Pen-Y-Bryn Primary School

Overview

Pen-Y-Bryn Primary School is described as a happy, caring community with a “very caring and inclusive ethos” that emphasises pupil wellbeing. The report states that “nearly all pupils are polite and happy” and make good progress, particularly those with additional learning needs or eligible for free school meals. Overall, the quality of teaching, leadership, and care is judged to be good, with a “broad, balanced curriculum” engaging pupils effectively.

Strengths

• Pupils display “positive attitudes towards learning” and contribute confidently to discussions, showing high levels of respect and tolerance.
• The school provides “very effective” support for pupils with additional learning needs, including clear individual education plans and targeted interventions.
• There is a strong partnership with parents, supported by improved communication and engagement events that help support children’s learning and wellbeing.
• Staff maintain high expectations for behaviour, creating “calm and respectful learning environments” where pupils collaborate well and show resilience.
• The recently appointed headteacher has had a “positive impact” on school improvement, establishing a clear vision and rigorous tracking of pupil progress.

Areas to improve

• Improve standards of handwriting and presentation, which are currently “not as good as they could be”.
• Provide more purposeful opportunities for pupils to communicate frequently in Welsh throughout the day, rather than only in designated lessons.
• Increase opportunities for individual pupils to contribute to the life and work of the school, such as by setting their own targets for improvement.

Safeguarding

The report states that the school’s arrangements for safeguarding pupils “meet requirements and give no cause for concern.”