03/29/2024

Wales News Online

Local & National News for Wales

Birchgrove pupils return to excellent news after school inspection

PUPILS returning to Birchgrove Primary this week have had something extra to celebrate as inspectors have judged their school to be excellent in all areas.

A team from Estyn visited before lockdown but only now are teachers able to share the results directly with children.

The school inspectors have rated Birchgrove as excellent in all five inspection areas which is the highest judgement they can give.

These cover standards; wellbeing and attitudes to learning; teaching and learning experiences; care, support and guidance as well as leadership and management.

Inspectors said most pupils make either good or excellent progress during their time at the school and pupils are very happy and confident individuals with a keen curiosity that the school nurtures successfully.

The report states: “Pupils relish the numerous opportunities they have to become part of one of the well-established leadership groups in the school and, as such, genuinely feel their contribution to ‘The Birchgrove Way’ is valued.

“Teachers very successfully encourage pupils to contribute fully to their learning, through curriculum planning and in assessing their own progress. The staff of the school know their pupils exceptionally well and are quick to identify any vulnerability that may hinder their progress.

“Knowledgeable staff ensure these pupils have bespoke support so that they continue to thrive in forward-thinking learning environments.”

Estyn said headteacher Matthew O’Brien has a clear and purposeful vision for the school and its curriculum and all at the school work together as a community to achieve this.

The report said this had resulted in sustained meaningful improvements, much of which had been achieved by supporting the professional learning of staff and strengthening relationships with parents.

Mr O’Brien said: “All the staff at Birchgrove Primary are very proud of this report and very pleased to share the results with pupils and parents.

“We are really pleased to see the pupils back this week and I must thank them for the huge part they play in making our school such a special place. I would also like to thank their families and our governing body for their continued support.”

Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Education Improvement, Learning and Skills, Cllr Jennifer Raynor, said: “I would like to congratulate all at Birchgrove Primary for this report.

“It is clear that pupils feel happy, valued and safe and this is then reflected in their eagerness to learn and the progress they make.”

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