This school provides education that assists the children to achieve their full potential and strive to become fully independent within a homely, sustainable, kind, equal status environment. Information About the School

Name of the school: Felinwnda Primary School

Telephone number: 01286 830017 E-mail: CarysThomas2@.llyw.cymru Web site address: www.ysgolfelinwnda.cymru Follow us on: Facebook & Twitter

Headteacher: Miss Carys Wyn Thomas B.Ed. Teachers: Mr Neil Wynne Thomas & Miss Mared Haf Roberts

Chairman of the governors: Mr Barry Jones 2 Uwch Menai, Saron (01286 830750)

Type of School

Ysgol Felinwnda, being a small rural school, can describe itself as having a happy and friendly environment where the children have an important role in the day-to-day arrangements. Each child is given the opportunity to develop according to his or her own ability and receive the utmost support that the teachers can offer.

The school is divided into two classes, Miss Roberts is in charge of Nursery, Reception, Year 1, 2 and 3 whilst Year 4, 5 and Year 6 are taught by Mr Thomas. This division is not rigidly adhered to because the staff exchange classes so as to fully utilise the teachers’ strengths and so as to enable the children to receive the best possible education.

It is the school’s belief that parents play a crucial role in their child’s development, and consequently an open door policy exists here, an arrangement by which following obtaining an appointment, parents may visit the school at any time to discuss their children’s development.

One parent recently described Ysgol Felinwnda as “a Family School”, and that is exactly the aim and objective of staff and governors, namely to ensure that the children feel secure and confident thus enabling them to develop.

School hours:

Breakfast & care club: 8:00-8:25 Breakfast club: 8:25-8:40 Morning session: 9:00-12:00 Afternoon session: 1.00-3.30 Playtimes: 10.30-10.45 12.30- 1.00 2.15 - 2.30 Nursery year: 1:00-3:30

HOLIDAYS:

26 - 30 October 2020 (Half-Term) 21 December 2020 - 1 January 2021 (Christmas Holidays) 15 - 19 February 2021 (Half Term) 29 March - 9 April 2021 (Easter Holidays) 3 May 2021 (Mayday) 31 May - 4 June 2021 (Half Term) 21 July - 31 August 2021 (Summer Holidays) Objectives and Implementing them in school life

1. To create an environment and an atmosphere, in which children may grow, develop and mature into confident individuals, who are aware of the welfare of others and are responsible members of the community. a)Answer the phone on a rota basis, supervise younger classes; b)Give thanks at Urdd meetings, extra-curricular competitions; c)Distribute goods to the elderly residing in the area during Harvest Thanksgiving, raise money for funds such as Operation Christmas Child, Barnados.

2. To provide children with every opportunity to develop their skills, gifts, talents and interests, to get to know themselves: their weaknesses and strengths. "develop their gifts, talents and interests" - e.g. compete at the schools and the Urdd Swimming Gala, receive instrumental lessons, contribute to the Urdd's stage competitions and homework. "understand something of their weaknesses and strengths" - that children have an opportunity of regularly appraising their work, share responsibilities once they recognise others' strengths.

3. To ensure that children are given an equal opportunity through providing for them a relevant, differentiated, broad and well-balanced curriculum, interpreting the requirements of the National Curriculum in the context of the Education Authority's philosophy and policies. To provide an education of the highest possible quality. "an equal opportunity" - boys and girls contribute towards the same aspects such as cookery, sewing, mixed games etc. " a curriculum which is relevant ..." present a Welsh Curriculum, make use of the school's natural environment to meet National Curriculum requirements. "... differentiated ..." present children with tasks that enable them to work within their ability range but at the same time provide them with an educational challenge. "Provide education of the highest possible quality" - teachers being aware of the requirements of the National Curriculum, and the policies and guidelines of the Education Authority. Also attend courses and follow the School's Inset Scheme.

