YSGOL Dyffryn Aman is celebrating after being given a glowing report by school inspectorate, Estyn.

The Ammanford secondary school was inspected in November last year, and the report, published on Thursday, praised the school for their accomplishments.

The school was rated 'Good' for its general standards, its teaching and learning experiences, its care, support and guidance, and its leadership and management.

It was also rated 'Excellent' for its approach to wellbeing and attitudes to learning.

Praising the school, the report said: "Ysgol Dyffryn Aman has an extremely homely and inclusive Welsh ethos. Most pupils show very positive attitudes towards their work. An excellent feature is their willingness to persevere when facing challenges. Overall, they are polite and friendly pupils who work together extremely well.

"The senior leadership team sets high expectations for staff and pupils. They share a clear vision to ensure the highest levels of wellbeing and improve pupils' Welsh language skills. Leaders at all levels work together effectively and are willing to trial and evaluate experimental curricular arrangements."

Speaking specifically about the school's approach to wellbeing and attitudes to learning, which received the highest rating possible, it continued: "Pupils wellbeing and attitudes to learning are an extremely strong feature of Ysgol Dyffryn Aman. Pupils appreciate the support that they receive and thrive with a community that has a special familial spirit.

"The school council is a very enthusiastic body that has a very positive influence on a wide range of aspects of school life, for example by improving the school environment by introducing water fountains in order to reduce the use of plastic.

"Pupils with profound educational needs develop life skills with Canolfan Amanwy.

"Most pupils feel safe at school and are confident that they receive support when facing problems. Many feel that staff respond well to the rare cases of bullying."

The leadership at the school was also praised by the report, particularly for the way in which the school encourages inclusivity.

It said: "Ysgol Dyffryn Aman is a familial and caring community that provides valuable support and guidance for its pupils. The principle of 'ready to learn, develop and success' is a strong foundation for its work.

"The school succeeds in ensuring that pupils from all backgrounds and of all abilities, including pupils at Canolfan Amanwy, are included fully in all of the school's activities.

"There are valuable opportunities for pupils to influence policies and procedures through the school councils.

"Since she was appointed in 2017, the headteacher has shared her clear and ambitious vision successfully with the whole school community. This vision is based on providing educational experiences of the highest standard for pupils while supporting the wellbeing of staff and pupils in a familial community.

"They work tirelessly to ensure equal opportunities and stimulating experiences for pupils in the catchment area."

Mrs Nerys Nicholas, headteacher at Ysgol Dyffryn Aman, said: "I wish to thank everyone involved with Ysgol Dyffryn Aman's success.

"Through the effective collaborative working of all stakeholders, we are ensuring that all pupils receive the best possible experiences in 'an extremely homely and inclusive Welsh ethos'."

Mr Geraint Jones, chair of Ysgol Dyffryn Aman's governing body, said: "I would, on behalf of the Governors of Ysgol Dyffryn Aman thank and congratulate the school and the management team on their recent very successful and impressive inspection report.

"In expressing these congratulations, we are very aware of the hard work of the teaching staff and of the pupils in reaching these standards, together with the continued and constant support of the parents, non teaching staff and the friends of the school.

"As a school which values its community role, we are aware that the success of this school is dependent on everyone connected with our educational provision playing their part in our success and development.

"May I also thank my fellow Governors for their hard work over the years and for their support to me since my appointment as chair."