Lochgelly West Primary School

Overview

Education Scotland inspected Lochgelly West Primary School and Nursery Class in September 2024. The report highlights a strong, welcoming ethos and effective leadership in the nursery, while noting that primary stage outcomes require significant improvement. Consequently, the school requires additional support and will undergo a further inspection within 18 months.

Strengths

• The new headteacher and principal teacher have "quickly gained the confidence and trust of the school community," motivating staff to improve learner experiences.
• Children are described as "polite, welcoming and proud of their school," participating well and showing they are "eager to learn."
• Staff work collaboratively to build positive relationships, leading "effectively through periods of significant change" which has positively impacted children’s wellbeing.
• Nursery practitioners are "enthusiastic" and have improved learning and teaching, underpinned by a "welcoming ethos" and clear vision.

Areas to improve

• School leaders must "streamline processes for supporting learners" and focus on key priorities to secure the greatest impact on outcomes.
• Staff need to improve approaches to learning, teaching, and assessment to ensure all children receive "appropriate levels of support and challenge."
• There is an immediate priority to raise attainment and "reverse the declining pattern of attainment of children as they progress through the school."

Safeguarding

The report states that staff work well to develop positive relationships with children and families, creating "nurturing environments" that have impacted positively on children’s wellbeing.