Ballyvester Primary School

Overview

The inspection was conducted during industrial action, meaning teachers did not cooperate with inspectors. Consequently, the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) was unable to evaluate the quality of education, stating it is “unable to assure... of the quality of education being provided.” The school is designated as a “high priority for future inspection with no further notice.”

Strengths

• The principal cooperated with the inspection team regarding safeguarding matters.
• Safeguarding arrangements were found to “reflect broadly the guidance from the Department of Education.”
• Year 6 pupils spoke “confidently and enthusiastically” about their learning and wider interests.
• Pupils reported feeling “happy and secure” and demonstrated awareness of procedures for raising safety concerns.

Areas to improve

• The report does not list specific educational improvements as the ETI was “unable to evaluate” outcomes, provision, or leadership due to non-cooperation.
• Appendix A requires the school to review risk assessments for boundary hedging and fencing suitability.
• The school must address the “damaged and loose” safety surface in the play area.

Safeguarding

The report states that safeguarding arrangements “reflect broadly the guidance from the Department of Education,” though full evaluation was prevented by the industrial action.