Caradog Primary is in the town of Aberdare, in the Cynon Valley, Rhondda Cynon Taf. There are 221 pupils on roll, aged between 3 and 11 years including 30 full-time nursery pupils. They are taught in eight single-age classes. The school also provides for 12 pupils within a key stage 2 learning resource base for pupils with complex needs. Over the past three years, around 30% of pupils have been eligible for free school meals. This is above the all Wales average of 18%. Around 21% of pupils are on the special needs register, which is the same as the Wales average. A very few pupils have a statement of special education needs. Nearly all pupils in the school are white British. No pupils speak Welsh at home. A very few pupils have English as an additional language. Estyn last inspected the school in April 2014. The headteacher took up her post in September 2019. Further information is available from the Welsh Government My Local School website at the link below. http://mylocalschool.wales.gov.uk/Schools/SchoolSearch?lang=en 1 A report on Caradog Primary School October 2019 Summary Caradog Primary is a caring school where pupils and staff are considerate towards each other. Pupils enjoy coming to school. Their behaviour and wellbeing is a particular strength. Nearly all pupils make good progress in the development of their skills and knowledge over time. The work of the school’s nurture provision is very strong. Adults support pupils well, to develop as rounded citizens. Staff plan and deliver interesting learning experiences that engage and motivate most pupils. They have high expectations of pupils and maintain a positive and encouraging working relationship with them. Lessons are engaging and nearly all pupils enjoy learning. As a result, most pupils work hard and nearly all behave well. The school’s support for the development of pupils’ skills in literacy is strong. Staff ensure frequent opportunities for pupils to apply and develop these skills further in their work across the curriculum. Following a period of leadership instability, the new headteacher has quickly and ably established a strong team ethos among the staff. All leaders place the interest of the pupils at the heart of their work and focus well on providing good quality of classroom provision and, as a result, by the end of key stage 2, many pupils achieve well. Leaders know the school and are working successfully to develop their skills in school improvement. This is leading to solid progress in key areas of the school’s work Inspection area Judgement Standards Good Wellbeing and attitudes to learning Good Teaching and learning experiences Good Care, support and guidance Good Leadership and management Good 2 A report on Caradog Primary School October 2019 Recommendations R1 Plan specific and measurable actions to support school improvement R2 Ensure that pupils receive the right level of challenge in their work and further develop their understanding of their own progress and of their next steps for learning R3 Ensure that the school provides pupils with regular opportunities to apply their numeracy skills across the curriculum What happens next Not in follow-up The school will draw up an action plan to address the recommendations from the inspection.