Published: Friday, 22nd January, 2010 1:11pm

School impresses inspectors

by Jim Stark

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A CLEAR sense of direction and the capacity to keep moving is what has made all the difference at Benarty Primary School in the last year.

The very encouraging report comes a year after the school was found to be failing in a great number of areas. But now things are heading on a positive upward curve.

The school recently received a follow up visit from HMIe inspectors who were so impressed with the overall improvement in performance at Benarty Primary and Nursery that they will make no further visits.

The inspectors acknowledged the great progress that has been made; that the vision of 'Be all you can be at Benarty' is being realised and that staff, children and parents are working together to make Benarty the best it can be.

Councillor Douglas Chapman, Strategic chair of Fife Council's Education and Children's Services Committee, pictured at the school with headteacher Eleanor McGregor said,, "I'm delighted to see the improvements which have been made at Benarty Primary School and pleased that the inspectors have recognised this. Under the leadership of headteacher Mrs MacGregor, Benarty is a school on the up. What really encouraged me during my visit was every child I spoke to saw Benarty Primary as the 'best school in Scotland' and with everyone working so well towards that end, it will not be long before they achieve their ambition.

"Inspectors were clearly impressed by the high expectations of children's behaviour, attendance and attainment and obviously felt that these expectations were being met.

"The staff of Benarty Primary School are providing a quality education in a school with a very good ethos, which will help the children today, as pupils, and into the future as confident individuals and responsible citizens."

Particular strengths highlighted in the report were: the headteacher's leadership in improving children's learning; the positive ethos in the school which allows children to engage in effective learning; the commitment of staff, children and parents in working together to improve the school; and support for children requiring extra help with their learning.

They noted that "the school has a clear sense of direction and the capacity to keep improving." The Inspectors recognised the achievements and successes in improving children's experiences, the learning environment and the quality of support in place to meet the needs of all of the children. Also that the improvements 'are having a positive effect on children's learning experiences' and that children are working in 'enterprising ways'.

The 'Buddies', Pupil Council and Eco group are encouraging the children to take responsibility to improve the school community. Ellis, P7, feels that the Buddies are really important, 'The Buddies are really kind and help out a lot. They play games with the children in additional support classes and help them communicate their thoughts and ideas.' Craig, P7, agreed that the children are helping to make the school better. Craig said, "The Playground Pals are also making a difference, when some people don't have many friends the Playground Pals help them make new friends and play games with them".

Inspectors highlighted a high level of very good practice across the school and particularly the progress and 'significant improvements' in support for learning; planning and assessment; attainment, achievement and attendance; children's experiences; and children's confidence and enthusiasm in taking responsibility for aspects of school life.

The effectiveness of parent partnership in improving homework was also noted as an achievement and improvement. The work of the staff in developing Curriculum for Excellence; support of the Parent Council; successful playground initiatives; the quality of communication and links with parents and the wider community and the commitment of staff, children and parents were also praised.

Headteacher Eleanor MacGregor, was very pleased with the report and said, "At Benarty we are aspirational for all our children, staff and parents.

"We are focusing on building resilience and developing a 'can do' attitude. What was especially pleasing is that the Inspectors' suggestions for our future next steps are already being addressed through our current school improvement plan.

"Be the best you can be at Benarty continues to be our goal for the future. We were aiming to be the most improved school in Scotland now we are going for best school in Scotland! We have received a glowing report from the HMIe, however we are not complacent. We know what we have to do to improve even further and most importantly we know how to do it."

Lochs Councillor Ann Bain said, "Benarty Primary now has a highly committed headteacher with the support of the senior management team and she has established more effective arrangement for reviewing the quality of school work and children's experiences.

"Senior manager's work effectively with staff to identify appropriate areas for future improvement which is having a positive effect on children's learning experiences. This is a very positive report and with the continuing support of the education authority, the school has the capacity to improve further".