Kinmel Bay primary school honoured for excellence at Estyn awards

Ysgol y Foryd in Kinmel Bay, which is ranked in the top two per cent of schools in Wales, were honoured during an awards evening by Estyn.

A total of 29 primary schools were invited to attend the event in Cardiff.

The award was presented to Nicola Rowlands, headteacher at Ysgol y Foryd, by Kirsty Williams, minister for Education, and Meilyr Rowlands, Her Majesty’s Chief Inspector of Education and Training in Wales.

Ms Rowlands, who attended the event with Hannah Williams, deputy head, said: "Mrs Williams and I were very excited when we received the invitation and we felt proud to be representing Ysgol Y Foryd. It was a real honour to receive such an award.

"We strive to be excellent and work extremely hard to give the best possible start to school life for our young learners.

"To attain five excellent judgements places Ysgol Y Foryd in the top two per cent of school in Wales."

In their last inspection, Estyn rated the school excellent in Standards, Wellbeing and Attitudes to Learning, Teaching and Learning Experiences, Care Support and Guidance and Leadership and management.

The school was also nominated for its 'outstanding contribution' to the community at the Towyn and Kinmel Bay awards.

Ms Rowlands added: "There is no ‘i’ in team and both of these awards were awarded because of the strength of our team - Governors, staff, pupils and parents."

Other primary schools in attendance at the Estyn awards included Ysgol Pant Pastynog, Ysgol Pen Barras in Ruthin and Twm O'r Nant in Rhyl.

Ysgol Plas Cefndy also attended.

The pupil referral unit has been spotlighted by Estyn for its best practice.

The unit operates across three sites.

The main site at Ysgol Plas Cefndy in Rhyl houses foundation phase to key stage 4. The Ruthin site houses the Stepping Stones provision for pupils in the primary phase and a site in Rhyl houses the Milestones provision for a group of key stage three and four pupils who present with high levels of anxiety.