The Primary School this week received the very rare accolade of two ‘excellent’ grades in its evaluation, which came following a visit in April by His Majesty’s Inspectors of Education and the Care Inspectorate.
The top grades came in the areas of leadership of change and ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion. It has also been rated ‘very good’ in learning, teaching and assessment and raising attainment and achievement.
The school’s thriving nursery has also been awarded grades of ‘very good’ in all four of its quality indicators by the Care Inspectorate, including leadership of change, learning, teaching and assessment and wellbeing, equality and inclusion.
Innovative
Convener of Social Work and Education, Cllr Danny Gibson, said: “These outstanding grades for Allan’s Primary School are truly sector leading. It is extremely rare for a school to receive one ‘excellent’ in a report from His Majesty’s Inspectors of Education and only two per cent of schools across Scotland are ever awarded two. It is a remarkable achievement.
“It is richly deserved and testament to the innovative practice of head teacher Lindsey Howland and her staff, as well as the Education team at Stirling Council. It’s little wonder the work championed by Allan’s is now being implemented across Scottish schools and is recognised by Education Scotland and other leading educational institutions.
“Congratulations to everyone at Allan’s Primary and Nursery – pupils, staff, parents and carers – for such fantastic reports. These results are truly something to celebrate.”
Strengths
Sector leading practice which Allan's share locally and nationally include innovative approaches to play based learning, attendance, strong practice in outdoor learning and outstanding approaches to curriculum design.
His Majesty’s Inspectors of Education found the following strengths at Allan’s Primary:
- Inspirational and strategic leadership, with Lindsey Howland credited for creating a ‘dynamic culture of continuous improvement’
- Motivated, inclusive and respectful children, who are supported to make very good progress in their learning
- An extensive range of approaches were used by staff, highly successfully, to support the inclusion and wellbeing of all children and their families
- Staff were creative and engaging across the school and nursery in the way they deliver learning
Lindsey Howland, head teacher of Allan’s Primary and Nursery, said: “We are absolutely delighted with the outcome of our recent HMIE inspection, particularly to be recognised as ‘excellent’ in two categories, which is outstanding and a rare achievement in Scotland.
“The report reflects the passion, relentless dedication and ambition of everyone in our school and nursery community. This success belongs to us all – our children, who inspire us every day; our team, whose commitment and creativity shine through their work and our families and partners, whose encouragement and support help us achieve so much together.
“We are very proud of this recognition. Above all, it reminds us that Allan’s is more than a school and nursery – it is a family built on love, respect, endeavour, courage and integrity, where everyone feels part of something very special.”
The full report can be viewed at: Allan's Primary School | Inspection Report | Education Scotland.