Renfrewshire Council

Children and young people at Mary Russell School are all smiles today after finding out the results of their Education Scotland inspection report (published Tuesday 21 January 2020).

The ASN school received high-praise for the positive school ethos and focus on health and wellbeing.

Specifically, it praised:

• The positive, supportive and inclusive culture at the school. Children and young people benefit from a calm, welcoming learning environment. Relationships between children and staff are positive and are based on mutual respect.
• The polite, confident children and young people who are happy, motivated and proud of their school.
• Improving children's and young people's wellbeing is a strong feature of the school's work. This is strengthened by effective partnership working with parents and partner agencies.
• The number and range of national qualifications and wider awards achieved by young people in the senior phase. This is supporting young people to move on into further education, training or employment when they leave school.

What the pupils have to say

Pupils talked about the good relationships they have with teachers and school staff

"When I need to talk to someone, teachers and school staff are there to help me."

"This school is a community and a family. I get lots of support."

"Everyone is so friendly. I love being at school."

"Teachers and learning assistants support me in the classroom."

Support for their future ambitions were also highly-rated by pupils.

"In the STEP unit, we get lots of support to help us decide what to study at college, or job we want to get. We have visitors who come in and talk to us about our future options."

"I enjoy coming to school and getting an education to help me in my future, going to college and everything."

"There are lots of looking at the future skills we need for the future and helping you into a career when you leave school."

"We do independent travel classes so we can learn to go on the bus ourselves when we leave school."

One pupil spoke about how the school has positively impacted on her life.

"I've changed over the years since I came to Mary Russell. There is lots of support and I'm now much more independent."

What the Headteacher had to say

Julie McCallum said:

"We are delighted with the outcomes of the report and especially pleased that Inspectors recognised the strong, positive ethos and inclusive culture in our school which is built on our school values. 

"The report highlights that our approaches to wellbeing are improving outcomes for our learners and are leading to positive and sustained destinations for our young people on leaving school. 

"Our thanks go to everyone who is involved in the work of our school, our pupils, staff, parents and partners to ensure we continue to deliver high quality outcomes for children and young people with additional support needs. 

"Our whole learning community is very proud of what we have achieved and is testament to our school motto of Be All We Can Be!  Be Proud of Who We Are!"

Where can I read the report?

Visit education.gov.scot/education-scotland/inspection-reports, and search for Mary Russell School.

Published on Tuesday 21 January 2020.

Pictured: Headteacher Julie McCallum with pupils from primary five and the school's senior phase.

Pupils learning about construction and creativity.