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september 2025

It’s hard to believe we’re already four weeks into the autumn term—time really is flying by! The start of the 2025–26 academic year has been both busy and purposeful. The children have settled in well and are enjoying their new classes. A particularly warm welcome goes to our nursery children, who have recently joined our school community.

We are currently looking for a parent governor to join our governing body. Parent governors play a vital role within the school, helping to ensure that families are fully represented in decision-making and contributing valuable perspectives that shape the school’s direction and priorities. Further details can be found within the newsletter along with information on:

The School Improvement Plan

Attendance and punctuality

School Ambassadors and the School Council

Staffing

Class activities

Pupil achievements

Family and Community links

Key dates

If you need any further information or if you have any questions, please do get in touch. Thank you for your continued support.

Dr Suzanne Sarjeant

Attendance & Punctuality

All pupils must arrive by 9am to start the school day promptly - doors are open from 8.50am.
Pupils should remain in school for the full day - early collections will only be authorised in exceptional circumstances.
Parents must contact the school office by 9am on the first day of absence to provide full reasons for their child’s absence. This is recorded by the Attendance Clerk on Sims.

Attending school on time and regularly is one of the best ways to help children succeed. Here are some key benefits:

Better learning – children don’t miss important lessons and build knowledge step by step.
Stronger friendships – being in school every day helps children feel a sense of belonging and develop social skills.
Good routines – arriving on time sets positive habits for life.
More confidence – regular attendance helps children feel secure, settled, and ready to learn.
Higher achievement – children who attend consistently are more likely to reach their full potential.

Every day counts and being on time helps children make the most of every opportunity. We want to support all families to enable their children to attend school regularly - please get in touch if you feel you need additional support.

Communication reminder

Class Dojo continues to be a key communication tool between school and our families and provides us with an accessible platform to share school updates via the school and class story. Please be reminded that whilst class teachers can message parents and carers, they are not able to receive messages on this platform.

Please note, Mrs Julie Jenkins (support for families), Mrs King and Mrs Ryall-Friend (support for pupil well-being) and our LRC class teachers will continue to use the outward messaging function as part of their bespoke roles.

Please see a reminder of our communication guidelines below:

Call the school office on 01656 815730 or email admin@pencoedps.bridgend.cymru when:

- Reporting an absence

- Informing the school of changes to pick up/drop off arrangements

- Querying payments for school trips

- Updating medical information

- Asking about general school information, dates and events

Email contact@pencoedprimary.co.uk when:

- You have a specific query regarding your child for the attention of the class teacher or the school’s leadership team - Please ensure your child’s name and class is stated clearly in the email subject. All relevant information will then be shared accordingly.

- You have a specific query related to after school clubs

Many thanks for your continued support and cooperation.

schooL improvement plan

staffing update

good luck Mrs Cowland

We would like to say a heartfelt thank you to Mrs Cowland, who has been a valued member of Pencoed Primary for over a decade. She has supported countless pupils throughout their school journey, helping them to achieve success. For the past eight years, she has worked in our CARE Base, providing exceptional support to autistic children and their families. Loved by the children and respected by colleagues, she will be greatly missed by all. We are so grateful for her kindness, dedication, and commitment to our school. We wish her every success and happiness in her future career.

We would like to officially welcome some new members of staff to the PPS team! Miss Davies who has joined the ALN and Lower School Phases, Miss Evans who has joined the Middle School Phase, Mrs Cooper who is covering PPA across the school and Mr Landon, who although is already familiar to the school, has recently been appointed to a new role.

Miss Davies

Miss Evans

Mrs Cooper

Mr Landon

school structure

As a school community we work on a 'Phase' model. The Phases are organised as follows:

NKR, RER/MR & RHH will be known as 'Early Years'
1GP, 1EM, 2NS & 2CJ will be known as 'Lower School'
2/3ME, 3JM, 3SM, 4CD, 4HC will be known as 'Middle School'
4/5LR, 5MC, 5/6LA, 6AW & 6KM will be known as 'Upper School'
Our Little Stars, Sunbeams and Stargazers classes will continue to work alongside the relevant phases.

car park & Parking reminder

POLITE REMINDER: Our car park can only be accessed by registered users, therefore non-registered users should not access the car park. This includes dropping off and picking up from school clubs. Non-registered users must still walk on to site. Thank you for your support with this matter.

