New school celebrates Estyn report

Ysgol Cwm Banwy said it is “extremely proud” of its first Estyn inspection since the school opened in 2020.

The report notes that Ysgol Cwm Banwy provides excellent care, support and guidance for pupils, providing an inclusive, happy and hard-working learning community with a “wonderful sense of being part of one big close-knit family”.

The inspector wrote that the school is “very visible in its community and works closely with local residents”, adding that staff have established an effective working relationship with pupils and support them to do their best in all aspects of the school’s work.

The productive partnership between the school and parents was highlighted as a notable strength.

The full report can be accessed online or by request through the school who said the one recommendation to “ensure regular opportunities for pupils to make independent choices about how to complete their tasks and how to present their work” is an effective teaching method to promote pupils’ motivation and progress even further.

Betsan Llwyd, Headteacher of Ysgol Cwm Banwy said: “I am pleased and more so proud that the inspection team recognised what a great school we have. We are like one big happy family, all working together to offer the best possible opportunities for all of our pupils.

“I am so lucky to be supported by an amazing team that strives diligently to ensure that we offer learning experiences that are exciting and purposeful. My governors are extremely supportive and they understand Ysgol Cwm Banwy’s background and the school’s purpose in the community. We are singing from the same hymn sheet.”

Lowri Rees, Chair of Ysgol Cwm Banwy Governors, said: “We are ecstatic to receive this report. It confirms what we already know about the school. We have come through challenging times but we are very proud of our new school. We look forward to working on the recommendation which will further enhance our pupils’ independent learning. Further recognition of our school's success is that the school has been invited to write case studies for Estyn on how the school develops pupil’s numeracy skills so successfully and how the whole school planning develops pupil’s cross curricular skills so well.

“I would like to thank pupils, staff and parents/carers for their support and I am proud that the inspectors highlighted pupils' behaviour and eagerness to learn as key strengths of the school.”

Estyn inspectors visited the school in May 2024. They met parents, carers and representatives from the Governing body as part of the found-day inspection.

PICTURE: Taken by Phil Blagg.