PROSPECTUS

Mission Statement

Ysgol Llandrillo-yn-Rhos strives to
Provide a rich and stimulating environment
Encourage a lifelong love of learning
Which enables everyone in the school community to achieve their full potential

AIMS

In pursuance of these our school aims to develop:

• happy, caring and self-disciplined people who have a firm grasp of basic skills, concepts, attitudes and values borne from broad, practical and relevant educational experiences;

• the effective use of language in reading, writing, speaking and listening;

• a practical understanding of mathematical skills, concepts and procedures appropriate to their age and abilities;

• a scientific approach to studying the world about them and maintain a growing concern for beauty and conservation;

• an awareness of qualities in human achievement and development in the arts, physical and cultural activities;

• an understanding and ability to use Welsh as fluently as possible in different situations and for different purposes. Knowledge of the language will enrich their personality and ability to contribute to the life of their community;

• active participation in physical and sporting activities which will enhance specific knowledge, skills and understanding as well as promote physical competence;

• all members of the school personally, physically and intellectually by providing appropriate support for their professional development and training needs.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

It is important that Equal Opportunities are provided for all the children in our school and that they feel they have equal access to all forms of school life.

Everyone in our school and in the wider community served by the school, should have the same basic rights of freedom and access to opportunity. This means both freedom from all forms of harassment, and active encouragement to develop personal skills and talents as fully as possible. The governing body is committed to ensuring a high standard of health, safety and welfare for all staff, pupils, visitors and contractors.

SCHOOL ORGANISATION

The school is organised into 14 classes to accommodate approximately 335 full-time pupils and 1 Nursery class providing 0.5 education.

ADMISSION POLICY

The Governors always appreciate the interest shown in the school, but need to consider the following criteria before processing any application for a child to be admitted:

1. Is this school the local school for the child?

2. Are there any special circumstances to consider?

3. Does the child have an older brother or sister presently attending the school?

4. In the interests of continuity and progression entry is preferred at nursery level.

5. We consider that a maximum of 30 children is a manageable number in each class.

The Headteacher will convene a meeting of the Admission Panel if applications exceed the number of places available.

Appeals may be made to the Local Education Authority in the case of discontented parties.

STAFF

Mr L E Maloney                                                                                 Headteacher

Mrs H Waddington                                                                          Deputy Headteacher/Year 6

Mrs E Hand                                                                                        Assistant Headteacher/Year 2

Mrs S Punshon                                                                                  Nursery

Mrs B Drew                                                                                         Reception

Mrs H Evans                                                                                       Reception

Mrs N  Roberts                                                                                     Year 1

Mrs F E Nye                                                                                          Year 1

Mrs L Kelly                                                                                            Year 2

Mrs C Biltcliffe                                                                                       Year 3

Mrs J Harrop                                                                                          Year 3

Mrs N Eames Hughes                                                                           Year 4

Mr T L Owen                                                                                          Year 4

Mrs G Highcock                                                                                     Year 5

Mrs C Williams                                                                                       Year 5

Mr G Davies                                                                                            Year 6

Mrs S Pready                                                                                           SENCO

Mrs D Williams                                                                                     Teaching Assistant

Mrs A Ferns                                                                                          Teaching Assistant

Miss S Roberts                                                                                     Teaching Assistant           

Mrs K Hughes                                                                                      Teaching Assistant

Mrs D Garvey- Brookes                                                                      Teaching Assistant

Mrs D Casey                                                                                         Teaching Assistant

Mrs T Thomson                                                                                   Teaching Assistant

Miss S A Carnell                                                                                  Teaching Assistant

Mrs C Shiels                                                                                         Teaching Assistant

Mrs F Cowgill                                                                                       Teaching Assistant

Miss C Roberts                                                                                    Teaching Assistant

Mrs F Cowgill                                                                                       Teaching Assistant

Mrs G Berry                                                                                          Administration/Secretarial

Mrs D Pastori                                                                                        Administration/Secretarial

Mrs L P Salisbury                                                                                 Administration/Secretarial

Mrs M H Castle                                                                                    Administration/Secretarial

Mr D Williams                                                                                      Caretaker – Infant Site

Mr R Morgan                                                                                       Caretaker – Junior Site

