Gwyrosydd Primary School

Gwyrosydd Primary School Prospectus

January 2008

“Living to learn ... learning to live”

We believe that every child is unique and so we invest in every child in

order to provide a firm foundation upon which they can build their lives.

Gwyrosydd Primary School is at the heart of the Treboeth / Penlan

community and we are committed to developing a learning

environment which is:-

� Happy

� Safe and caring

� Exciting

� Full of opportunities

� And willing to risk making mistakes in order to learn

Gwyrosydd is dedicated to pursuing and achieving excellence

through:-

� A stimulating and well resourced environment

� Enthusiastic and energising staff

� The development and encouragement of everyone at Gwyrosydd

� Raising self esteem and awareness of others

� Encouraging respect and valuing our differences

We aim to deliver an exciting and relevant curriculum through:-

� Excellent and enthusiastic teaching

� Innovation and original thinking

� Encouraging reflection and thinking skills

� Providing opportunities to broaden creativity and self-worth

� Celebrating achievements with each member of our school

community, every step of the way

In all aspects of school life . . . we enjoy learning


January 2008


January 2008

An introduction to the school

Welcome to Gwyrosydd Primary School and thank you for taking the

time to find out about Gwyrosydd. Making the decision about which

school is the right school for your child can be a difficult one but we

hope that this prospectus will help you make that decision and give you

a flavour of Gwyrosydd and the learning opportunities that we provide

here.

Gwyrosydd Primary School is part of the Swansea Local Education

Authority. We are a two form entry primary school. Our children usually

start school after their third birthday and stay with us until they reach

eleven. The school is situated on the side of a hill, in large grounds

which have impressive views of Swansea Bay, the surrounding area of

Treboeth and the South Wales countryside beyond. The grounds offer a

wealth of learning and play experiences for the children, through the

natural resources such as the sloping banks and large number of trees,

as well as through the stimulating outdoor equipment provided

including slides and climbing ropes in the Early Years playground, and a

tyre park for the older children and

a play-trail for junior aged pupils.

There are three large hard surface

play areas for playtime use, and

during dry weather the children fully

use the large grassed playing fields.

We are extremely proud of our links

with the local community and the

after school activities that take

place here.


January 2008

Visiting the school

We encourage prospective parents to visit our school. If you would like

to come and look around and catch a glimpse of what we get up to at

Gwyrosydd Primary School, please phone the school office to make an

appointment. We also organise a number of open days, parent tours

and events throughout the year which we hope you will be able to

attend. Admissions

If you would like your child to be enrolled at Gwyrosydd Primary please

contact the school office to ensure there is sufficient place available,

and to arrange a visit to the school.

If your child is not yet three he/she will be placed on the nursery list and

you will be contacted either just before his/her third birthday or when a

place is available if the nursery is already full. Please contact the school

if you have any queries.

Preferred placement requests from children who live outside the

catchment area will be considered as long as the school has places

available. Application forms can be obtained from the school office.

The Local Education Authority is responsible for admissions to County

and V.A. schools. An Admissions Policy is published by the County on an

annual basis. If you would like further information, please contact the

school office (797117) or the County’s Pupil and Governor Unit (636551).

School Uniform

The children at Gwyrosydd chose the school uniform and we

encourage and expect children to wear it. Our uniform is comprised of:

� White shirt, polo T-shirt or blouse with collar

� Red school sweatshirt, jumper or cardigan

� Dark grey, blue or black trousers or knee length skirt (NOT Denim)

� Red and white gingham or striped dresses can be worn during the

summer term

� Black sensible shoes (Please note open backed, high heeled and in

many cases, designs of ‘fashion’ shoes are not suitable for day to

day wear in school)


January 2008

School shirts and sweatshirts are available from the school office

between 9:30 and 3:00 Monday to Friday. We also sell P.E. kit bags and

small cases suitable for carrying reading books, records, etc. to and

from school.

Jewellery is not to be worn in school. The accidental pulling and

catching of earrings, rings and necklaces during play can cause severe

damage to fingers and ear lobes! Children will be asked to remove

earrings or tape over studs during P.E./Games activities if worn to

school. The school cannot accept responsibility for the loss or damage

of items of jewellery and watches. Long hair must be tied back in school

for reasons of health and hygiene.

We ask parents to ensure that items of value are not brought to school.

This includes expensive watches, personal stereos, gameboys, mobile

phones etc. It also makes life easier for everyone if all clothing including

shoes and watches (if they have to be worn) are clearly marked with

your child’s name. That way if items are misplaced and then found they

can be quickly returned to their owner.

We also ask parents to provide a PE kit which should include:

� shorts

� T-shirt

� Change of socks

� Plimsolls/trainers for outdoor games

� A track suit is useful on cold winter days.

Please note our emphasis on the need for a change of footwear from

everyday use in school, to trainers for outdoor use on the playground or

field. This is important for hygiene and also helps to keep the school

building clean. Most P.E. work in the hall is undertaken in bare feet as

recommended by the L.E.A. For games sessions in the winter, children

should be equipped with an old sweater or tracksuit to keep them

warm.

In addition parents are asked to remember that their children will have

outdoor playtimes all through the year and should make sure that

children have appropriate outer wear. During the colder months

children should always have a warm coat in school, with a hat and

gloves if necessary. During the summer children are likely to spend a

lot of time outside and should never come to school wearing clothes

that could expose delicate areas of skin to the sun, for example vest


January 2008

tops, strappy dresses etc. Children should also be provided with a

suitable sun hat to protect their heads when it is very hot.

In Key Stage 2 we also ask parents to provide an old shirt for use as an

overall during art activities.

Please make sure your child is suitably dressed and that all clothes are

labelled clearly with your child’s name.

Laying firm foundations!

Early Years

At Gwyrosydd Primary we believe that good quality early childhood

education is of vital importance to the development of the child and

provides a solid foundation upon which future learning will be built. Our

Early Years unit consists of three classes, a large Nursery class and two

reception classes, all of which are housed in the infant department of

the school.

All three classes are well resourced to encourage children to become

independent learners and to have opportunities to learn through well

structured play activities. Computer equipment and interactive

whiteboards are available in each class to ensure children are

introduced at an early age to ICT. In addition each class will have

designated areas for literacy and numeracy activities, interest areas

where they can explore scientific concepts, art and craft areas, and

role play areas, where children can develop and speaking and

listening skills. Children are also able to experience sand and water play

and cooking activities in a purpose built ‘wet’ room.