Parking: We recognise that parking nearby can be a challenge but please show respect and courtesy to residents in our neighbouring streets. Please avoid blocking drive ways and mounting kerbs.

PARENT GOVERNOR VACANCY

The governing body currently has one parent governor vacancy. Parent governors play a vital role in our school. They bring a range of different skills and help shape decisions about school policies, priorities and improvement plans. Through regular meetings and collaboration with staff and other governors, they support the school’s vision and help ensure the best outcomes for all pupils. If you wish to be considered for election, please submit the following information to: contact@pencoedprimary.co.uk by Friday 3rd October.

1. Your Name

2. Address

3. Telephone number

4. Child’s name

You must also include a short statement of no more than 100 words which will be included in the ballot form. Please note if you exceed the word limit only the first 100 words will be included on the ballot form. Please sign and date the information you submit to the school.

If you have any questions about the role, please email contact@pencoedprimary.co.uk or pop in for an informal chat.

healthy Eating

As part of our ongoing commitment to promoting healthy eating at Pencoed Primary School, we kindly remind you of the importance of providing your child with a healthy snack to bring to school each day.

Nutritious snacks not only support a balanced diet, but they also help children to concentrate better, stay energised, and feel their best throughout the school day. Fresh fruit and vegetables are especially beneficial, offering essential vitamins and minerals that aid learning and development.

We encourage pupils to bring one of the following healthy snack options:

🍎 Whole or sliced fruit – please remember to cut grapes lengthways to reduce the risk of choking.
🥕 Vegetable sticks – such as celery, carrot, pepper, cucumber, etc.
🥖 Bread sticks
🍘 Plain rice cakes

Please note that the following items are not suitable due to their higher sugar content:

❌ Cereal bars
❌ Fruit winders
❌ Fruit bars
❌ Yoghurt flakes

Thank you for your continued support in helping us create a healthy and happy learning environment for all our pupils!

School news

welcome/Croeso

Mrs Roberts and the nursery team have been busy helping our new nursery pupils to settle in. It has been lovely to see them exploring their new classroom, indoors and outdoors, whilst building new friendships. We look forward to watching them grow and develop throughout the year.

meet our school ambassadors

Ava, Isla & Oscar

Congratulations to Ava, Isla and Oscar in year 6, who were recently elected as our new 'Ambassadors' for this academic year. As part of the election process, they had to write and deliver a speech about why they wanted to be an ambassador, explaining what skills they had to help them to fulfil the role. The voting results meant that for the first time we had a tie, therefore we have three representatives this year. We are really proud of them all and we know they will do a fantastic job at representing the school. Da iawn!

A special mention to the other year 6 pupils who took part in the election process. Staff were very impressed with the thought and effort that had gone into the speeches. They were very glad they didn't have to vote!

In addition to the ambassadors, the pupils have also elected their new representatives for the School Council! Under the guidance of Mr Raymond, the council will be working collaboratively on a range of exciting initiatives that benefit both our school and the wider community.

We look forward to seeing the fantastic ideas and contributions they bring to life this year!

harvest donations

This year as part of our Harvest celebrations we are collecting donations for our 'Cwtch Cupboard' and Pencoed Food bank. Please see the information below for more details about suitable items. If you would like to donate, please send in your contributions week beginning Monday 6th October - Friday 10th October. Thank you for your continued support with helping us to offer food where needed. If your family would benefit from using the 'Cwtch Cupboard' or Pencoed Food Bank, please contact Mrs Julie Jenkins.

Year 3 & 4 monster ball

On Thursday, 23rd October, we will be holding a Monster Ball for Year 3 and 4. The ball will start at 4:15pm and finish at 5:15pm.

