This Involves Building up Your Child's

Dear Parents,

The Governing Body and Staff welcome you to Lliswerry Primary Nursery and the start of your child's school life. You are probably familiar with the expression "Learning the 3 R's" - well, in Nursery, we will be dealing with "the 3 C's".

This involves building up your child's: Confidence Concentration and encouraging his/her Conversation with adults and classmates.

During the year we aim to educate your child and give him/her a good foundation on which his/her school life will be built.

This booklet is designed as a guide to the school for all parents. If you wish to have further information or to visit the school please contact the Head teacher.

We are committed to working in partnership with all parents and welcome your involvement in the life of our school.

Councillor John Richards Mrs. S.A. Saunders Chair of Governors Headteacher Lliswerry Primary School Lliswerry Primary School Nash Road Nash Road Newport Newport NP19 4NG NP19 4NG

TEL. ( 01633 ) 277015 TEL. ( 01633) 277015

The information relating to the School Year 2009 / 2010 which appears in this booklet is correct at the time of printing but may be subject to change before the start of or during the school year or subsequent years.

1 Lliswerry Primary School Mission Statement

Working together to reach true potential as tomorrow’s success begins today

Vision Statement

Working together in partnership, united as one; creating a secure, happy and stimulating environment for learning which values and respects the worth and talent of each individual as we seek to develop true potential academically, physically, morally, socially, spiritually and culturally, encouraging self discipline and independence with individual and community responsibility

In order to achieve this we aim to:

 Provide a secure, happy stimulating, attractive and welcoming environment in which each child is encouraged to enjoy learning and develop a lively and enquiring mind, the ability to question and discuss rationally and apply themselves to tasks and skills as they strive to reach their full true potential in all aspects of school life.

 Provide a learning environment which treats and values pupils as individuals and to encourage good working relationships with parents who understand that entering into partnership with our school has a beneficial effect on their child’s education.

 Provide the best possible holistic education for the children in our care academically, physically, aesthetically, spiritually, morally, socially and culturally through the provision of a broad, balanced, creative, relevant and differentiated curriculum that promotes equality of opportunity and helps them to gain an understanding of the community, an awareness of the wider world, and global citizenship, beginning with caring for the local environment and considering issues of sustainability. We aim for children to appreciate the need to participate in decisions that will improve the quality of life now without damaging the future.

 Help and encourage children to choose a healthy lifestyle through adopting a balanced diet and regular exercise.

2  Promote the individuality of all our children, irrespective of ethnicity, attainment, age, ability, disability, gender or background to prepare them for living as adults in a multicultural society.

 Meet the additional educational needs of all our children, including those with Special Educational Needs, disabilities, English as an additional language and the more able and talented, within the resources available.

 Enable each child to develop positive relationships with peers and adults and to have respect for other people’s religious views and values, showing an acceptance for others opinions and an appreciation of other cultures.

 Help pupils to develop social skills including the importance of good manners and a sense of moral responsibility and ethical values so that children are taught the difference between right and wrong and to promote a sense of respect for others, property and environment.

 Provide a series of daily experiences enabling children to develop their knowledge and understanding of the use of Welsh as a second language to promote bilingualism.

 To give children opportunities to develop and apply knowledge and understanding of the cultural, economic, environmental, historical and linguistic characteristics of Wales.

 Extend active links between home, school, industry and the local community.

 Develop the Governing Body's involvement in the life of the school.

 Maintain a close relationship between the Infant and Junior departments of the school as well as with Lliswerry High School to promote continuity and progression in the children's learning during a smooth transition from the Infant to the Junior and then on to the Secondary phase of education.

 Promote unity and co-operation among all the staff who work in our school, value the contribution they make to the life of the school and enable them to reach their full potential through the provision of an appropriate programme of staff development.

