Ysgol Glanrafon Prospectus

Dear parents, We are very pleased that you're considering Glanrafon Welsh school for your child's primary education. Parents want a good education for their children, but they also want them to be happy and to feel safe and secure. Here at Glanrafon, we believe we can offer all these and more. We pride ourselves on the broad, balanced and full education we provide, and the high standard of teaching and learning are a credit to the hard work of both pupils and staff. Equally, we are also proud of the atmosphere of friendliness and co-operation which is always evident. Many visitors to the school comment on the warm welcome they receive and the courtesy and politeness of our pupils. The findings of the latest Estyn report is that Ysgol Glanrafon is a good school because “many pupils achieve good standards, teaching is consistently good, all pupils receive interesting and stimulating learning experiences and the standard of strategic leadership is good”. We value our pupils and believe that their time in school should be rewarding and fulfilling. Our hope is that your child's days at Ysgol Glanrafon will be amongst the happiest days of his/her life. I shall look forward to our co-operation, and if you have any enquiries, please contact the school. Yours sincerely, Llinos Mary Jones (Miss) Headmistress

YSGOL GYMRAEG GLANRAFON

2011 - 2012

Ysgol Gymraeg Glanrafon Bryn Coch Lane,

Mold, Flintshire, CH7 1PS.

Telephone & Fax No:- 01352 700384 E-mail: glmail@glanrafon.siryfflint.sch.uk Headteacher:- Miss Ll.M.Jones Deputy headteacher:- Mrs E H Huws Under 7’s leader Mrs N. Gibson. Key Stage 2 leader Mrs G. Williams.

Chairman of Governors:- Mrs Jill Blandford. Clerk of Governors:- Mr Gareth Warson. Area Adviser:- Mr. Dilwyn Jones, Flintshire Education Department County Hall Mold CH7 6ND 01352 704019 Director of Education:- Mr Ian Budd, Flintshire Education Department. As above.

STAFF : 2011-2012 Headteacher : Miss Llinos Mary Jones. Deputy Headteacher : Mrs Einir Haf Huws Head of Under 7’s Units: Mrs Nesta Gibson. Head of Key Stage 2: Mrs Gwenan Williams. Infants : Mrs Catrin Morris

Mrs Iona Davies/Mrs Lisa Davies Mrs Rhian Jones. Miss D. Burford Miss C.V.Evans.

Juniors : Mrs Menna Armstrong Mrs.Ann Giddins. Mr G.Ll.Jones. Mrs G.Gatrell. Special Needs : Mrs.M.Roberts. Special Needs Unit : Miss Marion Davies. Nursery & Classroom assistants Ms.Ann Joseph. Mrs I. Pritchard. Mrs.Nerys Roberts. Mrs.Delyth Messum Miss S Baines Mrs Jane Barlow.

Mrs.Nerys Jones. Mrs Delyth Barker. Mrs Deanna Lightfoot.

Miss Catrin James Mrs J. Owen. . Mrs S.Lawson. Mrs S.Barton.

Mrs B.Lewis. Mrs E.Aitken. Instrumental teachers: Mrs.B.Crowder. Mrs A. Stanley. Mrs E.Roberts Mr J.Taylor Mr Jones. Mrs Elfair Roberts. Secretary : Mrs. Glenda Jones. Caretaker : Mr Bill Gilchrist Cleaners: Mrs Gwen Jones Mrs Lesley Mather. Morning & After school clubs leaders: Mrs Rhian Gardner. Mrs Debbie Gaunt. Lunch time supervisors Mrs Nerys Jones Mrs J.Barlow. Mrs D.Lightfoot. Mrs W. Aspinall.

