Irvinestown Primary School

Overview

This inspection was conducted during industrial action, meaning teachers did not cooperate with inspectors. Consequently, the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) states it is “unable to assure... of the quality of education being provided.” The report notes that “no performance level available” for outcomes, provision, or leadership, as key evidence was withheld.

Strengths

• Governors are described as “proactive in leading and managing school improvement processes” involving staff, parents, and the community.
• Governors “know the children and their families well.”
• Year 6 children reported they are “happy in school” and know “what to do if they have any concerns about their well-being.”
• Children spoke positively about “shared learning experiences” with peers in partnership schools.

Areas to improve

• The ETI was “unable to evaluate” learning outcomes, curriculum quality, teaching effectiveness, and strategic leadership due to the lack of cooperation.
• Accommodation issues include a leaking roof in the main hall, “poor lighting,” and a principal’s office that is “too small” for confidential meetings.
• Safety risks include limited car parking affecting traffic flow and a side gate that is “not high enough to prevent access.”

Safeguarding

The school provided evidence that safeguarding arrangements “reflect broadly the guidance from the Department of Education,” but the ETI was “unable to evaluate fully, the outworking of the arrangements” due to the industrial action.