Buttington /Trewern County Primary School

Ysgol Gynradd Buttington Trewern

“Living and Learning”/“Darganfod a Dysgu”

SchoolProspectus

Buttington Trewern C.P. School Cefn Road Trewern

Powys SY21 8TB

Tel: 01938 570283 Email: office@trewern.powys.sch.uk

Website: www.trewern.powys.sch.uk Twitter-@trewerncp Schoop-ID-4584

Headteacher Mr C.W. Jenkins B.Ed hons Dip H.E.

1. WORD FROM THE HEAD

Dear Parents,

Welcome to Buttington/Trewern County Primary School. We are a mixed infant school currently with 175 pupils on roll between the ages of 4 and 11. The Unitary Authority (UA) is Powys County Council. Pupils who attend the school come from

the local villages of Buttington, Trewern and Middletown and, subject to class sizes, we also have children from the Welshpool area.

We hope that after reading this booklet some of the questions you may have about your child starting school with us, whether for the first time, or as the result of a

move, will be answered.

We believe that the education of your child is a partnership in which the role of the school and the role of the parent are both vital and should complement each other.

We welcome your full participation in the life of the school.

We hope that your child will spend a happy and productive time with us .

Yours sincerely,

Mr C.W.Jenkins - Headteacher

MISSION STATEMENT

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

PHILOSOPHYThe school aims to provide a friendly, caring, happy, ‘family’ atmosphere and learning environment in which the individual child can achieve their highest potential in every aspect of their development.

Emphasis is placed upon the basic skill of learning, with literacy, numeracy, science and I.T. being taught in a structural way. We encourage independence and initiative in children.

In addition, opportunities are given for creative expression, scientific enquiry, physical development and social morality.

Appropriate themes from the children’s natural environment and local culture are used to link areas of the curriculum into an integrated approach.

We aim to make coverage of the National Curriculum particularly relevant to the needs of the school and exciting.

A) STANDARDS OF ACHIEVEMENTWe aim to help pupils reach high standards of achievement, to be competent across the curriculum in the key skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening in Welsh and English, numeracy, problem solving and information technology.

B) PUPILS SPIRITUAL, MORAL, SOCIAL AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT

We aim to help pupils to:-● Identify their personal beliefs (including religious beliefs).● Communicate their beliefs in discussion and through their behavior.● Reflect on experience and to search for meaning in that experience.● Display a sense of awe and wonder as they become more conscious of deeper

meanings in the apparently familiar features of the natural world or in their experience.

● Understand the difference between right and wrong.● Show a concern for how actions may affect others and a willingness to consider the

needs of others as well as self.● Show respect for persons, property and truth.● Develop understanding of moral behaviour.

“LIVING and LEARNING”“Darganfod a Dysgu”

● Be able to make responsible and reasoned judgements on moral issues.● Be able to exercise a degree of responsibility and initiative.● Work successfully in groups and to participate co-operatively and productively in the

school community.● Develop understanding of society through the family, the school, the local

community and wider communities.● Widen his/her cultural interests through the curriculum and Extracurricular activities.● Be aware of cultural traditions and activities represented in Wales, the United

Kingdom, Europe and the wider world.● Understand the way beliefs and values have shaped their own and other cultures.● Understand the way in which the arts and science express and transmit culture.

BUTTINGTON/TREWERNC.P. SCHOOL TARGETS

At Foundation Phase a pupil should progress by an outcome per year

At K.S 2 a pupil should progress at least half of a level per year.

At end of Foundation Phase Teacher Assessment, 95% should achieve outcome 5 or above.

At K.S 2 Teacher Assessment, 95% should achieve level 4 or above.

80% + to have a reading age the same or above their chronological age.

In Year 6, 90% of children should be writing in a fluent cursive style.

By the end of year 5, 90% of children will know their tables up to 10*10.

Our School Governors

The members of the School Governing Body serve for a four year period. The governing Body is made up of:-

Mrs Fiona WarburtonChair of Governors

LEANov 2015 – Oct 2019

Mr Tom CarterParent

May 2017 - April 2021

Ms Liz LoaderDeputy Vice Chair

ParentOct 2014 – Sept 2018

Mrs Gemma GriffithsParent

Oct 2018 – Sept 2022

Mr Mike BatesCommunity

Feb 2017 - Jan 2021

Mrs Monica HumphreysParent

Sept 2018 – Aug 2022Mrs Shonah Dowler-Joyce

CommunitySept 2013 – Aug 2017

Mr Phil HughesVice Chair

Community Council Rep.June 2017 - May 2021

Ms jess WilsonParent

Sept 2018 – Aug 2022

Miss Georgina LoaderParent

Sept 2018 – Aug 2022

Mrs Amanda JennerCounty Councillor

LEA (pending)

Mr Colin JenkinsHeadteacher

Miss Lorraine JonesTeacher Governor

Sept 2015 – Aug 2019

Mrs Olwen EvansStaff Governor

Oct 2013 – Sept 2017

Mrs Eve McLaughlinClerk to Governors

The Full Governing Body meets at least once every term to discuss its responsibility for the management of the school. During the term various sub committees meet in preparation for the full termly meeting. In the beginning of the Autumn term, the Governors prepare an Annual Report on their activities of the last academic year.

