Welsh School in Special Measures Following Report of ‘Poor’ Teaching
A Welsh school, Ysgol y Grango in Rhosllanerchrugog, Wrexham, has been placed in special measures after a critical report highlighted areas of concern. The inspection conducted in November last year has led to inspectors monitoring the progress of the school moving forward.
Head teacher, Victoria Brown, acknowledged the positives within the school and emphasized the commitment to addressing the inspectors’ concerns in order to implement lasting improvements for the benefit of all students. The school was praised for providing pupils with a nurturing and inclusive environment, prioritizing their well-being and fostering a supportive atmosphere.
Since assuming her role, the headteacher has made efforts to strengthen relationships with parents and ensure a secure environment for pupils, resulting in many feeling safe and free from bullying. However, the report pointed out shortcomings in leadership impacting teaching and learning, with inconsistent progress and insufficient challenge in tasks hindering students’ advancement.
The school’s approach to enhancing literacy and numeracy skills was deemed lacking in strategy and coordination, affecting progress in these key areas. While pupils in Years 10 and 11 had a variety of subjects and extracurricular activities were available, opportunities for developing musical skills and Welsh-speaking proficiency were limited.
Efforts to improve attendance showed mixed results, with persistent absence among a few pupils hampering progress. The provision for pupils with additional learning needs (ALN) was supported by staff and external agencies, but the report highlighted gaps in effectively utilizing information to aid these students.
The inspectors outlined five recommendations for the school’s improvement, including enhancing teaching quality, strengthening leadership in skill development, improving attendance, and refining support for pupils with ALN. The report underscored the necessity for special measures and mandated the development of an action plan to address the recommendations.
Ms Brown expressed the school’s dedication to promoting well-being and fostering a strong sense of community, emphasizing rapid and decisive action to meet the inspection requirements. Collaborating with the governing body and local authorities, the school aims to deliver sustainable improvements benefiting current and future students.
In conclusion, Ysgol y Grango’s journey towards improvement has begun with a focus on addressing teaching quality, leadership effectiveness, attendance, and support for students with ALN. The commitment to positive change and a supportive educational environment remains central to the school’s mission.
As the school navigates through this challenging period, the collective efforts of staff, leaders, parents, and stakeholders will play a crucial role in steering Ysgol y Grango towards a brighter future for all its students.