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Ysgol Cefnllys
Learning today to shape tomorrow
Dysgu Heddiw Er Mwyn Llunio Yfory
Latest News
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Welsh books to download
Wed 13 Jan 2021https://www.drefwen.com/english/books/free-audio-books/ -
Press release from Powys re ALN provision
Thu 05 Nov 2020November , 2020
For Immediate Release
Cabinet approve new SEN / ALN strategy
A proposed strategy that could transform education provision for learners with special educational needs / additional learning needs has been approved by Cabinet, Powys County Council has said.
The council has produced a proposed strategy for The Future of Special Educational Needs (SEN) / Additional Learning Needs (ALN) in Powys, which will guide the transformation of provision for learners with SEN / ALN. The strategy was approved by Cabinet this week (Tuesday, November 3).
Improving SEN / ALN provision is one of the strategic aims in the council’s Strategy for Transforming Education in Powys 2020-2030, which was approved in April.
The strategy was shaped thanks to feedback from an engagement exercise earlier this year where people were given the opportunity to have their say on a draft vision for SEN / ALN provision.
Seven areas of transformation have been included in the strategy. They are:
- Mainstream
- Early Support/Assessment
- Specialist provision for pupils of statutory school age with the most complex needs
- Specialist Centres
- Specialist Behaviour provision
- Provision for SEN/ALN learners up to the age of 25
- Welsh medium support for pupils with SEN/ALN.
Cllr Phyl Davies, Cabinet Member for Education and Property, said: “Over the last 12 months, we have had significant engagement with parents, learners, school leaders, teachers and others to help inform the re-shaping and transformation of the educational provision for children and young people in Powys.
“During our engagement sessions, a number of issues were raised about our current ALN / SEN provision. This included that pupils had different quality and type of provision depending on where they lived, some had to travel long distances to reach provision that meets their needs while the access to provision through the medium of Welsh is inconsistent.
“Our ambition is for our schools to be fully inclusive, educating pupils with a wide range of special educational needs / additional learning needs. For our learners with more complex needs, we want to develop on the strengths of our special schools, and have a network that will allow learners to have access to a range of specialist provision and support as close to home as is possible.
“This strategy will help the council to meet this ambition and give learners with special educational needs / additional learning needs the best possible start they deserve.”
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Message from schools community police
Fri 30 Oct 2020SWYDDOGOL OFFICIAL
Good Morning All,
This Official message is for circulation to parents regarding the Halloween / Bonfire season
It re-iterates the police stance on social gatherings after the Welsh Assembly Government announced a Firebreak lockdown for Wales.
For Halloween
- We ask everyone to think how they can keep everyone safe this Halloween and not spread Coronavirus.
- Traditional trick or treating is not allowed.
- Halloween parties in either your home or at another venue are not allowed.
- Do not to meet anyone indoors that you don’t live with and do not meet up with your friends either indoors or outdoors.
- Celebrate at home instead of going out and about.
For Bonfire Night
- There will be no organised public bonfires or firework displays this year.
- No visitors are allowed into your garden. If a firework display in your garden turns into a party at your house, you are putting everyone at risk of catching the Coronavirus. The adults who look after you will be breaking the law.
- REMEMBER it is illegal to buy Fireworks under the age of 18 - your parents/carers could be prosecuted.
- You shouldn’t set off fireworks in a park or other public open space. All local authorities in Wales have banned this.
- Setting off fireworks in the street is anti-social. It can be a fire risk and is against the law.
We kindly ask people to act responsibly and to keep each other safe. Staying safe and not adding extra pressure to the emergency services will be important.
In addition to the above the School Community Police Officer team have created two vlogs to support the above messaging. These vlogs are suitable for use in educational establishments. Please follow the link below to view;
PC597 Viv Ainsworth
Swyddog Heddlu Cymunedol Ysgolion
School Community Police Officer
Heddlu Dyfed-Powys Police
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Return to school Information
Fri 30 Oct 2020Dear Parent/carer
COLLECTION AT END OF DAY
We have looked again at staggered times for collection to reduce the contact that parent/carers have when collecting children. As we have many families with children across age ranges it is very difficult to stagger times without expecting parent/carers to stand and wait for children. This increases the contact at collection time, rather than reduces it.
