Prospectus+2012

=__A hard copy of the School Prospectus is available from Reception.__= September 2010 Dear Parents,

We are situated in the centre of the village, and we are proud of the links we have forged with families and the broader local community. We strive to be central to the life and spirit of Nantyffyllon.

We are delighted to welcome you as a partner in your child’s education.

Your children are the core of our school, and here at Nantyffyllon, we endeavour to provide a child-centered approach to their education and development.

We have a committed team with a rich mixture of experience, enthusiasm, youth and knowledge. All staff, teaching and non-teaching, work as a team, showing respect and worth for each other and your children.

We provide a balanced, broad and focused curriculum to suit all needs, and we encourage and support children to take advantage of what we offer to enable them to develop and progress to their full potential.

We hope you will enjoy being part of our team. TOGETHER WE LIVE AND LEARN

__OUR SCHOOL__

Nantyffyllon Primary School is housed in three buildings, two of which are connected by a covered way. It is situated on the outskirts of the small town of Maesteg in Bridgend County Borough. The school serves an established catchment area which consists of local authority and private housing. It is an L.E.A. school which caters for children between the ages of 3 and 11. A new Nursery unit was established in September 2000. At present we have 291 children, 11 teachers, 3 HTLA’s, 1 Nursery Nurse, 3 LSO’s and a Head teacher. There are five Junior classes, four Infant classes and a Nursery unit.

Below are a selection of quotes from our Inspection Report:

Nantyffyllon is a very well led primary school where the head and staff work diligently to create a happy atmosphere where pupils are taught well and make good progress.

An outstanding feature is pupils’ positive attitude to their learning and the progress they make in fulfilling their potential and moving on to the next stage of learning. In particular, they develop skills for lifelong learning including the capacity to work independently and set themselves targets.

The consistently high quality of teaching is an outstanding strength of the school and is a major contribution to the standards achieved by pupils of all ages and abilities.

Learners are well cared for and guided. Support programmes are carefully integrated into the school’s work to meet the needs of learners, ensure equality of opportunity and promote good race relations.

There are very effective measures to promote good behaviour and discourage bullying, discrimination, harassment or other forms of unacceptable conduct; parents report that any difficulties are acted upon quickly and effectively.

The Governing Body meets regularly and fulfils all its regulatory and legal requirements. It is well informed and provides good support. It monitors the quality of the school’s provision very well. Sound administrative and financial procedures contribute significantly to the smooth running of the school, as confirmed by the recent independent financial audit.

Parents who would like their children to be excluded from R.E. should contact the headteacher to discuss the matter.

Nantyffyllon Primary School is committed to ensuring the welfare and safety of all children in school. Our School, follows the B.C.B.C. Safeguarding Children procedures. The school will, in most circumstances, endeavour to discuss all concerns with parents about their children.

Safeguarding in Schools Policy

__Nantyffyllon Primary School Personnel__

__MEET THE TEAM__ Mr. M. J. Davies Head Teacher Mrs H Carr Class 1 – Nursery Mrs H Workman Class 2 – Reception Mrs. H Tozer Class 3 – Reception/Year 1 Miss K Church Class 4 – Year 1/Year 2 Mrs A. Thomas Class 5 - Year 2 /Deputy headteacher Mrs. R JenkinsClass 6 – Year 3 Mrs. D LloydClass 7 - Year 3/Year 4 Mrs. J KingdomClass 8 – Year 4/Year 5/KS2 co-ordinator Miss N DaviesClass 9– Year 5/Year 6 Mr R OwenClass 10 - Year 6 Mrs. L. Davies SPLD Support Miss J Walters Peripatetic Violin Teacher Mrs. N.Treasure Office Manager Mrs L. Maybin Office support Mrs. A. Standing Nursery /HTLA Miss A Adams Nursery Nurse – Nursery Mrs. L. Pride C4/5 HTLA Ms. S. Collins HTLA Mrs L Lewis L.S.O. Mrs L. Phillips L.S.O.  Mrs S.Davies L.S.O.  Mrs M Hurley L.S.O.  Mrs C.Morgan L.S.O.  Mrs L.Dimmery L.S.A.  Mr. B Morgan Site Manager Mrs. Y.Sims School Cook Mrs. L. Jones Assistant Cook Mrs. M. Rumph Kitchen Assistant Mrs. T Courts Kitchen Assistant Mrs K Davies Kitchen Assistant Mrs. T. Richards Supervisory Assistant Mrs. Watkins Supervisory Assistant Mrs. J. Cadogan Supervisory Assistant Ms. E. Seldon Supervisory Assistant Mrs. Quigley Supervisory Assistant Mrs Maybin Supervisory Assistant Miss N Squires Cleaner Mrs. P. Davies Cleaner Mrs. A. Galliers Crossing Patrol Lady

