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Ysgol Gynradd Llanidloes Prospectus

Headteacher's welcome

It is a privilege to be headteacher at Ysgol Gynradd Llanidloes – a school in the rolling hills of Mid-Wales where happy children thrive in a nurturing environment.

Ysgol Gynradd Llanidloes is a large, successful and energetic Primary School with a very special ‘family’ feel. At the heart of a child’s education is the importance of their wellbeing and here at Llanidloes, the child is at the centre of every consideration. All children deserve nothing less than a fair and inclusive education and as teachers, we have that crucial responsibility of carefully placing the platform from which every child can ‘take off’!

Our dedicated, hard-working staff strive for all pupils to develop a lifelong love of learning. With exciting experiences and trusting relationships in place, pupils have no choice but to progress!

Our quest is to ensure that every child grows into a capable, healthy and well-rounded citizen, thus releasing them into the modern world – the best that they can be.

We very much welcome visits to our school and look forward to introducing you to the calm, yet forward-thinking atmosphere here at Ysgol Gynradd Llanidloes.

With best wishes, Elen Prysor Chennetier (Pennaeth/Headteacher)

Do you need to discuss your child’s education with the headteacher?

Please call the school office to make an appointment on 01686 412603

Talk to Mrs Hill and/or Mrs Rees in the office

Our Aims, Culture and Ethos

Every child that walks through our school gates can expect the best opportunities and the best education to meet their individual needs.

The aim of staff and governors at Ysgol Gynradd Llanidloes is to develop children as:

• ambitious, capable learners, ready to learn throughout their lives

• enterprising, creative contributors, ready to play a full part in life and work

• ethical, informed citizens of Wales and the world

• healthy, confident individuals, ready to lead fulfilling lives as valued members of society.

Our three values which underpin the culture and ethos of Ysgol Gynradd Llanidloes are:

We are ready

We are respectful

We are safe

Senior Leadership Team

Teachers

Teaching Assistants

Meet our Specialist Centre staff

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

At Ysgol Gynradd Llanidloes we treat all people with respect. The school provides an educational and social environment that supports and draws on the contributions of all individuals and groups within the school. Boys and girls are given equal access to all aspects of the curriculum and to the development of reading, writing and numeracy. We respect the entitlement of all children to a broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum. We encourage all children to integrate as fully as possible into all areas of school life.

ADMISSIONS TO SCHOOL

Children can start school in the September following their fourth birthday when they will enter our Reception class. For older children transferring from other schools please complete an 'In-Year Transfer' on the Powys County Council website and contact the headteacher to discuss a suitable admission date.

Parents should apply to Powys County Council for admission to school, please refer to the following website page - click below:

Please contact the school office to arrange a school visit or for further details about admission arrangements.

ACCESSIBILITY PLAN - the school’s layout ensures easy access to pupils and parents with disabilities. Special arrangements are made between school and home when a pupil with disabilities or additional learning needs starts at the school. Please contact the headteacher for more information. The school is sensitive toward the needs of pupils with disabilities and makes every effort to ensure that they are included in all aspects of the school’s life and work. We have a purpose-built room at the school to provide for the needs of pupils with disabilities. The school is a single-storey building on a level site and is accessible for pupils with physical disability who may have to use a wheelchair or crutches for support. Our accessibility plan is regularly reviewed by Governors and is available on the website as part of the Strategic Equality Plan. As a primary school we have the flexibility to adapt to the needs of all new pupils.

PREPARING YOUR CHILD FOR SCHOOL - from an academic point of view, it is important that you talk to your children, listen to them and read stories with them. Young children can help with cooking and other domestic tasks. Puzzles, drawings, paintings and other creative activities will help stimulate your child’s developing mind. When something has been made, encourage your child to talk about it. Always praise your child; praise works wonders with young children, particularly when it comes from the important people in their lives. You can boost a child’s confidence and help them make a smooth start by letting them do things for themselves, for example, dressing, putting shoes on, using a toilet and washing hands, using a knife and fork and tidying up toys.

