YSGOL GWAUN Y NANT Pennaeth / Headteacher: Mr R Lloyd Amroth Court Caldy Close Y Barri Bro Morgannwg / Barry Vale of Glamorgan CF62 9DU

Ffôn/Telephone: 01446 421723 Ffacs/Fax: 01446 733202

Governors’ Annual Report Ysgol Gymraeg Gwaun y Nant

Introduction It gives me great pleasure to present the Ysgol Gwaun y Nant Governors’ Report for 2015-16. I hope that there is sufficient detail in this comprehensive report to show you, as parents, the school’s success during the year. I would share with you the excellent standard of education that your children received from all the school’s staff. If you have any questions after reading this document I will be more than happy to try and answer them. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank you as parents for your support over the years. There has been substantial increase in Welsh medium education in the county recently and it has been an honour to contribute to that growth. I have personally had a very close relationship with this school, as a governor for fifteen years. In September 2016 we will see further growth as the school continues to expand to be a two class stream in each year. In time there will be over four hundred pupils at the school. We have only had two headteachers since the school opened its doors and we are indebted to both of them for their invaluable contribution. There are some members of staff and governors that have been here since the beginning and we are equally indebted to them. Yours sincerely, Dafydd Treharne Chair of the Governors

MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNING BODY NAME REPRESENTING Mr D Treharne LEA Cllr. N Hodges Local sub-council Mr N Dryburgh LEA Cllr. S Hodges LEA Mr B Davies LEA Mrs H Dop Community Mrs Y Rees Community Mrs K Trezise Community Mr D Weston Community Mr T Jordan Parents Mr Mark Avient Parents Mrs S Kilgour Parents Mrs A Lloyd Teachers Mrs B Williams Teachers Miss C Wilson Non-teaching Staff Mr A.R Lloyd Headteacher Chair: Mr Dafydd Treharne Clerk: Mr Rhys Davies The Governing Body of all schools have responsibilities for the following: (i) General behaviour within the school. (ii) Ensuring that the school’s curriculum adheres to the requirements of the

National Curriculum, the school and the general policies of the LEA. (iii) Deciding on school policy with regards to the provision of sex education. (iv) Deciding on general principles to be followed by the Headteacher when

setting and implementing a behaviour policy. (v) Managing the school’s budget that provided by the Local Authority. (vi) Participating in the process of appointing staff to the school. (vii) Ensuring that information about the school is provided for parents. (viii) Ensuring that the school’s curriculum is broad and balanced and meets the

requirements of the National Curriculum. (ix) Ensuring that information about the curriculum and students’ attainments are

available for parents and others. (x) Ensuring that the school meets the statuary requirements for religious

education and joint-worship. (xi) Preparing an Annual Report and holding an Annual General Meeting with

parents to discuss the Report and any other issues relating to the school. FINANCIAL INFORMATION The financial statement for 2015/2016 is attached to this report (Attachment 1).

STAFFING The school’s staff consists of: 1 Headteacher 9 Full-time teachers 2 Part-time teachers (2 days, 4 days) 7 Full-time assistants 1 Part-time assistants (3 days) 2 Clerks (28 hours per week and 5 hours per week) The number of pupils on roll at the end of July can be seen below. Nursery age 58 Reception age 27 Yr 1 36 Yr 2 25 Yr 3 25 Yr 4 22 Yr 5 22 Yr 6 21 Total on roll 236

SCHOOL STRATEGY

Time and money has been invested to develop numeracy, reasoning, writing and spelling across the school. Numeracy The school continued with a numeracy improvement scheme, Rhifau Rhagorol, where emphasis was placed on further improving our pupils’ numeracy and reasoning skills. The school was part of a Professional Teaching Community with the other Welsh medium schools of the Vale of Glamorgan. In addition, there has been an emphasis on further developing our pupils’ mathematical reasoning skills. A reasoning element was added to the Rhifau Rhagorol scheme. Numerous resources were produced to support the scheme and they were shared between the schools. The Subject Leader was a member of a School Improvement Group that focussed on reasoning resources at the upper levels. This work is continuing. Schemes of work and teaching methods were modified so they are alignment with the Literacy and Numeracy Framework. The school welcomed a number of visitors who observed the teaching of Rhifau Rhagorol lessons.

