‘Outstanding’ inspection report for St Joseph’s Primary School

Some of the P5 children of St Joseph's Primary School who took part in this years play 'The Ordinary Ox'

Barry Traynor, former principal of St Patrick’s in Magherafelt who only recently took up his post in Crumlin, said: “It was very fitting that the school has been given such an inspection report on the year that they are celebrating their 100th anniversary.

“I was delighted but not surprised at the findings. The school was given an outstanding report in all aspects and I am very proud to be part of that.

“The school has always had a good, strong reputation so this report has not surprised me at all.

“I would take this opportunity to extend my thanks to all of the staff, pupils and their parents who have made me feel so welcome in this role.

“I have only been in the post for few months I have been made to feel most welcome and feel that I have been part of the school for years. For that I am most grateful.”

Inspectors observed teaching and learning, scrutinised documentation and the children’s written work and held formal and informal discussions with children, teachers and staff with specific responsibilities.

A meeting was held with representatives from the governors and groups of children and the opportunity was given for parents, teaching and support staff to complete a confidential questionnaire.

Parents indicated very high levels of satisfaction with the life and work of the school. In particular, the parents highlighted how hard the teachers in the school and nursery unit work to make each child feel important and to encourage them to believe that they can achieve.

“The school’s performance data indicates that almost all of the children, including those who require additional support with aspects of their learning, make outstanding year-on-year progress in English and mathematics in line with their ability or above expectation,” the report read.

“The children in the nursery unit are very settled are happy to explore and investigate the many interesting activities available to them in the attractive and stimulating indoor and outdoor learning environments.”

The report concluded the quality of education and pastoral care at the school was outstanding and it had demonstrated its capacity for sustained self-improvement.’