Ceiriog Valley Federation Schools receive positive Estyn inspection report

Staff and pupils at Ceiriog Valley Federation Schools are celebrating after receiving their latest Estyn inspection report.

Ysgol Cynddelw (dual stream Welsh and English), and Ysgol Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog (Welsh stream) were found to have a “caring and inclusive community” by the inspectorate during its visit in July.

There was also praise for the “enthusiastic support of the staff” and the “clear and robust vision” created by the headteacher.

The behaviour of the pupils in the Federation Schools was also highlighted, with Estyn stating: “Nearly all pupils across the school are polite, friendly and treat their peers, staff and visitors with respect and care.

“Most enjoy coming to school and feel happy within its inclusive ethos.

“Pupils and their parents value the care that staff provide and are confident that staff respond immediately to any concerns they may have. Nearly all pupils behave excellently in lessons and during break times.

“Through their awareness of the values that are promoted by the school, most pupils have a good understanding of the importance of moral and creative citizenship.

“Most pupils converse maturely and enjoy sharing their experiences with adults. Members of the school council and eco council contribute their ideas well in an appropriate range of activities.”

The inspectorate also found:

• Leaders are extremely active in ensuring that all members of staff work together effectively to improve the quality of provision for pupils.
• In both streams, many pupils, including those with additional learning needs (ALN) and those who are eligible for free school meals, make sound progress during their time at the school.
• In both streams, the early writing skills of many of the youngest pupils develop well.
• Across the school, most pupils develop sound mathematics skills and use simple number strategies correctly.
• Across the school, the creative skills of nearly all pupils develop skilfully. For example, the youngest pupils develop their skills effectively by using a range of equipment and materials when creating pieces of art and craft to present at the Ceiriog Eisteddfod.
• Teachers promote pupils’ learning beneficially by capturing their ideas and interests.

Inspectors also noted the important work being done around Welsh language and cultures, with Estyn stating that “leaders promote regular and effective co-operation across the federation.”

A report of Estyn’s findings continues onto say: “The school curriculum is rooted firmly in the pupils’ local area or cynefin.

“Staff plan beneficial opportunities for pupils to learn about the history and traditions of Wales, while also promoting their awareness that Welsh is part of the lively and modern culture of their local area.

“Teachers promote pupils’ learning beneficially by capturing their ideas and interests.

“For example, teachers provide valuable opportunities for pupils to look at the effects of the past on their present day lives and their hopes for the future.

“By doing so, pupils develop their awareness of the importance of the Welsh language to the communities of Wales today.”

Two recommendations were put forward for the schools – which will now draw up an action plan to address Estyn’s findings:

• Ensure that self-evaluation processes identify areas for improvement in a timely manner to support pupils to make progress in their skills R2
• Provide activities that support pupils to stretch their skills to the best of their ability by applying them in independent learning activities

School headteacher Lora Sockett said: They are excellent inspection reports, we are all very proud.

“It reflects the hard work of staff, pupils, parents/carers and governors not only during the inspection but also over the last few years.

“We are very pleased that the inspectors noted the fantastic unique characteristics of both schools and also how successfully we work as a federation

Chair of governors at Ysgol Cynddelw Carys Davies said: “These reports evidence the consistently high quality of education and care provided at both Ysgol Cynddelw and Ysgol Llanarmon.

“Children attending the Federation schools engage in rich learning experiences and have the individual support they need to help them succeed in both Welsh and English.

“The Ceiriog Valley is very fortunate to have schools of such high calibre.”

Cllr Phil Wynn, lead member for education, added: “I’m extremely pleased with this report.

“A school team effort has ensured a positive inspection by Estyn, and it’s also great to see so much care and attention paid to developing the pupil’s awareness and knowledge of Welsh language and our culture. Da iawn pawb.”