A Messagefrom the Governors: Dear Parents, School attendance is clearly a major component in the lives of all boys and girls in the community. The experiences and influences resulting from school life have a lasting effect on all pupils. This means that an educational foundation is laid in the primary school, which stays with each person for the rest of his or her days. Thus the responsibility resting upon everyone connected with Nantyffyllon Primary School is enormous and each one is aware that they have a contribution to make to the well being of the school and its pupils.

I have been chairman of the governing body for nearly eleven years and in that time every effort has been made to develop the concept of ‘togetherness’ as encapsulated in the school motto, “Together we live and learn”. We believe that this idea of “community” is very important and every effort is made to foster a caring atmosphere in which pupils can feel secure, enjoy learning and develop to their full potential. This is an ongoing process and requires dedication and hard work from all concerned.

Our staff, both teaching and non-teaching have shown great devotion both in terms of hard work and care for the pupils. They have high expectations for all pupils both academically and in personal behaviour and so we are not afraid to insist that each boy and girl works hard and behaves well. It is always remembered that pupils are not identical but individual. Each one has particular gifts and abilities, strengths and weaknesses, and all must be helped to fulfil their capacity and become ready to move on to the next stage of their educational career.

It must also be remembered that education is much wider than the curriculum. The curriculum is important and every effort is made to teach the core and foundation subjects as effectively as possible. However, there are other aspects of education, which are equally, if not more important. These have to do with personal qualities and life skills, focusing on moral and spiritual values and choices, personal discipline and self-control, ability to relate to other people and work with them, self confidence, care for others and responsible behaviour. The school is also at the heart of our village and every attempt is made to develop links with the community and to encourage knowledge of our history and environment.

So Nantyffyllon Primary School is the centre of a network of interconnecting relationships involving pupils, parents, teachers, non-teaching staff, governors, families and the wider community of our village. The school is an open school and so you are encouraged to make every attempt to meet with staff and the head teacher both at formal consultations and when particular needs arise. The school has the best interests of all pupils at heart and as chairman I would ask that you not only go to complain (if the need arises) but also to occasionally praise or thank the staff for their commitment to your child’s welfare.

I warmly welcome you as new parents and your children as new pupils to the community which is Nantyffyllon Primary School. I am sure that the forthcoming years will; produce treasured memories for the rest of your lives.

Paul Young Chair of Governors

School Governors Mr P YoungCo-optedChairperson Mrs K Jones Co-optedVice Chairperson/SEN Mrs B JohnL.E.A. Mrs A YoungL.E.A.  Cllr T MizenCo-opted Mrs J Thomas Parent Mrs A StandingParent Ms E FordParent Mrs C ThomasParent Mrs B MorganNon teaching staff Mrs A ThomasTeaching Staff Mr M DaviesHead Teacher

DIRECTOR OF EDUCATION AND LEISURE: Ms Hilary Anthony, Bridgend County Council, Sunnyside, Bridgend. CF31 4AR

__** Mission Statement **__ Our school aims to give each child the opportunity to develop his social, emotional. intellectual and aesthetic needs as far as possible. We strive to maintain an exciting and secure environment where children retain their individuality. We will promote purposeful teaching and learning situations where children develop lively enquiring minds, are open to new technologies, enjoy the satisfaction of achievement and respond to challenge. This being so, he/she should be equipped in such a way as to enable him/her to communicate and share his/her thoughts and ideas with other people and thus go on with confidence and pleasure to the next stage of his learning.

