Ysgol Hirael

Overview

Ysgol Gynradd Hirael is described as an “inclusive and supportive community” with a “caring ethos” where pupils feel safe and enjoy learning. The headteacher leads purposefully, ensuring pupil well-being is a priority, while staff maintain “warm working relationships” that foster confidence and resilience. Although many pupils make good progress in core skills, inconsistencies in teaching practices regarding Welsh language, extended writing, and feedback require attention.

Strengths

• Pupils develop as “confident learners” with strong social, listening, reading, numeracy, and digital skills.
• Staff provide consistent care and support, creating a “caring environment” where emotional well-being is a “strong feature”.
• Leaders use “regular and rigorous self-evaluation processes” to drive improvement and staff professional development.
• Provision for pupils with additional learning needs is “sound”, with effective tracking and specialist support.
• Pupils show “positive attitudes to learning”, demonstrating resilience, independence, and respect for others.

Areas to improve

• Improve the standard of pupils’ extended writing across the school.
• Improve pupils’ Welsh language skills, particularly their oral skills.
• Ensure that the quality of teachers’ feedback targets the next steps in pupils’ learning effectively.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the school’s arrangements for safeguarding are good and are not a cause for concern.”