GWENFRO COMMUNITY
PRIMARY SCHOOL
SCHOOL PROSPECTUS
Dear Parents/Carers,
This prospectus will, hopefully, give you all the information you need to help
you choose a Primary School for your child – a very important decision to
make.
At Gwenfro Community Primary School, our aim is to offer each pupil,
regardless of age, gender, race or ability a friendly, caring, stable
environment. Our staff strive to offer pupils the best education, treating
all as individuals, offering encouragement to do their very best.
Raising standards is a key priority with emphasis on teaching the basic
skills of literacy, numeracy and information technology.
Hopefully, the information you will read in this booklet will help you
appreciate the varied, stimulating and inclusive curriculum that we provide
at Gwenfro Community Primary School.
Yours sincerely,
J. Ashford
Headteacher.
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Our Vision
Effective teaching and quality learning
experiences in a happy and secure environment.
Our Mission Statement
At Gwenfro Community Primary School we aim to provide a
happy, safe, caring, inclusive learning environment which
our pupils will enjoy being part of and, as a result, will
learn and thrive.
Our School Prayer
Dear Father God, please listen to our prayer
We praise you for your goodness
We thank you for your care
We ask you to be with us
At school – in all we do
And help us to be sorry when we don’t please you.
General Aims
 To establish a safe, happy, orderly atmosphere where pupils are eager
to learn.
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To promote high quality education whereby each child develops to
their full potential.
 To foster friendly, open relationships with parents so that both
teachers and parents can work together for the benefit of the
children.
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Our School
School Details: Gwenfro Community Primary School
Queensway
Wrexham
LL13 8UW
01978 340380
Fax: 01978 340381
email: mailbox@gwenfro-pri.wrexham.sch.uk
Headteacher:
Mrs. J. Ashford (B. Ed)
Chair of Governing Body: Sgt. D. Jacks
Type of School: Community Primary School
Gwenfro Community Primary School opened in September 2007 following
the amalgamation of Gwenfro Infant and Junior schools.
It caters for pupils of 3 – 11 years of age.
Currently, there are 256 full time and 38 Nursery pupils
We have a part time Nursery, 13 full time classes including 2 Special Needs
Units (1 at Foundation Phase and 1 at KS2).
The school building is spacious and light, surrounded by grass and trees.
Most of our pupils live within walking distance of the school so we feel we
are part of a close and supportive community. Our classrooms are large and
airy and our school features include:
 Two school Halls – equipped for PE/Movement/Music/Drama – they
are also used daily for assemblies and dinners
 Two libraries (one at KS1 and one at KS2)
 Interactive Whiteboards in every classroom or area
 A free breakfast club (from 8.00 am)
 Two separate playgrounds and two large playing fields
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Our school is maintained by Wrexham County Borough Council.
Chief Learning & Achievement Officer: Mr. John Davies
PrimaryAdviser and Link Officer:
Mrs. Sue Edgar
Children & Young People Service
1st Floor, Lambpit Street.
WREXHAM
Telephone: 01978 297505
The Governing Body
We have a very supportive Governing Body. They make decision about how
the school is run and provide support for the Headteacher and Staff.
They meet at least once a term and have legal duties, powers and
responsibility.
The following people form the Governing Body of this school:
Name
Designation
Responsibility
Sgt. D. Jacks
Councillor M. Jones
Mrs H. Jones
Mrs. M. Barker
Mrs. J. Harding
Mrs. J. Stanhope
Ms. E. Hughes
Mr. P. Hampson
Councillor D. Mitchell
Councillor N. Hughes
Mr. T. Thomas
Chair, Co-opted
LEA
Teacher Governor
Staff Governor
Parent Governor
Parent Governor
Parent Governor
Parent Governor
Community Council Governor
Co-opted Governor
Co-opted Governor
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English/IT & PE
Welsh & Foundation Phase
SEN
Science/ Geog/History
PSHE / RE
PSHE/RE/Foundation Phase
Art / DT / Music
Maths
ECO
PE
Science/Geog/History/SEN
School Staff
Headteacher:
Deputy Headteacher:
Mrs. J. Ashford
Mrs. K. Owen-Jones (KS2 teacher)
Early Years/FP:
Mrs H. Kind Joint Senior Teacher FP
Mrs. D. Hughes – Senior Teacher
Mrs. D. Murray
Mrs. K. Young – Joint Senior Teacher FP/
Foundation Phase Manager
Special Needs Unit:
Mrs. E. Venables
Mrs J. Fletcher
Mrs. A. Lloyd
Miss H. Barratt
Miss A. Jones
Mrs H. Jones
Teaching Assistants:
Mrs. C. Staples
Mrs. S. Webb
Mrs. S. Jones
