Latest news with #Estyn
South Wales Argus
a day ago
- General
- South Wales Argus
Libanus Primary School, Blackwood, praised by Estyn
Libanus Primary School, in Libanus Road, Blackwood, was given the positive feedback following an inspection by Estyn, His Majesty's Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales, in March 2025. (Image: L Richards) The school, which has 337 pupils, was praised for its strong leadership, well-planned curriculum, and the high-quality support it provides to pupils with additional learning needs. (Image: L Richards) Inspectors found that the school "provides a warm, friendly, nurturing environment that promotes pupils' personal, social, and emotional development very well." They said the headteacher has a "clear vision, leads with strong direction, and creates a safe and inclusive learning environment." (Image: L Richards) The report also highlighted the school's focus on meeting the well-being needs of all pupils, and the high-quality support provided to pupils with additional learning needs. The school's curriculum was described as "well-planned" and offering "interesting and motivating learning experiences." (Image: L Richards) Teachers were praised for effectively challenging and supporting pupils, with most pupils making good progress across all areas of learning. The school's approach enables pupils to apply their literacy and numeracy skills to other areas, work independently, and improve their skills. (Image: L Richards) The development of pupils' creative, physical, and digital skills were identified as strengths of the school. (Image: L Richards) Inspectors found that staff build "strong relationships with pupils and set high expectations," resulting in pupils having positive attitudes to learning and displaying "exemplary behaviour." (Image: L Richards) Pupils were found to have a strong voice in the school and are keen to take on leadership responsibilities. They are proud of the changes that their work has brought about, such as highlighting what pupils should do if they experience any bullying. The report also praised the school's effective partnership work with parents and external agencies, which promotes good attendance. (Image: L Richards) Robust procedures for monitoring and evaluation ensure continuous improvement in pupil performance and teaching standards. Governors were found to provide valuable support, have a good knowledge of the school's work, and contribute well to school life. (Image: L Richards) However, the report did identify one area for improvement. It recommended that the school should "continue to improve pupils' Welsh language speaking skills and provide more opportunities for them to use Welsh around the school." The school will now draw up an action plan to address this recommendation. (Image: L Richards) Headteacher Nicola Williams said: "We are thrilled with our report and that the inspectors recognised so many of our strengths. "Our success is due to the hard work of our amazing team of staff, our dedicated governing body, our supportive families and our wonderful pupils. "I am extremely proud of what we have achieved and of the high level of education and care that we provide every day in our warm, friendly, nurturing environment."
Cambrian News
3 days ago
- General
- Cambrian News
Powys Estyn response will not be just a 'tick the box' exercise
Head of school improvement and learning Anwen Orrells said: 'Since April 2022 when inspections restarted after Covid-19, every Powys secondary and all through school has been inspected and either placed in an Estyn review category or follow up category of significant improvement or special measures.
South Wales Argus
4 days ago
- Politics
- South Wales Argus
Disabled children ‘denied' school support, Senedd hears
Senedd members considered a 1,454-name petition calling for a ban on the term 'universal provision' – which refers to the support available to all pupils. Parents warned councils are using the term to deny disabled children the person-centred, additional support they need in school to reach their full potential. As part of a 'transformation programme', the Senedd passed a law in 2018 to bring in an additional learning needs (ALN) system to replace special educational needs (SEN) support. The number of disabled children receiving support has fallen by nearly half since 2020/21 when roll-out began – with 40,000 fewer pupils receiving ALN or SEN support in 2023/24. In 2017, then-minister Alun Davies assured the Senedd's education committee that the cohort of pupils within the scope of the new system would be 'broadly similar'. Victoria Lightbown, who submitted the petition, wrote: 'Despite this clarification, local authorities and members of Welsh Government continue to allow this term to be used to refuse a learner ALN status and provide additional learning provision. 'There can only be one solution and that is that this term is banned from use. 'While members of the Welsh Government still use this term when discussing ALN including during media interviews, it gives local authorities opportunity to follow suit and continue to deny ALN to learners.' Lynne Neagle wrote to the Senedd's petitions committee in response to the petition, apologising for a near-three month delay in replying to correspondence. Wales' education secretary, who chaired the education committee as it scrutinised reforms in 2017, said: 'I want to be clear that 'universal provision' should not be a reason to deny ALN. 'However, I am aware that the term 'universal provision' is widely used by schools and local authorities when describing the provision… generally available to all pupils of the same age. 'Estyn's recent thematic review of the ALN reforms reports there is confusion in schools and local authorities around what constitutes 'universal' provision and what is ALP. This confusion is causing difficulties when determining whether a learner has ALN.'
