INSPECTORS have been left with mixed feelings after visiting an East Lothian primary school and nursery.

Education Scotland officials were impressed following a recent visit to Gullane Primary School.

They found the learners’ experience was ‘very good’, while improvements in performance and meeting learning needs were labelled as ‘good’.

However, an inspection of the nursery class found room for improvement.

Children’s experiences and improvements in performance were described as ‘satisfactory’, while meeting learning needs was ‘weak’.

HM Inspector Alasdair Eadie said: “Children learn and achieve well in your school.

“However, there are some important aspects that require further development, particularly in the nursery.

“Children in the nursery are settled and happy. They are able to select activities and resources both inside the nursery and outdoors.

“However, they need more opportunities to become independent learners and to follow their own interests.

“Children in the nursery need to be consulted more about what they would like to learn and about how they feel their learning is progressing.

“These discussions need to be recorded in a way that can be shared with parents.” Four key strengths were identified and discussions were held with staff and also East Lothian Council as to how the school and nursery class could continue to improve.

It was agreed that arrangements for recording and sharing children’s individual progress in nursery would be reviewed.

Similarly, across the school, attempts will continue to develop higher expectations of attainment in all curriculum areas.

Mr Eadie finished his report by saying: “We are satisfied with the overall quality of provision.

“We are confident that most of the school’s self-evaluation processes are leading to improvements.

“Our area lead officer will work with East Lothian Council to build capacity for improvement and will maintain contact to monitor progress.”