and the commitment of all staff to continuous improvement.

Parents and carers were pleased with most aspects of the school’s provision.  In particular, they felt that staff showed concern for the care and welfare of their children and the school buildings were kept in good order.   Almost all pupils enjoyed school.   They felt strongly that the school helped them to keep safe and healthy.

HMIE evaluated the school’s curriculum to be very good overall.    It provided pupils at all stages with well planned, progressive opportunities to gain knowledge and understanding and to develop key skills.   The overall quality of pupils’ learning experiences was very good.   Almost all pupils showed good motivation and worked well in lessons.

The overall quality of attainment in English language was judged to be good with attainment in reading showing an improving trend.  Mathematics attainment was judged to be good with most pupils attaining appropriate national levels.

HMIE commented that the school had very effective arrangements for ensuring care and welfare of pupils.  Teaching and support staff responded sensitively to pupils’ individual physical, social and emotional needs.

The school quality of accommodation and facilities was judged to be very good and comment was made specifically on the impressive historic building which had been refurbished to a high standard.

The inspectors commented very favourably on the welcoming atmosphere in the school.  Pupils related positively to staff and to each other, and were polite and well mannered.   The school had worked hard to involve parents in their children’s learning.   Parents helped out in classrooms, and with excursions and extra-curricular activities.

The headteacher Ann Appleford was judged to provide very effective leadership and she had a clear vision for how the school should improve.   She was very well supported by the depute headteacher.

The appendix to the report summarises the performance of the school judged against various quality indicators, which HMIE use in all inspections.  In the report, 11 were judged to be "very good", 3 were "good" none were "fair" or "unsatisfactory".

As a result of the inspection the school and education authority have been asked to continue to provide high quality and improving education.   In doing so they should

take account of the need to:

·        continue to improve attainment; and

·        continue to develop approaches to supporting pupils with specific behaviour difficulties, including training for staff.

As a result of the high performance, the strong record of improvement and the very effective leadership of the school, HM Inspectors will make no further reports in connection with the inspection.  The school and education authority have been asked to prepare an action plan indicating how they will address the main findings in the report, and to share the plan with parents and carers.   Within two years of the report the education authority, working with the school, will provide a progress report to parents and carers.  

Commenting on the report, Donald Duncan, Director of Educational Services said, “This is a very good report which has recognised a very effective school working in and, more importantly, with its community.  The report reflects very well on the Head Teacher, Ann Appleford, and all those involved in the Milne’s Primary School community.  Pupils, staff and parents should all be justifiably proud of their work.  I am sure that the school, in partnership with the Authority, will have no difficulty in addressing the main points for action”.

Councillor Alasdair Urquhart, Chairman of the Moray Council's Educational Services Committee added, “All involved with Milne’s Primary School must be congratulated for receiving such a good report from HMI.   Praise is rightly awarded to the Head Teacher, staff, pupils and the wider school community for their combined efforts”.

Local Member, Councillor George McIntyre said, “This is an excellent report and the Head Teacher and staff are to be congratulated for their efforts in achieving such a high standard.  I am delighted that the report acknowledges the high standard of teaching and strong partnerships with parents and the local community”.

Head Teacher, Ann Appleford said, “This excellent report is due to the commitment of our very capable staff, the tremendous support from parents and the Fochabers community and our well motivated and hard working pupils”.

For further information contact Paul Watson (Quality Improvement Officer) Educational Services, the Moray Council, Tel 01343 563119    paul.watson@.moray.gov.uk

Contact: Joyce Pirie, Public Relations Co-ordinator on 01343 563046