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School inspectors praise Oak Field Primary

Friday, 16 May 2025 12:55

By Gareth Joy X @lookoutwales2

VOG Council

Inspectors have praised a Barry primary school for its 'welcoming...and nurturing' environment.

Oak Field Primary School received mostly positive feedback following a Estyn visit in February.

A report, published last month, said the school had developed a "a caring and inclusive culture where pupils and families feel safe, happy, and valued".

It also highlighted its strong connections with the wider Gibbonsdown community and its close work with a range of agencies to support families.

But inspectors also warned that pupils' Welsh language skills are "underdeveloped" and called for improvements concentrating on oral education.

Headteacher Luke Tweedley said: "We are absolutely delighted with the findings of the Estyn inspection. The report reflects the hard work and commitment of our staff, pupils, and the entire school community."

"It is particularly pleasing to see recognition of the positive attitudes to learning and behaviour displayed by nearly all our children. At Oak Field, we strive to provide a safe, inclusive, and engaging environment where every child can flourish."

“We are truly at the heart of the Gibbonsdown community, and this report is a testament to the strength of that community spirit. Our goal is to continue striving for excellence, ensuring that every child receives the support and opportunities they need to thrive.”

In their summary, the Estyn report describes Oak Field Primary as "a welcoming, happy, and inclusive school that is truly at the heart of its community."

"The school has developed a caring and inclusive culture where pupils and families feel safe, happy, and valued. This environment supports nearly all pupils to develop positive attitudes to learning and behaviour."

"Pupil well-being is a priority for the school. This means that nearly all pupils take a pride in their school and appreciate the warm environment into which they are welcomed."

"Leaders and staff have worked successfully to develop a vision for the school that is relevant to the needs of the pupils and the local community. They work closely with a range of agencies to support families, and this has had a positive impact on attendance and parents’ engagement with the school."

Mark Kerby, the school's head of governors, said they were thrilled that Oak Field "has been recognised for its many successes and positive impact on pupils, families, and the wider Gibbonsdown community in its recent Estyn inspection."

He added: "The inspectors commended the school’s commitment to nurturing pupils’ wellbeing and learning, highlighting the caring environment, high expectations, and the wide range of experiences that support every child’s growth and development."

“We extend heartfelt thanks to our dedicated staff, members of the governing body, volunteers, and of course, our supportive parents and carers who contribute to making Oak Field a place where every child is valued and inspired to achieve.”

The inspectors' report adds: "The curriculum is engaging and exciting with inquiry questions used successfully to enable pupils to lead their learning and develop their creative skills."

"Opportunities to work with local artists, overseas trips and regular visits to working farms provide authentic opportunities for pupils’ learning. Pupils are encouraged to take on responsibilities and leadership roles, but their role in the school’s development and decision-making processes is at an early stage of development."

They also note that most pupils make at least expected progress through the school as a result of "good provision" to develop English, maths and digital skills.

But inspectors make two recommendations - to improve Welsh language oral skills among pupils and to offer them "a greater range of opportunities...to influence the wider life" of the primary school.

Oak Field will be expected to draw up an action plan to address both recommendations from the report.

Cllr Rhiannon Birch, cabinet member for education at Vale Council, added: "This positive Estyn report is a true reflection of Oak Field Primary School’s commitment to providing an outstanding education in a safe, happy and inclusive environment for all learners."

"Oak Field continues to play a key role in the local community in Gibbonsdown, and I am confident that the school will continue to thrive and make a positive impact on the lives of its learners."

“I would like to congratulate all involved for this well-deserved feedback in this assessment.”

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