Mrs. A. Bird
Mrs. D. Richardson
Mrs. L. Gough
Mrs. M. Barker
Miss S. Dolan
Miss D. Hughes
Miss E. Tudor
Miss S. Poynton
KS2:
Mrs. L. Ingman
Mr. E. Johns
Miss S. Evans
Mrs. N. Mulley-Jones
Mrs. S. Jones
Mrs. M. Roberts
Miss N. Jones
Special Needs Unit:
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Teaching Assistants:
Mrs. G. Martin
Mrs. J. Evans
Mrs. A. Barber
Mrs. B. Brown
Miss A. Jones
Administrator:
Admin Assistant
Mrs. S. Evans
Mrs. T. Kocker
School Caretaker:
Mr. D. Griffiths
School Cook:
Mrs. N. Thomas
MDSA:
Mrs. A. Farrant (Lunchtime Co-ord)
Mrs. R. Bromley }
Mrs. S. Parry
}
FP
Mrs. J. Stanhope}
Mrs. K. Thomas }
Mrs. G. Martin
Ms. E. Hughes
Miss E. Rogers
Mr. M. Jones
School Cleaners:
Mrs. J. Jones
Mrs. K. Thomas
Mrs. S. Parry
Mrs. D. Allibone
School Nurse: Helen Price
Education Social Worker: Mr. John Grant
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}
}
}
}
KS2
School Organisation
Early Years: pupils aged:
3 – 4 will be in Nursery } taught together in an
4 –5 will be in Reception } Early Years Unit
FP: pupils aged:
KS2: pupils aged:
5 – 6 Year 1
6 – 7 Year 2
7–8
8–9
9 – 10
10 – 11
Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Year 6
Admissions Policy and Procedure
In accordance with LEA Policy, children are admitted to the school Nursery
class in the September following their 3rd birthday. They begin full time
education in the September following their 4th birthday.
If your child is transferring from another school, you are required to make
contact with the Admission Section of the LEA for confirmation of entry
into this school.
The information given on the Parental Information Sheet is kept on the
school computer. No details are disclosed to any outside agency.
Should you change address, telephone number or circumstances during the
school year, please advise the school immediately.
School Security
We endeavour to ensure the safety of both pupils and staff at Gwenfro
Community Primary School.
 The main entrance is in the EY/FP dept. The entrance door is locked
and visitors need to ring the bell in the entrance porch;
 Both playgrounds are well supervised at play times;
 The school benefits from external lighting, a CCTV system and
intruder alarm;
 We teach pupils to keep themselves safe – both in and out of school.
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Discipline
We encourage good standards of behaviour at all times. We encourage
positive behaviour and regularly give out stickers and certificates. At
Gwenfro Community Primary School, discipline is firm and fair. Undesirable
and unacceptable behaviour needs to be corrected and we ask for your
support when this is necessary.
We always encourage self-discipline and self esteem.
School Rules
We have a set of rules to foster a positive and pleasant learning
environment. We call these our Golden Rules:
FP/KS2
 We listen….we don’t interrupt
 We work hard……we don’t waste time
 We look after property…..we don’t damage things
 We are gentle……we don’t hurt others
 We are honest…..we don’t cover up the truth
 We are kind and helpful……we don’t hurt anybody’s feelings
KS2
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We are honest; we don’t cover up the truth
We listen
We are gentle
We always try our best
We work hard
We look after property
School Day
School Times
Nursery (Monday to Friday)
EY Nursery Morning 9.00 – 11.30
Rec
Morning 9.00 – 11.5
KS1
Morning 9.00 – 12.00
KS2
Morning 9.00 – 12.15
9.00 - 11.30 am
Afternoon 12.30 – 3.00
Afternoon 12.45– 3.00
Afternoon 12.55 – 3.00
Afternoon
1.00 – 3.05
The bell will be rung at 9.00 and your child will be met by the class teacher
and the class will be led into school.
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Please ensure that the children are punctual. (It is a statutory requirement
that pupils arrive at school on time and regularly).
We are legally responsible for your children 10 minutes before the school
day i.e. 8.50 am. Children should not arrive on school premises before this
time, unless they are in your care. If, for any reason, you need to leave
your child before 8.50 am – please let us know, we will always do our best to
accommodate your request.
Once pupils are inside the building, the side doors will be locked (FP) and
the main entrance and sides doors – KS2; the only means of access is
through the main entrance.
Teachers will always be willing to talk to you between 8.45 – 9.00 am or
after 3.00 pm.
At EY/FP, our pupils will not be allowed to go home with an adult other than
a parent unless we are aware that you want another adult to collect them –
please inform the school. We ask you not to bring dogs onto the yard for
obvious Health & Safety reasons.
