MEETHILL School and Nursery in Peterhead has received a glowing report from HMIE inspectors, with particular praise for the school's new headteacher, Elaine Philip.
Mrs Philip was appointed at Meethill in August 2008, and the inspectors noted a number of improvements since their initial report in January of that year following an inspection in October 2007.
The inspectors said particular strengths of the scho
ol were that pupils were well behaved, confident and polite, while also highlighted was the staff's effectiveness in improving learning and teaching.
They also noted that there was a strong use of information and communications technology to communicate with staff and parents and noted the staff's care and concern for children.
The leadership of the headteacher and depute headteacher was also commended by the inspectors.
Their report states: "Across the school, children are enthusiastic about their learning, achieve well and are happy and safe. Most children now know what they do well and what they need to do to improve their learning.
"Teachers deliver exciting, interesting and challenging activities for children. At P1 and P2 children are learning well through opportunities for purposeful play. Children are gaining in confidence through taking part in activities, such as flower arranging, alongside members of the community."
Top of the class: Headteacher Elaine Philip and some of the school's P2/3 pupils following the positive report from HMIE inspectors which was published at the end of last month. Picture: Morag Ledingham
The inspectors noted that attainment was improving, with most children achieving appropriate national levels in reading, writing and mathematics. They said teachers used assessment information more effectively to plan the next steps in children's learning, and the headteacher and specialist staff planned effectively for the learning of those children with additional support needs.
They said the nursery and early stages teachers worked very well together and ensured children continued to make progress in their learning as they moved from nursery to P1.
The report stated that the new Parent Council was closely involved with the work of the school and Parent Council members worked effectively alongside the headteacher to support the school and help to improve aspects of teaching and learning.
It said: "Staff and children are now more involved in developing aspects of the school. They have given their opinions in surveys and action points have been identified. Teachers take part in working groups which are linked to key improvements in the school and are committed to improving learning and teaching.
"Teachers are now confident in identifying how to improve their own learning and teaching approaches. The headteacher monitors teachers' plans very carefully and offers supportive and useful comments for improvement.
"Staff continue to have high expectations of children's behaviour. The new dining arrangements have increased the expectations of how children should socialise during meals. Presentation of written work is more consistent. Staff use the praise system well to encourage children to do their best. Children now have higher expectations of themselves and each other. There are very positive relationships across the school."
Inspectors said that the new headteacher, working closely with the depute headteacher and staff, had made an outstanding contribution to improving many aspects of the work of the school.
"She offers support and challenge to staff which focuses well on improving learning and teaching. She has a clear vision for what she wants children to achieve and successfully shares this with the school and its community," said inspectors.
"Children now develop leadership skills in a range of roles. These include planning the work of the eco committee and acting as pupil council representatives, playground leaders and tuck shop organisers."
The report concluded that the school had achieved major improvements since its inspection in October 2007, adding: "The headteacher, ably supported by her depute headteacher, provides clear leadership and vision. The arrangements for evaluating the work of the school are now at a satisfactory or better level.
"The school is well placed to continue to improve. We will make no further visits in connection with the inspection report of January 2008."
Commenting on the report, Mrs Philip told the Buchanie: "We are delighted with the follow-through report. It recognises the teamwork within the school and nursery as well as the partnership with parents and the wider community.
"It also highlights the hard work and commitment of all staff in ensuring the children in Meethill School and Nursery experience a wide range of learning experiences."
