Ysgol Acrefair · Mrs Turner and the staff continue to develop the new curriculum and build on the core values of: ‘Aspire, Inspire, Nurture and Respect’ in every ... Estyn and

‘Every Child Matters, Every Day Counts’

Ysgol Acrefair Governors’ Annual Report to

Parents

2019-2020

Chair of Governors: Mrs Tabitha Large (2019 – 2020)

Clerk to the Governors: Mrs Elinor Doherty (2019 – 2020) Head Teacher: Mrs Rebecca Turner

About the Annual Report. The Annual Report to Parents is a document that Governors provide to parents each year outlining events and developments at the school over the last 12 months. The School Standards and Organisation Act 2013 removed the requirements for school governing bodies to hold an annual meeting with parents. Parents may request up to 3 meetings in any school year with the governing body on matters which are of concern to them. The parents of at least 10% of the school’s registered pupils will need to have signed the petition.

Due to restrictions because of the Covid-19 pandemic, we will be unable to hold a parent’s meeting this year. However, if you have any questions related to this report you are welcome to contact the school

Please note that this report refers to the school year September 2015 until July 2016


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Contents

Information regarding:

A message from our Chair of Governors

Governors

Staffing

Teaching Methods and Curriculum Organisation

School Improvement

Staff Training

Additional Learning Needs / Disability

Sport and other extra-curricular activities

Community Links

Other events and achievements

School Council / Eco Committee

Building / Health and Safety

Policies

School Prospectus information

Attendance Statistics

Performance Statistics

Targets

Finance

Dates, holidays, training days

About the Annual Report The Annual Report to Parents is a document that Governors provide to parents each year outlining events and developments at the school over the last 12 months.


Letter from Chair of Governors

Dear Parents

On behalf of the governors, I would like to thank Mrs Turner and all the

staff for their hard work and dedication during this very difficult time.

The report demonstrates the excellent teaching and learning that takes

place at Ysgol Acrefair, even during these exceptional times.

It is a pleasure to read how pupils continue to learn and progress in an

exciting and enthusiastic learning environment, enjoying the variety of

experiences in school and the local area.

Mrs Turner and the staff continue to develop the new curriculum and

build on the core values of: ‘Aspire, Inspire, Nurture and Respect’ in every

element of the school ethos.

Strong links with the community are forged and the children benefit

from local projects to develop their culture and heritage. The children

partake in a wide range of activities within school and the local

community, and are as always are a credit to Ysgol Acrefair.

School priorities are identified, planned and implemented by the senior

leadership team, resulting in excellent teaching and learning across the

school. New methods of delivering learning to pupils was developed

during lock down, and new strategies put in place. The governing body

play an active role in the monitoring of the success of the school, the

Estyn and Gwe reports celebrate the continued development of both pupils

and staff.

Through this unprecedented time Ysgol Acrefair strives to maintain a

safe and secure environment for pupils; I wish to thank the support staff

for their continued commitment to the school environment.

Yours sincerely,

Tabitha Large

Chair of Governors


Our Governing Body 2019 – 2020 (Date indicates when term of office ends)

The Chair of Governors is Mrs Tabitha Large The Vice Chair of Governors is Mrs Lynda Broe The Governing Body and the Headteacher share responsibility for the strategic management of the school acting within the framework set by national legislation and by the policies of the Local Authority ( LA). While the LA is the employer of staff, the governing body and Headteacher have separate and particular responsibilities for the selection and management of staff.The internal management of the school is the responsibility of the Headteacher. The full governing Body meets at least once a term. In addition, sub-committees meet regularly to discuss specific issues and report to the full Governing Body.


The school is a category 5 English medium school, teaching Welsh as a second language The school continues to categorised as a Green A school according to WG categorisation procedures which means the school is performing very well and needs minimum support.

