Governors Report to Parents Autumn Term 2014 PONTARDDULAIS PRIMARY SCHOOL ANNUAL GOVERNORS’ REPORT TO PARENTS 2014 School Mission Statement: ‘At Pontarddulais Primary School everyone is unique, everyone is important, everyone deserves the very best’ Headteacher: Mr J D MEAD, B.Mus (Hons) P.C.G.E. NPQH Deputy Headteacher: Mr G Davies B.A (Hons) P.G.C.E Grad Dip. 2010, 2012 & 2013 Healthy Schools Award 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007 & 2009 NQA 2012 & 2014 Tel: 01792 882383 Fax: 01792 885392 Self –evaluation Bronze 2009 Self-evaluation Silver 2010 Healthy Schools Award 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007 & 2009 NQA 2012 Eco-Flag 2010,2012 &2013 Dear Parent/Guardian, Please find below a full Annual Governors Report to Parents. The Welsh Government has issued revised statutory guidance under section 94 (13) that there is no longer a need for a Governing Body to hold an annual parents’ meeting. However parents have the right to request/petition a meeting with the governing body up to 3 times in any school year. To summarise the new regulations; It will no longer be necessary for school governing bodies to hold an annual meeting with parents It will be necessary for an annual report to parents to be produced and distributed If 10% of the parents of registered pupils at the school or the parents of 30 pupils registered at the 1
Transcript
Governors Report to Parents Autumn Term 2014
PONTARDDULAIS PRIMARY SCHOOL
ANNUAL GOVERNORS’REPORT TO PARENTS 2014
School Mission Statement:‘At Pontarddulais Primary School everyone is unique,
everyone is important, everyone deserves the very best’Headteacher:
Mr J D MEAD, B.Mus (Hons) P.C.G.E. NPQH
Deputy Headteacher: Mr G Davies B.A (Hons)
P.G.C.E Grad Dip. 2010, 2012 & 2013 Healthy Schools Award 2003, 2004, 2005, 2007 & 2009
Please find below a full Annual Governors Report to Parents. The Welsh Government has issued revised statutory guidance under section 94 (13) that there is no longer a need for a Governing Body to hold an annual parents’ meeting. However parents have the right to request/petition a meeting with the governing body up to 3 times in any school year.
To summarise the new regulations; It will no longer be necessary for school governing bodies to hold an annual
meeting with parents It will be necessary for an annual report to parents to be produced and distributed If 10% of the parents of registered pupils at the school or the parents of 30 pupils
registered at the school –whichever is the lower number, request/petition a meeting with governors, the school governing body is required to hold a meeting
A school governing body can be required to hold up to 3 meetings with parents each academic year
Yours sincerelyMr Clive MathiasChair of GovernorsPontarddulais Primary School
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Governors Report to Parents Autumn Term 2014
A word from the Chairperson:
I am very pleased to write to you with a summary of the schools many achievements over the past year. The work of the Governing Body operates mainly through the committees. I, as chairperson, thank the other Governors for their continued hard work for all the children of Pontarddulais.
May 2014 saw the school go through a very successful Dyslexia Friendly Schools Assessment and National Quality Award Assessment for Healthy Schools. You can read more about these great achievements later in this report.
I must also thank the Parent Teachers Friends Association for the hard work which goes into organising the many social and fund-raising activities which so greatly benefit all our children. The P.T.F.A. is a small but very hard working group and has given the school £2,000 this past year to spend on outdoor equipment and wet playtime resources.
As you will see later in this report the end of Key Stage results in Foundation Phase and KS2 are very good and have improved again this year showing that the school is performing at a level in excess of normal standards. The Governing Body wishes to congratulate the Headteacher, staff and pupils on these magnificent achievements. We know that such results would not be possible without the consistent hard work, application and dedication of everyone involved. I know that the school is keen not to rest on their laurels, and I'm pleased and very proud to say that the school has continued in its successes.
Musical and sporting achievements go from strength to strength! In the past year the school choir and instrumentalists have performed at many local venues and at The Grand Theatre for the fourth year running. As you will also read in this report, much sporting success has been achieved during the 2013/14 academic year. I am very pleased to see Pontarddulais children achieving outstanding success at local, county and national levels.
I thank you for your continued support of Pontarddulais Primary- a school that strives for the best. We want everyone involved to be proud to say that they belong to Pontarddulais- we as a Governing Body are certainly proud to be associated with the school.
Clive MatthiasChair of Governors
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Governors Report to Parents Autumn Term 2014
The Governing Body of Pontarddulais Primary School consists of 17 members whose role is to guide strategy, review developments and to make decisions about future school development.
