Annual Governors Report to Parents 2024-2025

Message from Chair of Governors

As Chair of Governors, I’m delighted to share this annual message with our school community. At Mount Pleasant Primary, our focus remains firmly on the children, their academic development, their well-being, and their growth as confident, ethical citizens. It’s been a year of progress, collaboration, and continued commitment to excellence.

This year, Mount Pleasant Primary School proudly undertook its Estyn inspection, and we are absolutely delighted with the outcome. The report reflects the dedication, hard work, and high standards upheld across our school. As a Governing Body, we are incredibly proud of our staff, pupils, and wider community for their collective contribution to such a successful inspection. It is a testament to the strength of our school ethos and the commitment to providing an excellent education for every child. 

Our Governing Body continues to meet six times a year, now with a blend of three face-to-face and three virtual meetings via Teams. We are fortunate to have a full and dedicated team of governors, with strong attendance and a shared commitment to supporting the school’s vision and values.

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the staff for their exceptional efforts throughout the year. Their dedication to nurturing lifelong learners and creating a safe, inclusive environment is truly appreciated.

Over the past couple of years we have seen significant changes in the approach to teaching across Wales, and we are proud to be developing an exciting curriculum here at Mount Pleasant. Working closely with our cluster of primary schools that feed into Bassaleg High School, we’ve adopted a shared approach to transition, ensuring our older pupils are well supported as they prepare for the next stage of their education.

We encourage all parents and guardians to continue engaging with the school, by supporting good attendance, avoiding term-time holidays, attending workshops and consultations, and helping with homework. Your involvement makes a real difference.

We also ask for your continued cooperation with parking around the school. Please avoid using the staff car park, turn off engines during drop-off and pick-up and refrain from parking on the zig-zag markings. These measures are in place to protect the safety of our pupils. We’ve worked with Newport City Council to support safe parking enforcement through patrols and camera vehicles.

Looking ahead, we recognise the financial pressures facing Newport City Council and the impact this may have on schools. We are incredibly grateful to our PTA for their ongoing support and fundraising efforts, which help us navigate these challenges with resilience and optimism.

Finally, thank you to our staff, parents, and wider community for your continued support. Together, we are building a school where every child can thrive.

Warm regards, Mr Dilwyn Gurney Chair of Governors

*The next election of parent governor took place in the Autumn of 2025. No nominations were received. This will go out again in January 2026.

Meetings of the Governing Body

Meetings of the full governing body have taken place on three occasions via Microsoft TEAMS and three occasions face to face in 2024-25. At appropriate meetings the Governors received and considered reports from the finance and resources committee, the standards and performance committee, health and safety committee, the Head Teacher reports on the school and its work in a termly report. Governors completed sharing the knowledge forms and governor feedback forms following visits to school and courses attended or feedback during Governing Body meetings. Our Governing body made every effort to attend online training, meetings and training days.  Minutes of all those meetings are available at school. 

Parents Meeting 

The School Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 now enables parents of registered pupils at the school to request up to three meetings per year with the governing body via a petition.

The governing body must hold a meeting within 25 school days of receiving the petition, providing that: 

1. the petition contains the signatures of the required minimum number of parents of registered pupils at the school, 30 pupils.

2. the meeting requested by parents must be to discuss a matter relating to the school.

3. there will be no more than three meetings held during the year in which the first petition is received.

4. there are sufficient school days left in the school year for the meeting to be held. Please note that a parents meeting was not requested in 2023-2024.

The school operates an open-door policy and parents are encouraged to approach the school at the earliest opportunity to discuss any concerns.

Current Teaching Staff

The school has 7 full-time teachers and 2 part-time teachers plus the Head Teacher. We have 2 Level 4 Learning Support Assistants, 1 full time Level 3 Learning Support Assistant, 1 Part-time Level 3, 2 Full-time level 2, 5 full-time level 1 TAs. We aim to ensure that recommended ratio for Foundation Phase is met where the ratio is 1:8 in Nursery and Reception and 1:15 in Y1 and Y2. We have a Level 2 TA to support intervention to close the gap for pupils in literacy and numeracy.

Peripatetic teachers in woodwind, brass, keyboard, violin, and guitar visit the school and tuition is given to children in these instruments.

