Information

Dear Parents,
 
We welcome you and your child to Ysgol Sarn Bach. While your child is in our care, we will do our utmost to ensure that he/she is happy and safe and receives the best standard of education.

The school is a happy and homely community where we endeavour to promote the children’s spiritual and moral development. A close relationship exists with every family and a policy is implemented of responding to problems or difficulties by discussing them with parents.

I would like to see every child looking back at his/her childhood as a happy time that provided a firm foundation to his/her life as they become citizens of the future.

Education is a partnership between the school and parents for the benefit of our children. Our influence and support are invaluable to your child’s social and educational development. I would like to see this partnership working well, with the pupils’ needs as a priority and rising above everything else.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs. Bethan Prys Jones

Status: This school is a County Primary School (Infants/Juniors).

It is a day, bilingual, co-educational school.

Teaching Staff:
Headteacher / Infants’ Teacher	Mrs. Bethan Prys Jones
KS2 Teacher	Ms Mair Depledge and Miss Delyth Jones
Higher Level Teaching Assistant	Mrs. Annwen Jones
Classroom Assistants	Mrs Sian Thomas, Miss Sioned Roberts and Miss Tania Jones
Ancillary Staff:
Clerical Assistant	Mrs. Annwen Jones
Cook	Miss Ffiona Phillips
Assistant	Mrs Marina Jones
Cleaner	Mr. Meical Rowlands

Chair of Governors	Mrs Gwenan Gruffydd
Local Education Authority	Cllr J. B. Hughes
Lesser Authority:
Community Council	Mr. Robert Morris Jones
Parents:	Mrs Nia Williams
	Mrs. Meinir Hughes
	Ms. J. Pierce
Teachers:	Ms. Mair Depledge
Ancillary Staff:	Miss Sioned Roberts
Headteacher:	Mrs Bethan Prys Jones
Co-opted:	Mr. Iolo Evans (vice-chair)
	Mrs. Rhian Hughes
Clerk:	Mrs. Annwen Jones

This school is a County Primary School (Infants/Juniors). It is a day, bilingual, co-educational school.

This year, there are two classes at the school, which are taught as follows:
Nursery, Reception, Years 1 and 2 (Foundation Phase) – Mrs Bethan Prys Jones

Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 – Ms Mair Depledge and Miss Delyth Jones (Part time)

 

Class Organization September 2013

 

	N	R	1	2	3	4	5	6	Total
Mrs Bethan Jones Headteacher	7	5	4	9					25
Ms Mair Depledge Miss Delyth Jones					6	12	9	6	33
									58

 

The children are admitted in September following their fourth birthday on a full-time basis and for two hours in the morning at three years of age, in accordance with the Education Authority’s policy.

At the end of the sixth year, your child will transfer, if that is your wish, to Ysgol Botwnnog. You will be provided with information in advance about this school and arrangements will be made for the children to spend at least 1½ days there. As parents, you will be invited to meet the school’s head teacher Mr Gareth Tudor Jones.

Parents from the School’s catchment area welcome to contact the Head Teacher to amke arrangements to have their child admitted to the school. Only by contacting the Local Education Authority can discussions commence on accepting pupils form outside the catchment area. During the Summer Term, all the children who starts in September, together with their parents, will be invited to spend time at the school.

The school has a duty to ensure that pupils attend regularly. In accordance with Assembly regulations, every school must differentiate between authorized absences (illness, doctor’s appointment, etc.) and unauthorized absences. We ask you to let the school know about every absence by providing a note or through a phone call. For reasons of safety, the school will phone the home on the first day of the absence if no message is received.

Authorized Absences
These include illness or medical appointments. It is also possible to request up to ten days’ holiday in one school year. The Head teacher considers these requests individually. We strongly encourage parents not to take their children out of school during the school year as continuity is essential to ensure efficient learning.

Unauthorized Absences
Any unexplained absences will be recorded as being unauthorized. Information about attendance is recorded and monitored by the Local Authority.

The Education Welfare Officer has the authority to visit the homes of any parents whose child’s attendance figures are of concern to the school and LA.

Attendance at Ysgol Sarn Bach 2011-2012

Attendance = 92.01%
Target = 95%

Teaching hours are 22.5 hours per week for the full-time pupils and 10 hours for the Nursery children.

Morning sessions are between	9:00 - 10:45 a.m.
	11.00 - 12.15 a.m.
	9.00 - 11.00 for the nursery children
The Afternoon session is between	1:15 – 2.15 p.m.
	2.30 - 3.30 p.m.

 

Children should arrive at school punctually. They will be recorded as being ‘late’ if they arrive after 9.20 a.m.

