Every journey begins with a single step Prospectus › wp-content › uploads › 2020 › 04 › ... · Contents MESSAGE FROM THE TEACHER-IN-CHARGE 2 Y Daith | Every journey begins

Prospectus2019-2020

Tel: 01446 782039 | Email: [email protected]

Every jou rney beg ins w i tha s ing le s tep…

ContentsMESSAGE FROM THE TEACHER-IN-CHARGE

2www.ydaith.co.uk

Y Daith | Every journey begins with a single step

Welcome to Y Daith 3

Aims of Y Daith 4

Staffing 5

Term Dates 6

Key Stage 3 7

Key Stage 4 8

The School Day 9

Code of Conduct 11

Visiting the School 12

Safeguarding 13

Attendance 14

Policies 16

Contacting Us 20

Welcome to Y DaithMESSAGE FROM THE TEACHER-IN-CHARGE

3

Choosing the right school for your child is vitally important. Most

parents want a good education for their child/children, but also want

them to be happy and to feel safe and secure. At Y Daith we believe

we can offer all these things. We pride ourselves on the educational

and accreditation opportunities provided at Y Daith and the high

standards of teaching and learning are a credit to the hard work of

both staff and learners. Equally, we are also proud of the ethos and

welcoming atmosphere of our school.

We value our learners and believe that their time in school should be

rewarding and fulfilling. Should you choose to send your child to Y

Daith I am fully confident that you will have made the right decision. I

look forward to meeting you soon and if you have any queries or

concerns please contact me in school at any time.

Mr M Sweeden

Teacher-in-Charge

www.ydaith.co.uk


Aims of Y DaithOUR VISION FOR THE SCHOOL AND IT’S LEARNERS

4

Y Daith caters for learners from throughout the Vale of Glamorgan with a capacity for 20

Key Stage 3 learners based at the Amelia Trust Farm and 36 Key Stage 4 learners based

in Cowbridge. Each group is taught by qualified teaching staff and supported by LSA’s.

www.ydaith.co.uk


The aim and purpose of Y Daith is:

• To provide a stable, caring and structured environment for learners which will allow

them to grow in self-worth.

• To provide a rich curriculum (in line with Welsh Government policy) which will foster

and encourage the learners' enjoyment of education, as well as their social and

emotional development to the limit of their academic, physical and practical abilities.

• To provide, when appropriate, opportunities for full or part-time re-integration into

mainstream schooling.

• To develop a mutually supportive network with parents, which will help learners at

school and in their own family and community.

Learners’ individual needs are addressed by specialist staff within a positive behaviour

framework that seeks to build on their strengths and self esteem. Individuals are

encouraged at all times to make positive choices for themselves and have regard for the

needs of other individuals within the teaching and learning environment.

StaffingA LITTLE ABOUT US AND WHO WE ARE

5

Our team of teaching and non-teaching staff offer a wide range of expertise and support

to learners. In Key Stage 3 staff deliver subjects in line with government PRU guidance

and at KS4, qualifications from Entry Level to Level 2.

www.ydaith.co.uk


Mr M Sweeden: Teacher-in-Charge of PRU and EOTAS

Mrs A Condy: Chair of Management Committee

Miss L DeMaid: Attendance Officer

Mrs S Thomas: EOTAS Administrator

Key Stage 3 Staff Key Stage 4 Staff

Mrs N Fox-Mabe (Teacher-in-Charge of KS3)

Mrs H Hewson (Teacher)

Ms B Williams Teacher)

Ms J Bevan (Learning Support Assistant)

Mr T Davies (Learning Support Assistant)

Miss L Evans (Learning Support Assistant)

Mr R Gardner (Learning Support Assistant)

Mr S Bowditch (Nurture Practitioner)

Mrs J Cooper (ELSA)

Mr S Bellamy (Teacher-in-Charge of KS4)

Mr A Cotterell (Teacher)

Mr D Miles (Teacher)

Miss C Antonio (Learning Support Assistant)

Mr O Grant (Learning Support Assistant)

Mr J Trotman (Learning Support Assistant)

Mrs K Campion (Nurture & ELSA)

Mr S Hill-Clement (Nurture)

Term DatesINSET DAYS AND SCHOOL HOLIDAYS

6

Monday 2 September 2019 and Monday 20 July 2020 will be designated INSET

days for all LEA Maintained Schools. The remaining three INSET days will be taken at

intervals throughout the school year and shared with all parents/carers.

