TWO primary schools which were formally federated just over three years ago are celebrating receiving outstanding inspection reports.

Tavernspite and Templeton schools, which share one governing body and leadership team, had separate inspections by different teams from Estyn, the Inspectorate for Education and Training.

The reports received were remarkably similar, receiving the highest judgement of ‘excellent’, showing how successful the two schools’ innovative model of school federation has been.

Said headteacher Kevin Phelps: “We are very pleased with these Estyn reports which highlight the many strengths of both Tavernspite and Templeton schools.

“The success of the schools is the result of a tremendous amount of commitment, hard work and dedication from the staff, parents, governors, local community and, of course, the children, over a very long period.

“It is an incredible achievement, and both school communities are very proud.”

Inspectors praised the ‘powerful vision’ of the federation leadership team.

They added: “They establish high expectations with a strong focus on teaching and learning, and share skills and expertise highly-successfully across the two schools in the federation.”

They noted that ‘pupils achieve excellent standards and make exceptional progress in speaking, writing, numeracy and ICT and in the application of these skills across the curriculum.’ It was also highlighted that, in cases where teaching is excellent, ‘teachers’ aspirations for pupils’ learning is exemplary and the school’s thematic approach to curriculum planning is innovative.’ Estyn were also quick to praise the schools’ contribution to developing pupils’ wellbeing and attitudes to learning, stating ‘the way pupils support each other is a strength of the school and that nearly all pupils are enthusiastic about their lessons and feel valued as part of the school community.”

The schools have now been asked to prepare two case studies on their work to be published on the Estyn website as a ‘best practice’ example to be shared with other schools.

A full copy of the reports are available by contacting the schools directly, or via the Estyn website.