School inspection report for Lossiemouth's Hythehill Primary and Nursery released

An inspection of Hythehill Primary School and Nursery Class undertaken by Education Scotland and the Care Inspectorate in September has been released.

Inspectors graded the school and nursery as ‘weak’, but parents are being written to today to confirm that actions to address issues raised have already been taken.

These included ensuring personal support plans for nursery pupils are drawn up, providing risk assessments and proper record keeping of all referrals. The nursery must also ensure sufficient staff are on duty, provide a safe nappy changing facility and that all staff have training in first aid and food hygiene. .

In the primary school, improvements to leadership, teaching, and assessment to meet the needs of all children are now required to raise attainment for all pupils.

In her letter to parents, head teacher Susanne Gilbert, confirmed that a number of changes and improvements have been made, and that recommendations of the Care Inspectorate in terms of the nursery are now addressed.

The newly formed senior leadership team of the primary school is working on areas of development.

Convener for Moray Council, Cllr James Allan, whose ward covers Lossiemouth, said that the school recently experienced a significant number of staff changes, which has impacted upon the continuity of the school’s previous good practice.

“It is never good to receive a negative report,” he said.

“But I work closely with the school and I am confident that further changes made will impact positively on experiences of the young children at Hythehill Primary and nursery class.

“The school had an impromptu follow-up support visit from the Care Inspectorate on Friday and they are pleased with progress being made.

“The council has provided extra support to help the school address the wider issues raised by the inspection, and I’m confident the next follow-up will see a great improvement.”

Inspectors praised the teamwork among staff in meeting the needs of children with ASN, and highlighted that the children were friendly and capable, and eager to learn.

A copy of the report can be found here.