Good marks for St Marys Primary and Polbeth Nursery Class
St Mary's RC Primary and Polbeth Nursery Class have received good marks following a recent visit from Education Scotland inspectors.
The inspection team spent time in the school in April 2025 and during their visit, they talked to parents/carers and children, and worked closely with the headteacher and staff.
Education Scotland published the findings from their inspection on Tuesday 17 June with inspectors marking the school as 'Good' for Learning, teaching and assessment and, Raising attainment and achievement.
Meanwhile, the nursery was ranked 'Very Good' for Learning, teaching and assessment and 'Good' in Securing children's progress
Inspectors highlighted a number of strengths during their visit:
• The headteacher and staff team ensure that children's rights and positive relationships are at the heart of the school and the nursery's work. Staff provide a nurturing environment, supporting children well and valuing and respecting their views.
• In the school and Enhanced Resource Base, teachers plan learning well, which meets the needs of all children who require additional support. Senior leaders are highly effective in ensuring the progress of children who have barriers to learning.
• School committees, groups and clubs support all children and staff to demonstrate skills for effective learning and leadership. As they move through the school, children become more articulate about how they use their skills in different aspects of their life.
• Across the school and nursery, all staff have a strong understanding of the challenges and difficulties that affect their school community. Senior leaders and staff are very committed to ensuring equity for all children and their families.
• The nursery environment has a wide range of rich learning opportunities, both indoors and outdoors. Children are highly motivated and engaged in their learning.Areas for improvement were identified and discussed with the headteacher and representatives from West Lothian Council with inspectors concluding they are confident that the school has the capacity to continue to improve.
A small number of areas for improvement were identified and also discussed with the headteacher and a representative from West Lothian Council.
Headteacher Helen Pritchard said: "We are pleased with the outcome from our recent visit from Education Scotland. As a staff team we are dedicated to improving all aspects of education for our young people while they are with us from the Nursery Class all the way through Primary Education. We will take on board both positive feedback and areas for improvement and look to continue to develop our practices."
Executive councillor for education, Andrew McGuire said: "The report from Education Scotland reflects positively on the children, staff and the wider school community around St Marys and Polbeth Nursery Class. I'd like to pass on best wishes to staff and look forward to seeing how the school continues its positive work in the future."
