Inspectors' findings for two Flintshire primary schools

Ysgol Yr Esgob Church in Wales VA School, in Caerwys, joined with Ysgol Licswm Church in Wales VA School to become the Bryniau Clwyd Federation in 2020. Since September 2023, there has been an acting headteacher in place.

At the time of inspection, Ysgol Yr Esgob had 63 pupils on roll, and Ysgol Licswm 45.

Estyn Inspectors, who visited both sites in May this year, found that: "School leaders have a clear vision to develop one school over two sites and are making good progress towards this goal.

"They have established a strong team ethos and are beginning to make effective use of the opportunities that a federation of school presents. This work has had a notable and positive impact on pupil’s experiences at school and their progress.

Ysgol Yr Esgob Church in Wales VA School, part of the Bryniau Clwyd Federation.

"Across the federation leadership ensures there is a calm and compassionate ethos and an uplifting learning environment where nearly all pupils thrive."

In both schools, inspectors noted: "Pupils have a notable influence on the life and work of their school which they use wisely and with appropriate autonomy to bring about positive change.

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"During their time at school, they become compassionate and caring contributors to their schools and the wider communities. Leaders work well with external partners, and this helps them to have a good understanding of many of the schools’ current strengths and to identify opportunities for further improvement."

Acting headteacher Emma O’Neill said: "We are incredibly proud of the reports, recognising the exceptionally positive attitudes to learning our children have, the warm relationships between our children and staff, exemplary behaviour, enjoyment of learning, strong progress made and the pupils, staff governors and parents have developed a strong team ethos and sense of purpose.

"Ysgol Licswm and Ysgol Yr Esgob are both small, nurturing and inclusive schools whereby the wellbeing of our pupils is at the heart of everything we do."

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Inspectors made two recommendations across the federation, to help the school to continue to improve: to further develop leadership capacity across the federation by sharing effective practice, and to further improve provision to support the full development of the full range of pupils’ numeracy and digital skills.

The governing body acknowledged the many outstanding features of the reports and thanked the staff’s commitment to ensuring the wellbeing of every student whilst moving the federation forward.

• The schools will be holding opening evenings later in the year. Ysgol Licswm’s will take place on Tuesday, September 17, from 3.30pm-5pm and Ysgol Yr Esgob’s will be held on Wednesday, September 18, from 3.30pm-5pm.