School Development Plan 2025-2028
Question 1: What is the school’s vision and what informs it?
Kilrea Primary School’s vision is “From strong roots, great things grow.” This means the school believes that when children feel safe, supported and valued, they can grow into confident learners and caring individuals. The vision was shaped by listening to pupils, parents, staff, governors and the wider community, with children playing a key role through a whole-school motto competition. It guides everything the school does, from learning and wellbeing to caring for the environment and supporting others. Strong community links, shared education partnerships and a caring ethos help children build friendships, resilience and respect for others. The vision is seen every day in the school’s welcoming atmosphere, its focus on safeguarding and wellbeing, and its commitment to helping every child reach their full potential.
Question 2: How is the school setting about achieving the vision, within its context?
Kilrea Primary School is working towards its vision by strengthening its ethos, supporting wellbeing and raising standards in learning. Following a period of change, the school has refreshed its vision, values and behaviour approach so that everyone feels included, treated fairly and encouraged to do their best. Children help lead this work by promoting school values and celebrating positive behaviour. The school places a strong focus on wellbeing, shown through its Take 5 accreditation, Eco Schools achievements and strong links with St Columba’s Primary School through Shared Education. To help every child succeed, extra support is provided for literacy and numeracy through targeted teaching, effective use of support staff, careful tracking of progress and close work with parents and outside agencies where needed. Teaching and learning is also being enhanced through more play-based and outdoor learning, helping children build confidence, curiosity and independence. All actions are carefully planned, reviewed and adapted to make sure they truly support children to grow from strong roots into happy, successful learners.
Question 3: How does the school monitor progress and respond to challenges?
Kilrea Primary School regularly checks how well the school and its pupils are doing and takes action where extra support is needed. Children’s progress is monitored through assessments, teacher observations and careful tracking of attendance, literacy and numeracy. Pupils who need extra help receive targeted support, including SEN provision, in‑class interventions and reading programmes, with parents closely involved. Staff receive ongoing training to improve teaching and wellbeing, including play‑based and outdoor learning. The school listens to feedback, reviews its practice and uses support from the PTA, community and external agencies to overcome barriers and ensure every child is supported to succeed.
Question 4: How does the school define, celebrate and embed success for all learners?
Kilrea Primary School defines success as every child growing academically, socially and emotionally. Success is celebrated through a strong focus on school values, positive behaviour, house points, awards and pupil leadership, all of which are shared through assemblies, displays and school communications. Children’s achievements in literacy and numeracy are carefully tracked, with extra support and intervention helping pupils make progress and build confidence. Success is also seen through improved attendance, wellbeing and enjoyment of learning. Play‑based and outdoor learning, extra‑curricular activities and community involvement help children develop resilience, creativity and life skills. By celebrating effort, progress and personal strengths, the school ensures that every child feels valued and supported to achieve their best.
Question 5: How is the school creating the right conditions for the growth and development of a community of learning?
Kilrea Primary School builds a strong community of learning by working closely with pupils, families, staff and the wider community. The school invests in staff training, shared learning and leadership development to ensure high‑quality teaching and consistent support for children. Strong partnerships, including Shared Education with St Columba’s and collaboration within local principal and teaching networks, support the sharing of good practice. Pupil voice is encouraged, and policies reflect the school’s focus on wellbeing, positive behaviour and inclusion. Parents, the PTA and community groups are actively involved in school life, including learning events, outdoor learning and use of school facilities. Together, these relationships create a supportive, inclusive environment where everyone learns, grows and succeeds together.
