Gaelscoil an tSeanchaí

Overview

The inspection was conducted during industrial action, meaning teachers did not cooperate with inspectors. Consequently, the ETI states it is “unable to assure” parents of the quality of education or safeguarding provided. The school is designated a “high priority for future inspection with no further notice.”

Strengths

• A group of Year 6 pupils spoke “confidently in Irish” about their learning experiences.
• Pupils described the staff and children as “friendly” and the environment as “positive.”
• Children cited “rewards systems that motivate them to do well” and opportunities to contribute to the school’s “Cód Iompair.”
• Pupils reported that they “feel safe in school” and know what to do if they have safety concerns.

Areas to improve

• The school must “update aspects of the child protection and safeguarding policies and risk assessments” to better reflect practice and Department of Education guidance.
• The school gates, perimeter wall, and fence are “not adequate to ensure the security of the school grounds and the safety of the children.”
• Issues concerning the fire alarm system and emergency lighting require resolution with the Education Authority.

Safeguarding

The report states that safeguarding arrangements “reflect broadly the guidance from the Department of Education,” but notes that policies and risk assessments need updating and that the ETI was “unable to evaluate fully the outworking of the arrangements” due to the industrial action.