Wishaw school to get extra support after inspectors raise concerns

The team from His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) in Scotland found a number of positives at Netherton Primary in Wishaw, including the caring relationships teachers have with children and the “calm and welcoming” learning environment.

The report also described pupils as “articulate, well-mannered and enthusiastic” and added: “Teachers are developing more well-established classroom routines that help children to focus on their learning.

“For example, teachers routinely share the purpose of learning and measures of success with children, they are developing opportunities for children to help plan learning and are offering children helpful feedback during literacy.”

However, the inspection team identified an “urgent need” to improve in key areas.

The report said: “All staff should plan and deliver learning that is better matched to the needs of all children. This includes supporting a minority of children who require more challenge in their learning.

“Teachers should make improvements to the approaches used to assess children’s progress.

“Senior leaders and teachers should raise the attainment of children, particularly those in the middle stages of the school.”

The report, which is available in full on the HMIE in Scotland website added: “The headteacher should work with staff and the local authority to introduce a clear monitoring and tracking system and approaches to evaluate the quality of the work of the school. This should support the development of interventions that help to improve learner experiences and to raise the attainment and progress of learners.”

The inspectors rated Netherton Primary “weak” in learning, teaching and assessment and also in raising attainment and achievement and added: “As a result of our inspection findings we think that the school needs additional support and more time to make necessary improvements.

“We will liaise with North Lanarkshire Council regarding the school’s capacity to improve.”

The team intends to carry out a further inspection within a year and will write to parents and carers informing them of the progress the school has made.

A North Lanarkshire Council spokesperson said: "The report highlights a number of strengths within the school, including the positive and caring relationships between staff and pupils, the calm and welcoming learning environment, and the constructive and enthusiastic behaviour and engagement with children. These positive foundations will support the improvement journey ahead.

"We are working closely with the management team at the school to develop and implement a robust improvement plan that will focus on the key areas identified within the inspection report as a priority."