THE SCHOOL DAY

School hours are from 8.55 am to 3.30 pm. We like pupils to arrive at school in good time but ask that, unless special arrangements have been made, your child does not arrive before 8.45 am. We request that pupils are always punctual. Please refer to ‘Illness and Absence’ later in the prospectus. Please note that staff are unable to take responsibility for your child before 8.45 am and after 3.40 pm. If, at the end of the school day, your child is to be collected by someone other than yourself, you will need to inform the school about this arrangement. If your child is late to school (after 8.55 am) for any reason, parents or carers must assist their child or children to the main office where you will be asked to sign in and give reasons for being late to school.

Oriau Ysgol / School Hours

8.55 – 10.30: Morning Session 1

10.30 – 10.45: Playtime

10.45 – 11.45: Morning Session 2 (Year 3&4 until 12.00, Year 5&6 until 12.10)

11.45 – 1.00: Lunchtime

1.00 – 3.30: Afternoon Session (Foundation Phase pupils finish at 3.20; KS2 pupils who travel by bus finish at 3.25; other KS2 pupils finish at 3.30 )

Collective Worship: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 2.50 – 3.00

Wednesday 10.20 – 10.30

A healthy snack such as fruit or vegetables may be brought in to eat at morning break or after lunch. Foundation Phase pupils drink their free milk after morning break. Water and drinks: Pupils are encouraged to bring a labelled water bottle to school. Water is served with school meals. Juice may be drunk with lunch.

Term dates

Please see our school website for Term Dates and other dates on the school calendar.

USE OF THE WELSH LANGUAGE

Pupils are taught Welsh as a second language. One of the main developments as part of the Welsh Government’s National Mission is Welsh Language Development. The Welsh language is one of the treasures of Wales. It is part of what defines us as people and as a nation. The Welsh Government’s ambition is to see the number of people able to enjoy speaking and using Welsh reach a million by 2050. This is a long-term aim, and every school has a key role to play in achieving it. In order to achieve this aim, pupils in English medium classes are given the opportunity to use their Welsh skills not only in the Welsh lessons but also in areas across the curriculum.

Cymraeg Campus is a Language Charter that is used to promote the use of the Welsh language throughout the school, across the Curriculum and in all area of school life. In this school we have established a ‘Criw Cymraeg’ who are a pupil voice group set up to encourage and promote the Welsh language. Each class is represented by two children.

The Criw Cymraeg meet up every week to discuss how to improve the Welsh in school. One of their duties is to lead the Welsh assembly every week where they give out Welsh certificates to the class who have improved their Welsh the most. They also help in giving out new Welsh phrases of the week, for example, Beth wnes ti dros y penwythnos? What did you do over the weekend?

The Criw Cymraeg have successfully achieved the Silver Cymraeg Campus Award and are working hard to reach the Gold Award.

The Welsh language plays an important part in life at Ysgol Gynradd Llanidloes. We encourage, inspire and give many opportunities for children to use the Welsh language and understand its importance. This ethos will engage pupils to be culturally active throughout their life.

We involve the whole school community in the implementation of the framework – learners, staff, parents and carers, governors and the wider community.

The Eco Committee aims to develop environmental sustainability in our school. The committee includes two representatives from each KS2 class, a teacher and lunchtime supervisor.

The committee members have weekly routines where they recycle paper, reuse paper, compost tea bags, recycle plastic, tin and glass, collect batteries, stamps, crisp, biscuit wrappers and pens for recycling.

The committee runs a big project each year. Recently this has included learning about bees, plastic waste and climate change. We have just added 300 trees – one per pupil – to our school site.

Our next project is looking towards adding solar panels to the school roof.

ATTENDANCE

ATTENDANCE POLICY AND HOW GOOD ATTENDANCE CAN AFFECT STANDARDS

Attendance and punctuality - once children are of statutory school age, it is vitally important that they develop good habits of attending school and punctuality. Children who are constantly late or absent from school are deprived of the chance to make progress with their schoolwork. Parents are requested not to keep children away from school without good reason and to ensure punctuality. When children are absent from school for any reason parents should contact the school to explain the reason for the absence. If the school does not receive information regarding an absence, then the school will contact the parents. We want all of our pupils to achieve success, so it is important that parents do their best to support pupils in attending school for the full 190 days in an academic year as stated in the Education ‘School Day and School Year Wales’ amendment Regulation 2006 under the Education Act 1996. Regular school attendance is vital and missing school can have a significant impact on achievement over a one-year period as illustrated:

95-100% attendance: best chance of success. Your child is taking full advantage of every learning opportunity.

