The Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) report they are ‘unable to assure parents/carers, the wider school community and stakeholders of the quality of education being provided for the pupils’ at Dalriada after a recent inspection involving ‘action short of strike’
This comes after the (ETI) have released its report after a post-primary inspection carried out in January 2020, despite the non co-operation by the schools teachers.
Due to ongoing disputes over teachers pay, workload and other management issues, the Northern Ireland Teachers Council (NITC) had instructed its members to take industrial action, which includes non-co-operation with the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI).
The ETI inspectors were made aware of this BUT continued their inspection as they have a statutory duty to monitor, inspect and report on the standards of education and professional practice among teachers.
They did however have the co-operation of senior leadership and representatives of the board of governors in relation to leadership and safeguarding responsibilities.
After talking to pupils, senior management and members of the board of governors, the inspectors reported the following:
| Overall effectiveness | Unable to assure the quality of education |
| Outcomes for learners | No performance level available |
| Quality of provision | No performance level available |
| Leadership and management | No performance level available |
In regards the schools safeguarding the inspectors noted:
‘During the inspection, the school provided evidence that the arrangements for safeguarding pupils reflect broadly the guidance from the Department of Education. Owing to the action short of strike, the ETI was unable to evaluate fully the outworking of the arrangements for safeguarding in the school. The pupils report that they feel safe in the school and that they are aware what to do if they have any concerns about their safety or welfare.’
The report concluded that the ‘quality of education’ being provided for the pupils would be ‘reflected in future inspection activity’.
The full report can be read here.
