Pupils, teachers and governors of Ysgol Y Rhewl, Ruthin are celebrating the findings of the recent Estyn school inspection.
Inspectors found:
- The school’s performance and prospects for improvement are good
- Pupils across the school achieve good standards, behave very well, are enthusiastic when learning and benefit from interesting and varied learning experiences.
- Teachers and support staff display substantial dedication to maintaining and improving standards.
The governors, staff and parents are delighted with the Estyn School Inspection Report, as it confirms:
- the school’s inclusive ethos and the warm and friendly school community;
- pupils’ good standards of achievement and their ability to use skills in their work across the curriculum;
- a good range of learning activities that captures and sustains the interest of pupils;
- high levels of attendance and behaviour, with pupils applying themselves well to learning;
- the way the school successfully promotes pupils’ wellbeing; and
- effective procedures for tracking pupils’ progress and the quality of provision for pupils in need of additional support, especially in literacy.
- a good track record in ensuring improved outcomes for pupils;
- the clear commitment to continuous improvement in provision and outcomes;
- a clear understanding of aspects of provision in need of further development and the willingness to take account of the views of governors, parents and pupils
- a well-structured school development plan that identifies clear and appropriate proposals for school development
- the way the school’s governing body acts as a critical friend; and
- a commitment to working in partnership with other local schools as a professional learning community.
- the way the school makes extensive use of support staff to provide additional support for individuals and groups of pupils.
- the extensive use of Welsh used as a medium of basic communication with pupils. In the Foundation Phase children are beginning to make spontaneous use of Welsh and by the end of KS2 many pupils choose to enter the ‘Bilingual’ stream in Ysgol Brynhyfryd as a result of their progress in Welsh.
The inspection team is of the view that the school will implement the recommendations of the report and ensure effective co-operation between professional staff, the Governing Body and the LEA.
In 2010, key stage 1 (up to 6 years of age) the percentage of pupils attaining Level 2 compares favourably with the family of schools, the county and the whole of Wales, in English and science and is higher than the average in Maths. In key stage 2 results over the past four years have been consistently good. The school’s results have been significantly higher than those of the family of schools, in the county and Wales, in English, Maths and Science for the last four years.
Caeri Roberts, Chair of Governors, said: “This report makes very positive reading indeed. The close working relationship that exists between the governors and the school’s management to set a clear direction for the school is evident in the findings of this report.
“Another key to the success at Ysgol Y Rhewl is the link between the school and parents/guardians and the local community. They are given information about their children’s achievements, welfare and development. The individual profiles kept in the Foundation Phase are excellent and the parents appreciate them very much.
“I would personally like to thank Tania Armstrong-Owen, the Headteacher and staff for continuing to maintain such high standards. We look forward to the continuing with the good work at Ysgol Y Rhewl over the coming years and striving to further improve standards at the school.”
