KELLS AND CONNOR PRIMARY SCHOOL
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
ANNUAL REPORT 2020/2021
(January 2020-March 2020 Covid Lockdown)
KELLS AND CONNOR PRIMARY SCHOOL
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Prize Day 2021
This school year again, will be remembered for the school response to the Covid pandemic. Praise needs to go to pupils, parents and staff in their attempts to minimise the disruption caused by the pandemic in our community. The school successfully completed the year without any positive tests among pupils, which could be traced from ‘in school’ transfer. In all, 54 days of school term were lost from Covid lockdown with staff and parents moving to online teaching and learning. An additional lockdown week, to be used as a circuit breaker, was introduced in October to offset the spread of Covid, as the levels reached a peak during the winter. School continued to operate classes in protective bubbles to minimise the risk of virus spread. Additional efforts and funding was directed to cleaning the building and delivering high levels of sanitation. Students, staff and pupils adapted to staggered entry times and traffic flow restrictions around the building. Immense credit must be given to all in the school community who continued to support the pupils and ensure the best provision possible under the difficult conditions. Pupil assessments taken at the end of the year suggest an encouraging picture as regards academic achievement and improvement during the period. Close attention was also focused to wellbeing issues which effected a few pupils and their families. Covid has forced the school and its management to adapt to changing circumstances and provide what is best and safe for the pupils in our care. Details of assessment figures and efforts to enhance the pastoral care, are documented in the report. Continuing efforts and support will also be needed into the new year, commencing in September 2021, as we adapt to living alongside the virus in the community, but not allowing it to hamper or stall the pupils’ academic development.
The school has been greatly affected by the pressures and uncertainty of Covid-19 during the last year. The school community did not escape the scourge of Covid-19 and lost a valued member of the school community, Mr G Kernohan, as a result of Covid infection. Mr Kernohan had served the school for over 30 years and had been Vice Chairperson on the Board of Governors for many of those years. Mr Kernohan had sent his own family to the school and currently his grandchildren attend the school. He was a great judge of character and a source of wisdom which steered the school Governors on many an occasion.
Governors Meetings
During the year Governors continued to lead school via business meetings carried out under online platforms, such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams. This was an extremely busy year for Governors meeting throughout term and school holiday times. Meetings between August 2020 to July 2021 involved 12 meetings mainly held on zoom. With the relaxation of Covid restraints in May 2021, the Governors met in smaller groups and conducted interviews for staff appointments. Thank you to all loyal Governors who attended these meetings and contributed to the leadership and management of the school. The business included:
Appointment of Building Supervisor
Update on School Budget Spending
Proposed School Budget 2021/22
Approval of Admissions Criteria
Financial Planning for the next three years and Approval of Budget for 2021/2022
School Development Planning 2020/2021
Staffing 2021/2022
P1 Admissions
Transfer of Year 7 and removal of Transfer Test 2021
Bereavement of Mr G Kernohan serving Vice Chairperson.
Application for Temporary Adjustment of Contract (Teacher)
Recruitment of Temporary Assistant Teacher Position P1
Building Renovation and Improvement Requests
Retirement of Principal in December 2021
School Accommodation and Parking Improvements
Shared Education Project Update Year 3
Provision for Online Learning and Remote Learning Policy
School Closure due to Covid Lockdown Restrictions
Provision for Key Workers during Covid Lockdown
Provision of Online Learning, Blended and Remote Learning
Reopening September 2021 within Covid Guidelines
Covid Risk Assessment for pupils and staff under DENI Guidelines
Update of Restart in August 2021
Mr Kernohan retires after 26 years in school as Building Supervisor.
