About Ysgol Bryn Teg

Ysgol Bryn Teg is in the heart of the local community of Llwynhendy. The school was built in 2007 after the local primary (Ynys Las) and junior (Llwynhendy) schools merged to form Bryn Teg. The modern building offers our children the opportunity to learn and play in a safe and spacious environment.

Ysgol Bryn Teg caters for children from 3 – 11 years, with 250 currently on roll. We have 9 mainstream classes and one specialist class for the Speech and Language Unit pupils. The unit class has up to 12 pupils, which age from 7-11 years (Key Stage 2). The school is fortunate to have a dynamic and inclusive leadership team, experienced and dedicated teaching staff,     supported by an able team of Learning Support Assistants, and Governing Body members.

The layout of the school enables each class to have their own cloakroom, toilet and access to the yard, with Nursery children having access to an enclosed play area. In addition to this we have a purpose built Library and Places to Be (Mental Health practitioner) room. The school is very well resourced for the teaching of   the new curriculum for Wales. Each class has an interactive smartboard, chromebooks, and is connected to the internet.

Health and fitness plays an important role in the children’s development. We are fortunate to have a Wildlife Meadow Area, Ardal Antur (Adenture playground) which is utilised for our outdoor teaching areas. In addition, we have a playing field, with an emphasis on ball games and a zip-wire. Each class can also access their outdoor learning areas directly from their classes, where teachers have arranged the learning opportunities for their pupils directly tailored to supporting the needs of their learners.

Canolfan Yr Ynys

At Ysgol Bryn Teg we are proud to have a Specialist Resourced Provision for children with Speech and Language difficulties. At present we have 12 places for Year 3 to Year 6. All our pupils have an Individual Developmental Plan (IDP), with a speech and language difficulty as their main area of need. Infant units such as Bro Banw and Y Felin feed this unit however children are assessed in mainstream and if deemed necessary obtain a place within the unit.

We have a team of highly qualified and experienced staff who support our speech and language pupils throughout the school. Our current staffing in the Speech and Language Unit comprises:

• 1 Qualified Teachers of Speech and Language
• A Speech and Language Therapist
• 3 Speech and Language Learning Support Assistants
• 3 staff members trained in Elklan (speech and language strategies to support and develop understanding of language).

The criteria for placement at Canolfan yr Ynys are set out by the Local Authority and placements can only be allocated at Canolfan yr Ynys via the Local Authority’s Inclusion Panel.

The Head of Inclusion oversees this process and will mediate on any issues that require resolution. All requests for special provision are considered on behalf of the Director at the Inclusion Panel on a fortnightly basis. The Inclusion Panel is chaired by an Additional Learning Needs Manager and comprises of Inclusion Department Officers, an Educational and Child Psychologist, Additional Learning Needs Coordinators and Head Teachers of special and mainstream schools, some of which host specialist settings. Attendance is on a rotational basis. Parents, Professionals, the Special Educational Needs Tribunal for Wales and the Ombudsman should all have confidence that the placements made are based on the LA’s standardized criteria.

• Statement of SEN or IDP indicating that developmental speech/language disorder is primary learning need which requires both a mixture of intensive language support and the opportunity to develop strategies in a mainstream classroom, supporting a graduated return to full-time mainstream school placement by the end of KS2.
• Evidence from both Educational and Child Psychologist and Speech and Language Therapist of primary need resulting in a significant barrier to functioning in mainstream.
• Parental agreement.

AIMS and OBJECTIVES

In Canolfan yr Ynys it is our aim to:

• Treat all pupils as individuals and recognize their strengths and needs.
• Create a safe and supportive environment for all individuals.
• Build a good relationship with the pupils in order to ensure a positive attitude to learning.
• Develop a sense of self-worth.
• Enable the development of cooperative and social skills.
• Foster a sense of belonging to the wider school community, by taking part in all suitable activities.

