THE HEAD of a Wrexham primary school given a glowing report by an inspection watchdog says staff have shown a commitment to "teaching, learning and educational reforms".

Victoria CP School in Poyser Street was rated "good" in five categories assessed during an inspection visit in April.

The school is said to provide a "safe and caring teaching environment" for its 470 pupils and headteacher Debbie Eccles was praised for establishing a strong team ethic among staff who all "share good practice and curricular innovation".

The Estyn inspectors say teaching standards are good and pupils make good progress developing language skills and prowess in mathematics and ICT.

Many pupils develop an understanding of Welsh and by Year 6 many pupils are able to write detailed descriptions of themselves and their families. Key Stage 2 pupils were able to engage in simple dialogue when they set up a Welsh gift shop as part of a project.

The report shows how nearly all pupils feel safe and secure in school with many prepared to use the ‘buddy drop in’ to speak to staff about issues that are concerning them.

Pupils are encouraged to learn about the benefits of eating healthily and staying fit. For example children in Year 6 have enjoyed playing bowls and tennis at a local park, while older pupils have received fitness coaching at a gym.

Teachers have been hailed for tracking and monitoring pupil progress, particularly using online learning platforms to support and track pupils with specific needs like dyslexia.

The Estyn report noted: "Teachers provide interesting and appropriately challenging activities that encourage pupils to develop their literacy and numeracy skills well, often in imaginative and stimulating contexts.

"The school’s arrangements for care, support and guidance promote pupils’ development as rounded and resilient individuals effectively.

"Most pupils, including those with additional learning needs or who have English as an additional language, make good progress at the school."

The headteacher, in post since September 2014, receives praise for encouraging staff to be innovative with, for example, changes in match teaching being adopted after staff research.

"They (the staff) work well as a team and make valuable and effective contributions to improvement activities," the report says.

The inspectors did highlight two areas where improvements could be made - improving opportunities for the spiritual development of pupils as well as extending a "discovery approach to learning".

The Headteacher, Mrs Eccles, said: "We are delighted with such a positive report. The inspectors saw many examples of imaginative and interesting activities across all year groups.

"They also saw the willingness of staff to share good practice across the region and country which reflects their passion towards teaching and learning and their commitment to educational reforms happening in Wales at the moment."

And the headteacher added: "We will be working on our recommendations to improve our school even further."