Staffing Complement 2020/2021
Teaching Staff
1. Mr R McClelland BSc Hons PGCE, PQHNI Principal
2. Mrs V Richmond BEd Hons P2 (Senior Teacher)
3. Mrs J Fisher BEd Hons P7
4. Mrs N McQuitty BEd Hons Msc P6
5. Mrs J Boyd BEd Hons P5
6. Mrs C Fisher BEd Hons P4
7. Miss N Moore BEd Hons P3
9. Mrs N Wray BEd Hons P1
10. Mrs A Calver Bed Hons Special Needs Teacher
Ancillary Staff
Mrs G McKeown Clerical Officer
Mr J Kernohan Building Supervisor (Retired December 2020)
Mr N Glass Building Supervisor January 2021
Mrs H Nesbitt Classroom Assistant - P1
Mrs H Davison Classroom Assistant/ Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant
Mrs K Carson SEN Classroom Assistant
Miss E Boyd SEN Classroom Assistant
Mrs J Stewart SEN Classroom Assistant Part-Time
Mrs C McLaughlin SEN Classroom Assistant Part-Time
Mrs S Browne SEN Classroom Assistant Maternity Oct 2020
Mrs S Boardman SEN Classroom Assistant Maternity cover Oct 2020-June 2021
Mrs B Thompson SEN Classroom Assistant Temporary
Mr D Craig Crossing Patrol
Miss Hegarty (P1) and Mr Glass (Building Supervisor) new members to the staff.
Staffing and Teaching Support
In May 2021 the existing Principal Mr Roy McClelland, announced his retirement in December 2021. The Principal hoped by that stage, that the new staff would be recruited and in place to fill his position, as well get the new staff mentioned above, settled into the school. The timing was also scheduled to allow a more normal timetable and conditions, to return to school after the disruption of Covid. Mr McClelland thanked the Governors for their support which he had experienced in the school over many years. He had first come to the school as a temporary teacher in September 1993 and moved rapidly to Vice Principal, then Principal. He had been acting Principal three years prior to becoming Principal in 2000. The school had changed, improved and developed under his leadership and remained well placed to take on the next challenges post Covid. The application for admission of 46 new pupils to Year 1 alone in September 2021 is testament that the school is well thought of in the local area and it has potential to expand further in the next few years. Recruitment of the new Principal would be completed for a transition of leadership in December 2021.
Mrs Gul continued with violin tuition and preparation for ABRSM examinations until the closure in March. The school also continued flute tuition with six pupils being taught by Tutor Mr Bingham, who saw his first pupils leave school for Year 8 orchestras. Unfortunately, the Braid Festival was cancelled this year and no entries for choir or choral speaking were possible. The Behavioural Specialists team also supported individual pupils during the school year. The Education Psychology team supported pupils and made diagnoses during the year. The extended Flu Vaccination Programme involved the use of Health professionals and Nurses during Term 1. Audiology Services also supported pupils in school during the year. Teaching staff took part in Anaphylaxis training in August prior to the start of term.
Covid Response 2021
School again faced many challenges during another lockdown period in January to March 2021. In all
54 days were lost to lockdown and only Keyworker families sent their children to school. Staff continued to work from home or in school on a rota system, with those children attending. The school operated on a three-day week to accommodate the needs of these children. Vulnerable children were also highlighted and these children attended during this period. Numbers attending could range and reached as high as 35 on occasions. Three class bases were set up and a variety of numeracy, literacy supports, as well as wellbeing activities.
Covid lockdown activities and introduction of pupil Wellbeing activities.
The school continued throughout Covid to offer support and school provision with reduced staff during the complete lockdown. Governors would like to acknowledge and recognise the extreme pressure that lockdown and remote learning placed on the staff during these uncertain times. The school was proud of the rapid response to remote learning and adaption to the unfamiliar circumstances. Any request for day time care for a keyworker child or vulnerable children was accommodated by the school. Staff also provided pastoral care via telephone for parents struggling to support home schooling during lockdown. Thanks to the Principal and staff who worked hard to ensure the least disruption and harm to the education and development of the pupils during lockdown. Staff also recognise the efforts of parents working from home, who also played an important role in reducing disruption and the damage to pupils’ development.
Wellbeing and Covid funding was awarded to the school during lockdown and the return to school. High levels of sanitation and management of pupil congestion, assisted in preventing the spread of the virus among pupils. School timetable adjustments, including the use of staggered arrival and departure times, where employed to avoid large groups of people gathering or congregating. Additional cleaning hours and regimes were also afforded to deter the spread of infection. No positive case of a pupil was recorded within school or tracked as transferrable from the school setting. Throughout the whole year and on a continual basis, families connected to school did experience the virus and so isolation from the school setting was necessary. The school applied and received funding from the Department of Education to hold a Summer School in July, to attempt to address the needs of vulnerable children and groups who had missed social interaction and many practical activities, during the disruption brought by Covid. A Summer School operated by school staff, was set up during the first three weeks in July.