The school has continued to implement the Welsh Government’s Literacy and Numeracy Strategy that became statutory in September 2013. During the year the school’s teachers meet with teachers from other schools from the cluster to moderate pupils’ work in order to ensure consistency. Literacy There has been a focus on further developing the reading and writing skills of each pupil in both languages to ensure the best possible results at the end of the Foundation Phase and Key Stage 2. Emphasis was also placed on targeting pupils to reach the upper levels. The Agreed Vale of Glamorgan Literacy Scheme is used, as well as the Tric a Chlic programme in the Foundation Phase, that concentrates on pupils’ phonic and letter recognition skills. The Literacy and Numeracy Framework is the basis for the work across the curriculum. The Ysgrifennu Ysblennydd programme is implemented from Reception Class up to Year 6 for Welsh and from Year 3 to 6 for English. In the Junior Department we focus on one language for a fortnight at a time to allow pupils to re-draft their work, and focus on their targets from the previous week. This year, our results for writing show that the scheme is continuing to have a positive effect on our pupils’ writing skills. The school has been part of the Welsh Literacy Learning Community compromising of the Welsh medium schools of the Vale of Glamorgan. The focus was on writing and co-producing a magazine – Adlais y Fro – that is used within classrooms at the schools. In relation to English, the school was part of a School Improvement Group to improve the provision for English spelling in Year 3. A ‘Star Spell’ programme was produced for pupils from Year 2 to Year 4. Specific spelling sessions are timetabled daily. As part of the scheme, transition lessons (Year 2 to Year 3) are held where the subject leader teaches an English lesson for an hour a week during the final half of the Summer Term. Pupils have a daily reading session ‘Y Carwsel Ddarllen’ (Reading Carousel). The school has been promoting reading by taking part in the National Book Day. Pupils take a reading book home every week and read with their parents. In addition to this many visitors came to observe good practice in relation to implementing the Ysgrifennu Ysblennydd programme within the school.

The school has continued to implement the Welsh Government’s Literacy and Numeracy Strategy that became statutory in September 2013. During the year the school’s teachers met with other teachers from the cluster schools to moderate pupils’ work. Teacher Assessment Year 2 % of pupils achieving Outcome 5 (Expected Level)

Welsh Numeracy Personal and Social

School 96 96 100

Local Authority 94.7 94.2 96.6

Wales 90.7 89.9 94.5

% of pupils achieving Outcome 6

Welsh Numeracy Personal and Social

School 52 48 84

Local Authority 45.4 40.8 61.6

Wales 36.9 34.3 56.0

Teacher Assessment Yr 6 % of pupils achieving Level 4 (Expected Level)

Welsh English Mathematics Science

School 95 95 100 100

Local Authority 95.8 93.8 94.6 95.1

Wales 90.5 89.6 90.2 91.4

% of pupils achieving Level 5

Welsh English Mathematics Science

School 45 45 45 45

Local Authority 56.3 49.5 52.1 51.7

Wales 38.0 42 43.2 42.5

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THE SCHOOL AND THE COMMUNITY

The school works closely with many local agencies, including Social Services, Action for Children, Atal y Fro, NSPCC, Communities First, Flying Start, FACT (Families Achieving Change Together).

Ysgol Gwaun y Nant has continued to run the Friends of the School programme. Parents are invited to the school every Thursday to receive advice and training in many aspects, including First Aid, basic numeracy skills for children and relaxation techniques for both adults and children. Parents are also given the opportunity to meet in the school for a chat over a cup of tea or coffee. The group has been very successful, with many parents attending. It is expected that this practice will go from strength to strength. A Parent Forum has also been established where school policies and procedures are discussed. During the year many activities were held and donations were made to the following causes: Red Poppy Appeal, Children in Need, Macmillan Appeal, Comic Relief, Save the Children, Tŷ Hafan, FairTrade Wales Diabetes UK. At Thanksgiving we collected food for the Vale Foodbank which was distributed to local needy families. We had successes in the Urdd Eisteddfod again this year, with many of our pupils going through to compete in the County Eisteddfod held at Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg. Many pupils had success in the Urdd art competitions. The school’s football, netball and rugby teams competed in various tournaments and played games against other schools. The football team reached the finals of the Urdd competition which were held in Aberystwyth. Year 6 pupils visited Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg on numerous occasions as part of the Transition Programme. Last year 100% of Year 6 pupils went on to receive their secondary education at Ysgol Gyfun Bro Morgannwg. A Breakfast Club is available for Reception-Year 6 pupils and this is regularly attended by more than 50 pupils. The ‘Ti a Fi’ session for pre-nursery children is going from strength to strength. The PTA (Gwaun y Nant Parents and Teachers Association) held a number of activities and we are very grateful to the parents and the PTA that give generously of their time and money. The PTA contributed towards pupils’ travel costs. They arranged Christmas and Summer Fairs, coffee mornings, a quiz night and an end of year disco. In partnership with Gibbonsdown Children’s Centre work has taken place on adapting one room to accommodate their Welsh Language Play Group. It is hoped that they will be accepting pupils in September 16 Parents were invited to the school for assemblies, Christmas concerts, an Easter Bonnet Parade and a Fun Day for the Early Years Unit.

