SIGNIFICANT improvements at a Tullibody school were lauded by elected members last week.

In 2015, HM inspectors from Education Scotland said positive developments were needed at Abercromby Primary School.

In particular, they found the pace of implementing the Curriculum for Excellence “has been too slow”.

At the time they added: “Clackmannanshire Council needs to continue to work with the school to ensure a strong and clear direction in improving the school.”

Following improving trends in all subjects at early level, in reading at first level this year and in all subjects other than reading at second level, Education Scotland is now satisfied with the progress made and scheduled no further follow-up visits.

Reading, writing, listening and talking achievement is above the Wee County average at the school as well apart from numeracy, which still has an upwards trend.

Strong parental engagement was key in driving figures up, explained headteacher Aileen Ferguson as she reported to the People Committee last Thursday, November 1.

She said the learning café, where parents could go along to find out about the curriculum have been particularly successful while the family room has been providing an informal setting, allowing engagement with a cuppa on the side.

Proposing the document tabled at Kilncraigs, Conservative Councillor Martha Benny was very pleased to see ongoing progress and was hopeful it will be “onward and upward” for the school in the future.

SNP Cllr Helen Lewis was happy to second, congratulating all school staff.

Labour’s Cllr Kathleen Martin added she was pleased to see things going in the right direction, with her sentiments were echoed by colleague Cllr George Matchett, a former pupil of the school.

In his closing remarks, committee chair Cllr Graham Lindsay said there was “real, significant and substantial improvement” at the Tullibody school.