Full Prospectus Draft 2022

Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

Putting Things Right

The school’s Governing Body has a complaints procedure established to deal with
complaints made by parents and others in respect of the performance of duties and
or exercise of powers by the LA or by the Governing Body.
Any parents, or other concerned person, who may have a complaint should first
discuss their concern formally with the head teacher. The head teacher and staff
are committed to dealing with parental concerns, to resolving parental
misunderstandings and to providing real solutions as speedily as practicable. We are
also committed to learning from any mistakes made in a spirit of mutual respect and
understanding. We offer parents the opportunity to comment on matters relating to
the school in a regular survey or when considered necessary.
All members of staff are encouraged to respond personally to concerns which parents
and children raise with them. If considered appropriate, your concerns will also be
passed to the head teacher

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

Personal and Social Development, Wellbeing and Cultural Diversity

Personal, Social And Health Education (P.S.H.E.)

P.S.H.E. is an integral part of the school curriculum. During all phases opportunities will
arise during certain themes to include such topics as:

 Our Senses
 Human Development (including the sexual aspect)
 Personal Hygiene
 Personal Safety
 Sustainable Development And Global Citizenship i.e.

 Taking care of the Environment
 Living in the wider community and citizenship
 Physical, Emotional, Spiritual and moral wellbeing.

During each Summer Term there is an emphasis on ‘Respecting Others’ and much work is
carried out. We are very well supported by the school’s allocated Police Liaison Officer.

The school has an active pupil council and ecogroup. Peer supporters are pupils who have
been trained in mediation techniques and help to support others during playtime and class
activities.

Sex and Relationship Education (S.R.E.)

The school’s policy on S.R.E. is based on the policy document produced by the L.A. using
Welsh Assembly guidelines. There is not a specific allocation at any time for S.R.E.,
rather it is considered to be a part of our total integration programme. Children’s
questions are answered as they arise and pupils will be introduced to the reproduction
cycle through the wider context of the study of science as a core National Curriculum
subject area. By drawing children’s attention to caring and loving, it is hoped to foster an
awareness and an understanding of sex being only part of a much wider vision of life as a
whole. The majority of work is covered by the individual class teachers with support
when needed from the school medical officer and health visitor. The sex education
programme is an integral part of the school’s curriculum and participation of pupils is as
much a requirement as for other parts of the Secular Curriculum.

The school has a comprehensive policy statement for ‘S.R.E.’ which has been drawn up
following much discussion and advice. During the academic year 2010-2011 Governors and
parents were involved in the drawing up of the S.R.E. policy. They have agreed to the
resources being used by the school (Welsh Assembly Government resources). The
Headteacher is available to discuss the policy with any parent who so desires.
School Nurse: Tracey Warrington
Police Liaison Officer: P.C. Daniel Underhill

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

Cultural Diversity
Religious Education

Religious Education is a compulsory element within
the curriculum and is taught in accordance with the
Agreed Syllabus for R.E.

An awareness and understanding of Christian
teaching has a direct bearing on the attitude and
behaviour of all involved in the work of the school.
Whilst emphasis is given to the study of
Christianity, attention is given to the significance of
other faiths both in collective worship and in the
class situation through termly study weeks.

Acts of collective worship are held on a daily basis,
either whole school or in classrooms, incorporating
biblical/moral readings and stories, hymns, songs,
poetry, prayers and reflection. Children are
encouraged to plan and participate in the services on a
regular basis.

Parents may exercise their right to withdraw pupils
from R.E. and collective worship and appropriate
supervisory arrangements will be made.

Welsh Language

Welsh is taught as a second language. An interest in Welsh
culture is developed throughout the school and is always linked to our topics. Our locality
provides a rich Welsh dimension. We also learn Welsh songs, hold bilingual assemblies and are
part of the Urdd Club. We are currently part of a language charter launched by the

Welsh assembly Government. We are aiming to achieve our Siarter Iaith bronze award. The
Criw Cymraeg is the driving force raising the profile and love of Welsh throughout the
school. They hold weekly meetings, sharing assemblies.

