Ballylifford Primary School

Overview

Ballylifford Primary School is described as a “welcoming, supportive and inclusive school community” where the vision of “Nurturing Potential, Achieving Together” is “lived out by all.” The report highlights that children are “well-motivated and happy learners” who achieve very well across the curriculum in a nurturing environment.

Strengths

• Staff “plan for and manage skilfully the composite classes,” tailoring learning to individual needs and using “effective questioning consistently.”
• The school fosters an “inclusive learning environment” with “effective Individual Education Plans” and dedicated support for children with special educational needs.
• Children demonstrate “very well developed” digital skills and engage enthusiastically in subjects such as Irish.
• There is a “strong sense of teamwork and collegiality” among staff, supported by strategic collaboration within the Loughshore Learning Community.
• Attendance is high at 95%, and parents report that children are “happy at this school” and content with pastoral care.

Areas to improve

• The report identifies the need to “develop further the provision for play,” which is currently under review and development.

Safeguarding

The evidence provided demonstrates that “the arrangements for child protection align to the current statutory guidance.”