There is no doubt that Covid had an influence on what width of experiences and opportunities school could offer and provide to the students during a year of close regulation and unpredictable transmission trends in community. The school was proud to see the school year completed without any positive cases in school or traced transmissions through school contacts. Credit to the pupils who adapted well to strict spacing in class and the preservation of classroom bubbles, during the school day. The school received emergency funding and financial assistance from the Department of Education with the purchase of sanitation equipment as well as extended cleaning hours. Additional cleaning equipment and sanitation dispensers quickly became a part of everyday regimes. To facilitate this, the pupils and parents arrived at school during staggered times and the regimented school bell timetable was removed, to allow flexibility and calm as the children moved within the building. Kitchen staff accommodated the need to serve lunches in some classrooms, to avoid congested groups gathering in the dining hall. Groups remained segregated as much as possible during the school day and many of the extra curriculum activities could not be accommodated.
Mrs Andrew and Mrs Andrews providing meals to the classrooms, to maintain the protective ‘class’ bubbles
Summer Scheme 2021
Staff and learning assistants volunteered to provide additional learning support during the first three weeks in July and to set up a Summer Scheme. The activities planned over three weeks lasted from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm each day. The aim of the Summer Scheme was to allow children to have a more varied and positive experience of school, after the disruption of Covid. Priority places were given to children who had been out of school during lockdown, or had shown symptoms of not adapting well to the return to learning. With the availability of the Principal, four teaching staff and four classroom assistants, all requests to attend were accommodated. Sixty children were involved in the scheme which finished on 16th July. The scheme focused on the Year 4, 5 and 6 pupils. Each day, varied activities were planned from cooking, cycling skills, welling being activities, craft, technology, drama and team games. The scheme also hosted additional organisations to enhance the educational delivery and experiences. Thanks to these groups, who included Sentinus, Sustrans, Mid and East Antrim Sports Coach, Kells Library, Antrim Taekwondo, World of Owls and Skills School.
Outdoor fun and learning activities in the Summer Scheme 2021
School Learning Links
The school continues to sponsor 2 pupils in Tanzania and El Salvador. Donations are raised through Harvest and Christmas giving from parents. Generous donations were made by parents during the year to enhance the fund and to allow gifts to be purchased for the children we support.
Our Shared Education link with St Oliver Plunkett’s Primary School in Toomebridge, had to be put on hold this year due to lockdown and isolation of classes in school. The school successfully applied for further funding in 2021/22 and was successful in setting up the programme, to continue in the next school year. Funding for resourcing the school links was still given to school during 2020/21 to enhance resources around school. The school received in the region of £2000 in resources. These funds were spent on additional practical learning materials, to enhance the project for next year.
During Terms 1 and 2, the full variety of outdoor games and activity clubs ran each afternoon. The Cookery Club continued online, even when the school was in lockdown, with children attempting the recipes at home. The environmental club ‘TWIGS’, continued to encourage more recycling in school as a theme for their Eco School Award entry. The school obtained the ECO Award in January 2020 which acknowledged the great environmental work carried out in school, led by Mrs Wray and the TWIGS (Together We Improved Green Spaces) Club. This prestigious quality mark will be held until 2023.
Year 7 did not participate in any residential outdoor trip because of the Covid closure, but did attend Breckenhill Outdoor Centre near Tildarg, as an end of term treat. The pupils enjoyed a fun-filled day with classmates, in a variety of outdoor activities and workshops.
Year Seven at Breckenhill Outdoor Centre.
Pupil Academic Achievement Post Lockdown 2021
The main standardised assessment tool remains GL Assessment. The school uses CAT Cognitive Ability Tests, PTM (Progress Test in Maths) and PTE (Progress Test in English). Standardised scores are completed normally in June. With Covid closures, these standardised tests would be set in October, to assess what fall back in levels of literacy and numeracy had occurred due to six months out of school. During this academic year unusually, assessment was carried out in October 2020 and also June 2021. The scores below are recorded for June 2021 and reflect favourably as regard the levels reached by pupils, by the end of the summer term in June 2021. It is noticeable that scores for Year 7 taken at the end of the school year, are disappointing in comparison to the rest of school. It is worthy to note that the group had prepared for the transfer test well into January 2021 before hearing that the assessments had been cancelled. The group remained in limbo until late in the summer term, before hearing how the new school criteria allowed them to transfer without using AQE results. The year seven pupils moving to grammar placements, compared favourably to previous years, but the lack of a score for pupils who were the oldest with no sibling links to schools in the area, was a disadvantage for them. The practice scores would have indicated that potential results could have assisted at least two children, to achieve grammar school places.