Mrs L Daniels                                                                                       Senior Mid-day Supervisor – Infant Site

Mrs K Gates                                                                                         Mid-day Supervisor – Infant Site

Miss C Thomson                                                                                 Mid-day Supervisor – Infant Site

Mrs Z Whittaker                                                                                  Mid-day Supervisor – Infant Site

Ms C P Stebbings                                                                                Senior Mid-day Supervisor – Junior Site

Mr T S Ronald                                                                                     Mid-day Supervisor – Junior Site

Mrs T Redpath                                                                                     Mid-day Supervisor – Junior Site

Mrs J  Keeling                                                                                      Mid-day Supervisor – Junior Site

Miss S Dunn                                                                                         Cleaner – Junior Site

Mrs T Thomson                                                                                   Cleaner – Infant Site

Miss G Hickman                                                                                   Kitchen Assistant – Infant Site

Mrs C Williams                                                                                     Kitchen Assistant – Junior Site

Mrs M E Beale                                                                                      Kitchen Assistant – Junior Site

Mrs E Williams                                                                                      Cook – Infant Site

Mrs L Griffiths                                                                                       Cook – Junior Site

TIMING AND ORGANISATION OF THE SCHOOL DAY

INFANTS JUNIORS

9.00am SCHOOL STARTS 8.55am
10-30 - 10.45 BREAK 10.45 - 11.00
12.00 - 1.00 LUNCH 12.00 - 1.00
2-20 - 2.40 BREAK 2.00 - 2.15
3-15 SCHOOL ENDS 3.30

TEACHING TIMES

INFANTS 21 hours per week
JUNIORS 23.5 hours per week

NURSERY CLASS

9.00am - 11.30am

THE CURRICULUM

The School endeavours to create a caring environment which is conducive to the academic personal and social development of each child. Classes are arranged in single year age groups and are mixed ability although groups may be re-arranged for certain subjects. We encourage children to become independent learners as they move through the school by providing them with challenging activities appropriate to their ability.

Welsh is taught as a second subject although incidental Welsh is encouraged throughout the school day.

In our school we attach high priority to Language and Mathematics along with Science. It is essential that the early skills in reading, writing and calculating should be effectively learnt in primary schools. In accordance with National Curriculum guidelines, the school provides a broad and balanced education covering the subjects listed below

• ENGLISH
• MATHEMATICS
• HISTORY
• SCIENCE
• GEOGRAPHY
• RELIGIOUS STUDIES
• MUSIC
• INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
• PHYSICAL EDUCATION
• ART
• DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY
• WELSH

ASSEMBLIES

Attendance at assemblies is expected unless a written request for withdrawal is received.

SEX EDUCATION

It is felt that one of our aims here at school is to emphasize the value of human relationships rather than present children with formal sex lessons.

Sex Education is provided in the context of Natural Science and parents are informed prior to any discussion which enables them to reach a decision if they wish to withdraw their child from the lesson.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

There is a daily act of worship. Parents wishing to withdraw their children from Religious Education are asked to write to the Headteacher. Local Ministers participate in our services on one day per week.

HOMEWORK

Pupils are expected to complete some homework which is designed to reinforce their class work as well as enhancing their study skills. Years 3 and 4 have at least one set homework a week and Years 5 and 6 have at least two set homeworks a week. In the Infants, formal homework may be set by the teacher and reading books may be sent home. At such time it is hoped that the full co-operation of the home will be forthcoming together with encouragement to the child to do the work in order to build a partnership between home and school.

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

The school acknowledges that a percentage of the children have special educational needs.

Children with learning difficulties are identified by the class teacher and after a short monitoring and assessment period they are given extra help in a small-group situation and an Individual Education Programme (I.E.P.) provided. The SEN Co-ordinator and teachers liaise with the staff to plan teaching strategies and monitor development.

Parents are informed and consulted on a regular basis. A report on the school SEN Policy is reported on in the Governors’ Annual Report to Parents.

Where a child has a Statement of their Special Educational Need, the Local Education Authority will provide appropriate provision for the pupil’s needs which is reviewed annually.