There may be some occasions when parents or other members of the community feel it is more appropriate to approach a member of the Governing Body than to contact the school directly. In such cases an approach to one of the following Governors is suggested:

Chair of Governors: Mrs Fiona Warburton

Our School Staff

TEACHING STAFF

Mr Colin JenkinsHeadteacher

Miss Lorraine JonesDeputy Head

Year 6 Teacher

Miss Kelly TempleHead of Foundation

PhaseYear 2 Teacher

Mrs Emma WatkinsReception/Yr 1 Teacher

Ms Angela RigbySupply Teacher

Mrs Emma JonesYear 3 Teacher

Mrs Karen Jenkins Mr CW Jenkins PPA Mr Tom Vaughan

Year 4 Teacher teacher. Year 5 TeacherMrs Gwenan Hughes

Welsh Peripatetic TeacherMr Phil PryceBrass Tutor

Mr Steve LeeseGuitar/Drums Tutor

Mr Niall Evans Piano Tutor Mrs Sian EdwardsWoodwind Tutor

NON TEACHING STAFF

Ms Eve McLaughlinSchool Secretary

Mrs Kim GodbertTeaching AssistantReception Year 1

Ms Tracy DonovanTeaching Assistant

Reception /yr 1Midday Supervisor R Yr 1

Miss Kate ShanahanTeaching Assistant

Year 2

Mrs Lynn PageLearning Support Assistant

KS 2

Mrs Olwen EvansALNCo

Learning Support AssistantBreakfast Club Supervisor

Mrs Kim GodbertTeaching Assistant

Springboard Intervention

Mrs Sheryl DaviesMidday Supervisor Year 2

Mrs Donna RobertsMidday Supervisor Juniors

Ms Debbie HilditchMidday Supervisor Juniors

Mrs Louise PughCook in Charge

Mrs Rachel LloydGeneral Kitchen Assistant

Mr Neil HillidgeCleaner/Caretaker

Ms Sharon BarkleyCleaner

THE SCHOOL DAY7.55 – 8.30 am Breakfast club. 8.25 am Doors open

8.40 – 9.00 am Registration

9.00 – 9.20 am Whole School Assemblies - Monday & Thursday9.00 – 9.20 am Infant Assembly – Tuesday9.00 – 9.20 am Classroom Assemblies other days

9.20 – 10.30 am Morning Lessons

10.30 – 10.50 am Playtime

10.50 – 11.45 am Lessons (Nursery Reception)10.50 – 12.00 am Lessons (Rest of Foundation Phase)10.50 – 12.30 am Lessons (Key Stage 2)

12.00 pm – 1.05 pm (Infants)Lunch break. 12.30 pm – 1.20 pm (Juniors) Lunch break.

1.05/1.20 – 3.05 pm – Afternoon Lessons

2.30 – 2.50 pm Junior Assembly - Tuesday

2.20- 2.30 pm Infant playtime

3.05 pm End of school.

The total teaching time each week is approximately 24 1/2 hours at Key Stage 2 (Juniors) and 22 hours at Foundation Phase (Infants). These times exclude registration, collective worship and playtimes.

SCHOOL LUNCHESA hot meal, cooked on the premises, is available every day. The meals are of good quality and are eaten by many children. Parents who may be eligible for free school meals should contact the school secretary or headteacher for advice and/or the appropriate forms. Even if you qualify for Free School Meals you can still send your child in with sandwiches, if they prefer, but you need to register your eligibility even if you do not take it up.

Should a child who is on school lunches wish to change to sandwiches or vice versa, the parents must give the school one week’s notice. The ruling of the Authority is that lunch money be paid on a Monday for the forthcoming week or alternatively some parents like to pay for the whole term in advance with any credits being paid back at the end of the term. If your child does not receive a dinner then you will not be charged. All lunch payments are through parent pay-an online system. Please request information from the office regarding parent pay.

Infants & Juniors: £2.25 per day A copy of the menu can be found at the back of the prospectus.

SNACKS

Infant children are asked to pay £1.00 per week (20p per day) and the class teacher will provide a variety of healthy snacks for them to eat at morning play. Junior children are also encouraged to bring healthy snacks into school for breaktime, ie. Fruit as opposed to crisps and biscuits.Children should not bring sweets or chewing gum to school.Children may bring a small sturdy toy, like a teddy or a small car. Anything valuable or delicate should be left at home. The school takes no responsibility for lost or broken items brought to school.

CHARGING & REMISSIONS POLICYThe governing body has adopted the Powys LEA policy on Charging and Remissions arrangements for school activities which conforms to section 457 of the Education Reform Act 1996. Charges are made for residential cost in centres associated with school visits and costs associated with Music/Instrumental tuition.

Where there is an extra charge to the school for the children’s participation in educational activities, parents may be invited to make a voluntary contribution towards the cost. It is recognised that parents may not be able to make a full contribution on all occasions. In that event, any shortfall will be made up from the school funds. All children in the group or class concerned are given the opportunity to participate.

