CHILDREN at St Luke’s Primary and Nursery Class in Kilwinning are “very courteous, articulate and confident” and “are highly motivated to learn” according to a recent inspection report by Education Scotland.

The review, part of a new approach to inspections over the 2015-16 academic session, also praised the “extent to which children have a say in shaping improvements”.

Guch Dhillon, HM Inspector, noted: “Across the nursery and the primary stages, all children are very well behaved, motivated and enjoy their learning.”

Mr Dhillon also pointed out that headteacher Fiona MacKenzie has been in the post for less than a year and has a clear vision for the school. 

He added: “She has quickly gained the respect and confidence of children, parents, staff and the community. She is building on existing strengths and has recognised the need to put in place a number of necessary improvements in the school.”

Other key strengths across the school were “leadership of the senior management team who have a clear vision for improvement” and the staff, who were noted for their contribution to “the wider life of the school” which ensures “that children achieve in a wide range of activities”.

Most quality indicators were rated ‘good’ or ‘satisfactory’ with the exception of learners’ experiences, which was rated ‘very good’.

Following the review, inspectors discussed with staff and North Ayrshire Council how they might continue to improve the school.

They agreed on the following: increase challenge in children’s learning to ensure that all children achieve their best; continue to develop the curriculum to ensure progression in children’s skills across all curricular areas; and to improve the impact of self-evaluation by using arrangements in a more robust and systematic way to secure continuous and well-paced improvement. 

Mr Dhillon concluded: “We are satisfied with the overall quality of provision. We are confident that the school’s self-evaluation processes are leading to improvements. As a result, we will make no further visits in connection with this inspection. North Ayrshire Council will inform parents about the school’s progress.”

St Luke’s Head Teacher Fiona MacKenzie said: “We are delighted with this positive report which highlights the fantastic efforts made by both children and the staff at the school. 
“We are also pleased to hear that the inspection found the school to be a nurturing, caring place which allows the children to develop and learn. 

“The children were described as courteous, articulate and highly motivated. We have a dedicated and talented staff here at St Luke’s and that too, is also highlighted in the report. 

“Now we must continue to build on those strengths and to provide a first-class education for our pupils.”