New head praised by inspectors

Posted on: Wednesday 8 February 2023
BLaenavon primary school

A new headteacher has been praised by the school inspectorate Estyn, just a month after taking up the post. 

Anna Britten joined Blaenavon Heritage VC Primary School in September last year, and Estyn inspectors visited the school in October.

In its recently published report, the inspectorate found pupils at the school in Middle Coed Cae Road, "enjoy learning and are enthusiastic during lessons and in activities around the school".

It also found teachers "promote a positive and inclusive atmosphere and the pupils embrace the opportunities to develop positive working relationships with their teachers and other staff".

Inspectors said pupils make good progress in developing their listening, speaking, reading, digital and numeracy skills, as well as Welsh oracy skills. 

It also praised Mrs Britten on providing "strong and effective leadership".

In their report, the inspectors said: "The senior leadership team, the staff and the governors share her clear vision, and they work together cohesively to ensure that the school improves.

"The headteacher shares responsibilities effectively among the senior leadership team and she is beginning to develop purposeful professional learning opportunities for staff.

"This is at an early stage of development; however, it ensures that staff feel valued for their contributions to school life."

Mrs Britten said: "“I am delighted that the inspectors recognised the children’s wellbeing and their attitudes to learning as strengths of the school, commenting on the good progress made by many and how polite and welcoming our children are. I am so proud of the children – they are a credit to the community.

"Estyn also noted the positive working relationships staff have with children and their thorough knowledge of individual children’s needs, and the strong involvement of the governing body. We have a great team here in Blaenavon Heritage School!”

Councillor Richard Clark, Executive Member for Education, said: "The teaching staff, pupils and wider school community should rightly be very proud of this report.

"It is pleasing to see how the school has continued to develop and build on the previous good Estyn report."

Blaenavon Heritage VC Primary has 478 pupils on its roll and 82 nursery pupils. It was last inspected in March 2014.

The recent report recommended the school works to improve pupils’ extended writing; ensure that the quality of teachers’ feedback targets the next steps in pupils’ learning effectively; challenge all pupils through consistent and effective teaching and ensure that relevant professional learning improves provision and pupils’ outcomes.

The school will draw up an action plan to address the recommendations from the inspection.

Last Modified: 08/02/2023 Back to top