St Eugene's Primary School

Overview

This sustaining improvement inspection was conducted during industrial action involving non-cooperation by teaching staff, preventing the evaluation of learning, teaching, and self-evaluation. Consequently, the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) was unable to assure parents of the quality of education provided. The report highlights significant concerns regarding safeguarding arrangements and the need for strategic planning to ensure the school’s sustainability.

Strengths

• The previous inspection in March 2014 evaluated the overall effectiveness of the school as "very good".
• Year 6 children reported that they "feel safe in the school" and are aware of procedures for raising safety concerns.
• The principal cooperated with inspectors regarding his safeguarding responsibilities.

Areas to improve

• The employing authority, governors, and staff must plan for the "sustainability of the school provision and school budget" to address current and future needs.
• Safeguarding arrangements require urgent improvement, including ensuring policies align with Department of Education guidance, updating governor training, completing risk assessments, and reviewing the staff code of conduct.
• Control over access to the school site needs improvement to mitigate potential risks to children and staff safety.

Safeguarding

Based on the evidence available at the time, the arrangements for safeguarding children are "unsatisfactory," prompting the ETI to return within six weeks to evaluate progress in addressing these urgent issues.