Information for Parents


Address:
  Moylegrove Primary School, Moylegrove,Cardigan, Pembrokeshire, SA43 3BW.  

Telephone Number:   01239 881606

Headteacher:   Mrs E. Thomas

Teacher:   Mrs J. Phillips  

Learning Support:   Mrs P. Davies  

Assistants:   Mrs Jones

Chairman of Governors:   Mr John Fletcher, Penrallt Uchaf,  Moylegrove - 01239 881679

Collecting and serving school dinners:  Mrs Y. Jenkins 

Lunchtime supervisor:   Mrs S.Wales

Caretaker / Cleaner:  Mrs J. Jones

Type of School:   County Primary School. Junior and Infant department

School Hours:   morning session: 09.00 - 12.00,  afternoon session: 13.00 - 15.15

Every school day begins at 9 o'clock with registration, and assembly.  All pupils will attend morning assembly except those who wish to be excused for religious reasons.

We are proud of our attendance figures.  We also expect children to arrive at school at about 8.50 a.m. No children should be on the premises before 8.45 a. m.

A warm welcome is extended to your child to Moylegrove C. P. School.  A good and co-operative relationship between home and school is important and always gives a firm grounding for effective learning.

Aims and Objectives
Education at Moylegrove School aims to help the pupils to.

- feel at home in the school and enjoy the education that is provided for them.

- develop as an individual and as a part of the community, to live in harmony

with his / her fellow man

- develop a healthy attitude towards learning that is flexible enough to enable him / her face and surmount social changes of the future,

- develop lively, enquiring minds and the ability to apply themselves to tasks. Also the ability to discuss sensibly and solve problems systematically,

-use language and number effectively,

-develop physical skills.

-develop personal moral values and respect towards people of different racial and religious beliefs,

-understand the world they live in and the interdependency of individuals. groups and races,

-develop a sense of awe and wonder at the beauty of the created order, and to appreciate and respect their environment-

-be aware of personal cleanliness, courtesy and safety of self and others in the school and the community.

Specific Objectives
The school's specific objectives include ensuring that each pupil.'

- masters the skills that he / she needs to complete their work,

- can listen attentively and with understanding,

- can read fluently with understanding and feeling

-develops a style of handwriting that is legible and a satisfactory standard of spelling,    syntax, punctuation and use of language,

- acquires a wide vocabulary, communicates clearly and confidently orally and on paper in a way that is appropriate to different occasions and various tasks,

- learns how to acquire information from various sources and record information and findings in different  ways;

- handles numbers confidently and apply computational skills with speed and accuracy,.

- understands the applications of mathematical ideas in various situations in the home, classroom, school and the local area,

- observes living and inanimate things and recognise characteristics such as pattern and order,

- masters basic scientific ideas,

- investigates solutions and interprets evidence confidently and effectively, analyses, and solves problems,

- develops an awareness of self and sensitivity to others, acquires a set of moral values and the confidence to make and hold to moral judgements and develop habits of self- discipline and acceptable behaviour.

- is aware of the geographical, historical and social aspects of the local environment and the national heritage and to be aware of other times and places,

- acquires sufficient control of self, the experience and the ability to use tools and equipment correctly and confidently to be able to use music, drama, design technology, art and information technology as a means of expression,

- develops agility and physical co-ordination. confidence in and through physical activity and the ability to express feelings through movement  

A copy of the Local Education's Policy on the Curriculum is kept at the school should parents wish to borrow it.

Enrolment of Children to School
Moylegrove School serves the village of Moylegrove and the surrounding area. and if space allows will accept children from outside the area.

Children are accepted to the school at the beginning of the term after their fourth birthday.

Parents are given an opportunity to visit the school and the infant / reception class and also have a word with the class teacher.  The child is also given an opportunity of coming to school for sessions in class with the other children, so that he / she can get accustomed to the new surroundings before coming full time.

School 0rganisation
There are two main parts to the school.  Reception, years 1 and 2 are taught in a portacabin on the yard while the Junior classes are in the main building.  The classes, are organised in years of mixed ability as long as numbers allow.  The school is surrounded by a yard where the children can play during breaks.  On the top yard a netball court is marked.  There is a football field behind the school.  The children are allowed to play on the field when the weather is dry and warm.

Moylegrove School is a category A school.  Welsh is the main medium of communication and teaching in the school.  English is introduced formally at the beginning of year 3. During the first years stories are read in English from time to time.

Children from non - Welsh backgrounds are made to feel particularly at home in the school.  The teachers are always aware of the language background of every child and respond sensitively to the needs of each individual child.

