HEADTEACHER at a Flintshire primary school is full of pride following their latest inspection.

Estyn inspectors visited Ysgol Bryn Deva, in Connah's Quay in January 2024, and praised its clear vision for "developing hearts and minds".

The report on the school, which has 306 pupils, reads: "Through the effective leadership and direction provided by the headteacher, all staff understand their role in developing pupils' learning and wellbeing. The school has developed a culture of care and support, which meets the needs of its diverse community well.

"Leaders work purposefully to create a safe and nurturing environment where pupils feel valued. A key strength of the school is the relationship between staff and pupils."

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Of headteacher Karen Burrows, inspectors stated: "The headteacher provides strong and effective leadership. Since taking up the post, the headteacher has worked in collaboration with pupils, staff, governors and parents to establish a clear vision for the school based on nurturing pupils' wellbeing, with a focus on happiness, health and safety.

"All staff know the pupils well and respond to their individual needs thoughtfully, for example by developing a bespoke football programme designed to improve the emotional wellbeing of pupils."

The report found that: "Most pupils make good progress in most areas of their learning during their time at the school. They develop their literacy skills well, confidently demonstrating the progress they make in developing their speaking skills when talking about their work and their school.

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"Teachers plan meaningful and engaging learning experiences and, as a result, pupils develop positive attitudes to learning.

"However, teachers do not provide enough opportunities for pupils to apply their numeracy and digital skills in their work across the curriculum at a high enough level."

When it came to wellbeing and attitudes to learning, it was noted that "working relationships between pupils and staff are a strength. Pupils feel safe in a caring and nurturing environment where their wellbeing is a priority".

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Inspectors added: "Pupils, including those with additional learning needs, show maturity when explaining how they support the work of the school through their leadership roles.

"Most pupils develop a strong sense of empathy during their time in school and take purposeful action, such as, effectively implementing friendship initiatives to ensure that pupils do not experience any feelings of anxiousness during break and lunchtimes."

Inspectors also stated: "Leaders, including governors, have a clear understanding of the strengths of the school. Through robust self-evaluation systems, they know their school well, prioritising key areas for school improvement while remaining focused on developing each pupil as an individual."

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Overall the school was deemed a happy, caring and inclusive community, where staff manage behaviour positively and most pupils behave well in classes and as they move around the school.

The school will address a recommendation made as a result of the inspection, which was to improve the provision for pupils to apply their numeracy and digital skills at a sufficiently challenging level across the curriculum.

Headteacher Mrs Burrows said: "I am extremely proud of the recognition from Estyn for all the hard work and commitment of every member of staff in our team and also every child, together with their families, who have completely embraced our 'Hearts and Minds' vision."

Chair of governors Mark Sephton added: "It was a pleasure to read the Estyn Report, which recognised all the hard work of the senior leadership team, staff and governors, despite challenging times in the aftermath of covid-19. I feel privileged to work as chair of governors at the school."

• To view the full report, visit: www.estyn.gov.wales