Tarbert Academy

Overview

The inspection found that staff have fostered positive relationships, creating a "welcoming and calm environment" where children are "articulate, respectful and proud of their school." However, the report identifies significant challenges in leadership and teaching quality, noting that the school requires "additional support and more time to make necessary improvements." Consequently, Education Scotland will conduct a further inspection within one year to monitor progress.

Strengths

• Relationships are positive, with learners described as "articulate, respectful and proud of their school."
• Staff collaborate effectively on professional learning to improve the quality of learning, teaching, and assessment.
• Primary department children are making "positive progress in developing their skills in writing and numeracy."

Areas to improve

• Develop leadership at all levels and establish a "consistent approach to monitoring and evaluating the work of the school."
• Use assessment information more effectively to meet individual needs and implement a "whole school approach to raise attainment across the curriculum."
• Review the curriculum to ensure young people "build on their prior learning more effectively" and raise the profile of equality and diversity.

Safeguarding

The report evaluates "Ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion" as "satisfactory" for both the whole school and the nursery class, though it notes staff need to raise the profile of equality and diversity to better prepare learners for life beyond school.