Blaengwrach Primary Prospectus

CONTENTS HEAD TEACHER’S WELCOME 1

SCHOOL INFORMATION 2

OUR SCHOOL / SCHOOL AIMS / CURRICULUM AIMS 3 - 5

USE OF THE WELSH LANGUAGE 6

CURRICULUM FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION 6

PUPILS WITH DISABILITIES 7

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES / RACE EQUALITY 7

ADMISSIONS 7

BEHAVIOUR AND DISCIPLINE 8

ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY 8

HOMEWORK POLICY 9

SEX EDUCATION 9

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION / COLLECTIVE WORSHIP 10

BULLYING 10

SCHOOL COUNCIL / ECO SCHOOL / HEALTHY SCHOOL / MEALS IN SCHOOL 11

PARENTAL PARTNERSHIP 12

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINE TO PUPILS 12

CHARGING AND REMISSIONS 12 - 13

SPORTING AIMS AND PROVISION 13

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES 13

SCHOOL UNIFORM / P.E. AND GAMES 14

SCHOOL OPENING TIMES 15

TRANSITION TO COMPREHENSIVE PHASE EDUCATION 15

INSPECTION OF DOCUMENTS / FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 16

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE 16

PHOTOGRAPHING AND VIDEOING CHILDREN POLICY 17

APPENDIX 1 - HOME/SCHOOL AGREEMENT 18

APPENDIX 2 - MEDICINE ADMINISTRATION PERMISSION FORM 19

TERM TIME HOLIDAYS / PUNCTUALITY 20 - 22

NATIONAL CURRICULUM ASSESSMENT RESULTS 23 - 26

ATTENDANCE SUMMARIES 27 - 28

SCHOOL TERMS AND HOLIDAY DATES 29

1

WELCOME TO

BLAENGWRACH PRIMARY SCHOOL

Head Teacher’s Welcome

Dear Parent / Carer

Thank you for taking an interest in Blaengwrach Primary School. Choosing the

right school for your child is vitally important and most parents want a good

education for their children, but they also want them to be happy and to feel safe

and secure. At Blaengwrach Primary School, we believe we can provide these

essentials, as we aim to ensure that every child feels valued and loved and to know

that he/she is safe.

Every person in the school, whether child or adult, has a significant and an

appreciated role to play and we consider ourselves as learners in a thinking school.

Everyone that is associated with the school community is aware that every child is

a unique individual and is of utmost importance. We work together as a team with

each one of us playing an important part, to ensure that the school is a lively

community, offering a wealth of rich, varied and interesting activities to all our

children.

We believe that the most important time for our children is now and our aim is to

maximize the learning possibilities of the present as the best means of preparing for

the future. We welcome your child to school and trust that your associations with

us will be both positive and productive. We shall do our utmost to ensure your

child's happiness and full educational development whilst here at Blaengwrach

Primary School and we will strive to ensure that our children experience kindness,

sensitivity and love, remembering at all times that every child is blessed with

talents and aptitudes, that we are privileged to nurture.

This Prospectus is intended to provide a brief outline of Blaengwrach Primary

School. It cannot and is not intended to replace the best form of communication,

which is personal contact between home and school. We aim to operate an ‘Open

Door’ policy, where every parent is welcomed and with this in mind, please do not

hesitate to contact the school to discuss any issues that may be of concern.

Please keep this brochure for reference, in a safe, easily located place, for the time

that your child is with us.

With kind regards,

Brenda Harrett

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SCHOOL INFORMATION

School: Blaengwrach Primary School

Address: Heol Wenallt

Cwmgwrach

Neath

Neath Port Talbot

SA11 5PS

Tel/Fax: 01639 720342

Email: [email protected]

Head Teacher: Ms Brenda Harrett

Deputy Head Teacher: Mrs E. Lynne Jardine

Administration Officer: Mrs Karen L. Thomas

Type of School: L.E.A. Maintained Community School,

Mixed intake

Age Range of Pupils: 3 – 11 years

Chair of Governors: Councillor Mrs Carolyn Edwards

Tel. No. 01639 720083

This information is correct at the time of printing, Spring Term, 2010.

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OUR SCHOOL

Blaengwrach Primary School is situated in the Upper Neath Valley and serves the

communities of Blaengwrach, Cwmgwrach and Glynneath. It is sited in a picturesque

location and offers a wide and varied programme of extra curricular activities.

The school is based around two buildings; the Junior department, built in 1908 and the

Infant department built in 1914. The buildings are separated and flanked by hard play

areas. There is a school field and a nature area.

The Junior building houses the Head Teacher's Office, the Administration Office, the

Information Technology suite and all Junior classrooms.

The Foundation Phase building houses the Staff Room, Canteen, Infant and Nursery

classrooms. The Nursery also has a separate enclosed play area.

Blaengwrach Primary School is a single site school located in the village of Cwmgwrach.

It is in an attractive setting and parents and children are encouraged to develop ideas for

the enhancement of the external environment of the school. The school has twice been

awarded the Wales in Bloom award as National Champion and is now working towards

achieving the coveted ECO-School Green Flag award.

SCHOOL AIMS

Blaengwrach Primary School has developed a proven record of success and a confidence

that will enable us to meet the challenges of the present and the future. It is a forward-

looking school anxious to blend established values with the most up to date methods and

equipment.

The philosophy of Blaengwrach Primary School is based on the importance of the

individual. Every child at Blaengwrach is "special" and every child is valued and catered

for as an individual and is given the opportunity and encouragement to develop as such.

