Inspectors highlight school improvements but say more needs to be done

The HMIE follow-up inspection report for Stromness Primary School published today, May 22, endorses improvements in the areas identified for action during the January 2011 inspection and provides a clear direction for the school to maintain improvements over the coming year.

Inspectors highlighted the main improvements as:

• the way the children learn in school
• the ways children contribute to the life of the school and wider community
• staff‘s knowledge and understanding of Curriculum for Excellence
• approaches for supporting children in their learning
• providing appropriately regular opportunities for religious observance

According to HMIE inspector Janie McManus: “There is evidence of improvement in children’s learning since the original inspection. However, there has not yet been enough improvement in other key areas of the work of the school, including meeting children’s learning needs and self-evaluation.

“As a result, we will continue to engage with the education authority to monitor progress. We will carry out a further follow-through visit to the school within one year of the publication of this report, and will report to parents on the extent of the improvement that has been achieved.”