HM Inspectors of Schools carried out a follow-through inspection at Troon Primary School in November 2004, and have now published their findings.

In December 2002 HM Inspectors visited Troon Primary School and then published a report that highlighted some areas where the school could be improved. As a result of this report the education authority worked with the school to prepare an action plan to address the main points for action identified in the report.

Since the 2002 inspection there has been a considerable changeover in staffing with seven new teachers taking up posts, and a new Head Teacher has been appointed.

It was noted in the latest report that the Head Teacher ‘had provided high quality leadership in securing significant improvements to key areas of the school’s work. Successfully promoting team working the Head Teacher had involved staff fully in planning and taking action to respond to the recommendations in the inspection report.’ This is a demonstration of the Council’s commitment to continue to raise the standards of educational attainment within schools and encourage lifelong learning opportunities for people in South Ayrshire.

Several changes have been made at the school since the original report including:

• New approach to planning and assessing pupils’ learning experiences
• Steady rise in pupil attainment
• Improvements to English language and mathematics programmes
• Extended pupils’ opportunities for developing skills in active citizenship
• Pupils more involved in decision making at the school
• P5 pupils have additional responsibilities as play leaders for younger pupils
• New arrangements to promote and reward positive behaviour and attitudes
• Further training for school staff
• Review of the anti-bullying strategy
• Implementation of a comprehensive system for assuring quality

In view of the very good progress being made within the school the HM Inspectors have stated that they will not require to carry out a further visit to the school in connection with the original report.

Anyone wishing to study the full report should contact the HM Inspectorate of Education, Europa Building, 450 Argyle Street, Glasgow, G2 8LG, telephone number 0141 242 0100 alternatively copies of the report are available on their website at www.hmie.gov.uk.

April 2005