Estyn has made a number of recommendations in a mixed report for a Powys Primary School.

Guilsfield C.P. School near Welshpool has been given a mixed review by Estyn after inspectors found a “happy school where pupils and staff feel valued and cared for” but criticised the new leadership for several failings.

In the report, inspectors said leaders at the school “do not consider well enough the local context of the school and its community or pay appropriate attention of the pupils’ interests in their curriculum planning.

Inspectors also found that “Teachers do not plan carefully enough to meet the needs of all learners and, as a result, pupils do not always make the progress they could” and “did not always provide the right level of challenge to ensure that pupils achieve their potential”.

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They also found that leadership in the school needed improvement “Leaders’ monitoring of the school’s provision does not focus well enough on pupils’ progress and governors do not take an active role in the monitoring process.

“Although leaders identify suitable areas for improvement in the school’s work, their actions do not always result in sufficient improvements in outcomes for pupils.

However, inspectors also found that “nearly all pupils feel safe and happy at school” and praised the new head at the school for “in a very short period of time - understanding of the school’s strengths and areas for development” adding she had “identified appropriate improvement priorities for the school, which leaders and staff are beginning to address”.

They added: “Through positive engagement with professional learning, they are beginning to drive forward school improvement.”

Inspectors also praised the excellent behaviour and relationships at the school and said pupils “are proud of their school and enjoy positive relationships with staff”.

“Most pupils feel well supported and know who to talk to if they have a problem and are confident that staff will deal quickly and effectively with their concerns.

“Nearly all pupils behave well and treat one another with care and respect.”

Estyn have confirmed that “the school will draw up an action plan to show how it is going to address the recommendations” and said that “Estyn will work with the local authority to review the school’s progress.”