Local councillors have praised progress made by staff at Falla Hill Primary in Fauldhouse.
Head teacher Martin McCusker met with members of West Lothian Council’s Education Quality Assurance Committee following an inspection by Education Scotland earlier this year.
The report from HMI praised the inclusive and supportive relationships between staff and children and staff and parents, and the nurturing ethos of the school.
The school also won good marks for the professionalism of its staff which has a “a positive impact on children’s attitudes, well-being and engagement with their learning.”
Innovations in the school since it returned after lockdown have included work to develop its links to community groups in the village, and a commitment to more outdoor learning- the school is redeveloping its gardens with the children.
The school has also instituted a house system which gives more responsibility to P7 children, and helps build their confidence.
Mr McCusker said that the school has won funding to provide waterproof clothing for all P4-P7 children to allow the school to develop more outdoor learning.
The head teacher said “The natural state of affairs means now there has been a huge increase in outdoor learning and our P5 teacher has worked so hard to secure funding to develop our gardens.”
He added that every class spent time out of doors as part of class work such as maths, or on community projects including taking part in litter picking.
The HMI report said there was room “improve children’s attainment in literacy and numeracy across the school, particularly in writing.”
The school ranks no 11 out of 67 primaries in the SMID deprivation index- with pockets of deprivation in the village.
Mr McCusker said: “We have begun to make progress in improving children’s attainment and senior leader analysis of assessment.”
He added that staff were working with others across the school cluster group to develop bespoke learning packages for P3 and P4.
Councillor David Dodds said: “The school is certainly moving in the right direction as is Fauldhouse house as a community. The school is punching above its weight. I look forward to hearing about its progress.”
Councillor Pauline Clark said: “I was pleased to read the report. I think the school is in good hands and we’ll see improvements in the next couple of years.”
Committee chair Councillor Stuart Borrowman said “ There’s a lot to be done, but it looks as if it is going to be done.”
