Broad Haven school is top of the class

Pupils are thriving at Broad Haven School thanks to a ‘safe, enriching and vibrant learning experience’ according to a recently published Estyn report.

The report, published following an inspection towards the end of 2015, said the School’s current performance is ‘Good’ and the prospects for improvement are also ‘Good’.

The positive outcome of the inspection comes soon after last Autumn’s official opening of the school’s extension and refurbishment that was funded under the 21st Century Schools programme, a unique collaboration with Welsh Government that will see £150million invested in Pembrokeshire’s secondary and primary schools over the next few years.

Broad Haven was the first school in the County to benefit from the scheme.

A ‘Good’ judgement by Estyn describes the school as having “many strengths and no important areas requiring significant improvement.”

The inspection focussed on three key questions:

1)    How good are the outcomes?

2)    How good is provision?

3)    How good are leadership and management?

The school answered ‘Good’ in all of them.

A summary of Estyn’s report found that:

• Standards of pupils’ wellbeing are high
• Pupils have a strong voice in the life of the school
• The curriculum provides a broad range of stimulating and engaging learning experiences
• Provision for pupils in the Foundation Phase is of high quality
• Most teaching is effective
• The quality of care, support and guidance is high
• The school provides a safe, enriching and vibrant learning environment in which most pupils thrive

However, the report did find that rates of attendance do not compare favourably with those in similar schools.

The school’s prospects for improvement are good because:

• School leaders share a clear vision and are committed to improving pupils’ attainment
• Self-evaluation procedures identify areas for improvement accurately
• The school development plan is useful and includes suitable actions for securing improvement
• The school benefits from close partnerships with parents and the community that contribute significantly to pupils’ wellbeing
• The school manages its resources carefully and provides good value for money

Acting Head of the school Mr Gareth Lewis said:

“It’s a very good report and I’m thrilled that Estyn have recognised the huge amount of work that goes on to make Broad Haven School such a success which is down to the contribution made by pupils, staff and parents. It’s a great achievement for the school.”

His views were echoed by Cabinet Spokesperson for Education and Safeguarding Councillor Sue Perkins who added:

“The pupils and staff of Broad Haven deserve a huge amount of credit for achieving such a positive report from Estyn.

“Whenever I visit the school it’s clear to see the teachers and pupils have an excellent rapport with each other and this is shown in the report’s findings.”

Estyn’s report on Broad Haven School can be found on www.estyn.gov.wales