Keep up to date with all the latest news happening in school at the moment.

• Letter from Headteacher - Strike Action

  Thu 26 Jan 2023

  26th January 2023

   

  Dear Parents and Carers, Following the letter from Mr Lindsay Harvey (Corporate Director – Education and Family Support) about the intended industrial action in schools, which was shared yesterday evening, I can confirm that Ysgol Bryn Castell have considered the school’s individual context and completed a thorough risk assessment.

   

  Through discussion with a number of colleagues both within and beyond the school, it has been determined that Ysgol Bryn Castell will be closed to all pupils on Wednesday 1st February 2023. Additional information will be shared early next week, including provision for pupils in receipt of Free School Meals and online activities.

   

  This decision to close to pupils has not been taken lightly. In coming to a decision of this nature, the school has worked closely with Human Resources and Education officers from the local authority, taken advice from other professional associations and consulted with other schools.

   

  I would like to make clear that the planned industrial action is as a result of a national dispute as opposed to any issues relating to our school. Our primary consideration is the health and safety implications of potentially having a significant number of our staff population absent from work.

   

  The school will review the situation and update you of our intentions as soon as possible in advance of the other proposed industrial action dates. Ysgol Bryn Castell’s priority continues to be the health and wellbeing of our pupils and staff and we will continue to act in the best interests of your children as we move forward, together. regarding the school closure day.

   

  Thank you for your support, encouragement and feedback.

   

  Helen Ridout (Headteacher)

• Letter from Director of Education re Strike Action

  Wed 25 Jan 2023

   

   

  Uned Cymorth Cyfarwyddiaeth Addysg a Chymorth i Deuluoedd  (UCCACD)

  Education and Family Support Directorate –

  Directorate Support Unit (EDSU)

  Dyddiad / Date:  25 January 2023

   

   

  Dear Parent/Carer

   

  As you may be aware, the National Education Union (NEU) has announced four days of intended industrial action.

   

  The proposed industrial action dates are as follows:

   

  • Wednesday 1 February 2023
  • Tuesday 14 February 2023
  • Wednesday 15 March 2023
  • Thursday 16 March 2023

   

  The decision regarding whether your child’s school will remain open on these dates will be made by your child’s school, based on the school’s individual context and risk assessments.  Your child’s school will aim let you know whether the school will be open at least three working days before each of these dates.

   

  Where schools have made a decision to close in advance of planned industrial action, pupils eligible for free schools (eFSM) meals will be provided with a packed lunch the day before.  eFSM pupils attending school on the day of planned industrial action will receive a free school meal as normal unless the headteacher determines to close the school prior to lunchtime.  In this case, a packed lunch will be made available to eFSM pupils in the morning to take home with them.

   

  Parents and carers are advised that home-to-school transport for eligible pupils will continue to run as normal (unless a school has determined to close prior to the day of planned industrial action). 

   

  However, if there is a risk that on the day of planned industrial action a school or a year group will be forced to close due to staff supervision levels, parents/carers of primary school pupils and parents/carers of pupils attending special schools should make themselves or another responsible adult available during the morning of the day, to collect their child from their dedicated bus stop/pick-up point at short notice. 

   

  With advance notice, pupils with additional learning needs on dedicated (taxi and minibus) vehicles will be transported back to their homes into the care of their parents/carers.

   

  Yours sincerely

   

  Lindsay Iorwerth Harvey (Mr)

   

  Corporate Director – Education and Family Support

  Bridgend County Borough Council       

• NHS Letter - Scarlet Fever

  Thu 08 Dec 2022

  8^th December 2022

  Dear Parents/Carers

   

  I am sure you will be aware of an increase in notifications of scarlet fever and invasive streptococcal disease. This infection mostly affects children aged under 10 years, and so outbreaks can occur in schools and nurseries.

   

  Older children are also susceptible to streptococcal sore throats but may not have the rash of scarlet fever.

   

  Signs and symptoms of scarlet fever

  Scarlet fever, sometimes called scarlatina, is an infectious disease caused by group A streptococcus (GAS) bacteria (also known as Streptococcus pyogenes).

   

  It is highly infectious and can be caught through direct contact with an infected person or through the air via droplets from coughs or sneezes.

   

  The characteristic symptom of scarlet fever is a widespread, fine pink-red rash that feels like sandpaper to touch. Other symptoms include a high temperature, a flushed face and a red, swollen tongue.

   

  Treatment is straightforward and usually involves a course of penicillin antibiotics.

