Idris Davies School 3 to 18

Overview

Idris Davies School is described as a “highly inclusive, supportive and caring learning environment” where staff know pupils well and strive to give “every pupil - every opportunity - every day”. The school makes considerable efforts to mitigate the effects of poverty, resulting in good progress for most pupils from their starting points, particularly in reading, numeracy, and personal skills.

Strengths

• The school provides “exemplary” support and care for vulnerable pupils and those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
• There is a “notable strength” in the development of pupils’ digital skills and creativity over time.
• Leaders have developed a “strong and effective culture of professional learning” which positively impacts teaching quality.
• The curriculum meets the needs of nearly all pupils well and prepares them suitably for the next stage in their learning or work.
• There is a “strong culture of raising aspirations, promoting ambition and success for all”.

Areas to improve

• Improve attendance and reduce the levels of persistent absenteeism, which remains a concern.
• Strengthen the planning for the progressive development of pupils’ literacy, in particular writing and advanced reading skills.
• Address specific areas for improvement in teaching and assessment, including closer monitoring of progress and more helpful written comments.

Safeguarding

The report states that the support and care for vulnerable pupils, and those from disadvantaged backgrounds, is “exemplary”.