Ysgol Sandycroft C P School Croeso

Website: http://sandycroftschool.weebly.com Page 1 of 26

‘

Croeso

‘We get on in life because we care’ Nyrie-paige Rushby (Year 5) 2012

Email: - [email protected] Website: http://sandycroftschool.weebly.com

Twitter: @SandycroftCP Telephone – 01244 532083

updated Sept 2016

Ysgol Sandycroft C P School


CONTENTS

� A welcome from Mr Liptrot

� A description of our school

� Our Staff

� General Organisation

� The Governing Body

� Admissions

� Additional Needs

� School Times

� Our uniform (including jewellery)

� PE, Games and Swimming Information

� School Meals and Healthy Snacks

� Jigsaw Club / After school care and Breakfast Club

� Educational Visits

� Pastoral Information (Attendance, Contact, Holidays, Clubs, Homework, Behaviour, PSE, Parent Liaison, Friends of Sandycroft C P School

� Complaints Procedure

� Home School Agreement

� Appendix. School Prospectus contents from Guide to

the Law


Dear Parents We are delighted to welcome you and your child into our school family. This is a very exciting time of your child’s life and we are keen to make it a rewarding and happy experience. Choosing the right school for your child is a very important decision to make. As parents we all want a good education for our children but just as important is that they are happy and feel safe and secure. At Sandycroft CP School we feel we can offer all of those things. We pride ourselves on the wide, varied and full education we provide for all of our children. The high standards we set for teaching and learning are a credit to the hard work of staff, parents and pupils in a strong partnership. Equally we are also very proud of the warm family atmosphere of co-operation and support that exists in our school. Visitors often comment on the warm welcome they receive and the polite and positive attitudes of our pupils. Our prospectus holds a great deal of information about our daily routines and school organisation. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you require any further information. Welcome to our family. Yours sincerely Mr C A Liptrot Mrs Jane Bellis Headteacher Chair of Governors

E Mail Address: [email protected]

Website: http://sandycroftschool.weebly.com

Ysgol Sandycroft Lôn Leaches Mancot Glannau Dyfrdwy Sir Y Fflint CH5 2EH Ffôn: (01244) 532083

Sandycroft C P School Leaches Lane

Mancot Deeside

Flintshire CH5 2EH Tel: (01244) 532083

YSGOL SANDYCROFT SANDYCROFT C P SCHOOL

Mr C A Liptrot B Ed (Hons) Headteacher/Pennaeth


OUR SCHOOL We welcome you and your child to Sandycroft Community Primary School and hope that they will be happy within our school family. Prospective parents are welcome to view school at any time they would like, please book an appointment with our school office. In addition to this, there are welcome evenings and various induction visits for Nursery and Reception parents before your child starts school with us. Information will be sent home closer to the time. Sandycroft is a Community Primary school for children of ages 2 to 11 years. There are 7 Infant/Foundation Classes and 6 Junior/KS2 Classes. Our school was built in 1957 by Flintshire Education Authority to replace St Francis’ V P School. After opening, the school population grew steadily and in 1967 an extension to house the Infant Department was opened. Over recent years the school has had extensive refurbishment. We have 12 spacious classrooms, 4 large activity areas, a large refurbished staff room, an Additional Needs room, cloakrooms, activity rooms, reading areas and ICT Suites. Foundation 1 (Early Years) pupils are in a self-contained room, which has recently been refurbished. They also have access to outdoor learning areas that are used throughout the year. Our outside facilities comprise of separate Infant and Junior Playgrounds and 2 large playing fields. The grounds are enhanced by colourful flower-beds and ornamental trees providing an atmosphere of a park-land. We have ramped access to our Early Years, Infant and Junior departments. We also have an Environmental and Conservation Area, which is an ongoing development. It is an area that benefits all our pupils and provides habitats for wildlife. Our School Garden is also enhanced by the work of pupils, parents and staff who regularly plant, water and weed the borders. We are very proud of our awards which continue to raise the standards of education throughout our school. They include: Investors in People Gold Award, Investors in Families, The Basic Skills Quality Mark, Healthy Schools Award, Eco Schools, ‘Read Write Inc’ model school - the only Primary School in North Wales to achieve this award, we are also working with GWE as a leading school in writing and developing the new curriculum in Wales. Our school is maintained by Flintshire Local Education Authority. Mr Ian Budd is the Director of Education & Children’s Services & Recreation based at:

Education, Children’s Services and Recreation Flintshire County Council County Hall Mold Flintshire CH7 6ND Telephone: 01352 752121


Educational Statement We aim to provide a broad and balanced curriculum to allow children to make choices. We strive to create self-motivated, lifelong learners enabling ALL to reach their full potential.