90-95% attendance: at least 2 weeks of learning missed. Your child may have to spend time catching up with work.

85-90% attendance: at least 4 weeks of learning missed. Your child may be at risk of underachieving and may need extra work.

80-85% attendance: at least 5½ weeks of learning missed. Your child’s poor attendance has a significant impact on learning.

Less than 80% attendance: at least 7½ weeks of learning missed. Your child is missing out on a broad and balanced education.

We hope that you can arrange your holidays around the existing 175 days the schools are closed through weekends and school holidays and help us support your child in achieving success in school. If it is necessary for a child to leave school before the end of the school day prior notice is required and the child concerned must be collected. No child will be allowed to leave alone.

School Meals

Lunch: school meals are served in the canteen and are enjoyed by many pupils. Vegetarians are catered for. The cost is £2.35 per meal (April 2021). Meals are paid for using the Parent Pay system.

If you are on a low income, you can get help with the cost of school meals. Click link below or by telephone on 01597 827462. If you register for free school meals, even if your child decides never to have a school lunch, you could help our school and other schools in Powys to benefit from funding because you have registered. Registering for Free School Meals might also qualify you for other help and assistance. To register is easy and confidential.

Children can bring packed lunches (healthy food please) if preferred.

BREAKFAST CLUB

Here at Llanidloes we offer a breakfast club each morning for a small cost of £1 per day. It is available from 8.00 am to 8.55 am and is currently based in the hall. If your child is to eat breakfast, please make sure they arrive before 8.30 am. Children are provided with breakfast and a variety of fun games and activities until the school day begins. Please download our breakfast club letter for extra information or don’t hesitate to contact the school to check availability of places.

TOILETS

The school has separate boys, girls and staff toilets. For safeguarding reasons pupils should be able to use the toilet appropriately before starting school and should ask for their class teacher’s permission before leaving the classroom. The toilets are available throughout the day. Pupils are encouraged to wash their hands thoroughly after visiting the toilet and before eating their lunch or break-time snack. All toilets are cleaned daily.

BEHAVIOUR

Our school is a caring, welcoming, special place, where we feel safe. Ysgol Gynradd Llanidloes is a happy, healthy school where respect is very important. It is a school where we celebrate that we are all different and are proud of our differences. We want everyone to behave in a friendly and respectful way. Everyone at our school is equal and should be treated equally.

We should behave in a respectful and appropriate way. This means that we should be friendly and kind to everyone. We should have pride in our learning and follow our school values. We should try hard to make the right choices and always do our best to respect each other, other people’s views and opinions, our property, ourselves and our learning environment. If we all follow our school values then we will all learn and achieve our targets. It will also make our school a friendly place to be, where people want to come to learn.

Our school values:

We are ready Rydym yn barod

We are respectful Rydym yn barchus

We are safe Rydym yn ddiogel

We get rewards like:

  • Verbal praise
  • 'Well done’ stickers
  • We get to show our work to other teachers
  • Our teachers share the good things we do with our parents, each other and other schools
  • Good work is displayed at the back of the hall

Every class is different but we all get rewarded if we make the right choices.

We expect everyone in our school family to respect our school values and try to set a good example. We should try to behave well all the time, wherever we are. During the school day, this means at breakfast club, playtimes, lunchtimes and after-school clubs too. This also includes school trips and when we are off-site, representing our school.

We have well behaved children and a happy school where children always try their best. Everyone is polite and helpful towards each other; people treat each other with respect.

We have staff who are trained in Team Teach positive behaviour management in accordance with the Welsh Government’s Guidance document: 097/2013 - Safe and Effective Intervention

SAFETY IN SCHOOL

For safety and security reasons, any visitors throughout the day must sign in at the school office

There are guidelines which will help us to ensure the safety of pupils, staff and visitors. During school hours no child may leave the school grounds without adult supervision, so please inform staff if you intend to collect pupils during the school day for medical appointments or you are detained and cannot arrange for someone else to collect them at 3.30 pm.

The school grounds and buildings are subject to the same rules as other public buildings. The governors carry out regular Health and Safety checks throughout the year and there is a governor responsible for Health and Safety. It is against the law to smoke on the school grounds as well as inside the school building.

In the interest of the safety of children we request that: • no child should ride a bicycle in the school grounds, unless completing supervised cycling awareness training • no dogs should be brought into the grounds • children wear sun hats and sun protection cream in hot weather.