Our objectives are to:

• Provide opportunities for all pupils, according to his/her ability, to gain access to the New Curriculum For Wales.
• Work closely with the parents in the interests of the pupil by sharing relevant information.
• Work closely with other specialists, e.g. Speech and Language Therapists.
• Develop life skills and social skills.
• Develop independence.
• Provide group and individual learning opportunities.
• The P Scales are used to level the pupils working below Level 1 NC.

SCHOOL DAY

Each week we follow a consistent schedule to assist with social communication needs and emotional needs of the children requiring routine. We aim to prepare the children as much as possible if there are any expected changes.

• Music peripatetic visits once a week for music lessons and we have the opportunity to learn the flute, saxophone, trumpet, recorder and he also leads singing assemblies each week.
• Swansea City Football Club visit each term for the Premier League All Stars football programme. We join our year groups each term.
• Each Year we have a block of three weeks swimming lessons in the local leisure centre.
• Every year Year 6 have the opportunity to visit the Pendine Outdoor Activity Centre for a one week residential experience. Here we have a go at body boarding, abseiling, high ropes, obstacle course, archery, extreme stream, nature hikes and day trips.
• We also have the opportunity to attend Llangrannog for a residential visit. Here we have the opportunity for canoeing, abseiling, horse riding and many other team bonding experiences.
• Through Disability Wales we are able to attend their sport skills academies. So far, we have had an opportunity to practice golf, football, athletic skills and team sports.
• We broaden our pupils horizons through additional local visits throughout the year, these include visits to the cinema, and the local theatre for events such annual Pantomine.

Teaching and Activities

Speech and Language Unit children are part of the mainstream school and attend classes with their peers. The staff of the Unit work closely with class teachers to ensure that our children have full access to the learning environment and the New Curriculum for Wales.  The children in the speech and language Unit access mainstream when ready to do so after building up their  specific language and literacy targets and receive pre- and post- teaching in various subjects. All sessions are either on a 1:1 basis or in small groups. Mainstream teachers receive regular awareness training from the specialist teacher of the Speech and Language Unit about how to best include speech and language in lessons. The children within Unit are disapplied from learning Welsh language patterns, however, we do encourage Cymraeg Bob Dydd throughout the day for example bore da, yma and ga i…. but we do not instruct in Welsh. The children participate in the school Eisteddfod reciting poetry and creating art work based on the Welsh culture.

Our topic work is based from our topics being chosen by ourselves in collaboration with the pupils. The basis of topic choices have originated from the Cornerstones Curriculum. However, over recent years we have chosen what our pupils need to Reach For The Stars. We learn about Wales, castles, our school, our local area, animals among many other topics. In Canolfan yr Ynys we aim to provide the best learning opportunities and very often we do this by making learning meaningful for the children. This means hands on learning, practical opportunities, and wherever possible real life educational experiences/visits.

Examples of visits

• St Fagans Welsh life museum
• @ Bristol and Bristol aquarium
• Pembrey Country Park and Oakwood Theme Park
• St David’s Cathedral
• Egypt Centre – Swansea University
• Blue Plaque tour of history in Llanelli
• Castell Henllys – Iron Age and Celts, Caerwent Roman Fort, Kidwelly Castle
• Dan yr Ogof Showcaves and Folly Farm

In Canolfan yr Ynys we endeavor to instill a practice of kindness, sharing, thinking of others, empathy and understanding towards others. At times of celebration, for example Christmas, the children, families, staff members, families donate money in lieu of Christmas cards and presents. This is used as a learning opportunity in spending the day shopping for food and toys to donate to charity. Children experience giving back and supporting through travelling to the local food bank and to nearby hospitals.

Each year in November having learned about Remembrance we attend the Cenotaph at the Llanelli Town Hall to pay our respects with the two minute silence and prayer.

