“Very good” inspection report for St Canice’s PS, Feeny

The Inspection Report into St Canice’s found: “In the areas inspected, the quality of education provided by this school is very good. The school is meeting very effectively the educational and pastoral needs of the children and has demonstrated its capacity for sustained self-improvement.”

The key areas for which the school was measured included ‘Achievements and Standards’; ‘Provision for Learning’; and ‘Leadership and Management.’

On each of these measures, the school was labelled ‘very good’ by in the Inspection Report. In terms of academic performance, the School Inspector wrote: “In English and Mathematics most of the children attain standards that are in line with or above their ability. In mathematics, the children demonstrate accuracy in number calculations and work well independently and in groups to solve

mathematical problems. They demonstrate flexibility in applying their mathematical skills and use appropriate mathematical language to discuss their work and explain their thinking. In literacy, the children read and write competently; they are confident and willing to discuss feelings and emotions, to explore characters and scenarios in stories, and to write for a range of audience and purposes.”

For the quality of teaching, the Inspector was also extremely positive about St Canice’s Primary School, saying: “Most of the teaching ranged from good to outstanding. The teachers plan effectively for the wide range of the children’s needs and they respond well to the children’s ideas and interests. There is a strong focus on developing the children’s skills and capabilities and the teachers build skilfully on incidental teaching opportunities to promote high quality learning.”

For special needs provision and pastoral care, the Inspector also had nothing but positive things to say about St Canince’s: “The provision for children with special educational needs is very good. The teachers and classroom assistants support very effectively the children who require additional and specific support. There are strong links and partnerships established to assist the children’s learning and development. The teachers plan effective literacy and numeracy support programmes to raise standards.”

He added: “The quality of the arrangements for pastoral care is very good. The caring and supportive ethos within the school develops well the children’s confidence. There is a strong focus on promoting positive behaviour and in developing the children’s sense of fairness and respect for each other. The children’s achievements are valued and celebrated throughout the school. The children take part in a range of extra-curricular activities which fosters their sense of environmental responsibility and develops well their creative, scientific and linguistic skills.”

The Inspector also highlighted the school’s strong community links, saying: “Representatives from the governors and the parents met with the inspection team. They expressed strong support for the work of the staff and highlighted the school’s close links with the local community.”