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PENYGRAIGINFANT SCHOOLSCHOOL PROSPECTUS 2015-16

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Contents

Introduction

The Governors

Parents

School Uniform

School Sessions

Staff

Aims

School Rules

Discipline

Pre-Admission Arrangements and Admissions Policy

Federated Schools Aims

School Premises

Term Dates

Punctuality

The Collection of Money

School Dinners

School Trips and Outings

Medical Guidelines

Absence, Security and Pastoral Care

Attendance

Equal Opportunities and Disability Access

Child Protection & Complaints Procedure

Sex Education & Teaching

The Curriculum

Child Welfare

Assessment, Recording and Reporting

School Council

Transfer Inofrmation

Nursery Class

Reading Scheme

Identification of Clothing and Physical Education

Special Events

Road Safety

Religious Education and Collective Worship

Homework and Home-School Tasks

Links with the Community

Parents Evening

Transfer of Pupils

Foundation Phase Outcome

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To ensure every child is welcomed into a caring and stimulating environment where they will be nurtured and given every opportunity to achieve their full potential

Penygraig Infants School caters for the needs of pupils from three to seven years of age. There are atpresent approximately 150 pupils in attendance at the school, accommodated in five classes.

The school is maintained by Rhondda Cynon Taf Authority and the Group Director of Education and Children’s Services.

Control of the school is exercised by the Governing Body which is comprised of representatives from parents, teachers, local council representatives and local co-opted members. It has the responsibility for all decisions concerning the life of the school.

Introduction

MISSION STATEMENT- “Nurtured We Learn”

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The Governors

What are Governors?

Governors are like a board of directors and make decisions about how the school is run. They meet at least once a term at the school. Governors work together. They cannot act individually.

Why are parents on the Governing Body?

Parent Governors:

• Have a child at the school• Are elected by parents at the school• Serve as a governor for four years

Governors are appointed to help:

• Decide what is taught• Set standards of behaviour• Interview and select staff

• Decide how the school budget is spent

School Governors are:

• Parents• Teachers and non-teaching staff at the school

• Local Authority representatives• Community representatives

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Why are parents on the Governing Body?

Why are parents on the Governing Body?

Parents bring the view of parents to the Governing Body but they speak and act as individuals. They do not vote for all the parents in general. They have equal status in the work of the Governing Body and voting rights.

OUR CURRECT GOVERNORS

Chair: Mrs S. Jones

Vice-Chair:Rev J. Cooke

Parent Governors:

Ms Lisa DavidMrs Susan DolbyMrs Sali Padfield

Mrs Liana PengellyMs Teresa Woodbridge

Headteacher Representative:

Mrs P. Vaughan

Teacher Governors:

Mrs H. O’GormanMiss Y. Gardiner

Non-Teaching Staff Governors:

Mrs F. JonesMrs G. Richards

L.E.A. Representatives:

Mrs J. StephensMr K. Lewis

Councillor K. PrivettDr E. Cooke

Mrs Beth Thomas

Community Representatives:

Mrs T. CookeMrs K. JamesMajor D. Wise

Rev. Christopher Lewis JenkinsMrs K. Wood

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School Uniform

We strongly request parental co-operation in encouraging children to wear school uniform at all times as it provides a practical and cost effective alternative to everyday clothing. Uniform is also a badge

of belonging and a way of showing pride in our school.

The school uniform comprises of the following articles of clothing:

Boys and GirlsRed sweatshirts/cardigans – available with school logo

White polo shirts Grey skirts or trousers

Please ensure that all clothing is marked clearly with your child’s name!

Orders for school uniform can be placed periodically with the school secretary.

FOOTWEAR-Please ensure that footwear is both suitable and practical and be mindful of the fact that during

playtimes pupils are often engaged in skipping, running and chasing. Inappropriate footwear leads to unnecessary accidents!

HAIRSTYLES- Pupils are expected to have ‘normal’ hairstyles and extreme styles such as shaving patterns/tramlines into the hair or multi-coloured dying will be strictly prohibited. Pupils with long hair will also be asked

to tie it back to prevent the spread of headlice.

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School Sessions

Morning Session:

Mid-Morning Break:

Afternoon Session:

Mid-Afternoon Break:

Times will differ initially for the Nursey Class.Please see Nursery Staff for details.

