Local school gets Estyn thumbs up

Penygloddfa C.P. School in Newtown has been praised for its strong leadership, innovative curriculum, and commitment to pupil well-being in a glowing Estyn inspection report published this week.

The inspection, carried out in November 2024, highlights the school’s many strengths while offering guidance for further development.

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The report commends the school’s leadership for its “clear and shared vision for school improvement,” with leaders working closely with staff and governors to prioritize the happiness and well-being of pupils. Since the appointment of the new headteacher in April 2024, the school has made significant strides in addressing national priorities, including additional learning needs (ALN) reform and Welsh language development.

One of the standout features of the report is the school’s provision for pupils with additional learning needs. Estyn notes that staff engage in extensive professional learning and work collaboratively with external agencies to provide tailored support. “The school ensures that pupils’ needs are identified promptly and that they receive effective individual support,” the report states.

Penygloddfa C.P. School’s efforts to embed Welsh heritage, culture, and language into the curriculum were lauded as exemplary. The school’s ‘Criw Cymraeg’ promotes the Welsh language through weekly assemblies, while participation in events like the National Eisteddfod underscores the school’s commitment to cultural engagement. Estyn also praised the school’s focus on music, with many pupils excelling as members of its successful brass group.

Most pupils at Penygloddfa develop strong speaking, listening, and reading skills, with the report noting their “love of reading from an early age.” Younger pupils gain a solid foundation in mathematics, while older pupils benefit from real-world applications of numeracy, such as entrepreneurial projects. However, the report recommends providing more opportunities for older pupils to apply their literacy and numeracy skills at a higher level.

To build on its successes, the school has been advised to focus on fostering greater independence among younger pupils and challenging older pupils to apply their skills more robustly across the curriculum. An action plan will be drawn up to address these areas.

The report also highlights the school’s strong ties with the local community. Pupils engage in initiatives like delivering Christmas presents to local residents and performing with school music groups at community events.

Governors were commended for their active role in school life, with the report noting their effective use of grant funding to ensure all pupils can access the curriculum.

You can read the full report here.