The child is not entitled to leave school premises without permission and without being accompanied by an adult.

In an emergency (e.g. no heating) or severe winter weather, we might have to close the school at short notice should we feel that the children’s safety is at risk if the school remains open until the end of the afternoon. The following steps will then be taken:-

a) Children who travel by Mini-bus - We will ask the bus to come earlier.
b) Phone the Home - We will make every effort to contact you.

Children play on the playground or playing field, depending on the weather. During wet playtimes, pupils remain in their classrooms, where they are given a variety of activities.

Morning playtime takes place between 10.45-11.00 a.m. and afternoon playtime between 2.15-2.30 p.m.

During morning playtimes, the Fruit Shop will be open and the children may buy a fruit for £1 a week or may bring their own fruit to eat at playtime.

Children have milk to drink during morning playtime. This is free for Foundation Phase children and costs 50p per week for KS2 children.

Sweets, chocolate or crisps are not allowed. Every child is given a water bottle which they are allowed to take home to wash and fill up. We expect to see only water in the bottles.

The school provides a healthy and nutritious dinner on a daily basis, for £1.95 per day. Dinner money is collected by staff on Monday mornings with change provided by Friday.

ou are kindly asked to pay in cash if possible or by cheque placed in the appropriate dinner money envelope clearly labelled with the child’s name. Cheques should be made payable to ‘Gwynedd Council’. Free school meals are available for families who receive Income Support or Job Seekers Allowance. The form needed to apply for this is available from the school.

Some children bring their own lunch to school. Being part of the Gwynedd Healthy Schools Scheme, Ysgol Sarn Bach wishes to promote a healthy packed lunch for the child, with no sweets or fizzy drinks.

• School starts punctually at 9.00 a.m. The school is not responsible for any child arriving at school before 8.50 a.m.

• Because children from Abersoch travel on a public bus to school in the mornings, we would like parents to contact us before 9.00 a.m. if their child is absent. This means that we ensure that all children have arrived safely at school.

• School finishes at 3.30 p.m.

• Because we are part of the Gwynedd Healthy Schools Scheme, sweets, crisps or drinks other than water are not allowed at the school.

• The school works conscientiously to safeguard the children while on school premises or in the care of a teacher outside school. Once the children are outside school gates either at the beginning or at the end of the day, they are the responsibility of parents or guardians.

• In cases of accidents or illness during school hours, every effort is made to contact the parents or guardians if necessary. In emergencies, where contact cannot be made, the Head teacher will take appropriate action.

• The school is not responsible for any loss or damage to pupils’ personal belongings. Toys are not allowed in school.

• We expect every child to behave politely and considerately towards individuals in school. We want to maintain the school’s reputation so that members of the public and those establishments that we visit continue to appreciate and are grateful for the children’s behaviour.

• We expect every child to respect the school’s property and that of other children.

• If a child requires any medication during school hours, the parent will need to sign a consent form. The form is available from the Head teacher.

• If your contact details change, we kindly ask you to inform the school immediately.

The priority of Ysgol Sarn Bach is the safety of its pupils, staff and visitors. The governors ensure the safety of the school building and property. Risk assessments have been drawn up to ensure that the school’s activities are as safe and risk-free as possible. Risk assessments are prepared before any trip away from school premises.

Any child who is taken ill or who suffers an accident at school will be taken care of and comforted by school staff. We ensure that a first aider is present on school premises at all times. All members of staff have received basic first aid instruction. Any accident will be considered and assessed by the first aider and if it is deemed necessary, the school will then contact the parent to collect their child.

It is essential that the school is immediately informed of any changes to your contact details. Records of all accidents are kept on file, and the staff will phone home to explain what has happened.

In emergencies, where parents cannot be contacted, the first aider will respond and take the appropriate action.

The school insists on positive and constructive behaviour from all the children. We believe this to be essential in order to provide the children with the best education and with positive life skills. If a child does not comply with the school’s rules and expectations, we would follow the guidance contained in the Behaviour Policy. We receive very positive feedback from establishments that the children visit regularly as they behave courteously and politely towards each other and towards adults at all times.

The Local Authority, in accordance with the requirements of Section 23 of the Education Reform Act 1988, has established a procedure to consider complaints concerning the way schools’ governing bodies and the Education Authority act in relation to the school’s curriculum and other related matters.

If you have any concern in relation to the school, please come to the school to discuss the matter at the first opportunity. We have an ‘open door’ policy whereby we resolve any concerns relating to your child’s education together.

