A primary school in Perth – where an incredible 29 languages are spoken by pupils – has been praised by councillors following a good inspection.
Inch View Primary was rated “good” by a team of inspectors from Education Scotland who visited the school in June 2024.
Perth and Kinross Council’s (PKC) Executive Sub-Committee of the Learning and Families Committee praised the achievements of staff at the Glenearn Road school which forms part of the Glenearn Community Campus.
Inch View was rated “good” for both Learning, Teaching and Assessment and for Raising Attainment and Achievement by inspectors.
One of the school’s strengths highlighted in their report was the school’s support for children whose first language was not English.
The inspection report stated: “Senior leaders and staff use data very well to plan interventions to meet the needs of all learners. This includes high levels of support for children who do not speak English as their first language. This allows children to make the best possible progress in their learning.”
As councillors discussed the report at a recent meeting on October 28, headteacher Margaret Donaghy was asked how many languages were spoken at the school.
Mrs Donaghy said: “We have 29 at the minute.”
She added: “It does sound like a challenge but it’s actually a very positive part of our school. The children come in and it’s very much about immersing them in English as the language that we use.
“The children very quickly pick up on English and usually within five to six weeks of the children being there, we’re having really good conversations with them. The staff are very skilled in that.
“We’re supported by the EAL [English as an Additional Language] team in Perth and Kinross to help us to do that.”
The sub-committee’s vice-convener Steven Carr said: “I was impressed at how you are able to integrate so many into the school and provide the level of support and still come up with an excellent report.”
He and several other councillors voiced their praise and thanks to staff at the school.