Assessment Summary June 2021.
PTM/PTE /CAT Assessments
Pupils Performing at Expected Levels and Above.
Numeracy
Literacy
Primary 4
100%
74%
Primary 5
93%
74%
Primary 6
63%
89%
Primary 7
72%
68%
Whole School P4-7
83%
78%
End of Key Stage Assessment
Estimated End of Key Stage Assessment JUNE 2021
Key Stage 1 % of pupils at levels Class Size 28
June 2021
Levels
W
1
2
3
English KC
3
3
73
20
English NI
2
12
71
15
Mathematics KC
0
0
82
18
Mathematics NI
3
0
87
10
Key Stage 2 % of pupils at levels Class Size 23
June 2021 Levels
1
2
3
4
5
English KC
0
0
17.4
82.6
0
English NI
1
3
18
61
17
Mathematics KC
0
0
13
87
0
Mathematics NI
1
3
16
58
22
Our transferring pupils continue to move in creditable numbers, to Grammar and Integrated schools. With the removal of the test procedure late in January, the Key Stage 3 schools used additional criteria to place pupils. Most children were properly placed, though the school did lobby local grammar placements to take a very capable individual who was disadvantaged. The child, having no other siblings in local schools and being the eldest, did not gain access to a grammar setting, which he could have had if he had been able to sit an AQE test.
Enrolment and Attendance
The overall enrolment total of the school finished at 185 in June 2021. The school’s overall attendance was 97% up to March 2020. Covid influenced the whole year and parents were encouraged not to send children to school if any indication of virus infection. Forty-six new pupils registered in school for Year 1 in September 2021. This was very encouraging to see future growth of the school into next decade. The Educational Welfare Officer was not called to review cases where attendance could be improved. Trends among children and the effect of the lockdown would be monitored in the autumn. The Principal and staff had ongoing engagement with Child Protection Agencies during the school year.
SCHOOL FINANCIAL REPORT
Since the introduction of Local Management of Schools, each school is given a budget, which is under the control of the Governors. The school must operate within this budget. Figures quoted are from Outturn Statement April 2021.
BUDGET AND EXPENDITURE REPORT
(Financial Year April 2019 - March 2020. Final End of Year Financial Statement)
BUDGET ANALYSIS
Initial Budget
546,309
Additional Allocations
46,864
(see below)
Carry Over19/20
-20,778
Total Budget
572,395
EXPENDITURE
Teaching Staff Costs
491,686
Non-Teaching Staff Costs
82,567
Staff- Other Costs
488
Premises Fixed Plant & Gdns
10,638
Operating Costs
11,441
Non Capital Purchases
2,469
Re-allocations
856
(Ground Maintenance)
Capital Expenditure
1,876
Income
-2,684
Net Expenditure
599,337
Carry Over 20/21
-26,942
The budget projection for 2021/2022 shows an improving financial position, with the projected overspend to be reduced in 2022 and into the proceeding two years of the current three-year projection. Adjustments and retirements in staff and the ever increasing projected roles for the next few years, will help ease the restrictive nature of financial management, which we have been under these last few years.
The school has shown its resilience amidst the scourge and trials of Covid19. Academic results indicate a level of achievement which is very credible amidst a time of lockdown and social distancing. Pupils, parents and staff have had to adapt quickly during the last year. The school continues to develop its reputation as a provider of quality education for children at all level and backgrounds. During the past year of such uncertainty, it is only through committed parents, teachers and leaders that the school has continued to serve the children in its care. Huge congratulations to all and the hope that such pressures are never again placed on the school in the future. The school community is well placed to take these standards and provision to new levels as look into the years ahead.
