'Excite, Motivate & Innovate - Striving for Excellence Together'
WELCOME BY THE CHAIR OF GOVERNORS
Dear Parents and Carers,
I am delighted to present this year’s Annual GB Report to Parents 2025. Our ethos, captured in our vision ‘Excite, Motivate & Innovate - Striving for Excellence Together,’ is lived out daily through the dedication of our staff and the engagement of our pupils. Throughout the last academic year, we have worked hard to create a welcoming and dynamic school life that goes beyond the classroom. Our pupils benefit from a broad and balanced curriculum enriched by a variety of events and activities designed to promote not only academic progress but also social, emotional, and physical development. Highlights include residential visits to Snowdon/Atlantic College, showcasing pupils’ innovative projects at Cardiff Metropolitan University, celebrating our school community’s diversity, exemplify our commitment to fostering a sense of belonging and pride among all learners. Central to our welcoming environment is the strong partnership we have cultivated with parents and carers. We recognise their vital role in the educational journey of their children and have made significant strides in involving them through regular workshops, meetings, and collaborative initiatives. This open communication helps create a supportive network that benefits pupils immensely, reinforcing our shared responsibility for their success and well-being. Our engagement extends beyond families to include local organisations and businesses, enriching the curriculum and providing valuable experiences such as work placements and guest speakers. These connections strengthen pupils’ understanding of their community and future opportunities, aligning well with our school’s emphasis on developing ambitious and capable learners. Thank you for your continued support.
Ceri Witchard
Welcome By The Head Teacher
Dear Parents and Carers, Since 1897, Barry Island Primary has proudly served the children of Barry Island, the Knap, and West Barry, nurturing learners from their earliest years in nursery through to Year 6. Our school’s longstanding history is reflected in the strong community spirit that permeates all aspects of school life. We maintain high expectations for every child, ensuring they feel valued, supported, and motivated to strive for excellence together. Our commitment to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, particularly Article 12, demonstrates how seriously we take pupil voice. Listening to and respecting pupils’ views helps create a welcoming atmosphere where every child feels heard and empowered. This is evident in the wide range of pupil leadership groups, such as the Criw Cymraeg, School Council, Eco-Council and Digital Leaders, who contribute positively to school life. A key strength of Barry Island Primary is the extensive and effective partnerships we have developed. These collaborations with Cardiff Met University, Sony, St Fagans Museum, Ty Froebel, the Vale Coastal Management Centre, Ysgol Sant Baruc Primary, Whitmore High School, and others have enriched our curriculum and broadened learning opportunities. These partnerships not only enhance pupil experience but also reinforce our inclusive ethos by connecting our learners with the wider community and diverse learning contexts. Our school’s welcoming environment is underpinned by our focus on wellbeing and progress, ensuring every pupil’s needs are met. We provide a broad, balanced, and innovative curriculum that is inclusive and responsive to the diverse needs of our 265 pupils aged 3 to 11. The nurturing relationships between staff and pupils create a safe space where children feel confident to make mistakes, persevere, and develop as resilient, creative learners. We continue to develop our curriculum and teaching to raise standards in literacy and numeracy, whilst also embedding the four purposes of the new Curriculum for Wales. Our outdoor environment and learning provision are priorities that further support a welcoming, stimulating and engaging learning setting. The active involvement of parents and carers is vital to the welcoming culture at Barry Island Primary. We value the strong relationships we have built and the many opportunities parents have to engage with their children’s learning. I extend sincere thanks to the dedicated teaching team, Governing Body and all parents and carers. Together, we will continue to nurture a place where every child feels valued, motivated and excited to learn.
Kind Regards,
Matt Gilbert
2024/25 School Improvement Plan Priorities
Priority 1: Learners’ Wellbeing – Attendance
Building on our excellent wellbeing provision, maintaining and improving attendance remains a critical focus. We recognise that nearly all pupils feel safe, happy and supported at school, which underpins positive attendance patterns. Continuing to work closely with parents and the community, we will refine our attendance monitoring and intervention processes to sustain improvements and address any emerging patterns of absence promptly. This priority aligns with our nurturing ethos and the importance we place on pupils being ready and eager to learn each day.
