Ballynahinch Primary School

Overview

This monitoring inspection was conducted during industrial action, with staff refusing to cooperate with inspectors. Consequently, the report states that "no key findings can be reported" regarding educational quality, and the ETI is "unable to assure parents/carers... of the quality of education." A follow-up visit in June 2017 addressed safeguarding arrangements after a new principal was appointed.

Strengths

• The report notes that during the follow-up visit, "the school provided evidence that satisfactory arrangements for safeguarding reflect broadly the guidance issued by the Department of Education."
• A group of Year 6 pupils reported that they "feel safe in school" and know "what to do and who to talk to if they are concerned about their safety or well-being."

Areas to improve

• The report identifies that "completion of safeguarding training for the newly-appointed principal" needs to be completed.
• The school must undertake a "review of the anti-bullying and behaviour policies to reflect recent guidance from the Department of Education."
• The school requires the "development and ratification of a relationship and sexuality education policy."

Safeguarding

While the initial inspection found no evidence of satisfactory arrangements, the follow-up visit confirmed that arrangements now "reflect broadly the guidance issued by the Department of Education," though the ETI remained "unable to evaluate fully the outworking of the arrangements" due to the ongoing industrial action.