A PRIMARY school in Prestatyn has received high praise in a report from education inspectorate, Estyn.

Ysgol Melyd, on Ffordd Pennant, was described as fostering a “very caring, warm and supportive learning community” for its 162 pupils.

Estyn’s report, published yesterday (March 25) following a visit in January, gave the school one recommendation; to ensure that teachers provide learning activities that challenge pupils of all abilities consistently.

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It also commended the school for developing its pupils’ listening, reading, writing, mathematical, digital, physical and creative skills effectively.

Nearly of all its pupils were seen to be adhering to the “Prestatyn Promises”, which promote and encourage kindness and respect towards each other, meanwhile.

Extract from the report read: “When pupils first join Ysgol Melyd, the majority have communication and social skills that are below the level expected for children of their age and stage of development.

“A notable strength of the school is the valuable care, support and guidance provided across the school community, and how it supports pupils to engage positively with school life and experiences.

“Teachers and leaders across the school place high priority on identifying individual pupil needs.

“They plan carefully and provide valuable support for pupils, including those with barriers to learning or with additional needs.

“As a result, many pupils make suitable progress in many areas of learning from their individual starting points, including those with additional needs and from low-income households.”

Ysgol Melyd’s headteacher, Dafydd Jones, was also singled out for praise, with Estyn noting that he “leads the school compassionately”.

Estyn also found that Ysgol Melyd’s “highly inclusive ethos permeates throughout the school”.

Staff were seen to know their pupils extremely well and ensure that they are all well cared for, meanwhile.

The report added: “A notable strength at the school is how leaders, staff and pupils succeed in developing an environment where pupils feel safe and happy at school, valued and respected.

“The school environment promotes wellbeing and learning opportunities beneficially, which includes expansive garden and growing areas and an outdoor classroom.

“Pupils’ behaviour is good and they show a responsible attitude when undertaking various leadership roles in the school.

“Staff plan a variety of interesting opportunities for pupils to build on their knowledge and understanding successfully.

“Pupils show good levels of interest in their work and participate with enthusiasm and enjoy their learning.”

Though, Estyn added that, on occasion, teachers “do not plan well enough to challenge all pupils”, and found that “a few pupils do not make the progress they are capable (of)” in some areas.

But the school’s head, staff and governors were seen to work together “effectively”, and to have a “good understanding of the school’s strengths and priorities for improvement”.