Report encourages school to continue to make improvements

04 October 2016

An inspection report issued today (Tue 04 Oct) by Education Scotland has identified a number of key strengths and areas for improvement at Dyce School and nursery class in Aberdeen.

During their visit in May 2016, inspectors spoke to parents and children and worked closely with the head teacher and school staff. Inspectors were particularly interested in the school’s recent work including raising children’s awareness of their health and well-being and children’s rights and the increasing range of opportunities for wider achievement.

Inspectors found the following key strengths:

children are happy, polite, caring and are eager to learn; a welcoming, supportive and inclusive environment; the commitment of the school in developing positive links with partner organisations.

Inspectors discussed with senior school staff and quality improvement officers from Aberdeen City Council how they could continue to improve the school and nursery class. It was agreed that staff should:

develop a more consistent use of robust data across the curriculum to inform improvements to learning and teaching in order to raise attainment; further develop effective self-evaluation processes to focus more on improving outcomes for learners; increase the pace of curriculum development; increase leadership at all levels including children leading learning.

As a result of the visit the school will receive additional support and more time to make the necessary improvements.

An Area Lead Officer will work with Aberdeen City Council to build capacity for improvement and will maintain contact to monitor progress.

Aberdeen City Council’s Convener of Education and Children’s Services Committee Councillor Angela Taylor said: “Education Scotland’s inspection team has recognised that the school has a clear and shared strategy to raise attainment in literacy and numeracy and promotes good health and wellbeing. The report acknowledges that a great deal of work has gone into developing new programmes for learning in these areas.

“Quality Improvement Officers from Aberdeen City Council will work closely with Dyce Primary School to make the necessary improvements outlined in the report.”