SPEECH AND LANGUAGE THERAPY

All our pupils from Years 3 – 6 have Speech and Language Therapy which the school receives from a qualified NHS Speech and Language Therapist, Mrs Frances Lowe who has experience of working with pupils who have speech and language difficulties. In short individual or small group sessions she works on the development of language skills and specific aspects of speech. The teacher of the Speech and Language Unit consult her to identify the children’s targets. A speech and language programme and targets are devised and followed daily in Canolfan yr Ynys. Therapy may involve one to one sessions, or embedded into class sessions.

On entry to the Unit we carry out a Phonological Awareness screening pack which determines which stage the child is at with regards to phonological awareness. When the child is confident at each stage we then move onto to the learning of phonics. At this stage we follow Read Write Inc to encourage their knowledge of phonics. This is coupled with practical language games and activities.

We also follow the Talk for Writing programme which encourages the children’s language and narrative skills. Using Pie Corbett’s approach to story telling the children’s skills are developed through multisensory, imaginative, practical, meaningful and visual activities, but most of all fun storytelling activities. For example, when we were learning about instruction writing we followed the story of ‘How to Trap a Dragon’. The children used this template to devise their own trap. We went outside and dug the trap to try and capture our very own dragon. When we were reading ‘The Little Red Hen’ instead of making bread we innovated the story and decided to make pizza. We looked at a recipe, went to town on the bus to buy the ingredients and followed the instructions (verbs pour, mix, sprinkle etc) to make our own pizzas.

At Ysgol Bryn Teg every child is encouraged to   REACH FOR THE STARS following our three

core values of RESPECT, WELL BEING and INDEPENDENCE.

MEET THE STAFF

Miss Boswell – Class Teacher

I started in Ysgol Bryn Teg in 1998 (Ysgol yr Ynys) as a supply learning support assistant. Through encouragement and support from the school I studied in the evenings to become an LSA then made the decision to attend University full time back in 2003. I gained my degree and post graduate certificate in Education. I was fortunate enough to come back to Ysgol Bryn Teg as a supply teacher. I started teaching basic skills, then Nursery and for the past few years I have had an incredible experience teaching in the Speech and Language Unit. Every day we are faced with new opportunities and it fills us with pride every time one of our children overcomes their own challenges. I feel honored to be a part of the unit and Ysgol Bryn Teg, where we encourage each and every child to reach for the stars and discover their full potential. In my spare time, I love to read and listen to music. My family and friends are important to me and I love to spend time with them. I am also a photographer and love taking pictures of beautiful scenery.

Qualifications

• 9 GCSEs A-C grade (including Maths, English and Science)
• NVQ Level 3 in Health Studies
• NVQ Level 2 Childhood Studies
• NVQ Level 3 NNEB (Nursery Nurse)
• Level 2 Elkan training
• Level 3 Elklan Training
• Bsc (Econ) Early Childhood Studies
• PGCE – Primary Education (specialising in Early Years Education)
• Level 4 – Geiriau Bach in Bilingualism in the Early Years
• Elklan Train the Trainer – Qualified
• OSIRIS – Excellent Teaching Practice
• Post Graduate Certificate in Education (modules of MA in Education)

Experience

• Degree/ teacher training: Placements in St Thomas Primary Swansea – Whilst on placement in St Thomas Community School we participated in an Outdoor Learning Project with our professor. St Joseph’s Catholic Primary School Swansea. Penyrheol Primary School Swansea.
• Supply – Brynhyfryd School Swansea.
• Worked in CYCA in all areas of clubs from assistants, play leader to running the first Open Access play schemes in the County.
• Worked in Bryn Teg (Ysgol yr Ynys) on and off in various roles for 22 years.
• Learning Support Assistant.
• Supply Teacher – all year groups.
• Basic Skills Teacher – focusing on literacy and numeracy skills (introduced RWI scheme throughout the school – at which time we were a model school for RWI).
• Nursery Teacher.
• Since 2013 teacher in the Speech and Language Unit.

