A SCHOOL near Glasgow has been praised for its “ethos of nurture and compassion” following a visit by education inspectors.

The team found “highly effective leadership” provided by the headteacher and senior leadership team at Cathkin Primary School and Nursery Class in Rutherglen.

The report noted: “Together, they create a supportive, inclusive culture, recognised by the school community.

“Across the establishment, all staff work very well together as a team. They engage well with professional learning and reflect on their practice. Well-considered, engaging approaches to learning and teaching are impacting positively on children’s progress and achievement.”

The Education Scotland report also said: “The whole school community have worked well to create an ethos of nurture and compassion, where children and adults feel valued and listened to.

“Wellbeing is central to the work of all staff across the school and nursery.”

The inspectors commended the “quality of teamwork and nurturing approaches to support children’s learning in supported classes” and added: “This is enhanced by staff skills and consistency in using a range of alternative communication aids to develop children’s language and communication skills effectively. Tracking children’s progress is a key strength.”

Noreen Black, headteacher, said, “We are all very proud of our school and nursery class and we will continue to work as a team to build on our strengths and to take forward the areas for improvement.

“I feel the inspection by Education Scotland endorsed the whole team approach we have here at Cathkin Primary School and Nursery.  I wish to thank our staff, pupils, parents and families, as well as members of our wider school community, for their continued support, and in helping us to achieve what is a very positive report.”

Two areas for improvement were identified and discussed with the headteacher and a representative from South Lanarkshire Council. The school was advised that it should “in primary classes, continue to raise attainment across the curriculum, with a particular focus on writing” and “in nursery, continue to improve the quality and use of observations of children’s learning.”

The full report is available on the Education Scotland website.