The three Early Years classes benefit from a large separate outdoor

area which provides children with lots of opportunities to develop their

physical and social skills. The area has a large slide built into the slope of

the hill, with ropes and steps for children to climb up. In addition a

paved area gives children the opportunity to play with bikes and

scooters, skipping ropes and other outdoor equipment, and there are

also areas where the children enjoy gardening throughout the year.

Young children benefit from quality adult attention, and all classes

have well qualified and experienced teachers, nursery nurses and


January 2008

learning support assistants working with the children. In addition trainee

teachers and support staff may also be employed throughout the year.

Nursery

Children can enter nursery as soon as possible after their third birthday.

Nursery is part time and there is usually a choice of either a morning or

afternoon session, but this will depend on whether spaces are available

in the preferred session.

Timings of the day:

Morning 8.50 to 11.20

Afternoon 12.45 to 3.15

Children enter the nursery through the gate into the Early Years yard,

and parents are encouraged to come into the nursery and settle their

child when the session starts.

When a child is due to start nursery the parent will be contacted by the

school some weeks in advance of the child’s third birthday to confirm

that the place is still required and to arrange a time to visit the nursery.

During the visit the child will meet the nursery staff and other children,

and parents will have the opportunity to talk to the teacher about the

child and to ask any questions they may have. Parents may also be

asked to fill in a registration form and to produce the child’s birth

certificate. At the end of the visit a time will be arranged for the child to

start properly.

The school holds meetings for the parents of prospective parents in

order to discuss the philosophy of the school, pass on important

information and to answer any questions that parents may have.

For many children starting nursery will be a big step, perhaps the first

time they have been separated from their parent. In recognition of this

the nursery staff will ensure that the child has time to settle properly and

will recommend that a child is left for gradually increasing periods of

time until it is agreed that he/she is able to cope with a full session

happily. Children are recognised as individuals with varying needs, and

it is important that their first experiences of school are happy ones.

Children stay in the nursery class until the September before their fifth

birthday, when they will transfer to one of the two reception classes.


January 2008

Reception

The two reception classes are situated next door to each other in the

Early Years department. Children who have attended the nursery will

already be familiar with the reception staff and probably with the

classrooms, as there is good liaison between the two groups, and the

children share the outdoor area.

Children start reception in the September of the school year in which

they will be five. This will be the first time the children have stayed at

school for the whole day and many children find the transition from

nursery to reception very tiring and difficult in the early days. To ease

this process the children have a staggered entry, details of which will be

given in advance of the children starting.

When children join us in Nursery or Reception they follow the Desirable

Outcomes curriculum which provides the foundations upon which all

other learning is based. The six areas of learning are:

• Personal, social and emotional development

• Communication, language and literacy

• Mathematical development

• Knowledge and understanding of the world

• Physical development

• Creative development

Personal and Social Development

This perhaps is one of the most important areas of the Desirable

Outcomes as it ensures children are settled, happy, able to build good

relationships with other children and adults, and able to develop the

ability to interact with others.

Children will take part in ‘Circle-time’ where they will be encouraged to

share views and opinions, and to listen to the views and opinions of

others. They will also learn to talk about how they feel, to think about

the results of their actions on others, to learn to empathise and to look

at ways to make friends.

Communication, Language and Literacy (including Welsh)

This area develops the children’s speaking and listening, reading and

writing skills and all classrooms have defined areas where these skills

can be developed, for example Book Corners, writing tables and

listening stations.


January 2008

All children will hear daily stories, songs and rhymes, and will be

encouraged to speak aloud and listen to each other and to the whole

class as appropriate.

Children will be encouraged to take home story books to share with

adults on a regular basis. Activities to encourage pre reading and

writing skills will be available daily.

More formal reading and writing skills will be taught throughout the

reception classes, including phonics and handwriting.

Welsh will be taught throughout the Early Years, through stories and

songs, and through the use of incidental phrases and words. Children

will also be taught basic language patterns, including greetings and

answering simple questions about the weather.

Mathematical

Children will experience a range of mathematical activities including

sorting, matching, counting, learning about shapes etc. Most of the

learning will take place through songs and rhymes and simple games.

Children in reception will also begin to read and write numerals, put

them in order and begin to understand addition and subtraction.

Knowledge and Understanding of the World

This area involves learning about the world around them – the local and

wider environment, past events, other cultures and the world of work. It

also involves learning about scientific concepts including materials,

forces, testing ideas, investigating and recording results, and early

design and technology work such as how things work and how to join

or cut materials.

Creative Development

All classes have designated art and craft areas where children can

explore paint, collage, 3D work, pastels, clay etc. In addition all children

enjoy music activities and have free access to percussion instruments

on a regular basis as well as structured music lessons. Classrooms are set

up to encourage dramatic play, through role play areas, puppets and

soft toys, and activities and toys which encourage children to invent

their own imaginary worlds and situations.

Physical Development

All children have daily outdoor play whenever weather allows. A range

of outdoor equipment means children have opportunities to develop


January 2008

physical skills in many ways. In addition fine motor skills, such as the

ability to handle scissors correctly and to hold a pencil or paintbrush, to

make marks and eventually to write are systematically developed

throughout the Early Years.

The school is keenly looking forward to the introduction of the

‘Foundation Phase Curriculum’ in 2008. In addition to the above pupils

will also learn more about ‘Welsh language and development’ and we

will have further opportunity to develop the emotional well-being

aspects of learning, an area which is already seen as a strength of the

school. The school is actively developing the Early Years’ outdoor areas

in order to provide improved discovery and learning opportunities and

to further enhance the Foundation Phase

curriculum experiences.


January 2008

Building brighter futures

As children move from Reception into Year 1, and until they leave us at

the end of Year 6, we follow the National Curriculum and QCA

schemes of work. Further information about the detailed content of the

curriculum can be obtained from the DFES web-site.

The key subjects covered are:

• English (Literacy)

• Maths (Numeracy)

• Science

• Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

• Art

• History

• Geography

• Design Technology

• PE

• Music

• Welsh

• RE

English:

We aim to teach our children to use language as effectively as they

can in a wide variety of situations, as laid down in the National

Curriculum and the National Literacy Strategy. They will be introduced

to many types of literature including fiction, non-fiction and poetry and

will be encouraged to read widely.

