The essential journalist news source
Back
21.
December
2017.
Trelai Primary School taken out of Estyn special measures

Trelai Primary School in Caerau, Cardiff has been removed from special measures by Estyn, the education inspectorate in Wales. 

The announcement follows a period of substantial change, resulting in the significant improvements recognised by inspectors during a recent visit to the school. 

Estyn took the decision to put Trelai primary into special measures following an inspection in May 2015. New working practices have since been introduced, and leadership and governance have been strengthened at the school. 

Mrs Carolyn Mason became Headteacher at Trelai primary in June this year, having been brought in by the local authority to assist the school in May 2016, while Headteacher of nearby Fairwater Primary School. 

Reacting to Estyn's decision to remove Trelai primary from special measures, Mrs Mason said: "This is a huge achievement for this school; it reflects the professionalism, determination, commitment and belief in the community of Trelai and the children it serves. 

"We recognise how far we have travelled, the journey continues but this is not the destination. There have been real improvements and the school will continue to build on the foundation that has been established. We look forward to working with parents, governors, pupils and staff to build a secure and sustainable future for our children. 

"The school is grateful for the support that has been received from the local authority and regional consortium to assist through this period of change. 

"Trelai benefits from good parental engagement. Parents have played an active role in the school's success by ensuring their children turn up to school on time and in uniform ‘ready to learn'. 

"Most importantly it is the children who have responded so positively and enthusiastically that I am most proud of during this period of change." 

Deputy Leader of Cardiff council, and Cabinet Member with responsibility for education, Cllr Sarah Merry, said: "I am delighted to see that the efforts of Mrs Mason, all her staff, the children, parents, governors and everyone involved with Trelai Primary School have been acknowledged by the Estyn inspectors. 

"The past two and a half years have seen dramatic changes at Trelai primary, the results of which have been recognised in the latest report from Estyn, which notes the strong progress that has been made. 

"Following the decision to place Trelai primary into special measure in 2015, the local authority has worked closely with the school to bring about positive change. I am extremely encouraged to see the results of this work, and look forward to seeing the school community building on this success to bring about further improvements in the future." 

Chair of Governors, Jacquie Turnbull, said: "The Governors are grateful that Estyn has recognized the hard work and effort that has been undertaken at Trelai in their decision to remove the school from the category of ‘special measures'. 

"The Board have appreciated the leadership of Headteacher Carolyn Mason, whose clear vision and energy has inspired us all towards raising standards of achievement for our children. Senior members of staff have stepped up to the significant leadership challenges, and the staff as a whole are developing their professionalism and commitment to continuing the improvements already made. 

"With these factors in place, and with strong support from the governors, I feel confident that we can look to a positive future for our children and the community in Ely."