gyda’n gilydd yn gwneud ein gorau glas · ygyt governors report to parents 2017-18 final...

Gyda’n Gilydd Yn Gwneud Ein Gorau Glas

Ysgol Gymraeg Y Trallwng

Annual Report to Parents

2017 / 2018

The highlights of this report will bepresented to parents at an Open Evening

at the school on Thursday, 8 November at 6pm

YGYT Governors Report to Parents 2017-18 FINAL 07Nov18.doc

Contents

Welcome from The Chair of Governors

School Governance

School Life

Assessments

School Development Plan

Financial Information

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Welcome From The Chair of Governors

Dear parent / guardian

It it my pleasure and privilege to present the very first Annual Report to Parents for Ysgol Gymraeg Y Trallwng, for the Academic Year 2017 – 18.

As the inaugural year of Ysgol Gymraeg Y Trallwng, and my first year as Chair of the Governing body, it has been an exciting and busy year. Many events and celebrations happened in our new school for the first time – the autumn harvest festival, Christmas concerts and dinners, attending the Eisteddfod and Llangrannog, to name just a few.

I particularly enjoyed our official launch in April of this year – it was such a pleasure to see the children presenting so many elements of Welsh culture through song and dance for their families, dignitaries and the wider community to enjoy. It was a real celebration of our new school, and a taster of things to come in the future.

I would like to sincerely thank the pupils at Ysgol Gymraeg Y Trallwng for their enthusiasm, hard work and exemplary behaviour throughout the year. I have personally experienced all of these virtues on many occasions, and have also received similar praise from many other individuals and organisations who have been in contact with the school. The pupils are a credit to the school, and always appear to be enjoying their learning and other activities they take part in.

Finally, I would like to thank the staff, the parents, the Governors and all those who volunteer their time to make the school what it is.

Looking forward to the year ahead, I am excited to be working with the staff and Governing Body to help our school thrive and grow. From getting to know the new children who have joined us in Reception, to ensuring our Year 6 pupils are adequately prepared for the next stage of their education, and everything in between.

Whilst it is no longer a statutory requirement to hold a meeting to present this report to parents, we will be presenting the highlights of the report to parents at the Open Evening arranged for 8 November 2018. We hope to see you there.

Sincerely

Lindsey PhillipsChair of the Governing Body

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School Governance

The Governing BodyAll Governors are elected by the body they represent, and serve a period of four years. After that time they step down, but are eligible to be re-elected if the body they represent so wishes. The Chair and Vice-Chair are elected by the Governing Body. The school willinform parents of any opportunities arising to be part of the Governing Body, and the electoral arrangements.

The Governing Body and the Headteacher share responsibility for the strategic management of the school, acting within the framework set by national legislation and by policies of the Local Authority (LA).

The full Governing Body meets once every half term. In addition, sub-committees meet regularly to discuss specific issues. They report to the full Governing Body for formal ratification of proposals. The minutes of Governing Body meetings are available from theclerk to governors (see below).

During the 2017 – 2018 academic year, the full Governing Body met 6 times, and the sub-committee structure was developed and agreed. Governors also carried out monitoring days during the Spring and Summer terms, undertaking wall trawls, book scrutiny and talking to learners.

Current Governing Body (as at September 2018)

Chair of Governors: Mrs Lindsey Phillips ([email protected])

Clerk to Governors: Mrs Jen Wilde ([email protected])

Name Type of Governor Term of OfficeBethan Bleddyn Headteacher N/ALaura Jones Teaching Staff To September 2021Layla Long Non-Teaching Staff To September 2022Lindsey Phillips (Chair) Parent Governor To September 2021Emma Mason Parent Governor To September 2021John Ward Parent Governor To March 2022Joanne Williamson Parent GovernorMrs Morag Bailey LEA To September 2021Mr Tudor Jones LEA To July 2022Vacancy LEA To July 2022Dr Margaret Jones Community To March 2022Mrs Jane Howells Community To September 2021Mrs Rona Evans Community To September 2021Mr David Senior Additional Community To September 2021

Meeting Between Parents / Carers and the Governing Body

Section 94 of the Schools Standards and Organization (Wales) Act 2013 (the Act) made important changes to the previous legislative arrangements regarding Annual Parents’/ Governors’ Meetings. It is no longer a requirement for a school to arrange an annual meeting with parents. However, the legislation provides parents with the opportunity to request a meeting with a governing body.