However to make it a little less busy, the main gates to school will be opened at 3.20pm daily. If you are collecting an Infant child ONLY please collect at the earlier time.
If you are collecting a number of children arrive at normal time.
Staff in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 children only will ensure children are ready for collection at 3.20. This should reduce the numbers coming through the gate at the same time. Please also use the one way system at the gate path - Keep to the left of the barriers.
RUNNING TRACK
We are expecting work on the running track to begin after the half term holidays. The team will only be on the field and not be accessing the main school building. There will be a mesh fence to cordon off the field from the playground but please be mindful if you have younger children with you at the end of the day. All the work is weather dependent and after such a 'soggy' half term it may be delayed. It should take a few weeks but again it is weather dependent so fingers crossed we can get it completed sooner rather than later.
Many Thanks for your ongoing cooperation
Regards
Ms Jenkins
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Press release from Powys
Thu 29 Oct 2020Coronavirus is still circulating in Powys
With some pupils returning to school next week Powys parents are being urged to be on their guard for Coronavirus and keep unwell children at home.
All Powys pupils were due to return to school on Monday (November 2) after a two-week half-term break, but the introduction of Welsh Government’s national Firebreak restrictions mean that some will continue to study at home.
Primary and special schools will reopen as normal with secondary school years seven, eight and vulnerable children returning. Pupils will be able to attend schools for exams, but pupils in Years 9 and above will have to continue their learning from home for a week.
Cabinet Member for Education, Councillor Phyl Davies said: “With some pupils able to return to school it is vital that we do all that we can to prevent the spread of the virus. I urge families to help and ensure that those who are unwell and show any symptoms stay at home and follow medical advice. We need to do all that we can to prevent a further rise in coronavirus cases. “
“It is important for all of us to remember that Coronavirus is still a very real threat to public health and the best way to stop the chain of infection is to come into contact with fewer people. This is particularly important with the Welsh Government’s national Firebreak restrictions continuing until 9 November.”
The main symptoms of coronavirus are:
- a high temperature: this means you feel hot to touch on your chest or back (you do not need to measure your temperature)
- a new, continuous cough: this means coughing a lot for more than an hour, or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours (if you usually have a cough, it may be worse than usual)
- a loss or change to your sense of smell or taste: this means you've noticed you cannot smell or taste anything, or things smell or taste different to normal.
Most people with coronavirus have at least one of these symptoms.
If you have any symptoms, ensure that you and your immediate household self-isolate immediately. Visit https://gov.wales/apply-coronavirus-covid-19-test or call 119 to book a test.
We can all help to reduce the spread of coronavirus:
- Stay at home
- Wash your hands regularly.
- Keep a social distance from others.
- Do not meet anyone you do not live with
- Wear a face covering in shops, in indoor public spaces and on public transport unless there is a reasonable excuse not to do so
- Work from home if you can.
“We all share a personal responsibility to controlling the spread of the virus. The situation can change very quickly. By following Welsh Government guidance, we can help keep Powys safe.”
Our Test Trace Protect team here in Powys is working tirelessly to ensure that positive cases are contact traced, and that symptomatic contacts are offered testing. If you are identified as a confirmed contact, our Powys contact tracing team will call you from 02921 961133.
If you are called by a contact tracer, please help them in their vital work to Keep Powys Safe.
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Free school meal funding
Thu 15 Oct 2020Following the Welsh Government announcement this morning to provide free school meal funding to entitled pupils during the school holidays up to and including Easter 2021. Our catering team and finance team will continue to process supermarket vouchers and BACS payments for all entitled pupils. These will be processed for the October half term (2 weeks) and all holidays up to and including Easter 2021. The FSM allowance will be £19.50 per week per entitled pupil.
If parents have concerns or queries they can contact cashless.catering@powys.gov.uk or call 01597 826660
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NEWS RELEASE FROM POWYS
Tue 22 Sep 2020For Immediate Release
Ambitious education plans to be considered
Ambitious plans to transform education in Powys, providing learners with the world-class facilities they deserve, will be considered by Cabinet next week, the county council has confirmed.