   

  Complications of scarlet fever and streptococcal infection

  Most cases of scarlet fever cause no complications, especially if the condition is properly treated. However, complications in the early stages of the disease can include ear infection, throat abscess, sinusitis, pneumonia and meningitis.

   

  You may find the information provided by the NHS and PHW useful in relation to any queries or concern you have about this current public health matter:

  • https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scarlet-fever/
  • https://phw.nhs.wales/news/igas-infection-remains-rare-say-public-health-experts/

   

  Recommended actions

  • Parents of unwell children should seek medical advice for diagnosis and treatment
  • A person with scarlet fever should withdraw from schools / settings for 24 hours after the commencement of appropriate antibiotic treatment
  • Good hand hygiene and avoidance of spread of respiratory secretions (as per influenza- “catch it, bin it, kill it”) can help to prevent the spread of infection

   

  Please do not hesitate to contact the school with any queries.

   

  Thank you for your continued support.

   

  Helen Ridout (Headteacher)

• Now more than ever - the importance of play

  Wed 28 Sep 2022
  

• Message from the Headteacher

  Fri 22 Jul 2022

  Friday 22^nd July 2022

   

  Dear Parent/Carer

   

  As we close the doors on the final day of the academic year 2021/22 I am writing to wish you all a safe, happy and healthy Summer holiday period.

   

  This year has presented significant challenges around Covid-19 and represents the first full year when schools have been open since 2018/19. I think it is fair to say that the last few weeks have proven quite challenging with some very tired pupils and equally tired staff!

   

  Ysgol Bryn Castell (YBC) have continued to achieve some fantastic things this academic year including during April 2022, where the school was proud to be awarded the Silver School’s Mental Health Award.

   

  Achieving this award is not just recognition of a whole-school approach to mental health, it’s a recognition of the school’s commitment to improving the life chances of children and engaging with the wider community including staff and Parents/Carers.

  To achieve the award YBC had to meet and provide evidence for 88 competency areas that cover support for staff, pupils and Parents/Carers. A huge thank you to Mrs Sarah Davies and Miss Carrie Llewellyn for working tirelessly to collate all the information for this award, and to our fantastic staff and Governing Body for enabling the school to have such a significant and positive impact on the lives of those in our school community.

  This award really is recognition of the hard work and dedication shown by the whole community of YBC to support each other and our pupils.

   

  Curriculum for Wales

  The school continue to make excellent progress towards implementing and delivering Curriculum for Wales (CfW) for pupils at the school. The Governing Body agreed to implement CfW for pupils in Year 7 from 1^st September 2022 onwards and school staff continue to work tirelessly to ensure the curriculum is closely matched to the individual needs of pupils. Lots of detailed information about the curriculum can be found online at: https://hwb.gov.wales/curriculum-for-wales/ .

   

  We have recently developed a Curriculum Policy which is out for consultation and can be found on our school website at: https://www.ysgolbryncastell.co.uk/policies/. Please send any feedback for consideration using the following link by 1^st September 2022: https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=Ug4_TzS3ZEGUCRtgHRR5k5M3UuT5QPtDqH7M8FK_HLVUQVQyMzVIOVVVUUlJR08zN1RXT0lTWVVSRC4u

   

  The school has an inset day on Monday 5^th September with pupils returning from 10:00 onwards on Tuesday 6^th September.

   

  Please feel free to contact the school and leave a message over the holidays if you need any help and support.

   

  Many thanks for your ongoing support; enjoy the Summer.

   

   

  Mrs Helen Ridout

   

   

• Message from the Headteacher regarding Amber Weather Warning - Heat

  Sun 17 Jul 2022

  Sunday 17^th July 2022

   

  Dear Parent/Carer

  As I am sure you are all aware, Wales has been issued with an amber warning of extreme heat by the Met Office, which is in place from today until 23:59 on Tuesday 19^th July 2022. The school issued advice from Public Health Wales which can be accessed through the school’s twitter page and on our website at: https://www.ysgolbryncastell.co.uk/news/detail/hot-weather-information/.

   

  It is strongly recommended that pupils should wear loose, light-coloured appropriate clothing to help keep cool and sunhats with wide brims to avoid sunburn. Pupils should also come to school with a refillable water bottle and sun cream.

   

  Parts of the school building can become very hot and we will continue to monitor the situation over the next few days and make appropriate adjustments such as supporting pupils to work outdoors in shaded areas or relocating to cooler parts of the building. 

   

  Further information will be issued as required and sent out via our usual communication channels.