Chair of Governors: Mr Clive Matthiasc/o Pontarddulais Primary School
Clerk to the Governors: Mrs E.Abbott c/o Pontarddulais Primary School
School Address: Pontarddulais Primary SchoolUpper James StreetPontarddulaisSWANSEASA4 8JD
School GovernorsGovernors are like a Board of Directors and make decisions about how the school is run. They meet regularly throughout the year and have legal duties, powers and responsibilities. The Governing Body consists of parents, teachers at the school, local council representatives and community representatives and is elected for a four-year term of office. Every year a parents’ meeting is held to discuss the Governing Body's report to parents. Term of office endsChairman:Mr. Clive Matthias LEA 11/01/2016
Vice Chairman: Councillor P. Downing ACO 09/09/2016
Mr. A. Bevan-John LEA 22/07/2017Mrs. J. Harris LEA 14/10/2017Mr. K. Griffiths LEA 10/02/2018
Mr. K. Thomas Co–opted 09/11/2016Rev N. J. Beynon Co-opted 06/11/2016Mr. S. Wilson Co-opted 16/12/2016
Mr. C. Marshall Parent 09/11/2016 Mr. C. Jones Parent 09/11/2016 Mr. B. Thomas Parent 27/11/2017Mrs. A. Jenkins Parent 09/11/2016Mr. J. Hier Parent 09/11/2016
Mrs. E. Williams Teacher 09/11/2016Mr. G. Davies Teacher 09/11/2016
Mrs. L. Matthias Non Teaching 06/11/2016Mr. J. D. Mead Headteacher Mrs. M. E. Abbott Clerk to GovernorsGoverning Body Meetings
The Governing Body meets at least once a term to consider and discuss various items concerning the school. The Governing Body has organised a range of committees in order to receive reports, make decisions and make recommendations to the full Governing Body. These committees include:
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Curriculum Development Personnel Finance Pay Policy Complaints Special Educational Needs Premises, Health & Safety Performance Management
Terms of reference have been agreed for all committees.The Governing Body has received a number of headteacher reports regarding various aspects of school development. The Governing Body, headteacher and staff have continued with the process of identifying needs for our School Development Plan.
School Development PlanThe following priorities have been achieved during the past academic year:Document/Policy Review 2013/14
School Prospectus Reviewed (annually) Teaching and Learning Policy Reviewed (annually) Curriculum Policy Reviewed (annually) Performance Management Policy Reviewed (annually) Child Protection & Safeguarding Reviewed Health & Safety, Fire Safety Risk Assessment & Action Plan Reviewed Attendance/Punctuality Policy Reviewed Updated Accessibility Plan & Additional Learning Needs Policy and reviewed the
Strategic Equality Plan Updated Home School Agreement & Attendance Brochure Updated the School Evaluation Report & School Development Plan All Healthy Schools policies reviewed
Improvements to the Premises 4 sets of Fire doors replaced Junior yard, Infant & nursery gates replaced Covered area installed outside Nursery, Yr1 & Yr2 Roof replaced on Shed in school field New sheds (play areas) outside area Yr1, 2 & Nursery Flooring area outside replaced and walls decorated in the Yr1/ 2 toilet.
Carpet & lino in Yr1 classroom replaced 3 outside shelter areas installed for Nursery, Yr1 and Yr2 Electrical points for storage containers installed (Yr2 cloakroom) Gymnasium wall repaired (LA funded)
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Improvement Plan 2014-2017 - Over the next three years we will look to develop the following targets:
Build on a growing culture within the school whereby pupils regularly evaluate and reflect on their own work
Continue to develop standards in Literacy-Reading & Writing Continue to develop standards in Numeracy (Problem Solving/Using & Applying) Continue to develop a challenging curriculum for the Able & Talented pupils at
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Governors Report to Parents Autumn Term 2014
Continue to provide Catch-up programmes in Numeracy & Literacy for those children who are between 6months & 18 months behind their chronological age
To reduce the impact of poverty on children Training for all staff to use the many ICT appliances i.e iPads, iPods, Interactive
Whiteboards etc. Develop standards of welsh as a second language Produce an annual self – evaluation report Achieve the ‘Bronze Award for Governing Bodies’ (2015) Achieve the Swansea standard for self-evaluation- gold award (2016) Continue to maintain and update the school website
Action Taken by the Governing BodySchool ProspectusThe school prospectus has been reviewed, and meets guidance issued by National Assembly for Wales Circular 14/01. It is reviewed annually. We also feel that it is a good representation of the school, and we are very proud of it. Parents have commented about the attractiveness of the document, and how useful they find the information it contains. The prospectus is issued to all parents with children beginning full-time education in Reception in September, and to parents of children transferring to the school mid-term. Attendance percentages (including authorised and unauthorised absences) for 2013/14 and the most recent school comparative information in relation to the school’s performance in end of Foundation Phase and key stage 2 assessments have been updated. The school’s latest sporting achievements have also been updated.
The Governors’ Annual ReportThis report meets new regulations from The School Governors’ Annual Report (Wales) Regulations 2011. New regulations state that this report requires
Inclusion of a comparative report Schools to engage with community Better reflect engagement with sporting activities Reflect requirements to ensure accessibility
Progress after Inspection A reminder that Inspectors said the following about our school………
Enjoyable experience Delight to speak to the children Impressed by the professionalism and commitment of all staff Inspirational Leadership Self Evaluation report thorough – no surprises Many examples of outstanding practice Ethos and Collective Worship provision were outstanding
1. School’s Current Performance (Good)2. Prospects for Improvement(Excellent)
In order to develop further, the school needed to: R1 build on the good standards and raise the attainment of more able pupils
at the end of key stage 1 R2 improve planning to extend pupils’ writing skills in key stage 1; R3 further embed Assessment For Learning strategies across the school;
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R4 extend the role of the governing body in monitoring performance and offering challenge
Progress on above Action Plans continue to been drawn up and reviewed as part of our School
Development Plan. The Action Plans feed in to the school self-evaluation report and School Development Plan. R1-Percentage of level 3s now called outcome 6s are up this academic year (see later in the report). All scores are above the Wales National Average.
