Ballymagee Primary School

Overview

This sustaining improvement inspection was significantly constrained by industrial action, as teachers refused to cooperate with inspectors. Consequently, the ETI could not fully evaluate the quality of learning, teaching, or the school’s capacity for improvement. The report concludes that the inspectorate is unable to assure parents of the quality of education provided.

Strengths

• The report identifies a "well-embedded culture of rigorous and reflective self-evaluation" which informs whole-school improvement priorities.
• Year 6 pupils reported enjoying "connected and engaging learning experiences" that challenge and extend their knowledge and skills.
• Children value their access to "helpful support and guidance" and clearly understand how staff take account of their views within the school’s "Rights Respecting ethos".
• Pupils demonstrated well-embedded opportunities to develop leadership skills and contribute meaningfully to decision-making.

Areas to improve

• The report states the ETI was unable to evaluate the "lines of inquiry" and the "quality of learning and teaching within the classrooms" due to non-cooperation.
• The inspection could not fully assess the school’s capacity to effect improvement through self-evaluation and effective school planning.

Safeguarding

The school provided evidence that safeguarding arrangements reflect Department of Education guidance, and pupils reported feeling secure and knowing how to stay safe online, though the ETI was unable to fully evaluate the outworking of these arrangements.