SELKIRK'S largest primary school has received a damning report from government inspectors.

 

Knowepark Primary School was branded weak for 'wellbeing, equality and inclusion' in a report which was published last week.

 

And the Curror Street school was only graded as satisfactory for 'leadership', 'learning' and 'attainment'.

 

The school's Nursery was also seen as weak for 'learning' and 'leadership' by Education Scotland inspectors with 'children's progress' and 'well-being' both just satisfactory.

 

Inspectors have drawn up a list of improvements that need to be made in the coming months.

 

Schools bosses have been told to 'refresh the vision, values and aims of the school and nursery class to bring about a clear direction to ensure continuous improvement' as well as 'improve the consistency of high quality learning, teaching and assessment across the school'.

 

The report also demands a 'review of the playroom environment of the nursery class to facilitate more effective learning and teaching'.

 

Headteacher Lynn Hodgins said: "We have already made significant progress towards the identified areas for improvement and I would like to take this opportunity to thank our children and staff for their hard work and effort in taking these forward.

 

"We are all deeply committed to Knowepark Primary and making sure that we are providing the highest quality learning experiences we can for our children."

 

Despite the criticism of standards the inspectors did highlight the work of the headteacher to change the ethos of the school, and that pupils were found to be polite and friendly, as well staff who were engaging in professional learning, and improving parental and partner engagement.

 

Ms Hodgins added: "We are really pleased that some of the strengths of Knowepark have been recognised, particularly the commitment of our whole staff team to making our school a welcoming place for children and their families.

 

"We are also delighted that the inspection team recognised our children as a key strength.

 

“I would also like to thank parents, carers and partners who make such a valuable contribution to the learning experiences and support for all children at the school.”

 

Education Scotland will return to Knowepark within the next 18 months for a follow-up inspection.

 

Parents representative Diane Martin, added: “Knowepark is a fantastic school and I am pleased that the inspectors recognised the work of the headteacher and staff in providing a caring and welcoming environment for both the children and their parents.

 

"I am also delighted that our children were noted as being polite and friendly throughout the school.

 

"Many of the areas for improvement highlighted in the report had been identified prior to the inspection process.

 

Great improvements have already been made and I have no doubt they will continue to do so."