In addition to these services, Newport Live work closely with staff and train the pupils in football skills and Early Years Physical development. We benefit tremendously from Newport Live, this service supports the physical development and well-being of our pupils.

The wide range of music and sport tuition is only a part of an impressive offering of extra-curricular activities at our school. Pupil voice plays an active part in developing our extra-curricular clubs and provision.

Current Non-Teaching staff

The school has the services of a full time School Support officer and a part time Administration Assistant.

One caretaker is employed through Norse for the school, along with cleaning staff. One cook and two assistants are employed by Chartwells who provide catering. Two staff assist with lunchtime supervision alongside TAs. Teaching staff have supported at lunchtime when needed.

Current Internal Organisation

Nursery - Miss Bullock

Reception - Mrs Chorley

Year 1S - Mrs Smith

Year 2BM - Mrs Mortimer/Mrs Black

Year 3J - Miss Jenkins

Year 4F - Mrs Fells

Year 5M - Mr Macey

Year 5 EM - Miss Ellis/Mrs Morgan

Year 6M - Miss Medhurst 

The Headteacher has been carrying out a dual role as EAS School Improvement Partner in 2021-22, 2022-23, 2023-2024, 2024-25 onwards.

Curriculum Aims and School Improvement Planning

All children have a right to a broad, balanced and relevant education which provides continuity and progression and takes individual differences into account.  Work in Mount Pleasant is designed to meet the requirements of Curriculum for Wales. Our Curriculum Summary is a available on our school website https://www.mountpleasantprimary.co.uk/curriculum-summary 

Digital competency is a strong feature throughout the school, we pride ourselves in developing this through the theme approach. We strive to embed a purpose led curriculum creating Ambitious Capable Learners, Ethically Informed Citizens, Healthy Confident Individuals and Enterprising and Creative Contributors. 

At Mount Pleasant we:

•  Treat all members of the school community with respect;

• Create a culture of lifelong learning for all through a right of the child and values-based curriculum;

• Create a holistic approach to curriculum delivery where pupils are encouraged to plan, develop and reflect their learning goals. The four purposes underpin every aspect of school life;

• Cater for the needs of individual children promoting equality from all ethnic and social groups, including the most able and those who are experiencing additional learning needs;

• Facilitate children’s acquisition of knowledge, skills and qualities which will  help them to develop intellectually, emotionally, socially, physically, morally and aesthetically, so that they may become independent, responsible, useful, thinking, confident and considerate members of the community;

• Create and maintain an exciting and stimulating learning environment;

• Ensure that each child’s education has continuity and progression;

• Ensure that there is a match between the child and the tasks they are asked to perform;

• We set realistically high standards in academic personal and social learning goals;

• Provide an appropriate curricular balance; 

• Recognise the crucial role which parents play in their children’s education and make every effort to encourage parental involvement in the educational process;

Our Pupils:

• Learn to be adaptable, how to solve problems in a variety of situations, how to work independently and as members of a team;

• Are developing the ability to make reasoned judgements and choices, based on interpretation and evaluation of relevant information from a variety of sources;

• Are happy, cheerful and well balanced;

• Are enthusiastic and eager to put their best into all activities;

• Acquire a set of moral values, e.g. honesty, sincerity, personal responsibility; on which to base their own behaviour; to understand ‘The United Nations Rights of the Child;’

• Are expected to behave in a dignified and acceptable way and learn to become responsible for their actions;

• Care for and take pride in their school;

• Develop tolerance, respect and appreciation of the feelings and capabilities of others in an unbiased way;

• Develop non-sexist and anti-racist attitudes;

• Know how to think, investigate and solve problems mathematically in a variety of situations using concepts of number, algebra, measurement, shape and space, and handling data;

• Are able to listen and read for a variety of purposes and be able to convey their meaning accurately and appropriately through speech and writing for a variety of purposes;

• Develop an enquiring mind and scientific approach to problems;

• Have an opportunity to create and solve problems using technological skills;

• Are capable of communicating their knowledge and feelings through various art forms including art/craft, music, drama and be acquiring appropriate techniques and skills which will enable them to develop their inventiveness, entrepreneurial skills and creativity;

• Know about geographical, historical and social aspects of the local environment and their Welsh national heritage and culture and be aware of other times and places and recognise links among family, local, national and international events;

• Have a developing knowledge of the beliefs of the major world regions;

• Develop agility, physical co-ordination and confidence in and through movement;

• Know how to apply the basic principles of health, hygiene and safety.