All pupils are encouraged to dress up and come and enjoy an hour of fun. The cost of this activity will be £3, and payment can be made via the school comms app. If you need any assistance with the cost of the disco or logging onto the school comms app, please contact the school office.

Shwmae Su'mae Day

What is Shwmae Day?

An opportunity to celebrate all things Welsh and encourage Welsh conversation between pupils, staff and parents alike!.

It aims to encourage the people of Wales to start every conversation with "Shwmae" or “Su’mae”

To celebrate Shwmae Day, pupils are encouraged to wear something red, green or white and/or bring a Welsh accessory, e.g. a Welsh dragon.

autumn clubs

We were delighted by the number of pupils embracing the opportunity to attend a club. Many clubs are now full. However, if you have any queries about clubs or want your child's name to be added to the reserve list, please email: contact@pencoedprimary.co.uk

Please note that TAG Rugby, Rounders and Cookery group 2 will not start until after October half term.

Due to the INSET day on Monday 3rd November - Monday Clubs will not commence until the week after.

A big shout out to staff to say thank you for giving up their own time to help run such a wide variety of clubs!

upper School swimming

This month our Upper School classes have taken the opportunity to have swimming lessons at Pencoed Swimming Pool. The pupils have been working on developing their swimming technique as well as learning about important life saving and water safety skills. Please visit the Halo website here to find out more about free swim sessions.

cross country

Calling all pupils in Years 3 - 6, would you like to run on behalf of our school?

If your answer is yes, then Mrs Jo Jenkins would love to see you at the Cross Country Schools races. There are 6 races a year, anyone is able to join the races and you don't have to come to cross country club. Races are on Saturday mornings in local comprehensive schools. We need at least 3 children in each age group; Y3/4 girls, Y3/4 boys, Y5/6 girls and Y5/6 boys to be able to score in the team results.

See below for the first race dates.

Sports Wales filming

Members of Middle, Upper school and Stargazers were involved in filming with Bob Phillips from Sport Wales. They were interviewed by paralympian Aled Davies OBE who spoke to the children about his time as a professional athlete. Since 2012 and competing in the Olympic games, World Championships and European Championships Aled has won 14 gold, 2 silver and 1 bronze medal. What a role model for the children! Mr Davies also took part in the Channel 4 TV series Celebrity SAS: Who dares wins (series 3) and won! This part got Mrs Jo Jenkins very excited as it is one of her favourite shows. She has told us not to worry though as she is too old to take part.

pupil news

District rugby Success

Congratulations to Ellis, George and Jacob in year 6 following their selection for Bridgend District Schools Rugby. Da iawn!

Congratulations to Archie in year 4 who was recently awarded 'Player of the week' at his club.

Congratulations to Mabel in year 4 who was also recently awarded 'Player of the week' at her club.

Congratulations to Ella in year 4 who recently earned her Gold and Silver medal in kick boxing!

Well done to Evan in year 4 who recently completed Iron Kids in Tenby (as part of the Iron Man weekend).

Congratulations to Grace in year 3 who successfully auditioned to be one of 20 children to sing an original song alongside Tom Fletcher for this year's BBC Children in Need. We can't wait to hear the song!

Congratulations to Thea in year 4 who recently climbed Pen y Fan to raise money for a charity close to her heart. Click on the link below to find out more:

https://maggies.enthuse.com/pf/thea-gurdin#qrCode

Well done, Thea!

family engagement

autumn term Parent/Carer meetings

Our parent/carer meetings will take place on Tuesday 14th and Wednesday 15th October, starting from 3:40pm on both days. These meetings will be held for all classes except Nursery. We will be sharing alternative arrangements for Nursery parents/carers later in the term.

This year, all appointments will be held face to face. While phone calls were previously offered, we believe that meeting in person helps to strengthen the important relationships between home and school. It also reflects our school’s culture of working together to support every child’s learning and wellbeing. Crèche facilities will be available on both days for school-age children.

Class teachers have shared these booking forms via Dojo. Therefore, parents and carers are asked to select a suitable day & time slot.

