Dunbarney Primary School

Overview

The inspection team found that senior leaders and staff have created a "calm, nurturing learning environment" underpinned by strong school values. Children are described as "caring, kind and considerate," enjoying warm relationships and making "very strong progress" in literacy and numeracy. The report concludes that the school has the capacity to continue to improve without further visits.

Strengths

• Staff use a "wide range of information about children’s learning very well to improve outcomes," supporting strong progress for all pupils, including those needing additional support.
• Children develop a "broad range of skills" which they use effectively when leading clubs and activities, helping them become "independent learners and responsible citizens."
• Nursery staff use planning systems "very well to provide a balanced mix of child-led and adult-initiated learning," ensuring meaningful opportunities across the curriculum.
• The school’s work in raising attainment and achievement was evaluated as "very good," while learning, teaching and assessment were evaluated as "good."

Areas to improve

• Senior leaders and staff should "continue to strengthen creative approaches to teaching," providing greater opportunities for children to lead their learning to ensure consistently high-quality experiences.
• Early learning and childcare staff should ensure all children have "progressive targets in their learning plans" to guarantee appropriate support and optimal progress.

Safeguarding

The report does not contain specific statements regarding safeguarding arrangements or outcomes.