A Brecon primary school has earned praise as a “happy and harmonious place” in its most recent Estyn report.

Priory Church in Wales Primary School has achieved a positive inspection report following a visit in January.

His Majesty’s Inspectorate for Education and Training in Wales praised the school’s “clear and successful vision for a creative and highly inclusive school that values all members of the school community.”

It also said the school “provides a calm, inclusive, extremely well-planned and highly nurturing environment, where everyone’s learning and well-being matters.”

The report also recognises the strength school staff bring to lesson planning and pupil progression.

Estyn praised pupil behaviour at the school, saying “pupils are polite, caring and supportive of each other. They display excellent attitudes to their learning and exemplary behaviour.”

Estyn also praised the Headteacher, noting that she “provides considerate leadership and leads a team that works effectively to establish a caring and inclusive environment, where pupils and staff feel safe, valued and respected.”

While the school has a strong safeguarding culture and has implemented strategies to improve attendance, the report points out that attendance levels remain too low, as the new approaches have yet to show results.

Teachers are praised for using assessment effectively to plan lessons, and most pupils, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds, make suitable progress. Pupils with additional learning needs are making strong progress towards their goals.

Claire Pugh, Headteacher at Priory Church in Wales Primary School, said: “I am very proud of our children and staff who work hard to live our values each and every day, and it was good that Estyn could inspect the school to see this.

“This inspection report is welcome and reaffirms that Priory Church in Wales Primary School celebrates its creativity and enquiry based approach to leaning.

“I recognise that this is a good report but there is always more to do. I am already working with the Governors, Staff and Pupils to put plans in place that will help keep Priory moving forward.”

Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Chair of Governors at Priory Church in Wales Primary School, added: “Priory Church in Wales Primary School is a fantastic local school which celebrates our children and young people. I am pleased that Estyn have been able to experience the special learning environment that Priory offers children in Brecon.

“I am particularly pleased that Estyn recognised the school’s provision to support all pupils’ personal development and citizenship is extremely effective.

“I pay tribute to the school staff and the children. They have earned this success.”