·        The quality of learning and teaching and the use of information and communication technology.

·        Attainment in mathematics.

·        Relationships and teamwork at all levels and courteous, diligent pupils.

·        Approaches to developing healthy lifestyles.

·        Support for pupils with behavioural difficulties.

·        The leadership, vision and teamwork of the headteacher and the deputy 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, 12 were judged to be “very good”, and 2 were judged to be “good”, and none were “fair” or “unsatisfactory”.

Inspectors noted that both staff and pupils identified very strongly with the school and that pupil and staff morale were high.  The pupil council was an effective means of conveying pupils` views and helping to improve the school grounds.  Membership of the council helped them to develop positive attitudes to taking responsibility.

Parents who responded to a questionnaire from HMIE were very positive about the school.  They highlighted the strong leadership of the headteacher and his depute and the stimulating and challenging work given to their children as factors which pleased them.  They felt that the school had a good reputation in the community and that they were made very welcome in the school.  Pupils felt that the school helped them to keep safe and healthy and that their views on improving the school were listened to. Many pupils commented positively on the quality of the school meals on offer. 

The overall quality of accommodation and facilities was rated as very good.  School buildings were well maintained and classrooms were bright, spacious, and well- organised for learning.  The provision of ICT and book resources were identified as major strengths.

Attainment in English language was found to be good.  Most pupils attained appropriate national levels in reading and the majority did so in writing.  In reading, pupils read fluently from P2 and showed a good comprehension of what they had read.  From P2 onwards, pupils wrote on a wide range of topics and by P6/7 delivered well crafted, extended imaginative pieces, including poems of a high standard.

Attainment in mathematics was found to be very good.  Almost all pupils were achieving national levels in key aspects of mathematics.  Inspectors noted that pupils` skills in mental calculation were very good and that they could identify strategies to use in problem solving and discuss their solutions clearly.

The overall quality of learning and teaching in the school was found to be very good.  There were numerous instances of highly stimulating lessons.  At all stages pupils took responsibility for and were active in their own learning. They were often encouraged to lead lessons and demonstrate their work by using inter-active computerised whiteboards.

Arrangements for the care and welfare of pupils were very good.  Staff knew pupils well and responded sensitively to their social, emotional and behavioural needs. Inspectors commented positively on the school`s arrangements for the supervision of pupils.  Pupils having school lunches enjoyed a good quality of social experience and catering staff encouraged them to make healthy choices.

The school`s Head Teacher, David Vass, was praised for providing very good leadership for the school.  He and his depute were very committed to the school.  As a team, they had a clear vision for the school and had been successful in improving key aspects of attainment.  They had very good relationships with, and were well respected by staff, pupils and parents who all found them easy to approach and responsive to their concerns.

Strong teamwork had arisen from the staff`s extensive involvement in policy development.

Overall procedures for school self- evaluation were good and the school was judged to be well placed to continue to improve.

As a result of the inspection the school and the education authority have been asked to act on the following recommendations:

·        Continue to refine the use made of information from national assessments to help plan pupils` next steps in learning more effectively.

·        Continue to broaden approaches to developing writing to improve attainment in line with the school`s improvement plan.

As a result of the high performance of the school, the strong record of improvement and the very effective leadership of the school, no follow up visits will be made by HMIE but the authority will produce a report for parents and carers in two years time on the progress of the two points to be addressed.

Commenting on the report, Donald Duncan, Director of Educational Services said,

“This is an excellent report which confirms the very positive and purposeful work done in East End Primary School.  It reflects very well on everyone involved with the school and, particularly, the leadership in the school provided by David Vass, Head Teacher, and Lynda Smith, the Depute Head Teacher”.

Councillor Alasdair Urquhart, Chairman of the Moray Council`s Educational Services Committee, added, “Everyone involved with the school must be congratulated for their efforts which have been duly recognised by the school inspectors.  The Report on East End is a credit to the school and the community it serves”.

Local Member Councillor Ronnie Sim said, “This report highlights the excellent work of the school.  This is a wonderful achievement for the staff and pupils at East End Primary.  The report rightly acknowledges the efforts of the headteacher and his caring and committed staff”.

Head Teacher David Vass added, “I am delighted with this excellent report.  It recognises the dedicated commitment and teamwork of staff, both teaching and non-teaching.  It also highlights the strength of support we receive from parents and friends of the school.  It is this collective effort which makes East End School happy and purposeful.  My thanks to all”.                                                             

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