Note: The number of occasions on which contributions are invited is kept to a minimum because of the fund-raising efforts by the PTFA which replenish the school funds. The costs of visiting speakers, theatre groups or short visits are met entirely from these funds so long as the balance in the account permits.

The Curriculum, Educational Organisation & Teaching Methods at the school-The school is beginning to experiment with the new curriculum for Wales –a curriculum for life, an exciting teacher/pupil created curriculum-however up to Sept 2022 the school has to comply also with the 2008 curriculum.

The school has enthusiastically adopted the National Curriculum Programmes of Study. These specify the minimum content of the school curriculum, and identify the following subject areas:Foundation Phase: Mathematical Development

Personal DevelopmentLanguage/Literacy & CommunicationKnowledge & Understanding of The WorldWelsh Language DevelopmentPhysical DevelopmentCreative Development.

In Key Stage 2 (juniors): MathematicsEnglishScienceHistoryGeographyTechnologyWelshMusicArtPhysical EducationReligious Education (Collective Worship)

Safeguarding and Child ProtectionAt BTCP each pupil's safety is of paramount importance. All adults within school have a legal responsibility to ensure that the children are safe and protected at all times. Systems are in place to ensure safety at all times both in and out of class. The school follows the Powys Child Protection Procedures and also works closely with agencies such as Social Services, School Nurse and Education Welfare Officers.

Mr Jenkins is the School's Child Protection and Safeguarding Officer and Mr Mike Bates is the School Governor representative.

The school has a duty to make a direct referral if they have a concern ordisclosure regarding the welfare of any pupil within the school.

Safeguarding Procedures are controlled by the school senior management with the policy annually reviewed. All visitors are monitored by signing in on entry after identification through an authorisation check. The visitor will then be issued a visitor badge. On leaving the school the visitor will return the badge and sign out.All staff and voluntary helpers are subject to a DBS (police) check before working at the school.All school staff are encouraged to do the emergency first aid qualification. Regular training is offered (every 3 years). The Senior first aid officer is Mr Jenkins.On receiving the school admission pack parents will also need to sign various consent forms re. trips, photograghing/videoing, home school agreement and internet safety.

All staff are trained to level 2 Child Protection on an annual basis and the senior child protection officer, Mr Jenkins, is trained to level 3 and takes part in annual multi agency discussions and training.

The Whole CurriculumThe whole curriculum of the school is more than just the statutory National Curriculum, extensive though that is. This school seeks to extend the curriculum in several ways.

Personal and Social EducationIn their life in school children learn to behave according to the standards of behaviour expected of them. They are also developing for themselves a moral code to guide their behaviour. The staff of this school recognise and welcome responsibilities in nurturing this development.

Transfer to Secondary School

An excellent relationship exists between our school and all High Schools, but this is especially true of Welshpool High School. This includes pupil visits, classroom teaching, teacher exchange, open days and pre transfer visits by Welshpool High School and Curriculum post holders.

In addition there are on-going meetings between Primary Headteachers and Welshpool High staff, as well as curriculum meetings. Records of progress are passed on prior to transfer.

The CurriculumWhilst great attention is given to the basic skills, we also try to instill a healthy attitude towards school. How to learn is important, as well as what is learned.

All pupils' work has been carefully planned according to the National Curriculum requirements and successful futures. Throughout the school the method of delivering the National Curriculum will be cross curricular in its approach, through a variety of themes and topics which cover the attainment targets set. A mixture of whole class, group and individual teaching is used in all classes with work differentiated as necessary to match the ability of the individual pupil. An enquiry approach is adopted allowing children to develop and investigate through a child centred approach. Pupils are encouraged to work independently and their ideas are highlighted through pupils’ voice.

The areas of the curriculum covered are Mathematics, Language, Science and Welsh (core Subjects), History, Geography, Design & Technology and Information Technology, Art, Music, Physical Education and Religious Education (foundation subjects). We address other cross curricular themes during the year PSE, economic and industrial understanding and personal and social welfare. The Key skills are prominent in planning and appear in all lessons .At BTCP we encourage the development of Literacy ,Numeracy ,Welsh Second language and ICT across the whole curriculum.

MATHEMATICSAll areas of mathematics within the school have been clearly matched to the requirements of the National Curriculum and are flexible enough to provide for the more able children as well as those with learning difficulties. The work is based on a number of mathematical texts, both commercial and home based enquiries. However, the numeracy strategy and Abacus Scheme of Work is used as a guide. Mathematics is taught within a meaningful context with opportunities provided for application of Mathematics to problem solving, data handling and investigative work.

ENGLISHThe language skills that we develop are speaking and listening, -reading and writing (to include spelling and handwriting). The school follows the ERW Scheme of work which ensures continuity and progression within a pupils language development.We provide pupils with opportunities to speak, listen and write in a variety of situations. We encourage children to develop their reading skills and aim to promote an interest in books and literature. Our reading schemes encourage children to select and widen their reading experiences. All such books are graded according to difficulty, each child reading appropriate to his/her level and skill. In addition to individual reading in Foundation Phase and Group Reading across the school, we encourage parental involvement in the reading process. "To this end we operate a home reading scheme whereby the children take books home to share with parents.”

