A Powys primary school has been told it requires “significant improvement” after inspectors raised concerns over teaching, safeguarding and leadership.

Estyn, the education inspectorate for Wales, has recently published its report on Presteigne C.P. School following a visit in June. While inspectors praised the school’s inclusive ethos and positive relationships between staff and pupils, they concluded that standards of learning and leadership fell short of expectations.

The report said the school is a “nurturing environment” where children feel valued, with a broad curriculum that helps pupils learn about their local area, Wales and the wider world. Inspectors also highlighted pupils’ enthusiasm for learning and positive attitudes towards the Welsh language.

However, the report also identified serious weaknesses. Procedures for reporting safeguarding concerns were judged not robust enough, teaching quality was found to be inconsistent, and expectations of pupils were often too low. Inspectors noted that pupils were not making enough progress in writing, mathematics and numeracy, and that opportunities for independent learning were limited.

Estyn said that the school’s self-evaluation was not giving leaders a clear understanding of where teaching and learning needed to improve. Governors, while supportive, were found to have an underdeveloped role in challenging performance.

The school has been issued with four key recommendations:

• Address the safeguarding concern identified during the inspection

• Improve leadership and strengthen the quality of self-evaluation to identify, prioritise and address the areas most in need of improvement

• Improve the quality of teaching to ensure that pupils are provided with effective challenge and feedback to help them make stronger progress in their learning

• Improve pupils’ writing and mathematical skills

As a result, Estyn has placed Presteigne C.P. School in the category of “in need of significant improvement”. Inspectors will return in around 12 months to assess progress.

Both the school and Powys County Council have accepted the findings. A joint action plan is being drawn up, with senior education officers assigned to support the school’s leadership team and governing body.

Cllr Pete Roberts, Powys County Council’s Cabinet Member for a Learning Powys, said: “We acknowledge Estyn’s findings and the areas identified for improvement at Presteigne C.P. School. The report provides a clear direction, and we are fully committed to supporting the school’s leadership in making the necessary changes.

“Working together, we will take decisive action to address the recommendations and ensure the best possible outcomes for all learners.”

Lynne Owens, Chair of Governors at Presteigne C.P. School, said: “There are positives found within the Estyn report that identifies that the school is an inclusive and nurturing environment where all pupils are valued. The school has a broad and interesting curriculum that supports pupils’ knowledge of their local area, Wales and the wider world.

“We fully accept the recommendations that have been put forward by Estyn to make the necessary improvements to move the school forward. As a Governing Body we will work closely with the school and local authority to achieve the recommendations.”

The inspection report can be read here.