HMIe Inspection of Pulteneytown Academy School

20th April 2010

PULTENEYTOWN ACADEMY PRIMARY SCHOOL
As part of the inspectorate's ongoing strategy for evaluating the educational provision of local authorities, reports are issued today (20 April) on the inspection by HMIe of the quality of education at Pulteneytown Academy Primary and nursery class in Wick and Crossroads Primary School, Dunnet in Caithness.

Pulteneytown Academy Primary and nursery class in Wick successfully develops motivated and creative children who are enthusiastic learners ready to take on challenges. This was the view of HMIe inspectors after their recent visit to the Wick school.

The report on Pulteneytown Academy commends the highly-motivated pupils who are keen to learn, proud of their achievements and who play an important part in helping the school to achieve its aims. It acknowledges that they are developing very effective skills in citizenship and enterprise, committed to protecting the local environment, leading an active lifestyle, taking on responsibilities and confidently using information and communications technology to enhance their learning. HMIe confirm that pupils feel safe, happy and very well cared for in school and regularly produce work of a very high standard.

Inspectors highlight the very good quality of education provided in the school and attribute that to the very effective work of all the staff under the outstanding leadership of the Head Teacher and the management team. They all work closely in partnership with parents and the community for the benefit of pupils. The report praises the highly skilled staff for the high-quality experiences they provide for pupils and also for their innovative approach to Curriculum for Excellence, which has been recognised nationally. In the evaluations of the school performance against HMIe quality indicators the school was judged to be performing at the two highest levels of very good and excellent.

HMIe concluded that the school is outward looking, seeking the very best practice, and therefore very well placed to continue to improve. Their recommendation is that staff continue to build on the very effective practice and high-quality experiences for learners

The Head Teacher Miss Lilian Wark said: "I am delighted at such a wonderful report which highlights the hard work and dedication of a talented staff team who provide such a stimulating learning environment for the pupils. I am especially proud of our enthusiastic and motivated pupils who are helping to maintain the long tradition of excellent education in Pulteneytown Academy."

Parent Council Vice Chair Mrs Heather Cormack said: "The Parent Council is delighted with the report which matches our view of the excellent education we know our children are receiving in Pulteneytown Academy."

Councillor Bill Fernie, Chairman of The Highland Council's Education, Culture and Sport Committee said: "I was delighted to read such a glowing report for a Highland school, and this well deserved report is a tribute to all those involved in delivering the first rate education in Pulteneytown Academy Primary School. It also reflects the Council's efforts to provide continuing improvement in Education Culture and Sports services. I am delighted for the pupils, parents and staff of the school."

The full report can be seen at www.hmie.gov.uk