North Lanarkshire school rated 'one of best in Scotland' by inspectors

St Stephen’s Primary School has been awarded three “excellent” ratings by the team from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) in Scotland, and one “very good”.

The inspectors praised senior staff for creating a “highly inclusive ethos across the school and Language and Communication Support Classes (LCSC)” which means children “believe in themselves and know that they are highly valued members of the school community.”

The report also singled out the “outstanding leadership” of the headteacher and her senior staff team, adding: “They motivate children and staff to lead change with enthusiasm and confidence.

“Children and staff are trusted and actively involved in improving the school. Their contributions make a positive difference to them as individuals and to the school community.”

The inspectors said staff showed a “sustained, shared commitment to high-quality professional learning” and added: “As a result, senior leaders and staff have a strong understanding of how children learn. They use this knowledge very effectively to plan creative and engaging learning experiences that help children become independent learners.”

Pupils at the school are described as “enthusiastic about learning, work very well together and confidently explain how they solve problems across different areas of learning.”

The report, which is available in full on the HMIE in Scotland website, added: “Senior leaders and all staff are ambitious in their approaches to ensuring each child is included fully in all aspects of the school.

“Children in the LCSC engage in high quality experiences that are well-matched to the learning of their peers in the mainstream classes. Any barriers to learning or participation in whole school events are removed. As a result, children feel fully included and make strong progress in their learning.”

Headteacher Martine Watt said: “We are delighted to be recognised as an excellent school where our faith and values underpin the leadership of our highly inclusive practice across the mainstream and LCSC; where children and staff actively promote children’s rights, equality and respect; and where the talents of every child are nurtured.

“We are particularly proud to be recognised as a school where all children are ‘educated with care, compassion and high expectations’.”

She added: “We are all incredibly proud that the inspectors captured the dedication and commitment of staff, pupils, parents and partners in this outstanding report. It is a great achievement for our wonderful community.”

Councillor Anne McCrory, vice convener of North Lanarkshire Council’s education, children and families committee, said: “This is a first-class report for St Stephen’s Primary School, recognising the skill, professionalism and care provided by the headteacher and her team.

“Congratulations to everyone within the school community for their commitment to delivering the highest standards of teaching and learning for the pupils.”

Pupils and staff at St Stephen’s have also secured the prestigious Gold Rights Respecting Schools Award and Gold School Sport Award.

The Gold Rights Respecting Schools Award, presented by UNICEF UK, is the highest level of recognition and is awarded to schools that place children’s rights at the heart of their values and daily life.