ECO SCHOOL

Our school is a designated Eco School in which we aim to heighten the children’s awareness of the environment. There is a committee of teachers and children who discuss environmental issues in which the children may become practically involved.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

The school provides a wide range of clubs and activities which enrich every child’s experience

RECORDERS

WOODWIND

VIOLIN, VI0LA, CELLO

CHEERLEADERS

CRICKET

WELSH CLUB

GREEN RANGERS

RUGBY

SOCCER

RUNNING

NETBALL

GAMES CLUB

CHOIR

ATHLETICS

MUSIC

The school has a fine tradition of providing every child with the opportunity to play one or more musical instruments. Expert tuition commences in Year 4.

SPORT

The school boasts a number of sporting successes at both local and national level.

COMMUNITY AND ENVIRONMENT

We foster a caring and responsible attitude towards the environment.

CULTURAL

Various opportunities are provided to encourage pupils to take an interest in our own and other cultures.

DISCIPLINE

The Headteacher and staff aim to create an atmosphere in which pupils and teachers can work happily together. The school uses an assertive discipline approach rewarding positive behaviour. This may be realised by developing in the children respect for the school and its values and a sense of respect for themselves. The school has a discipline policy in which the need for good channels of communication between school and home are acknowledged. Parents are informed when children are constantly behaving badly.

Bullying will not be tolerated. The school policy stresses the importance of immediate action if and when it does take place. The incidents and action taken will be reported to parents of both victims and bullies.

There is a Code of Conduct which pupils are expected to follow.

ABSENCES

When a child is absent from school it is essential that the school is informed. Please telephone the school on the first day of absence or send a letter to the class teacher on return. Telephone: Juniors 01492 549648, Infants 01492 547246. If children are going on holiday then a holiday form is available from the school.

MEDICAL ARRANGEMENTS

Your child may have an inhaler. Please let us know his/her confidence and level of independence in using this aid. The teachers of the younger children will keep the inhalers in their desk while the older children, in consultation with yourselves, will be allowed to use their inhaler as required.A spare inhaler for asthmatics should be kept permanently in school (please write your child's name on the spare). If your child requires other medication during the day Form 2 should be completed, available from the office. Please send in a letter if your child is to be kept indoors.

The children are encouraged to wear appropriate clothes that provide sun protection and to use sunscreens that are appropriate, particularly for outdoor activities and school trips. We encourage parents to apply sun lotion before sending children to school in the morning, and sunglasses, if necessary. All items should be marked with child's name.

CHARGING

Classes pay for visits to various places of interest, too numerous to mention, to assist them in their studies. Parents will receive details of the visits and will be asked to make a voluntary contribution to the cost of the visit. We occasionally ask for contributions to cover other activities.

DINNER MONEY

INFANTS £1.60 per day

JUNIORS £1.65 per day

If you are claiming Income Support, you may be entitled to free school meals. Please request an application form from the office.

COMMUNICATION WITH PARENTS

Our policy is to develop a good relationship between the school and parents. If there is good communication and co-operation between home and school the child benefits greatly. Parents are encouraged to visit the school and discuss any concerns they have. Newsletters are distributed regularly informing parents of all activities. Parents of new children are invited to school in the Summer Term and are issued with a School Prospectus. We welcome parents as helpers in the school, in order to aim towards the highest standards of education.

FRIENDS OF THE SCHOOL (F.O.T.S.)

We have a very active F.O.T.S. Association who arrange an annual programme of varied activities. They provide support for the school. There are opportunities for all families to socialise and consolidate our aim of making our school "a family school". Their financial support allows us to purchase items which cannot be acquired within the constraints of our budget. An Annual General Meeting (A.G.M.) is arranged each school year.

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

The Local Education Authority, in accordance with the requirements of the Secretary of State, under Section 23 of the 1988 Education Reform Act, has established a procedure to consider complaints concerning the way schools’ Governing Bodies and the Education Authorities act in relation to the schools curriculum and other related matters. This procedure is outlined in a document in Welsh and English which is available at the school. A copy will be provided free of charge as required to any parent seeking to make a complaint under these arrangements and the Authority can, if necessary, provide a copy in a language other than Welsh or English. It is emphasised, however, that many complaints can be dealt with quickly and effectively by informal consideration based on discussions with the Headteacher or other staff in the school. This is the first reasonable step and the Governing Body would expect that this step would have been completed before presenting the complaint formally.