Mr J. Mather Mrs.Done Carden

Governing Body membership

Appointed

Chair : Jill Blandford 11/08 Parents representative. Sheila Hughes 05/11 Community & A.Needs. Head : Llinos Mary Jones Gwenan Williams 10/07 Teachers' Representatives Einir H Huws 10/08 Rachel Davies 10/08 Non teaching staff Representative Kirsty Richards 11/08 Parents' Representatives Adam Bright 11/08 Gareth Edwards 11/08 “ “ Nigel Gilkes 10/07 “ “ Dafydd Griffiths 06/09 Community Richard Knight 06/09 " " Gron Morris 01/09 " " Ffion Hampson 05/09 L.E.A. Ken Williams 06/09 L.E.A.

Douglas Goldsmith 06/09 L.E.A.

Dilwyn Jones Link Officer

Gareth Watson Clerk

AIMS

This school aims to: 1. ensure that every child has an opportunity to develop socially, emotionally and educationally. 2. develop the children's cultural interests. 3. present the best possible principles and standards to the children. 4. enable the children to differentiate between the good and the bad. 5. present the widest possible variety of educational experiences to the children. 6. achieve the objective of ensuring that every child is bilingual by the time

he/she leaves the school. 7. create literate children who will possess the skills relevant to their age and ability as individuals. 8. create a happy and safe atmosphere within the school. 9. create a situation where the children feel contented in. 10. make the children aware of courteousness and good practice. 11. give the children an opportunity to participate in as many varying activities as possible including extra-curricular ones. 12. create a good relationship between the school and the parents and the community. 13. create responsible citizens who will, in the future, be prepared to take on responsibilities. 14. make their education a valuable, pleasurable and memorable experience for the children..

ADMISSIONS

Pupils are admitted to the Nursery in the school year they attain their fourth birthday. Five sessions a week are offered from 8.50 - 11.30 a.m. daily. In the summer term before the Nursery children start, parents are invited to obtain information, to see the unit and to meet the members of staff and to discuss the arrangements for the coming year. The children are invited to Open mornings in the July before they commence Nursery. In accordance to the requirements of the Foundation Phase, the Nursery and Reception classes work together as an Early Years Unit each morning. The emphasis in the Foundation Phase is placed upon learning through experience and offering the pupils innovative experiences which are relevant to their needs. Each child’s progress is carefully monitored. Glanrafon is a designated Welsh primary school (for 3 to 11 year old pupils). Welsh is the only medium of instruction and communication in key Stage 1 and the Early Years. English is introduced as a subject when the pupils transfer to the Junior department (at the beginning of key Stage 2). Pupils in this school study the same English curriculum as any English medium schools. Our pupils are assessed through the medium of Welsh in every subject apart from English. This is a non-denominational school.

SCHOOL DAY

8.50 - School day commences.

10.30 - 10.45 - Play time.

12.00 - 1.00 - Lunch time.

2.15 - 2.25 - Play time.

2.25 - 3.00 - End of the day for Infants.

2.25 - 3.15 - End of the day for Juniors. It would be appreciated if you could ensure that your child arrives in school on time. Teachers will be officially responsible for all children 10 minutes before the opening and after the closure of the school day. Before entering in the morning, the children are asked to form lines when the bell is rung - this is disregarded on rainy days.

SERVICES

School begins with a service or thought for the day. These are the arrangements for the use of the hall for services:- Monday - Hymn singing. Tuesday - Juniors - Hymns and thought for the day. Tuesday - Infants - Service

Thursday - Juniors – Service.

Friday - Early Years Unit’s service (a.m.) 1-6 Years 1-6 Service (p.m.)

The school is not associated to an individual denomination, but there is a good relationship between the school and all places of worship within the locality.

CARE AND SCHOOL DISCIPLINE The school has full discipline over all the pupils. The children are introduced to the six main rules that they are expected to adhere to which are:- 1. Be kind and gentle without hurting any-one. 2. Listen and do not interrupt. 3. Be honest and no swearing. 4. Walk in an orderly fashion without rushing. 5. Work hard without wasting time. 6. Show respect towards the school and its environment.

