A BARRHEAD primary school where the head teacher was attacked by a pupil has been praised for its “caring atmosphere” in an education report.

Springhill and Auchenback Primary is the first East Renfrewshire school to be inspected under a new self-evaluation framework.

The school made national headlines last month when it emerged head teacher Jannette Black was taken to a medical unit as a result of an assault by a pupil.

Inspectors from Education Scotland carried out the ‘How Good is our School?’ inspection in December and based their findings on four key quality indicators.

They found three aspects of teaching standards at Springhill and Auchenback Primary to be “satisfactory”. 

These were: leadership of change; learning, teaching and assessment; and raising attainment and achievement.

The fourth area – ensuring well-being, equality and inclusion – was judged to be “good”.

In a letter to parents and carers, the education department has commended Ms Black for her leadership, saying she has “provided stability and is well-placed to bring about change and improvement”.

Last week, a report was submitted to councillors on the local authority’s education committee, noting the school’s strengths. Teachers were acknowledged for “maintaining a strong, caring atmosphere across the school during a period of instability”.

Elsewhere, staff were given pass marks for developing “strong, positive relationships” with children to ensure pupils feel happy and safe in school.

Education Scotland inspectors also recognised the out-of-school learning opportunities on offer to children.

However, the report also flagged up three areas for improvement which have since been agreed with the school and the council’s education department.

This includes staff working together to “share effective practice across the school to ensure high-quality learning in all lessons”.

A spokesman for East Renfrewshire Council said: “A number of areas highlighted within this report are extremely pleasing, with a range of improvements already identified.

“This included more than 90 per cent of staff, parents and pupils all reporting positively on the leadership, behaviour and safety of the school.

“Following the merger of these two schools it has taken some time to establish a settled management team.

“With a dedicated head teacher now in place, all are committed to making the changes necessary and we are confident the school will continue to go from strength to strength.”