AN IRVINE school has been praised for turning things around after taking on a series of improvements over the last year.

Loudoun Montgomery Primary and Nursery’s latest Education Scotland report was published last week, which highlights the ‘brisk pace of change across the school and nursery class’.

The education watchdog has found the school to be making good progress on all recommendations agreed following last year’s inspection.

It states they are ‘confident that the school has the capacity to continue to improve’ and will not be making any further visits in connection with the inspection.

Since their last visit, attainment levels at primary four and seven are already beginning to improve in literacy and numeracy.

They also praised the newly appointed team and existing staff within the nursery for creating a ‘welcoming and inclusive environment.’

Head teacher Paul Bleakley said: “This report is hugely encouraging and is testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire school and nursery community to turn things around for the children of Loudoun Montgomery.”

“I am thrilled that Education Scotland is satisfied with the improvements being made. This shows our priorities are appropriate and will continue to lead to further positive results as we continue on our improvement journey.

“As we finalise our plans for a safe reopening in August, we hope this report demonstrates our ongoing commitment to the young people, their parents and carers, our staff and the wider school community.

“We look forward to welcoming our children and young people back into the classrooms after summer and continue to build on this important work.”

Councillor John Bell, Cabinet Member for Education said: “We would like to congratulate staff at Loudoun Montgomery for the progress that they have made in just a matter of months.

“The findings of this latest visit by Education Scotland’s team of inspectors acknowledges that the ongoing work of staff is having a positive impact on the children of Loudoun Montgomery.

“Everyone in the school community has been as determined as we are to make the improvements identified last year – and this report shows that everyone’s efforts are really paying off.”

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