Pirnmill Primary School rated 'weak' by Education Scotland

During a visit back in May this year, inspectors found the school needed "additional support and more time to make necessary improvements". 

While the inspectors found the children were happy, friendly and keen to learn, the school received weak ratings for learning, teaching and assessment, as well as raising attainment and achievement.

North Ayrshire Council today admitted the report was "disappointing" but said that they were actively supporting the school to make the required improvements.

During the visit, the team talked to parents/carers and children and worked closely with the acting headteacher and staff.

In their report, released this week, the inspectors said: "The following areas for improvement were identified and discussed with the headteacher and a representative from North Ayrshire Council.

"Staff should develop approaches to support children to lead their own learning. This should include more regular, planned learning conversations. This will enable children to better understand what they have achieved and what is next for them in their learning.

"Senior leaders, with support from the local authority, should develop further an effective strategic approach that supports staff to raise attainment and achievement for all children.

"This should include embedding processes to plan, track and assess children’s learning."

The report continued: "Senior leaders should prioritise and support the improvement of the quality of learning, teaching and assessment to ensure all children make the best possible progress.

"All staff should further develop the use of data to track more clearly how much and how well children progress over time.

"They should use this information to plan learning that challenges children to make the best possible progress."

On a more positive note, the inspection team found the following strengths in the school’s work.

They reported: "Children are happy, friendly and keen to learn. They benefit from positive and caring relationships across the whole school community that support the wellbeing of children and families.

"This is supported by senior leaders and staff who understand the island and rural context of the local community.

"Strong partnerships which help improve children's wellbeing, enhance learning experiences and support children at times of change."

A North Ayrshire Council spokesperson said: “Whilst this is undoubtedly a disappointing report, we are sure everyone in the school community will be as determined as we are to make the improvements identified for the children of Pirnmill Primary.

“We are actively supporting the school to address the identified recommendations and areas for improvement. This improvement work has already started and will be continued when the new head teacher arrives in September."