Full Prospectus Draft 2022

Ynystawe Primary School

Clydach Road
Ynystawe

CITY & COUNTY OF SWANSEA

SA6 5AY

Telephone No: (01792) 842628
Fax: (01792) 845351

E Mail: [email protected]
Website: www.ynystaweprimary.co.uk

Headteacher: Ms. M. H. Burridge
(B.Ed. Hons., NPQH)

Deputy Headteacher: Mrs. S. Williams
(B.Ed.Hons., NPQH)

Chair of Governors: M. J. Hedges (AM)

Age range of pupils: 3 - 11 years

Number on roll: 211 (including Nursery
children)

Ynystawe is a County Maintained, Co-educational
Primary School.

This information is correct and up to date at the time of
printing – Spring Term 2022. Some adjustment or re-
arrangement of provision may be necessary for the academic
year 2022-2023.

Vision Statement

Our school will provide a challenging and stimulating
experience-based curriculum for every child, in the
security of a happy, welcoming and aesthetic learning
environment.

We envisage all children achieving their full potential
in key skills and as ambitious, capable learners in
order ultimately to take their place in society as
enterprising, creative contributors, ready to play a full
part in life and work.

At all times, we promote a culture wherein we feel a
sense of belonging and pride in our school as well as a
belief in ourselves as ethical, informed, technologically
competent citizens of Wales and the world.

We will be healthy, confident individuals, ready to lead
fulfilling lives as valued members of society. We will be
resilient and ready to learn throughout our lives whilst
ensuring that the well-being and mental health of all is
of central importance.

I HEAR AND I FORGET
I SEE AND I REMEMBER
I DO AND I UNDERSTAND

(Confucius 551-479BC)

Our School Aims

 It is our firm belief that the substance of our education prepares children well for the
challenges they will face in life and at the next stage of their education;

 We provide rich, inclusive experiences for all children. We will promote an open,
collaborative and evaluative culture for all within a warm, welcoming environment;

 the curriculum we provide is broad and balanced to allow every child with the
opportunity to progress, and that this progress is celebrated and built upon;

 children become autonomous and reflective learners, developing independence from
their earliest days in school;

 we develop children’s lively imaginations, enquiring minds with the ability to question,
reason and reflect;

 our starting point will always be what a child CAN do and not where we think that he
or she should be;

 our curriculum is under-pinned by the four purposes and based on first-hand
experiences which are intensely lived by the children;

 we create the suitable climate for our children to develop key skills, attitudes and
values through the six areas of learning experience:

 Health and Well-being- Languages, Literacy and Communication-Mathematics and
Numeracy-Information Technology-Science and technology-Expressive Arts

 we promote a healthy lifestyle and are proud that we are a healthy school;

 we take every opportunity to remind the children that they live in Wales and are to be
proud of their National heritage and culture;

 we will help children understand and care for the world in which they live, making
optimum use of our resources, in particular our school grounds, the surrounding area
and our community;

 we promote children’s respect for religion and moral values and their understanding
and tolerance of the beliefs of others- our Ynystawe values underpin everything we
do;

 we aim to teach our children to be to be responsible citizens and to understand that
with rights come responsibilities;

 we build strong collaborative partnerships with the whole school community;

 we encourage and enable the continuous professional development of all staff within
our school.

Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

Contents

Page

Vision Statement

Our School Aims

Ynystawe Primary School Catchment

Aerial Photograph of the school

Plan of Ynystawe School 1

Ynystawe Primary School Staff List 2

Teaching Staff 2

Associate Staff 2

Governors of Ynystawe Primary School 3

Requesting a meeting with the Governing Body 4

School Aims 5

Welcome to our school 7

School Organisation 9

Our School Structure 10

The Current School Curriculum .........................................10

Our purposeful, authentic & relevant new curriculum 11

Four Purposes 12

Six areas of learning experiences 13

The Leonardo Effect 14

Powerful Learning 16

Can Pigs Wear Glasses? 16

The Community 18

Community Links 18

Teacher as a Facilitator .....................................................................................................19

Expectations for Learning ................................................................................................ 20

Home Learning ......................................................................................................................21

Assessment........................................................................................................................... 22

Records................................................................................... 22

Assessing Children’s Learning .......................................................................................... 23

Teacher Assessments ........................................................................................................ 24

Results Foundation Phase.................................................................... 24

Key Stage 2 ............................................................................. 25

National Test Results............................................................ 25

How are Parents/Carers informed of progress? 26

Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

Parents and School 26

Equal Opportunities 28

Equal Opportunities............................................................. 28

Disability Equality................................................................ 28

Race Equality......................................................................... 28

Meeting the Learning Needs of All Pupils 29

Health and Wellbeing Physical Education & Sporting Activities ....................... 30

PE Kit ....................................................................................... 31

School Uniform..................................................................... 32

Health Matters Disease/ condition & Period of absence from school.. 33

Accidents and Emergencies............................................... 33

Administering of medication in school............................ 34

Sickness and Diarrhoea ...................................................... 34

Headlice.................................................................................. 34

School Health Service ........................................................ 35

Healthy Eating and Drinking............................................................................................. 36

Pastoral Care and Safeguarding Arrangements........................................................... 38

Pastoral Care......................................................................... 38

Health & Safety Provision ................................................. 38

Safeguarding Child Protection.................................................................... 39

Lunch/Break Supervision ................................................... 39

School Security.................................................................... 40

Disclosure and Barring (DBS) Certificates ................... 40

Dogs in school ....................................................................... 40

Inclement Weather............................................................. 40

Behaviour, Discipline And Restorative Practice ........................................................... 41

Putting Things Right ........................................................................................................... 42

Personal, Social and Development, Wellbeing and Cultural Diversity: ................... 43

Personal, Social and Health Education .................. 43

Sex and Relationship Education .............................. 43

Cultural Diversity Religious Education .................................................... 44

Welsh Development Welsh Language .......................................................... 44

Secondary Transfer ........................................................................................................... 45

General Information........................................................................................................... 47

School Dinner Money Payments........................................ 47

sQuid Payments .................................................................... 47

Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

Breakfast Club...................................................................... 47

After School Clubs .............................................................. 47

Communicating with parents.............................................. 47

Out of School Activities and Educational Visits ......................................................... 48

After School Clubs .................................................... 48

Educational Visits ....................................................... 48

Residential Courses.................................................... 49

Charging and Remissions Policy ............................... 49

Attendance School hours.......................................................................... 50

The start of the school day .............................................. 50

Punctuality ............................................................................. 50

Holidays during term time ................................................. 50

Absences ................................................................................ 50

School Attendance Report 2018-2019 ............................ 51

Attendance Matters ............................................................ 51

School Terms and Holiday Dates 2021/2022 Academic Year ................................. 52

School Terms and Holiday Dates 2022/2023Academic Year .................................. 52

Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

Ynystawe Primary School Catchment

Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

Ynystawe Primary School Aerial Photograph

Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

Plan of Ynystawe School

Room 6

Outdoor toy storage Cloakroom
PPA
Toilets
Toilets Room Toilets
Lower level
Cloakroom

Toilets

Cloakroom Upper level

Library

13

Hall 4
2

Staffroom, Reception Kitchen 5
reprographic Museum
Head
and pupil teacher
support

Main entrance

Classroom Teacher

Classroom 1 Naomi Edwards Year 3/4

Classroom 2 Rachel Parkes/ Alyson Crabb Year 4/5

Classroom 3 Lucy Green Year 5/6

Classroom 4 John Jenkins Year 2

Classroom 5 Emma Brown/Jade Stephens Year 1/2

Classroom 6 Chelsey Jones-Burns Reception

Natalie Roberts Nursery

Sarah Williams – one day/week in each Y1-6 classroom

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

Ynystawe Primary School Staff List

Teaching Staff Various classes
Year 5/6
Michelle Burridge (Headteacher) Year 4/5
Sarah Williams (Deputy Headteacher) Year 3/4
Lucy Green Year 2
Rachel Parkes/ Alyson Crabb Year 1
Naomi Edwards Reception
John Jenkins Nursery
Emma Brown
Chelsey Burns-Jones
Natalie Roberts

Associate Staff

Administration Officer Lunchtime Supervisory Assistants
Sarah Scannell Vivienne Jones
Bethan Stote
Administration Support Gwenneth Davies
Helen Lascelles Deborah Fisher
Joanne Rowe

School Site manager Dining staff Dining Supervisor
Dorian Phillips Claire Lake Dining Assistant
Christine Symonds

H.L.T.A. inc. ICT support (Teaching Cleaning Staff
for Learning) Alison Dainty
Dot Nowak
Roger Pyle

Teaching Assistants Tracy Carter Crossing Patrol
Kathryn Davies Bethan Stote Mike Maddocks
Deborah Fisher Mari Wright
Bethan Rush Breakfast Club Staff
Alison Dainty Claire Lake
Bethan Stote
Deborah Fisher

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

Governors of Ynystawe Primary School

The Governing Body of Ynystawe Primary School consists of twelve members whose role is to
seek individually and collectively to represent the interests of the school and the community.