SCIENCEScience forms part of the core primary curriculum along with language and Mathematics. There is on occasions an overlap between the aims of teaching science and the other core subjects. However, some activities are specifically scientific and are especially significant for that reason. These activities involve the process skills of science which provide the children with a way of finding information, testing ideas and seeking explanations.

WELSHAll children undertake learning activities to develop an understanding and facility in using the Welsh language. These activities conform with the National Curriculum and are further enriched by the celebration of traditional cultural events.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGYWe have a large Computer Suite within our school consisting of 12 personal computers which the classes are timetabled to use.The school also have laptop trolleys and a number of Ipads to further enhance learning.Internet safety is taken very seriously and sequenced lessons are delivered to ensure this safety..

Our aims are to :(i) Use computers as an additional resource to enrich and extend our children's

learning.(ii) Develop key skills that will help with lifelong learning.(iii) To develop an understanding of how computers work(iv) To use a variety of Processing programmes for information storage and retrieval.

PHYSICAL EDUCATIONPhysical Education plays an important role within our school. Pupils are given opportunities to participate in dance, outdoor and adventurous activities, gymnastics, games including football, netball, hockey, rugby, rounders and cricket.etcPupils are expected to wear school physical education clothing. For obvious reasons pupils will not be allowed to do P.E. without the correct clothing and footwear. We ask you to ensure that your child has P.E. kit on the right day. Most children keep their kits in school for the whole week then take them home for a wash on the weekends.

SWIMMINGAll children attending the school will have ample opportunity to learn to swim. Weekly swimming lessons begin in Nursery/Reception. A voluntary contribution of £2.00 for each swim is requested to help towards the cost of transport. This will apply only to the first two children in each family. Each class will go at least once during the school year for a block of 5 sessions.

ARTChildren follow themes as well as skills carefully coordinated and monitored by the art

coordinator. All medias are used and the school regularly have artists working at school or classes visiting various workshops/galleries.

DESIGN/TECHNOLOGYThis is a big favourite with the children. All are encouraged to research, plan, design, make and evaluate their separate projects .The children use a variety of tools carefully introduced by the teacher making sure that all health and safety procedures are outlined along with its correct usage. Skill development is carefully monitored.

GEOGRAPHYThe development of knowledge and skills are essential. Regular visits help to develop these. Mapping, human, physical and statistical geography are covered in detail through specific themes taking the children to “all parts of the world.”

HISTORYThe super eras studied are all brought alive by regular visits to local history rich sites.We are excellently supported by the Powysland museum. Both skills and knowledge are enhanced through the exciting projects.

MUSICThe scheme of work for music is followed by staff. Regular opportunities for performance and appreciation of music are organized. Both visits to concerts/workshops and to schools by visiting musicians are popular with both staff and children.

Music TuitionChildren will also have the opportunity to receive specialist tuition in Brass, Woodwind, String (Guitar), Piano and Drums. This tuition is organised by the school and takes place during the school day.

Piano (Mondays) £5.00 per lesson Mr Niall EvansGuitar (Wednesdays) £4.00 per lesson Mr Dave SylvaDrum (Wednesdays) £4.00 per lesson NoneWoodwind (Mondays) £4.50 per lesson Mrs S EdwardsBrass (Tuesdays) various options Mr P Pryce

Violin (Monday) £4 per person Mrs Beverley Parry.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION All children are expected to attend school assemblies and follow Religious Education

lessons and activities. Under the provision of the Education Act parents may withdraw their children from these activities if they feel this necessary. Parents considering this are asked to inform the Headteacher in writing. Collective worship occurs daily.

COLLECTIVE WORSHIPSchool assemblies include Christian acts of worship, together with a moral lesson and certain items of news or information. Parents who wish to exclude their children from collective worship on religious grounds have the right to do so.There is an act of collective worship every day.

SCHOOL/CLASS COUNCILSEach class discusses issues, usually in the form of circle time. These issues are then taken by the class representative to school council which is held every fortnight. The council meetings are very structured and have a set committee. Minutes are taken and put on display. Elections take place each new academic year and are overseen by a member of staff. There are two representatives from each year group. The school council has been very successful and allows children to, “have a say.” Mrs Richardson and Mrs Evans are the staff responsible for the School Council.

Our Eco Council is overseen by Miss Kelly Temple and is actively involved in helping to improve our surroundings and care for the environment and to make pupils aware of eco issues.

Our Sports Council is overseen by Mr Vaughan promoting healthy eating and an active lifestyle.

Our Criw Cymraeg is overseen by Mrs Jenkins ensuring bilingualism is used throughout the school.

The Digital Leaders/Wizards and Children’s Rights Super Ambassadors are overseen by Mr Jenkins.

Key skills and Common Requirements alongside the National Curriculum

As with all our policy curriculum documents it is essential that the full requirements of the National curriculum are covered.

Key Skills– (Thinking, Numeracy, ICT and Literacy) are exceptionally important to all subjects and is the intention of all staff to recognise key areas for development through other subjects. This is done through the discretion of the class teacher during the lesson planning stage and are highlighted through their day to day plans and mapped.