3 PlanPlan of of Lliswerry Lliswerry Primary Primary Nursery Nursery

4 Morning Nursery Doors open: 8.50 Collection: 11.30

Afternoon Nursery Doors open: 12.40 Collection: 3.10

Senior Staff Headteacher: Mrs S. Saunders Deputy Headteacher: Mrs J. Giles Assistant Headteacher: Ms A. Miggins Early Years Phase Leader: Ms. A. Sharpe

Nursery Staff Teacher: Mrs C. Thorne Teaching Assistants: Miss D. Bolt, Miss J. Featherstone, Mrs. J. Evans

Piggy Money A contribution of £1 is required each week so that we can supply fruit and other healthy options at snack time. This also contributes to the cost of cooking ingredients and other treats for the children.

Independence Within the first weeks please encourage your child to find their coat peg, hang up their coat. At home you can help by teaching your child to put on their coat independently.

General Points about Nursery life

 Please ensure that all items of clothing are labelled.

 Often a Nursery child leaves it until the last moment before dashing to the toilet so please understand if your child comes home in a change of clothing.

5  We play in the Nursery garden every day (weather permitting). It helps us greatly if your child has a warm coat that s/he can put on independently. (No all-in-one suits please!  Encourage your child to dress independently and show him/her how to do up buttons/zips. All children will be expected to put on their own coats after the first few weeks.

 Children often like to bring to Nursery a toy from home. These precious things can however get lost or damaged so we ask that children leave toys at home.

Registration At the beginning of Nursery parents are asked to register the child by placing their name on an attendance board.

Keeping us informed Please notify staff if your child is to be collected by someone other than yourself.

If there are any changes to home circumstances which might affect your child at school please let us know so that we can keep a careful eye on them. Of course we will treat any such information sensitively.

Please notify us of any medical conditions, permanent or temporary, which may affect your child at school e.g. asthma, allergies.

Attendance We ask for your co-operation in establishing good habits of promptness and regular attendance. If your child is ill, please let the school know as soon as possible on the first day of absence. This may be by way of a note delivered by neighbour or friend or a telephone call.

If your child does not attend regularly or is absent for a long time without any explanation we may offer the place to a child on the waiting list.

Working with Parents We look forward to working closely with parents. There are formal parent consultations each term. During the year we will be inviting you into school to share our nursery concerts and special festivals. Please make every effort to attend – the children love to perform and share with you their songs and activities.

6 There are opportunities throughout the year for parents to develop their own skills in supporting their child’s learning at home.

We ask that parents maintain their part of the ‘Home School Agreement’ and above all, we ask that parents work in partnership with us, keeping us informed of anything that may affect a child’s happiness or progress.

We encourage the children to have high expectations of themselves and a willingness to co-operate with staff and each other. You will be informed about your child's progress in this and all other areas.

Homework Each week parents will receive a copy of Nursery News which will include a rhyme of the week and, an activity for you to practise with your child. It will also inform you of any up and coming events.

Modern research now indicates that an early awareness of rhyme and alliteration is vitally important if children are to become early readers, and so the learning of rhymes and jingles of all kinds is given top priority in the Nursery. Encourage your child to sing these songs with you to develop his/her language and confidence. You can vary the activity by putting in actions and body percussion where appropriate.

Number rhymes and jingles are an enjoyable way of reinforcing and consolidating number concepts as well as being a vehicle for developing language skills BUT REMEMBER - these activities must always be FUN!!

Parties If you would like to provide a cake for your child's birthday (nothing elaborate as the candles are more important than the cake), a packet of biscuits and a bottle of squash, your child can hold a birthday party in the Nursery.

Bring birthday cards and favourite presents to display and the birthday boy/girl will have a pleasurable experience shared with all his/her friends.

ASSESSMENT AND RECORD KEEPING All children will be assessed in Nursery as this helps us to discover strengths and weaknesses, eg...."Needs help with learning his colours, etc".

During the year you will be invited to Parents' Evening in order to discuss your child's progress. You may use this opportunity to discuss any problems your child may have and how you can help at home. 7 Remember, we only teach your child for 2½ hours of the 24 hour day.

When your child enters Nursery it would be helpful if he/she could......

Dress and undress him/ Use the toilet properly, herself and remove his/her flush after use then coat and hang it up. wash & dry his/her hands.

