An independent special school in Muirkirk, Ayrshire, has been evaluated by HMIE Scotland, receiving a mix of 'good' and 'satisfactory' grades across key quality indicators.
Inspection Findings
Pebbles Academy, operated by Pebbles Care, was graded 'good' in the quality indicator for learning, teaching and assessment. In the area of raising attainment and achievement, it received a 'satisfactory' rating.
The school is registered to educate up to 25 secondary-aged young people, with 20 currently enrolled. All students are care experienced and have faced significant disruptions to their wellbeing and education, according to the report.
Positive Highlights
The inspection report praised the school's key strengths, noting that senior leaders and staff have successfully created a 'respectful and nurturing' environment. Young people form 'positive relationships' with staff, who treat them with dignity, helping them engage in learning and behave respectfully.
Staff provide motivating activities that are well-matched to students' needs and interests, and effectively use digital technologies to introduce and prepare young people for learning.
Students who regularly attend school achieve Qualifications Scotland National Qualification awards across a range of subjects. They also develop valuable skills for life beyond school, including decision-making, teamwork, and vocational skills.
Areas for Improvement
The report identified several areas for improvement, discussed with the headteacher and a representative from the head of education. Recommendations include:
- Strengthening approaches to help young people become more independent in learning.
- Working with partners to improve attendance and reduce lateness.
- Collaborating with local authority partners to ensure all young people receive their entitlement to full-time education.
- Continuing to develop approaches to raising attainment, ensuring all young people leave school with appropriate qualifications.
Inspector's Conclusion
David McKellar, HM Inspector, stated: 'We are confident that the school has the capacity to continue to improve and so we will make no more visits in connection with this inspection. The proprietor will inform parents/carers about the school's progress as part of its arrangements for reporting on the quality of its schools.'