Vision Statement At Sandycroft CP School we aim to provide a happy and secure environment where we show mutual respect, fairness, understanding and care for all.

Our Motto is

‘We get on in life because we care’ Nyrie-Paige Rushby (Year 5) 2012


Headteacher Andrew Liptrot Deputy Headteacher Michael Fryer Flying Start Candida Munnerley - Department Leader Amanda Endemano Elaine Lamb Kat Tarasinska Early Entitlement Candida Munnerley - Department Leader Kirstie Chester Kat Tarasinska Early Years Andrea Baldwin - Early Years Department Leader Jane Watson Michele Okorn Teaching Assistants Kirstie Chester Sue Collings Natalie Forshaw Jonathan Peart Wayne Samuels Katie Wakefield Key Stage 1 Year 1/2 Leanne Dunbar - Department Leader Tom Best Sally Bell Teaching Assistants Rachel Dunbar Suzan Erdogan Karen MacPherson (1:1) Julie Williams Key Stage 2 Year 3/4 Sarah Coy - Lower KS2 Department Leader Dean Longley Natalie Garner Teaching Assistants Tracy McCarron Bethan Rees Kate Rutter Year 5/6 Claire Bithell - Upper KS2 Department Leader Alison Holmes Gavin Roberts Teaching Assistant Sharie Erdogan

SCHOOL STAFF


Additional Needs Staff Deborah Chinery ALNCO (Additional Learning Needs Co-

ordinator & Child Protection Co-ordinator) Teaching Assistants Lesley Hadaway Monica Hogg (FSM Focus) Tina Jones Alison Morris Stacey Moss Jan Young (Parent Support Advisor) Traveller/EAL Team Ann Haworth Sheila Reynolds-Jones Janet Vokes School Office Joanne Wood (Office Manager) Alison Tidswell (School Secretary) Lunchtime Cashier/Admin Elaine Lamb School Caretaker Colin Pritchard School Cook Sam Roberts Olivia Shevlin Janice Weston-Laing School Nurse Christopher Maddocks (based at Health Centre) Breakfast Club Lesley Hadaway Sharie Erdogan Suzan Erdogan Denise Horabin Bethan Rees MDSA s Lesley Hadaway (Senior) Kirstie Chester (First Aid) Sharie Erdogan Suzan Erdogan Monica Hogg Denise Horabin Boryana Ivanova Tracy McCarron Alison Morris Stacey Moss Kat Tarasinska Jolanta Wilderspin Julie Williams


Cleaners Tracy McCarron Kirstie Chester Janice Weston-Laing Jonathan Peart School Crossing Patrol Allan Wynne

GENERAL ORGANISATION _______________________________________________________________

Sandycroft is a Community Primary School for girls and boys aged 2 to 11 years. We have approximately 380 pupils on roll including part-time nursery pupils and Flying Start. Children’s year groups are organised as follows: Flying Start Age 2/3 years. Part time mornings 9.00 - 11.30am daily Early Entitlement Age 3/4 years. Part time afternoons 1.00 - 3.00pm daily

Early Years/ Nursery - Age 3/4 years. Part time mornings/afternoons Foundation 1 Reception - Age 4/5 years Key Stage 1/ Age 5-6 years will be in Year 1 Foundation 2 Age 6-7 years will be in Year 2

Key Stage 2 Age 7-8 years will be in Year 3 Age 8-9 years will be in Year 4 Age 9-10 years will be in Year 5 Age10-11 years will be in Year 6

Your child will be admitted to our school if they satisfy the criteria laid down in the LEA Admissions Policy. (A full copy can be obtained from Flintshire County Council).

Our classes are very well supported by an outstanding team of Teaching Assistants. In Early Years/Foundation 1 we operate a ratio of 1 adult to 10 or less children. In Foundation 2/Years 1 & 2 our ratio is 1 adult to 15 or less children. This ratio is maintained in our lower Junior Department of years 3 & 4. The impact of our Teaching Assistants on children’s learning is an outstanding feature of the school. All of our Teaching Assistants are very well qualified ranging from NVQ 2 to Degrees in Education. In addition to this our teaching staff are very talented professionals. Many are working with the Local Authority or Welsh Assembly leading pilot groups or are examples of best practice in the County.

