A BARRY Welsh medium school has won a glowing report from inspeectors for the second time in six years.

Ysgol Gynraedd Gymraeg Sant Curig was described by the team as having a 'warm, friendly and happy' atmosphere.

The College Road school, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, was also praised for providing quality care and attention for its 365 pupils.

Inspectors said: "The school has a positive ethos, and its commitment to good values can be seen in all its work."

They added: "Pupils are courteous, open, talkative, friendly, considerate towards others and take obvious pride in their school.

"They have a clear understanding of right and wrong, showing respect towards each other and adults."

Moral and social development is noted as very good and their spiritual and cultural development as good.

Strong relationships with governors and parents are important in the school's approach to the raising of standards, the report says.

Headteacher Eleri Hourahane, MBE, and her 17 staff were commended for their commitment to the school as were all the support staff and the governors.

The building is also highlighted with the inspectors noting very good provision for the inclusion of pupils with physical handicaps, spacious classrooms, good displays and a bright and welcoming library.

The quality of provision and support for children with special educational needs was also praised.

The quality of teaching was marked as satisfactory or better in 98 percent of lessons; in 67 percent it was good and, in 11 percent, it was very good.

Standards of achievement were very good in two percent of lessons, good in 77 percent and satisfactory in 21 percent.

In key issues for action, the inspectors felt that, to ensure improvement, the school must devise and implement strategies to produce a longer term school development plan, raise ICT standards across the curriculum and develop the role of co-ordinators.

Welcoming the report, Mrs Hourahane told the News: "It is very gratifying to see expert recognition of the hard work of our teaching and non teaching staff, parents, friends and governors.

"This positive report is an excellent foundation for our second decade."