Praise for Ysgol y Deri following Estyn inspection
Ysgol y Deri has been praised in an Estyn report for its outstanding levels of care, support and guidance for learners with additional learning needs (ALN).
Estyn inspectors visited Ysgol y Deri in February 2025 as part of their regular inspections and assessments of schools in Wales.
The inspection commended the school’s commitment to its core values and noted how this vision is evident across the entire school community and remains central to the school’s successes.
Ysgol y Deri received positive feedback in a variety of areas, including:
- The school’s high-quality specialist provisions and interventions
- The provision of assistive technology for learners with complex mobility needs
- Effective teaching and skill development
- The school’s vocational curriculum which prepares learners for their next steps
- Highly valuable opportunities to experience outdoor activities such as cycling and mountain biking, hiking and exploring, paddle boarding and camping
Cllr Rhiannon Birch, Cabinet Member for Education, Arts and the Welsh Language, said: “Ysgol y Deri continues to set the standard for inclusive education in the Vale, and this report praises the school’s high-level of care and support for each and every learner.
“As a Council, we believe that strong communities start with empowered individuals, and the school was recognised for fostering a calm and nurturing environment, where pupils feel empowered to learn.
“From early childhood to adulthood, it is vital that schools give every child and young person the best possible foundation for their future, and Ysgol y Deri was commended for the way it enables learners to make strong and sustained progress.
“Congratulations to all involved for the outstanding feedback in this assessment.”
The Estyn report read: “The vision at Ysgol y Deri is securely rooted in the values of ‘potential, opportunity and achievement’. The culture permeates every aspect of the school’s life and work across the school’s extensive and varying range of provisions. Ysgol y Deri is a happy and nurturing community.
“Staff from across the teaching and therapeutic teams work together exceptionally well to provide high levels of care, support and guidance for pupils, which enables most pupils to make strong progress in all aspects of their learning during their time at the school. Pupils feel safe and valued and build strong and trusting relationships with staff.”
Inspectors also noted that: “Teaching staff have a clear focus on developing pupils’ skills in important areas related well to their individual needs. For example, most pupils with complex needs develop increasing, life enhancing independence in their mobility in highly effective interventions that they then apply in the classroom and in their wider life.
“The school’s curriculum prepares pupils well for the next steps in learning and future possible pathways. This is a notable strength. Vocational and work experience opportunities enhance pupils’ independence and employability skills. Work experience placements are chosen carefully for pupils of all ages both within the school and in the wider community to reflect the skills and interests of pupils. For example, younger pupils explore different roles, such as serving as the school’s postman, allowing them to develop confidence and responsibility.”
Chris Britten, Executive Headteacher said: “This is an outstanding report that celebrates the work of the whole school community. I am particularly proud of our staff and pupils who achieve so much together on a daily basis. As always, the work of our school is a community effort that encompasses parents, health and social services and of course the Vale Council and its officers. Thank you all.”
Tim Exell, Chair of Governors, said: “The Governing Body is extremely proud of the outcome of the Estyn Inspection. Their report is a testament to the hard work, dedication and tireless commitment of all our staff. The report highlighted that pupils have a calm and supportive learning environment where they feel safe and valued and make strong progress in all areas of learning.”