Welsh school where inspectors said children spoke too much English taken out of special measures

A Welsh school where inspectors found children spoke too much English has improved enough to be taken out of the highest level of monitoring. Ysgol Pen-y- Garth, the only Welsh medium primary in Penarth, has been taken out of Estyn special measures after improvements made by the leadership.

The school inspectorate returned to look at the school after placing it in the highest level of monitoring last year. Estyn said it was now satisfied that action has been taken to address the issues that saw it put into special measures.

In a monitoring report Estyn said the headteacher had “undertaken her role extremely effectively” and the standard of teaching and pupils’ achievements has improved. Inspectors found that the head has “worked closely with all staff, pupils, governors and parents” and has high expectations of herself and all staff, the documents adds. You can get more story updates straight to your inbox by subscribing to our newsletters here.

“Since the core inspection, all staff work together effectively to promote a Welsh ethos and culture. Pupils show a good understanding of a number of Welsh legends and work with Welsh artists to promote art skills effectively,” the report addds.

“They (pupils) show pride when performing in a successful musical, when composing contemporary music and when competing in eisteddfodau. As a result, pupils’ creative skills develop successfully.”

Inspectors found that the school’s senior leaders now have clear roles and responsibilities, governors support and challenge leaders and those leaders “have established a performance management system that responds to the statutory requirements”.

The report goes on: “The senior leadership team work together effectively to evaluate teaching through visits to classes and scrutiny of books. As a result, leaders have a sound knowledge of the strengths and areas for

improvement.”

There are more opportunities for parents to see their children’s work, governors also receive regular information about the school’s progress and are “beginning to visit the school more regularly to deepen their understanding of the school’s successes and areas for

improvement”.

Teachers have “a useful guide” for developing pupils’ reading skills and leaders have established robust arrangements to improve pupils’ attendance and

punctuality. “The headteacher and members of the senior leadership team have created a clear strategy to improve standards of teaching and learning across the school.

Inspectors also noted that: “Staff have developed a teaching strategy for Pen-y-Garth which sets clear expectations to create a ‘culture of learning’. This has ensured consistency in teaching and, as a result, standards of teaching across the school are now consistently good.

“Staff have high expectations in terms of pupils’ behaviour and achievement. They

have created a caring community in which there is an emphasis on respect for each

individual.

“They manage their classes effectively, which has a positive effect on nearly all pupils’ attitudes to learning. Across the school, nearly all pupils settle quickly, where appropriate, and are ready to undertake their tasks enthusiastically.”

What is happening where you live? Find out by adding your postcode or visit InYourArea