As part of our child protection procedures, the teachers and other members of staff have a duty to report any worries regarding mistreatment or possible neglect to the named responsible persons named below, either in the School or in the Social Services.

The responsible person in the School

• Mrs Bethan Prys Jones, Headteacher Ysgol Sarn Bach.
Contact telephone number - 01758 71 2714

Designated Governors:

• Mrs Gwennan Gruffydd
Contact telephone number - 01758 713534
• Mrs Meinir Hughes
Contact telephone number - 01758 712073

The person to contact in Social Services:

• Mrs Carys Roberts, Canolfan Frondeg, Pwllheli.
Contact telephone number - 01758 704 427
• Child Reveral Team, Social Services.
Contact telephone number - 01758 704 455

If there are child protection allegations regarding the Head Teacher, you should contact the named person in Social Services

In the morning:
The school’s doors open at 8.50 a.m. We encourage children to be independent from a young age, therefore the parents leave their children at the school gate, the children come in and place their coat and bags on the peg and enter their classrooms to wait for the bell to sound at 9.00 a.m. Some children are uncertain during their first year at school, therefore parents are welcome to escort their children into the classrooms. By the time they attend school full time, they are usually sufficiently confident to come in by themselves.

 

At the end of the day:
At the end of the day, parents wait by the school gates until a member of staff escorts the children down to the two buses by the gates. Once we see the children’s parents waiting by the school gates, we allow the children to walk down to meet them.

There is an after school club held at the school hall which is called clwb cwlwm. It is a registered club providing a friendly, homely and safe environment to care for children between 4 and 11 years old. The club is been held from 3.35-5.30 from Monday to Fridays (school term).

Club Activities
Dancing, computer sessions, sport, art and cookery.

The school is proud of its official uniform.

We encourage all parents to label every item of clothing and personal belongings with their child’s name.

 

Item of clothing	Cost	Order
Sweatshirt (with school logo)	£8.50	School
Physical Education Hoodies (with school logo)	£15.00	Lleyn Sports
Physical Education Clothing (including bag)	£10.50	School

 

Physical Education Clothing
The children are allowed to wear their hoodies at playtimes or on Friday, when they have Physical Education lessons. We would rather that the children did not wear their hoodies in place of their blue school sweaters which are part of their official uniform.

At Ysgol Sarn Bach, we strongly believe in a happy and healthy relationship between the school and home. We would like to think that any parent feels able to approach the school to express any concern about their children’s education or happiness. We are responsible for the individuals that are most valuable to their parents. Because the Head teacher also teaches, you are asked to phone the school to make an appointment and we will welcome you for a chat when practicably possible.

Your child’s educational development depends on the effectiveness of the co-operation between the school and home. This is a two-way process. We expect parents to spend time reading and helping their children with any homework or additional work organized by the school in order to further develop the child for the benefit of the individual.

Weekly homework is set for all the children at the school. We will attempt to set homework which reinforces class work or which involves the class theme. It is a means of ensuring that children foster the confidence to work independently outside the class/school situation and is an opportunity for parents to play an active role in their children’s education.

All homework should reflect each child’s best effort. The teachers are not prepared to accept untidy work which is below the child’s ability, and the child would be expected to re-do the work.

 

The ‘Read with Me!’ Scheme
The school endeavours to encourage parents to read with their children from the nursery section to year 6. The school provides a school bag for the children to carry their books tidily and the children are expected to return their books on a daily basis, but not as often when they have become good readers. We encourage parents to record in their record books.

Circulating Letters
We circulate letters to parents care of the eldest child in the family. If you wish, you may ask to receive the letters electronically, by e-mail. Any news or general information will be presented via the school’s website. The school has a mobile phone which enables us to text parents with any sudden information or arrangements and times for returning from trips.

 

Reporting on your Child’s Development
A parents’ meeting is held at the school early in the autumn term and at the end of the spring term. Here you will have the opportunity to discuss any development and your child’s progress. The children will be given targets on which to work to achieve further development. During the summer term, a written report will be provided on the child’s development and progress during the year.

An extremely hard-working Parents’ Association has been established at Ysgol Sarn Bach and all parents are welcome to collaborate on achieving the same aim, i.e. to raise funds for resources and their children’s education, and to get to know other parents and discuss educational subjects.

The secretary, Mrs Non Crowther, will inform you of these meetings by letter.

As a school, we would hope that all parents would attend these meetings.

Gwynedd Education Authority operates a policy of bilingualism throughout all Gwynedd schools and is also developing a policy of bilingualism for Further Education establishments. The objective is to develop the ability of pupils and students within the County to be confidently bilingual, in order that they can be full members of the bilingual society of which they are a part. All educational establishments within the County should reflect and reinforce the language policy in their social life and their pastoral arrangements, as well as in their academic provision.

