Praise for “exceptionally warm and caring atmosphere” at Caia Park primary school

A primary school in Caia Park has been praised for its “exceptionally warm and caring atmosphere” by inspectors.

Estyn, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales, visited St Anne’s School on Prince Charles Road in February.

The Catholic primary school, which has 185 pupils, was found to be good in all areas inspected – including its standards, wellbeing and attitudes to learning, teaching and learning experiences; care, support and guidance and leadership and management.

As part of its findings the inspectorate states that the school places “strong importance on ensuring pupils’ wellbeing and providing a high level of support and guidance.”

It continues onto say: “There is an exceptionally warm and caring atmosphere in the school and this helps pupils to feel valued. Most pupils behave well and have positive attitudes to learning.

“The headteacher has been successful in developing a collaborative ethos among staff. She shares their vision and aspirations for improvement with all stakeholders effectively.

“As pupils move through the school, most become very capable mathematicians who enjoy solving problems. They develop effective speaking and listening skills, often from low starting points, and make strong progress with their reading.

“Staff generally plan stimulating and engaging indoor and outdoor learning activities, and most take good account of pupils’ ideas. This helps pupils to become independent, resilient and confident learners.”

The report also draws attention to the care, support and guidance at the school – which is described as providing a “caring, inclusive environment where staff and pupil wellbeing is central to its ethos and work.”

The report adds: “The high level of care, support and guidance that staff provide for pupils is a strength of the school.

“Staff know pupils well and provide a nurturing environment that builds pupils’ confidence and self-esteem. They teach pupils effectively about important values and how to respect and appreciate others.

“Provision for pupils with additional learning needs, including those in the resource provision, is good.

“Teachers analyse a range of information about pupils in the school and use this information and a range of data effectively to raise standards.”

Five recommendations have been put to the school to take forward, including:

– Address the health and safety issues highlighted during inspection
– Ensure that teaching and learning experiences meet the needs of all pupils
– Monitor the impact of school improvement planning robustly, and share good practice regularly across the school
– Develop opportunities for all pupils to make choices about how and what they learn
– Improve pupils’ attendance

The school will now draw up an action plan to address the recommendations from the inspector.

*Picture: Google Maps