CItIZENS ADVICe

We are delighted to be working with Citizens Advice this year, who will be based on-site in the rainbow room every Tuesday to provide support for families.

Parents/carers can access free and confidential 1-2-1 advice sessions and practical support in relation to debt, benefits, housing, employment and family, as well as signposting to other relevant agencies. Each parent/carer will receive a full benefit check and income maximisation discussion based on their circumstances, as well as access to emergency issue support such as food or fuel bank vouchers where applicable.

Appointments are available every Tuesday. To be referred to this service please speak to Julie Jenkins or pop into the office to pick up a form. If you would prefer a digital copy of the form, please email contact@pencoedprimary.co.uk.

summer school success

Once again, the school opened during the summer to deliver a range of additional programmes for children. We ran 3 “shine sessions”, Nursery and Reception transition days and a 4 day 'Reading Rockets” programme. These sessions were well received and we were grateful for fantastic feedback from both the children and their families.

uniform

The pupils have returned to school looking smart in their uniforms. Wearing uniform creates a sense of belonging and helps pupils to feel ready to learn. The uniform rails will be accessible EVERY MONDAY at the front entrance. Thank you to those families who have donated unwanted uniform, a great way to reuse and recycle.

Lost property

Please ensure that your child's clothing and property is clearly labelled with their name and class. We are accumulating large amounts of unlabelled items and it is very difficult to track items without names. Lost property buckets will be displayed EVERY FRIDAY. Thank you.

The 'Cwtch Cupboard' & pencoed food bank

With the cost of living on the rise, we are mindful that more of us may need some support. The school runs a 'Cwtch Cupboard', where food supplies can be shared. If you feel you would benefit from this, or you would like to donate food items such as pasta, rice, tinned foods, tea, coffee etc, please contact Mrs Jenkins.

Pencoed Foodbank also operates every Monday 1-3pm from the Church Hall. Please contact Mrs Jenkins via Dojo or email for further details: juliejenkins@pencoedprimary.co.uk

well-Being

staff recognition award

Mrs Deeks- for her efforts in encouraging pupils to work hard with their reading both in school and at home.

Well-being CERTIFICATE

OF EXCELLENCE

Mrs Cooper - for her efforts in overseeing a class during staff absence.

Dates for your diary

Monday 6th - 10th October - Harvest Donations
Tuesday 14th & Wednesday 15th October - Parent/Carer Meetings (except Nursery)
Wednesday 15th October - Shwmae Su'mae Day - pupils are invited to wear red, white or green to school to mark this day.
Thursday 23rd October - Y3 & Y4 Monster Ball @ 4.15
Monday 27th to Friday 31st October - Half Term
Tuesday 4th November - pupils return to school
Monday 10th November- Odd Sock Day to mark the start of Anti-Bullying Week - pupils can wear odd socks to school
Friday 14th November - Children in Need - pupils can wear non-uniform to school, monetary donations welcome for the charity.
Tuesday 18th November - Pantomime for Reception, Lower School and LRCs

Inset Days:

Monday 3rd November 2025
Friday 19th December 2025
Monday 20th July 2026

Safeguarding

At Pencoed Primary School, we are committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all children. If you have a concern about the safety or well-being of a child, please report this immediately to either Dr Sarjeant, Mr Raymond, Mrs H. Middleton, Mrs Maund or Mrs Brennan (Designated Safeguarding Leads). In addition, advice can be sought from Mrs A. Williams, Designated Governor for Child Protection.
If you are a parent or a visitor to the school and you are worried about the safety or well-being of a child or family please ask to speak to the Designated Safeguarding Leads or a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
Please access our child protection and safeguarding policy here - https://www.pencoedprimary.co.uk/school-policies-1/

Please let us know if you have any comments regarding the contents of this newsletter or any other matter relating to Pencoed Primary School. All issues will be dealt with in the strictest confidence. If you would prefer to make a personal appointment, please do not hesitate to contact us:

Email: admin@pencoedps.bridgend.cymru
Contact@pencoedprimary.co.uk
Phone: 01656 815730

For regular updates

please check Class Dojo

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