Gold star a class act for school

Oct 29 2008 by Judith Tonner, Airdrie & Coatbridge Advertiser

STAFF and pupils at Chapelside Primary School earned a gold star when they received a glowing inspection report.

The Airdrie school was rated excellent – the highest ranking available from inspectors, meaning outstanding or sector leading – for the care, welfare and development of its 230 pupils.

Of the other 14 key indicators, the school earned an impressive seven “very good” ratings, six “good” and one “satisfactory”.

Inspectors were so impressed by their visit in May that their report, which was published last week, even contains an appendix of ideas from Chapelside which have now been officially recommended as good practice.

These included its very successful programme to improve progress in literacy, in which pupils needing extra help received special support from the depute head teacher or use daily audio tapes as part of a supported reading system with specially trained assistants.

Books in the school and class libraries were graded by level to help youngsters gain confidence by reading for enjoyment, and teachers created special activities linked to the books.

There was special praise for the personal and social development programme, including each classroom’s “feelings tree”, allowing youngsters to express their feelings and for teachers to see which pupils might require support each day.

Inspectors further highlighted the school’s annual child protection training for all members of staff, their keen skills in recognising when pupils were facing problems outside school, the school’s effective absence reporting policy and partnerships with families, and clear guidelines on computer and internet use, as good practice examples.

The inspectors noted that pupils were making good progress in English, maths, and the rest of the curriculum such as their work in gaining an eco flag and the health promoting schools’ silver award.

Youngsters at Chapelside also take part in after-school clubs, visits, enterprise activities school concerts and charity fundraising.

Head teacher Viv Nisbet was praised for her very good leadership and creation of a caring school community, and it was noted that the management team and all staff had fostered a warm and inclusive environment and good partnerships with parents and the community.

She said: “We are delighted with this report as it reflects the hard-working and caring ethos of the school, and the dedication and commitment of the whole staff team has been recognised and praised.

“The care, welfare and development of our pupils is a top priority for us and we are pleased this was highly commended.”