Welsh as a second language    

At Mount Pleasant Primary we are proud of our cultural heritage. We not only celebrate our heritage with an annual Eisteddfod, but are very proud that every pupil has the opportunity to learn Welsh. Welsh is taught and spoken by all class teachers who have received specialist training and support to do so. Pupils are not only taught in specific class sessions but throughout the school day, incidental Welsh is used. Also, the Welsh language plays an important part in our Friday Good News assembly where we meet to celebrate success at all levels in our school. 

Criw Cymraeg (Welsh pupil voice group) actively supports the development of Welsh. Signs throughout the school are bilingual. Bilingualism has been embraced throughout the school. School has achieved the bronze award for Cymraeg Campus. We are working towards our Silver Award. This year we have been asked to be a lead school for Welsh.

School has achieved the bronze award for Cymraeg Campus. We are working towards our Silver Award. This year we have been asked by the EAS to be a lead school for Welsh.

School Session Times

Morning Session

Juniors 9.00 a.m. - 12.15 p.m.

Infants 9.00 a.m. - 12 noon

Nursery 9.00 a.m. – 11.15 a.m.

Break Early Years 10.30 a.m. – 10.45 a.m.   Break KS2 10.45 a.m. – 11.00 a.m. 

Afternoon Session

Juniors 1.00 p.m. - 3.15 p.m.

Infants 1.00 p.m. - 3.15 p.m.

Nursery 1.00 p.m. - 3.15 p.m.

The school doors will open at 8.50 a.m. to facilitate pupils being in their classes and ready for lessons to commence promptly at 9.00 a.m. 

Inset Days 2024-2025

·         Monday 2nd September 2024 – Outdoor Learning/School Improvement Plan/ALN-transition

·         Friday 25th October 2024 – Welsh Oracy

·         Friday 20th December 2024 – Twilights 6 hrs

·         Friday 21st February 2025 – Cluster Training Day

·         Friday 2nd May 2025 – Numeracy Across the Curriculum – Progress and Standards - Curriculum

·         Monday 21st July 2025 – Twilights 6 hrs

Term Dates 2025- 2026 and 2026-2027

Please click on the link to access term date for 2025-2026

https://www.newport.gov.uk/schools-and-learning/term-dates

Inset Days 2025-2026

• Monday 1st September 2025

• Friday 24th October 2025

• Friday 19th December 2025

• Friday 13th February 2026

• Thursday 7th May 2026 

• Monday 20th July 2026 

Pupils

There were 239 pupils on roll excluding nursery commencing September 2024

There were 259 pupils on roll including nursery commencing September 2024.

There were 10 FSM pupils. (Free School Meals)

The children of Mount Pleasant School are, happy and courteous, well-mannered and show respect for others and their property. We are very proud of our school community.

Inclusion for All

The school prospectus clearly states our commitment to equal opportunities and inclusion for all. Creating an inclusive culture and establishing inclusive values is very important to all at Mount Pleasant.

The school treats all pupils equally, following the admission procedures adopted by Newport City Education Authority.   The school has taken many steps to enable all members of the school community to have equal access.   Additional adults are deployed appropriately to ensure all pupils have equal access to the curriculum.

Pupils' ethnic background 2024-25

Our school community reflects a growing rich and varied range of ethnic backgrounds, contributing to an inclusive and vibrant learning environment, the majority of our pupils are of White British heritage with representation from a range of ethnic groups across the school.  Pupils come from a mix of cultural heritages, which enhances the educational experience for all and supports our commitment to equality and diversity. We actively celebrate this diversity through curriculum content, cultural events, and assemblies, ensuring that every child feels valued and represented. This diversity not only strengthens our school ethos but also prepares pupils for life in a multicultural society. Programmes such as 'Jigsaw' and 'No Outsiders' support positive values and rights of the child ensuring representation of all ethnicities are celebrated and represented throughout the curriculum. 

