A SCHOOL celebrated being judged excellent in all areas and being ranked in the top two per cent of schools in Wales with an under the sea day.
Children at Ysgol y Foryd dived into the day by wearing goggles, shark onesies, mermaid tails and even snorkelling gear to mark the fantastic news as it was delivered to parents and guests during a big reveal on the playground.
Acting headteacher, right, with school council members Cody Heyes, seven, Keira Anderson, seven, Ava Clifton, seven, Alfie Redhead, six, Isabella Palmer, six, Amy-Leigh Finnan, six, Megan Craig, six, and Cianna-Milly Vaux, six. Picture: Geoff Abbott, GA250319A
Following an inspection in January, Estyn marked the Kinmel Bay based school as excellent in all five categories: Standards, Wellbeing and Attitudes to Learning, Teaching and Learning Experiences, Care Support and Guidance and Leadership and management.
Teachers held up a banner with pride which showcased their big ticks during the big reveal.
Nicola Rowlands, acting headteacher, who has taught at Ysgol Y Foryd for 15 years, said: "The children chose the Under the Sea theme. When we had the inspection in January, we had a feeling what the results were but couldn't say anything. We wanted to do a day to celebrate when the results came out.
"I knew the inspection when live online at 9am, but when we checked in the morning - it wasn't there. We had two staff with their iPad refreshing the page. It was about 9.15am when it arrived on line. We sang Baby Shark and everyone cheered and clapped.
Year One pupils with mermaid Tyler Turner. Picture: Geoff Abbott, GA250319A
Ms Rowlands has been acting headteacher for two years.
"It is overwhelming really," Ms Rowlands added.
"I was asked to step up and I knew I had huge shoes to fill. With this result, you feel you are doing your best.
"We have five Foryd Values [gentle hands, kind words, listening, showing respect for everyone and doing our best]. The children know the values. The school has such a happy environment.
"You can come in and have the weight of the world on your shoulders and it will disappear. It is such a special place.
The whole school celebrate their Excellent award from Estyn. Picture: Geoff Abbott, GA250319A.
"The judgements awarded are a reflection of the genuine commitment and dedication of all members of the school community to raising standards," she added.
"I would like to thank the pupils for demonstrating their very best work and for how eloquently they spoke about our school. I also would like to show my gratitude to the wonderful team of staff."
This was the second inspection in a row where Ysgol y Foryd received excellent grades in all areas. The school was last inspected in December 2013.
The school has 225 pupils between the ages of three and seven, including 50 part-time pupils in the nursery.
The Estyn report stated: "Nearly all pupils’ attitude towards learning is exemplary. Standards of behaviour and self-discipline in lessons and around the school are high. They are polite and considerate, and they relate well to each other.
Nicola Rowlands, acting headteacher, gets into the Under the Sea spirit! Picture: Geoff Abbott
"The quality of teaching supports very high levels of pupils’ engagement and very strong progress in learning. Teachers and assistants work highly effectively as a team and create an enthusiastic learning environment in all classes. They have very high expectations of each pupil.
"Nearly all pupils have exemplary attitudes to learning. Standards of behaviour and self-discipline in lessons and around the school are high. Nearly all pupils are polite, considerate and relate well to each other.
The whole school celebrate their Excellent award from Estyn. GA250319A. Picture: Geoff Abbott
"They give careful consideration to their friends’ needs, for example by helping them during lessons, lunchtime and other times, such as playtime. Pupils throughout the school can say and explain what the school values are and live up to them conscientiously."
Cllr Barry Griffiths, community governor, said: " As a governor over the past five years, I have seen the dedication and capability first hand, battling with budgets to deliver outstanding results.
"The team shares the dream and together have made these awards possible."
There are still spaces available for nursery and reception in September. Telephone the school on 01745 351892.
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