Praise for Newport schools’ ‘very positive’ Estyn inspection results

Education leaders in Newport have praised the city’s schools for their performances last year in Estyn inspections.

Sarah Davies, the council’s deputy chief education officer, said the inspectors’ findings were “overall very positive”, with the majority of the schools scrutinised chosen as positive case studies for the rest of Wales.

They were each commended by Estyn and provided one or more “Spotlight” examples for “innovative practice that should be shared widely across the system”, she explained.

At Caerleon Comprehensive, the inspectors highlighted the positive impact of the governors for providing “clear and effective challenge to leaders” and helping to “secure improvements” in leadership and the school’s canteen.

Estyn was impressed by Clytha Primary’s  approach to diversity and inclusivity as a “family” and a “cultural commitment to reflect each class”, where pupils “embrace respect and understanding”.

They shone a spotlight on Malpas Court Primary for its “effective learning environment” that provides children with “a safe, calm and consistent atmosphere” that has had a positive impact on behaviour, wellbeing and attitudes to learning.

Millbrook Primary’s pupils are currently being taught in temporary classrooms in Brynglas, after safety issues led to the demolition of their school – but that hasn’t stopped it from earning two Estyn “Spotlights”.

It has won praise for its “effective family engagement” and strong links with parents, as well as for “developing pupils’ leadership skills to influence the life and work of the school”.

Estyn said Millbrook’s pupils have the opportunity to “take on responsibility and use their own ideas to make a difference” through whole-school activities.

Recently, the council approved a merger between Millbrook and fellow Bettws school Monnow Primary, and plans are under way for a new joint school building.

Mount Pleasant Primary won plaudits for collaborative work with other schools in its cluster, which helps to “promote equity for all learners” and “includes a wealth of opportunities for productive professional learning”.

Finally, at Ysgol Gymraeg Casnewydd – Estyn welcomed the school’s work on learners’ wellbeing, noting “many pupils develop self-discipline and positive attitudes to learning” as a result of staff support.

Speaking at a council scrutiny meeting, Ms Davies said the local authority’s relationship with the city’s headteachers was “extremely strong”.

Cllr Chris Reeks, the committee chairman, agreed the annual report on Estyn’s findings was “very positive”.

Sarah Morgan, the city council’s head of education, added Estyn’s introduction of interim visits had provided a “useful health check” and “helpful professional dialogue” for schools in the periods between core inspections.

In the past year, Estyn also judged Lliswerry Primary and Pillgwenlly Primary had to make “significant improvement”.

Ms Davies said in both cases the council had moved “swiftly” to provide extra support to the schools.