Muirkirk Primary School and Early Childhood Centre has been handed a favourable report card from an education scrutiny body.
Education Scotland graded the school and nursery, in Burns Avenue, Muirkirk, as ‘very good’ in two quality indicators and ‘good’ in six other categories.
Among its strengths, according to Education Scotland, children were “very proud” of their school and early childhood centre.
They also had a “strong sense of belonging” to the school, the early childhood centre and community.
In addition, senior leaders and staff had created “safe, nurturing, inclusive surroundings” in which children learn and that the wellbeing and welfare of children was “evident.”
An extract from Education Scotland’s inspection report said “strong partnerships” with the local community helped “enhance” learning activities and enabled the children to be “supported.”
The report goes on: “The headteacher, and all staff, demonstrate a clear commitment to improving outcomes for all children.
“They value children as individuals and constantly seek opportunities to help them develop as successful, happy, achieving, respectful and positive people.
“Staff have created a calm, positive, nurturing learning environment that reflects the school’s vision and values.
“This ethos is underpinned by mutual respect and a commitment to children’s rights.
“Children benefit from being part of this strong learning community in which there are positive and respectful relationships with staff and peers. Children are considerate of others, respectful, helpful and mannerly.”
Education Scotland has asked for improvements to be made in two areas; namely to ensure staff are ‘clear’ about how they “gather evidence” on how well the school is doing and to “increase opportunities” for children to learn “independently” and provide “more activities” which encourage children to think for themselves.
In a letter to parents/carers, HM Inspector Frances E Graham said: “We are confident that the school has the capacity to continue to improve.”
Currently, 100 children attend the school across five classes. Twenty eight children attend the Early Childhood Centre.
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