Gold star report for Burray primary

Schools inspectors have praised the “rich learning experiences” children enjoy at Burray primary school.

In a report published today, they rated every aspect of the school and the teaching it provides as “very good”.

The inspection by Her Majesty’s Inspectors of Education took place in May and involved parents, children, the head teacher and staff.

In their report, they say: “Children in the nursery class and at the primary stages are lively and enthusiastic learners who are very proud of their school and local community.”

They add: “Staff and children make the most of the rural location and historical setting of the school. They use the school grounds, the proximity to the sea and the rich Orkney culture and heritage to provide children with stimulating and relevant learning.”

The inspectors highlight the school’s key strengths as:

• Confident, articulate and very well-behaved children who are motivated in their learning and play.
• High-quality learning experiences enjoyed by all children in the nursery and primary class and children’s very good progress in literacy and numeracy.
• Very positive relationships and shared values across the school and wider school community, which contributes to children’s wellbeing, achievement and attainment.
• Rich learning experiences that enable children to make the most of the history, geography and culture of their local area and the effective engagement with partners and the local community to enhance and support children’s learning.
• The leadership of the headteacher, and the dedication of all staff, in providing a caring and motivating ethos for learning.

Peter Diamond, OIC’s head of schools, said: “This is an exceptional inspection report that reflects the huge dedication of the headteacher and staff, the efforts and achievements of the children, and the tremendous support offered by parents and the wider community in Burray.

“For every aspect of the inspection to be evaluated at ‘very good’ is a superb accolade for the school and I would like to offer my congratulations all involved.”

The full inspection report is available here.