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Ysgol Gymraeg

y Ffin

Governors Annual Report

to Parents 2014/15

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CONTENTS

1. A word from the Governing Body

2. Curriculum

3. School Performance

4. Prospectus

5. Attendance

6. Sport

7. Healthy Eating

8. Financial statement

9. Policies

10. Community

11. Facilities

12. Term dates / Board of Governors & School contact details

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1. A Word from the Governing Body

We present the Annual Report to Parents for the school year 2014-15.

This has been a challenging year for the school with a National School Categorisation placing

the school in the red category and a change in leadership due to the absence of Mrs Ebo. Mr

Hallett has joined the school as acting head teacher.

The categorisation of the school has also been reflected in the foundation stage results which

have shown a downward trend in most areas.

The chair of governors, and the team, has worked tirelessly over the last few months to

ensure the new acting head has all he requires to deliver a clear strategy for school

improvement.

We welcome Mr Hallett’s enthusiasm and structured leadership style. In the short period he

has been at the school he has already delivered clear improvements.

2. Curriculum

Ysgol Gymraeg y Ffin is a Welsh medium primary school. Children are immersed in the

Welsh language from the time that they start at y Ffin. Welsh is the only medium used in the

Foundation Phase. English is introduced at the end of year 2/start of year 3 and is developed

as a language during the four junior years. Welsh is the main language of the curriculum.

As a Welsh medium school, we encourage respect for the Welsh language and emphasis is

placed on the cultural aspect of the Welsh language and heritage. Welsh is the social

language of the school and the children are encouraged to take advantage of every

opportunity to use the language outside school. This is extremely important, especially for

children from non-Welsh speaking backgrounds.

The school seeks to engender a strong nurturing environment while at the same time fulfilling

its obligation to meet the curriculum requirements of the Welsh Government. Ysgol Gymraeg

y Ffin encourages each child to fulfil his or her potential.

To this end all staff strive to differentiate their teaching in a manner appropriate to the needs

of all children.

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Individual needs

Ysgol Gymraeg y Ffin believes that every pupil has a right to the appropriate education for

their individual needs.

If each pupil is to achieve his or her full potential, we must recognise the particular needs of

each child and plan to provide for them accordingly.

A significant proportion of pupils will have additional educational needs (AEN) at some time.

Ysgol Gymraeg y Ffin aims to provide a supportive environment and to give all pupils

meaningful access to the Foundation Phase and National Curriculum. We want:

every child to be able to achieve their maximum potential;

to promote individual confidence and a positive attitude;

to provide a broad and balanced curriculum that is relevant to each child;

to involve parents/carers at all stages of their children’s development.

All children have full access to the National Curriculum, with additional support where

deemed appropriate. Parents are invited to discuss their child’s individual programme, their

support and involvement is encouraged. We will involve parents in the assessment process

and will keep them informed. Parents are contacted if we feel we need the support and advice

of outside agencies as to how we can best support the child.

Ysgol Gymraeg y Ffin has an ethos of promoting educational inclusivity and a whole-school

approach to developing a positive attitude towards children with AEN. All children have the

opportunity to develop caring, sharing skills and attitudes at school. Staff regularly undertake

training to increase their understanding of how best to support children with AEN.

At Ysgol Gymraeg y Ffin we identify children with AEN by:-

recommendation of class teacher (at any stage), i.e. teacher assessment;

standardised testing;

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parental concern, Health Authority concern, pupil concern.

The success of the school’s AEN policy and provision is evaluated in many ways. This

includes monitoring of classroom practice, analysis of pupil tracking data and test results, and

formal and informal feedback from parents, staff and pupils.

Parents are regularly informed of their child’s development, via the class teacher and the

Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCO)/Headteacher. We ask parents/carers to be

involved in their child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP), both by asking for their opinions

and their contribution by showing an interest in the child’s work and giving support with

homework for example.

