Inspection Summary Report - Limavady Central Primary School

Limavady Central Primary School

DE Ref No 201-6426

Inspection Summary Report - November 2025

Over the last three years, the principal has led an authentic, inclusive and highly consultative process focused on enabling the whole school community to reflect upon and reimagine its vision for high-quality education. This collaborative process has led to a clearly articulated shared vision and values that are well understood and are reflected in the learning experiences of the children.
The current school development plan and associated action plans are underpinned by an extensive and ongoing process of self‑evaluation and reflection. The school’s commitment to meeting both the pastoral and the academic needs of each child is reflected appropriately in the current improvement priorities.
The governors have availed of appropriate training opportunities to support them in carrying out their role effectively. They make an active and impactful contribution to the work of the school, in particular, through their work with co-ordinators supporting curriculum development.
Comprehensive planning is in place across the curriculum and guides well the work of the teachers in creating meaningful learning experiences for the children. Curriculum co‑ordinators have clear roles and responsibilities and work collegially to strengthen planning and ensure progression.
Where planning, teaching and assessment for successful learning are most effective: work is matched well to individual needs and abilities, learning is connected well across the curriculum, and the children engage enthusiastically in practical activities. The co-ordinators have identified appropriately the need to share the most effective strategies and approaches more consistently across the school.
The health and well-being of the whole school community is promoted very effectively. A dedicated and very passionate well-being team, supported by the staff, ensures that the wide range of initiatives established are well embedded and impactful.
The commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion underpins the school’s ethos and is at the heart of the school community. Each child’s distinct identity, ability and experiences are recognised, responded to and valued.
The highly effective, tailored support for children with special educational needs is having a positive impact, enabling them to make very good progress in their learning and development.
Celebrating success is central to the vision of this school community and is reflected strongly in the culture of positivity that pervades all aspects of the physical and emotional learning environment created for the children. The children are confident, friendly, welcoming to visitors and respectful in their interactions with one another.
The children’s books reflect appropriate progression in learning and the children take pride in the presentation of their work. Most of the children are making progress in line with or beyond the expected levels across the key curricular areas of literacy and numeracy.
High priority is given to staff professional learning and well-being, resulting in a well‑informed and confident staff team that is increasingly skilled in meeting the wide‑ranging needs of the children.
The school has established meaningful partnerships with parents, external agencies and the wider community, which strengthen engagement across the school community and enrich the children’s learning experiences.
Success is embedded through: a culture of high expectations; the intentional focus on building positive relationships and supporting well-being; and the focus on the professional growth and development of a dedicated staff team which is equipping them to meet the needs of the children very effectively.
At the time of the inspection, the evidence provided by the school demonstrates that the arrangements for child protection align to the current statutory guidance.

Next steps

Limavady Central Primary School staff have a deep-rooted commitment to the children’s pastoral care and academic achievement that has been encapsulated in a vision which has united and inspires the school community. As a result, the school has developed a highly collegial and inclusive approach to meeting the needs of each child, and to valuing and celebrating every aspect of their potential, alongside their unique gifts and talents. As set out in the school’s current development plan, the area for action for Limavady Central Primary School is: to facilitate the sharing of first-hand evidence of effective classroom practice among all of the school staff.

The District Inspector will monitor the school’s progress in addressing this area for action, as part of ETI’s normal monitoring processes.

Inspectors have also identified an aspect of highly effective practice from which others may learn. The aspect of practice which should be shared more widely is:

the strategic and collaborative approach to creating the right conditions for the growth and development of a highly effective community of learning.