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mailto:[email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


To call a meeting with the Governing Body, parents need to satisfy four (4) statutory requirements as follows:

1. the parents of 10% of registered pupils, or the parents of 30 registered pupils (whichever is the lowest) must sign a petition requesting a meeting;

2. the purpose of the meeting must be to discuss matters regarding the school;3. the maximum number of meetings parents may request in any school year is

three (3);4. there must be enough school days left in the school year to allow for a meeting

(see below).

Additionally: the meetings must be held within a 25 day period; the 25 day period begins on the day after receiving the petition, but does not

include any days that are not school days; if another meeting needs to be held due to a different petition, the 25 day period

will not begin until the day after the other meeting has been held; there must be enough days left in the school year to hold the meeting within the

25 day period; meetings will be open to all parents of registered pupils at the school, the

Headteacher and anyone else who is invited by the governing body; notification of the meetings to parents must include the date, time and venue, as

well as the matter or matters to be discussed.

There was no call for a Governors’ meeting to be held with Parents in accordance with section 94 of the School Standards and Organization (Wales) Act 2013 during the 2017 -18 academic year.

Governors’ Expenses

Governors were not paid any expenses during the year. I would like to thank my fellow governors for providing their services completely voluntarily for the benefit of the school and pupils.

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School Life

About Our School

Ysgol Gymraeg Y Trallwng was established in September 2017 as the first designated Welsh Primary School in Welshpool. There are currently 74 pupils on roll.

Curriculum and Teaching Arrangements

The quality and variety of learning experiences provided for the pupils throughout the school is very important to us. A broad and balanced curriculum is offered which meets all statutory requirements. Teachers continue to review the curriculum in light of new developments. A strong focus is placed on developing communication, number, ICT and thinking skills.

School Language Category – Specified Welsh school

Use of Welsh in the School

Welsh is used in the Foundation Phase and at Key Stage 2 as the main languagein every element of curricular and extracurricular work and activity in the school. English is introduced to pupils in Year 3.

Welsh is the language of natural communication in the school. There is no limit on the use of Welsh in the school. Welsh is promoted in every

aspect of the life and work of Ysgol Gymraeg Y Trallwng. The school achieved the Welsh Language Charter bronze award during the year,

and pupils are extensively involved in the implementation of the charter in the school.

School Staff (as at September 2018)

The school has mixed age group classes across the school and is split into 4 classes, 2 in the Foundation Phase (Reception to Year 2) and 2 in Key Stage 2 (Year 3 to Year 6).

Headteacher: Mrs Bethan Bleddyn

Deputy Headteacher: Miss Laura Jones

Year Teacher Teaching AssistantReception & Year 1 Mrs Eirian Williams Mrs Jane MorganYear 1 & 2 Miss Laura Jones Miss Layla LongYear 3 & 4 Miss Catrin Davies Mrs Zoe DaviesYear 5 & 6 Mrs Clare Hamer Mrs Zoe DaviesPPA Miss Mary Griffiths

Miss Mari Jones

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Support Staff:

Secretary: Miss Catrin GeraintLunchtime Supervisors: Miss Catrin Geraint, Miss Layla Long, Mrs Zoe DaviesBreakfast Club Leader: Miss Catrin GeraintBreakfast Club Assistant: Mrs Zoe DaviesCaretaker: Mrs Sharon LeeCleaners: Mrs Sharon Lee; Mrs Jill Parry

Staff Training

The below provides examples of training carried out by members of staff during 2017 – 18 academic year.

