Estyn inspectors praise ‘happy and friendly’ Ysgol Casblaidd

Estyn, the education and training inspectorate for Wales, visited Ysgol Casblaidd in Wolfscastle in February, and has released its findings following a full inspection of the school. 

The report noted:

• The school has a strong culture of safeguarding pupils.

• Wolfscastle school is a happy and friendly community.

• A strong feature is the school’s relationship with its local community.

• During their time at the school, many pupils, including those with additional learning needs, make sound progress from their starting points.

• Pupils enjoy coming to school and feel very happy within the homely and inclusive environment. This is reflected in the schools high attendance rate.

• Most pupils have very positive attitudes to learning. They enjoy and apply themselves to their tasks with excitement and enthusiasm.

• Staff have very warm relationships with the pupils. They treat them with kindness and respect and this creates an inclusive environment where the happiness, well being and progress of all pupils is a priority.

• The school and staff know their pupils, their families and the local community very well. They place a high priority on pupils’ well being and respond to their emotional and social needs with sensitivity.

• The school has a clear vision based on creating a happy and caring learning environment to provide a firm foundation for pupils to develop their core skills.

• An ethos of working as a productive team among teachers and assistants is a notable element of the school.

• The school’s relationship with parents is a strength and the continuous co-operation and communication promotes the school in its community highly effectively.

• The headteacher leads the school highly effectively and encourages pupils to develop their skills and talents in an inclusive learning environment.

Headteacher, Sasha Edwards, said: “I am delighted with this report. Ysgol Casblaidd is an exceptional school and I am immensely proud to be its Headteacher.

“I would like commend the outstanding staff and governors who have worked relentlessly to ensure that every pupil is valued and that their wellbeing and progress in their learning is paramount.

“Ysgol Casblaidd is a school that our pupils, families and wider community can be very proud of.”

Chair of the Governing Body, Lisa Thomas, added: “I am extremely proud of the pupils, staff, parents and Governors of Ysgol Casblaidd. It was a pleasure to welcome the inspection team, and I was pleased that they were able to see what is so wonderful about our school - in particular their comments on the politeness of pupils  enthusiasm for learning that they have.

“The schools work with the local community was also commented on, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the community of Wolfscastle for their unwavering support - we can all be extremely proud of this report.” 

The full report is available online