Holywood Primary School

Overview

The inspection was conducted during industrial action involving 'action short of strike', meaning teachers did not co-operate with inspectors. Consequently, the ETI states it is 'unable to assure the quality of education' and could not evaluate key areas such as teaching quality, curriculum, or leadership effectiveness.

Strengths

• Parents reported the school is 'well-regarded in the local community' and that children 'enjoyed learning'.
• Support staff responses were positive, noting the school is 'well led and managed' and staff 'worked well together'.
• Children met by inspectors were 'confident communicators' who 'articulated clearly their opinions'.
• Year 7 children were 'enthusiastic about reading' and a majority could 'read for meaning and with fluency'.
• Year 6 children spoke positively about friendships, support, and feeling 'valued' through initiatives like the 'listening box'.

Areas to improve

• Governors need to 'develop further their challenge function', particularly regarding outcomes for all children.
• The school development plan requires refinement to 'identify clearly' strategic priorities, with 'insufficient use' of data to measure progress.
• Safeguarding policies and risk assessments need further review to ensure consistency and reflect school procedures.

Safeguarding

The report states that 'satisfactory arrangements for safeguarding reflect broadly the guidance issued by the relevant Departments', though full evaluation was prevented by the industrial action.