Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg
Y Castell
Annual Governors’
Report to Parents
2016-2017
To be presented on the school’s website. 27th October 2017
A paper copy is available through the school office on request. Cerddwn ymlaen â ffydd yn ein cân.
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Contents Page
2. Contents
3. Governors’ Introduction
4. Pupils’ Activities
9. Governors’ Activities
10. School Performance Data 2017
12. School Development Plan
15. Finance Statement
16. School Terms and Holidays 2017/2018 and Times
17. Special Educational Needs
18. The Governing Body
19. Contact Details
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Governors’ Introduction
Dear Parents and Guardians, As Chair of Governors, I am pleased to introduce the school's annual report for 2016/2017. I hope it helps to demonstrate what a successful, dynamic and all inclusive school the children attend.
My father would often say to me "One great thing about education is that no one can take it away from you". This has resonated with me throughout my life and I am sure that those reading this report will agree. At Ysgol y Castell, the staff and governors strive to provide an education for its children that can help transform their lives for the better and tap into their potential. We seek to provide them with skills that will serve them well throughout their formal education and also in the wider world. At the school we wish to include all pupils of all abilities and backgrounds and I hope this report demonstrates our core values.
No school can function well without the right staff and I believe we are blessed at the school to have excellent people, whose goal is to pass on their knowledge, skills and wisdom to the children. This past year saw the Deputy Head, Daniel Davies, promoted into a fresh challenge and his replacement Gareth Hughes came to the school this September. I am sure he will make a positive contribution to the continued success of the school.
I hope you enjoy reading this report and send you all my best wishes.
Gareth Williams
Chair
No meeting was held under Section 94 of the School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013.
Five formal complaints were received during this academic year. These were all resolved at stage 1 of the Complaints Procedure. 3
Pupils’ Activities
At Ysgol Y Castell, we are proud of our curricular provision, learning experiences and the wealth of extra-curricular activities offered to pupils. All the experiences mentioned below ensure a wide and varied provision for all our pupils. All activities enrich their learning and inspire them to work to the best of their potential; with enjoyment, committment and towards a meaningful purpose.
Autumn Term
Year 3 and 4 Castell Henllys – inspiration for the theme “Y Celtiaid”
Year 5 Castell Caerffili – Welsh History Festival workshops – composing poetry Anni Llŷn (Welsh Poet Laureate)
Year 5 and 6 Recorder lessons by Caerphilly Music Service
Year 6 Caerphilly Library – celebrating Roald Dahl’s centenary
Year 5 Lush – creating bath bombs
School Community Macmillan Coffee Morning
Year 2 Weekly Kerb Craft lessons
School Choir Aberfan Memorial Concert with Cwm Aber Male Voice Choir – Saint Helen’s Church
Year 6 Cadburys World
Year 1 and 2 Dan yr Ogof – Abracadabra (Rala Rwdins books)
Year 1 - 6 Sports workshops by Amy (Urdd Sports Officer)
Key Stage 2 Tonyfelin Chapel – Harvest Festival
Year 6 Elim Chapel – donations for local food bank
School Community Halloween Disco
MAT Pupils Yr 5 and 6 Writing Squad – Caerphilly Library and Ysgol Cwm Rhymni (literacy)
Sports Ambassadors Tŷ Penallta – leadership training
Year 3 and 4 Birds of Prey
Reception – Year 2 Theatre – performance of “The Emporer’s New Clothes”
Year 3 and 4 (Urdd Urdd Jamboree – Millenium Centre, Cardiff members)
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Year 3 and 4 GE Aviation – workshop with engineers looking at flight processes
Year 5 and 6 Cardiff Castle – The Blitz
Year 6 – FSM pupils Workshops in Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni
Spring Activities
Nursery and Reception Caerphilly Castle
Year 6 Crucial Crew
Youth Forum Llancaiach Fawr
Year 5 Llangrannog Residential Course (week)
Year 3 a 4 Eden Centre
Year 2-6 Workshops with NSPCC
Reception, Year 1 a 2 Techniquest
KS2 MAT pupils Writing workshops with Anni Llŷn
FSM pupils Urdd Centre, Cardiff Bay
Year 6 Outdoor Learning residential course – Maes yr Haul (three days)
Year 5 Mount Carmel Chapel – Easter Cracked
All pupils National World Book Day
Urdd Members Art display
Book Quiz Team Workshop with the author Tomos Morris.
