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ACCESS FOR THE DISABLED
In accordance with the latest requirements, a special ramp is located outside the Headteacher’s office to provide convenient access for the disabled. There is also a purpose-built toilet for the physically disabled.
ARRIVING AT THE SCHOOL
The school accepts responsibility for the children for 10 minutes prior to and after each teaching session, Parents are regularly reminded that teachers are not responsible for the children officially until 8:50 a.m. and that children should not arrive at the school before that time. The teachers await the children at the door to receive them and we kindly ask parents not to enter the school when handing the children over to the school’s care in the morning.
BEHAVIOURAL SUPPORT
Here at Ysgol Cwm y Glo, our policy clearly states that the emphasis should be placed on the positive – through encouragement and praise, as well as insist upon appropriate behaviour at all times. We are of the view that this fosters and reinforces respect towards peers, adults and property.
We try and create a proper ethos throughout the School that will secure a happy and
well-organized environment - by means of strategies which will aim to achieve development of self-discipline.
We implement the Webster –Stratton system throughout the whole school, again commending specific and positive actions. This is also the Authority’s official strategy by now.
Effort is rewarded through a stars system, with KS2 pupils being awarded stickers at a weekly awards ceremony.
If a child continues to misbehave (despite all reasonable efforts by the School), impairing the natural running of the class or the School, we follow LEA guidelines and the child may possibly be excluded.
Foul language of any kind under any circumstances is prohibited. The Governors are firmly of the opinion that measures towards exclusion should be taken if this occurs.
CHARGING
We always try and keep costs as reasonable as possible. We ask for a contribution e.g. towards the cost of the bus to the weekly swimming/tennis/gymnastics lessons (currently £1.50).We are fortunate in that the PTA subsidizes us a great deal.
It is envisaged that several trips will be held during school hours which will provide pupils with valuable experiences.
The school is, according to the 1988 Education Act
• entitled to request a voluntary contribution towards the cost of arranging the trip
• entitled to ask an external agent to organize the trip.
The Headteacher is authorized to request payment for –
• activities held outside school hours
• damage caused to any section of the school building following misbehaviour
• loss of a book or equipment or property belonging to the school
The Headteacher and Governing Body reserve the right to cancel an organized activity if it appears that low contributions will incur a substantial loss.
Instrumental lessons cost £25 a term (for 10 lessons) and a child is expected to follow the scheme for at least a year. A specialist’s service is purchased for this.
COMPLAINTS PROCEDURES
The LEA, in accordance with the requirements stipulated by the Secretary of State, under Section 23 of the 1980 Education Reform Act, have established a procedure to consider how schools governing Bodies and the LEA act as regards the school curriculum and other associated matters. This arrangement is outlined in a document in Welsh and English which is available at the school.
Any parents who wish to lodge a complaint under these arrangements will be provided with a free copy, and the Authority can provide a copy in a language other than in Welsh and English, if required. It is however stressed that many complaints can be handled rapidly and effectively through an informal discussion based on discussions with the Headteacher. This is the first reasonable measure to take, and the Governing Body will expect this step to have been taken prior to the formal presentation of the complaint, except in exceptional cases.
To arrange an appointment with the Headteacher, please contact the school.
CORRESPONDENCE
Information is regularly provided on the term’s activities through monthly letters. All correspondence will be bilingual. You are kindly requested to carefully read all correspondence.
CURRICULUM STATEMENT
As has already been mentioned, this year there are three classes in the morning and in the afternoon.
The school curriculum presents statutory requirements following the National Curriculum. But many more than just the statutory requirements are presented here –Dragon Sports is an exemplar programme.
There are four core subjects, namely, Mathematics, Science and English (that are officially taught at Key Stage 2). These are not only taught as ‘subjects’ but also as permanently cross-curricular.
There are also foundation subjects namely Geography, History, Religious Education, Art, Music, Technology, Information Technology and Communication, and Physical Education.
Part of the work is thematically planned. This facilitates the contents and to implement the large number of Programmes of Study which form the National Curriculum.
The work is presented using various arrangements - entire class, groups, pairs, individually or jointly with another class. There is a balance of methods which are decided according to task, pupils and level of support provided. There is also work which is differentiated in its objective or contents so as to provide support and challenges all children in the class. Often, it can be seen that the best method of presenting a message is through a visit!