School Prospectus, Improvement Plan and Policy Review

The School Prospectus was updated to reflect staff changes.

A Nursery Handbook/Prospectus is updated annually.

Policies are updated on a rolling programme.

Safeguarding and Child Protection is updated annually. A safeguarding Audit also takes place in the Autumn Term on an annual basis. 

Mount Pleasant Primary operates a Responsive School Improvement Plan.

School Improvement Planning at Mount Pleasant forms part of a cycle starting with effective monitoring and self-evaluation. This informs a monthly monitoring, evaluation and review document which identifies improvement priorities which translates into targets for the School Improvement Plan. The School Improvement Plan has an on-going monitoring feature and when all actions are complete it is evaluated and filed with the self-evaluation and monitoring documentation. New priorities appear from the MER report, targets are formed and the cycle continues.

Therefore, the Responsive School Improvement Plan as a document has no start or end date, the dates appear with the individual priorities. School create a responsive School Improvement Plan over a three year period which is evaluated effectively on a termly basis. 

Click on the link to access our School Improvement Plan priorities for 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 

School Improvement Plan Overview 2024-2025  

School Improvement Plan Overview 2025-2026 

All school policies remain subject to change and amendment as per the school self-evaluation process. The school self-evaluation process/policy outlines in detail the process of review in the school. The school self-evaluation process is built upon the Estyn Inspection Framework and SLO (Schools as Learning Organisations) model and seeks to move the school forward by evaluation and targeting of specific areas to be developed.

Sporting Fixtures and Achievements

At Mount Pleasant we aim to provide pupils with positive education experiences of physical activity. Our PE provision is part of a well-developed skills-based curriculum which not only provides opportunities to enhance physical well-being but also opportunities to problem solve, communicate, plan, develop and reflect.

Our pupils participate in PE from reception onwards and, as they progress, have vast opportunities to take part in a variety of high-quality sports. Children are taught indoor and outdoor sports. Competitive sports taught at Mount Pleasant include activities such as football, rugby, basketball, netball, tennis, badminton and hockey, while our creative and adventurous syllabus includes activities such as dance, gymnastics, climbing, swimming and many more. Furthermore, at KS2, we send an array of sports teams to participate in tournaments for many of these different sports.

Links with the Community and Police

The governors remain most impressed with the school’s continued endeavours to establish links within the community, especially with parents.

The PTA met regularly during term time and Staff also attend these meetings. The Community Police have taken an active role in supporting the school and community with internet safety issues throughout the school year.

Governors would like to thank the local residents and community for working with the school particularly in relation to parking concerns.

The school is very grateful to the PTA for their continued financial support to fund many worthwhile projects, such as the investment into the development of sport, funding the new timber trail and trips. This shows the tremendous commitment of the PTA to the school.

A remodelled weekly newsletter has been available on the school website and provides information about the school’s affairs and has proved to be well received, along with the school website. School also uses parent mail’, a texting system to inform parents of current events.

Parent’s evenings have taken place twice throughout the school year, providing an opportunity to discuss pupil progress and well-being. Home school links have continued, we have a number of parents and governors involved in the life of the school. Regular parent questionnaires in form school improvement and allow parental voice. 

The school also enjoys close links with Families First, the Cluster and in particular Bassaleg High School.

Mrs Christine Thomas and her colleagues from Bethesda (ICE Wales) regularly visit the school for assemblies as well as running Bible Explorer.

Mount Pleasant took part in the Rogerstone Community Council Schools’ competition with the award ceremony held at Mount Pleasant Primary. Ruth Jones MP attended the event and spoke with pupils across the cluster. Thank you to Stephen Bowen for organising this annual event. 

STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths)

School continues to have a focus on improving the development and delivery of STEM subjects with a more integrated approach as opposed to stand alone topics.  This will encourage a seamless integration of STEM topics within the other subjects of the new Curriculum for Wales in line with the guidance from the Welsh Assembly.

Our Link Governor, Mr Allan Hyland who is STEM Ambassador for SE Wales,  has worked with staff to ensure they are comfortable with the STEM approach and are able to deliver these activities effectively across the curriculum.  For example, we can use Space to link maths, history, geography, and eco systems by investigating comets, meteors and asteroids to understand their impacts they have on Earth such as the Chicxulub asteroid that contributed to the extinction of the dinosaurs.