Starts at 9:00am - Finishes at 12:00am

Mid-Morning break: 10:30-10:50am

Starts at 1:15pm - Finishes at 3:30pmNursery Class 3:20pm

Mid-Afternoon break: 2:30-2:45pm

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Teaching Staff

Mrs P. Vaughan(Headteacher)

Miss Y Gardiner(Deputy Head)

Mrs S Wood(School Clerk)

Mrs P Baker(Teacher)

Mrs J Griffiths(Teacher)

Mrs B Taylor(Teacher)

Mrs R Dowling(Teacher)

Mrs C Remmert(Teacher)

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Teaching Staff

Miss S Padfield(Nursery Nurse)

Mrs M Price(HLTA)

Mrs S Brown(Nursery Nurse)

Mrs G Richards(Nursery Nurse)

Miss K Doherty(Nursery Nurse)

Mr C Williams(Caretaker)

Mirs G Gilder(Teacher’s Aides)

Miss A Burrough(Teacher’s Aides)

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Aims

Penygraig Infants’ School aims to work in partnership with parents, governors and the wider community to provide an environment which is secure, happy, motivating and a place where each child is able to develop to their full potential.

At Penygraig Infants’ school we work together to build a learning community. We aim to provide high quality teaching that is regularly monitored and reviewed. We believe that our pupils should be given the opportunity to realise their full potential academically, socially, emotionally, physically and spiritually. We provide a caring, pleasing and stimulating environment for the children .

We have a framework of positive discipline and ensure that good behaviour and achievement are regularly celebrated.

We aim to prepare our pupils for their future lives by helping them to recognise the contribution they can make to the local community and wider society. We help children to develop lively enquiring minds and to become independent learners. We teach the importance of tolerance and respect for others.

We expect everyone at Penygraig Infants’ School to take pride in their school.

School Rules and Behaviour Policy

Summary of the behaviour policy:

• We aim to be fair to all pupils.• We have rules for behaviour in classrooms, at playtimes and dinner times.• We aim to notice, praise and reward pupils who keep the rules.• We tell parents when we are very pleased with their child’s behaviour.• We have a system of sanctions for dealing with inappropriate behaviour.• We make every effort to involve parents when their child is not behaving appropriately at

school.

General Rules

• No child may leave the school premises at any time or for any reason without the knowledge and permission of the Head Teacher.

• Leave jewellery, electronic and other valuable items at home. Do not bring anything to school, which is dangerous.

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School Rules

In Penygraig Infants’ School we have high expectations of behaviour and expect everyone to show respect for each other. To this end we have some simple rules that should help to make our school a secure and happy place for all members of the school community.

In the Foundation Phase we are learning to behave in an acceptable way that will allow us to become citizens of the school and life-long learners. As we progress through the school this behaviour must become embedded in our day-to-day school life so that we are ready to become valued members of our community. We will learn to: -

• Treat others with respect• Control ourselves so that we are able to line up and move around the school in an orderly and

safe way• When we are playing we will remember to keep our hands, feet and objects under control so

that they do not hurt others• So that everyone’s contribution can be heard and valued we will put our hands up when we

want to speak especially in large group or whole school settings• We will always care for and protect more vulnerable members of the school community and

set good examples by being careful and polite• We will care for our school, the building and its grounds and appreciate the facilities we have• When we have been learning or playing we will tidy away equipment in a way that will ensure it

is ready to be used by others• During wet playtimes we will try to play sensibly and remember that games are more fun if

others join in• We will never leave the school or the playground without permission• If someone is upsetting us in any way we will tell a friend, a teacher, Mrs Vaughan or Mrs.

Wood or our parents when we go home, so that the problem can be sorted out• No bullying will be allowed at our school. Everyone must help stop this happening by telling

an adult if they know of anyone bullying another person.

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Discipline

We as a staff and you as parents have the same priority- the interests of your child / children. You can be assured that whilst your child is in our care, his / her needs will be uppermost in our minds.Your children will be expected to behave in the correct manner. You will be notified if your child misbehaves and we hope you will support the staff when discipline is necessary. Our policy is to be firm but fair. Children respect discipline and this leads to a happy environment.

We as a staff look forward to meeting your children. By working together we can benefit the children. I hope you have found this booklet helpful. If you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact the school.

