YSGOL IFOR BACH

Overview

Ysgol Ifor Bach is described as a “successful learning community” that fosters a “homely and supportive learning environment” where pupils feel happy and safe. The school places strong emphasis on celebrating Welshness, courtesy, and respect, with staff modelling language enthusiastically to enhance pupils’ oracy skills. While most pupils develop age-appropriate knowledge and skills, particularly in oral and reading areas, there are specific concerns regarding the development of independent writing.

Strengths

• Pupils demonstrate “pride in, the Welsh language” and strong oracy skills, contributing “purposefully to class discussions” and expressing opinions “clearly and maturely.”
• Staff successfully plan “stimulating and relevant learning and play experiences,” fostering a clear sense of pride in the local area and coal mining history.
• Provision for pupils with additional learning needs is “purposeful,” enabling them to make “good progress over time against their targets.”
• The governing body provides an “appropriate balance of support and challenge,” with “thorough” self-evaluation and quality assurance arrangements.
• A culture of safeguarding is promoted in a “highly effective and supportive manner,” ensuring pupils are “happy and safe.”

Areas to improve

• Develop pupils’ independent writing skills, which have “not developed effectively enough.”
• Ensure consistent opportunities for pupils to work independently and improve their work “purposefully following feedback” in cases where teaching is less effective.

Safeguarding

The report states that the acting headteacher, supported by staff and governors, promotes a culture of safeguarding in a “highly effective and supportive manner,” resulting in pupils being “happy and safe at the school.”