Our curriculum is to be thought of in terms of activity and experience, rather than of

knowledge to be acquired and facts to be stored. Our aims are designed to allow children

to fulfill their true potential and we present our aims to you in the spirit of partnership.

We aim to:

� create in our school a warm, loving, caring, challenging, yet supportive

environment, in which the natural development of the child can be fostered and

in which each child is encouraged to reach his/her true potential, eventually

becoming an independent learner, whilst enjoying the time at primary school.

� provide a broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum to facilitate

the acquisition of knowledge, promote enjoyment in learning and to provide

pupils with relevant skills and attitudes required for everyday living.

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� reconcile the needs of the child's individual growth and development, whilst

preserving his/her natural curiosity and desire to learn.

� provide in school, sensible, but firm, discipline, in which the children can

develop socially and intellectually.

� develop in pupils a positive attitude towards themselves and others, along with

a strong sense of self-respect for other people's property, ideas and beliefs.

� provide for the children, through the curriculum and general school activities,

opportunities to develop positive attitudes towards and concern for, the

environment and to apply their knowledge and understanding to the cultural,

economic, environmental and historical characteristics of Wales.

� foster close relationships and the concept of partnership between the school, the

pupils, their parents and the local community.

CURRICULUM AIMS

At Blaengwrach Primary School we do our utmost to promote the spiritual, moral and

cultural development of our children and prepare them for the opportunities,

responsibilities and experiences of adult life.

Children learn best from structured, practical experiences accompanied by meaningful

discussion. Therefore, English, Mathematics, Science, Design Technology, History,

Geography, Art, Music, Physical Education, Welsh, Information Technology and Religious

Education are taught in a practical way through a thematic approach, to engage children’s

interest, encourage an enjoyment of learning and give a meaningful context for the

development of skills. We aim to introduce the children to the widest range of

experiences, both inside and outside the classroom. Therefore, visits to places of interest

and visitors (such as theatre companies, story tellers, musicians, science workshops) form

an integral part of a topic and are often used as a spring board for the children’s learning.

We believe that children learn best by doing and discussing and the thematic approach to

learning enables teachers to employ a variety of teaching styles to encompass the many

learning styles that children possess.

Our emphasis is on extending the range and quality of achievement for every child. Each

child is given the opportunity to express him/herself in a variety of media and

achievement is celebrated through careful display of children’s work.

Our school curriculum, therefore, meets the requirements of every child as he/she

develops in skill, understanding and knowledge, whilst meeting the requirements of the

LEA’s curriculum policy and the National Curriculum. Procedures are in place to meet

and/or exceed targets set by the National Assembly of Wales.

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Every pupil receives access to a curriculum that seeks to promote:

� the development of a lively and enquiring mind;

� the development of a wide range of skills;

� the development of personal qualities, values and attitudes;

� the acquisition of and a desire for high moral values, and an acceptable standard

of behaviour;

� a sympathetic understanding towards others.

School numbers at each age will determine whether classes are single or mixed age. Class

teachers have the responsibility for delivering all aspects of the curriculum and class

teachers are responsible for the pastoral care of all pupils in their class. The main purpose

of pastoral care at Blaengwrach Primary School is to provide support for the development

of learning in addition to providing positive role models, in order to promote active

learning and caring relationships. Each class is supported by a part-time teaching

assistant.

All pupils are registered twice a day i.e. in the morning at 8.50a.m. and in the afternoon at

12.55p.m. and it is essential that pupils are in school in time for Registration. Class

teachers support and monitor the academic and social progress of each pupil and they are

the first point of contact between home and school and it is to the class teacher that any

parental concerns or enquiries should be addressed, in the first instance.

There are qualified First Aiders on the staff and a formal procedure is carried out when

illness or an accident occurs on site. This will always involve ensuring not only the pupil's

well being, but also that the parents are informed at the earliest opportunity. It is important

therefore, that all parents provide an emergency contact telephone number. Part of the

medical service provision includes screening for hearing and sight difficulties, as well as

dental services. These are all subject to parental consent and detailed information is always

provided in advance.

School Security

Gates are closed during the school day and doors are secured during lesson times. Children

who arrive after Registration are expected to ring the doorbell for access into the school

building. All visitors to the school are expected to report to the Reception area where they

are signed in and out of the premises.

Regular Health and Safety checks are carried out by the school and external agencies.

All staff and helpers / friends of the school are CRB checked.

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USE OF THE WELSH LANGUAGE

All pupils study Welsh as a second language. The emphasis is on oral proficiency, but the

children also learn to read and write in Welsh. The school has the services of a peripatetic

teacher to assist the staff in delivering the curriculum requirements and teaching staff

attend appropriate courses concerned with the delivery of Welsh as a second language.

An ethos, which celebrates the culture and heritage of Wales, is promoted within the

school. Welsh artists, musicians, poets, writers, sportspersons and celebrities, are

identified in subject Schemes of Work. Likewise, the history and geography of Wales are

studied, usually at first-hand, through planned themes. Welsh hymns and songs, as well

as traditional dances, are sung and performed in assembly or concerts.

CURRICULUM ARRANGEMENTS FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION

Within the school, we aim to support all pupils and cater for the specific needs of pupils

with Additional Learning Needs. Children with learning difficulties are identified as early

as possible, so that all staff are aware of the needs that have to be met, in line with the

Code of Practice.

The school's resources and expertise are engaged in providing an appropriate learning

environment to meet the child's needs. For those children who have minor learning

difficulties, class teachers differentiate much of the work to match the child's ability and

problems. Children who have greater learning difficulties are often provided with

individual programmes of work, some receive extra tuition in groups, or as individuals.

Parents are fully informed and involved in the school's response to the needs of their child.