DISCIPLINE POLICY Members of staff endeavour to:- 1. Encourage self-discipline and a readiness in the children to accept

responsibility for their actions. 2. Create an atmosphere which lends itself to good learning and which

encourages individuals to respect each other. These aims will only be achieved in a happy environment where children are able to give of their best inside and outside the classroom and where they are encouraged to reach their full potential. Emphasis is placed on a positive approach towards discipline and good behaviour is rewarded with full Golden Time at the end of the week. Golden Time is when the children do pleasurable activities. If a child has not conformed with the rules he/she is deprived of the time in full. The discipline policy is regularly monitored.

SCHOOL DINNERS Dinners are cooked in school. Fresh food only is served Please inform the cook in writing if your child is on a special diet. Your child may bring sandwiches and a drink. Please ensure that they are carried in unbreakable containers. You are kindly asked to send the dinner money to school on a Monday only and to send the exact money where possible in the envelopes supplied by school. If you have more than one child and each one in a different class, we ask you to kindly send the money to the individual classes. If you are paying by cheque, it is essential that you make it payable to Flintshire County Council. Perhaps you may be entitled to free school meals. The necessary forms are available in the school, so please don't hesitate to ask for one. During the lunch hour, the children are supervised by the headteacher or deputy and five supervisors.

SCHOOL SHOP In the shop which is operated during morning play-time a variety of fresh fruit, packets of dried fruit and cereal bars are sold also fresh orange or apple juice. Your support in promoting the school, as a healthy eating school would be much appreciated.. Pupils are not allowed to eat sweets and crisps at play-times.

WATER IN CLASS The children are allowed to bring a bottle (not glass) of water with them into class to drink as and when required during the day. They are asked to take the bottle home in the afternoon and return it in the morning. The children may bring another drink with them for the playtimes. A water machine is located in the school.

FRIENDS OF GLANRAFON We have a busy and successful association. The main aim is to encourage close co-operation between the school and the parents and to raise money to purchase additional equipment for the school. Various events are arranged during the year, e.g. fairs, shopping trips, varied social events etc. Every parent is welcomed to help with the association and we hope that you will be prepared to take an active part in its activities. There is a very good partnership between the school and home and we have an open door policy where parents feel homely and welcomed. On the next page is a copy of the Home/School Agreement which is signed by the parents.

PAYMENT In order to organise activities and educational visits that enriched the work in class and allow them to go ahead, a contribution towards the cost is kindly asked for from the parents. No child will be excluded from such activities if the contribution has not been paid in full. If any activity means staying overnight e.g. Glanllyn or Llangrannog the children from families who obtain income support or family credit are entitled to be reimbursed for such costs. The appropriate form to be filled is available in school which will ensure that the money will be reimbursed to school who has paid the amount on behalf of the child.

HOMEWORK The pupils are given an opportunity to do tasks for homework regularly as well as reading practice, and your support in ensuring that these tasks are completed and making sure that your child returns the work to school by the designated day would be greatly appreciated

SCHOOL UNIFORM Here are the details of the school's uniform: Jumper Dark green Shirt Red Skirt Green Trousers Grey The sweat and polo shirts are available from Forresters sports shop in town. We wish our children to be proud of their school uniform, and in so doing, show pride in being part of Ysgol Gymraeg Glanrafon.

P.E. KIT White T-shirt, shorts, pumps/trainers/football boots. Indoor activities are carried out bare-footed. It is essential that your child's name is on every garment. The children are asked to wear warm clothing for outdoor activities All the Key Stage 2 children have swimming lessons in their turn.

MORNING CLUB The Morning Club is open from 7.45a.m. to 8.50 a.m, every morning, where the children are cared for and given light refreshments before the start of the school day. The cost is £3.50 per morning. There is also a Free Breakfast Initiative scheme available from 8.30 – 8.40 a.m. for those pupils who wish to have a free breakfast.

AFTER SCHOOL CLUB A Club is available between 3 and 5.30 p.m. for children between the ages of 4 and 11. They are in the charge of experienced persons. The nursery pupils may attend during their last term there. Children are not allowed to stay after 5.30 pm - punctuality is essential. Parents are asked to sign an agreement when the child first uses the Club.