Type of Governor

Name Term of office ends

Headteacher Mrs R Turner

Wrexham CBC representatives

Sarah Mazarella Nicola Davies-Bottomley Diane Powell Lynda Broe

31/10/22 31/05/20 30/04/20 31/03/22

Teacher representatives

Mrs Helen Norman ( from Feb 2018) Miss Zoe Woodward( from Feb 18)

31/01/22 31/01/22

Non-teaching rep

Miss A Scandariato (from March 18) 19/03/22

Community Representatives

Mrs Tabitha Large Mrs Mavis Davies Mrs Lesley Edwards Mr Stephen Witherden

10/10/21 10/10/21 10/10/21 04/12/22

Additional Community

Cllr Paul Blackwell 05/09/20

Parent representatives

Mrs Annabelle Lawton Mr Ian McClaran Mrs Ruth Jones Mrs Leanne Edwards Ms Hanna Davies

04/11/22 04/11/22 04/11/22 28/02/22 04/11/22

Observer Mrs C Halley

Clerk to the Governors

Mrs E.Doherty


Governor’s links to specific areas of the curriculum/school improvement These governors visit the school regularly to work alongside teachers in their chosen subject/skill area. Working in this way they develop a clearer understanding of how Ysgol Acrefair works and its ethos and also develop strong relationships with staff and children

In addition to these links, governors are also members of a number of both statutory and non-statutory committees.

Area Link Governor Child Protection Mrs T. Large

Mrs N Davies-Bottomley Additional Needs Miss D Powell

Well-being/PSE Mrs T Large

Pupil Disciplinary Performance Management

Performance Management Appeal

Hanna Bell Mavis Davies Ruth Jones

Nicola Davies- Bottomley Diane Powell Ian McLaran Lesley Edwards

Leanne Edwards (Reserve) Ruth Jones (Reserve)

Health and Safety/Premises Teaching And learning Wellbeing

Lesley Edwards Steve Witherden Ruth Jones

Hanna Bell Annabelle Lawton Ian McLaran Ian McLaran Diane Powell Nicola Davies-

Bottomley Nicola davies-

Bottomley

Diane Powell


School Staffing Structure 2017/18 Senior Leadership Team ( SLT) Headteacher: Mrs R Turner ( and DSL) Deputy Headteacher: Mrs C Halley (Deputy DSL) Foundation Phase leader: Mrs W Steen ( Deputy DSL) ALNCO: Mrs H Norman ( Deputy DSL)

Foundation Phase Teachers Key Stage 2 Teachers Nursery Mrs W Steen Year 3 Mrs S Jackson

Staff Disciplinary Staff Appeals Complaints

Tabitha Large Paul Blackwell Lesley Edwards Leanne Edwards Mavis Davies Sarah Mazzerella

Stephen Witherden Diane Powell

Mavis Davies

Finance Committee

Mavis Davies

Tabitha Large Diane Powell


Reception Mrs N Brophy Year 4 Miss K Heard/Mrs Lisa Owens

Year 1 Miss Z Woodward Year 5 Mr M Allman

Year 2 Miss K Rosen Year 6 Mrs C Halley ( DHT)

School Administrator: Mrs S Wright Caretaker: Mr J Beckett Catering staff: Mrs L Edwards, Mrs C Roberts Cleaning staff: Mrs D Edwards, Mrs L Edwards

All staff have current DBS certificates and are registered with the EWC as necessary. We continue to have a large number of students working in school. We have had pupils from Ysgol Rhiwabon, Ysgol Dinas Bran, Childcare students from Coleg Cambria and Teaching students from Bangor, Glyndwr and Chester University.

TEACHING METHODS AND CURRICULUM ORGANISATION At Ysgol Acrefair our staff, children and governors have developed four core values of 'Aspire, Inspire, Nurture and. Respect These values run through everything we do especially the development of our curriculum. Our curriculum has been re-imagined over the last four years to ensure that our children are engaged and enthused by the exciting experiences, rich tasks and real contexts for learning where children can apply their skills and make links across the curriculum. We aim to 'future proof' our curriculum by ensuring we are developing our learning experiences taking into account the 'New curriculum for Wales' and four purposes as proposed by the Donaldson report 'Successful Futures'. At Ysgol Acrefair the pupil voice is very important in making decisions about what and how the children learn and we take this into account when planning learning experiences and tasks.

Teaching Assistants

Foundation Phase Key Stage 2 Mrs N Wooding Miss E Jones Miss S Bunning (1-1) Miss B Williams Mrs A Duke Mrs J Roberts Miss A Scandariato Miss A Regan Mrs S Evans -MDSA

Mrs R Brown Miss L Edwards Mrs J Koscinska Miss A Dillon


We believe that it is all-important to make the learning environment in the classroom as beneficial as possible. This is achieved by: -

Ensuring the children understand the learning intention(s) and success criteria of the lesson or activity and develop assessment for learning through peer and self assessment activities

Exhibiting pupil’s work, creating an attractive, interesting atmosphere and ensuring the best possible resources to promote learning.