Tidy/clear away his/her Use a handkerchief toys. effectively.

Share his/her toys and Act confidently and be be prepared to take responsible. turns.

8 THE VISIT

The visit to Nursery is very important as your child will be able to see the older children settled and playing happily and become familiar with staff and surroundings.

During your visit

 Encourage your child to explore the Nursery and feel free to wander about and show him/her areas of interest;

 Take the opportunity to build a personal relationship with the Nursery Staff;

 Allow your child to use our toilets, (the hand dryer is usually a source of fascination).

After your visit, talk about the Nursery from time to time and encourage your child to tell you what s/he saw and what s/he will be able to do when s/he starts Nursery.

This visit will give you and your child a variety of experiences to talk about when you are at home.

THE GREAT DAY

Your child will probably be very excited about starting Nursery and may be up at the crack of dawn on the "Great Day" so don't be surprised if s/he is overwhelmed when s/he arrives and clings to you.

WE EXPECT TEARS! DON'T BE EMBARRASSED!

1. On the first day, bring your child in and settle him/her down - please tell him/her when you are going, reassure him/her you will return and then please leave without making a fuss.

2. Your child will only attend Nursery for 1 hour each session for the first week. This enables the staff to build up a relationship with a few children at a time.

3. Occasionally, a child may find it difficult to settle into Nursery routine and appears tearful at the start of each session. Please don't allow yourself to become discouraged by this. Talk to the teacher as she will be able to

9 discuss with you ways of overcoming these feelings of insecurity. Above all, remember that Nursery Education is the finest start you can give to your child in his/her life at school.

The curriculum The Foundation Phase is about enhancing the learning experiences which enable children to be creative, imaginative and to have fun whilst learning. Children will be given opportunities practical activities which are fun and enjoyable and relevant to their stage of development. The foundation phase places greater emphasis on:  developing and promoting self-esteem and self confidence to experiment investigate, learning new things and forming new relationships.  activities in the outdoors where they have first-hand experiences of solving real life problems.

Learning Indoors and Outdoors Indoors and outdoor environments that are fun, exciting, stimulating and safe promote children’s development and natural curiosity to explore and learn through first-hand, real life experiences.

Seven Areas of Learning in the Foundation Phase.

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.

Children are supported in becoming confident, competent and independent thinkers and learners. They will be learning about standards of good behaviour and developing appropriate attitudes. They will learn to take responsibility for themselves in areas such as personal hygiene, dressing and safety.

They will experience other cultures through celebrating festival, tasting food from other countries and role play.

Language, literacy and communication skills. This area of learning focuses on children being immersed in 10 language experiences and activities. Their skills develop through talking, communicating and listening. They are encouraged to listen and respond to others. Conversation, speaking and listening skills and the ability to question, make choices and judgements are all given high priority.

Children have access to a variety of good quality books. Stories, rhymes and jingles are a daily part of Nursery routine.

They have opportunities to choose and use reading materials to gain early reading skills. They are given a wide range of opportunities to enjoy mark making experiences.

Mathematical Development This area of learning focuses on children developing their skills, knowledge and understanding of mathematics.

Children will develop mathematical language and begin to understand mathematical processes through meaningful experiences in their daily activities with shape, position, size, quantity, patterns, comparisons, measurement and numbers. The children explore these concepts during play with bricks, sand, water, dough, role play etc. Children will also experience number through rhymes, songs, and counting games.

Welsh Development This area of learning focuses on children learning to use and communicate in Welsh and being introduced to Welsh culture through ‘Curriculum Cymreig’.

Knowledge and Understanding of the World This area of learning focuses on children experimenting with their familiar world through enquiry and investigation.

Children are given experiences that increase their curiosity about the world around them and begin to understand past events, people and places, living things and non living things.

They will be encouraged to explore the world using all their senses. They will have experiences of investigative work and be encouraged to explore, question, problem solve and decision make. Children will have opportunities to design their own constructions and choose materials, tools and techniques that are appropriate for each task. Children will also be introduced to computers.

