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Ceiriog Valley Federation

The Governors’ Gazette

The Annual Report to Parents

Autumn Term 2019 (for Academic Year 2018 -2019) Ceiriog Valley Federation A WORD FROM THE Our Vision CHAIR OF GOVERNORS To provide a collaboration of safe, stimulating, learning environments

where individuals are respected and achievements and efforts The Federation has had an extremely hard praised; where the Welsh language and culture is celebrated and year with the closure of Ysgol . forms part of daily life; where schools and the communities they The schools however have continued to serve are fully integrated, and all the opportunities afforded by work together to provide the best for learning in the Ceiriog Valley are fully realised.’ pupils in the Ceiriog Valley. It has been successful year with all pupils making good progress with excellent end of Foundation Our aims: Phase and key stage 2 results. To provide a caring community in which children are valued. To aim to develop self-esteem and self-discipline. I would like to take this opportunity to To provide quality education through the medium of Welsh or the medium thank everyone – our dedicated staff, of English depending on parental choice. delightful children and loyal parents for their support during this difficult time. The federation will emphasise the following: We now move on to a new era and it is  Literacy- reading, writing, speaking and listening in English & Welsh. very pleasing that nearly all the pupils have  Numeracy transferred over to Ysgol Cynddelw.  Good personal and social skills

We, as governors, shall all continue to  Scientific knowledge and the ability to work as a scientist. pursue our responsibilities of supporting  The use of information, communication technology. the schools, raising expectations, asking the  Good learning behaviour. challenging questions where necessary and ensuring that each and every child is given  Thinking skills. the opportunity to develop his/her  Links with the Community. potential to the maximum in an  Broadening of opportunity for the pupils increasingly competitive and changing  A broad, balanced and exciting curriculum for all pupils world.  High standards of teaching and learning

A meeting is not held to discuss the Annual Report unless at least 10% of the We have something special in the Ceiriog schools parents request one. We will arrange a meeting if we have enough Valley Federation – schools we should all requests. Please telephone school (before half term) if you would like to request a meeting with Governors to discuss this Annual Report. be extremely proud of. Simon Adams

Inside … What did we achieve? A look back: 2018 - 2019

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Who’s who on the Governing Body? Name Role Term of office Mr Simon Adams Chair of Governors (Parent) September 2020 Mr Emyr Owens Vice chair of Governors(LA) September 2020 Mr Ian Barre September 2020 Mr Aled Jones September 2020 Mrs Eleri Harper June 2020 Parent governors Mrs Emma Humphreys April 2020 Mrs Fiona Grant February 2023 Mr John Edwards September 2020 Miss Beth Evans March 2020 Teacher governors Mrs Lora Sockett March 2020 Miss Iona Richards Staff governor May 2021 Mrs Bethan Mair Jones May 2020 Miss Elizabeth Richards LA governors January 2019 Mrs Gaynor Roberts April 2021 Mrs Sally Greenwood November 2020 Ms Sarah Davies Community governors September 2020 Mrs Edith Jones March 2019 Mrs Olwen Corben Headteacher N/A Mrs Karen wilson Clerk LA N/A We thank Mrs Jean Davies for her support over the past few years and wish her all the very best. The instrument of government will now need to amended to reflect Ysgol Cynddelw and Ysgol Llanarmon D C Instrument of government for the Ceiriog Valley Federation Parent governors 6 (Minimum 1 from each school) Local Authority 4 Teacher 2 Staff 2 Headteacher 1 Community Governors 4 (3 + 1 additional community governor appointed from community council Total 19 The Governing Body has a responsibility for seeing that the school is run effectively, acting within the framework . set by legislation and that the policies of the Local Authority (LA) and the (WG) are adhered to. The governing body of the Ceiriog Valley federation meets every half term to discuss the schools and their priorities. Their main aim is to ensure that all pupils in the Ceiriog Valley are given opportunities and challenged to reach their potential. During the meetings, staff present information about school development plan and governors ask challenging questions as to the purpose of activities and their effect. It is a voluntary role and we thank all the governors for their commitment. What is a Governor? A governor is someone who:-  is a volunteer;  cares about learning, teaching and children;  represents people in the local community and the staff of the school;  is part of a team which accepts responsibility for everything a school does;  has time to commit to meetings and other occasions when needed;  is willing to learn;  is able to act as a friend who supports and challenges the schools by casting a critical eye upon how the school works and the standard it achieves; acts as a link between parents, the local community and the school.

