TWO Stirling Council primary schools have received positive inspection reports from Education Scotland.

Strathyre Primary was rated as ‘very good’ for its leadership of change and for ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion. It was also graded as ‘good’ for its learning, teaching and assessment, and for raising attainment and achievement.

Cowie Primary was also assessed as ‘good’ for the two indicators in its evaluation - learning, teaching and assessment and for raising attainment and achievement.

Strathyre, a small rural school, was inspected in May 2019, six months after it re-opened following an extensive refurbishment that included a new extension.

Among the areas praised by inspectors were:

· The strong leadership of the head teacher

· The inclusive ethos of the school

· Effective partnership working within the local community which is providing opportunities to support and extend children’s learning.

Cowie, which serves a former mining village, was also inspected in May 2019, with a number of strengths identified. These included:

· The welcoming, nurturing and safe environment of the school

· Reflective staff who work effectively as a team

· Positive partnership working

· The head teacher’s skilled leadership of change and improvement.

Inspectors stated their confidence in both schools to continue making improvements in areas agreed with head teachers and the Council’s education service.

Tanya Starkey, Headteacher at Strathyre Primary School said: “We are delighted with the recent inspection report. We are particularly pleased with the recognition of our strong community partnership working and the pupil and parent engagement with school improvements.”

Paula Harris, Headteacher at Cowie Primary School, said: “Our recent Education Scotland inspection provided an opportunity for us to demonstrate our on-going school improvement journey.

“We are delighted with the outcomes stated in the inspection report that highlights the commitment of our staff team in providing a nurturing and caring environment for all our learners, embedded within a culture of aspiration.

“As we continue on our school improvement journey nurture, aspiration and attainment will remain at the heart of our school vision.”

Kevin Kelman, Stirling Council’s Chief Education Officer and Chief Officer for People, said: “It is really pleasing to see our schools consistently achieving high standards in these inspections - a huge well done to the staff, pupils and learning communities at Strathyre and Cowie for these positive reports.

“We will continue to support both schools in their improvement plans as we strive to create a learning environment where our children and young people can develop the key skills to help them fulfil their potential.”