Priority 2: Outdoor Environment & Learning Provision
Our outdoor spaces offer invaluable opportunities for learning and wellbeing, complementing our indoor provision. We will develop and enhance these areas further to support independent learning skills, a recommendation from Estyn, and to provide rich, stimulating contexts for pupils across all age groups. This will include creating engaging outdoor learning zones that encourage creativity, problem-solving, and physical activity, supporting the holistic development of our pupils and reflecting our commitment to learning through varied, purposeful experiences.
Priority 3a: Curriculum & Assessment
In line with the Curriculum for Wales framework and our ongoing commitment to high standards, we will continue to refine curriculum planning and assessment practises. This includes embedding the four purposes of the new curriculum across all classes and ensuring assessment strategies provide timely, constructive feedback to support pupil progress. Particular emphasis will be placed on developing pupils’ independent learning skills and enhancing cross-curricular links, especially integrating digital competence, which is already a school strength. This priority supports our aim to foster ambitious, capable learners who are confident and creative.
Priority 3b: Languages – Welsh
Following Estyn’s recommendation to improve Welsh oracy, reading, and writing, we will strengthen our Welsh language provision. The Criw Cymraeg’s work will be further supported to promote active use of Welsh throughout the school day and across contexts. We will enhance staff training and resources to build pupils’ confidence and fluency in Welsh, ensuring progression in sentence complexity and independent communication, particularly in upper key stages. This priority reflects our dedication to celebrating Welsh heritage and culture as part of our curriculum enrichment.
Priority 4: Antiracism
Consistent with our inclusive ethos and commitment to developing ethically informed citizens, we will prioritise anti-racism education. This will involve embedding anti-racist principles throughout the curriculum and school culture, fostering respect, empathy, and understanding among pupils. We will engage with parents and the wider community to ensure a whole-school approach that challenges discrimination and promotes equity. This aligns with our values of kindness and respect, ensuring all pupils feel valued and supported.
Overview of Last Year’s Curriculum developments 2024/25
Last year, Barry Island Primary School delivered an innovative and engaging curriculum that extended learning beyond the classroom and fully embraced the principles of the Curriculum for Wales 2024/25. Our curriculum was thoughtfully designed to provide rich, real-world experiences that not only meet statutory requirements but also foster confident, independent thinkers equipped for future challenges.
Enriching Learning Experiences
The curriculum now offers a diverse range of memorable learning opportunities that connected pupils deeply with their local environment, culture, and wider world. Highlights included:
- Outdoor Learning: Pupils undertook a challenging walk up Snowdon, which developed resilience, teamwork and an appreciation for our beautiful Welsh natural landscapes.
- Educational Visits: Visits to Harry Potter Studios, Amelia Trust Farm, and Sony in Bridgend provided hands-on experiences linked to literacy, science, technology, and creativity. These visits enhanced pupils’ understanding by situating learning in authentic contexts.
- Residential Visits: Residential stays at Atlantic College and Cardiff Bay offered valuable opportunities for pupils to develop independence, social skills, and self-confidence in new environments.
- Community Engagement: The creation of the Barry Island Story Trail enabled pupils to explore local history and storytelling, fostering a strong sense of place and cultural identity.
Cross-Curricular and Enquiry-Based Learning
Our curriculum is underpinned by a culture of inquiry and creativity. All learners engaged in Action Enquiry-based learning, allowing them to explore real-life contexts and apply their skills and knowledge in meaningful ways. This approach promotes critical thinking and problem-solving, preparing pupils as active, lifelong learners.
Collaborative Partnerships
Strong partnerships enhanced our curriculum provision:
- The ongoing collaboration with Cardiff Met University involved 18 PGCE Secondary students supporting enquiry-led projects across all classes. This partnership enriches our curriculum by bringing fresh perspectives and expertise, tailored to our school context.
- Whole-school beach visits, supported by the Vale Coastal Management Centre, provided authentic learning about environmental stewardship and sustainability.
- Participation in Welsh singing lessons with Ysgol St Baruc Primary strengthened pupils’ Welsh language skills and cultural understanding.
