Ysgol Beca

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Ysgol Beca is part of a federation with Ysgol Bro Brynach. The caring, friendly and inclusive ethos contributes to the wonderful environment that is typical of the school. Most pupils are very well behaved and treat each other and adults respectfully and politely.

The school's culture of safeguarding is sound and pupils feel safe at school while they work and play. Teachers plan in detail to develop literacy and numeracy skills and, as a result, most pupils make good progress. Planning for pupils' digital skills is not as well developed.

As a result, they do not make as much progress in their digital skills. Staff work together effectively to ensure that the curriculum provides a wide range of exciting and rich experiences.... Pupils' views are given careful attention at the beginning of the planning process, so most are very enthusiastic towards their learning experiences.

However, pupils are not given enough opportunities to influence the direction of their learning once the thematic work has begun. Staff provide engaging and stimulating experiences through 'Gwener Gwyllt' activities, which develop pupils' skills effectively. Pupils respond with curiosity and motivation and particularly enjoy their learning.

Staff foster a fond and supportive working relationship with pupils and identify their needs well. There is a pleasant and hardworking environment at the school and there is a constant buzz to all its activities. Overall, teachers use a range of teaching techniques skilfully.

The acting headteacher has a clear vision for the school which has been shared purposefully with staff, parents and pupils. The vision is based on giving all pupils an opportunity to thrive within the environment. She is supported with dedication and passion by the staff.

Although there have been inconsistencies in the leadership of the federation over an extended period of time, staff and governors have succeeded in gaining a suitable understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement. Governors are very supportive of the school and show a good awareness of their roles and responsibilities. They support leaders and staff appropriately.

Recommendations R1 Continue to develop effective leadership across the federation R2 Ensure that planning enables pupils to make sound progress in their digital skills R3 Ensure consistency in the arrangements for embedding the role of pupils in their learning across the federation