General Inspection Report on Ballymena Primary School
Summary of Main Findings.

The school is characterised by an atmosphere of mutual respect to which the children respond well; their behaviour is very good. The teachers have worked hard to create a secure, caring environment in which each child feels valued.

The school provides a broad and well-balanced curriculum. In addition to curricular planning, appropriate procedures are in place to ensure the smooth and efficient running of the school and the optimum use of its resources.

The teachers are conscientious and hard working. The quality of teaching is always satisfactory; often it is very good. The teachers have appropriately high expectations of the children. The children's learning outcomes are clearly defined and, in general, they achieve a good standard of work. The majority of the children achieve good standards of literacy and numeracy and, by the end of year 7, they have gained much from a broad range of learning activities across the curriculum.

The needs of those children who have particular learning difficulties are addressed appropriately. Effective liaison between the class teachers and the special needs teacher helps to ensure that the children are working at a level appropriate to their ability and that they are making suitable progress.

The younger children experience a wide range of well-planned structured play activities; these form a useful basis for future learning.

The children's classwork and homework are marked conscientiously; helpful comments which encourage and motivate the children are often included.

The principal provides strong and effective leadership. The energy, expertise and enthusiasm of all the staff and the wider community have been harnessed very effectively in pursuit of the aims of the school.

The teachers have exploited very creatively the potential of the building and grounds to enhance teaching and learning. The toilet block is in a poor state of repair and is in urgent need of refurbishment. (Principal's note:-This work has since been carried out.)

CONCLUSION
This is a good school which has many important strengths and no significant weaknesses; it serves the community well.

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