Cars are not allowed on the school premises, again for Health and Safety
reasons, except in an emergency – e.g. if your child is ill and you need to
collect them.
School Meals
Children can have a school meal, bring sandwiches or go home, but they
must be collected by a parent at FP and have written parents consent at
KS2.
The present cost for school meals is £10.00 per week (£2.00 per day) at
FP and £10.25 per week (£2.05 per day) at KS2.
Money should be paid on a Monday morning for the week (or the first day
in school). We ask that you put the money clearly labelled in an envelope
with the child’s name and class plus the correct amount.
If you are entitled to free school meals, a Free School Meals form is
available from school. It is your responsibility to ensure that the
entitlement is valid and return the form to: Wrexham Contact, 16 Lord
Street, Wrexham.
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Snacks
EY / FP
At 10.30 am, we offer the pupil’s milk and a healthy snack. Milk is provided
free, but we ask for £1.00 per week, to contribute towards the snack. If
your child has an allergy to milk or certain foods, please let us know.
KS2 We encourage healthy snacks. You may, if you wish, provide this for
your child to eat at playtime.
*Water is readily available to all pupils throughout the day from water coolers*
Pastoral Information
Attendance/Absences
We believe that it is important for children to be punctual and regular
attendees.
If your child is absent from school, please inform the school immediately.
A letter is appreciated on return. If we do not hear from you after 3 days,
we will send a letter. If you do not respond, we will refer to the Education
Social Worker to visit you to find out the reason for the absence.
Persistent lateness is also referred to the Education Social Worker.
If you wish to take your child on holiday, please ask for a holiday form. We
do not encourage holidays during term time and are only able to authorise
10 school days for holidays taken during term time.
Change of Address
Please inform the school immediately of any change of address and we also
need at least 2 telephone numbers for emergencies.
Child Protection
Gwenfro Community Primary School has a duty to share any concerns about
the well being of pupils to the Social Services department or Education
Social Worker. Guidance states: The All Wales Child Protection
Procedures make it clear that schools and colleges have an important role
to play in the protection of children against abuse.
This is confirmed by the Education Department’s local protocol and
procedures, in conjunction with the Local Safeguarding Children’s Board,
which set the necessary action to be carried out by staff.
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Gwenfro Community Primary School therefore has a duty to refer any
concerns about the well-being of pupils to the Social Services Department
for further advice.
School Health
The school Health team are regular visitors to school. They screen year
groups annually for sight and hearing tests. Your child will be periodically
given a medical. All medicals are strictly confidential and your child will not
be examined by the school doctor without your consent.
Head lice is a problem in all schools. If you discover your child has head
lice, please treat immediately. If we find there is a pupil in your child’s
class with head lice, we will inform all parents of the class.
If a member of staff discovers your child has head lice, we will contact you
and ask you to treat before your child returns to school.
Medication
If your child suffers with asthma, please see class teachers with regard to
inhalers. We do not generally administer medication in school; however, you
as a parent may come into school to administer medication.
Health Education
The subject is dealt with informally as part of curriculum studies, such as
R.E. and Science. The school nurse often comes in to discuss healthy
eating. We do expect personal cleanliness at all times. We encourage
pupils to keep clean and to take pride in their appearance.
Homework
We encourage you to help your child at home. Children will bring homework
on a regular basis. Please take care with school property e.g. reading
books, and return to school safely.
We sell homework bags which are a good way of transporting homework.
School Trips
We like to take the children out of school as part of their learning. We may
sometimes need to ask for a voluntary contribution to part fund an activity.
As a parent, you must complete a consent form with regard to the trip.
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School Uniform
Wearing a school uniform helps pupils to realise that they belong to the
school community. At Gwenfro Community Primary school we encourage
pupils from Nursery to Year 6 to wear uniform whenever possible and we
have a uniform which consists of:
 Royal blue sweatshirt or cardigan. (If you wish to purchase these with
the school logo, they are available from RAM Leisure on Whitegate
Estate)
 White polo shirt or white blouse
 Black / grey trousers or skirt
 Blue and white gingham dress (Summer uniform for girls)
*We ask that sensible school shoes/trainers are worn. Fashion shoes (slip
ons / high heels) are discouraged for health and safety reasons. We also
encourage girls with long hair to wear it tied back.
PE Kit (to be left in school until school holidays) consisting of shorts /
plain T shirt / plimsolls or trainers.
*All items of clothing should be clearly labelled with your child’s name.
 Please note that make up, nail varnish, dyed or shaven heads,
jewellery and piercings are considered inappropriate.
