Ysgol Gymraeg Cwm Derwen is an inclusive school that promotes a positive environment and ethos. Pupils enjoy learning and are keen to please during lessons and activities. This is because of the strong working relationships with their teachers and other members of staff. The specialist resource base and its pupils play an important part in the school’s daily life. Learning is successful where teaching and feedback to pupils are purposeful and challenge them to perform at their best. This helps many pupils to make good progress in developing their listening, speaking, reading and digital skills. They also develop suitable extended writing skills and their numeracy across the curriculum is satisfactory. However, the quality of teaching and learning is not consistently good across the school. Staff provide support and care for pupils conscientiously. Their shared philosophy encourages pupils to take responsibility for their own well-being and behaviour well. This contributes successfully to their positive attitudes to learning and their willingness to persevere with tasks. The school encourages pupils to trust their peers and staff while developing respect and courtesy towards the feelings of others. Staff use the accommodation productively to target pupils’ needs purposefully and, as a result, planning of activities to promote pupils’ learning is effective. However, provision of outdoor learning experiences is not as effective, particularly for the youngest pupils. Leaders keep in close contact with the school’s wider community and build on the positive relationship with most parents and carers. Leaders evaluate the school’s work to plan for improvements thoroughly. The headteacher provides purposeful leadership and is determined to succeed for the benefit of pupils and the community. The senior management team, staff and governors share her vision successfully. They work together diligently to ensure that the school is fully inclusive and promotes good learning opportunities. The headteacher shares responsibilities effectively among staff and provides beneficial opportunities for professional learning. This contributes to a positive whole-school ethos, where staff and pupils feel valued for their contributions to school life.