Summer Activities
Year 6 MAT pupils Modern Forgein Languauge lessons - Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni
Reception Funtastic
Year 4 Urdd Centre, Cardiff Bay (residential course)
Year 1 a 2 Plantasia
Nursery Nursery Festival at Saint Fagan
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Year 5 Aspiration day at Ysgol Gyfun Cwm Rhymni
Year 1 a 2 Cwm Darren Park
Year 1 a 2 Urdd Jamboree (members only)
Year 5 Pop concert by the Candelas
Year 6 School Nurse – growing up
All pupils PC Thomas – personal safety lessons
Parents PC Thomas – e-safety
Year 6 Sharon Risby (EWO) – the importance of good attendance
Year 5 and 6 Raising Aspirations at the University of South Wales
Science Club Workshops with STEM Scientists
Success and Celebrations
All pupils and staff run / walk the daily mile.
Weekly harp, violin, recorders and brass lessons are offered at school.
The gymnastics team competed in the Urdd national competition. The children enjoyed themselves during the long weeks of practice led tirelessly by Miss Alice Corden (former pupil), Mr T. Griffiths and Mrs L. Missen (Governor). The school would like to acknowledge the support received from Bedwas Gymnastics Club and we extend our thanks to them. The children won the following awards:
Aled Lewis (individual) – 1st
Polly-Jayne Missen and Carys Corden (pair) – 1st
Team competition – 1st
On March 1st, William Hughes won the Eisteddfod Chair and Seren Beckett received the Eisteddfod Crown during a special ceremony led by Year 5 Gorsedd Y Beirdd.
Our pupils competed keenly in the Urdd Eisteddfodau. Once again, for the 11th consecutive year, we won the cup for the most successful school.
Many children and parents attended Eisteddfod Genedlaethol yr Urdd Penybont, Ogwr a Thaf Elai to compete in the following competitions - choir, unison group, two voice group, recition party, individual recition (under 8, 10 and 12).
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Year 3 and 4 Reading Team gained 1st prize in the county reading quiz and went on the represent Gwent in the national finals.
All the sports teams competed with enthusiasm in the Urdd competitions with the Year 4 hockey team reaching the National Final at Aberystwyth University.
We celebrated Walk to School week, Anti-Bullying week and Healthy Schools week.
Olivia Daniels-Griffiths won 3rd prize in the National Urdd Arts and Crafts competition.
The School Council assisted the Governing Body by interviewing candidates for the post of Deputy Head Teacher.
Sponsered football activities – new sports equipment and team kits were purchased through the donations made.
All pupils prepared and performed class assemblies.
Den dan Dȏ (outside classroom) was built and Year 1 and 2 pupils’ toilets were refurbished.
An outdoor discovery morning / afternoon was held with nursery parents to see how the pupils learn through play.
A £5,000 donation was received from the Friends of the School to purchase yard markings, solar powered clock, books and mus kitchens.
The school won the Green Flag status under the leadership of the Eco Committee.
The choir sang in the Hybu concert "1,000 voices" in the Motorpoint Arena.
The Athletics Team enjoyed competing in the Summer Term, coming second in the Cwm Rhymni cluster and Caerphilly Sports Days.
Cross Country Competition – both female teams won the South East Wales Championships.
First Aid lessons were held for Year 5 and 6 by st John’s Ambulance staff.
A number of extra curricular activities are held on a weekly basis including Urdd Club, arts and crafts, sports, choir, disco and folk dancing, ukulele, sticker swap, reading, sewing, science and coding.
We are a Welsh medium school who immerse the Foundation Phase pupils in Welsh to ensure their bilingualism. English is introduced in Key Stage 2.
