A MEIRIONNYDD primary school has received a glowing report from inspectors.
Following a recent visit to Ysgol Gynradd Cefn Coch in Penrhyndeudraeth, the schools inspectorate Estyn has applauded the school’s staff and pupils.
The school’s approach to ‘wellbeing and attitudes to learning’; ‘care, support and guidance’; and ‘leadership and management’ were all rated as ‘excellent’, the highest praise afforded in Estyn reports.
In addition, their approach to ‘teaching and learning experiences’ and ‘standards’ were ranked as ‘good’.
The report read: “The strength of the working relationships between pupils and staff is an exceptional feature of the school’s work and contributes extensively to its effective learning environment.
“Teachers provide a wide range of rich and stimulating learning experiences, which ensure that pupils develop as confident, independent learners.
“Standards of behaviour and self-discipline are high in nearly all lessons and around the school.
“Most pupils make sound progress and achieve well.
“An exceptional feature is their accomplished and skilful use of their information and communication technology (ICT) skills to support their work across the curriculum.
“A very strong Welsh ethos encourages pupils to make full use of the Welsh language in all aspects of school life.
“They show high levels of motivation, interest and pride in their work.”
The school leaders were also praised for providing “highly effective leadership and a clear strategic direction for the school’s work”.
The inspector only offered two recommendations for improving the school: “Improve pupils’ ability to apply their reasoning and enquiry skills, particularly in key stage 2”; and “ensure more opportunities for pupils in key stage 2 to make choices in relation to their learning”.
The school will now produce an action plan to address the recommendations from the inspection.
Estyn will also invite Ysgol Cefn Coch to prepare a case study on its work to promote pupils’ expressive and creative skills, to be displayed on Estyn’s website.