STATEMENT OF SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY, AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
Philosophy Our school philosophy provides an overall framework for general and more specific whole school aims, and is the foundation from which all aspects of our school community develop.


 * To create high standards of learning experiences for all children, providing access to all areas of Early Years Education and the National Curriculum.


 * To create a lively, enjoyable and stimulating learning environment that is exciting today, as well as a preparation for the future


 * To create a caring, secure environment so that all in school feel safe and a sense of worth


 * To develop a care for the environment


 * To create a partnership with parents and the community.


 * To develop a positive place for the school within the local area.


 * Improve self esteem, so that each individual feels good about themselves,


 * about what they do recognise their role within the school.


 * To fulfil the school motto “Working and Living Together”

Aims and Objectives

Our whole school aims stress: Continuity
 * Balance
 * Recognition of the individual
 * Variety of experiences, skills, attitudes, concepts, knowledge

To enhance self-esteem and the ability to value each person’s own worth through a caring, secure environment.
 * To develop an awareness of self and self confidence
 * To develop sensitivity to others
 * To develop self-discipline
 * To develop self-esteem
 * To develop a knowledge of what is acceptable behaviour and act upon it.
 * To develop cooperation
 * To develop skills to enable children to achieve lasting friendships

To develop the natural curiosity that children exhibit about themselves and their world, and use their curiosity to foster positive attitudes to learning.
 * To develop an enquiring mind
 * To be able to make reasoned judgements and choices
 * To develop independent thought
 * To develop perseverance and not be afraid of failure.
 * To be able to identify problems, investigate and find solutions
 * To be able to plan independent work and organise their own time
 * To encourage creative thinking
 * To learn how to acquire information from various sources and record this in a variety of ways
 * To be able to communicate ideas and information in a variety of ways for different occasions and purpose

To develop each individual to his/her potential through offering a wide range of high quality experiences.
 * To provide differentiated learning to meet individual needs
 * To provide equal opportunity for all
 * To extend individual talents and interests
 * To develop children as autonomous learners

To develop social awareness, group responsibility and empathy through the social context of learning.
 * To enjoy the same experiences regardless of sex, race or colour
 * To be sensitive to the needs of others
 * To develop a set of beliefs and values
 * To develop confidence to make and hold moral judgements
 * To develop respect for religious and moral values of other religions, races and ways of life

To provide first-hand experiences which enable children to acquire concepts and skills which will help them to understand themselves, their culture and the world in which they live.
 * To develop a questioning attitude towards the environment
 * To develop respect and care for themselves, their environment and the wider environment of the world
 * To understand the growth and development of society, with particular regard to the heritage of Wales.
 * To develop an understanding and appreciation of the world in which we live
 * To be aware of other times and places

To develop children’s imagination and creativity by offering a wide range of experiences.
 * To develop the skills to use music, drama and the arts etc, as means of expression through the cultural heritage of Wales
 * To develop the ability to express feelings through the creative arts
 * To appreciate all aspects of the arts

To promote a health conscious environment.
 * To understand the importance of health, hygiene and safety
 * To involve children in regular exercise
 * To develop the ability to make informed healthy choices

To develop positive relationships between home, school and the community.
 * To involve parents in their child’s learning
 * To develop a partnership between home and school
 * To develop a partnership between school and the community
 * To involve parents in school life
 * To develop links with other agencies
 * To develop links with other schools and education groups

To provide a broad, balanced, differentiated curriculum for all children.
 * To provide a variety of differentiated experiences to support all children
 * To identify our more able and talented pupils to support and challenge them to fulfil their potential.
 * To ensure all our children have their needs met through challenge, support and targeted interventions in a secure and happy environment.
 * To provide opportunities to develop the “Key Skills” of core, foundation subjects and Religious Education
 * To develop policies and schemes of work for all areas of the curriculum, core, foundation, themes, issues and dimensions.

