Ysgol Pen Y Pil

Overview

Ysgol Pen y Pîl is described as a “successful learning community” within the Ffederasiwn y Ddraig federation that “celebrates Welshness” and provides a “warm, caring and happy” environment. The report highlights “clear leadership” and “effective co-operation” which contribute to a consistent, well-rounded education where pupils feel proud of their school and local area.

Strengths

• Staff provide “extremely effective” provision for pupils with additional learning needs, enabling most to make “good progress over time.”
• Pupils develop “sound progress” in communication, mathematics, and digital skills, becoming confident speakers in both Welsh and English by the end of their time at school.
• The school fosters strong “well-being and attitudes to learning,” with pupils who are “happy and polite” and show “mature respect” for their work and peers.
• Leadership and self-evaluation arrangements are “effective,” using pupil ideas to develop independence and enthusiasm.
• Teachers create a “broad and balanced curriculum” that reflects local culture and provides “valuable and stimulating learning experiences.”

Areas to improve

• Develop Welsh reading provision to support pupils in improving their “understanding of texts across all areas of learning,” as they currently do not always grasp meaning when reading in Welsh.
• Provide more regular opportunities for pupils to respond to feedback to “move their learning forward,” as current practice is not always consistent.
• Reduce instances where staff “over-direct pupils,” which limits opportunities for independent thinking and influence over their learning.

Safeguarding

The report states that leaders have “established a strong culture of safeguarding successfully,” including effective site security, and that the school places a “clear emphasis on safeguarding pupils and promoting their well-being effectively.”