Springfield Primary School

Overview

This Sustaining Improvement Inspection was conducted during industrial action, with teachers refusing to cooperate with inspectors. Consequently, the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) was unable to evaluate the quality of learning and teaching or assure parents of the education provided. The report notes that previous evaluations rated the school as “very good,” but current findings are limited by the lack of access.

Strengths

• Children spoke “very positively” about the “caring ethos of the school” and the support provided by staff.
• Pupils reported a “wide range of learning opportunities” and appreciated how their work and progress are “recognised and celebrated.”
• The school has seen steady enrolment growth and completed a building extension to improve accommodation.
• Children have won “numerous awards in literary and sporting competitions.”
• The school works in partnership with a maintained primary school on a community-based initiative supporting families.

Areas to improve

• The report states there is “insufficient provision for staff and visitors’ parking.”
• Current arrangements for vehicular access “impacts adversely on the safety and security of the school site” and does not meet Department of Education guidelines.

Safeguarding

The school provided evidence that safeguarding arrangements “reflect broadly the guidance from the Department of Education,” and children reported feeling safe, though the ETI was unable to fully evaluate the outworking of these arrangements due to the industrial action.