Our aim is that all our pupils will be able to:

� Read and write with confidence, fluency and understanding;

� Be able to use and apply a range of reading skills to monitor their

reading and correct their own mistakes;

� Understand and use their knowledge of phonics and spelling to read

and spell accurately;

� Have fluent and legible handwriting;

� Have an interest in words and their meanings and develop a

growing vocabulary;

� Know, understand and be able to write in a range of genres in

fiction, poetry and understand and be familiar with some of the


January 2008

ways in which narratives are structured through ideas such as

setting, character and plot;

� Understand, use and write a range of nonfiction texts;

� Plan, draft and revise their own writing;

� Have access to suitable technical vocabulary through which to

understand and discuss their reading and writing;

� Be interested in books, read with enjoyment and evaluate and justify

their preferences;

� Through reading and writing, develop their powers of inventiveness

and critical awareness.

School Library

We aim to encourage a natural interest in stories, books and reading

and so the school has a library to help provide fiction and non-fiction

books to support study in school and to lend a wide variety of texts for

home reading. The library has approximately 3000 books available for

staff and pupils to use for classroom topics. They cover a wide range of

subjects and are extensively used by the children. Children are

introduced to the library early in the infants and as they progress

through the school they are encouraged to take increasing

responsibility for the maintenance and running of the library. During the

year a wide variety of events are organised for all pupils to further

encourage children to love reading. Visits are also made to our local

libraries to encourage membership.

Maths:

We aim to help children develop their knowledge and understanding

of Maths in an enjoyable way, but one which will also fit them for adult

life as well as help them achieve the appropriate levels in the

Attainment Targets of the National Curriculum and the National

Numeracy Strategy. Our children are given the opportunity to work

both in groups and individually, using a variety of resources including

the Abacus Mathematics Scheme. In the daily numeracy lesson,

children are grouped according to their ability to ensure that their

needs can be fully met. Their progress is carefully monitored and they

have the opportunity to move between groups as the need arises.

Parents are fully consulted at such times. Children are encouraged to

cooperate within a group and to discuss the task in hand by thinking

and planning, trying, observing and checking. We aim for all our pupils

to:


January 2008

� Have a sense of the size of a number and where it fits into the

number system;

� Know by heart number facts such as number bonds, multiplication

tables, doubles and halves;

� Use what they know by heart to figure out answers mentally

� Calculate accurately and efficiently, both mentally and with pencil

and paper, drawing on a range of calculation strategies;

� Recognise when it is appropriate to use a calculator, and be able to

do so effectively

� Make sense of number problems, including non-routine problems,

and recognise the operations needed to solve them;

� Explain their methods and reasoning using correct mathematical

terms;

� Judge whether their answers are reasonable and have strategies for

checking them where necessary;

� Suggest suitable units for measuring, and make sensible estimates of

measurement;

� Explain and make predictions from the numbers in graphs, diagrams,

charts and tables.

Science:

Through our Science curriculum we aim to give children the experience

of a wide range of practical work as well as developing scientific skills

and attitudes. Science helps children to understand more about the

world around them and encourages them to question aspects that

they don’t understand. Children are given an awareness of the role

and importance of science in everyday life together with a

consideration of the part that science has played in the development

of everyday items.

Our children are also given the opportunity to consider ways in which

living things and the environment need protection.

ICT:

We are proud of the ICT facilities we have at Gwyrosydd. All classes

have access to computers within their classrooms which are directly

linked to our ICT suite in the main school building. We have our own

school intranet facilities as well as access to the internet which is

carefully monitored to ensure that children are protected from

inappropriate material. We have a school web-site which is up-dated

regularly.


January 2008

We teach ICT as a discrete subject as well as encouraging our children

to use and develop their ICT skills across all other subjects. Our aim is to

provide children with the skills to live in the 21st century and we are

constantly updating our facilities to ensure our children have access to

the best.

Art:

Through Art our children are encouraged to develop their creativity

and imagination.

Children are encouraged to build on skills to develop their control of

materials, tools and techniques. We develop our children’s critical

awareness of the roles and purposes of Art, craft and design in different

times and cultures.

Our aim is for children to become more confident in using visual and

tactile elements and materials and processes to communicate what

they see, feel and think.

History:

Through History our pupils learn about significant people, events and

places from both the recent and more distant past. They learn about

change and continuity in their own area, in Britain and in other parts of

the world.

Pupils look at History in a variety of ways, for example from political,

economic, technological and scientific, social, religious, and cultural

perspectives. They use different sources of information to help them

investigate the past both in depth and in overview, using dates and

historical vocabulary to describe events, people and developments.

They also learn that the past can be represented and interpreted in

different ways.

Good use is made of the local environment, which is rich in resources.

Visits are made to The Waterfront Museum, Oystermouth Castle, Gower

Heritage Centre and Swansea Museum. Visits are also made to

regional sites of interest including Big Pit in Bleanavon, Caerleon’s

Roman museums and the National Museum of Wales.

Geography:

Pupils investigate a variety of people, places and environments at

different scales in the United Kingdom and abroad, including the local

area, then find out about different environments and the people who

live there. They also begin to learn about the wider world. They carry


January 2008

out geographical enquiry inside and outside the classroom. Children

are encouraged to ask geographical questions, and to use

geographical skills and resources such as maps, atlases, aerial

photographs and ICT.

Design Technology:

Design and Technology draws from and contributes to all the other

areas of the curriculum and is essentially practical. At Gwyrosydd we

encourage children to:

• Develop their designing and making skills;

• Develop knowledge and understanding;

• Develop their capability to create high quality products through

combining their designing and making skills with knowledge and

understanding;

• Nurture creativity and innovation through designing and making;

• Explore values about and attitudes to the made world and how we

live and work within it;

• Develop an understanding of technological processes, products,

and their manufacture, and their contribution to our society;

• To exercise their initiative, proposing, planning and developing

ideas;

• To enjoy exercising and developing the manipulative skills that

realising these ideas entails;

• To develop a critical awareness of both their own and others’

responses to their designs as well as responding to designs around

them in the man-made world.

