GILFACH FARGOED PRIMARY

Overview

This federation school is characterised by “strong leadership, high expectations, good quality classroom provision, and a focus on the well-being of staff and pupils.” The headteacher has fostered a “successful learning culture” where the community feels proud, resulting in “notable progress” for most pupils who achieve well across the curriculum.

Strengths

• Strategic partnership working within the federation benefits staff professional learning and ensures pupils receive “effective teaching.”
• Teachers devise “exciting, engaging topics and activities” that pupils enjoy, creating “purposeful, happy learning environments.”
• “Professional relationships between staff and the pupils are a particular strength,” with staff knowing pupils well as individuals.
• Nearly all pupils develop “self-confidence and sense of empathy and responsibility” by the end of their time at the school.
• Teaching assistants provide “skilled, worthwhile support” to help pupils keep pace with their peers.

Areas to improve

• Leaders must strengthen provision to develop pupils’ “wider mathematical skills and ICT... systematically.”
• The school should share strong practice to support pupils to “think for themselves and extend their independent learning skills,” as teachers occasionally “over-direct the learning.”

Safeguarding

The report does not explicitly state a separate judgement on safeguarding, but notes that “staff care deeply for their pupils” and leaders work supportively with families to improve attendance.