Welcome Back!
We hope that you have enjoyed the Summer break; it feels likes a long time ago that we were breaking up for the record heatwave! As always, a new year is a fresh start and we have been busy in school preparing things for the new academic year. We have had a new canopy built over LRC1 Class and we have also had the leaks in our school hall fixed (finally). We have also added new play equipment to our Early Years Area.
We have no restrictions, new guidance or new information around COVID-19 at this point; If this should change, we will share any new rules immediately.
Reminder - Pupils return on Tuesday 6th September. The school office will be open all day on Monday 5th September.
School Parking
We are aware that parking on the school site can cause a great deal of stress and frustration. On numerous occasions, parents have contacted us to inform us about difficulties parking and congested areas behind the school. Unfortunately, it is very difficult for us to completely rectify this problem. As the school has increased in popularity, we have a significant number of families who live in both Haverfordwest and Milford Haven and a car is essential for these trips. We understand that it can be frustrating, but we ask that all parents are as patient as possible as the congestion usually clears relatively quickly.
School Evaluation Report
At the end of each academic year, we review the progress which the school has made. We call this our School Evaluation Report. I have attempted to summarise some of the most important information:
- Progress by the end of Year Six is exceptional strong, especially in mathematics which has developed as a strength of the school. Over 80% of pupils leave the school achieving an above average progress score.
- Progress in reading is strong as pupils progress through the school.
- In some year groups, we need to support target pupils to improve their reading.
- In some year groups we need to support pupils to develop their synthetic phonics.
- Welsh standards have been impacted by the pandemic.
So what are we going to be working on this year?
Considering all of our evaluation data, we have identified five areas to work on:
Target One: To continue to develop our curriculum, improving the cohesion across the school and thinking carefully about how we build on children’s prior knowledge.
We have chosen this target as we are working hard to define the knowledge that pupils will gain as they progress through the school. We feel that this is important when offering a broad and balanced curriculum.
Target Two: To raise standards in teaching and learning across the school with a clear focus on reading.
In some areas, we need to improve our standards in reading. We have lots of exciting initiatives planned to improve our provision in developing reading.
Target Three: To develop excellent teaching in mathematics with a clear focus on the underperformance in certain year groups.
Maths performance in some areas is exceptional, but we would like to ensure that all of our interventions support pupils to make accelerated progress.
Target Four: To improve standards in Welsh across the school with a clear focus on oracy.
As previously mentioned, Welsh standards have been impacted by the pandemic. We are going to be setting our aspirations exceptionally high to ensure that we are supporting pupils to develop excellent Welsh standards.
Target Five: To focus on Expressive Arts as an AOLE, improving all aspects of our provision in this area of learning.
During curriculum auditing, we recognised that this is an area which needs continued review and improvement.
New Behaviour Charter
We know that children thrive on routine and consistency. Children like to know where they stand and they like it when rules are fair and consistent. In conjunction with our behaviour blueprint, we have created a very clear table of actions for poor behaviour choices. These will help us to ensure that all consequences are fair throughout the school and ensure that pupil wellbeing and behaviour continues to be a strong feature of the school.
What do we need your help with?
Attendance
You may be aware that Covid-19 has impacted school attendance throughout Wales during recent years. However, as we return to school, it is important to reiterate our school target of 95% attendance. Everyday in school counts as, as teachers, we really notice the impact of poor attendance on pupil progress.
We hope that you are able to support us as mush as possible with our target! We are setting pupils the ambitious target of achieving 100% attendance for the first week!
Uniform
Whilst uniform is not compulsory, we strongly encourage that all pupils wear school uniform daily. In recent years, some of our older pupils have started to move away from uniform. It is important that we return to setting a high standard in this area.
We will open our uniform recycling shop on Friday (9th September). All items are of a high quality and cost just 20p.
Click on this button to purchase different items of uniform.
Reminders of Times
Nursery
Morning part-timers: 8.50-11.45 (Monday to Friday)
Afternoon part-timers: 12.45-15.15. (Monday to Thursday)
Full-time children: 8.50-15.15. (Monday to Thursday), 8.50-12 (Friday)
Reception
School day: 8:50-15:20
Years One and Two
Doors open at 8:40.
School day: 8:50-15:20
Years Three - Six
Doors open at 8:40.
School day: 8:50-15:25
Friday
On Fridays, school finishes at 12:00. However, pupils are able to stay in school until 15:15 and engage in a range of activities.
Inset Days
The Welsh Government has provided schools with six inset days this year:
- Monday, 5th September. Staff will be preparing for the new academic year.
- Monday, 17th October. Staff will be working on our curriculum.
- Monday, 28th November. All schools in the cluster will be working together.
- Monday, 17th April. All schools in the cluster will be working together.
- Days Five and Six will be taken on Friday 23rd December and Monday 24th July.
Universal Free School Meals
From the 6th September onwards all Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 children will be offered Free School Meals. This is an important step in reaching the shared ambition of ensuring no child goes hungry while in school. Later in the academic year, all other year groups will also be offered Free School Meals. As the new term approaches, we will share the menu for the Autumn term.
Breakfast Club
Breakfast Club will return as normal on the first day of term. If you would like to register your child for Breakfast Club, please contact the school office.
There is no need to re-register pupils who have attended in recent years.
Friday Afternoon Provision
Friday afternoon provision will be back up and running from the first week of term.
Please register so that we are able to provide appropriate staffing levels.
After School Childcare
If you would like to register for After School Club then please contact Mrs. Louise Jones. Alternatively, contact the school office and they will be able to support you.
Important Information Relating to the School Crossing
There will be no crossing provision on the afternoon of 22/09/22.
Sports Clubs & P.E. Days
More information on Sports Clubs and P.E. Days will be shared in the coming days.