Giving the pupils the opportunity to take an active part in the learning process through individual, pair or group work.

Ensuring learners are engaged by using a wide range of teaching and learning strategies that cater for differing learning styles and needs

Use of effective questioning to extend and clarify learning

Learning contexts/tasks that allow pupils to develop and apply the Key Skills of literacy, numeracy, ICT, problem solving and creativity.

Regular and purposeful marking , feedback and opportunities for pupil reflection which inform pupils' next steps in their learning

Welsh as a second language is taught and promoted in all classes. If you would like to learn more about the way that children learn at Ysgol Acrefair, please ask for a copy of our 'Learning Adventure' document. During the lockdown from end of March 2020, staff developed a model for home learning. This was continually reviewed throughout the period and adaptations made as necessary. Throughout the period, staff provided online and practical activities and support. We also responded to the results of a questionnaire to parents in April.

Welsh Language /Yr Iaith Gymraeg It is important that the children at Ysgol Acrefair are not just taught welsh as a second language but that they have opportunities to enrich their knowledge and understanding of the culture and heritage of Wales. It develops their personalities and ability to contribute to the community giving them a sense of identity. The aims of teaching Welsh are:

To develop pupils’ knowledge, understanding and skills within an integrated programme of speaking, listening, reading and writing;

To create a welsh ethos within which to promote the teaching of the welsh language;

To create opportunities for children to enjoy the rich heritage of Wales;

Celebrate the traditions and culture of Wales;


How do school Leaders and Governors promote school Improvement at Ysgol Acrefair? The Headteacher and the Senior Leadership Team work with all members of the school community to identify priorities, plan and action developments for these and to closely monitor impact and outcomes. The Governing Body monitors school improvement priorities through regular visits to school to undertake lesson observations, have meetings with leaders, attending presentations/events etc; it also spends time on scrutiny of documentation and ensures a rigorous appraisal of the Headteacher and staff is adhered to. The ‘Team’ ethos at Ysgol Acrefair is key to the successful learning of all our children. We were very pleased that Estyn’s report highlighted that Ysgol Acrefair is a very good school with a strong nurturing ethos, high aspirations and robust strategies for further improvement. Based on thorough self -evaluation processes, pupil outcomes, ESTYN inspection recommendations, visits from GWE the following main priorities were set for 2019 to 2020: There were 4 key priorities for improvement this year. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdown many of these are incomplete. However, the lockdown did give us opportunities to develop PSHE, wellbeing, physical /sporting activities, ICT skills, many of which will be invaluable on return to school in September 2020. Priority 1: New Curriculum for wales- The learning Adventure Continues’

Target : to review current curriculum and modify/ develop in line with WG recommendations


A Develop 4 purposes further with pupils Ongoing

B Develop outdoor learning to enrich learning in line with 12 Pedagogical principles

Partly achieved

C Develop curriculm in KS2 linked to the UN sustainable goals and the rights of the child

Ongoing

D Lead Creative schools project year 4 achieved

Priority 2: Literacy, Language and Communication

Target : to develop the LLC AolE skills of all pupils,in ICT, Welsh 2nd language and introduce a MFL( French) in KS2

A Improve phonics and spelling in KS2 Ongoing

B Develop a progressive and challenging curriculum for writing

Partly achieved

C Introduce French for year 4 Partly achieved

D Gain Bronze award for Siarter Iaith Not achieved

E Develop communication strand of DCF though Google classroom and coding

Achieved – Lockdown gave us the opportunity to develop this strand during distance learning activities.

Priority 3: Mathematics and Numeracy

Target : to develop pupils’ number sense

A Explore the 5 proficiencies in maths Not achieved

B Reduce cognitive load through use of visual and practical resources

achieved

C Review and update approach to teaching and learning of tables in KS2

Partly achieved

D Use of outdoor areas effectively to develop number skills

Partly achieved

Priority 4: ALN Provision Development

Target : to further develop the provision for ALN pupils in line with the new ALN code

A Training for staff in ADHD, mental health ALN code , emotion coaching, PCP ,

Partly achieved

B Implement new dyscalculia programme Partly achieved


C TRAC project for yr 6 pupils Achieved

Priority 5: Health and Wellbeing

Target : to further develop the provision Health and wellbeing in line with new curriculum requirements

