A primary school once described as “weak” by education inspectors is making improvements after a new head teacher was introduced.
Sidlaw View Primary in Downfield was the subject of several interventions by Dundee City Council before a damning Education Scotland report led to the installation of a new head last summer.
Sidlaw View Primary School head teacher leaves after damning inspection report
A follow-up report has now praised the steps taken by acting head teacher Kim Flynn and other senior school staff to bring standards up.
As well as creating a targeted improvement plan to boost performance, the school has invited children on the pupil council to become more involved in its day-to-day business.
The inspection report said: “There is now a much-improved ethos across the school, enhanced by respectful relationships between most children and staff.”
The report highlights changes at Sidlaw View following years of failed attempts to turn it around.
Education Scotland’s first report on the school, published last June, criticised leaders for failing to demonstrate “stronger leadership” amid below-average attainment rates.
Another inspection will take place within the next year.
The council’s chief education officer, Audrey May, admitted last year the local authority had “walked away too often” after drawing up action plans that it did not follow up.
Stewart Hunter, convener of the council’s children and family services committee, said: “This report is testament to the work of Kim and the staff.
“There is still a lot to do but everything is moving in the right direction.”