Foreword

Welcome.

This Department of Education Inspectorate Report (2021-2023) and Thematic Review provides details of the inspection programme carried out by the Department of Education Inspectorate in the period January 2021-December 2023. It presents summary analyses of inspection findings from early learning and care settings, primary schools, special schools and post-primary schools. It also presents thematic reflections on aspects of education provision in Ireland today, drawing on the research, inspections and advisory engagements carried out by inspectors in primary schools, special schools, post-primary schools, early learning and care settings and centres for education.

There are very many positive findings to report about the quality of educational provision during this period. This report reflects these. During their inspection and advisory work in education settings, inspectors saw at first hand the professional contributions of teachers, educators, principals, setting leaders, management teams, special needs assistants and support staff in enhancing educational provision and supporting children and young people to reach their full potential.

There are some key areas, too, where further development is possible within the system. The advice and recommendations within individual inspection reports are designed to promote ongoing improvement at individual school and setting level. However, insights from inspections extend beyond individual schools and settings. They have relevance for curriculum designers, teacher educators, student teachers, professional support services, management organisations and parents’ councils at both local and national levels, education support centres, administrators and policymakers. It is hoped that this report and thematic review will be helpful to schools, settings and all of these groups as they continue their efforts to improve learning.

In closing, I would like to acknowledge the wonderful children and young people that we encounter in our work in schools and settings. Their perspectives and ideas are essential to both the inspection and school and setting improvement processes. Their energy and enthusiasm inspire and drive our work.

Acknowledgements

The Department of Education Inspectorate Report (2021-2023) and Thematic Review draws extensively on the evaluation and advisory work carried out by inspectors between 2021 and 2023. The contributions of all inspectors are recognised. The 2021-2023 work programme would not have been possible without the valuable support of the administrative staff who worked closely with the Inspectorate, as well as the assistance provided by officials in various policy and administrative divisions across the Department.