AN IRVINE primary school has received top marks in a recent inspection.

Lawthorn Primary School and Nursery was given a glowing report following a visit from HMI inspectors last month. The review said children were “happy and intelligent and supported by attentive and skilled teachers.” In the nursery, they noted how the children settle in quickly and are learning and achieving well in numeracy and literacy.

The younger primary children were also described as highly motivated, polite, well behaved and proud of their school.

The older pupils are achieving very well in a number of core subjects. They are also showing creativity in music and art and an awareness of healthy living.

The teachers provide a caring and supportive environment, creating an interesting curriculum for the children, while the head teacher Eleanor McCall is praised for her passion in trying to ensure every child has the best life chances.

Ms McCall said: “We are a team, so I am delighted that we were all mentioned in the strengths section. The children are a credit to the school and I am proud of every single one of them. We had seven inspectors in the school and they all commented on and praised the exceptionally polite and motivated children.

“I was particularly pleased that the children’s on-going improvement in achievement and attainment was highlighted as a key strength, as we all work hard in the school to give the children the best education and care we can provide.

“I am hoping the parents and carers will be pleased that their commitment to support school improvement has also been recognised as a key strength as they also work hard to improve young people’s learning and contribute to making our school, the school that the children said they are so proud of.” The full report can be viewed at www.educationscotland.gov.uk.