Annual Governors’ Report to Parents · reading club, a sewing club, science, writing and coding....
Transcript of Annual Governors’ Report to Parents · reading club, a sewing club, science, writing and coding....
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Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg
Y Castell
Annual Governors’
Report to Parents
2018-2019
To be presented on the
school’s website.
21st
October 2019
A paper copy is available through the school
office on request.
Cerddwn ymlaen â ffydd yn ein cân.
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Contents Page
2. Contents
3. Governors’ Introduction
4. Pupils’ Activities
9. Governors’ Activities
10. School Performance Data 2019
12. School Development Plan
15. Finance Statement
16. School Terms and Holidays 2019/20 and Times
17. Special Educational Needs
18. The Governing Body
19. Contact Details
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Governors’ Introduction
Dear Parents and Guardians,
It is once again my pleasure to introduce Ysgol Y Castell's Annual Report for
2018/19. We are constantly striving to meet the challenge of educating in the 21st
Century, and are being given more freedom to innovate and be different. I hope the
report conveys to you how we are meeting this challenge for the benefit for all pupils,
who are at the heart of everything we do.
One key to school life is helping our children to use Welsh with ease and pride. We
also want to provide an education that will start preparing them for a world that is
globally connected, technologically advanced and at times challenging. We aim to
balance this with an education that is fun and has their well being at its core.
Should you wish to help in any way with how the school functions, I encourage you
to become involved in the Parent Teachers Association or apply when a Governor's
position becomes available.
Working together makes us stronger.
Thank you for reading the report and best wishes,
Gareth Williams
Chair of Governors
No meeting was held under Section 94 of the School Standards and Organisation
(Wales) Act 2013.
One formal complaint was received during this academic year. It was resolved at
stage 2 of the Complaints Procedure.
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Pupils’ Activities
At Ysgol Y Castell, we are proud of our curricular provision, learning experiences and the
wealth of extra-curricular activities offered to pupils. All the experiences mentioned below
ensure a wide and varied provision for all our pupils. All activities enrich their learning and
inspire them to work to the best of their potential; with enjoyment, committment and towards
a meaningful purpose.
Autumn Term
Year 3 and 4 Castell Henllys
KS2 Andy Wilkenson – Caerphilly’s Environmental Officer
Aled Richards and Sioned Birchall
Creative Project led by Mrs Angharad Davies in collaboration with the Arts Council of Wales.
Year 5 and 6 Cardiff Castle
Dreigiau’r Castell Meeting with Welsh Language Charter Advisor – create their development plan.
Year 1 and 2 Dan yr Ogof
Huw Rowlands (Menter Iaith Caerffili)
Work with Dreigiau’r Castell to promote the use of Welsh in the community. Conduct a questionnaire of how many employees in Caerphilly town can speak the language and also distribute Welsh signs around the town.
Dreigiau’r Castell Celebration of ‘Shwmae, Su’mae’ day in the school community
Year 6 Saint Martin’s Church – centenary celebrations of WW1
Year 4 Urdd members
Jambori’r Urdd
Year 1 and 2 Sain Ffagan – homes through the ages
Parents Language, Literacy and Communication week. Mathematics and Numeracy week.
Creative Project National Museum of Wales – photography exhibition and Artes Mundi
FP Choir Performing in Menter Iaith Caerffili’s Christmas Fayre at Llancaiach Fawr
Year 2 Christmas Unwrapped – Van Road Chapel
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Spring Activities
Year 2 a 3 Boom Cymru – recording a television show
Year 1 and 2 Science Museum, Bristol
Year 5 Techniquest
Year 6 Water Centre, Cilfynydd
Year 6 Crucial Crew (personal safety)
Year 5 Beach Clean – Ogmore
Year 4, 5 and 6 PC Smith – internet safety
Miners’ Centre Ambassadors
Termly meeting – interviewing retired midwives about their careers in the Miners’ Hospital.