ATTENDANCE The pupils are expected to attend school regularly and punctually. If this is found to be lacking ,the matter is referred to the local educational social worker designated to this school. The importance of giving official information as regards to your child's absence at any time is emphasized. School will contact the home, and any uninformed absence is regarded as an un authorised one. If your child needs to leave school during the normal hours (e.g.to attend an appointment), the school should be notified of this. Permission will be granted on the understanding that an adult known to the child and the school will collect them.

ILLNESS It is hoped that every child will enjoy good health during their time at the school. If at any time your child feels unwell in the morning before school time, you are kindly asked not to send him/her to school on that day in order to avoid any discomfort for the child and also to avoid spreading the germs to other pupils. You will be asked for contact telephone numbers on an information form regularly. Let us know immediately if there are any changes to your phone numbers.

MEDICINES AND TABLETS We do not encourage medicines and tablets to be brought into school for safety reasons. It would be preferable for parents to administer the prescribed medicine personally at home or in school. In exceptional cases only, parents should contact the headteacher in order to discuss the situation and to fill in a form to give written permission for the administering of the medication.

SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICE IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS.

Flintshire has a comprehensive School Health Service provided by the North East Wales NHS Trust. The aim of this service is to promote the health of your child in the widest sense and to identify any health problems that may develop. The primary contact with the School Health Service is through the School Sister and/or the School Doctor, both of whom have specialised training in educational medicine, community paediatrics and child health. The School Sister for Ysgol Gymraeg Glanrafon, Mold is Mrs Ceri Slawson, who is based at the Buckley clinic. These specialists are able to liaise directly with all other areas of Flintshire Health Services and other agencies should the need arise. If your child is a school entrant you will be given a leaflet outlining the full scope and involvement of the School Health Service. These leaflets are available for older children from the School nurse on request. Your child will not be examined by the School Doctor without your permission, except in a medical emergency. All health interviews are strictly confidential and your consent will be sought before discussing any issue with the school teaching staff. Obviously, it would be in your child's best interest for the teaching staff to be aware of any medical condition that may affect his/her progress in the classroom. Parents attendance at school health interviews is highly valued, especially at primary age. You will receive, in advance, a written invitation and a consent form for you to sign. When your child is in reception the School nurse will check his/her vision, hearing and growth. In Year 2, your child's vision, height and weight will again be checked. Thereafter, the school nurse visits regularly to check the children's general health problems, to promote healthy lifestyles and to liaise with school staff regarding any health problems. If you have any concerns with any of your children, do please feel free to approach the school nurse to discuss them.

PERSONAL ITEMS You are kindly asked to ensure that your child does not bring small personal items (e.g. badges, jewellery, toys etc) with them to school in case they are mislaid and lost. Losing such items can cause a great deal of distress to children, and therefore, we would greatly appreciate your co-operation in this matter.

THE CURRICULUM The learning groups within the school liaise very closely together when planning and preparing for work in the classroom. The learning years are as follows:- Early Years Unit – Nursery and Reception. Under 7 Unit – Years 1and 2 Years 3 and 4 Years 5 and 6 As well as the full staff meetings, departmental meetings are also held regularly, with Early Years Unit staff and Under 7’s Unit teachers getting together as well as Key Stage 2 teachers getting together. When presenting the curriculum in the classroom a combination of teaching methods are used such as - whole class; group work; pair work and individual. Much of the work done in class is connected to the termly (Years 5 and 6) or half-termly (Yrs.3 and 4; 1 and 2; Early Years Unity) topics introduced. When the work does not fit in naturally with the theme, work in such subjects as Mathematics or Science stands on its own. In the Early Years and Under 7 stages (4-7 year olds) the main building blocks of learning experiences are laid. The emphasis will be on developing essential skills of communication, literacy and numeracy. By providing a broad rich curriculum using an integrated approach, we aim to develop the children's interests whilst also recognizing their level of maturity. These are important years where children learn how to observe, listen, respond and develop not only as individuals but also as caring members of our community. The Foundation Phase is statutory for Nursery pupils from September 2008. At Key Stage 2 (8-11 years old) the essential skills of communication, literacy and numeracy will still be the central focus of our curriculum. But as their understanding of the different disciplines increases, more time will be given to science and the foundation subjects. The curriculum will still take place within an integrated theme where it is meaningful and relevant. The children will be encouraged to develop self-confidence, independence in learning and higher order skills in a range of situations. ` Incorporated in the schemes of work established by the school based on the revised National Curriculum, as from September 2008, appropriate emphasis is given to the following also :- Developing thinking – planning, developing and reflecting. Developing communication – oracy, reading, writing and wider communication. Developing ICT – finding, developing, creating and presenting information and ideas. Developing number – using mathematical information, calculating, interpreting and presenting findings. Curriculum Cymreig. Personal and social education.

