Blacklands Primary gains gold star in inspection

Feb 5 2010 by Lorraine Howard, Irvine Herald

“ENTHUSIASTIC children who are keen to learn,” was the key finding of an HMI Inspector of Education report on Kilwinning’s Blacklands Primary.

Other gold stars given to the school, which has 124 pupils on its register, during the inspection in December included one for the early years family club.

Headteacher Kirsty Carson, who took up her post in September last year, was praised for her leadership for learning. It said: “In her short time in post, the headteacher has made a very positive start to improving the quality of children’s learning.

“Children, parents and staff welcome her leadership style and the changes already made.

“The headteacher is highly organised and has given the school a clear sense of direction.

“She is very well supported by the principal teacher who led the school successfully during a period of staffing instability.”

And the teamwork of the staff was also praised in the report.

It said: “The school is a very caring environment. Staff show concern for children’s wellbeing and understand the school’s child protection policy and procedures.

“Children, parents and staff want their school to be successful and are working hard to improve it.”

The inspectors did highlight some areas of improvement including: raising attainment in English language and mathematics and strengthening partnerships with parents.

A spokesman for the HMI Inspector said: “We are confident that the school will be able to make the necessary improvements in light of the inspection findings.

“As a result, we will make no more visits in connection with this inspection.”