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Penarth school out of special measures

Friday, 13 December 2024 at 12:02

By Gareth Joy X @lookoutwales2

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A Welsh-medium primary school in Penarth has been taken out of special measures after two years.

Estyn says "sufficient progress" has been made at Ysgol Pen-y-Garth since its last core inspection in November 2022.

A critical report found teaching standards were too inconsistent and most pupils reverted to speaking English both in and out of the classroom.

Five recommendations were set out by inspectors following the visit, including strengthened leadership and providing "stimulating" activities for older pupils.

Three follow-up visits were made in October 2023 and in March and October this year.

Following the October visit, a Estyn spokesperson said: "Ysgol Pen-y-Garth is judged to have made sufficient progress in relation to the recommendations following the most recent core inspection."

"As a result, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales is removing the school from the list of schools requiring special measures."

The report notes that its headteacher Becca Pugh, who took charge of Pen-y-Garth in January 2023, "has undertaken her role extremely effectively, strengthening strategic leadership."

"She has worked closely with all staff, pupils, governors and parents to create a shared vision. She has high expectations of herself and all staff. The headteacher has ensured that senior leaders have clear roles and responsibilities. Governors support and challenge leaders appropriately."

It notes that teaching standards and pupil achievements "across the school" have improved with all staff working together to promote "a Welsh ethos and culture", with pupils showing "a good achievement of...Welsh legends" and working "with Welsh artists to promote art skills effectively".

The report also praises staff who "have developed a teaching strategy for Pen-y-Garth which sets clear expectations to create a ‘culture of learning’. This has ensured consistency in teaching and, as a result, standards of teaching across the school are now consistently good."

They add: "Staff have high expectations in terms of pupils’ behaviour and achievement. They have created a caring community in which there is an emphasis on respect for each individual."

"They manage their classes effectively, which has a positive effect on nearly all pupils’ attitudes to learning. Across the school, nearly all pupils settle quickly, where appropriate, and are ready to undertake their tasks enthusiastically."

Estyn's decision means Pencoedtre High School in Barry is now the only school in the Vale of Glamorgan to remain in special measures.

The inspectorate continues to monitor Pencoedtre High on a termly basis - with a special multi-agency panel convened to keep track of the school's progress.

A Vale of Glamorgan Council spokesperson told Bro Radio News: "After being placed into special measures in 2022, Pen y Garth has since been assessed three times by Estyn inspectors and made considerable progress."

"It has now moved out of this category thanks to the hard work of headteacher Becca Pugh and the rest of the school staff."

"Estyn noted that the head and leadership team have created a clear strategy to improve teaching and learning standards."

"The council is very proud of Pen-y-Garth's achievements and will carry on supporting the school as it continues striving to raise standards."

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