Estyn Inspection Commends Ysgol Bro Eirwg in Cardiff for Support to Non-Welsh Speaking Families
Inspectors have recently lauded the efforts of Ysgol Bro Eirwg in Cardiff, a Welsh language school, for its dedication to supporting pupils with Welsh-speaking skills below the expected level. Despite less than a quarter of the school’s 391 pupils coming from Welsh-speaking households, teachers were praised for fostering a strong sense of community and Welsh identity among the children.
During the inspection at the school in Rumney, Estyn noted, “Although most pupils enter the school with Welsh speaking skills below the expected level, they make substantial progress during their time at the school.” By the time pupils finish their education at Ysgol Bro Eirwg, most are able to communicate confidently in both Welsh and English. However, the report highlighted some challenges, such as pupils’ tendency to switch to English in informal situations.
In terms of literacy, the report mentioned that while pupils read English texts with confidence, their understanding of Welsh texts could be further improved to enhance their learning experiences. Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Eirwg, part of the Ffederasiwn y Ddraig federation, shares a close relationship with the local Welsh medium high school Ysgol Bro Edern.
The school’s supportive environment, reflected in pupils’ behaviour and attitudes, was praised by inspectors. Teachers were commended for providing a range of valuable experiences that broaden pupils’ horizons. The school’s proactive approach in maintaining relationships with families was also highlighted as a strength, contributing to a positive connection between the school and parents.
Ysgol Bro Eirwg has recently started offering free school meals to all primary children in Wales, irrespective of family income. The report revealed that over a quarter of the school’s pupils would have been eligible for free meals before this change, compared to a national average of under one in four.
Estyn requested the school to create a case study showcasing its successful methods in creating an enriching learning environment. Headteacher Iwan Ellis expressed delight at the report’s findings and highlighted the collaborative success of the federation, emphasizing a focus on celebrating Welsh culture and providing exceptional care and respect to pupils.
Moving forward, the school aims to enhance its Welsh reading provision to better support pupils’ comprehension across all learning areas. The school’s commitment to continuous improvement and dedication to providing quality education for all pupils remains unwavering. The upcoming case study on the school’s exemplary practices is set to benefit other educational institutions across Wales.
The positive feedback from Estyn reflects the dedication and hard work of all staff at Ysgol Bro Eirwg in ensuring a successful learning environment where pupils can thrive and take pride in their language and heritage.