PSELike the above and alongside the PSE scheme, class teachers identify issues and areas to develop through their day to day planning of the curriculum. These again will be identified through the lesson plans and mapped through a regular audit. Trips and speakers are part of a scheduled timetable for effective input eg Lifeline in year 6,Peace Education in year 4/5 ,Schoolbeat visits.etc

Information TechnologyThis is catered for alongside each of the subject areas and regular timetabled opportunities are set aside for this development.

Problem solving and creative skillsThese are developed when the opportunity arises and are highlighted through the appropriate plans. In order to evaluate the effectiveness of this delivery the subject co-ordinators alongside the headteacher continually monitors lessons and plans.

USE OF THE WELSH LANGUAGE ,Bilingualism and Curriculum Cymreig.Welsh is taught as a second language at the School. Once a fortnight a Welsh Peripatetic teacher, Miss Gwenan Hughes, comes into the school and spends some time with some of the classes. Those classes that do not have time with Miss Hughes are taught Welsh by their class trained teachers. This equates to an hour a week.During Welsh lessons children have the opportunity to learn and practice the Welsh language through a variety of stimulating activities. Welsh is also spoken throughout the day, every day in different activities ie. the dinner menu in the morning. The culture of Wales is also developed through the Curriculum Cymreig and Welsh festivals such as a School Eisteddfod or assembly. Wherever possible aspects concerning Wales are developed through the curriculum topics eg.Chirk Castle,William Morgan (Bible) ,local area mapping.etc

THE ORGANISATION OF THE CURRICULUMTo a child, few things are simply geographical things or scientific things, so too with the curriculum for the younger child. Work on ‘Gardens’ for example will include activities that involve Mathematics, English, Science and many other aspects of knowledge and understanding. This approach can sometimes accommodate a large part of the planned work. More often it is necessary to have programmes of work that are carefully structured to ensure the development of basic literacy and numeracy running alongside the topic work.

As children get older they are more able to see and build on the connections in their knowledge within a particular subject area. They learn what sort of thinking is distinctly scientific thinking or historical thinking. Programmes of work become more focused on aspects of particular subjects as the children progress through the school.

Yet few problems are only scientific problems, or only historical problems. One person’s answer may not even begin to face the issues which someone else thought were important. So it is necessary that some of the work for the older children requires them to draw on many strands of learning at the same time, eg. focusing on a particular issue such as the best route for a by-pass.

THE ORGANISATION OF THE CLASSESThe children are grouped by age as follows:

Reception/ Mrs E Watkins/Year 1 Year 2 Miss K TempleYear 3 Mrs E JonesYear 4 Mrs K JenkinsYear 5 Mr T VaughanYear 6 Miss L Jones

Explanatory Note: The school ‘year’ runs from 1st September to 31st August. The current terms for describing different ages and stages of education as follows:

Age children reach Name of Stage ofduring school year Year Education

Foundation 5 Reception / ) Phase 6 Year 1 ) “ 7 Year 2 ) “ 8 Year 3 ) Key Stage 2 9 Year 4 ) “ 10 Year 5 ) “ 11 Year 6 ) “

CLASS SIZESIt is the policy of the County to keep class sizes as manageable as possible. This sometimes means that year groups may be split and taught by different teachers. In these cases the children will always be taught at their appropriate level and follow the year groups scheme of work. Whenever possible every attempt will be made to draw the whole year group together e.g. games, trips. design /technology etc. Planning is essential for this and regular liaison is always adopted between all staff.

From September 2017, Powys County Council have new admission arrangements. There will only be one intake during a school year and children will start the September after their fourth birthday. Ie. if a child is 4 between 1st September 2017 and 31st August 2018, they will start in school in September 2018.

A RANGE OF TEACHING STYLESAppropriate to the different needs.

The study test approachMultisensoryPractical experiencesDiffering challenges and opportunities to assess progress.Co-operative working.Group preparation and performance.

Independent

EMPHASIS ON DEVELOPING BASIC SKILLSThe basic skills of literacy and numeracy underpin so much of later learning that there can be no question about their central place in the school curriculum.

Applying whathas been learned.

Gaining understanding.

Basic literacyand numeracy

Building new ideas.

THE GROWTH OF COMPETENCEWhat is also important is to put this learning to use. This both gives relevance and reinforcement. It also means transferring skills – essential if the demanding targets of the National Curriculum are to be achieved. Thus, for example, reading skills may be extended through studying a historical text to answer questions like –

What exactly happened ?Can you draw how it is done ?What skills did they need to do this ?

National Curriculum Results These assessments are done at the end of Year 2 and Year 6. The level at the end of Year 2 that your child should be working at is Outcome 5 and the level at the end of Year 6 which your child should be working at is Level 4. The latest Teacher Assessment results can be found at the back of the prospectus as a comparison to the National results.

ADDITIONAL LEARNING NEEDS

Basic Principles* The commitment of all the staff to ensuring that the school community is a caring

and supportive community.* The belief is that all children are of equal worth.* The recognition of the individuality of every child within the community of the school.* The acceptance that all pupils are the responsibility of all staff.

Policy Objectives* An effective procedure for identifying children with special educational needs.* Agreed strategies for helping identified children.* A system of record keeping appropriate for monitoring progress of children with

special educational needs.* Active cooperation of parents in their children’s education.* Clear, agreed arrangements with external support services.* Arrangements for the regular review of children’s needs and the provisions made for

them.