4. To foster in the children a pride in their locality and country and develop in them a respect towards the world in which they live. "... a pride in their locality and country" - create an awareness through recalling traditions such as St Valentine's Day, St David Day, eisteddfodau etc. The importance of the and the History of . " ... respect towards the world ..." make use of the school's environment i.e. go for walks, use the Foryd Nature Reserve and receive visits from RSPCA, RSPB, and the Council for Rural Wales officers,

5. To enable every pupil to become fluent in both Welsh and English so that they may participate in both the social and cultural life of the bilingual community. "... fluent in both Welsh and English ..." - follow the County's Language Policy, provide them with an opportunity to discuss and work using their second language, take advantage of practical opportunities such as having an English visitor from time to time as the theme requires or a need for specialisation so that children receive a broad and well- balanced curriculum.

6. To create a happy environment based on mutual respect and care between children, between teachers and children and between children in order that the children display positive behaviour and develop self-confidence. "Create a happy atmosphere" - establish firm rules at the school of whom everyone is aware and that children appreciate that these rules exist for their benefit. Present by means of services, life's fundamental principles.

7. To create an environment at the school that stimulates an appreciation of the elegant and beautiful. "... an appreciation of the elegant and beautiful" create attractive displays by means of various materials, plants, artefacts etc. Draw the children's attention to the world's great artists, composers and sculptors.

8. To try and carry out improvements to the school buildings and ensure that they meet the requirements of the Health and

safety Act. To promote hygiene and neatness both within and outside the school and generate in it both an interesting and stimulating learning environment. Try and carry out improvements to the school buildings..." regularly inspect the building with a detailed annual inspection and carry out improvements if the school's budget allows, or to bring any matter to the authority's attention. Make the children aware of the safety of others and personal hygiene i.e. rules such as washing hands, no walking around in the kitchen, throwing litter into the bins etc.

9. To ensure cohesion and balance in school arrangements. To appreciate and take advantage of various specialisations at the school. Create flexible arrangements so as to ensure that pupils may take full advantage of the specialisation of members of staff. "Ensure cohesion and balance... “work on a whole school theme, teachers share responsibilities and these are to be followed weekly and are set out on the school's sheet. That children and teachers are aware that there are no definite boundaries to any class i.e. doors are open between both classrooms.

School Rules

1. Children are admitted full time to the school in September following their fourth birthday. Children are admitted to the school in September, on a part time basis, following their third birthday.

2. Every child is expected to be in school by 9.00 am. The school is not responsible for the children's safety before 8.45 am.

3. If a child is going to be absent, the school should be notified before 9.30 am by means of the following:

* a telephone call, text or e-mail * a note from a parent * a message given by a brother or sister

4. Every child will leave the school at 3.30 pm. The school should be notified if there are changes to the arrangements regarding transporting your child from school, or if a parent cannot collect the child on time. It should be noted that the school is not responsible for the children's safety after 3.45 pm

5. If a child has a medical or dental appointment, the school should be notified the previous day.

6. If a child is absent from school because of family holidays, a letter should be received from the parents, specifying the dates.

7. Neither the Education Authority nor the Health Authority approve of giving medicine to pupils at the school unless there are extremely exceptional circumstances. On those occasions, parents should complete a form containing the family Doctor's signature approving of the giving of medicine to the child.

8. Dinner money is collected using the Council's online payment system.

9. No child should leave the school grounds during the day without the headteacher's consent.

10. The school's aim is to create a happy, homely and fair environment. The children have an active role in the school's day to day arrangements and management, and thus come to understand the rules and guidelines. They come to understand that they may be both punished and commended.

Schoool Admissions Policy Subject to the County’s current admissions policy, children are admitted full-time in September following their 4th birthday, and part-time in September following their 3rd birthday.