The Curriculum
The curriculum is based on the National Curriculum and the work aims to be wide and balanced throughout the school.  Cross curricular themes are used throughout the school to introduce the core subjects and also the foundation subjects of the curriculum.  One theme. taken from a bank of twelve themes, which make up a four year plan of work., is studied by all the classes.  If any particular aspect of the National Curriculum is not within the reaches of the themes , it will be covered as a special activity.

From the Reception class the basic skills of Language (Spoken and Written),, Reading, Mathematics and Science are considered to be of particular importance.

Staff specialisms are used to meet the needs of the curriculum by means of time-tabled teacher exchange between the classes.  These lessons also fall within the scope of the theme for the term.

Within each class, the children are mostly grouped according to Year groups.

Differentiated work is given to these groups according to the special needs of the pupil  The groups can change according  to the content of the lesson and the needs of individual children.  If there is a child of high ability in the class then provisions are made to ensure that his / her interests and ability are stretched and developed to their potential.

Teaching time during the week in the Junior sector is 23 hours, while in the Reception and Infant sector it exceeds 21 hours.

Religious Education is given approximately 1 hour teaching time a week, which does not include the time for collective worship.

Special Education Needs
It is the school's policy to accommodate every child in the community eligible to be on the school's register no matter what his or her disability might be.  Early recognition of children with special needs is considered important so that they may be placed on the register and take advantage of the help that is available as soon as possible.

When it is agreed that a child needs special attention there is a set procedure to assess and then develop a particular package for that child.  Part of this package could include extra resources, for example extra staffing.  If the child's difficulties are identified early on, additional resources can be in place before he she starts school.  Also, by recognising difficulties early the school is in a position to ensure extra funding to accept teacher help on two levels.  Firstlv, children that have a Statement of Special Needs will receive time with a teacher on a one to one basis weekly.  Secondly. children who only need a small amount of help to achieve better standards in their basic skills also have time with a peripatetic teacher.

Every effort is made to keep our special needs children with their peers in the classroom.  As far as possible they follow the requirements of the National Curriculum, although this can be modified and differentiated to meet the individual needs of the child.

Parental consent must be sought before any decision is made on any child.

Sex Education
Sex education  is not taught formally within the school, but the subject  is dealt with when it arises naturally, within other subjects, or when questions are raised by the children.

Pastoral Care
The Headteacher has overall responsibility for the school, and she will depend on the close co-operation of all members of the staff in caring for the pupils.  As each pupil is allocated to a class for the purpose of registration this enables class teachers to be responsible for her class.  The school keeps a record of the telephone numbers of the parents, and in case of accidents, should a child require medical treatment, every effort is made to contact the parents first. depending on the seriousness of the case.  Minor accidents will be dealt with by members of staff. but in the case of the more serious accident. the appropriate action will be taken.  It is therefore important that parents inform the school of any change of address or telephone number.

On each school day, a member of staff is on duty fifteen minutes before the commencement, and after the ending of the school day., to supervise the children present and ensure their safe departure from the school premises.  During breaks a member of staff is on duty.  During the lunch period, supervision is carried out by the meal supervisor.

When inclement weather necessitates the early closure of school, steps will be taken to invite parents to collect pupils or to arrange for their safe departure home.

In the event of a child's absence or if it is necessary to withdraw a pupil before the end of the school day, a note from the parents would be appreciated.

Letters with information regarding various school activities are regularly sent home with the children.

Discipline Policy
Overall responsibility for school discipline rests with the Headteacher, but it is a matter for everyone connected with the school, including parents.  Emphasis will always be on praise of good behaviour rather than continual censure of bad.  Every child is expected to perform at acceptable standards of behaviour both inside and outside the classroom.  We encourage pupils to show regards for others and to respect the rights and property of other people.

Punishment will at all times be reasonable and moderate.  Children might be kept in during play times or lose a swimming lesson or P. E. for a week.  Punishment can be graded into smaller parts, for example staying in for part of play time.  The punishment reflects the nature of the incident.  Repeated misdemeanours will naturally be referred to parents who will be invited to the school to discuss the child's behaviour.

School Rules
1. Children are asked to walk when moving within the school buildings.

2. Children are not allowed to go outside the school boundary without consent.

3. Children are asked not to leave valuables and monev in their bags, coats and purses. if it is necessary for children to bring money to school they should give it to the teacher for safe keeping.  It is wise to leave jewellery and expensive toys at home.

4. In adverse weather conditions, pupils will remain indoors.

5. Clothing should be clearly marked with the pupils name.

6. Fire drills are carried out regularly, and the children are expected to recognise the fire signal and to proceed without delay to the prearranged meeting points

7. Sweets are not allowed in school.  If the children need to eat at playtime, they are encouraged to bring fruit.

Complaints Procedure
Complaints in the first instance should be directed to the Headteacher.  If the complaint persists then the School Governors will discuss the matter and follow the necessary action in accordance with the agreed procedure issued by the Welsh Office.

