Ysgol Gynradd Garndolbenmaen

Overview

Ysgol Garndolbenmaen is described as a “caring and inclusive school” that successfully nurtures well-being and supports learning. The new headteacher leads effectively, fostering strong relationships with stakeholders and creating a close-knit community where pupils feel a “strong sense of belonging.”

Strengths

• Staff identify pupils’ well-being needs very well, providing opportunities to discuss feelings which boosts “self-confidence” and willingness to take risks.
• Teachers offer “exciting and interesting experiences” that stimulate enthusiasm, leading to good progress in problem-solving and digital skills.
• There is a strong culture of “respect and courtesy” among pupils, who show “infectious pride in their work.”
• The school maintains close relationships with parents, contributing to pupils’ pride in their society and local community.

Areas to improve

• Teachers do not always use assessment information “incisively enough” to ensure pupils make the best possible progress.
• The school must ensure an “appropriate level of challenge” in pupils’ learning activities.
• Feedback and tracking data need to have a better impact on the next steps in learning.

Safeguarding

The report highlights that staff identify pupils’ well-being needs very well and provide continuous opportunities for pupils to discuss their feelings and share their emotions.