Ysgol Gymraeg Dyffryn y Glowyr

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Ysgol Gymraeg Dyffryn y Glowyr is an inclusive, welcoming and friendly school that prides itself on ensuring the best possible well-being for all pupils. Pupils take pride in their school and the opportunities they are given through their learning experiences. They are very polite and respectful towards each other and visitors to the school and their behaviour is good.

The school promotes a strong culture of safeguarding and, as a result, pupils feel safe at school. Most pupils make good progress in their language, numeracy and digital skills from their starting points. They apply their skills confidently across the curriculum.

However, pupils have a tendency to use English as a language for socialising and communicating w...ith peers when discussing their work at school, including during lessons through the medium of Welsh. The school's curriculum is broad and balanced. Teachers plan stimulating and interesting learning experiences that reflect the local context effectively.

Pupils contribute effectively to the process of planning the curriculum and their ideas and preferences are incorporated skilfully into themes and activities. Teachers establish a fond and supportive working relationship with pupils and the learning areas are full of buzz and energy. On the whole, they use a good range of effective teaching methods that engage pupils' interest and encourage them to work independently successfully.

However, the pace of sessions is not always quick enough and feedback does not always ensure that pupils improve their work effectively enough. The headteacher is an effective and firm leader. She has high expectations of herself and others and her vision is based on ensuring that all pupils are happy and safe.

The headteacher is supported by a team of dedicated and hard-working staff who work together purposefully to meet pupils' needs. Governors support the school with commendable care and passion and have a good understanding of their duties and responsibilities. They provide leaders and staff with robust support and ensure that the school uses its resources appropriately.

Recommendations R1 Improve pupils' use of spoken Welsh R2 Share the best teaching practices to ensure that learning sessions have a suitable pace and extend opportunities for pupils to improve their work