External Education Establishment Inspection Report
Argyll and Bute Council · 11 December 2025
Back to Community Services Committee — 11 December 2025 and its agenda
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE EDUCATION 11 DECEMBER 2025 EXTERNAL EDUCATION ESTABLISHMENT INSPECTION REPORT 1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1.1 This report provides details of all external education establishment inspection reports received across Argyll and Bute Education Service during the period August 2025 to December 2025. 1.2 It is recommended that the Community Services Committee notes: a) The contents of this report; b) This quarterly report will be presented on an ongoing basis to the Community Services Committee detailing all establishment inspections conducted and published by Education Scotland within that period, and c) That Ward members will receive copies of school inspection reports for schools within their area as published by Education Scotland.
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ARGYLL AND BUTE COUNCIL COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMITTEE EDUCATION 11 DECEMBER 2025 EXTERNAL EDUCATION ESTABLISHMENT INSPECTION REPORT 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2.1 This report provides details of all external education establishment inspection reports received across Argyll and Bute Education Service during August 2025 to December 2025. 2.2 As required for the National Improvement Framework, HMIE report on and provide grades for the following Quality Indicators (QIs) as part of full model inspections (which typically take place over a full school week): QI 1.3 – leadership of change; QI 2.3 – learning, teaching and assessment; QI 3.1 – ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion; and QI 3.2 – raising attainment and achievement In addition, they include a focus on the following themes from other QIs: QI 2.2 curriculum: learning pathways QI 2.7 partnerships: parental engagement 2.3 Short model inspections (typically over two and a half days) focus on two QIs: QI 2.3 – learning, teaching and assessment; and QI 3.2 – raising attainment and achievement HMIE continue to have a focus on safeguarding in every inspection. An inspection advice note issued in January 2024 advised that Inspectors intended to strengthen the evidence they gather about relationships and behaviour in schools and settings during inspections notified from week beginning 15 January 2024. This evidence is being gathered in a range of ways, including through an updated child protection and safeguarding evaluation form. In addition to the inspection advice note, schools have been provided with supporting local authority guidance.
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2.4 From September 2025, in inspections of early learning and childcare settings, HMIE use the QIs from the new ‘Quality Improvement Framework for the Early Learning and Childcare Sectors’1. 3.0 RECOMMENDATIONS 3.1 It is recommended that the Community Services Committee notes: a) The contents of this report; b) This quarterly report will be presented on an ongoing basis to the Community Services Committee detailing all establishment inspections conducted and published by Education Scotland within that period, and c) That Ward members will receive copies of school inspection reports for schools within their area as published by Education Scotland. 4.0 DETAIL – School Inspections 4.1 Bunessan Primary School and ELC was inspected the week beginning 19th May using a full model inspection. The school received positive feedback from the Managing Inspector with specific reference to: The headteacher and staff work effectively as a team to improve the bun-sgoil. They make purposeful use of professional learning and research, leading to high-quality teaching through the mediums of English and Gàidhlig - Gaelic. Children take responsibility for their own learning and support others. They learn through real-life, engaging and meaningful experiences that reflect their island identity, the world of work and increase fluency in Gàidhlig. Children’s learning is developed in partnership with parents, partners and the community. Staff and children build positive, caring relationships. Children engage in a variety of activities that support their health and wellbeing. They take part enthusiastically in a wide range of sporting opportunities, in which they achieve success. Children make good progress in literacy through English and Gàidhlig, as well as in Gaelic (Learners) within the pre-five unit. They take part in a variety of immersive language and cultural activities, both independently and with their families. These include storytelling sessions, author visits, the Mòd and creating bilingual signage for a local nature trail. The published letter and Summary of Inspection Findings (SIF) are available on HMIE’s Website using the following link: Bun-sgoil agus Aonad Ro-chòig Bhun Easain - Bunessan Primary School | Inspection Report | Education Scotland 1 Quality Improvement Framework for the Early Learning and Childcare Sectors
