Good news for Llyswen primary school after Estyn inspection

A primary school in Llyswen has been praised after inspectors found it had made enough progress to no longer require significant improvement.

Archdeacon Griffiths Church in Wales Primary School was visited by Estyn in September, with inspectors recognising improvements in the way the school is run, the quality of teaching and the opportunities pupils have to learn independently.

The school had previously been placed in the significant improvement category following an earlier inspection.

In its latest report, Estyn said the school had made good progress in strengthening leadership, with the headteacher providing stability and a clear direction.

Inspectors said the school had developed a positive culture based on trust, transparency and collaboration, creating a shared sense of purpose.

Governors were also found to be increasingly effective, with regular engagement with senior leaders helping them understand the school’s strengths and priorities and challenge its work.

Professional learning, mentoring and collaboration with other schools had strengthened leadership across the school and helped embed more effective teaching approaches. Estyn said teaching was effective in many lessons.

Inspectors also recognised improvements in literacy. A strategy to develop younger pupils’ understanding of sounds was beginning to help them read and spell more accurately, while most older pupils understood different forms of writing, used more descriptive vocabulary and redrafted their work effectively.

The report said teachers generally used questioning well to deepen understanding and provided purposeful challenge in mathematics and literacy.

Pupils were also benefiting from more opportunities to work independently and solve problems. Estyn highlighted the use of ‘Mission Headquarters’ boards, which provide guidance, success criteria, examples and resources to help pupils make choices about their learning.

However, the report identified areas where further work was needed. In some cases, teachers did not have high enough expectations of pupils’ writing and presentation, while some older pupils continued to have weaknesses in basic number skills.

Estyn also said evaluation processes did not always identify shortcomings clearly enough or assess the impact of teaching on pupils’ progress. Opportunities for pupils to make decisions independently were sometimes limited by adults directing their learning too closely.

Headteacher Adam Shearman said he was “incredibly proud” to lead the school and that the report reflected the collective efforts of staff, pupils, families, governors and the wider community.

He said: “Leading the school through this period of improvement has been a privilege, and I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to our success.

“Together, we look forward to building on these strong foundations and continuing to strive to offer the very best education and opportunities for every child and ensuring Archdeacon Griffiths is a warm and welcoming learning community for all.”

Chair of Governors, Elaine Stephens added: “I feel privileged to be the Chair of such a happy, rural school where all the staff and children give their best and when visiting the different classes, it is clear to see the breadth and range of activities and learning, taking place.

“I would like to take this opportunity to say thank you, on behalf of the Governing Body, to the children and the staff in school for their enthusiasm, time and commitment in making the school the happy place that it is. It is lovely to see the hard work of the whole school community recognised by Estyn.”

Councillor James Gibson-Watt, Powys County Council’s cabinet member for a learning Powys, said the decision was “excellent news” for pupils, staff, governors and the wider school community.

He said: “To be removed from significant improvement is a notable achievement and reflects the dedication, determination and hard work of everyone involved.”

He added that the school had built “strong foundations for continued success” and thanked the headteacher, staff, governors, pupils and families for their efforts.