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Inspectors' praise for Ysgol y Deri

Friday, 25 April 2025 09:07

By Gareth Joy X @lookoutwales2

VOG Council

School inspectors have praised Penarth's Ysgol y Deri following their latest assessment.

Estyn says the special needs school is a "happy and nuturing community" which is committed to its "core values" following a visit in February.

In its report published this week, the schools inspectorate singled out "effective teaching and skills development" for praise, along with its vocational curriculum and opportunities for outdoor activities.

But Estyn also found attendance among some pupils with social, emotional and mental health needs remains "too low".

They also reccommended a sharper focus on development planning and the impact of whole school priorities on pupils' outcomes.

Chris Britten, Ysgol y Deri's executive headteacher, said: "This is an outstanding report that celebrates the work of the whole school community. I am particularly proud of our staff and pupils who achieve so much together on a daily basis."

"As always, the work of our school is a community effort that encompasses parents, health and social services and of course the Vale Council and its officers."

In its summary, the Estyn report concluded that the school vision was "securely rooted in the values of potential, opportunty and achievement."

It states: "The culture permeates every aspect of the school’s life and work across the school’s extensive and varying range of provisions."

“Staff from across the teaching and therapeutic teams work together exceptionally well to provide high levels of care, support and guidance for pupils, which enables most pupils to make strong progress in all aspects of their learning during their time at the school."

"Pupils feel safe and valued and build strong and trusting relationships with staff."

Inspectors added: "Teaching staff have a clear focus on developing pupils’ skills in important areas related well to their individual needs."

"For example, most pupils with complex needs develop increasing, life enhancing independence in their mobility in highly effective interventions that they then apply in the classroom and in their wider life."

"The school’s curriculum prepares pupils well for the next steps in learning and future possible pathways. This is a notable strength. Vocational and work experience opportunities enhance pupils’ independence and employability skills."

"Work experience placements are chosen carefully for pupils of all ages both within the school and in the wider community to reflect the skills and interests of pupils. For example, younger pupils explore different roles, such as serving as the school’s postman, allowing them to develop confidence and responsibility."

The school also receieved positive feedback for its use of assistive technology for learners with complex mobility needs.

Outdoor activities for pupils highlighted by the report included cycling and mountain biking, hiking and exploring, paddle boarding and camping.

Just two recommendations were made - to improve the attendance of certain groups of pupils and to sharpen development planning.

Tim Exell, chair of governors at Ysgol y Deri, said: “The governing body is extremely proud of the outcome of the Estyn Inspection. Their report is a testament to the hard work, dedication and tireless commitment of all our staff."

"The report highlighted that pupils have a calm and supportive learning environment where they feel safe and valued and make strong progress in all areas of learning."

Ysgol y Deri, the subject of an RTS award-winning BBC documentary series, is set for expansion with work continuing on Ysgol Llyn Derw, a new £22 million site at Cosmeston Lakes, which will accommodate around 150 pupils.

The project was temporarily halted last September when construction giants ISG collapsed, before new contractors Morgan Sindall were appointed to take over.

Cllr Rhiannon Birch, cabinet member for education at Vale of Glamorgan Council, added: "Ysgol y Deri continues to set the standard for inclusive education in the Vale, and this report praises the school’s high-level of care and support for each and every learner."

“As a council, we believe that strong communities start with empowered individuals, and the school was recognised for fostering a calm and nurturing environment, where pupils feel empowered to learn."

“From early childhood to adulthood, it is vital that schools give every child and young person the best possible foundation for their future, and Ysgol y Deri was commended for the way it enables learners to make strong and sustained progress."

“Congratulations to all involved for the outstanding feedback in this assessment.”

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