An Aberdeen primary and nursery school, which was saved from closure, has been ordered to improve after a critical report from a watchdog.
Bramble Brae School, in Cummings Park Drive, was described by Education Scotland’s Care Inspectorate as “weak” on raising attainment at primary level, and securing children’s progress during their time at the nursery. It was also rated “weak” on leadership of change at nursery level.
Several recommendations have been made, including developing a “medication policy” with parents for children who need it, and creating clear staff training plans, based on personal reviews.
It has also been recommended that staff log accidents and incidents with parents for auditing, training plans are developed for staff, and robust systems are installed to monitor quality and the work of each staff member.
The school did receive a “good” rating for ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion at primary level, and was praised for being a “warm and caring” environment.
Bramble Brae has recently been allocated an additional £114,000 through pupil equity funding, where money is given directly to the head teacher to help support work to reduce the attainment gap.
Gayle Gorman, director of education and children’s services for Aberdeen City Council, said: “I am pleased that the inspection team has recognised the strong, nurturing ethos within Bramble Brae School and Nursery as well as the staff commitment to professional learning to improve outcomes and learning experiences.
“As an Attainment Challenge School, our continued focus will be to raise attainment in literacy and numeracy and promote good health and wellbeing for all learners at Bramble Brae.”
“Bramble Brae School will be using their allocation of Attainment Fund money to provide additional support to children and families to accelerate the progress already being made in raising attainment and creating a positive learning environment for children and their families.”
The school has been threatened with the axe a number of times, most recently in 2013 when it was listed as one of 20 schools in the city which could be closed.
Council bosses were looking to shut several schools to save cash, but parents and members of the community piled on pressure with a campaign, and the school remained open.
It also avoided being closed in 2000 and 2004 in similar circumstances.