We receive support from the Welsh Advisory Service and Peripatetic teacher. Bilingualism is
encouraged throughout school life, with the Welsh language being used by staff and children
wherever possible. There is a daily slot drilio in each class so that the children have plenty of
opportunities to practice welsh patterns and phrases.

All staff understand the importance or Welsh and this enthusiasm is instilled in all children.
We are very fortunate to have a Welsh speaker supporting us weekly with Welsh reading.
This is enabling pupils to hear the correct pronunciations when they are reading.

For more examples of Cwric Cymreig please visit our Twitter page (@Ynystawep) and search
#Ypscc.

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

Secondary Transfer

On leaving Ynystawe Primary at 11 years pupils enter secondary education. Morriston
Comprehensive is the catchment school for the Ynystawe and Ynysforgan area.
However, placements at other comprehensive schools are sought by parents.
Information is as follows:-

Morriston Comprehensive School Telephone Numbers: (01792) 797745
Heol Maes Eglwys (01792) 795883
Cwmrhydyceirw
Morriston Fax Number: (01792) 795883
SWANSEA SA6 6NH
Headteacher : Mr. M. Franklin

Birchgrove Comprehensive School Telephone Number: (01792) 535400
Birchgrove Road
Birchgrove Fax Number: (01792) 535444
SWANSEA SA7 9NB
Headteacher : Mr. A. Owen

Bishop Vaughan Comprehensive School Telephone Numbers: (01792) 772006
Mynydd Garnllwyd Road, (01792) 771589
Morriston
SWANSEA SA6 7QG Fax Number: (01792) 790565

Acting Headteacher : Ms E. Pole

Cwmtawe Comprehensive School Telephone Numbers: (01792) 863200
Ynysderw Road (01792) 862213
Parc Ynysderw
Pontardawe Headteacher : Mr. C. L. Hitchings
SWANSEA SA8 4EG

Meetings and opportunities for parents and children to visit the Secondary schools
begin during the Academic year preceding your child’s admission.

Opportunities also arise during your child’s final year at Ynystawe Primary to be
involved in curricular activities organised by Morriston Comprehensive School (the
catchment school) e.g. sporting events, music/drama activities and workshops in
science and mathematics. Visits to the school’s impressive library are also planned.

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

General Information

School Dinner Money Payments

In September 2017 the City & County of Swansea launched ‘sQuid’, an online payment
system. sQuid is a convenient and secure way to make dinner money payments to school.
The school cannot accept cash or cheque payments for school dinners.

All parents and carers need to have a sQuid account. Please can all parents/carers
adhere to these:

 Please pay in advance for the week, (online sQuid system)
 You may pay in advance for more than a week if convenient.
 Children will be unable to order lunch if their sQuid account has arrears of 5

dinners. Every effort will be made to contact parents to ask them to either bring
in a packed lunch or to update their sQuid account. If it is not possible to contact
the parents, the pupil will be provided with a basic packed lunch of sandwich, fruit
and water.

sQuid Payments

School visits and events are paid for online through SchoolPay. Account registration and
payments are accessed through their website sQuidcard.com.

Breakfast Club

Breakfast Club in the Main School Hall begins at 8am. and ends at 8.30am. Breakfast
Club is available for children in Reception to Year 6. Nursery children may attend
Breakfast Club, provided the Early Years staff consider they will cope. Please contact
Mrs Sarah Scannell, Mrs Helen Lascelles or Mrs Joanne Rowe in the school’s Main
Reception for further details. The charge is £1.00 per session and payment is made
online through sQuid’s ‘Trips and Offers’ purse. If you encounter problems please contact
Mrs Helen Lascelles on Mondays or Fridays.

