Richmond Primary School

Overview

This report details a Sustaining Improvement Inspection conducted in December 2018, which was significantly constrained by industrial action. Because teaching staff refused to cooperate with inspectors, the ETI could not evaluate the quality of education or the school’s capacity for improvement. Consequently, the inspectorate states it is “unable to assure parents/carers... of the quality of education being provided for the children.”

Strengths

• A group of year six pupils spoke positively about their learning experiences and the variety of extra-curricular activities, such as football and basketball.
• Children reported that they “feel happy and safe in school” and are supported by their teachers.
• Pupils demonstrated awareness of procedures to follow if they have concerns about their safety or well-being.
• The principal and designated teacher cooperated with the inspection team regarding safeguarding responsibilities.

Areas to improve

• The report does not list specific areas for improvement because the ETI was “unable to evaluate” the quality of learning, teaching, or the school’s development plan due to non-cooperation.
• The school is designated as a “high priority for future inspection with no further notice” to address the lack of assurance regarding educational quality.

Safeguarding

The school provided evidence that safeguarding arrangements reflect Department of Education guidance, and while pupils reported feeling safe, the ETI was “unable to evaluate fully the outworking of the arrangements for safeguarding in the school” due to the industrial action.