Term of Office

Governors appointed by the Local Education Authority:

Mr. M. J. Hedges AM (Chair) July 2020 – July 2024
4 Glyncollen Drive
Ynysforgan, August 2020 – August 2024
SWANSEA February 2020 – February 2024
Tel no. 791774

Mr. T. Nigel Thomas (Vice-chair)
Mrs. Jeni James

Governors appointed by the Parents of Ynystawe Primary School:

Mr. David Thomas September 2020 – September 2024
Mrs. S. Lucy Martin May 2018 – May 2022
Mr. Mark Thomas February 2020 – February 2024
Mr. Daniel Lear February 2022 – February 2026

Governors co-opted to the Governing Body (Community Governors):

Mr. Anthony Quick March 2018 – March 2022
Dr Stuart Roberts March 2019 – March 2023
Mrs. Christine S. Winson October 2019 - October 2023

Governors elected by the Teaching Staff of Ynystawe Primary School

Mrs. Alyson Crabb October 2019 – October 2023

Governors elected by the Support Staff of Ynystawe Primary School

Mrs. Vivienne Jones September 2020 – September 2024

Headteacher of Ynystawe Primary School:

Ms. M. H. Burridge Governor

Clerk to the Governors:

Mrs. Helen M. Lascelles
755, Clydach Road
Ynystawe
Swansea.
SA6 5AY
Tel. (01792) 843210
Email [email protected]

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

REQUESTING A MEETING WITH THE GOVERNING BODY

The Schools Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 (The Act) removed the
requirement for school governing bodies to hold an annual meeting with parents. Instead, new
arrangements were introduced to enable parents to request up to 3 meetings in any school
year with a governing body, on matters which are of concern to them.

You now have the right to request up to 3 meetings a year with the Governing Body.

If parents wish to use their rights under the Act to hold a meeting, 4 conditions will need to
be satisfied:

1. Parents will need to raise a petition in support of holding a meeting.

The parents of at least 10% of the school’s registered pupils will need to sign the petition. If
it is a paper petition, then a written signature must be given as well as the name and class of
each child who is a registered pupil at the school. If the petition is in electronic format, the
‘signature’ required is the typed name of the parent plus the name and class of each child who
is a registered pupil at the school and the email address of each parent who ‘signs’ the
electronic petition.

There were 200 children registered as pupils with this school at the beginning of this
academic year. Exact roll numbers at any time during the year may be obtained from the
school office.

2. The meeting must be called to discuss matters which affect the school

The meeting cannot be called to discuss such matters as the progress of individual pupils, or
to make a complaint against a member of the school’s staff or governing body.

The petition should contain brief details of the matter(s) to be discussed, and the reasons
for calling the meeting. This information should be clearly displayed at the top of the
petition, with parents’ signatures appearing below.

3. A maximum of 3 meetings can be held during the school year

The law allows parents to use their rights to request up to 3 meetings with a school governing
body during the school year.

4. There must be at least 25 school days left in the school year

The law makes it a condition that at least 25 school days are left in the school year when the
petition is received so that the meeting can be held.

A “school day” means a day when the school is open to pupils: it does not include weekends,
public holidays, school holidays or INSET days.

The address for service of a petition requesting a meeting with this school’s governing body
is:

Postal address:- Ynystawe Primary School, Clydach Road, Ynystawe, SWANSEA, SA6
5AY

Email address: [email protected]

Further advice on how parents may to go about requesting a meeting with a governing body is
available on the Welsh Government’s website at:
http://wales.gov.uk/topics/educationandskills/publications/guidance/parents-meetings-
statutory-guidance/?lang=en

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus 2021-2022

School Aims

Our aims for Ynystawe Primary School in terms of the children’s learning are positive
and will enable each child to succeed. In order to achieve this we will provide broad
experiences which reflect both the needs and the interests of the children. We will
strive to promote an open collaborative and evaluative culture for all. We will
endeavour to ensure that:

 the curriculum we provide is sufficiently broad and rich to provide every child
with the opportunity to succeed, and that this success is celebrated and built
upon, We will always be aware of the destructive effect on children of incessant
failure and do everything in our power to prevent this;

 children become autonomous and reflective learners, developing independence
from their earliest days in school;

 our starting point will always be what the child CAN do and not where we think
that he or she should be;

 our curriculum is based on first-hand experiences which are intensely lived by the
children;

 we create the right climate for our children to internalise these experiences and
develop the skills, attitudes and values required to externalise them through:
(i) Personal & Social Education
(ii) Speaking and listening, reading, writing and the expressing of ideas
(iii) Mathematics
(iv) Information Technology
(v) All aspects of science and technology
(vi) The creative arts

 we promote a healthy lifestyle and are proud that we are a healthy school;

 we take every opportunity to remind the children that they live in Wales and are
to be proud of their National heritage and culture. We will also teach them the
Welsh language and encourage them to use it at every opportunity;

 the children are made aware of, and take pride in, the history of their locality;

 we will help children understand and care for the world in which they live, making
optimum use of our resources, in particular our school grounds and the
surrounding area;

 children are given ample opportunities to develop their physical skills along with
an understanding of the importance of leading healthy lives;

 we promote children’s respect for religion and moral values and their
understanding and tolerance of the beliefs of others;

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus 2021-2022

 we have the resources needed to support a rich curriculum and that we teach our
children to respect them, how to use them with care and to take responsibility
for them;

 our children know how to select and use these resources confidently and with
independence;

 we will praise success, no matter how small, and address our children’s
weaknesses with sensitivity;

 we provide good role models by showing respect and consideration for our
children and for each other thus developing a climate of co-operation and
harmony

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus 2021-2022

WELCOME TO OUR SCHOOL

AGE RANGE OF PUPILS 3-11 YEARS

NUMBER ON ROLL 180 full time and 27 part-time (Nursery)

(This information is correct and up to date at the time of printing – Autumn
Term 2019. Some adjustment/re-arrangement of provision may be necessary for
the school year (2019/2020)

ADMISSIONS

Each child about to commence part time education at Nursery, or a full time place
from Reception, will be invited to apply for a place at the catchment school
maintained by the Local Authority.

Parents can either apply in writing for a place at the catchment school or express a
preference for a placement at an alternative school. Requests for a preferred
placement will be granted unless to do so would prejudice the provision of efficient
education or the efficient use of resources.

Below is the statutory admissions information for Swansea. You will notice that
schools in Swansea have an obligation to offer a Nursery place to children the term
after they turn 3.

“In Swansea all primary schools provide part-time nursery education for parents who
would like their child to attend a nursery class. The policy of the Local Authority is to
provide part-time nursery education only. A nursery place will be available for your
child from the term following their third birthday although it may not be in the
school nearest to your home address. You can apply for a place at your catchment
school or any other school for which you may have a preference. Parents may wish to
visit schools before they make a decision about which school they wish to apply for
and visits to school should be arranged directly with the head teacher of the relevant
school. School websites also provide useful information about schools as does the
Welsh Government website My Local School www.mylocalschool.wales.gov.uk and the
City and County of Swansea website www.swansea.gov.uk

The Local Authority administers all applications for nursery places in Swansea and
once you have decided which school you would like to apply for you should complete an
application form which can be obtained from the Local Authority website or by
contacting the School and Governor Unit on 636550.

If there is not a place immediately available in your preferred school you may have to
put your child’s name on a waiting list. You will be offered a place in an alternative
school. There is no right of appeal against the refusal to offer a nursery place in a
specific school.