R2-see literacy activities later in this report. R3-Assessment for learning (AFL) strategies are becoming established and
embedded into current practice. AFL as it is known was a key priority in the School Development Plan 2013/14. It will continue on the SDP 2014/15. Mrs Di Pardoe a leading expert in AFL lead an INSET Day for AFL on 24th October and will continue to work with the school throughout the academic year 2014/15.
R4-School Governors continue to visit the school to observe lessons, talk to children, link with subjects and evaluate results. School Governors are also working towards the Bronze Award for Governing Bodies. Some Governors were able to attend the Child Protection training at school on Feb 12th 2014 and Dyslexia training on April 3rd 2014.
Special Educational NeedsPupils have been supported throughout the year both by Mrs. Jenny Hopkins, and in class by teaching assistants. Last year we had 32 teaching assistants (TAs) working with children either on a 1-1 basis, supporting small groups in class or using structured interventions.Our Educational Psychologist, Mrs. Helen Osborne visited the school on numerous occasions last year to discuss any difficulties, plan visits and carry out assessments. We have also had input from Specialist Teachers working with children who have visual and hearing difficulties. Mrs Tilly McMorran who works individually with pupils who have emotional and behavioural difficulties has also supported us. We are also receiving support from Nichola Russ, who is counselling several children and works for Barnardos.Finally, we are receiving Speech and Language therapy from Hannah Hook, but we are still continuing to use our Speechlink and Language Link programmes to help those children who have speech and language difficulties. Staff from EMLAS (English as an additional language) regularly visits the school to work with pupils who have little or no English. D.C.D. activities are being carried out, as well as POPAT groups, Rapid Phonics, Rapid Reading, multisensory activities, and Reading eggs (which is a highly motivational computer programme to help with reading).The Annual Reading survey was completed and submitted and all IEPs (Individual Education Plans were updated. All annual reviews for statemented children were carried out. There were 164 on our SEN register last academic year.In July 2014, Pontarddulais Primary School was awarded the ‘Dyslexia Leading School Award.’ To date only one other school in the Swansea Local Authority has achieved this award.
Mr. Steve Wilson is the governor responsible for SEN. Our Accessibility Action Plan and Strategic Equality Plan were discussed and reviewed by Governors.
Permanent disabled ramps are fitted outside the main, junior (Yr6), Yr 3, Yr1&2, Reception, Nursery and entrance to our gymnasium. Access to Disabled toilets is available in the junior and infant departments.
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Toilet FacilitiesThe Nursery and Reception Classes have access to up-to-date toilet facilities which includes provision for disabled children. The Yr1/2 toilets have been refurbished and the junior toilets are in excellent condition having been installed about 9 years ago. All toilets have hand dryers. The staff toilets near the Year 1&2 entrance to school were completely refurbished last year and include disabled provision. The County Cleaning Service under an SLA (Service Level Agreement) clean the toilets on a daily basis. On going minor repairs to all our school toilets have been completed during the year.
ICT UpdateMOBILE TECHNOLOGIESPontarddulais Primary School, with the support of the Governors, has made a huge investment in mobile technology. This investment has showed a foresight on behalf of the stakeholders in our school.
The investment has proved to have had an impact on all pupils within the setting. Since the introduction of iPads into all curriculum areas,some children who were disaffected have become more focused and involved in the learning process. There have been lots and lots of maintenance issues this year, which Mrs Williams and Mr Rogers have effectively dealt with.In September 2014 wi-fi was finally installed throughout the school.
Mrs Eira Williams and Mr Gareth Davies have both been on the Government funded Hwb+ training. Hwb+ is a web based virtual learning environment, which once established in the school will move ICT/Communication/Learning forward for all stakeholders. Giving children, parents, staff and governors access to a secure, safe ‘walled’ learning platform. Every class will have its own page with the facilities to create Wiki’s Blogs, Discussions, Surveys, Calendars, Video, Photos and Email. A programme of training is planned for the Autumn Term. Once the staff and children have set up their class pages and are happy with the construction and maintenance of their pages/sites the platform will then be introduced to both parents and Governors.
Bont HubThe area situated at the centre of the school has been transformed from a dark dingy corner into a vibrant area where I.T. kit is stored. The area is well stocked and is now a comfortable place to work. The area has printers, scanners, photocopiers and a riso-graph conveniently positioned – a ‘one stop shop’.Other equipment available in this area are items such as ‘easy speak microphones’, ear phones, Tuffy cameras, BeeBots, iPads, a PC and an Apple Mac computer.The area has been newly carpeted and the Hub has been painted to show the progression of I.T. through the ages.
Impact of new mobile technologyThe iPads are used throughout the school on a daily basis in a cross curriculum way giving a seamless approach to learning. The impact on literacy, can be seen by observing the engagement level of those children who historically have not concentrated or been interested in the learning process. The iPads have proved a very useful research tool from Foundation Phase to Year 6. The investment made by the school and Governors has been well directed. It has been very exciting time witnessing the school moving forward in this new direction.
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Progress on meeting sporting aims, and sporting achievementsIt’s been another busy year for the P.E. and Sports Department here at Pontarddulais Primary School for both the children and staff alike.