Those children with learning difficulties, for whom the school feels additional help is

required, are brought to the early attention of outside agencies i.e. Special Educational

Needs Advisory Teachers, Educational Psychologists etc. The school's Special Educational

Needs Co-ordinator and child’s teacher, will liaise with the parents of children with

Special Educational Needs, often in conjunction with the Head Teacher.

Children who have a Statement of Special Educational Need, in line with the 1981

Education Act, may receive individualised help for part of the school day, usually in their

own class or in a quiet area. There is no Special Class. Children who have been identified

as having learning difficulties are on a Special Needs Register, in line with the SEN Code

of Practice 2000. These children have an Individual Education Plan developed by the

Special Needs Co-ordinator and the child’s class teacher.

The organisation of the school curriculum, with its emphasis on personal achievement,

supports and enables all children, including those who could be termed as gifted, to

progress to the best of their abilities.

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PUPILS WITH DISABILITIES

The school has an Accessibility Plan, which outlines the arrangements made for pupils

with disabilities. Parents of children with disabilities are welcome to visit the school with

their children, to discuss admission arrangements and view the provision on offer. Every

opportunity is taken to prevent pupils with a disability from being treated less favourably

than other pupils.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES / RACE EQUALITY

It is the duty of the Head Teacher and the Governing Body to promote equal opportunities

and good relationships and we operate an Equal Opportunities Policy and Race Equality

Policy for all pupils and staff. We recognize the uniqueness of each individual and value

the contribution of every person, to the school and wider community. We are opposed to

discrimination on the grounds of race, gender, disability or ability. The school has

adopted the policies in line with the L.E.A.

ADMISSIONS

Children are currently eligible for admission to school on the Monday following their

third birthday, provided there are places available. Families with children due to start in

the Nursery will be contacted by letter, inviting them to visit the school prior to

commencement.

Any child resident within Blaengwrach Primary School's catchment area will

automatically be entitled to attend the school.

All requests for admission of children from outside the school's catchment area must be

made in writing, using the Preferred Placement forms available at the school. All such

requests will be considered at the next available Governors' meeting and will depend on

there being sufficient space available, in the class concerned.

Prospective parents are invited to contact the school to arrange a visit during school hours,

not only to meet the Head Teacher and staff, but to sample the working atmosphere of the

school.

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BEHAVIOUR AND DISCIPLINE

Good behaviour is established and maintained within a caring atmosphere in which

everyone’s safety, needs, rights and responsibilities are considered. Our policy is based on

the earning of mutual respect. When relationships are broken through misbehaviour,

every attempt is made to repair and rebuild, through investigation of incidents, followed

by appropriate guidance. Sanctions may be applied to help some pupils develop self-

discipline skills. Sanctions include verbal reprimand, losing part or all of a playtime or in

very extreme cases, exclusion.

It is our belief that it is part of the parents’ role to instill a sense of right and wrong into

their child from the earliest age and to teach then how to behave properly. With this in

mind, the Code of Conduct of the school is firmly rooted in self-discipline and mutual

respect for others and their property.

Parents will always be informed should behaviour become a problem and in all such

situations it is the expectation that full parental support and co-operation will be

forthcoming, to ensure the well-being of the child.

ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY

Regular attendance is vital to maintain good progress. Research shows that children with

good attendance levels make better and faster progress than those with poor attendance.

The school operates a First Day Response system, whereby parents/carers should report

the nature of the child’s absence, early on the first day and keep the school informed

should the absence be extended. If the school is not notified early on the first morning,

then the school will ring the home to establish the reason for absence.

Persistent absence/lateness will be monitored and if necessary, will be referred to the

Education Welfare Officer. Punctuality is considered to be extremely important and

parents are asked to ensure that children arrive at school with adequate time to prepare

themselves for the forthcoming session.

Children are rewarded half termly, termly and annually for good attendance, with

certificates and a prize for 100% attendance.

No child is allowed to leave school early unless collected by a parent or some other

responsible adult whom the parent has nominated.

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HOMEWORK POLICY

Homework is an essential part of the learning process and the school operates a scheme

known as K.I.T. (Keeping In Touch). All parents/carers will receive a copy of the

Home/School Agreement explaining the aims. Parents are asked to sign an agreement (the

Home/School Agreement) with the school, agreeing to implement the Homework Policy.

Appendix 1 - page 18 - Home/School Agreement

Parents of the younger children are asked to listen to their children read daily and to share

stories with them. As children become more fluent, parents are still asked to make time for

their children to read daily and to show an interest in the books their children are reading.

Homework consists of any relevant work set by the teacher for completion at home.

Parents are encouraged to make comments in the K.I.T. Book regarding progress being

made or problems encountered. The type of homework frequently set includes reading,

spelling lists, multiplication tables, work not completed in class etc.

The amount of homework will vary, and will depend upon the age and ability of the child.

This Keeping In Touch process is seen as an essential method of maintaining the daily

communication between home and enables the child to see that he/she is at the centre of

the partnership.

SEX EDUCATION

Sex Education is taught as part of the curriculum at Blaengwrach Primary School and is

taught in context, incorporating health and Personal and Social Education, through

relevant topics. All pupils are, from an early age, made aware of the concept of birth

through relevant discussion that arises in their Topic work and children are given

information as is deemed appropriate to their stage of development. Children’s questions

are dealt with sensitively and accurately.

PSE (Personal and Social Education) has become an integral part of the curriculum and

projects/topics that the children are engaged in and issues of a sexual/personal nature are

built in to the planning of the curriculum.

