St Jarlath's Primary School

Overview

This Sustaining Improvement Inspection was conducted in December 2018, following a previous evaluation in 2015 that identified a “high level of capacity for sustained improvement.” However, the inspection was significantly limited because teaching staff engaged in industrial action and refused to co-operate with inspectors. Consequently, the report states the ETI is “unable to assure parents/carers... of the quality of education being provided for the children.”

Strengths

• Year 6 pupils spoke “very positively about their learning experiences” and appreciated opportunities for after-school activities such as French lessons and the choir.
• Students benefit from leadership development through the Year 1 ‘Buddy Scheme’, Eco-Councils, and School Councils.
• The principal and designated teacher for child protection co-operated with the inspection team regarding safeguarding responsibilities.
• Year 6 children reported that they “feel happy and safe in school” and are aware of procedures for raising safety concerns.

Areas to improve

• The report states the school is a “high priority for future inspection with no further notice” due to the inability to evaluate educational quality.
• Planned work to the pedestrian entry needs to proceed in a “timely fashion.”

Safeguarding

The school provided evidence that safeguarding arrangements “reflect broadly the guidance from the Department of Education,” although the ETI was unable to fully evaluate their outworking due to the industrial action.