Derryhale Primary School

Overview

This report details a Sustaining Improvement Inspection conducted in February 2017, which was significantly impacted by industrial action involving "action short of strike." Because staff refused to cooperate with inspectors, the ETI was unable to evaluate the quality of learning, teaching, or the school’s capacity for improvement. Consequently, the inspectorate could not assure stakeholders of the quality of education provided at that time.

Strengths

• The report notes that a previous inspection in 2014 had evaluated the school’s overall effectiveness as "very good."
• During a follow-up visit in March 2017, the school provided evidence that safeguarding arrangements "reflect broadly the guidance issued by the Department of Education."
• Children 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 states it is important that the employing authority, governors, and staff "plan for, and manage, issues related to the sustainability of the school provision and school budget."
• The school must address the "current and future needs of the children and the staff" amidst the industrial dispute.

Safeguarding

While the school initially failed to provide evidence of satisfactory safeguarding arrangements during the February inspection, a follow-up visit confirmed that satisfactory arrangements were in place and that children felt safe.