Curriculum Statement Pupils are taught in compliance with 2008 National Curriculum and the Foundation Phase through providing a broad range of daily experiences and developing every child’s skills and competences. A school’s complete curriculum encompasses the National Curriculum and all its planned activities to promote the pupils mental, personal, spiritual, moral, social and physical development. The curriculum is a reflection of the school ethos namely: - those aspects and values reflected in its arrangements; - teachers relationship with pupils; - extra-curricular activities promoted; - contacts with educational establishments and other agencies; - the community in general. In response to these requirements, classroom organization is flexible; occasionally work is set based on chidlren’s age-group, at other times, children from an age-range spanning more than one school year collaborate on the same task. The children are taught as a classroom unit with a permanent teacher in charge. The school is divided into two classes with Miss Mared Roberts responsible for the Foundation Phase and Mr Neil Thomas teaching y3, 4, 5 and 6. Support is also provided by our assistant Mrs Bethan Davies.

Statutoray Assessment At the end of the Foundation Phase, when the children are 7 years old, the children’s achievement is reported on in accordance with the teacher’s assessment. At the end of Key Stage 2, when the children are 11, and ready to transfer to Secondary School, they are set levels in Welsh, English, Mathematics and Science according to the teacher’s assessment. Comparative information and a personal report will be presented to the parents of the 7 and 11 year olds with the annual report being issued in the summer term. 7 year olds, in general, will be expected to work on outcome 5 Foundation Phase when leaving the Foundation Phase and for 11 year olds to be working on level 4 when transferring to the secondary. The school targets every child individually to try and achieve their potential and are therefore proud of the outcome 6 percentages at the end of the Foundation Phase and the levels 5 at the end of Year 6 annually.

Safety The school is a safe community with everybody being familiar with agreed, implemented arrangements. The children are regularly supervised with the doors opening at 8.45 to receive the children. During play and dinner times, at least 2 staff are outside to supervise the children. The children meet their parents at the school’s front door at the end of the school day with the teachers being aware who collect the children from the school daily, or that permission has been given for these children to walk home. Both external doors are controlled by a safety lock where every visitor has to wait to be seen before being admitted to the building. There is a fire emergency scheme in operation and a fire drill is held once a term and there are robust arrangements to contact parents in an emergency. The school’s safety policy and risk assessments encompass all safety elements to ensure all parents of their child’s safety whilst he/she attends the school.

Links with Parents An open door policy has been adopted at the school, where parents are free to come in to discuss the children's work at any time by prior arrangement. In addition, three annual meetings are held, during the Autumn Term, Easter Term and Summer Term. At this school, parents also have opportunities to observe their children's development through homework that will be set on a weekly basis for years 0, 1 and 2, and at least twice a week in years 3, 4, 5 and 6. This work will stem from classroom work, be an extension of classroom work, or homework providing fun. Occasionally, should a teacher feel that a child has not given of his best as regards classroom work, the work will be completed at home. The children's homework is kept in their books/files marked `homework'.

School Uniform The school uniform consists of sweatshirt, polo necked shirt, Tee-shirt, hoodies, cardigan, coats and frocks containing the school badge. The children are expected to be cleanly and smartly dressed, and that their clothing is appropriate to wear at the school. Orders can only be placed on the School Trends Website www.schooltrends.co.uk.

Charging for School Activities The aim of this school’s policy regarding the above is to try and ensure that every pupil at the school has an opportunity to participate in every activity and visit linked to the school curriculum, and also provide activities and visits outside school hours where practical. The aim is to enrich children’s experiences where financial circumstances allow. The school does not raise a mandatory charge on children for educational visits. The school asks parents for a voluntary contribution and we greatly trust that past co-operation will continue. No child will be prohibited from coming on a trip during school hours on account of not having made a financial contribution towards it. If there is inadequate funding to meet the costs of such a trip, it will be cancelled.

Instruction on musical instruments The children have an opportunity to receive lessons on playing musical instruments. Peripatetic teachers visit the school once a week to provide lessons. The children can borrow instruments and they are expected to practice at home. Parents who would like their children to receive this instruction are asked to contribute £30 a term towards the cost, with the money to be paid at the start of every school term, and to commit themselves to the lessons for a school year. We believe that this is an important investment in the children’s musical development.

