Pupils, staff, governors and parents at Ysgol Gymraeg y Fenni are delighted with the outcomes of the school’s recent Estyn inspection which took place in February with the report published during the Easter holidays. 

The school was categorised as good across the board with learning experiences and attendance judged as excellent throughout the school. 

It was noted that all the school’s staff work together very successfully in order to provide stimulating experiences and interesting learning programmes that excite pupils and that teachers provide a broad and balanced curriculum and adapt plans skilfully in order to meet the needs of nearly all pupils creatively. 

As a result Estyn noted, that pupils are given an exceptional range of high quality learning experiences. 

Inspectors concluded that the school has developed exceptional procedures to meet the requirements of the Literacy and Numeracy Framework and the Digital Competency Framework, along with excellent creative strategies to promote and develop pupils’ oral skills. 

Inspectors also felt that interesting schemes of work and flexible timetables for More Able and Talented pupils have ensured that pupils’ standards in many areas are above the national expectations. 

Provision for More Able and Talented pupils was described as extremely effective.

Ysgol Gymraeg headteacher, April Wiggins, said, “We are absolutely delighted with the report I would like to congratulate all staff and pupils, present and past, who have worked tirelessly over the past years to ensure that our Welsh Medium provision in the North of Monmouthshire is of a consistently high standard. 

“I am happy that Estyn has noted the progress and positive attitude of pupils in all aspects of their learning.

“Pupils’ behaviour was described as very good and it was noted that pupils make a valuable contribution to the familial and lively ethos that promotes every individual’s learning and wellbeing.

“I thank the inspectors for their assessment which reflects the dedication of our pupils, teachers, leadership team, governors and parents.

“Our pupils’ aspirations, achievements and wellbeing remain our overall focus and we look forward to the future, and the further development of Welsh medium education in this area, with confidence.”

Estyn has since invited the school to prepare written case studies, describing the excellent practice identified during the inspection.