Sanctions

Sadly, we sometimes have to consider sanctions for children who are unable to keep the school rules. Children may be asked to change seat or group or to repeat work. Loss of break time and other privileges is another sanction. If children do not behave appropriately in school they will not be chosen to represent the school in any outside activities or participate in school trips especially if their behaviour endangers themselves or others. If the problem persists, we will involve parents so that we can work towards a solution together. We may contact the L.A.s behaviour support service or educational psychologist may be asked to help with the agreement of the parents.

If a child’s behaviour becomes unacceptable we will consider temporary exclusion. In each case this would generally be for a set number of days as specified by the Head Teacher.

Permanent exclusion may well be used when a child persistently behaves in a manner, which is considered to be intolerable, unsociable and unacceptable.

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Pre-Admission Arrangements

• Parents are invited to visit the school with their child for a ‘guided tour’ and to meet the teachers.• Other meetings with the class teacher can be organised so that parents can find out more about

the school.

The school shares its premises with “Ladybirds” a self-funding, pre-school playgroup which gives valuable experiences to help children settle into school.

The Governing Body of Penygraig Infants’ School applies the regulations on admissions fairly and equally to those who wish to attend this school.

We are an inclusive school that welcomes children from all backgrounds and abilities.

In September and at other times when a group of children may start, the intake is staggered with a small number of children starting each day to allow them to receive more individual attention from staff. It is hoped that all these arrangements will help to prepare children socially and emotionally for school and make starting school a happy and pleasant experience. All children must have attained their third birthday before they can be admitted to school.

An admission form must be completed by all parents, in order that the school has all necessary information. It is important that the school has telephone numbers to contact a parent, relative or friend in case of an emergency. If a child transfers to another school then all relevant information will be sent to that school.

Parents who wish to admit a child to the school are welcome to visit by arrangement with the Head Teacher.

As our school is a community school, the school determines the admission arrangements in agreement with the LA (Local Authority). The LA is therefore the ‘Admissions Authority’ for our school. The regulations for entry to each school, where the Admissions Authority is the LA, are published each year by the LA. Parents receive a copy of these regulations from the LA via the school as part of an admissions package.

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PENYG

RAIGF

EDERATIO

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Hand in Hand we Grow

PEN

YGRAIG INFANTS

SCHOOL

It is our vision at Penygraig Infant and Junior Schools to establish the aims and values which will take pupils’ learning FORWARD into the 21st Century...

FFOORRWWAARRDD

erocious appetitie for life-long learning

pportunities given to develop 21st century skills

ange of teaching styles promoting independent, enquiry based learning

illingness to respect, value and be tolerant of others’ beliefs and faith. Developing as an active con�dent citizen of Wales and globally

ccess to an enriched curriculum where Literacy, Numeracy and ICT skills are given precedence. Pupils of all abilities are challenged and engaged

ecognising the valuable contribution of parents and the wider community

eveloping stimulating learning environments both indoors and out in which all pupils are kept safe and well protected

Designed by Highstreet Media, Treorchy: www.highstreet-media.co.uk

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School Premises

The school is situated in the village of Penygraig and is over a hundred years old. The building has been well maintained and is bright and cheerful inside providing spacious accommodation for the children. Our caretaker does an excellent job keeping the school clean and fresh. There is a small

but secure playground which provides opportunity for recreation and outdoor learning. We have also recently developed an attractive outdoor Nursery area which provides stimulating experiences for

our Early Years pupils.

The school caters for children between the ages of three and seven years. In Wales this is “The Foun-dation Phase” and as the name implies is an essential part of the child’s learning journey.

Children are generally placed in classes according to age.

Since September 2013 we have five classes – Nursery, 2 Reception classes, Year One and Year Two.

We have a pre-school playgroup, which is self-funding. Parents are invited to give their children valuable experience of a nursery setting by attending some sessions in “Ladybirds” if possible. Each

session at present costs £4.

School Organisation

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All schools will be closed on

The remaining four INSET days to be taken, will be at the discretion of each individual school. Parents are notified of these once dates have been set.

All schools have to record reasons for absence and to make a note of all unauthorised absences.

What to do if your child is absent from school

• If a child is absent the school requires the parent or guardian to telephone the school to explain the absence, this absence will then be categorised and recorded as appropriate.