Ysgol Sarn Bach will implement the seven aims of the Gwynedd Primary Schools Welsh Language Charter by means of the following:

• Set a firm foundation for the Welsh language in the Foundation Phase
• Ensure that each pupil reaches his/her potential in the Welsh language, as a subject and as an educational medium
• Implement the Welsh Curriculum
• Nurture an awareness of Wales’ cultural and heritage identity amongst school pupils
• Ensure that all aspects of everyday life at the school and its community are Welsh, and in the medium of Welsh
• Promote the use of the Welsh language in extra-curricular activities
• Support staff members to develop their confidence and skills in using the Welsh language in the workplace

 

Ysgol Sarn Bach is a naturally Welsh-language school and the staff and pupils strive to retain the school’s Welsh ethos and atmosphere. Those of you whose children are encountering a bilingual situation for the first time should not feel under threat nor should you feel that you do not belong. Perhaps you do not speak Welsh (although a number of parents do decide to learn the language), but we hope that you will respect the linguistic environment that exists here, an environment that enriches many aspects of the children’s learning experiences. We respect your right to use the language of your choice, and to this purpose, correspondence from the school will be bilingual.

Nursery Education
Ensure, through a purposeful and sensitive nursery provision and organisation that all children are given a firm grounding in Welsh so that they reach the goal of full bilingualism in due course.

Infants
Build on the foundation laid in Welsh by nursery education, consolidating and developing the mother tongue of Welsh learners, and extending the competence of children from a Welsh home in English.

Junior
Consolidate and develop each child’s Welsh and English capabilities in all their active and receptive aspects, in order to ensure that the child is able to speak, read and write fluently and confidently in both languages when transferring to the secondary school.

When latecomers come to the school, i.e. children who do not speak Welsh at all, they are offered an intensive one-term course at the ‘Latecomers Centre’ in Llangybi
There, the children will form part of a small learning group and will be taught by specialists in teaching Welsh as a second language. During their term at the centre, they will follow the usual school curriculum as well as learning Welsh. The children are conveyed to the centre free of charge.

In general, there are no charges for educational activities but the school’s policy is to charge for activities that take place outside school hours or activities that do not form part of the curriculum, such as instrumental lessons.

Voluntary contributions are requested towards costs such as:

Educational visits, where required; bus costs to swimming/physical education lessons and local trips. Parents are asked to pay for residential visits. No child will be excluded from any activity on the basis of reluctant or inability to contribute voluntarily.

In accordance with the requirements of the Education Act 1986, schools’ governing bodies are expected to consider whether sex education should form part of the secular curriculum. If they are of the opinion that sex education should form part of the curriculum, they are required to draw up and review a written statement of their policy in terms of content and organisation.

The Governing Body of this school decided that sex education should form part of the curriculum. This is done as part of Personal and Social Education lessons, and involves many issues that cover the development of the individual. The full policy which specifies the aspects presented, when and how) can be viewed by contacting the Head Teacher.

Parents are entitled to withdraw their children from sex education lessons, i.e. those elements that are not part of the National Curriculum 2008. It is your responsibility to inform the Head Teacher of this.

This school is not directly of formally affiliated to any religious denomination.

The religious education provided is based on the Authority’s recognised syllabus. A copy of this syllabus is available for inspection at the school.

Arrangements can be made for children whose parents do not wish them to attend religious services or studies.

The school policy’s objective is to provide equal opportunities for all pupils during their school careers, irrespective of their gender, age, language, racial background or ability. The policy confirms that the school nurtures positive social attitudes, ensures wide-ranging experiences and promotes happy and constructive collaboration.

The school has been designated by the Authority as being a school possessing the resources to admit pupils with disabilities. The school ensures full curricular access for every child.

Letters from the school could be prepared in audio or large-print format should parents require this.

The curriculum followed by children of Nursery age to Year 2 is called the Foundation Phase. In the Foundation Phase, the focus is on providing opportunities for pupils to develop their skills by encouraging structured play activities that are woven into the learning experiences.

The Foundation Phase is built around Seven Areas of Learning:

1. Personal and Social Development, Well-Being and Cultural Diversity
   
2. Language, Literacy and Communication Skills
   
3. Mathematical Development
   
4. Welsh Language Development
   
5. Creative Development
   
6. Physical Development
7. Knowledge and Understanding of the World

The Foundation Phase places great emphasis on developing children’s skills and understanding, personal, social, emotional, physical and intellectual well-being so as to develop the whole child. The children are encouraged to nurture self-esteem and self-confidence to experiment, investigate, learn new things and form new relationships with others, to encourage their development as individuals.

