Clerkhill School

Overview

Inspectors found that senior leaders and staff collaborate effectively to raise attainment and address barriers, fostering a strong sense of community encapsulated by the motto: “We belong. We believe. We achieve.” Children are described as polite, respectful, and well behaved, enjoying the extensive grounds which provide opportunities for outdoor learning. Strong relationships between staff and pupils support a positive learning environment where children engage well, particularly in play-based learning that develops imagination and independence.

Strengths

• Senior leaders and staff work well together to deliver programmes that raise attainment and address barriers children face.
• Children are positive about their school, displaying polite and respectful behaviour while mixing well in social situations.
• Strong staff-child relationships contribute to a positive learning environment, supporting engagement in real-life learning situations.
• Play-based learning approaches successfully develop children’s imagination, problem solving, and independence in early and first levels.

Areas to improve

• Continue planned initiatives to promote skills in literacy and numeracy and raise attainment.
• Refine learning and teaching approaches, specifically improving the pace and challenge in learning experiences across the school.
• Streamline planning and recording approaches across primary and nursery to improve children’s individual profiles for reflection.

Safeguarding

The report does not contain specific narrative commentary on safeguarding arrangements, though it notes that the school has the capacity to continue to improve.