A Review and update PSHE scheme of work Achieved

B Staff well being ongoing

C Improve fitness and interest in sports activities

Partly achieved – lockdown gave us the opportunity to emphasise these activities in home learning

D Improve attendance n/a

Staff Training As part of whole school priorities and continuing professional development, Staff have attended courses, meetings, and observations or taken part in working parties on:

New Curriculum workshops, conferences etc

Lead Creative Schools project (Year 4)

Moderation and standardisation

Coaching/NPQH coaching

Child Protection training

Outdoor learning

NQT /student mentor training

Eco school/Healthy school

Welsh/Bilingualism

Handwriting

ELSA , Lego therapy, art/drawing therapy, unearthing therapy

First Aid

ICT/DCF development including the training and introduction of Google Classroom in all classes.

ALN training-introduction and preparation for the new code.

ICT and the Digital Competency Framework

Practical Numeracy approaches.

Mental health and well being

All staff also completed professional learning online during lockdown.


Additional Learning Needs /disabilities

Many children at some stage in primary school experience difficulties in specific areas of learning.

At Ysgol Acrefair, our aim is to identify and assess, as early as possible, all children who have a special educational need. This results in the school being able to make provision for them so that an appropriate level of work and the right amount of support is provided to allow them to access the curriculum.

Children with an identified need will have specific targets to work towards and will have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) drawn up. Close liaison between the teacher, parents and our Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator (ALNCO) ensures that all parties work together to try to achieve the targets. Parents are given a copy of the IEP and are involved, during Parent/Teacher consultations to review the progress that has been made.

Some children will need additional support for a short period of time, while others may need it for substantially longer.

Parents are always welcome to discuss any concerns with teachers or with the ALNCO – Mrs Helen Norman

Children that have been identified as in need of extra help in language and maths, receive targeted intervention from their class teacher and teaching assistants. This additional work is monitored and reviewed regularly by our Additional Needs Co-Ordinator and booster teacher Mrs Helen Norman.

We work very closely alongside a wide range of outside agencies such as the Education Psychologist, Speech and Language and Occupational Health/CRUSE bereavement, Sensory Support, Action For Children, Social Services etc, to provide specialised support to individual children. Regular review meetings take place with parents.

We currently do not have any children with physical disabilities at Ysgol Acrefair. We do have a ramp at the entrance to allow wheelchair access and we have a disabled toilet.

We have been involved in a number of ’Together Achieving Change ‘meetings involving children at our school. This is a multi- agency approach to supporting children in need.

Our Governor with Specific responsibility for SEN is Diane Powell. Our Well-being governors are Ruth Jones and Tabitha Large

1. More Able and Talented


We are proud of the support that we provide for all pupils; this includes those who have been identified as excelling in particular areas or subjects. Our staff meet termly to consider the needs of all pupils and how we can best support them. For more able children this will include providing specific challenges within the classroom, differentiating tasks to a higher level or participation in one of the ‘Enrichment Workshops’ etc. Pupils identified as particularly gifted will have an Individual Action Plan which is designed to ensure that their specific needs are met. Sport and other extra-curricular activities We try to give our pupils the opportunity to take part in as wide a range of activities as possible. Over the course of the year we have run football and netball clubs after school, including sessions with Wrexham Football Club and with the local golf and cricket clubs. Children have taken part successfully in a number of sporting competitions – football, netball and tennis tournaments and cross-country competitions. All the children have enjoyed some hula-hooping sessions too! Years 4, 5 and 6 have swimming lessons at Chirk, in accordance with the requirements of the National Curriculum. Parents are asked to contribute towards the cost of transport to the pool.

Community Links Ysgol Acrefair works hard to establish good community links:

Police Liaison Officer delivers PSE lessons and workshops

Visits from travelling theatre companies

Visits to local high schools and transition activities

Family services and concerts at school and in the local church

Fundraising events at school

Involvement of local press to share positive achievements

Students from local colleges

Visits from local clergy

Visits from local councillors

Working alongside local artists and musicians


Football in the community with Wrexham FC

Visits to local places of interest / attractions

Visits form local agencies/groups including Canal and Waterways

Kiddies World and Toddlers

Support from Fron Choir and a venue for rehearsals.

We work hard to ensure that we have effective communication and engagement with parents and families. We use social media including twitter, See-Saw app , our own website and app, and during lockdown, established a Facebook page.

