A RURAL school is holding its first open afternoon next Wednesday (November 27) after a glowing inspection this summer.

Cross Ash Primary School was called “an inclusive, welcoming, and safe community” by the Estyn inspectors in July, “where pupils thrive and enjoy a wide range of engaging and exciting learning experiences”.

Wellbeing was seen as a particular strength, with leaders engaging "purposefully with families and listen carefully to their views and contributions” with staff and governors “establishing a clear and shared vision for the school”.

Located under the distinctive Graig Hill in the small village of Cross Ash, between Llanvetherine and Skenfrith, Wednesday’s open afternoon will be from 1.15pm to 3.15pm, with parents having full access to the school’s woodland and grounds.

The school's commitment to outdoor learning was recognised in the report. Examples included the after-school ‘Wild Cubs’ group, where children were planning and building shelters to use on a residential trip, and how well the school’s outdoor areas were used for teamwork, problem-solving and wellbeing activities.

Staff are now working with Bangor University to further their knowledge and disseminate good practices to other schools.

Pupil leadership groups also “make a tangible difference to the life and work of the school”, the inspectors said. These include Cross Ash's Criw Cymraeg, which won a Welsh Heritage Award this summer, the first school in Monmouthshire to do so.

“The project the children coordinated celebrated all areas of "cynefin" (belonging). Staff and children travelled to Aberystwyth to attend the prestigious awards ceremony last term.

Parents are also encouraged to get involved in school life. The annual Three Castles Sponsored Walk is a key part of the school calendar where the PTFA bring the whole school community together for a wellbeing day while raising huge amounts for the school. This has enhanced provision for our children, but also brings our families together while giving them a challenge.

Headteacher Kathryn Presdee said: “I am delighted that the Estyn report recognised the close working relationships we have between pupils, families, staff, governors and the wider community. We aspire to give all of our children the chance to thrive in all areas of school life, in a safe and happy environment. Our varied curriculum and extra-curricular activities try to ensure that all children have the chance to be the very best they can be. It really is a team effort."

Head of Governors Diana Binding added: "Governors are proud to contribute to a lovely school where children learn, thrive and are happy. The Head Teacher and her staff are outstanding in their commitment to the wellbeing and education of the pupils."

In 2022, the school were awarded the prestigious Platinum+ Flag Award again, after previously gaining three Green Flag Awards thanks to the environmental education programme, Eco-Schools.

Eco-Schools is an international programme run in Wales by environmental charity, Keep Wales Tidy and funded by the Welsh Government.

As part of their Eco-Schools Platinum assessment, Cross Ash pupils and community completed a variety of events throughout the school year including a whole school Big Battery Hunt, various home learning Eco challenges during lockdown including a focus on Fairtrade and the RSPB’s Bird Watch alongside a focus on reducing litter around the school grounds.

The open afternoon will be held between 1.15pm and 3.15pm, and parents are encouraged to come any time during the afternoon. New Reception pupils for 2025 are encouraged, and there are also a few places available in some other year groups. For more information email [email protected], visit the website (www.crossashprimary.co.uk) or telephone 01873 821427.