All schools will be closed on Friday 8 May 2020 for the May Day Bank Holiday.

www.ydaith.co.uk


Term BeginHalf term

EndNo. of School

DaysBegin End

Autumn2019

Monday2 Sept2019

Monday28 Oct 2019

Friday1 Nov2019

Friday20 Dec2019

75

Spring2020

Monday6 Jan2020

Monday17 Feb2020

Friday21 Feb2020

Friday3 April2020

60

Summer2020

Monday20 April

2020

Monday25 May2020

Friday29 May2020

Mon 20 July 2020

60

TOTAL 195

Key Stage 3AN OVERVIEW OF OUR KS3 PROVISION

7

At KS3 we focus on the Intellectual, Physical, Aesthetic, Spiritual, Personal, Social and

Moral Development of learners.

Changes to the curriculum have meant that we have moved to a project-based curriculum,

where the core subjects are taught and the skills are then reinforced via project-based

learning tasks.

www.ydaith.co.uk


learners have English, Maths, ICT, ART and PSE

lessons while Science, Geography, History, RE and

Languages are taught through project-based tasks.

Incidental Welsh is also used at every opportunity

with bilingual displays and signs.

As well as specialist staff within Y Daith, we also

offer enhanced PSE / Emotional Intelligence

support with weekly access to a counsellor and

school nurse as well as a range of outside agencies

which can also offer learner specific packages to

meet individual needs.

The learners at KS3 currently attend the Amelia Trust Farm or Let Me Play training

providers for one Monday per month in order to enhance our provision.

Key Stage 4AN OVERVIEW OF OUR KS4 PROVISION

8

In Key Stage 4 we aim to prepare all our learners for taking the next step in their learning

journey, whether it be college, training or employment. We are proud to offer a

personalised curriculum based on each learner’s needs, strengths and interests.

www.ydaith.co.uk


Ocean Park Academy ACT Skills Academy

Amelia Trust Farm Youth Engagement Programme

Military Preparation School Let Me Play

Inspired Learners Vocational Education Cardiff

At these training providers learners are given opportunities to achieve qualifications in

many areas including engineering, construction, animal care, hair and beauty, music

technology, land-based studies, public services, sport and leisure and many more.

We offer a range of qualifications focused on

preparing our learners for further education or

employment including Maths, English, ICT,

Creative Media, Personal Development &

Employability, Financial Capability and Equality

and Diversity. Throughout their time in Key

Stage 4 all learners have access to weekly careers

advice via a dedicated Careers Wales advisor.

All learners have an individual timetable that combines academic tuition at our Cowbridge

site with vocational training at one of our partner training providers, including:

The School Day IMPORTANT INFO FOR YOUR FIRST DAY

9

Our school day starts at 8:45am and ends at 2:45pm with free toast and a hot drink

provided between 8:45 and 9:05am.

Lunchtimes

KS3 students may either choose to bring a packed lunch or food that can be prepared in a

microwave, or purchase hot or cold food from the Amelia Trust Farm coffee shop.

Students who are entitled to free school meals will be able to order a grab bag in advance

that is prepared by the coffee shop.

www.ydaith.co.uk


KS4 students can bring a packed lunch or

food that can be prepared in a microwave,

or they can purchase hot or cold food from

the local shops in Cowbridge (under the

supervision of staff). Students who are

entitled to free school meals will receive a

sandwich/baguette, snack and drink that is

prepared in advance and delivered by a

local school.

If parents choose to send their children with a packed lunch then they are asked to

consider the nutritional value of the food provided as Y Daith promotes a healthy lifestyle.

The School Day IMPORTANT INFO FOR YOUR FIRST DAY

10

Personal Equipment

All learning materials and stationary are provided by the school. Students are asked to

leave all electrical equipment, including mobile phones and MP3 players at home. These

can be a distraction during lessons. Alternatively, equipment can be handed in for

safekeeping and returned at the end of the school day.

www.ydaith.co.uk


Home School Agreement

At Y Daith we aim to have good communication with

parents at all times and to this end, important

information is circulated by letter to parents and,

where possible via email. This information will also

be available on the school website and Facebook

page. Parents are also sent details of school

achievements their child has made.

Parents are welcome to telephone the school on

782039 at any time to discuss their child’s progress

or any concerns they may have. Staff may contact

parents by telephone, or where appropriate, text

message to discuss either matters of merit or

achievement or if we feel that there is a concern

about an area of your child’s life at school.