Key Stage 2 Recycling presentation from Caerphilly Environmental Officers
Nursery – Year 4 Lego workshops (with parents)
Year 6 GEAS – STEM workshops
Year 6 Outdoor education residential course in Abernant (2 nights)
Year 5 Viridor Recycling Centre (Cardiff Bay)
Year 1 and 2 PC Smith – People who help us / Playing safely
Netball Team Mascots for Celtic Dragons netball team
Year 1 a 5 Fire Brigade – Keeping Safe
Year 6 Litter pick around town with Subway
Year 6 Wings to Fly – drugs and alcohol education
Year 4 Residential course in Urdd Centre, Cardiff Bay
Year 5 (MATh) STEM workshops in Ysgol Gymraeg Caerffili
Year 3 – 6 Hockey taster sessions with the Urdd
Summer Activities
Year 5 Caerphilly Environmental Officer - discussing the children's complaint about recycling milk bottles at the school
Year 5 STEM workshop with YGG Caerffili
Year 3 Caerphilly Tennis Club
Year 1 a 2 Plantasia
30 Year 1 and 2 pupils Filming the children’s TV show ‘Ahoi!’
MAT pupils (Year 6) and their parents
Jesus College, Oxford – Raising Aspirations
Year 5 a 6 Caerphilly Tennis Club
Year 1 a 2 Rala Rwdins show
Nursery and Reception Silent World workshop (Sea Creatures)
Year 5 Creating Soap - ‘Lush’
Year 5 Caerphilly Castle – Clean Air Day
Year 5 FSM pupils and parents
University of South Wales and Mountain Ranch – Raising Aspirations
Year 4 Club 707 – moral lessons
Year 3 a 4 Fairtrade Workshops
Year 6 Gig with the Rock Band ‘Gwilym’
Year 1 a 2 Cwm Darren Park
Year 5 Fair – Business and Entrepreneurship Activities
Year 5 Trip to Penyfan Lake
Reception Bristol Aquarium
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Success and Celebrations A number of extra-curricular activities are held throughout the including the Urdd Club, arts
and crafts, sports of all kinds, choir, disco and folk dance, swapping football stickers, a
reading club, a sewing club, science, writing and coding.
Parents' evenings were held to present information and expectations for the year to them.
Pupils’ work was celebrated through class assemblies throughout the year.
Our annual Harvest Festivals were held with the learners making generous donations to the
local food bank.
Meetings of Friends of the School are held monthly to organize school community activities.
This term they arranged a Halloween disco and a very successful Christmas Fair.
There was huge success in the South East Wales cross-country competition with the Year 3
and 4 girls securing the first prize.
Football, netball and rugby teams competed enthusiastically during the term.
The swimming team competed in the Urdd swimming
competition. Esther Nicholas won her race and progressed to
the national competition.
Two Year 6 children represented Wales in the kick boxing world
championships in Greece. Ife Ashman won two golds and one
silver prize and Alfie Berry won the bronze medal.
The School Choir represented Caerphilly schools in a special
Christmas concert at St David's Hall.
Year 4 attended a residential course at Cardiff Bay and
experienced a wealth of activities in a Welsh speaking
environment.
We had a superb display of the children’s artwork and crafts. The winners were selected to
go forward to the Art Eisteddfod in Blackwood.
St David’s Day was celebrated with Eisteddfodau. A memorable day was had by all as we
celebrated the various talents of our learners. This year, Iwan Matthews won the Eisteddfod
Chair and Owen Reilly won the Eisteddfod Crown during a special ceremony under the
direction of the Gorsedd (year 5).
Successful school Eisteddfodau were held where over 50 children from each department
had the opportunity to compete in recitation, singing, acting and dancing competitions. The
winners of each competition went on to the Local Eisteddfod.
Under 8 solo – Tomos Joseph (2nd)
Under 10 solo – Oscar Blanchard (3rd)
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Under 12 solo – Sienna Missen (1st); Lili Evans (3rd)
Under 12 folk solo – Lois James (1st); Mali Hughes (2nd)
Choir (1st)
Under 8 recitation – Osian Jones (1st)
Under 10 recitation – Oscar Blanchard (2nd)
Recitation Party (Straight through to the County Eisteddfod)
We celebrated World Book Day by dressing up as our favourite Welsh book characters. It
was lovely to see all the children and staff dressed as their favourite Welsh characters.
Year 6 undertook cycling profiency training to learn how to safely ride a bicycle on the road.
Daily fitness sessions were held in conjunction with the Urdd’s campaign to celebrate
‘Healthy January’. A number of classes and all the children in the hafan now participate in
yoga sessions to calm their minds for five minutes at the start of every day.
This year's Creative Project culminated in a celebration of the
children's poems and photographs. Parents, staff, governors and
local businesses were invited to a special exhibition where the
children were highly praised for their commitment and
perseverance.