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School Improvement What has been happening 2018-2019?

The schools have been very busy monitoring standards and sharing good practice. We have all been working hard to develop the curriculum and have been commended by the regional support team GwE. Many schools have been over to observe good practice. The national literacy and numeracy scores in each school continue to show good progress especially in reading. Several open afternoons were held during the year and this proved to be very successful. The Federation schools will continue to support each other to offer the best possible for the pupils in the Ceiriog Valley. Ysgol Pontfadog Ysgol Cynddelw Ysgol Llanarmon D C 1. Continue to raise standards in reading 1. Continue to develop reading in Welsh first 1. Develop the reading strategy used in Ysgol The reading strategy from Ysgol Cynddelw has language and English Cynddelw. been implemented in both classes and very The reading strategy has been implemented in The reading strategy has been implemented in good progress made. Scores in the reading all classes and very good progress made. both classes and fair progress made. The test are good and show an improvement from Scores in the reading test are good and show strategy needs to be implemented fully in last year. an improvement from last year. order see more progress. 2. To continue to closely monitor the quality of 2. To continue to closely monitor the quality 2. To continue to closely monitor the quality of teaching and learning and ensure of teaching and learning and ensure teaching and learning and ensure consistency throughout the federation. consistency throughout the federation. consistency throughout the federation. Learning walks, observations and self- Learning walks, observations and self- Learning walks, observations and self- evaluations happen regularly and have an evaluations happen regularly and have an evaluations happen regularly and have an impact upon standards impact upon standards impact upon standards. 3. To continue to develop the use of the Digital 3. To develop the use of the Digital 3. To develop the use of the Digital Competency Framework in all classes Competency Framework in all classes Competency Framework in all classes There has been more of a focus upon The PTA have purchased Chrome books and The PTA have purchased Chrome books and developing ICT skills. Pupils have had the the classes are utilising them very well. ICT the classes are utilising them very well. ICT opportunity to complete a variety of activities. skills have improved and pupils are very skills have improved and pupils are very Older pupils are very confident in their use of competent. Pupils have had the opportunity competent. Pupils have had the opportunity ICT especially for research tasks. The ICT to complete a variety of activities. Pupils have to complete a variety of activities. coordinator has been to complete an audit of accessed coding club. Pupils made good NEXT STEPS: apps on iPads and is due to support further. progress Audit of equipment/purchase of new 4. To develop the new curriculum for NEXT STEPS: hardware Mantle of the expert training. We are making  Appoint new coordinator for 2019- 4. To develop successful futures and the new good progress in developing the new 2020 curriculum for Wales curriculum 4. To continue to develop curriculum for Mantle of the expert training. We are making 5. To implement Cymraeg Campus and work Wales good progress in developing the new toward the bronze award We are making good progress in developing curriculum Work has started and pupils are enjoying the new curriculum and many schools have 5. Provide more challenging literacy and being part of the criw Cymraeg been to visit as recommended by GwE numeracy tasks in key stage 2 tasks 5. To implement Cymraeg Campus and work Change in staffing has improved challenge toward the bronze award 6. To continue with Siarter iaith working The school has gained the Bronze Award and towards the gold award Miss Parkinson was commended for her work. The school has been awarded the gold award 6. To continue with Siarter iaith working for their siarter iaith work. towards the gold award The school has been awarded the gold award for their siarter iaith work We have ensured that all recommendations above have been added to the Federation Development Plan. Certain recommendations have been developed throughout the federation and having a joint up approach to School Development is key. We are now inspection free for a while but we will continue to work hard to provide the very best for the pupils in the Ceiriog Valley schools.