School Training

• Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation
• Outdoor Maths in the FP
• Welsh for Teachers
• Foundation Child Protection Training
• Eco Schools
• Elkan
• ChATT
• Outdoor Learning in the FP
• Language to Literacy Training
• Specific Learning Difficulties Training
• Child protection and safeguarding
• ALN Training

Mrs Sillick – Class TA

Hello, my name is Mrs. Sillick and I am a Learning Support Assistant in Canolfan yr Ynys. I have worked in the Unit for over 20 years and I really enjoy my job working with all the boys and girls getting to know them. We have lots of fun and interesting lessons with Miss Boswell and lots of trips too. I live with my husband in Burry Port and enjoy walking, shopping, and going to the cinema. My family and friends are very important to me. I love dogs and travelling especially to the USA.

Qualifications

• NNEB
• Cache Level 3 certificate of professional development in work with children and young people
• Speech and Language support in the classroom – Level 3
• Elkan Speech and Language – Level 3
• Emergency Paediatric First Aid – Level 3

School Training

• Read Write Inc
• ASD Awareness
• Talk for Writing
• Talkabout
• Lego Therapy
• Practising Teaching Assistant training programme
• Dyslexia Awareness
• Child protection and safeguarding
• ALN training

Mrs Joelle Evans – Class TA

Hi I am Mrs Evans. I love to be happy. I am new to the class as a Learning Support Assistant and I love being a part of Canolfan yr Ynys. I enjoy the outdoors and being in the fresh air. I especially love spending time with my family, my husband and my two little girls. I cannot wait to see what the future brings in Canolfan yr Ynys and look forward to all our adventures together.

Qualifications

• Level 3 childcare

School Training

• Read Write Inc
• ASD Awareness
• Talk for Writing
• Child protection and safeguarding
• ALN training

Mrs Williams – Class TA

Hi, I’m Mrs. Williams, I’m married with two grown up daughters and two granddaughters. I started in Ysgol Bryn Teg in September 2016 in the nursery class and in September 2019 I was fortunate to join the staff in Canolfan Yr Ynys as a Learning Support Assistant. I love working with children and working in the unit is very rewarding. My hobbies include spending time in the caravan and down in Pembrey with the miniature train club.

Qualifications

• NNEB – Welsh medium
• Hoist and catheter training
• Experience working as 1:1 with medical and educational needs

School Training

• Read Write Inc
• ASD Awareness
• Talk for Writing
• Dyslexia Awareness Training
• Child protection and safeguarding
• ALN training

Mrs Lowe – Speech and Language Therapist

Hello, the children call me ‘Miss Frances’. I have been working as a Speech and Language Therapist for Hywel Dda Health Board for 13 years. I work in Pembrokeshire for half of my time and Carmarthenshire for the other half. In Carmarthenshire, I support the staff in all 3 of the English speaking Language Units. I joined the team of Canolfan Yr Ynys 3 years ago. When I arrive in the classroom, I am greeted by a sea of smiling faces. I enjoy working with the children and staff and am encouraged by the amount of progress the children make not only in their speech and language skills, but also in their confidence academically and socially. I have 2 grown up children and 3 grandchildren. I enjoy walking, gardening and travelling to beautiful countries.

EDUCATION PHILOSOPHY

There is a need to develop personal skills, life skills, social skills and communication skills. All this is done through realistic situations inside and outside of class. The experience outside the classroom is an integral part of  the educational process and reinforces classwork.

Pictures of activities in the classroom support the pupil’s work and provide an opportunity to go back to see what has happened in the past in preparation for the future. Pictures give focus to what the children are doing.

Other strategies used to aid with the children’s understanding of language include Elklan, Rhodes to Language, Talkabout for social communication, Blank Language Questioning and various practical activities in addition to using ipads/chromebooks to utilize assistive technology.