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Attendance Information 2016 / 2017
Attendance Authorised Unauthorised Absences Absences
Target 2016-2017 95.2% 4.8% 0%
Autumn Term 2016 95.26% 4.64% 0.1%
Spring Term 2017 94.43% 5.13% 0.44%
Summer Term 2017 94.31% 5.12% 0.57%
Academic Year 2016 - 95.03% 4.75% 0.22% 2017
We constantly engage with parents and guardians to reduce the number of unauthorised absences through correspondence and text messages.
Most pupils and parents think 90% attendance is good. Are they right?
90% attendance = ½ a day missed every week!
90% attendance over 5 years of school = ½ a school year missed
Attendance at the end of Days missed from school the year
100% 0
99.5% 1
97.4% 5
95% 10
90% 19 87% 24
85% 28
80% 38 75% 47
We urge parents not to withdraw children for holidays. Every lesson counts!
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A REVIEW OF GOVERNOR'S ACTIVITY FOR THE ACADEMIC YEAR 2016/17
The Governing Body is delighted to congratulate the school on another fantastic year.
Our focus, as always, remains firmly directed at improving outcomes for all our pupils by delivering high quality teaching and maximising progress and attainment. Ours is a strategic role and involves:
(i) Setting the aims and objectives for the school; (ii) Agreeing policies, targets and priorities for achieving these objectives; (iii) Monitoring and evaluating to see whether (i) and (ii) are being achieved.
In their most recent report Estyn noted that ‘the governing body is very conscientious and supportive, and takes its role seriously in terms of challenging the school. It ensures that priorities hold the school to account successfully in maintaining standards and ensuring good provision. This contributes effectively towards improving provision and ensuring that pupils make good progress.’
As governors we are ambitious in our vision for the school and we recognise the efforts and good work of all staff in contributing to the school’s progress. We would like to thank all the children, parents, carers and members of the community that support us and make our school caring and a good place to learn and open doors for our journey of life.
This year we appointed two new community governors, Sara Davies and Rhian Jones, who bring a wealth of skills and experience to support our school community.
In addition to our half-termly, whole governing body meetings and any additional sub- committees, governors also sat on various recruitment and selection panels, including the appointment of our new Deputy Head, Gareth Hughes, who we look forward to working with this year.
Throughout the year governors are also offered numerous opportunities to visit the school and observe day to day activities including learning walks, which, in 2016/17 included meeting with More Able and Talented learners to evaluate the schools current provision for this group and with the IT team and Digital Leaders to explore the IT provision aimed at implementing the new Digital Framework. Governors also attended assemblies and school council meetings as well as participating in extra-curricular provision such as concerts, fayres, and other activities open to the school community. These opportunities offer a fantastic insight into how the school operates and are incredibly informative in shaping our strategic vision for the school.
We would once again like to thank Mrs Nuttall and her staff for all their hard work which led to another busy and successful year at Ysgol Y Castell, not least during the inspection where their tireless efforts were recognised in the Estyn report. We look forward to working alongside them again in what promises to be another exciting year for Ysgol y Castell.
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School Performance Data 2017
Foundation Phase:
Pupils at the end of Foundation Phase (7 years old) are expected to achieve outcome 5. Some pupils exceed the expectation and gain outcome 6 and other pupils gain outcome 4.
The % of pupils that achieved outcome 5 and above by the end of FPh in 2017.
Subject Targets Ysgol Y Castell Family of LA Wales set by Schools school
Welsh 96% 96% 90% 94% 91%
Mathematics 95% 95% 92% 91% 90%
Wellbeing 95% 98% 96% 95% 95%
Core Subject 93% 95% 89% 89% 87% Indicator (success in all 3 core subjects)
The % of pupils that achieved outcome 6 by the end of FPh in 2017.
Subject Targets Ysgol Y Castell Family of LA Wales set by schools school
Welsh 37% 35% 34% 38% 38%
Mathematics 40% 40% 37% 38% 39%
Wellbeing 56% 53% 60% 58% 61%
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Key Stage 2:
Pupils at the end of KS2 (11 years old) are expected to achieve level 4. Some pupils exceed the expectation and gain level 5 and other pupils gain level 3.
The % of pupils that achieved level 4 and above by the end of KS2 in 2017.