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus 2021-2022

It is also important to note that children attending the nursery class of a school
will not have an automatic right of admission to full time education in Reception
at the same school. Parents will need to apply for a place in Reception along with
other applicants.”
Please note that changes to the admissions process now require applications to go
through the local authority. (See below)

Contact school and provide school with child's details and

1 contact information including email

Apply to Local Authority using admission form available from

2 school or on City and County Website

School receives confirmation and acceptance of application from

3 Local Authority

Parents/carers to attend admissions meeting at school

4

5 School will issue a start date 5

Our school caters for children 5 – 11 years on a full time basis and also provides part-
time nursery education for pupils who have attained their third birthday.
Children are admitted full time to the Reception class in the September after their
fourth birthday. All children are admitted to school in line with the LA’s policy; a copy
is available from the Head teacher on request.
All parents of prospective nursery children are encouraged to visit the school with
their child at any time throughout the year.
There is an ‘open’ day for Nursery children and their parents for existing and
potential new families. This will give you an opportunity to meet the staff and school
support agencies, view our facilities and chat with other parents. (Please contact the
school for the date.) This is the beginning of our home/school links which we
encourage and foster throughout your child’s education at Ynystawe Primary School.

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus 2021-2022

School Organisation

Ynystawe Primary School serves the old established communities of Ynystawe and
Ynysforgan - villages situated at the lower end of the Swansea Valley, some four
miles north east of the city of Swansea and within one mile of the M4 motorway.

The main building dates from 1889 and comprises five classrooms and a staff area
grouped around a central hall. Nursery and Reception pupils (3 – 5 year olds) are
housed in a light and airy purpose-built facility linked to the main building with a
spacious play area.

Mae Ysgol Gynradd Ynystawe yn gwasanaethu hen gymunedau sefydledig Ynystawe ac
Ynysforgan - pentrefi ym mhen isaf Dyffryn Abertawe, rhyw bedair milltir i'r
gogledd-ddwyrain o ddinas Abertawe ac o fewn milltir i draffordd yr M4.

Mae'r prif adeilad yn dyddio o 1889 ac mae'n cynnwys pum ystafell ddosbarth ac
ardal staff wedi'u lleoli o amgylch neuadd ganolog. Mae disgyblion Meithrin a Derbyn
(plant 3 - 5 oed) wedi'u cartrefu mewn cyfleuster pwrpasol golau ac awyrog wedi'i
gysylltu â'r prif adeilad gydag ardal chwarae eang.

Pupils are organised into classes of mixed ability and in the main, mixed year groups.
Class sizes and age ranges are reviewed on an annual basis. This does not
disadvantage children in any way as thorough planning by the class teacher along with
detailed school policies and schemes of work guarantee continuity and progression.
Each class has its own class teacher, but also benefits from the additional support of
teaching assistants.

The class teacher constantly assesses the needs of each child in the class and
provides for these needs. Your child will receive whole-class, individual and group
teaching as appropriate. Teaching groups are fluid, consisting of three, four or as
many children as is best for a given situation. Teaching Assistants play a major part
in the learning programme.

This approach enables your child to get the maximum help from the teacher, who,
through careful preparation and organisation is able to allow other groups and
individuals to work unaided for a while. Teaching in such one to one and small group
situations makes it easier to ensure that each child really understands the work in
hand and permits the teacher to vary methods to suit individuals. This also ensures
that each child receives equal teacher time and attention.

Our aim is to approach the whole curriculum from the child’s needs, seeking to
achieve quality and depth. We believe that children learn through real situations and
therefore we try to provide a thought - provoking, well - planned environment
equipped to cater for the individual needs of each child.

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus 2021-2022

We offer a wide curriculum to afford every child the opportunity to experience
success. We believe that children are instruments of their own learning and
structure our day and equip our classrooms to give each child the motivation he or
she needs. We use predominantly an integrated day approach and subject disciplines
are interwoven around a central termly theme. This framework allows and encourages
children to take responsibility for their own work and progress.

We emphasise the importance of play and provide children with play-based activities
throughout all phases.

Above all, we see the primary classroom as a workshop wherein children develop the
skills necessary for learning. We hope too that our children will enjoy learning, will
want to go on learning and will be equipped to do so.

Our School structure

The school utilises its space to meet the needs of learning, in a creative and
purposeful way. This enables staff to deliver a more active and experiential
curriculum, underpinned by a very serious approach to teaching and learning.

Both classrooms and our outdoor classroom are creative spaces in Ynystawe, and
teachers and teaching assistants teach mixed age groups in phases. We develop skills
through teaching in varying group sizes through a range of pedagogical approaches. A
range of first hand activities are delivered through a carousel setting.

Currently our school is working with two curriculums. Please see
below.

The Current School Curriculum

Foundation Phase 3 – 7 years old

Key Stage 2 8 – 11 years old

Ynystawe Primary School offers a broad curriculum, based on the requirements of
the Foundation Phase for Children’s Learning (3 – 7 years) and the National
Curriculum (8+ years). The National Curriculum focuses on the 3 core subjects of
English, Mathematics and Science and the foundation subjects of History, Geography,
Information Communication Technology, Design Technology, Art, Physical Education
and Music. Welsh is taught as a second language, R.E. is also a statutory requirement.

All areas of the curriculum are given status in their own right and are integrated
through a thematic approach (“The Leonardo Effect”) under the following Foundation
Phase for Children’s Learning headings:

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus 2021-2022

 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
 Welsh Language Development

We aim to provide good role models for the children in
our care by showing them respect and consideration
thus developing a climate of co-operation and harmony.
We hope that parents will support us in our aim.

Parents of /and children in Years 1 to 6 are issued with
home-school agreements which have been produced by
staff and governors in good faith following consultation
with parents.

All curriculum policy documents are made available to
parents.

Our Purposeful, Authentic & Relevant New
Curriculum

A new curriculum is being developed for settings and
schools in Wales. A final version will be available in
January 2020, and will be used throughout Wales by
2022.

The principles underpinning every Area of Learning and
Experience (AoLE) in Ynystawe Primary ensures that
the curriculum is:-

 authentic: rooted in Welsh values and culture
and aligned with an agreed set of stated
purposes

 evidence-based: drawing on the best of existing
practice within Wales and from elsewhere, and
on sound research

 responsive: relevant to the needs of today
(individual, local and national) but also equipping
all young people with the knowledge, skills and
dispositions for future challenges as lifelong learners

 inclusive: easily understood by all, encompassing an entitlement to high-
quality education for every child and young person and taking account of their

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus 2021-2022

views in the context of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the
Child (UNCRC), and those of parents, carers and wider society
 ambitious: embodying high expectations and setting no artificial limits on
achievement and challenge for each individual child and young person
 empowering: developing competences which will allow young people to engage
confidently with the challenges of their future lives
 unified: enabling continuity and flow with components which combine and
build progressively
 engaging: encouraging enjoyment from learning and satisfaction in mastering
challenging subject matter
 based on subsidiarity: commanding the confidence of all, while encouraging
appropriate ownership and decision making by those closest to the teaching
and learning process
 manageable: recognising the implications for and supported by appropriate
assessment and accountability arrangements.

We believe that to get the best out of all our learners (and that includes staff) we
have to offer rich and exciting experiences. We are committed to developing a
curriculum which engages, enthuses and inspires our pupils and staff. We encourage
teachers to have the freedom to teach in ways they feel will have the best
outcomes for their learners.

We have a strong emphasis on the acquisition and application of skills and knowledge
through experiential and active learning. We study a whole school topic each term.
All children contribute to their curriculum, ensuring that they have ownership over
their learning, through class planning at the beginning of each term.

Every whole school topic is launched either through mystery trips, school based
activities and use of visitors to ensure effective learner engagement from the first
day of each term.

Four Purposes

Our curriculum is enriched, engaging, broad,
balanced and relevant. It ensures
progression and continuity for the pupils and
provides opportunities for children to
acquire knowledge, skills and experiences. A
mystery object is studied as a whole school
in an engaging and cross-curricular project in
the autumn term. During the spring and
summer terms the school plan alongside the
children a topic based on one of the
Leonardo elements.

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus 2021-2022

We have a curriculum policy and a teaching and learning policy which aligns with all the
areas of learning and experiences (AoLEs). Teachers plan and formatively assess
thoroughly.

The new curriculum will include:
 6 Areas of Learning and Experience from 3 to 16
 3 cross curriculum responsibilities: literacy, numeracy and digital competence
 Progression reference points at ages 5, 8, 11, 14 and 16
 Achievement outcomes which describe expected achievements at each
progression reference point.