Every child in Year 3 and 4 participated in daily swimming lessons
for three weeks. 61% of year 3 and 89% of year 4 are now able to
swim 25m - the Welsh Government's target for 11 year olds.
A host of musical activities were held to celebrate Welsh Music
Day led by Dreigiau’r Castell. Everyone dressed as a pop star, listened to their favorite
bands and composed music.
Also, the Welsh Whisperer came to school to work with Dreigiau’r Castell, composing an
original song for them in accordance with their Language Charter targets. All pupils then
attended a concert with him, with everyone joining in his songs.
Science and Technology Week was celebrated with family workshops in collaboration with
the Eden Centre, Cardiff University and GEAS. The children and their parents enjoyed
activities including coding, lego and experiments with STEM experts.
The World Downs Syndrome Day was celebrated by wearing odd socks to school and
discussing individual talents and the differences between us all. We also raised £ 150 for the
charity.
The Friends of the School organised an Afternoon Tea, The Penny Challenge and a
successful BBQ.
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Year 5 attended a residential course at Llangrannog for a week where they had the
opportunity to experience a range of activities. Thanks to Mrs L. Griffiths, Mrs H. Bie, Miss L.
Davies, Mr A. Hill, Mr G. Robinson for giving of their personal time to take the children.
A large number of children competed in the National Eisteddfod (Under 10 Folk Dancing,
Cerdd Dant Party, Cerdd Dant Solo under 12 and Under 8, Deulais Party, Dancing, Solo
Folk Song under 12, Under 8's, Solo recitation Under 8, Recitation Party and the Choir).
During the two days, the children's performances were thrilling, although we were robbed
again! It was good to celebrate their achievements as a school community - teachers,
children and our proud families. Thank you to all the staff for their hours of tireless work in
preparing the children for the occasion. The greatest pleasure was seeing our young Welsh
people exploring ‘The Maes’ using their language naturally.
For the first time in our history, the school received a first prize at the Urdd National
Eisteddfod for the film ‘Tisian Trychinebus Dewi' which was created by the Creative Crew
under the leadership of Mrs Lowri Griffiths.
Osian Jones (Year 1) also won a silver medal in the Under 8's Recitation competition - we
would like to thank Mrs Delyth Jones for her coaching. Congratulations to them both.
Our girls’ football team won the regional competition and played brilliantly in the national
competition held in Aberystwyth. Many thanks to Mr Hill for coaching the children.
The children had a day to remember at Ffiliffest, enjoyed all kinds of folk dances, and
celebrated their ‘Welshness’ with other children from the valley.
The Athletics Team competed confidently under the leadership of Mr Hill, Mr Hughes and
Mrs Lugg, winning the Welsh medium cluster championship.
The school (under the leadership of the Eco Committee, Miss Toms and Mrs Thomas) won
the second green flag for environmental work. One of the main reasons for the success was
the commitment of the whole school community to environmental projects as part of their
curricular activities. The new curriculum provides more opportunities for the children to lead
the learning, and it was noted that the learners’ voice was an obvious strenght during the
assessment by Keep Wales Tidy Officers.
We are a Welsh medium school who immerse the Foundation Phase pupils in Welsh to ensure their bilingualism. English is introduced in Key Stage 2.
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Attendance Information 2018 / 2019
Attendance Authorised
Absences
Unauthorised
Absences
Target 2018-2019 95.3% 4.7% 0%
Autumn Term 2018 95.1% 4.1% 0.8%
Spring Term 2019 95.7% 3.3% 0.9%
Summer Term 2019 92.8% 5.4% 1.8%
Academic Year 2018 -
2019
94.7% 4.2% 1.1%
We constantly engage with parents and guardians to reduce the number of unauthorised absences through correspondence and text messages.
90% attendance over 5 years of school = ½ a school year missed
We urge parents not to withdraw children for holidays.
Every lesson counts!
Most pupils and parents think 90% attendance is good. Are they right?
90% attendance = ½ a day missed every week!
Attendance at the end of
the year Days missed from school
100% 0
99.5% 1
97.4% 5
95% 10
90% 19
87% 24
85% 28
80% 38
75% 47
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A REVIEW OF GOVERNOR'S ACTIVITY FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2018/19
It has been another busy year for the governors at Ysgol y Castell. The governing body continues to meet once every half term with sub-committees meeting at regular intervals. Governors meet regularly with Mrs Nuttall and receive a termly report on the progress of the school
which includes a detailed analysis of pupil progress. As per statutory requirements, all governors
receive training on how to analyse the data and challenge the senior leadership team on the findings.