KELLS AND CONNOR PRIMARY SCHOOL
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
ANNUAL REPORT 2020/2021
(January 2020-March 2020 Covid Lockdown)
KELLS AND CONNOR PRIMARY SCHOOL
BOARD OF GOVERNORS
Prize Day 2021
This school year again, will be remembered for the school response to the Covid pandemic. Praise needs to go to pupils, parents and staff in their attempts to minimise the disruption caused by the pandemic in our community. The school successfully completed the year without any positive tests among pupils, which could be traced from ‘in school’ transfer. In all, 54 days of school term were lost from Covid lockdown with staff and parents moving to online teaching and learning. An additional lockdown week, to be used as a circuit breaker, was introduced in October to offset the spread of Covid, as the levels reached a peak during the winter. School continued to operate classes in protective bubbles to minimise the risk of virus spread. Additional efforts and funding was directed to cleaning the building and delivering high levels of sanitation. Students, staff and pupils adapted to staggered entry times and traffic flow restrictions around the building. Immense credit must be given to all in the school community who continued to support the pupils and ensure the best provision possible under the difficult conditions. Pupil assessments taken at the end of the year suggest an encouraging picture as regards academic achievement and improvement during the period. Close attention was also focused to wellbeing issues which effected a few pupils and their families. Covid has forced the school and its management to adapt to changing circumstances and provide what is best and safe for the pupils in our care. Details of assessment figures and efforts to enhance the pastoral care, are documented in the report. Continuing efforts and support will also be needed into the new year, commencing in September 2021, as we adapt to living alongside the virus in the community, but not allowing it to hamper or stall the pupils’ academic development.
The school has been greatly affected by the pressures and uncertainty of Covid-19 during the last year. The school community did not escape the scourge of Covid-19 and lost a valued member of the school community, Mr G Kernohan, as a result of Covid infection. Mr Kernohan had served the school for over 30 years and had been Vice Chairperson on the Board of Governors for many of those years. Mr Kernohan had sent his own family to the school and currently his grandchildren attend the school. He was a great judge of character and a source of wisdom which steered the school Governors on many an occasion.
Governors Meetings
During the year Governors continued to lead school via business meetings carried out under online platforms, such as Zoom or Microsoft Teams. This was an extremely busy year for Governors meeting throughout term and school holiday times. Meetings between August 2020 to July 2021 involved 12 meetings mainly held on zoom. With the relaxation of Covid restraints in May 2021, the Governors met in smaller groups and conducted interviews for staff appointments. Thank you to all loyal Governors who attended these meetings and contributed to the leadership and management of the school. The business included:
Appointment of Building Supervisor
Update on School Budget Spending
Proposed School Budget 2021/22
Approval of Admissions Criteria
Financial Planning for the next three years and Approval of Budget for 2021/2022
School Development Planning 2020/2021
Staffing 2021/2022
P1 Admissions
Transfer of Year 7 and removal of Transfer Test 2021
Bereavement of Mr G Kernohan serving Vice Chairperson.
Application for Temporary Adjustment of Contract (Teacher)
Recruitment of Temporary Assistant Teacher Position P1
Building Renovation and Improvement Requests
Retirement of Principal in December 2021
School Accommodation and Parking Improvements
Shared Education Project Update Year 3
Provision for Online Learning and Remote Learning Policy
School Closure due to Covid Lockdown Restrictions
Provision for Key Workers during Covid Lockdown
Provision of Online Learning, Blended and Remote Learning
Reopening September 2021 within Covid Guidelines
Covid Risk Assessment for pupils and staff under DENI Guidelines
Update of Restart in August 2021
Mr Kernohan retires after 26 years in school as Building Supervisor.
