ONE of the Borders' most visually stunning school buildings has won praise from education inspectors for the quality of learning within it.

Designed by Scottish firm Stallan-Brand, Broomlands Primary School and Nursery Class in Kelso opened in 2018 and features a dramatic 56 feet-long cantilever.

Soaring 34 feet above an outdoor play area, the larch-clad canopy was inspired by the pitched roofs of local vernacular architecture.

Now its impressive design has been matched by the quality of education within the building with an Education Scotland report published this week recognising many key strengths in the school’s work.

During their visit in March this year, inspectors talked to parents/carers and young people and worked closely with the headteacher and his staff.

Under the effective leadership of the headteacher and senior leaders, the inspectors found there to be a team of staff who work very well together and support one another to improve. School and nursery staff engage in professional learning and reflection, which is supporting school improvement and helping children achieve and attain.

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Inspectors noted enthusiastic, articulate and confident children who clearly demonstrate their school and nursery values each day – playing and learning together well and being supportive of each other.

Staff make very effective use of digital technologies which are fully integrated across school life. This is enhancing children’s learning experiences and skills.

In the nursery, practitioners make highly effective use of outdoor spaces to promote and support children’s thinking across the curriculum.

Senior leaders and all staff create a nurturing, inclusive ethos where children feel safe and cared for. This has a positive impact on the well-being of all children across the nursery and school.

Overall, the school and nursery were graded good or very good across all measures of the report.

Headteacher Adam Lindsay said: “We are delighted that the recent inspection at Broomlands has recognised key strengths and achievements. The inspectors saw how effective leadership cultivates a team approach, which is ensuring school improvement.

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“They highlighted how the school develops articulate, confident children within a nurturing, inclusive ethos and our children feel safe and cared for in both nursery and school. They were particularly impressed with how the nursery make highly effective use of outdoor spaces, promoting children’s thinking and curiosity. We are proud to have the very effective use of digital technologies highlighted, in how it enhances children’s learning experiences and skills across school life”.

Broomlands Parent Council chair, Pamela Guthrie, added: “We are really pleased that the school has received such a positive report.  It is testament to all the staff at every level, who do a fantastic job in ensuring our children are well cared for in a nurturing environment, where they can enhance their learning and show great achievement.  The children engage in their learning and as a parent council we feel their class teachers know them well and support them in progressing to the next level”.

Inspectors are confident that the school has the capacity to continue to improve and will make no more visits in connection with this inspection. The school will continue to work on areas identified in the report to ensure continuous improvement.