Foundation Phase The children in Foundation Phase have been continuing to develop their physical and creative skills through their P.E. sessions by working together in small groups and looking for ways to improve their performance. They have also been spending a lot of time in the outdoor area where there is more space to run, complete obstacles and explore.
Key Stage 2Children are continually being made aware of the benefits of exercise and are being given opportunities to apply the skills they have acquired across the Physical Education curriculum in activities such as Gymnastics, Games and Athletics. The focus for the summer term was on striking games and athletics particularly. A larger number of extra curricular activities are available to the pupils in the Key Stage because of the dedication of all staff involved.
Athletics ChampionsThe Athletics squad enjoyed another very successful season of competition. The squad competed in various inter schools events and won both their indoor and outdoor area sections, quite comfortably. The team excelled themselves in the ‘West Glamorgan Finals’ and were crowned County Champions 2014. This was the icing on the cake as our previous Athletics teams had finished runners-up in the county championships for three out of the last four years! .Cross Country ChampionsAfter a very successful local area performance, both the boys and girls teams reached the West Glamorgan finals at Ashleigh Road. This was a fabulous achievement in itself to again get both teams into the finals. After two very competitive races, the girls finished with an overall score of 71 points and the boys with a score of 56 points. We were all hoping that these scores were enough to get a place in the first three. When the results were calculated, the day turned into a massive success, with the boys placed runners-up and the girls being crowned West Glamorgan Cross Country Champions. This was a fabulous achievement considering that 4 out of the 6 members of the girls team are still only in Year 5. To be placed 1st and 2nd out of all the schools in West Glamorgan was an amazing effort. The teams were as follows: Boys team: Korey Palmer, Steffan Elias, Finley Porter, Kieran Burder, Jay Knight and Micheal Cromwell. Girls Team: Maisey Brenchley, Hannah Jenkins, Georgia Port, Takira Wassell, Skye Palmer and Cerys Howells. Following this, Korey Palmer, Hannah Jenkins and Maisey Brenchley represented West Glamorgan in a meeting against Dyfed.
Football (Mr Carey, Mr Cresser & Mr Morgan)The after school football club remains popular with Year 4, 5 and 6, thanks to the tireless work and commitment of Mr. Tom Carey. After a good start to the year the team suffered a slight dip in form and failed to qualify from the group stages of their league. However, at the annual Carnival Sports football tournament, the three school teams (two boys and girls) remained unbeaten and brought the trophy back to the school. Our football team also finished runners-up in the Carl Emmanuel Trophy.Player development continues to be a focus within the Year 3 after school football club, which is run by Mr. Morgan.
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Netball (Mrs Casacarini & Mrs L. Thomas)The summer term was very successful for our 2 netball teams. We took part in a tournament in Swansea University where we won 3 games, drew 1 game and lost 1. We have also played 2 other matches against Llangennech and Llwynderw.
The team have been lucky enough to receive sponsorship for 20 kits from Bergoni. The girls look very professional in their new kits and comments we made by the heads of competing schools in their tournaments.
Hockey (Miss Williams)The Summer term was a very exciting term for our hockey team. We qualified for ‘West is Best 8’s Finals’. We went to Carmarthen Leisure Centre to represent the City and County of Swansea alongside Oakleigh House School. We competed against Carmarthenshire and Pembrokeshire schools and had the fantastic experience of representing our county. We played 6 games altogether and finished 4th overall. We were pleased with this result as it was our first competitive tournament. The girls were praised by Rae Ellis the hockey commissioner and were urged to keep playing the sport.
SwimmingSwimming continues to be an integral part of the P.E. curriculum. All the junior classes have been reaping the benefits of the quality provision at Penyrheol leisure centre and it is hoped that all junior classes will continue to have the opportunity to undertake these lessons again during this academic year.
Sports Day-Thursday 26th June 2014Sports day this year went very smoothly due to the drive, hard work and team ethic of the staff leading up to and on the day of the event. All teams performed admirably and the children enjoyed the competitive nature of the day.
Rugby (Mr Jones & Mr Carey)The Ray Beech Rugby Cup was again held at Pontarddulais Primary School for the fourth time. As like the previous 3 years, the day was a great success with over 120 children taking part from 11 different schools. Pontarddulais Primary reached the semi-finals but lost to the eventual winners YGG Pontybrenin. The day was capped off with the winners and runners up medals being presented by two Wales and Scarlets players, Gareth Davies and Steven Shingler. The Cup was again presented by Mr. Ray Beech.
Cricket The summer term was a very successful term for the school cricket team. The local Kwik Cricket tournament was held at Pontarddulais CC and the team finished with a record of Played 4 Won 4 and therefore won the tournament. They then travelled to Ynysygerwn CC to complete in the West Glamorgan Championships. Pontarddulais Primary sailed through their group unbeaten, only to be just beaten in the final by Crwys Primary School. The reward for such a successful day, was a place at the Welsh Kwik Cricket Finals which were held at St. Fagans CC on Tuesday 1st July 2014. We finished another successful day as the 5th best team in Wales.