Year 6 pupils are given direct instruction regarding puberty, by the school nurse and the

class teacher, with the use of a DVD and commercially produced books and texts. The

teaching is delivered In single-sex groups, but both groups receive the same information.

All topics are based on the idea of the family as the main unit for caring relationships and

reproduction.

Parents are invited to view the materials used and are invited to view the more detailed

syllabus that is available at the school. Whilst bearing in mind the above statements,

parents have the right to withdraw their children from all or part of Sex Education

provided. Any parents wishing to exclude their children should contact the Head Teacher

to discuss the issue further. The recommendations of the L.E.A. have been considered and

adopted.

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ARRANGEMENTS FOR RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND

COLLECTIVE WORSHIP

Religious Education plays a central role in the work of the school, to promote the spiritual,

moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils for the opportunities,

responsibilities and experiences for fulfillment as a child and later adult life.

It is a requirement of the 1988 Education Act that a Religious Education syllabus should

reflect the fact that religious traditions in Britain are, in the main, Christian, whilst taking

account of the teaching and practices of the other principal religions.

The aims of Religious Education at Blaengwrach Primary School, are that our young

people should learn about traditional belief systems and human experience. This includes

the study of religious traditions and the exploration of their own beliefs and values,

learning from this study in terms of their own human development in its personal, social,

moral and religious diversity and in terms of the community to which they belong.

Assemblies take a wide variety of forms and are delivered by the children, members of

staff or visiting speakers.

Daily collective worship occurs for all pupils. It is delivered through the whole school or

class assemblies. If any parent wishes, for religious reasons, to exclude their child from

Collective Worship, please make an appointment to see the Head Teacher to discuss the

situation. Children who are exempt from Collective Worship will be provided with

alternative activities within their classroom.

BULLYING

It is our wish that every pupil experiences a happy, supportive and positive time in our

care. Any complaint of bullying be it physical or psychological, is fully investigated by

sympathetic staff and usually brought to an acceptable conclusion. Parents are urged to

inform the school as soon as possible, should there be areas for concern.

Children are made aware of what the school constitutes as bullying and are constantly

reminded through role models, role play, assemblies, circle time, carpet discussions etc., to

care for each other and respect the feelings of others. A ‘Playtime Buddy’ system is in

operation, to offer help to children who feel vulnerable in the playground.

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SCHOOL COUNCIL

The school has an active School Council made up of children who have been elected by

their peers. Children have a voice within the school and are regularly consulted on issues

that have been raised by the children themselves.

ECO-SCHOOL

There are many firmly established practices and new initiatives, that make our school eco-

friendly. We have an enthusiastic ECO-Committee and the school is firmly committed to

acquiring the Green Flag.

HEALTHY SCHOOL

The school is publicly recognized as having Healthy School status as part of the Welsh

Assembly Government’s Healthy Schools Scheme. The school has many practices in

operation to promote the health and well being of all its children and staff.

MEALS IN SCHOOL

Breakfast Club is free and available to all children. Cereals, fruit, toast and a drink is

served from 8.00a.m. to 8.30a.m. Children may take part in a variety of table top games

etc., after eating breakfast, until they are taken to rejoin other children at 8.40a.m.

Morning Tuck Shop is open from 10.30a.m. to 10.45a.m. and sells a variety of fruit.

Lunch is prepared in and served from the school kitchen adjacent to the Infant Hall.

Dinner money is paid on a Monday or Friday, unless the child is in receipt of free school

meals. Children are able to bring a packed lunch to school, if parents so wish and we

would urge parents to choose healthy options in keeping with our Healthy School status.

An After School Club, from 3.20 to 5.30p.m. operates on a daily basis, for a nominal

charge, providing after school care for pupils of parents who require the facility.

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PARENTAL PARTNERSHIP

All parents are welcome in school at any time, but it is wise to make a telephone call first.

If the teacher or Head Teacher is concerned about any child’s progress and/or behaviour,

parents are informed as soon as possible, so that problems can be solved together.

Throughout the year, opportunities are given to all parents to visit the school to discuss

their child’s progress with the teacher. Details of these appointments will be notified to

parents throughout the year.

There is a successful Home/School Association, which is affiliated to the National

Confederation of Parent Teacher Associations and is a considerable support to the school.

Parents who wish to become actively involved in the Home/School Association should

contact the Head Teacher. New members are always warmly welcomed.

Parents regularly help in the classrooms and assist with visits into the community and

further afield. Any parents wishing to offer assistance are invited to contact either the

Head Teacher or a member of staff. All offers of help are positively received.

All parent helpers / friends of the school are CRB checked as a matter of routine.

ADMINISTRATION OF MEDICINE TO PUPILS

The administration of medicine is at the discretion of the school. As you can appreciate

the administration of medicines places an even greater role of responsibility on members

of staff, therefore we insist that parents/carers adhere to the procedures set out.

Appendix 2 - page 19 - Medicine Administration Permission Form

No medication will be administered unless authorised by parent/carer.

CHARGES AND REMISSIONS POLICY

In principle all education should be freely available to all children. There will be times

however, when parents will be asked to make voluntary contributions for theatre visits,

cost of transport and entrance fees for educational visits and visiting music/drama groups.

Whenever possible, the school fund will cover the cost of visits connected with the school

projects, sports matches, swimming galas and athletics meetings. Children whose parents

do not contribute will be allowed to participate in line with the 1988 Education Act.

Similarly, children whose parents receive Family Income Support are exempt from

contributing.

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Goodwill however, is necessary if activities are to continue. The staff try to keep financial

requests to a minimum without restricting the range of educational experiences offered.

