A Brief History of the School
Llechyfedach C.P. School is a purpose built semi-open Plan School opened in January 1987.
It is divided into two main units, the Infant Area and the Junior Area. The Teaching areas are linked by a main corridor housing toilet facilities for the Infant and Junior children together with facilities for the disabled should the need arise.
There is a highly modern kitchen offering a choice of meals. Adjoining the kitchen is a well equipped hall.
Aims of the School
To provide a curriculum which is broad, balanced and relevant to the changing needs within a modern society.
To help pupils understand the world in which they live, and recognise the interdependence of individuals, group and nations.
To educate each child to their full potential, so that they may take their place in a democratic society as responsible adults.
To encourage respect for religious and moral values and tolerance of other races, religions and ways of life.
To help pupils appreciate human achievement in Art, Science, Technology and Literature.
To help pupils use language and number effectively.
Objectives of the School
To provide opportunities for a child to express himself confidently.
To encourage the child to write consistently in a clear and legible style showing an understanding of spelling, syntax, punctuation and usage.
To provide ample opportunity to read specific books which would be of interest to the individual.
To encourage the child to read clearly, purposely and with meaning.
To encourage the child to listen attentively at all times.
To encourage the child to develop and understand mathematical skills which would be of use in an everyday situation.
To encourage the child to think of scientific skills and concepts which would be of use in a modern society.
To learn to acquire information from various sources, and to record information in a variety of ways.
To encourage use of Information Technology as a means to record, store and produce materials of a high standard.
To encourage children to use a variety of equipment in whatever activity they practice.
To be aware of the environment in which they live, - the historical and geographical aspects of their heritage.
School Times
Morning 9-00 a.m. - 12-00 noon
Afternoon 1-00 p.m. - 3-00 p.m. (Infants) p.m. - 3-30 p.m. (Juniors)
Children are to assemble on the school yard prior to the beginning of the school day where they are supervised by a member of staff between 8.45a.m. and 9.00a.m. No child should be on school premises before 8.45a.m. In wet weather the children will assemble in an orderly manner in the school hall.
Parents bringing their children to school by car should park at the bottom of the school by the main road. All children are expected to walk from the car park unaccompanied. At the end of the school day the same arrangements are to be respected.
The car park by the main building of the school is for:
Staff only, Vehicles carrying goods to the kitchens, for emergency vehicles should the need arise.
The entrance must remain accessible at all times.
The Curriculum
The school aims to provide each child with a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum. This is introduced through the following subject areas.
a) English, Welsh, Mathematics and Science.
(Core subjects)
Design and Technology, Information Technology, Geography, History, Art, Music, Physical Education and Religious Education.
(Foundation subjects)
To ensure the demands of the curriculum are met a cross curricular thematic approach is adopted, i.e. six themes have been selected to accommodate the core and foundation subjects
Theme 1 Food Theme 1 Communication
Theme 2 Buildings Theme 2 People and their Work
Theme 3 Transport Theme 3 Living Things.
The themes are covered within a 2 year cycle then repeated.
The curriculum is introduced through the medium of Welsh in the early years and in years 1 and 2. English is introduced prior to year 2 moving to the Juniors i.e. in the Summer Term.
At Key Stage 2 all the curriculum areas are taught through the medium of Welsh except Design and Technology and Art and Craft and of course English.
It is the aim of the school to complete year 6 SAT’s in Mathematics and Science through the medium of Welsh by the year 2002.
Educational Visits
During each term the children will undertake visits to places of educational interest in conjunction with the "theme" being studied. These visits are by now an important part of the child's education and is not seen as a "trip".
Collective Worship
Each school day begins with an act of collective worship. Any parent wishing to withdraw their child/children from this act of worship must request to do so preferably after discussion with the Headmaster.
Music
At present we have four peripatetic music teachers, visiting the school. Children in years 4,5 and 6 are encouraged to take advantage of the service we provide. The lessons are free of charge but the child would require to lease/purchase an instrument. (See Appendix 2).
Recorders are introduced to children in yr. 4,5 & 6.
Physical Education.
Physical Education lessons are time-tabled throughout the school.
6.5a The Infant children will undertake the lesson in a T-shirt and shorts, and in their bare feet for indoor activities. For outdoor activities appropriate footwear is necessary.
6.5b The Juniors will require an appropriate change of clothing and a towel. No footwear will be necessary for indoor activities.
6.5c Swimming.
The Juniors attend a swimming pool once a week throughout the year. The lessons are time-tabled to accommodate children in years 3,4,5 and 6. Each pupil will require a swimming costume, a swimming cap and a towel.
6.5d Rugby/Netball/Athletics
The school provides the necessary clothing for competitive games. For practice matches appropriate clothing and footwear is necessary.
6.5e Jewellery
All items of jewellery must be removed before they participate in any physical education lesson.
Language Policy
The School is Category "A". This means that the language of instruction in the Infants will be mainly through the medium of Welsh. English is introduced to Year 2 pupils the term before they transfer to the Juniors.
School Organisation
At present there are four classes, with the children organised into classes according to their age groups.
Reception - Mrs. B. Owen.
yrs. 1 and 2 - Ms. M.O.Bergiers.
Yrs. 3 & 4 - Mrs. D. Rees.
Yrs. 5 & 6 - Mr. S. P. Lewis.
Arrangements for Children with Special Needs
From the outset a child's progress is monitored carefully. If that progress is not satisfactory then the child's parents will be consulted and where necessary referred to for additional support.
Parents will be kept informed throughout.
S.E.N.C.O Mrs. B. Owen. (Special Needs Co-ordinator)
Assessment / Monitoring
Throughout the child's school life assessment procedures are continuous. There are three main methods of assessment.
