Here’s a round-up of school inspections that were undertaken during autumn 2023 (pdf).
Special school receives “faultless” inspection report
Heronsbridge Special School has become the second school in the county to receive no recommendations for improvements from the school inspectorate, Estyn.
The school was praised for (amongst other things) the strong working relationships between pupils and staff, as well as high-quality monitoring of pupils’ progress, attendance and behaviour.
Estyn also praised the school’s good communication with parents, while the school’s leadership and management were described as “outstanding”.
Heronsbridge – which is set to move to a new £25million campus at Island Farm in the next few years – will now be used as a case study for other schools to learn from concerning the curriculum and professional development of staff.
Ysgol Gyfun Llangynwyd became the first school in the county to receive a “faultless” inspection in 2023.
No follow-up at one school; more work needed at two schools
Porthcawl Primary won’t need any follow-ups from Estyn. The school was praised for its additional learning needs (ALN) support as well as the fostering of a “caring and inclusive environment”.
Inspectors recommended the school works to challenge learners of all abilities and does more to develop digital skills.
Estyn will, however, keep progress at two other schools under review.
Llangewydd Primary was praised for its ALN support and “friendly ethos”, where pupils develop excellent speaking and listening skills.
Estyn recommended the role of governors be strengthened. They also recommended that more work is done to properly embed numeracy and IT skills in the curriculum, as well as give pupils a stronger voice.
Coleg Cymynudol y Dderwen has received praise for the high level of care and support it provides to its students, especially in terms of career support and ALN. Additionally, the school’s sixth form has been recognized for its outstanding mentoring role with younger students.
Nonetheless, Estyn believes more work needs to be done to improve literacy, numeracy and Welsh language skills. Also, teaching needs to “provide appropriate challenge to all pupils”.
New governing body set to be appointed to Ogmore Vale Primary
A new shadow governing body is to be set up for Ogmore Vale Primary (pdf).
The primary school was placed into special measures by Estyn in 2019. It was taken out of special measures in 2022.
As part of the process of returning to normal, Bridgend Council will establish a new governing body. This shadow governing body will assume all the responsibilities of a full governing body after six months (at the beginning of September 2024).
