THE community within a Wrexham primary school is delighted with the findings of their most recent Estyn inspection.

Within the report Ysgol Y Waun, in Chirk, is described as a "caring and inclusive school, at the heart of it's community" with a "collective family feel where all pupils and families are made to feel welcome".

Inspectors, who began their inspection on December 5, 2022, recognised that "nearly all pupils settle quickly into school life and make rapid progress in all areas of learning". In addition to this, "progress in literacy skills, particularly writing was seen as exceptional".

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Leaders at the school attribute their successes to the way in which they work collaboratively as a team and to the positive relationships they have with all pupils, whose needs are met appropriately.

During their visit, inspectors witnessed high quality teaching and support for pupils making this possible.

When asked about the report, headteacher John Roberts, said: "There are so many positive aspects that have been recognised by inspectors. All of my staff have worked very hard over the past seven years to provide the best opportunities for the pupils in our care.

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"There is so much to be proud of including the high quality lessons on offer throughout the school and exciting activities that engage pupils well.

"During the four-day inspection, inspectors saw pupils that were actively engaged in their learning, who behave well and consistently make good progress.

"We were overjoyed that our provision for pupils with additional learning needs was seen as a strength of the school. Over 50 pupils receive additional support and interventions across the school week and are making good progress as a result - this is a larger percentage than the report suggests - with additional learning needs (ALN) accounting for approximately 16% of our schools population."

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Steph Rodgers, deputy head teacher, added: "We have worked hard to develop a new curriculum for Wales and to maintain high standards within the core subjects of literacy and maths.

"I take a lead on curriculum development and was overjoyed that the curriculum and how teachers deliver lessons on a daily basis, was celebrated.

"We are particularly proud of the progress pupils make in literacy skills and look forward to sharing our approaches to literacy, marking and feedback within the Estyn case study we have been asked to write."

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Frank Hemmings, chair of governors said: "The success of the school results from the excellent relationships that all staff develop with pupils and I am extremely proud of the progress we have made over the past seven years."

Mr Roberts, headteacher, added: "We are an inclusive community school and have a lot to be proud of but, like all schools, we will continue to refine and develop our practises - seeking to be the very best that we can be.

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"We already have robust plans in place to work on Estyn's recommendations for our school. We are planning to make some slight changes to the start of the school day for parents after half-term and Wrexham Local Authority are supporting us in securing our Lloyds Lane field perimeter with additional fencing.

"These actions will address all of the minor health and safety concerns identified by the inspection team.

"I am very proud of my hardworking staff and am delighted their day-to-day practice has been recognised in such a positive way."

• A full copy of the Estyn report is available on the school's website: www.ysgolywaun.co.uk