Couple of local schools have concerns raised after Estyn inspections

By Elgan Hearn, Local Democracy Reporter

Two local primary schools were discussed at a high-level county council meeting following Estyn inspections that have raised concerns.

At a meeting of Powys County Council’s Learning and Skills Scrutiny Committee, councillors and lay members were looking ahead on what should be discussed at future meetings.

Following the inspections by the Welsh Government watchdog, Estyn, Brecon and Gwernyfed High Schools are in special measures while Ysgol Calon Cymru is in Estyn’s “review” category.

Leighton Primary School needs “significant improvement”, while both Forden Church in Wales and Radnor Valley primary schools are in the “Estyn review” category.

All are now working hard to address the issues raised but Committee Lay Member, Sara Davies, said: “It’s a question about schools causing concern I raise it at every meeting that we’ve had over the last few months, but I still don’t see anything on the work programme.

“And considering we have two schools in the south (of Powys) in special measures I’d like an opportunity to discuss what is happening with those.”

Lay Member and former primary school headteacher, Margaret Evitts, added: “And one primary school in the north that I have concerns about.”

Earlier in the meeting, schools’ improvement manager Eurig Towns had explained how inspection reports should now be read as judgments of “Excellent, Good, Adequate, and Unsatisfactory” have been dropped by Estyn.

This means that the type of follow-up work that Estyn notes that should take place following an inspection, such as “re-inspection, special measures, significant improvement, focussed improvement, progress review, Estyn review or not in review” are now the indicators of school performance.

This change came about because Estyn wants to focus on: “how well providers are helping a child to learn, rather than grading.”

Mr Towns said: “You cannot compare what was written in 2018 to 2022 the way to look at it is if there is no follow up there are no issues around the education there.

“Every school will have recommendations.”