A Denbighshire school has scored well with school inspectors.
“Ysgol Bodfari in Denbighshire is a good school with some outstanding features”, according to a recent inspection report.
Estyn inspectors visited in October 2009 found that pupils’ behaviour was outstanding: “They are courteous and thoughtful. Their attitude to learning is very good. They are well motivated, enjoy their learning and show great perseverance”.
Other findings include:
· The development of pupils’ personal, social and learning skills is good with outstanding features. Pupils are developing good study skills. Their skills in working independently and supporting each other as part of a team are well developed.
· The school is well involved in the local area and pupils participate in many aspects of community life. Links with parents, community and other providers are very good.
· All members of staff establish outstanding relationships with the pupils who are treated with respect.
· The quality of care, support and guidance to learners is a strength of the school.
· The school provides a broad and balanced curriculum, which has outstanding features.
· The quality of the accommodation at the school is an outstanding feature.
· The high quality of teaching features prominently in the report and is well above the national figures in the HMCI’s 2007/08 annual report. The planning of a range of activities to meet the needs of different age groups and abilities within the class was outstanding.
· The clear direction the Headteacher provides is an outstanding feature and this has been an important factor in the continuing progress the school has made since her appointment in September 2007. The Headteacher is very well supported through the management roles of all staff and supportive Governing Body.
Terry Bryer, Chair of Governors at Ysgol Bodfari, said: “We are delighted with such a positive report and this is down to everyone associated with the school. We are tremendously proud of our achievements at Ysgol Bodfari and we will continue to provide the best education possible for our children.
The inspection report outlined three main recommendations:
1. spread and further develop good practice in the promotion of thinking skills and assessment for learning initiatives throughout the school,enabling pupils to make their own decisions as to how they can improve
2. ensure consistency in the presentation of pupils work across subjects and throughout the school
3. develop pupils’ entrepreneurial skills in order to promote pupils’ decision making and problem solving skills
The first two recommendations had already been identified by the school in its development plan.
