Strong Signs of Improvement Noted at Primary School in Estyn Report

Improvements at a Wrexham primary school have been commended by inspectors, with postive comments on the hard work of senior leaders.

In an inspection carried out by Estyn in November 2016, Ysgol yr Hafod in Johnstown has been given a ‘good’ performance rating.

The school, on Bangor Road, has seen significant changes since it was formed after the amalgamation of Johnstown Infants and Johnstown Junior Schools in September, 2015.

Within its report Estyn notes that pupils at the school ‘make strong progress in their learning and may attain well’ and that the high standards of reading and use of ICT also came in for praise.

The report also states that the school’s core values of care, courage, aspiration and respect were promoted ‘very effectively’, and pupils are encouraged to work hard and motivated to succeed.

Estyn also references the school’s prospects for improvement, which are listed as ‘adequate’.

Explaining the rating Estyn states that ‘senior leaders are making good progress in establishing common practices over the two sites following amalgamation’ and ‘the current school improvement place successfully identifies initiatives to raise standards’.

The school is now in the process of preparing an action plan to address the recommendations set out by Estyn.

Cllr Michael Williams, Lead Member for Education and Children’s Services, said: “I am pleased to see the progress achieved at the school over a relatively short period of time. It is pleasing to note that the report acknowledges the emphasis placed by the school on the basics of pupils’ wellbeing, behaviour, reading and IT skills.”

Cllr David A Bithell, ward member for Johnstown and Chair of Governors at Ysgol yr Hafod, said he was “delighted” by the contents of the report

Cllr Bithell added: “I am pleased that Estyn highlighted how well pupils have progressed with their learning and that they have good levels of wellbeing, positive attitudes and good standards of behaviour.

“Standards of reading were deemed high and the inspectors were impressed with how well pupils use information technology skilfully for a wide range of purposes.

“This is down to the hard work of all staff, governors, the support of parents and the children themselves.”