Physical Developments Area of Learning focuses on This area of learning focuses on children’s physical development.

11 Children are encouraged to enjoy physical activity and develop their self esteem, confidence. Enthusiasm and energy for movement is continually promoted through helping them to use their bodies effectively, by encouraging spatial awareness, balance, control and coordination and developing motor and manipulative skills.

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

Children of Nursery age will be encouraged to develop physical control, mobility, awareness of space and a range of manipulative skills. They will have access to safe and stimulating outdoor play using small and large equipment, wheeled vehicles, balls, hoops etc. They will have an awareness of their own bodies and growth.

Fine motor skills will be developed through handling a variety of tools such as pencils, paintbrushes etc.

Play Young children learn most effectively when they are actively involved in first hand experiences. Within Nursery, children’s play continues to be well structured and purposeful. The staff are there to help children, to guide their play, to offer choices, to challenge them and to move their learning along.

LANGUAGE AND PLAY

During the year the Nursery Teacher holds a series of meetings using a programme of materials and ideas developed by the Basic Skills Agency. These meetings are to make parents aware of language and play as the key to learning. Dates will be announced in due course.

12 It is important that your child enjoys books and stories. Your child will enjoy your time together and will form a positive attitude towards books. Important things to remember:  share books together, especially related to your child’s interest  ensure the books have large font and vibrant pictures  choose a time when you can be relaxed and give your undivided attention and your child is receptive  make it enjoyable for both of you  use books with repetitive phrases and leave opportunities for your child to join in  it is good practice to re read favourite books  books are important but they are not the only way of learning to read – read things like logos on mugs, t shirts, signs and adverts on TV  point out print that is all around. Look at street signs, supermarket labels and posters. Find the letters that are in his/her name  we hope you will also borrow books from the local library, or school or buy books to build up a small collection at home

How do I share books with my child? Talk about the pictures:  what can you see?  what is happening?  what do you think will happen next?

Talk about the story:  what happened?  who was in the story?  what was your favourite part?

Talk about colours, numbers and shapes. When you read the story, run your finger from left to right under the words. 13 Ensure your child knows which is the front of the book and which is the right way up.

How can I help my child?

Please give your child many opportunities for using a variety of writing equipment and value all of their efforts for writing as well as drawing.

Let your child watch you when you write. It might be:  filling in forms  letters  birthday cards  notes  bills  shopping lists

Children like doing all of the above things for themselves. Talk about what you are writing and whom it is for. Show your child you can make mistakes and start again. Please do not teach your children to write using capital letters. Children will be taught the letter sounds in preparation for reading and writing. It is important to call letters by their sound rather than their name. If your child brings home some writing:

Do  say it is wonderful!  talk about what the writing means  ask your children what was difficult or easy

Don’t  say how untidy it is  put it in the bin 14 Learning about maths does not only happen at school. There are many ways of beginning to understand numbers. All of your child’s mathematical experiences count, not just those in school. You can help your child to think and talk about maths everyday by using the numbers around them, using games to develop early maths and using important mathematical words in everything you do e.g. big, small, biggest, smallest, more, less, heavy, light etc.

Play with maths outside

You might play counting games as you go around your area. On trips to the shops you can use counting games to: Go up and down steps. Count groups of things you see – red cars, lamp posts, friends etc. There is a lot of mathematical language you can use while playing in the park with your child. On the swings and see saw you can talk about up and down, high and low, heavier and lighter and going round on the roundabout. Playing outdoor games such as skittles, skipping or hopscotch will help your child to recognise numbers and know the order of numbers.

Playing with maths at home There are numerous opportunities to introduce your child to maths at home. Helping to bake a cake, counting the stairs as they go to bed, counting songs and rhymes, laying the places at the table and sharing counting books are just a few examples.

15 Remember:

 that your child learned to walk and talk before she started school

 that you are your child’s first teacher

 that teachers and parents need to work together

 to keep having fun!

