DEPARTMENT OF Education inspectors have raised concerns about a school run by multidenominational group Educate Together.
In a report published yesterday, inspectors say the principal of the Educate Together school in Ennis, Co Clare, “experiences significant difficulties in carrying out his leadership role”.
The report notes the quality of whole-school planning is poor while curriculum planning “requires immediate attention”.
On the problems with leadership in the school the inspectors conclude: “Insufficient emphasis on teaching and learning as the central focus of the school, monitoring of attainment standards, deficiencies in the planning process, distribution . . . of leadership and clear definition of leadership roles and responsibilities are areas in need of attention. There is a lack of cohesion at the senior leadership level in the school.”
Teachers at the school are praised for their professionalism and dedication. In its response, the school management says the school plan has now been completely revised.
Educate Together is the fastest growing school patron in the State.
There are 10,000 pupils attending 56 Educate Together primary schools. The network hopes to open 45 more primary schools within the next three years.
Since February 2006, school inspection reports, such as whole school evaluations or subject inspections, are published at regular intervals throughout the school year.
There are now 3,552 school-inspection reports available.
Commenting on the latest round of inspection reports, Minister for Education and Skills Mary Coughlan said: “The publication of school inspection reports plays an important role in maintaining public and parental confidence in the quality of education provision.
“Publication also highlights the critical day-to-day role that the department inspectorate plays in identifying and addressing any problems in individual schools.
“This ongoing monitoring and assessment is vital in order to maintain high standards across our education system.”
Whole-school evaluation reports comment on schools’ management of resources, teaching and learning, arrangements for student assessment, supports for students, provision for minority groups and home-school links.
All inspection reports, including those published yesterday are accessible online at www.education.ie/insreports/ school_inspection_report_listing.htm
