Inspectors praise ‘happy, caring and supportive’ schools

Ysgol Brynconin and Ysgol Maenclochog have been described as "a safe and supportive communities" by inspectors.

Estyn, the education and training inspectorate in Wales, visited Ysgol Brynconin and Ysgol Maenclochog Federation in May, and has released its findings following a full inspection of the Federation.

The report noted:

• Both schools have a strong culture in terms of safeguarding pupils.

• The Federation of Ysgol Brynconin and Ysgol Maenclochog have a happy, safe and supportive community.

• It was noted that the staff of both schools commit to ensuring a high quality of care and pupils' well-being, creating a safe and supportive learning environment.

• Both schools successfully celebrates the Welsh language, politeness and pupils' respect and do so particularly well.

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

• It was noted that the pupils' pride in the Welsh language is extremely effective at both schools and the pupils' pride in the history and culture of the local area is a strong feature.

• A strong feature of both schools is the purposeful opportunities given to the pupils to influence decisions relating to the life of the school. The pupils' contribution to the life and work of the schools is effective.

• The relationship between the schools and the community is extremely strong and parents are proud that their children attend schools which are so supportive and which are completely central to a rural community.

• The school and staff know their pupils, their families and the local community very well. They give high priority to the welfare and care of pupils.

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

• The headteacher leads the school extremely effectively and has a clear vision in terms of creating a caring and supportive ethos.

• The Headteacher's wise and firm leadership, in collaboration with the governors and staff, has created an effective learning community within the two Schools where children feel safe and thrive.

The Headteacher, Edryd Eynon, has stated: “I am delighted with this report. Ysgol Brynconin and Ysgol Maenclochog are two very special schools and I am extremely proud to be Head of both Schools.

"I would like to praise the excellent staff and governors who have worked tirelessly to ensure that every pupil is valued and that their well-being and progress in their learning is paramount.

Ysgol Brynconin and Ysgol Maenclochog are schools that our pupils, families and the wider community can be very proud of.”

Chairman of the Governing Body, David Howell, added: "I am extremely proud of the pupils, staff and Governors of the Federation of Ysgol Brynconin and Ysgol Maenclochog.

It was a pleasure to welcome the inspection team, and I was pleased that they were able to see what’s great about our Federation - especially their comments on the special collaboration that takes place between the two Schools.

“We know our schools well and we can all be extremely proud of this report; a good reflection of the hard and special work of all the stakeholders at the Federation of Ysgol Brynconin and Ysgol Maenclochog.”