An independent school in Powys received its first Estyn report under the management of a new headteacher.

Amberleigh’s Therapeutic School at Golfa Hall, near Welshpool, received positive feedback from its most recent Estyn Report, with the school’s new headteacher crediting the results to “the hard work of staff”.  

The school provides education, care and therapy for up to 20 pupils aged between 11 to 18 years who have social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.

Sioned Davies, who was appointed headteacher in September 2024, said: “As a new head receiving the 'call' so early into the role this was a little bit scary to say the least. However, I can now say I am a proud to share my first school inspection report as headteacher.

“This report is down to the hard work of the staff across the whole TC Community. Our staff work tirelessly to create nurturing and meaningful opportunities for our pupils.

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“Their dedication is evident in every aspect of school life, from the positive working relationships they build, the calm environments they create, to the extra-curricular activities they lead.

“This wouldn't be possible without their dedication and enthusiasm.”

Estyn had a number of recommendations for the school to further improve, which included consolidating “essential information to enable leaders to more effectively evaluate the impact of school initiatives”  strengthen the curriculum in regards to digital skills, ensure staff use information on pupils additional learning needs when planning lessons.

The report described the school as providing a “nurturing and supportive environment" that pupils “respond well to”.

The report added: “Pupils are well supported to build their interpersonal skills including listening, empathy and reflection and make extremely effective progress in developing social and communication skills.

“Teaching staff are highly committed, know the pupils well and develop good working relationships with them. Where planning, assessment and feedback are effective, both staff and pupils have a good understanding of progress and how to move learning forward.

“Leaders have a good track record of improvement and have successfully addressed the recommendation from the monitoring visit in 2023.

“However, many of these changes, such as the necessary improvements to professional learning, are in the very early stages of development due to recent changes in leadership and have not yet started to have an impact.”