IEPs are reviewed termly. Parents are invited to be present at reviews and are encouraged to

be involved so that their views can be taken into consideration.

Under the school’s financial arrangements money is allocated to all areas of the curriculum

including additional needs. This is used to partly fund Teaching Assistants to support children

in their learning. Following full assessment, additional support from the Authority’s Specific

Learning Difficulties staff may also be available.

One of the recommendations of the Estyn team in our last inspection was to further develop

provision for More Able and Talented (MAT) children. This has been and remains a whole

school target in our Improvement Plan. We believe that all children deserve the best and that

by raising standards for MAT children, we not only help them to develop their full potential

but help all the children in our school. We have been identifying MAT children and making

sure their individual learning needs are provided for.

This has been one of the key areas we are seeking to continue to develop and improve.

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3. School Performance

The governing body recognise it has been a very challenging year for the school. This has had a negative impact in some areas of schools performance, Changes by the new acting head to improve the learning and teaching environment were implemented towards the end of the spring term and results in key stage two indicate that these changes have already had a positive impact. Foundation stage. At the end of year two the pupils are expected to achieve level 5 or above. The below charts show there has been a downward trend in achieving the required levels. These results are disappointing. We are confident that the ongoing structural changes being introduced at the school will ensure the standards going forward are improved.

75

80

85

90

95

100

84.2

89.5

100

84.2

93.1 93.5

98.2

91.690.993.9

97.6

91.891.389.7

94.8

86.8

Foundation Phase, Outcome Level 5+

Foundation Phase Outcome 5+School

Foundation Phase Outcome 5+Family

Foundation Phase Outcome 5+Monmouthshire

Foundation Phase Outcome 5+Wales

7

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

Literacy.Language andComunication

MathematicalDevelopment.

Personal andSocial

Development

FoundationIndicator

75

83.3

100

75

89.1 91.897.3

88.4

76.5

91.996.1

88.787.9 87.592.5

83.0

Foundation Phase Outcome 5+, Boys

School

Family

Monmouthshire

Wales

86

88

90

92

94

96

98

100

Literacy.Language andComunication

MathematicalDevelopment.

Personal andSocial

Development

FoundationPhase Indicator

100 100 100 100

97.6

95.3

99.3

95.3

100

96

98.6

95.194.6

92.1

97.3

90.8

Foundation Phase Outcome 5+, Girls

School

Family

Monmouthshire

Wales

8

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15

Foundation Phase Indicator, 5+ Trend

Shool

Family

Monmouthshire

Wales

0

20

40

60

80

100

2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15

Foundation Phase; Language, Literacy and Communication, Level 5+ Trend

Shool

Family

Monmouthshire

Wales

9

0

20

40

60

80

100

2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15

Foundation Phase, Mathematical Development 5+ Trend

Shool

Family

Monmouthshire

Wales

50

60

70

80

90

100

2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15

Foundation Phase Personal and Social Development 5+

Shool Family Monmouthshire Wales

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Key stage two. At the end of year two the pupils are expected to achieve level 4 or above. The charts below show that there has been an upward trend in all subjects except maths. The focus of the structural changes being implemented will be to ensure all pupils reach the expected level. There is an emphasis on reversing the trend in mathematics.

0102030405060708090

100

Percentage of Pupils Achieving Level 4+

School

Family

Monmouthshire

Wales

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15

Trend of Achievment in Core Subject Indicator

Shool

Family

Monmouthshire

Wales

11

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

100

2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15

Trend Of Level 4+ Achievment KS2, English

Shool

Family

Monmouthshire

Wales

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15

Trend of Level 4+ Achievment KS2, Welsh

Shool

Family

Monmouthshire

Wales

12

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15

Trend of Level 4+ Achievment KS2, Mathematics

Shool

Family

Monmouthshire

Wales

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

2009/10 2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15

Trend of Level 4+ Achievment KS2, Science

Shool

Family

Monmouthshire

Wales

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4. Prospectus

The updated prospectus is being developed by the new acting head teacher, Mr Hallett. We

look forward to seeing this at the start of the 2015-16 academic year. Colorfoto have made a

visit to the school and held a photo shoot, to assist in the production of the new and improved

prospectus.