DOCUMENTS Copies of curriculum documents are available in school, and if anyone would like to see and discuss any of these, you are welcomed to do so by contacting the school and giving at least 3 days notice of your intention to come and see any documentation. A curriculum sub-committee from within the full Governing Body is in place. This committee meets regularly and reports back to the full Governing Body. LANGUAGE - WELSH & ENGLISH (K.S.2) In the Under 7 stage, the pupils:

- are immersed in language experiences and activities. - develop their skills through talking, signing/communicating and

listening. - are encouraged to communicate their needs, feelings and thoughts,

retell experiences and discuss individual and group play. - refer to their intentions by asking questions, voicing/expressing

opinions and making choice., - are encouraged to listen and respond to others, and to a range of

stimuli. - have opportunities to choose and use reading materials, understand

the conventions of print and books, and are given a wide range of opportunities to enjoy mark-making and writing experiences.

At Key stage 2 (in Welsh and English), the progress is achieved through an integrated programme of oracy, listening, reading and writing. The pupils

- become confident, coherent and engaging speakers, working as individuals and as members of a group.

- have opportunities to take part in drama and role-play activities. - develop as active and responsive listeners in a wide range of

situations. - develop into fluent and effective readers. - become competent writers, writing clearly and coherently in a range of

forms and for a range of purposes. - acquire a growing understanding of the need to adapt their language to

suit purpose and audience. They work with increasing accuracy and evaluate their own achievements in relation to others.

MATHEMATICS In the Under 7 stage, the pupils will:

• develop their skills, knowledge and understanding of mathematics through oral, practical and play activities

• enjoy using and applying mathematics in practical tasks, in real life problems, and within mathematics itself

• use a variety of ICT resources as tools for exploring number, for obtaining real-life data and for presenting their findings.

The pupils will: - develop their use and understanding of mathematical language in context, through talking about their work. - develop a range of flexible methods for working mentally with number, moving on to using more formal methods of working and recording when they are mentally ready. - explore, estimate and solve real-life problems in both the indoor and outdoor environment. - develop their understanding of measures, investigate the properties of shape and develop early ideas of position and movement through practical experiences. - sort, match, sequence and compare objects and events, explore and create simple patterns and relationships, and present their work in a variety of ways. In Key Stage 2, the pupils continue to develop positive attitudes towards mathematics and extend their mathematical thinking by solving mathematical problems, communicating and reasoning mathematically using contexts from across the whole range of mathematics, across the curriculum and as applied to real-life problems. They will:

- extend their use of the number system, including money, moving to calculating fluently using the four rules.

- solve problems mentally, and use written methods appropriate to their level of understanding.

- develop estimation strategies and apply these to check calculations, both written and by calculator.

- explore a wide variety of shapes and use a range of units and practical equipment with increasing accuracy.

- collect, represent and interpret data for a variety of purposes. - select, discuss, explain and present their methods and reasoning using an

increasing range of mathematical language, diagrams and charts.