Code of ConductWE HAVE HIGH EXPECTATIONS OF ALL OUR LEARNERS

11

Learners are always encouraged to make positive choices and to think through the

consequences of their behaviour and it’s impact on the learning of others.

The following expectations have been established at Y Daith:

1. We arrive on time for all sessions quietly and calmly

2. We follow reasonable directions when asked

3. We keep hands, feet and objects to ourselves

4. We listen and speak to each other appropriately using polite language

5. We remain at our workplace and on task

To enable learners to improve their behaviour and develop positive strategies to manage

themselves, the school implements a system that rewards positive behaviour through a

system of points and merits. During each lesson learners are measured against our

expectations and this is recorded and tracked. Merits are also given to highlight effort,

provide encouragement to learners who remain on task and to reward those who re-

engage positively with classroom tasks after some difficulty. Certificates, prizes, reward

activities and school trips are linked to this system.

At Y Daith, staff acknowledge that learners have varying degrees of social, emotional and

behavioural problems that impact on their learning and the learning of others. Specialist

staff will support, offer guidance and reinforce positive aspects of an individual’s

behaviour. However, consequences are implemented if and when a pupil repeatedly

demonstrates aspects of behaviour that is not acceptable.

www.ydaith.co.uk


Visiting the SchoolPROCEDURES FOR VISITING Y DAITH

12

Parents are always welcome to visit school either prior to or following your child’s

admission to Y Daith. It is most helpful if parents telephone prior to their arrival so that

we can confirm relevant staff are available and that your enquiry or visit is as productive

as possible.

We ask a few things of parents when you visit school:

• As with all visitors, please report to school reception where you will be registered.

• Whenever parents collect students from school – either at the end of the day or for

appointments, you should ensure that you have informed the school office that you will

be taking them (and when and if they will return) and also ensure that the member of

staff they are with is aware that you are taking them. (NB. Please do not be offended if

members of staff wish to check your identity. They will always be acting in your child’s

best interests).

• Likewise, please bring students who are late or are returning from appointments to the

school office where arrangements will be made for them to re-join their classes.

www.ydaith.co.uk


SafeguardingKEEPING OUR LEARNERS SAFE

13

It is a priority at Y Daith to protect the wellbeing of all students in the school. The school

has a detailed Safeguarding policy (available on request) an outline of which is provided

below.

The Teacher-in-Charge has overall responsibility for child protection matters and is the

designated Child Protection Officer. The Teacher-in-Charge of KS3 and KS4 are both

deputy Child Protection Officers. The Teacher-in-Charge also has responsibility for Children

who are looked after. These members of the Leadership Group act as a source of advice

and support regarding child protection matters for all other school staff.

Our school also has a nominated child protection management committee member, who

must ensure that the school has a Safeguarding policy in place which is consistent with

the All Wales Child Protection Procedures (2008). All staff must act according to this policy

where there are concerns about or suspicions of child abuse.

If we receive information about a child which suggests that he/she has been abused or is

at risk of being abused, we have a duty to refer these concerns to the social services

department or the police without delay. We have no discretion in this matter.

www.ydaith.co.uk


AttendanceTHE IMPORTANCE OF GOOD ATTENDANCE

14

At Y Daith we know that regular attendance at school is vital to help children achieve and

get the best possible start in life. Young people who frequently miss school often fall

behind and there is a strong link between good school attendance and achieving good

results.

Young people who frequently miss school often fall behind in their work. See the chart

below to see the link between attendance and Key Stage 4 results:

www.ydaith.co.uk


If you know that your child is going to be absent from school please inform us by calling

01446 782039.

AttendanceTHE PROCEDURES FOR MONITORING ATTENDANCE

15

The Education Welfare Service

Y Daith has very close links with the EWS and its own dedicated Education Welfare Officer

(EWO). The EWO maintains regular contact with our Attendance Officer, Leah De Maid, to

ensure that processes for tracking attendance are both efficient and effective. Y Daith will

make a formal referral to the EWO when a pupil’s poor attendance is not improving

despite support and liaison with parents. The EWO will work closely with parents on an

individual basis to try and improve the attendance and secure support for any difficulties

the family may be suffering.