Other areas to develop 2019 -2020; 1. To raise standards in English spelling especially in key stage 2- identified from pupils work and in house testing 2. To continue with the reading strategy

3. To develop the use of the Digital Competency Framework- Federation target -Welsh Government priority 4. To continue to closely monitor the quality of teaching and learning and ensure consistency throughout the federation- Federation Assessment for learning strategies-Federation New Curriculum-Welsh Government 5. Shirley Clarke _Assessment for learning strategies implemented Tier 3 school- helping others 6. Siarter Iaith/Cymraeg Campus

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Staffing Structure September 2018

Ysgol Pontfadog Ysgol Cynddelw Ysgol Llanarmon Head teacher – Mrs Olwen Corben Deputy Head teacher– Miss Beth Evans (based at Ysgol Cynddelw) Business manager - Mrs Michelle Lewis Teachers Head of Teaching and Learning Miss Hannah Parkinson Head of Teaching and Learning Miss Elizabeth Richards(Maternity Mr Peter Williams Miss Lora Sockett Leave-Dec-July 2019) Miss Lucy Williams Mrs Katherine Langford (4 days) Miss Catrin Darlington Miss Sian Roscoe Mr Steffan Williams (5 days) PPA teachers Mrs Mair Evans Mrs Nia Massey Mrs Eleri Owens

Teaching Assistants Mrs Julie Turner Mrs Della Madoocks Mrs Rhonwen Tomlinson Mrs Tracy Davies Mrs Clare Wall Mrs Angela Turner Mrs Carol Ward Miss Iona Richards Miss Sara Davies Caretaker Mrs Linda Wright Mrs Sharon Jones Mrs Michelle Morris Cleaner Mr David Jones Cook Mrs Sharon Jones Miss Kate Edwards Kitchen Assistants Miss Anne Davies Mrs Tina Barre Lunchtime Supervisors Mrs Helen Durnell Miss Sara Davies Miss Liz Crossley Mrs Carol Ward Mrs Claire Wall Breakfast Club open from 8am Miss Kate Edwards Mrs Sharon Jones Mrs Tracey Davies Mrs Della Lloyd Mrs Carol Ward Miss Liz Crossley After School Club Mrs Michelle Lewis Mrs Suzanne Evans Mrs Carol Ward

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Policy/Document Update Attendance 2018 – 2019

All of our Policy Documents for the Curriculum are in place. All of our Non-Curricular policies are in place. School Ysgol Ysgol Ysgol We update our School Prospectus and School Development Plan regularly. All of our Schemes of Work; (Foundation Phase to Key Stage 2) are written on a Pontfadog Cynddelw Llanarmon termly basis and we have detailed annual plans. Target 96% 96% 96% Actual 92.1% 95.06% 96.52% Please contact school if you would like a copy of any of our Policy Documents or if Attendance you require any additional information. Authorised 4.6% 3.88% 2.38%

Unauthorised Teaching & Learning 2018-19 1.76% 1.06% 0.25%

Absences have an adverse effect on our overall percentages. We have an excellent working relationship with Federation We have a whole school computerised system to monitor pupils’ schools. We are now working on a new curriculum based on attendance and punctuality. The attendance does fluctuate from year to year. We do recommend that parents do not take holiday the recommendations by Professor Donaldson in “Successful during term time because it can have a detrimental effect on a Futures.” Pupils are taught in mixed age classes and we use child’s education when important lessons are missed. The Welsh a variety of teaching methods. All teachers have received a Assembly Government points out that holidays in term time are not a right and should be agreed by the Head teacher: variety of training including middle leaders training. We have “Absences authorised under this discretion should be kept to a a whole federation approach to assessment for learning and minimum. Ten school days should not be regarded as the norm. If we will focus on this as part of school improvement in 2018- a school does not agree absence and the pupil goes on holiday, the absence is unauthorised.” Welsh Assembly Government 2019. We continue to observe each other and other schools Please ensure that you contact the school to give a reason for in order to develop best practice and provide the very best your child being absent. for pupils in the Ceiriog Valley. Target for Attendance 2018/2019= 96%

