A HEADTEACHER has praised the creativity of his school after an excellent Estyn report.

Huw Jones of Albert Primary School lauded his staff and pupils and the wider school community for their dedication but warned it would be hard work to keep up their success, citing concerns over the effects of future budget challenges.

The school was given an excellent rating for current performance, and was rated good in terms of prospects for improvement.

The inspection took place in September this year and the report was released on Tuesday.

It cited a pupil driven curriculum as a key strength of the school which is part of its sector leading practice.

The school has been named as one of 120 schools across the country to be a pioneer school by the Welsh Government in different key areas of education.

Examples of the school's pupil driven learning include the immersion days which give them a multi-sensory experience of a subject.

The children from Albert Primary recently visited the Senedd where they sat in the debating chamber and met Penarth assembly member and health minister Vaughan Gething.

From this they drew up their own questions on politics as well as a school constitution and other ideas related to the theme of government.

Mr Jones said: "This has been a journey for us. Maintaining these standards in such tough economic times will be a challenge but these conditions make our current success all the more remarkable.

"Our high standards of creativity and care of our pupils have been recognised as being very strong at the moment."

He went on to say how parents and the wider school community have contributed heavily to the success highlighted in the report.

And, Albert Primary is keen to build on its partnership with other schools throughout Penarth and the Vale to create more innovative approaches to education.

Mr Jones added: "Our willingness to take risks when it comes to thinking of new ways to teach and learn is a key part of what we do. We have a motto at the school which is 'the power of yet' which says we can achieve anything given time.

It has been a privilege to work with such a hard working staff and such determined pupils."

Rob Williams is director of policy at the National Association of Headteachers Cymru (NAHT).

He is keen to promote the idea of headteachers sharing ideas and best practice across Penarth and the Vale of Glamorgan and said the new approaches that Albert Primary has taken will stand them in good stead to meet future challenges.