Acting Head Teacher of Broad Haven School: Mr Gareth Lewis addresses the pupils at the unveiling of the school’s extension last November

PUPILS are thriving at Broad Haven School thanks to a ‘safe, enriching and vibrant learning experience’ according to a recently published Estyn report. 

The report, published following an inspection towards the end of 2015, said the School’s current performance is ‘Good’ and the prospects for improvement are also ‘Good’.

The positive outcome of the inspection comes soon after last Autumn’s official opening of the school’s extension and refurbishment that was funded under the 21st Century Schools programme, a unique collaboration with Welsh Government that will see £150m invested in Pembrokeshire’s secondary and primary schools over the next few years.

Broad Haven was the first school in the County to benefit from the scheme.

A ‘Good’ judgement by Estyn describes the school as having “many strengths and no important areas requiring significant improvement.”

The inspection focused on three key questions:

1. How good are the outcomes?

2. How good is provision?

3. How good are leadership and management?

The school answered ‘Good’ in all of them.

A summary of Estyn’s report found that standards of pupils’ wellbeing are high, and pupils have a strong voice in the life of the school. The summary also stated the curriculum provides a broad range of stimulating and engaging learning experiences, and the provision for pupils in the Foundation Phase is of high quality.

In addition to this, the summary said that most teaching is effective, the quality of care, support and guidance is high, and the school provides a safe, enriching and vibrant learning environment in which most pupils thrive.

However, the report did find that rates of attendance do not compare favourably with those in similar schools. The school’s prospects for improvement are good because school leaders share a clear vision and are committed to improving pupils’ attainment; self-evaluation procedures identify areas for improvement accurately, and the school development plan is useful and includes suitable actions for securing improvement.

The school also benefits from close partnerships with parents and the community that contribute significantly to pupils’ wellbeing, and manages its resources carefully and provides good value for money. Acting Head of the school Mr Gareth Lewis said: “It’s a very good report and I’m thrilled that Estyn have recognised the huge amount of work that goes on to make Broad Haven School such a success which is down to the contribution made by pupils, staff and parents. It’s a great achievement for the school.”

His views were echoed by Cabinet Spokesperson for Education and Safeguarding Councillor Sue Perkins who added: “The pupils and staff of Broad Haven deserve a huge amount of credit for achieving such a positive report from Estyn.

“Whenever I visit the school it’s clear to see the teachers and pupils have an excellent rapport with each other and this is shown in the report’s findings.”

Estyn’s report on Broad Haven School can be found on www.estyn.gov.wales