Moorland Primary School in Splott has been praised by Estyn for its welcoming environment, strong pupil support, and commitment to skill development across a broad curriculum.

 

Staff were noted for providing excellent care and serving as positive role models, contributing to exemplary pupil behaviour and a thriving culture.

 

Key strengths identified include:

  • Significant progress by most pupils in speaking, reading, and mathematics.
  • Collaborative teaching efforts to create a purposeful and progressive curriculum.
  • Effective support for pupils’ creative development through partnerships with performing arts organisations.
  • Positive learning experiences for younger pupils, especially through outdoor exploration.
  • Strong provision for pupils with additional learning needs (ALN), ensuring good progress, including those in specialist resource bases.
  • Effective engagement with parents and carers, supported by activities such as baby and toddler afternoons.

 

Headteacher Emma Laing expressed satisfaction with the report, stating:

“We are pleased that Estyn have celebrated the commitment of our dedicated, hard-working and nurturing staff team. They live up to our school motto of ‘making a difference’ every day.”

 

The report suggests areas for improvement, including providing more opportunities for pupils to apply writing skills across different learning areas and enhancing overall attendance.

 

Estyn has made three recommendations for the school to address in its action plan:

  • Improve monitoring quality to ensure teaching provides suitable challenges across the curriculum.
  • Increase opportunities for pupils to write for various authentic purposes across the curriculum.
  • Continue efforts to improve attendance for all pupils.

 

Councillor Sarah Merry, Cabinet Member for Education, commented:

“Estyn have recognised the strength of the school’s inclusive culture and the progress pupils make across key areas. Moorland Primary School have dedicated staff who work hard to create a caring and engaging learning environment for all children. Well done to staff, pupils and the school community for this positive report.”

 

At the time of inspection, Moorland Primary School had 390 pupils enrolled, with 55.1% eligible for free school meals, 33.3% having English as an additional language, and 8.9% identified as having additional learning needs.