A NEW headteacher has been praised for her leadership in her first year in the role.

Jacqui Mackinnon took the helm at Dunbar Primary School following the retirement of Helen Gillanders, who had been in the role for 15 years.

Education Scotland visited the primary school, among the largest in Scotland, before the summer break.

Each of the four quality indicators – leadership of change; learning, teaching and assessment; ensuring wellbeing, equality and inclusion; and raising attainment and achievement – were rated as satisfactory in the report.

However, Mrs Mackinnon, who has worked in county schools for 35 years, was praised.

READ MORE: Helen Gillanders to retire as Dunbar Primary School headteacher

The former headteacher at Aberlady Primary School, Prestonpans Primary School, Cockenzie Primary School and North Berwick’s Law Primary School has been in the role in Dunbar for just over a year.

The report reads: “The headteacher’s positive leadership during a period of change for the school.

“She is developing teachers’ sense of ownership over improvement priorities.

“She, and senior leaders, established staff working groups which are beginning to support improvements.”

The report also highlighted “positive and nurturing relationships” between staff and children.

Pupils were described as “respectful, welcoming and eager to learn”.

The report continued: “Children’s developing appreciation of equality and diversity through various events, assemblies and learning in class.

“This is helping children to understand the need to treat others with respect and value what makes us different.”

At the same time, discussions between the headteacher, East Lothian Council and Education Scotland have identified where improvements can be made.

READ MORE: Dunbar: Jacqui Mackinnon set to be named headteacher at school

That includes senior leaders ensuring all school improvements result in “clear and measurable outcomes” for children and to extend the involvement of the wider school community in “planning and evaluating improvement priorities”.

The report states: “Senior leaders and staff should continue to improve the quality and consistency of learning, teaching and assessment across the school.

“This includes ensuring teachers confidently meet the needs of all learners.

“Staff should continue to raise children’s attainment in literacy and numeracy.

“Teachers should continue to improve their confidence in applying national standards when making judgements about children’s progress.

“Senior leaders and staff should continue to explore ways to encourage parents to participate more fully in all aspects of the life of the school.”

The school’s nursery was not included within the report, as it was visited by the Care Inspectorate within the last 18 months.