Wednesday October 25th 2023
Saltersgate School on the Dalkeith Schools Community Campus.
An additional support needs school in Midlothian has been praised by education inspectors for its ‘calm, caring and nurturing’ environment just weeks after a new headteacher took up their post.
Saltersgate School, in Dalkeith, which teaches children and young people of all ages, was visited by inspectors in the last week of term after what, Midlothian Council said, was a ‘particularly challenging’ year for the school with no permanent leader in place.
And the inspectors were so impressed in their report that Education Scotland has since contacted the council to request a ‘good practice’ visit to learn more about their approach.
A meeting of Midlothian Council’s administration cabinet yesterday heard the inspection had given the school a grading of ‘good’ for its learning work.
It said: “Staff have created a calm, caring and nurturing learning environment. There are strong relationships across the school.”
Michelle Strong, from the council’s education team, told the meeting: “Midlothian Council were praised for their investment in one to one devices and the positive impact they are having on communication and learning of children with additional support needs.
“Education Scotland has since been in contact to request a good practice visit to the school following the inspection findings which is a real positive.”
Councillor Colin Cassidy welcomed the results of the inspection.
He said: “The work the council has done and the investment we have made in this seems to be paying off and it makes you feel proud that we are looking after the most vulnerable members of our society.”
Councillor Ellen Scott, the administration’s spokesperson of education, said: “I am delighted with this report, it gives me a lot of hope and pleasure.”
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