1 2017-18 Ysgol Y Cribarth Prospectus Gwyn Williams Head Teacher Ysgol Y Cribarth Prospectus 2017 2 Welcome Croeso i Ysgol Y Cribarth. Thank you for showing an interest. We are a brand new school that opened in September 2012 serving the communities of Penycae, Coelbren, Caehopkin and Abercraf. We are situated near the top of the Swansea Valley which is an area of outstanding natural beauty with many tourist attractions such as Craig Y Nos Castle, Dan-yr-Ogof Showcaves and of course the Brecon Beacons. At Ysgol Y Cribarth we want everyone in our school community to feel cared for and supported whilst achieving their full potential. We believe strongly that all children should enjoy coming to school, have the opportunity to explore through a varied curriculum and to be given the support to succeed and achieve. We feel that close and friendly links between teachers and parents are an essential part of the child’s development. Our aim is for the community to become involved in the life of the school whenever possible and we look forward to everyone working happily together during your child’s time at Ysgol Y Cribarth. At Ysgol Y Cribarth we encourage all children to: Fulfil their potential Achieve high standards Develop enquiring minds Be motivated, enthusiastic learners Demonstrate independence and self-discipline Be able to work collaboratively and as part of a team Have high self-esteem, respecting themselves, others and the environment Become responsible citizens of the future If you would like to find out more please feel free to make an appointment to visit. We are extremely proud of our school and welcome the opportunity to show people around. We look forward to hearing from you. Enjoy, Explore, Achieve. Gwyn Williams Head Teacher– Autumn 2017 Ysgol Y Cribarth Prospectus 2017 3 Governor’s Welcome I am delighted that you are considering sending your child to Ysgol Y Cribarth and may I on behalf of Governors welcome you to our School. As Governors we aim to ensure the school is a safe and secure place where children feel they belong and their views are respected and valued. There is an opportunity for children to become more actively involved in issues through the School, Eco and International Council. At Ysgol Y Cribarth we aim for excellence and a community where everyone cares about others and helps them to succeed. We firmly believe that knowing every child as an individual is vital to success, and our teaching staff are keenly aware of the educational and personal needs of every child. Teaching and learning is a shared activity with very well planned and stimulating lessons. We are a community, a family, with all its successes and challenges, and aim for high standards both in and outside the classroom. This community includes you, the parents or guardians, who are always welcome to share in the children's achievements whether, academic, sporting, musical, or any other. We encourage parents to meet with the teachers termly to review progress or discuss any concerns. Finally, as a grandparent, I have no hesitation in recommending Ysgol Y Cribarth to you. Susan Davies Chair of Governors Ysgol Y Cribarth Prospectus 2017 4 Useful Contacts Ysgol Y Cribarth School Road Abercraf Powys SA9 1XD Telephone: 01639 731500 Office email: [email protected] Website: www.cribarth.powys.sch.uk Head of Schools Mr Gareth Jones People and Well-being Powys County Council County Hall Llandrindod Wells LD1 5LG Telephone: 01597826000 Fax: 01597 826262 Website: http://education.powys.gov.uk Area Education Office The Brecon Area Education Office Neuadd Brycheiniog Cambrian Way Brecon LD3 7HR Telephone: 01874 612211 Ysgol Y Cribarth Prospectus 2017 5 Mission Statement “Enjoy, Explore, Achieve- Mwynhau, Darganfod, Cyflawni ” Aims At Ysgol Y Cribarth we will…. Provide a safe, nurturing, happy and healthy environment for children to develop a sense of respect for themselves, others and the wider world; Provide education at the highest standard to develop skills within the pupils that lay the foundations for life and instil a lifelong love of learning; Seek to motivate and inspire all members of the school community, (pupils, staff, parents and governors) to achieve their full potential; Encourage children to be confident bilingually and celebrate their Welsh heritage and culture and to explore and celebrate the rich diversity of different cultures both at home and abroad. Organisational Principles As a school which strives to realise high expectations for all, we believe that it is vital to have a shared commitment to a set of core principles or values which underpin our aims. These principles apply to everything we do in school and to everyone who is a part of our school community. They form the bedrock of our thinking and provide a set of test measures against which we judge our performance and an