Sports Provision PE is taught as part of the NC throughout the school. The children have an opportunity to nurture their physical skills, gymnastics, ball skills, athletics, games, dance, swimming within school hours. We have utilized specialist training through the PESS scheme. As part of the Healthy Schools work, we have also contributed towards the heart Campaign work “Jump rope for heart” to name only one activity. The work done by the Urdd clubs, Dragon Sports and Outdoors Club provides sports outside school hours. Good use is made of the Leisure Centre at from January to Whitsun half term where children from reception year upwards receive swimming lessons.

Parents Teachers Association Input from parents is an integral feature of any school. At this school, we are fortunate in having an extremely thriving parent teachers' association. During the last year, the P.T.A. purchased the following resources: • Various plants and flowers for the children to plant • Dance classes for a term • Various shows and educational visits • Science workshops. • Monthly cross-curricular magazine for KS2. • Resources to develop literacy throughout the school • Resources to develop the outside area for the foundation phase • Resources to develop numeracy throughout the school • funding for buses to go on trips and swimming P.T.A. meetings are held during the year and there are a variety of activities: During the Summer Term, the annual summer fair is held which raises a large amount of money for the school. Associated with the evening is the sale of a large raffle. During the fair, the children take an active role in running the evening with their own stall, a games stall, assisting in selling hot dogs, designing posters to advertise the evening and much, much more!

Community Links In a small school such as Ysgol Felinwnda, the school's community links are extremely important. We try our utmost to introduce the children to the wealth of their environment, both human and natural wealth. We have developed a School Visit Program that enables the children to make the most of the school’s natural and economical area. Each month, the Felin pensioners Club is held at the Ganolfan, and every Thanksgiving and Christmas they are invited to watch the children perform their various concerts. Also every Thanksgiving the children share produce with the pensioners. We strongly believe that this contact forges a strong link with the community, and through it, the children develop their social skills of courtesy and politeness.

Contact with industry/Business and Employers The School Council runs a toast café two mornings a week to provide a snack for everybody. This develops entrepreneurship at an initial level for the children and provides them with an opportunity to develop their communication, numeracy and ITC skills. The children also contribute towards the Summer Fair evening annually through running their own stall.

The Urdd Branch

It is the school's belief that the Urdd meetings that are held at the school every Tuesday Evening between November and May are an integral part of the children's social development and also creates a strong link between the school and the community and local industries. In the past, various meetings have been held with officials from the RSPB, RSPCA, paramedic, fire brigade and police representative visiting the school. In addition, we also visit places that are of interest to the children, e.g. the Sain studio of , the ambulance and fire-brigade station at Caernarfon. Both teachers and children greatly enjoy the meetings! In addition to Urdd meetings, we also compete in various competitions, competitions that appeal to a broad range of children.

Early in the new year, we will be commencing on the Urdd Eisteddfod homework competitions. The literature and prose work will be done in school, with the art, design and technology work being done at the after school. We will once again enjoy huge success in these competitions with the school receiving many certificates. Also at this time of year, we will be starting to rehearse for the eisteddfod's stage competitions. We will be singing and reciting, disco dancing and taking part in penillion singing. Plenty of opportunity for all!

Around June, the fittest amongst us have an opportunity to represent the schools Urdd branch in Sport competitions. Every year we have had a strong representation at the County sports. During the summer term, the elder children have an opportunity to visit one of the Urdd camps. At Ysgol Felinwnda, we believe that the school's Urdd branch serves a variety of purposes:  To provide an opportunity for the children to become acquainted with their environment  To provide an opportunity for the children to develop their social skills  To provide an opportunity for the children and teachers to socialise with each other outside the curricular confines  Place Ysgol Felinwnda on the map!

