NEW STRUAN SCHOOL has been applauded for its nurturing approach – despite calls for staff to be "more aspirational" in helping pupils reach their potential.

The school, which caters for children with additional support needs (ASN), received an inspection recently with the report being released yesterday, August 13.

A number of positives were observed by officials who visited the school and met with the headteacher, including the "highly effective" senior leadership team.

Inspectors noted: "They are visible, approachable and supportive of children, young people and staff. They provide clear direction for improvement across the school."

The report also praised the bond between pupils and staff, and added: "Caring, nurturing relationships between children, young people and staff.

"This is helping children and young people to attend school and be ready to learn."

Other positives recorded including the staff's approaches to meeting the health and wellbeing needs of children and young people.

In particular, staff are "adept at reducing feelings of stress and anxiety experienced by children and young people. As a result, children and young people feel safe, confident and well supported".

There were a number of areas to improve, however, including staff needing to be "more aspirational in helping children and young people to reach their potential. This would help children and young people to attain and achieve more at school and prepare them for adult life."

Inspectors also recommended that the school "continue to develop the curriculum with an increased focus on raising attainment across all curricular areas".

The report continued: "Teachers need to ensure that all learning experiences are sufficiently challenging and delivered at a brisk pace.

"A comprehensive learning and development programme should be introduced for care staff."

Officials concluded: "We are confident that the school has the capacity to continue to improve and so we will make no more visits in connection with this inspection.

"The board of directors will inform parents/carers about the school's progress as part of its arrangements for reporting on the quality of its schools."