CLASS TEACHERS - SCHOOL YEAR 2016-17


On entry to our school at age 2/3 years to the end of year 2, aged 7, our children will follow the Foundation Phased Curriculum as laid out by the Welsh Assembly Government. There are 7 areas of learning include,

• Personal and social development, well being and cultural diversity

• Language, literacy and communication skills

• Mathematical development

• Welsh language development

• Knowledge and understanding of the world

• Physical development

• Creative development In our Junior Department we follow the National Curriculum including English, Maths, Science, Welsh, History, Geography, Information Communication Technology, Physical Education, Music, Art, Design Technology and Religious Education. Although some subjects are taught as separate, stand alone subjects like English and Maths, we also teach most of our subjects through a topic approach where the learning skills are built into our teaching and planning. The Welsh National Curriculum is based around the development of the essential skills of Literacy, Numeracy, Digital Learning, Information Communication Technology and problem solving. We use these skills across a creative, thematic, enriched Curriculum. The school curriculum in Wales is currently under review following the Donaldson Report commissioned by Welsh Government. We are working with Welsh Government, GWE and Flintshire as a curriculum partner school developing this new curriculum. Although there are a broad range of languages spoken in school such as Polish, Russian, Lithuanian, German, Spanish and Romany, our main language is English with Welsh being taught as a second language. We embrace and celebrate all languages spoken in our school. Welsh is taught throughout the school as a second language with all of our pupils. This is often done via staff as incidental Welsh in all lessons with instructions from staff, requests from pupils, answering the register or playing games at break times. e.g. Can I go to the toilet? – Ga i fynd i’r toiled? Listen carefully - Gwrandewch Stand up - Sefwch Sit down - Eisteddwch This is reinforced via daily Helpwr Heddiw lessons lead by the pupils. The core content of the lessons is taught in English as this is our first language for nearly all of our pupils. This approach to Welsh is very similar to what the children will experience at

THE CURRICULUM


our local High Schools. Any pupils who transfer to the County Welsh speaking High School have the opportunity to attend an immersion course in the final half term of Year 6 for 6 weeks. To teach reading, writing and spelling we follow a phonic programme called ‘Read Write Inc’. Our school is a Model School for the programme. Other schools visit us to see how to teach RWI and we advise them on development in their school. There are only 2 primary schools in North Wales to be a model school for RWI. We follow the Flintshire agreed syllabus for teaching Religious Education. Although the syllabus is Christian based, we also study a broad range of other religions. Any parent who wants to withdraw their child from these lessons may do so. The school will make suitable arrangements to cover these periods.


Who are the Governors and what do they do? Governors are like a Board of Directors and make decisions about how the school is run. They meet at least once a term and have legal duties, powers and responsibilities. The Governors for our school are:

TYPE START DATE

END DATE

TITLE FORENAME SURNAME

CO OP 01/09/2013 31/08/2017 Mrs Moira Owen

CO OP 01/04/2013 31/03/2017 Mr Duncan Haworth

CO OP 31/03/2013 30/03/2017 Mr John Cottle

VACANCY

LEA 03/09/2013 02/09/2017 Mrs Veronica Amos

LEA 10/01/2013 09/01/2017 Mrs Rachel Jones

LEA 09/04/2015 09/04/2019 Mrs Bev Gibson-Taylor

LEA VACANCY

MINOR AUTH 01/12/2016 03/11/2020 Mrs Patricia Connor

CHAIR/PARENT 01/04/2014 31/03/2018 Mrs Jane Bellis

PARENT 22/01/2013 21/01/2017 Mrs Luisa Coletti-Grubbe

PARENT 22/01/2013 21/01/2017 Mr Andy Jones

VACANCY

VACANCY

HT 01/09/2004 Ex officio Mr Andrew Liptrot

TEACHING 01/09/2014 01/09/2018 Mrs Natalie Garner

TEACHING 01/09/2016 31/08/2020 Mrs Claire Bithell

STAFF 01/09/2014 01/09/2018 Mrs Janet Young

CLERK 01/01/2014 - Mrs Joanne Wood

Chairperson Mrs Jane Bellis Clerk Mrs Joanne Wood

All of the above can be contacted c/o Sandycroft CP School.

THE GOVERNING BODY


ADMISSIONS

At Sandycroft we follow the Policy laid down by Flintshire Education Department. All admissions are made by the Admissions Team at the Local Authority and applications have to be made online at flintshire.gov.uk/school admissions The Governing Body has also stated:

".........that all children, whenever possible, who are resident in the

historical catchment area of Sandycroft School and are of appropriate age have a right of entry to the school.....

