Mosstodloch Primary School inspection report
A Moray primary school where inspectors found significant shortcomings less than three years ago is continuing to make good progress.
Mosstodloch Primary has improved to the point where no further follow-up inspection visits are necessary.
The original inspection in late 2013 was followed by another visit a year later which found that despite considerable progress, more work needed to be done.
Today the inspection team has published its report into a further visit to the school carried out just before the summer break.
The report said that staff had continued to increase their understanding of children’s abilities and expectations were higher as a result, while pupils themselves were now clearer about what they should be learning in lessons.
“Children now speak more confidently about their learning,” said the report. “This is supported by regular discussions with class teachers focused on learning and with the head teacher’s ‘learning discussion’ focus groups.
“As identified by the head teacher, the development of the use of learning logs, self-evaluation folders and children’s achievements could now be utilised for increased partnership with parents for sharing learning and reporting throughout the year.”
The inspectors said that regular attainment meetings continued to be held between the head teacher, Liz Rennie, and class teachers.
“The school now tracks children’s in-school achievements, which is supporting class teachers and the head teacher to monitor and track individual progress for each child. We have asked the school to track all achievements, including out-of-school achievements, in order to link to skills that children are gaining in a variety of settings.”
The visit found that the pace of learning in most lessons was well judged and support for learning teachers and support staff provided well-judged individual and group support.
“Since the original and subsequent inspection the school has continued to make progress in how it improves the work of the school. The head teacher has a clear and accurate oversight of strengths and areas for further development in the school.
“Staff, children and parents continue to be involved in evaluating the work of the school and pupils have increased confidence in becoming reflective learners.
Parents spoke positively about the school, including the approachability of Mrs Rennie and her staff.
The report concluded: “As a result of the progress made by the school, we will make no further visits in connection with this inspection.”
Moray Council area stretches from Tomintoul in the south to the shores of the Moray Firth, from Keith in the east to Forres in the west. The council and its 4,500 employees respond to the needs of 95,510 residents in this beautiful part of Scotland, which nestles between Aberdeenshire and the Highlands.
Famous for its colony of dolphins, fabulous beaches and more malt whisky distilleries than any where else in Scotland, Moray is a thriving area and a great place to live.
Headquartered in Elgin, the administrative capital of Moray.