Outstanding inspection report for local primary

Outstanding inspection report for local primary

7 May 2014

INSPECTORS have overwhelmingly endorsed a local primary school in a report commending its outstanding provision.

St. Malachy’s Primary School in Kilclief was praised for its outstanding teaching, provision for children with special needs and pastoral care in the newly published report.

Inspectors praise the teachers’ comprehensive planning and said 

one third of lessons were considered outstanding while the quality of teaching at all levels was always good or better.

They also highlight the quality of provision for children with additional and special needs as outstanding and commended the fact that children are identified early through appropriate observations at the foundation stage. These children then benefit from a well-planned in-class support programme and high quality withdrawal sessions for literacy and numeracy.

Pastoral care provision was also found to be outstanding with an “inclusive, child-centred ethos” and a very high quality of working relationships between all members of the school.

“The teaching principal and staff collaborate effectively and are an effective team,” inspectors wrote.

“The strong sense of community throughout the school is evident in the collegial approach to school management and improvement.

“The school development plan is informed by effective consultation with the staff and with others.

“The staff are well-supported by the parents and local community through, for example, their reading partnerships and the fundraising efforts.

“The governors carry out their roles conscientiously.”

Mr. Chris O’Neill, who has been principal of St. Malachy’s Primary School for 10 years, said the school had been oversubscribed for three years and was now at its maximum capacity of 70.

He said staff were elated by the report, which he said endorsed the school’s philosophy of developing the children’s learning through a child-centred approach.

“We are delighted to have 

our methods appraised and confirmation that our school is thriving,” he said.

Mr. O’Neill said he hoped management would consider extending accommodation at the school after inspectors remarked that the increasing trend in enrolment size was putting pressure on the foundation stage accommodation.

“We have big intakes from primary one to primary three and we do therefore need extra facilities,” he said.

“I am hoping the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools will take note of the recommendation about the foundation stage accommodation and put through a minor works programme so the relevant rooms can be renovated.”