Dunbar Primary School, East Lothian

Dunbar Primary School is the largest Primary School in East Lothian with a role of 1237. There clearly is a strong strategic and holistic vision of professional learning and the ‘school community strives to provide a happy, secure and stimulating environment where children are motivated to learn, are valued as individuals and are encouraged to reach their full potential’.

The GTCS team who visited the school were very appreciative of the open, honest and reflective nature of the school community. All staff, pupils, parents and partners spoke of their pride in the school as a learning community and a place to learn. Across the day it was clear that the professional trust placed in staff created a dynamic attitude to professional learning, and that this is a dynamic learning environment.

The Headteacher and School Leadership Team act as strong professional learning role models and there is real evidence that professional learning is collaborative with staff encouraged and supported to ask questions, critically engage with policy and take risks in their own learning. There is a culture of creating space and time for staff to engage fully in professional learning which is supported by an embedded culture of coaching. The promotion of, and support for, teacher agency to build capacity and ensure a strong focus on learning and teaching was clearly evident.