The staff deliver excellent sporting opportunities for all pupils at Pontarddulais Primary School. As long as these opportunities continue to exist the physical, intellectual, social and emotional skills of all participating children will continue to develop…
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The following extra curricular activities were organised last year: Football (Boys & Girls) Mr S. Cresser /Mr T. Carey/Mr L. Morgan; Rugby Mr. P Jones/Mr T. Carey; Choir Mr J. Mead/ Mrs A. Williams; Gymnastics Mr S. Cresser/ Mrs J. Roberts; Hockey Miss E Williams; Eco Mrs J. Kidd/ Mrs H. Thomas; Cookery Club Miss R. Thomas/Mrs J.Morgan; Netball Mrs. A. Cascarini/Mrs L. Thomas; Gardening Club Miss E. Williams, Mrs.Eager & Miss H. Williams; Cricket (Boys & Girls) Mr P. Jones/Mr Tom Carey.
P.T.F.AThe Parent Teacher Friends Association continues to support the school in a variety of different ways and has proved to be a fantastic support towards our school development. The May Fayre this year turned out to be a sunny family night, and was extremely successful in raising over £1600 towards much needed resources and equipment for the school.
PSE Update – Co-ordinator Miss R. ThomasPlayground ZoningThe playground zoning of the Junior yard continues to work well and lots of opportunities have been created for the children to play with painted games on the yard. Lots of new equipment has also been purchased for the children. All children have an opportunity to choose which activity they would like to participate in during each break time. The house captains are carrying out their roles successfully and are managing the zones and equipment well. Prefects and Playground Friends are continuing to help and support staff and the new recycled games, structures and adventure playground are proving to be an extremely big hit with the children!
Design to SmileThe ‘Design to Smile’ project is being funded by WG and has been set up in response to concerns about declining oral hygiene among children. This initiative is now part of the curriculum in the Foundation Phase and the children are taking care of their teeth as part of their daily routine. Rebecca Charles from ‘design to Smile’ regularly visits the school to evaluate provision and update training for staff.
Gardening clubThe gardening club continues to ‘grow’ from strength to strength and provides children with the opportunity to learn new skills and develop existing ones. They have planted, cared for and nurtured their plants and we are all looking forward to seeing ‘Bont in bloom’. Each class planted flowers and herbs to make the school look ‘Blooming beautiful!’
Cookery ClubThe Cookery Club was extremely popular with the Year 6 pupils. The children created ‘healthy recipes’ and delicious treats to take home. The P.T.F.A has funded this club throughout the year. There have been new recipes tried this term – the undoubted favourites were the ‘Carrot cake muffins’ – Mmmmmmm!
PC Hinds – Police Core ProgrammeEach year group had a specific focus within the Police Core programme and lots of important information and activities were done with the whole school. These include internet safety, substance misuse, diversity, street corner culture, people who help us and
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‘an apple a day’. This programme ensures different aspects of the PSE curriculum are being enhanced by an outside agency as well as being delivered by staff. P.C Hinds has also delivered lots of PSE assemblies – the most recent one being ‘Bullying and its effects’.
Sex and Relationships Education A slight change to the Sex and Relationships Education sessions this year. Year 5 and 6 were shown the BBC ‘Growing up’ DVD as part of Sex and Relationships education last year. This year the School nurse will visit the children and deliver the programme agreed by the LA. The children always respond very well to all the activities and showed a very mature attitude throughout, asking relevant, important questions.
NQA Re-assessmentAngela Latimer the Healthy Schools coordinator for Swansea visited the school on 25th June 2014 for the bi-annual re-assessment of the National Quality Award. She decided whether or not the school was still a ‘Flagship Healthy School’ in Wales and if all the actions that have been in place for the last nine years were still embedded. Also she was checking if new initiatives were focused upon and adopted by the school. Since the assessment by WAG in 2012, the Healthy Schools coordinator (Miss R. Thomas) has presented in a ‘Healthy Schools Conference’ and shared good practice with other schools. We have acquired another Green Flag, achieved a Level 1 RRS award, created a SNAG (School Nutrition Action Group) which impacts on Healthy lunchboxes and snack time, responded to and raised money for National appeals and World Issues such as Children in Need, Macmillan Cancer Research, Sport Relief and the crisis in the Philippines and ensured all actions were continuing to be fostered and developed. Mrs Latimer spent the morning enjoying our Sports Day, discussing ‘Healthy Schools’ with R. Thomas and C. Foley and discussed different school initiatives and issues with the School Council. A very successful day and a positive experience for all. It’s always nice to be reminded of all the fantastic things that go on linked to ‘Healthy Schools’.
Road Safety - JRSOsThe JRSOs (Junior Road Safety Officers) have been extremely busy throughout the year, working hard and learning how to stay safe on the road. They made it through to the Swansea final of the annual Road Safety Quiz; this was amongst the top 2 out of 40 schools in Swansea! They have represented the school to the best of their ability and have made every effort to raise awareness of Road Safety within the school throughout the year. Amanda Howarth visited the school to conduct the quiz and from the feedback, the children did really well. Unfortunately they finished runners-up and didn’t make it through to the South Wales finals this year. But, a sterling effort by our team!Our five JRSOs attended a celebration day in Brynmill Scouts and Guides hall to link with all the other JRSOs throughout Swansea. They carried out different activities, took part in another quiz and won lots of prizes in recognition of the work they have done this year.
Rights Respecting Schools (RRs) (Joint Co-ordinators Mrs Foley & Mr Davies)During the summer term Mrs Foley, Mr Davies and two of our Rights Champions attended a meeting held at Penllergaer Primary school. Our school is looking forward to liaising with Penllergaer Primary. One of the main priorities to achieve level 2 RRS is to promote RRS to the wider community and support the transition of the initiative in the secondary school.
