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Fairfield school needs 'significant improvement' - inspectors

Thursday, 22 May 2025 14:09

By Gareth Joy X @lookoutwales2

Geograph (John Lord)

Inspectors have criticised leadership and teaching methods at a Penarth primary school.

Estyn says Fairfield Primary is in need of ''significant improvement'' following a visit in March.

A new report, published this week, makes four reccomendatons including better leadership at all levels and improving Welsh language skills among pupils.

Vale of Glamorgan Council says a temporary Executive Headteacher has been appointed and an interim school chief will be appointed in due course.

In their summary, Estyn described Fairfield Primary as "a friendly and inclusive school where staff ensure that pupils feel happy and valued", noting that "nearly all pupils show respect for others, behave well and demonstrate positive attitudes to their learning".

They add that leaders had begun to make focused improvements - such as work for improve provision for younger pupils - with staff benefiting from "valuable professional learning" to implement the changes.

But according to the report: "Over time, leaders have not evaluated the quality of the school’s work robustly. They have not addressed important areas for improvement, such as the inconsistency in the quality of teaching and the effectiveness of the school’s curriculum, swiftly enough."

There was also criticism for governors, who despite showing "strong support for the school", did "not have a thorough enough first-hand knowledge of the school to be able to challenge leaders effectively."

Teachers were said to "generally provide clear objectives for pupils’ learning in lessons" with many using questioning to monitor and prompt pupils' progress.

But the report notes that overall, "teaching in around half of lessons does not develop or extend pupils’ knowledge and skills well enough. In these lessons, the pace of learning is too slow, and teachers set tasks that do not challenge pupils sufficiently."

"Consequently, during their time in the school, many pupils do not make the progress they could."

There was praise for pupils who develop as capable readers who "effectively" communicate their views and ideas through their speech and writing.

But the summary adds they do not have enough opportunity to use or to hear spoken Welsh, thus restricting their progress.

The report concludes that Fairfield "is in need of significant improvement" and will need to draw up an action plan to show how it will meet the four recommendations.

  • Improve leadership at all levels and ensure that self-evaluation focuses closely on the most important aspects in need of improvement
  • Raise teachers’ expectations of what pupils should learn, know and understand and improve teaching to ensure that all pupils make the progress they should
  • Develop a coherent curriculum that supports pupils’ progress effectively
  • Improve pupils’ Welsh language skills

In a joint statement, both Fairfield Primary and Vale of Glamorgan Council admitted that while some elements of teaching had been commended, there were "areas where performance which fell short".

A council spokesperson said: "It is extremely rare for a school in the Vale to be categorised as in need of significant improvement, with the vast majority meeting and often exceeding accepted standards."

"Inspectors noted that the school is friendly and inclusive and that pupils feel happy and valued. The report also recognised that nearly all pupils show respect for others, behave well and demonstrate positive attitudes to their learning."

"The fact pupils have opportunities to develop leadership skills is highlighted, while many were deemed to be capable readers who communicate their views and ideas through speech and writing effectively."

"Another observation was that staff are committed to securing the progress and wellbeing of all pupils and many teachers have benefited from professional learning, which is impacting positively on their ability to sustain progress."

“However, there were clear areas for attention which led to recommendations to improve the school’s leadership and teaching, to develop a clearer curriculum and raise Welsh language standards."

Estyn inspectors are expected to return to Fairfield on a follow-up visit in the next 12-18 months to monitor the school's progress.

In their statement, Vale of Glamorgan Council added: “Efforts to address these issues have already begun with a new Interim Executive Headteacher in place and a new Interim head of school to be appointed shortly."

“A comprehensive Post-Inspection Action Plan (PIAP) has also been drawn up, which will guide work over the coming months to ensure rapid and sustained progress."

“The governing body has worked closely with the local authority to make these swift decisive changes, and both are confident they will have a significant positive impact."

“The new interim Executive Headteacher will work with the school’s leadership team and wider staff body to drive improvement in the areas that need it.

“All concerned firmly believe this will have the desired effect and help Fairfield reach the high standards of other schools in the Vale.”

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