Personal and Social Development, Well-being and Cultural Diversity

This Area of Learning focuses on children learning about themselves, their relationships with other children and adults. They are encouraged to develop their self-esteem, their personal beliefs and moral values. The Foundation Phase supports the cultural identity of all children, to celebrate different cultures and help children recognize and gain a positive awareness of their own and other cultures. Children are supported in becoming confident, competent and independent thinkers and learners.

Foundation Phase pupils follow the Webster-Stratton and Dina School curriculum to promote the development of their emotional and social well-being. Weekly sessions are held.

 

Language, Literacy and Communication Skills

This Area of Learning focuses on children being immersed in language experiences and activities. Their skills develop through talking and listening, setting a firm foundation to develop reading and writing skills. Children refer to their intentions by asking questions, voicing/expressing opinions, reacting to situations and making choices through a variety of media. They are encouraged to listen and respond to others. They have opportunities to choose and use reading material, understand conventions of print and books and are given a wide range of opportunities to enjoy mark making and writing experience.

 

Mathematical Development
This Area of Learning focuses on children developing their skills, knowledge and understanding of mathematics by solving problems. They use numbers in their daily activities and develop a range of flexible methods for working mentally with number, in order to solve problems from a variety of contexts, moving onto using methods when they are developmentally ready. They investigate the properties of shape and measurement, and sort, match, sequence and compare objects and create patterns.

 

Creative Development

This Area of Learning focuses on children developing their imagination and creativity through the curriculum. Their natural curiosity and disposition to learn is stimulated by everyday sensory experiences. Children engage in creative, imaginative and expressive activities in art, craft, design, music, dance and movement.

 

Physical Development

This Area of Learning focuses on children’s physical development. Enthusiasm and energy for movement is continually promoted through helping them to use their bodies effectively, by encouraging spatial awareness, balance, control and co-ordination and developing motor and manipulative skills. Children are encouraged to enjoy physical activity and their developing sense of identity is linked closely to their own self-image, self-esteem and confidence. Children are introduced to the concepts of health, hygiene and safety and the importance of diet, rest, sleep and exercise.

 

Knowledge and Understanding of the World
This Area of Learning focuses on children experiencing the familiar world through enquiry, and through safe and systematic investigation of the indoor and outdoor environment. Children are given experiences that increase their curiosity about the world around them and to begin to understand past events, people and places, living things and the work people do. They learn to demonstrate care, responsibility, concern and respect for all living things and the environment.

A broad, balance curriculum is delivered which enhances the spiritual, moral, mental, social physical and emotional development of the child. This is achieved mainly by means of a thematic approach, The documents can be viewed at the School.

 

Numeracy / Mathematic
Mathematical ideas and techniques are an essential part of everyday life and contribute considerably to our understanding of the world around us.

The school aims to develop a positive attitude to mathematics as an interesting subject to be enjoyed. We endeavour to develop in the child the ability to think clearly and logically with confidence and adaptability, skills which will allow him/her to express ideas lucidly, to discuss a subject with confidence and to use mathematical language when applying skills and knowledge to situations at home, at school and in society.

 

Science
Science is part of life and the child will develop:

• An analytical and critical mind through logical methods of discovery based on observation, hypothesis and experimentation

• An understanding of living things and basic processes of life

• An understanding of the means by which environmental resources can be used and developed.

Matters relating to sex education are dealt with sensitively in Personal and Social Education and Science lessons.

 

Language
Language has a unique influence on a child’s development and is the basis of all learning. We endeavour to foster a positive attitude towards language by offering the child a variety of experiences which will stimulate a sensible, intelligent and lively response, thereby developing linguistic ability in all its passive and active aspects, in both languages. We encourage children to take an interest in literature in all its forms, ensuring always pleasurable and satisfying. In this way, we create in the child an awareness of the value of Welsh heritage so that she/he may empathise with the richness of his/her (indigenous or adopted) cultural background, as well as encouraging respect for other cultures.

Basically, we develop four linguistic elements, namely listening, speaking, reading and writing;

 

Listening
To develop a child’s ability to listen effectively in crowd, group and individual situations for pleasure or entertainment, to respond to instructions, and to respond creatively.

 

Speaking
To develop a child’s ability to speak clearly, intelligibly, confidently and correctly using language appropriate to the situation.

Reading
To nurture children to be readers from the outset so that they may;

• Read for pleasure or entertainment
• Enhance their understanding
• Acquire information;
• Develop the ability to be critical in their reading and to appreciate good books.