aspiration towards which we reach. Equality Quality Safety Respect Effectiveness The School The school first opened in September 2012. It is situated in a beautiful setting at the edge of the Brecon Beacons National Park. The school is brand new and well maintained and provides a modern environment for the children to learn. Ysgol Y Cribarth Prospectus 2017 6 Externally the school is situated on a well-designed site and the grounds provide a valuable environmental learning resource including; a multi-use games area, Infant/Junior playgrounds, nature area, and soon to open playing field. The accommodation includes: 6 classrooms Playgroup room A good-sized hall Music room ALN room Meeting room Library area School office Staff room School kitchen Staff Team Teaching Staff Mr Gwyn Williams Head Teacher Ysgol Y Cribarth Prospectus 2017 7 Mr Julian Hopkins Deputy Head Teacher Year 4/5Teacher Mrs Karen Jones Teaching Assistant Mrs Clare Mallows R/1 Teacher Mrs Megan Jenkins Teaching Assistant Mrs Lynda Lock Teaching Assistant Miss Sarah Morris Year 1/2 Teacher Mrs Karolina Rees Teaching Assistant Mrs Natalie Jones Year 3Teacher Mrs Kelly Maggs Teaching Assistant Mr Simon Hosking Year 5/6 Teacher Miss Claire Parsons Cewri Bach Playgroup Leader Miss Chelsey Allen Cewri Bach Playgroup Assistant Support Staff Mrs Karen Jones School Secretary Mr Tony Harries Caretaker Mrs Paula Preece School Cook Mrs Sharon Austin Assistant Cook Mrs Elaine Thomas Cleaner Mrs Shannon Harding Cleaner Mrs Lynda Lock Breakfast Club Leader Miss Claire Parsons After school club Leader Miss Chelsey Allen Midday Supervisor Miss Karolina Rees Midday Supervisor Mrs Lesley Baker Midday Supervisor Musical Tuition Mrs Louise Hanslow Piano/Brass Tutor School Governors Lea Appointed Governors Cllr David Thomas Cllr Sarah Williams Mrs Susan Davies Ysgol Y Cribarth Prospectus 2017 8 Parent Governors Mr Craig Maggs Mr Gethin Pugh Mr Ceirion Harries Mrs Catherine Davies Community Governors Mr Richard Davies Mr Richard Walters Dr Arlene Jones Mr Evan Evans Staff Governors Mr Gwyn Williams (Head Teacher) Mr Julian Hopkins ( Acting Head teacher) Mrs Megan Jenkins (Non-teaching staff) Mr. Simon Hosking (Acting Deputy Head teacher) Clerk Miss.Merrety Pegg Ysgol Y Cribarth PTFA The PTFA is a home-school association and membership is automatic for all parents, guardians and/or carers of children currently attending the school. Also involved are members of the teaching, non-teaching and support staff presently employed by the school. The association provides the opportunity for you to get involved with your child’s education and activities within the school. The PTA aims to provide practical and financial support to the school and to publicise and promote its achievements. The PTA meets regularly to coordinate fundraising events and are always keen to involve new parents. The PTA holds an Annual General Meeting each September at which the committee is elected. Please come along and share your ideas and enthusiasm; it can be a lot of fun and enjoyment and a way to get to know your school as well. Admissions Parents considering sending their child(ren) to Ysgol Y Cribarth are encouraged to make an appointment to view the school and have an informal chat with staff. Pupils are Ysgol Y Cribarth Prospectus 2017 9 currently eligible to begin in school at the beginning of the term in which they have their fourth birthday. We enjoy good links with our popular Cewri Bach playgroup. We hold transition events for all the children who will be starting school and parents are encouraged to visit and talk to staff. All new Nursery and Reception pupils are invited to intake afternoons at the end of the term immediately prior to the one in which they will start. Details of these Intake Afternoons are contained in an information pack which we send to parents the term before children begin in school. The formal admissions procedure is handled by the local authority. Further information regarding admission arrangements can be found in the Powys Handbook for Parents, which is available from the school office or via the Powys website at www.powys.gov.uk Transfer to High School The majority of children go to Maesydderwen High School when they leave Ysgol Y Cribarth. This transition is eased by visits from the High School staff and by several induction days during Year 6. We have excellent links with the High School and liaise closely with staff to ensure that receiving schools are well informed about pupils before they enter Year 7. The School Day Foundation classes: 8.50am – 12.15 pm 1.15 – 3.15 pm Junior classes: 8.50 am – 12.15 pm 1.15 – 3.15 pm Foundation and Junior children are supervised from 8.40-8.50am when the school bell is rung for the start of the day. There is a short mid-morning break from 10:30 am for which the children are able to bring a snack.