Ysgol Gynradd Cefn Coch is situated in the village of Penrhyndeudraeth in Gwynedd. Welsh is the main medium of the school’s life and work. There are 179 pupils between 3 and 11 years old on roll, including 20 part-time nursery age pupils. They are divided into eight single-age classes. Over the last three years, around 13% of pupils have been eligible for free school meals. This is lower than the national percentage (19%). Around 80% of pupils come from Welsh-speaking homes. Very few pupils are from ethnic minority backgrounds. The school has identified 15% of its pupils as having additional learning needs, which is lower than the national percentage of 21%. Very few pupils have a statement of special educational needs. The headteacher was appointed to the post in September 2010. Since September 2016, he has also acted as the headteacher of another nearby school. The school was last inspected in February 2012. 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 Ysgol Cefn Coch June 2018 Summary The strength of the working relationships between pupils and staff is an exceptional feature of the school’s work and contributes extensively to its effective learning environment. Teachers provide a wide range of rich and stimulating learning experiences, which ensure that pupils develop as confident, independent learners. Standards of behaviour and self-discipline are high in nearly all lessons and around the school. Most pupils make sound progress and achieve well. An exceptional feature is their accomplished and skilful use of their information and communication technology (ICT) skills to support their work across the curriculum. A very strong Welsh ethos encourages pupils to make full use of the Welsh language in all aspects of school life. They show high levels of motivation, interest and pride in their work. Excellent provision to develop pupils’ creative and expressive skills, use their imagination and take part in performances contributes highly effectively to improving pupils’ outcomes and wellbeing. The headteacher provides highly effective leadership and a clear strategic direction for the school’s work. A culture of improvement, continuous review and planning for improvement has been embedded firmly. A particular feature is the way in which responsibilities are distributed highly effectively. This has led to a strong teaching community in which staff learn from each other effectively. Inspection area Judgement Standards Good Wellbeing and attitudes to learning Excellent Teaching and learning experiences Good Care, support and guidance Excellent Leadership and management Excellent 2 A report on Ysgol Cefn Coch June 2018 Recommendations R1 Improve pupils’ ability to apply their reasoning and enquiry skills, particularly in key stage 2 R2 Ensure more opportunities for pupils in key stage 2 to make choices in relation to their learning What happens next The school will produce an action plan to address the recommendations from the inspection. Estyn will invite the school to prepare a case study on its work in relation to developing innovative strategies to promote pupils’ expressive and creative skills to improve their outcomes and wellbeing, to be disseminated on Estyn’s website.