Riverside Primary School, Stirling Council

Riverside Primary School’s vision of ‘Be the best you can! (Dèan do dhìcheall)’ is shared and enacted by the wider school community and is supported by a clear strategic vision where professional learning supports the school on its continuing journey of change.

There is a very strong sense of collegiality within the school community, with collaborative learning embedded at all levels and a clear focus on the intended impact on children and young people. There are many opportunities for rich professional dialogue, which is often linked to professional reading, and for staff to share learning and practice. Staff are supported to take leadership roles and innovation and creativity are actively encouraged.

There is a commitment from the Senior Leadership Team that all significant changes adopted as part of the School Improvement Process will be based on research, with teachers supported to undertake enquiry which is relevant to the context of their class or stage. Staff refer to the ethos of trust and support which empowers their commitment to this approach which may involve ‘stepping out with their comfort zone.’

The supportive ethos, which is evident through the positive relationships between the Senior Leadership and wider staff team, encourages staff to engage fully in professional learning. This is acknowledged and valued by staff who feel that they are actively encouraged to take ownership of their own learning and to be reflective practitioners.