Inspectors criticise Bell’s Brae leadership

THE leadership of Bell’s Brae Primary School in Lerwick has been criticised in a government inspection report, with different aspects of the headteacher’s work being described as “weak” or merely “adequate”.

Inspectors who visited the school and nursery in March also identified a lack of teamwork among staff, with a significant number feeling isolated, and highlighted concerns among parents, some of whom felt uninformed about the work of the school and its priorities.

The tenor of the report is, however, broadly positive, with inspectors emphasising that Bell’s Brae had highly motivated and well behaved pupils, with high standards of quality in music, art and PE.

Headteacher Margaret Rorie, who is due to retire in October, defended Bell’s Brae, and said the report appeared at times to be contradictory. She said staff worked well together, and parents had benefited from newsletters offering information about what the school was doing.

An action plan will be rolled out over the next couple of months and will aim to involve parents and staff more fully.