Most of the schools buildings are in fairly good repair. Over the All schools have an active School Council past few years, some classes have been decorated. Mobiles in and Eco Committee. The groups meet on a Ysgol Pontfadog and Ysgol Llanarmon need to be maintained regular basis to discuss important school by the Local Authority. Each school has good toilet facilities issues. Please see the report on each which are cleaned on a regular basis. Toilets are checked by schools work. during the school day. Sports Teams from the federation have done very well during 2018-2019. The Federation football team played a few games and were winners in the Ysgol Dinas Bran Tournament. Two teams attended the tournamnet and did vey well. The federation cross country team were runners up the small schools cross coutry run. The netball team did very well winning the Ysgol Dinas Bran tournament. Pupils also enjoyed dodgeball, tennis and atheltics. Weekly swimming lessons were also provided. All pupils have physical education lessons. Ysgol Pontfadog and Ysgol Cynddelw Foundation Phase classes have lessons in school and Ysgol Llanarmon in the village hall. The key stage 2 classes from the Fedeation join together for PE. One group has also access to Forest schools and this rotates during the year. The junior classes also have swimming lessons during the year. Pupils usually have over two hours of PE per week. There have been several PE based after school clubs during the year including dance, footbll and netball.

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Additional Learning Needs Across the Federation we have many children with varied needs. The children are at various stages of the AN process (The Graduated Response). The stages are as follows:

School Action (SA) - Providing interventions that are additional to or different from those provided as part of the school's usual differentiated curriculum.

School Action Plus (SA+) - Help from external services.

Additional Resources at School Action Plus (ARSAP) - Limited progress despite SA+ intervention. Long term support may be of benefit in addition to the school's own resources or that the pupil may need a different provision. (quicker response and receive help sooner)

Statement (STMT) - Limited progress despite SA+ intervention. Long term support may be of benefit in addition to the school's own resources or that the pupil may need a different provision (lengthy legally binding process but required help recognised as long term)

Ysgol Cynddelw (2018-2019) SA SA+ ARSAP STMT TOTAL BOYS 3 2 0 1 6 GIRLS 0 0 0 0 0 TOTAL 3 2 0 1 6 Predictions 2019-2020: 3 SA, 4 SA+ 1 STATEMENT , No ARSAP

Ysgol Pontfadog (2018-2019) SA SA+ ARSAP STMT TOTAL BOYS 1 0 1 2 3 GIRLS 0 0 0 0 0 TOTAL 1 0 1 2 3 Both statemented pupils will have moved schools Ysgol Llanarmon (2018-2019) SA SA+ ARSAP STMT TOTAL BOYS 3 0 0 0 3 GIRLS 1 1 0 0 2 TOTAL 3 1 0 0 5

Predictions 2019-2020: 1 SA, 2 SA+

Current Federation Provision: CATCH UP, DYFAL DONC, WASPS/HORNETS, DCD, SOCIAL COMMUNICATION GROUP, TARGETED IEP , IDL, READ WRITE INC, LEGO THERAPY, ELSA.

The Admission of pupils Links with the Community with a disability We work closely with the local community: We aim to reduce/eliminate all barriers of access to the curriculum and  We invite the community to attend Harvest Festivals and work towards full participation in the school community for pupils and Christmas concerts. prospective pupils with a disability. We will comply with the Disability  We make regular use of the mobile library Discrimination Act and will:  We work in partnership with Ysgol Dinas Bran and Ysgol  Not discriminate against disabled pupils in admissions, exclusions or in the provision of education. Morgan Llwyd..  Not treat disabled pupils less favourably.  We have excellent links with the local PCSOs.  Take reasonable steps to avoid putting pupils with disabilities  We continue to use our Facebook Page. at a disadvantage.  We have completed litter picks in the locality. Please contact school if you would like a copy of our Disability Equality  We sing in the Cheshire home every Christmas. Scheme.  We take part in Eisteddfods, Urdd, and .  Events are held in the village hall/church or Canolfan Ceiriog  Many volunteers from the community help out at the schools  Each school is very well supported by their community

