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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: yycpa@caerphilly.gov.uk