After School Clubs Club

The pupils from Years 1 - 6 have the opportunity to take part in a variety of ‘after school’
clubs which are organised following discussions with the children

In order to allow as many children as possible to join the club of their choice we need to
ask parents for a contribution to help in supporting all clubs e.g. providing resources. The
cost of each club is £2.00 per session, collected via the online system. There is no charge
for the School Choir.
Communicating with parents

Parents are requested to download ‘The School App’ onto their mobile phone to receive
information from school.

Emails are sent to parents through sQuidcard.

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

Out of School Activities and Educational Visits

After School Clubs

Teachers and Associate staff members organise clubs out of school hours for pupils.
After School Clubs finish at 4.15pm

These activities vary but will usually include:-

Sport ‘Sportacular’ John Jenkins
Problem Solving ‘Mini Einsteins’ Lucy Green & Natalie Roberts
Creative ‘Creatives’ Sarah Williams
Creative ‘Mini Creatives’ Chelsey Burn-Jones
Environmental ‘Nature Detectives’ Rachel Parkes
IT skills ‘Techniclub ‘Michelles Burridge

Others may follow

Parental consent is required. We are always grateful for parental help in the running
of our after-school clubs.

After school choir-practice for children in Years 2 - 6 takes place on Thursdays and
finishes at 4.15pm.

Educational Visits

During the year all children will be taken to places of interest and enjoyment
connected with the work they are doing at school. We actively encourage as many
first-hand experiences as possible, as we believe that this is the route to meaningful
learning and motivated children.

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

As Health and Safety Officer, the Headteacher is the person who decides whether
or not a pupil is fit and well enough to take part in an activity. The decision is not to
be made by a parent or G.P.
Residential Courses

All Key Stage 2 pupils will benefit from having the opportunity to attend a week’s
course at a residential centre.
Charging and Remissions Policy
The school’s charging and remission policy is based on the one provided by the L.A.
which was accepted by the School’s Governing Body.
Under Section 110 of the 1988 Education Act, the Governing Body, having adopted
the L.A. policy for charging and remissions, has determined that parents be invited to
make voluntary contributions to support a particular activity. The voluntary
contribution would help cover the cost of transport, entrance fees and insurance.
This ensures that valuable experiences such as educational visits and residential
activities continue. No parent is compelled to pay for an educational activity.
However, following the planning and organisation of a visit, if insufficient
contributions are received, we regret that we would have to cancel that particular
visit

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

Attendance

School hours:- Breakfast Club 8am to 8.30am prompt
Morning Session 8.50 am to 11.55 am
Afternoon Session 12.55 pm to 3.20 pm
Nursery a.m. 8.50 am to 11.30 am
Nursery p.m. 12.55 pm to 3.20 pm

We expect children to attend school every day. However, when problems arise please discuss
with either the Headteacher or class teacher. We will advise and support you if we can.

The start of the school day

We expect children to be punctual, but if on occasions it cannot be avoided, it is better to be
late than not to arrive at all. (NO child is ever reprimanded for arriving late in school). No
child should be left unattended in the school yard early in the morning. There is no adult
supervision until 8:40am. At 8:40am. all school doors are opened by staff members and
children may enter. Class teachers will greet children in their classrooms. At 8:50am.
following the ‘buzzer’ all children are expected to be entering the building. For safety
reasons doors are secured shortly after 8:50am. Pupils who arrive late, including those in
Early Years, need to report to the school’s main Reception area.

Punctuality

Registers are marked at the start of the morning and afternoon sessions. In the morning
children arriving late (i.e. between 8.50 – 9.00am.) will be marked as present but late.
However, if children arrive following closure of the register at 9:20am. they will be marked
as absent for that session (unauthorised). The school’s Education Welfare Officer will gladly
discuss issues with parents who sometimes find it difficult to bring their child/children to
school on time. The E.W.O. carries out punctuality checks/awareness-raising for parents
during the school year. We are very conscious of the detrimental effect of continuous
lateness on children’s attitudes to their learning, particularly in later years. The school
adheres to L.A. guidelines and policy.