The school is not permitted to plan for more than 30 pupils in all Reception / KS 1 classes.

ADDITIONAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS Our Additional Educational Needs Policy is updated regularly and outlines our commitment in its aims which are:- • A child with additional educational needs should have their needs met. • The additional educational needs of children will normally be met in mainstream

schools or settings. • The views of the child will be sought and taken into account. • Parents have a vital role to play in supporting their child’s education. • Children with additional educational needs should be offered full access to a broad,

balanced and relevant education, based on the National Curriculum and, for the pre school children, the desirable outcomes for children learning before compulsory school age.

At Sandycroft C P School we are committed to integrating and supporting any child with additional educational needs or disabilities. Working in partnership, we will make every effort to meet the needs of any pupil with additional needs. Sandycroft C P School has made good progress in making our school accessible with ramps, disabled parking and other alterations to our building. The Local Education Authority is working with the school on a rolling programme of major alterations following the school’s Accessibility Plan. The Accessibility Plan forms part of our Disability Policy, this can be found on our web site or copied upon request. In addition to this, Flintshire has a commitment to ensure the individual needs of any pupil entering school is accommodated and given equal access to that of any other child. There are several key policies that form part of the commitment of Sandycroft School to an inclusive education for all. All our policies are on our web site or can be collected from school—they include, Additional Educational Needs Policy, Accessibility Plan, Diabetes Policy and Dyslexia Friendly Policy. The school is committed to supporting dyslexic children. Staff adhere to the Dyslexia Friendly School Policy when teaching all subjects.


Sandycroft C P School gained Dyslexia Friendly Schools accreditation in February 2008. We are also members of National Association of Additional Educational Needs which again shows our commitment to supporting any pupil in our school with additional needs.

Looked After Children (LAC) From time to time we may have children who are in the care of the Local Authority and are Looked After Children. Miss Chinery is the designated teacher in our school who is responsible for promoting and monitoring the progress being made by our LAC pupils. School staff will meet with appropriate Local Authority Offices to write and monitor the children’s progress through the Personal Education Plans that are agreed in school. Equality at SCPS SCPS celebrates diversity and promotes equality in all aspects of school life. A full copy of our policy can be requested from school at any time. Our current practices are:

• To arrange/provide training for all staff to ensure they are aware of their responsibilities and are able to take appropriate action if required.

• To raise the performance of boys in English

• To track and improve performance of minority groups such as Free School Meals, Travellers, Additional Learning Needs and English as an Additional Language Pupils.

• To establish a procedure for using the respecting others form for reporting hate incidents.


COMING TO SCHOOL/SCHOOL TIMES Infants 8.55 a.m. - 11.50 a.m. Reception and Key Stage 1 pupils 12.50 p.m. – 3.10 p.m. Juniors 8.55 a.m. - 12.00 noon Key Stage 2 pupils 12.50 p.m. - 3.15 p.m. Part-time pupils 8.55 a.m. – 11.45 a.m. or 1.00 p.m. to 3.00 p.m.

TERM DATES 2016 - 2017

Autumn Term 2016

Staff Training Day Thursday 01 September 2016

Staff Training Day Friday 02 September 2016

Autumn Term begins for pupils Monday 05 September 2016

School Closes (Half Term) Friday 21 October 2016

School Opens (Half Term) Monday 31 October 2016

Staff Training Day Monday 14 November 2016

End of Term Friday 16 December 2016

Spring Term 2017

School Opens Tuesday 03 January 2017

Staff Training Day Monday 23 January 2017

School Closes (Half Term) Friday 17 February 2017

School Opens (Half Term) Monday 27 February 2017

School Closes (Easter Hols) Friday 07 April 2017

Summer Term 2017

School Opens Monday 24 April 2017

School Closed (May Day Bank Holiday) Monday 01 May 2017

School Closes (Half Term) Friday 26 May 2017

School Opens (Half Term) Monday 05 June 2017

Staff Training Day Monday 03 July 2017

School Closes (Summer Hols) Friday 21 July 2017 Please note that the dates for the Training Days are subject to change. All pupils are expected to arrive in school on time. Leaches Lane is narrow and becomes extremely congested at the beginning and end of the school day. To alleviate this congestion, we open our doors at 8.45 a.m. Please do not arrive in school before this time. This allows a steady flow of children to be welcomed into school.

