Latest news with #InspectorateforEducationandTraininginWales
South Wales Argus
27-06-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Chepstow School praised for inclusivity in Estyn report
The inspection was conducted by Estyn, His Majesty's Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales, in March 2025. Chepstow School, located on Welsh Street in Chepstow, Monmouthshire, has a total of 799 pupils enrolled, with 663 of those being of statutory school age. (Image: Chepstow School) The report highlights that Chepstow School aims to inspire learning "for all, for life." It emphasizes the well-being of all pupils as a high priority, which contributes to a happy and safe school environment. (Image: Chepstow School) The sense of belonging among students is notably strengthened by the school's focus on pupil voice. The school's core values—positivity, ambition, curiosity, equity, and perseverance—are evident in its operations. (Image: Chepstow School) The report states that the social and emotional needs of all pupils, including the most vulnerable, are met well, allowing them to thrive. In many lessons, there are respectful and purposeful relationships between teachers and pupils. (Image: Chepstow School) This, along with good quality teaching, ensures that pupils of all abilities make at least secure progress in their knowledge, understanding, and skills. However, the report notes that the sixth form curriculum is currently limited. Chepstow School's PTA are a big part of the school's inclusive environment (Image: Chepstow School PTA) The headteacher, who was appointed on March 1, 2023, provides strong leadership and has guided the school through challenging times. The school's culture of collaboration and innovation was particularly commended, with special mention of pupil leadership and the proactive promotion of the Welsh language – identified as exemplary practices to be shared nationally. (Image: Chepstow School) Headteacher Kelly Waythe, expressing her pride in the recognition, said: 'This report captures the heart and soul of Chepstow School – the passion, resilience, and commitment of our pupils, staff, governors, and wider community. "It reflects the high standards we champion every day and reinforces our belief in the power of education to transform lives. We are incredibly proud of this achievement and remain focused on building upon our strengths as we continue our journey of excellence.' (Image: Chepstow School) Chair of Governors, Keith Dunn, OBE, added: 'It was a privilege to speak with the Estyn inspection team and hear their praise for our vibrant school community. The report is a tribute to the dedication of our headteacher, senior leaders, and every member of staff who puts our pupils at the centre of everything they do. "Parents and carers can be proud of the excellent education and care their children receive. As governors, we are immensely proud of this validation of Chepstow School's ongoing success and the strong foundations we have built for the future.' (Image: Chepstow School) The Estyn report not only recognises Chepstow School's achievements but also highlights its role as a model of best practice across Wales. With a clear vision and united commitment, the entire school community continues to create a thriving, inclusive learning environment – preparing young people to flourish in school and beyond. This leadership has helped the school make significant progress in addressing national priorities, particularly in improving attendance and promoting the Welsh language. Despite these positive aspects, the school is facing financial challenges. (Image: Chepstow School) To assist Chepstow School in its ongoing improvement, the report includes two recommendations. The first is to work with the local authority to ensure robust financial management. The second is to refine self-evaluation processes so that leaders can focus more effectively on the impact of teaching on pupils' progress and plan precisely for improvement. As a next step, the school will develop an action plan to address these recommendations from the inspection. This plan will be crucial in helping the school continue its journey of improvement and ensure that all pupils receive the best possible education.
South Wales Argus
19-06-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Libanus Primary School, Blackwood, praised by Estyn
Libanus Primary School, in Libanus Road, Blackwood, was given the positive feedback following an inspection by Estyn, His Majesty's Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales, in March 2025. (Image: L Richards) The school, which has 337 pupils, was praised for its strong leadership, well-planned curriculum, and the high-quality support it provides to pupils with additional learning needs. (Image: L Richards) Inspectors found that the school "provides a warm, friendly, nurturing environment that promotes pupils' personal, social, and emotional development very well." They said the headteacher has a "clear vision, leads with strong direction, and creates a safe and inclusive learning environment." (Image: L Richards) The report also highlighted the school's focus on meeting the well-being needs of all pupils, and the high-quality support provided to pupils with additional learning needs. The school's curriculum was described as "well-planned" and offering "interesting and motivating learning experiences." (Image: L Richards) Teachers were praised for effectively challenging and supporting pupils, with most pupils making good progress across all areas of learning. The school's approach enables pupils to apply their literacy and numeracy skills to other areas, work independently, and improve their skills. (Image: L Richards) The development of pupils' creative, physical, and digital skills were identified as strengths of the school. (Image: L Richards) Inspectors found that staff build "strong relationships with pupils and set high expectations," resulting in pupils having positive attitudes to learning and displaying "exemplary behaviour." (Image: L Richards) Pupils were found to have a strong voice in the school and are keen to take on leadership responsibilities. They are proud of the changes that their work has brought about, such as highlighting what pupils should do if they experience any bullying. The report also praised the school's effective partnership work with parents and external agencies, which promotes good attendance. (Image: L Richards) Robust procedures for monitoring and evaluation ensure continuous improvement in pupil performance and teaching standards. Governors were found to provide valuable support, have a good knowledge of the school's work, and contribute well to school life. (Image: L Richards) However, the report did identify one area for improvement. It recommended that the school should "continue to improve pupils' Welsh language speaking skills and provide more opportunities for them to use Welsh around the school." The school will now draw up an action plan to address this recommendation. (Image: L Richards) Headteacher Nicola Williams said: "We are thrilled with our report and that the inspectors recognised so many of our strengths. "Our success is due to the hard work of our amazing team of staff, our dedicated governing body, our supportive families and our wonderful pupils. "I am extremely proud of what we have achieved and of the high level of education and care that we provide every day in our warm, friendly, nurturing environment."
South Wales Argus
21-04-2025
- General
- South Wales Argus
Positive Estyn report for St Joseph's R.C. Primary School
The inspection took place on November 25, 2024, by His Majesty's Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales. St Joseph's, located in Blaenau Gwent, has 111 pupils enrolled, with 83 of them at statutory school age. The school has a Roman Catholic character and operates entirely in English, with no Welsh-medium provision. The report highlights that St Joseph's is a happy and inclusive school. The well-being of both pupils and staff is a high priority for school leaders. Nearly all pupils are described as kind and considerate, fostering positive relationships with staff and visitors. The inspection noted: "This is a strength of the school and enables staff to respond well to meet the individual needs of pupils." The school has a strong provision for pupils with additional learning needs (ALN). Skilled staff use targeted interventions effectively, helping these pupils make good progress towards their individual targets. Most pupils display positive attitudes to learning, showing perseverance and resilience when faced with challenges. They develop their speaking skills well, especially in informal settings, and are eager to discuss their work with adults. In writing, most pupils make sound progress, writing well for various purposes. However, the report points out that staff do not address errors in punctuation, spelling, and grammar effectively enough, delaying pupils to address their mistakes. In mathematics, pupils apply their skills in real-life situations, and they use digital skills to support their learning across the curriculum. While pupils are enthusiastic about learning Welsh, they make limited progress in developing their Welsh oracy skills. The school has created an engaging curriculum that offers meaningful learning experiences. The report also mentions that governors are aware of their roles and responsibilities, providing strong support for the school. The headteacher promotes a robust culture of safeguarding. To continue improving, the inspectors have made two recommendations: strengthen feedback to pupils to help them address mistakes promptly and enhance pupils' Welsh oracy skills.
