Maes-Y-Coed Primary School

Highlights from Latest Inspection

Nearly all pupils enjoy their time at Maes-Y-Coed Primary School.

They develop high levels of respect for the staff who look after them and trust that they will always act in their best interests. Pupils' behaviour is exemplary. They engage positively with the wide range of interesting learning experiences and develop a strong sense of belonging to the school community.

During their time at the school, most pupils make good progress from where they start. They develop a love of reading and speak with enthusiasm about their learning. They develop good mathematical and literacy skills, and often apply these well in their work across the curriculum.

Pupils' attitudes to learning are very good. Most are eager to do we...ll and to take on new challenges. Pupils are beginning to develop useful skills that help them to reflect on their learning and to think about how they could improve their work.

However, pupils do not generally have enough opportunities to engage in this important work. Staff know the pupils, their needs and interests extremely well, they provide high levels of care, support and guidance that enable pupils to enjoy school and participate effectively in learning. They provide a broad and balanced curriculum that matches the ethos and aspirations of Curriculum for Wales.

This is evident in work to explore ideas such as 'Cynefin'. These opportunities enable pupils to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding well. Teachers use a range of strategies, such as effective questioning techniques, to support pupils' understanding.

Throughout the school, they plan valuable opportunities for learning through practical activities and exploration. For example, the well-considered provision for play enables pupils to develop their communication, personal, social and physical skills successfully. The headteacher demonstrates thoughtful and considerate leadership.

Over time she has created an effective team ethos amongst staff, which is built on positive relationships, trust and collaboration. She has brought out the best in the staff by encouraging and empowering them to make the best use of their skills and experience. This includes providing beneficial support for pupils and their families in the local community.

School leaders address national priorities well. The school's interpretation of Curriculum for Wales is broad and authentic, additional learning needs (ALN) reform has been managed well and pupils' Welsh oracy skills are strong. Overall, school leaders keep the work of the school under close review and are aware of what they need to do to improve.

Looking ahead, they recognise the need to provide more opportunities for pupils to direct their own learning. Across the school, expectations are high and there is a strong safeguarding culture. Recommendations R1 Improve the quality of feedback so that pupils understand and know how to move their learning forward R2 Provide more opportunities for pupils to make choices about their learning What happens next The school will draw up an action plan to address the recommendations from the inspection.