North Cardiff school celebrates award

A North Cardiff primary school has been awarded the Inclusion Quality Mark (IQM) Inclusive School Award, a nationally recognised framework that evaluates schools based on their ability to provide inclusive education.

The honour highlights Ysgol Gynradd Groes-Wen Primary School's dedication to creating an inclusive, supportive, and empowering environment for every pupil and demonstrates that the school delivers on the IQM principles:

• Promoting access and diversity

• Raising achievement for all

• Creating an environment for all to succeed

• Improving the inclusive nature of all schools

In its report, IQM found the school is a warm, inspiring, and welcoming community that celebrates Welshness, while fostering an inclusive and equitable environment where every child, staff member, and stakeholder feels valued, respected, and supported.

This approach underpins the school's innovative and unique combined dual language and Welsh first-language approach to Welsh education.

Headteacher Richard Carbis said: "Even though we are a new school, the passion to include everyone on our journey has definitely shown our vision at work. We are always 'Stronger Together."

🚸 Last year, we reported how Greenhill Special School in Rhiwbina had become one of only nine schools in the UK to achieve IQM Championship status.

🚸 Another North Cardiff school, St Joseph's R.C. Primary School in Gabalfa has received high praise from Estyn, the Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales.

Following a recent inspection, the report highlights the school's nurturing environment, strong relationships between staff and pupils, and the excellent behaviour and attitudes of learners across all year groups. 

Inspectors described the school as a "vibrant, inclusive and nurturing environment" where nearly all pupils feel safe and supported. The quality of teaching and the school's commitment to pupil wellbeing were praised, with particular commendation given to the way staff meet the needs of learners from diverse backgrounds, including the 25.7% of pupils who speak English as an additional language.

The report also highlights the school's proactive leadership and the meaningful role pupils play in shaping their own learning experience. Notably, the school's "Learning Squad" was recognised for its impact on improving assessment strategies, empowering pupils to take ownership of their progress.