Staffing Complement 2020/2021
Teaching Staff
1. Mr R McClelland BSc Hons PGCE, PQHNI Principal
2. Mrs V Richmond BEd Hons P2 (Senior Teacher)
3. Mrs J Fisher BEd Hons P7
4. Mrs N McQuitty BEd Hons Msc P6
5. Mrs J Boyd BEd Hons P5
6. Mrs C Fisher BEd Hons P4
7. Miss N Moore BEd Hons P3
9. Mrs N Wray BEd Hons P1
10. Mrs A Calver Bed Hons Special Needs Teacher
Ancillary Staff
Mrs G McKeown Clerical Officer
Mr J Kernohan Building Supervisor (Retired December 2020)
Mr N Glass Building Supervisor January 2021
Mrs H Nesbitt Classroom Assistant - P1
Mrs H Davison Classroom Assistant/ Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant
Mrs K Carson SEN Classroom Assistant
Miss E Boyd SEN Classroom Assistant
Mrs J Stewart SEN Classroom Assistant Part-Time
Mrs C McLaughlin SEN Classroom Assistant Part-Time
Mrs S Browne SEN Classroom Assistant Maternity Oct 2020
Mrs S Boardman SEN Classroom Assistant Maternity cover Oct 2020-June 2021
Mrs B Thompson SEN Classroom Assistant Temporary
Mr D Craig Crossing Patrol
Miss Hegarty (P1) and Mr Glass (Building Supervisor) new members to the staff.
Staffing and Teaching Support
In May 2021 the existing Principal Mr Roy McClelland, announced his retirement in December 2021. The Principal hoped by that stage, that the new staff would be recruited and in place to fill his position, as well get the new staff mentioned above, settled into the school. The timing was also scheduled to allow a more normal timetable and conditions, to return to school after the disruption of Covid. Mr McClelland thanked the Governors for their support which he had experienced in the school over many years. He had first come to the school as a temporary teacher in September 1993 and moved rapidly to Vice Principal, then Principal. He had been acting Principal three years prior to becoming Principal in 2000. The school had changed, improved and developed under his leadership and remained well placed to take on the next challenges post Covid. The application for admission of 46 new pupils to Year 1 alone in September 2021 is testament that the school is well thought of in the local area and it has potential to expand further in the next few years. Recruitment of the new Principal would be completed for a transition of leadership in December 2021.
Mrs Gul continued with violin tuition and preparation for ABRSM examinations until the closure in March. The school also continued flute tuition with six pupils being taught by Tutor Mr Bingham, who saw his first pupils leave school for Year 8 orchestras. Unfortunately, the Braid Festival was cancelled this year and no entries for choir or choral speaking were possible. The Behavioural Specialists team also supported individual pupils during the school year. The Education Psychology team supported pupils and made diagnoses during the year. The extended Flu Vaccination Programme involved the use of Health professionals and Nurses during Term 1. Audiology Services also supported pupils in school during the year. Teaching staff took part in Anaphylaxis training in August prior to the start of term.
Covid Response 2021
School again faced many challenges during another lockdown period in January to March 2021. In all
54 days were lost to lockdown and only Keyworker families sent their children to school. Staff continued to work from home or in school on a rota system, with those children attending. The school operated on a three-day week to accommodate the needs of these children. Vulnerable children were also highlighted and these children attended during this period. Numbers attending could range and reached as high as 35 on occasions. Three class bases were set up and a variety of numeracy, literacy supports, as well as wellbeing activities.
Covid lockdown activities and introduction of pupil Wellbeing activities.
The school continued throughout Covid to offer support and school provision with reduced staff during the complete lockdown. Governors would like to acknowledge and recognise the extreme pressure that lockdown and remote learning placed on the staff during these uncertain times. The school was proud of the rapid response to remote learning and adaption to the unfamiliar circumstances. Any request for day time care for a keyworker child or vulnerable children was accommodated by the school. Staff also provided pastoral care via telephone for parents struggling to support home schooling during lockdown. Thanks to the Principal and staff who worked hard to ensure the least disruption and harm to the education and development of the pupils during lockdown. Staff also recognise the efforts of parents working from home, who also played an important role in reducing disruption and the damage to pupils’ development.
Wellbeing and Covid funding was awarded to the school during lockdown and the return to school. High levels of sanitation and management of pupil congestion, assisted in preventing the spread of the virus among pupils. School timetable adjustments, including the use of staggered arrival and departure times, where employed to avoid large groups of people gathering or congregating. Additional cleaning hours and regimes were also afforded to deter the spread of infection. No positive case of a pupil was recorded within school or tracked as transferrable from the school setting. Throughout the whole year and on a continual basis, families connected to school did experience the virus and so isolation from the school setting was necessary. The school applied and received funding from the Department of Education to hold a Summer School in July, to attempt to address the needs of vulnerable children and groups who had missed social interaction and many practical activities, during the disruption brought by Covid. A Summer School operated by school staff, was set up during the first three weeks in July.