• If a parent or guardian is unable to telephone the school, then a letter explaining the absence is required when the child returns to school.

Term Dates

Attendance

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Why is it important?

It is important to arrive at school on time because:• Your child has maximum benefit from his/her lessons in school. Just 12 minutes late each day

means that your child has lost 1 hour of school time in a week!• When everyone arrives on time, lessons can begin straight away without interruptions.• It is a good habit to get into from the very beginning of school life.

• Children should arrive at school for 8:55a.m.• Children are taken into school at 9:00a.m. and, for their safety, all external doors are then locked.• Registers close at 9:15 a.m. in the morning and 1:25 p.m. in the afternoon. Children arriving after

these times will be officially recorded as late.• Parents are informed, by letter or telephone if a child’s punctuality is a matter of concern.

Punctuality

Coming to school and registration

Dinner Money

The cost of school dinner is £2.40 per day.

We collect dinner money on a Monday morning. To avoid lengthy queues we ask you to put the dinner money in an envelope marked as follows:

Parents of Nursery and Reception Class children are asked to place these envelopes in the boxes provided in their classrooms.

Year 1 and 2 children should bring their dinner money, in envelopes, themselves and take them to their classrooms.

Nursery children will be allowed to stay for dinner the first full week after admission, providing they have settled.

Dinners are not prepared on the premises and therefore have to be ordered by 9:30 am.

The Collection of Money

Name:Class:Amount:Number of Days:Name of Days:

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School Dinners

Pupils requiring school dinners MUST bring dinner money to school on the first day of the week (usually Monday). Please be sure to write your child’s name, class and days lunch is required on any envelopes containing dinner money. It is the Education Authority’s policy that meals must be paid for in advance and, therefore, money should be forwarded as payment for the number of meals required for the week. An allowance will be made the following week for any meals not consumed. Failure to comply with the Authority’s payment policy will require the school to refer such cases to the District Education Office.

Applications for free meals are made on special application forms, available from the school secretary.

Parents need to be in receipt of one of the following:• Income Support• Income-based Jobseekers Allowance• Child Tax Credit • Guaranteed Pension Credit.

Dinner Arrangements

Meals are not cooked on the premises. They are brought each day in specially designed cases and eaten in the dinning room. Nursery children eat in their classroom on small dinning tables.

A three week menu is in operation and can be consulted in the school or viewed in the ‘Information for Parents’ booklet provided by the caterers.

Alternatively, packed lunches may be brought. Younger children can become confused as to whether they have packed lunch or school meals so please ensure your child is sure of their arrangements for lunch.

CANS AND GLASS BOTTLES ARE NOT ALLOWED FOR REASONS OF SAFETY.

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School Trips and Outings

Charging Policy

Milk

Education is free, including the provision of materials and equipment. If parents wish to keep any items produced by their child, payment may be requested by the school. If any school property is damaged or lost by pupils or their relatives, it will be necessary to make a charge in order to cover the cost of replacements.

When the school organises educational excursions involving costs, parents are asked to make a contribution to cover the costs incurred. If insufficient contributions are received it may be necessary to cancel the trips. Pupils will not be taken on excursions unless written permission has been obtained from the parent or guardian. Therefore, it is essential for permission slips to be signed and returned to school.

There will be no cost for breakfast or after-school clubs run by the teaching staff. However there will be a nominal charge for after-school clubs such as basketball which is run by an outside provider.

Milk is provided for your child free of charge. If your child does not drink milk, water will be provided.

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Medical Guidelines

Please inform us if your child suffers from any serious or recurring medical problems, allergies, sight, and hearing or speech difficulties. Information is treated as confidential and it will help us to help your child.

Please notify the school immediately if your child is ill. If your child has an infectious disease it is essential that we are aware of this –please do not send your child to school until he/she is fully recovered.

If any child requires medication, the school must be informed by filling in an ‘administration of medicines’ form which is available from the secretary’s office. Please note that we are only allowed to administer prescription medicines. All inhalers will be kept in a safe place in the child’s classroom and other medicines will be kept in the school office.