SCIENCE In the Under 7 stage, Science (together with History and Geography) is a part of the area referred to as Knowledge and Understanding of the World. In this area, the pupils:

- experience the familiar world through enquiry, investigating the indoor and outdoor environment,

- increase their curiosity about the world around them, - begin to understand past events, people, places, living things and the work

people do, - demonstrate care, responsibility, concern and respect for all living things

and their environment, - express their own ideas, opinions and feelings with imagination, creativity

and sensitivity, - use sources such as stories, photographs, maps, models and ICT.

At Key Stage 2, the pupils:

- relate their scientific skills, knowledge and understanding to applications of science in everyday life, including current issues,

- recognise that scientific ideas can be evaluated by means of information gathered from observations and measurements,

- manage their own learning and develop learning and thinking strategies appropriate to their development,

- value others’ views and show responsibility as local citizens.

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY

In the Under 7 stage, the pupils’ designing and making skills are developed through using information to generate ideas, which leads to stimulating and creative making opportunities across all the Areas of Learning. In Key Stage 2, the pupils are taught to design and make simple products by combining their designing and making skills with knowledge and understanding in contexts that support their work in other subjects. The pupils are aware of human achievements and the big ideas that have shaped the world. They are encouraged to be creative and innovative in their designing and making while being made aware of issues relating to sustainability and environmental issues in the twenty first century.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY In the Under 7 stage, the pupils’ ICT skills , knowledge and understanding are developed through a range of experiences that involve them finding and developing information and ideas, and creating and presenting information and ideas. At Key Stage 2, the pupils are taught to consider the sort of information they require to support their tasks and activities and how they might locate that information. They use an increasing range of ICT tools and resources to find, process and communicate relevant information from a variety of given safe and suitable sources. They develop and communicate their ideas in appropriate ways with a developing sense of purpose and audience. USING THE INTERNET The school has a policy on the Use of Electronic Communications in accordance with statutory requirements. A copy is available in school if you wish to see it. In it emphasis is given on the protection of children when using the Internet. Both pupils and parents are asked to sign an agreement to indicate their understanding of the requirements of the policy in order to ensure all the children’s safety.

HISTORY

In Key stage 2, the pupils will:

- have experiences that make history enjoyable, interesting and significant, - develop their curiosity about the past, and the way in which the different

periods differ from then and now, - enquire about the ways of life of different people of these periods of

history, drawing on important developments, key events and notable people in their locality, Wales and Britain,

- engage in stimulating and focused historical enquiry using a wide range of sources,

- organise and communicate their skills, knowledge and understanding in an increasing variety of ways.

GEOGRAPHY Under 7 pupils – see Knowledge and Understanding of the World. In Key Stage 2, the pupils:

- develop and stimulate an interest and foster a sense of wonder in places and the world about them,

- study their own Welsh locality, the world beyond, different environments and events in the news and develop their understanding of what places are like, and how and why they change,

- have practical activities and first-hand investigations in the classroom and out of doors, and so develop skills to gather and make sense of information, use maps, think creatively and share ideas through discussions,

- consider important issues about their environment, and recognise how people from all over the world are linked,

- are encouraged to understand the importance of sustainability, develop an informed concern about the quality of their environment, and to recognise that they are global citizens.

ART AND DESIGN. In the Under 7 stage, Art and Design (together with Music) is a part of Creative Development area. In this area of learning:

- the pupils’ natural curiosity and disposition to learn is stimulated by every day sensory experiences, both indoors and outdoors,

- the pupils engage in creative, imaginative and expressive activities in art, craft, design, music, dance and movement,

- the pupils explore a wide range of stimuli, develop their ability to communicate and express their creative ideas, and reflect on their work.

In Key Stage 2, the pupils:

- engage with the work of artists, craftworkers and designers, creative investigations and make their own work,

- are stimulated to make informed judgements and practical decisions, - use a variety of materials and processes, - communicate their ideas and feelings through visual, tactile and sensory

language.

