Brynmawr Foundation School and Blaenau Gwent Council have welcomed an Estyn report which acknowledges strategic leadership planning and significant improvements in teaching and learning; pupil behaviour and their attitudes to learning.
The inspection body has today released its findings following a recent Monitoring Visit to the school. The report outlines the significant progress made to date and shows that the school and its senior leadership are strong, committed and focused on driving even further change.
The report noted:
- The quality of teaching is continually improving, and this continues to be a focus. The headteacher and senior team have focused successfully on their vision for improving teaching and learning, pupils' engagement, and aspirations, and building leadership capacity at all levels. This work has had a significant impact on the quality of teaching, pupils' attitudes to learning and leaders' ability to plan robustly for improvement.
- School leaders evaluate the quality of provision and its impact on pupil’s knowledge, skills and progress precisely.
- Strengthened approaches to supporting pupil behaviour has improved learners’ attitude to learning, making them engaged with learning which has had a positive impact for pupils and staff. Pupils receive timely intervention and support when required.
- Increased pupil leadership opportunities and the new House system has created a strong sense of community.
- Attendance has improved
Headteacher, Mr Gerard McNamara is delighted with the recently published report. He says:
“The findings recognise the dedicated and determined work of Governors, school staff and pupils. Parents/carers have played their part in supporting the school to ensure their child makes strong progress. We have something special in the school and I’m extremely proud of the school community. This is a fantastic and amazing early Christmas present.”
Councillor Sue Edmunds, the Council’s Cabinet Member for People & Education, welcomed the report and thanked everyone involved for their hard work and commitment. She says:
“Providing the very best educational standards and opportunities for our children and young people continues to be a very top priority for us. This is a great report for Brynmawr Foundation School, acknowledging all the real improvements that have been made for the benefit of pupils and their families.
“This hasn’t happened by magic however and I would like to thank everyone involved with this improvement journey, especially the Headteacher and his senior leadership team, the Governing Body and indeed all the teaching and support staff. You have all worked together, in partnership with the Council and the Southeast Wales Achievement Service, to bring about meaningful change which will no doubt impact positively on the futures of young people. Last but certainly not least, thank you to the young people themselves for working so hard and to parents and carers for your continued support.
“There is more work to be done but the school is in a good position to go from strength to strength.”
Bryan Davies, Chair of the school’s Governing Body, says:
Governors were thrilled to read the excellent report. We are over the moon for the staff, parents and pupils. The school have developed strong and lasting relationships with the Local Authority and external partners. Under strong leadership, our significant improvements will continue to exceed our expectations. A wealth of professional learning opportunities has been provided within the school, as a result, teaching is highly effective. It’s a time for great celebration.
You can read the report in full here.