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Absence, Security and Pastoral Care

Absence

Stage 1:

Pastoral Care

Parents are asked to inform the Head teacher or class teacher, in writing , of any absences, whether through illness or holiday. This is needed for school records. This should be done on the first day of illness.It is important that your child attends school regularly and should only be taken out of school if it is absolutely necessary. This is a legal requirement as well as essential to your child’s educational development. All class registers now indicate authorised and unauthorised absences. As far as possible please avoid arranging dental appointments during school hours. Also before arranging to take your child on holiday during term time please contact the school to discuss this with the Headteacher.

We believe that a strong home/school relationship is fundamental to pastoral care. We want the children to feel “at home” when they are in school and we feel that communication between parents and teachers helps to achieve this.

Parents are always welcome into the school to discuss any problems or worries and are likewise consulted about any educational or behavioural problems relating to their own child. In school the class teachers play the prime role in the care of their children. They are supported by the Head Teacher and other staff whenever necessary.

The school operates a Home/School Agreement, a copy of which is signed by parents of pupils on admission. (A copy is enclosed )

The arrangements for pastoral care of the pupils are as follows;

• The teachers are responsible for the welfare of the pupils in their classes. • The headteacher has overall responsibility for pastoral care and matters of concern are referred to

her.

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Attendance Averages

Attendance

In a bid to reduce/eradicate unauthorised pupilabsences the school attendance policy, which hasbeen approved by the Governing Body, states that:

We are committed to a working partnership with parents inorder to achieve a standard of excellence in pupil attendanceat our school.

A detailed policy on attendance can be viewed atschool.

Our attendance targets for this year is:

2015/16 = 94.9%

Pupils with the highest attendance each term are givena certificate or award.

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Equal Opportunities and Disability Access

Equal Opportunities and Disability Access

The school operates an equal opportunities policy whereby we do not discriminate against anyone, be they parent, governor, staff or pupil on the ground of their sex, race, colour, religion, disability, nationality, ethnic or national origins. This is in line with the 1976 Race Relations Act and covers both direct and indirect discrimination.

We promote the principles of fairness and justice and ensure that all pupils have equal access to the full range of educational opportunities provided by the school. The school has difficult wheelchair access with steps leading to the school from each entrance. Our toilets are not suitable for wheelchair users. These issues will be addressed in the school development plans and dealt with in co-operation with the LA when funding allows and or needs make it essential.

We have a school disability access plan which is available from the school office on request.

Data Protection Act (1998)

When your child starts at a new school you are asked to provide information about them, their previ-ous school may also send their previous records to the new school. This information is kept by the school, usually on the school’s computerised administration system, and then used for a variety of purposes related to the running of the school and provision of your child’s education.

Personal data collected and held in this way is treated confidentially and stored securely.

Your child has certain rights relating to this information; the Data Protection Act (1998) sets out those rights and protects individuals from misuse of the information held. In certain circumstances you, as parent/guardian, may have a right to ask for access to and a copy of personal data held about a pupil in your legal care, this is not an automatic right and each case will be consid-ered on its own merits.

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Child Protection & Complaints Procedure

Child Protection

The school’s first concern is the welfare of the child and, therefore, there may be occasions when it is necessary to consult other agencies even before contacting parents. Should this be necessary, parents may be reassured that any concerns about the child will be discussed with them after talking with the other agency. The Rhondda Cynon Taff Area Protection Committee has laid down the procedures followed by the school. If you wish to know more about this procedure, please speak to the Head Teacher.

Complaints Procedure

The Governing Body has approved the document setting out the arrangements for Rhondda Cynon Taff in respect of the above. The complaints procedure is summarised as follows:

1. Informal complaint to staff of school and Head Teacher.2. Informal complaint to Chair of Governing Body.3. Formal complaint via District Education Officer to Governing Body.4. Further formal complaint via District Education Officer (Clerk to the Governors) to Director of 5. Education. Only on procedures followed.6. Only after all stages of approved local arrangements have been exhausted can the Secretary of

State entertain complaints on the handling of procedures.

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Sex Education & Teaching

The school has prepared a Sex Education Policy in response to Section 46 of the Education Act (1986), which requires all schools to have a policy.After careful consideration, it has been decided that Sex Education should be included as part of a broad Health Education programme and integrated into a wider Personal, Social and Emotional programme of education. Questions arising from children are treated sensitively with due regard to the age and maturity of the child.