16 SCHOOL UNIFORM At Lliswerry we wear school uniform for many reasons but mainly because it supports:  Equality  Safety  A practical and functional purpose  A sense of identity - belonging to the school family of Lliswerry Primary

We aim to provide our children with a SCHOOL U NIFORM that is FIT FOR PURPOSE and supports parents against the pressure of trying to keep up with the latest fashions.

The Governors of Lliswerry Primary believe that the most practical uniform, which is fit for purpose for all the activities that the children undertake throughout the day in the New National Curriculum for Primary Schools in Wales, should include trousers in the winter and knee length shorts in the summer. The Governors believe this for the following reasons:

. It is easier, more practical and safer in many instances for children to use the different types of large outdoor equipment if they are wearing trousers . When sitting or exploring various active-play learning activities, it is far more comfortable for the children to be in trousers . It is easier for the children to put on the waterproof protective clothing when they undertake outdoor / ‘forest school‘ lessons if they are wearing trousers . Because of the various activities that they undertake on the different equipment used outside, we have found that the girls find it less embarrassing to be wearing trousers than skirts or dresses. . Changing into outdoor clothes when infant children are being encouraged to move freely between the indoor and out door classroom is very time-consuming – time they could be actively learning.

As nursery children spend as much time learning in the outdoor classroom as they do in the indoor classroom the Governors especially recommend that all children attending the Nursery should wear:

. Black jogging trousers or tailored trousers in the winter

. Knee length shorts in the summer.

17 PLEASE MARK ALL CLOTHING WITH YOUR CHILD’S NAME Girls

Winter * Plain Black Tailored Trousers or Knee Length Skirt / Pinafore (Nursery option of Black Jogging trousers) * Red polo shirt with Lliswerry Primary Logo * Red sweatshirt or cardigan with Lliswerry Primary Logo * White or black socks / black tights * PLAIN BLACK FLAT STURDY SHOES OR PLAIN BLACK TRAINERS (No slip-on or strappy sandal type shoes for girls which could come off during play)

Summer * Red checked blouse / dress or red polo shirt with School Logo * Plain Black Trousers or Tailored Knee Length Shorts or Skirt * Red sweatshirt or cardigan with Lliswerry Primary Logo * White or black socks * SHOES AS ABOVE

NOTE: If you choose to send your daughter in a skirt or pinafore you will also need to provide your child, in a draw string bag, with a pair of black jogging trousers for some outdoor play activities. This bag will need to be brought to school on a Monday and taken home on a Friday.

PLEASE MARK ALL CLOTHING WITH YOUR CHILD’S Boys

Winter * Plain Black Tailored Trousers (Nursery option of Black Jogging trousers) * Red polo shirt with Lliswerry Primary Logo * Red sweatshirt with Lliswerry Primary Logo * White or black socks * PLAIN BLACK FLAT STURDY SHOES OR PLAIN BLACK TRAINERS

Summer * Plain Black Trousers or Tailored Knee Length Shorts * Red polo shirt with Lliswerry Primary Logo * Red sweatshirt with Lliswerry Primary Logo * SHOES AND SOCKS AS ABOVE School uniform is available in the:  Trutex Schoolwear Centre, Cambrian Road, Newport.  AJP, Unit 4, Estuary Court, Queensway Meadows, Newport. UNIFORM TIP: Cut down you child’s long school trousers which have become short for them into summer Knee Length Shorts. JEWELLERY The wearing of jewellery is discouraged at Nursery as it can be very dangerous in busy play areas. For SAFETY reasons the only jewellery allowed to be worn in Nursery is SMALL STUD EARRINGS. HAIR Hair must be kept in neat and tidy styles. LONG HAIR NEEDS TO BE TIED BACK IN SCHOOL as this helps to avoid the spread of head lice. LITTER 18 We are fortunate to enjoy the advantages of a large site with excellent playing fields and attractive planting schemes which we are continually seeking to improve. Please help us keep Lliswerry litter-free by ensuring that children do not drop sweet papers, crisp packets etc onto the ground. Litter is not only unsightly but unhygienic and its presence does not reflect the standards and values we teach at this school.

