A primary school in Newport has been taken out of special measures.
Schools watchdog Estyn placed Malpas Church in Wales Primary into special measures in 2020 following concerns that an amalgamation of the former infants and juniors had resulted in “fractured relationships and poor communication between leaders and between leaders and staff". Pupils' standards in Welsh and ICT were also said to be "not good enough" in a strongly-worded report from Estyn. This was on top of the school being criticised for not catering to pupils with special educational needs well enough, or tracking the progress and attendance or monitoring teachers' work tightly enough.
The official inspection body has confirmed that the school has made sufficient progress in relation to the recommendations following the last core inspection.
Read more: Malpas Church in Wales Primary in Newport put in special measures by schools watchdog Estyn
The school has now been praised for developing a clear sense of community, the work to improve the learning environment, leaders providing "valuable coaching" to members of staff and teachers planning more focused activities. The school was also praised in the report for providing professional development opportunities for staff, governors providing effective leadership to the school and leaders strengthening processes to identify and support pupils with additional learning needs.
Council leader Jane Mudd said: “As both a governor and a local member, I’m delighted that the school is out of special measures as I know how hard the head teacher and his staff have worked to make significant improvements. They have had the full support of the current governing body as decisions had the best interests of pupils at their heart. Strategies are now in place to continue this upward trajectory that will ensure the pupils receive the best education possible.”
Beccie Morteo, head of education, Monmouth Diocese, said: “On behalf of Bishop Cherry and Monmouth Diocese I would like to congratulate the team at Malpas Church in Wales Primary School and commend the incredible amount of hard work that has taken place over the last few years. We have every confidence that Mr Hills will continue to lead Malpas Church towards a bright and exciting future.”
Councillor Deb Davies, Newport City Council’s cabinet member for education, said: “This is very welcome news and reflects the great work done by Tom since he arrived at the school, the teachers and staff, and the governors. They have made great strides and know they will continue to build on the progress so far and continue making the school better and better for the benefit of all the pupils.”
Head teacher Tom Hills, who took up his post in September 2021, said: “We have achieved so much over the last year with the support of the governing body, the Diocese, the local education authority and the Educational Achievement Service, and I’m pleased that the school has now been moved out of special measures.
“I would like to thank the staff for rising to the challenges they were set and getting the school to this point. It marks a significant moment in our journey towards achieving our vision of being a ‘revolutionary and prestigious’ school where our community is engaged and integrated; where our staff are equipped and empowered; and where our wonderful children are known, valued and supported to reach their full potential.”
Bronwen Graham, chair of governors, said: “I and the governing body are thrilled that our most recent ESTYN monitoring visit has recognised the relentless hard work of the whole team at Malpas Church In Wales Primary. The ambitions of the senior leadership team to continue this trajectory are matched by a committed governing body who are looking forward to a brighter and innovative future for the school community.
“We would like to thank school families for their continued support and patience on the journey we have been on.”
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