Date Staff Training

Jan 2018Eirian Williams Foundation Phase – Sharing of good

practise.Bethan Bleddyn GDPR

Feb 2018

Laura Jones Digital Pathway 1Teachers Digital CompetenceBethan Bleddyn Self EvaluationBethan Bleddyn Improve feedback to reduce workload

Mar 2018

Laura Jones Eco School groundsLayla Long Higher level teaching assistant trainingLaura Jones MathematicsLaura Jones Digital Pathway 2

Apr 2018 Eirian Williams Foundation Phase

May 2018Zoe Davies National Reasoning Test MarkingBethan Bleddyn Self Evaluation

Jun 2018 Laura Jones Digital Pathway 3

Teaching Time

Foundation Phase Key Stage 2Registration 09.00 09.00Lessons Begin 09.05 09.05Morning Break 10.15 – 10.30 10.30 – 10.45Lunch 12 – 13.00 12.10 – 13.00Afternoon Lessons 13.00 – 15.25 13.00 – 15.30Afternoon Break 14.15 – 14.30End of School 15.25 15.30

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Term Dates

Pupil Attendance

The overall attendance target for 17 – 18 was 96%.

Term(2017 – 18 Academic Year)

OverallAttendance %

AuthorizedAbsences %

UnauthorizedAbsences %

Autumn 97.53 2.40 0.08Spring 95.41 4.44 0.16Summer 94.08 5.68 0.24Annual Average 95.74 4.11 0.15

Improving Attendance

The school follows the Local Education Authority’s Attendance Pathway to manage absence. Awards were presented to pupils with exemplary attendance at the end of the Summer Term.

Parents were provided with information about the importance of good attendance, the detrimental impact on learning of low attendance, and the school’s approach to managing attendance.

Overall, the Governing Body is pleased with the level of attendance for the year, in particular the low level unauthorized absences.

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School Prospectus

The first version of the school prospectus was developed during the year, and this is nowavailable on the school’s web site. This will be updated as required and will be reviewedannually.

Parent Engagement

The development of a partnership with parents is an important aim for Ysgol Gymraeg Y Trallwng. During the year, the following took place:

Open evenings every term for parents to come to the school to discuss progress with teachers and view pupils’ work;

All parents were invited to the school launch; Invitation to the school sports day; Concerts – Harvest assembly, Christmas concert, Leavers assembly Meetings for parents of children starting at the school in September; Meetings between parents of pupils receiving support and the specialist teachers.

Building Links Between the School and the Community

NSPCC – Whole schoolImpact – Huw & Darren – Workshop with all classesPowysland Museum – Painting the poles at the museumEisteddfod Cylch – Pupils participated in singing, recitation and art and craftEisteddfod Powys - Pupils participated in singing, recitation and art and craftKeep Welshpool Tidy week – litter pick on school groundsTime capsule event at the corn exchangeFire service – fire safety assemblies

Relationship With The Police

P.C. Gail Jones – attended school to carry out drug awareness with pupils during the summer term.

Sports

Pupils have had opportunities to participate in a whole host of sporting activities, including:TAG Rugby festival; Area sports; Swimming galas; Cross country; Dragon netball; Tennis;Indoor athletics; Bronze ambassadors training; Golf; Hockey; Cricket and Rounders.

Clubs, Trips and Events

The children benefited from a wide range of trips, visitors and events during the year. Some of the highlights of the year included:Clubs – Urdd club, sports club, running club.Trips – Powys castle visit, Cadbury’s World trip key stage 2 pupils, Attingham park trip foundation phase pupils, Llangrannog residential yr 5 and 6, Reception Welshpool to Llanfair train trip.Events – Na Nel theatre production, Candelas gig, nursery rhymes sessions with Sian James.

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Healthy Eating and Drinking

The school promotes good health and is keen to encourage healthy eating and drinking patterns. The ‘Healthy School’ committee was established during the year, and committee members were given a voice in improving the health of pupils. Their highlight during the year was the implementation of healthy snack, including writing to parents to encourage only fruit / vegetables to be brought to school for snack time.Children have access to water and are encouraged to bring a plastic water bottle to school to be filled and accessed as required throughout the day.

Ffrindiau Ysgol Gymraeg Y Trallwng

The Friends of the School body was established in the second half of the academic year, and a number of initial fundraising events were held. The school is extremely grateful to all of the support received from Ffrindiau YGYT.

Additional Learning Needs

The school makes every effort to ensure that all pupils feel that they are an integral part of school life and work and that they achieve their potential as individuals. The school reviews the Additional Learning Needs policy on a regular basis in order to ensure suitable support for pupils.