The curriculum will be organised into 6 Areas of Learning and Experience (AoLEs):

Six Areas of Learning Experiences

Successful Futures is made up of six areas of learning experience. These six areas,
which are all important and will contribute to the four purposes in different ways, are
as follows:

 Expressive arts  Language, literacy and communication
 Health and wellbeing  Mathematics and numeracy

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus 2021-2022

 Humanities  Science and technology

 #Ypsexp Expressive arts

 #Ypshealth Health and well-being

 #Ypshum Humanities (including RE which should remain compulsory to age
16)

 #Ypslit, #Ypscym Languages, literacy and communication (including Welsh, which
should remain compulsory to age 16, and modern foreign
languages)

 #Ypsnum Mathematics and numeracy

 #Ypssci Science and technology (including computer science).

There are additional hashtags e.g. The Leonardo effect = Ypsleo

If you search our Twitter Page (@Ynystawep) with the # codes above you will see
examples of the types of experiences we are now providing our pupils with.

At Ynystawe we launch all topics with an educational visit or activity to engage our
learners. Children then become involved in the planning process through whole class mind
mapping whereby pupils activate their prior knowledge and explore areas to research.

Literacy, Numeracy & Digital Competence Literacy

Literacy Numeracy Digital
competence

Cross– curriculum Cross– curriculum Cross– curriculum

Numeracy and Digital Competence are so important to thinking, learning and life in
general that they will be inter-woven throughout all areas of the curriculum.

Wider skills

Successful Futures also acknowledges that children need a range of wider skills that
are vital for modern life and work. These include:

 Critical thinking and problem solving
 Planning and organising
 Creativity and innovation
 Personal effectiveness

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus 2021-2022

The Leonardo Effect

“Leonardo da Vinci understood the potential in synchronising art
and science. Investigating, exploring, experimenting, imagining,
developing ideas, and creating are processes of equal relevance
to both disciplines. There’s much written by academics about the
similarities between art and science, but
there’s very little evidence of it at
curricular level. Therefore, this was a
road someone needed to take.”

Lecturers Ivor Hickey, Mary Flanagan
and Deirdre Robson (2006).

We were asked to pilot the ‘ Leonardo Effect’ project by
St. Mary’ s College, Ireland in May 2006 to pioneer the
approach of synchronising the teaching Science and Art,
since then the methodology has been firmly embedded in our
teaching practices.

At Ynystawe we strive to provide a
challenging and stimulating
experience-based curriculum for
every child through the creation
of a secure, happy and welcoming
aesthetic learning environment

within our school. We promote a
culture where all feel a sense of
belonging and pride in the school
and also a belief in themselves as
individual members of both the
school and the wider community. The
philosophy when planning through ‘ The
Leonardo Effect’ is to allow children to
participate fully in the planning process,
to ensure they feel valued
and they have
ownership of it. This
also ensures that the
theme is child centred and
reflects their own ideas
rather than having all ideas
imposed by adults. The teaching

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus 2021-2022

is more about skilled based learning and not focused on
the knowledge of the child. It is the process that is
important not the outcome.

The teacher becomes a facilitator who guides pupils and
allows them to discover, but must also be aware of what
is expected and what needs to be achieved. Creativity
needs to be fostered if pupils are to be adaptable and
flexible in a constantly changing world. We believe the
children of Ynystawe need a widening range of skills in order to successfully take their
place in the world of the 21st century.

The Leonardo framework allows and encourages children

to take responsibility for their own work and progress.

There is a great emphasis on the importance of play and

the provision of play-based activities throughout all

phases. The Leonardo Effect

supports children who are

More Able and Talented

ensuring that they are

stretched, challenged

and motivated.

We work hard not to
limit any of our
children at Ynystawe. As quoted in our chapter
“Creativity on Fire in Ynystawe” children are given the
opportunity to experience many aspects of artistic expression
and the sky really is the limit. Within the school there is
a definite sense that the pupil’s attitudes towards
learning have changed. Pupils have a more positive
approach to learning and often absorb more complex
concepts without realising. Pupils are discussing

what they are seeing and doing using complex
language demonstrating analytical thinking and
higher order learning. The opportunities provided

for discussion allow the pupil’s to listen to others
as a way of peer mentoring but it also gives them
time to reflect and evaluate their own thinking.

Even though the project primarily integrates
Science and Art, there have been huge
developments across the whole curriculum with positive
impacts on language skills and creative writing for example and it is our
policy to build upon the skills already acquired.

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus 2021-2022

We believe that children need to have the opportunity to be creative. The project
promotes oral, visual and kinaesthetic learning experiences which benefit all children of
all abilities and ages through experiential learning providing a natural context and
purpose for literacy experiences, offering great opportunities for speaking, listening,
reading and writing.

Powerful Learning

Ynystawe School was extremely honoured to learn that once
again our school is featured in a book entitled ‘Expansive
Education- Teaching learners for the real world’, published in
2013. This is quite an accolade as it is a ground breaking and
visionary book written by acclaimed authors Professor Bill Lucas,
Professor Guy Claxton and Dr Ellen Spencer, all of whom hold
key roles at the Centre for Real-World Learning, at the
University of Winchester. Our school is highlighted as a school
which is developing methods of teaching and learning that
deliberately cultivates powerful learners. Opportunities are
given for our pupils to think divergently beyond subject areas
and transfer skills across the learning landscape. Commonality
is celebrated; science and art provide the catalyst to inspire learners to think, actively
participate and have a voice in their own learning. This results in curriculum coherency,
which is meaningful and relevant in the eyes of our children.

Can Pigs Wear Glasses?

Ynystawe Primary School was one of the first
schools in the UK to pilot the Leonardo Effect, a
creative teaching approach integrating art and
science. This unique approach has very much evolved
into our innovative curriculum recognised by Estyn,
ERW (Education through Regional Working) and
Welsh Government. It has also lead to our
involvement in shaping the New Curriculum for
Wales.

The school was approached to collaborate on an
article for NSEAD (The National Society for
Education in Art and Design) with Deirdre Robson and Ivor Hickey, the Leonardo Effect
developers.

As part of our project on prosthetics, our pupils raised the question whilst mind mapping
‘Can pigs wear glasses?’

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus 2021-2022

Alongside many thought provoking questions and comments. Such as ‘Why are pig’s eyes
so small when the pig is so big?’ and ‘I held a real pig’s eye in my hand; it was very
cool. By seeing it myself, it helps me learn about how we see and I will always
remember it. Plus, I want to be a surgeon one day.’
Staff had an opportunity to discuss the great value of questioning without subject
barriers for deeper integrated learning.
Please see the full article in The National Society for Education in Art and Design
magazine Summer 2019, Issue 25.

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus 2021-2022

The Community

The whole school community is supportive of the project and
the curriculum is allowing the children learning experiences
that are enriched via first hand experiences. Children’s
motivation to learn is very high, creativity is promoted and
their imaginations are developed. The approach is explorative
and challenging and standards are clearly raised. Through
constant review and creation of new targets and objectives we
have been able to push the practice forward. All staff and
children are now able to think ‘outside the box’ and our lessons
engage everyone with exciting and meaningful activities that
will stay in our memories. How can a child know if they can do
something or have an aptitude for a particular skill, material or
technique, unless they have had the opportunity to try it?

Community Links

The school is part of the larger community. Links between the school and the larger local
community enhance both the quality of life and learning experienced by both communities.
The school fosters close relationships between itself, the pupils’ homes, and the local
community.

Good examples of existing links are:
1. The Police Liaison Officer visits regularly.
2. The school appears regularly in the press.
3. Pupils support charities, local, national and international.
4. Pupils enter local competitions.
5. There is a school savings bank, and a pupil savings bank.
6. The school fetes are open to the community, and the local organisations such as the

Fire Service take part.
7. We have links with local conservation groups.
8. The Community Council meet at the school.
9. Local churches and chapels are involved in school assemblies.
10. The school field is used by the community.
11. The school takes part in concerts in the local area (village halls, churches and nursing

homes).
12. Pupils regularly visit the locality for geographical, historical and scientific studies.
13. The school choir supports local community group by performing at a number of events

throughout the year.

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

Teacher as a Facilitator

The aim of any good school must be to provide a quality education for its pupils and
Ynystawe Primary School strives to do its best for each and every pupil in a pleasant
working environment where children are able to work to their full potential. It is a
community where pupils and staff have the opportunity to flourish in a climate of
learning, which seeks to develop integrity, honesty, tolerance, truth and compassion.

