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School inspectors have praised Ysgol Ifor Bach in Abertridwr as a “successful learning community that celebrates Welshness, courtesy and respect and pupils’ achievements”.

The school was inspected by education watchdog Estyn in December last year.

Its report, published recently, praises the school’s acting head as providing “clear and wise guidance”.

It states: “All staff are committed to ensuring a high quality of care and wellbeing for pupils across the school, in a homely and supportive learning environment.

“This has a strong influence on pupils’ attitudes towards each other and towards others both inside and outside the school.

“Teaching staff and assistants model language purposefully and enthusiastically, which has an effect on pupils’ oracy skills from a young age.

“As a result, pupils’ use of, and pride in, the Welsh language is a strong feature. Staff work together successfully to plan a range of stimulating and relevant learning and play experiences for pupils. Pupils’ pride in their local area and the history of the coal mines is clear.”

The report does note that many pupils’ literacy, numeracy and social skills are below what is expected for their age when they start at the school, but that good development progress is made by the end of Year 6.

The report recommends the school helps pupils to develop their independent writing skills.

Aber Valley councillor John Roberts said: “I’m so pleased for them. This comes at a time when there’s a new management team.

“Headteacher Sarah Edmunds is on secondment to the authority and has been for a while now. She’s more than set the foundations and acting headteacher Dian Morris and team have done a grand job of moving things on. Da iawn nhw i gyd.”

Acting headteacher Ms Morris said: “I couldn’t be more proud of our amazing pupils, staff and the whole school community.

“To be recognised by Estyn as an inclusive school that celebrates Welshness, courtesy and respect, that has wellbeing at its heart is amazing.

“Our school motto ‘Ymdrech a Lwydda’ (Effort breeds Success) is definitely celebrated in the report.”