Music:

Children throughout the school participate in a range of musical

activities, which include singing, composing and performing using

tuned and percussion instruments. They listen to and discuss a variety of

styles of music. In Key Stage 2 those children who wish to do so have an

opportunity to learn to play the recorder, brass, string or woodwind

instruments or Keyboards through the West Glamorgan Music Service.

Children throughout the school are given the opportunity to the choirs

run by the staff throughout the year.

Physical Education:

Children are expected to participate in all P.E. activities. Throughout

their time at Gwyrosydd children will have experience of dance,

gymnastics, athletics and outdoor games. Together, these promote the

children’s physical development, an awareness and understanding of


January 2008

the body, the development of skills and imagination and an

appreciation of creative performances. Most importantly, it is hoped

that the children will gain enjoyment from physical education and

pursue sporting activities in their private lives, thus promoting a healthy

lifestyle.

Welsh:

English is the first language taught at the school, but all children are

taught Welsh as a second language. Emphasis is placed on speaking

and listening in Welsh before developing reading and writing skills. A

strong emphasis is also placed on learning about the culture and

environment of Wales throughout the school. The school is supported in

its delivery of the welsh curriculum by the Athrowes Bro from the

County’s Welsh Centre. In addition to learning about the language

children will also learn about Welsh culture, traditions and heritage –

Cwricwlwm Cymreig – this pervades all areas of school curriculum and

school life in general.

Religious Education:

Religious Education must be provided in the school under the terms of

the 1944 Education Act and the 1988 Education Reform Act. The

Swansea Syllabus lays down broad guidelines within which the school is

able to plan its own scheme of work.

Each school day features an assembly for religious worship, within

broadly based Christian practice. Within Religious Education lessons

teaching takes account of the church calendar, well known stories

from the Bible and the study of a variety of different faiths and cultures

including Judaism and Islam.

Parents may ask that their children are withdrawn from religious

assemblies and religious education lessons and such requests should be

made in writing.

Personal Health and Social Education:

We believe that there are many areas of knowledge and

understanding that lie outside the National Curriculum. In particular, the

personal and social development of the children is an area that has

become an increasingly important part of children’s education. In

order to allow individuals, friendship groups, and classes to react to,

and cope with, the pressures of the world around them, we allow time


January 2008

for talk, discussion and reflection so that everyone knows that they are

important and that their opinions are valued.

Circle Time allows children to participate as partners in the process of

developing responsibility for their own behaviour and learning. It aims to

encourage the development of self-esteem, interpersonal skills and

strengthen relationships; whilst at the same time allows all involved to

have fun together. This forms an integral part of our discipline policy

and pastoral support for the children.

Sex Education:

Our school governors are responsible for the nature of sex education

within the school. The subject of sexual development is handled

sensitively as children progress through the school, particularly in Years

3, 5 and 6. We offer our parents the opportunity to view the materials

we use prior to children seeing them and to discuss related issues with

members of staff.

The school’s Sex Education Policy is available for parents to view. Please

enquire at the school office.

Homework:

Homework is set across the school. In setting homework we aim to:

• Promote positive attitudes to work and school

• Raise achievement of all pupils

• Consolidate and reinforce skills and understanding in literacy and

numeracy and across the curriculum

• Encourage and develop independent learning

• Increase self discipline

• Develop the home/school partnership

• Prepare children for secondary transfer in Year 6

A variety of types of homework are used depending on the age and

ability of the pupils. These include:-

• Reading

• Learning spellings, multiplication tables, and mental arithmetic tasks

• Completion of class work

• A piece of research on a familiar or a new topic

• Revision for a test

• A piece of Mathematics, Science or English work

• Other work agreed with parents


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Educational Visits:

The school’s policy for Charges and Remission meets the requirements

of the Education Reform Act 1988 and reflects the high standard of

learning experiences which we provide for the children of Gwyrosydd

Primary School. The educational value of all proposed activities and

visits and the health and safety of our children is carefully considered by

staff. Voluntary contributions towards the cost of these visits and

activities will be requested from each participating family. Each

visit/activity will only take place if sufficient voluntary contributions are

received to enable us to fund it. If the visit/activity does go ahead all

relevant children will participate whether or not their parents have

made a voluntary contribution. However, the school reserves the right

to leave behind any child whose behaviour is a danger to himself /

herself or others. Parental permission is always sought before removing

children from the school premises for educational visits. If the shortfall on

voluntary contributions is so great that the visit/activity cannot proceed,

all monies collected will be returned to parents.

These visits/activities are an enhancement of the school’s curriculum

and as always we rely on our partnership with parents to help us

provide the best learning opportunities for the children in our care.

Inclusion

Special Educational

Needs:

Most children have


January 2008

special needs within an area of the curriculum at some time in their

school career.

At Gwyrosydd Primary School the special needs of children are

identified by the class teacher or a colleague by observation, testing,

assessment and consultation with parents, previous school records and

health agencies, e.g. school nurse, doctor, etc. (particularly in physical

problems). Our Special Needs Policy has been written with the

consideration of the national Code of Practice. A summary is available

from the school office. Parents are consulted at each stage and are

invited to attend meetings with the Special Needs co-ordinator and

support services.

When a child has special needs the class teacher gives the child

individual help and sets appropriate tasks. We have a full time Special

Educational Needs co-ordinator in school who regularly helps to assess

children with learning difficulties, helping pupils individually and working

with the child’s teacher to plan suitable programmes of work and

support. If parents, teachers or the Head teacher feel that the

assessment of a child’s needs would benefit from an educational

psychologist’s report, the class teacher is asked to complete a referral

form and parents are informed by the Head teacher. Parents are

consulted at every stage. The psychologist’s report to the school gives

guidance to the school and parents. Occasionally a child is issued with

a statement of special educational needs. The statement may

recommend that there is extra ancillary help given to support the child.

Occasionally the statementing process may reveal that a child should

attend a school where expert help is available to support their specific

needs. However, the majority of children identified as having special

needs are catered for by the school and such cases are usually short

term.

Equal Opportunities:

We wish to promote positive attitudes in children, staff, governors and

parents so that the children can fulfil their potential and make choices,

unhampered by expectations based on gender or role stereotyping.

We seek to fulfil the aims of the school regardless of age, gender, ability

(both academic and physical) ethnic origin or background of the child.

The school follows the L.E.A. Admissions Policy, which does not permit

sex, race, colour or disability to be used as criteria for admission.


