Y.G. Maenclochog

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Ysgol Maenclochog and Ysgol Brynconin have been federated since 2020. The headteacher's wise and firm leadership, in co-operation with governors and staff, has developed an effective learning community at both schools. The school is a successful community that celebrates pupils' Welshness, politeness and respect particularly well.

The headteacher provides clear and wise guidance and values the efforts of everyone who contributes to pupils' well-rounded education. Staff are committed to ensuring a high quality of care and well-being for pupils in a homely and supportive learning environment. This has a strong influence on pupils' attitudes towards each other and towards other people both inside and outside the school.

Staff... model language purposefully and enthusiastically, which has a robust effect on pupils' oral skills from a young age. As a result, pupils' use of, and pride in, the Welsh language is an extremely effective feature. Teachers and assistants work together successfully across both schools to provide a range of stimulating learning and play experiences for pupils.

Pupils' pride in the history and culture of the local area is a strong feature of the school. Most pupils develop knowledge, understanding and skills that are appropriate for their age and starting points successfully. For example, they develop their listening, speaking and mathematics skills purposefully, and contribute appropriately to class discussions and express their opinions confidently.

However, pupils' independent writing skills have not been developed robustly enough. On the whole, teachers provide activities that respond to the requirements of the pupils' range of ability appropriately and ensure their engagement in their learning well. However, teachers do not always challenge pupils to support them to make the best progress in all aspects of their development.

There are purposeful opportunities for pupils to influence decisions relating to school life, in addition to contributing ideas about the content of their learning. For example, members of the Senedd (school parliament) decided that all classes should take part in outdoor activities as part of Dydd Gwener Gwyllt. There are purposeful opportunities for members of the governing body, in co operation with staff, to play an active part in the self-evaluation process which includes visiting classes, discussing with pupils and scrutinising their work.

As a result, leaders and staff have a thorough knowledge of their school and address most improvements purposefully. The relationship between the school and parents is extremely strong. Parents are proud that their children attend such a supportive school which is completely central to the rural community of the Maenclochog area.

Recommendations R1 Develop pupils' writing skills R2 Provide activities that challenge pupils to make the best progress in all aspects of their development