St Conor's Primary School

Overview

This sustaining improvement inspection was conducted while teachers engaged in industrial action, resulting in non-cooperation with inspectors. Consequently, the evaluation relied solely on evidence provided by the principal and documentation, as classroom teaching could not be observed. The report highlights strong leadership and planning but explicitly states that the quality of education cannot be assured due to these constraints.

Strengths

• The school development plan is described as “well-constructed” with a “clear rationale” and “high expectations” for sustaining improvement.
• Leadership demonstrates a “robust and systematic approach” to monitoring progress and is “proactive in accessing relevant staff development.”
• Children report “very good opportunities” to develop leadership capabilities through Eco- and School Councils.
• Learning displays effectively connect “mathematical, literacy, art and information and communication technology (ICT) skills” in meaningful contexts.
• The school has successfully acquired the “inclusive schools award” for the second three-year cycle.

Areas to improve

• The ETI was “unable to evaluate fully” the quality of learning and teaching within classrooms due to teacher non-cooperation.
• The report concludes that the ETI is “unable to assure parents/carers... of the quality of education being provided,” noting this will be reflected in future inspections.

Safeguarding

The report states that safeguarding arrangements “reflect broadly the guidance from the Department of Education” and that children “feel safe in school” and know how to raise concerns.