This year, STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) has continued to play a vital role in enriching our curriculum and providing pupils with hands-on, real-world learning experiences. These activities have not only strengthened subject knowledge but also fostered critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills across all year groups.

Early Years and Year 2 – Foundations in STEM
Early Years pupils engaged in weekly STEM activities using tuff trays during enhanced and continuous provision. Block play has been a key focus, with plans to expand outdoor block play through future funding.
Year 2 pupils explored their local environment through trips to nearby woods, linking STEM with geography and environmental awareness.

Year 4 – Engineering and Design
With the support of Mr Ellis from Siemens, Year 4 pupils explored engineering principles through the design and creation of bridges and trebuchets, linked to their topic Cestyll Cymru. Pupils also investigated water filters and chemical reactions, developing an understanding of scientific processes and sustainability.

Year 5 – Space and Sound Exploration
Dr Mark Lewley worked with Year 5 to deepen their learning on space and sound. The highlight was a visit to Techniquest, where pupils participated in interactive workshops that brought abstract concepts to life, sparking curiosity and engagement in STEM subjects.

Year 6 – Applied Engineering and Data Analysis
Year 6 pupils enjoyed an exciting session with Mr Hyland, racing the school kit car around a track and recording lap times. This activity combined engineering with data handling, encouraging teamwork and analytical thinking in a practical context.

Outdoor Learning and STEM Resources
The second year of our Edina Trust grant enabled us to purchase:

• 3 large den-making kits

• 2 Forest School starter kits

• Several hand tool sets for gardening

• A class set of clipboards

These resources have been integrated into our fortnightly Outdoor Learning timetable, ensuring all year groups benefit from STEM in an outdoor setting. Pupils have developed resilience, collaboration, and problem-solving skills through activities such as den building and gardening.

Impact and Benefits

• Enhanced Engagement: Practical, hands-on experiences have increased pupil enthusiasm for STEM subjects.

• Skill Development: Activities promoted critical thinking, creativity, teamwork, and resilience.

• Curriculum Enrichment: Partnerships with industry experts and external visits provided real-world context, inspiring future aspirations in STEM careers.

• Outdoor Learning: The Edina Trust grant has significantly broadened opportunities for experiential learning across all year groups.

The Royal Navy STEM day was a huge success for year 6 pupils. The Navy delivered exciting and challenging activities using specialist staff, equipment and resources. Links have continued year on year. 

The highlight of the 2024/25 STEM year was servicing and the racing of the Greenpower electric car, which gave an excellent practical experience of how electric cars work.  Year 6 spent Wednesday afternoons, supported by Allan Hyland, in studying engineering drawings and assembling the car culminating in a final race day on the last 2 weeks of the summer term.  Every child had the opportunity to drive the car around a cordoned off playground and were timed over two laps to find the new Lewis Hamilton.  We have planned for our Y5 pupils to dismantle the kit car and begin to learn skills needed for the kit car project the following year. This allows these

pupils to gain an understanding of STEM prior to starting year 6 when they rebuild the car.

Policies

All school policies are reviewed on a rolling programme, most policies are reviewed over a three-year period and can be found on the school website. Policies such as Child Protection and Safeguarding are reviewed annually. Local Authority policies that school have adopted can be found by following this link.  

https://view.pagetiger.com/bxihsir/1  

Toilet Facilities

Pupils in the reception class have access to their own toilets. All other pupils have access to a set of toilets in the main building. All toilet facilities have been fully refurbished within the past 7 years. Toilets are cleaned daily and cleanliness monitored throughout the day. As a consequence of the extension of the school, toilet facilities have been improved. There are now two toilets in the upper Key Stage 2 building for use by our Junior children.  

The disability toilet is in daily use in order to meet the needs of pupils who require the facility.

Charities

The school has supported BBC Children in Need, Velindre, Save the Children, Sport Relief, Downsyndrome Day , The Christchurch Centre (Newport Food Bank) and the Poppy Appeal. 

Fundraising Academic Year 2024-2025

Charity Fundraising

Charity:

Comic Relief 2025 - £70

Children in Need 2024- £226.22

Wear Red Day – Donations went direct to show racism red card

Harvest festival – Donations to foodbank

Odd socks day - Donations went direct to 21 plus world downs syndrome day.