Fire procedure practices are carried out every term and a fire risk assessment annually. During the school day the door is locked so there can be no unlawful entry. Visitors are required to sign in and wear a visitors’ badge. A risk assessment has been carried out and procedures are in place for local visits.

TAKING PHOTOS - Ysgol Gynradd Llanidloes welcomes positive publicity as this can increase pupil motivation and staff morale. However, the school wants to safeguard the identity of children and uses photographs in a responsible way. Risks can occur when individual children can be identified in photographs. Whenever the school finds images being used inappropriately, the matter will be reported to the Local Authority in the same way as any other child protection issue. Photographs and video images of pupils and staff are classed as personal data under the terms of General Data Protection Regulations 2018 (GDPR). Therefore, using such images requires the consent of either the individual concerned or, in the case of children, their parents or guardian. The school will not display images of pupils or staff on websites, on social media, in publications or in public places without such consent. The consent form is part of the information pack for new pupils. Please refer to our e-Safety (including social networking) policy for more information. A copy is available from the office.

SAFEGUARDING - we have a Child Protection Policy which follows the 'Wales Safeguarding Procedures'. Staff and governors receive awareness training and have completed DBS (Disclosure & Barring Service) checks. The Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) within the school is the headteacher, Mrs Chennetier; the deputy DSL is Mrs Ashton. The named governor is Mrs M Jones. They have a duty to make a referral if they should ever have a concern.

Learning about safety from people in our community

Curriculum

At Ysgol Gynradd Llanidloes we provide an all-round education of a very high academic standard and we pride ourselves on our success in developing children's self-esteem, responsibility, courtesy and social awareness.

Flexibility of teaching methods ensures that the Curriculum for Wales is delivered in the most appropriate way, considering the nature of the task and the children concerned. At the heart of the curriculum are the Four Core Purposes – all our children and young people will be:

* Ambitious, capable learners * Enterprising, creative contributors * Ethical, informed citizens * Healthy, confident individuals.

Members of staff use each other's expertise in planning for different curriculum areas. This expertise and experience enables us to take account of every child's rate of development so ensuring confident and successful progress of all. Pupils are encouraged to take responsibility in all aspects of school life and to become independent learners. They are involved in whole school issues through groups such as the School Council, Digital Wizards, Sports Council, Eco Pupil Voice and the Criw Cymraeg.

Whilst the National Curriculum 2008 and the Foundation Phase Framework still form the basis of our teaching and learning, we are already working within the Curriculum for Wales. This brand new curriculum will be formally implemented in schools in September 2022. The six areas of Learning and Experience are:

Expressive Arts; Health and Wellbeing; Humanities; Languages, Literacy and Communication; Mathematics and Numeracy: Science and Technology

Provision is also made for Religious Education following the LA Religious Education syllabus.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION - Religious Education is a statutory requirement but does not feature in the national curriculum. The LA agreed syllabus is taught and all teaching is non-denominational. An act of worship is held daily. Religious Education and Personal and Social Education are such an integral part of school life that they cannot be isolated into lesson periods only. These permeate and colour everything and are the basis of the tolerant and friendly atmosphere in our school.

COLLECTIVE WORSHIP - there is a daily act of worship for all pupils and staff based firmly on Christian values. Children are also given the opportunity to lead the collective worship through class assemblies. Parents, governors and visitors are welcome to join us for these assemblies. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from Religious Education and collective worship if they wish, preferably in writing to the headteacher. Ministers from the Llanidloes area and the Story Tellers from Llanidloes regularly lead collective worship.

LANGUAGE, LITERACY and COMMUNICATION - we believe that this is all-important because this is the medium that we adopt to convey all ideas and thoughts. English is the language of the school and the curriculum is presented through the medium of English. The Welsh language culture is an integral part of our school community. It is our policy to offer a strategy that has been planned to develop the skills of speaking and listening, reading and writing by encouraging children to use a wide range of equipment to facilitate the use of both languages.

WELSH - we believe that a high standard of Welsh should be taught which gives the pupils the correct tone and mode of speaking and writing that will be easily understood by literate Welsh people throughout Wales. It is important that children have experience of hearing the local dialect as well as the being part of the local culture.

