Sunny Dispositions at Sunnyside
Thursday 11th March 2004
The happy and friendly pupils at Sunnyside Primary School were singled out as a particular strength in an HMIE report published on 9 March 2004.
Inspectors visited Sunnyside Primary School in November 2003. The report highlights the generally good quality of teaching at Sunnyside and notes the highly effective use of questioning in classrooms and the consistency of approaches to the teaching of reading. Pupils were encouraged to reflect on aspects of their learning through the school's strong and effective emphasis on studying philosophy.
The inspectors were also impressed by the wide range of opportunities given to P7 pupils to take on responsibilities within the school. The Headteacher's commitment to the school and its pupils was commended and the caring and supportive environment provided by staff was noted for the fairness and respect it awarded to pupils.
Partnerships with parents, the School Board and the community are described as good. Parents and carers had confirmed to the inspectors that they were happy with almost all aspects of the work of the school including the concern shown by staff for the care and welfare of their children
Brian Fearon, Convener of the Learning and Leisure Committee said: "I am delighted to see this recognition of the underlying strengths of Sunnyside Primary School. The very positive views which parents have of the school is an important tribute to the work of all staff.
"However there are a number of challenges contained within the Report which need to be addressed. It is important to recognise that there is a need for a renewed focus on the pace and challenge of work across the school and on raising attainment. We are committed to improving pupils' attainment and we will work with the school to ensure it fulfils the HMIE recommendations over the coming two years."
The inspectors recommend that the immediate school focus for continuing improvement should be on raising attainment in English language and mathematics and improving the pace and challenge for all pupils. The remits of the senior management team will be reviewed to help them support these developments.
Sandy Wilson, Head of Education and Lifelong Learning added: "We will work with the school to prepare an action plan which will address the main findings of the report - and will share that plan with parents and carers."
Her Majesty's Inspectors will engage with the school and the education authority to monitor progress and publish an interim report within one year of publication of the initial report. They will undertake a follow through inspection and publish the extent of the improvements achieved within two years.
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