Craig Y Parc School, Cardiff

Craig Y Parc School is a school in Wales. Welsh schools are inspected by Estyn rather than Ofsted, and its latest report is published on Estyn's website.

Estyn's report on its March 2023 inspection summarises Craig Y Parc School like this:

"Craig Y Parc provides a calm and nurturing environment that generally meets pupils’ physical, medical and care needs well. Teaching and support staff build positive working relationships with pupils and, as a result, many pupils are happy and settled. Many pupils enjoy their lessons and engage positively with their learning. In relation to their complex needs, they make appropriate progress in a range of areas that support their learning and personal development well. Teachers work closely with the school’s therapy team to plan learning that takes appropriate account of pupils’ specific and individual needs. This close team-working means that pupils make particularly beneficial progress in the development of their communication, physical and independence skills. However, shortcomings in teachers’ planning, assessment and the quality of learning support mean that pupils do not make as much progress as they could during their time at the school. Since the last core inspection, there have been six changes to the leadership of the school, as well as a change in the ownership of the school."

"These changes mean that over this period there has been significant disruption to the strategic oversight of the school and the capital investment in it. The current leadership team has brought stability to the school and has started to implement beneficial changes to the school’s curriculum, approaches to teaching and assessment, and the model of therapeutic support. Leaders have a suitable understanding of the school’s strengths and its priorities for improvement. However, much of this work is at an early stage. In addition, the school has faced challenges to the recruitment and retention of suitably qualified and experienced staff. This has hindered the school’s progress against its improvement priorities. The school does not comply fully with the Independent School Standards (Wales) Regulations 2003. Compliance with the regulations for registration Independent school inspections are governed by the Education Act 2002 and related regulations: the Independent School Standards (Wales) Regulations 2003."

"These regulations require an independent school to meet an appropriate standard in the following areas: The quality of education provided by the school The school does not meet the regulatory requirements for this standard. Although the school meets most of the regulatory requirements for this standard, in order to comply fully with the Independent School Standards (Wales) Regulations 2003 the school should: • Ensure that where pupils have a statement, the education provided fulfils its requirements [1(2)(e)] • Provide a programme of activities appropriate to the needs of pupils above statutory school age [1(2)(h)(i)] • Ensure the curriculum provides the opportunity for all pupils to learn and make progress [1(2)(i)] • Ensure lessons are well planned, teaching methods effective and suitable activities used; ensure class time is managed wisely [1(3)(c)] • Ensure teachers provide education which enables all pupils within a class to make progress, including pupils with statements and those for whom Welsh or English is an additional language [1(5)] The spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of pupils The school meets the regulatory requirements for this standard. Welfare, health and safety of pupils The school meets the regulatory requirements for this standard. The suitability of proprietors and staff The school meets the regulatory requirements for this standard. Premises of and boarding accommodation at schools The school meets the regulatory requirements for this standard. The provision of information The school meets the regulatory requirements for this standard. The manner in which complaints are to be handled The school meets the regulatory requirements for this standard."

Estyn made 4 recommendations: (1) Comply fully with the Independent School Standards (Wales) Regulations 2003, specifically relating to Standard 1 ‘The Quality of Education’; (2) Ensure that professional learning addresses the professional development needs of teachers and learning support staff; (3) Ensure that the learning environment and resources meet pupils’ complex needs; (4) Improve relationships with parents.

Estyn follow-up status: The school does not require any follow-up activity by Estyn..

In its own words: "At Craig y Parc School, we believe that every learner can achieve and thrive when they feel safe, valued and understood. We provide a highly personalised learning experience that recognises each pupil's unique strengths, needs and aspirations, enabling them to develop the skills, confidence and independence needed for life beyond school."

Craig Y Parc School is approved under Section 41 of the Children and Families Act 2014, so parents can ask for it to be named in their child's education, health and care (EHC) plan.

The nearest railway station is Taffs Well Rail Station, about 2 miles away in a straight line.

2 bus stops are within a five-minute walk; the closest is Penuel Road (before), 250 metres away.