'Outstanding' school report (From Barry And District News)

'Outstanding' school report

CHILDREN and staff from a Barry primary school are celebrating after a top-class report from inspectors.

Colcot Primary was commended on the "outstanding" care, guidance and support it provides its 350 pupils.

Describing Colcot as a "very good school, with many outstanding features", the inspectors said: "Teachers provide a consistent and caring environment that sets good standards of discipline and encourages mutual respect, effective communication, co-operation and self discipline."

Based upon an ethos of praise and responsibility, the provision for pupils' spiritual and cultural development is good, and for their social and moral development, very good.

"Pupils are taught to be thoughtful, caring and sympathetic towards each other and this enables them to learn in a happy, safe and secure environment," the inspectors said.

They added that the school, established 53 years ago, has made outstanding progress since its last inspection six-and-a-half years ago, especially in relation to leadership and management and the quality of teaching.

Welcoming the report, head teacher Ieuan Richards said: "I am naturally delighted that this report recognises the outstanding progress we have made since our last inspection, and significantly improved standards in subjects such as maths and science.

"We are pleased the inspectors found that pupils' attitudes to learning, the interest they show in their work, their mature behaviour and their ability to sustain concentration - along with the skill and dedication of teachers and the care and talent of support staff - are all considered as outstanding features.