SCHOOL GROUNDS

We strive continuously to achieve pleasing grounds by additional planting each year in the hope that future generations will enjoy our grounds even more than we do. Please help us to care for our trees, plants and flowers by careful parental supervision while waiting for school to begin. It is important for nursery children to understand that tugging at branches and plants will harm them and spoil our environment. Please help our children to care for our natural environment by teaching them to appreciate such things while they are still responsive and impressionable.

SMOKING IN SCHOOL

The school has a NO SMOKING POLICY, which means that smoking is not allowed in school at all. We would appreciate your cooperation in this matter and ask that you do not smoke either in school or when waiting in the school grounds.

DOGS AT SCHOOL

While it is true to say that we are a nation of dog lovers, we feel that we must also say that school is not an appropriate place for dogs to be. We often have to clean up the mess which they leave behind .We must, therefore, insist that you leave dogs at home when escorting your children to and from school.

BICYCLES ON SCHOOL GROUNDS

The Governing Body has agreed a policy that does not permit bicycles to be ridden on school grounds. If your child has a trike or scooter please ensure that these are wheeled to the school gate, or better still, left at home. Adults collecting children are to wheel bicycles in a similar manner.

19 CAR PARKING / CLOSURE OF DRIVE GATES

We request that you respect the parking restrictions and regulations at all times. Careless parking could cost a child’s life. NO ONE MUST PARK OBSTRUCTING THE DRIVE ENTRANCE OF THE SCHOOL The area in front of the gates MUST BE KEPT CLEAR AT ALL TIMES to allow emergency vehicles (fire brigade or ambulance) to gain access to the school.

For safety reasons the school drive gates will be: closed from: 8.30 – 9.15 am / 2.45 – 3.30 pm.

The Visitors / Parents’ car park is on the right hand side of the drive towards the front on the school. HEAD LICE

Each year we have cases of head lice in school. These can be minimised by tying back long hair and regularly using a nit comb. The school nurse no longer visits school to inspect children’s hair; parents are asked to do this at home on a regular basis. Letters informing parents that there are cases of head lice in a child’s class are not routinely sent home with children. Head lice is regarded as a community problem, generally when a child has head lice, other family members will also be infected. Advice can be sought from the local pharmacist on methods of treatment.

ADDITIONAL STATUTORY INFORMATION

Educational Programmes and Activity.

All children are provided with a broad, balanced curriculum with emphasis on structured play activities. See "Curriculum" in main part of Nursery handbook.

Record Keeping, Progress Recording, Reporting to Parents.

Children's learning and progress are assessed by regular observations which are used to identify the plan for a child's progress. Children are observed as an on-going, regular process when they are actively involved in learning experiences.

Parents are invited into "Open Sessions" on a termly basis and are invited to an individual consultation during the Spring term

20 Premises and Equipment

The nursery was opened in September 2003 after a major refurbishment programme. It has a secure garden and facilities for the disabled. The nursery has been fully equipped to facilitate all areas of Nursery education. In 2008: . New Large Outdoor Equipment was installed into the Nursery to enhance not only Physical and Creative development but also develop language skills . A large outdoor canopy was erected to enable the children to have ‘active play’ learning activities outdoors in all weathers.

Equipment is audited, monitored and assessed on a regular basis and replaced, repaired or disposed of as necessary. Equipment is supplemented through capitation, fund raising and occasionally by means of parental contributions.

Health and Safety

The School's Health and Safety policy is available for Inspection. Please refer also to appropriate section in the Nursery Handbook under "Smoking in School", "Litter" and "Dogs at School".

Equal Opportunities

We encourage a respect for all sections of society: the elderly, those with learning difficulties or physical disabilities, those of different gender, colour or religion. Children will be encouraged to relate to others as equals and have an open mind about the traditional roles men and women have formerly held. Each entrance has wheelchair access and a ramp where necessary. A full equal Opportunities Policy is available for inspection.

