Our main aim is to provide a pleasant and secure environment where the children are encouraged to develop as individuals as well as acquire a sensitivity to the needs of others. Due attention is given to the development of the core skills of English, Mathematics and Science. We also try to instil a healthy attitude towards the school community and the environment. How to learn is as important as what is learned.

Discipline and order are key elements in the learning process. In the case of indiscipline and persistent non-compliance by pupils, the parents will be fully involved in rectifying social or behavioural problems.

It is hoped that at all times you will join with us in fulfilling our aims by helping to develop a mutual understanding and exchange of ideas. St. Elfod is an open school and so if you have any queries or complaints regarding your child's progress or social well-being we ask that you come in and discuss them with us. I would like to make it clear that you will always be welcome at the school, although it is essential that you make an appointment by contacting the School Secretary, to ensure that a member of staff is available to meet you. A healthy school is one in which teachers, parents, governors and pupils feel that they are working together with the same aims and objectives in mind.

I hope that you will find the information contained in this web site useful and that it will be a guide to the school and its activities.

School Aims

	To provide the best possible quality of education which reflects the needs of individual pupils, and the opportunities for pupils to achieve their potential.
	To establish a happy, hard working atmosphere based on sound interpersonal relationships between pupil, teacher, parent and the Governing Body.

	To be a caring school with a secure, welcoming atmosphere where children can enjoy a familiar routine which helps them gain confidence, become independent and increase self esteem.
	To be a school where children enjoy success through well planned activities which cater for the individual needs of the children.
	To provide a broad, balanced differentiated curriculum catering for each child's physical, intellectual, emotional, social and moral well being.
	Although great emphasis is laid upon the basic skills and knowledge involved in Language, Mathematics and Science, we feel it is equally important to give children the opportunity to use their knowledge, skills and experiences in a variety of situations.
	To help children relate well with others, - family and community. We hope to develop positive attitudes and respect for others. We encourage our children to respect the immediate environment around them as well as the wider environment.
	To work in co-operation with the home, both working towards the same goal, for the good of the child.

SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT WITHIN THE SCHOOL.

The school endeavours to cater for all pupils, some of whom have special needs. These may be of a physical, emotional, social or intellectual nature and include children with learning difficulties and those who are especially gifted.

The school policy for pupils with Special Educational Needs may be that of integration into mainstream classes with support or withdrawal from classes to work in smaller groups. The form of support given will vary according to the individual needs of the child. Strategies include: companion teachers in the classroom to work alongside the subject specialist; the provision of Individual Educational Programmes of work where necessary (I.E.P.s), and special groups to help with reading.

Staff with responsibilities for Special Needs will liaise carefully with mainstream teachers and with parents. We have close links with outside agencies such as the Schools' Psychological Service, the Area Special Needs Centre and other specialist agencies.

Should it be necessary, parents will be encouraged to co-operate with the school in any referral for assessment by the Educational Psychologist.