School Council School Council elections took place in the Autumn Term. One boy and one girl have been elected from years 2 to 6. They meet on a regular basis to discuss issues that their classmates have asked them to put forward and they later report back to their class. Eco Committee Eco Committee elections took place in the Autumn Term. One boy and one girl have been selected by their class mates from years 2 to 6. They are currently assessing how ‘eco friendly’ we are as a school and discussing the way forward. We are very proud to have gained our platinum award and are busy working towards our Eco flag!

Criw Cymraeg Our Criw Cymraeg are leading on the Siarter Iaith project, developing pupil confidence and enagagement with the Welsh language. We are currently working towards our bronze award.

Buildings / Health and Safety

Regular fire drills/lockdown drills take place.

Regular risk assessments are carried out by the Caretaker/Headteacher and Governors.

A full electrical check has been completed.

Fire alarms/systems checked regularly by Dee Fire services


The Chubb fire extinguishers have been checked and replaced where necessary.

There are an appropriate number of toilets which are well maintained by the caretaking and cleaning team.

Full Risk assessment took place before and during lockdown

Building work has now been completed to transform the Reception, office spaces and staff room

Nursery classroom- new furniture and flooring installed

Security and Safeguarding The school building is safe and secure. Doors are locked during the day. Visitors are asked to report to the main entrance and ring the bell. A member of staff will open the door and the visitor will be required to sign in on arrival and on departure. Employees of Wrexham County Borough Council who arrive on site should carry identification and make themselves known to the Headteacher/Deputy Headteacher. We follow Wrexham BCC’s guidance, policies and procedures for schools in the care of our children. All staff and helpers at the school are DBS checked before commencing employment or volunteer work. All staff attend regular child protection and safeguarding training. All members of the Senior Leadership Team receive Child Protection Officer Training annually. Our Governors with specific responsibility for Safeguarding and Child Protection is Nicola Davies-Bottomley and Mrs Tabitha Large.

Pupil Health, Wellbeing and food and fitness We are part of Wrexham’s Healthy Schools Project which focuses on various aspects of healthy living. The pupils are encouraged to become aware of lifestyles and the effects on health. Water is available to all pupils throughout the day and we encourage pupils to bring a healthy snack /lunch to school and provide fresh fruit to all pupils in Foundation Phase. Pupils in Foundation Phase partake in the ‘Design to Smile’ tooth brushing initiative on a daily basis. The staff work with the School Nurses and healthy Schools Coordinators etc. to teach the children about healthy food, hygiene, fitness and personal and social education including e-safety. The Governing body ensures that school provides healthy food/drinks and access to fresh water where appropriate by monitoring and developing whole school policies. The school has a sex and relationships policy and scheme of work which has been agreed by the Governing Body


The school has gained its annual healthy schools award and is working towards the National Quality Mark for Healthy Schools next year.

Policies We have a rolling programme of policies that have to be reviewed by the Governors – some annually and every three years. School Prospectus The school prospectus has been reviewed and updated including - staff and Governor details, class sizes and dinner money costs etc

Attendance statistics/ Data/ performance These data sets are not being reported this year due to Covid-19 and lockdown, however the school continues to closely monitor attendance and works closely with the ESW and Attendace Officer.


ACREFAIR COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL

SUMMARY FINANCIAL EXPENDITURE STATEMENT 2019/2020

Financial Year 1st April 2019 - 31st March 2020

.

EXPENDITURE/

EXPENDITURE/

BUDGET HEADING

(INCOME)

(INCOME)

BALANCE

ACTUAL

PLANNNED

BUDGET

EMPLOYEES

814,226

760,558

-53,668

. PREMISES

54,570

51,086

-3,484

TRANSPORT

40

309

269

SUPPLIES & SERVICES

41,490

32,336

-9,154

EDUCATION SUPPORT SERVICES

61,208

60,673

-535

CONTINGENCY FUND

2,218

395

-1,823

TOTAL EXPENDITURE 973,753 905,357 -68,396

OTHER INCOME

-208,517

-161,634

46,883

OPENING BALANCE (1st April 2020)

-1,798

-1,798

0

TOTAL NET EXPENDITURE 763,438 741,925 -21,513


TERM AND HOLIDAY DATES

2017 to 2020

Documents

Ysgol Acrefair · Mrs Turner and the staff continue to develop the new curriculum and build on the core values of: ‘Aspire, Inspire, Nurture and Respect’ in every ... Estyn and