At Penygraig Infants’ School the normal school week is 21 hours of teaching time. This meets Welsh Assembly government requirements for the minimum hours to be taught. It does not include time spent in registration/collective worship/break and lunch periods.

Teaching

Sex Education

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The Curriculum

The school aims to help pupils develop socially, morally, emotionally, intellectually and physically. It aims to provide pupils with the necessary skills to become life long learners.

The curriculum provided at the school is broad and balanced and targets all aspects of learning. Pupils participate in a range of activities carefully matched to their levels of ability and maturity. Opportunities are provided to promote equal opportunities and to value and celebrate diversity.

Policies and schemes of work are available to meet the demands of the Foundation Phase and Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education. All policies and schemes of work are available for parents to see. The school organises the teaching of the curriculum through topics, but some subjects are taught separately.

At Penygraig Infants’ School education provision promotes learners’ bilingual skills and reflects the language and culture of Wales. The term ‘Cwrricwlwm Cymreig’ is used to identify those aspects of the curriculum that are unique to Wales. This ‘Welsh dimension’ of the curriculum is developed through a Welsh ethos within the school, through the selection of appropriate subject content and through the learning of Welsh. It is compulsory that Welsh is taught as a second language throughout the school. The use of incidental Welsh is encouraged throughout the school day. Pupils are encouraged to participate in additional activities outside the formal curric-ulum. These activities may include concerts, fund raising and charitable events, extra-curricular activities.

Penygraig Infants’ school is proud that we have Basic Skills Quality Standard, Phase Five of the Healthy School initiative and the B.E.C.T.A award for I.CT. The school aims to provide a range of sporting activities and opportunities for pupils to encourage a life-long enjoyment of physical activity.

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Health and Welfare

Parents have always acted responsibly and advise the school very quickly when their child has been infected with head lice. When this occurs, the school will issue the appropriate letter and, if requested, instructions/guidelines leaflet to parents.However, it must be stressed that the responsibility for treatment lies with the parents.

School security has become a most important issue and is a matter of concern to pupils, staff and parents. Anyone wishing to enter the premises should do so via the main entrance. On ringing the door bell, access will be gained. Anyone wishing to speak with individual members of staff should contact the Head Teacher, who will then make the necessary arrangements.

The school has a number of support services available. These include the Education Welfare Services, the Schools Medical and Dental Services and the school Health Visitor.

Vision, hearing, dental and general medical checks are held in school. Parents will generally have prior notification. For most medical appointments you will be invited to attend but there is no obligation to do so. Parents will be contacted if any problems are detected.

If a child is ill or has an accident in school the following procedures will apply:

• We will contact the parent or other named contact by telephone requesting that the child be collected from school.

• If a child requires immediate medical attention, he/she will be taken to hospital as soon as possible for treatment. The parent or named person will be duly informed of the action taken.

Health and Welfare

Head Lice

Security

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Assessment, Recording and Reporting

Pupils are regularly assessed and records are kept.

The school undertakes a Baseline Assessment of all Nursery pupils shortly after entry into the school and reception age pupils during the Autumn Term. This baseline information provides the school with data that can be used to inform target setting for individuals, groups and classes.

All staff are involved in setting targets for individual pupils based on teacher assessment and pupil performance data. The attainment of these targets is monitored and the success is evaluated based on the results at the end of Foundation Phase.

During the Autumn Term all parents are invited to an ‘Open Morning’ to participate with their children in classroom activities and discuss, with the class teacher, what to expect in the year ahead. In the Spring Term parents have individual appointments to discuss progress, targets and attitude with the class teacher. During the Summer Term parents are given a written report and are invited to discuss that report with the class teacher. At this time parents of Year 2 pupils are provided with information regarding the end of Foundation Phase stage teacher assessments in English, Mathematics and Personal and Social Development.

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Pupils from Year1 and 2 are represented on the School Council. The School Council offers and encourages pupils to develop a sense of partnership and ownership in decisions to overcome difficulties and to achieve positive change in the day to day life of the school. Through adults and pupils sharing responsibility for aspects of this day to day life, the school functions as an active co-operative community and encourages young people to develop into responsible and caring individuals for the future.

