Prospectus

Welcome/Croeso 

Thank you for taking the time to read our prospectus and find out what our school is all about. We understand the importance of choosing the right school for your child to attend and we are here to support and help you in any way that we can. 

At St. Teilo's Catholic Primary School, we offer a happy, safe and nurturing environment for all of our learners. We offer a broad and balanced curriculum with pupil voice being at the forefront. 

General information/Gwybodaeth gyffredinol 

St Teilo's is a Roman Catholic Voluntary Aided School, which means that it is provided by the Education Authority and owned by the Diocese of Menevia and is maintained by Pembrokeshire County Council. It is a primary school catering for learners aged 3-11 years old.

We are and English medium primary school where Catholic Christian values are embraced by all. In line with the New Curriculum for Wales’ vision, we aim to become a more bilingual school, which offers lessons across the six areas of learning and experiences through the mediums of Welsh and English. Also, at St Teilo’s we are working towards being able to offer our learners experiences of modern foreign languages. 

 We have high expectations and our ethos both encourages and promotes an environment where children can be themselves and achieve their very best. We pride ourselves in knowing our children well, supporting them to reach their potential, whilst also creating a strong inclusive classroom to enable all children to make good progress. 

Our experiences show that children perform best when there is a strong partnership between home and school. We positively encourage parents/carers to work alongside us in making the children’s education a worthwhile and valuable experience which they will remember with fondness for the rest of their lives.

We welcome the opportunity to show you around our school, to ask any questions and to see at first hand why St Teilo’s is such a wonderful school. 

School aims/Amcanion yr Ysgol 

At St Teilo’s we are ‘Learning to follow the right path through care, love and respect in the light of the Risen Christ.’ 

• To inculcate a love for and an understanding of the Catholic faith which will promote the development of faith of each individual in the school community.

• To ensure the curriculum provides a means of developing the whole child in a context based on Gospel values which both permeate and inspire school practice and policy. • To promote and develop the partnership between the home, school and parish and foster links between the school and the wider community. 

• To follow the example of Christ and show concern for everybody in the school and the world, so as to ensure that the pupils’ experiences of relationships within the school will have significant effect on their development. 

St. Teilo’s school aims to help its students reach their potential and realise their abilities and talents. It is our intention to encourage good manners, politeness and general good deportment among the student body. The school has a good reputation for developing helpful and kind children. St.Teilo’s puts an emphasis on academic excellence, we are known for creating an atmosphere that encourages conscientiousness among our students with the ability to endeavour at tasks put before them and so enjoy the satisfaction that comes from completing their work. 

The school aims to provide a rich learning environment and, being a small school, you can be assured your child’s individual needs will be met to the best of our ability. We strive to create a happy, purposeful environment in which children feel secure and confident as they endeavour to develop their knowledge, skills and understanding within an ethos which hopefully will stay with them throughout their lives. 

Security arrangements 

Once pupils and staff have entered the school at the commencement of the morning and afternoon sessions and at the end of morning and afternoon break times all doors are locked. Access into the school after these times is facilitated via the main entrance where visitors are met, issued with a visitor’s badge, and logged in the visitors’ book. 

During drop-off and pick up, parents/carers are not to enter the building unless accompanied by a member of staff.

Admissions 

Admissions to the school are the responsibility of the Governing Body. If you are considering placing your child at St. Teilo’s Catholic Primary School please contact the school and arrange a visit.  Our admissions policy is available on our website.

 A visit will provide you with the opportunity to meet the Headteacher who will discuss the educational provision we are able to offer your child before taking you on a guided tour of the school which will enable you to meet the teachers and children and view the school ‘in action.’ During your visit you will gain an insight into the organisation and educational provision of the school that will inform your decision as to whether St. Teilo’s Catholic Primary School is the most suitable school for your child. 

The school often holds open days and prospective parents are invited to attend these. 

Sometimes children join the school when the term has started or later on in their school life. We make every effort to make sure that they are welcomed, looked after and monitored so that they quickly make friends and find their way around the school. Teachers give pupils time to settle in before assessing their academic ability. This assessment, together with records from the previous school will enable your child to have the best start in our school. Parents and carers are asked to contact the school if their child has a problem settling. 