As an example, members of the governing body are invited to a data scrutiny session where they are
introduced to the processes used to by senior leaders to review learner progression against targets,
which, in turn, informs conversations with class teachers to better understand performance of
individuals and year group against expected outcomes, ensuring all leaners are supported and
stretched appropriately to enable them to excel.
In addition to the half-termly meetings, governors are offered numerous opportunities to visit the school
throughout the year to observe day to day activities including learning walks. Governors also attended
assemblies, school council meetings and the wonderful exhibition showcasing Year 4’s Creative
Project photography and poetry. Members have also attended extra-curricular provision such as
concerts, fayres, and other activities open to the school community. These opportunities offer a
fantastic insight into how the school operates and are incredibly informative in shaping our strategic
vision for the school.
One of the many successes for the school this year was our continued categorisation as Green School
in the national categorisation process. Highlights from the report include:
Standards have been consistently good across all subjects in both key stages for several years. The value added by the school as pupils move through the school is very good.
The development of skills throughout the school is very good. Oracy and reading skills in both languages and numeracy and ICT skills have been consistently strong over the last 5 years.
Learner voice is strong and learner committees operate effectively. This means that learners report they feel they play an important part in moving the school.
The Head teacher and a strong leadership team together with an effective governing body have a very strong, shared vision for the school and, as a result, the school has shown continuous improvement. The school has a very good track record of raising standards for all learners over the past 3 years and are particularly effective in raising standards for almost all learners.
The school is at the beginning of some exciting structural developments which began with the
introduction of the ramp at the front of the site and will see a state of the art, two class nursery
introduced at the rear of the site, due to open September 2020. Our Finance, Buildings and Health
Safety Committees have been at the heart of these developments, working with Caerphilly County
Borough Council to ensure these enhancements to the site are fit for purpose, meet the needs of our
growing school community and cause minimal disruption during the construction phase.
In 2018/19 we welcomed Dean John as a new parent governor and said goodbye to Heather Bie and
Lisa Missen who have served the group tirelessly during their membership. The governing body would
like to thank Heather and Lisa for their significant contributions throughout their membership. We would
like to thank Mrs Nuttall and her staff for all their hard work which led to another busy and successful
year at Ysgol Y Castell. We look forward to working alongside them again in the coming year to
implement the School Development Plan and further raise standards.
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School Performance Data 2019
Foundation Phase:
Pupils at the end of Foundation Phase (7 years old) are expected to achieve
outcome 5. Some pupils exceed the expectation and gain outcome 6 and other
pupils gain outcome 4.
The % of pupils that achieved outcome 5 and above by the end of FPh in 2019.
Subject Targets
set by
school
Ysgol Y Castell
Welsh 96% 92.2%
Mathematics 96% 94.7%
Wellbeing 100% 98.2%
Core Subject
Indicator (success
in all 3 core subjects)
96% 92.2%
The % of pupils that achieved outcome 6 by the end of FPh in 2019.
Subject Targets
set by
school
Ysgol Y Castell
Welsh 45% 41%
Mathematics 44% 52%
Wellbeing 58% 57%
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Key Stage 2:
Pupils at the end of KS2 (11 years old) are expected to achieve level 4. Some pupils
exceed the expectation and gain level 5 and other pupils gain level 3.
The % of pupils that achieved level 4 and above by the end of KS2 in 2019.
Subject School
targets
Ysgol Y
Castell
Welsh 98% 96%
English 98% 96%
Mathematics 98% 98%
Science 98% 98%
Core Subject
Indicator
98% 96%
The % of pupils that achieved level 5 by the end of KS2 in 2019.
