Governors’ Annual Report to Parents...
Transcript of Governors’ Annual Report to Parents...
Governors’ AnnualGovernors’ Annual
Report to ParentsReport to Parents
2018-20192018-2019
Governors’ Annual
Report to Parents
2018-2019
School Governors
Our School, Our Community, Our EducationEin Hysgol, Ein Cymuned, Ein Addysg
After School Clubs
The staff have organised a range of weekly after school clubs this year. The
Governing Body are grateful to the staff for giving of their time freely for the
benefit of our pupils. Diolch.
Contact Details
Alltwen Hill, Alltwen
Pontardawe, Swansea SA8 3AB
Telephone: 01792 863275 Fax: 01792 863691
e-mail: [email protected]
Headteacher: Mr. O. G. Hyett
Sporting AchievementsOur children represented their houses: Mond, Gilbertson, Parsons or Vivian at last
year's Sports Day which was a huge success. In front of parents, grandparents, aunts
and uncles, the children put on a great sporting display; not only showing off their
sporting skills but also highlighting the fantastic teamwork and sportsmanship ethos
embedded throughout the school. A great day was had by all, with lots of smiling faces
and positive feedback.
The opportunities the children have had to participate in sports have been an integral
part of school life again this year. Celtic Leisure has once again provided swimming
lessons for our Key Stage 2 pupils, enabling them to develop crucial life skills whilst
building their confidence within the water.
There have been several different footballing experiences that the children have
been able to take part in, including Coaching sessions at Llandarcy Academy of Sport,
an Activity Tournament hosted by Swansea City AFC Community Trust and the Rotary
Club Football competition. The children have also competed in sports alongside pupils
from schools within our cluster. Other sporting events attended by our pupils include
Rugby Tournaments, Cross Country and a gymnastics competition.
Outside of school our pupils have once again shown a commitment to developing their
sporting talents in a range of sports as diverse as swimming, mountain biking,
triathlons, gymnastics, karate, kick boxing, rugby and football. Our Friday achievement
assemblies are an opportunity to celebrate the children's successes and the numbers
of children showing off their certificates, medals and trophies increases yearly.
The Governors and Staff are proud of all our pupils’ achievements whether it is in the
field of Sports, Music or Drama and would like to congratulate them all for their
dedication and commitment.
Meeting the Governing Body
For information on requesting a meeting with the Governing Body,
please follow the link:-
http://gov.wales/docs/dcells/publications/130503-statutory-guidance-parents-
meetings-en.pdf
Attendance
Our whole school attendance has been excellent again last year. Thank you for working
with us to ensure that all of our pupils are punctual and are attending school. Our
attendance compares very well with local and similar schools. More information on
school attendance can be found on the school web-site.
2017-18 2018-19 2014-15 2015-16 2016-17
95.1% 94.69% 95.5% 95.1% 95.2%
Community
Mrs N O'Sullivan(Chair)
Mrs A Melen
Mr P Rogers
Mrs Y James
LA
Mr S Jenkins
Miss H Watkins
Cllr C Jones
Headteacher
Mr O Hyett
Parent
Mrs G Windley
Mrs Z Hanbury
Mrs C Bryant
Mr S Bartlett
Non Teaching
Mrs L Jones
Teaching
Mrs D. Moran
Clerk to GB
Mrs S Rees
Congratulations to our:
Head Boy Conor Hallesy
Head Girl Lauren Thomas
Deputy Head Boy Dannan Bell
Deputy Head Girl Olivia Kieft
Viv Ridgway 'Reading Achievement Award' – Jeremy Walker
David James 'Sporting Achievement Award' – Megan Hamer
John Roberts 'Outstanding Achievement Award' – Olivia Harris
Harry Patterson 'Outstanding Contribution to the Arts' – Isabel O’Sullivan
End of Year achievements
Additional Learning Needs
What is ALN?
ALN refers to any needs pupils may have in addition to what is provided in the differentiated
curriculum. This includes Special Educational Needs (SEN), Social, Emotional & Behavioural
Difficulties (SEBD) English as an Additional Language (EAL), and More Able & Talented (MAT)
pupils.
How do we identify pupils with ALN?
The school follows a 'Graduated Response' to ALN, beginning with School Concern if it is felt that
intervention may be required in the future. Diagnostic testing informs us when pupils may need
additional support through an IEP (School Action (SA) stage), and pupils who have additional support
from outside agencies are at the School Action Plus (SA+) stage. The final stage of the Graduated
Response is a Statement of Special Educational Needs from the Local Authority. A profile of the
needs of every class, including their groupings for differentiation, is plotted on a Provision Map.
Currently 35% of pupils are on the SEN register.