DOCUMENTS THAT ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION
You may, if you so wish, inspect several documents such as Welsh Office/Assembly Government circulars, LEA Policies, Governing Body Policies, School HMI reports, syllabuses and annual report for parents.
Arrangements to do so can be made through contacting the Headteacher.
The school also has a current Freedom of Information Plan.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AND RACIAL EQUALITY
We recognize that our children are growing up in a diverse community full of differences, not only racial but religious, dress, food and language which reflects these contemporary changes. Our objective is to reflect those differences and therefore, reflect those differences and expand all the pupils education to enable them to comprehend and appreciate the multi-cultural nature of various societies. At Ysgol Cwm y Glo, we would:-
• Provide an equal opportunity, for every pupil, irrespective of gender, ability, cultural and ethnic background.
• Ensure that no child is discriminated against on grounds of race, creed, gender, language, educational ability, social status or disability
• Ensure that the entire curriculum range and the school’s entire resources are available to every pupil.
• Ensure that positive social aspects are fostered at the school.
• Foster good contacts between members of various racial, cultural and religious groups and communities.
• Eliminate illegal discrimination - based on Race Relations (Amended) act 2000.
Our Equal Opportunities policy reflects the above-mentioned
EXTRA-CURRICULAR
The school is a strong believer in fostering and developing creative talents and this is promoted through holding concerts and competing at Eisteddfodau. The school will always make every effort to support such locally based activities.
Opportunities are also provided to compete at sorting activities – often held at the weekend or in the evening. These activities are open to all pupils who in the Head teacher’s view, are mature and ready to responsibly participate in them.
HOMEWORK
The children are regularly set homework. This may involve completing work, completing a specific task, finding information, questionnaire, spelling list or learning work. May I emphasize your role as parents in this and hopefully you will assist, supervise and ensure that the tasks are completed to every individual’s best ability.
There is a designated booklet for recording a child reading with a parent as we believe that this activity is both important and extremely valuable.
HOME/SCHOOL AGREEMENT
A home/school agreement is presented to parents at the beginning of every child’s first term at the school. Parents, pupils and the Headteacher are invited to sign the agreement which includes a firm reference to parents’ commitment to maintain positive aspects between the school and the home It would be appreciated if you would return the agreement to the school as soon as possible.
HOME / SCHOOL CONTACT
As well as having the opportunity to visit the school, parents have formal opportunities twice a year to examine or discuss the work done at the school. An invitation is also extended to the parents of a child who has been placed in the care of a new teacher during the Autumn term with the aim of discussing how their child has settled down in a new class. A full report on the work of all the pupils is provided at the end of every school year.
Very close co-operation between the home and the school is essential so as to ensure that the child achieves his/her maximum potential. We trust that you will take an interest in your child’s education and support the school.
We ask to be fully informed about the child and any important changes in circumstances. The school ensures that parents are notified in good time on important events in the school calendar. Parents are welcome to attend activities such as the Thanksgiving Service, Christmas Presentation, and Sports day.
LEAVING THE SCHOOL
Parents should meet the children by the school gate and teachers will safely escort them there. If a parent happens to be late collecting a child, the teacher will take him/her back to the classroom. Parents who arrive late are asked to come in to collect them.
Naturally, a child is not entitled to leave the school premises without permission and without an adult to collect him.
PARENTS AND FRIENDS YSGOL CWM Y GLO
You are strongly encouraged to join in these activities, as well as the fund-raising activities organized more often than not by the P FY of Ysgol Cwm y Glo. They are very loyal and hard-working for the cause, which raises a substantial amount of money annually. It is an excellent way for parents to become acquainted with each other, school staff and the local community.
PASTORAL CARE
Maintaining good behaviour is wholly necessary if the school is to achieve its aim, namely to promote every child’s growth and development. Every child is placed in the care of his/her classroom teacher, but the entire staff seeks to protect all the pupils’ welfare. This school encourages the children to be self-disciplined, responsible and respect others. We seek parents’ co-operation in this respect.
