Ysgol Gymraeg Ifor Hael

Overview

Leaders possess a “clear and robust vision” focused on pupil well-being and Welsh language skills, fostering a “friendly, caring and supportive” environment. Most pupils make “sound progress” in their skills, with particular strength in the provision for those with additional learning needs and the promotion of Welsh culture.

Strengths

• The school is praised for its “inclusive nature, caring ethos and homely environment,” where pupils feel valued and safe.
• Provision for pupils with additional learning needs is identified as “one of the school’s strongest features,” with staff providing “purposeful support” that enables sound progress.
• Staff effectively promote the Welsh language and culture, ensuring nearly all pupils’ skills in this area are “developing soundly.”
• Reading standards have improved significantly due to “effective methods” introduced by leaders, resulting in sound progress for nearly all pupils.
• Pupils demonstrate positive attitudes, behaving with “courtesy and respect” and showing “perseverance and resilience” in their learning.

Areas to improve

• Teachers should extend opportunities for pupils to make decisions about their learning to foster “increasing independence,” as some lessons are overly directed.
• The governing body must participate fully in self-evaluation processes to gain a “comprehensive enough understanding” of all strengths and areas for improvement.

Safeguarding

Staff have a “sound understanding of safeguarding processes,” and leaders have developed a “sound culture of safeguarding” across the school, responding appropriately to individual cases.