Penygraig Infants’ school seeks to encourage all members of the school community to lead healthy and fulfilling life styles. To this end we are working towards stage 5 of the Healthy Schools Network Award. Children participate in a healthy life-style week in May of each year and are asked to eat fruit or similar snacks for midmorning break. We have a fruit tuck shop in school or pupils are free to bring their own suitable snack from home. We also ask parents to ensure that packed lunches are well balanced and have a limited amount of sweet items. Please do not bring sweets or crisps to eat at morning break as these will be confiscated and returned to your child at the end of the day.

School Council

Healthy Schools Award

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Children will be admitted to the Nursery Class from the catchment area and outside in strict chronological order i.e. the oldest are admitted first until all the places have been filled. Not all new entrants are admitted on the same day and a phased intake is arranged. Children must have attained their third birthday before they can be admitted. This school admits children outside the catchment area providing that the parents have completed an admission form. Any child under five years, who transfers to the area, is admitted to the school providing space is available. When your child leaves our school all relevant documentation - health, assessment records etc. is forwarded to the new school. Children transferring to the Junior School make prior visits to the school and on the day of transfer are escorted there by a member of our staff.

During the initial visit to school the parents / guardians of the new entrants are able to supply us with all relevant information regarding their child. Birth certificates are checked, health and social arrangements are discussed. This information is recorded in the presence of the parent / guardian.

It is important for us to know where to contact you in case of sickness or an emergency, so you will be asked to give a telephone number for this purpose.

Admission and Transfer Information

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When your child starts school you will be asked to fill in a form to give us all the information we need to take good care of your child. We would also appreciate a photograph of the people who are going to be bringing to, or picking your child up from school.

Please help your child to learn;

• How to use the toilet• How to wash and dry their hands

• How to feed themselves with a fork and spoon• How to recognise and put on their coat• To be able to tell us his/her address.

It would be very helpful if all coats, jumpers and cardigans could be labelled with the child’s name. There is a Nursery brochure which will give parents more information.

Nursery Class

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Reading Scheme

The school uses 2 main reading schemes, Story World and Bug Club, and Jolly Phonics as a phonic scheme. This is supplemented by other schemes to broaden the children’s reading experiences. Please help your child to read these books and make this an enjoyable time for you both. The teachers will give advice in the child’s Reading Record Book and during parents meetings or family learning workshops.

The Governing Body has, in co-operation with the Head Teacher, determined a policy and approach, which recognises the provision required for pupils with additional needs, ensuring that appropriate staff training and additional funding are made available. The Additional Needs coordinator is the Head Teacher who works with all class teachers to formulate Individual Learning Plans or Play Plans for those children who need them. Children who are struggling in education and those who are exceptionally gifted are considered by the school to have additional learning needs and will be supported in an appropriate manner to the best of the schools’ ability.

Parents are fully involved and are kept informed at each stage of the child’s education plan. The school will report progress to parents at least three times in an academic year. This may be through parents’ evening or other individual sessions or through a written report. A copy of the school’s Additional Needs policy is available from the school.

Additional Needs

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Identification of Clothing & Physical Education

Please ensure that ALL clothing items are marked clearly with your child’s name.

For safety reasons the only jewellery allowed in school will be stud ear-rings (one pair).

Physical Education

FOR SAFETY REASONS, NO JEWELLERY IS TO BE WORN IN P.E. LESSONS. CHILDREN WHO WEAR JEWELLERY WILL BE EXPECTED TO REMOVE IT FOR THE LESSON.

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Special Events

We hold a Harvest Service during this term. The children are asked to bring a donation which is given

to a nominated charity.

Autumn Term

During the Spring Term we hold an Easter Concert.We also have a Saint David’s Day Concert where the

children dress in National Costume.

Spring Term

A Special Leavers’ Assembly is held for the children and the parents of Year 2.

Summer Term

Our concert is held for parents and grand parents. This is usually well attended.

A Christmas Concert

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As you are aware our school is situated on a busy junction. It is important therefore that you cross the road with the Lollipop Man.

Parents bringing their children to school by car are NOT ALLOWED to park their cars outside the school - This is a HAZARD and could cause an accident.

Parents are asked to ensure that their child / children are not on the school premises too early.

Road Safety

Lollipop Man

We also ask parents to ensure that their child /children are brought to school and met by an adult.

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Religious Education and Collective Workshops

Under the Education Act, children are entitled to Religious Education and Collective Worship.

