The ‘Vision’ for Ysgol Gwaenynog was developed collaboratively with the co-operation of the staff, governors, parents and pupils. These special words underpin the philosophy of the school. The School Development Plan, School Self Evaluation Strategies, Policies and Targets for School Improvement are a reflection of this Vision.Staff and Governors endeavour to ensure the pupils are - ‘Happy, secure, receive quality teaching, in a high quality, inclusive, learning environment.

The staff are pro-active in encouraging pupils to interact together co-operatively in school. Thus developing the philosophy of the school - ‘Happy and Secure as we all learn together.’ In line with the school ‘Vision’ the school encourages self-discipline and self esteem, and we look to parents for their support in this. An open evening highlighting parental awareness of Assertive discipline is held annually.

Pupils are positively encouraged with verbal praise and rewards (stickers and attractive ‘stamps’ on work) to have behaviour which is socially acceptable and to develop a work ethos conducive to learning . Everyone is learning within Ysgol Gwaenynog the children, parents and staff work together to promote the learning journey of all stakeholders within the school. The School Self Evaluation Document and Development Plan are tools which ensure that planned future developments move towards the vision. Therefore the school is always guided by five clear and memorable principles:

Happy
Secure
All
Learning
Together

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS.

Ysgol Gwaenynog aims to ensure all children irrespective of physical, intellectual, social or emotional special needs receive appropriate educational provision to develop to their full potential.

A detailed Special Educational Needs Policy is available in the school office


Assertive Discipline

In line with the school ‘Vision’ the school encourages self-discipline and self esteem, and we look to the parents for their support in this. An open evening highlighting parental awareness of Assertive discipline is held annually. Pupils are positively encouraged with verbal praise and rewards (stickers and attractive ‘stamps’ on work) to have behaviour which is socially acceptable and to develop a work ethos conducive to learning .

Where punishment is necessary, this takes the form of withdrawal of certain privileges, loss of freedom at playtimes or part of the dinner hour. Any offence of a serious nature the class teacher will discuss the matter with the headteacher who will decide whether to contact the parents.

Classes have their own class rules - the pupils know and understand what these rules are. Clear instructions are given before each activity - enabling the pupils to follow the instructions without ambiguity.There are general school rules for movement around the school and dinner times. playtimes.

Positive praise - is the key.

Working with outside agencies

Referrals to the Behavioural Support Team can be made through the Headteacher. The Behavioural Support Service helps and supports families who are experiencing difficulties either long term or short term.

Appointments can be arranged with Alison Roberts using Gwaenynog as the meeting place - this saves the need to travel any great distance. For more information please speak to the Headteacher - Julia Buckley Jones. Another outside agency frequently utilised by the school is the Speech Therapy Service.

Referrals for children who may be experiencing language difficulties can be made through the school. The school will endeavour to meet the needs of all the pupils and school staff are happy to work with any outside agency which is deemed beneficial to the child.

As a parent you will be warmly welcomed to join the very active Parent Teacher Association that is an integral part of the school.

The PTA supports the school with fund raising , social events and by providing valuable helpers on days such as Sports Day, trips out, visits to the theatre, children’s discos.

Staff in the school acknowledge the benefits from providing a wide range of extra curricular experiences for the children and it is with the financial and practical help of the PTA that trips out of school and special events form an important part of Gwaenynog school life.

Parents wishing to lend a hand and help in class are made very welcome in the school. School values your contribution.