Improvement at 'weak' Dundee special support needs school

A Dundee school for pupils with special support needs has made "significant progress" but can still improve further, inspectors have ruled.

Kingspark School was rated "weak" in two out of five areas by inspectors in 2014, but has made "important improvements" since, inspectors said.

City education convener Stewart Hunter said he was "pleased" with the report.

The school was backed in an independent investigation over abuse claims earlier in 2014.

Kingspark has a roll of about 175 pupils who have special educational or support needs, and in some cases physical or medical problems.

Education Scotland inspectors rated the school "weak" for "meeting learning needs" and "improvement through self-evaluation" following a visit last year.

An action plan to address these issues was put in place, and a follow-up inspection said "significant progress" had been made.

However, inspector Olywnne Clark said it was "too early to see the full impact" of improvements, noting that "learning experiences are still too variable and aspects of curriculum and planning need further development".

Officers will continue to work with the council to make improvements and monitor progress, with further inspections due within a year.

Mr Hunter said he was pleased that the hard work of staff had been acknowledged.

He said: "The school and officers of the council are aware that we have still to see the full impact of improvements. There will continued efforts to ensure that measures are in place which make this happen.

"The involvement of parents and families is crucial and they are helping to shape the future of the school.

"I am sure that everyone at Kingspark is focused on taking the school forward and that strong partnerships help children and young people with complex additional support needs."

Parents raised concerns early in 2014, claiming children had come home with bruises, but an independent probe by education consultant Alistair Marquis said there was "no cause for concern" for pupil safety.