Noelle Buick Chief Inspector Education and Training Inspectorate

Noelle Buick Chief Inspector Education and Training Inspectorate Chief Inspector’s Report 2010 -12

Achieving value Key findings • Overall our education system provides good value and has many positive features. • However. . . there is still too much variation in: outcomes; quality of provision; leadership and management. • Effective self-evaluation key to improvement.

Learning skills Key findings • Curriculum/range of provision is mainly appropriate but aspects need more focus. • Majority of learning and teaching is good or better; need to build on this to increase the very good and outstanding. • Significantly improved CEIAG in post-primary schools. • ICT is well used in special schools; requires improvement post-primary schools and WBL inspected. • Continued development of literacy and numeracy skills a priority.

Transforming communities Key findings • Closing the achievement gap is critical. • Partnership working benefits learners. • Need to encourage all parents and carers to recognise the importance of their child’s education and attendance at school. • Stronger focus needed on the contribution of education to economic growth. • Need to build on IFI ‘Sharing in Education’ programme.

Special educational needs and inclusion • Provision in the special schools inspected is high quality: Ø Mainstream Ø Pre-school Ø Primary Ø Post-primary Ø Irish medium schools.

Special educational needs and inclusion In conclusion: • Special schools: Overall effectiveness good or better in 90%; achievements and standards improved. • Mainstream schools: profile, priority and support for pupils with SEN improving. • EOTAS: Need to improve achievements and standards; accommodation and resources. Need to: 1. Recognise sustained capacity building as a driver for change and improvement. 2. Collaborate and co-operate to share and grow effective practices. 3. Measure outcomes more rigorously and ensure greater progress for all learners.

Use of ICT in special schools

Noelle Buick Chief Inspector Education and Training Inspectorate Chief Inspector’s Report 2010 -12