TEACHERS at Newton Primary School have been praised for their dedication to education by Education Scotland.

Inspectors evaluated how well children learn and achieve and how the school supports children to do their best, before submitting their final report to the South Ayrshire Council. 

They looked at some particular aspects of the school’s recent work, including the attainment challenge project to close the poverty related attainment gap and the way the school works with others to undertake self evaluation.

When Education Scotland attended Newton Primary School they found motivated children who enjoy learning and coming to school, a high focus placed on the pastoral and learning needs of children as well as a partnership working with parents and the wider school community.

They also found effective arrangements for self-evaluation and use of data to improve children’s experiences and highly effective leadership of the head teacher and skilled staff team in improving children’s experiences and achievements.

The report was submitted to the South Ayrshire Council leadership panel. 

Cllr Rita Miller said: "It is good to hear about the community in pastoral care. It is a good start to building an even more successful school at Newton."

Cllr Bill Grant added: "I commend the school on this matter."

Cllr Phillip Saxton said: "Congratulations. I wonder if you might be able to help schools in a similar position?"

Head Teacher, Fiona McAvoy who attended the meeting, answered: "We have already had schools outwith the area contact us for help."

Leader of the council, Bill McIntosh, concluded: "I think it is appropriate to take back our good wishes to the school. Keep up the good work."

Staff of Newton say they will continue to improve further the quality of children’s learning in the Nursery Class, raise attainment and achievement and develop children’s confidence and skills in talking about their strengths and next steps in learning.