Popular primary told: good, but could do better...

Apr 2 2008 by Moira Sharkey, South Wales Echo

A POPULAR city primary could do more to raise standards and improve teaching, education inspectors have found.

Llandaff City Church in Wales Primary in Cardiff was described as “a welcoming, happy and caring school which provides good support and guidance for its pupils” in its latest inspection report. However inspectors warned that the youngest pupils, particularly the most able, are failing to achieve their full potential.

The school has not made sufficient progress in addressing the issues of the previous inspection in 2002 but inspectors say there is evidence that weaknesses such as the quality of education for the youngest pupils can be put right by the staff and management team which has a “clear commitment to raising standards”.

Inspectors singled out for praise the newly appointed headteacher Kate Bates who “provides outstanding leadership” and “a clear vision for the future which is shared by all staff, parents and the local community”.

The school, on Hendre Close, in Llandaff, has more than 400 pupils whose ability on entry to reception class is similar to or slightly above average.

However, when the school’s assessment results in 2007 are compared to schools in similarly affluent areas, the results for the youngest pupils were in the lowest 25 per cent in both maths and science and in the lowest 50 per cent for English. Results for seven to 11-year-olds were in the highest 50 per cent in English and science and the lowest 50 per cent in maths.

Among the other findings of the report included:

Pupils’ behaviour and the respect they show to adults and each other is very good overall.

Teaching was good in 61 per cent of lessons but this is significantly below the national average.

Resources are generally well matched to the needs of the pupils.

Pastoral care is given a very high priority, as are arrangements that contribute to the well-being of pupils.

The current school improvement plan is a clearly written, realistic working document with appropriate targets for improvement.

In a statement Helen Biggin, chairwoman of governors said: “We are pleased to note the judgements that this is a ‘welcoming, happy and caring school, which provides good support and guidance for its pupils’ and that our resources are ‘managed effectively’.”

She added: “The governing body, the headteacher, all staff and the whole community are determined to address all the recommendations for the benefit of the children in our care.”

moira.sharkey@mediawales.co.uk