If possible please walk your children to school or park in a safe place and then walk your child to school. Encourage them to cross the road(s) with our School Crossing Patrol.


SCHOOL SAFETY & SECURITY

For your child’s safety - No parents' cars must enter the school premises No dogs are allowed in the school grounds

Neither children nor parents are permitted to use the vehicular access gates, for obvious reasons of safety. Access to school must be by the small pedestrian gates. In the interests of safety and security entrance to school is restricted after 8.55 a.m., when the only means of access is through the Main Entrance. If you wish to see the Headteacher, or a member of staff, please enter school through the main door and report to the School Secretary or Headteacher. School safety and security are of our utmost importance. The school grounds are very well covered with many CCTV cameras. Recordings are held for 5 days and then recorded over. The CCTV images are used for the protection of pupils, staff, visitors and the premises. The school has a CCTV Policy which follows the Local Authority model policy and includes aspects if data protection were required. In addition to this our Safeguarding Policy covers a broad range of procedures and policies which help to keep our children, staff, parents and visitors safe. A copy can be supplied upon request. SCHOOL UNIFORM School uniform is not compulsory; however it does help the children to feel that they are part of our family. It gives them a feeling of identity and pride. This presentation of themselves leads to good presentation of their work. The Governing Body of our school encourages all children to wear the uniform. From a parental point of view, the buying of uniform may appear an unnecessary expense, but the experience of many parents is that it represents considerable savings over the years. Children can feel equal with each other regardless of background, there are no arguments over what to wear, no showing off to their friends and that means that they can get on with their work without distraction. We encourage pupils to wear: GIRLS Grey skirt or pinafore dress or black trousers Red or white blouse, Red, white or green polo shirt Green cardigan or school sweatshirt Black trousers Summer dress (green and white gingham) Sensible shoes (NOT trainers or shoes with high heels) BOYS Red or white shirt Red, white or green polo shirt Green jumper or sweatshirt Black trousers Sensible shoes (NOT trainers) The following items are available to buy from the School Office:


Crew Neck Sweatshirt with school logo £8.50 Cardigan with school logo £9.50 PE bags £3.00 Book bags £3.50 JEWELLERY All jewellery, including earrings, is discouraged on the grounds of Health and Safety. However, the Policy of the Governing Body is that earrings may be worn, but they MUST be studs with only one in each ear. If earrings are worn, parents will be responsible for any injury as a result of them being worn. A watch may be worn. Make up is not permitted. All jewellery must be removed for P.E. / Games lessons and sports activities. CLOTHING Please make sure that ALL the clothing your child wears for school is MARKED with your child’s name. Including shoes, pumps etc. SCHOOL UNIFORM EXCHANGE

We are part of the Uniform Exchange Scheme and collect any old uniform that is in good condition to recycle.

You can help reduce the cost of schooling in Flintshire by donating your unwanted or unused school uniform. You will also help raise much needed funds for Charity.

The School Uniform Exchange aims to encourage the people of Flintshire to recycle and donate unwanted or unused school uniform items rather than putting them in the bin. All donated school uniform is available for sale in Nightingale House Hospice shops throughout Flintshire at a fraction of high street prices.

School uniform donations can be dropped off at school or at any Nightingale House Hospice shop. PE/GAMES/SWIMMING Children require pumps, plain white T-shirt and plain black shorts or netball skirts. Please write a note to the Class Teacher if your child is unfit to participate in PE or Games. Trainers to be used only for OUTDOOR Games.

Junior pupils require Football Boots and shin pads if they wish to take part in after school football and rugby practices/matches.


We are trialling a new approach to teaching swimming this year. Having worked with our Parent Partnership, Governors and staff we will now only take Year 4 and Year 5 swimming this year. Our plan however, would be to take them for a whole term and a longer lesson with more swimming instructors. We feel this will be more effective at getting our children swimming. We intend to start swimming after Christmas and will keep you informed as to when they need to bring their kit. The swimming lesson cost is covered by the school, but there is a voluntary contribution of £2 per session sought for the cost of transport. Classes that are selected to go swimming will receive a separate letter outlining requirements. Jewellery and watches cannot be worn for PE and Games for safety reasons. Stud earrings must be removed. On PE days it makes it much easier for the child if they do not wear their earrings. NATIONAL CURRICULUM ASSESSMENTS End of Foundation Phase Teacher Assessments for 2016 (Year 2 at Outcome 5+)

2016 2015 (2016 LA/Wales not yet available)

Sandycroft LEA Wales Similar Schools’

