Bantaskin Primary School praised in positive inspection report
Bantaskin Primary School and Early Learning and Childcare Class in Falkirk has received a positive report from Education Scotland this week (11 February) following an inspection that took place in December 2024.
Inspectors praised the school’s strong ethos, built around children’s rights and values, which ensures pupils feel included and respected. Staff were commended for their positive relationships with children and families, fostering a supportive and welcoming school community.
Inspectors evaluated four key aspects of the school’s work, rating each as ‘good’ and recognising several areas of success:
- Leadership – the school’s leadership team was recognised for providing clear direction and fostering a culture of continuous improvement. Staff at all levels take part in high-quality professional learning, ensuring teaching approaches evolve to meet the needs of all the children.
- Learning, teaching, and assessment – inspectors praised the school’s engaging and interactive lessons, which foster curiosity and independence in pupils. The main report also highlights the effective use of digital technology, with all teachers integrating it well to enhance learning. Additionally, digital tools provide valuable support for children who require additional assistance with reading, helping them access learning and make progress.
- Ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion – the school’s commitment to inclusion and wellbeing was a key strength. Staff work closely with children, families, and external partners to provide support, ensuring all pupils feel safe, valued, and encouraged in their learning.
- Raising attainment and achievement – the report noted that staff are dedicated to helping children reach their full potential. A range of strategies are in place to support pupils' progress, particularly in literacy and numeracy, with additional help available where needed to ensure every child succeeds.
Andrew Blaikie, Headteacher said:
“This result is a testament to the hard work of everyone involved in our school. Our staff go above and beyond to create a nurturing learning environment, our pupils are engaged and eager to learn, and our parents and carers provide invaluable support. We are proud of what we have achieved together, and we will continue working as a team to build on these successes."
Councillor Iain Sinclair Falkirk Council’s spokesperson for Education, added:
"The report reflects the outstanding teamwork and dedication within Bantaskin Primary School.
“The collaboration between staff, families, and partners plays a crucial role in ensuring every child gets the best possible start in their education. We will continue to support the school in driving further improvements and maintaining these high standards."
Next steps for improvement
While the report was highly positive, Education Scotland highlighted areas where the school can continue to develop:
- Establishing clearer ways to measure progress and track the impact of school improvement efforts.
- Ensuring consistency in teaching approaches across all classes to maintain high standards.
- In the nursery, continuing to balance child-led and adult-led learning to ensure children experience a broad and engaging curriculum.
Education Scotland confirmed that no further visits are required, as they are confident in the school’s ability to continue improving. Falkirk Council will monitor progress as part of its regular reporting on school quality.
To read the full report, visit the Education Scotland website.