Racial Equality In compliance with our agreed mission statement, the school is committed to working towards race equality, promoting a positive approach to difference and fostering respect for people of all cultural backgrounds to enable all within the school community to achieve their full potential. The school is opposed to all forms of racial prejudice and discrimination. Language or behaviour which is racist or potentially damaging to any ethnic or racial group will not be tolerated and will be challenged. The school recognises that Wales and the UK have diverse societies made up of people from many different racial, cultural, religious and linguistic backgrounds. It is important that all pupils are adequately prepared to live in such a diverse society. The school will, through vehicles such as its ethos and curriculum, promote racial equality.

21 Admissions Policy Nursery children are generally admitted to Nursery in the September following their third birthday. If there are places available, children can be admitted in January and April. We adhere to Newport County Borough Council's admission policy when registering and admitting pupils to our Nursery. This Policy is available on request.

Discipline Policy It is important to encourage children to become responsible for their own conduct and standards of discipline. Children are trained from an early age to behave considerably to others, both adults and children, and to treat property with respect. Children are spoken to courteously and are expected to speak courteously to others. Unkind or hurtful behaviour is met with disapproval but consideration, politeness and other caring attitudes are constantly praised. The virtues of honesty, integrity, co-operation, courtesy etc. are emphasized as important qualities both at school and in the community beyond. A full Discipline Policy is available for inspection. DATES OF SCHOOL YEAR 2009 / 2010

Half Term Half Term Term Starts Starts Ends Term Ends

Autumn * Thursday Monday *Wednesday Tuesday 2009 3rd September 26th October 4th November 22nd December

Spring *Tuesday Monday Monday Friday 2010 5th January 15th February 22nd February 26th March

Summer Monday Monday Friday * Friday 2010 12th April 31st May 4th June 16th July

The school will be closed on the following teacher training days:  Wednesday 2nd September 09  Monday 2nd and Tuesday 3rd November 09

 Monday 4th January 2010  Monday 19th July 2010 May Bank Holiday - School will be closed: Monday 3rd May 2010

22 The School will have 2 more additional Teacher Training days and you will be informed of the date as soon as they have been finalised. Complaints Procedure

If a parent feels it necessary to make a complaint about any aspect of school life s/he should, in the first instance, make an appointment with the Headteacher in order to discuss any concerns.

If a meeting with the Headteacher fails to resolve the problem, the next step would be to refer the matter to the Chair of Governors in writing.

In the unlikely event that matters remain unresolved, the parent concerned would be invited to pass on his/her concerns to the Director of Education.

It is to be hoped that most concerns could be resolved at the first stage as problems are often either easily resolved or stem from misunderstandings or fears that can be quickly allayed.

A full copy of the school’s Complaints Procedure is available for parents on request.

Child Protection

We all have a responsibility for ensuring that children are protected from harm. School staff have been trained to recognise the possible signs of child abuse and how to make referrals to Children and Family (social work) Services.

Every school is required to follow a set of procedures in child protection issues. Head teachers are required to refer child protection concerns to the Social Service Department for further investigation so that children at risk can be identified quickly, and the relevant services enacted as appropriate. The procedure is intended to protect children from abuse. When a school refers a child protection concern to the Social Services Department, it is not accusing the parents of abuse, but requesting that further investigation takes place to establish whether a child is at risk of significant harm.

Information leaflets, produced by the Newport Area Child Protection Committee are available to parents.

You can contact the Newport Children and Family Services at: The Corn Exchange, High Street, Newport. Tel: 01633 246571

23 Special Educational Needs (SEN) Policy

Mrs J Giles, Deputy Head Teacher is the member of staff designated for SEN Policy and implementation. An SEN Policy document is available for inspection on request.

All staff are aware of the SEN Policy and its contents and work together as a staff and with outside agencies such as Educational Psychology Service to ensure appropriate implementation. We also have access to:

Service for the Hearing Impaired Service for the Visually Impaired Service for Specific Learning Difficulties Speech and Language Therapist Specific Language Impairment Service Occupational Therapist Physiotherapist Pollard's Well Clytha Clinic

Inspection Report

The Infant Department and Nursery were inspected in the autumn term 2006 and Junior in the autumn term 2003. A copy of the report is available on request or can be viewed on the ESTYN w