January 2008

The school will liaise with the L.E.A. when assessing the needs and

providing for children admitted to the school with particular physical

disabilities.

Disability Discrimination Act:

At Gwyrosydd we are committed to providing a fully accessible

environment which values and includes all pupils, staff, parents and

visitors regardless of their education, physical, sensory, social, spiritual,

emotional and cultural needs. We are further committed to challenging

attitudes about disability and accessibility and developing a culture of

awareness, tolerance and inclusion. The school is working in partnership

with the Local Educational Authority in developing and implementing

its access plan and has adopted in principle, the “LEA Accessibility

Strategy, Access to Learning”.

Race Equality

� It is the right of all pupils to receive the best education the school

can provide, with access to all educational activities organised by

the school. We do not tolerate any forms of racial harassment which

includes racist name calling, racist caricature based on prejudice,

the stirring of racial hatred and the drawing or writing of racist

materials.

� We are committed to combating racial discrimination and racial

harassment by challenging stereotyping and prejudice whenever it

occurs.

� We endeavour to make the school a welcoming place for all ethnic

and national groups represented in the community including

travellers, asylum seekers and refugees.

� Children are encouraged to be aware of what racism means

through the Citizenship programme and are encouraged to report

incidents where there is the suspicion of racism.

� We ensure that all recruitment, employment, promotion and training

system are fair to all, and provide opportunities for everyone to

achieve.

� We constantly strive to remove any forms of indirect discrimination

that may form barriers to learning, for example by ensuring that

book resources reflect a diverse society and do not contain

negative images.

Expected Code of Conduct


January 2008

Behaviour:

Within a “family” of nearly 400 children some rules are essential; these

are mostly matters of common sense, to ensure the safety of our

children. Rules are devised to make the school a safer and happier

place for all children. Generally they will involve:

• The right of all children to feel safe and secure when in the school

buildings and outdoor areas

• Respect for other people and property

• The need to keep safe and to only work or play in an agreed way

(for example no climbing on the school fences or running down

steep banks, walking calmly in the corridors etc)

• The need to show courtesy and good manners to everyone who

works at or visits the school, and to make them feel happy to be

here

• The importance of always striving to do the best you can whether at

work or play

• The need to treat everyone as you would wish to be treated yourself

The emphasis in the school is to praise good behaviour, attitude and

effort and increase children’s awareness of the need to make a

positive contribution to their community.

The school has a comprehensive Behaviour Policy which is available on

request, which emphasises the importance of positive behaviour

strategies. There is a detailed reward system which highlights and

recognises children’s successes in all areas of school life, not just

academic progress, and is practised throughout the school. Children

who find it difficult to follow rules are given specific behaviour support

and go through a series of stages to try and modify behaviour.

Continued incidents of poor behaviour will lead to a number of

sanctions being imposed appropriate to the age of the child and the

seriousness of the behaviour displayed, including ‘time out’ and missing

playtimes. Parents will be informed if their child continues to misbehave,

and co-operation between home and school will be sought to try and

alleviate problems.

Aggressive behaviour, bullying, verbal or physical abuse of others or

damage to property will not be accepted at the school. Serious

measures will be taken in line with the school policy.


January 2008

When sanctions are necessary, they will be appropriate to the child and

the incident.

The school Behaviour Policy is available on request from the school

office. The school has a Home-School Agreement, which we ask

parents, guardians, children and teachers to sign.

The Golden Rules:

Our school community has agreed to follow the school’s Golden Rules,

which are:

� Do be gentle - Do not hurt anyone

� Do be kind and -Do not hurt helpful people’s feelings

� Do work hard - Do not waste your or other people’s time

� Do look after - Do not waste or property damage things

� Do listen to people - Do not interrupt

� Do be honest - Do not hide the truth

Golden Time:

Golden Time is used to re-enforce and reward positive attitude and

behaviour. Children begin the week with an entitlement of 30 minutes

Golden Time. At the beginning of the week the children plan and select

a range of activities they would like to participate in during Golden

Time. (This is usually planned into a Friday afternoon) If a child behaves

inappropriately they are given a warning using a warning card. If the


January 2008

behaviour continues the adult can withdraw 5 minutes of their Golden

Time. Children have the opportunity to earn time back by modifying

their behaviour and/or showing a significant effort to improve. This time

can only be given back by the adult who took it away.

Parents and the School:

You are your child’s first and most important educator. At Gwyrosydd

we value and appreciate the important role you have to play in

supporting your child in developing a positive attitude to school and

learning. Studies have proven that children learn best when home and

school work in partnership. At Gwyrosydd we offer a wide range of

opportunities for parents to actively participate in supporting their

children at school. Schools can’t educate children alone. We

need your support.

Friends of Gwyrosydd

We are fortunate at Gwyrosydd Primary to have a dedicated team of

parents and friends who work hard to improve the school for all the

children. The Friends of Gwyrosydd have organized many fund raising

events including school discos, concerts, Mid winter and Summer Fairs.

A considerable amount of money has been raised for the school which

has directly benefited the children. New parents, grandparents, other

relatives or friends are always welcome to come and join the team and

details of meeting times will be advertised in the school newsletter and

around the school buildings.

Home and school liaison:

Parent/Teacher consultation evenings are held each term and a formal

written report goes out to parents in July. In addition, over the year

there are a number of evenings and talks for parents. These include:

• Parents Evenings - a chance to find out how your child has settled

into school

• Governors A.G.M. and report to parents - Come along to find out

what the school governors have achieved each year.

• School Open Day - Come along and find out about a day in the life

of Gwyrosydd Primary School.

• Tours for new parents.

Teachers are also available everyday in the playground before and

after school to discuss any immediate concerns with parents on an


January 2008

informal basis. Alternatively you can ring the school office to make an

appointment. We are committed to involving parents and families in

the life of the school.

Communication is a two-way process. We will always endeavour to

keep you up to date about your child’s progress. We would ask that

you inform us about the ‘ups and downs’ in your child’s life so that we

can provide appropriate help and support. If you or your children have

problems or worries please contact the class teacher, Deputy Head

teacher or Headteacher so that they can resolved. Little worries are

more difficult to sort out when they have grown into big ones.