Subject School Ysgol Y Family of LA Wales targets Castell Schools
Welsh 93% 87% 90% 95% 92%
English 96% 87% 92% 92% 91%
Mathematics 96% 93% 94% 92% 92%
Science 96% 96% 94% 93% 92%
Core Subject 93% 87% 92% 90% 90% Indicator
The % of pupils that achieved level 5 by the end of KS2 in 2017.
Subject School Ysgol Y Family of LA Wales targets Castell Schools
Welsh 35% 33% 37% 40% 41%
English 39% 35% 39% 44% 45%
Mathematics 41% 33% 43% 46% 47%
Science 50% 46% 43% 46% 46%
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Progress report on School Development Plan / Post Inspection Plan Recommendations (2016 – 2017)
Target Actions and Impact to Date 1 Continue to raise standards of Cluster moderation meetings were held for all year boys’ writing (outcome 6 and groups where teachers shared literacy and theme level 5) throughout the school. books – all teacher assessments were agreed by the cluster in all year groups. (SDP) Book scrutiny demonstrates that: Ensure that more able pupils are lesson planning demonstrates interesting, challenging and a good variety of writing tasks challenged consistently to engage the boys in all classes. throughout the school (R2 – PIP) the use of worksheets has been reduced. nearly all books show good improvement in boys’ standards of writing at the higher outcomes / levels. the majority of boys take pride in their work and are keen to improve their work. there is clear evidence of rich opportunities to write across the curriculum. marking is thorough and refers to shared success criteria and next steps of learning Application to join NACE self-evaluation assessment toolkit made. MAT policy updated. As a result, standards at the higher levels / outcomes have improved and are now in line with national outcomes.
2 Refine Science provision across Year 6 Science Books (at Level 5) were chosen as the school – re-look at our an exemplar portfolio for the cluster. themes / schemes of work and Regular science experiements / tasks are now taught and recorded in all KS2 classrooms. As a ensure regular opportunities to result, standards in science at the higher levels are teach Science. (SDP) above the national results. STEM club activities continue to target pupils at Ensure that more able pupils are the higher levels. challenged consistently Visits by scientists to inspire the girls have led to throughout the school (R2 – PIP) 50% of females attaining level 5+.
3 Raise aspiration for our FMS Families engaged with a project to raise pupils and their families for a aspirations by visiting South Wales University and better future in order to meet the observe the opportunities available for further education. This outstanding provision was shared national and local priority of with YGG Caerffili and Ysgol Ifor Bach. closing the poverty gap. (SDP) 100% of KS2 pupils receive free music lessons every week for one term. Continue to close the gap High percentage of FSM pupils now attend between the attainment and lunchtime extra-curricular activities. attendance of pupils who are 100% FP pupils attained the expected outcome – eligible for free school meals and better than the non FSM pupils. The gap has closed in the FP. Only 1 FSM pupil in the FP achieved outcome 6 in 12
their peers (R1 – PIP) all areas of learning. In KS2 55% of FSM pupils achieved level 4+ in both languages (11% at level 5+). 77% of FSM pupils achieved level 4+ in both mathematics and science (11% at level 5+).
4 Refine and develop consistent Impact of pupil voice is evident in the work of the behaviour strategies so the pupil leadership teams. nearly all pupils display CPD and support from SLT for Growth Mindset and Behaviour Management is ongoing – this will outstanding behaviour for be a long term strategy to embed. learning (School Council Target) During lesson observation, nearly all pupils demonstrated very good behaviour for learning.
Numbers of pupils who reach Step 3 on our positive behaviour steps have reduced. A small percentage of staff make positive telephone calls / send home positive notes to parents – this practice needs to be shared and embedded by all staff.
5 Implement the Digital All staff members have received trianing and Competency Framework – become familiar with the Digital Competency training and leadership Framework. Staff use the framework to plan and provide cross-curricular activities as well as ICT development so that all staff are skills development. confident in delivering the skills The IT team have completed the majority of the framework at the expected 360º Digital Safety assessment to ensure that the levels. school meets the requirements of e-safety. All staff have signed an agreement about their personal and professional use of the internet and IT equipment. An audit of ICT equipment was completed in preparation for the change to Nant Caiach from an ICT suite to a classroom from September 17 onwards. The ICT team collaborates with other curricular teams to ensure the appropriate use of resources and apps through cross-curricular themes.
