St Joseph’s Primary receives gold star from inspectors

Jul 2 2009 by Debbie Spalding, West Lothian Courier

A WEST Lothian primary school has been praised by inspectors for building a strong partnership with parents.

St Joseph’s Primary School and Nursery Class in Whitburn was visited by Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) recently.

And the report has rated the school as good or very good in every category.

Inspectors said the school had built strong ties with the local parish and the wider community in the Whitburn area.

They also singled out other key strengths such as the children’s very good behaviour and their enthusiasm for learning.

Pupils’ skills in information and communications technology, the range of their experiences in outdoor learning and the successful approaches to inclusion were also highlighted by the inspection team has being of a very high standard.

The inspectors also praised the outstanding leadership of the headteacher and the commitment of staff to school improvement, the quality of relationships between staff and children and the care taken by all staff to promote children’s welfare.

Andrew Miller, executive councillor for education, said: “This is an excellent report for St Joseph’s.

“I am delighted the inspectors have recognised the excellent work taking place at the school.

“I’m particularly pleased they have cited two examples of good practice at the school in their support for vulnerable children and the Leading Change: Winning hearts and minds scheme, which is a real achievement.

“I’m positive the school will use this glowing report as a springboard to improve even further the skills of all the pupils.”

The inspectors also agreed that the school will continue to raise children’s attainment in English language and mathematics, and improve approaches to learning and teaching to ensure that all children are appropriately challenged.