The School Nurse and Health Visitor occasionally visit the school to give the children an eye-test as well as inspect general levels of hygiene. A Health Authority representative also holds an annual visit to test the children’s hearing.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
When presenting this subject which is a statutory requirement for every child at the school, efforts are made to plan a teaching programme leading to energetic, appropriate and regular activities and experiences enabling every child to experience enjoyment and success.
The school does not unfortunately possess an appropriate hall to introduce all the children to gymnastics and dance. We have an extensive (but hard surface) playground for sports, and the village field is used for sports.
Swimming lessons are arranged for years 2,3,4,5 and 6. The aim is to get every child to swim 25m by the end of this period.
For the same teaching years as the above, a series of gymnastics and tennis lessons are also organized at a neighbouring leisure centre.
The school’s objectives in sports and sports provision:-
• Give children an opportunity to experience success in a wide range of sports.
• Confidence-building amongst children in their athletic ability and use of sports equipment.
• Continue to compete in catchment’s-area/county-based activities and try and extend this to new competitions whenever possible.
• Take advantage of offers from specialists to coach and promote the local sports clubs youth policies.
• Improve the fitness of every child at the school.
Dragon Sports
We are very fortunate in that our teachers are willing to run Dragon Sports voluntarily after school hours. It is open to Junior Department pupils, which brings various competitions in its wake.
PLAYGROUND SAFETY
There are firm rules in place for vehicle access. Permission must be received from the Headteacher’s office before a private or goods vehicle can enter the playground. This all complies with recently conducted Risk Assessments.
PROVISION FOR CHILDREN WITH EXTRA EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
At this school, as in every other, there may be children who have special needs. This does not necessarily imply that they are not able children, or that they have a permanent problem. Several factors may affect a child’s educational development, and it is important that parents inform us of any factor that could affect their children’s educational development. Exceptionally able children also have Special Needs, of which this school is very aware. Recent legislation has formalized guidelines followed by us, and it is important that parents be aware of them and how we handle them.
Our policy is to notify parents of every development (or lack of development) that we observe in their children, as regards work and behaviour. If we deem that there is a problem, then we will immediately notify that child’s parents. By now, the law insists that parents participate at every stage of an educational problem, in the diagnosis and treatment. Common sense dictates that, but it needs to be emphasized that an equal measure of common sense is required when parents are aware of an external factor which they believe hinders their child’s development.
In accordance with the requirements of Section 161 of the 1993 Education Act, it is imperative that every school makes appropriate provision for Special Educational Needs pupils.
Principles
Provide equal curricular and social opportunities for SEN children teaching them in normal schools wherever possible.
• Establish a system for identifying SEN children.
• Provide differentiated education as and when required.
• Work in partnership with parents maintaining close contact with them.
• Ensure a whole school response so that every classroom teacher works with the SEN Co-ordinator.
• Make use of and work with the relevant statutory agencies e.g. the Schools Psychology Service, the Health Authority, Social Services and the Advisory Teachers.
* There is an appropriate and comprehensive system for identifying SEN children. Detailed guidelines have been prepared for this which can be looked at in consultation with the Head teacher.
RELIGION
This school does not have any direct and formal denominational links.
The religious education presented is based on the LEA’s recognized syllabus.
Arrangements can be made for children whose parents wish them to be exempted from attending religious services or religious studies.
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE
Regular school attendance is essential if a child is to make the best possible progress. A school is required to provide an explanation for each instance of absence and decide whether it is an ‘authorized absence (e.g. illness) or an unauthorized absence (e.g. shopping trip)
Up to ten days leave is allowed during a school year – but it is imperative that an appropriate form be received together with the Head teacher’s permission.
We request that parents contact us before 9 a.m. if a child intends to be absent or late. We cannot accept an explanation from the child.
Under section 199 of the 1993 Education Act, it is a statutory requirement that the school registers all pupils who arrive late as well as every absence.
Linked to these new guidelines, the school, and not the parents, reserves the right to authorise an absence.
School Contacts
Headteacher Mr Garem Jackson
Junior Department Mr. Garem Jackson, Miss Eleri E. Jones and Mrs. Gwenifer Roberts
Infants Mrs. Nia G. Oliver and Mrs. Gwenifer. Roberts
Office Clerk Miss Kelly Williams
Dinner Money Clerk Mrs Janet Taylor
Staff may be contacted through telephoning, by letter, e-mail or of course face to face.
