A POWYS primary school has been invited to share best practice with other schools in Wales after a very positive Estyn inspection.

Rhayader Church in Wales Primary School was inspected in October last year, with the report from Estyn published in December.

The inspectors praised the school for its “supportive and caring working relationship” among pupils and between staff and pupils.

The report stated: “Pupils feel happy and safe at school. They are polite and courteous and interact confidently with both their peers and adults.

“Pupils are eager to attend school and enjoy the wide variety of learning experiences provided for them.”

The school has now been invited by Estyn to prepare a case study on its work in relation to the school’s use of the outdoor learning environment to support pupils’ learning and well-being. This will then be shared as good practice on Estyn’s website.

The report applauded the leadership and management of the school. “The headteacher is instrumental in creating and sustaining a welcoming and inclusive community with pupil well-being at its heart,” continued the report, which also commended leaders and staff.

“They work passionately and with commitment to meet the needs of the pupils and the local community and, as a result, the school is a vibrant learning community.”

Estyn made three recommendations for improvement for the Bryntirion school, which school chiefs said agreed with its own self-evaluation. Areas to focus on included: improving pupils’ literacy skills, in particular their reading and extended writing skills; strengthening provision to develop pupils’ skills in Welsh from their different starting points; and ensuring teaching provides appropriate challenges for all pupils and that feedback helps them further improve their work.

Headteacher Linda Crockett said she and her staff were “absolutely delighted” with the outcome of the inspection.

“I am so very proud and privileged to be the headteacher, inspired by the incredible children, a team of amazing staff, a uniquely special community and governing body,” said Mrs Crockett.

OTHER NEWS:

Following the visit Rhayader Primary School was also handed the National Nurture School’s UK award, the first school in Powys to achieve this status.

The assessor stated there is a “shared vision for the future wellbeing and mental health of all the pupils”.

“The need for nurture in pupils’ lives to underpin their wellbeing, mental health and ability to be happy, successful participants in later life demonstrates the school’s commitment to each pupil way beyond their time in the school,” stated the report.

“This was aspirational and inspiring and is supported by the school’s strong identity as a faith-based school.”

The positive praise continued with the school championed in a recent Church in Wales Inspection. The inspector praised the “caring, inclusive ethos of the school, its nurturing environment and the importance given to the wellbeing of all members of the school community”.

Positive relationships between all members of the school community which are largely attributed to the Christian distinctiveness of the school and the continually developing links between the school, church and local community were also commended.

Chair of governors, Graham Taylor, said: “I am delighted with the many compliments made about the school by the inspectors.

“Getting independent validation that the school is doing a marvellous job in educating local children is very pleasing. The focus now is to continue the good work and make further progress, especially in the few areas area the school knows some improvements are needed.”

To view a copy of the Estyn report for Rhayader Church in Wales Primary School, visit https://www.estyn.gov.wales/provider/6663036.