The curriculum is the whole learning experience offered by our school. It is not only
the lessons and activities which are planned, organised and provided while the
children are at school but also the attitudes and values we put forward.

How our children learn is as important as what they learn. Our curriculum is broad
and balanced offering children many exciting and wonderful learning experiences to
develop their spiritual, social, creative, linguistic, mathematical, scientific and
technological knowledge and skills. Our teachers promote learning through a range of
approaches, some of which are outlined in the 12 Pedagogical Principles:-

 Core Purposes
 Mindset and the Power of Effort
 Blended Teaching
 Deepening Thinking
 Building on Prior Knowledge
 Meaningful and Authentic
 Assessment for Learning
 Making Powerful Connections
 Cross Curricular
 Learning to Learn
 Positive Relationships
 Collaboration

At Ynystawe, we are also equally concerned with the development of personal
qualities, behaviour and conduct. For this reason Ynystawe Primary School
encourages:

 High moral standards and personal qualities of good character and behaviour.
 Good personal relationships, a sense of responsibility, teamwork and loyalty.
 Such qualities as inventiveness, curiosity and imagination, which can lead

to self-fulfilment and the best use of leisure time.

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

 Self-awareness, knowledge and a basic knowledge of health and safety
and the development of independence.

 An understanding of how to contribute to and benefit from living in a well
organised community.

We encourage our learners to develop self-regulation, and to understand the “how
and why” of their emotions in order for them to develop strategies to best help and
support them. Children will regularly self-assess themselves to identify where they
are in terms of their feelings, and what they can do to help move them into a more
mentally healthy zone.

Expectations for Learning

We have very clear expectations of the staff, pupils and the environment in
which we all learn.

The teachers will...

 keep a consistent focus on the four purposes of the curriculum
 challenge all learners
 encourage sustained effort and growth mindset
 use a blend of pedagogical approaches to promote problem solving,

creative and critical thinking
 build upon previous knowledge
 create authentic contexts for learning
 employ assessment for learning principles
 teach across all areas of learning and experiences
 reinforce cross-curricular responsibilities including literacy, numeracy

and digital competency
 provide opportunities for pupils to practice their skills in real life situations
 encourage pupils to take responsibility for their own learning
 support social and emotional development
 encourage independence and interdependence
 value the four purposes within their planning

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

The pupils will...

 build from what they know
 make choices to support their learning
 ask questions about their learning
 value their own and others’ ideas
 learn from their mistakes
 make choices about their learning including when to use ICT
 have time to reflect on own and others’ work
 challenge themselves
 use a range of approaches to learning
 enjoy working together and on their own

The school environment will provide...

 experiences of real life problems and situations
 a safe comfortable, inspiring place for learning
 appropriate technology to inspire creative learning
 enjoyable opportunities for outdoor learning.
 children with opportunities to care for and manage their natural world.

Home Learning

Homework is set by individual classteachers as and when it is considered appropriate
in their professional judgment. Activities will always include reading to or with your
child. Other activities may include areas of mathematics, art, research, writing and
spelling or an extended project. Please do not forget that your child works
extremely hard during the school day and any help you do give at home needs to be
positive, enjoyable and free from pressure.
Every term your child’s classteacher will provide you with a breakdown of the work to
be carried out within the termly theme. Each class teacher is happy to provide you
with lists of books you may purchase or web sites you may access in order to further
supplement your child’s work in the home environment if you so wish. We are more
than willing to answer any of your questions regarding homework. Simply contact the
class teacher, the Headteacher or visit our school website and Twitter account.

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

Assessment

At Ynystawe Primary children’s development is continually assessed. This is carried
out in a variety of ways, by observation, listening, talking and marking work produced.
We use assessments to consider a child’s needs and thus plan future work. In-house
“Baseline” assessments of nursery pupils are carried out soon after admission and are
continued throughout Nursery and Reception.

A formal ‘Baseline’ assessment is carried out during children’s first 6 weeks in the
Nursery class. All Reception and Year 3 children are routinely screened for dyslexia
(parental permission is sought).

Children of 6 years old (Year 1) are assessed during the Summer Term using the
‘Middle Infant Screening Test’. Parents of children who need a little extra support
become involved in a ‘follow up’ programme the following term.

Year 2 pupils take part in a Additional Learning Needs survey (L.A.) during the
Autumn Term, along with pupils from other year groups whose teachers feel would
benefit from additional support.

All children in Years 2 - 6 are assessed annually in the Summer Term using
standardised assessments in English and Mathematics. Analysis of data is used to
inform teachers’ planning and for target-setting purposes.

National tests in Literacy and Numeracy for Years 2 to 6 take place in the Summer
Term.

On-going informal assessments are continuous throughout your child’s time in school
and are carried out in a variety of ways – by listening, talking, observing, discussing,
testing and marking work produced. The school has purchased Building Blocks as a
means of recording planning and assessment

Records

Records of home and progress are necessary:-

1. When your child is admitted to this school you will be asked to complete
forms giving details of your child’s name, position in family, date of birth etc.
Also recorded are the parents’ places of work, if appropriate, along with
contact personnel and the family doctor in case of an emergency. This
information is collected and collated in the form of a Consent Form booklet to
satisfy General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) requirements. Parents will
need to inform the school with regard to changes in circumstances in order to
update our information. Parents of Nursery pupils will also be asked to
complete a home-to-school booklet which allows you to give us important

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

information about your child. Class teachers keep on-going records which show
the work the children have covered, and whether or not they appear to
understand the task. These records can be used as a guide for future work
and the setting of individual targets.

2. We also keep a whole school pupil profile system which is a record of all
children’s progress from nursery to year 6. All assessment information is
entered into the ‘Profile’.

3. Each child has a Record of Personal Achievement which is set up on admission
into nursery. All assessment results and annual reports are contained within
this portfolio. These individual files are passed on to other schools when
pupils transfer.

Reporting, Recording and Assessment Co-ordinator: John Jenkins

Assessing Children’s Learning

Each child’s progress is monitored and recorded by the class teacher. This process is
carried out from the time your child starts in Ynystawe Primary School until they
leave whereby assessment information is passed onto the secondary school.

All assessment information is used to develop appropriate learning programmes for
your children. The school has an assessment policy, which provides a clear framework
for the process of assessment, recording and reporting.

The aims and objectives of assessment in our school are:
 To enable our children to demonstrate what they know, understand and can do
in their work;
 To help our children understand what they need to do next to improve their
work;
 To allow teachers to plan work that accurately reflects the needs of each
child;
 To provide regular information for parents that enable them to support their
child’s learning;
 To provide the Headteacher and governors with information that allows them
to make judgements about the effectiveness of the school.

There are arrangements for assessing pupils’ progress and measuring standards of
achievement against the requirements of the National Curriculum and Areas of
Learning.

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

Ynystawe Primary School consistently achieves very high standards, often above local
and national averages.

It is a Welsh Government requirement that children are assessed in key
developmental areas on entry to school. These assessments are carried out by the
class teacher in order to provide a ‘baseline’ of where the child is when they start
school and to identify the next steps in their development.

Most aspects of the assessments are made through observation. All practitioners, in
the class setting, provide information about each child and his/her preferred learning
style and the skills that the child presents.

Teacher Assessments

The Welsh Assembly expects every school to report on children’s attainment
(National Curriculum outcome or level) at the end of Year 2 and Year 6. These are
reported to parents in the Summer term reports.

However, under the new curriculum, the central focus of assessment arrangements
will be to ensure learners understand how they are performing and what they need to
do next. There will be a renewed emphasis on assessment for learning as an essential
and integral feature of learning and teaching. As a result, reporting to parents will
need to be amended to meet new statutory expectations.

RESULTS

Percentage of pupils achieving the Foundation Phase Indicator (FPI) in the school –
85%. (To achieve Foundation Phase Indicator, pupils must attain at least Outcome 5 in
English, Mathematics and Personal and Social Development)

Foundation Phase Results % Foundation Phase Indicator LCE = Language,
+1 Literacy and

LCE 2017 2018 2019 2017 2018 2019 Communication
MD 83% 81% 91% 50% 39% in English,
PSD 87% 85% 91% 50% 39%
FPI ** 97% 100% 91% 60% 73% 46%
83% 81% 85% 40% 27%
MD = Mathematical

46%

Development,

70%

PSD = Personal &
39% Social

*FPI = Foundation Phase Indicator ((= the percentage of pupils achieving theDevelopment

expected outcome in each of "Language, literacy and communication skills (in

English)", "Mathematical development" and "Personal and social development,

well-being and cultural diversity" in combination.)