There is no doubt that Covid had an influence on what width of experiences and opportunities school could offer and provide to the students during a year of close regulation and unpredictable transmission trends in community. The school was proud to see the school year completed without any positive cases in school or traced transmissions through school contacts. Credit to the pupils who adapted well to strict spacing in class and the preservation of classroom bubbles, during the school day. The school received emergency funding and financial assistance from the Department of Education with the purchase of sanitation equipment as well as extended cleaning hours. Additional cleaning equipment and sanitation dispensers quickly became a part of everyday regimes. To facilitate this, the pupils and parents arrived at school during staggered times and the regimented school bell timetable was removed, to allow flexibility and calm as the children moved within the building. Kitchen staff accommodated the need to serve lunches in some classrooms, to avoid congested groups gathering in the dining hall. Groups remained segregated as much as possible during the school day and many of the extra curriculum activities could not be accommodated.
Mrs Andrew and Mrs Andrews providing meals to the classrooms, to maintain the protective ‘class’ bubbles
Summer Scheme 2021
Staff and learning assistants volunteered to provide additional learning support during the first three weeks in July and to set up a Summer Scheme. The activities planned over three weeks lasted from 9:00 am until 2:00 pm each day. The aim of the Summer Scheme was to allow children to have a more varied and positive experience of school, after the disruption of Covid. Priority places were given to children who had been out of school during lockdown, or had shown symptoms of not adapting well to the return to learning. With the availability of the Principal, four teaching staff and four classroom assistants, all requests to attend were accommodated. Sixty children were involved in the scheme which finished on 16th July. The scheme focused on the Year 4, 5 and 6 pupils. Each day, varied activities were planned from cooking, cycling skills, welling being activities, craft, technology, drama and team games. The scheme also hosted additional organisations to enhance the educational delivery and experiences. Thanks to these groups, who included Sentinus, Sustrans, Mid and East Antrim Sports Coach, Kells Library, Antrim Taekwondo, World of Owls and Skills School.
Outdoor fun and learning activities in the Summer Scheme 2021
School Learning Links
The school continues to sponsor 2 pupils in Tanzania and El Salvador. Donations are raised through Harvest and Christmas giving from parents. Generous donations were made by parents during the year to enhance the fund and to allow gifts to be purchased for the children we support.
Our Shared Education link with St Oliver Plunkett’s Primary School in Toomebridge, had to be put on hold this year due to lockdown and isolation of classes in school. The school successfully applied for further funding in 2021/22 and was successful in setting up the programme, to continue in the next school year. Funding for resourcing the school links was still given to school during 2020/21 to enhance resources around school. The school received in the region of £2000 in resources. These funds were spent on additional practical learning materials, to enhance the project for next year.
During Terms 1 and 2, the full variety of outdoor games and activity clubs ran each afternoon. The Cookery Club continued online, even when the school was in lockdown, with children attempting the recipes at home. The environmental club ‘TWIGS’, continued to encourage more recycling in school as a theme for their Eco School Award entry. The school obtained the ECO Award in January 2020 which acknowledged the great environmental work carried out in school, led by Mrs Wray and the TWIGS (Together We Improved Green Spaces) Club. This prestigious quality mark will be held until 2023.
Year 7 did not participate in any residential outdoor trip because of the Covid closure, but did attend Breckenhill Outdoor Centre near Tildarg, as an end of term treat. The pupils enjoyed a fun-filled day with classmates, in a variety of outdoor activities and workshops.
Year Seven at Breckenhill Outdoor Centre.