The School Curriculum
Nursery and Reception pupils follow the Foundation Phase Curriculum
The areas of learning are:
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Personal & Social Development and well being
Language, Literacy and Communication
Mathematical Development
Bilingualism and Multicultural understanding
Knowledge and Understanding
Creative Development
Physical Development
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Foundation Phase/KS2 pupils follow the National Curriculum which is made
up of core and foundation subjects.
Core Subjects: English, Mathematics, Science
Foundation:
Welsh, History, Geography, Technology, IT, Art, PE,
Music
RE must also be taught and a daily act of collective worship must take
place.
Additional Learning Needs (Special Educational Needs)
Our school has a Resource Provision at both Key stages; these units have
pupils with differing special needs. These pupils integrate into our
mainstream classes each afternoon to enable and encourage them to reach
their full potential. At Key stage 2, Resource Provision pupils integrate for
3 afternoons a week.
Main School - any pupil who is experiencing a learning difficulty will, in the
first instance, receive special attention from the class teacher and their
needs identified and a programme of work compiled (IEP). You, as parents,
will be kept fully informed.
Collective Worship
A daily act of worship will take place in accordance with Government
regulations and is broadly Christian in content. This may take the form of
class or prayers or whole school assemblies. Friday is a special assembly –
it is a time when we celebrate pupils achievements. Parents and friends are
also invited to Class Assemblies. (If you do not wish your child to take part
in Collective Worship, you must request this in writing, stating your
reasons, which will be considered sympathetically).
Sex Education
Sex Education is taught through Personal & Social Education and the
Science curriculum and questions are answered informally as they arise.
The School Nurse visits to discuss issues such as growing up and speaks to
boys and girls. The Nurse talks to Year 6 pupils in the final term and
parents are informed of these talks as permission is sought.
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Equal Opportunities
We will ensure that all pupils are treated fairly regardless of gender, race
or cultural background and we are committed to offering experiences and
opportunities to allow all pupils to develop to their full potential.
Assessment
Assessment is seen as an everyday, integral part of teaching and learning.
A Baseline Assessment will be made on entry to the Reception Year. At the
end of Year 2 and Year 6, pupils will be assessed in English, Maths and
Science (and Welsh at KS2) in line with the government requirements.
Reporting to Parents
You will have the opportunity to meet your child’s teacher formally, 3 times
a year. Early in the Autumn term each class will have a MEET THE
TEACHER SESSION, when the class teachers will introduce themselves
and explain what your child will be learning during the school year.
In the Spring, there will be an opportunity for you to have a consultation
with the class teacher and see children’s work.
In the Summer term, you will be invited to discuss your child’s end of year
report.
Home/School Links
We pride ourselves on having good relationships with our Parents. Parents
are welcome in school to discuss the progress of their children or to
discuss concerns at any time.
Parents are welcome to help in school providing they have had a
satisfactory CRB check. We have a Home/School Agreement which sets
out what the school is committed to and how, as Parents, you can support
us. We encourage Parents to sign it on their child’s entry to school.
Bullying
Bullying of any sort is not tolerated in our school. In alleged incidents of
bullying, parents should initially contact the class teacher or Headteacher
who will then follow set procedures and the incident will be investigated
fully.
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Complaints
At our school, the complaints procedure follows five stages:
Stage 1 – The Informal Stage – Class teacher / Headteacher
Stage 2 – Headteacher Investigation
Stage 3 – Review by Governing Body
Stage 4 – Review by LEA
Stage 5 – Review by WAG
We would, however, hope that as we have an “open door” policy, any issues
could be dealt with before these stages became necessary.
Any complaints will be dealt with as soon as possible and in confidence.
Parents Notice Board
This is situated in the window area near the front entrance and contains
information and posters plus a copy of the latest newsletter.
Parent Governors
These Governors represent you on the School Governing Body. Any
concerns or comments you have about the school may be discussed with
these representatives and if necessary, any issues will be taken to the next
Governors meeting which are held termly.
Finally
If you choose our school for your child, your can be sure that the staff at
Gwenfro Community Primary School will offer the best possible start to
your child’s education. Thank you.
Mrs. J. Ashford
Headteacher.
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School Dates 2012 - 13
School Opens
School Closes
Autumn Term
Tues 4th September
Monday 5th November
Friday 26th October
Friday 21st December
Monday 3rd September
Friday 16th November
Training Days (school closed):-
Spring Term
Friday 8th February
Friday 22nd March
Tuesday 8th January
Monday 18th February
Training Days (school closed):-
Monday 7th January
Summer Term
Monday 8th April
Monday 3rd June
Friday 24th May
Friday 19th July
May Day (school closed):- Monday 6th May
Training Days (school closed):- Monday 16th April
Friday 28th June
Monday 22nd July
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