FPI+1 = % of pupils who have achieved Outcome 6.

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

Percentage of pupils achieving the Key Stage 2 Core Subject Indicator (CSI) in the
school 96%. National Average is approximately 83% To achieve the Key Stage 2 Core
Subject Indicator, pupils must attain at least level 4 in Mathematics, Science and
English.

Key Stage 2 Results % Core Subject Indicator
+1

2017 2018 2019 2017 2018 2019
90% 92% 100%
English 95% 92% 100% 52% 38% 50%
Maths 90% 96% 96%
Science 90% 88% 96% 43% 29% 54%
CSI *
52% 29% 62%

43% 29% 42%

** CSI = Core Subject Indicator (= the percentage of pupils achieving the expected
level in each of English, Mathematics and Science in combination

CSI+1 = % of pupils who achieved Level 5

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

How Are Parents Informed Of Progress?

Ynystawe has developed its own robust tracking system that enables the school to
produce individual pupil profiles covering a range of assessment scores and data on
each pupil. These profiles contain information regarding attendance and academic
progress. We plot individual pupil progress as well as cohort progress, which we use to
review teaching and learning and set future targets for improvement.

We are very committed to ensuring that parents are kept fully informed about their
child’s progress. This takes place in the following ways:

 Twice yearly open evenings and formal meetings with class teachers are
arranged to discuss progress and set targets for future development.
These take place in the Autumn and Spring Term.

 A written Annual School Report which comments on the progress made in
every area of learning and experience will be issued in the Summer Term.

 Class teachers make themselves available to parents whenever possible at
the beginning and the end of the school day.

 Classteachers are available for an informal meeting on Thursday after
school if the need arises.

In addition to individual pupil meetings, school holds a number of events to keep
parents up to date with school initiatives and plans. These include:-

 Various presentations throughout the year. E.g. internet safety, curriculum
reform, numeracy, literacy, digital competence etc.

 Nursery open days

Parents and School

You will always be welcome in our school. We have adopted an ‘open-door’ policy and
we will make every effort to see a parent immediately if the need arises. However, if
you want to be sure of seeing the Headteacher, it is best to make an appointment.
Again, please make an appointment if you wish to talk with the class teacher for any
length of time. On the occasions when you do ring the school to make an appointment
with the Headteacher or classteacher, it would be very much appreciated if you could
briefly outline to the administration staff the nature of the issue to be discussed.
This will allow some preparation to be made on behalf of the school prior to your
appointment.

If you have brief messages or information to pass on to your child’s classteacher
please send a note with your child or inform a member of associate staff, some of
whom greet the children as they enter the buildings at the start of the school day.

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

Mrs Lewis, Mrs Lascelles and Mrs Rowe at the school reception desk will always relay
messages to teachers.
Formal parent/teacher consultations are held during the Autumn and Spring Terms.
During these times parents will be given the opportunity to discuss their child’s
progress. An end of year report is distributed in July. A Drop-in Day is held during
the Summer Term when parents and members of the wider community have the
opportunity to view the Early Years setting.
In order that the school/parent partnership is as effective as possible, we contact
parents when their children are pre-nursery and invite them to bring their child to
visit the school. A series of visits may then follow until the parent is happy that
their child has settled into the new nursery routine.
We wish parents to have very high expectations of us as a school, in serving their
children with the very best education possible, but parents in turn will need to offer
their commitment in supporting their child’s learning. Each term you will be given a
breakdown of the work planned for your child and you are always welcome to come
along to discuss your child’s learning and/or aspects of the curriculum with the
classteacher/Headteacher.
Finally, parents can offer their support by helping in school. We welcome parents to
assist with school and class libraries, cookery, textiles, accompanying visits and
generally working in class situations. All help will be greatly appreciated. If you are
unable to spare time in school during the day, perhaps you would like to assist with
fund-raising by serving on the Parent Teacher Association Committee.
We are fortunate in having a very active P.T.A. They organise a number of events
throughout the year and raise considerable funds for the school. Without their
support, we would not be able to resource the school as effectively as we do. New
committee members are always welcome and if you are interested, please contact the
Headteacher or the Chair of the Association.

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

Equal Opportunities

Equal Opportunities

Discrimination on the basis of creed, colour, culture, origin,
gender and ability is unacceptable in our school. Every person
in school will contribute towards a happy, healthy and caring
environment by showing respect for and appreciation of each
other, as individuals. An equal opportunities philosophy that
is in line with the City and County of Swansea’s Equal
Opportunities Policy and the Equality Act 2010 will be
practised by all staff. We promote the principles of fairness
and justice for all through the education that we provide in
our school. We ensure that all pupils have equal access to the
full range of educational opportunities provided by the school.

Disability Equality

The school has a duty under the Disability Discrimination Act
to collect information on any disability your child or
immediate family/carer may have. This is to ensure the school
can seek to meet your individual needs. All information
provided will be treated with the strictest confidence. The
school’s Accessibility Plan is part of our SEP (School Equality
Plan) is reviewed every three years or sooner if necessary and
a copy can be obtained from the school office.

Race Equality

It is the right of all pupils to receive the best education the
school can provide, with access to all educational activities
organised by the school. We do not tolerate any forms of
racial harassment which includes racist name calling, racist
caricature based on prejudice, the stirring of racial hatred
and the drawing or writing of racist materials. We are
committed to combating racial discrimination and racial
harassment by challenging stereotyping and prejudice
whenever it occurs. We endeavour to make the school a
welcoming place for all ethnic and national groups represented
in the community including travellers, asylum seekers and
refugees. Children are encouraged to be aware of what
racism means through the Citizenship programme and are
encouraged to report incidents where there is the suspicion
of racism. We ensure that all recruitment, employment,
promotion and training system are fair to all, and provide opportunities for everyone to achieve. We
constantly strive to remove any forms of indirect discrimination that may form barriers to learning,
for example by ensuring that book resources reflect a diverse society and do not contain negative
image.

Equalities Governor: Chris Winson

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

Meeting the Learning Needs of All Pupils

If there are any concerns about your child’s progress you will be totally involved and
the school will operate a process laid down by the LA’s Code of Practice. Support for
your child could include differentiated work with the class teacher, time spent in
small groups or with the help of outside agencies. Individual Education Plans (IEPs)
are used to focus upon the child’s needs and next steps. IEPs are reviewed and
updated at least termly. We believe strongly that all teachers are teachers of special
needs.

We hold annual pupil centred planning reviews, enabling pupils, parents, carers and
support agencies to come together for maximum pupil support. Mrs Claire Lucca-
Redcliffe is the lead practitioner for pupils with additional learning needs, and Mrs
Lucy Green is the ALNco.

In Ynystawe, we believe that all children should be challenged in order to reach their
potential. Feedback to pupils is clear, and staff ensure that pupils understand their
next steps, and/or what they need to do to improve their work.

The school has a robust marking and feedback policy providing all staff with a
consistent, yet progressive approach to feedback to pupils. We mark children’s work
and offer feedback in order to:

 show that we value their work, and encourage them to do the same;

 boost their self-esteem, through use of praise and encouragement;

 give them a clear general picture of how far they have come in their learning,
and next steps

 offer them specific information on the extent to which they have met the
lesson objective, and/or the individual targets set for them;

 promote self-assessment, whereby they recognise their difficulties and are
encouraged to accept guidance from others;

 share expectations;

 gauge their understanding, and identify any misconceptions;

 provide a basis both for summative and for formative assessment;

 provide the ongoing assessment that should inform future lesson-planning

A.L.N. Co-ordinator Natalie Roberts
School’s Educational Psychologist Susan Sheridan
A.L.N. Governor Chris Winson

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

Health and Well-being
Physical Education and Sporting Activities

During their time at Ynystawe Primary School
children will follow a programme of physical
education which will include aspects of dance,
educational gymnastics, games, athletics,
swimming and adventurous outdoor activities
(walking, canoeing, abseiling, orienteering and
cycling). All pupils are involved in two 40 minute

P.E. lessons every week.