ATTENDANCE A ttendance and punctuality are of the utmost importance. On the first day of absence parents are expected to telephone the school before 9:30 or send in a letter of explanation. If no reason is given for an absence the Secretary will make every attempt to contact parents. Unexplained absences will be recorded as unauthorised and could be referred to the Education Welfare Officer.

Where absence/lateness is due to hospital, medical or dental visits the school must be informed beforehand.

HOLIDAYS A list of relevant holiday dates/closures for Staff Training is available on the school website. We seek your co-operation in asking you not to organise annual holidays during term time, but if this is unavoidable, a leave of absence form can be obtained from the office. Under current regulations, Heateachers have discretion to grant leave of absence for purposes of family holidays each term.

1. Each pupil is entitled to 10 days authorised holiday absence per academic year. Holidays beyond this are unauthorised and will be treated as truancy.

2. Parents should __not expect__ school to agree to a family holiday in term time.

3. School will not agree to a child missing more than 10 days for family holidays in any one school year.

Leave of absence must not be taken during the first two weeks of September due to this being an important time for establishing routines, relationships etc.

4. The leave must not be taken during testing (speak to the class teacher).

5. Applications must be made to the Headteacher using the forms available from the office.

6. Applications should be made prior to booking the holiday.

TIMEKEEPING Children should arrive in school between 8:50 and 9:00 We encourage good timekeeping at all times. If your child is late to school please ensure the office is informed on your arrival and that a late slip is received so that it can be handed to the class teacher. Persistent lateness will be a cause for concern. Parents who wish to collect their child early must go to the office and receive an authorisation slip to give to the class teacher. No child will be allowed to go early without authorisation from the headteacher or member of Senior Management.

CHARGING and REMISSIONS Children may be taken out of the school as part of the curriculum and adequate supervision is always maintained (County recommended regulations). When class/group project trips are undertaken it is expected that all children attend. Under Section 118 of the Education Reform Act 1988 - Parents are asked to make a voluntary contribution towards the cost of these trips, but if insufficient funds are received the trip may have to be cancelled.

JEWELLERY Children in school must not wear jewellery. Pupils who wear jewellery may expose themselves and others to risk of serious injury., particularly during physical education and games lessons. A reasonable expectation might include the wearing of inexpensive watches. However, these must be removed during P.E., games and swimming. Please help us by having your child's ears pierced at the beginning of the summer holidays with the expectation that earrings be removed in September for school.

BREAKFAST CLUB Children who come to breakfast club can arrive anytime between 08:15 and 08:40. No breakfast will be served after 8:40

AFTER SCHOOL CLUB An exciting and fun afters school club is available is available please find out more from Mrs Pride by contacting the office.

COMPLAINTS Any concerns parents may have about the School curriculum or related matters should first be considered in discussion with the Head teacher and staff. Procedures to register a formal complaint can be obtained from Bridgend L.E.A. Sunnyside, Bridgend.

CURRICULUM We aim to provide a curriculum which:
 * Develops key concepts, principles skills and attitudes.
 * Is purposeful and creative
 * Is user friendly and flexible
 * Is approached in and exciting and dynamic way
 * Goes beyond the classroom walls
 * Is inclusive
 * Promotes assessment for learning and independence

__Early Years__ Nursery, Reception and Year 1 children follow the Foundation PhaseOrders from W.A.G. Most learning is conducted through circle activities and structured play.

__Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2__ Nursery to Y2 follow the Foundation phase skills and outcomes. Year 3to 6 children follow guidelines set in the National Curriculum. Schemes of work/skills ladders are provided and monitored by subject leaders.

__ICT__ "The use of information technology permeates all aspects of learning in both key stages. Standards are very good at both key stages with outstanding features displayed by some older pupils. The School has achieved the BECTA quality mark for ICT

__Welsh__ Welsh is taught as a second language. and Cwricwlum Cymreig is incorporated in all subject areas. The ethos of the school naturally and very successfully reflects the culture and heritage of the school. The promotion of the Welsh culture is a priority in the school.