- The annual Harry Potter Day, organised with support from the Friends of the School Council, created a vibrant focus on literacy and creative expression.
Impact and Reflection
These varied and purposeful experiences have contributed significantly to pupils’ wellbeing, engagement, and progress. They support our vision to “Excite, Motivate & Innovate - Striving for Excellence Together” by making learning relevant, enjoyable, and ambitious. As we continue to embed the Curriculum for Wales, these foundations enable us to refine and expand our curriculum offer, ensuring it remains dynamic and responsive to the needs of all pupils.This overview demonstrates our commitment to delivering a broad, balanced, and inspiring curriculum that develops not only knowledge and skills but also curiosity, creativity, and a strong sense of community.
Equality & Inclusion for All Learners
Our school’s approach ensures that all learners, including those with Additional Learning Needs (ALN), receive tailored support to access the curriculum fully and participate meaningfully in school life. The ALN team plays a pivotal role in identifying barriers to learning and implementing targeted interventions. These include differentiated teaching strategies and personalised programmes that meet the specific needs of pupils, enabling them to make good progress from their starting points. We recognise that inclusion goes beyond academic support. The school’s nurturing ethos, described as “kind and caring” by Estyn, ensures that pupils feel safe, valued, and supported emotionally and socially. Our whole-school wellbeing programme and well-established pastoral care systems contribute significantly to fostering resilience and positive attitudes to learning among all pupils.
Equity in Curriculum and Opportunities
Barry Island Primary provides a broad and balanced curriculum designed to engage and challenge every pupil. We actively promote equity by designing learning experiences that are accessible and relevant to our diverse community. Our commitment to developing pupils' Welsh language skills and cultural understanding is supported by meaningful projects such as the whole-school Welsh heritage initiative in collaboration with St Fagans National History Museum. This enriches pupils’ sense of identity and belonging, reinforcing inclusivity through cultural awareness. The school’s pupil leadership groups, including the Criw Cymraeg and digital leaders, empower learners to have a voice and contribute to the school community, promoting a culture where difference is embraced and respected.
Collaboration and Community Engagement
We recognise that equity and inclusion are strengthened through partnership. The school works closely with parents, carers, and external agencies, including engagement with the Vale of Glamorgan’s Anti-racism agenda supported by DARPL and Cardiff University. These collaborations help us refine our policies and practises to address local needs and promote racial equality and social justice effectively. Our open communication channels and parental involvement, such as workshops and community events, ensure that families are active partners in their children’s education, further supporting inclusivity and equity.
Staff Development and Leadership
Continuous professional development is a key element in sustaining an inclusive culture. Staff receive ongoing training to enhance their ability to recognise and respond to the diverse needs of pupils, including those from disadvantaged backgrounds or with ALN. Leadership at Barry Island Primary fosters a reflective and collaborative culture, ensuring that equity and inclusion remain high priorities within the school improvement agenda.
Barry Island Primary School’s inclusive ethos and dedicated support structures ensure that all pupils are valued and empowered to achieve their full potential. Our work to embed equity and inclusion is ongoing, supported by strong leadership, effective partnerships, and a clear commitment to celebrating diversity in all its forms. We will continue to build on this foundation to ensure that every learner flourishes in a safe, respectful, and inspiring environment.
Attendance : 'Every day Counts'
Attendance Overview and Trends
For the academic year 2024/25, Barry Island Primary School set an ambitious whole school attendance target of 94%. It is pleasing to confirm positive progress towards this goal, reflecting a steady improvement over recent years:
- 2021/22: 88.8%
- 2022/23: 90.6%
- 2023/24: 92.4%
- 2024/25: 93.9%
This upward trajectory demonstrates the effectiveness of our ongoing efforts to promote regular attendance and the commitment of our pupils, families, and staff to ensuring children are in school as much as possible.
