Cwmdar County Primary School is a happy and inclusive school where staff and pupils treat each other with care and respect. Throughout the school, nearly all pupils’ behaviour is exemplary, they engage positively with their learning and welcome visitors happily. There is a strong culture of safeguarding at the school and, as a result, pupils enjoy their learning experiences and feel safe at school. The school provides strong support for pupils with additional learning needs (ALN). Learning support assistants work effectively with pupils in small groups, offering valuable individual support for vulnerable pupils. As a result, most pupils make good progress across the school and develop their reading, writing and numeracy skills well. Nearly all pupils have strong speaking skills. They confidently talk about their work and school life in general and contribute effectively during lessons. The school is beginning to develop opportunities for pupils to reflect on their learning during lessons, but opportunities for many pupils to improve their own work and identify their next steps in learning over time, are limited. Teachers and learning support assistants know pupils well. They form warm and nurturing working relationships that help pupils to feel relaxed and valued. Teachers set clear expectations in lessons, plan a range of stimulating learning experiences that motivate and inspire nearly all pupils successfully. As a result, pupils show positive attitudes towards their learning. However, pupils do not always have enough opportunities to make choices about their learning and to develop fully as independent, creative learners. Leaders provide clear direction and model professional behaviours effectively. They foster collaboration successfully and support staff to work well as a team. They have regular opportunities for professional development. They have high expectations of themselves and their pupils. As a result, pupils make good progress within a calm, purposeful and happy environment. Governors support the school effectively and are committed to creating an inclusive environment that nurtures pupils’ learning and well-being.