Penarth, Wales – Ysgol Pen y Garth, a Welsh school previously criticized for the dominance of English spoken by children on its premises, has made significant improvements leading to its removal from Estyn special measures. Estyn, the school inspectorate, revisited the school this year after placing it under strict monitoring last year. The latest monitoring report from Estyn commended the headteacher for her effective leadership in addressing the issues that initially led to the school being put into special measures. The report highlighted improvements in teaching standards and pupil achievements since the school’s last inspection.
Inspectors noted that the headteacher had worked closely with all stakeholders, including staff, pupils, governors, and parents, to promote a Welsh ethos and culture within the school. Pupils were found to have a good understanding of Welsh legends and were actively involved in various cultural activities such as working with Welsh artists to enhance their artistic skills. The report also praised the school’s efforts in fostering pupils’ creative skills through music performances and art projects, leading to successful development in this area.
Furthermore, senior leaders at Ysgol Pen y Garth have established clear roles and responsibilities, with governors actively supporting and challenging the school’s leadership. The report lauded the school’s performance management system, stating that it meets statutory requirements and contributes to ongoing improvements. The senior leadership team was commended for their collaborative efforts in evaluating teaching practices and identifying areas for enhancement, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the school’s strengths and weaknesses.
Parents now have increased opportunities to engage with their children’s work, while governors receive regular updates on the school’s progress and are encouraged to visit regularly to gain deeper insights into the school’s achievements and areas for development. Teachers have been provided with guidance to enhance pupils’ reading skills, and effective strategies have been implemented to improve attendance and punctuality among students. The school’s leadership team has devised a clear strategy to enhance teaching standards across the institution, focusing on creating a culture of continuous learning.
Staff members have worked diligently to implement a teaching strategy that sets clear expectations and ensures consistency in teaching practices, leading to consistently good standards of teaching throughout the school. The report also highlighted the staff’s high expectations for pupil behaviour and academic performance, emphasizing a nurturing community environment that values respect for each individual. This positive approach has resulted in an encouraging impact on students’ attitudes towards learning, with most pupils demonstrating quick engagement and enthusiasm for their tasks across all year groups.
Overall, Ysgol Pen y Garth’s exemplary progress in addressing previous challenges and implementing effective strategies to enhance teaching standards and pupil achievements has led to its successful removal from Estyn special measures. The school’s dedication to promoting a Welsh ethos, fostering creativity, and maintaining high expectations for both staff and students has earned recognition from the school inspectorate. This positive development reflects a strong commitment to continuous improvement and a supportive community ethos that places value on academic success and holistic growth.