St John's Eglish Primary School, Annaghmore

Overview

This report details a Sustaining Improvement Inspection conducted in May 2017, which was significantly impacted by industrial action involving non-cooperation from all teaching staff. Consequently, the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) was unable to evaluate the quality of learning, teaching, or the school’s capacity for self-evaluation. The report concludes that the ETI is “unable to assure parents/carers... of the quality of education and safeguarding being provided for the children.”

Strengths

• The previous inspection in April 2014 had evaluated the school’s overall effectiveness as “very good.”
• During a follow-up visit in June 2017, the school provided evidence that safeguarding arrangements “reflect broadly the guidance issued by the Department of Education.”
• Children reported that they “feel safe in school and know what to do if they are concerned about their safety or well-being.”

Areas to improve

• The report states it is important that the employing authority, governors, and staff “plan for, and manage, issues related to the sustainability of the school provision and school budget.”
• The school must address the current and future needs of children and staff amidst the industrial dispute.
• The ETI notes the school is a “high priority for future inspection with no further notice” to verify improvements.

Safeguarding

While initial evidence of satisfactory arrangements was not provided during the May inspection due to staff non-cooperation, a follow-up visit confirmed that satisfactory arrangements are now in place and children feel safe.