   

  Many thanks for your ongoing support; enjoy the sunshine safely.

   

   

   

  Mrs Helen Ridout

• Hot Weather Information

  Sun 17 Jul 2022

  Dear All

   

  Please see the links below regarding Hot Weather Health Advice from Public Health Wales

   

   https://phw.nhs.wales/services-and-teams/environmental-public-health/extreme-hot-weather/hot-weather-advice-for-those-looking-after-children/

   

  https://phw.nhs.wales/services-and-teams/environmental-public-health/extreme-hot-weather/hot-weather-advice-for-the-public-2/

   

   

  Working in the hot weather

  The soaring temperatures are already having an impact on many aspects of everyday and working life. And with predictions of extreme high temperatures to come, we wanted to share some advice and tips that we hope will keep you healthy and safe during this time of extreme heat.

  In work:

  Make sure to regularly check in with your line manager if the heat is affecting you. If you have a medical condition such as asthma, then it’s worth having a chat about things, even if the heat is not impacting you currently.

   Also make sure to keep an eye out for colleagues who may be struggling with the heat.

  Have consideration for service users who may be adversely affected by conditions. Check in with them, and report  any concerns to your line manager.

  Consider working to a different pattern if that’s possible. Early mornings are cooler and build in more breaks if you think they are needed. Again, check in with your manager if you think that is impacting on your ability to do your work.

  Drink plenty of fluid. It sounds obvious but you need to plan how much you should drink during a day to keep hydrated. You should drink at least a litre of water per day. Aim to fill your bottles at the start of the day and ensure they are within sight and that you drink regularly.

  Use an air-conditioned workspace when you can.  If you can access an air conditioned workspace this will provide a cooler and better environment than some home office spaces.

  Working at home. It’s an old tip but still a good one to let cool air in during the early morning and then closing windows, blinds, curtains and so on to keep the space cooler.

  Keep your IT equipment cool. Heat impacts computers, phones and other equipment too. Having IT equipment that fails at a critical moment because of a build-up of heat will only add to your frustrations.

  So, if working at home, consider where you site your equipment and if you have a fan then place it somewhere where it can cool both you and the equipment.

  Travelling to work. If you have to travel, it may be worth changing times of travel to avoid crowds on public transport or getting stuck in traffic. Whatever your mode of transport, think carefully before you undertake activities and always plan ahead and make sure to take a good supply of water with you to keep hydrated.

  Advice for the general public

  Stay out of the heat

  • Try to stay indoors, especially between midday and 3pm
  • Avoid strenuous outdoor activities such as sport, DIY or gardening. If this is not possible, do it during the cooler parts of the day
  • Use sunscreens or sun blocks to help prevent sunburn
  • Cover up with a t-shirt or other loose-fitting clothes
  • Wear a hat to shade your head and sunglasses to protect your eyes

  Cool down

  • Drink plenty of water, at least eight glasses a day. Avoid alcohol, tea or coffee as they can make you dehydrated
  • Take a cool bath or shower, or splash your face with cold water to cool down

  Keep your environment cool

  • Turn off non-essential lights and electrical equipment - they generate heat
  • Keep indoor plants and bowls of water in the house - evaporation helps cool the air
  • If possible, move into a cooler room, especially for sleeping
  • Electric fans may provide some relief, but only use if necessary
  • Remain in the coolest parts of the building as much as possible
  • Keep rooms shaded and cool by closing blinds and curtains and opening windows

  Look out for others

  • Keep an eye on isolated, elderly, ill or very young people and make sure they are able to keep cool
  • Ensure that babies, children or elderly people are not ledt alone in stationary cars
  • Check on elderly or sick neighbours, family or friends every day if possible
  • Be alert and call a doctor or social services if someone is feeling unwell or further help is needed

  If you have a health problem

  • Keep medicines below 25°C or in the fridge (read the storage instructions on the packaging)
  • Seek medical advice if you suffer from a chronic health condition/take multiple medications

  If you or others feel unwell

  • Try to get help if you feel dizzy, weak, anxious or have intense thirst and headache
  • Move to a cool place as soon as possible and measure your body temperature
  • Drink some water or fruit juice to rehydrate
  • Rest immediately in a cool place if you have painful muscular spasms (particularly in the legs, arms or stomach, in many cases after sustained exercise during very hot weather), and drink oral rehydration solutions containing electrolytes
  • Medical attention is needed if heat cramps last more than one hour
  • Consult your doctor if you feel unusual symptoms or if symptoms persist

  Heat-related illnesses

  The following are heat-related illness:

  • Heat cramps - caused by dehydration and loss of electrolytes.
  • Heat rash - small, red, itchy papules
  • Heat oedema – swelling of the joints- mainly in the ankles, due to dehydration, vasodilation, cardiovascular disease and certain medications.
  • Heat exhaustion - is more common. It occurs as a result of water or sodium depletion, with non-specific features of malaise, vomiting and circulatory collapse, and is present when the core temperature is between 37ºC and 40ºC. Left untreated, heat exhaustion may evolve into heatstroke.
  • Heatstroke - can become a point of no return whereby the body’s thermoregulation mechanism fails. This leads to a medical emergency, with symptoms of confusion; disorientation; convulsions; unconsciousness; hot dry skin; and core body temperature exceeding 40ºC for between 45 minutes and eight hours. It can result in cell death, organ failure, brain damage or death. Heatstroke can be either classical or exertional (e.g. in athletes).

  Effective action, taken early, can reduce health risks and impacts. 
   

  Advice for those looking after children

  Health risks from heat

  Children cannot control their body temperature as efficiently as adults during hot weather because they do not sweat as much and so can be at risk of ill-health from heat. Heat- related illness can range from mild heat stress to potentially life-threatening heatstroke. The main risk from heat is dehydration (not having enough water in the body). If sensible precautions are taken children are unlikely to be adversely affected by hot conditions, however, teachers, assistants, school nurses and all child carers should look out for signs of heat stress, heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

  Heat stress

  Children suffering from heat stress may seem out of character or show signs of discomfort and irritability (including those listed below for heat exhaustion). These signs will worsen with physical activity and if left untreated can lead to heat exhaustion or heatstroke.

  Heat exhaustion

  Symptoms of heat exhaustion vary but include one or more of the following:

  • tiredness
  • dizziness
  • headache
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • hot, red and dry skin
  • confusion

  Heatstroke

  When the body is exposed to very high temperatures, the mechanism that controls body temperature may stop working. Heatstroke can develop if heat stress or heat exhaustion is left untreated, but it can also occur suddenly and without warning.

  Symptoms of heatstroke may include:

  • high body temperature – a temperature of or above 40°C (104°F) is a major sign of heatstroke
  • red, hot skin and sweating that then suddenly stops
  • fast heartbeat
  • fast shallow breathing
  • confusion/lack of co-ordination
  • fits
  • loss of consciousness

  Actions to protect children suffering from heat illness

  1. The following steps to reduce body temperature should be taken immediately:
  2. Move the child to as cool a room as possible and encourage them to drink cool water (such as water from a cold tap).
  3. Cool the child as rapidly as possible, using whatever methods you can. For example, sponge or spray the child with cool (25 to 30°C) water – if available, place cold packs around the neck and armpits, or wrap the child in a cool, wet sheet and assist cooling with a fan.
  4. Dial 999 to request an ambulance if the person doesn’t respond to the above treatment within 30 minutes.
  5. If a child loses consciousness, or has a fit, place the child in the recovery position, call 999 immediately and follow the steps above until medical assistance arrives

  Children’s susceptibility to high temperatures varies; those who are overweight or who are taking medication may be at increased risk of adverse effects. Children under four years of age are also at increased risk. Some children with disabilities or complex health needs may be more susceptible to temperature extremes. The school nurse, community health practitioner, family health visitor or the child’s specialist health professional may be able to advise on the particular needs of the individual child.
   
  Outdoors:

  • On very hot days (30oC+), children should not take part in vigorous physical activity
  • Children playing outdoors should be encouraged to stay in the shade as much as possible
  • Loose, light-coloured clothing should be worn to help children keep cool and hats of a closed construction with wide brims should be worn to avoid sunburn
  • Thin clothing or sun cream should be used to protect skin if children are playing or taking lessons outdoors for more than 20 minutes. Choose a sunscreen that is specially formulated for babies and children’s skin as these products are less likely to contain alcohol or fragrances that might irritate the skin and cause allergic reactions
  • Children must be provided with plenty of cool water and encouraged to drink more than usual when conditions are hot

  Indoors:

  • Windows and other ventilation openings should be opened during the cool of early morning or preferably overnight to allow stored heat to escape from the building. Check insurance conditions and the need for security if windows are to be left open overnight
  • Windows and other ventilation openings should not be closed, but their openings reduced when the outdoor air becomes warmer than the air indoors. This should help keep rooms cool whilst allowing adequate ventilation
  • Use outdoor sun covers/awnings if available, or indoor blinds, but do not let solar shading devices block ventilation openings or windows
  • Keep the use of electric lighting to a minimum
  • All electrical equipment, including computers, monitors and printers should be switched off when not in use and should not be left in ‘standby mode’. Electrical equipment, when left on, or in ‘standby’ mode generates heat

