Blaenhonddan Primary School is in Bryncoch in Neath Port Talbot local authority. There are 252 pupils including 43 who attend the nursery on a part-time basis. The school has a learning support centre for pupils with additional learning needs in key stage 2. The pupils in the centre are from outside the school’s catchment area and are placed there by the local authority. The rolling average of pupils eligible for free school meals over the last three years is 5%, which is below the national average of 19%. The school identifies 17% of pupils having additional learning needs, a figure just under the national average of 21%. A very few pupils have statements of special educational needs. No pupils come from Welsh speaking homes. A very few pupils speak English as an additional language. The school’s last inspection was in July 2012. The headteacher took up her appointment in September 2015. Further information is available from the Welsh Government My Local School website at the link below. http://mylocalschool.wales.gov.uk/Schools/SchoolSearch?lang=en 1 A report on Blaenhonddan Primary School December 2017 Summary Most pupils at Blaenhonddan Primary School make good progress from their starting points and develop their literacy, numeracy, information and communication technology (ICT) and Welsh language skills well. Most pupils develop their personal and social skills to a high standard and show respect and concern for others. Pupils apply themselves to their learning very positively and enjoy the interesting lessons and good teaching they receive. Support for pupils with additional learning needs is good and most targeted pupils make appropriate progress in line with their abilities. The headteacher promotes a clear vision for the school and is providing strong leadership to an improving school. Governors support the school well and are developing their strategic role suitably. Self-evaluation procedures are effective in identifying strengths and areas for development. Findings feed into the school development plan and bring about improvement, for instance in foundation phase teaching and provision. Inspection area Judgement Standards Good Wellbeing and attitudes to learning Good Teaching and learning experiences Good Care, support and guidance Good Leadership and management Good 2 A report on Blaenhonddan Primary School December 2017 Recommendations R1 Improve the performance of more able pupils R2 Raise the standard of pupils’ writing in key stage 2 R3 Improve attendance R4 Ensure that pupils have a clear understanding of how to improve their work R5 Provide opportunities for pupils to develop their creative music skills What happens next The school will draw up an action plan to address the recommendations from the inspection.