Our Lady's Primary School

Overview

The report describes a school where children and staff are empowered to reach their full potential in a "caring, inclusive environment that is founded on trust, respect and empathy." It highlights "highly effective practice" in self-evaluation and notes that the school’s child-centred approach and community connections are successfully progressing its vision.

Strengths

• Teachers use "effective questioning" and tailored planning to develop thinking skills, resulting in children who are "resilient learners" with high engagement.
• There is a "tangible sense of professional trust and respect" among staff, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous learning.
• The school successfully builds equity, with "reasonable adjustments" and targeted interventions ensuring children with special educational needs make progress.
• Celebration of success is central to school life, with "purposeful, specific" praise promoting children’s self-esteem and confidence.
• Digital learning is integrated purposefully, with children demonstrating creativity in projects such as animation and coding.

Areas to improve

• Provide more consistent opportunities for "problem-solving and open-ended investigations" in numeracy to improve outcomes.
• Ensure all staff undertake the Education Authority’s "Addressing Bullying in Schools Level 1 Training" to meet statutory requirements.
• Track and monitor more closely the uptake and impact of staff professional learning.

Safeguarding

The report states that arrangements for child protection "align to the current statutory guidance" and that children feel safe and know who to speak to if they have concerns.