School Fundraising:

Welly Wang '24 = £1,463

Cauliflower Cards = £338

Concert tickets = £787.45

Readathon '25 = £1,015.32

Dynamo '25 = £1,437.59

Extravaganza '25 = £557.15

Healthy Schools - Healthy eating and drinking

We are proud to be a healthy school, we are a  lead school for Health and Wellbeing.  Well-being check in stations are accessible to all pupils as they enter school so teachers can monitor individual pupil wellbeing daily. Children are encouraged to drink water on a daily basis in school. Children are rewarded with praise and stickers when they are spotted being healthy. A piece of fruit is recommended for children during morning break. 

Chartwells provide our children with a menu on a termly basis. 

As part of our whole-school approach to health and wellbeing, we place a strong emphasis on the quality and nutritional value of the food provided to pupils. The changes to the school meals menu form part of our ongoing commitment to comply with the Healthy Eating in Schools (Wales) Regulations 2013. These regulations are designed to improve the nutritional quality of food provided in Welsh schools. They promote increased consumption of fruit and vegetables, reduced levels of sugar and salt, and a significant reduction in processed foods, particularly processed meats and cheeses when used as the primary source of protein. In accordance with these standards, processed foods are limited to no more than two occasions per week.

The wellbeing of our pupils remains our highest priority. We ensure that the menu offers a varied selection of balanced, nutritious, and appealing options. We continue to review menus in response to feedback while maintaining full compliance with statutory requirements.

For pupils with Additional Learning Needs (ALN), reasonable adjustments are available to support access to school meals.

ECO

We have continued to strengthen our recycling policy, encouraging recycling and reusing within the classroom, around the whole school, including the dinner hall and through our parental links with the PTA, e.g. Dragon Clothing Recycling and Second hand uniform shop. We have taken steps to enhance the school environment in line with our commitment to outdoor learning. We have planted fruit trees in the Early Years garden and additional trees around the school grounds. Our aim has been to embed sustainability into daily practice while creating spaces that support pupils’ engagement with nature and experiential learning. We have invested in developing outdoor areas, including planting schemes and wildlife-friendly zones, to create environments that support biodiversity. Pupils have participated in projects such as composting, litter-picking, and gardening, which reinforce the link between recycling and caring for the environment. The school environment is more attractive, purposeful, and aligned with our vision of sustainability.

We are thankful to Mr Corey for installing raised beds in the school grounds which has supported is further with this objective. Our next steps will be to focus on climate change and the impact on our environment.

Equalities

Mount Pleasant Primary has an Equalities Plan (SEP). It builds upon the school’s previous Disability Policy and Race Equality Scheme and sits above the school’s Inclusion Policy etc. What was previously the school’s Access Policy is covered by this Plan. This policy belongs to everybody and is relevant to all pupils, teaching and administrative staff, parents, carers, supporters and the local community. All policies can be accessed via the school office or are available on the school website.

To choose objectives for school Mount Pleasant we:

• Listened to equality experts and Heads of schools in Newport about their choice of equality objectives

• Discussed equalities at school council

• Drew up a long list with associated actions

• Asked parents/held parent workshops

• Consulted with Children / young people

• Approved at Governors

• Completed an equalities audit

The United Nations Rights of the Child and Values play a crucial role in our school curriculum and ethos. Our Super Ambassadors promote our Values and Rights in weekly assemblies. 

In 2024-2025 a disability grant has been accessed through the Local Authority to install pathways across the three yards for wheelchair users to be able to use. Pathway levels have been raised where needed to ensure disability access is appropriate. 

Trips and Impact on Learning

In 2024-25 we have been able to access trips and promote educational visitors. The following visits have been accessed 2024-25. Trips have supported us to raise standards across the curriculum and to provide authentic learning opportunities.

