Children learn in a “nurturing environment” at North Ronaldsay School, say inspectors

Children learn in a “nurturing environment with positive relationships evident” at North Ronaldsay Community School, Education Scotland inspectors have found. 

The headteacher is also bringing stability and direction to the school and has introduced effective processes to improve the quality of teaching and children’s learning experiences, the inspectors added. 

The school was visited in May 2024 by inspectors who spoke with parents/carers and children and worked closely with the headteacher and staff. 

The inspection team found the following strengths in the school’s work: 

Children learn in a nurturing environment where positive relationships are evident across the school community. Children are eager to talk about their learning and their life on North Ronaldsay. 

Staff’s introduction of a wider range of opportunities for children to achieve and learn new skills, this is helping children to be more confident and resilient. 

The following areas for improvement were identified and discussed with the headteacher and a representative from Orkney Islands Council: 

Staff should provide children with more opportunities to be active and independent in purposeful learning. 

Staff should increase the pace of planned learning to ensure children make the best possible progress. 

Staff should continue to address gaps in children’s literacy and numeracy to raise levels of attainment. 

Learning, teaching and assessment and raising attainment and achievement were rated as “satisfactory” 

Inspectors will carry out no further visits in connection with this inspection. 

Chair of the Council’s Education, Leisure and Housing Committee, Councillor Gwenda Shearer, said: “It’s great to see that good progress is being made at North Ronaldsay Community School and note the inspectors are confident that this will continue. It’s particularly pleasing that the children are eager to share their learning experiences and life in North Ronaldsay.” 

The full report is available on the Education Scotland website.