Parkhead Primary goes to top of the class

Jan 27 2011 by Marjorie Kerr, West Lothian Courier

Parkhead Primary goes to top of the class

A PRIMARY school and nursery class have been praised for the quality of their teaching.

Experts from HM Inspectorate of Education hailed Parkhead Primary in West Calder for the attention given to pupils.

And now staff’s achievements have been commended by Andrew Miller, executive councillor for education.

Councillor Miller said: “We are delighted with this overwhelming positive HMIE report for Parkhead Primary School and Nursery Class.

“We’re particularly pleased that inspectors singled out a number of key strengths at the school, such as well-behaved, friendly children and their enthusiasm for learning; the learning experiences and achievements of children in the nursery class and at the early stages; and the strong commitment and sense of professional responsibility demonstrated by staff.

“The recommendation of the inspectors is for us to continue to build on the improvements we have made to the very good quality of education provided at Parkhead.”

The school’s head teacher, Morag Stewart, was also praised for her leadership of improvement and change at the school.

The HMI report said that no further visits would be needed to support improvements at Parkhead Primary.

And it also praised the school’s “robust self evaluation”.

The report said: “The school provide a very good quality of education.

“Therefore, we will make no further visits in connection with this inspection.

“The education authority will inform parents about the school’s progress as part of the authority’s arrangements for reporting to parents on the quality of their schools.”

However, the experts asked that the school continue to build on recent improvements and raise children’s achievements further.

Councillor Andrew Miller added: “Congratulations to the staff, pupils and the whole school community for their efforts in achieving this great report.”