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At Penllergaer, there was an opportunity to share good practice and ideas, make new friends and contacts; tour the school and see how RRS is promoted there. Kath Mattingly, from Unicef was there to support in setting up further meetings and talked to us about the next steps for development. It was decided during the meeting that Pontarddulais would host the next meeting during the second half of the Autumn Term 2014.
Visit from Sarah Hooke Last year the school sponsored Mrs Sarah Hooke, Unicef education officer for Wales, in her efforts to conquer Machu Picchu and raise money for Unicef. The school raised a fantastic £1,500 to sponsor Sarah in her efforts with a sponsored walk. During the summer term Sarah came and held an assembly for all the children to learn about her adventures in Peru and the different children she met along the way. The PowerPoint was a very informative resource and all the children enjoyed seeing
Rhiannon, (our schools rights respecting mascot), having an exciting adventure in Peru with Sarah.
During the assembly, Sarah had the opportunity to talk about her next adventure which was a visit to Africa. She told us that she needed to purchase school resources for
needy schools in Africa. In light of this information the school held a non – school uniform day and raised over £400 to support Sarah in buying relevant resources.
A Visit from Cllr Mitch Theaker-Cabinet Member for Children & Young PeopleCllr Mitch Theaker visited the Rights Champions and School Councillors on Monday 16th
June 2014. Mr Theaker was visiting the school to enable the children to have an opportunity to discuss their views on subjects that effect young children in Swansea. Mr Theaker was very impressed with the children he spoke to. The meeting was also attended by Cllr Phil Downing and Mr Mead.During the meeting the Rights Champions were able to discuss their opinions on the different rights that they were entitled to and one of the champions mentioned that the children’s right to play would be effected if the school field was to be sold. Cllr Theaker,
listened to all the children’s opinions and promised in his role as councillor, that any correspondence that the council has previously received from pupils in the school he would follow up, and ensure that the children received an appropriate response.
Restorative PracticeRestorative question boards have been placed in key areas on both the infant and junior yards to enable children to respond to problems using a restorative approach.
Literacy Update-Co-ordinator Miss Austin (Addressing Inspection Recommendation R1 & R2)
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Foundation Phase All staff worked together to develop standardisation portfolios using iPads to record voices, make small videos and take photographs of work. This allowed us to capture the Foundation Phase philosophy of learning by doing. All staff have agreed that this has been a success this year which we will continue to develop and embed next year.
Writing Professional Learning Community (PLC)During the summer term our writing PLC (3 teachers from our school) concluded their work on discussion texts. All 6 schools (feeder schools for Pontarddulais Comprehensive) completed a baseline test, gathered evidence of discussion text and a final assessment for the text. The improvement was noticeable and this will be recorded in a portfolio available for all schools to use for guidance. The PLC has also been organising their own version of the ‘Bay Book Award’ and renaming it the ‘Bont Book Award’ this will be an opportunity for the More Able and Talented children in years 1-9 to read, discuss and present information on the books they have been reading. It will begin this term and a presentation will be held in Spring 2015. (Also see school results for Literacy on pages 17-20 of this report).
Maths Update – Co-ordinator Mr Jones All teaching staff have been given training this year regarding how to implement the Numeracy Framework into their termly topics. The staff have also been given training on how to improve children’s reasoning and problem solving skills. Pontarddulais Primary has a whole school approach to reasoning which will continue to develop throughout the coming year. Reasoning and problem solving are important parts of the new framework.
Staff in both phases have also been given the opportunity to further their professional development by attending numeracy courses provided by the county.
The Numicon resource has been successfully introduced throughout the Foundation Phase. I know that many children have come home from school talking about Numicon and some parents have purchased a small set for themselves. We intend having a numicon evening event for all parents during the coming academic year. (Also see school results table for mathematics on pages 17-20 of this report).
School UniformWe have a school uniform at Pontarddulais, which is detailed in the school prospectus. School uniform is important:
It helps children to feel they belong to the school It avoids the competition between children for the latest fashions It prepares children for uniform wearing at secondary school It looks smart
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HomeworkThe start of a new school year is a good time to remind parents about the school homework policy. I’m sure that parents appreciate that homework has many benefits, including the opportunity to practise work started in school. It also gives parents the opportunity to see what is going on in school. Try to read with your child every night. Only by working in partnership can we hope to provide the education that your children deserve.
Residential Visits Year 6 visit to the Dan Y Coed outdoor activity centre in Swansea
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Governors Report to Parents Autumn Term 2014
Year 6 visit to London.