How do we address pupils' needs?
These needs will be met in a variety of ways, including Individual Education Plans (IEPs), Individual
Behaviour Plans (IBPs), 'Reasonable Adjustments', and targeted intervention programmes.
What are IEPs?
IEPs are written and reviewed termly, prior to the Learning Review to monitor the stage of the
Graduated Response for each pupil. During these reviews decisions will be made using diagnostic
test data, teacher assessment and professional judgement, as to whether pupils remain at the same
stage, progress to the next stage, or have made sufficient progress and no longer require the same
level of intervention. Pupils, parents and staff are involved in the setting of IEP/IBP targets, and
the document is signed by all parties concerned.
Finance 2018-2019
Message from the Chairperson Parent Teacher Association
Safeguarding
Welsh as a Second Language
Complaints
Links with the Community
School Development Plan
Toilet Provision
Term Dates
Policies / ProspectusSession Times
There are occasions where parents/carers feel the need to make a complaint regarding
the school. Our school aims to be fair, open and honest when dealing with any complaints.
We give careful consideration to all complaints and deal with them as swiftly as possible.
We treat all complaints seriously and respond to them quickly which often means they
can be resolved at an early stage and without recourse to additional procedures. We aim
to resolve any complaint through dialogue and mutual understanding and where
necessary, we put the interest of the child above all other issues. We provide sufficient
opportunity for any complaint to be fully discussed, and then addressed. If you require
further information about how to make a complaint please contact the school office.
The main language of our school in English, however, Welsh is taught as a second
language in all classes, aiming at oral fluency and the written word in preparation for
further development at Comprehensive school. Pupils are encouraged to use every
day phrases and instructions that are practised daily through the use of incidental
Welsh. An interest in Welsh Culture is developed throughout the school through the
learning of Welsh songs, verses and hymns, and the reading of stories of a Welsh
background. Within the curriculum our children will also learn about local Welsh
artists, musicians and celebrities, national and local geographical issues and landmarks
whilst also celebrating St. David's Day and Dydd Santes Dwynwen.
The school has three different toilet facilities. Each of these is cleaned at the end of the
school day in accordance with the Local Authority's cleaning service.
Full Time Hours:
Morning session 8.50 – 12.00
Afternoon session 1.00 - 3.20
Part Time Hours:
Morning Nursery 8.50 – 11.45
Afternoon Nursery 1.00 - 3.20
Our school prospectus, statutory,
safeguarding, curriculum and HR policies
and risk assessments have been
reviewed and amended where necessary.
The Governing Body is appreciative of the events that the PTA have
organised this year. These events have provided a wealth of 'lifelong
memories' whilst also providing additional funds that benefit our
pupils. Thank you, Diolch.
(Including the recommendations left by ESTYN)
1 – Literacy
2 - Numeracy
Mr Hyett and Mrs Herbert are the school's named Safeguarding and Looked After
children officers. The school also has a named Child Protection Governor.
Sam Jones is the Council's Education Safeguarding Officer, and can be contacted on
01639 763363, 07855079790 or [email protected].
It is with great pleasure we present the Governors Annual Report for 2018 /19. As governors we
are committed to ensuring every one of our pupils achieves their full potential. This can only be
achieved through making sure our school motto “Our School, Our Community, Our Education
underpins everything we do. We have a school we are proud of and we continue to challenge
ourselves and strive for excellence. This can only be achieved by working closely with our staff,
pupils, parents, carers, partner organisations and our community. We are incredibly fortunate to
have a dedicated and committed staff, curious and enthusiastic children and significant support
from families and other organisations.
The Governors set the strategic direction of the school through the school improvement plan and
monitor the progress against this throughout the year.
This year we had an Estyn Inspection of the school and this recognised the holistic, high quality
education we provide for our pupils at Alltwen. The ethos of the school was recognised 'This is a
school with pupils' wellbeing at its heart. It is a community school that works actively with parents
to involve them in their child's education.'
To support the learning of our pupils, we have participated in a wide range of exciting activities and
opportunities including the exiting opportunity for Year 4 to also experience the thrills of a
residential trip to Cardiff which supports learning and helps build lifelong memories for our pupils.
This enhances learning and was recognised in the Estyn Report ' There is a new and exciting
curriculum which provides pupils with the opportunities to learn about what interests them'
There are many opportunities for pupils to represent the school at activities including football,
gymnastics, participation in the choir and without fail the children are a credit to the parents and
the school.
We are delighted with the continued success of our Cwtsh which provide a great environment for
our Parent and Toddler Group and many other activities.