Writing
To provide the child with the opportunity to respond in writing to different experiences and situations and to write for different purposes so that she/he may:

• Use writing as medium to come to terms with his/her world;
• Use writing to enhance his/her understanding;
• Choose and use an appropriate form of writing for a particular purpose.

Design Technology
The main feature of Design and Technology is that it gives pupils the opportunity to create pictures, plans, models, exhibitions and computer images from concepts in their imagination. Developing concepts from the very first idea through to the completed product as a practical consequence is a process called the Design Process.

 

Religious Education and Collective
The morning assemblies are an important part of Ysgol Sarn Bach’s ethos. The religious aspect is linked to the children’s own experiences in their everyday lives, emphasising religion’s altruistic and caring aspects. The separate daily Service held in the classroom, as well as the general assemblies held in the Hall, are an important part of developing a feeling of community. The children are taught about other world religions, but the emphasis is on Christianity. Collections towards local and national humanitarian causes are arranged.

Parents are allowed to remove their children from Religious Education lessons and collective worship for appropriate reasons.

 

Music
Each child in the school have an opportunity to learn to play the recorder and have music lessons which include singing, composing, and instrumental work. The school competes in competitions at the Urdd Eisteddfod. Pupils from Year 3 up words are given the opportunity to receive instrumental lessons. Unfortunately we have to charge a fee for these lessons.

The lessons are very successful. The school Christmas concert is held at the school with each child given opportunity to appear on stage.

 

Physical Education

Cross country team

The school provides a stimulating and secure environment for pupils where they can aim to achieve general maturity and develop physical skills. Activities offered provide pleasure as well as fulfilling creative needs. We teach and provide an opportunity to practise and improve those skills that are relevant to the activity.

We also attempt to develop a social awareness along with a social training through individual expression. We aim to promote confidence through physical activity and to develop an awareness of the importance of health through exercise.

Physical Education should be enjoyable so that pupils are interested and ready to participate in various activities. Hence we hope to develop an awareness and appreciation of the environment.

The school offers training in numerous activities including gymnastics, dance, games, swimming, athletics and adventure activities. In the early years, and in Key Stage 1, every pupil will have one hour of Physical Education per week. By Key Stage 2. the children will spend at least an hour and a quarter each week in Physical Education lessons.

 

Information Technology
The new directive has given Information Technology an important status, along with a clear description of the nature of the subject. An ability in Information Technology means an ability to use Information Technology equipment and sources effectively in order to analyse, process and present information and to model, measure and control external events. Ysgol Sarn Bach emphasis is placed on developing I.T. across the spectrum of National Curriculum subjects. Computers are considered as trans-curricular pieces of equipment. The school has continually improved I.T. resources and this includes a wireless connection throughout the school.

 

The Art
The arts are expression of man’s perception of the beauty of the world through the utilisation of his senses to observe and to imagine, to marvel and to create. We hold a firm belief that the arts are highly important to a child’s development and we will stimulate him or her to take part in musical, dramatic, movement and design, craft and technological activities. By encompassing the arts as an integrated element of the school day we provide children with an opportunity to exercise their imagination, their originality and their curiosity.

 

Environmental Studies
We are all part of a society and environment which are interdependent, and therefore, an awareness of that society, its qualities and its needs, and a knowledge and understanding of the environment are a natural part of the child’s development process. At Ysgol Sarn Bach we concentrate on developing four aspects we hope to develop within the child.

Social Aspects
To develop an awareness of specific elements that are part of the fabric of society and their interdependence.

Historic Aspects
To develop and awareness of history based on local evidence, and to encourage children’s interest in the way in which the past has influenced the present.

Aspects of the Natural World
To stimulate the children’s interest in all aspects of the natural world and to encourage their ability to appreciate and respect it, and to be aware of their responsibility for it.

Geographic Aspects
To encourage the children’s interest in landscape, climate and major geographical features of the environment, and to consider their influence on the existence and location of society.

Apart from the individual specialization of teaching staff, this is what is primarily responsible for giving every school its individual and unique character. This is the part of the curriculum that cannot be placed under headings - the philosophy behind the learning and the staff’s motivation, together with the way in which the school’s policies take into account the nature of the society it serves - this is what gives the school its own character.

 

At Ysgol Sarn Bach, we endeavour to provide a wide range of experiences so as to meet the diverse needs of each child. We realize that all children are different and that they are entitled to succeed in different ways. Not everyone succeeds academically and therefore we realize the importance of providing a variety of experiences in order to display and develop their talents outside the classroom. We guide the children to be able to solve problems creatively and apply their skills as they become citizens of the future.

