Name and address of School: .
Enw a cyfeiriad yr Ysgol:
Comins Coch Community School, Comins Coch, Aberystwyth, Ceredigion, SY23 3BQ
Headteacher: Mr Tom Fanning.
Prifathro:
Deputy Headteacher: Mrs Velvor Raw-Rees.
Dirpwy Brifathro:
Chairman of the Board of Governors: Mr Ted Pugh.
Cadeirydd y Llywodraethwyr:
Classification of School: LEA Maintained Primary School.
Math o Ysgol:
Organisation of the School:
Trefn yr Ysgol:
There are six class units in school. Each class is grouped according to the age of the children. Since it is our schools policy to do the best for each child, teachers will organise their classes in a variety of ways in order to cater for the individual needs of the children in their care.
Reception Miss R. Davies.
Year 1 Miss C. Davies.
Year 2 Mrs G. Roberts & Mrs C Callow
Year 3 / Year 4 Class. Mrs V. Raw-Rees.
Year 4 / Year 5 Class. Mrs B Davies
Year 6 Class. Ms. M. Morgan.
Aims of the School.
The school cares for each child as an individual. We aim to create a warm family environment which will enable every child and every member of staff to develop his or her potential to the full. The school will provide equal opportunity to all its members, in all aspects of school life;
• We expect a very high standard of courtesy, behaviour and dress;
• We encourage co-operation between home and school for the benefit of the child and to establish close links between the school and the community;
• We stress the importance of learning and academic achievement to the best of the child's ability;
• We aim to have a dedicated, hard working and well qualified staff.
In order to support the school in achieving these aims agreements are made between homes, school and children.
The School Curriculum.
Children are taught in mixed classes according to age, ability and social groupings. Stress is placed on acquiring the basic skills of Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing, Mathematics and Science.
In addition to these subjects, the school offers a wide curriculum according to the requirements of the National Curriculum. History, Geography, Religious Education, Music, Physical Education, Design and Information Technology are taught at all levels.
The Welsh Language.
This school is a Category B school under the Local Education Authority's Language Policy and the children learn Welsh as a second language. In line with the Authority's policy it is our aim to make each child bilingual by the age of 11. An Area Teacher (Athrawes Fro) attends the school to assist with the teaching of Welsh.
Special Educational Needs.
It is imperative that some children are given additional support and help in basic subjects. In order to provide this additional support for children there is both a Teacher of Special Education Needs, and a Learning Support Assistant attached to the school. These members of staff offer specialised tuition for children and support for class teachers when the need arises. Children with more specific or pronounced Special Educational Needs are referred to the Local Education Authority for additional guidance and support. Through this referral process some children will be entitled to additional support and a Statement of Special Educational need.
Religious Education.
This incorporates religious services during the week. Stress is placed on Christian standards and values.
Music.
In addition to the school's Music Curriculum there is an opportunity for a small number of children to have tuition under the Authority's Music Scheme. Parents of these children usually support this scheme with a small financial contribution. All children from the age of eight are provided with recorder tuition. For health reasons parents are asked to provide children with their own instruments.
A number of children from the school are members of the Area and County School Orchestras.
Homework.
Homework is given at the discretion of the class teacher. Work is linked with what is being taught in the class at the time. Children are encouraged to take reading books home from school and it is hoped that parents will both help and encourage their children's reading.
Pastoral Care.
We believe that our school should be a happy place for children and a welcome place for their parents.
The Physical and Emotional well being of each child is central to all aspects of school life. We aim to engender an atmosphere that will cater for the pastoral needs for each child as they arise.
This Pastoral care aspect permeates all areas of school life. It is an integral part of the caring environment within the school, where teachers care for one another, the pupils in their care, and where pupils also show a mutual caring for each other, their teachers, and others.
Our Pastoral care system will support each pupil as an individual and will also ensure that each pupil contributes to, and benefits from a caring environment within the school.
Sport .
The school has a full Physical Education scheme of work and all children from Year Two upwards have opportunity for swimming during the school Year. In addition to this the school competes in inter-school sporting activities.
School Discipline.
Effective teaching is impossible without proper discipline. Acquiring discipline is a gradual and continuous process. Our approach is a positive one. Good behaviour, manners and courtesy will be encouraged and openly acknowledged. Children need to be taught what are, and are not, acceptable standards of behaviour.
While emphasis is on a positive approach it has to be understood that negative behaviour will not be tolerated. Negative behaviour is any behaviour that is detrimental to the caring atmosphere of our school.