6 Ensure continuity in good or Teaching staff share planning on a google drive to better standards of teaching enable SLT and other staff to contribute and through a mentoring programme evaluate the provision. Year 6 / 7 teachers have created triads to share designed to support, challenge good and better practice across schools who feed and raise standards of all staff at the Gwyndy site. school. (SDP) Support staff are engaged in CPD training – Aiming for Excellence – to discuss and understand Disseminate the good and good or better practice as leaders of learning. As excellent practice in teaching a part of their training, an opportunity to observe throughout the school (R3 – PIP) sector leading practice with Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Casnewydd has been arranged. Cluster moderation meetings were held for all year 13
groups where teachers shared books – good practice shared. Performance management targets reflect this priority.
School Development Plan / Post Inspection Plan
2017-2018
Target 1 - Continue to close the gap between the attainment and attendance of pupils who are eligible for free school meals and their peers.
Target 2 - Ensure that more able pupils are challenged consistently throughout the school.
Target 3 - Disseminate the good and excellent practice in teaching throughout the school.
Target 4 - Raise standards of oracy and promote Welsh heritage amongst the pupils – The Welsh Language Charter.
Toilet Facilities
Cleaners are employed by Caerphilly LA to clean the toilets twice a day, ensuring a sufficient supply of toilet paper, soap and hot water. The temperature of the water is checked on a weekly basis by the caretaker. Unannounced hygiene inspections took place and all toilets were deemed to be of a satisfactory standard.
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Financial Statement
School Budget - Expenditure and Income (April 2016 – March 2017)
Area of Spending Total Amount Overall Balance
Staffing Costs £1,058,746 Premises Related Costs £146,972 Supplies and Services £81,375 School Development Plan £10,858
LA Service Level Agreements £30,447 £1,328,398
Total Expenditure £117,566
Income £1,210,832
Net Expenditure
Total Funding for School (April 2016 – March 2017)
Funding Amount Overall Balance
Total Formula Allocation £1,217,999 Balance carried forward from £81,745 previous year Total Funding £1,299,744
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School Terms and Holidays 2017/2018
O I Half Term
Autumn Term 2017 04.09.17 22.12.17 30.10.17 - 03.11.17
Spring Term 2018 08.01.18 29.03.18 19.02.18 – 23.02.18
Summer Term 2018 16.04.18 24.07.18 28.05.18 – 01.06.18
In addition, the school will be closed for five further teacher training days. These will be notified to you in due course through text message and they will be published on the school’s website. This calendar meets the statutory requirements of 195 days, of which 190 are spent with pupils present and five for teacher training.
School Times
Children of Foundation Stage age are required by the National Curriculum to work a minimum of 21.5 hours a week (excluding breaks, assembly and registration). Children of Key Stage Two age should work a minimum of 23.5 hours per week.
Foundation Phase Key Stage 2
School Starts 9.00 – 10.30 a.m. 9.00 – 10.45 a.m.
Morning Break 10.30 – 10.45 a.m. 10.50 – 11.05 a.m.
Lunch 12.00 – 1.15 p.m. 12.15 – 1.15 p.m.
Afternoon Break 2.35 – 2.45 p.m. 2.20 – 2.30 p.m.
School Ends 3.30 p.m. 3.30pm
N.B. Pupils of non-statutory nursery age attend school on a part time basis:
Morning group: 9:00 – 11:45
Afternoon group: 12:45 – 3:30
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Access for Disabled Pupils
Ysgol Y Castell welcomes children with special needs and abilities. To ensure that all children have equal access to the curriculum, the SENCO, class teachers, Headteacher and outside agencies will work together to provide for each individual’s needs. The school’s Equal Opportunities policy and policy for Special Educational Needs explain this in more detail.
The building itself has limitations as far as access for disabled persons is concerned. There is ramp access to the main building, hall and external classrooms. Although the school has two disabled toilet facilities, physical access in some areas remains difficult.
Where possible, arrangements will be made to accommodate disabled pupils and visitors.
