A Cardiff school where the children are enthusiastic and motivated has received high praise from national inspectors.
In its first inspection since the amalgamation of Rumney Infant School and Rumney Junior School, Rumney Primary School has been commended by Estyn inspectors for the very high standard of education that has been maintained at the new school.
Following an inspection in February, Rumney Primary has been described as a good school with many outstanding features while the outstanding quality of leadership ensures high standards of pupil achievement.
The school was awarded six Grade 1s, the highest grade achievable, and one Grade 2 in the seven key questions asked from how well learners achieve to the efficient use of resources and how effective are the leadership and strategic management at the school.
The number of lessons inspectors observed which achieved a Grade 2 standard or better is 97 per cent, higher than the national figure of 85 per cent while the number of lessons where outstanding features were identified is 35 per cent, significantly higher than the national figure of 12 per cent.
Standards in the key skill of communication are good with outstanding features. In the Foundation Phase, children make outstanding progress in developing their speaking skills while at Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, most pupils listen well at all times but frequently their ability to listen intently is an outstanding feature.
Inspectors reported that pupils across the school make good progress in developing their reading skills across the curriculum and pupils in KS1 and KS2 make outstanding progress in developing their writing skills.
In the Foundation Phase children make a good start to developing their bilingual skills using the Welsh language and achieve good standards. In KS1 and KS2, pupils make outstanding progress in their use of the Welsh language. Pupils across the school achieve good standards when using the key skills of information and communication technology (ICT) and their mathematical skills across the curriculum. The school provides all pupils with access to a curriculum which is broad, balanced and relevant.
Pupils’ behaviour is an outstanding feature of the school and contributes significantly to the standards pupils achieve, to their personal and social development and to the quality of life in the school. Pupils throughout the school have very positive attitudes to learning and a high degree of motivation. They complete their tasks with obvious enthusiasm and sustain concentration well.
Throughout the school, inspectors observed that pupils and teachers enjoy excellent relationships with one another. The provision for learners with additional needs is outstanding as are the impressive range of cultural and extra-curricular activities, links with parents and the community and the provision of work-related education.
The report outlines that the amalgamation process had been managed very well with the minimum of disruption. Headteacher Ann Evans provided exceptional leadership during the readjustment and she is very well supported by a very effective deputy head teacher and the senior management team. Teamwork is highlighted as a particular strength at the school.
Executive Member for Education and Lifelong Learning, Cllr Freda Salway, said: “It’s very pleasing to hear about Rumney Primary School’s excellent Estyn report and particularly the inspectors’ findings that very high standards have been maintained at the new school, following the amalgamation.
“My thanks go to the staff, governors, pupils and families of Rumney Primary who have all contributed to achieving such a positive report for the school.”
Headteacher Ann Evans, said: “Everyone at Rumney Primary School welcomes this report which recognised the many strengths and outstanding features of our school as well as the fact that the process of amalgamation has been undertaken with the minimum of disruption.
“It’s pleasing to note that the standards of achievement in the lessons observed by the inspectors were above the national figures and the number of lessons where outstanding features were observed was particularly high. This reflects the dedication, commitment, expertise and enthusiasm of staff.
“The recognition given to the high quality relationships throughout the school and the excellent behaviour of our pupils is particularly gratifying.
“We are delighted that the report also highlights the inclusive, caring and supportive ethos we have created where all pupils and families are valued equally. The successful partnership with parents, governors and the wider community, noted as an outstanding feature, accurately reflects the commitment and achievement of all stakeholders. Such positive endorsements by the inspection team will enable the school to build on its achievements and ensure continual improvement.”
