Ysgol Penmachno

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Ysgol Penmachno is a familial, inclusive and caring learning community where all pupils are nurtured and encouraged to 'Grow and learn together'.

Their behaviour is good and they show respect towards each other and towards staff and visitors. The school places a high priority on developing positive relationships between pupils, staff, parents and the wider community. Teachers provide a range of stimulating and engaging experiences for pupils which support them in developing their literacy, numeracy, and digital skills appropriately by the end of their time in the school.

In general, teachers' feedback to pupils is not effective enough in supporting them to know what to do to improve their work and how. Every pupil is a val...uable member of various councils, and their voice and work have a positive effect on the life of the school. The 'Llun Lles' ('Well-being Monday') and 'Gwener Gwych' ('Fab Friday') sessions provide valuable opportunities for pupils to undertake activities that promote diligent cooperation, for example in reinforcing a good range of skills in the outside learning areas.

In addition, pupils are encouraged to develop resilience and take care of their emotional well-being. As a result, pupils are happy and proud that they belong to the school. The curriculum offers a good range of interesting experiences that reflect the school's local context and are very successful in promoting pupils' awareness of their locality and the history and traditions of Wales.

This is a strong feature of the school's provision. They encourage pupils to celebrate their Welshness through a range of memorable activities and visits which are very effective in cultivating their knowledge and understanding of their local area and their pride in it. Overall, a minority of pupils do not speak Welsh spontaneously with each other consistently enough as they learn and play.

The headteacher provides the school with clear and supportive strategic leadership. Governors support the school with enthusiasm and pride, and skilful use is made of their expertise to support the school's work. As a result, governors have a sound understanding of the school's main strengths and areas for improvement.

Recommendations R1 Ensure that teachers' feedback helps pupils to know what to do to improve their work and how R2 Support pupils to speak Welsh consistently in the classroom and around the school