Average

Personal & Social Development 100% 95.6 94.8 95.6

Language, Literacy & Communication 91 89 88 81.5

Maths 93 90.2 89.7 89.3

Foundation Phase Indicator 89 87 86.8 86

End of Key Stage 2 Teacher Assessment for 2014 (Year 6 at Level 4+)

2016 2015 (2016 LA/Wales not yet available)

Sandycroft LEA Wales Similar Schools

English 95% 90.1 89.6 88.9

Maths 93 90.9 90.2 88.9

Science 95 92.1 91.4 91.7

Core Subject Indicator 90 87.9 87.7 86.7

Family – This is a group of schools that the WAG has placed us with that they regard as being similar to ours. This then allows the school to compare its performance against its family more accurately. The school’s data is compared with the 2015 average of the LEA and all Wales as 2015 data has yet to be validated. There is only a very small variance between yearly averages of 1-2% up or down.


Core Subject Indicator – This is given if a child is awarded level 4 in all of the core areas of Maths, English and Science. All decimals have been rounded to the nearest whole number. SCHOOL MEALS The cost of a school meal is £2.10 per day (£10.50 per week) Infant children pay weekly on a Monday, in an envelope clearly labeled with your child’s name and class. Junior children bring money to school daily or pay weekly as above. Flintshire Education Authority offer Free School Meals, forms are available from the school office. Pupils may bring a healthy packed lunch – NO glass bottles please. FREE SCHOOL MEALS In order to register and qualify for free school meals, parents must be receiving Income Support, Income Based Jobseekers Allowance or Child Tax Credit with an annual income of £16,190 or less. The form is very simple to complete and can be collected from our school office who will sent it off to the Local Authority on your behalf. In addition to triggering extra funding for the school, you could also save yourself a great deal of money; it could save you £41 each month per child. The list of children who receive free school meals is kept confidential in school. If you are in receipt of free school meals you will be entitled to a greatly reduced price for residential trips for your child. Healthy Snacks Throughout the school, children who wish to purchase a healthy snack can do so by paying for their snacks on a Monday only in a labelled envelope at a cost of £1.50 per week. Envelopes are given to the Class Teacher. We encourage all pupil to have a Healthy Snack mid morning. Welsh Assembly Government have insisted that children can only have a fruit snack between meals whilst at school. Small brown envelopes are available to purchase from the school office at a cost of £1.00.


JIGSAW CLUB The School runs after school club at a very reasonable rate. It runs from: 3.10 – 5.30 pm daily. The Club is staffed by our TA Staff. The Jigsaw Manager is Mrs Hadaway. If you would like your child to attend the Club full-time, part-time, even for just an hour, please contact Mrs Hadaway who is available at the end of each school day. More details can be found on our school website. BREAKFAST CLUB We have a breakfast club operating every school day from 7.45 am until 8.45 am. Any full time registered pupil can attend on completion of a registration form. Forms can be obtained from the school office. The pricing structure is as follows: Entry 7.45 - 8.15am £2.00 Entry 8.20 - 8.30am Free This scheme is intended to improve the health and concentration of children to assist in the raising of standards of learning and is not intended to replace breakfast already provided by parents/guardians at home.

EDUCATIONAL VISITS At Sandycroft CP we are committed to enhancing our curriculum with regular educational visits. Unfortunately the school is unable to fund these activities and we are therefore reliant upon voluntary contributions and the support of parents. The trips/visits cover a broad range of activities from visits to local library, churches, various day trips and 3 residential visits.

Working as Servants In Erddig.

PENTRELLYNCYMER Sitting on the wall of the Brenig Dam.


SUMMARY OF THE SCHOOL CHARGING POLICY For the vast majority of activities, lessons and events the school will cover the full costs. However, on some activities such as our educational trips/visits, residential visits and the cost of transport to swimming lessons we do ask for a voluntary contribution. Arrangements for payment schemes are also offered to help with the costs. A full copy of our Charging and Remissions Policy can be requested from school at any time.

