Two Denbighshire primary schools have been praised in new inspection reports.
The Federated schools of Ysgol Bryn Clwyd and Ysgol Gellifor are located in the rural villages of Llandyrnog and Gellifor between Denbigh and Ruthin.
Ysgol Bryn Clywd has 63 pupils aged between 3 and 11 as well as a pre-nursey unit, while Ysgol Gellifor has 45 pupils aged between 3 and 11 on its roll and a Cylch on site for Pre-Nursery pupils.
Both schools are working hard to preserve the Welsh language and are teaching a proportion of lessons in Welsh as well as English.
The schools are federated, which means that they share a governing body and a headteacher. Staff at all levels work closely together, for example to plan engaging learning activities and to develop the learning environments.
The inspections by Estyn both took place in June. Inspectors praised both schools for being a “warm, friendly and inclusive schools where pupils feel happy, safe and valued.”
Nearly all pupils’ behaviour is “excellent” and they show “commendable respect for each other and for adults”.
A particular strength of the schools are its “nurturing provision, which supports pupils’ emotional well-being very effectively”. Staff were praised for creating “calm, safe environments and providing personalised support that helps pupils to feel secure and ready to learn”.
Teachers plan “engaging learning experiences, including purposeful use of the outdoors, that develop pupils’ skills and interests well”. Pupils respond enthusiastically and benefit from these varied opportunities.
The schools were praised for promoting “a strong reading culture”, where most pupils make good progress in their English speaking, reading and writing skills.
The report praised the “strong culture of professional learning at the school” with staff sharing effective practice across the federation regularly, such as discussing the provision of enriching and engaging learning experiences.
Governors are “strong advocates” for the schools and they contribute meaningfully to evaluations of the schools’ provision and have a sound understanding of the schools’ strengths and areas for further improvement.
A particular strength of the schools are how “pupils’ well-being is supported effectively within a highly nurturing environment”. Staff have “high aspirations for pupils and work diligently to ensure that pupils’ well-being is an aspect that is given a consistently high priority.”
The report added that the learning environments indoors have been “redesigned skilfully to promote the use of safe spaces where calming colours, tactile resources and ‘mood lighting’ create an ambience that supports pupils’ well-being successfully. Pupils feel cared for and ready to learn and thrive.”
Headteacher Ben Lindquist, who was praised in the report for “providing compassionate and effective leadership” and “a clear vision for the schools”, said: “We are very proud that Estyn recognised all of the hard work and dedication that the staff provide our pupils and families, across the Federation.
“We are two very inclusive schools that focus on the well-being and nurture of our pupils and it is pleasing to see this reflected in the report.
“It’s also great to see that Estyn were very complimentary about the manners, respect and behaviour that our pupils display across both schools. As a staff we see this on a daily basis and are so proud of each and every child.”
Dr Bethan Atkinson, Chair of Governors of the Federation of Ysgol Bryn Clwyd and Ysgol Gellifor, said: “I am so very proud of the work done by all the staff, the pupils and my fellow governors; which has enabled both schools to achieve such an amazing Estyn report.
“I am so pleased that Estyn recognised what an innovative, supportive, caring and fun environment there is in both schools. This allows our pupils to flourish and develop the skills that will set them up for life in Secondary school and beyond.”