Secondary School Annually around June or July, a strange excitement comes over the oldest children at the school. This is the time they realise that they have to transfer to secondary school. The transfer from primary to secondary school is made as smooth as possible for the children. They are able to visit the school several times, teachers from the secondary school visit the primary schools to see the pupils, they fill in small booklets about themselves for the information of their new teachers and much, much more. Parents also have plenty of opportunities to obtain information about the secondary schools. They obtain booklets similar to this explaining the organisation of the school, they may visit the school or may also meet secondary teachers at the school. I, as a headteacher find it extremely difficult to let go of these children as Ysgol Felinwnda is more of a family than an academic establishment. But hopefully, the children will feel totally free to return to the school for assistance or only for a chat, it is nice to see them!

Attendance Information Percentage of attendance for the year 2018-19 for whole school:

Percentage present Percentage absent with permission Years 1 a 2 98% 2% Years 3, 4, 5 a 6 96% 4% Whole school 96% 4%

The School Governors

Chairman: Mr Barry Jones, 2 Uwch Menai, Saron Clerk: Ms C.W.Thomas, Ysgol Felinwnda. Members of the Governing Body: Miss C W Thomas, Ysgol Felinwnda. * Mrs Sioned Griffiths-Jones, Browen, Penygroes Mr Medwyn Elis Mrs Elen Jones, Gwern, Saron. Mr Neil Wynne Thomas, Ysgol Felinwda Mr Aeron Jones, Bethesda Bach Mr Elfyn Thomas, Morogoro, Llanwnda Mr T. Ellis, Hen Gastell. Mr R Griffiths, Henblas Mrs Bethan Davies, Ysgol Felinwnda (Parents have representatives on the governing body, which is designated by a *) The Schools Standards and Organisation (Wales) Act 2013 (The Act) removed the requirement for school governing bodies to hold an annual meeting with parents. Instead, new arrangements were introduced to enable parents to request up to 3 meetings in any school year with a governing body, on matters which are of concern to them. A copy of the procedures involved with requesting a governors meeting is available at the school.

Complaints Procedure The LEA, in compliance with the requirements, under Section 29 of the 2002 Education Act, has established a procedure to consider complaints as to how school governing bodies and the Education Authority act as regards school curriculum and other associated matters. This procedure is outlined in an appropriate document in Welsh and English that is available at the school. A copy is provided free of charge, as and when required, to any parents wishing to lodge a complaint under these arrangements, and the LEA can provide a copy in a language other than Welsh and English, if required. Three step generic implementation methods The governing body on the recommendation of the Welsh Assembly Government implements three steps as follows: Step 1 – a complaint is lodged with the first recipient within the school (and he/she finds a solution). Step 2 – the matter is referred to the headteacher to investigate, decide upon and resolve Step 3 – the matter is referred to the governing body (addressed to the chairperson) to investigate, decide and resolve (The Governing Body will expect the previous two steps to have been taken prior to the complaint being formally lodged)

Discipline Gwynedd LEA’s policy on discipline in schools and the school’s disciplinary policy regulates how children are disciplined at this school through promoting the following principles: • Nurturing the pupils to be self-disciplined at the school and in the community, contributing towards a civilized society. • Establish foundations for the children so that they become aware of their social responsibilities. • Nurture respect towards their fellow pupils, teachers, entire school personnel and adults in the community. • Nurture respect towards personal property, that of others such as clothing, furniture and school equipment. • Encourage the children to accept responsibility for their behaviour and be self-critical. • Nurture awareness that ensures safety both within and outside the school.

The Nature of the Language spoken at the school The school implements the authority's language policy, namely a bilingual policy that ensures that the children become fully confident in both languages in order to enable them to fully participate in the bilingual community of which they are members. Nursery and Reception class: Every child is provided with a firm grounding in Welsh in order to enable him to eventually achieve the aim of becoming fully bilingual. Infants: To build on the foundation provided for Welsh through nursery education, reinforce and develop the mother-tongue of the child who is a Welsh learner and extend the grasp of a child from a Welsh-speaking home of English. Juniors: To reinforce and develop each child's proficiency in both Welsh and English, in order to ensure that he is able to speak, read and write both fluently and confidently in both languages when transferring to the secondary school.

