St Patrick's Primary School

Overview

This sustaining improvement inspection was significantly constrained by industrial action, as staff refused to co-operate with inspectors. Consequently, the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) could not evaluate classroom teaching or self-evaluation processes. The report concludes that the ETI is “unable to assure parents/carers... of the quality of education being provided for the children.”

Strengths

• Year 6 pupils spoke positively about their “learning and progress across the curriculum” and the support received from staff.
• Children highlighted their enjoyment of learning with peers from the “shared education partnership school.”
• Pupils participate in a “wide range of extra-curricular and after-school activities.”
• Students contribute to decision-making through the School Council and support others as “digital leaders” and “playground friends.”

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.
• The school is designated as a “high priority for future inspection with no further notice” due to the inability to assure quality.

Safeguarding

The school provided evidence that safeguarding arrangements “reflect broadly the guidance from the Department of Education,” and while Year 6 children reported feeling “happy and safe,” the ETI was unable to fully evaluate the outworking of these arrangements due to the industrial action.