ATTENDANCE

We believe that it is important for children to be punctual and regular in attendance. If your child is absent from school please telephone the School or send a letter when your child returns. If your child has a dental/hospital appointment, please let us know by telephone or in writing or see your child's class teacher. Attendance is monitored every 2-3 weeks by the Head teacher and the Inclusion Welfare Officer. Parents will be contacted if concerns are raised. Our attendance data is outlined below:-

2010/11 2011/12 2012/13 2013/14 2014/15 2015/16

ATTENDANCE 89.6% 89.7% 90.6% 91.6% 92.8% 94.6% AUTHORISED ABSENCE 10.3% 10.3% 8.9% 8.2% 6.9% 5.0% UNAUTHORISED ABSENCE 0.0% 0.0% 0.5% 0.2% 0.3% 0.4%

CONTACT If there are any changes to your address, telephone number, etc. please let us know immediately so that we are able to update our computer records. HOLIDAYS / LEAVE OF ABSENCE

Governors have now formally agreed to our new procedure for holiday leave. This now means that holiday leave will not be granted unless your child has had 95% or better attendance in the previous academic year. This forms part of a UK drive to reduce absence in schools. If you are not granted the leave and still go on holiday, the absence will be recorded as unauthorised. The Local Authority may then take further action via their Inclusion Welfare Officer which may result in a fine or prosecution. The unauthorised absence will also remain on your child’s record. All families should avoid taking holidays during term time. Remember - Poor attendance = Poor progress at school. 99 - 100% attendance is excellent. 95 - 98% is good and should be our target. Less than 95% is unsatisfactory and will have a negative impact on your child’s education and progress.

PASTORAL INFORMATION


EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES The children throughout the school are able to attend a huge range of extra curricular activities. Details of these clubs are available at the beginning of each term. These clubs are run voluntarily and we are always grateful to the teachers for giving up their time. Clubs normally run by staff include Chess, Football, Netball, Rounders, Choir, Swimming, Athletics, Art, Orienteering and Gardening. Our primary aim is to allow as many pupils as possible to experience a broad range of activities for fun and enjoyment. If we play competitive matches against other schools, our first aim would be to develop a positive sporting attitude before the outcome of the match. HOMEWORK Children are encouraged to do Homework in accordance with our policy which can be found on our school website. We would be grateful for your support and encouragement in ensuring that homework is completed. You will be notified each September about the homework arrangements for your child. We will support you in any way we can, but we do need your help. Read Write Inc, Guided Reading, independent reading and listening to children read will still go on in school throughout the week but practice, enjoyment and fun at home are also needed. Top Tips:

• Try to make it fun, be positive and happy.

• Build into your daily routine.

• No read, No TV if you need to.

• Read to your child if they are tired.

• Talk about the book, the characters, what you think may happen next.

• Join it up with a sweet treat! We all want the best for your child. Let’s work together to achieve it. BEHAVIOUR POLICY Sandycroft CP is very proud of its high standards of behaviour and the polite manner in which the children conduct themselves on a daily basis. Our behavior policy is built around a set of very simple rules. If the children follow these rules they will be rewarded and praised for their positive behaviour. The school’s full Behaviour Policy is on our school web site. It is our aim that our children are happy and enjoy their school life. If however your child is at all unhappy at school please contact your child’s class teacher immediately to resolve the situation. A copy of the school’s bullying policy can be accessed at school.


THE BEHAVIOUR LADDER

Outstanding Day

Great Day

Good Day

Ready to Learn

Time to Think about Better

Choices

Time Out in your Class

Time Out in Another Class. Parents informed

Time out with Head or Deputy. Parents informed.

Exclusion considered

Pink

Purple

Blue

Green

Yellow

Orange

Red

White


PERSONAL SOCIAL EDUCATION Throughout school children will receive appropriate PSE lessons for their age group. We follow the LEA recommended Social and Emotional Attitudes to Learning and Sense Scheme. As the children get older our school nurse covers works with staff covering the issues of growing up and sex education in Years 5 and 6.

PARENT / SCHOOL LIAISON Staff make themselves available to meet with parents before and after school. In addition to this you will often find staff available out on the playgrounds before and after school for an informal chat, please do come and talk to us. Parent evenings are offered each term with an end of year report during the Summer Term. There are numerous other events, which take place during the year, which you may be individually invited to, such as class assemblies. SCHOOLCOMMS

Communicating with parents is an important part of what we do, making sure you get the correct information about activities, events and things that really matter is something we care about. We have recently introduced SchoolComms, a service used by over 3,000 schools, nurseries and children’s clubs to communicate to parents. It is beneficial to parents and carers because:

• Messages get to you reliably and on time, via e mail or text message

• Messages are sent directly to mums, dads and other carers at the same time • Emergency or important information can be sent by text message at very short

notice FRIENDS OF SANDYCROFT SCHOOL ALL parents are members of FOSS. I hope you will support the activities that are organised by the Committee. This is a friendly association, and the money raised is used for the benefit of the children. It also enables teachers and parents to meet informally on social occasions. The Annual General Meeting is held in October to elect the Committee.


COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE It is a statutory responsibility of the school to inform parents of the school’s complaints procedure. This is done via our School Prospectus and each year via school Newsletters. From time to time, parents may feel they have a concern that they may like the school to follow up. A summary of our procedure and policy is outlined below. A full copy can be requested from our school office at any time or accessed via our School Website. Stage 1 – Class Teacher or Department Leader Your child’s class teacher will always make themselves available for you to talk to in relation to any concerns you may have. They are available before or after school on most days. In addition to this, you could talk to the Department Leader if your child’s teacher is already busy. Almost all concerns are successfully dealt with by the class teacher or Department Leader. Stage 2 – Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher If, having spoken to your child’s class teacher you are still unhappy, please make an appointment to speak to Mr Liptrot or Mr Fryer, both of whom will make a great effort to be available on the school playground at the start and end of each day for informal advice and support. Stage 3 – Governors If you are still unhappy, you can write to the Chair of the Governing Body who may then ask the Governors Complaints Committee to hear your complaint. This should be done in writing, clearly stating the reason for your complaint.

The committee may ask you to meet with the headteacher or deputy headteacher if you have not already done so. The committee will then follow its procedures and policies and thoroughly investigate your complaint, after which you will receive their decision, with reasons and any action to be taken. This decision is final. Any complaints or concerns that are raised to the education department will be referred back to this complaints procedure.


At Sandycroft C P School we have always emphasized the importance of School and Parents working together in partnership. We believe that commitment to this partnership is essential if each young person is to achieve his/her full potential. This was put into a simple phrase by one of our children: ‘We get on in life because we care’

Nyrie-paige Rushby Y5 2011

The School will: a) Provide a balanced curriculum and meet the individual needs of your child. b) Promote high standards of work and behaviour. c) Support your child’s learning to help them achieve their best. d) Inform parents of their child’s progress at regular meetings. e) Care for your child’s safety and well-being. f) Keep parents informed about school activities through regular Newsletters and

notices of special events. g) Be welcoming and offer opportunities for you to become involved in the life of

the school. h) Handle all complaints sensitively in accordance with the school’s complaint

procedure. i) Expect pupils to respect other children and adults who work and help in the

school. j) Expect pupils to respect their surroundings and the property of others. The Parents will: a) Ensure that my child attends school regularly and contact school if he/she is

absent. b) Ensure my child arrives at school punctually. c) Make the school aware of any concerns or problems that might affect my

child’s work or behaviour. d) Support the school’s policies and guidelines for behaviour. e) Support my child in homework and opportunities for home learning. f) Attend Parents’ Evening to discuss my child’s progress. g) Get to know about my child’s life at school. h) Support the school’s policy on uniform. The Pupil will: a) Always follow the school’s behaviour policy. b) Always be polite, courteous and considerate to pupils and adults. c) Maintain the good name of the school by his/her actions and behaviour. d) Be punctual and attend regularly. e) Be dressed correctly in school uniform. f) Ensure that home learning activities are completed and returned to school. g) Work to the best of his/her ability. h) Take a pride in the school and the local environment.

HOME SCHOOL AGREEMENT


Appendix Each year the governing body must publish a school prospectus for parents and prospective parents. The prospectus must set out the following:

• The school’s name, address and telephone number • The name of the Headteacher and Chair of the governing body • A brief statement describing the ethos and values of the school • A curriculum statement to include a summary of its content, an explanation

of how it is organised in relation to different year groups and key stages and a description of the teaching methods used

• Details of the school’s admission policy • A summary of the governing body’s policy for pupils with special

educational needs, both with and without statements • Details of the religious education provided, a reminder that parents can

withdraw their children from all or part of religious education or religious worship and particulars of any arrangements for parents to exercise their rights

• The affiliations the school has with a particular religion or religious denomination

• Pupil absence rates (including details of authorised and unauthorised absence)

• Information about the school’s National Curriculum assessment results • National information about National Curriculum assessment results • The arrangements for dealing with complaints • The overall approach to sex education • A statement on the school’s sporting aims and provision of sport • The charging and remissions policy • Term dates and session times • The extent to which Welsh is used in the school both as a teaching

medium and as the day-to-day language of communication • Details of any school open days or visits

Taken from Governors’ Guide to the Law 2012, Chapter 6, Pages 3 & 4

Documents

Ysgol Sandycroft C P School Croeso