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4.2 Rosneath Primary School and ELC was inspected the week beginning 2nd June using a short model inspection. The school received positive feedback from the Managing Inspector with specific reference to: Relationships across the school and nursery are very supportive and positive. Children’s rights and the dignity of all children are at the centre of staff’s practice. This is supporting all children in the school to experience success and improve their motivation to learn. In the nursery, this results in children who are enthusiastic and resilient learners. Led ably by the headteacher, teachers are reflective practitioners who use professional learning effectively to improve learning and teaching across the school. This is impacting positively on children’s experiences and their progress. Nursery practitioners have developed very well the indoor and outdoor learning environments and children’s experiences to promote children’s curiosity and creativity. The published letter and Summary of Inspection Findings (SIF) are available on HMIE’s Website using the following link: Rosneath Primary School | Inspection Report | Education Scotland 4.3 Ulva Primary School was inspected the week beginning 1st September using a short model inspection. The school received very positive feedback from the Managing Inspector and was awarded an inspection grading of ‘excellent’ for QI 2.3 Learning, Teaching and Assessment. The managing inspector made specific reference to: The outstanding leadership of the headteacher, very well supported by the principal teacher, in improving learning experiences for all children. Children benefit from very extensive opportunities to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding in meaningful, real-life contexts. The school’s exemplary approaches to learning for sustainability and outdoor learning. Children are passionate, engaged campaigners who relish the opportunity to learn about their natural environment. They appreciate and celebrate the uniqueness of their island. Curious, engaged and highly motivated children. They are polite and welcoming, and demonstrate fully the school’s values of being kind, respectful and hard-working. The warm, supportive and nurturing relationships across the school and local community. Children thrive in the positive ethos that supports their wellbeing. Highly effective partnership working with local and national partners. Staff work very effectively with others to provide very high-quality learning experiences for all children. These partnerships help support the school’s consistently high levels of attainment and achievement. The published letter and Summary of Inspection Findings (SIF) are available on HMIE’s Website using the following link: Bun-sgoil Ulbha (Ulva Primary School) | Inspection Report | His Majesty’s Inspectorate of Education in Scotland
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4.4 Tighnabruaich Primary and ELC were inspected the week beginning 17th November using a short model inspection. The link to the published letter and Summary of Inspection Findings (SIF) will be accessible when these documents have been finalised and are available on Education Scotland’s Website. 4.5 A summary of all external school inspection audit reports published by Education Scotland across Argyll and Bute Education Service establishments during the period August 2025 to December 2025 is provided in Appendix 1. 4.6 A summary of the inspection outcomes per establishment detailing strengths and areas for improvement is provided in Appendix 2. 5.0 CONCLUSION 5.1 In summary, currently three published reports are available from the inspections detailed above at 4.1, 4.2 and 4.3 which took place during the period of May 2025 to September 2025. 5.2 The Education Service will continue to use the outcomes of establishment inspections to work collaboratively with our Head Teachers to target support and challenge to secure improvement for our children and young people. 6.0 IMPLICATIONS 6.1 Policy – The Standards in Scotland’s Schools etc. Act 2000 places a duty on Education Authorities to provide children and young people with school education and (in terms of raising standards) requires Authorities to endeavor to secure improvement in the quality of that school education. 6.2 Financial – None 6.3 Legal – None 6.4 HR – None 6.5 Customer Service – The outcome of establishment inspections of the Education Service of Argyll and Bute Council may significantly enhance or detract from the Council’s reputation and attractiveness as an area to work and live in. 6.6 Risk – Reputational risk to the Education Service following a weak report. 6.7 Climate Change - None 6.8 Fairer Scotland Duty: – None
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6.9 Equalities - protected characteristics – None 6.10 Consumer Duty – None 6.11 Island Communities - None 6.12 Children’s Rights and Wellbeing Article 28 – I have the right to an education Article 29 – I have the right to an education which develops my personality, talents and abilities Douglas Hendry - Executive Director with responsibility for Education Audrey Forest - Policy Lead for Education Jennifer Crocket Chief Education Officer Head of Education: Wellbeing, Inclusion and Achievement Jennifer.Crocket@argyll-bute.gov.uk Wendy Brownlie Head of Education: Performance and Improvement Wendy.Brownlie@argyll-bute.gov.uk For further information please contact:- Simone McAdam, Education Manager Simone.McAdam@argyll-bute.gov.uk November 2025 Appendices Appendix 1 - Overview of Inspection Outcomes Appendix 2 - Summary of Inspection Outcomes
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Appendix 1 - Overview of Inspection Outcomes Leadership of Change Learning, Teaching and Assessment Ensuring Wellbeing, Equality and Inclusion Raising Attainment and Achievement Establishment Sector Date of Inspection 1.3 2.3 3.1 3.2 Bunessan Primary School May 2025 good good good good Bunessan ELC ELC May 2025 good good good good Rosneath Primary School June 2025 good satisfactory Rosneath ELC ELC June 2025 good good Ulva Primary School September 2025 excellent very good Tighnabruaich Primary School November 2025 not yet published not yet published Tighnabruaich ELC ELC November 2025 not yet published not yet published
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The Six-point Scale for Inspection Grading Excellent 6 Very Good 5 Good 4 Satisfactory 3 Weak 2 Unsatisfactory 1