The school encourages the pupils to take part in entrepreneurship activities. The pupils have had an opportunity to collaborate and to establish a business in order to make a profit from the sale of smoothies. The pupils gain experiences of advertising, costing goods, selling and calculating profits. We take advantage of every opportunity to have local business people work with the school to provide the pupils with hands-on experience of the business world.

There is a branch of the Urdd at the school and we work closely with the Urdd branches at Llanengan and at Abersoch. The Urdd meets every Thursday evening immediately after school, from 3.30- 4.30 p.m. These activities depend to a large extent on the expertise of parents and friends in the area.

The school has a tradition of competing in all Urdd activities, such as eisteddfodau, art and craft and sports.

The school annually organizes residential trips for the children from year 3 to year 6. We will be collaborating with neighbouring schools so that the children get to know and socialize with their contemporaries in the area. A charge would be levied for these visits.

 

Glan Llyn
Pupils in years 3, 4 and 5 get to visit Glan-llyn every year for two nights/three days, to experience outdoor activities.

 

Cardiff
Year 6 pupils visit the capital, Cardiff, for two nights/three days during the summer term, where they get to see the Assembly, Millennium Stadium and a number of other institutions.

 

Ysgol Sarn Bach is part of the Gwynedd Healthy Schools scheme and is now working on phase 3.

 

The scheme enables the school to make a positive contribution to the health and well-being of pupils, teachers and the wider community by developing a health-promoting environment.

The school has won the bronze award and is currently working on the silver award.

 

 

 

 

The pupils elect members of the School Council every year. Their role is to ensure that the child’s voice is heard and acted upon.

At Ysgol Sarn Bach, pupils have the opportunity to:

• Propose ideas on how to improve their learning environment;
• Provide an opinion and observations on school life;
• Contribute to making the school a happier place.

Pupils elect Road Safety officers on an annual basis and their work involves raising pupils’ awareness of safety when using the highway and the dangers associated with its use.

Assessment is a continuous process that occurs from day to day at the school. The teachers assess children informally throughout the time – recording a formal assessment every term.

At the end of a school year, the teachers will summarize the information and provide an end of year assessment for every child. Four-year-old children will be assessed soon after arriving at school to provide a baseline assessment of the child’s ability and needs.

At the end of Key Stage 1 (Y. 2) and Key Stage 2 (Y. 6) a statutory assessment will be conducted by the teacher. The results of these together with a full report of the pupils’ level of attainment in the various subjects will be prepared for the relevant parents by the end of the school year.

A few rough guidelines are provided here on the type of things that parents can teach their children in order to give their child extra help at school.

Nursery
• Learn colours	• Hold a pencil correctly
• Count to 10	• Draw pictures
• Colour-in neatly	• Chat about the day’s events
• Recognize some letters and numbers	• Read to them regularly
Reception Class
• Recognize letters and numbers	• Write letters and numbers
• Count to 20	• Read simple words and books
• Count in tens	• Write simple words and sentences
Years 1 and 2
• Know the 2, 5 and 10 times tables	• Chat in Welsh and English
• Add and subtract mentally up to 20	• Write sentences
• Tell the time (at least on the hour, half past and quarter past)	• Count up to 100 and beyond
Years 3 and 4
• Know the 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10 times tables at least	• Tell the time on an analogue clock, use money
• Write in Welsh and English – letters, stories	• Discuss and chat, expressing an opinion sensibly in both languages
Years 5 and 6
• Know all the times tables up to 10 by Christmas Year 5
• Write in Welsh and English - stories, letters, etc. without many spelling mistakes – stories – approximately one side of A4 in 45 minutes to an hour
• Discuss and chat confidently in both languages using correct language and a good vocabulary and expressing an opinion and viewpoint clearly.

This policy is based on the following legislation and documents;

1. The Education Act 1993
2. List of Recommendations of Identifying and Assessing Special Needs.
   
3. The Education Act 1993 Special Education Needs File.
   
4. The Education Authority’s Language Policy.
   
5. Special Needs Education Regulations (information) 1994
   
6. Special Education Needs Code of Practice for Wales
   
7. Assessing and Providing for Special Educational Needs (CRISP ‘Asesu Da’,Good Assessment Scheme)
   
8. At present there are 3 SEN Assistants at the school.
   

Principles
Our aim as a school is to act in compliance with the principles below that have been adopted by Gwynedd Education Committee.

