Forres 'nurturing school' leads the way

ANDERSON’S Primary School in Forres has become the first school in Moray to achieve national Nurturing School status.

The school held a celebration to mark the award, presented by NurtureUK. The school was assessed on a number of criteria, including meeting pupils’ needs, well-being of pupils and staff, the environment, policy and partnerships.

Assessors praised a "safe, secure and happy" environment, and said the senior management team’s "clear vision for the future of the school, and their nurturing approach is central to meeting the needs of the whole school community".

Also noted was "an unwavering, supportive ethos within the school, which demonstrates a highly positive ethos, where inclusion is at the heart of all they do".

Head teacher Maureen Mooney said the National Nurturing Schools programme has been instrumental in making Anderson’s Primary a safe, fun and caring place to learn and grow.

"The way the whole community pulled together to support our aims has been inspirational. I’m so proud of all the children and staff – Anderson’s is amazing, and I’m absolutely delighted."

Chairwoman of Moray Council’s Children and Young People’s Services Committee, Councillor Sonya Warren, said: "To hear that Anderson’s has become the first school in Moray to achieve Nurturing School status is fantastic.

"I hope they can inspire other schools to follow suit, to embed a nurturing culture and focus on the needs and well-being of the school community. This is the culmination of a two-year programme of Anderson’s working with NutureUK on the National Nurturing Schools programme, and I’m delighted they’ve been successful."