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Appendix 2 - Summary of Inspection Outcomes Report Title: Bun-sgoil Ulbha (Ulva Primary School) Inspection Agency: Education Scotland Key Findings: • The outstanding leadership of the headteacher, very well supported by the principal teacher, in improving learning experiences for all children. Children benefit from very extensive opportunities to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding in meaningful, real-life contexts. • The school’s exemplary approaches to learning for sustainability and outdoor learning. Children are passionate, engaged campaigners who relish the opportunity to learn about their natural environment. They appreciate and celebrate the uniqueness of their island. • Curious, engaged and highly motivated children. They are polite and welcoming, and demonstrate fully the school’s values of being kind, respectful and hard-working. • The warm, supportive and nurturing relationships across the school and local community. Children thrive in the positive ethos that supports their wellbeing. • Highly effective partnership working with local and national partners. Staff work very effectively with others to provide very high-quality learning experiences for all children. These partnerships help support the school’s consistently high levels of attainment and achievement. The following areas for improvement were identified and discussed with the headteacher and a representative from Argyll and Bute Council. • Continue to provide high-quality and exciting learning activities which challenge and motivate all children. Date of Inspection: September 2025 Lead Officer to take forward improvement: Susie Carmichael – Headteacher Central Officer to support improvement: Rachel Binnie – Education Manager
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Report Title: Bun-sgoil Bhun Easain - Bunessan Primary School and Pre-Five Unit Inspection Agency: Education Scotland Key Findings: The inspection team found the following strengths in the school’s work. • The headteacher and staff work effectively as a team to improve the bun-sgoil. They make purposeful use of professional learning and research, leading to high-quality teaching through the mediums of English and Gàidhlig - Gaelic. • Children take responsibility for their own learning and support others. They learn through real-life, engaging and meaningful experiences that reflect their island identity, the world of work and increase fluency in Gàidhlig. Children’s learning is developed in partnership with parents, partners and the community. • Staff and children build positive, caring relationships. Children engage in a variety of activities that support their health and wellbeing. They take part enthusiastically in a wide range of sporting opportunities, in which they achieve success. • Children make good progress in literacy through English and Gàidhlig, as well as in Gaelic (Learners) within the pre-five unit. They take part in a variety of immersive language and cultural activities, both independently and with their families. These include storytelling sessions, author visits, the Mòd and creating bilingual signage for a local nature trail. The following areas for improvement were identified and discussed with the headteacher and a representative from Argyll and Bute Council. • Across the bun-sgoil and pre-five unit, the headteacher should strengthen further approaches to evaluating the quality of Bun-sgoil Bhun Easain. Moving forward, the staff team should extend further the involvement of children, parents and partners in improvement decisions. • Develop further children’s awareness of their strengths, next steps and skills gained from learning. By P7, children should have a well-defined record of their skills across all learning contexts, regardless of where their learning takes place. • Continue to raise attainment across the curriculum, with a particular focus on writing, talking and Gaelic (Learners). In the pre-five unit, accelerate children's progress in numeracy and early mathematics. The headteacher should continue to guide staff with the newly adopted strategic approach to planning the curriculum. • Senior leaders and staff should continue collaborating with parents to maximise immersion in Gàidhlig at the early level. Date of Inspection: May 2025 Lead Officer to take forward improvement: Richard Gawthrope – Headteacher Central Officer to support improvement: Rachel Binnie – Education Manager
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Report Title: Rosneath Primary School and Early Learning and Childcare Centre Inspection Agency: Education Scotland Key Findings: • The inspection team found the following strengths in the school’s work. • Relationships across the school and nursery are very supportive and positive. Children’s rights and the dignity of all children are at the centre of staff’s practice. This is supporting all children in the school to experience success and improve their motivation to learn. In the nursery, this results in children who are enthusiastic and resilient learners. • Led ably by the headteacher, teachers are reflective practitioners who use professional learning effectively to improve learning and teaching across the school. This is impacting positively on children’s experiences and their progress. • Nursery practitioners have developed very well the indoor and outdoor learning environments and children’s experiences to promote children’s curiosity and creativity. The following areas for improvement were identified and discussed with the headteacher and a representative from Argyll and Bute Council. • As a priority, school staff now need to agree a consistent and high-quality approach to the teaching of writing to accelerate children’s progress and attainment in this area. • Teachers in the school should continue to embed their approach to using assessment information to plan better for children’s learning. This information should help them to provide consistently the right level of challenge in children’s daily tasks. • In the nursery, practitioners should continue to increase the pace and challenge for all children. This should support children to make better progress in their learning. Date of Inspection: May 2025 Lead Officer to take forward improvement: Adele Flynn – Headteacher Central Officer to support improvement: Simon Easton – Education Manager