Crickhowell Community Primary School is in the town of Crickhowell in the Brecon Beacons National Park in Powys local authority. There are 192 pupils on roll aged from 4 to 11 years. The school has seven mixed-ability classes. About 4% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, which is well below the national average of 18%. The school identifies about 12% of pupils as having special educational needs. This is notably below the national average of 21%. No pupils speak Welsh at home. A few pupils have English as an additional language and a very few come from an ethnic minority background. The headteacher took up his post in January 2017. The school’s previous inspection was in in May 2014. 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 Crickhowell C.P. School February 2020 Summary Nearly all pupils develop as creative and confident learners, make strong progress and achieve well. They listen attentively, behave maturely and are enthusiastic about their learning. Most pupils discuss their ideas and value each other’s contributions consistently. Nearly all pupils show care and respect for each other in an inclusive learning environment. Staff have supportive and effective working relationships with pupils. Most teachers have high expectations and use questioning techniques effectively to encourage pupils to explain their thinking and to deepen their learning. They plan a range of interesting activities that develop most pupils’ literacy and numeracy skills well across the curriculum. Teachers and learning support assistants collaborate effectively to support pupils’ learning. The headteacher provides strong, effective leadership with a clear focus on the wellbeing of pupils and raising standards across the school. He has high expectations and shares his vision effectively with pupils, governors and parents. The school’s systematic and inclusive approach to self-evaluation supports leaders to have an accurate picture of the school’s strengths and areas for development. The school’s current targets for improvement link appropriately to its developmental needs. Leaders support staff at all levels to develop their own leadership skills. All staff make purposeful and beneficial contributions to school improvement. 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 Crickhowell C.P. School February 2020 Recommendations R1 Improve standards of Welsh across the school R2 Provide more opportunities for pupils to apply their skills in more challenging contexts in order to stretch them further and to help them to develop as more ambitious learners R3 Ensure regular opportunities for foundation phase pupils to make choices about their learning in order to develop their independent learning What happens next The school will draw up an action plan to address the recommendations from the inspection.