Extra curricular activities, residential education and outdoor education, play a vital role in

the learning process at Blaengwrach Primary School and as such, we trust that you will

continue to support such worthwhile activities.

Charges may be made for extra curricular activities that occur outside the school day.

Charges will only be applied when absolutely essential and will not exceed the cost of the

provision.

SPORTING AIMS AND PROVISION FOR SPORT

We aim to develop in our pupils a positive attitude to sport whilst promoting an

enjoyment of the challenge and physical demands of sporting activities. We seek to

achieve this through the mandatory curriculum subject of Physical Education which

includes athletics, gymnastics, dance, swimming and games. We believe that P.E. fosters

team spirit and the development of skills. We aim to give pupils of all abilities, the

opportunity to participate in all activities.

Within our policy of catering for the whole child, we endeavor to offer all our pupils a

wide range of regular sporting opportunities. These include: gymnastics, netball, rugby,

athletics, football, short tennis, skipping, hockey, cricket and golf as part of the curricular

provision.

The school is well resourced to deliver the P.E. curriculum and has ample space, including

a playing field. The school also has use of the local Community Hall for indoor activities.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Extra curricular work is seen as vital to the development of the whole child and the school

offers a wide range of extra curricular activities at different times including:

Golf Hockey

Rugby Athletics

Netball Art

Drama Football

Skipping Gardening

There are public performances of Music and Drama annually.

Pupils are encouraged to attend residential courses at Margam Park Sustainable Centre,

the URDD Camp at Llangrannog and the URDD Centre at Cardiff Bay.

A selection of the above activities are only available to pupils of a certain age range.

Details can be obtained from the Class Teacher or Head Teacher.

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SCHOOL UNIFORM

BOYS GIRLS

Black/grey trousers Black/grey trousers/skirt

Burgundy jumper/sweatshirt Burgundy jumper/sweatshirt/cardigan

School tie - burgundy and gold School tie - burgundy and gold

White shirt/polo shirt White shirt/polo shirt

Black shoes Black shoes

During the summer months tailored shorts and white polo shirts, or the pink and white

summer dress may be worn as an alternative.

A tie need not be worn during the summer term.

A selection of good quality school uniform is available to purchase from the school at

competitive prices. Book Bags are also available.

Please ensure that all articles of clothing are clearly marked with your child’s name, to aid

identification.

The wearing of jewellery, other than watches and stud earrings, is not allowed, as it is

often a hazard to safety, or could become lost. No jewellery should be worn during P.E. or

games lessons, as under these conditions, jewellery could cause severe injury.

All children are required to bring a P.E. kit for P.E., games and dance lessons. This may

consist of shorts and appropriate tee shirt for indoor P.E. Indoor P.E. lessons may be

undertaken in bare feet; however 'daps' or trainers may be worn, if preferred.

For outdoor games, training shoes are required, with perhaps a sweatshirt and jogging

bottoms during the winter months.

Whilst attending swimming sessions, suitable bathing costumes should be provided for

boys and a one-piece costume for girls.

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SCHOOL OPENING TIMES

School officially starts at 8.50a.m. and children must be in their classes ready for work and

registration by this time. Arrivals after 8.50a.m. will count as a 'late mark' on the register.

Children may arrive from 8.40a.m. onwards and come straight into their classes. No

children will be expected to wait outside in the morning after 8.40a.m. We encourage

children to make good use of time from the moment they arrive at school.

Parents are respectfully requested to leave prams/buggies/pushchairs etc. outside the

school buildings when bringing older children into school or collecting them. We

appreciate the support of parents in this request.

Lunch is at 11.55a.m. and ends at 12.55p.m.

School finishes at 3.20p.m.

Children will always be looked after in school should a parent be delayed.

Dinner Money Routines

Dinner money will be collected on Monday or Friday mornings. We ask that your child

bring the appropriate sum of money to school in an envelope (or similar), clearly marked

with the amount and the child’s name. There is a Dinner Money box in your child’s

classroom to receive the monies. Refunds or change will be adjusted or returned as

appropriate. Any queries or concerns may be discussed with the School Secretary whose

office is situated in the Junior block.

TRANSITION TO COMPREHENSIVE PHASE EDUCATION

At the age of 11, (Year 6), pupils usually transfer to Llangatwg Community School. Ample

opportunities exist, where the Year 6 children are able to visit Llangatwg on a variety of

occasions e.g. sporting activities such as rugby, netball, hockey, athletics meetings, where

the children of all the feeder schools meet and get to know each other.

Pupils also attend a timetabled curriculum based ‘taster’ day.

Parent Evenings are also arranged at Llangatwg, when parents and children are given a

tour of the school and are invited to discuss concerns, queries etc. The Head Teacher and

Pastoral Staff also visit us at Blaengwrach Primary School, so that pupils have ample

opportunity for discussion about their forthcoming transition to the secondary phase of

their education.

Year 6 pupils also receive tuition in a Modern Foreign Language, when a language

specialist from Llangatwg, works with pupils on a fortnightly basis, instructing them in

French/German. Year 6 pupils also make use of the P.E. facilities available at Llangatwg,

when appropriate.

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INSPECTION OF DOCUMENTS

Documents required to be available by Regulation may be inspected and where

appropriate, copied at the school, during school hours, by arrangement with the Head

Teacher.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT

The Freedom of Information Act 2000, requires all publicly funded bodies, including

schools, to be clear about the information they publish. Governors have produced a

publication scheme setting out all the information we publish on a regular basis and

where to find the information. The publication scheme is available from the school office.

