School Greenmeadow Primary School is on the outskirts of Cwmbran in Torfaen. Most pupils come from the immediate area around the school. Pupil numbers have gradually decreased over the last two years, although recently figures show a significant increase. Currently there are 179 pupils on roll, aged from four to eleven. There are two single-age and three mixed-age classes. English is the predominant language for nearly all pupils. Very few pupils speak Welsh at home. The average proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals over the last three years is around 13%, which is below the national average of 19%. The school identifies around 19% of pupils as having additional learning needs. This is slightly lower than the national average of 21%. Very few pupils have a statement of special educational needs. The local authority looks after a very few pupils. Following a period of change in leadership, the present headteacher took up her post in April 2017. The school’s last inspection was in November 2009. 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 Greenmeadow Primary School October 2017 Summary The school is a happy and caring community where pupils feel valued as individuals. Many pupils make appropriate progress from their starting points. Many pupils behave well and generally have a positive attitude to their work. All teachers plan stimulating and engaging learning experiences for pupils. However, the quality of teaching is inconsistent and a minority of teachers do not ensure suitable challenge for more able pupils. Staff often over direct activities and this limits pupils’ ability to become confident and independent learners. Teachers in the upper early years’ class do not promote foundation phase principles well enough. The new headteacher is working conscientiously and enthusiastically with staff. She is providing effective leadership and a clear sense of purpose, based on creating a caring, inclusive community for all pupils. The governing body manage school finances proactively but recent changes to school organisation mean that class sizes have increased considerably. This limits teachers’ capacity to cater fully for the wide range of needs or ensure that learning proceeds at a fast enough pace. Inspection area Judgement Standards Adequate and needs improvement Wellbeing and attitudes to learning Adequate and needs improvement Teaching and learning experiences Adequate and needs improvement Care, support and guidance Adequate and needs improvement Leadership and management Adequate and needs improvement 2 A report on Greenmeadow Primary School October 2017 Recommendations R1 Plan to develop pupils’ literacy and numeracy skills progressively across the curriculum R2 Ensure more effective use of resources to address class size issues R3 Improve assessment to ensure that leaders track pupil progress more robustly R4 Fully implement foundation phase pedagogy R5 Provide greater levels of challenge for more able pupils What happens next The school will draw up an action plan, which shows how it is going to address the recommendations. Estyn will review the school’s progress.