A specialist educational establishment has drawn commendation following a remarkable transformation more than a year after regulators identified significant deficiencies in its performance.
Greenfields School, situated close to Bassaleg in Newport and managed by CareTech Community Services Ltd, faced criticism during a February 2025 Estyn review. Fresh management subsequently assumed control in September 2025, introducing a new headteacher, deputy head and regional director of education.
A follow-up assessment conducted by Estyn in March 2026 observed that the implemented measures demonstrated clear direction and intentional action, with inspectors noting exceptional progress across numerous domains.
Creslyn Singh, the headteacher, explained that through persistent determination, commitment and collaborative effort, both staff and learners have developed the school into a flourishing, supportive and ambitious educational environment. She expressed tremendous pride in the advancement achieved and the constructive atmosphere established, noting that every individual within the school community contributed significantly to this achievement by displaying resolve, empathy and a unified focus on delivering optimal results for students.
Inspectors identified improvements in safeguarding practices, the emergence of a tranquil and inviting atmosphere, and a restored commitment to academic excellence. Employees received acknowledgment for building respectful and supportive connections with pupils, many of whom face social, emotional and behavioural challenges.
Sarah Hale, who teaches expressive arts at the school, observed that numerous beneficial changes have occurred throughout the current academic year. She noted that the staff body has exerted considerable effort to ensure students feel appreciated and supported while receiving the standard of education they merit, with the institution growing steadily stronger by returning to its core values of cultivating positive and nurturing relationships to help learners engage meaningfully with their studies.
Inspectors also praised weekly assemblies, additional enrichment activities, community initiatives and charitable work for enhancing students’ cultural understanding and participation. Evaluations of risk for activities conducted off school grounds were deemed largely appropriate, enabling safe experiential learning opportunities.
Progress was observed in management structures, school facilities, employee development and child protection measures, alongside more rigorous hiring procedures and improved amenities. Students now study in an appealing, safe and hospitable setting. The institution additionally enhanced its methods for documenting concerns and reinforced procedures for personal development and wellbeing strategies.
Despite these advances, Estyn determined that the school has not yet satisfied the required quality of education criteria, with variations persisting in teaching approaches and curriculum delivery. Nonetheless, the inspectorate indicated that the underlying progress in institutional culture, safeguarding and physical environment has provided the school with a stable foundation to build upon for continued advancement.