St Macartan's Primary School

Overview

This sustaining improvement inspection was conducted during industrial action involving action short of strike, meaning teachers did not co-operate with inspectors. Consequently, the ETI could not evaluate classroom teaching or specific development plan priorities, limiting the scope of the assessment. The report concludes that the inspectorate is “unable to assure parents/carers... of the quality of education being provided for the children.”

Strengths

• The school development plan is described as “compliant” and devised through “wide consultation.”
• It identifies “appropriate priorities underpinned by clear action plans” to improve learning experiences and outcomes.
• A small group of children spoke “enthusiastically about their learning,” particularly in the world around us and information and communication technology.
• Children reported that they “feel safe in the school” and are aware of procedures if they have safety concerns.

Areas to improve

• The report does not list specific areas for improvement, as the ETI was “unable to evaluate” the quality of learning and teaching or the lines of inquiry due to non-cooperation.

Safeguarding

The school provided evidence that arrangements for safeguarding “reflect broadly the guidance issued by the relevant Departments,” although the ETI was unable to fully evaluate their outworking due to the industrial action.