All of the above should lead to improved achievement by the children with special educational needs.

Financing Provision for Pupils with Additional Learning NeedsProvision for children with additional learning needs should derive from their identified needs. The delegated budget includes a “Additional Learning Needs allowance”. It is the policy of the Governing Body of the school to allocate the whole of this amount to the cost of provision for pupils with additional learning needs by funding appropriate staff time to

support these children either on a one to one basis or in groups, delivering Catch Up support, Springboard and/or individual sessions with Mrs Evans, our Additional Learning Needs lead.

Provision for Children with ALNThe staff of the school value each child equally and seek to enable every child to enjoy satisfaction of personal achievement. The school policy for children with Additional Learning Needs is integral with the whole school approach to providing for the particular needs of all the pupils in our care.

We have specialist help from Mrs Olwen Evans our ALN Lead who deals with all special needs administration. Our Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator is Miss Lorraine Jones.Our ALN Governor is Mrs Fiona Warburton.

Further InformationA copy of the school’s policy on Identifying and Providing for Children’s Additional Learning Needs is available on request from the Headteacher.

Pupils with DisabilitiesWe strive to ensure that all children and adults have their individual needs met. Our disability plan sets out our aims and school strategy for achieve this. We have been very fortunate in having the school recently renovated to accommodate wheelchair access around the whole school.

Looked After Children The person with responsibility of promoting the Educational achievement of Looked After Children is Mr Colin Jenkins, Headteacher.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR COMPLAINTSDealing with any concerns you may have.If parents are unhappy concerning aspects of the curriculum or any other matter regarding the education of their child, they should speak to the child's teacher .If the matter is not dealt with in a satisfactory manner, the parents should discuss the issues informally with the headteacher. If parents are dissatisfied regarding the outcome of an investigation by the headteacher, they should contact the Chair of Governors who will act as a link between the parents and the school. If the above steps fail to resolve matters satisfactorily, an official complaint can be made in writing to the Clerk of the Governors who will arrange for the complaint to be investigated by the governing body. A copy of the school’s complaints policy is available on the school’s website.

Access to informationMost documents relating to the school curriculum governing body LEA and Welsh Assembly Government are available for inspection at the school. Parents wishing to have access to any of these must contact the school to make the necessary arrangements. Some documents may be copied and the school make a charge for providing personal copies.

Sex Education PolicyAt Buttington/Trewern C.P. School many opportunities are used to develop the children’s

understanding of this aspect. Through science topics such as OURSELVES and LIVING THINGS children are taught the major aspects of growth, changes, plant and animal life cycles, human life cycles, and reproduction of plants and animals. Any questions are encouraged and answered in a sensitive way according to the child’s maturity and age. The school nurse is invited in to talk to Year 6 towards the end of the year before they leave for high school. She will talk to them as a whole group and then talk to the boys and girls in separate groups on aspects of puberty, growing up and personal management. Parents will be informed when the nurse is to visit and reserve the right to withdraw their child from the discussions. If parents want to discuss a more detailed breakdown of the sex education structure, then the school nurse and Mr Jenkins can be approached to arrange a meeting. This policy has been put together by Mr Jenkins after discussion with school nurse.

Sport Our school has excellent grounds and facilities for sports with a large playground with a marked netball court and a field with marked football pitches and athletics track which gets marked out in the summer period. We compete in many inter-school competitions being members of WASPS (Welshpool Area Sports for Primary Schools). We also join the Urdd each year which gives children opportunities to compete on a wider national level across Wales in certain aspects of sports, we currently take part in swimming, dance, music, football and netball through the Urdd. Parents are asked to pay an annual membership fee of for those children that take part in any Urdd competitions.

Residential VisitsEvery year our Year 5 and 6 pupils have the opportunity to visit an Outdoor Pursuit Centre We try to rotate each year with Red Ridge and Llangrannog (URDD).). The Centres offer excellent opportunities for the children to try a range of activities from canoeing, skiing ,sledging raft-building, abseiling, archery, orienteering and many more along with essential team building exercises. The children are always accompanied by the required number of school staff/governors and there are trained leaders at the Centres.

Equal OpportunitiesWe believe that all children are of equal value and have equal rights to education whatever their race, gender, class, disability, learning need, age or religion. This is central to our school's philosophy and ethos and is a duty of the governing body and headteacher. We aim to ensure mutual respect for all within our school community.

School SecurityThe school complies with the security as laid out by Powys County Council. All doors are

locked from 8.40 am. All visitors are asked to report to Reception and there are bells on Reception and the Deliveries entrances to gain access to the school. All playground doors are locked during school hours. There is a CCTV operation in use. All visitors are to sign in the visitor book (kept in the office) and will be issued with a school visitor lanyard. Please sign out on leaving.

Admission Arrangements

From September 2017, Powys County Council have new admission arrangements. There will only be one intake during a school year and children will start the September after their fourth birthday. Ie. if a child is 4 between 1st September 2017 and 31st August 2018, they will start in school in September 2018.

