Pupils and staff at Coed-y-Garn Primary School in Blaina are celebrating an excellent inspection report which has described the school as “warm and inclusive.”
The report, following the recent ESTYN visit, concluded that the school has a positive atmosphere and ethos, with staff and pupils feeling valued; pupils enjoy learning, are enthusiastic and have very strong relationships with their teachers and other staff. The headteacher provides strong and effective leadership, sharing responsibilities effectively among staff, with governors and staff supporting the school vision. Behaviour was described as exemplary, with well-mannered pupils demonstrating kindness, respect, and positive attitudes towards others and to their learning.
Acknowledging the outstanding practice in the Learning Resource Base, the school has been asked to write a case study on its work in relation to the impact of the teaching and the use of the learning environment to promote authentic learning experiences in its learning resource base for the Estyn website.
Headteacher Lauren Cairns says:
“I am thrilled that Estyn has recognised our commitment to wellbeing and supporting learners at Coed-y-Garn, their findings reflect the hard work and dedication of all. It is an absolute privilege to be the headteacher of Coed-y-Garn, and I am ever so proud of the children and staff who give their best in all they do.”
Rev. Roy Watson, Chair of Governors, added:
“The governors are very much involved in sharing the vision which the head and staff have for the school, and they are totally supportive of the delivery of all aspects of the curriculum. I would like to thank the governing body for their voluntary contributions to the life of the school, and to the head and staff for their dedication to the children of Coed-y-Garn.”
Councillor Sue Edmunds, Blaenau Gwent Council’s Executive Member for People & Education says:
“What a fantastic report for Coed-y-Garn Primary! Everyone at the school and the wider school community should feel extremely proud of this report. Well done.
“We want all our children and young people to thrive and achieve their full potential, and we are committed to working with all schools to provide high quality teaching and learning opportunities.”
You can read the inspection report in full here - https://www.estyn.gov.wales/provider/6772313