School Newsletter and information to Parents:

Our school newsletter is sent out on a weekly basis to parents and

includes a diary for the week ahead to keep parents informed about

what is going on in school. Our newsletter and all other information to

parents is sent out to parents on a Thursday. By keeping to a regular

day parents know when to check bags for information coming from

school!

Courses for Parents:

The school offers a range of courses for parents which change on a

termly basis. We are currently running Numeracy and Literacy courses

to support parents in helping their children to learn. If you are interested

in any of these or have ideas for other courses please contact the

office.

Further Information

Arriving and Leaving

Please note that the school cannot take responsibility for children

arriving at school before 8.50 a.m. unless they are attending the school

Breakfast Club. Until 8:50 the supervision of children is the responsibility

of the parent.

Children in Reception and Year 1 come straight into the classroom

between 8:50. On wet days the main doors will be opened at 8:40 and

parents are welcome to wait in the corridors until 8:50

Children in Year 2 are expected to assemble in the infant playground,

where the class teachers will collect them at 8:50.

Children in Key Stage 2 are expected to assemble in the playground

between 8:40 and 8:50, where their class teachers collect them.


January 2008

Breakfast Club

The school operates a Breakfast Club from 8:00 every morning. This club

is run by the catering and supervisory staff and there is no cost as it is

fully funded by the Welsh Assembly government.

Attendance

The Education Act states that parents have the primary responsibility for

ensuring that children of compulsory school age receive a suitable

education. At Gwyrosydd Primary School we ask parents and families to

support in promoting good attendance in the following ways:

• Ensuring that children attend school regularly and arrive on time.

(Registration is often a time when teachers will discuss with children

the programme for the day.)

• If your child is ill please contact the school on the first day of

absence so we can update our records. Staff will be concerned if

they don’t hear anything.

• When your child returns to school ensure that a note is provided

confirming the reason for absence.

• Avoid taking holidays during term time. Before requesting a holiday,

think about the lessons your child will miss, the difficulty they will have

in catching up and the effect it will have on how well they do at

school. If a family holiday falls during term time, a holiday form,

obtainable from the office, should be filled in before your child goes

away on holiday. The Government permits a maximum of ten

schooldays for family holidays in a year with the consent of the

school. Further absence for holidays will be recorded as

unauthorised.

Did you know that the expected level of attendance for Primary age

pupils is 92.5%?

At Gwyrosydd we have a responsibility to work with the LEA and

Education Welfare Service to ensure that children attend school. We

are required to inform the LEA if a pupil fails to attend or is late regularly

and if no reason for absence is provided. Schools are required by law to

publish annually the percentage of Authorised and Unauthorised

Absence for each academic year. This is provided at the back of the

prospectus. Authorised absence is, for example, illness, agreed family

holidays or absence with the school’s permission. Unauthorised

absence is when the school receives no valid explanation in

accordance with Government guidelines. Our figures indicate that

truancy is not a problem thanks to collaboration between home and


January 2008

school in ensuring that our children appreciate the importance of

school attendance and the effect this has on their learning. Each term

the school awards certificates to children with 100% attendance for the

term and their names are published in the school newsletter.

Children are not allowed out of school between 8.50 and 3.20 without

the permission of the Head teacher. If your child needs to leave school

for any reason, such as dental appointments, please send a note to the

class teacher beforehand. Children with such appointments should be

collected from the school and signed out by the parent / guardian.

School Dinners

A quality school lunch is provided for those who wish it at a cost of £1.70

per day. Cooked meals are prepared on site and a vegetarian option

is offered. Dinner money is collected every Friday morning for the

following week. Please put dinner money in an envelope with your

child’s name and class on it, and the amount inside. Provision is also

made for those pupils who wish to bring a packed lunch. No glass

bottles or containers are allowed for obvious reasons.

The organisation of school meals, particularly the supervision of the

children, is a difficult exercise and the success of the work depends

entirely on the close co-operation between the teacher on duty,

kitchen staff, mid-day supervisors, children and their parents. Children

who persistently misbehave and are non-co-operative during the lunch

hour period will, after due warning and consultation with the parents,

be suspended from school at lunchtime. (Those entitled to free meals

will leave at 12.15.p.m. after their meal).

Children remaining in school at lunchtime must not leave the school at

any time without permission from the Head teacher. This will only be

given upon receipt of a written or telephoned request from parents.

Children of families receiving Income Support are entitled to claim a

free midday meal. Advice on these matters can be obtained from the

school office, and the LEAs Pupils and Governor department. Lunch is

considered to be a social occasion and children are encouraged to sit

together whether they are having school dinners or ‘home

sandwiches’.

Drinking Water:


January 2008

Children are encouraged to bring a plastic bottle of water to school. It

has been proven that if children have regular access to water during

the day they are more able to concentrate and make greater progress

at school. Containers are kept in the classroom and children can fill

these up in the classrooms, which all have mains drinking water

supplied.

School Clubs

We offer a wide range of lunchtime and after school clubs for our

pupils. These include Gymnastics, Chess, Recorders, Football, Netball,

Athletics, Rugby, Art, Choir and library to name just a few. Look out for

further information about the different clubs available each term in our

school newsletter.

Security

The security of the children in our care is paramount and as such

certain procedures have been adopted. Children enter the school at

8.50 through a number of entrances, all of which will be secured when

the children are inside. Any late arrivals, visitors or parents must report to

the main school entrance where a single entry system is electronically

operated via the school office. There is no access to any class during

the day except through this entrance.

Children are not allowed to let any adults into the school, even if they

know them, but are asked to fetch a member of the administrative staff

who will then open the doors.

Parents are asked to support the school in this matter and not to let

anyone in to the school themselves during the day or at the end of the

day, except through the main door.

Parking

The school car park is for staff use only. Parents are asked not to bring

their cars into the school yard when fetching or collecting their children,

and are asked to park with care outside the school grounds. Parents

should avoid parking on the yellow zig zag lines or where they will cause

any obstruction, and are asked to remember to take great care at the

start and end of the day when the school entrances can be very busy.

Emergency Closure

From time to time, especially in winter, situations may arise where it is

necessary to close the school. Where possible parents will be informed

the day before the school is to close. If the school has to be closed at


January 2008

short notice Swansea Sound Radio will be asked to make an

announcement after their half hourly news bulletins in the morning. A

notice will also be placed at the school gates.