Pupil Academic Achievement Post Lockdown 2021
The main standardised assessment tool remains GL Assessment. The school uses CAT Cognitive Ability Tests, PTM (Progress Test in Maths) and PTE (Progress Test in English). Standardised scores are completed normally in June. With Covid closures, these standardised tests would be set in October, to assess what fall back in levels of literacy and numeracy had occurred due to six months out of school. During this academic year unusually, assessment was carried out in October 2020 and also June 2021. The scores below are recorded for June 2021 and reflect favourably as regard the levels reached by pupils, by the end of the summer term in June 2021. It is noticeable that scores for Year 7 taken at the end of the school year, are disappointing in comparison to the rest of school. It is worthy to note that the group had prepared for the transfer test well into January 2021 before hearing that the assessments had been cancelled. The group remained in limbo until late in the summer term, before hearing how the new school criteria allowed them to transfer without using AQE results. The year seven pupils moving to grammar placements, compared favourably to previous years, but the lack of a score for pupils who were the oldest with no sibling links to schools in the area, was a disadvantage for them. The practice scores would have indicated that potential results could have assisted at least two children, to achieve grammar school places.
Assessment Summary June 2021.
PTM/PTE /CAT Assessments
Pupils Performing at Expected Levels and Above.
Numeracy
Literacy
Primary 4
100%
74%
Primary 5
93%
74%
Primary 6
63%
89%
Primary 7
72%
68%
Whole School P4-7
83%
78%
End of Key Stage Assessment
Estimated End of Key Stage Assessment JUNE 2021
Key Stage 1 % of pupils at levels Class Size 28
June 2021
Levels
W
1
2
3
English KC
3
3
73
20
English NI
2
12
71
15
Mathematics KC
0
0
82
18
Mathematics NI
3
0
87
10
Key Stage 2 % of pupils at levels Class Size 23
June 2021 Levels
1
2
3
4
5
English KC
0
0
17.4
82.6
0
English NI
1
3
18
61
17
Mathematics KC
0
0
13
87
0
Mathematics NI
1
3
16
58
22
Our transferring pupils continue to move in creditable numbers, to Grammar and Integrated schools. With the removal of the test procedure late in January, the Key Stage 3 schools used additional criteria to place pupils. Most children were properly placed, though the school did lobby local grammar placements to take a very capable individual who was disadvantaged. The child, having no other siblings in local schools and being the eldest, did not gain access to a grammar setting, which he could have had if he had been able to sit an AQE test.
Enrolment and Attendance
The overall enrolment total of the school finished at 185 in June 2021. The school’s overall attendance was 97% up to March 2020. Covid influenced the whole year and parents were encouraged not to send children to school if any indication of virus infection. Forty-six new pupils registered in school for Year 1 in September 2021. This was very encouraging to see future growth of the school into next decade. The Educational Welfare Officer was not called to review cases where attendance could be improved. Trends among children and the effect of the lockdown would be monitored in the autumn. The Principal and staff had ongoing engagement with Child Protection Agencies during the school year.
SCHOOL FINANCIAL REPORT
Since the introduction of Local Management of Schools, each school is given a budget, which is under the control of the Governors. The school must operate within this budget. Figures quoted are from Outturn Statement April 2021.
BUDGET AND EXPENDITURE REPORT
(Financial Year April 2019 - March 2020. Final End of Year Financial Statement)
BUDGET ANALYSIS
Initial Budget
546,309
Additional Allocations
46,864
(see below)
Carry Over19/20
-20,778
Total Budget
572,395
EXPENDITURE
Teaching Staff Costs
491,686
Non-Teaching Staff Costs
82,567
Staff- Other Costs
488
Premises Fixed Plant & Gdns
10,638
Operating Costs
11,441
Non Capital Purchases
2,469
Re-allocations
856
(Ground Maintenance)
Capital Expenditure
1,876
Income
-2,684
Net Expenditure
599,337
Carry Over 20/21
-26,942
The budget projection for 2021/2022 shows an improving financial position, with the projected overspend to be reduced in 2022 and into the proceeding two years of the current three-year projection. Adjustments and retirements in staff and the ever increasing projected roles for the next few years, will help ease the restrictive nature of financial management, which we have been under these last few years.
The school has shown its resilience amidst the scourge and trials of Covid19. Academic results indicate a level of achievement which is very credible amidst a time of lockdown and social distancing. Pupils, parents and staff have had to adapt quickly during the last year. The school continues to develop its reputation as a provider of quality education for children at all level and backgrounds. During the past year of such uncertainty, it is only through committed parents, teachers and leaders that the school has continued to serve the children in its care. Huge congratulations to all and the hope that such pressures are never again placed on the school in the future. The school community is well placed to take these standards and provision to new levels as look into the years ahead.