Following extensive engagement with key stakeholders including headteachers, school staff, governors, parents and learners last winter, Powys County Council is committed to bringing forward plans to deliver an improved learner offer for children and young people by delivering its Strategy for Transforming Education in Powys, which was approved in April.
The four strategic aims of the strategy are – To improve learner entitlement and experience; To improve learner entitlement and experience for post-16 learners; To improve access to Welsh-medium provision across all key stages; and To improve provision for learners with special education needs / additional learning needs.
To deliver these aims will require significant investment in the education infrastructure in Powys.
On Tuesday, September 29, Cabinet will consider five reports which could see a potential investment of over £170m, resulting in brand new school facilities across the county as well as a proposal to consult on establishing a new all-age school.
However, several small schools could close as part of the transforming education work.
Cabinet will be considering the following plans:
- A new all-age community campus for Ysgol Bro Hyddgen
- Investment into Ysgol Calon Cymru for a new English-medium campus for pupils aged 11-18 in Llandrindod Well and a new/remodelled all-age Welsh medium campus in Builth Wells
- A major reorganisation of schools in the Llanfyllin catchment which could see the construction of a new all-age community campus for Ysgol Llanfyllin, a new area primary school to replace Llandysilio and Carreghofa primary schools which could also include schools from the Welshpool catchment area. It is also planned to open a new Welsh-medium primary school in Llanrhaeadr-y-Mochnant by merging Ysgol Pennant and Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant primary schools – the school would be situated on the current site of Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant but would need capital investment to accommodate all pupils. It is also expected that there is an extension to Llansanffraid Church in Wales Primary School as well
- A new English-medium primary school in Brecon along with new leisure facilities, and also a new pupil referral unit. It is also intended to build a new dual-stream primary school in Sennybridge. Three schools could be replaced as part of the plans
- Establishing a new all-age dual-stream school in Llanfair Caereinion, merging Caereinion High School and Llanfair Caereinion County Primary School.
Cabinet will be asked for approval to submit Strategic Outlines Cases for Ysgol Calon Cymru, the school investment plans in the Brecon and Llanfyllin catchment areas as well as a revised Strategic Outline Case for Ysgol Bro Hyddgen to the Welsh Government 21st Century Schools Programme for their consideration, who could fund 65% of the project with the council funding the remaining 35%.
All changes will be subject to the statutory school reorganisation process which involves extensive consultation with school and their communities, before any final decisions are made.
Cllr Phyl Davies, Cabinet Member for Education and Property, said: “Providing high-quality teaching and learning environments is one of the aims of our Vision 2025 and our Strategy for Transforming Education in Powys will help us meet these aims.
“These are exciting times and these plans ensure that we provide the best facilities for our learners, their families and the wider community.
“The last five months has been an extremely difficult period for the council as it responds to the Covid-19 pandemic but it is a testament to everyone involved in our transforming education programme that Cabinet will be considering some of these initial plans at the end of the month.”
Further information on the plans are below:
Ysgol Bro Hyddgen
A state-of-the-art learning and leisure community campus for Machynlleth’s Ysgol Bro Hyddgen could take a step forward if Cabinet give the go-ahead to submit revised plans to the Welsh Government.
The flagship all-age school campus, which will replace the existing school buildings, will include early years and education provision, along with brand new leisure and library facilities, replacing the existing Bro Ddyfi Leisure Centre and the town’s library.
Ysgol Calon Cymru
New and remodelled facilities could be provided for Ysgol Calon Cymru.
The new facility for 925 for pupils aged 11-18 at the Llandrindod campus would replace the existing accommodation, which is in poor condition while a new remodelled 450-pupil facility for pupils aged 4-18 would be provided in Builth Wells.
As part of the plans for Ysgol Calon Cymru, the Llandrindod Wells campus would deliver English-medium provision and the Builth Wells campus would deliver Welsh-medium provision. Consultation with pupils, parents, staff, governors and the wider communities would need to take place before any changes are implemented.
Llanfyllin catchment area
Two new schools could be built in the Llanfyllin catchment area.
The council is looking to build a new community campus for Ysgol Llanfyllin, which recently opened as an all-age school following the merger of Llanfyllin High School and Llanfyllin Primary School. The school could include pupils from the Llangedwyn, Llanfechain and Llansilin areas which means that the primary schools in those areas could close.
