An Abergele infants school has been quoted as a case study of excellence in a good practice guide published last week by Estyn, the watchdog for Welsh schools.

The guide states Ysgol Glan Gele has developed techniques to ensure lessons are highly effective and excellent.

It has achieved developed high standards of teaching through exceptional staff development.

The head teacher, Mrs Julia Buckley Jones, who has been at the school for 10 years, said: "We believe in ensuring our staff are trained to the highest standards so pupils receive the best teaching possible helping them reach their full potential."

The school was inspected by Estyn twice in recent years and on both occasions received excellent reports.

All staff are involved in planning interesting and challenging learning experiences, including identifying clear expectations for what pupils will learn.

The guide states the headteacher is active in identifying high quality training for staff, and researches national award programmes to find effective specialist training, which has improved the skills of staff and has brought consistency in teaching.

It also notes the headteacher believes firmly that all teachers have expertise to share, whether they are newly qualified or more experienced, and makes the most of what every individual staff member has to offer.

The school’s focus on developing the techniques is well embedded and all staff use skilful questioning during lessons to develop pupils’ thinking skills. Developing staff confidence and skills has led to improved teaching and learning. The high skill level of the staff and exceptional subject knowledge ensure nearly all lessons are engaging and often innovative.

This has a positive impact on pupils’ attitudes to learning. Lessons, both indoors and outside, and the imaginative use of the locality allow pupils to consolidate skills in

an experiential and stimulating way.

Sharing good practice on all levels develops staff expertise effectively, which improves staff knowledge, that has a direct impact on raising pupil outcomes.

Ysgol Glan Gele has 295 pupils aged between three and seven, organised into 10 classes.