Glowing report for East Calder Primary School

The team from Education Scotland spent time in the school in February 2024 and during their visit, they talked to parents/carers and children, and worked closely with the headteacher and staff.

Inspectors noted children across the school as happy, confident and respectful towards each other and adults. Pupils have a genuine interest in their learning and benefit from many valuable opportunities to achieve success and develop a wide range of skills.

They also observed a strong commitment from the school's staff team to improving their skills and knowledge. This culture of professional learning and shared values is enhancing approaches to learning, teaching and assessment.

Senior leaders and staff use data about children's learning very effectively. This is helping staff to have a firm understanding of children's progress and maintain consistently high levels of attainment over time.

Staff use digital technology very well to extend and enhance children's learning. As children move through the school, they become increasingly skilled in using digital technology creatively to support their learning.  In March 2024, East Calder Primary School became the first school in West Lothian, and one of the first schools in Scotland to achieve the 'Endorsement Digital Schools Award' from Digital Schools Awards Scotland - this award recognises the schools continued and sustained strength and developments in their digital learning and teaching.

Headteacher Fiona Stewart said: "I am thrilled to see our pupils and staff have been regarded so highly by inspectors during their visit to East Calder Primary School. We are extremely proud of all within our school community and are looking forward to the next part of our school improvement journey as we move into our new school building."

It's an exciting time for the East Calder Primary School community with work on a brand-new replacement East Calder Primary School well under way.  The new school is being constructed adjacent to the existing school in Langton Road, East Calder, with the recently built Early Years extension retained. The existing school building will be demolished upon completion of the new school. The project is progressing well with pupils and staff scheduled to move in for the start of the 2024/25 school session in August.  Inspectors also recognised the significant learning opportunities that have been afforded to the pupils of East Calder Primary School as a result of this building works as a key strength within the inspection.

Leader of West Lothian Council, Lawrence Fitzpatrick visited the school to congratulate pupils and staff following their positive inspection.

Councillor Fitzpatrick said: "Well done to all the pupils and staff of East Calder Primary School. I was delighted to get the chance to meet some of the marvellous pupils who are a credit to their teachers. The staff are clearly committed to delivering a high-quality learning environment for pupils and they will no doubt be looking forward to continuing this work in the first-class facilities that will come with the new East Calder Primary School."  

To view the full report, please see the Education Scotland website: https://education.gov.scot/inspection-and-review/find-an-inspection-report/find-an-inspection-report/details?id=2465