An open afternoon was held during the Summer Term where pupils had an opportunity to show their work to their parents. After school Urdd and sports clubs are held for our pupils. Some of the people and organisations who visited the school: Adam Coleman – Welsh Churches PC Sarah - visited each class presenting a variety of programmes Jayne Jenkins – ‘Kerbcraft’ training – road safety for Year 2 Gareth East – Urdd clubs The Teeth Hygiene Team The Football Association of Wales – Racism Workshop Cwmni Theatr Mewn Cymeriad - theatre group Reverend Kevin Davies Rhiannon- Welsh artist Local PCSO- Scooter Skills Institute of Civil Engineers Some of the places our pupils visited: Abernant Outdoor Adventure Camp, Urdd Camp - Llangrannog, Cardiff Bay, Cardiff Museum, Jenner Park, Cantref Farm, Morrisons, Caerleon, Swansea Museum, Barry Fire Station, Cardiff Castle, Safety Zone, Barry Island- Hit the Surf, Synagogue, Mosque, Dow corning

ATTENDANCE The school has worked very hard to improve pupils’ attendance. We adopted the Callio programme where information is provided to parents every term about their children’s attendance. The school’s attendance target for each child during 2015/16 was 95.4% There has been an increase in the attendance percentages this year. However, we do ask parents to seriously consider before taking their children on holiday during school term. We would like to remind you that the children should arrive at school by 8.30 a.m. If children arrive later than 9:00 a.m. they will be marked late. Attendance 95.2% Authorised absence 3.0% Unauthorised absence 1.8%

PERCENTAGES FOR EACH STATUATORY SCHOOL AGE CLASS Reception 95.8 % Yr 1: 94.8 % (Ji Binc) Yr 1 96.5 % (Y Dryw) Yr 2: 96.3 % Yr 3: 94.5 % Yr 4: 92.8 % Yr 5: 91.6 % Yr 6: 90.9 % Extending the School In response to the increase in demand for Welsh medium Education in Barry the Local Authority has decided that Ysgol Gwaun y Nant will grow from a one stream to a two stream school. A brand new school has been built for Oakfield to accommodate an additional stream at Gwaun y Nant. The majority of the building work was completed in time for the beginning of term 2015. Our newly extended school is spacious and offers pupils a very stimulating and engaging environment to learn. SCHOOL POLICIES Policies are reviewed and revised on a regular basis. They are available at the school for anyone who wishes to see them. Some policies are also available on the school’s website. ADDITIONAL LEARNING NEEDS The school has an additional learning needs policy. Mrs Bianca Williams is the Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator and she co-ordinates work with pupils who are on the special needs register. Help is offered to individuals, groups and also assistance is provided within the classroom. The school’s SEN policy and the Code of Practice are adhered to. The pupils are progressing and are obviously benefiting from the assistance they receive. The school regularly consults with the local authority’s Child Support Service. Mr T Jordan is the “named governor” with responsibility for additional learning needs. We would like to thank our ‘partners’ who volunteer their time to come into school to read with the children.

PUPILS WITH DISABILITIES The Governors accept their responsibility and duty towards pupils with disabilities and take action to ensure that they do not discriminate on the basis of disability. If a parent feels that their child requires special provision they should initially discuss the matter with the headteacher. An Accessibility Scheme is available at the school. Provision of Toilets The school has specific toilets for boys and girls of the Nursery and Reception Years. Year 1 and 2 boys and girls use separate toilets. The Junior Department has separate toilet provision for boys and girls. All toilet areas have hand washing facilities with soap and electric hand dryers. The toilets are thoroughly cleaned on a daily basis by cleaners employed by the Vale of Glamorgan Council. Healthy Living The school is part of the Vale of Glamorgan Healthy Schools Network. Fruit and milk are provided daily for all Foundation Phase pupils at a reasonable price. Fruit is sold to the junior department pupils during morning break. Each pupil has his or her own water bottle so that they can drink during lessons. Pupils are encouraged to include healthy food if they bring a packed lunch to school. Chocolate or sweet drinks are not allowed. Lunch is provided for our pupils. RACE EQUALITY A Race Equality policy is available at the school. There have been no racist incidents at the school during the year. SESSION TIMES Early Years Unit Nursery 8.30 a.m. - 11.00.a.m. Morning session

12.30 a.m. - 3.00 p.m. Afternoon session

Reception 8.30 a.m. - 11.30 a.m. 12.30 p.m. - 3.00.p.m.

Year 1 & 2 8.30 a.m. – 11.45 p.m. Morning Junior 8.30 a.m. - 12.00 p.m. Morning

1.00 p.m. - 3.00 p.m. Afternoon

HOLIDAYS – 2016 /2017

Term

Begin

Half Term

End

No of School Days

Begin End

Autumn 16

Tuesday 1 Sept 2016

Monday 24 October

2016

Friday 28 Oct 2016

Friday 16 Dec 2016

72

Spring 17

Tuesday 3 Jan 2017

Monday 20 Feb 2017

Friday 24 Feb 2017

Friday 7 April 2017

64

Summer 17

Monday 24 April

2017

Monday 29 May 2017

Friday 1 Jun 2017

Friday 21 July 2017

59

Total 195

TEACHER ASSESSMENT RESULTS The results of Teacher Assessments in the Foundation Phase and Key Stage 2 were very good this year (See Attachment 2) SCHOOL PROSPECTUS A copy of the school prospectus is available on the web site and in hard copy from the school office. Any questions about the report or any mater relating to the report should be made in writing and addressed to the Chair of the Governors, care of the Headteacher.

Appendix 1

Appendix 2