Galston Primary and Early Childhood Centre shines in inspection report

Galston Primary School and Early Childhood Centre (ECC) are celebrating the results of their recent inspection, published on Tuesday 27 May, by Education Scotland.

The ECC and school were inspected by His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education (HMIE) in March. In their report the inspectors highlighted key strengths including the leadership of Head Teacher, Shona Murphy and the senior leadership team who were praised for their ‘relentless focus on achieving positive outcomes for all children.’ They were also praised for engaging in ‘highly relevant professional learning’ that is helping to ‘provide motivating and creative learning experiences for children.”

In addition, the report highlighted the ‘robust approaches to tracking and monitoring children’s progress’, which is ‘helping children to make very good progress in learning. Senior leaders and teachers use data very well to identify and plan impactful interventions for those children who require additional support.’

Councillor Elaine Cowan, Spokesperson for Education, and Children and Young People was unable to visit the school to congratulate Head Teacher Shona Murphy in person. Councillor Douglas Reid, Leader of the Council therefore attended with local elected member Councillor Sally Cogley and Graham McGinn, Depute Head of Education. They were warmly welcomed by school captains and vice-captain – Jake, Kimberly and Ewan from P7 who explained their role in the inspection process.

The P7’s will be attending Loudoun Academy this week for their bump up days and they had a good chat with Cllrs Reid and Cogley about how much they are looking forward to attending secondary school.

Councillor Reid said:

“I was delighted to visit Galston Primary and Early Childhood Centre to congratulate Head Teacher Shona Murphy and the whole school on such a positive report. It was clear from speaking to the teaching and support staff, and to the children and young people that this report means a great deal to the whole school community, and that they are rightly proud of their achievements.

“The inspectors highlighted that ‘All staff have nurturing relationships with all children. They know children and families very well, including their individual needs. Their caring and respectful interactions underpin learning and teaching.’, and this couldn’t have been more evident during our visit. Even at this time of year when let’s face it things are a bit hectic in our schools, the children were calm, friendly and confident, chatting away about the inspection and their hopes for the future, encouraged by their Head Teacher and the senior leadership team.”

Head Teacher Shona Murphy said: “We are very proud of all the children in our school and their achievements.

“As Head Teacher, I am very fortunate to have a fantastic, skilled team, including our clerical and support staff, who ensure Galston Primary is a welcoming and nurturing place to be and we are delighted this has been recognised in this inspection. I am thankful of the staff for their dedication and of our partners and parents for their continued support as we try to ensure the best outcomes for our children.”