Ysgol Pendref

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Ysgol Pendref is a happy and inclusive community that places a high priority on the well-being of its pupils. Pupils take pride in having robust relationships with staff, which supports their progress in skills and to discuss any concerns in a safe environment. As a result, many pupils make steady progress from their starting points.

Staff work together effectively to identify the needs of all pupils and plan a range of purposeful and stimulating activities that engage pupils' interests appropriately. In general, teaching is over-directed, which limits a minority of pupils from developing their skills independently. The school's curriculum is appropriate to best meet the needs of many pupils.

Teachers' planning considers p...upils' suggestions and ideas, which results in most pupils applying themselves enthusiastically to their work. However, teachers do not plan effectively enough to develop pupils' extended writing skills, numeracy and digital skills across all areas of learning. Teachers promote the Welsh language effectively.

They plan purposefully for pupils to learn about the history and culture of Wales. However, teachers do not plan to improve pupils' ability to communicate in Welsh systematically. This limits pupils' progress in communicating in Welsh in formal and informal situations.

The headteacher and leaders share a clear vision to provide a nurturing and engaging education based on supporting pupils' well-being. They concentrate well on ensuring that all staff feel that they are part of the school team. This ensures that everyone, including governors, understand the school's basic priorities and work together supportively.

In general, the school's self-evaluation and planning for improvement arrangements are not always robust enough to identify its strengths and areas for improvement. Recommendations R1 Sharpen monitoring procedures to focus on identifying strengths and areas for improvement by evaluating the quality and impact of provision on pupils' learning R2 Provide consistent opportunities for pupils to apply their skills across the curriculum, especially their number, extended writing, and digital skills R3 Ensure that pupils make decisions and take responsibility for their own learning to develop their skills independently R4 Develop pupils' Welsh oracy skills systematically What happens next The school will draw up an action plan to show how it is going to address the recommendations. Estyn will work with the local authority to review the school's progress.