The school has limits set by Powys County Council as to how many children can be all. There is set criteria for 5 year olds (Reception) which orders this.

Early notice of children starting school helps with planning, but is not a guarantee of entry. All parents must complete an Appendix E form from the Powys Admission Booklet and send direct to Powys County Council to ensure that their child has a place at the school, even if there are siblings already in the school, the form needs to be sent to Powys as they are responsible for issuing all places to Primary Schools. To apply for a place at Buttington/Trewern CP School parents should complete the relevant admission form and send to: School Admissions, at Powys County Council, County Hall, Llandrindod Wells, LD1 5LG or ring 01597 826455 or email anne.wozencraft@powys.gov.uk.

Attendance DataCurrently 146 - Sept 2018

Average daily attendance 2017/2018 96.5%Authorised absences 3.3%Unauthorised Absences 0.2%

School Uniform

All children do P.E in a red T-shirt and black shorts. Plimsolls or trainers can be worn although in gymnastics and dance it is better done in bare feet. Suitable outdoor kit is required for specific games lessons.

If anyone wants to purchase School Ties, P.E Shirts, Jumpers, Cardigans or Fleeces, these can be obtained from Constructiv shop in Welshpool or you can order on line at www.constructiv.co.uk, go to Shop and then you will see our school logo, click on the logo and it will list all the items that we sell.

School Book Bags● A red book bag for carrying reading books etc

*Art Aprons - An old shirt may be kept in school for use when painting.

*Jewellery - For safety reasons children are not allowed to wear jewellery to school. Children with pierced ears may wear small studs. No makeup please.

Could parents make sure that all items of clothing are labelled with the name of the child.

OTHER MATTERS

Breakfast ClubThe school runs a very popular breakfast club every morning from 7.55 am to 8.30 am and children can attend on one, two, three days or all five - there is no need to book in. Due to cuts in school budgets, schools have now had to make a small charge of £1.00 per session per child. This can either be paid at the start of the week, termly or on each session. There are two supervisors present – Mrs Louise Pugh and Mrs Olwen Evans,

who ensure the children are escorted to classes.

PlaygroupThere is a playgroup that runs alongside the school which is open on a Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9.30 am to 11.30 am. If anyone is interesting in joining the playgroup they need to speak to Mrs Elaine Pattison on 07972 745814.

Ti a FyThis is run on a Tuesday 8.45 am – 11 am in the Community Centre.

HOMEWORK POLICYAt Buttington/Trewern School we believe that homework is an essential vehicle to develop both understanding and skills.

Homework has a number of very important uses:-

* To focus on what has been taught.* To build upon work covered in a specific aspect of the curriculum.* To encourage children and parents to work together so that:-

a) Parents can be part of their child’s education andb) Children can show their parents what they have been doing in school.

* To allow children time to complete or continue with on going projects e.g. research.* To allow children to work upon tightly monitored activities eg. spelling,

reading and tables.

Homework at Buttington/Trewern School follows a set of guidelines which are taken into consideration by each class teacher:-

Homework should:-a. be considered in relation to the rest of the teaching and learning.b. be appropriate to the stage of development of the child ie. age and aptitude.c. be planned as a series of learning activities.d. generate worthwhile learning experiences in addition to those at school.e. have purpose interest and relevancef. be implemented within flexible guidelines and duration eg. In Year 6 a child

may be given homework of thirty minutes to be completed within four days.g. homework should follow naturally on from classwork eg. completion of work,

follow-up research or simply reinforcing a concept and should not be work the child has not come across before.

h. not be given as a punishmenti. make allowances for age, ability, home circumstances and demands on pupils time.

Homework MonitoringInfantsCommunication is done through the child’s reading record book.

JuniorsThe homework timetable is the responsibility of the class teacher in accordance with the guidelines. Children should be informed of this by their teacher ie. reading nights, tables

test days, spelling test days etc.

Parents and HomeworkParents are encouraged to discuss homework with the child and share pieces of work.

Homework CompletionAll teachers expect homework to be completed by the given date. If for some reason this is not possible a note or comment in the reading record book (Infants) or homework book (Juniors) would be greatly appreciated. Parents will be informed if homework is not being completed.This policy was put together by the headteacher after consultation with staff.

Recommended Length of HomeworkYear 1 and 2 =5 to 10 mins per night.Year 3 and 4 =20 mins per nightYear 5 and 6 =30 mins per night.It is expected that parents support their children in such activities as spellings readings and tables work.

Home/School AgreementAt the end of this prospectus you will find a copy of our Home School Agreement. This was drawn up through consultation with parents, pupils and our governors. It is reviewed annually. At some point during your child's first term we would ask you to complete the agreement and return it to the office. The pupil section will be completed at a later point when the child understands his or her commitment.

Building Children’s Self-EsteemThe staff of the school recognise and reward a wide range of achievements. In particular, personal landmarks, like swimming a length, taking part in the school play, or completing a cross-country run, are all valued for what they mean to the individual child.Dojos are awarded as a reward.

REGULAR REPORTING TO PARENTS Reporting to parents is done through a variety of ways.