The school has access to playing fields and a
M.U.G.A. (Multi Use Games Area) at Ynystawe
Park. The development of the school grounds
allows Dragon Sport.
A wide range of sporting activities are
undertaken during each year which allows
children the opportunity to represent the
school. These include rugby, cricket, netball,
rounders, athletics, football and cross country.
Representing the school is considered by us to be an
achievement and is recognised as such. We aim to give
all children of all abilities the opportunity to participate
in competitive events if they so desire. We feel that
taking part in such activities fosters a team spirit
within our pupils.

For more examples of sport and healthy
activities, please visit our Twitter page
(@Ynystawep) and search #YPSpsd

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

PE Kit

Children are expected to change for Physical education lessons.

Girls wear: P.E. shorts/games skirt and a short sleeved t-shirt. Kits should be in
school colours of navy/blue/black shorts or skirt and a plain short
sleeved t-shirt.

For safety reasons please ensure that the shorts have loose fitting
legs. Cycling shorts are not to be worn on the apparatus.

Boys wear: P.E. shorts and a short sleeved t-shirt. Kits should be in school
colours of navy/blue/black shorts and a plain short sleeved t-shirt.

For safety reasons please ensure that the shorts have loose fitting
legs. Cycling shorts are not to be worn on the apparatus.

In colder weather children are encouraged to bring a tracksuit for lessons held
outdoors. All lessons in the hall are worked barefoot but for outdoor activities
sports trainers and not fashion trainers are necessary.

For safety reasons the wearing of jewellery is not allowed during P.E. lessons (this
includes the wearing of earrings other than studs).

Under certain circumstances, kit will be provided.

Please save yourself expense and us valuable time by making sure that every garment
likely to be taken off, is clearly and permanently marked with your child’s name. If
lost property is not named it will be placed in a lost property box, but named items
will be returned to their owners. The school cannot be held responsible for lost
property.

Please discuss with a class teacher if in doubt.

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

School Uniform

School uniform is not compulsory, but has been adopted in response to the wishes of
parents. Therefore, pupils are strongly encouraged to wear uniform at all times (with
the exception of Nursery children).

The uniform is:
Boys - Grey trousers (NOT BLACK).
Royal blue school sweatshirt with logo or fleece with logo.
Emerald green polo shirt with logo.
Navy hooded sweatshirts permitted for Year 6 only.

The summer uniform for boys consists of an emerald green polo shirt
with logo and grey shorts (NOT BLACK).

Girls - Grey skirt/ pinafore/trousers/culottes (NOT BLACK).
Royal blue school sweatshirt with logo or royal blue cardigan or fleece
with logo.
Emerald green polo shirt with logo.
Navy hooded sweatshirts permitted for Year 6 only.

The summer uniform for girls consists of a green and white summer
dress or emerald green/polo shirt with logo and grey skirt/grey
shorts (NOT BLACK)..

Navy jogging trousers may be worn by both boys and girls throughout the year if
desired.

Occasionally children lose or mislay articles so please help us by marking all items of
clothing with your child’s name.

Sensible black footwear is encouraged.

The wearing of elaborate jewellery is actively discouraged. The school cannot be held
responsible for loss of jewellery or indeed items of clothing.

Sweatshirts, polo shirts, jogging suits and PE kits are available for purchase at:-
Sportscene, 97, Clase Road, Morriston, Swansea, Tel: (01792) 798771 and other
outlets.

A large amount of pre-loved uniform is available in school.

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

Health Matters

The school’s programme of sex and relationships education, as agreed by the
Governing Body is linked with areas of the National Curriculum and also a broad-based
social education. The main emphasis is upon relationships and will reflect the needs of
the pupils as they develop over the key stages. Parents may view the policy and
discuss the teaching materials used. Parents have the right to withdraw their
children, should they so wish, from sex and relationships education.

The School Health Nurse Service provides education, support, advice and assistance
in all issues related to health and public health for school aged children and the wider
school community. They will work closely with school to provide evidence based
sessions in the classroom in line with the PSE & SRE curriculum. School nurses are
also available to discuss and advise on a 1:1 basis if appropriate. If you wish to
contact the school nurse, Tracy Warrington please contact the school.

Disease or Condition Period of absence from School
Chicken pox Five days from onset of rash
German measles Six days from onset of swelling
Impetigo Until lesions have crusted and healed or 48 hours
after starting antibiotics
Measles Four days from onset of rash
Slapped cheek None
Diarrhoea/Vomiting 48 hours from last episode
Conjunctivitis None
Mumps Five days from onset of swelling
Threadworms None
Tonsillitis None

Accidents and Emergencies

In the event of a child being taken ill at school, or sustaining a minor injury, the
parent/guardian or nominated contact person will be informed and appropriate
arrangements made. Minor accidents are dealt with by the school staff, all of whom
have emergency first aid training, but every effort is made to contact the
parent/guardian/ nominated contact person should further medical treatment be
deemed necessary. Emergency services are summoned in the event of major
accidents which require treatment at Accident & Emergency. Again, every effort is
made to contact the parent/guardian. If contact is not possible the injured/sick

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

child will be accompanied by the Headteacher and a staff member to the A & E
Department of Morriston Hospital.

It is important for parents to appreciate that injuries/illnesses occur in school just
as they do in the out of school environment. Just like parents, school staff make
every effort to assess each individual incident to the best of their ability given the
circumstances at the time.

Accident/illness records are maintained by the school. The school also maintains
computer records of a parent’s/carers home/work/emergency telephone numbers.
Parents will appreciate the importance of ensuring that the school is kept informed
of any changes in such information. This is of particular importance for the
‘Teachers2Parents’ texting service.

Designated trained First Aiders: John Jenkins (Classteacher)
(FAW) Naomi Edwards (Classteacher)

ALL staff members have received First Aid Training.

Administering of medication in school

Medication (prescription only) may be administered in school at the discretion of the
Headteacher. All medication should be clearly labelled and handed to the
classteacher or Headteacher by the parent. Parents must request in writing the
administering of any medication during school hours. Request forms for medication
administration are available in the schools reception area in the main building.

Please Note: The administration of medication by school staff is at the discretion of
the Headteacher and the members of staff involved.

Sickness/Diarrhoea

Children are to remain at home until they have been free of symptoms for 48 hours
(Local Authority Guidelines).

Head lice

This is a community problem that does, unfortunately, manifest itself in school life
from time to time. Details for dealing with head lice can be obtained from the school
or from your local health centre. If your child is found to have head lice the school
will contact you and you will be asked to collect your child for immediate treatment.
Please note it is sometimes necessary for further treatment because eggs can take
up to 7 days to hatch. This action is necessary to protect other pupils.

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

School Health Service
Health Service personnel visit the school regularly to carry out routine checks,
inspections and tests. You will be given notice of any medical examinations involving
your child and will be invited to be present. Should you wish your child to be tested
or examined in any way, please contact the Headteacher/Classteacher/ALNco.
Specialist help is available for children with emotional, behavioural or learning
difficulties. Arrangements are made for the Education Psychologist to visit the
school. Following observation and perhaps assessment there will be discussion prior
to further action.

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

Healthy Eating and Drinking

Ynystawe School has encouraged our children to be as
healthy as they can possibly be. Evidently, healthy living
contributes to Wellbeing. The wellbeing of our learners is
crucial to them leading lives that are healthy and fulfilling.

We will continue to give our children the opportunity to
develop their awareness and understanding of healthy living
through the curriculum and through extra-curricular work
and projects. We will also allow our children to have
opportunities to develop and extend their awareness and
understanding of healthy living in a cross curricular way. The
school will continue to effectively promote healthy life
styles on a daily basis. We will to engage in initiatives that
promote healthy living – The National Award for Healthy Schools. The school has
achieved Healthy Schools Award Phase 5 for its work in promotion of healthy living. The
school ensures that any out-of-school-hours provision supports its work on healthy living
The school has an effective and realistic policy related to healthy living. The school will
promote healthy living throughout our environment and our excellent facilities. We will
continue to work other with all members of our school community in our promotion of
healthy living.

As you are aware the promotion of healthy living is a key objective of the Welsh
Government. Legislation for Healthy Eating and Drinking came into force for maintained
primary schools, maintained secondary schools and special schools and pupil referral units
in 2013. As a result the Governing Body is keen to share with you their arrangements in
for promoting healthy eating and drinking and how they meet the duties.

Section 1: It is the duty of the Governing Body to take action to promote healthy
eating and drinking in our school.