Gwynedd LEA
Director of Education, Culture and Leisure
Education Offices,
Castle Street,
CAERNARFON
Gwynedd
LL55 1SH 01286 672255
School Arrangements
This is a County Primary (Infants/Juniors/Nursery) School. It is a daily, co-educational bilingual school.
There are links between the school and Ysgol Brynrefail at Llanrug. Arrangements are made to jointly discuss and visits between teachers and parents before children transfer.
There are three classes in the school this year: Peris = Reception/Nursery Class, Year 1 and 2,
Llydaw = Years 3 and 4, and Marchlyn = Years 5 and 6.
Statutory requirements allocate 10% non-contact teaching time for teachers. Here at Ysgol Cwm y Glo we share expertise to achieve this.
SCHOOL COUNCIL
It is by now statutory to have a school council, but we’ve had one for years!
Elections to elect representatives onto the School Council are regularly held.
This group meets on alternate weeks to express the ‘children’s voice’ to the running of the School.
Listening to and working together makes it easier to move the School forward. The council’s purpose is to hear the views of all the other pupils at the school, and establish positive links between them and the School staff.
Thanks to them there are playground toys, a comment box… and much more!
SCHOOL MEALS SERVICE
Gwynedd Commercial Catering Service is responsible for the mid-day lunch. Healthy and nutritious meals are prepared. School dinner currently costs £9.25 per week, £1.85 per day. The money should be paid beforehand on Monday in an envelope on which the name of the child and his/her class is clearly marked.
Parents are requested to send a note to the school giving a fortnight’s notice if the child intends to take school dinner instead of sandwiches or vice-versa.
If you receive Income Support, the children receives free dinner. An application form is available from the school.
The child can bring his/her own lunch if you wish, but glass bottles or drink cans should not be brought to school.
MILK SCHEME – Every child in the Infants Department receives free milk.
Please notify us by letter if you do not wish your child to receive the milk.
SNACK – A bottle of water is available to every child on a daily basis.
There is also a fruits shop which sells fruit to be eaten during the morning break-time at a cost of 20p each
SCHOOL UNIFORM
We have an official school uniform containing a picture of the owl, namely the school logo. We believe that wearing the uniform leads to a sense of belonging and pride.
We now sell our own uniform through Gwisg Cymru, Llandygai.
The uniform -
Light blue polo-shirt
Navy blue sweat shirt
Navy blue skirt/trousers
A coat, cap, gingham dresses etc which contain the school’s logo can also now be purchased.
On an educational visit or trip, the children wear the school uniform – so that they can be easily identified and that they represent the name of the school.
*Note – Ensure that your child/children wear suitable shoes to be worn in school (a shoe which securely fits the foot but without a high heel)
Physical Education – The pupils require a Tee-shirt, short trousers and appropriate shoes.
WE ASK EVERYBODY TO ENSURE THAT THE PUPILS’ NAMES ARE CLEARLY LABELLED ON EACH ITEM OF CLOTHING!
JEWELLERY - For safety reasons, only a watch and ear studs are allowed to be worn at the School
SEVERE WEATHER
If the Met Office issues a warning of severe snow, then the following radio stations will broadcast(at approx 8 a.m) whether school has to close – Radio Cymru, Radio Wales and Champion. We will also ask for it to be included on their websites, together with Gwynedd’s and our own www.ysgolcwmyglo.org
SEX EDUCATION AND PERSONAL AND SOCIAL EDUCATION
Sex Education is now an integral part of the Science Curriculum and the concepts and relevant vocabulary is presented at Key Stage 1. The information is built upon and the vocabulary increased during the years spent in the Junior Department. A comprehensive policy has been prepared and is available for scrutiny if preferred.
Correspondence is sent to parents to notify them if the science work includes sex education, and you are entitled to exempt your child from receiving it if you so wish. However, anybody who is in any doubt is advised to contact Miss Eleri Jones, the co-ordinator, for further discussion, before reaching a final decision.