MUSIC Under 7 pupils – see Creative Development. In Key Stage 2, the pupils:

- are actively involved in performing, composing and appraising, - develop musical skills relating to control, manipulation and presentation of

sound, including singing, playing instruments and practising, improvising, composing and arranging music, and listening to and appraising music,

- improve their performing, composing and appraising by developing and applying their thinking and communication skills, giving due regard to health and safety.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION For the under 7 pupils, this area is referred to as Physical and Creative Development. The pupils are:

- continually encouraged to use their bodies effectively by encouraging spatial awareness, balance, control and co-ordination, and develop their motor and manipulative skills using large and small equipment across all areas of learning, indoors and outdoors,

- encouraged to enjoy physical activity, - introduced to the concepts of health, hygiene and safety, and the

importance of diet, rest, sleep and exercise, - encouraged to develop their imagination and creativity across the

curriculum, and be stimulated by everyday sensory experiences, both indoors and outdoors,

- engaged in creative, imaginative and expressive activities in art, craft, design, music, dance and movement,

- given a wide range of stimuli to develop their ability to communicate and express their creative ideas, and reflect on their work.

In Key Stage 2, the pupils are:

- encouraged to explore and develop the physical skills essential to taking part in a variety of different activities,

- given opportunities to be creative and imaginative in gymnastic and dance activities,

- taught how to swim, be safe and feel confident in water, and how to read a map or follow trails in adventurous activities,

- given the opportunity to learn games skills and play in a team in competitive activities,

- beginning to understand that physical education is about learning how to feel healthy and stay fit.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Religious Education is part of a process to help children and young people to understand the world and enable them to adapt to its various needs. In order to achieve this aim Religious Education should enable each child to:- - gather information and understanding of various religious beliefs and practices,

appreciate the religious perspective when discussing contemporary and moral issues.

- develop the ability to form an opinion and be aware of the qualities required to make life purposeful.

Parents have the right to have their children excused from these lessons if it goes against their beliefs, but this should be done formally to the headteacher in a written statement. See also our religious assemblies plan.

SEX AND RELATIONSHIPS POLICY Sex education is linked with requirements within the National Curriculum, and use is made of the SENSE program. Personal and Social Education has a prominent part to play also. The children learn about 'oneself' - how the body functions, the senses, feelings and respect for oneself and others. When these aspects are introduced to the children great emphasis is placed on the importance of moral values and love. The school’s Sex and Relationships Policy is available in school.

USE OF THE WELSH LANGUAGE Welsh is the main medium of education at Ysgol Glanrafon – each child is expected to be bilingual by the time he/she leaves the school. We are proud of the fact that the children show pride in the Welsh language and their heritage.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES We take pride in the fact that every child and adult are dealt with equally within this school, and that no discrimination is made on any issue in the school. If a child's disabilities is such that he/she requires additional help and attention within the class, this is ensured. A Special educational needs unit which serves the Welsh medium primary schools within the county, is located within our school, and when this was set up an entrance suitable for the use of a wheel chair was built at the doorway of the room which enables a wheel chair to be brought into the building. An accessibility plan has been prepared by the school. A designated disabled parking space has been established on the school yard. The school's main entrance has been adapted for the disabled. It is ensured that any child with any form of disability is not treated differently in any way from any other child within the school.

ADDITIONAL NEEDS As some children have learning difficulties and do not develop at the same speed as others in their education by not achieving the expected level, we have a way of recognising any specific learning difficulties. We are able to provide specialist tuition, which, hopefully, will help them overcome their problems and hasten their development. This is done in an unobtrusive manner by withdrawing the children in small groups from the class so that they receive the undivided attention of the Special Needs teacher. The teacher also works occasionally within the class. We have a Special Needs unit located at the school to cater for serious educational needs which serves all the Flintshire Welsh primary schools full time. A full copy of the Special Educational Needs policy is available in school, and if you would like to see it, you are welcome to come to school to discuss it. Aims of the policy 1. Learning difficulties can deal with mental, physical, emotional and social

factors. 2. An early recognition of any child with learning difficulties. 3. Give the child with special educational needs the broadest outlook to the

National curriculum. 4. Ensure that the provision meets the needs of the child. 5. Work in partnership with parents. 6. Be aware of the child's wishes and feelings. 7. Work with the Governing Body especially the governor responsible for

Additional needs. 8. Keep in close connection with the L.E.A. and other agencies. 9. Keep a register of the children who have been recognised. If any children are receiving extra tuition from the Special Needs teacher, meetings are held regularly to monitor and discuss the children's progress and development, and reviews are carried out twice a year.