Health and Safety.
It is important that the Headteacher is informed of any health problem which may affect your child. In particular we need any relevant information regarding your child’s health and well-being in relation to physical education and sport.
With certain illnesses the Local Health Authority recommends that pupils are kept away from school for the following minimum number of days.
• Chicken Pox: 7 days from appearance of rash.
• German Measles: 4 days from appearance of rash.
• Measles: 7 days from appearance of rash.
• Mumps: 7 days from disappearance of swelling.
Occasionally your child might be taken ill whilst in school. I t is imperative that the school has a telephone number where parents can be contacted.
If a child sustains an accident whilst at school, the Headteacher will inform the parents and will follow appropriate procedures depending upon the seriousness of the accident.
It is only under special circumstances that the teachers in school will be willing to administer medicines to children.
The school maintains the premises with due care and attention to health and safety arrangements. All school activities follow the Schools Health and Safety policy with the safety and security of children always the highest priority. The school is vigilant towards the security of the school premises and requests that all visitors to school including parents report to staff immediately upon arrival at school.
School Closures.
Should adverse weather conditions occur during school hours we ask that you collect your children from school at the earliest opportunity and not wait until the end of the school day.
School Meals.
Lunch is cooked on the premises and provided in the school canteen at a price set by the Local Authority. Dinner money is collected on a Monday morning. Free meals for those eligible are available by application to the Education Department, County Hall, Aberystwyth. Forms are available in school.
Attendance.
Attending school regularly and punctually is important.
If your child is absent, please send a written message of explanation or a phone call as soon as is possible, so as to avoid any official enquiries.
If you wish to take your child away on holiday during term time you must first ask permission by submitting a Holiday Request Form. May we stress, however that even a short period of absence can disrupt the learning pattern of a child.
Your Child's Progress.
Record keeping is an integral part of teaching and as such is continuous throughout the child's entire Primary school life.
Through assessing the child formally and informally teachers are better able to make an evaluation of the child's overall progress and development. In addition to the above and in accordance with the legal requirements of the National Curriculum there are two stages of formal assessment.
End of Key Stage 1. Y2
End of Key Stage 2. Y6
Written reports are issued to parents at the end of the school year, and parents are invited to view their children's work at Consultation Evenings during the year. If you ever have any queries about your child's education please get in contact with the Headteacher.
Personal Property.
We would be grateful if parents could discourage children from wearing valuable jewellery or watches to school. Similarly money should not be brought to school unless required as payment for lunches or organised activities. The school cannot be held responsible for valuables left in our possession. Earrings, watches, bracelets and necklaces can be dangerous, and children will need to remove them for PE and Swimming.
Parent Teachers Association. PTA.
There is an active Parents Teachers Association at the School, which helps to organise a variety of events. It plays a very important role in supporting the school with the organisation and running of social events and Fund raising. The Committee meets regularly to arrange such events, and welcome all offers of assistance from other parents. All parents are kept informed of activities by regular letters. The AGM of the PTA, when new officers are elected takes place in the summer.
Sex Education.
Sex Education is not taught at this school. However it has been agreed by the governing body that any questions regarding Sex Education asked by a child should be answered in a sensible and straightforward manner.
Should you have any queries on this matter please contact the Headteacher.
Charging and Remissions Policy.
The school prides itself on the variety of stimulus and opportunities it provides for children. Children have numerous opportunity for visits including residential visits in Years 4 (Kingswood ICT Centre), Year 5 (Pendine) and Year 6 (Glanllyn). In line with national guidelines parents are asked for contributions towards meeting the cost of these visits.
Equal Opportunities Policy
The Head Teacher and governing body of the school ensure that the school’s equal opportunities policy is observed. Ysgol Comins Coch will continue to endeavour to ensure that all staff, trainees and pupils, regardless of sex, ethnic origin, age or disability, is encouraged to develop to their full potential at all times.
Arrangements for Disabled Pupils
Pupils with disabilities can be admitted to the school and integrated into mainstream classes with the support of various LEA agencies and personnel.
All pupils irrespective of disability are treated equally and the school does not allow any form of discrimination. The school has level access to the main class areas with level access from the rear of the building to the school hall. The school monitors all children carefully and due consideration is given to pupils disabilities.
Uniform.
