‘Excellent’ praise for school care
STAFF at a Bridgend school are delighted after it was judged to be good with excellent features by education watchdog Estyn.
Oldcastle Primary announced the positive results on Tuesday after inspectors judged it “a highly innovative learning community”.
The school on South Street was noted as being “excellent” for its care, support and guidance, researching and implementing bespoke and innovative programmes for the benefit of the pupils.
That included its use of teletherapy to support pupils with speech and language needs.
The inspectors also noted the quality of care, support and guidance has a “very positive” impact on pupils’ standards and wellbeing.
Head teacher Jeremy Malessa-Thompson said: “As a school we welcome the positive feedback from the Estyn report.
“I am delighted that the teaching and support staff are recognised as providing highly effective purposeful learning experiences which enrich pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
“It was also pleasing to note that the inspectors recognised our excellent working partnerships with businesses, which has led to an enriched curriculum.”
Other positives noted in the report included a vision to inspire, educate and motivate being at the “core” of the school’s work.
It said that had a “strong impact” on securing high levels of attendance and promoting pupils’ wellbeing.
It added: “In view of the innovative and imaginative way in which leaders manage the school’s resources, the school gives excellent value for money”.”
Partnerships were another area where the school was judged to be excellent. Parental questionnaires identified that 98% of parents strongly agreed or agreed they were satisfied with the school. Children also pro- vided very positive feedback to the inspectors with 99% of children feeling they were doing well at school.
Other partnerships with the University of the West of England were also praised, as well as those with local businesses.
Mr Malessa-Thompson added: “Inspection re- flects a snap shot of the life of a school and the strength of any school is in the staff who serve the children and community in which it is based.”