Sex Education The school’s aim when presenting sex education to children is to prepare them for the physical and emotional challenge involved in growing up and provide an elementary understanding of human reproduction. The Governors have adopted a policy whereby sex education is presented as part of the health education and personal education of every child at the school. It will not be treated in isolation as a subject in itself, but instead be integrated into the school’s curriculum. The themes “Myself”, “Change” and “Growth” lend themselves naturally to sex education. Arrangements are made for the school nurse to discuss their physical changes with children in Y5 and Y6. You should consult the headteacher if you wish to examine the school’s policy on sex education or if you wish to examine the teaching materials used with the children. The school respects parents entitlement to withdraw their children from sex education lessons if they so wish.

Religion This school does not hold direct and formal links with any religious denomination. In accordance with national curriculum requirements, children are introduced to the world's various religions and faiths, as well as morals and guidelines for living in the world beyond the school's confines. In accordance with the act's requirements, a daily service is held at the school. The services deal with a diversity of themes, with both children and teachers being responsible for their presentations.

Special Educational Needs The aim of this school’s Policy on Special Education is to do our utmost to ensure educational and social fairness for every child across the ability range. So as to try and ensure that every individual has the opportunity to work to his/her maximum potential, through written or practical tasks within a bilingual context, we aim to ensure that each child achieves his/her full potential and his/her unique talent. By the addition of a new foyer to the school in the summer of 2002 we have gained a disabled entrance.

Equal Opportunities. The main aim of this policy is to maintain that every child’s abilities are developed without gender, race, disabilities, social class, creed or any other characteristics being a hindrance to this. Promoting equal opportunities for girls and boys and abolishing gender stereotyping is important.

Child Protection 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 school or in the social services. The responsible persons for Child Protection in Ysgol Felinwnda are- In school: Miss Carys W Thomas Second in school: Mr Neil W Thomas Governor: Mrs Ellen P Jones, Gwern, Saron (01286 831337) AALl: Mrs Angela Owen, Ysgol Syr (07798580672) Or the Children Referrals Team, Social Services 01758 704455 If there are child protection allegations regarding the headteacher, you should contact the named person in social services ( contact deails above).

Breakfast Club There is an opportunity for every child at the school to be part of our Breakfast Club. This means that your child can come to school by 8:00 a.m. for breakfast & care consisting of fruit juice, cereal and toast at a cost of 80p per day. Payment and reserving a place at the club can be done online before attendance. The Breakfast Club is open every school day. If you wish your child to be part of this club, contact the school for more information and for a registration form.

How a year is organised at Ysgol Felinwnda.

September: Children and teachers start school following the summer holidays. The Urdd /Clwb Ar Ol Ysgol will start activities after school every Tuesday evening ranging from gardening work, cooking, climbing, canoeing to a cycling journeys.

October: A Thanksgiving Service at the school, with produce being distributed to the elderly in the area.

November: The year’s first open evening at the school.

December: A Christmas Concert is given by the children to Clwb y Felin, and one for the parents and the public. A Christmas party with a visit from Santa Claus. Christmas Dinner prepared by Auntie Wendy in the kitchen. The children have an opportunity to see a pantomime.

January: Rehearsal for the Urdd Eisteddfod. Start on the homework for the eisteddfod.

February: Half Term.

March: Dyffryn Nantlle Area Urdd Eisteddfod. Dyffryn Nantlle Area Art and Craft Exhibition.

April: Beginning of the swimming lessons in the Leisure Centre.Open Evening for the parents. A visit from the Easter bunny bringing the children chocolate eggs!

May: Start to sell raffles in order to raise money for the school.

June A Summer fair at the school. Urdd sports. A professional photographer takes pictures. Children starting full time after the Summer holidays may visit the school for a whole day. Nursery children starting in September can come for half a day. Visits from children from year 6 to the Secondary school.

July: The elder children have an opportunity to go to Llangrannog. The year’s final open evening having received end of year reports. Annual school trip. School sports on the school playing field.

August: SUMMER HOLIDAY