Contextual Considerations
Barry Island Primary serves a diverse community and has a longstanding reputation for fostering a kind, caring, and inclusive environment where pupils feel safe and motivated to learn. Our school ethos, ‘Excite, Motivate & Innovate - Striving for Excellence Together,’ underpins our approach to attendance as a vital foundation for pupils to access the rich learning experiences and opportunities we provide. The steady increase in attendance reflects the strong partnership we maintain with parents and carers, alongside the Vale of Glamorgan Council’s continued support in addressing attendance challenges. Our comprehensive procedures to monitor and improve attendance, combined with the nurturing environment and high expectations for all pupils, contribute significantly to this progress.
Attendance Impact and Importance
We continue to emphasise to families the critical importance of regular attendance for pupils’ academic progress and wellbeing. To contextualise the impact of absence:
- 100% attendance equates to 190 days in school.
- 95% attendance means missing around 2 weeks of school (40 lessons).
- 90% attendance results in approximately 4 weeks missed (80 lessons).
- 85% attendance equates to 6 weeks missed (120 lessons).
Our aim is for every pupil to achieve attendance above 95%, as this level is associated with maximising learning potential and social development. Attendance figures are shared with parents in their child’s end-of-year report to support transparency and encourage ongoing engagement.
Ongoing Actions and Priorities
- We continue to work closely with the Vale of Glamorgan Council and other partners to support families in overcoming barriers to attendance.
- We actively discourage holidays during term time to minimise unnecessary absence.
- Our pastoral team provides targeted support for pupils and families where attendance concerns arise, ensuring a sensitive and supportive approach.
- Attendance data is regularly reviewed by senior leaders and governors to identify trends and target interventions effectively, particularly for vulnerable cohorts.
While our attendance figures have not yet reached the 94% target, the consistent year-on-year improvement is a positive indicator of the school’s success in fostering a culture where regular attendance is valued and supported. We remain committed to working collaboratively with families and partners to sustain and build upon this progress, ensuring all pupils can benefit fully from the high-quality education Barry Island Primary offers.
'Every day counts'
Financial Position Overview 2024/25
For the financial year ending April 2024, Barry Island Primary School recorded a deficit of £89,270. This position reflects the broader funding pressures experienced by maintained schools in the region, where many face the difficult task of balancing rising costs with limited funding increases. Looking ahead to the 2024/25 financial year, the school initially anticipated a deficit of £245,000. However, through rigorous financial monitoring, strategic spending reviews, and collaborative efforts with the Local Authority and finance teams, we have successfully reduced this projected deficit to £108,813. This reduction demonstrates our commitment to prudent financial management while maintaining the quality of education we provide.
Strategic Financial Management
The Governing Body, alongside school leaders, continues to work closely with the Vale of Glamorgan Local Authority and its finance team to identify practical solutions that address the financial challenges without compromising the school’s core mission. This includes:
- Careful prioritisation of spending aligned with our school improvement priorities, such as enhancing learners’ wellbeing, outdoor learning environments, and curriculum development.
- Maintaining investment in key areas that support pupil progress and wellbeing, consistent with the strong ethos and high expectations that define Barry Island Primary.
- Ongoing review of resource allocation to ensure value for money and effective support for vulnerable pupils, including those benefiting from the pupil development grant.
Contextual Considerations
Barry Island Primary serves a diverse community with 235 pupils aged 3 to 11, including nursery provision. Our commitment to providing a nurturing, inclusive environment with high standards of teaching and learning remains unwavering, even in the face of financial constraints. The school’s strong culture of teamwork and partnership, highlighted in our most recent Estyn inspection, supports our ability to manage these challenges effectively. The financial pressures are a reminder of the broader context in which we operate as a maintained school, balancing statutory responsibilities, staff deployment, and the need to sustain a rich and engaging curriculum that supports the development of ambitious and capable learners.
Looking Forward
The financial outlook for schools remains uncertain and challenging. However, through transparent dialogue with governors, staff, parents, and the Local Authority, we are committed to navigating these difficulties responsibly. Our focus remains on safeguarding the educational experience and wellbeing of all pupils at Barry Island Primary. We will continue to monitor our financial position closely, adapt our strategies as necessary, and keep governors fully informed to ensure collective oversight and support for the school’s financial health and educational priorities.
Diolch and thank you for your continued support!
'Excite, Motivate & Innovate - Striving for Excellence Together'