More bad news for troubled school

A day after being told it could face closure, Aberhafesp Primary School has fallen short in a recent inspection and has been placed in ‘special measures’ by watchdog Estyn.

 

While the report identified some good features, it highlighted a significant number of features that were just adequate or unsatisfactory.

 

Senior officers from Powys County Council will be working in close partnership with the school in order to secure improvement and action plans will be produced by both the school and the council, detailing steps to be taken to address the identified shortcomings.

 

Mr Humphrey Davies, Chair of Governors for Aberhafesp, said: “This report is very disappointing and concerning. The school governors and staff of the school are fully committed to working with the council in order to secure the required improvements with an immediate focus on improving learning and teaching.

 

“We realise that a great deal of effort will be required but I’m confident that with the support of staff, pupils, parents, governors and the council it will be possible to improve the school for the benefit of the whole school community.”

 

Cllr David Jones, Board Member for Schools, said: “We’ll be working closely with the school and the governing body to secure improvements at the school and to ensure Aberhafesp School is removed from the category of special measures as soon as possible.

 

“A project team of senior officers, school staff and the governing body has been established in order to ensure this happens.”

 

Estyn will monitor the school on a term-by-term basis until it is satisfied that the category of special measures no longer applies.

 

Aberhafesp is one of 11 Primary Schools earmarked by Powys County Council for possible closure, it was announced yesterday.

 

A copy of the inspection report can be found at www.estyn.gov.uk