South Wales Guardian
4 days ago
- Politics
- South Wales Guardian
Disabled children ‘denied' school support, Senedd hears
Senedd members considered a 1,454-name petition calling for a ban on the term 'universal provision' – which refers to the support available to all pupils. Parents warned councils are using the term to deny disabled children the person-centred, additional support they need in school to reach their full potential. As part of a 'transformation programme', the Senedd passed a law in 2018 to bring in an additional learning needs (ALN) system to replace special educational needs (SEN) support. The number of disabled children receiving support has fallen by nearly half since 2020/21 when roll-out began – with 40,000 fewer pupils receiving ALN or SEN support in 2023/24. In 2017, then-minister Alun Davies assured the Senedd's education committee that the cohort of pupils within the scope of the new system would be 'broadly similar'. Victoria Lightbown, who submitted the petition, wrote: 'Despite this clarification, local authorities and members of Welsh Government continue to allow this term to be used to refuse a learner ALN status and provide additional learning provision. 'There can only be one solution and that is that this term is banned from use. 'While members of the Welsh Government still use this term when discussing ALN including during media interviews, it gives local authorities opportunity to follow suit and continue to deny ALN to learners.' Lynne Neagle wrote to the Senedd's petitions committee in response to the petition, apologising for a near-three month delay in replying to correspondence. Wales' education secretary, who chaired the education committee as it scrutinised reforms in 2017, said: 'I want to be clear that 'universal provision' should not be a reason to deny ALN. 'However, I am aware that the term 'universal provision' is widely used by schools and local authorities when describing the provision… generally available to all pupils of the same age. 'Estyn's recent thematic review of the ALN reforms reports there is confusion in schools and local authorities around what constitutes 'universal' provision and what is ALP. This confusion is causing difficulties when determining whether a learner has ALN.'
Leader Live
12-06-2025
- General
- Leader Live
Estyn inspection for Ysgol Deiniol in Marchwiel, Wrexham
Estyn inspectors visited Ysgol Deiniol, in Marchwiel - which currently has 171 pupils on roll - in March, 2025. The primary school was considered to be a "happy and caring community", with a "thoughtful and inclusive culture" at its core. Inspectors further noted: "The supportive and friendly working relationships between staff and pupils is a strong feature of the school." Read more: Teacher's science award, day on the farm and more school news They added that headteacher Kevin Baugh provides effective and thoughtful leadership, resulting in "a strong team ethos, where dedicated, hardworking staff collaborate effectively". There were two positive 'spotlights' made from the visit: strengthening pupils' reading skills, and a whole-school approach to developing pupils as effective writers. Ysgol Deiniol was highlighted to have made "significant progress" in refining its curriculum, "with teachers providing a rich range of stimulating learning experiences that cater to individual needs". Inspectors added: "Leaders and staff are committed to addressing local and national priorities. They work collaboratively with governors, pupils and parents to create a clear rationale for the school's curriculum." Read more: "Dynamic" Flintshire headteacher "immensely proud" after Estyn inspection visit The school's governing body also received recognition, being stated as "well informed, effective and committed to supporting the school". Mr Baugh said: "I'm exceptionally proud of the pupils, staff and governors here at Deiniol and what we've achieved. "The work that they have all put in never ceases to amaze me, which demonstrates why we are such a caring and welcoming school with very good standards. "Thank you for parents' continued support and also the staff, children and governors of the school for striving to provide the best possible learning environment for all our children." Read more: Wrexham headteacher's praise for 'remarkable children' after inspection Inspector made two recommendations following their visit: • Ensure teaching consistently provides appropriate challenge for all pupils to develop as effective independent learners. • Further develop the curriculum to provide a systematic whole-school approach to developing pupils' Welsh language skills. To view a full copy of the report, visit:
