Glowing praise for Wrexham primary school in recent inspection report

A Wrexham primary school has received glowing feedback following a recent visit by Estyn, His Majesty’s Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales.

During a visit in October inspectors found Alexandra School, on Bodhyfryd, to be a “caring and inclusive” environment.

The school, which has 377 pupils on roll, was also found to have “a strong focus on offering pupils emotional support, which helps pupils to behave well and engage actively in lessons.”

The inspection focused on five areas – learning, well-being and attitudes to learning, teaching and learning experiences, leadership and management and care, support and guidance.

Each area received praise from the inspectorate, with key findings in its report including:

• Positive relationships among pupils and staff – creating a friendly and supportive atmosphere where children feel valued.
• Staff and pupils feel valued and take pride in being part of the school community.
• Pupils make significant progress during their time at school.
• Exemplary support for pupils with additional learning needs (ALN).
• A strong focus on offering pupils emotional support, which helps them behave well and engage actively in lessons.
• The school is a safe haven that fosters pupil’s excitement for learning and encourages them to show respect for one another.
• Pupils are confident speakers who share their ideas eagerly and express themselves clearly.
• Pupils develop their writing skills well, and are confident mathematicians.
• Leaders and governors are highly effective, with a clear vision and a strong commitment to maintaining high standards.
• Teachers receive purposeful professional development and support, and the school manages its resources well.
• Most pupils across the school build positive working relationships with staff and each other.
• Pupils feel safe and valued because of the school’s friendly and caring ethos.
• Pupils in the Resource Provision classes develop positive attitudes to learning.
• Pupils, including those with ALN, take on leadership roles and participate actively in various pupil voice groups throughout the school.
• Classes are calm, productive environments where pupils interact positively with each other.
• The headteacher and school leaders have established a clear vision for Alexandra Primary School, creating a safe haven that fosters pupils’ excitement for learning and encourages them to show respect for each other.

Just two recommendations for the school were put forward. These were:-

• Strengthen the links between areas of learning to provide purposeful opportunities for pupils to deepen their understanding and further develop their independent learning skills
• Improve pupils’ skills in speaking Welsh

Head Teacher Lisa Roberts said: “This is a fantastic report that highlights the hard work and commitment shown by everyone at the school.

“Alexandra is a wonderful learning environment and it’s a real privilege to see our children grow and develop during their time with us.

“We’re so lucky to have staff, parents and governors who want the best for our pupils, and we work hard as a team to make sure school is a rewarding and wonderful place.”

Councillor Phil Wynn, Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for Education, addedi t: “This is an excellent report and another example of how Wrexham’s primary schools are helping to shape young lives – supporting children during some of the most important years of their education.

“I would like to thank the Head Teacher Lisa Roberts and everyone else at Alexandra for their hard work and dedication.

“It’s a fantastic school and a credit to Wrexham.”

Picture: Google Maps