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

If you are concerned about matters relating to school or your child, please contact the

Head Teacher. If the Head Teacher cannot help, you should contact the Chairperson of the

Governing Body (see information at the front of the Prospectus). In the last instance,

complaints are to be taken to the Local Education Authority. Any parent dissatisfied with

the school's curriculum arrangements may obtain a copy of the formal complaints

procedure from the main office at the school, or by contacting the Head Teacher.

17

BLAENGWRACH PRIMARY SCHOOL

PHOTOGRAPHING AND VIDEOING CHILDREN POLICY Blaengwrach Primary School in conjunction with

Children’s Act 1989 – revised 2004 The Protection of Children Act 1999

Education Act 2002 All Wales Child Protection Procedures 2008

has implemented the following procedures on photographing and videoing pupils at Blaengwrach Primary School.

� It is the policy of the school not to allow the taking of photographs or video films of children at the school by individuals, other than those designated by the school.

� The designated photographer will be CRB checked and screened by the

Governing Body.

� Every effort will be made by school staff to provide a designated photographer on those occasions deemed appropriate. The final decision as to the appropriateness of the occasion will rest with the Head Teacher.

� Written permission must always be sought from the parent / carer, of every

child, before the photographs / videos are taken. If this permission is not received from the parent / carer, then the child in question needs to be withdrawn from the photographs, or if this is impractical, then the photographs / videos may not be taken.

Photographs / Videos taken by the Press and Educational Agencies for publication or display:

� Written permission must always be sought from the parents / carers before the photographs / videos are taken. If this permission is not received from the parent / carer, then the child in question needs to be withdrawn from the photographs, or if this is impractical, then the photographs/videos may not be taken.

Designated member of staff for Child Protection - Ms Brenda Harrett Designated Governor for Child Protection - Councillor Mrs Carolyn Edwards Revised Summer Term 2008 Presented to Governing Body 14/07/08

18

A

P

P

E

N

D

I

X

1

19

Blaengwrach Primary School

Please note: All medication must be in the original container as dispensed

by the pharmacy.

Date (s)

Pupil’s Name

Class

Medication

Details

Dosage Time to be given

Date Parent / Carer

Signature

Date Staff Signature

Additional

Information

Administered By

Date

Medicine Administration

Permission Form

APPENDIX 2

20

Blaengwrach Primary School Ysgol Gynradd Blaengwrach

Head Teacher/Prifathrawes: Heol Wenallt Ms B Harrett Cwmgwrach Castell Nedd Tel/Ffôn: (01639) 720342 SA11 5PS Fax/Ffacs: (01639) 720342 [email protected]

Educating For Life Now Sgiliau Yfory, Heddiw

Dear Parent / Carer

FAMILY HOLIDAYS IN TERM TIME / PUNCTUALITY As you are aware pupils of school age must, by law, attend school regularly. If your child is away from school, you need to inform us immediately, either by telephone or letter. FAMILY HOLIDAYS Please do not ask for leave of absence for a family holiday in term-time if you can possibly avoid this. If you have absolutely no alternative, other than going on holiday in school time, then please can you: � Give the school a minimum of 3 weeks notice prior to your child being absent. � Avoid absences, during October if your child is in Year 5 and the month of May for all

full time school pupils. Schools do not have to agree to absences for holidays, however, we have the power to do so. Any more than ten school days holiday in any academic year cannot legally be authorised unless in exceptional circumstances. We will consider every request for leave, individually. Parents / Carers are requested to complete the appropriate form, which is available from school. The most important consideration, is the effect an absence would have on your child’s education. The Head Teacher has the discretion to allow work to be provided for your child whilst they are away.

21

If we do agree to a holiday in term-time, it is vital your child returns to school promptly. If a child fails to return to school on an agreed date and no valid reason is provided, we may remove your child from the school register. Therefore, your child would no longer have a place at school. In this instance you may need to apply to a new school, possibly outside of your local catchment area. PUNCTUALITY The school day begins at 8.50am prompt. All children should be in school and in class, ready to begin the day, promptly at 8.50am. Lateness is causing us great concern, as it not only disrupts your child’s education, but that of the other children in the class too. Any disturbance, during this important time of the day, when the class teacher is giving information to pupils or outlining their tasks, is very disruptive for all concerned. Being continually punctual shows commitment and is an important life skill, which will stand your child in good stead for a future in the workplace. Continual lateness will result in a visit from the Education Welfare Officer. Please be aware that absences and lateness during term-time can have a very disruptive effect on your child’s continuity of learning and consequently there is a risk of underachievement. Please make every effort to support your child.

Thanking you for your continued support. Yours sincerely B. Harrett

Please be aware that all relevant forms are available from the

Admin Office - Junior Department.

22

As a parent or carer, you should fill in this form if you want to take your child out of school during term time to go on an annual holiday. After completing the form, please return it to the Head Teacher no less than three weeks before the date when you want the period of absence to start. The conditions under which leave of absence for term time holidays may be granted are contained in Regulation 8 of The Education (Pupils Registration) Regulations 1995 and Sections 38 - 42 of School Attendance: Policy and Practice on Categorisation of Absence 1994. Schools may decide whether or not to authorise leave of absence for a family holiday. Parents or carers should not expect such leave to be granted as of right. Permission will not be given if it is applied for after the holiday has taken place. Normally, a pupil shall not be granted more than two weeks leave of absence in any academic year.

I request that Year

(Name of child)

be granted leave of absence

from to

in order to take part in an annual holiday.

