HMIe inspection of Western Isles schools

As part of the inspectorate’s ongoing strategy for evaluating the educational provision of local authorities reports were recently issued on inspections carried out in March 2010 by HMIe on the quality of education at Bragar School in Lewis, Paible School in North Uist and Balivanich School in Benbecula.

“Quality learning”

The Report on Bragar School recognises key strengths in the approaches to identifying and supporting children who require additional help with their learning. Pupils in the school were identified as being confident and keen to learn and the Headteacher and staff have been commended for their work in improving learning and the achievements of children.  The Headteacher was also praised for the manner in which she has taken the whole school community forward.  In the evaluations of the school performance against HMIe quality indicators the school was judged to be performing at good and very good levels.

The Report on Paible School commends the well behaved, polite young people who are always eager to learn.  It acknowledges the high quality of young people’s work in art and design and their confident use of ICT to support their learning across the curriculum.   The report also praises the engagement of staff and their willingness to undertake new developments to improve the school and the partnership with parents and the whole community as well as the very high standard of leadership within the school.  The HMIe report recommends that the school continue to raise attainment and build on examples of very good learning and teaching to ensure that young people receive consistently high quality learning experiences.

“Positive outcomes”

The HMIe Report on Balivanich School highlights the inclusive and welcoming ethos of the school and the positive impact of Gaelic culture on the school.  Children are happy, motivated and confident within the school and continue to progress well.  The Report praises the leadership of the Headteacher and the effective teamwork of all staff in improving the school and that the school has made productive links with the local and wider community.  In the evaluations of the school performance against HMIe quality indicators at primary and nursery class levels, the school was judged to be performing at a very good level.

Chair of Education and Children’s Services Committee at Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, Councillor Morag Munro commented:

“I was very pleased to read the recent positive inspections of the three Western Isles schools.  I would like to thank HMIe for the inspection reports that highlight the good work taking place in our schools as well as giving clear points where the schools can make further improvements.  I commend the hard work of the staff, pupils and parents in achieving these very positive outcomes”.

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