Inspectors found “stimulating learning environment” at Firth Primary School and Nursery

Children at Firth Primary School and Nursery are developing a “wide range of skills for learning, life and work “, according to Education Scotland Inspectors following a recent visit. 

They also enjoy a “stimulating learning environment”, thanks to a strong staff focus on developing their own professional skills and abilities to pass on. 

The inspection team, who visited in March 2024 found the following strengths in the school and nursery’s work:  

• Staff motivate children successfully in reading and writing which is impacting positively on children’s attainment. 
• The strong focus of staff on developing their professional skills and abilities. As a result, children enjoy their learning within stimulating learning environments.
• The highly relevant leadership opportunities children in the school have through their pupil voice groups. Children are developing very well a wide range of skills for learning, life and work through these groups.

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

• Continue to develop approaches to assessing children’s progress and attainment. This will support staff to identify clearly the progress children make and increase their understanding of national standards. 
• In the school, the headteacher and teachers should monitor carefully the impact of all interventions, including those supported by Pupil Equity Funding, on children’s progress. This will help them to identify the interventions which are making the biggest difference for children. 
• In the nursery class, staff should increase opportunities for children to develop their literacy and numeracy skills to ensure they make the best possible progress. To support this work, staff should develop further their approaches to evaluating the quality of children’s learning experiences.

Education Scotland gave Firth School a “good” evaluation for learning, teaching and assessment and raising attainment and achievement. The Nursery was evaluated as being “good” for learning, teaching and assessment and “satisfactory” for securing children’s progress. 

The Care Inspectorate’s evaluations for the early learning and childcare setting were “good” for care, play and learning, nurturing care and support, leadership, quality assurance and improvement. 

As a result of the inspection, one area for improvement was made around the safeguarding of children and ensuring the manager and staff have the required skills and knowledge in relation to recognising and responding to child protection concerns. 

Inspectors are confident that improvements will continue to be made so won’t be carrying out any further visits in connection with this inspection. 

Chair of the Council’s Education, Leisure and Housing Committee, Councillor Gwenda Shearer, said: “Overall, this is a good inspection report highlighting some very positive areas in setting some great foundations for learning and that is due to the ongoing diligence of a committed staff team. 

“I am also pleased to note the confidence the Inspectors have in terms of ongoing improvements – a confidence I am sure we all share.” 

The report is available on the Education Scotland website at https://education.gov.scot/