5. Attendance

2014 – 2015

Attendance Total 97.2%

Local Authority provisional attendance 95.8%

Persistent absentees 0%

Attendance at Ysgol Gymraeg y Ffin is good and reflects the nurturing ethos of the school.

We realise that no school can be free of illness and extenuating circumstances. However, we

are working with Monmouthshire to achieve an even higher attendance level with the aim of

reaching 98% attendance.

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5. Sport

It has been another good sporting year at the school with the following activities

Urdd National Swimming Gala.

Urdd Gymnastics competition.

The school also competed in the Caldicot Cluster round robin for football and netball

The rugby team thoroughly enjoyed the tag rugby tournament organised by The

Dragons. The team played exceptionally well and it was a pleasure to see the boys

and girls enjoying the tough competition. Thanks to Newport Gwent Dragons and Mr.

Mike Sage for organizing the event.

Some of the children and parents took part in the Rainbow Run in aid of Ty Hafan.

The children who took part did fantastically well, many running the 5km without

stopping. The current amount that they raised was around £850! Well done.

The School sports day was enjoyed by all and enthusiastic participants proved again

what healthy competition can do for children.

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7. Healthy Eating

Healthy Eating and Drinking

The school follows the Healthy Schools programme which promotes the health and well-

being of all the pupils. The pupils are encouraged to bring in a piece of fruit for their morning

snack and to drink water regularly throughout the school day. A variety of healthy school

lunch options are available every day that have been freshly made in the school’s

kitchen. Pupils who do not have school dinners are encouraged to bring in a balanced,

healthy packed lunch.

There are lessons and activities each year promoting healthy activities. Children are aware of

the importance of healthy eating and exercise for their personal and educational development.

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8. FINANCIAL STATEMENT 2014-2015

E069 Ysgol Gymraeg Y Ffin

Year End Outturn Report for <pyear>00 to <pyear>13

Year End Outturn Report for 201400 to 201413

Account Code

Account Description Budget

£

Variance on Budget

£ Actual

INCOME

INCOME - GENERAL

TOTAL GENERAL INCOME -91,594.00 -72,139.00 -19,455.00

INCOME - FUNDING

TOTAL FUNDING INCOME -558,244.00 -553,379.00 -4,865.00

TOTAL INCOME -649,838.00 -625,518.00 -24,320.00

EXPENDITURE

EMPLOYEE COSTS

TOTAL EMPLOYEE COSTS 520,889.00 504,377.00 16,512.00

SUPPLIES & SERVICES

TOTAL SUPPLIES & SERVICES 20,798.00 21,220.00 -422.00

PREMISES COSTS

TOTAL PREMISES COSTS 38,400.00 43,520.00 -5,120.00

TRANSPORT COSTS

TOTAL TRANSPORT COSTS 5,470.00 0.00 5,470.00

FAIR FUNDING

TOTAL AGENCY AND CONTRACTED 28,217.00 25,951.00 2,266.00

SUPPORT SERVICES

TOTAL SUPPORT SERVICES 0.00 0.00 0.00

TOTAL EXPENDITURE 613,774.00 595,068.00 18,706.00

SUMMARY

TOTAL INCOME -649,838.00 -625,518.00 -24,320.00

TOTAL EXPENDITURE 613,774.00 595,068.00 18,706.00

NET -36,064.00 -30,450.00 -5,614.00

Note - the information below reflects the current prior year defecit or surplus carried forward

This must be taken into account when reviewing the current years performance

This will give you the anticipated year <year>-<nyear> year end cumalative defecit/surplus value/impact

This will give you the anticipated year 2015-2016 year end cumalative defecit/surplus value/impact

Prior Year C/Fwd Current Year

Actual Total

YG57 Council Fund Balance: LMS School Balances 17,915.00 -36,064.00 -18,149.00

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The Finance Sub-Committee of the Governing Body is responsible for monitoring the school

finances with the help of the Finance Officers of the local authority who help create the

school budget. This is then discussed, reviewed and approved by the full Governing Body.