Transition to the comprehensive schoolIn light of the new Literacy and Numeracy Framework (LNF), Year 6 were asked to generate a display board to reflect the fabulous work that has been carried out within our year group, linked to ‘Numeracy across the curriculum’. This has been displayed in the comprehensive school.Amy Gleeson – the head of Year 7 visited the school to discuss the Year 6 children that would be attending the comprehensive from September 2014. The Year 6 teachers had the opportunity to identify any needs, share information and discuss transition week with Miss Gleeson. This is an invaluable process that allows staff from both establishments to ensure a smooth transition process for the children in Year 6.The ‘Key Skills Project’ this year was linked to ‘The Football World Cup’. Miss Thomas and the girls were initially unenthusiastic about the project (it is football after all!). But, when the activities were undertaken the whole Year group – including Miss Thomas thoroughly enjoy and respond to the different activities linked to the statistics generated by the World Cup. The Year 6 children undertake an ‘Application of Number’ project that all partner primaries are involved in, in the lead up to ‘Transition week’. They had the opportunity to apply their knowledge and understanding of Mathematics topics, thinking and problem solving skills to a project that ultimately lead to creating a board game based on ‘Brazil 2014’ to share with other schools in transition week.Year 6 attended a ‘Transition week’ from the 30th June – 4th July in the comprehensive. The Year 6 attended a range of timetabled lessons and experience what it will be like when they attend the comprehensive in September 2014. This process ensured the children felt confident, happy and enthusiastic about the next step in their education. They were placed in groups, mixed with other primary schools and any worries and concerns were alleviated. A range of board games, based on Brazil 2014 were created for the comprehensive by Year 6 pupils. These were shared between all the children in the cluster and played and evaluated by others during transition week.
Progress with Welsh (Pontarddulais Primary is a Welsh second language school) (Co-ordinators Mrs Findlay and Mrs Morgan)It has been a very busy and productive year. Nerys Jones (Welsh Advisory Teacher) shared some good practice portfolios with all staff.
She also delivered a ‘Slot Drillio’ after school session to Foundation Phase teachers. She showed them some video clips of good practice and gave them some ideas of games to play during their drilling slots.
ResourcesLast term the Welsh Assembly awarded £300 for schools to spend on Welsh books. Just before half-term the books arrived and have been distributed to staff.
Mrs Morgan visited the ELRS (Resource Centre) in June to order some posters, signage and resources for KS2 classrooms. All resources are being used in classes to help the children learn.
Courses
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Governors Report to Parents Autumn Term 2014
As coordinator (in Mrs Findlay’s absence due to maternity) Mrs Morgan attended the course ‘Moving Learners from level 4 to 5’. It was an enlightening course, valuable to see the progression of language patterns and expectations of children. Some resources were shared and Mrs Morgan is currently creating resource packs for the KS2 teachers to support them with their delivery of Welsh.
Attendance Information & Progress-Academic Year 2013/14Group Presents AEA Authorised
Whole school statutory figure for the year is 95.3%. This is reported to the Welsh Assembly Government and is 1.9 % up on last year.
Group Presents AEA Authorised Absences
Unauthorised Absences Possible %
Attend Reception HT 93.4 0.0 5.8 0.8 100.0 93.4Reception CF 93.6 0.0 4.8 1.6 100.0 93.6Attendance Information & ProgressWe had 41 children who achieved 100% this year, which is more than double last years figure. Certificates & 100% badges have really encouraged the children to aspire towards 100% attendance. A further 79 children had certificates for 97+% attendance..
The Brochure ‘Why good attendance is important’ was reviewed early this term an issued to parents during the Autumn Term ‘Meet the Teacher’ Meetings. The school policy has also been reviewed and states that holidays during term time are un-authorised unless under very exceptional circumstances.
As we have said a number of times, if children aren’t in school, we can’t teach them!
The Welsh Government has set a target for each school in Wales to have 95% attendance during a school year. As a school we were just over this target at 95.3%. Thank you parents for your support in this crucial area.
ALL concerns regarding punctuality and attendance are brought to the attention of parents, and persistent offenders are always referred to the Education Welfare Officer.
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Governors Report to Parents Autumn Term 2014
Mrs Rhiannon Smith, our Educational Welfare Officer (EWO visits the school weekly and follows up any queries with home visits.
The following strategies are in place to meet our Key Priority of Attendance on our School Development Plan:
We continue to highlight the importance of punctuality and regular attendance in school assemblies through our monitoring strategies. A class from foundation Phase& KS2 is awarded best attended class of the week, half-termly and termly in our merit assembly.
Our Attendance Officer Mrs Eleanor Williams operates a late register system every morning and first day phonecalls for the parents who have not informed the school about their child’s absence.
A school leaflet about why good attendance is so important has been re-distributed to all parents
National Guidance on percentages of attendance is sent to parents on a termly basis (see below)
Letters are sent to the parents of poor attenders asking them to make an appointment with the HT
If a child is late 3 times during a half-term letters about punctuality are sent to the parents
THERE ARE 365 DAYS IN A YEAR,ONLY 195 ARE SCHOOL DAYS
Your child’sAttendance
National Guidelines
95 – 100% Optimum chance to achieve well. Your child is taking full advantage of every learning opportunity.
90 – 95% Satisfactory. Your child may have to spend time catching up with work.85 – 90% Cause for concern. Your child may be at risk of underachieving.80 – 85% Cause for concern. Your child may need extra support from you to catch up
with work.Below 80% Your child may be missing out on a broad and balanced education.
Foundation Phase Outcomes 2014SCHOOL & NATIONAL
The following table shows the percentage of pupils attaining each outcome.
N D W 1 2 3 4 5 6+ 5+
Language, Literacy, and Communication Skills in English (LCE)
School 0 0 0 0 0 0 13 55 32 87
National 0 0 0 0 1 2 11 56 30 86
Mathematical Development (MDT)
School 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 57 36 92
National - 0 0 0 1 1 10 59 28 87
Personal and Social Development, Well-being and Cultural Diversity (PSD)
School 0 0 0 0 0 0 4 47 49 96
National - 0 0 0 0 1 5 47 46 93
There were 53 pupils in the group.Foundation Phase Outcome Indicator School 87
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Governors Report to Parents Autumn Term 2014
National 83
The following table shows the percentage of boys attaining each outcome.