Subject School
targets
Ysgol Y
Castell
Welsh 52% 48%
English 52% 48%
Mathematics 56% 58%
Science 52% 56%
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Progress report on School Development Plan (2018 – 2019)
Target - Raise standards of boys' writing at the higher levels throughout the school. Actions and Impact All Nursery and Reception children have been involved in the Pori trwy Stori scheme, presenting their songs / rhymes to their parents during the Language and Literacy week. As a result, most boys in the Reception classes now speak Welsh fluently. They sing and recite rhymes confidently. Following ‘Creativity in the Foundation Phase’ course, strategies and pedagogy shared are embedded in Nursery and Reception classes. The effective use of Pie Corbett methods are a great help to the younger children as they write. As a result, the standards of MAT boys’ oral and written language develop positively towards outcome 4+. In general throughout the school, there are examples of extended writing tasks with appropriate stimulants to the themes. As a result, the boys' written work is developing well in line with the expectations for their age. About half of the boys are achieving expectations +1. Regular marking is evident in all books, but it has the greatest impact when the staff succeed in moving the learning forward by challenging the children. This is the strength of the upper KS2 department. As a result, boys are challenged to redraft and to improve pieces of work. There are examples of WAGALL / WABOLL, self-evaluation and peer assessment in every class and as a result the boys have a very good understanding of the genres studied and take responsibility for improving their own work. All of the books have current personal writing targets. In the best examples, children take full responsibility over these and they have a positive impact on standards of extended writing. In almost every class, boys have very good opportunities to apply their writing skills across the curriculum. Teachers choose interesting topics that inspire them and as a result the standard and content of the work is very good. In cases where the work is not of the expected standard, presentation and handwriting are the problem rather than content. In March 2019, we won the NACE Cymru award which recognizes that we are a school that plans and provides excellent provision for our MAT learners. Teachers' weekly plans and individual plans show opportunities to share good practice and language drilling sessions to develop the children's oral and written language, including the MAT boys. Dreigiau’r Castell meet regularly and continue to lead the school effectively to maintain the standards of the Language Charter. Weekly, the Welsh language pattern is provided by the Dreigiau to display on classroom walls and promote throughout the week. Each class' scores are collected by the Dreigiau and the winning classes are rewarded in assemblies. In providing regular and varied opportunities to write for a purpose, learners (including the MAT boys) engage and challenge themselves. A large number of workshops / visitors / visits have also motivated our learners this year when speaking and writing. Various pieces of learners' written work, including MAT boys, were collected by SLT. Joint moderation sessions were held in staff meetings with pairs / triads of staff levelling work. As a result, staff were given opportunities to level the work of different ages of learners and hold professional discussions,
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challenging each other and agreeing an appropriate level / outcome at the end of the session, developing confidence in moderation. The SLT analyze data and targets of individual children (including the MAT boys and the target children) in order to hold professional discussions and challenge staff (as necessary). The Way Forward
Following training on the Big Write, a number of simple but effective strategies were introduced to raise the standards of oracy and writing. As a result of this, we will need to ensure the best use of resources and strategies as part of the SDP.
It was noted that the closing the gap marking needs to be developed in some classes. As a result, there will be more individual training and mentoring for the staff concerned in order to ensure the impact of marking on learners' standards. There is a need to continue to share good practice and monitor the marking in these classes in the Autumn term 2019. There is a need to insist on high linguistic expectations of children and staff in all situations, especially in less formal situations (Language Charter Target). The excellent practice that exists in the school needs to be shared among all staff in order to motivate and challenge boys at the higher levels. Having sought out good practice in a variety of schools across the consortium, the decision of the SMT is to turn practices on their head, focusing on oral language, drama and rich literature to enhance written work as well as encouraging the boys' interest in factual work.
Target - Develop ICT skills in line with the Digital Competency Framework to ensure consistency and continuity across the school. Activities and impact An action plan has been created by the new leaders during workshops with Aspire2b. The new leadership team has a clear vision for the development of the ICT framework across the school. The new leaders offer appropriate support to the staff and pupils. Leaders are aware of the strengths and the development needs of all staff and worked with I-Teach to provide bespoke INSET. Through the re-location of equipment and establishment of timetables, almost all pupils in the FP have weekly access to a skills development lesson. They also use the equipment daily (mainly I-pads) to apply their ICT skills across the curriculum. In KS2, the relocation of equipment allows almost every child in years 5 and 6 to access a Chromebook on a daily basis to develop and apply their skills. Year 3 and 4 children use Chromebooks which are available to share across the department via an agreed timetable. As a result, many pupils' ICT skills are good across the curriculum. MAT children have regular opportunities to develop their skills and train others, either through their role as a digital leader or through additional clubs and activities. Where best practice in ICT is observed, pupils make outstanding and sustained progress over time, with a significant proportion of pupils making better progress than expected. They also develop, use and apply their ICT and digital learning skills very effectively and consistently in a wide range of tasks across
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the curriculum, including new learning situations. The ICT provision is clearly seen in teachers' plans and they use it as a tool to stimulate and develop pupils’ literacy and numeracy skills. As a result, standards of attainment remain high in the school. MAT children have regular opportunities to develop their skills and train others, either through their role as a digital leader or through additional clubs and activities. The number of children reaching Level 5 by the end of KS2 has also continued to increase year on year, with a slight increase since last year (Welsh +1% to 48%, English +1% to 48%, Mathematics +1% to 58%, Science +3% to 56%).