DISCIPLINE We have high expectations of behaviour within the school and when our pupils represent us outside the premises. The school has in place policy documents on behaviour, discipline and bullying. Effective discipline for Early Years children is currently being reviewed by a working party of teaching and non-teaching staff, parents and governors. Pupils are expected to show respect at all times to staff, visitors, children and property. In order to maintain the high standard of behaviour at present in the school, it is essential that the school works cooperatively with, and has the full support of parents and children.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES We aim to value each child equally irrespective of gender, race or disability. We strive to foster the well-being of all children within our care.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES The School encourages children to take part in a variety of activities outside the school day. After school activities include Mrs Lloyd's Netball skills practice, Mrs Kingdom's Science workshop, and Mr Rees' Computer club. Mrs Rees provides recorder and orchestra tuition during the lunch break. Violin lessons are taken by Miss Parkhurst on Tuesday mornings.

HOME-SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP The headteacher writes a half-termly newsletter to inform parents and children of dates, events, achievements and current activities. Termly updates are also sent home from each class, your opinions will also be valued and you may be asked to feedback to us on several occasions. In order that our records are accurate we ask parents to inform us of essential information e.g. change of address, telephone number, family circumstances, medical factors etc. Parent/teacher meetings are held in October and February. Open evenings and events are also held throughout the year. Written reports are given at the end of each curriculum year. A first report is given to parents of Nursery children during the Autumn Term. Parents are urged to encourage and support their children at home and work closely with the class teacher to enable their children to benefit and succeed. Reading diaries for all children should be completed with relevant comments by parents at least weekly. Tables and spellings are set weekly for older children and results can be found in the curriculum books. Home/school tasks are usually set termly for younger children and relate to the class theme. Y1/Y2 will be given spelling words or tasks regularly (though not always weekly) depending on the needs of the children.

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS All children at Nantyffyllon are special. All children will need extra support at some point during their school lives. Some children have special needs which need to be addressed so that they can achieve their full potential. All staff have responsibility for the delivery of any special needs and they are supported by the Senco.

The policy for children with Special Educational Needs sets out our aims and procedures for identifying, and strategies for helping, children with learning, health or behaviour difficulties. Individual and group action plans and individual learning programmes provide a suitable and effective scheme for each pupil. Parents, class teachers, the language support teacher and the Senco are involved in the planning and review of each action plan.

Our Special Needs Co-ordinator (Senco) is Mrs Thomas, who is happy to meet with parents and members of staff to discuss an individual child’s needs."The quality and organisation of pupils with special educational needs are very good. Close monitoring by class teachers, Senco, and the SMT are significant strengths and contribute effectively to appropriate learning"

TRANSITION We provide full and part-time sessions for children in the Nursery Unit. Parents are invited to choose which is appropriate for their child. Nursery children eat their lunch and enjoy outdoor activities in their own self-contained unit. Transition to the Infants the following September is usually smooth as children move with their friends and are fully acquainted with the Infant department.

Because Infant children mix with children of all ages, have weekly assemblies in the Junior Hall and regularly see staff from the Junior department, transition to the Juniors is usually straight-forward and a natural step in their education. There is an opportunity for children to visit their new classroom and meet the new teacher and transition between key stages is also enhanced through staff team teaching to get to know the children. Parents are invited to a meeting in the summer term to become aware of any changes their child might encounter.

At the end of Year 6, most children transfer to Maesteg Comprehensive School. To allay any fears, children visit the Lower School in the summer term for a taster day and an activity session in the computer suite. Parents are invited into our school to meet Mrs Sian Davies, the teacher in charge of the Lower School. In this question and answer session parents are able to discuss general concerns. Private meetings with Mrs Davies, parents and children are also arranged.

UNIFORM Uniform is worn by most children in the winter months, but is optional in the summer. School colours are red and grey. It is strongly recommended that ALL clothing is clearly marked with your child's name. All our school uniform with LOGO is sold through Euro Schools in Commercial Street and Gwyn Richards Sports in Talbot Street. Ties are sold in the School Office. Use of the Logo is not compulsory. Special clothing is required for P.E. and Games lessons as it is important for hygiene.