Our role in the community is important and we are grateful for the support of Alltwen Chapel,
Cilybebyll Community Council and St Peters Church in providing activities and opportunities within
our community for pupils. Estyn commented on the 'positive sense of community within the school
and locally encourages all pupils to develop the values of loyalty, responsibility and a feeling of
belonging'.
The PTA continues to run activities for our children and fundraisers to provide additional resources
for our children. The PTA is a fantastic group of dedicated volunteers who are always keen to
welcome new volunteers and ideas for fundraising - all contributions are welcomed.
Finally I would like to as a huge thank you to our governors, Mr Hyett, Mrs Herbert and all the
staff for their hard work, dedication and commitment. This team combined with Alltwen fantastic
pupils, parents and carers means we have a happy inclusive school we can all be proud of.
Nicola O'Sullivan
Chair
Term
Term
Term Begins
Term Begins
Mid Term Holiday
Mid Term Holiday
Term Ends
Term Ends
Autumn 2019
Autumn 2020
Monday
2nd September
Tuesday
1st September
Monday
28th October
Monday
26th October
Friday
1st November
Friday
30th October
Friday
20th December
Friday
22nd December
Spring 2020
Spring 2021
Monday
6th January
Monday
4th January
Monday
17th February
Monday
15th February
Friday
21st March
Friday
19th February
Friday
3rd April
Friday
26th March
Summer 2020
Summer 2021
Monday
20th April
Monday
12th April
Monday
25th May
Monday
31st May
Friday
29th May
Friday
4th June
Monday
20th July
Monday
16th July
We continue to strengthen our links with both the local and wider community. We aim
to involve the children in as many activities as possible, outside as well as within the
school. We continue to enhance the curriculum with education visits, but also cultural
and sporting experiences both to watch but also participate in themselves. We
welcomed visitors to the school who provide the children with essential life skills and
knowledge, as well as fun experiences.
Activities in the community included:
Swimming at Pontardawe Swimming Pool t Harvest Service at St Peters Church
Pontardawe t School Choir singing at the St Johns Alltwen Christmas Fayre t
'Bethlehem the Musical' at Alltwen Chapel t Easter Bonnet Parade to Harry's Park
t Year 3 & 4 Football Festival t Schools Gymnastic Competition t Rotary Club of
Swansea Valley Junior Schools Festival of Music – Tabernacle Pontardawe t Girls
Football Festival t As part of their transition to Cwmtawe year 6 had several
transition days held at Cwmtawe Community School t 'Reach for the Sky' Leavers
Concert – Alltwen Community Centre
We went on trips to:
Crucial Crew at Margam Park (Year 6) t Urdd Residential Centre Cardiff (Year 4) t
Urdd Residential Outward bound centre Llangranog (Year 6) t Welsh Womens
Football matches at Rodney Parade and Leckwith Stadium t St Fagans Cardiff
(Reception) t Surfing at Aberavon Beach (Year 6) t T20 Cricket Sophia Gardens
Cardiff t Gower Walk Oxwich to Port Eynon (Year 3 & 4) t Mountain Walk
Abercraf to Cribarth (Year 5 & 6) t Cardiff Bay (Year 1 & 2) t Whole School trip
to Aberavon Beach
There were many visitors to the school including:
St John's Church Alltwen – Messy Church assemblies t Paul Davies – Bethel
Evangelical Church t Tales of Wales Theatre t Pandemonium Theatre t Design to
Smile t Paul Doyle –Author t Claire from Pontardawe Library t PC Hodges – Police
Liaison Officer t Lauren Dykes – Welsh Women's Football team t Leanne from Mid
and West Wales Fire Service t Welsh Rugby Union t Tom Housely – golf taster
session t Members of the community attended the Bug Club Reading Café alongside
the pupils. Members of the local community supported the school in the annual summer
fete including: Celtic Credit Union; Pontardawe Library; NPT Road Safety Team;
Glantawe Lions Club; NPT Children and Families Team; Alltwen Macmillan Cancer
Support; Mid and West Wales Fire service
We raised money for:
t Children in Need - £414
t Comic Relief
t World Book Day - £196.20
t Bobath Childrens Therapy Centre £176
We donated to:
t Christmas Shoe Box Appeal
t Pontardawe Foodbankt
We took part in:
t St David's Day celebrations
t Holocaust Memorial Day
t NOSDA National Odd Socks Day of Adventure (Harrys Fund)
t Remembrance Sunday (Royal British Legion)
t The Big Pedal 2019
t Place to Be Childrens Mental Health Week
t Internet Safety Day
t Business Week (You're Hired!)
t Dylan Thomas Prize (Dylan Ed)/ Save the Children Writing Competition
t Triathalon – Aberavon Beach