Holidays during term time

All family holidays taken in the school term are unauthorised.

Absences

Under the 1991 Pupil Attendance Regulations, every school absence must be accounted for by
a satisfactory explanation. This can be done by means of a note from the parent, a telephone
message or personal contact. Failure to provide a satisfactory explanation for absence will
lead to that absence being classed as “unauthorised”. Regular unexplained absences will
subsequently lead to the involvement of the Education Welfare Officer.

The school has adopted a ‘first day contact’ policy. Following registration, if your child is not
in school and we have not received an explanation, you will be contacted by a member of the
school’s associate staff team.

Education Welfare Officer: Rhiannon Evans

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

As a result of the disruption due to the Covid19 restrictions, currently there are
no up to date attendance figures to report.

School Attendance Report
for the academic year 2018–2019

Term Present AEA * Authorised Unauthorised
Autumn 2018 93.5% 2.0% Absences Absences % Attendance
Spring 2019 94.4% 1.2%
Summer 2019 91.3% 2.3% 2.8% 1.7% 95.5%
Total for 2018/19 93.2% 1.8% 3.9%
2.8% 0.5% 95.6%

3.2% 3.7% 93.6%

1.8% 95.0%

*AEA = Approved Educational Activity

Attendance Matters

Why is good attendance important? What can we do to help you?

 School work is easier to cope with  If there is a problem let us know

 Pupils feel more secure  the person to contact at the school is
 Work is more satisfying Mrs Houston-Phillips, Headteacher.

 Better results What can you do to help us?
 Better job prospects

If your child is absent please could you
What is meant by Unauthorised Absence phone 01792 842628 on the first day of

 Some absences are allowed by law. For absence and follow the verbal instructions
example, if the child is ill or there is a to leave a message.

family crisis such as a funeral. However, Coming to school on time
there are other times when pupils are

absent which is not permitted e.g. going If your child is 10 minutes late a day they
shopping, having a haircut, sleeping in, a miss:
family day out.

 We need the help of parents to cut down  50 minutes learning a week;

on this kind of absence.  633 minutes term:

 1900 minutes a year.

 Over 32 hours a year.

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Ynystawe Primary School Prospectus

School Terms and Holiday Dates 2021/2022 Academic Year

Mid Term Holidays

Term Half term Half term Term Total Days

Term Begins Ends Begins Ends Begins Ends per Term
Autumn
Thurs Friday Monday Friday Monday Friday 72
2021 2nd Sept 22nd Oct 25th Oct 29th Oct 1st Nov 17th Dec
Spring
2022 Tuesday Friday Monday Friday Monday Friday 64
Summer 4th Jan 18th Feb 21st Feb 25th Feb 28h Feb 8th April
2022
Monday Friday Monday Friday Monday Friday 59
25th April 27th May 30th May 3rd June 6th June 22nd July

Total 195

Schools will be closed on 2nd May 2022 for the Bank Holiday.
Parents will be notified of additional dates for staff training days

School Terms and Holiday Dates 2022/2023 Academic Year

Mid Term Holidays

Term Term Half term Begins Ends Half term Term Total Days
Autumn Begins Ends Begins Ends per Term

2022 Monday Friday Monday Friday Monday Friday 75
Spring 5th Sept 28th Oct 31st Oct 4th Nov 7th Nov 23rd Dec
2023
Summer Monday Friday Monday Friday Monday Friday 55
2023 9th Jan 17th Feb 20th Feb 24th Feb 27th Feb 31st Mar

Monday Friday Monday Friday Monday Monday 65
17th April 26th May 29th May 2nd June 5th June 24th July

Total 195

Schools will be closed on 1st May 2023 for the Bank Holiday.
Parents will be notified of additional dates for staff training days

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