A SCHOOL that had been judged as failing said it has turned around its fortunes by making lessons more interesting and becoming a nicer place to be.

Cefnllys County Primary School in Llandrindod Wells was placed in special measures by education inspectors Estyn in December 2016.

But acting headteacher Karen Jenkins, who took over at the school at the start of the new academic year in September 2017, has now brought the school out of the category which requires regular inspections.

Ms Jenkins, who is the headteacher of Llangynidr CP School, near Crickhowell, has been seconded to Cefnllys, said she was pleased to have convinced inspectors the school is on the right track when they conducted their most recent inspection at the end of February.

“Really it is just providing that direction for the staff, who are brilliant, you can’t have rubbish teachers and come out of special measures in just five months,” said Ms Jenkins of the improvement since she joined the school.

“All the basic ingredients to be a good school were there but we made the curriculum more exciting for the children which has helped with attendance.

“We had eight recommendations, which is quite unusual to have that many, and attendance was one.

“It hasn’t improved significantly and is still a bit of an issue we are trying to make it better.

“Behaviour was an issue, it wasn’t a recommendation, but the school is now a much happier environment, and a calm, learning atmosphere.”

Ms Jenkins said as well as having a new behaviour policy the school also celebrates pupils’ successes as well. “The approach has made children want to come in.”

The school sends out letters to parents advising them on their children’s attendance which was noted by Estyn as an “appropriate” way to promote good attendance.

The original inspection had also told the school to raise standards of achievement, particularly in writing; ensure teaching meets the needs of all groups of pupils as well as recommendations on providing feedback to pupils and the school’s management and organisation.

Inspectors praised the improvement in learning at the school in their report. They said: “Since the core inspection, pupils’ standards of achievement across the school have improved considerably in most subjects and areas of learning. Most pupils have positive attitudes to learning and have developed great pride in their work and achievements.”

The inspectors also noted that since September there has been a “renewed focus” on improving standards in mathematics and numeracy and the quality of teaching in many classes has improved “considerably” and better meets the needs of pupils, including those most abel.

The report said: “The acting headteacher has rebuilt staff confidence through strong and focused leadership. This has improved staff motivation and enthusiasm to raise the standards that pupils achieve.”

Ms Jenkins is due to remain at the school until at least the end of the current academic year.