St Malachy's Primary School Glencull

Overview

This sustaining improvement inspection was conducted during industrial action, with staff refusing to co-operate fully with inspectors. Consequently, the ETI states it is “unable to assure parents/carers... of the quality of education being provided for the children.” The school is designated as a “high priority for future inspection with no further notice.”

Strengths

• Key Stage 2 children reported access to a “wide range of extra-curricular activities,” including sport, music, and drama.
• Pupils stated they are “happy in school,” have made friends, and value the care provided by teachers.
• Children reported feeling safe and knowing “what to do if they have any concerns about their safety or well-being.”
• The school has developed programmes to build children’s “resilience and well-being.”

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.
• Accommodation issues remain unaddressed; mobile classrooms show “excessive signs of wear and tear,” including damp and condensation that could adversely impact health.

Safeguarding

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