A new 360-place area primary school could also be built to replace Carreghofa County Primary School and Llandysilio Church in Wales Primary School, and possibly other schools in the Welshpool catchment area. Investment could also see an extension to Llansanffraid Primary School.
It is also planned to open a new Welsh-medium primary school in Llanrhaeadr-y-Mochnant by merging Ysgol Pennant and Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant primary schools – the school would be situated on the current site of Llanrhaeadr-ym-Mochnant but would need capital investment to accommodate all pupils.
Again, these will be formally consulted upon before any final decisions are made.
Brecon catchment area
Two new primary schools could be built in the Brecon catchment area as part of investment plans.
The council wants to build an English-medium primary school on the site of the old Brecon High School, replacing Mount Street Infant, Mount Street Junior and Cradoc schools. This development could also include leisure facilities, including a swimming pool. There are also plans to build a new pupil referral unit on the site.
It also wants to build a new dual-stream primary school in Sennybridge, replacing the current Sennybridge CP School building, which is in poor condition.
Consultation would need to take place before any final decisions are made.
New all-age school for Llanfair Caereinion
Llanfair Caereinion’s primary and high school could merge to create the county’s third all-age school.
Cabinet will be asked to give the go-ahead to start consultation on the amalgamation of Llanfair Caereinion County Primary School and Caereinion High School and opening a new all-age school. The new school would provide dual-stream education for pupils aged 4-18 on the current site of the two schools.
The target date is to close the two schools on the 31 August 2022 and to open the new school on the 1 September 2022.
ENDS
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Secondary School Admission information
Fri 18 Sep 2020The Secondary School Admission Round for learners born between 01/09/2009 – 31/08/2010 opens on Monday 21 September 2020.
Parents/Carers need to complete an online application at https://en.powys.gov.uk/article/1158/Applying-for-a-School-Place
Applications need to be made by the deadline of Friday 13 November 2020.
Secondary Common Offer Date is Monday 1 March 2021
If are parent / carer is unable to apply online they can contact admissions@powys.gov.uk
If you have any questions regarding Admissions, please contact the team admissions@powys.gov.uk
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Press Release from Powys
Wed 09 Sep 2020For Immediate Release
Parents urged to work with schools to reduce coronavirus risk
Concerns have been raised that parents in Powys are gathering outside the school gates and are not following social distancing measures, the county council has said.
School leaders across the county have raised the concerns about the gatherings with Powys County Council, who are now urging parents to work with their child’s school to reduce the risk of coronavirus spreading.
Cllr Phyl Davies, Cabinet Member for Education and Property, said: “We have received a number of reports from headteachers that parents are gathering at school gates before school starts and when it finishes for the day.
“We know that many youngsters have started primary and secondary school for this first time and parents and children are excited but I would urge parents to be mindful of the coronavirus guidance and work with the council and the school to keep everyone safe.
“We have done a lot of work with school leaders to make sure that children are safe in their school and that the risk of the virus spreading is minimised. It would be a shame if this work was undone by parents and older relatives ignoring social distancing by gathering outside the school gates.”
Headteachers have also raised concerns that parents are contacting schools asking them to confirm whether a member of the school has tested positive for coronavirus.
“We understand that some parents are anxious and want to protect their child but contacting a school asking for information about any individual in the current climate is inappropriate,” said Cllr Davies.
“It would not be up to headteachers to inform parents about any potential coronavirus case within their school. This would be down to the Test, Trace, Protect programme which would trace the contacts of people who test positive to put a stop to the spread of coronavirus.”
Parents are also being reminded that if their child shows any symptoms then to keep them at home.
“We are urging parents to err or the side of caution and don’t send their child to school. It would be reckless of parents to send their child to school who is showing symptoms as this would jeopardise the safety of pupils and staff at the whole schools,” said Cllr Davies.
Parents are also being reminded to make sure that they have provided their child’s school with up-to-date emergency contact details.
“Coronavirus is still a very real threat to public health and all of us can help to Keep Powys Safe,” said Cllr Davies.