Signature of Parent / Carer Date

Blaengwrach Primary School Ysgol Gynradd Blaengwrach

APPLICATION FOR LEAVE OF ABSENCE FOR ANNUAL HOLIDAY

Head Teacher/Prifathrawes: Ms B Harrett

Educating For Life Now Sgiliau Yfory, Heddiw

23

COMPARATIVE REPORT – KEY STAGE 1 SUMMARY OF THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM ASSESSMENT RESULTS OF PUPILS IN THE SCHOOL (2009) AND NATIONALLY (2008) AT THE END OF KEY STAGE 1, AS A PERCENTAGE OF THOSE ELIGIBLE FOR ASSESSMENT.

N D W 1 2 3 4+ 2+ ENGLISH School 0 0 4 16 76 4 0 80 100 National 0 0 4 14 63 19 - 82

Oracy School 0 0 4 0 96 0 0 96 100 National 0 0 2 11 63 24 0 87

Reading School 0 0 4 36 44 16 0 60 100 National 0 0 4 15 55 26 0 81

Writing School 0 0 4 16 76 4 0 80 100 National 0 0 5 16 68 11 - 79 CYMRAEG School 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 National 0 0 1 10 64 24 - 89

Oracy School 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 National 0 0 1 10 65 24 - 88

Reading School 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 National 0 0 2 16 60 21 - 81

Writing School 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 National 0 0 3 20 66 11 0 77

MATHEMATICS School 0 0 4 8 88 0 0 88 100 National 0 0 2 11 65 22 - 87

Using and Applying Maths School 0 0 4 48 48 0 0 48 National 0 0 3 16 65 17 - 82

Number & Algebra School 0 0 4 8 88 0 0 88 National 0 0 2 12 65 21 - 86

Shape Space & Measures School 0 0 4 16 68 12 0 80 National 0 0 2 11 67 20 - 87

SCIENCE School 0 0 4 0 96 0 0 96 National 0 0 2 9 66 23 0 90

Scientific Enquiry School 0 0 4 36 60 0 0 60 National 0 0 2 13 66 20 0 85

Life Processes & Living Things School 0 0 4 0 96 0 0 96 National 0 0 1 7 64 28 0 92

Materials & their Properties School 0 0 4 0 96 0 0 96 National 0 0 2 8 67 23 0 90

Physical Processes School 0 0 4 0 96 0 0 96 National 0 0 2 9 66 22 - 89

Core Subject indicator

The percentage of pupils attaining at least Level 2 by teacher assessment in either English or Welsh (first language), Mathematics and Science in combination.

School : 76 National: 81

4+ represents Levels 4 and above D represents disapplied under sections 364 or 365 of the Education Act 1996 W represents working towards Level 1 N not awarded a level for reasons other than disapplication - Not exactly zero

24

KEY STAGE 1

Percentage of Boys at each Level

N D W 1 2 3 4+ 2+

English

Teacher Assessment: school 0 0 8 31 62 0 0 62

Teacher Assessment: national 0 0 5 17 62 16 0 78

Cymraeg



Mathematics


Teacher Assessment: national 0 0 3 12 62 23 - 85

Science



Percentage of Girls at each Level

N D W 1 2 3 4+ 2+

English


Teacher Assessment: national - 0 2 10 64 24 - 87

Cymraeg



Mathematics


Teacher Assessment: national - 0 1 10 69 20 - 89

Science


Teacher Assessment: national - 0 1 7 69 23 0 92

4+ represents Levels 4 and above D represents disapplied under sections 364 or 365 of the Education Act 1996 W represents working towards Level 1 N not awarded a level for reasons other than disapplication - Not exactly zero

25

Summary of National Curriculum Assessment results of pupils in the school (2009) and nationally (2008) at the end of Key Stage 2 as a percentage of those eligible for assessment.

Core Subject Indicator*

School 86.67

National 76

D indicates pupil disapplied under sections 364 or 365 of the Education Act 1996 W indicates working towards level 1 (Teacher Assessment only) N indicates pupils not awarded a level for reasons other than disapplication * Percentage of pupils achieving Level 4 or above in English or Welsh (first language), Mathematics and Science in combination. - Not exactly zero

N D W 1 2 3 4 5 6+ 4+ School 0 0 0 0 0 13 73 13 0 87 English

National 0 0 1 1 3 16 51 29 - 80

School 0 0 0 0 0 20 73 7 0 80 Oracy

National 0 0 1 1 3 15 51 30 0 81

School 0 0 0 0 0 7 13 80 0 93 Reading

National 0 0 1 1 3 16 48 32 0 80

School 0 0 0 0 7 20 60 13 0 73 Writing

National 0 0 1 1 4 21 50 23 0 73

School 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Cymraeg National 0 0 1 1 4 17 53 24 - 77

School 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Oracy

National 0 0 1 1 4 15 53 27 - 80

School 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Reading

National 0 0 1 1 5 17 50 27 0 77

School 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Writing

National 0 0 1 1 6 24 51 17 - 68

School 0 0 0 0 0 13 73 13 0 87 Mathematics National 0 0 1 1 3 15 51 30 0 81

School 0 0 0 0 13 0 80 7 0 87 Using & Applying Mathematics National 0 0 1 1 4 22 48 24 0 73

School 0 0 0 0 7 7 73 13 0 87 Number & Algebra

National 0 0 1 1 3 15 50 31 0 81

School 0 0 0 0 0 13 67 20 0 87 Shape, Space & Measures National 0 0 1 1 3 14 52 30 - 82

School 0 0 0 0 0 7 80 13 0 93 Handling Data

National 0 0 1 1 3 16 51 29 0 80

School 0 0 0 0 0 13 67 20 0 87 Science National 0 0 1 1 2 11 54 32 - 86

School 0 0 0 0 0 20 60 20 0 80 Scientific Enquiry

National - 0 1 1 3 17 51 28 - 80

School 0 0 0 0 0 0 67 33 0 100 Life Processes & Living Things National 0 0 1 0 2 11 52 34 - 87

