Greengairs Primary HMI follow up report

HM Inspectors (HMIE) published a report on standards and quality in Greengairs Primary School in October 2001.  In December 2001, North Lanarkshire Council in collaboration with the school prepared and published an action plan indicating how they would address the main points for action in the HMIE report within a two year period.

A North Lanarkshire Council Quality Improvement Officer assessed the extent to which the school was continuing to improve the quality of its work, and evaluated the progress made in responding to the main points for action in the original report.

The headteacher and staff had effectively improved provision within the school and had systematically raised attainment in reading, writing and mathematics.  There were clear monitoring strategies in place and standards set throughout the school were high.  The pace of learning and the quality of courses reviewed were good and had resulted in improved attainment.  The planned review of other curricular areas is likely to lead to improvements in programmes and should ensure that planning and assessment are in line with the effective developments in the areas identified in the report.  Self-evaluation procedures were effective in securing developments and improving staff confidence and curricular knowledge.  The headteacher and staff were in a strong position to take the school forward and continue the very good improvements in attainment, achievement and learning and teaching

The initial inspection report published in October 2001 identified four points for action.  This section evaluates the progress made with each of the action points and the resulting improvements for pupils and other stakeholders.

3.1  The education authority should address the accommodation issues identified in this report.

• Very good progress had been made in meeting this action point. Drinking water was now available for all pupils.  Repairs had been completed to perimeter fences, rainwater pipes and outside steps.  External cladding panels had been repaired.  The improvements in ventilation were due to be addressed as part of a current programme of works.

3.2  The school should continue with its approaches to improving attainment across the stages in writing and in mathematics at P4.

The school has met this point for action.

• Staff had undertaken a review of the pace of learning in writing and worked with education authority staff tutors in classes to improve the delivery of the writing programme.  Folios had been established for all pupils and guidelines issued to staff to improve attainment across the school.  The headteacher had monitored attainment in writing.  There had been an improvement in procedures for National Testing and coursework was now more challenging.  The pace of learning in mathematics had increased through improved teachers' planning and assessment.  The headteacher visited classes to assure interactive teaching, appropriate pace of learning and effective questioning.  National Test results had shown steady improvement. Attainment in mathematics across the school was very good.

3.3  The school should continue to improve its programme for English language.

The school has met this point for action.

• Attainment in reading across all stages in the school had improved and now exceeded targets set by the school.  The implementation of new resources integrating the existing phonics programme and using early intervention strategies had improved reading at the early stages.  Appropriate resources had been purchased and implemented in P4 to P7.  Parents evaluated reading materials and the school monitored the effectiveness of the new programme.  Pupils were more enthusiastic about reading and staff were more confident in the delivery of an effective reading programme.  A comprehensive file outlining the programme for English language was in place for all levels of attainment and covering all aspects.  The file assisted teachers to deliver a course that provided continuity and progression, an effective pace of learning and enabled the headteacher to effectively monitor progress.

3.4  The school should proceed with its intentions to review and improve its programme for personal, social and health education.

The school has met this point for action.

• The school undertook an audit of resources, evaluated new materials and purchased resources that enabled them to meet all aspects of 5-14 personal and social development and health education.  The staff examined links with other curricular areas and devised a two-year rolling programme that would address composite class issues.  Forward planning now took account of authority guidelines.  The school had an effective, well resourced programme in place that ensured continuity and progression.

Michael O'Neill, Director of Education