First Aid

Simple first aid is given at school when necessary. If an accident needs

hospital attention we will make every effort to contact you first. Please

ensure information from you is up-to-date so that you can be

contacted. There are two fully trained first aiders in school.

Medicines in school

All medicines, ointments and inhalers must be clearly labelled with the

child’s name and the dose. We don’t want to give the wrong medicine

to your child! A form is available from the office that needs to be signed

by a parent/guardian and on which we ask you to provide full

instructions for the administration of any medicine.

Medicines must be handed into the school office each morning and

collected when needed.

Any child who becomes ill in school will be cared for and comforted

until you can be contacted. Please make sure that the school has your

telephone number as well as a second contact number in case of an

emergency.

Head Lice

Head Lice can be a real problem in schools. Cases of head Lice should

be reported to the class teacher. Advice on treatment is available from

the school office if necessary. Please note that the School is not

responsible for treatment. The Health Authority clearly places

responsibility with parents. However, we do endeavour to keep parents

/ carers informed if there is an outbreak.

Medical Care

The Health Authority gives all children vision, hearing and dental tests.

Selected children may undergo a more detailed medical examination

and those with hearing problems will have further aural tests. Parents

have the right to be present at a full medical examination and to refuse

dental treatment for their child if they wish to do so.

Smoking

Please do not smoke within the school grounds it is forbidden to do so!


January 2008

Emergency Contact Information

Please ensure that your contact details are correct, and that the school

is told about any health matters, especially allergies, relating to your

child.

Dogs

Please do not bring dogs on to school premises (this includes the car

park, turnaround, playgrounds and pedestrian area), tie them to school

fences or allow them to obstruct the pavement where children walk.

No matter how gentle your animal is, children can be easily scared.

Please don’t allow your dog to foul pavements on the route to school.

Bag it and bin it!

The School Council

The School Council plays an important and active role in school life; it

represents pupils’ views and helps to shape our school of the future. We

believe that school councils provide a basis for active learning of

important life skills, such as speaking and listening skills, teamwork,

emotional literacy, problem-solving, moral reasoning skills, self-esteem

and self confidence.

The council is seen as benefitting the whole school as it provides a

voice for the pupils to express their feelings, opinions, ideas and

concerns and to understand that their opinions count. School council

experiences provide a dynamic foundation for learning about

citizenship. The Council arranges fundraising activities for a variety of

good causes both inside and outside the school.

At the beginning of every school year all the children (except

reception) elect one representative to sit on the Council until the end of

the academic year. The Council meets at least once each half term

with the ‘teacher-facilitator’ and ‘link Governor’. The Council Members

are seen as the voice of the pupils and their views are treated with due

respect. Councillors are also seen as ‘ambassadors’ for the school and

as such will represent the school at various events and functions; their

behaviour should be exemplary at all times. We believe the being a

Councillor also gives pupils the opportunity to develop a range of skills

including communication and negotiation as well as building

confidence and an understanding of duty.


January 2008

Complaints:

If you have a problem concerning your child please make an

appointment to see the class teacher at the earliest opportunity. Most

problems can be dealt with informally by the teacher concerned. The

Head teacher will normally refer parents to the class teacher if

approached in the first instance.

A senior teacher or Deputy Head teacher may become involved if the

matter is not easily resolved. Problems will be referred to the Head

teacher when standard procedures have not been effective in

resolving the issue.

Our Parent Governors are also available to help in any way they can. If

the above procedures prove unsuccessful a formal complaint may be

made to the Chairman of Governors c/o the School

Complaints about the Curriculum, Religious Education and related

matters would be made under Section 23 of the Education Reform Act.

The Governors adopt the Local Education Authority’s recommended

procedure for dealing with formal complaints. Copies of this are

available from the school office or from County Hall. It is hoped

however that any matters of concern can be resolved by informal

discussion at the school.

School Governors:

Under the 1988 Education Reform Act the Governors take an important

role in the running of the school. Decisions on issues, which have been

taken by the Local Education Authority at County Hall in the past, have

largely been handed over to local school governors. Our Governors

have responsibility for the content of the curriculum particularly with

regard to sex education, the appointment of staff and control of the

school finances.

The school’s curriculum fulfils the requirements of the National

Curriculum and the

Swansea Curriculum Policy. However, it has greater depth and breadth

to meet the needs of our pupils.

The Governors have set up three committees to deal with certain areas

of their responsibilities.

These are Resources, Environment, and Curriculum. The Governors meet

in full at least once a term while the committees meet more frequently.


January 2008

The Headteacher reports regularly to each committee, which in turn

report to the full governing body.

And Finally......

We want your child’s time at our school to be happy, exciting and

educational.

We believe that learning should be fun and that by encouraging

respect for each other and valuing the opportunities available we all

grow and learn together.


January 2008

Class Structure / numbers on roll (January 2008) / staffing

Headteacher Mr Jonathan Atter

Deputy Headteacher Mrs C Roberts

Year Group Teachers

Nursery Mrs Giles (am) Mrs Giles (pm) 48

Reception Mrs Owens Mrs Lewis 42

Year 1/2 Mrs Fethney Mrs Howells 81

Mrs Mathews

Year 3 Mrs Jenkins Miss Brunsdon 50

Year 4 Mr Blackmore Miss Griffiths 57

Year 5 Mrs Evans Mr Davies 41

Year 6 Mrs Roberts Mrs Meyrick 45

Special

Needs

Mrs Jones Mrs Thomas

Total Pupils 377

Support Staff

Ms C Owens LSA Miss J Davies LSA

Mrs V Beynon LSA (LEA) Mrs B Davies LSA

Mrs C Hurlow LSA (LEA) Mrs T Strange LSA (LEA)

Mrs B Millien LSA Mrs K Peters LSA (LEA)

Mrs C Green LSA (LEA) Mrs V Beynon LSA (LEA)

Mrs J Thomas LSA Mrs N Salter LSA (LEA)

Mrs M Davies NNEB Mrs Y Deeks NNEB

Mrs B Cole NNEB

Mrs Phillips Secretary Miss Crees Secretary

Mrs Williams Secretary

Mr K Fifield Caretaker Mr L Millien Assistant

Caretaker

Mrs C Cooze Cook Mrs D Harris Chargehand

Mrs M Williams Senior MDS (Infants)

Mrs V Owens Senior MDS (Juniors)


January 2008

School Term and Holiday Dates 2008/2009

The following School Terms and Holiday dates for the academic year 2008/2009 have now been

approved.