“Not only are we urging parents to observe social distancing but also ensure regular hand washing is being done by both parents and their child.”
ENDS
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Q&A for parents
Tue 01 Sep 2020Dear all,
I hope you've all enjoyed this summer holiday.
We are really hoping the sun will return next week. If it doesn't, then all pupils will need to bring a coat with them to school.
Please can I ask that you all read this before we open for pupils next week - it is long but notes a lot of key information. Diolch.
We are looking forward to seeing you all again on Thursday 3rd September – thank you for your continued support.
Below is a Q and A sheet ahead of our reopening next week for all pupils and staff. We apologise for the hard line that we have had to take concerning some matters, but the safety of staff, pupils, families and our community remain our ongoing concern.
Guidance states that
- Children do not need to distance from each other WITHIN their class
- Adults DO need to distance from each other, from parents and from children
This will have an impact on the way we normally operate, we will however try to make things as normal as we can for children, as well as following guidance to keep staff and learners safe.
- What school systems are currently in place to keep everyone as safe as is practically possible?
Here’s a summary...
- Different start times have been agreed for Rec to Y3 and Y4-Y6 to ensure less adults are on the site at any one time and children stay separate in their classes; this system will ensure we see less crowding at the school gate. The School car park will be CLOSED as each class will congregate on the car park before they are taken in by their teacher.
- There will be day time cleaning of all high touch areas, as well as the usual daily end of day clean – the cleaning team have been fantastic and ensured our building was spotless ahead of re-opening in July.
- Visits to the toilets will be monitored by staff – a system of one out at a time will be enforced.
- Meals will be eaten in the hall in staggered times, classes will sit together and children will need to support us by eating within the allocated time
- Pupils will continue to hand wash and sanitize regularly during the school day.
- An isolation room has been identified and stocked with relevant PPE.
- Children must only bring with them items that they need – stationery is provided in school so no need for pencil cases etc. Children can bring bags but only where necessary as cloakrooms will be used one class at a time.
- Only staff and pupils will be allowed to access the building.
- We are unable to prepare snack so please make sure your child has one that they can access.
- Will I be able to drive my child/children to school?
Yes, but the car park will not be available...we would prefer for pupils to walk to school. We do recognise that in some cases the distance from home to school is too great. If you do drive you will need to drop your child off in the Powys car park. Staff will be in the car park from 8.40am – no earlier. If you need to accompany your child due to their age we ask that you bring them to the car park and leave as soon as possible leaving them in the safe care of staff.
- Can someone else bring my child to school?
Yes - we politely ask that one adult brings your child to school; the same adult does not have to pick them up.
- Where do I wait to collect my child?
You can collect your child in the usual way from the external door to their classroom. Year 3 children have moved classrooms and are located next door to their old Y2 class. Staff will be around the first week to help guide any parent who is unsure. We ask and expect, as adults, that you socially distance from other parents and children when collecting your child.
If it becomes clear that social distancing is not being carried out at the end of the day then finish times for classes may have to change and become staggered, as we have a duty of care for our whole school community to keep them safe.
- What if I am running late to drop off or collect my child?
This will not be accepted during this time, your child can be refused entry to school if this will be detrimental to the safety of children and staff – your child must be dropped off & picked up on time. We have to limit the movement within school as children need to remain with their class only at all times.
- Will I be able to access the school office?
No - the school office will remain closed to the public. If you need to contact the school urgently then please contact the school using the following email address:
office@cefnllys.powys.sch.uk or call the school on 01597 822297
Have you changed your contact details since you last saw us? If so, please ring or email these to us now.
- How will the staggered entry to school work?
Please arrive at the following times depending on which class your child is in...
START at 8.40: Year 4 Mrs Prince, Year 4/5 Miss Gough, Year 5 Mrs Smith, Year 6 Miss Powell
START at 8.50: Reception Mrs Blundell, Year 1 Mrs Shearman, Year 2 Mrs Drew/Ms Burden, Year 3 Mrs Francis/Mrs Samuel
- Are we allowed to cycle/scooter into school?
No – we are avoiding bringing any extra items into the school building each day at present and this would include a cycle/scooter helmet; thus at this time, we kindly ask you to walk.
- Will my child be able to walk to school and from school on their own?
