Oldcastle Primary recognised as an innovative school

Oldcastle Primary School has been recognised as a highly innovative learning community following an inspection by Estyn in June 2017.

Estyn, the Education and Training inspectorate for Wales, is instructed to inspect the quality and standards of schools, colleges, and local authorities’ education services. All schools are inspected at least once during a six year cycle.

Estyn inspectors examined many aspects of school life, and Oldcastle Primary School is pleased to have been recognised as a good school with excellent features as defined through the Common Inspection Framework utilised by Estyn.

In particular the school has been identified as being excellent for its care, support and guidance, researching and implementing bespoke and innovative programmes for the benefit of the pupils. Including its use of Mabel tele-therapy to support pupils with speech and language needs. The inspectors noted that the quality of care, support and guidance has a very positive impact on pupils’ standards and wellbeing.

The report recognises through creative and innovative leadership that the vision to inspire, educate and motivate was at the core of the schools work. This ethos had a strong impact on securing high levels of attendance and promoting pupils wellbeing. It goes on to describe the excellent resource management stating that “in view of the innovative and imaginative way in which leaders manage the school’s resources, the school gives excellent value for money”.

Partnerships were another area where the school was judged to be excellent. Parental questionnaires identified that 98% of parents strongly agree or agree that they are satisfied with the school. Children also provided very positive feedback to the inspectors with 99% of children feeling they were doing well at school. Further partnerships with the University of the West of England also received praise along with links to local business, the school enterprise work and the schools science, technology, engineering and mathematics program.

“As a school we welcome the positive feedback from the Estyn report, I am delighted that the teaching and support staff are recognised as providing highly effective purposeful learning experiences which enrich pupils spiritual, moral, social and cultural development. It was also pleasing to note that the inspectors recognised our excellent working partnerships with businesses, which has led to an enriched curriculum. Inspection reflects a snap shot of the life of a school and the strength of any school is in the staff who serve the children and community in which it is based”. Mr Jeremy Malessa-Thompson, Headteacher at Oldcastle Primary School.

The school will draw up an action plan to address the recommendations identified in the report. A copy of the Estyn report for Oldcastle Primary School is available from www.estyn.gov.wales or by clicking here