‘Insufficient progress' at Rhyl school in special measures

Rhyl Journal

6 days ago

Christ the Word Catholic School was put in special measures, and given five recommendations, following a report by Welsh education inspectorate Estyn in mid-2022.
Estyn's eighth 'monitoring report' since putting Christ the Word in special measures was compiled following a visit in June.
In this report, like the seven which preceded it, Estyn found the school has made 'insufficient progress' in addressing the recommendations it was set.
Christ the Word Catholic School, Rhyl (Image: Submitted) During its June inspection, Estyn officials focussed on two of these recommendations – improving leadership, and strengthening provision for developing pupils' skills.
On leadership, Estyn wrote in its report: 'Since the last time we evaluated this recommendation, there have been significant changes at senior leadership level, resulting in a clearly defined leadership structure.
'Generally, there is emerging evidence of a growing willingness among staff to engage with feedback and improve their practice.
'Overall, leaders have secured improvements in strengthening the culture of safeguarding and ensuring that the upper school curriculum is fit for purpose.'
Though, inspectors noted that the school remains without a permanent headteacher, with Neil Foley, who is also Prestatyn High School's head, to stay on in a temporary capacity until November.
Neil Foley (Image: Submitted) Mr Foley became Christ the Word's 'executive headteacher' in late 2024, but the school has not found a full-time replacement for Amanda Preston, who resigned as head in 2023 having been suspended in 2022.
Estyn commented on the 'support and challenge' meetings between Christ the Word's senior and middle leaders, which have 'helpful common agendas and documented actions'.
But it found follow-up actions from these meetings are not always specific enough, and leaders generally do not evaluate their impact on standards and provision.
While Estyn highlighted the 'emerging pockets of effective practice in teaching,' it also found 'significant variability' in this regard.
Elsewhere, inspectors felt Christ the Word has 'taken initial steps' in enhancing its providing for developing pupils' skills.
But it added: 'However, the overall coordination of skills across the curriculum remains at an early stage of development and strategic planning lacks clarity and impact.
'Given the length of time since the core inspection (three years), this is an important concern.'
Progress in developing pupils' writing skills was described as 'inconsistent' and 'limited,' meanwhile.
Estyn said: 'Although teachers have begun to develop opportunities for pupils to write across the curriculum, these are not planned well enough or systematically.
'Overall, pupils in the upper school have limited opportunities to write at length. In very few instances, teachers provide specific purpose and audience for pupils' extended writing.
'However, teachers expect pupils to complete tasks with too little planning which limits their ability to organise their thoughts logically.'
Estyn also found opportunities for pupils to improve their advanced reading skills are 'undeveloped'.
The school's improvement in its provision of the Welsh language was also highlighted, with pupils beginning to use simple phrases in sessions and getting the opportunity to practise asking questions.
But inspectors found teachers 'do not plan consistently' to develop their Welsh skills, while pupils' digital skills was also noted as an 'area for improvement'.
Estyn will return to the school in the next four to six months.
Christ the Word Catholic School, Rhyl (Image: Submitted) Denbighshire County Council said it 'welcomes' Estyn's findings.
A council spokesperson said: 'While the school remains in special measures, the report acknowledges the progress that has been made since the last inspection.
'Estyn's evaluation was thorough and comprehensive, involving classroom observations, discussions with staff, governors, and pupils, and a close review of pupils' work and the school environment. Their findings reflect the hard work and commitment of the school community.
'In their report, Estyn commended the senior leadership team for their 'clear and sustained commitment to strengthening accountability across the school' and for setting 'high expectations for staff'.
'Inspectors also noted that 'leaders regularly evaluate the school's work through a variety of quality assurance activities to gather first-hand evidence'.
'The report highlights improvements in teaching and learning, particularly in writing, where 'pupils produce good quality writing and respond positively to feedback' in areas of the school with the strongest practice.'
The council acknowledged that there is 'still more to do' despite the developments highlighted by Estyn.
It said it is focussing on raising attendance levels, ensuring lessons are consistently challenging and engaging, and strengthening the provision of skills that prepare pupils for life beyond school.
The council spokesperson added: 'The local authority is pleased that Estyn has recognised the school's progress and the impact of recent leadership changes, which have brought greater clarity to roles and responsibilities.
'We are grateful to the staff for their continued dedication and professionalism.
'Denbighshire County Council, alongside our partners, will continue to work closely with the school to support further improvements and ensure that all Estyn recommendations are fully addressed.'