YSGOL PENMAES

Overview

Ysgol Penmaes provides a supportive environment where pupils feel safe and their emotional well-being is prioritised. Staff collaborate to create meaningful learning experiences, resulting in suitable progress for nearly all pupils. However, inconsistencies in planning and assessment limit the pace of learning for some.

Strengths

• Pupils benefit from a "strong support system" for emotional well-being, with concerns "always taken seriously" by staff.
• The school fosters a safe environment where bullying is rare and pupils know who to approach for help.
• Teachers use "simple, targeted questioning" and visual resources effectively to aid expression and communication.
• Collaboration with parents and agencies has contributed to an "improving trend" in attendance over three years.
• Pupils develop valuable skills appropriate to their individual needs, including growing independence in daily tasks.

Areas to improve

• Teachers must better consider pupils' prior learning, as the current "slow pace and insufficient challenge limits pupils’ progress."
• Quality assurance of teaching requires more detail to effectively support staff in developing their practice.
• Self-evaluation and improvement planning for curriculum design and assessment need to focus more clearly on improving teaching and learning.

Safeguarding

The school works collaboratively with the local authority to ensure "swift and effective handling of safeguarding concerns" and demonstrates a "strong commitment to child welfare and safety."