2008/2009 Mid Term

Holidays

Term Term Begins Term Ends Begins Ends Term Begins Term Ends

Total

Days per

Term

Autumn

2008

Tuesday 2nd

September

Friday 24th

October

Monday 27th

October

Friday 31st

October

Monday 3rd

November

Friday 19th

December

39 35 74

Spring

2009

Tuesday 6th

January

Friday 13th

February

Monday 16th

February

Friday 20th

February

Monday 23rd

February Friday 3rd April

29 30 59

Summer

2009

Monday 20th

April

Friday 22nd

May

Monday 25th

May

Friday 29th

May

Monday 1st

June

Wednesday

22nd July

24 38 62

TOTAL 195

Bank Holidays

10th April 2009 - Good Friday 13th April 2009 - Easter Monday

4th May 2009 - May Day 25th May 2009 - Spring Bank Holiday

INSET days

The following days have already been arranged as school inset days:

January 6th

May 1st

May 12th

June 1st


January 2008

June 30th

July 22nd


January 2008

COMPARATIVE REPORTs

Summary of National Curriculum Assessment results of pupils in the school (2007)

and nationally (2006) at the end of Key Stage 1 as a percentage of those eligible

for assessment.

N D W 1 2 3 4+

ENGLISH School 0 0 9 39 53 0 0

100 National 0 0 3 13 63 20 -

Oracy School 0 0 9 37 54 0 0

100 National 0 0 2 10 63 24 -

Reading School 0 0 7 37 33 23 0

100 National 0 0 4 14 55 27 -

Writing School 0 0 21 42 37 0 0

100 National 0 0 5 14 68 12 -

0 National 0 0 3 19 66 12 0

MATHEMATICS School 0 0 4 18 47 32 0

100 National 0 0 2 10 64 23 -

SCIENCE School 0 0 0 23 77 0 0

100 National 0 0 2 9 66 24 0

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 : 52.63 National: 80.6


January 2008

Summary of National Curriculum Assessment results of pupils in the school (2007)

and nationally (2006) at the end of Key Stage 2 as a percentage of those eligible

for assessment.

Core

Subject

Indicator*

Boys Girls All

School 80 63.64 72.34

National 70.1 78.6 74.2

N D W 1 2 3 4 5 6+

School 0 0 0 0 6 19 64 11 0 English National 0 0 1 1 4 16 48 30 -

School 0 0 0 0 6 17 64 13 0 Oracy

National 0 0 0 1 4 16 49 31 - School 0 0 0 0 6 19 64 11 0

Reading National 0 0 1 1 4 16 45 33 0 School 0 0 0 0 6 32 51 11 0

Writing National 0 0 1 1 5 20 47 26 0

School 0 0 0 0 6 15 66 13 0 Mathematics

National 0 0 1 1 3 14 48 33 0 School 0 0 0 0 6 30 49 15 0 Using & Applying

Mathematics National 0 0 1 1 5 21 46 27 0 School 0 0 0 0 4 13 70 13 0

Number & Algebra National 0 0 1 1 3 14 46 35 0 School 0 0 0 0 6 17 64 13 0 Shape, Space &

Measures National 0 0 1 1 3 15 47 33 0

School 0 0 0 0 6 32 45 17 0 Handling Data

National 0 0 1 1 3 15 48 33 0

School 0 0 0 0 4 15 51 30 0 Science

National 0 0 1 0 2 12 52 34 - School 0 0 0 0 4 15 49 32 0

Scientific Enquiry National 0 0 1 0 3 17 50 29 - School 0 0 0 0 4 19 49 28 0 Life Processes &

Living Things National 0 0 1 0 2 10 50 37 - School 0 0 0 0 4 15 51 30 0 Materials & their

Properties National 0 0 1 0 2 12 52 34 - School 0 0 0 0 4 28 40 28 0

Physical Processes National 0 0 1 0 2 13 52 32 -


January 2008

REQUEST FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF PRESCRIBED MEDICINE IN SCHOOL

Dear Parents,

We are receiving numerous requests to administer medicines to

children. Swansea C.C. recommends the following:

1 Only prescribed medicines may be given – proprietary medicines

bought by parents should not be sent to school.

2. Requests for teachers to administer medicines should be made in

writing, stating clearly the name of the child, the name of the

medicines, the dose, the times of administration and the duration

of treatment (see attached form and keep for possible future use).

3. All medicines should be clearly labelled with the name and

address of the child, the dose and the times of administration of

the dose and any expiry date if appropriate.

4. The child should not be entrusted with carrying medicines to

school each day. Medicines should be delivered and collected

by a parent or other responsible adult.

5. We should be grateful if you could keep to these

recommendations. They would help to ensure the welfare of

your child. Please note, the school has no facilities for storing

medicines which require refrigeration.

HOLIDAYS IN TERM TIME

According to the Education (Schools and Further Education)

Regulations 1981 parents may, on application, be granted leave of

absence from school for their child, in order for the child to accompany

them on an annual family holiday and only for a maximum of 10 days.


January 2008

It states further that, save in exceptional circumstances, a pupil may not

be granted more than two weeks leave of absence in any year.

REQUEST FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF PRESCRIBED MEDICINE IN

SCHOOL

I………………………………………………………Name of parent/guardian

of……………………………………………………………..address

…………………………………………………………………

parent/guardian of ………………………………………..(name of child in

fully)

………………………………………………….. Date of birth

hereby request that ………………………………………..(name) should

receive

name of medicine ………………………………………………..(as on

container)

dose of medicine ………………………………………………


January 2008

time of administration ………………………………………………

duration of treatment ……………………………………………………..

The medicine will be administered by either the Headteacher, Deputy

Headteacher or the Class teacher, Staff, whilst taking all possible care,

will not be held responsible for any problems that might occur,

APPLICATION FORM FOR HOLIDAYS IN TERM TIME

I wish my child to have leave of absence from school for the family

holiday

Name and class of children ………………………………………

From: Date……………………………………....…………………………………

Until: Date…………………………………………....……………………………

Reason………………

Gwyrosydd Primary School

Documents

Transcript of Gwyrosydd Primary School