Sanday School at the heart of the island community

Inspectors from Education Scotland have described Sanday Community School as 'the heart, soul and future' of the island community in a recent inspection report.

Inspectors, who visited the school on , found the key strengths of the schools to be:

• Senior leaders and staff have created an environment where children and young people feel cared for and included well as part of the school community. As a result, children and young people have the confidence to ‘have a go’ in their everyday learning.
• Teaching and non-teaching staff who collaborate regularly and provide relentless wrap around support to children and young people. All staff are aware of how their roles complement each other’s skills and experience. They are caring and strive to achieve the very best for each child and young person.
• Strong, close links across the island community which support children and young people to learn and develop. Together the school, community and partners ensure the Sanday Community School continues to strengthen its position as the heart, soul and future of their island community.

As part of the inspection process they also identified some areas for improvement which were:

• Senior leaders are aware of the need to continue to improve approaches to self evaluation. In addition, establish a shared responsibility for all staff to lead aspects of school improvement.
• Continue to raise expectations of learners attainment and achievements. Develop further approaches to the quality of learning and teaching reflecting the nature of the school catering for children and young people from three to sixteen.

Councillor Gwenda Shearer is Chair of the Council's Education, Leisure and Housing Committee. She said: "I congratulate the pupils, staff team at the community for their success. The inspection process is integral to continuous improvement of our schools and to hear such positive remarks made about Sanday Community School is very pleasing indeed."

Following the inspection, Education Scotland has said they believe school has the capacity to continue to improve and so we will make no more visits in connection with this inspection.

The full published letter is available on the Education Scotland website.