Additional Learning Needs
Whilst we encourage all children in Ysgol Y Castell to work to their full potential, we recognise that some children will require some extra support at times during their school career.
We place these children on our register of Additional Learning Needs (ALN) and our Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator (ALENCo) then assists the class teacher, parents and children to write:-
an Individual Educational Plan (IEP),
Individual Behaviour Plan (IBP),
Play Plan for younger children, which will set out a programme of work for that child to follow.
The ALENCo (Mrs S. Curran) also liaises with parents, other staff, the school nurse, Speech and Language therapists and the Psychology Service. The school takes advice and support from the LA, through Inclusion Services, which covers all of the above agencies as well as Behaviour Support and the Hearing and Visual Impairment services.
Some pupils require intensive 1:1 support; some receive a few hours a week to under take specific tasks and others are supported in smaller groups. Most children are supported within the classroom, with differentiated work and teacher support. Our school is an inclusive one, and we welcome pupils with a wide variety of needs and abilities into our mainstream classes. All pupils are fully involved in day to day activities, both within the school and in the community.
The term Additional Learning Needs also includes pupils who have special talents; being academic, musical or sporting talents. Therefore, we recognise and challenge More Able and Talented pupils to excel at their strengths. We have invested in a programme to target children who can achieve the higher level in literacy with extra support. This has had a positive impact on the children’s wellbeing and resulted in them attaining the higher levels.
We aim to ensure that all our pupils have access to the curriculum, no matter what their needs and abilities, and we will continue to use a range of support mechanisms and services to achieve this.
The school’s prospectus is updated annually and is available to all on the school’s website. 17
The Governing Body
The Governing Body is responsible for the effective management of the school. There are seventeen Governors (including the Head teacher in an ex-officio capacity). Terms of office are normally four years and the Full Governing Body is currently constituted as shown below.
The Clerk to the Governors is Mrs Ruth Michard, who may be contacted via the Education Achievement Service, Tredomen House, Tredomen.
Name Type of Representative Terms of Office
Mr. Gareth Williams LA Representative 10.02.16 – 09.02.20
(Chairperson)
Mrs Anwen Hill Community Representative 23.01.16 – 22.01.20
Mrs Eleri Betts LA Representative 12.06.13 – 11.06.17
Miss Sara Davies LA Representative 18.05.17 – 17.05.21
Dr. Iwan Morris LA Representative 01.09.16 – 31.08.20
Mrs Lisa Missen Community Representative 05.02.16 – 04.02.20
Mr. Emyr Jones Community Representative 04.11.15 – 03.11.19
Miss Rhian Jones Community Representative 18.05.17 – 17.05.21
Mrs Heather Bie Parent Representative 05.11.14 – 04.11.18
Mr Chris Webb Parent Representative 15.03.16 – 14.03.20
Mrs Vicky Coxon Parent Representative 28.11.13– 27.11.17
Mrs Sonya Hughes Parent Representative 15.03.16 – 14.03.20
Mrs Ceri Tomlinson Parent Representative 15.03.16 – 14.03.20
Mrs Helen Nuttall Head Teacher 01.09.09
Mrs Cath Evans Lugg Teacher Representative 12.03.15 – 11.03.19
Mr Daniel Davies Teacher Representative 11.04.16 – 10.04.20
Mrs Mairwen Dainton Support Staff Representative 01.09.14 – 31.08.18
The next election date for two Parent-Governors is November 2017.
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Contact Details
Caerphilly County Borough Council – Local Education Authority
Chief Education Officer
Mrs. K. Cole
Tŷ Penallta,
Tredomen
Telephone (01443 815588)
www.caerphilly.gov.uk
School Contact Information
Chair of Governors: Mr Gareth Williams (c/o Ysgol Y Castell)
Headteacher: Mrs Helen Nuttall
Clerk to the Governors: Mrs Ruth Michard
(Contact at Education Achievement Services, Tredomen House,Ystrad Mynach)
Ysgol Gynradd Gymraeg Y Castell
Crescent Road
Caerphilly
CF83 1WH
Telephone (029 20864790)
Fax (029 20867220)
E-Mail: [email protected]
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