Boys N D W 1 2 3 4 5 6+ 5+
Language, Literacy, and Communication Skills in English (LCE)
School 0 0 0 0 0 0 17 59 24 83
National - - - - - - - - - 82
Mathematical Development (MDT)
School 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 55 38 93
National - - - - - - - - - 85
Personal and Social Development, Well-being and Cultural Diversity (PSD)
School 0 0 0 0 0 0 7 52 41 93
National - - - - - - - - - 90
There were 29 boys in the groupThe following table shows the percentage of girls attaining each outcome.
Girls N D W 1 2 3 4 5 6+ 5+
Language, Literacy, and Communication Skills in English (LCE)
School 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 50 42 92
National - - - - - - - - - -
Mathematical Development (MDT)
School 0 0 0 0 0 0 8 58 33 92
National - - - - - - - - - -
Personal and Social Development, Well-being and Cultural Diversity (PSD)
School 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 42 58 100
National - - - - - - - - - -
There were 24 girls in the group
An overviewAssessing & Reporting is done through outcomes.Outcome 4= the old level 1Outcome 5= the old level 2Outcome 6=the old level 3The only subjects to be reported this year were Language (86.7% outcome 5 and above) Maths 92.4% outcome 5 and above) & Personal Social Development (96.2% outcome 5 and above).
In addressing Recommendation R1 & R2 from our inspection there is an increase in the percentage of children achieving (Outcome 6) level 3:Language- 32% (30% last year)Maths – 30% (24% last year)PSD- 49% (slightly down on last years 56%)
KS2 Results 2014
Foundation Phase Outcome Indicator School 92National 87
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Governors Report to Parents Autumn Term 2014
Summary of National Curriculum Assessment results of pupils in the school (2014) and nationally (2013) at the end of Key Stage 2 as a percentage of those eligible for assessment.
N D NCO
1, 2, & 3
1 2 3 4 5 6+ 4+
English School 0 0 0 2 5 3 54 33 3 90
National 0 0 0 1 2 10 51 35 1 87
OracySchool 0 0 0 0 3 3 51 43 0 93
National 0 0 0 1 2 9 50 36 1 88
ReadingSchool 0 0 0 2 5 3 52 34 3 90
National 0 0 0 1 2 10 48 38 1 87
WritingSchool 0 0 0 3 3 3 56 31 3 90
National 0 0 0 1 3 15 53 27 1 81
ScienceSchool 0 0 0 3 3 3 51 39 0 90
National 0 0 0 0 1 8 54 36 0 90
MathematicsSchool 0 0 0 0 5 5 52 36 2 90
National 0 0 0 0 2 9 52 35 1 88
In summary-KS2 Results 2014Level 4+ levels were as follows: English – 90% (88% last year), Mathematics- 90% (86% last year), Science- 90% (88% last year)CSI- 90.16% (Wales 84%)level 5+ results this year were good again -English 36% (32% last year), however we have had 6% level 6 this year (compared to 0.5% in Wales), Maths 38%(30% last year), Science 39% ( 38% last year).
Core Subject Indicator
School 90.16
National 84
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Governors Report to Parents Autumn Term 2014
% boys at each level
N D NCO 1, 2, & 3 1 2 3 4 5 6+ 4+
English School 0 0 0 3 10 0 68 19 0 87
National - - - - - - - - - 84
MathematicsSchool 0 0 0 0 10 3 48 39 0 87
National - - - - - - - - - 86
ScienceSchool 0 0 0 6 6 0 55 32 0 87
National - - - - - - - - - 88
% girls at each level
N D NCO 1, 2, & 3 1 2 3 4 5 6+ 4+
English School 0 0 0 0 0 7 40 47 7 93
National - - - - - - - - - 91
MathematicsSchool 0 0 0 0 0 7 57 33 3 93
National - - - - - - - - - 89
ScienceSchool 0 0 0 0 0 7 47 47 0 93
National - - - - - - - - - 92
Financial Details 2013/14 (Section 52)
STATEMENT OF ACTUAL EXPENDITURE Y.E.31.3.14
End of Year Statement 2012/13
BUDGET ALLOCATION 1,291,673 TEACHING COSTS 796,177 NET EXPENDITURE 1,292,562 SUPPORT STAFF COSTS 263,440 CAPTITATION 72,070 UNDER / OVER SPEND 2012/13 - 1,304
School Hours 8:50a.m. Morning session begins10:30a.m. – 10:45a.m. Morning break11:55a.m. – 12:55p.m. Lunch break 2:05p.m. – 2.15p.m. Afternoon break 3:20p.m. End of school day
Teaching HoursThe hours spent on teaching during the normal week, including Religious Education, but excluding the statutory daily act of worship, registration and breaks (including lunch) are:
It has been an extremely busy and successful year. We feel as Governors that the school is a vibrant, happy place and continues to develop in a positive light. We feel particularly proud of our children’s achievements in End of Key Stage Assessments; Rights Respecting Schools Award; Healthy Schools National Award and its many sporting and music achievements. We would like to thank all members of staff, parents and pupils for their superb efforts during the year.
