Seafield Primary inspection report

An Elgin primary school has been handed a positive report following a visit by HM inspectors of education.

The inspection team found very effective examples of high quality teaching at Seafield Primary, along with well-behaved and polite pupils who were keen to learn.

The school, which serves part of the Bishopmill area, had a roll of 381 – including 76 children in the nursery class – when the inspection was carried out in May.

In their report, published today, the inspectors have rated one of the eight evaluation categories for the school and nursery as ‘very good’, five as ‘good’ and two as ‘satisfactory’.

As a result they do not intend returning to the school for a follow-up inspection.

The report said experienced head teacher Ken Skelton led the school well and had a clear vision for taking it forward.

Mr Skelton also worked effectively with the parent-teacher association and the parent partnership and kept parents appropriately informed about school events and relevant educational matters.

“With the support of staff and the education authority, he is successfully developing aspects of the school’s work,” said the report. “These aspects include the promotion of children’s active learning and improvements in reading skills.

“The head teacher encourages the depute head and three principal teachers to take an appropriate lead in improving the school. They are responding well and are providing examples of very effective teaching.

“With the continuing effective support of the education authority, Seafield Primary School has the capacity to improve further.”

The report said pupils were caring and well behaved and all staff knew the children well and provided them with a very high level of care.

At nursery level, almost all children engaged well in their learning and took part enthusiastically in their chosen activities.

In the primary classes, almost all pupils responded well to teachers and support staff and were well motivated to learn.

Across the school standards of attainment in reading and maths were good and improving, while staff recognised the need to improve children’s attainment in writing.

Councillor Jeff Hamilton, chairman of Moray Council’s children and young people’s services committee, said: “The inspectors were clearly very impressed with what they found during their visit to Seafield and the community in that part of Elgin can be proud of their local primary school.

“It is always gratifying to hear of a close and harmonious working relationship between staff, parents and the community at large, from which everyone benefits.”

The council’s director of educational services, Donald Duncan, said: “This report highlights much of the very good work that is going on at Seafield Primary and credit is due to everyone involved.

“It is clear that there is a happy learning and teaching environment and that staff, pupils and parents share the same vision for the school.”