20/12/2024

Moorland Primary School in Splott has received positive recognition from Estyn in its recent report which highlights the school's welcoming environment, strong support for pupils, and commitment to developing their skills across a broad curriculum.

Inspectors commended the school for fostering a friendly and inclusive community where pupils feel safe, valued, and supported. Staff provide excellent care and act as positive role models, contributing to exemplary pupil behaviour and a culture in which pupils can thrive.

Key strengths include:

• Strong progress made by most pupils in speaking, reading, and mathematics skills.
• Teachers work collaboratively to create a purposeful and progressive curriculum
• Effective support for pupils' creative development through strong partnerships with performing arts organisations.
• Positive learning experiences for younger pupils, particularly through opportunities to explore outdoor environments.
• Strong provision for pupils with additional learning needs (ALN), ensuring good progress, including those in the specialist resource bases.
• Effective engagement with parents and carers, supported by activities such as baby and toddler afternoons.

Reflecting on the report, Headteacher Emma Laing said: "We are pleased that Estyn have celebrated the commitment or our dedicated, hard-working and nurturing staff team. They live up to our school motto of ‘making a difference' every day."

The report notes that while most pupils make suitable progress with writing, there could be more opportunities for them to apply their writing skills across different areas of learning. Additionally, improving overall attendance remains a priority.

Estyn has made three recommendations which the school will address in its action plan;

• Improve the quality of monitoring to ensure that teaching provides suitable challenge for pupils in all areas of the curriculum.
• Increase opportunities for pupils to write for a range of authentic purposes across the curriculum.
• Continue to improve attendance for all pupils.

Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry said: "Estyn have recognised the strength of the school's inclusive culture and the progress pupils make across key areas. Moorland Primary School have dedicated staff who work hard to create a caring and engaging learning environment for all children. Well done to staff, pupils and the school community for this positive report."

At the time of inspection Moorland Primary School had 390 pupils on roll. 55.1% of pupils are eligible for Free School Meals, 33.3% pupils have English as an additional language and 8.9% of pupils identified as having Additional Learning Needs.