Papa Westray Community School

Overview

The inspection team found that the acting headteacher and nursery lead practitioner provide "effective direction and leadership," securing "positive improvement" across the school and nursery. The institution benefits from an "authentic connection to the island environment, heritage and culture," fostering strong community partnerships. A "nurturing and caring ethos" ensures children are "thriving," with staff placing high importance on wellbeing.

Strengths

• "Effective direction and leadership" with a "clear vision and drive" that has secured positive improvement.
• An "authentic connection to the island environment, heritage and culture," providing "rich learning experiences."
• A "nurturing and caring ethos" where wellbeing sits at the centre of work, resulting in children who are "thriving."
• "Skilful interactions" by nursery staff, offering time and space to support children in developing ideas and leading their own learning.

Areas to improve

• Continue to develop approaches to "measure and demonstrate the impact of improvement work" to support strategic decision making.
• Continue to develop the curriculum so children build skills and knowledge in "deliberately planned, progressive ways."
• Continue to develop and embed "high-quality teaching and learning approaches in the primary class," including children taking further ownership of their learning.

Safeguarding

The report states that "the wellbeing of children is of high importance to all staff across school and nursery and sits at the centre of their work."