Targed - Curriculum reform - ensure the staffs’ understanding of curriculum implemtation and principles, strengthen the voice of the learners when planning and enrich opportunities for parents to join in their children's learning. Activities and impact
The Professional Leader of Learning and members of the SLT are fully aware of developments towards curriculum reform through regular training. There is a robust professional development programme in place that encompasses the individual needs of the staff and the requirements of the SDP. Performance Management objectives are focussed around these developments and as a result all staff are accountable for curriculum reform and the management of their individual professional development. All staff are more aware of education reform in Wales over the next few years. They understand the significance of the four core purposes and in their curricular teams, they have ensured that they understand the ‘What Matters’ statements in their AoLEs. School leaders’ vision of how to develop and embed the new curriculum over the next few years is sound. However, we are still awaiting final drafts of each AoLE and important information (eg assessment) before making major changes to our current practice. School stakeholders are becoming more familiar with the terminology and content of the new curriculum as a result of interaction and sharing of good practice that regularly takes place. Verbal feedback from parents about the cross-curricular weeks has been extremely positive. The structure of the weeks has raised parents' awareness of the areas of learning that will exist within the new curriculum. When speaking to learners about new homework procedures, they shared their opinion that the new homework structure is successful and that they like to have choice.
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Target - Raise standards of teaching through personal research to meet the requirements of the new professional standards. Activities and impact Through performance management processes, the whole staff have been encouraged to consider
'leadership' and have a third target that challenges them to lead on an aspect of the SDP.
Staff received training from the EAS on the new professional standards. As a result, they are all aware
of the requirements of the new standards.
Training was provided that focused on the new curriculum and the 12 pedagogical principles. More
emphasis was placed on the third principle 'Blended Learning'. As a result, most teachers understand
the characteristics of good pedagogy and have chosen a specific aspect of their work to improve
through professional research.
Following the training, all teachers engaged in professional research to determine a commitment to act
in their classes. This led onto an investigative project during the Spring term with triads / sub-
departments jointly planning sessions and observing each other.
A twilight session was used to begin the process of joint lesson planning. As a result of the previous
professional research undertaken, all teachers had focussed ideas of what pedagogical aspects they
wanted to research and implement. Reflective and professional discussions took place as a result of
joint lesson observations which enabled teachers to refine and improve their practice.
Teachers provided presentations to the rest of the staff and some governors about the impact of their
research projects developed during this academic year. All discussed the positive impact the research
has had on learners' standards within their classes. The projects have ensured that the provision of
authentic learning through combined methods of teaching has been established in most classes within
the school. This was observed by members of the SLT during lesson observation sessions.
A summary of the way forward
The SLT will provide a new program of professional research, opportunities to visit other schools,
support, mentoring, motivating and challenging standards of teaching and learning. This internal CPD
will strengthen the leadership skills of all school staff and their ability to think critically about their
professional standards.
A requirement of the school’s partnership with Cardiff Metropolitan University is the provision of
professional development for all staff as learning mentors to train, support and guide student teachers.
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School Development Plan (2019-2020)
★ Target 1 - Maintain and continue to raise standards of oracy so that they have a positive
impact on written standards at the higher outcomes / levels.
★ Target 2 - Refine wellbeing provision for pupils and staff at school.
★ Target 3 – Refine standards of teaching and leadership through personal research and
continuing professional development to realize Wales' educational ambitions.
Develop as a Lead Practitioner school in collaboration with schools and Cardiff
Metropolitan University to provide quality ITE for the future workforce.
★ Target 4 - Further embed the breadth of teaching and learning in line with the four core
purposes through the development of AOLEs.
N.B.
