Ystrad Mynach Primary

Overview

Ystrad Mynach Primary is described as a “calm and happy community” where “pupils' well-being is at the heart” of operations. Leaders and staff create a “compassionate and inclusive environment” that supports pupils to make good progress, with a “highly effective” curriculum and exceptional response to Additional Learning Needs reforms.

Strengths

• The school’s “Flourish” curriculum is “well embedded and highly effective,” inspiring pupils to raise aspirations and develop self-esteem.
• Staff collaboration is strong, with an “exceptional” approach to implementing Welsh Government’s Additional Learning Needs (ALN) reforms.
• Pupils make “strong progress” in reading, writing, and numeracy, supported by effective questioning and feedback.
• Leadership is “robust and considerate,” fostering a caring ethos and strong teamwork, while governors provide a “right balance of support and challenge.”
• Pupils enjoy outdoor learning and use digital resources creatively, such as coding projects, enhancing their engagement.

Areas to improve

• Provide opportunities for pupils to “take ownership of their learning” and develop independent thinking and problem-solving skills, as staff sometimes over-direct activities.
• Improve pupils’ “Welsh oracy skills,” as current provision is inconsistent and most pupils lack confidence to speak Welsh in everyday situations.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the school’s arrangements for safeguarding pupils do not give any cause for concern.”