St Patrick's Primary School

Overview

This report details a sustaining improvement inspection conducted in May 2017, during which staff participated in industrial action involving "action short of strike." Consequently, the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) was unable to evaluate the quality of learning, teaching, or the school’s capacity for self-evaluation. The report concludes that the ETI could not assure stakeholders of the quality of education or safeguarding at the time of the initial visit.

Strengths

• The previous inspection in April 2014 had evaluated the overall effectiveness of the school as "outstanding."
• During a follow-up visit in June 2017, the school provided evidence that safeguarding arrangements "reflect broadly the guidance issued by the relevant Departments."
• Children reported that they "feel safe in school" and know "what to do and who to talk to if they are concerned about their safety or well-being."

Areas to improve

• The report states it is important that the employing authority, governors, and staff "plan for, and manage, issues related to the sustainability of the school provision and school budget."
• The ETI was unable to evaluate the quality of learning and teaching within classrooms due to non-cooperation.
• The school is designated as a "high priority for future inspection with no further notice."

Safeguarding

The initial inspection found no evidence of satisfactory arrangements, but a follow-up visit confirmed that arrangements now "reflect broadly the guidance issued by the relevant Departments" and that children feel safe.