Recommendation 1 - Continue to reduce the attainment and attendance gap of pupils eligible for
free school meals with their peers.
The school will continue the promotion, monitoring and attendance, attainment and
wellbeing activities established in 2017-2018, but not as a SDP target.
Toilet Facilities
The school completed their planned 4 year scheme to replace all toilet facilities.
Cleaners are employed by Caerphilly LA to clean the toilets twice a day, ensuring a
sufficient supply of toilet paper, soap and hot water. The temperature of the water is
checked on a weekly basis by the caretaker. Unannounced hygiene inspections took
place and all toilets were deemed to be of a satisfactory standard.
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Financial Statement
School Budget - Expenditure and Income (April 2018 – March 2019)
Area of Spending Total Amount Overall Balance
Staffing Costs £1,150,458
Premises Related Costs £145,021
Supplies and Services £72,229
School Development Plan £11,546
LA Service Level Agreements £33,435
Total Expenditure
£1,421,688
Income
£208,530
Net Expenditure
£1,204,159
Total Funding for School (April 2018 – March 2019)
Funding Amount Overall Balance
Total Formula Allocation £1,220,490
Balance carried forward from previous year
£51,156
Total Funding £1,271,647
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School Terms and Holidays 2019/2020
In addition, the school will be closed for five further teacher training days. These will be notified to
you in due course through text message and they will be published on the school’s website. This
calendar meets the statutory requirements of 195 days, of which 190 are spent with pupils present
and five for teacher training.
School Times
Children of Foundation Stage age are required by the National Curriculum to work a
minimum of 21.5 hours a week (excluding breaks, assembly and registration).
Children of Key Stage Two age should work a minimum of 23.5 hours per week.
Foundation Phase Key Stage 2
School Starts 9.00 – 10.30 a.m. 9.00 – 10.45 a.m.
Morning Break 10.30 – 10.45 a.m. 10.50 – 11.05 a.m.
Lunch 12.00 – 1.15 p.m. 12.15 – 1.15 p.m.
Afternoon Break 2.35 – 2.45 p.m. 2.20 – 2.30 p.m.
School Ends 3.30 p.m. 3.30pm
N.B. Pupils of non-statutory nursery age attend school on a part time basis:
Morning group: 9:00 – 11:45
Afternoon group: 12:45 – 3:30
O I Half Term
Autumn Term 2019 02.09.19 20.12.19 28.10.19 - 01.11.19
Spring Term 2020 06.01.20 03.04.20 17.02.20 –
21.02.20
Summer Term 2020 20.04.20 20.07.20 25.05.20 –
29.05.20
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Access for Disabled Pupils
Ysgol Y Castell welcomes children with special needs and abilities. To ensure that all children
have equal access to the curriculum, the SENCO, class teachers, Headteacher and outside
agencies will work together to provide for each individual’s needs. The school’s Equal
Opportunities policy and policy for Special Educational Needs explain this in more detail.
The building itself has limitations as far as access for disabled persons is concerned. There is
ramp access to the main building, hall and external classrooms. Although the school has two
disabled toilet facilities, physical access in some areas remains difficult.
Where possible, arrangements will be made to accommodate disabled pupils and visitors.
Additional Learning Needs
Whilst we encourage all children in Ysgol Y Castell to work to their full potential, we recognise that
some children will require some extra support at times during their school career.
We place these children on our register of Additional Learning Needs (ALN) and our Additional
Learning Needs Co-ordinator (ALENCo) then assists the class teacher, parents and children to
write:-
an Individual Educational Plan (IEP),
Individual Behaviour Plan (IBP),
Play Plan for younger children,
which will set out a programme of work for that child to follow.
The ALENCo (Mrs S. Curran) also liaises with parents, other staff, the school nurse, Speech and
Language therapists and the Psychology Service. The school takes advice and support from the
LA, through Inclusion Services, which covers all of the above agencies as well as Behaviour
Support and the Hearing and Visual Impairment services.
Some pupils require intensive 1:1 support; some receive a few hours a week to under take
specific tasks and others are supported in smaller groups. Most children are supported within the
classroom, with differentiated work and teacher support. Our school is an inclusive one, and we
welcome pupils with a wide variety of needs and abilities into our mainstream classes. All pupils
are fully involved in day to day activities, both within the school and in the community.
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The school’s prospectus is updated annually and is available to all on the school’s
website.