  Downloadable information  

  The following advice information is available to download:

  • Advice for the public
  • Advice for Coping without a private water supply
  • Advice for those looking after children
  • Advice for event organisers
  • Advice for health professionals

   

   

• Letter from the Headteacher

  Thu 17 Feb 2022

   

  Thursday 17^th February 2022

  Dear Parent/Carer

  Following discussion with elected members, other local authorities and Welsh Government officials, Bridgend Local Authority have confirmed that all Bridgend schools will move to an online learning only model for Friday 18^th February 2022.

   

  This is in response to a red warning for wind which has been issued from the Met Office for Friday 18^th February. The Met Office defines a red warning as below:

  Red Warning: Dangerous weather is expected and, if you haven’t already done so, you should take action now to keep yourself and others safe from the impact of the severe weather. It is very likely that there will be a risk to life, with substantial disruption to travel, energy supplies and possibly widespread damage to property and infrastructure. You should avoid travelling, where possible, and follow the advice of the emergency services and local authorities.

  More information about the weather warning can be found online at https://www.metoffice.gov.uk/weather/warnings-and-advice/uk-warnings#?date=2022-02-18&id=f3167677-9b5e-464a-b11b-a9d00f9d392b

   

  Class staff will contact Parents/Carers individually to confirm the arrangements for online/blended learning tomorrow. The school will also offer telephone support for behaviour and families in crisis; please call 01656 815595 and leave a message and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

   

  Wishing you all a safe and healthy half term break and looking forward to welcoming pupils back on Monday 28^th February.

   

  Many thanks for your ongoing support and understanding.

   

   

   

  Mrs Helen Ridout

   

   

• Bridgend College open event evening (VIRTUAL)

  Thu 06 Jan 2022

  Bridgend College have an open event evening (virtual) on Thursday 13^TH January from 4:30PM – 6:30PM. You must register first by following the link.  https://www1.bridgend.ac.uk/open-events/#toggle-id-1-closed

• Letter from the Headteacher

  Wed 05 Jan 2022

  Wednesday 6^th January 2022

  Dear Parent/Carer

  Happy New Year; I sincerely hope that you have had a peaceful and safe Christmas break and that you and your families remain as safe and well as possible.

   

  Further to the letter sent by Mr Lindsay Harvey on 16^th December, Ysgol Bryn Castell have held two planning days in order to ensure we are as prepared as possible to welcome back learners to the school and start the Spring Term.

   

  Schools were advised by the Welsh Government to review the operational arrangements based on the variable measures for the ‘Very High’ level as set out in the Local Infection Control Decision Framework for schools. As a result, staff have been working hard to ensure the environment is as safe as possible for pupils and have been preparing work packs and online learning activities should the school need to close classes for any reason.

   

  As I am sure you are aware, the level of coronavirus infection remains very high and we have seen a high number of cases of coronavirus in Ysgol Bryn Castell in the Autumn term. The school has reviewed their arrangements and have implemented the following additional measures during the Spring term to promote that the school environment remains as safe as possible:

  • Welsh Government updated their guidance for Special schools over the Christmas holiday period, with staff within Special Schools being strongly encouraged to undertake daily Lateral Flow Tests prior to attending school.
  • Reduce movement and potential mixing of pupils around the school to prevent possible infection; this will mean that only KS2 pupils will access lunch provision within the main dining room and all other pupils will receive their lunch within classrooms.

   

  Due to the high levels of infection which continue to circulate, Ysgol Bryn Castell may need to move to periods of blended learning for pupils in emergency situations where the school are experiencing challenging issues. Where this is necessary, the school will try to give Parents/Carers as much notice as possible, whilst recognising the dynamic nature of the pandemic and impact on staffing. The school will always ensure that any class closures are for the minimum period of time.

   

  In-line with Welsh Government and Local Authority guidance, the school are offering twice-weekly Lateral Flow Testing to pupils in Years 7 and above. Please get in touch if you would like to discuss this in more detail.

   

  Ysgol Bryn Castell’s priority continues to be the health and wellbeing of our pupils and staff and we will continue to act in the best interests of your children as we move forward, together.

   

  Thank you for your support, encouragement and feedback.

   

   

  Mrs Helen Ridout