Flintshire primary Ysgol Derwenfa's positive Estyn report

In December, Estyn (the education and training inspectorate for Wales) visited Ysgol Derwenfa, in Leeswood, near Mold, to undertake a full inspection of the school.

Inspectors noted that: "Ysgol Derwenfa is a nurturing and hard-working school that places a high priority on the wellbeing of its staff and pupils. The quality of teaching is strong across the school and all staff know their pupils well and ensure that they take good account of their individual needs.

"Senior leaders and governors have created a strong culture of collaboration to support school improvement and approaches to monitoring and evaluation providing a clear direction for the school. The school is an inclusive environment where staff work hard to ensure pupils make good progress and are becoming ambitious and capable learners."

Pupils and staff at Ysgol Derwenfa, in Leeswood, celebrate a positive Estyn report.

The inspectors reported that during their time at Ysgol Derwenfa, nearly all pupils, including those with additional learning needs (ALN) and those eligible for free school meals, make strong progress from their starting points.

Positive comments were also made about the pupils, who were described as polite, courteous, and respectful towards each other, staff, and visitors. They are proud of their school and feel safe and secure within its positive and caring learning environment, and they have positive attitudes to learning. They are keen to complete tasks to a high standard and will persevere to ensure it is their best work.

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When reporting on teaching and learning experiences, the report identified that all teachers create and maintain positive working relationships with pupils. They are ably supported by teaching assistants who provide purposeful guidance for groups of pupils and individuals.

Ysgol Derwenfa has also recently rebranded, introducing four core values, new school logo and mural to reflect the school’s welcoming and caring ethos.

Pupils at Ysgol Derwenfa with headteacher Andrew Jones, school governor Kerry Griffith, school governor Cllr Raymond Hughes, governor Carlton Jones and deputy headteacher John Andrew Jones. (Image: Ysgol Derwenfa, Leeswood.)

Under the care support and guidance section, the report states that the school is a nurturing and caring environment where pupils feel safe, happy, and secure. Learning support is a strong feature of the school. The school provides useful nurture intervention that has a positive impact on pupils’ wellbeing. Staff work skilfully, to provide pupils with the basic skills and confidence to participate in school life successfully. The school is also currently in the final assessment phase of completing the National Nurturing Schools Award.

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Leadership and Management is another significant strength at Ysgol Derwenfa. Estyn highlighted that the headteacher is a strong role model who sets clear expectations for the direction of the school.

He is supported by an effective deputy and a team of dedicated staff and governors who work well together to develop a clear vision for teaching and learning. Senior leaders create a strong culture of professional learning across the school.

This approach is strengthening staff wellbeing and collaboration across the school.

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Staff and leaders meet regularly to discuss the progress of all pupils, including those with ALN and those impacted by poverty. As a result, leaders and staff have a secure understanding of the progress pupils make during their time at the school.

There is a strong ethos of mutual support across the school, where all staff work hard to embody the school’s principles of caring, growing, nurturing, and succeeding. Leaders have developed a secure safeguarding culture in the school where pupils feel safe and understand where to go if they need help.

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Headteacher Andrew Jones said: “I am absolutely overwhelmed with the findings of the Estyn inspection team. I am delighted that they recognised the caring, nurturing and welcoming ethos at Ysgol Derwenfa.

"Ysgol Derwenfa is a very special place, and I am privileged to lead a team of hardworking, dedicated and enthusiastic individuals who place wellbeing at the heart of their practice.

"I was extremely proud to read the findings of the Estyn team, who have captured an accurate reflection of our vision, culture and philosophy for education.

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"The school has been on a significant journey over the past two years, in order to develop a purposeful and relevant curriculum which enables our pupils to develop into ethical and informed citizens.

"The report is a real credit to all involved, and I would like to take the opportunity to thank all of the staff, parents, carers, pupils, governors and the local community for their hard work and dedication to Ysgol Derwenfa. "

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Chair of governors, Cllr Raymond Hughes added: "I have been a Governor at Ysgol Derwenfa for over 40 years and I have seen many changes over the years.

"This excellent report is the culmination of the incredible hard work and dedication of all the staff and pupils and I feel that the school is at its very best at the moment.

"It is what the staff and pupils deserve and we are pleased that the inspectors recognised the caring and nurturing ethos that permeates throughout the school. It is an absolute pleasure to be part of Ysgol Derwenfa and I am a very proud chair of governors of this first-class school."