St Malachy's Primary School

Overview

The inspection was conducted during industrial action, with teachers refusing to cooperate with the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI). Consequently, the ETI was unable to evaluate core aspects of the school, stating it is “Unable to assure the quality of education.” The report notes that the school is a “high priority for future inspection with no further notice.”

Strengths

• Safeguarding arrangements “reflect broadly the guidance from the Department of Education.”
• Children reported that they “feel safe in the school” and could articulate safety strategies.
• The leadership, designated teacher, and governors cooperated with the inspection regarding safeguarding responsibilities.

Areas to improve

• Update the anti-bullying policy to reflect current practice and Department of Education guidance.
• Install closed-circuit television, which is currently being progressed.
• Conduct a risk assessment for the use of an adjacent car park by parents and children.

Safeguarding

The report states that safeguarding arrangements “reflect broadly the guidance from the Department of Education,” though the ETI was unable to fully evaluate their outworking due to the industrial action.