A Swansea school has been placed in special measures following an Estyn inspection.
Daniel James Community School was inspected last February and the Estyn report has been published today.
The inspectors noted that teaching and support staff work hard to develop and maintain positive relationships within the school and to enrich pupils’ experiences beyond the standard curriculum, including sports and performing arts.
However, the inspection raised concerns over the school’s leadership and management and effectiveness of teaching and education standards, particularly in maths and science.
Swansea Council has appointed a new management board to provide advice and management support to the governors and staff at the school.
The board consists of two head teachers, a deputy head teacher and experts in education and finance.
Richard Parry, Swansea Council’s Director of Education, said: “It is extremely disappointing for everyone that the Estyn inspection has resulted in the school being placed in special measures.
“We have taken a number of actions to help address the shortcomings identified by the inspectors and to provide the school with extra support in order to make the necessary improvements.
“The management board has been specially chosen to provide expert advice in a number of key areas such as leadership, management, finance and education standards. It will also help prepare and monitor the school’s action plan which is required in response to the inspection report.”
Chris Holley, Leader of Swansea Council, said: “We want every pupil at Daniel James to be able to reach their potential and it is vital that everything is done to ensure the pupils and staff have the support they need to achieve this.
“I am pleased that the Director has acted quickly to address issues highlighted by the inspectors.
“The management board has the necessary expertise and experience to support the staff and governors to take the school forward in the interests of the pupils.”
Ceinwen Thomas, Chair of Governors, said: “We are all very disappointed with the outcome of the report and we must give the staff, pupils and governors the support they need so that improvements can be made.
“We must build on the positive aspects highlighted by the inspectors, whilst also addressing the shortcomings as a matter of priority.
“The pupils are uppermost in our minds and I want to reassure parents we will give pupils the education and support they deserve and continue to develop a school that the whole community can be proud of.”