School Dinners
A wholesome balanced menu is provided by the school  at a price which is stated by the Education Authority.  Dinner money is collected every Monday morning by the clerical staff.

Application forms for free school meals are obtainable from the Headteacher.

Absences
It is required by law that the school does receive an explanation for every absence.  Parents are therefore asked to inform the Headteacher or class teacher if a child is home from school for any reason.

Contact with Parents
Emphasis is placed on creating a sound teacher-parent bond and every effort is made to create confidence in this partnership.  Parents are encouraged to come to the Headteacher or to the teachers if they want to discuss anything to do with their child at a time that is suitable to both parties.

Parents may see their children's work at any time, but are given a special opportunity during an open night held in the Summer term.  Also there will be an open night held in the form of a 'surgery’, where parents are allocated an appointment time when they will be able to discuss their child's progress with the classteacher.  A detailed report on the child's progress will be sent to parents at the end of the Summer term.

From time to time meetings will be held in the school to discuss different issues, including the annual parent - governors meeting.

Regular Information on all school activities is given to parents by means of letters sent home with the children.  Should you at any time feel that you have not received all relevant information regarding any event etc. please contact us.

The school is very fortunate in that it has parents that work tirelessly to raise money to buy resources and equipment for the curriculum.  Without these efforts the school would be much poorer.  Also there are parents who help with transport and other activities in the school.  We are very grateful for this support from the parents.

It is necessary for us to hold a fully updated list of addresses and telephone numbers in case of emergency.  We also need to have the name of a person that we can contact if a parent is not available when the child is sick and needs to be taken home.

Preparing Your Child For School
1. Every opportunity to bring your child into contact with the social life of the school before he / she starts, should be taken e. g. concerts, coffee evenings, sports.

2.The child should be encouraged to be reasonably independent., to be able to use the toilet properly, wash their hands, dress themselves, handle cutlery and put toys away tidily.

3.Every opportunity should be given to the child of seeing, a variety of books, hearing, stories, rhymes and songs regularly

4. Encouragement should be given to the child to use a pencil, crayons, paint, scissors and plasticene as well as playing with a variety of toys.

5. Young children need plenty of opportunities to use and develop their senses by handling objects of varying shapes, colours. weight and texture.

6. Valuable experiences can be gained by visiting places, e. g. nature park, adventure playgrounds, the beach, etc.

7. It is advisable to take advantage of local Nursery provision.  The child benefits socially by making friends, learning to share, becoming more independent, as well as benefiting educationally . Attending nursery school prepares the child for full time education.

8. Encourage the child to write and recognise his/her own name. The only capital letter  your child will use initally will be the first letter of his/her name, he/she will be learning letter sounds rather than letter names(that will come later on)

Homework
Homework is regularly given.  Usually it is an extension of and supports the work studied in the classroom.  It varies with regards to the nature of the activities set Every child is expected to read at home regularly

If there is a problem with homework, e.g. lack of time to complete it. book left in school, losing a worksheet, please get in touch with the school so that we are aware of the circumstances.

Extra Curricular Activities
School visits are arranged regularly and form an important part of school life.  These could be:-
-visits to support the current theme  

-visits to museums and exhibitions

-visits to theatres and performances

Speakers are also welcome at the school to share their knowledge and experiences with the children.

School Activities
The following activities are held regularly.  

Christmas Concert / Service

Thanksgiving service

School Eisteddfod

Sports

Summer term school trip

Language week at Llangrannog

During the year the children have the opportunity to raise money for deserving charities.

Payment For School Activities
Following the 1988 Education Act the school cannot ask the children to pay for any school activity undertaken during school hours.  Because of this, activities may not be able to take place if parents will not be ready to make a voluntary contribution towards the cost of the journeys.

Book Clubs
English and Welsh book clubs are run in the school.  Book fairs are also held in the school from time to time.

Musical Instrument Tuition
Children are given an opportunity to receive musical instrument lessons in school.  Peripatetic teachers of string, brass and guitar visit the school weekly.

Games
The school Sports Day is held towards the end of the Summer term, when the houses;- Awen and Celbwr compete against each other.

As well as Physical Education, Games and Swimming Lessons, the school takes every opportunity to take part in a variety of competitions against other schools.

Urdd Gobaith Cymru
The majority of the pupils join the Urdd movement and as a result they are given an opportunity to participate in the different games and craft competitions arranged by the Urdd, as well as the Eisteddfod.  The Urdd also arranges a variety of activities for the children and they are given an opportunity to visit the Urdd camp at Llangrannog.

School Uniform
Although school uniform is not compulsory. we do encourage the children wear,-

Blue jumper / cardigan

Light blue shirt / blouse

Grey trousers / skirt

 

Blackboard