Posted on: Thursday 11 December 2025
A primary school which prides itself on being a nurturing community has been described as a "vibrant and friendly" school.
Estyn inspectors visited Cwmffrwdoer Primary School, in Pontnewynydd, in October and published their report this week.
In it they said school leaders showed a strong commitment to pupil well-being and a focus on equality and diversity.
Last month, the school received the International School Award Foundation Certificate from the Taith international learning exchange programme for its links with CEIP Flor de Azahar School, near Malaga, in Spain.
Year 5 pupils visited the school in February 2024, thanks to funding from the programme.
The Estyn inspectors said staff provided a wealth of rich and engaging opportunities, including in science and maths, and that all pupils make good progress. It also described the pupils' behaviour as "exceptional".
They also recognised the range of well-being support provided by the school, including nurture breakfast clubs, as well as the strong connections between staff, pupils and parents.
Cllr Richard Clark, Executive Member for Children, Families and Education, said: "This a wonderful report about a school that values the benefits of relationships, both within the school and wider community.
"It's resulted in a positive learning environment in which pupils feel valued, value each other and thrive in terms of their academic achievements."
Reflecting on the school's International School Award Foundation Certificate, Headteacher Sarah Truelove said: "We were delighted to receive this award following our work on developing Spanish as our main foreign language.
"The children experienced a completely different culture to their own and visited the school daily for five days to take part in a variety of experiences, including a Spanish carnival.
"The visited supported our commitment to diversity and equality and international learning. Following our visit, some of the staff and children from CEIP Flor de Azahar School visited to take part in our Eisteddfod."
The inspectors made one recommendation - it has advised the school revise its approach to Foundation Learning to ensure younger pupils develop consistently.
Read report: chrome-extension://efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj/https://estyn.gov.wales/app/uploads/2025/11/Inspection-report-Cwmffrwdoer-Primary-School-2025.pdf