Kitchener Primary School in Cardiff has received a glowing report from Estyn, despite being located in one of the most diverse areas in Wales, where eight out of 10 children speak English as an additional language and none speak Welsh at home. The school, with 451 pupils, has been commended for its inclusive and welcoming environment, fostering a culture of respect, responsibility, and empathy among students. Inspectors noted that all staff at Kitchener Primary establish positive and nurturing relationships with pupils, creating a stimulating learning environment and effective routines for a calm and productive atmosphere both in classes and outdoors.
Estyn highlighted the school’s inclusive ethos, emphasizing the strong, positive relationships shared among pupils, staff, and parents based on mutual trust. This supportive environment was credited with making pupils feel safe and enhancing their motivation to learn. Despite the majority of students having English as an additional language, the report acknowledged that by year six, most pupils had shown significant progress in developing their communication skills in English and achieving well. In terms of Welsh language and culture, staff at Kitchener Primary were praised for developing pupils’ understanding of their Welsh identity and balancing it with the diverse cultural and linguistic landscape of modern Wales.
Headteacher Reena Patel expressed pride in leading a school that values its community, reflects the diverse needs of its children through the curriculum, and ensures that everyone is heard and valued. While the report was largely positive, Estyn did make two recommendations for the school’s improvement. These include enhancing provision for the systematic development of pupils’ numeracy and mathematical skills and ensuring that all teachers maintain consistently high expectations for pupils’ written work.
Furthermore, the report noted that more than 35% of children at Kitchener come from families whose income would have made them eligible for free school meals, highlighting the school’s efforts to support those from lower-income backgrounds. Despite challenges in maths and numeracy, where pupils were found not to systematically develop their knowledge and understanding across all aspects, inspectors commented that most pupils, including those eligible for free school meals, develop a good range of skills and understanding across various areas of learning during their time at the school.
In conclusion, Kitchener Primary School has been recognised for its inclusive and nurturing environment, where pupils are supported to achieve their full potential across a range of areas despite facing various challenges. The school’s commitment to fostering positive relationships, embracing diversity, and promoting a culture of learning and respect has contributed to its positive report from Estyn.