Fixed Penalty Notices for Non Attendance at School

Fixed Penalty Notices (FPN’s) have been used in the Vale of Glamorgan since January

2015. The circumstances in which they are used are as follows:

• Where a minimum of 10 unauthorised sessions (5 school days) have occurred in the

current term (these do not need to be consecutive);

• Unauthorised absence from school due to a term time holiday and where there is a

history of poor attendance;

• Persistent lateness of more than 10 sessions in the current term i.e. arrived at school

after the close of the registration period;

• Where parent/carers have failed to engage with the school and/or the EWS in attempts

to improve attendance but where court sanctions have not been instigated;

• Where a pupil regularly comes to the attention of the police during school hours for

being absent from school without an acceptable reason.

www.ydaith.co.uk


PoliciesFULL POLICIES ARE AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

16

Equal Opportunities

The curriculum and all aspects of school life are founded on a rejection of discrimination

against learners and staff on grounds of gender, disability, race, sexual orientation,

religion, ethnicity or culture. Each of these categories features prominently in Personal and

Social Education, staff training and school council meetings. Further details are to be

found in the School’s Strategic Equalities Policy.

www.ydaith.co.uk


Bullying

Bullying will not be tolerated at Y Daith. Learners

are encouraged to report any incidences of

bullying that may occur at school. Each incident

will be investigated thoroughly and measures

implemented to resolve matters quickly. If

necessary further action may be taken. If you

have any concerns please contact either Mrs N

Fox-Mabe in KS3 on 01446 782039 or Mr S

Bellamy in KS4 on 01446 774460.

Dangerous Substances/materials/objects

Substances such as drugs, alcohol and other hazardous materials or objects will be treated

as a police matter and will be dealt with accordingly and may include permanent

exclusion. Referrals to support agencies may be made.


17

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The SEN Policy is part of the commitment to inclusion for all. To ensure that each learner

has access to the Curriculum and that the educational experiences offered are relevant to

the individual needs.

Y Daith will identify where learners have problems which are hampering their access to

learning and will provide additional support tailored to their individual needs. Intervention

and support is given to ensure learners with SEN achieve their maximum potential.

Sex and Relationship Education

Parents/carers have the option to withdraw learners from sex education lessons and have

the right to see the sex and relationship education policy.

www.ydaith.co.uk



18

Charging and Remissions Policy

Y Daith acknowledges the right of every person to receive free school education and

understands that activities offered wholey or mainly during normal teaching time must be

made available to all young persons regardless of their parents’ ability or willingness to

help meet the cost.

Y Daith will not charge for activities offered, although parents may be asked to contribute

towards any damage made by their child to school property.

Positive Handling Policy

All staff at Y Daith are fully trained in the Team Teach approach to managing difficult

behaviour. The training is focused on applying a comprehensive range of de-escalation

strategies that are aimed to diffuse difficult and challenging situations. However, in some

circumstances a learner’s behaviour may reach levels that compromise the health and

safety of staff and other learners at the school.

In such circumstances, parents and carers will be notified. Staff follow strict guidelines

when recording and reporting any positive handling situations.

Smoking

At Y Daith we promote a healthy, no-smoking lifestyle. Learners are not permitted to

smoke on either site of Y Daith.

www.ydaith.co.uk



19

Acceptable Internet Use Policy

Digital technologies have become integral to the lives of children and young people, both

within schools and outside school. These technologies are powerful tools, which open up

new opportunities for everyone. These technologies can stimulate discussion, promote

creativity and stimulate awareness of context to promote effective learning. Young people

should have an entitlement to safe internet access at all times.

www.ydaith.co.uk


• that young people will be responsible users

and stay safe while using the internet and

other digital technologies for educational,

personal and recreational use.

• that school systems and users are protected

from accidental or deliberate misuse that

could put the security of the systems and

users at risk.

The school will try to ensure that learners will have good access to digital technologies to

enhance their learning and will, in return, expect the learners to agree to be responsible

users.

Parents/carers and learners will be asked to sign our acceptable use internet policy before

access to the network is permitted.

Our Acceptable Use Agreement is intended to ensure:

Contacting UsESSENTIAL CONTACT INFORMATION & SOCIAL MEDIA

20www.ydaith.co.uk


Key Stage 4

01446 782039 / 774460

[email protected]

Y Daith (KS4)The Old Magistrates Court

WestgateCowbridgeCF71 7AR

ydaith.co.uk @ydaith @ydaith @ydaithpru

Key Stage 3

01446 782039

[email protected]

Y Daith (KS3)c/o Amelia Trust Farm

Five Mile LaneBarry

CF62 3AS

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Every journey begins with a single step Prospectus › wp-content › uploads › 2020 › 04 › ... · Contents MESSAGE FROM THE TEACHER-IN-CHARGE 2 Y Daith | Every journey begins