For assaults on staff

pupils. Reasons for permanent exclusions included assault on pupil – three in 2019, five in 2018; assault on staff – seven in 2019, five in 2018; possession of weapons – two in 2019, one in 2018; possession of substances – one in 2018; sexual misconduct – one in 2019; threatening behaviour to a pupil – one in 2019; use of illegal substances – four in 2019, two in 2018; theft – one in 2019. The rest include issues including disruptive behaviour.

Fixed term exclusions have tipped over 1,000 every year for the past five years at 1,306 last year, 1,469 in 2018, 1,533 in 2017, 1.176 in 2016 and 1.102 in 2015.

Of the 1,306 fixed term exclusions last year 135 were for assaults on staff, 200 for assaults on pupils, 151 were for verbal abuse, 32 for threatening a teacher and 11 for possessing a weapon.

Bridgend council would not give numbers for permanent exclusions in the last five years saying low numbers could lead to people being identified. But they said reasons for permanent exclusions in this period included assaults on adults and pupils as well as verbal abuse to adults.

In 2018-19 there were 917 fixed-term exclusions, compared with 714 the previous year, 775 in 201617, and 695 in 2014-15.

Again reasons included assault on staff and pupils and verbal abuse as well as racism and sexual misconduct.

In Merthyr 2018-19 there

Tydfil were in 358 fixed-term exclusions, down on 439 the previous year.

That included 14 reception pupils, 15 in year one, and 35 in year two.

The previous year there were only five exclusions for children of reception age.

There were 72 fixedterm exclusions for assaults on staff in 2018-19, 103 for assaults on pupils, 44 for verbal abuse, four for racist abuse, and nine for bringing a weapon in (none were knives or guns).

Like many people considering adoption, Nadine was concerned that she wouldn’t be a suitable candidate. She had been a midwife for decades and as a single woman working full time, she feared this would hinder her chances of becoming an adopter. However, the adoption process is available to all and the National Adoption Service’s door is always open for possible adopters.

Nadine said: “I was 47 at the time, I was a widow, I had lost a child. I was working full time. I thought they wouldn’t consider me. But then I realised, why don’t I just go for it and see what happens? So that’s what I did.”

Tracy Ennis Roberts is a senior adoption social worker at North Wales Adoption Service and she first met Nadine in 2010, at the start of the process.

“She had the normal fears,” explained Tracy. “But during the assessment process I could see how many skills she had, and didn’t even realise it. It was an absolute privilege and pleasure to be part of her journey. She has shown so much resilience and when I met her, she taught me things. She was made to be a parent.”

Tracy has been working in adoption for the past 12 years and loves her job, especially seeing children thrive and fly in their forever homes. But before this can happen, there is a thorough assessment process.

Tracy explained: “National Adoption Service has made it very straightforward to find out more about the adoption

After months of assessment and preparation, Nadine finally received a call in 2012 that changed her life forever.

Tracy had found a match for Nadine and it was twin girls.

“My first memory of meeting the girls was in their foster care home. I can see that day now, and when I walked into the conservatory and saw two little girls sitting there, I just knew they were my daughters.

“Having the girls in my life is phenomenal and I love seeing the world through their eyes. I’m so proud when I walk down the road holding my girls’ hands.”

Nadine has been open and honest with her daughters about the adoption process, and they are aware about their birth family. This is something Nadine feels is vitally important and has strengthened the bond with her daughters, as they tell her she is the “best mummy.”

Support from the National Adoption Service has also remained through the years, and Nadine knows Tracy is there if she needs guidance.

Adoption has changed Nadine’s life, and she encourages others to apply if they have the same desire to become a parent.

Nadine added: “Adoption is the best thing you’ll ever do. People will say, ‘Your children are lucky to have you as a mum’ and I’ll say, ‘No, I’m the lucky one to have them as my daughters.’”

To find out more about adoption and National Adoption Service, go to: www.adoptcymru.com