Tenby’s first Welsh medium primary school has been handed a strong report from the education and training inspectorate for Wales.
The school’s head teacher Mrs. Vicky Griffiths said it was her ‘great pleasure’ to unveil the Estyn report on Ysgol Hagan Y Mor, situated on Heywood Lane to parents.
“The vision to establish a Welsh medium primary school in Tenby started over 35 years ago and finally came to fruition nearly three years ago when Ysgol Hafan y Mor opened its doors for the first time with an estimated 70 pupils,” she said.
“The school has now grown to 173 pupils and also has a full to capacity Cylch Meithrin.
“I am so proud of all that we have achieved together; staff, pupils, parents, governors and friends of the school. I am sure that you will agree, that the inspectors have truly reflected the provision and education we provide at Ysgol Hafan y Mor and I look forward to nurturing and growing the school further, over the coming years.
“I would like to thank everyone for their support and co-operation over the past three years, ‘in unison there is strength’ and this has been a key aspect of the success of our school,” she added.
The overall Estyn report handed the school a ‘good’ marking pointing to the facility’s ‘strong features’ for its first core inspection.
‘The headteacher shares her robust vision highly skilfully with the whole school community’ - states the report.
‘Staff work together effectively and ensure that all pupils are happy and make consistently good progress. The governing body supports the school exceptionally well in order to provide valuable experiences for all pupils.
‘Parents support all of the school’s activities successfully and contribute effectively towards creating a familial environment within the school’s close-knit community.
‘Most pupils develop their literacy and numeracy skills soundly in a purposeful variety of learning activities.
‘They work effectively independently and in groups, and apply themselves enthusiastically while completing tasks.
‘Most pupils learn effectively in the classroom and apply their skills soundly to creative challenges in the outdoor area.
‘Staff make comprehensive use of the outdoor area and take advantage of the extensive site in order to enrich learning experiences.
‘As a result, pupils become completely engrossed in their learning and develop as skilful learners.
‘Nearly all pupils develop their Welsh language skills successfully and are proud of their Welshness. The school promotes pupils’ learning successfully in a natural Welsh environment’ - the Estyn report summarised.