1. Secure an equal opportunity both curricular and socially for pupils who have special educational needs.
2. Co-operate effectively with other relevant statutory agencies involved in the field, such as the Health Authority and the Social Services.
3. Establish a partnership with parents and the voluntary bodies who represent them.
4. Ensure a response from the entire Education Authority and from the whole school to special educational needs and not confine responsibility to particular members of staff.

Objectives
Our aim at Ysgol Sarn Bach is to do our utmost to provide an equal opportunity both socially and educationally for each child across the ability range. We also hope to ensure that each individual receives the best possible opportunity to work to the utmost of his/her ability through written or practical work done bilingually. Hopefully, we will be able to ensure that each child fully realizes his/her potential and unique talent.

The aim is:

• Ensure that there is a system in place at the school to identify at an early stage the child who is experiencing difficulties that could be hindering his/her education;
• Gather information from teachers and others so as to ensure the best possible understanding as to the nature of the child’s difficulties;
• Ensure that the necessary provision is made for a pupil who has special educational needs
• Secure the co-operation and support of parents and others as regards identifying and providing a service

Special Educational Needs
The Special Educational Needs Code of Practice for Wales 2003 is in operation at the school. Individual Education Plans are drawn up every term for the pupils on the Special Needs Register. New targets are presented as soon as a child has reached the targets set previously for him/her. The child’s contribution to the discussions etc. is highly important.

The SEN Co-ordinator (Mrs Bethan Prys Jones Head Teacher) will consult with the Education Psychologist regarding individuals’ needs with the parents’ permission. Parents and individuals are invited to school discussions with the teacher and the SEN Co-ordinator. Support Periods for children with SEN are held with the teachers at the beginning of each term. The Co-ordinator will make frequent visits to the classes to speak to the teachers. ‘Asesu Da’ (Good Assessment) Schemes are drawn up for 3* pupils and Statement pupils.

Children’s names are removed from and added to the Special Needs Register as necessary. The Language Therapist and support Teacher will work with individuals.
Each child with Special Educational Needs at Ysgol Sarn Bach is given frequent opportunity to discuss his/her development and success etc.

• Special Educational Needs Policy
(The full policy can be seen by contacting the Head Teacher)

Important
SEN is an important and essential part of each School Development Plan. At Ysgol Sarn Bach.
Each SEN policy is drawn up by all the staff and the Governors.
It is reviewed and monitored at least twice a year.

 

Defining Progress

• Closing the attainment gap between the pupil and his/her peers
• Preventing the attainment gap from widening
• Ensuring that he/she is able to take part in the full curriculum.
• Showing an improvement in self-help, social or personal skills.
• Displaying improvements in the pupil’s behaviour
• Likelihood of leading to an opportunity to take part in further education training and/or work

To monitor the suitability of removing a child from the school’s SEN register the child is given a Glannau Menai reading test in Welsh and English (if it is appropriate to do this).

There are three Stages/Levels to Additional Learning Needs

 

School Action - An expression of concern from the teacher. Contact the parents to discuss. Place the child on the SEN Register. The situation will be reviewed within a term. The child will receive additional support from the school.

 

School Action Plus - If the child’s needs require help, specialists such as the Educational Psychologists will be called in to provide help for the school and to draw up a specialized Individual Work Programme for the child, to be implemented at the school.

 

3* - Unless progress occurs, the child will be referred to the attention of specialists and assessed to receive a Statement of Special Educational Needs. If a child is Statement, the Local Education Authority is compelled to provide funding for the school to meet the child’s needs, e.g. place the child in a special unit, pay for assistance in class, etc.
The school has a policy of Additional Learning Needs (ALN) and the policy in full can be seen at the school.

 

Statement - If a Child is Statement, the local Educational Authority compelled to provide support and funding for the school to meet the child’s needs, e.g. place the child in a special unit, pay for assistance in class etc.

1. It will be helpful for the child to discuss visits and parents should converse with them regularly.
2. Watch and discuss select television programmes together.
3. Parents are encourage to read to their children every day and to play with them and to discuss with them when shopping and cooking.
4. There is no need to do any formal work as such but a child’s awareness of numbers can be linguistically for Welsh medium.
5. Help your child with tasks such as dressing, tying shoe laces, going to the toilet (the child must be out of nappies before starting school) the use of a knife and fork and tidying up.
6. Develop activities which encourage conversation and self-confidence.
7. Help your child to become familiar with the shape of his/her name.
8. Do not use capital letters e.g. Sioned not SIONED.
   

We look after the parents most precious and we will co-operate with you to ensure we do this as effective as possible.

If you have any concerns regarding your child’s education please contact me.

Mrs Bethan Prys Jones, Headteacher