Cadoxton Primary Praised in Estyn Inspection Report
Cadoxton Primary School has been praised by Estyn following a recent inspection.
The report highlighted the school’s caring ethos, ambitious teaching and high-quality learning experiences.
The school received positive feedback in a variety of areas, including:
- Strong leadership with a clear vision for improving the school and supporting the community
- A warm, safe and nurturing environment where pupils feel happy and valued
- Pupils behave very well and show positive attitudes towards learning
- An engaging curriculum with meaningful learning experiences linked to real life
- Strong progress in literacy, reading and numeracy across the school
- Excellent support for wellbeing and additional learning needs, helping pupils thrive academically and emotionally
The feedback from Estyn read: “The school’s curriculum meets pupils’ needs particularly successfully. Teachers work with pupils to construct well-planned inquiries that are aspirational, excite and challenge pupils, and are relevant to their life experiences and the diversity of modern Wales. These experiences define the rhythm of the school year, providing a purpose and structure to outdoor learning, well-being, enrichment opportunities and residential trips.
“Teachers map out the stages of learning meticulously, taking careful account of their pupils’ needs, interests and starting points. Rich experiences, including the frequent use of pupils’ strong digital skills and consideration of social and moral issues, are carefully woven into the fabric of each inquiry. These culminate in pupils demonstrating their learning to an audience and reflecting thoughtfully on their next steps. This ensures that learning is deep, purposeful, memorable and fun.”
Inspectors also noted that: “The school’s ‘Breaking Barriers’ team plays an important role in identifying and supporting pupils who may face challenges to their learning and well-being. The team, which includes senior and middle leaders and learning support assistants, meet weekly to consider pupils who may require additional support.
“They consider pupils’ learning needs alongside wider factors such as family circumstances, well-being, safeguarding and attendance. This shared understanding helps staff to identify appropriate support and interventions for individual pupils. The team then monitors the progress and well-being of these pupils carefully, reviewing the impact of the support provided and adapting it where needed to ensure that pupils receive effective and timely help.
“This is highly beneficial in supporting individual pupils’ well-being and is impacting very positively on improving rates of attendance.”
Cllr Rhiannon Birch, Cabinet Member for Education, Arts and the Welsh Language, said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Cadoxton Primary School and a testament to the commitment of everyone involved in the school community.The report highlights the excellent care that pupils receive and the innovative approach the school takes to delivering learning that is ambitious, inclusive and enjoyable. Congratulations to all staff, pupils and governors on this well-deserved recognition.”
Cadoxton Primary School Headteacher Janet Hayward said: “We are very proud of this incredibly positive inspection report, which reflects the dedication and hard work over many years of our children, staff, governors and wider school community. It is especially pleasing to receive recognition through two “spotlights”; one for the way we have designed and refined our authentic curriculum, which effectively raises standards in all areas of learning. The second, for the way we work relentlessly and holistically as a whole school community to break barriers that children may have to learning and thriving. The report is a fantastic endorsement of the Cadoxton way! Da iawn pawb!”