31/12/2024

St Cadoc's Primary School in Llanrumney has been praised for its welcoming and inclusive environment following a successful inspection by Estyn the Education Inspectorate for Wales.

In its report, Estyn highlights the school's strong leadership, positive learning culture, and effective teaching practices. Inspectors commended the school for fostering a happy and safe environment where pupils thrive, behave exceptionally well and form strong relationships

Key Strengths Highlighted in the Report:

• Positive relationships between pupils, staff, and the wider school community are identified as a particular strength. Older pupils regularly support younger peers with activities such as reading and play.
• Effective Teaching: Most lessons feature clear learning intentions, effective questioning, and a supportive environment that encourages thoughtful, reflective learning. Pupils, including those eligible for free school meals or with additional learning needs, make good progress overall.
• Focus on Literacy: The school's efforts to develop pupils' literacy skills are particularly successful, with strong progress in oracy, reading, and writing.

Headteacher Rachael Fisher who was appointed in April 2022, is noted for her assured leadership, clear vision, and commitment to raising standards through high expectations and a strong moral purpose.

She said: "At St Cadoc's, we are incredibly proud of this report, which recognises the dedication of our staff, the hard work of our pupils, and the support of our families. Our strong sense of community, rooted in shared Catholic values, allows our pupils to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. We remain committed to building on this success and ensuring that every child at St Cadoc's continues to flourish."

While the curriculum is described as broad and balanced, Estyn notes areas for further development, including opportunities for creative thinking and improvements in foundation phase learning provision.

The school will address the recommendations from Estyn through its action plan and will include;

• Enhancing the curriculum to better develop pupils' creativity and ability to innovate, particularly within the expressive arts.

• Further improve foundation phase learning, including the teaching of early literacy skills, to ensure sustained progress among younger pupils.

Cardiff's Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Education, Cllr Sarah Merry said: "Estyn have recognised that St Cadoc's Primary School provides a nurturing environment where all pupils are encouraged to reach their potential. The report reflects the dedication and hard work of staff, pupils, and the wider school community. With support from the Local Authority, the school will look to continue to strive for excellence and look forward to implementing the recommendations to further enhance our provision for all learners."

At the time of inspection St Cadoc's Primary School had 336 pupils on roll. 41.1% of pupils are eligible for free school meals, 5.5% of pupils identify as having additional learning needs and 19.2% of pupils have English as an additional language.