A DUMBARTON school has been hailed for its “happy children” and the “nurturing” relationship between staff and pupils following a recent inspection.

Knoxland Primary School was also praised for its improving attainment levels during the visit by inspectors from Education Scotland.

Staff were highlighted as a key strength of the Leven Street learning hub thanks to their “effective approaches to improve children’s literacy skills” and teamwork.

And the report described the learning environment at Knoxland as “warm” as it returned a ‘good’ grade for all areas of assessment.

The inspection document reads: “Key strengths of the school are the happy children who show understanding and care for each other.

“They are proud of their school, engage well in all aspects of school life and are keen to learn.

“The nurturing and inclusive relationships across the school between the staff and the children are based on mutual respect, understanding and kindness.

“This results in a positive and warm learning environment where children feel safe and happy.

“Staff use effective approaches to improve children’s literacy skills. These are improving the progress and attainment children make in their literacy. All staff work very well together as a team.

“They engage well in professional learning and regularly reflect on their practice. This is driving forward improvement through an agreed shared approach to improving learning and teaching.”

As well as the positive remarks on reading skills, the youngsters' grip of numbers and math was also picked out for praise.

“Overall, children make good progress on prior levels of attainment in numeracy and mathematics,” added the inspector.

Despite the glowing report, the Education Scotland assessors did point out some area of improvement for Knoxland.

Senior leaders and teachers were advised to continue to ensure that learning is at an appropriate pace and challenging for all children and instructed to give the pupils more choices in their learning.

It said: “They should be given increasing responsibility for becoming more independent in their learning.”

A West Dunbartonshire spokesperson applauded the good report card and insisted it was all down to the hard working teachers.

They said: “Congratulations to the Headteacher and the dedicated teaching staff at Knoxland Primary School on their recent inspection.

“During the inspection, inspectors highlighted how staff engage well in professional learning and regularly reflect on their practice, which is driving forward improvement through an agreed shared approach to improving learning and teaching at the school.”