ENGLISH - pupils in the Foundation Phase have the opportunity to choose English and Welsh books to read and share at home. During Key Stage 2 they develop their language skills in English and Welsh. By the end of Key Stage 2 the aim is for children to speak English to a high standard, have an appreciation of good English literature and the ability to write well for different audiences.

MATHEMATICS - is an exciting subject full of challenges. We hope to convey this to the pupils and encourage them to respond with enthusiasm and interest. They will be taught to understand and use mathematical ideas in various situations and use numerical skills with speed and accuracy.

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY - as a school we strive to give our pupils a wide range of experiences so that they are prepared as well as possible to use devices and software that haven’t been invented yet as information and communication technology is moving at an incredible pace. Digital equipment is considered as trans-curricular equipment. Our pupils use several types of laptops, tablets and chrome books, and these can be used in any of the classes through a wireless connection.

SCIENCE AND UNDERSTANDING OF THE WORLD - through science, pupils are taught to understand the world about them by researching and experimenting. They are encouraged to investigate, pose questions and devise fair tests in experimental work.

THE FOUNDATION PHASE - the Foundation Phase places great emphasis on developing children’s skills and understanding, personal, social, emotional, physical and intellectual wellbeing the whole child. Positive attitudes to learning are nurtured so that the child enjoys learning and will want to continue with their education for longer. Self-esteem and self–confidence are nurtured to experiment, investigate, and learn new relationships with others and creative and expressive skills and observations to encourage their development as individuals.

The statutory areas of learning in the Foundation Phase are:

  • Personal and social development, wellbeing and cultural diversity.
  • Language, literacy and communication skills.
  • Mathematical development.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the world.
  • Physical development.
  • Creative development.

SPIRITUAL, MORAL, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL

Children must develop an understanding of times past and present and a feeling of their roots. They must also be conscious of society by realising their individuality and their place in society. We offer opportunities to develop and foster understanding and knowledge of cultural, economic, environmental and historical aspects in the area. We encourage skill development, whether in the cultural or visual crafts, in music, drama creative writing and performance. Most pupils enjoy taking part in these activities. Through their presentation they can discuss and convey emotional experiences. We believe these activities help develop self-confidence in a child.

PARENTS' EVENINGS

Parents' evenings are held each term. Parents are allocated time to speak to class teachers about their child’s work and look at the work that has been completed in class. Personal targets are discussed and set at these meetings. The staff value these consultation evenings and the opportunity to meet all parents. If you have any concern about your child’s education at Ysgol Gynradd Llanidloes you are welcome to arrange a meeting to see the class teacher or headteacher. Please contact the school office to arrange an appointment.

Wellbeing

Children are always in the care of a responsible adult during the school day. When children are first enrolled, parents are asked to inform the school of any health problems relevant to their child. It is important that the headteacher and the staff are fully aware of these when a child starts school. Parents will be handed a pack with various forms to be completed. The school nurse will check children’s hearing, sight and speech. Pupils with specific needs will receive help from the appropriate support service, in consultation with their parents. All staff are trained in First Aid or First Aid at Work. Trained staff treat minor injuries in school and report these and all accidents to the class teacher or headteacher. When a child needs to be sent home or requires hospital treatment, parents are contacted as soon as possible.

For this purpose, the following contact telephone numbers are necessary: a) numbers of parents’ homes and places of work; b) numbers of a relative or close friend to whom a child can be taken if the parents are unavailable; c) numbers of the child’s doctor.

MEDICINES

Where possible we request that children’s medication be administered at home. If this is not possible, non-prescribed and prescribed medication should be accompanied with written permission and instructions on a form available from the office. If a child suffers from asthma and needs to bring an inhaler to school please contact your child’s class teacher to complete the paperwork for this. If there are any other healthcare issues regarding your child which you wish us to address, please ask for a copy of our Healthcare Policy. The headteacher will be happy to discuss any of your concerns. We do request that children with symptoms of sickness and diarrhoea stay at home for a minimum of 48 hours after their last bout. This helps to stop the spread of such illnesses.

INSURANCE - the school cannot accept responsibility for any property belonging to pupils which is stolen, lost or damaged whilst on school premises. Your private insurance should cover such items.

SCHOOL TRIPS

Many of our outdoor trips support the school curriculum to widen the children’s horizons and practical experiences.