Pupils with Disabilities

The current layout of the site and the building is challenging for pupils and parents with disabilities. Special arrangements are made between the school and the home when a pupil with disabilities or Additional Learning Needs starts at school. The school is sensitive to the needs of pupils and parents with disabilities and makes every effort to include them in all aspects of the life of the school. An accessibility plan is available from the school.

Toilet Arrangements and Facilities

The school has an adequate number of toilets for the pupils registered at the school, and these are cleaned daily.

Safety

A risk assessment of the site was carried out during the Autumn term and a number of improvements were made to site safety and security, including:

new gate and fence revised procedures defined boundary and single entrance

The school worked with the Local Authority and Governors to identify and implement changes required.

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Assessments

Foundation Phase

The table below shows the school’s performance in the end of Foundation Phase assessment at Foundation Phase Outcome 5 (which is the expected level of achievement for every pupil) in the following:

LCW – Language, Literacy and Communication in Welsh; MDT – Mathematical Development; and PSD – Personal and Social Development, Wellbeing and Cultural Development.

Target 2017/18 Local Authority AverageLCW 100% 92.3% 88.6%MDT 100% 100% 89.3%PSD 100% 100% 95.2%

The table below shows the school’s performance in the end of Foundation Phase assessment at Foundation Phase Outcome 6 (which is the higher level of achievement):

Target 2017/18 Local Authority AverageLCW 14.3% 0% 28.8%MDT 0% 0% 38.8%PSD 71.4% 76.9% 71.5%

Key Stage 2

The table below shows the school’s performance in the end of Key Stage 2 assessment at performance Level 4 (which is the expected level of achievement) in the following:

Target 2017 / 18 Local Authority Average

Welsh 100% 100% 94.7%

English 100% 100% 91.8%

Mathematics 100% 100% 92.2%

Science 100% 100% 92.9%

The table below shows the school’s performance in the end of Key Stage 2 assessment at performance Level 5 (which is the higher level of achievement) in the following:

Target 2017 / 18 Local Authority Average

Welsh 50% 0% 40.4%

English 25% 37.5% 50.1%

Mathematics 37.5% 25% 50.4%

Science 37.5% 25% 50.6%

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School Development Plan

2017 – 2018

The school development plan priorities for 2017 – 2018 were as follows: Priority 1: To raise the standard of literacy across the school with the focus on

oracy and reading; Priority 2: To raise the standard of numeracy across the school with the focus on

procedural numeracy skills; Priority 3: To improve the provision of ICT and implement the Digital Competence

Framework across the school; Priority 4: To develop and ensure consistency in the use of Assessment for

Learning across the school; Priority 5: To ensure that systems are established within the new school.

Satisfactory progress was made towards all of these targets during the academic year.

2018 – 2019

Ysgol Gymraeg Y Trallwng is committed to providing a quality education, which supports every pupil to develop skills, make good progress, and achieve standards appropriate to their age and ability. It is also committed to ensuring that this education is provided in an environment which is safe and secure, which meets all of the needs of individual learners, and highly values the well being of every individual within the school.

The school development plan (SDP) allows the school to identify areas where improvements can be made, and to focus some time and resources to ensuring these areas are further developed. These areas for improvement are identified by Management, Staff and Governors through a number of processes and activities, including:

scrutiny of performance in the end of key stage assessments; self assessment of the school’s strengths and weaknesses; monitoring activities; self evaluation by staff across the school;

For the 2018 / 2019 academic year, the school and Governing Body have agreed on the following areas for development:

Improve the standards of the more able and talented pupils so that they achieve the higher outcomes / levels;

Develop the pupils’ understanding of their leadership role in making choices abouttheir learning and school activities;

Improve pupils’ voice, independent learning strategies and key pedagogy principles as outlined in the Curriculum Reform – Curriculum for Wales;

To develop and embed the digital competence framework of pupils, staff and other stakeholders;

Implement a new tracking and planning tool in order to ensure that all learners make good progress in line with individual targets;

Strengthen leadership at all levels.

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Financial Information

Financial Statement

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