Councillors will hear how a north-east primary school branded “weak” by inspectors is trying to turn things around next week.
Ordiquhill Primary, near Cornhill, failed to impress during the inspection earlier this year, prompting the local authority to step up its support for the school.
The school’s timetabling is being reviewed to maximise pupils’ learning, and all children have now been assessed in literacy and numeracy so staff can meet their needs.
On Tuesday, members of the Banff and Buchan area committee will be asked back these efforts in a bid to turn around the school.
In a report, director of education Maria Walker said officers continue to work with staff at the school to develop an improvement strategy.
She added: “There is an increased focus on improving learning and teaching.
“The acting head teacher is setting high expectations for this through team teaching and modelling good practice. She is very aware of the need to work closely with parents and has developed a positive open door approach. She has discussed the report with the parent council and further to an initial meeting, there will be continued engagement with the parent body about improvement.”
The rural primary was branded weak in five categories – improvements in performance, learners’ experience, meeting learning needs, the curriculum and improvement through self-evaluation.
In a letter to parents, HM inspector Sadie Cushley said: “There have been significant weaknesses in the leadership of the curriculum, children’s attainment, and in ensuring children’s learning needs are well met.
“The school is at the early stages of developing a culture of continuous improvement. Staff now need greater leadership and direction to help it improve its work.”
Despite a host of concerns about Ordiquhill, however, inspectors had praise for its nursery and the polite and friendly pupils.
The area committee will meet in Fraserburgh’s community centre at 9.30am.