Ysgol Gynradd Brynsiencyn is situated about three miles from Llanfairpwllgwyngyll on the Isle of Anglesey. Welsh is the main medium of the school’s life and work. There are 53 pupils between four and eleven years old on roll, including nine in the nursery class. They are divided into two mixed-age classes. Approximately 25% of pupils are eligible for free school meals. This is higher than the national percentage. Approximately 54% of pupils come from Welsh-speaking homes. Very few pupils are from ethnic minority backgrounds. The school has identified 42% of its pupils as having additional learning needs, which is higher than the national percentage. Very few have a statement of special educational needs. The headteacher was appointed to the post in September 2010 following three years as acting headteacher. The school is currently in the care of the key stage 2 teacher, who was appointed deputy headteacher in September. She is supported two days a week by an experienced headteacher. The school was last inspected in June 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 Gynradd Brynsiencyn December 2017 Summary On the whole, leaders have been too slow to respond to ensure that provision has a positive enough effect on pupils’ standards. Following significant support over the last year, the school’s management and leadership are beginning to improve. However, due to the lack of strategic leadership over time, the school has not addressed the priorities in school development plans or the recommendations from previous inspections. A majority of pupils, including those with additional learning needs, make appropriate progress from their starting point at the school. However, over the range of ability, pupils do not achieve as well as they could in their literacy, numeracy and information and communication technology (ICT) skills. The deputy headteacher, supporting headteacher and staff work together purposefully to create a homely and inclusive ethos for pupils. Most pupils are friendly, polite and courteous towards each other and adults. They behave well both inside and outside the classroom. The school’s curriculum has been restructured recently and, on the whole, plans ensure that the school responds appropriately to statutory requirements. Teachers provide interesting learning activities, which motivate pupils to enjoy learning. However, learning experiences have not yet become established firmly enough to ensure progress and continuity in the development of pupils’ skills as they move through the school. Inspection area Judgement Standards Adequate and needs improvement Wellbeing and attitudes to learning Adequate and needs improvement Teaching and learning experiences Adequate and needs improvement Care, support and guidance Adequate and needs improvement Leadership and management Unsatisfactory and needs urgent improvement 2 A report on Ysgol Gynradd Brynsiencyn December 2017 Recommendations R1 Strengthen leaders’ strategic role, including ensuring that the governing body operates more effectively in setting a direction and challenging the school’s performance R2 Improve pupils’ literacy, numeracy and ICT skills across the curriculum and their presentation of work R3 Improve pupils’ skills in making decisions and taking responsibility for their own learning in order to develop as independent learners R4 Ensure that planning and teaching provide suitable and challenging targets that respond to the needs of all pupils R5 Ensure that pupils have a better understanding of what they need to do in order to improve R6 Ensure more effective use of the outdoor area in the foundation phase What happens next In accordance with the Education Act 2005, HMCI is of the opinion that this school is in need of significant improvement. The school will produce an action plan that shows how it is going to address the recommendations. Estyn will monitor the school’s progress around 12 months after the publication of this report.