National Testing
Teacher Assessment
Self-assessment
The monitoring process is a daily occurrence where each individual teacher records the development whether it be academic, social or cultural. This individual process is necessary to build a clear picture of the development of each child.
9.1 Reporting to Parents
Parents are invited to view their child/children's work in the Autumn Term and in the Summer Term. At the end of the Summer Term each child will receive a school report
Homework Policy
Infants
Formal homework is not given in the Infants but children are encouraged to read and enjoy a variety of books with their parents.
Juniors
Children are encouraged to read a variety of appropriate reading material which would be stimulating and interesting, e.g. reading books, reference books, encyclopaedias and a Daily/Weekly Newspaper.
A list of spelling words are set either in Welsh and English per week, together with appropriate Number Tables to learn.
Additional work may be set as and when the need arises.
Admission Policy
Pre-school Arrangements
Children are encouraged to attend four morning sessions. Parents will receive:
School Admission Profile
School Prospectus
County Questionnaire
Primary School
Pupils shall be admitted to the school at the beginning of the term in which they receive their 4th birthday.
Comprehensive School
Pupils shall be admitted to the school at the beginning of the Autumn Term if they have reached the age of eleven on or before August 31st.
Transfer of Pupils to the Comprehensive Schools
Llechyfedach C.P. is a feeder school to two comprehensive schools:
Maes yr Yrfa, a bi-lingual comprehensive, located in Cefneithin and
Gwendraeth, a comprehensive located in Drefach.
Year 6 pupils transfer to these schools or a comprehensive school of their choice the academic year following their 11th birthday.
Pupils will be invited to attend an open evening in both schools during late September where they will have the opportunity to view the school.
In July of the following year, pupils will spend either one or two days at the comprehensive school of their choice with other pupils of the Gwendraeth Valley.
School Uniform (Desirable)
Boys: Grey / Black Trousers/ Track Suit Bottoms
Red polo shirt / Red sweat shirt.
Girls:
Grey Skirt / Black trousers / jogging bottoms.
White Blous / Red Polo Shirt / Red Sweat Shirt.
Absenteeism
In the event of a child being absent, please contact the school to inform us of the nature of his absenteeism either by telephone or letter.
Pastoral Care Arrangements
The welfare of each child is of utmost importance to every member of staff during the school day. During each breaktime and at the beginning of the school day the children will be supervised by a member of staff. During the dinner hour, mid-day supervisors will undertake these duties.
Within the school management structure Mrs. Bergiers is responsible for the Infant Department and any matters arising.
Sex Education
Sex Education is taught within the boundaries of the Science National Curriculum Orders. With parental consent Year 6 pupils are invited to attend an informal 'chat' by the school Nurse on adolescence and puberty during the summer term.
Accidents
In the event of any accident the teaching staff will provide the necessary care and attention within their means, and where necessary will inform the parents, as soon as possible.
12.1 Illness
If a child is unwell during the day then he/she will be sent home after the school has made contact with the parents.
Administering Medication
If a child brings medication to school then an explanatory note must be given to a class teacher. The class teacher will not take responsibility for administering short term medication but is sensitive to the needs of pupils on long term medication.
If a child has any special health needs, please inform the school.
Health visits
During the academic year the school is visited by medical and dental officers. Before any child is examined an approval form must be signed by the parents.
Head Lice
Please check your child's hair regularly i.e. at least three times per week.
School Dinners
Times: Infants 12.00 - 12.30 p.m.
Juniors 12.30 - 1.00 p.m.
At present the cost of a school lunch is £1.40 a day.
Children qualifying for FREE MEALS must apply through the local Area Education Office. It is the parents' responsibility to ensure that the Free School Meal Forum is always up to date.
Families falling into arrears will be informed by the school after which payment is expected.
School Discipline
The headteacher has overall responsibility for discipline within the school. The headteacher and teaching staff require every child to be respectful and courteous at all times, and to follow instructions without question.
The support of the parent is absolutely necessary in implementing a code of discipline.
13.1 School Rules
Children are expected to be punctual at all times. Failure to do so must be explained in a letter signed by the parents.
Children are to walk in an orderly manner while inside the school building.
Children will play on the school yard during fine weather, and assemble in the hall during wet weather.
While on the yard children are not to climb the boundary wall.
No child is allowed to play on the school field unless accompanied by a member of the teaching staff.
Every child must keep the school yard free from all litter.
Children are allowed to bring fruit to school, but chewing gum and sweets are strictly forbidden.
Children must go to the toilet during break-time. If it is necessary during lesson time, then permission must be granted by the class teacher.
Children must be courteous and respectful to the mid-day supervisors at all times.
All children must behave in a quiet orderly manner.
The Friends of Llechyfedach School
As headteacher and staff we cannot praise enough the efforts of this committee in raising additional funds for the school.
Usually, meetings take place once a month to discuss forthcoming events. Notice of such a meeting will be forwarded at least one week in advance.
Present Officers - Chairperson - Mrs. J. Davies.
Secretary - Mrs. S. Phillips.
Treasurer - Mrs. E. Samuel.
Extra Curricular Activities
Rugby / Netball: 3.30 p.m. - 4.15 p.m. Thursday
Cultural Activities
All the pupils are encouraged to participate to Urdd activities, sport activities and Road Safety Quizzes
During the summer term the older children have the opportunity to take part in the National Cycling Proficiency Test.
Hopefully the information in this booklet will enlighten you as to your school's role within society.
If further information is needed then feel free to contact the headteacher.
If you have any queries regarding any aspect of your child's education, then contact the school by telephone to make an appointment.
When visiting the school, kindly report to the headteacher/deputy first.
Thank you
Simon P. Lewis (Headteacher) | 