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE Should parents or any interested parties find cause for complaint regarding any aspect of school work/life, these should be addressed to the Headteacher. They may be about the Curriculum, discipline or any other matter concerning the child. Should you feel that your case has not been satisfactorily resolved the matter is referred to the Governing Body’s Complaints sub-committee. A full copy of the school’s Complaints Procedures is available in school if anyone requires a copy.

SECURITY MEASURES The security system functions while the pupils and staff are inside the building, and the pupils are supervised by an adult whenever they are outside the building. Regular fire drills are held. The children’s and adults’ safety is regarded as one of the school’s main priorities.

SCHOOL’S AIMS AND PROVISION FOR GAMES. There is an emphasis in this school to encourage boys and girls to maintain fitness. This is done through Physical Education lessons and sports activities and sporting competitions such as football, netball, rugby, rounders, swimming, athletic tournaments, etc. Assistance is given, after school hours, by parents and friends from outside the school staff with sporting activities. Various sporting before and after-school clubs are held on a weekly basis. Various resources are used by the pupils during play times, and school has invested in the purchase of god quality fitness and climbing equipment for all the pupils to use at playtimes. The gymnastics, dance and movement sessions are held barefooted in the school's hall, whilst activities such as football, netball, rugby, hockey, athletics etc. are held outside. Key Stage 2 pupils receive tuition in swimming in their turn at the town's pool. The aim is that every child is able to swim at least 25m. by the time he/she moves on to secondary education.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES. Much emphasis is given on ensuring that all of our children have experience of a variety of a wide range of extra-curricular activities such as educational visits to local and national destinations, visitors to school and rich and varied experiences within and outside of the school. No child is excluded from such activities if no contribution has been made towards the cost. The school has its payments policy, a copy of which can be seen in school. During their time in Year 4, the pupils attend a residential course at Glan-llyn, Cardiff in Year 5 and at Llangrannog in Year 6. Concessions are available for these trips.

ROAD SAFETY. The safety of the children is paramount and please remember the following:- 1. Do not bring your vehicle on to the school premises during the day. 2. Don't park in the bus lay-by. 3. Don't park within 4 car lengths of any of the school gates. 4. Don't park across the entrances to the neighbouring houses. We are aware of the problems you have when collecting the children at 3 o'clock but we would be grateful if you would positively respond to this request.

SECONDARY SCHOOL. During the last year of your child's primary school career you will receive detailed information of secondary education within the county The application form which is included in the package needs to be completed and returned to the school before the end of the Christmas Term so that it can be passed on to the Education department in Shire Hall. The pupils from Ysgol Glanrafon transfer to Ysgol Maes Garmon and very close links have been established between the two schools. The children who transfer to Ysgol Maes Garmon spend two days at the school during the summer term. They also spend a week at the Urdd residential camp in Llangrannog for a bridging course with Year 7 pupils from Maes Garmon.

CONCLUSION. Through the medium of this booklet, you've had an insight into Glanrafon Welsh School in Mold. You are welcome to pay us a visit any time, having made arrangements beforehand, and we will be happy to have a chat with you about the school and its organisation. A warm welcome will await your child when he/she becomes a pupil at the school, because Ysgol Glanrafon is a happy and homely establishment where the atmosphere is warm and friendly. Because of this, the children are encouraged to give of their best and to respect the school and everything associated with it.

THANK YOU FOR GIVING OF YOUR TIME TO READ ABOUT

YSGOL GLANRAFON, MOLD.