Cwmffrwdoer Primary School is a vibrant and friendly school. Staff, pupils and their families feel valued and respected within the school’s strong community ethos. Across the school pupils’ behaviour is exceptional. Most pupils, including those eligible for free school meals and those with additional learning needs (ALN), make at least good progress. The school’s curriculum offers pupils a wealth of rich and engaging opportunities, including beneficial STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) projects. Staff provide meaningful opportunities for pupils to be creative and encourage pupils to appreciate the natural world in the school’s extensive outdoor environment. Leaders place a strong focus on the well-being of pupils. They provide a range of responsive nurture support which helps pupils to develop confidence and ensures they are settled and ready to learn. The school has robust systems to identify pupils with ALN and works well with other agencies and parents to ensure they receive any specialist provision they require. Teachers and support assistants use a range of approaches which spark pupils’ interest and make learning enjoyable. They use questions skilfully to check pupils’ understanding and deepen their thinking. In the youngest classes, there are ample opportunities to learn through play and exploration. However, at times learning for pupils lower down the school is overly structured or not pitched at an appropriate level. This means that learning experiences do not always meet the developmental needs of these pupils effectively. Leaders ensure that the school’s values are reflected in all aspects of provision. They display a strong commitment to equality and diversity based on shared values such as fairness and respect. Work to increase pupils’ understanding of diversity, including the creation of an anti-racist environment is an established and natural part of the school’s provision.