CHARGING POLICY – EDUCATIONAL VISITS

When educational visits are organised for pupils and there is a cost to be met, then parents will be asked to make a voluntary contribution which covers the cost of that visit. If a parent is unable to make a voluntary contribution, this will not disqualify their child from benefiting from the planned educational visit but, clearly, if we do not receive enough contributions to cover the educational visit then the visit will not go ahead. All payments are made through ParentPay.

FFRINDIAU YSGOL GYNRADD LLANIDLOES

Ysgol Gynradd Llanidloes have a very active Friends of the School. Recently they have arranged a wide variety of fund-raising activities. Examples of these are: Christmas bingo, Easter bingo, Christmas disco. They have recently funded a new quiet zone in the playground, picnic tables, and continue to fund the Text to Parents service. If you wish to know any more regarding the Friends of the School please see our Facebook page.

SCHOOL COUNCIL

Welcome! We are a group of children from Key Stage 2 who have been elected as the School Council. As part of the committee, each member has a responsibility such as chairperson, secretary, treasurer or class representative. Our role in the school is to listen to any new ideas or questions that the children may have which might help or improve the school. During the year, we are also responsible for organising fund-raising days for charities such as Children in Need, Comic Relief and the British Legion Poppy Appeal.

ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING - during the whole of a child’s time at the school evidence of progress and achievement levels are kept along with a detailed memorandum that gives the teachers an insight into the pupil’s strengths and weaknesses. An annual report is given to parents and an opportunity is given to discuss the child’s work at a parents evening.

TRANSFERRING INFORMATION TO PARENTS - letters, texts and the school website will be used to inform parents of events at the school. We kindly ask that you read all correspondence.

HOME-SCHOOL LINKS - the establishment of a positive relationship between parents and the school is vital. We aim to develop a fruitful partnership between all those involved in your child’s education – parents, teachers, and the local community. This is reflected in our Home-School Agreement.

HELPING YOUR CHILD

The most important thing you can do to help your child is to give them your time. Please encourage your child to share their work with you via Hwb, the Welsh Government digital learning platform. We find that the best readers are often the children who receive help with reading at home as well as in school. If possible, try to read with your child or listen to your child read every day. Our home-school reading scheme may assist in this respect. Our home-school reading scheme aims to help your child develop a love of books as well learn to read. If you want further advice about helping your child please contact the school.

HOMEWORK - at Ysgol Gynradd Llanidloes, we believe that the best homework for our pupils is to explore their creativity (both indoors and outdoors), investigate current topics (including what is happening in Wales and around the world) and spend time with friends and family, learning about how our society works. However, we also recognise the importance of our home-school partnership and we ask that you support your child with the following activities at home:

Foundation Phase • Reading to and with your child • Learning letter sounds and how to spell high frequency words (lower case letters not capitals) • Learning number bonds and 2x, 5x and 10x tables (and 3x and 4x in Year 2) • Playing number and other matching games or doing jigsaws • Enhance Welsh language skills by taking ‘Dewi Draig’ home for the weekend

KS2 • Ensuring that your child reads regularly and keeps their reading diary up to date • Online maths games through ActivLearn • Completing work started in school on Hwb • Learning multiplication tables, for example, Times Tables Rock Stars • Researching information for Genius Hour • Practising a musical instrument, if receiving tuition • One piece of specific homework a week ‘Little and often’ - setting aside some time each day to have fun with these activities is the best way to enhance your child’s learning.

Should you require any help with supporting your child at home, please contact your child’s class teacher.

ADDITIONAL LEARNING NEEDS

Our school aims to ensure that all pupils thrive, developing to their full potential socially, emotionally and intellectually. We aim to help every pupil develop their self-esteem with a sense of responsibility for themselves and towards others. It has been estimated that nationally 20% of the school population will have Additional Learning Needs (ALN) at some time during their school career. Ysgol Gynradd Llanidloes adopts an inclusive policy. Thus all pupils with ALN are members of the whole school community in every respect with all staff accepting responsibility for all pupils and a commitment to raising standards in basic skills of literacy and numeracy.

The Additional Learning Needs Coordinator (ALNCo) has responsibility for coordinating ALN provision within the school and for the day-to-day operation of the ALN policy. The ALNCo is Miss Ruth Davies. The Governing Body has overall responsibility for ALN provision within the school. Information relating to ALN is reported to the full Governing Body as part of the headteacher’s report.

