St Mary's Primary School

Overview

The inspection was conducted during industrial action, with staff refusing to cooperate with inspectors. Consequently, the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) was “unable to assure... of the quality of education and safeguarding being provided for the children.” The report states that “no performance level available” for key areas, and the school is designated a “high priority for future inspection with no further notice.”

Strengths

• The report identifies no significant areas of praise due to the lack of cooperation.
• During a follow-up visit, Year 6 pupils reported that they “feel safe and are happy in school.”
• Pupils stated they “enjoy their learning” and know “who to talk to if they are concerned about their safety.”

Areas to improve

• The employing authority, governors, and staff must “plan for, and manage, issues related to the sustainability of the school provision and school budget.”
• The school should “continue to implement the appropriate planned review of policies and procedures to reflect current guidance and best practice” regarding safeguarding.

Safeguarding

Initially, the school did not provide evidence that safeguarding arrangements reflected Department of Education guidance, but a follow-up visit confirmed they “reflect broadly the guidance,” though full evaluation remained impossible due to the industrial action.