St Mary's Primary School

Overview

The inspection was conducted during industrial action, with almost all teachers refusing to cooperate with inspectors. Consequently, the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) states it is “unable to assure parents/carers... of the quality of education being provided.” The report provides limited evaluations based on available evidence, noting that key areas such as overall effectiveness, outcomes, and provision could not be fully assessed.

Strengths

• Year 7 children read “fluently, expressively and confidently” and produce “high quality writing across the curriculum.”
• The most able pupils demonstrate “flexibility in their mathematical thinking” and apply knowledge to “challenging, real life investigative activities.”
• Whole school planning for literacy, numeracy, and ICT shows “breadth, continuity and progression.”
• Children with additional learning needs are identified early, with plans monitored “in partnership with parents.”
• The school buildings and grounds are maintained to an “exceptionally high standard.”

Areas to improve

• The nursery unit’s assessment and recording system requires “further review and refinement” to ensure appropriate evidence collation.
• A risk assessment is needed for the small pond in the school grounds.

Safeguarding

The report states that arrangements for safeguarding “reflect the guidance issued by the relevant Departments” and that year 6 children “feel safe in school.”