Since February 2006, school inspection reports have been published on www.education.ie at regular intervals throughout the school year.

Commenting on the 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 are written following an evaluation of a school conducted over a period of days by Department of Education inspectors. After holding pre-evaluation meetings with the principal, the teachers, the board of management, and representatives of the parents’ association, the inspectors visit classrooms and observe teaching and learning. They interact with teachers and pupils and review school planning documentation and teachers’ written preparation.

The published evaluation reports comment on:

• Quality of school management
• Quality of school planning
• Quality of learning and teaching
• Quality of support for pupils
• Provision for minority groups
• Home school links

The reports make recommendations for a school’s further development and there is an opportunity for the school to respond to the report. (Source: Irish Times and other)