● Detailed reports on children’s progress at the end of their year● Buttington/Trewern School National Curriculum English Record● Speaking and Listening (AT1)● Parents receive an end of year detailed report in July.● Parent’s Meetings● Governors’ Oversight of the Curriculum and Reporting Systems.● Practical Introductions to the National Curriculum● Parents information evenings.-e.g. Early years introductions, Growing up talk,

curriculum evenings, Parent Forums, etc.● All updated news is posted on the school’s website via Twitter which is linked to

Facebook.

Regular AssessmentEnglish, Maths and Science are assessed each term and levelled according to National Curriculum. Foundation Phase is assessed in relation to statutory Foundation Phase requirements-baseline. PIRA and PUMA tests are used for year 1 pupils.Children's progress is also tracked using teachers assessment , annual National tests and

Cognitive Ability Tests (CATS) in year4.

The remainder of the subjects are assessed formally once a year. All subject and assessments are tracked through the National revised curriculum skill ladder.Ongoing assessment of standards and learning are monitored by subject leaders and senior managers. Children are involved in their own assessment through A4L strategies.

Next Step comments are also noted to aid targeting the next stage of development.

Delivering and Collecting ChildrenMany parents bring and collect their children by car and there is ample car parking available in the main car park.

At the end of the day children are escorted down the drive and supervised until they safely get onto the school bus or join their parents. Children who walk to school are supervised until they pass through the school gate.

The arrangement for collecting children generally works very well. The only problem occurs when cars are leaving when there are children on foot or near the entrance. Parents in cars are requested not to leave the car park before the bus is on its way and parents on foot are requested not to stop in the drive near the gate.

PLEASE DO NOT PARK IN THE D AREA !!!!

Powys Transport ServiceChildren who live 2 miles or more from their nearest school within their catchment area have the opportunity to travel by bus from Middletown free of charge as is the L.E.A policy. All children travelling on the bus MUST, AT ALL TIMES, have their bus passes on them to be shown.

The bus leaves Middletown at 8.10 am and arrives at school at 8.20 am. The return journey leaves school at 3.10 pm and arrives back in Middletown at 3.20 pm. The bus will stop, by prior arrangement agreed by Powys, to collect children from points along this route.

Application forms for places on the school bus are available from the school office.

Absence from SchoolParents are requested to inform the school (either by phone, email or in writing) of the reason for each and every absence on the first and subsequent day of absence.

*Note - Under the Education (Pupil’s Attendance Records) Regulations, 1991, all unauthorised absences are regarded as truancy. Absence from school is “authorised” if there is a good reason for the absence. eg – illness, medical appointment, - and the school is informed of this reason. Schools are required to inform the Education Welfare Officer of unauthorised absences. The levels of both authorised and unauthorised absences are given annually in this prospectus.

Holidays taken during term time are discouraged but parents are asked to write/see the Headteacher of any holidays planned during the school year. It will then be at the Headteacher’s discretion to authorise holidays. Any holidays over 10 days are automatically marked as unauthorised, unless in exceptional circumstances and as agreed

with the Headteacher. Any unauthorised holidays/long absences are referred to the Education Welfare Officer, Mr Geraint Thomas. Consistent bad attendance will be subject to a Fixed Penalty Notice.

QueriesIn the event of any queries regarding any aspect of school life, then please do not hesitate to contact the Headteacher or Governors, so that matters can be discussed and dealt with accordingly.

School ClosureIn the event of school closure (eg adverse weather or heating malfunction) then the Headteacher will contact “Radio Maldwyn”. It will also be posted on the school's website (www.trewern.powys.sch.uk), Schoop and the Powys County Council website (www.powys.gov.uk). If parents are ever concerned about weather conditions whilst your child/ren are at school, then please come in to collect them. Child/ren’s safety is a priority at all times.

DisciplineThere is generally a friendly atmosphere throughout the school, and problems with serious misbehaviour are very rare. Parents may be sure that they will be quickly informed if their children are behaving unacceptably. If parents have any concern about their children, they are invited to contact the school immediately. Parent, Teachers & Friends Association (PTFA)The school has a very active and highly successful Parent, Teachers and Friends Association whose main aim is to raise funds for the School. You can get involved in many ways; using your knowledge and skills to develop children’s understanding, helping with school sports and art/craft activities during and after school, attending PFTA meetings and functions to help organise and take part in a whole host of functions, help organise school visits and come on visits.

The school welcomes any member of the community who would like to work with children and show them a specific skill or help generally as an extra helping hand.

The Association meets twice a term to organise events including , themed bingo nights, , Discos, summer and winter fairs, stars in their eyes,Quiz Nights and other large events involving the whole community. These events allow parents to meet socially and have fun while raising funds for school equipment.The money raised is used to buy large pieces of equipment for use in the School and offer support with activities. Over the years the PTFA events have been both great fun and very successful financially, allowing the School to purchase much needed resources, which otherwise would not be afforded. A fantastic £8,000 was raised last year .

The Committee for this year is:

Karen Williams ChairpersonHeidi Bentley SecretaryLorraine Pryce Treasurer

We hope you really enjoyed reading this brochure. If you would

like to find out more then please don’t hesitate to contact the school or, alternatively if you have any comments at all about

the brochure we would be happy to hear them.