TEACHERS have been urged to continue on the same route after a promising report at a village’s primary school.

East Linton Primary School received ratings of good in all four categories and the school’s nursery class received the same ratings from Education Scotland.

Inspectors from the education body visited the growing school in November last year.

A report published on Tuesday highlighted the good work at the school and encouraged staff to keep heading in the right direction.

Gill Gardner, headteacher at the school, described her pride in the efforts of everyone associated with the school.

She said: “We are so proud of our school community, especially after the last few years of Covid-19 and the changes and challenges that brought.

“I am particularly proud of our wonderful children, committed staff and close community. It makes East Linton Primary a special place to learn, work and play.

“I’m happy that our school self-evaluation agrees with Education Scotland in terms of the next steps in our improvement journey.

“It’s my privilege to lead such a wonderful school. We look forward to driving forward further improvements together with our learners, staff, parent council and families.”

Mrs Gardner was praised for her “nurturing leadership”, with the report noting she was “highly respected” within the community.

The report outlined three strengths, including that staff had assisted children to “sustain good levels of progress and attainment in numeracy and mathematics, listening, talking and reading”.

Inspectors talked with parents, carers and children during the visit and worked closely with the headteacher and staff.

The report reads: “Children experience a warm and positive ethos in which to play and learn. This is underpinned by nurturing and mutually respectful relationships.

“Children are considerate, articulate, confident and very motivated by learning that actively engages them in thinking creatively.

“Children’s experiences are supported and enhanced by the community and partners.

“The headteacher reaches out to the community to engage and support in a very approachable manner. She gives children quality care and pastoral support.”

The inspectors detail that children are now “ready” for staff to be “more ambitious for what they can achieve”.

Inspectors identified three areas for improvement, including continuing to raise children’s attainment in writing.

“Staff should now build on the most effective practice to plan more creative and challenging learning that continues to meet the learning needs of the highest attaining children,” reads the report.

“This should enable all children’s increased use of digital technology and a range of learning approaches, such as play.”

Currently, the school roll, including the nursery, is 208.

Inspectors noted that number was likely to increase due to ongoing housing developments.

Councillor Fiona Dugdale, East Lothian Council cabinet member for education and children’s and family services, was “pleased” with the inspectors’ findings.

She said: “We believe that a nurturing environment is central to helping children feel safe, supported and ready to learn, so it is great to see Education Scotland comment on the school’s warm and positive ethos and nurturing relationships.

“The inspection process is an important tool to drive improvement and the school team will take forward the recommendations set out.”