THE CURRICULUM

Each pupil within Canolfan yr Ynys has a personal schedule that includes all aspects of the curriculum whether individually or in a group, at Canolfan yr Ynys or out in the mainstream. Pupils who are able to access the mainstream      curriculum will normally access particular subjects within mainstream with support. The rest of their time is spent accessing specialist support and interventions within Canolfan yr Ynys. The curriculum delivery differs in Canolfan yr Ynys to the mainstream curriculum in order to meet the needs of all learners. The curriculum in Canolfan yr Ynys has a great emphasis on developing pupils’ language and independence.

At Canolfan yr Ynys, we work closely with Carmarthenshire Advisory Teachers for Dyslexia and Speech, Language and Communication and concentrate on the Language to Literacy continuum. All pupils are assessed on their Phonological Awareness and intervention put in place in areas of weakness using multi-sensory activities. Pupils also access Read, Write Inc intervention for phonics.

The daily schedule can include some of the following: –

• Literacy including Phonological Awareness Activities and Phonics (Read, Write

Inc)

• Numeracy
• Topic
• Speech and Language Therapy
• Swimming (with peer group)
• Educational Visits
• Residential Visits (e.g. Pendine)
• Handwriting programme
• Elklan strategies and activities
• Talkabout – Self-Awareness and Self-Esteem
• Pie Corbett – Talk for Recount/Writing

EXTERNAL AGENCIES

There are a range of professionals available to work with Canolfan yr Ynys staff and pupils to provide specialist advice and guidance on ways to respond effectively to the wide range of additional learning needs of pupils within the setting and support families:

• Specialist Advisory Teachers
• Educational Psychologists
• Family Support Worker
• The Family Support Team
• Speech and Language Therapy Services
• Physiotherapy Services
• Occupational Therapy Services
• Community Paediatric Services
• School Nurse
• Social Work professionals
• Children’s Disability Team
• Sensory Impairment Service
• Place To Be ‘Mental Health’ practitioner

These support professionals will provide advice, guidance, support, mentoring, supervision and training for staff.

WORKING WITH FAMILIES

We aim to foster a close and positive relationship with families and encourage parents to contact us if they or their children have any worries. They can contact us by phone, text or write in their child’s home/school book. Each term we invite parents and carers to attend coffee mornings.  We give information about events happening at school, talk about how they can support their children’s learning and they can meet us, the head teacher and Additional Learning  Needs coordinator (ALNCO) in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. They can meet each other, share information and chat about their children. Our aim is always the same, for the children to thrive, make progress and be happy.

COMMUNICATION

At Ysgol Bryn Teg we endeavor to operate an open door communication policy. Children within the Unit each have a home/school book where any correspondence is encouraged. School messages are sent home via SMS message systems. Parents can also contact school via email alongside messaging on Class Dojo (our rewards system) where parents can view any positive rewards throughout the day. During the Autumn term we hold a parents evening to discuss the settling in of our new children and also continued progress. Alongside transition meetings we also hold Annual Reviews early in the Summer term to review the IDPs and discuss next steps.

TRANSITION

Ensuring that pupils have a smooth transition to Canolfan yr Ynys is essential.  Canolfan yr Ynys works very closely with Transition schools and aims to develop a transition plan involving visits between the schools. A Transition Meeting is conducted to ensure parents and professionals can discuss pupil needs before starting at Canolfan yr Ynys. Visits are arranged first with parents to tour the school and unit then for the individual/group of children. As the children are changing schools and not just classes staff from CYY will attend the feeder school to introduce themselves to the children prior to the visit so they see a familiar face when they tour our school.

In the summer Term a meet up outside of school for the feeder units and CYY is planned. Firstly, for the new starters to meet up with their new class and meet staff. But secondly, this also gives CYY children the opportunity to meet up with their previous class and teachers.

TRANSPORT TO/FROM SCHOOL

Carmarthenshire County Council arranges free transport for all pupils who attend the centre who live more than two miles away from school. The council’s Transport Department will assess the transport needs of each pupil on an individual basis, and will also complete a risk assessment and home visit. A representative will also discuss the Transport Department’s Code of Conduct. The telephone number of the Council’s Transport Department is 01267 231 817.