Annual Report to Parents 2019-20

Ysgol Gymunedol Trimsaran

1

‘Gwnawn ein gorau glas’

Governors Annual Report to parents

2019-20

TRIMSARAN COMMUNITY SCHOOL GOVERNING BODY NO. 108

LEA REPRESENTATIVES (3) TERM OF OFFICE ENDS
Cllr. K. Broom 03/09/2021
Mrs M. J. James 28/09/2024
Mr R. Sully 03/11/2023

ADDITIONAL COMMUNITY GOVERNOR (1) 03/06/2023
Representing: Trimsaran Community Council
Mrs A. Davies

HEADTEACHER GOVERNOR (1)
Mr S. Jones

PARENTAL REPRESENTATIVES (4) 23/11/2021
Mrs H. Raine-Diplock 25/05/2022
Mrs M. Rees 05/11/2022
Mrs J. Jones 31/01/2023
Miss L. Wiltshire

COMMUNITY GOVERNORS (3) 28/03/2022
Mrs S. J. Davies 06/03/2024
Mrs A. Nobel 29/11/2020
Mrs A. Stock

STAFF REPRESENTATIVE (1) 17/04/2024
Mrs A. Beard

TEACHER REPRESENTATIVE (1) 19/11/2021
Miss C. Roberts

Chairperson of Governors

Mrs M. J. James, 12 Heol Waun y Clun, Trimsaran, SA17 4BE.

Clerk to the Governors

Mrs L Bridgewater, c/o Trimsaran School

Chairperson’s Letter

Dear Parents and Supporters of Trimsaran Community School,

I am writing this at the end of the most challenging academic year that any of us have ever experienced.
All of our pupils have missed out on six months of education which is far more than lesson time lost, it is
also socialising with friends, teamwork, support, educational visits and experiences, Year 6 pupils have
missed their end of year fun activities, concert, familiarisation visits to their new schools and the
youngest children have missed out on half days in the nursery in preparation for attending full time
school. Our children will have also experienced the stresses of lockdown, social separation and isolation
from their friends, they will have been aware of the fears of their families for their own health and that of
friends and relatives so they will have suffered emotionally too during this time.

On behalf of the Governors, I wish to pay tribute to all the teaching and support staff of our school who,
throughout the time that our school was closed, worked in the Hub schools for the children of key
workers and other vulnerable children, whilst continuing to provide and mark online work for our pupils
and maintain contact with them through regular telephone calls. These staff members also had their own
families to care for and had the same concerns for vulnerable friends and relatives that we all have. Their
commitment and dedication to the school and our pupils has been outstanding and they worked
throughout all the school holidays during lockdown until the end of the summer term.

Some of the information which is usually included in the Annual Report is missing this year on the advice
of the Welsh Government as it has been impossible to include results for National tests which haven’t
been sat and Attendance figures would be unrealistic in the current situation. However, the information
which has been included clearly shows that our school continues to provide our children with a very
varied education which is designed to help each child develop not only educationally but as well rounded,
confident young people in all areas of their lives.

We all hope that the coming academic year gives us an opportunity to move on from these traumatic
times as we continue to work together to support our pupils in all aspects of their education.

Yours sincerely,

Maggie James
Chair of Governors

Progress on School Action Plan

Ysgol Gymunedol Trimsaran is a Welsh medium school.
Children are immersed in the Welsh language on entry into
the Nursery. The main language of instruction throughout
the foundation phase and Key Stage 2 is Welsh. However,
English is taught in lessons in K.S.2 and an emphasis on
bilingualism ensures that pupils achieve high standards in
both languages by the end of K.S.2.

The Headteacher meets with prospective parents prior to
their children starting and explains the advantages of
bilingualism. All teaching staff in parents meetings etc
reiterates this message.

Parents are helped and supported by teachers in helping their children with homework tasks. We have a
new homework policy where every class within the school are given homework. Homework is given out
on a Thursday and to be returned on a Monday.

Non-Welsh speaking pupils from English medium schools who join the school are fast tracked with
intensive lessons with specialist teachers at the ‘Canolfan Iaith’.

The mainstream secondary school for Trimsaran School is Ysgol y Strade. Ysgol y Strade is a Welsh
medium school. Joint activities are arranged throughout Year 5 and 6 and parents evenings held so that
transition is as smooth as possible.

The pupils follow a thematic curriculum. Themes are arranged and planned carefully for each age range
ensuring complete curriculum coverage.

The school has received one core visit. Mrs Angharad Jones spent the visit scrutinising data and looking at
the performance of groups of learners. She spoke with pupils during learning walks around the school.

The school has been categorised as a Green School
under the Welsh Government’s system.

Intervention groups are formed on the basis of tests
administered and Teacher Assessments. Pupils who
need extra support in specific areas are taught in
groups daily. Intervention strategies such as ‘Hwb
Ymlaen’, ‘Numicon’, and ‘CHATT’ are used. Progress,
of all learners is regularly and carefully tracked using
Incerts and the schools tracking systems.

