Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Tirdeunaw

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Tirdeunaw is a happy, caring and inclusive community. The well-being of pupils and staff is given a high priority by leaders and, as a result, there are strong relationships of respect between staff and pupils.

The values of 'friendship', 'responsibility', 'kindness', 'courtesy' and 'Welshness' are an integral part of the school's learning environment. Pupils have a sound understanding of these values, which contributes effectively to their good behaviour. The school provides a rich curriculum that reflects the local area's history and culture.

There is a strong emphasis on raising pupils' aspirations and inspiring them to become ambitious learners by providing a variety of stimulating learning experi...ences, for example by holding careers weeks and inviting different visitors to the school. Teachers' planning to develop pupils' skills is effective. As a result, most pupils make sound progress in their literacy, numeracy and digital skills from their starting points.

Staff plan a range of purposeful activities which ensure that pupils have interesting experiences that engage their interest. However, provision does not provide regular opportunities for pupils to make independent choices about what to learn and how to present their work. On the whole, staff plan suitable opportunities for pupils to learn in the outdoor areas.

However, teachers do not provide enough opportunities for the youngest pupils to develop their independent learning skills or their creative ability in the areas inside and outside the classroom. A notable aspect of the school's work is the headteacher's effective and robust leadership. She sets high expectations for all members of the school and plans various opportunities to support staff's professional development.

Leaders have created a shared vision that demonstrates pride in the school's local community. Governors are supportive of all the school's activities and commit themselves appropriately to supporting and challenging leaders. However, there are not enough formal opportunities for governors to be included in activities to support the school's self-evaluation processes.

Recommendations R1 Develop opportunities for the youngest pupils to foster and develop their independent learning skills and creative ability both inside and outside the classroom R2 Expand opportunities for pupils to make independent choices about what to learn and how to present their work R3 Strengthen the role of governors to enable them to operate more effectively as critical friends