MAT Provision
At Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg y Castell we recognise and support the needs of those children who have
been identified as more able and talented (MAT) according to the NACE guidelines in one or more
areas of learning.
It is our aim to ensure individual children are encouraged to develop their attributes, skills and
potential within a learning environment that embraces equality of opportunity and provision. We are
also committed to identifying and meeting the needs of these young children as early as possible in
order to enable them to achieve their potential.
Over the last year we have made huge progress in our MAT provision and following a full assessment
of our provision, the school won the NACE national prize in recognition of all the work.
Mr Robinson has continued to implement the policy, implement workshops for the KS2 pupils and the
writing squad for year 2. A questionnaire has been produced for pupils and parents to see what clubs
outside of school that pupils are part of and a section for parent to detail theirs and the wider families’
skills to see if we can draw on expertise.
Mr Robinson arranged an educational visit to the Jesus College in Oxford for a selection of Year 6
MAT pupils and their parents. The trip was a fantastic experience and opportunity. It was very
inspiring for all and the pupils that attended were all very enthusiastic following the trip.
The MAT pupils are continuing to lead the learning giving them great opportunities to help others
improve their skills. Excellent examples of this are the Creative School Projects and the role of Digital
Ambassadors, Sports Playleaders and Dreigiau’r Castell.
The next academic year is an exciting time as we continue to work and develop our MAT provision.
We are also looking to engage with other areas outside of school that pupils could be MAT e.g. sport
based clubs, drama, arts and music.
We aim to ensure that all our pupils have access to the curriculum, no matter what their needs and
abilities, and we will continue to use a range of support mechanisms and services to achieve this.
We aim to ensure that all our pupils have access to the curriculum, no matter what their needs
and abilities, and we will continue to use a range of support mechanisms and services to
achieve this.
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The Governing Body
The Governing Body is responsible for the effective management of the school.
There are seventeen Governors (including the Head teacher in an ex-officio
capacity). Terms of office are normally four years and the Full Governing Body is
currently constituted as shown below.
The Clerk to the Governors is Mrs Ruth Michard, who may be contacted via the
Education Achievement Service, Tredomen House, Tredomen.
Name Type of Representative Terms of Office
Mr. Gareth Williams
(Chairperson)
LA Representative 10.02.16 – 09.02.20
Miss Rhian Jones
(Vice Chairperson)
Community Representative 30.03.17 – 29.03.21
Mrs Anwen Hill Community Representative 26.01.16 – 25.01.20
Mrs Eleri Betts LA Representative 12.06.17 – 11.06.21
Miss Sara Davies LA Representative 23.01.17 – 22.01.21
Dr. Iwan Morris LA Representative 01.09.16 – 31.08.20
Mr. Adrian Stone LA Representative 13.12.17 – 12.12.21
Mrs Lisa Missen Community Representative 05.02.16 – 04.02.20
Mr. Emyr Jones Community Representative 04.11.15 – 03.11.19
Mr. Dean John Parent Representative 19.11.18 – 20.11.22
Mr Chris Webb Parent Representative 15.03.16 – 14.03.20
Mrs Kate Hall Parent Representative 12.12.17– 11.12.21
Mrs Sonya Hughes Parent Representative 15.03.16 – 14.03.20
Ms Siân Baldwin Parent Representative 12.12.17– 11.12.21
Mrs Helen Nuttall Head Teacher 01.09.09
Mrs Cath Evans Lugg Teacher Representative 12.03.15 – 11.03.19
Mr Gareth Hughes Teacher Representative 01.09.17 – 31.08.21
Mrs Mairwen Dainton Support Staff Representative 01.09.18 – 31.08.22
The next election date for one Parent-Governor is March 2020.
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Contact Details
Caerphilly County Borough Council – Local Education Authority
Chief Education Officer
Mrs. K. Cole
Tŷ Penallta,
Tredomen
Telephone (01443 815588)
www.caerphilly.gov.uk
School Contact Information
Chair of Governors: Mr Gareth Williams (c/o Ysgol Y Castell)
Headteacher: Mrs Helen Nuttall
Clerk to the Governors: Mrs Ruth Michard
(Contact at Education Achievement Services, Tredomen House,Ystrad Mynach)
Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Y Castell
Crescent Road
Caerphilly
CF83 1WH
Telephone (029 20864790)
Fax (029 20867220)
E-Mail: [email protected]