Dear Parents and Carers,

ESTYN INSPECTION REPORT (FEBRUARY 2025)

The report is very positive and is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our pupils, staff, governors, and the wider school community.

The inspectors found many strengths within our school. We are particularly pleased that they recognised the following:

• Pupil Behaviour :
  • ‘Pupils feel safe and are polite and respectful to others, and their behaviour is exemplary.’
• Teaching and Learning:
  • ‘Across the school, staff are good language role models and promote a love of reading. They provide pupils with a range of authentic opportunities to develop their writing skills across a variety of genres. As a result, most pupils make strong progress in their literacy skills’
  • ‘Most pupils make good progress in developing their mathematics skills. The youngest pupils have frequent opportunities to count, and they gain a good understanding of place value. By the end of Year 6, most pupils use a range of calculations accurately. Teachers provide valuable opportunities for pupils to develop their numeracy skills across the curriculum.’
  • ‘Staff promote the use of digital devices to support pupils’ learning effectively, and they develop their digital skills progressively’
• Support for Pupils:
  • ‘The school has comprehensive systems to identify and support pupils with additional learning needs (ALN). Skilled support staff use a range of strategies to develop pupils’ communication and mathematical skills effectively, and to support their well-being.’
• Leadership and Management:
  • ‘Leaders and staff prioritise pupils’ happiness and well-being at Padre Pio Primary School’
  • ‘Leaders arrive at the school’s improvement priorities appropriately through a range of well-planned activities including looking at pupils’ work and observations of teaching.’

This positive outcome is not only a reflection of the hard work of our teaching staff, pupils and governors but also the unwavering support from you, our parents and carers.  We truly value the partnership we share with you in ensuring that our children receive the very best education and experience possible.  This partnership was highlighted in the report:

‘Leaders and staff develop very positive links with families. They provide valuable opportunities for parents or carers to visit the school, for example during ‘book look’ days, where parents can look at their child’s work or by attending regular class assemblies. Leaders organise purposeful transition events for parents new to the school. These enable most pupils to have a successful start to school life. They communicate regularly with home and ensure that they respond swiftly and purposefully to any concerns or suggestions for improvement.’

While we celebrate these successes, we remain committed to continuous improvement. We will continue to focus on areas identified for further development and ensure that we provide the best possible environment for all our pupils to thrive.

A copy of the Estyn report is available on the school website and is also accessible for you to read in the school office.

Thank you once again for your ongoing support.

Regards,

Mr Welsh, Staff and Governors