School 0 0 0 0 0 7 73 20 0 93 Materials & their Properties National 0 0 1 0 2 12 53 31 - 85

School

0 0 0 0 0 13 73 13 0 87 Physical Processes

National - 0 1 1 2 13 54 30 0 84

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KEY STAGE 2

Percentage of Boys at each Level

N D W 1 2 3 4 5 6+ 4+

English

Teacher Assessment: school 0 0 0 0 0 40 40 20 0 60

Teacher Assessment: national 0 0 1 1 4 19 52 23 - 75

Cymraeg


Teacher Assessment: national 0 0 1 1 5 20 54 18 0 72

Mathematics



Science



Percentage of Girls at each Level

N D W 1 2 3 4 5 6+ 4+

English


Teacher Assessment: national - 0 0 0 2 12 51 35 0 85

Cymraeg


Teacher Assessment: national - 0 0 0 3 14 53 29 - 82

Mathematics



Science



D indicates pupil disapplied under sections 364 or 365 of the Education Act 1996 W indicates working towards level 1 (Teacher Assessment only) N indicates pupils not awarded a level for reasons other than disapplication * Percentage of pupils achieving Level 4 or above in English or Welsh (first language), Mathematics and Science in combination. - Not exactly zero

27

ATTENDANCE

GROUP SUMMARY

ACADEMIC YEAR 2008 -2009

AUTUMN TERM 01/09/2008 - 19/12/2008

Group Total No

of Pupils

Authorised Absences Unauthorised Absences

No of

Pupils

% of

Pupils

% of

Sessions

No of

Pupils

% of

Pupils

% of

Sessions

Rec/Year 1 24 22 91.7 8.4 0 0.0 0.0

Reception 13 13 100.0 7.6 0 0.0 0.0

Year 2 26 21 80.8 5.0 0 0.0 0.0

Year 3/4 HT 24 20 83.3 7.5 7 29.2 1.1

Year 3/4 SH 24 23 95.8 7.7 1 4.2 0.1

Year 5 24 21 87.5 7.0 0 0.0 0.0

Year 5/6 22 17 77.3 5.8 0 0.0 0.0

School 157 137 87.3 6.9 8 5.1 0.2

SPRING TERM 05/01/2009 - 03/04/2009

Group Total No

of Pupils


No of

Pupils

% of

Pupils

% of

Sessions

No of

Pupils

% of

Pupils

% of

Sessions

Rec/Year 1 24 22 91.7 6.6 1 4.2 0.1

Reception 13 9 69.2 4.5 0 0.0 0.0

Year 2 26 22 84.6 6.1 0 0.0 0.0

Year 3/4 HT 25 22 88.0 7.2 4 16.0 0.7

Year 3/4 SH 24 19 79.2 8.0 1 4.2 0.2

Year 5 24 19 79.2 5.0 0 0.0 0.0

Year 5/6 22 13 59.1 4.1 0 0.0 0.0

School 158 126 79.7 6.1 6 3.8 0.2

SUMMER TERM 20/04/2009 - 20/07/2009

Group Total No

of Pupils


No of

Pupils

% of

Pupils

% of

Sessions

No of

Pupils

% of

Pupils

% of

Sessions

Rec/Year 1 24 20 83.3 8.7 6 25.0 0.7

Reception 13 13 100.0 10.6 0 0.0 0.0

Year 2 25 21 84.0 7.8 6 24.0 0.4

Year 3/4 HT 25 21 84.0 10.0 7 28.0 1.7

Year 3/4 SH 25 21 84.0 8.2 3 12.0 0.5

Year 5 25 19 76.0 8.0 1 4.0 0.1

Year 5/6 22 14 63.6 4.1 1 4.5 0.2

School 159 129 81.1 8.1 24 15.1 0.6

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ATTENDANCE

WHOLE SCHOOL SUMMARY

ACADEMIC YEAR 2008 -2009

AUTUMN TERM Sessions %

Attendances 21735 72.4

Authorised Absences 1750 7.4

Unauthorised Absences 38 0.2

Possible Attendances 23523

Including

Lates before registration closed 407 1.7

Lates after registration closed 31 0.1

SPRING TERM Sessions %





Including



SUMMER TERM Sessions %





Including



2008 - 2009 Sessions %





Including



29

NEATH PORT TALBOT COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

School Terms and Holiday Dates

2010 / 2011 Academic Year

Mid Term Holiday

Term Term Begins Begins Ends Term Ends Days Autumn 2010 Wednesday

1st September*

Monday

25th October

Friday

29th October

Friday

17th December

73

38+35

Spring 2011 Tuesday

4th January

Monday

21st February

Friday

25th February

Friday

15th April

69

34+35

Summer 2011 Tuesday

3rd May

Monday

30th May

Friday

3rd June

Thursday

21st July

53

19+34

Total 195

Schools will close to pupils for INSET/Staff Preparation on five days between Wednesday, 1st

September, 2010, and Thursday, 21st July, 2011.

The dates to be determined by schools.

*It is strongly recommended that Wednesday, 1st September, 2010 is designated

an INSET/Staff Preparation day.

New Year Bank Holiday - 3rd January, 2011

Good Friday - 22nd April, 2011

Easter Monday - 25th April, 2011

May Day - 2nd May, 2011

Spring Bank Holiday - 30th May, 2011

Summer Bank Holiday - 29th August, 2011

Blaengwrach Primary Prospectus

Documents

Transcript of Blaengwrach Primary Prospectus