We are happy with older children walking to and from school alone so long as you have informed the class teacher.
- Will there be any breakfast club or after school club?
Breakfast club and after school club will open on Monday 7th September for Breakfast club and Tuesday 8th September for after school club. This can be managed due to our low numbers and the classes the children attend. Children who attend these clubs will need to remain in their class groups ONLY and cannot mix with children in another class. This situation will have to be monitored to ensure guidance is followed.
- Can my child order a hot dinner?
Yes – the school kitchen will be open again on the 3rd September. For those children eligible for free school meals payments will continue to be made by Powys until 14th September. From this date free school meals will be available from school for those eligible.
- Will my child need to wear uniform?
Yes please – please contact the school office via phone or email to discuss uniform and any ordering queries you may have. .
- What happens if my child has an accident (toileting)?
We will change a child should such an accident occur or phone you for your support if needed – PPE will be worn by staff needing to carry out such a task.
- What will my child need for school?
Each pupil will need:
1 school bag in which they have their: reading book/s, lunch box, named drinks bottle (freshly filled each day), sun hat and named sun lotion (if needed).
1 suitable coat
Items that will not be accepted:
Toys of any form
Pencil cases
Everything else other than what is included in accepted items above
Please note that staff are unable to listen to readers on a 1:1 basis, but will continue to exchange reading books. Please ensure your child brings in the book once read with you at home. PLEASE make every effort to read more with your child.
- What if my child has a cold/unwell, can I still send them in?
No - we must stress that the children must stay home if they are feeling unwell.
- If I have had to give my child Calpol (or the equivalent) in the morning, can they still come to school?
YES – if they have had it for a headache and are feeling a lot better than when they woke up.
NO - if they had the Calpol due to a high temperature.
NO – if they had the Calpol due to having a sore throat; please keep them at home during these times.
- What if my child’ clothes are not clean on arrival to school? Will they still be able to enter the school?
No - it is really important that the children are presented cleanly on arrival at school. It is important that we set the bar high with regard to hygiene. If uniform is not available due to washing please dress your child in appropriate alternative clothing.
- Do I need to contact the school if my child is unable to attend school?
Yes – you will need to tell us what is wrong with your child. If your child is displaying one of the recognised COVID symptoms, then please follow the Welsh Government testing advice.
This can be found at…
https://gov.wales/test-trace-protect-your-questions
If you leave us a phone message, please ensure you tell us what symptoms your child is presenting with at home - we need to know more than ‘NAME is feeling unwell’.
- What happens if my child is upset and doesn’t want to enter the school building?
We will comfort your child as far as we can with distancing guidance & offer lots of verbal encouragement - hopefully that will work.
- Will staff be wearing masks in school?
The guidance from Welsh Government is that there is no expectation from staff to wear masks in the education setting. However, staff have the right to choose whether they wear a mask or not. Please understand that if a member of staff wants to wear one, that is their choice.
What if my child is showing COVID-19 symptoms in school?
Any child showing symptoms will be isolated with a member of staff who will be wearing full PPE. They will then go into the isolation room until they can be collected. We will phone you and ask that they are immediately collected. There will then be a deep clean of the rooms that the child has been in to make sure that they are safe to use again.
- What happens if they have different starting times? Will they be able to enter the school at the same time?
If you have children in classes across the school please bring them all at the later time of 8.50am
- My child has asthma, what happens with their Asthma pump?
Where the child can administer the pump on their own, then they will continue to do so. If they need support, a member of staff will wear PPE and support them. It is important if your child needs an inhaler in school, that they have this with them. It is NOT the responsibility of the school to make sure of this. It is the responsibility of the parent to make sure that the child has an up-to-date inhaler with them if they require it.
- My child hasn’t needed their inhaler for ages, do I need to send one in with them?
Yes - please do not take any risks and make sure your child has their pump with them. We are unable to check inhalers already held on site, therefore you will need to ensure that new/in date inhalers are sent in with pupils.
We hope that all of these answers can satisfy the many questions you may have. If you still have a question that I haven’t answered, then please do get in touch head@cefnllys.powys.sch.uk.
Yours sincerely,
Ms K Jenkins
Head teacher