Newtownstewart Model Primary School

Overview

This follow-up inspection confirms that Newtownstewart Model Primary School has made significant progress in addressing previous areas for action. The report highlights a strong culture of collegiality, effective leadership, and rigorous monitoring systems that support continuous improvement. The school is described as being “well placed to take forward the areas for consideration” with no further follow-up inspection required.

Strengths

• Children feel “welcomed, valued and respected” and report being “very happy and safe” in school.
• Staff work “collegially” and have developed a “culture of trust and openness” through peer observation and professional learning.
• All children are “progressing and learning at least in line with their ability in literacy,” supported by innovative strategies like ‘Reciprocal Reading’ and ‘Key Word Buddies’.
• Shared Education partnerships have positively impacted the quality of children’s written work and oral responses.
• Parents and staff are overwhelmingly positive, with staff noting they have “benefitted from professional learning opportunities.”

Areas to improve

• Refine and embed the reciprocal reading strategy, considering extending resources to include novels reflecting children’s interests.
• Expand the successful oracy approach to further develop children’s mathematical problem-solving skills.
• Continue planning for the sustainability of the school to address current and future needs.

Safeguarding

The evidence provided demonstrates that “the arrangements for child protection align to the current statutory guidance.”