The school has been particularly assiduous over the last few years to ensure that the school

stayed within budget. This will now give the school the platform to explore appropriate levels

of senior management., which will help ensure the improvement plans for the school can be

delivered.

9. Policies

TO CONSIDER REVIEW OF SCHOOL POLICIES

The governors have a programme to review school policies and the School

Prospectus, both of which parents are welcome to view upon request.

This year we have adopted and reviewed

Dignity at work policy 07/10/14

DBS Policy 07/10/2014

Safeguarding 02/12/2014

Critical incident planning 02/12/2015

Food & Fitness 05/02/2015

Sex and Relationships Education 05/02/2015

Guidance on HT Report 05/02/15

Mandatory Governor Training Protocol 18/03/15

MCC Digital Communication 18/03/2015

Attendance 21/04/2015

Revised Disciplinnary Policy 16/06/2015

Shared Parental Leave 16/06/2015

PayPolicy 16/06/2015

HT/DHT Recruitment Process 16/06/15

10. Community

Ysgol Gymraeg y Ffin is a community school and it is important that everyone connected

with the school feels part of the local community. We welcome all visitors to the school.

Parents make a great contribution to daily school life which enriches the children’s education

and helps them understand their place in that community.

There have been many events and links with the local community in this academic year

including

Christmas fair and Christmas concert

Urdd Gymnastics Finals in Aberystwyth

Years 5 and 6 – week at Llangrannog

School Sports Day

Summer Fair many thanks to the PTA for all their hard work with this event as always

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During summer term, children and parents of Ysgol Y Ffin took part in the Rainbow Run in

aid of Ty Hafan. The children who took part did fantastically well, many running the 5km

without stopping. Raising over £850!

Pupils and staff at Ysgol Y Ffin had the privilege of welcoming the National Eisteddfod to

Monmouthshire for 2016 by playing a big part in the Proclamation Ceremony on Saturday the

27th of June. The school performed a variety of items and every one of a very high standard.

It was a pleasure to see so many of our pupils on the stage with ages ranging from 5 year olds

to 11 year olds. With an excellent performance by the pupils who performed in the Floral

Dance in the Castle; weeks of hard work provided a superbly polished dance. I would also

like to congratulate Morgan Jones on his terrific solo, Mackenzie Thornton for his excellent

recitation and Mali Wood for her violin solo. As well as the above, we also had our very

successful Ensemble perform and our Singing Club performing admirably. It is clear to see

that the pupils at Ysgol Gymraeg Y Ffin are a talented bunch!

11. Facilities

The school was expected to move into a completely refurbished building at Sandy

Lane but the financial position meant that the expected works have had to be phased

in over time. Every year the school works closely with Monmouthshire County

Council to ensure improvements are made to the facilities at the school where

possible. Over this school year the facilities have been improved with works to the

outside areas including a secure outside area for year 5&6.There has also been a series

of housekeeping activities undertaken to all class rooms and communal spaces, to

improve the environment for the pupils and staff. Health and Safety Officer, Laurence

Dawkins, stated following a visit, that the school has made significant progress with regards

to good housekeeping.