Additional Information:

English is the main language used in Ysgol Pontfadog however we encourage all pupils and staff to be bilingual. We teach Welsh as a

Second Language from Nursery to Year 6. We encourage pupils to use the Welsh language in class and around school. We work closely with feeder Secondary Schools to ensure a smooth transition for all pupils and to facilitate continuity in the Welsh language. Ysgol Llanarmon is a naturally Welsh medium school offering bilingual education. Ysgol Cynddelw is dual stream with the 70% of pupils in the Welsh medium.

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Ysgol Cynddelw runs a Cylch Meithrin + (for Nursery children) and After School Club which continues to be popular.

Breakfast Club at each school continues to thrive. Open from 8:00 a.m. All welcome … Free!

Destination of school leavers July 2019 Ysgol Pontfadog Ysgol Cynddelw Ysgol Llanarmon D C 3 pupils 20 pupils 4 pupils 1=Oswesrty school 15=Ysgol Dinas Bran 3=Ysgol Morgan Llwyd 1= Ysgol Llanfyllin 1= St Martin’s 1= Ysgol Dinas Bran 1=Ysgol Dinas Bran 1= Penley 3=YsgolMorgan Llwyd

Healthy Eating and Drinking All schools promote the Welsh government healthy schools scheme. Each school has celebrated in the healthy schools celebration event each year. Ysgol Llanarmon has celebrated their ninth year, Ysgol Cynddelw 6 years renewing achieving the National Quality Award and Ysgol Pontfadog their seventh year. Each school promotes healthy eating and drinking promoting appetite for life guidance.

Timings of the School Day

Ysgol Pontfadog Ysgol Cynddelw Ysgol Cynddelw Ysgol Llanarmon D C Foundation Phase Key stage 2

9am-10.30am 8.55—10.15am 8.55am-10.30am 9am-10.30am

Break Snack/Break Break Break

10.45-Midday 10.45-11.45am 10.45 Midday 10.45-Midday

Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch

1pm –3.15pm 12.45-3.15pm 1pm –3.15pm 1pm –3.20pm

We are always encouraging and developing the partnership we have with parents; we hope you have enjoyed reading our Annual Report. Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions.

Our Federation Prospectus

The Ceiriog Valley Federation Prospectus has been updated. If you require a copy, please contact the Headteacher. We have information packs for Welsh medium Education and parent packs available. We also provide half termly newsletters for each class. Please contact school if you would like a copy of any of the above items.

: 01691 718426/600278

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CEIRIOG VALLEY FEDERATION Finances INDIVIDUAL LOCAL AUTHORITY FUND ACCOUNTS YSGOL CYNDDELW COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL

SUMMARY FINANCIAL EXPENDITURE STATEMENT 2018/2019 Financial Year 1st April 2018 - 31st March 2019

EXPENDITURE/ EXPENDITURE/ BUDGET HEADING (INCOME) (INCOME) BALANCE ACTUAL PLANNNED BUDGET

EMPLOYEES 411,952 399,385 -12,567

PREMISES 28,063 25,605 -2,458

TRANSPORT 1,171 1,100 -71

SUPPLIES & SERVICES * 17,757 21,151 3,394

EDUCATION SUPPORT SERVICES 39,669 39,388 -281

LEASING RECHARGES 35,352 35,352 0

CONTINGENCY FUND 0 -13,684 -13,684

TOTAL EXPENDITURE 533,964 508,297 -25,667

OTHER INCOME -87,149 -67,852 19,297 OPENING BALANCE (1st April 2018) -1,188 -475 713

TOTAL NET EXPENDITURE 445,626 439,970 -5,656

LLANARMON DC

SUMMARY FINANCIAL EXPENDITURE STATEMENT 2018/2019 Financial Year 1st April 2018 - 31st March 2019