ILLNESS and ACCIDENTS I f a child is injured or is ill in school, the class teacher will make every effort to ring the child's family. In the case of head injuries parents are always contacted. If parents are unavailable and the child's condition appears to be serious the emergency services will be called.

LUNCHTIMES Hot meals are provided in the dinner hall at a cost of £1.85 per day i.e. £9.50 per week. Dinner money should be paid on Mondays for the week ahead. Cheques should be made payable to Bridgend County Borough Council with the address and card number written on the back. All dinner money should be put in a sealed envelope with the child's name and class written on the front and given to the class teacher.

Alternatively packed lunches may be eaten in the Junior hall. Parents are reminded that cans and glass bottles are not allowed. During the lunch hour children are cared for by supervisory assistants, NNEB's and Teachers' aides. Please contact the Secretary for advice if you think you child might be entitled to free school meals.

ORGANISATION Pupils are assigned to a class teacher who is responsible for their welfare. Classes are ideally composed of one age group but if pupil numbers make this impossible, children are placed in ability groups in mixed-age classes. The foundation phase regularly work as a unit with R/Y1,Y1 and Y2 working together to ensure a pupil’s needs are met through work aimed at a child’s stage not age. Setting is also used in the Junior department so that all pupil’s can achieve their full potential and have the support most tailored to their needs.

PERSONAL and SOCIAL EDUCATION Sex education is incorporated into the PSE syllabus of the school. It is taught mainly during the final year in the Junior school after consultation with parents. All parents have the opportunity to study and discuss the syllabus with the class teacher and headteacher and any child may be withdrawn from these lessons by written consent.

MEDICINES and FIRST AID All staff have received basic training in first aid. Refresher courses are taken regularly so that certificates are kept up to date. Our designated first aider is the headteacher. First aid boxes are kept at strategic points throughout the school. Only medicines prescribed by the doctor and clearly labelled should be sent to school. Parents are required to take the medicine to be stored in the headteacher's room and complete a form before any medicine can be administered.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION and WORSHIP Daily collective worship is of a broadly Christian nature but is non-denominational. Visits from local speakers including Mr Steve Treseder and our chairman of governors, Mr Paul Young, regularly talk to the children during our assemblies and enhance the aims and values promoted by the school. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from collective worship or religious instruction. Parents are invited to a special class assembly at least once during the year. "Pupils are offered clear guidance on moral and spiritual issues. Knowledge of and respect for different faiths and cultures are also promoted." Inspection Report RULES Children who wear jewellery will not be permitted to take part in PE lessons. Sweets, chewing gum and lollipops are not allowed. Pupils are expected to conduct and dress themselves in a way which demonstrates their respect for others and their concern to uphold the good name of the school. Outside school hours and during school holidays, please do not allow you child to trespass on school property! Security Cameras are in operation and action and anyone caught damaging school property will be prosecuted. WELSH “During their time with us the children will learn to use and communicate Welsh to the best of their ability. Welsh Language Development are developed through all areas of the curriculum in a range of enjoyable, practical, planned activities which use a range of audio visual and ICT software materials. Pupils will develop their oral, reading and writing skills in Welsh they will be encouraged to develop an awareness of Wales as a country with two languages.” ASSESSMENT Assessmentsare carried out throughout the academic year. Formative assessment is carried out on a daily basis with summative assessment taking place once a year. Both these forms of assessment allow staff to understand at what level a child is working at and how to support a child further. These findings are shared with parents and carers so they are fully aware of their child’s attainment and what they can do to support their child. Assessment for Learning is also a high priority within the school, this form of assessment ensures each individual pupil is aware of their own learning. 9 more of this will be shared with you during open parents evening).   SECURITY    The governors and staff are committed to making our school as safe as possible and security and CCTV cameras are in use. Risk assessments and health and safety reviews are regularly undertaken by the headteacher and governor representatives.Please do not be offended id you are asked for ID at any time as we have your child’s safety at heart.    PARKING    Parking remains an issue in the school, please park sensibly outside the school at all times. Do not park on the yellow lines even for a short period of time as this IS PUTTING OUR CHILDREN’S LIVES AT RISK.    No unauthorised vehicles are allowed on school grounds.