A village primary school in Crynant, Neath Port Talbot, where relationships between staff, governors, and parents are strained and fractured, has been placed in special measures by education regulator Estyn. Creunant Primary School, accommodating 121 pupils, has been flagged for several issues that need immediate attention, as noted in a newly published inspector’s report. The school faces challenges as most pupils are not achieving the progress expected of them, and there are significant shortcomings in leadership, teaching quality, and resource allocation.
Estyn’s inspection highlighted a period of unrest at Creunant Primary, which has negatively impacted the professional relationships within the school community. The report mentions a lack of effective communication and responsiveness towards parents’ feedback, leading to strained relationships with a minority of parents. Additionally, the school’s leaders have not been successful in identifying and addressing weak areas of teaching, resulting in limited progress based on previous inspection recommendations.
Inspectors noted inconsistencies in teaching quality, with staff not setting high expectations for pupils to develop their literacy, numeracy, and digital skills progressively. The report also highlighted inadequate planning for pupil development in these essential areas. Despite most pupils demonstrating good behavior and positive relationships with staff, there are significant deficiencies in outdoor facilities and opportunities for physical skill development.
One of the critical findings was that despite pupils starting with adequate literacy and numeracy skills for their age, they fail to progress appropriately during their time at the school. This lack of progress, especially among pupils with additional learning needs, indicates a need for significant improvement in teaching strategies and support mechanisms.
The report also shed light on demographic details at the school, such as a below-average percentage of pupils eligible for free school meals and identified as having additional learning needs or English as an additional language. These statistics provide context for the challenges and opportunities the school faces in catering to diverse student needs effectively.
To address the identified issues and improve overall performance, Estyn has issued several recommendations for Creunant Primary School. These include enhancing leadership at all levels, improving self-evaluation practices to prioritize areas needing development, ensuring consistent high expectations in teaching quality, and focusing on progressive development of pupils’ essential skills over time. By implementing these recommendations, the school aims to enhance learning outcomes and strengthen relationships within the school community.
As Creunant Primary School navigates this period of challenge and transformation, stakeholders, including parents, staff, governors, and local authorities, play a crucial role in supporting the school’s journey towards improvement. The transition to special measures signifies a commitment to addressing existing issues effectively and fostering a conducive learning environment for all pupils.
The situation at Creunant Primary School underscores the importance of effective school governance, leadership, and community engagement in driving positive educational outcomes. By working collaboratively and proactively, the school can overcome its current challenges and create a supportive and enriching environment for student development and success.