EXPENDITURE/ EXPENDITURE/ BUDGET HEADING (INCOME) (INCOME) BALANCE ACTUAL PLANNNED BUDGET

EMPLOYEES 170,185 165,474 -4,711

PREMISES 9,670 7,430 -2,240

TRANSPORT 977 650 -327

SUPPLIES & SERVICES * 8,922 10,764 1,843

EDUCATION SUPPORT SERVICES 13,153 12,908 -245

CONTINGENCY FUND 0 1,288 1,288

TOTAL EXPENDITURE 202,907 198,514 -4,393

OTHER INCOME -20,755 -14,089 6,666 OPENING BALANCE (1st April 2018) -8,628 -8,599 29

TOTAL NET EXPENDITURE 173,523 175,826 2,302

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PONTFADOG CP

SUMMARY FINANCIAL EXPENDITURE STATEMENT 2018/2019 Financial Year 1st April 2018 - 31st March 2019

EXPENDITURE/ EXPENDITURE/ BUDGET HEADING (INCOME) (INCOME) BALANCE ACTUAL PLANNNED BUDGET

EMPLOYEES 163,413 146,484 -16,929

PREMISES 7,080 9,057 1,977

TRANSPORT 1,155 850 -305

SUPPLIES & SERVICES * 9,999 9,283 -716

EDUCATION SUPPORT SERVICES 16,623 16,381 -242

CONTINGENCY FUND 0 6,184 6,184

TOTAL EXPENDITURE 198,270 188,239 -10,031

OTHER INCOME -18,510 -14,064 4,446 OPENING BALANCE (1st April 2018) -1,746 -1,615 131

TOTAL NET EXPENDITURE 178,014 172,560 -5,454

Ysgol Pontfadog School Fund Account April 18 – March 19

CREDIT DEBIT Balance @ 1/4/18 1361.94 Trips/Visits 1086.00 2012.51 Uniform 7.90 ------Postage ——------Fundraising/Commission/Donations 652.91 ------Clubs/Subscriptions ——------Swimming ——------Donations to school 636.37 Miscellaneous ------108.67 3745.12 2121.18 Balance @ 31/3/19 1623.94

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Ysgol Cynddelw School Fund Account

April 18 – March 19 CREDIT DEBIT Balance @ 1/4/18 1198.60 Trips/Visits 5924.23 6625.51 Photographs 200.00 233.39 Uniform 715.00 722.61 Postage 92.77 76.75 Fundraising/Commission/Donations 2402.90 1015.00 Clubs/Subscriptions 485.90 376.03 Swimming 375.05 525.00 Donations/Charity 105.82 86.00 Miscellaneous 1709.47 812.63 13209.74 10472.92 Balance @ 31/3/19 2736.82

Ysgol Llanarmon DC School Fund Account

April 18 – March 19 CREDIT DEBIT

Balance @ 1/4/18 2020.56

Trips/Visits 1805.92 1978.20

Uniform 208.78 44.00

Fundraising/Commission/Donations 1101.82 ————

Clubs/Subscriptions 625.00 910.64

Swimming 30.00 ————

Donations/Charity 63.70 316.00

Miscellaneous 2440.00** 470.93

8295.78 3719.77

Balance @ 31/3/19 4576.01

** Waiting for invoice from WCBC for Laptops/Macbooks (£2132.00)

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Comparative Data and Results 2018 (2019 not available)

Ysgol Pontfadog

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Comparative Data and Results 2019 Ysgol Cynddelw (Table 1 of 2 - PERCENTAGES) Ysgol Cynddelw

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Comparative Data and Results 2019 Ysgol Llanarmon Dyffryn Ceiriog (Table 1 of 2 - PERCENTAGES) Wrexham

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