An appointment can be made to discuss any complaint with the Headteacher by contacting the school secretary.

GIRL’S SCHOOL UNIFORM

WINTER

• Grey skirt/pinafore or black trousers
• Grey sweatshirt (with school logo)
• Green/white polo shirt
• Sensible shoes (black footwear only)
• Overcoat, raincoat or anorak
• Sensibly sized bag to carry books etc

SUMMER (as before) or:-

• Summer dress (green and white small check/striped)
• White socks

PE UNIFORM

• Dark plain coloured shorts or leotard for indoors
• Plain T shirt (white)
• Pumps or trainers (bare feet when indoors)
• Sports skirt may be worn for outdoor games
• Tracksuit or similar for colder weather
• An appropriate costume for swimming (Years 3 - 6)

BOY’S SCHOOL UNIFORM

WINTER

• Grey trousers (long or short)
• Grey Sweatshirt (with school logo)
• Green/white polo shirt
• Sensible shoes (plain black footwear)
• Overcoat, raincoat or anorak
• Sensibly sized school bag to carry books etc

SUMMER

• Grey trousers (long or short)
• Green/white polo shirt
• Grey/white socks

PE UNIFORM

• Dark plain coloured shorts. Indoor: shorts only
• Plain T shirt (white)
• Pumps or trainers (bare feet when indoors)
• Football shirts and shorts for outdoor games
• Tracksuit or similar for colder weather
• An appropriate costume for swimming (Years 3 -6)

IMPORTANT

Sweatshirts and polo shirts with school logo may be purchased from ‘Boppers Boutique’ in Colwyn Bay. Other items may be purchased from a number of retail outlets selling childrenswear.

SCHOOL UNIFORM RULES

• All clothing and bags must be clearly marked with the child’s name, preferably clothing labels.
• Small conventional watches may be worn with the school uniform. Only plain stud earrings are to be worn. Other items of jewellery are not allowed.
• In the interest of health and safety children will not be allowed to participate in P.E. lessons unless equipped in appropriate clothing.
• Make-up and nail-varnish are not allowed.
• No badges except school badges (eg monitors, house-captains etc) to be worn with the uniform.
• Pupils are expected to have sensible haircuts. Shaved heads, rats-tails etc are not in keeping with the image the school is trying to promote. During practical lessons pupils are expected to tie long hair back in the interest of safety.

We store lost property for a short time in a box in the juniors and under a table in the porch in the infants.

ABSENCES

We are required by the government to keep detailed records of absences. Please could you help us by writing a letter to explain your child's absence.

Rates of Authorised and Unauthorised absences for the school year 2006-2007

1. Total number of pupils of compulsory school age 353
2. Percentage of half days missed through authorised absences 5.0
3. Percentage of half days missed through unauthorised absences 0.5

Sun Safety Policy

Context:

It is very important that young people develop “sun know how” and are protected from the risks of sun, since the risks of melanoma is associated with childhood burning.

We get around 80% of our sun exposure by the age of 21 and some of the exposure occurs when the children are in school.

Risks are higher during the Summer Term and September.  During this period parents and children will be made aware of the school guidelines.

Policy:

In partnership with parents, children should be protected from the dangers of excessive sun exposure.  The school will:

• Make the children are aware of the importance of sun care and how to protect their skin.  All pupils will have been taught to protect their skin from sun exposure.

• During school assemblies staff will talk about how to avoid getting sunburnt.

• The school will send a letter to parents and guardians at the beginning of every Summer Term to explain what the school is doing about skin protection, and how they can help.  We would expect every child to keep a sunhat in school.

• Encourage the children to wear appropriate clothes that provide sun protection and to use sunscreens that are appropriate, particularly for outdoor activities and school trips.  Parents should be encouraged to apply sun lotion before sending their child to school in the morning and sunglasses if necessary.  All items should be marked with child’s name.

• The school will endeavour to provide more shade during the dinner break.

• The school will provide reminders about sun safety to children and parents through school by newsletters, posters and general newsletters.

• Parents should seek medical advice if they are worried about changes in their children’s skin condition.