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12. Term Dates / Board of Governors & School contact details

Monmouthshire County Council

School & Student Access Unit

2014-15 2015-16

Term

Begins

Mon

01/09/14

Tues

01/09/15

Half Term

Begins

Mon

27/10/14

Mon

26/10/15

Half Term

Ends

Fri

31/10/14

Fri

30/10/15

Term

Ends

Fri

19/12/14

Fri

18/12/15

AUTUM

N

TOTAL

75 days 74 days

Term

Begins

Mon

05/01/15

Mon

04/01/16

Half Term

Begins

Mon

16/02/15

Mon

15/02/16

Half Term

Ends

Fri

20/02/15

Fri

19/02/16

Term

Ends

Fri

27/03/15

Thurs

24/03/16

SPRING

TOTAL

55 days 54 days

Term

Begins

Mon

13/04/15

Mon

11/04/16

May Day Mon

04/05/15

Mon

02/05/16

Half Term

Begins

Mon

25/05/15

Mon

30/05/16

Half Term

Ends

Fri

29/05/15

Fri

03/06/16

Term

Ends

Mon

20/07/15

Weds

20/07/16

SUMME

R

TOTAL

65 days 67 days

Academic

Year

Total

195days 195 days

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THE GOVERNING BODY

The governing body is made up of fourteen people. Eleven of these are volunteers with a

wide range of life and career experience who have been elected or appointed. The Governors

work as a team with the staff to ensure that the requirements of the National Curriculum are

met. In addition we work to establish standards of behaviour and promote the right ethos in

the school, recruit staff, monitor performance of the school, deal with budget matters, prepare

an Annual Report to parents and monitor health and safety and building matters.

There are four types of governor:

Parent governors are elected by parents or guardians of children attending the school.

Staff governors are elected by the teaching and non-teaching staff of the school.

Local Education Authority (LEA) governors are appointed by the county council. They do

not have to be councillors.

Community governors, two of whom are appointed by the governing body to represent the

local community and one is appointed by the minor authorities of the area to represent their

interests

The headteacher is automatically a member of the governing body, unless he or she chooses

not to be.

The governing body of Ysgol Gymraeg y Ffin 2013/14

Chair: Guy Farrish, 72 Taff Road, Caldicot, NP26 4PY

Vice-chair: Peter Nurcombe

Reserve member: Andrea Davies

Headteacher: Diane Ebo and acting Headteacher, Jamie Hallett. Ysgol Gymraeg y Ffin,

Sandy Lane, Caldicot, NP26 4NQ

Clerk: Deirdre Poulsom, South Wales EAS, Newport, NP18 2YE

Governors Head Teacher Mrs Diane Ebo (Acting Head) Mr Jamie Hallett Parent Governors Term of Office Ends Mr Guy Farrish 24.06.2018 Mr David Lloyd 24.06.2018 Ms Heidi Marriott-Trevains 08.06.2015 Ms Diane Clough 06.10.2018 Ms Heidi Ingle-Gillis 08.06.2015 Local Authority Governors Mr Peter Nurcombe 06.12.2016 CC Anthony Easson 31.07.2016

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Community Governors appointed by Governing Body Mrs Helen Crosbie 05.07.2018 Ms Andrea Davies 21.04.2019 Ms Heidi Lucas 03/09/2018 Community Governor appointed by Community Mr Kevin McElroy 25.11.2017 Teacher Representative Mr David Walker 26.11.2017 Staff Representative Vacancy

Useful contacts: School address: Sandy Lane, Caldicot, NP26 4NQ

Telephone number: 01291 420331

Website: www.ysgolyffin.monmouthshire.sch.uk

E-mail: ysgolyffinprimary@monmouthshire.gov.uk

School administrator: Julie Bannard

Local Education Authority: Monmouthshire

Telephone number: 01633 644644

Website: www.monmouthshire.gov.uk

E-mail: Contact@monmouthshire.gov.uk

Parents Meeting

There is no longer a statutory requirement to hold a meeting but if a sufficient number of

parents wish to call for one the Governing Body will arrange one.

Details of this matter are contained in Statutory Guidance to the governing bodies of

maintained schools in Wales regarding the duty to hold meetings with parents, available on

the gov.wales website at http://gov.wales/docs/dcells/publications/130503-statutory-

guidance-parents-meetings-en.pdf

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