The school continues its effort in reinforcing the
importance of environmental issues. School and
Eco council meet regularly and look for ways in
which environmentally friendly practices can
become a part of the school life. Pupil’s voice is
important and they have been collecting
information and acting on their ideas.

Improving School Attendance is a target for
Trimsaran School. Efforts are made to increase
percentages and persistent absentees are targeted
and encouraged to be punctual and regular
attendees.

An effort to improve the use of Welsh in school is proving successful. The county’s Athrawon Bro service
together with the school staff work with pupils in KS2. A group of pupils who have joined the school from
English medium schools within the last year are targeted and fast tracked in intensive group sessions. Our
initiative to promote the Welsh language within the school continues to encourage pupils to use Welsh
outside the classroom as well as inside.

Individual Development Planning meetings have been held to discuss several pupils who have special
needs. Agencies involved share information regularly and plan together for strategies for improvement.
All staff have benefited from receiving training by the county’s Educational Psychologists on “Dispositions
and Approaches to Learning” and “CHATT”. This has enabled staff to use a variety of strategies and
methods when teaching pupils with a wide range of difficulties.

The Design to Smile team has educated the pupils in FPh on the importance of teeth brushing, and have
provided pupils with toothbrushes. Pupils brush their teeth daily in school. All of the above ensures a
sense of wellbeing at school and input from external agencies are appreciated.

The school has been fortunate to receive the third year of its Welsh Arts Council Grant. Much work has
been done to enhance the arts by using a Welsh poet to capture the imagination of our learners. Tudur
Dylan Jones has been working with all classes to learn about the local area. He has worked with the
children to write a script for our production at Theatr y Ffwrnes which would have taken place on 17th
June 2020. This has will be re-arranged for the Summer term.

KS2 pupils continue to be grouped for intensive reading
sessions. This enables learners to read in small ability groups
where they are assessed at six week intervals and
moved up accordingly. Staff have noticed an increase in
engagement, confidence and enjoyment of pupils during the
daily thirty minute lesson and progress in reading skills.

Community Links

Year 2 pupils visited Asda Llanelli as their class
theme was ‘Supermarkets’.
Year 4 visited St Fagans Museum.
P.C. Ali Timothy has visited the school during the
year.

Harvest Thanksgiving Service at Llandyry Church. The school raised £60 for
the Luhimba Project.
Design to Smile visit the Foundation Phase pupils on a regular basis.
The P.T.A. organised a Coffee Morning to raise money for Macmillan
Cancer. They raised £393.63.
Year 3 visited Castell Henllys, Pembrokeshire.
Pupils raised money for Children in Need.
Reception to Year 4 pupils received the flu nasal spray.
Miss Rachel Davies of Ysgol y Strade and several past pupils visited the school to speak with parents and
pupils of Years 5 and 6.
The School Choir opened the Christmas Fayre at Canolfan Plas y Sarn.

The School Nurse visited the Reception class for a height
and weight assessment and also for Year 1 screening.
TrimyMynydd choir performed at ASDA, Llanelli.
Kerbcraft an enterprise by the National Assembly have
worked with Year 1 pupils to discuss safety on the road.
P.C. Wathan spoke with the Junior pupils regarding
staying safe on Halloween and Bonfire Night.

Nursery/Reception performed the Nativity, whilst Years 1-6 performed at our Carol Service at Sardis
Chapel.
Yr1-6 pupis visited Pembrey Church for a Christingle Service.
Year 5 and 6 pupils were invited to have a stall and sell crafts at Ysgol y Strade’s Christmas Fayre.

Techniquest worked with Years 3-6 at school.
Boom Cymru TV Company which produce the programme ‘Stwnsh Sadwrn’ visited Years 5 and 6. The
pupils had great fun.
Year 6 attended a Holocaust Memorial at the Liberty Stadium.

Pupils have worked with a Welsh poet, Tudur Dylan Jones on our local area and produced a script which
will be performed at Theatr y Ffwrnes.

The mobile library visited the school.
Reception, Years 1 and 2 visited a Jamboree
Show at Pontyberem Hall.
Year 5 and 6 visted London.
Year 4 have taken part in a Story Telling session
with Llanelli Pottery at Parc Howard and follow-
up sessions at the school.

PTA

We are fortunate to benefit from an extremely
supportive P.T.A. who have worked hard to organise
various events during the year which include:

• Entertainment Evenings
• Easter Bonnet competition/disco
• Christmas Fayre
• Coffee Mornings
• Christmas Party
Their hard work has been invaluable and much appreciated. Thank you for
your support.

The P.T.A. welcome new members. It doesn’t cost you a penny
to join, all we ask is your time to help organise and host events
to raise money for the school.