• Reception Colliers Farm 13.12.2024

• Bassaleg Cluster School Council Meeting 23.01.2025

• Year 4 Swimming 27.01.2025

• Year 3 Trip to Cardiff Museum 04.02.2025

• Year 6 Bassaleg Gym and Dance Display 12.02.2025

• Year 2 visit to Cardiff Museum 18.02.2025

• Grand council Ysgol Gyfun Gwent Is Coed 18.02.2025

• Girls Football Tournament - Spytty 19.02.2025

• Year 3 Trip to Cardiff Museum 04.03.2025

• Year 5 Techniquest trip 'Space' 02.04.2025

• Year 6Say No to Racism Campaign/Bassaleg School 03.04.2025

• Year 6 Bethesda Easter Explained 07.04.2025

• Year 6 Gilwern Residentail trip 09.04.2025

• Year 6 Principality Stadium 30.04.2025

• Year 4 and 5 Bethesda Easter Explained 12.05.2025

• Year 3 Trip, Caerleon Roman Museum 03.06.2025

• Grand Council Meeting Civic Centre 09.06.2025

• Y2 Welfare Grounds Trip 11.06.2025

• Year 6 Bassaleg Transition Group visit to Bassaleg 17.06.2025

• Year 5 Cynefin, Welfare Grounds Group Trip 11.06.2025

• Year 5/6 Newport Live Swimming Gala 25.06.2025

• Year 6 Bassaleg Transition Rugby Festival 30.06.2025

• Year 6 Transition Day 04.07.2025

• Year 5 Talking Trees Welfare Trip 10.07.2025

• Y6 Bowling Trip 18.07.2025

Throughout the academic year, pupils have benefited from a wide range of trips and enrichment activities designed to enhance curriculum delivery and deepen learning experiences. Visits such as Reception’s trip to Colliers Farm, Year 3 and Year 2 visits to Cardiff Museum, and Year 3’s exploration of Caerleon Roman Museum provided hands-on opportunities to connect classroom learning with real-world contexts, fostering curiosity and engagement.

Older pupils participated in events including the Year 6 residential at Gilwern, Principality Stadium visit, and transition activities with Bassaleg School, which supported personal development, resilience, and readiness for the next stage of education. STEM-focused experiences, such as Year 5’s Techniquest ‘Space’ trip, and cultural activities like the Gym and Dance Display, broadened pupils’ horizons and encouraged collaborative learning.

Sporting events and council meetings, including football tournaments and cluster council sessions, promoted teamwork, leadership, and pupil voice. These experiences have had a positive impact on motivation, confidence, and the application of knowledge across subjects, contributing significantly to pupils’ academic progress and personal growth.

Governors Expenses and Subsistence Claims 2024– 2025

During the period 2024 – 2025 there were no claims

Attendance 2024/2025

Attendance target for 2024-25 was 96%. Our Attendance figure for 2024-25 was 95%. Our Attendance Policy is Cluster wide and available on our school website. 

Mount Pleasant has excellent and sustained attendance; this is thanks to the commitment of parents in ensuring their children have the best possible chance of achieving an excellent education. We are continually striving to improve attendance figures and reduce the number of absences due to pupils taking holidays during term time. Holidays continued to not be authorised during the year 2024-2025.

We have set aspirational attendance targets for the next 3 years.

School performance

At Mount Pleasant we are very proud of the quality of teaching learning and the achievement of our pupils in every year group. Adaptive Tests  from Year 2 to Y6 and teacher assessment across the school were carried out and data/information collated used to inform future teaching and learning. Pupil dialogue meetings are held termly to track pupil progress and well-being. 

Our Estyn Inspection was held on 2nd June 2025. Please click on the link to read our report. https://estyn.gov.wales/app/uploads/2025/07/Inspection-report-Mount-Pleasant-Primary-2025.pdf 

Behaviour

Standards of behaviour and expectations of staff, pupils and parents are high at Mount Pleasant Primary School. Serious incidents received are reported to the Headteacher and Governing Body who deal with incidents on a case by case basis. The behaviour policy highlights expectations and is available on the website.

On entry to Mount Pleasant Primary School we ask the parent/guardian of every child to sign a Home School Agreement which highlights expectations of behaviour within our school. We ask for each parent to support our behaviour policy.

Whole School Behaviour 

Our Rights:

• We have a right to:

• An education

• Be kept safe from things that could harm us

• Be listened to and taken seriously

• Find out and share information

• An education which develops our personalities, respect for others’ rights and environment.