Breakfast requirements

Breakfast provided to pupils or to other persons in the school, will contain the following
foods only: milk-based drinks or yoghurts; cereals – not sugar/chocolate/cocoa powder
coated or flavoured; fruit; and breads.

Lunch requirements in primary and secondary schools

The following foods are to be provided:

 Vegetables; fruit; fish and oily fish; and meat.
The following foods can be provided but in a limited way:

 Potatoes and potato products cooked in fats and oils; deep-fried and flash-fried
products; meat products (such as burgers and sausages); and condiments.

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

The regulations do not permit confectionery, or savoury snacks, or the addition of salt to
food after it has been cooked. Cakes and biscuits will only be permitted if they do not
contain confectionery (such as sprinkles).

Requirements for drinks provided in nursery, primary and secondary schools:

 Drinks that have no clear nutritional value and which cause tooth decay are not
permitted.

 Drinks will be restricted to: water; milk; plain soya, plain rice or plain oat drinks;
fruit juice, vegetable juice and blended drinks (made with a blend or puree of
fruit, vegetables, fruit juice or vegetable juice) to be provided at meal times only;
and fruit juice or vegetable juice combined with water, to be provided at meal
times only.

Provision of food that is not part of breakfast or lunch:

 The requirement is that food must have a clear nutritional benefit, so that it
provides essential nutrients rather than empty calories. Therefore we will
continue with our popular fruit trolley etc.: fruit and vegetables must be available
in any place on the school premises where food is provided; confectionery, savoury
snacks, and salt will not be permitted; cakes and biscuits will not be permitted in
nursery or the main school.

Section 4: It is the duty of the Governing Body to ensure that the nutritional
standards and requirements for food and drink in school are met.

This refers to the details given in the Appetite for Life guidelines for nutritional
standards. Weekly menus have to be constructed to meet these. Governors will receive
details.

Section 6: It is the duty of the Governing Body to encourage the take up of school
milk or meals and also to take reasonable steps to ensure that every
pupil who is entitled to receive free school lunches and free school milk
does receive them.

Please do not hesitate to contact the school and we will happily advise you of the
appropriate procedure.

Section 7: It is the duty of the Governing Body to take reasonable steps to ensure
that a pupil cannot be identified as a pupil who receives a free school
lunch or milk.

In addition it is the duty of the Governing Body to take reasonable steps to ensure that
teachers, any person employed at the school, any person working at the school on an
unpaid basis or any other person employed by the school or the Governing Body, do not
make disclosures about the fact that a pupil receives free lunches or free milk.

The Governing Body and school will take reasonable steps to fulfil this duty.

On behalf of the Governing Body we thank you for you continued support.

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

Pastoral Care and Safeguarding Arrangements

Pastoral Care

Pastoral care of pupils is the concern of all classteachers and associate staff
members, with the Headteacher having overall responsibility. A caring,
compassionate attitude is taken towards the general well-being of each child.

Whole-school policy statements e.g. Promoting Positive Behaviour, Tackling Bullying
and Equal Opportunities are available for parents’ perusal at the school and for
discussion with the Headteacher or individual staff members.

The final decision as to whether or not a child is sent home lies with the head
teacher or senior member of staff delegated this responsibility. In the event of a
serious problem, medical assistance and treatment will be sought from a doctor or
local hospital. We will make every effort to inform parents immediately.

During break times, members of staff are on playground duty and the children are
supervised in their classrooms if the weather is inclement. During the lunch period,
the pupils are appropriately supervised by members of staff

Health & Safety Provision

The Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher and Site Manager regularly inspect the
premises for hazards. All teaching staff, associate staff and pupils are actively
involved in the safety provision within the school.

Fire drills are carried out at the school at regular intervals. All P.E. equipment,
outdoor play resources, electrical appliances, fire extinguishers and emergency
lighting are tested regularly by the relevant monitoring agencies.

As the designated Health and Safety Officer for Ynystawe Primary School (on behalf
of the Governing Body), the Headteacher reserves the right to refuse a child’s
attendance at school or on an educational visit if judged by her to be unfit/unwell.

Health and safety officer: Michelle Burridge (Headteacher)
Health and safety Governor: Nigel Thomas

The Governors are committed to ensure high standards of health, safety and welfare
for all staff, pupils and visitors. The school has a security system installed which
controls access. Regular risk assessments are carried out and reviewed to ensure the
safety of all involved with our school.

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

The following suggestions will help reduce congestion and are made with child safety
foremost in mind.

 Please park safely and appropriately if you wish to come into school for any
reason. Avoid parking right in front of the school gates to avoid congestion and
accidents.

 Always park for the shortest time necessary.
 Share a car with a neighbour or a friend, taking it in turns to do the school run.
 Make sure you fully supervise your children whilst moving from the collection

point i.e. the school gate to the car parking areas.
 When parents walk home with their children it is strongly advisable that the

child walks on the inside away from the road.
 Keep reversing to a minimum and take special caution when doing so.

Security is a priority for schools and Ynystawe Primary School operates within
security guidelines laid down by Swansea County Council

Safeguarding

Child Protection

The child protection officer for the school is Mrs Helen Houston-Phillips, the
Headteacher and in her absence, the Deputy Headteacher Mrs Sarah Williams. The
Governor with responsibility for child protection is the Chair of Governors, Mike
Hedges (MS). In the event of child protection issues the school must follow
procedures and report this to social services. It is the schools duty to make direct
referral if concerns arise. There may also be a need to share information with other
agencies.

Lunch/Break Supervision

Adequate supervisory arrangements are made during break and lunchtimes under the
guidance and control of the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher.

During morning and afternoon breaks all teachers and associate staff members are on
playground duty. The Headteacher is on hand to deal with emergency situations.

Six supervisory assistants are employed during the lunch break to supervise pupils.
Duties are also allocated to trainee Teaching Assistants.

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

School Security
The school has adopted a ‘single-point of entry’ security system. Entrances are
locked following pupil entry. All visitors are asked to use the main entrance nearest
to the office and to report to the Headteacher/Deputy Headteacher or School
Administration Officer/Support. Please sign in and out of the building in the
Reception area. These procedures are of extreme importance to be in compliance
with fire safety regulations.
Disclosure and Barring (DBS) Certificates
All Staff, Governors and volunteers have valid DBS certificates which are currently
renewed every 3 years.
Dogs in school
No dogs are allowed on the school premises at any time. (with the exception of guide
dogs for the visually impaired.)
Inclement Weather
When inclement weather necessitates the early closure of the school, an extremely
rare occurrence, as many parents as possible are informed of the early departure. A
system of contacts is implemented; website, text to parents, twitter, to spread the
word of the school closure.

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

Behaviour, Discipline And Restorative Practice

Ynystawe Primary School has a very positive behaviour culture. We are very proud of
the excellent behaviour of our children who are frequently praised by visitors and
when visiting other places for their beautiful manners and general behaviour. Good
behaviour is a necessary condition for effective teaching and learning to take place.

We expect children at Ynystawe to be courteous and polite, give their maximum
effort at all times and to develop a sense of pride and caring attitude towards their
environment and towards each other. Each class develops their own ‘Class Charter’
which underpin the day to day habits within the school environment. These rules have
children’s’ rights and values at the core, including being polite, looking after property,
being kind and helpful and working hard.

The most meaningful and positive form of discipline is self-discipline. We work hard
at Ynystawe School to instil this in our children.

Children of all ages are encouraged to behave sensibly and older children are
encouraged to adopt a caring attitude towards younger ones. Particular emphasis is
placed on good manners, orderly movement about the school, taking care of our school
environment and caring for others.

Staff are continually on the lookout for good behaviour to praise and reward. We
believe that children will grow in confidence and be the best they can be in a positive
environment where they are encouraged and nurtured.

Children will be encouraged to care for their school, its surroundings and for each
other. The caring environment within the school is conducive to good behaviour and
self-appreciation of what is right. Our aim is to praise and commend successes,
emphasise potential and highlight good behaviour.

The response to misbehaviour is always positive and will depend on the nature of the
misdemeanour, and the age and maturity of the child. We deal with any misbehaviour
using a restorative practice approach. This enables the child to explain their thoughts
and reasons for their behaviour choice through 3 question. What happened? How
were you feeling? What could we do next time? This also makes pupils aware of the
effect of their actions on others. Parents will be contacted if an incident is serious.
We feel that parental support is crucial in order to provide the pupil with a
consistency of approach.

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