Additional Learning Needs

There is one pupil with a statement of Additional Learning Needs. Teaching assistants are employed to support some 50
pupils who are currently on School Action and School Action Plus.
Programmes such as ‘Read Write Inc’, ‘Hwb Ymlaen’ and ‘Dyfal Donc’ are being used. ‘Letters and Sounds’ and ‘Tric a
Chlic’ is introduced in the Nursery and is used in the whole of the Foundation Stage for all pupils.
Support is provided by Mrs E. Emmanuel, Mrs A. Beard, Mrs E. Lewis, Mrs S. Calford, Mrs D. Bates, Mrs C. Millon and
Miss K. Reed.
Children can receive their support either in the classroom or by being withdrawn into special teaching areas.
Our timetable continues to enable Year 3-6 learners to read in small ability groups where they are assessed at
six week intervals and moved up accordingly by teaching staff. There has been an increase in engagement, confidence
and enjoyment of pupils during the daily thirty minute lesson and progress in reading skills.

Sporting and other achievements

Yr3-6 competed in the Carmarthenshire County Cross-Country
Championships at Carmarthen Showground.

Miss C. Roberts and Mr D.
Humphreys have enthused
many pupils by holding a
weekly sports club after
school. Rugby, rounders,
cricket, athletics and other
sporting activities are being
held in our weekly sports club.

Year 1 and 2 had an opportunity to take part in an athletics
session at Llanelli Leisure Centre.

Two pupils from Year 6 attended a training course for Bronze Young Ambassadors at Llanelli Leisure
Centre organised by Carmarthensire County Council. The course inspires them to become role models
and leaders through sport so that they can influence others to take part in sport and physical activity.

Pupils took part in a whole school Superhero sponsored walk at Trimsaran Rugby Fields.

Years 3 and 4 have received hockey taster sessions.

Years 3-6 took part in an Urdd Swimming Gala at Llanelli Leisure Centre.

Year 3 have received a three week intensive swimming course at Llanelli Leisure Centre.

Year 5/6 competed in a Girls Rugby Festival at Parc y Scarlets.

Year 5/6 netball team competed at Llanelli Leisure Centre.

Provision of toilet facilities

Toilets are located in all four of the Foundation Phase classes on the ground floor.

On the first floor, the Key Stage 2 toilets are located centrally.

All toilets are provided with hot water and liquid soap. Toilet rolls and hand towels are replaced daily. Hand dryers
are installed throughout.

All toilets are checked for cleanliness by Teaching Assistants throughout the day and are cleaned by our cleaners
every evening.

Key Stage 2 Target Setting

Table showing the percentage of KS2 pupils targeted to attain at least level 4 (TA) in the National
Curriculum.

SUBJECT 2021 2022 2023
KS2 KS2 KS2
WELSH Cohort = 21 Cohort = 26 Cohort = 29
ENGLISH pupils pupils pupils
MATHEMATICS 1 child = 4.76% 1 child = 3.85% 1 child = 3.45%
SCIENCE 52.4% 80.7% 68.9%
52.4% 80.7% 68.9%
71.4% 84.6% 68.9%
71.4% 88.5% 68.9%

Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, no end of year levels were awarded to KS2.

Authorised & Unathorised Attendance Statistics

Attendance for the academic year 2019-2020 was 89.2%*.

Any child falling below 80% will be referred to the L.E.A. School Welfare Officer.

In the event of an absence parents are requested to inform the school by phone or by letter
otherwise your child’s absence will be considered to be unauthorised.

The following statistics relate to the number of authorised and unauthorised absences expressed
as a percentage of the total number of possible attendances in that term.

TERM AUTHORISED UNAUTHORISED
AUTUMN 5.63% 1.98%

2019 7.78%* 3.02%*

SPRING*
2020

(to March 20th 2020)
SUMMER
2020

A request. A significant number of children are now arriving late for the start of the school. This
not only disadvantages them but also disrupts the learning of others. Please make every effort to
ensure that your children arrive on time as this helps them to develop habits that will be of advantage
to them, not just now, but, in the future.

Regular school attendance is vital and missing school can have a significant impact on achievement over a
one year period as illustrated below:

95-100% Best chance of success Your child is taking full advantage of every learning
attendance opportunity.
At least 2 weeks of learning Satisfactory. Your child may have to spend time
90-95% missed catching up with work.
attendance At least 4 weeks of learning Your child may be at risk of underachieving and may
missed need extra support from you to catch up with work.
85-90% At least 5 ½ weeks of learning Your child’s poor attendance has a significant impact
attendance missed on learning.
Your child is missing out on a broad and balanced
80-85% At least 7½ weeks education. You are at risk of prosecution.
attendance of learning missed
Below 80%
attendance

*Attendance seriously affected by the Covid-19 Pandemic
Attendance up to February half-term was 93.36%

School Terms & Holiday Dates: 2020-2021

Nursery

9.00-11:30am morning

11.30am–12.30pm lunch

12.30–3.00pm finish

Foundation Phase

9.00am–12.00pm morning

12.00–1.15pm lunch

1.15–3.00pm finish

Juniors morning
9.00am–12.30pm lunch
12.30–1.15pm finish
1.15-3.10pm

Statement of Expenditure

FINANCIAL PERFORMANCE 2019/20
Trimsaran Community School