Wrexham Primary School Removed From Special Measures

A primary school in Wrexham has been removed from special measures by schools inspectorate Estyn.

Ysgol Y Waun in Chirk had been place in special measures following a core inspection by Estyn in February 2014, however in a monitoring report released by the schools inspectorate today notes that the school has made sufficient progress and a foundation has been established to be built upon.

Since the last inspection the school has very good progress in raising the standards achieved by more able pupils and analysis of this year’s performance data indicates that pupils of higher ability have improved significantly on previous performance in English and maths at the end of both key stages.

Strong progress has also been made in improving numeracy, ICT skills and Welsh across the curriculum with most pupils making good progress in developing numeracy skills. The school has also invested in tablet computers and appropriate applications that all teachers put to effective use to support pupils learning.

Kath Eccleston, Headteacher at the school, said: “I am delighted with the report, this is due to the hard work of all the staff working together as a team to raise standards. We will continue to build on what we have achieved this year to make this a successful school for the children of Chirk. I would like to thank all the staff for their dedication.”

The use of the Welsh language continues to develop well throughout the school and improvements have been made in standards of behaviour and planning and teaching.

Very good progress has also been made in creating a whole school identity with consistent policies and practice across the two sites.

The school also uses self-evaluation more effectively to identify the main priorities for improving standards and monitor and evaluate progress against these.

The school has made very good progress in addressing safeguarding and health and safety issues identified at the time of the original inspection. Security measures are now fully in place to provide secure access to the Foundation Phase site.

Frank Hemmings, Chair of Governors, said: “During the last year staff at Ysgol Y Waun have worked extremely hard to meet the standards of Estyn following it being placed in special measures. The Governing body are very proud of the achievements of the school during this time as not only the has the criteria been met it has in most cases been exceeded.

“All of the staff have contributed to the improvement in the school but we have to thank the Senior Team led by Mrs Eccleston who have worked tirelessly to bring about the increase in standards, the school its pupils and staff are something that Chirk can be proud of and we can be sure that this is just the start and that the school will continue to improve and become a flagship in Welsh Education.

“My personal thanks go to all of the staff pupils and governors of Ysgol Y Waun.”

Cllr Michael Williams, Lead Member for Children’s Services and Education, added: “This is very welcome news and a tribute to the hard work and commitment of the headteacher and governing body. I know there is still work to do but they will not be complacent and I am confident they will continue to improve and build to make this a very successful school. Well done to all involved.”

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