It is compulsory for religious education to be taught throughout the school. The school is not affiliated to a specific religious denomination and every pupil is expected to attend assembly as an act

of collective worship.

Assembly themes are planned termly and encourage pupils to reflect, as well as promote spiritual and moral development. Occasionally representatives of the church, community and charities visit

assemblies.

A pupil may be excluded from collective worship and Religious Education lessons on sectarian grounds following a request from the parent with whom alternative provision will be discussed.

We also hold a weekly celebration assembly to celebrate the achievements of individual pupils.

We see moral teaching as part of the whole school experience and not just through R.E. alone.

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Parents will be encouraged to support their children’s learning in partnership with the school. Learning is a life long process and takes place in every aspect of life. Talking and reading to your child has been proven to lay excellent foundations for success in school. Telling the time can be practised at home and shopping trips are excellent opportunities for learning about money. Every term there are home-school tasks and reading tasks appropriate for the child’s age and level of maturity.

In Penygraig Infants’ school we do not value endless pages of work done in isolation as a valuable tool to enhance a child’s learning but seek to encourage a thirst for knowledge that comes from shared and valued learning experiences.

Homework and Home-School Tasks

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We encourage our children to take an interest in the community and their environment. We take them on visits and we invite people from the community into school. We operate an Open-door system in our school, where you can come into school if you have any worries or concerns but it would be wise to check beforehand that the class teacher or headteacher is available.

We particularly encourage our children to take pride in their school and help to keep it clean and tidy by not dropping litter. We would greatly appreciate your co-operation in this matter. The school operates a no smoking policy. This applies to anyone and everyone on the school premises, including inside the school gates and the playground.

Links with the Community

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Parents Evenings

Parents’ evenings are held twice a year with an additional ‘Open morning’ for parents in the Autumn Term. These give you the opportunity to discuss your child’s progress with his /her teacher. An appointment system is used for these evenings. An appointment list will be displayed on the notice board for you to fill in accordingly.

Trips and Outings

During the Summer Term we have a whole school trip - usually to Folly Farm! All children must be accompanied by an adult.

Friends of Penygraig Infants’ School

We hope all parents will support the activities organised by the ‘Friends of the School’. The group holds regular meetings at the school and organises social activities and fund raising events in order to provide additional equipment and facilities for the benefit of all the children.

The ‘Friends’ committee is developing a programme of fund raising events for the coming year. We always welcome new members who are keen to help. If you would like to be involved and make new friends, please contact the school.

Parents Evening

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At the age of seven, pupils are transferred to a junior school. Penygraig Junior School has a good relationship with the Infants’ School and children are offered visits and activities to help with

transition. There is a cluster transition plan for all Tonypandy schools to ensure a smooth transfer of pupils. This policy is available in school if any parent would like to view it.

In the Summer Term we are happy to support each school in their planned programme of induction for their new pupils.

Transfer of Pupils

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PENYGRAIG INFANT SCHOOL Hendrecafn Road

PenygraigCF40 1LJ

Telephone: 01443 432236

Headteacher: Mrs P. VaughanDeputy Headteacher: Miss Y GardinerChair of Governors: Mrs Sheila JonesVice-Chair of Governors: Rev John Cooke Dear Parent/Guardian,

At Penygraig Infants’ School all staff and pupils are working hard to ensure that every child is welcomed into a caring and stimulating environment where they will be nurtured and given every opportunity to achieve their full potential achieving the best in all aspects of school life. Parents are encouraged to share this vision for a happy and successful school.

The school’s commitment to developing a whole school healthy food and fitness policy has been recognised through the achievement of stage five of the Healthy Schools Network Award. The school is committed to continual improvement through emerging technologies and to reflect this we hold the prestigious ICT Mark award. We also have twice achieved the Basic Skills Quality Mark in the more traditional subject areas of Mathematics and English. These achievements reflect the schools high standards and expectations.

I hope you will find this booklet most useful in providing information about Penygraig Infants’ School. Although the information is correct at the time of publication, changes may occur during the year. Successful partnerships between home and school ensure the best education for the children. Parents are always welcome at the school and are invited to play an active part in school life. I look forward to working with you in achieving the best for your child.

Yours faithfully,

Headteacher

and the Staff of Penygraig Infants School