Our intention is that pupils who attend Ysgol Comins Coch will be proud to belong to the school and will wish to be identified with us by wearing our distinctive school uniform. It is very practical for all activities undertaken in and out of school and establishes a very healthy sense of unity and teamwork. The cooperation of parents in ensuring a full and correct maintenance of the uniform is requested. Children are discouraged from wearing jewellery other than a stud earring and watch.
Daily Routine.
The daily routine will be as follows:-
9am School starts.
10.30-10.45 Playtime.
10.45-12.00 Classtime.
12.00- 1.00 Lunchbreak.
1.00- 2.15 Classtime.
2.15- 2.30 Afternoon Play.
2.30- 3.30 Classtime.
3.30 School closes, Hometime.
Other than when children are involved in after school activities, parents are requested to ensure that children are collected from the school premises at 3.30pm.
School Term and Holiday Dates.
2005-2006
Term Begins Half term Begins Half term
Ends Ends
Autumn 2005 Tuesday 6th September Monday 24th October Friday 28th October Wednesday 21st December
Spring 2006 Wednesday 4th January Monday 20th February Friday 24th February Thursday 13th April
Summer 2006 Tuesday 2nd May Monday 29th May Friday 2nd June Friday 21st
July
Good Friday 14th April, 2006
May Day 1st May, 2006
Staff at Comins Coch School.
Tom Fanning Headteacher
Velvor Raw-Rees Deputy Headteacher
Glesni Roberts Teacher (0.5)
Ceri Callow Teacher (0.5)
Bethan Davies Teacher
Mari Morgan Teacher
Rhian Davies Teacher
Cathryn Davies Teacher
Helen Williams Teacher (SEN) & LSA
Elaine Thomas Learning Support Assistant
Marie Slater Care Assistant
Delor Harvey Learning Support Assistant (0.5)
Alison Mason Clerical Assistant
David Woolley Caretaker
June Hillier Cook
Janet Walker Catering Assistant
Sheila Jones Kitchen Assistant
Elaine Thomas Clerical Assistant
Pauline Bennett Mid-day Supervisor
Janet Lea Mid-day Supervisor
Alison Mason Mid-day Supervisor
Vacancy Mid-day Supervisor
Vacancy Mid-day Supervisor
After School Club
Sandra Davenport Playleader
Janet Lea Play Assistant
Marie Slater Play Assistant
Sarah Dent Clerk.
Admissions Policy.
Children are admitted in the term following their fourth birthday.
All children have to apply for a place through the Local Education Authority who consider whether space is available. Applications need to be submitted according to the dates listed below.
Date by which child must have reached fourth birthday. Submit Application by. Term for admission
31st August 1st May Autumn
31st December 1st October Spring
31st March 1st February Summer
In admitting pupils to Comins Coch School, the LEA apply stipulated criteria. A full copy of the criteria is available from the LEA. In the event of the LEA being unable to comply with the expressed preference of Parents, parents will be entitled to an appeal.
Introductory Visits.
Parents who wish to visit the school are asked to telephone the school to arrange an appointment with the Headteacher. Parents are always welcome and please come prepared to ask any questions you may have. We assure you that no question is considered unimportant or insignificant. If there is anything you are unclear about please pick up the telephone or come to see us and ask. It all leads to give you a clearer picture of our life here at Comins Coch Primary School.
The PTA always have a committee member who is willing to meet with parents to discuss and give a parents perspective of the school community.
Transfer to Secondary School.
At the end of Key Stage 2 (Year 6) when children are transferring to secondary school parents are notified by the LEA with regard to transfer arrangements.
Destination of Pupils when leaving Comins Coch.
Children leaving Comins Coch usually go on to either Penglais School or Penweddig School. At the end of the academic year 2005, all children transferred to Penglais School.
Rates of Absence.
In the academic Year 2004/05 the average Number of Children on roll at Comins Coch was 145, with an average attendance in excess of 94%. Unauthorised absences were at less than 0.01%
Complaints Procedure.
Where parents have a complaint about the school or curriculum they should in the first instance contact the Headteacher. Where matters cannot be resolved parents are requested to raise the matter with the Chair of Governors and then the Director of Education.
Accuracy of Information.
Although every effort has been made to ensure that the information in this booklet is correct, there may be changes that are beyond our control. Any changes that do occur during the year will be notified to the parents through circulars and letters.
Further Information and Clarification.
We hope that this School Prospectus gives you some idea of what your child will experience here at Comins Coch School. If however you do have any queries or would like any further information please do not hesitate to contact the school.
01970 623497
Tom Fanning. Headteacher.
PP. Board of Governors.