Our Rules for Success:

We treat others as we would like to be treated 

I will:

• Respect each other

• Stop look and listen to the chosen speaker

• Follow directions first time

• Keep hands, feet, objects and unkind words to ourselves

• Use the correct voice at all times

Consequences:

• A look from an adult

• Reminding of the rule or instruction

• Warning…….’You are choosing…….’

• Time out in the classroom

• 2 minutes lost at breaktime Foundation Phase/5 minutes lost at breaktime KS2

• Sent to Headteacher

• Parents contacted

Rewards:

• Praise

• Notes home, stickers, certificates

• Individual points (marbles/raffle)

• Group points/house points

• Headteachers Achievement Award/Consideration Award

• Praise from Headteacher

Additional and ongoing praise includes

• Non-verbal – smile, nod, thumbs up, high five.

• Verbal – praise, telling another person e.g. Senior Midday Supervisor, Teacher, Headteacher.

• Material – stickers, house points, star awards, badges, certificates and privileges.

E-Safety

Parents/Carers play a crucial role in ensuring that their children understand the need to use the internet/mobile devices in an appropriate way. School takes every opportunity to help parents understand these issues. Parents and carers are encouraged to support school in promoting good e-Safety practice and to follow guidelines on the appropriate use of social media. We ask that parents do not share their grievances on social media for obvious reasons. Please follow the complaints policy if a complaint arises. All policies can be accessed via the school office or are available on the school website.

Internet safety talks for both parents and pupils were received during 2024-2025. Click on the link below to access the presentation. https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1eFyuHUldHDKFzCmUA_HuHpWBdytJ-X3I/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=113316646502053318719&rtpof=true&sd=true 

Signature Chair of Governors………Mr Dilwyn Gurney

Signature Head teacher……………Miss F Rutledge

Date Approved……………….15th December 2025

Abbreviations and Acronyms

Criw Cymraeg – One child from each class is chosen to attend Criw Cymraeg meetings. The aim of Criw Cymraeg is to monitor and improve standards of Welsh throughout the school

ALNCO – Additional Learning Needs Coordinator 

AFL – Assessment for Learning

ALFIE- diagnostic maths test used by school

ALN – Additional Learning Needs

ARR – Assessment, Recording and Reporting

ASD – Autistic Spectrum Disorder

BLP – Building Learning Power

BSF – Better School fund

CAME- Cognitive Accelerative Maths Education (Maths extension in YR5 &6)

CASE- Cognitive Accelerative Science Education (science enrichment programme)

CATs – Cognitive Ability Testing

CC – Cwricwlwm Cymreig

CPD – Continuous Professional Development

CSI – Core School Indicator

DYNAMO – a class based project in which children learn business and financial skills.

EAL – English Additional Language

ESDGC – Environment and Sustainable Development and Global Citizenship

EWO – Education Welfare Officer

FFT – Family Fisher Trust

FPI – Foundation Phase Indicator

FSM – Free School Meals

HLTA – Higher Level Teaching Assistant

ICT BECTA Award- Award to schools for excellence in ICT

IEP – Individual Education Plan

LAC – Looked After Children

LLC – Language, Literacy and Communication

MAT – More Able and Talented

MD – Mathematical Development

MSN - ICT Messenger

NACE – National Association for Challenge in Education

NFER Maths- tests used by school for Maths

NGRT- Yearly reading test

NNEB- Nursery Nurse Examination Board

P4C- Philosophy for Children

PASS survey data Pupil Attitudes to School & Self

PDG – Pupil Deprivation Grant

PESS - Initiative raising standards in PE and school sport

PLC – Professional Learning Communities

PSD – Personal, Social Development

R W M – reading, writing, maths

S.E.A.L. - Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning – a scheme used throughout the school to develop social skills.

SA+ School Action Plus

SBM – School Business Manager

SDP – School Development Plan

SEG – School Effectiveness Grant

SEN – Special Educational Needs

SIMS – School Information management System

SLT – Senior Leadership Team

SNAP – Special Needs Assessment Profile

SpLD – Specific Learning Difficulties

SRE – Sex and Relationship Education

USEW – University of South East Wales

WALT – We Are Learning To …

WEG – Welsh Effectiveness Grant