ILLNESS - parents are required to inform the school of their child’s illness on the first morning of absence by phoning before 9.30 am. If this is not done then the school will follow Local Authority guidelines and will contact the parent by telephone or, if a parent is unavailable, send a standard letter requesting information.

HEALTH CARE - if your child is ill in school, we will contact parents in order to make arrangements to send them home. Should your child be injured in school, immediate basic first aid treatment will be given. In the event of a child requiring hospital attention during school hours, every effort will be made to contact the parents. Please ensure that your home telephone number, mobile telephone number or another form of contact is provided. The school must be informed immediately of any changes to the contact details.

SCHOOL TRANSPORT - the Local Authority makes all arrangements with regards to school transport. All children are expected to behave appropriately on school transport. Responsibility for matters of discipline on school transport lies initially with the driver of the vehicle but the headteacher will be informed of any incidents of poor behaviour and will then take appropriate action. The Local Authority has an agreed procedure to deal with matters of discipline on school transport, including written warnings and/or exclusion. If the school transport cannot operate safely due to road conditions and parents decide to transport their child/children to school on such days, then parents will also be responsible for collecting them from school at the end of the day.

SCHOOL EMERGENCY CLOSURE - it may be necessary to close the school at short notice due to flooding, storm damage etc. A message will be sent out by text and put on the Local Authority website. If no message is displayed, then the school is open. Parents will be contacted directly if a decision is taken to close the school for any reason during the school day.

TRANSFER TO SECONDARY SCHOOL - at the age of eleven pupils transfer to the high school of their choice. Children are invited to spend time at the high school as part of a structured induction programme.

SEX AND RELATIONSHIP EDUCTION - our school is committed to the teaching of sex and relationship education. It will be taught as part of our Personal and Social Education programme and includes a visit from the school nurse during the summer term to meet with Year 5 and 6 pupils. Parents are informed in advance of the visit.

SCHOOL UNIFORM - the school has a full uniform which all pupils are expected to wear. This consists of: * burgundy sweatshirt * burgundy or white polo shirt * navy blue or black skirt, trousers, shorts or jogging bottoms (plain – no logos – no jeans) * black footwear * house colour t-shirt and black shorts for PE and Games.

The sweatshirt and polo shirts are embroidered with the school logo and are supplied directly by the school. Book bags are also available. Please contact the school office for further information.

It is extremely important that you put your child’s name on all items of school uniform.

Pupils should not wear any jewellery to school. As exception to this rule pupils with pierced ears can wear studs only. All such items of jewellery must be removed during physical education and swimming for safety reasons.

OUTDOOR LEARNING ENVIRONMENT - during their time in the foundation phase, children explore the following using their outdoor learning environment as a resource: * understanding the environment * knowing the difference between animals, plants and objects * being aware of the seasons and their features * knowing about different types of weather.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

The school provides a variety of extra-curricular experiences for all pupils. Children are also encouraged to become involved in the local community, joining in with events such as the annual Urdd Eisteddfod and sporting activities.

MUSIC - peripatetic music teachers visit the school weekly and at present can offer tuition in: • piano • brass • guitar or ukulele

A charge is made for these lessons. Contact the school office for further details.

SPORTS - the school aims to provide all children with the opportunity to participate in a variety of physical education and sporting activities such as • netball • football • rugby • cross country running • hockey • swimming

Parents and other volunteers regularly assist with out of school sport activities. The children also take part in area schools’ sporting competitions, both indoor and outdoor. The school places great importance on these activities.

POLICIES

Copies of the policies are available on the school website for parents to read. Please give five days’ notice if you wish to view any other policies.

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURES - we hope you will be happy with the education that your child receives at Ysgol Gynradd Llanidloes. However, if you are dissatisfied in any way you should first discuss the matter with the class teacher or the headteacher. The Governing Body has adopted the Welsh Government Guidance on Complaints Procedures as detailed in Circular No. 011/2012. This is available on our website should you wish to read it. It is inappropriate to discuss complaints with individual governors, as they are the final arbiters regarding complaints.

The complaints officers are Karen Swann and Kelly Hawkins. Any inquiries should be addressed to – The Complaints Officer, Ysgol Gynradd Llanidloes, Llanidloes, Powys SY18 6EX.

END OF FOUNDATION PHASE AND KEY STAGE 2 DATA

There is no data for 2021