Likewise, Personal and Social Education is a statutory requirement and we present this as part of classroom activities. The children develop numerous social skills – how to make and retain friendships, problem-solving skills, temper management and identifying and understanding emotions and feelings. There are opportunities to share concerns and confidentiality is respected at all times. The Webster-Stratton scheme reinforces our aims of creating a positive attitude amongst pupils and staff.
The Health Promoting School
The school participates in this project and works jointly with an advisory teacher who serves as a link between the school and the health authority. We have completed all stages of the plan this year, but of course still maintain the objectives set within the Health Promotion Scheme.
SUPERVISION
Our aim is to ensure the children’s safety and maintain an acceptable standard of order and control.
The school implements supervisory arrangements of children by the teachers and assistants during the following periods:
> Before school starts 10 minutes (8.50 – 9.00)
> Morning break 15 minutes (10.40 – 10.55 Infants)
> Afternoon break 10 minutes (2.15 - 2.25)
> End of the afternoon 10 minutes (3.30 – 3.40)
A) ARRANGEMENTS DURING DRY WEATHER
1. Supervision is implemented through a daily rota system.
2. The on duty staff supervise the playground throughout this period.
3. Supply arrangements are made when a staff member is absent.
B) ARRANGEMENTS DURING SEVERE WEATHER
During severe weather, the classroom teachers are responsible for preparing an activity for the children and for supervising them during break-time.
C) DINNER-TIME ARRANGEMENTS
The children are supervised by at least two supervisors. After the children have eaten, the supervisors go out with the children and supervise them on the playground until it is time to come back in.
During severe weather, they supervise the children in their classes.
THE LEA LANGUAGE POLICY
General Aims
Gwynedd LEA implements a bilingual policy through all of Gwynedd’s schools. This policy is reinforced at this school in its entire administration, with the aim of developing the children’s language skills to be confident in all aspects of both languages prior to transferal to the secondary sector.
Firm objectives at this school:-
Infants Department
• Secure a firm Welsh foundation for every child..
• Build on that foundation throughout the Infants years.
• Confirm, reinforce and develop the Welsh learner.
• Foster the confidence and develop the child from a welsh-speaking home’s grasp of the English language.
Junior Department
• Continue to reinforce and develop every child’s Welsh and English in all aspects so as to ensure that he/she is able to speak, read and write confidently in both languages prior to transferring from the Primary to the Secondary sector.
• Special arrangements are made at the Language Centre at Caernarfon for non-Welsh speaking latecomers aged between 7-11 years.
THE LANGUAGE SITUATION
Ysgol Cwm y Glo is a natural Welsh-speaking school and staff and pupils work hard to maintain the school’s Welsh ethos and environment. Those of you whose children are entering a bilingual environment for the first time should not feel threatened or feel that you do not belong. Perhaps you are not Welsh speakers (although many parents decide to learn the language), but that hopefully you will respect the linguistic ethos here, one which enriches in its truest sense children’s learning experiences. We respect your right to use your chosen language, and to that end, all correspondence received from the school will be bilingual.
TEACHING HOURS
The teaching hours are 25 hours a week for the junior children, 22.5 hours for the Infants – except for the Nursery Class.
The morning session is held between 9:00 - 12:00 o’ clock, 1.00 - 3.00 for the nursery class.
Afternoon session between 1:00 - 3:00 p.m. for the Infants
1.00 - 3.30 p.m. for the Junior children.
THE SCHOOL’S AIMS
To provide education of the best possible quality, reflecting the requirements of the individual, those of the community, the LEA and the Government through the Foundation Phase and the National Curriculum 2008.
To create an environment and ethos which enable children to grow, develop and mature into confident individuals, be aware of other people’s welfare, and be responsible members of the community.
Equip every pupil to become fluent in Welsh and English so as to enable them to fully participate in the social and cultural life of our bilingual community.
We provide firm management within the classroom ensuring that pupils are aware of the school’s rules so that children and staff feel secure.
Our aim is to make the school an integrated part of our local community through contacts with local businesses
and establishments whilst also making children aware of the importance of their environment.
These aims are displayed around the school as a reminder to all of us!
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Ysgol Gynradd Cwm Y Glo, Cwm Y Glo, Caernarfon, Gwynedd LL55 4DE |
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