Balbardie Primary Inspection progress

During a recent visit, Education Inspectors talked to children and worked closely with the headteacher and staff. They heard from the headteacher and other staff about the steps the school has taken to improve. They looked at particular areas that had been identified in the original inspection and, as a result, were able to find out about the progress the school has made and how well this is supporting children's learning and achievements.

There were several very positive outcomes highlighted by Inspectors:

• The school has made strong progress towards addressing the views of all stakeholders when planning improvements, helping them to identify accurately the school's strengths and development needs and allocate resources appropriately.
• The leadership team has strengthened leadership, values and engagement across the school community. They promote positive relationships and ensure that all members of the school community feel valued for the work that they do.
• The leadership team has developed a more positive team culture. Staff feel valued, empowered and supported. The leadership team prioritise wellbeing and have introduced clear, structured communication systems that improve transparency of decision making. This is helping to build trust and keep staff better informed. Communication with families is also improving. The leadership team provide clear and regular updates and inform the school community about how feedback influences decisions. The leadership team should now continue to work closely with families to refine and further improve communication between home and school.
• Children, staff and parents contribute increasingly to decision-making, including school improvement priorities and funding allocation.
• Inspectors also found that the school has made positive progress towards monitoring more effectively the implementation of improvement initiatives. The leadership team responded effectively to the required improvements identified in the initial inspection.
• Staff engage well in self-evaluation activities and work together to take forward school improvement priorities.
• The school has made significant progress in addressing the need to review and improve approaches to meeting the needs of children who require additional support with aspects of their learning. The leadership team has strengthened considerably support for children who require additional support with aspects of their learning and wellbeing.

Inspectors said: "The school has made good progress since the original inspection. We are confident that the school has the capacity to continue to improve

Read the full report here:

• Inspection Report for Balbardie Primary School (opens new window)