Wrexham primary school praised for supporting disadvantaged children

A Wrexham primary school has been praised for its work in supporting children from disadvantaged backgrounds in a glowing inspection report.

Inspectors from Welsh education watchdog Estyn visited Hafod-y-Wern Community Primary School in Caia Park to carry out an assessment in February.

A report has now been published detailing their findings, which commends the school’s work in reducing the impact of socio-economic disadvantages.

It also highlights assistance for pupils with additional learning needs as being one of its strengths.

There are currently 288 youngsters on the school’s roll, almost 61 per cent of whom are eligible for free school meals, compared to the national primary school average of just under 24 per cent.

The report states: “At Hafod-y-Wern Community Primary School, leaders, staff, and governors create an environment where pupils feel safe, make good progress in their learning and access a wide range of engaging activities.

“Most pupils are courteous and welcoming. They show respect for each other and for staff and engage well in learning.

“The school’s support for pupils with additional learning needs (ALN), including those in the resourced provision, is a strength, enabling nearly all pupils with ALN to make good progress in learning and well-being.

“In an area of high socio-economic disadvantage, the school ensures that cost is never a barrier to learning.

“Leaders and teachers provide a rich and varied curriculum, including opportunities for all to take part in a range of sporting and musical activities as well as purposeful and enjoyable visits and outdoor education experiences. The school’s teaching and curriculum meet pupils’ needs well.”

There are two recommendations contained within the report, including to improve the quality and consistency of feedback to ensure pupils understand how to better their work.

The school has also been asked to create opportunities for pupils to apply a wider range of numeracy and digital skills.

In relation to learning, the report states: “The school serves a community where socio-economic disadvantage is significantly higher than average.

“Most pupils start school with communication and social skills below those expected for their age.

“During their time at school, most pupils, including those with ALN and those eligible for free school meals, make good progress in many aspects of their learning.”

The school will now be asked to draw up an action plan to address the two recommendations raised by the inspectors.

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter