A DUMFRIES primary school has received a glowing report card after being scrutinised by inspectors.
New Abbey Primary’s staff and pupils were praised in the report by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIe), and the school was found to have a “happy, inclusive and positive learning environment for all”.
Several strengths were highlighted, with inspectors grading the school’s leadership of change, and ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion as very good.
Meanwhile learning, teaching and assessment, along with raising attainment and achievement were marked as good. An education report, due to be tabled at Nithsdale Area Committee next week, reads: “Inspectors identified the following strengths in New Abbey Primary.
“The headteacher successfully leads and promotes a culture of self-evaluation at New Abbey Primary School.
“The whole school community contributes to leadership of change and improvement. This is supporting improved outcomes for children and families.
“All children know and understand the school values and demonstrate them in all aspects of school life. They have a strong understanding of children’s rights and enjoy nurturing and respectful relationships with each other and staff.
“This is contributing to a happy, inclusive and positive learning environment for all.”
The report continues: “The staff know all children well as individuals and track their progress carefully. This helps them to support children to make good progress in their learning. Children are benefitting from a wide range of approaches to raising attainment in literacy and numeracy.
“The school community works well together to ensure that potential barriers to learning and participation are addressed. This is helping to ensure equity of opportunity for all children.”
Meanwhile, the care inspectorate also recently graded Cargenbridge Primary Nursery in Dumfries as ‘very good’ in all quality indicators relating to care, play, learning, the setting, leadership, and staff team.
Inspectors identified numerous strengths, noting that children were having fun and were engaged, while being supported by a team that were “patient, kind and compassionate.”
The nursery setting was also described as “warm, welcoming and inviting.”
The report continued: “The team understood the importance of linking with other agencies and professionals to ensure positive outcomes for children in their care.