At the end of their school career, children transfer to a secondary school. The vast majority of our children go on to Greenhill School, a mixed (11-18) Secondary School. However, some have achieved scholarships to Independent High Schools within Pembrokeshire. 

Child Protection Policy and Procedures

Designated Safeguarding Officer – Mrs. S. Frearson

Designated Deputy Safeguarding Officer – Mrs. L. Prevel

Safeguarding and Child Protection are key priorities for St. Teilo’s Catholic Primary School. We aim to support vulnerable children and young people to ensure they are as safe as they can possibly be. Protecting children and young people from abuse is a shared responsibility for all staff. 

Our policy, which has been adopted by the Governing Body, is governed by the All-Wales Child Protection Procedures and has been endorsed locally by the Pembrokeshire Local Safeguarding Children’s Board. Parents are issued with an information sheet ‘Child Protection Information for Parents / Carers’ and a child protection leaflet on ‘How to keep safe!’ is issued to the pupils. 

Uniform 

Winter Uniform

• Yellow Shirt/ blouse 

• Navy trousers/ pinafore or skirt 

• Navy pullover or cardigan (with logo preferred) 

• Navy and yellow St Teilo’s tie 

• Black smart shoes 

Summer Uniform 

• Yellow polo shirt (with logo preferred)/ yellow and white summer dress 

• Navy pullover or cardigan (with logo preferred) 

• Navy trousers or shorts/ pinafore or skirt

•Black smart shoes 

PE Kit

 • Yellow Sweat top (optional)

 • Yellow T-Shirt 

• Navy Shorts 

• Gym/Training Shoes. 

Jewellery

In the interests of health and safety children should not wear jewellery to school with the exception of watches and stud earrings. The school will accept no responsibility for the loss of, or damage to items of jewellery. 

Hair style/colour 

Pupils’ hair should be neat and of a sensible style. Perms and dyed hair are to be discouraged. 

Makeup 

Makeup is not permitted or painted nails. 

Mobile Phones

 Mobile phones are not allowed to be used in school.  If a learner needs to bring a mobile phone to school, it should be stored in the main office, where it can be signed in and out.  The school take no responsibility for any damage or loss to mobile phones if they are brought into school.  

Attendance 

At St Teilo’s we are constantly striving to promote good attendance. The class with the highest attendance gets extra playtime on a Friday and toast at break time on Monday morning. 

 Absences are carefully monitored, and parents will be contacted by telephone or letter where there are concerns. In some cases, pupils may be referred to the Educational Welfare Officer who visits the school regularly. Medical and dental appointments should, as far as possible, be made out of school hours. All absences must be explained. 

Since September 2013, no holidays are being authorised and parents are informed that absences will be recorded as unauthorised. If parents take their child out of school for a family holiday a Holiday form must be filled in by a parent or carer. There is a risk of a penalty notice if a pupil has a minimum of 10 sessions or five school days lost due to unauthorised absences during the current term and bringing the overall attendance to below 90% in the school year to date. 

Our whole school attendance in 2022-23 was: 90.58%

Pupil Voice 

We have a number of pupil groups within the school. Pupil participation is about developing a culture in schools where all children and young people have a voice and have the opportunity to play an active role in decisions that affect their learning and well-being, as set out in Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC). Although having an active school council is an essential part of this approach, it is only one aspect. We also have an Eco- Committee, Criw Cymraeg, School Ambassadors, Faith Ambassadors, Sports Ambassadors. 

Additional Learning Needs 

There is a clear written policy on Additional Learning Needs which gives all staff guidance on catering for children in this category. Children with Additional Learning Needs are taught in mainstream classes and are supported in class or withdrawn from class and catered for individually or in small groups. Progress is monitored and assessed and full consultation takes place with parents in accordance with the Additional Learning Needs Code of Practice. The consultation process also involves representatives of the Local Education Authority and other schools to which our children transfer. The school encourages close links with parents of pupils with Special Educational Needs, who need not hesitate to contact the Headteacher should they have any concerns regarding their child’s progress. 

Equal Opportunities 

The school is committed to a positive policy of promoting equal opportunities, and eliminating discrimination of any kind, by providing equal opportunities for all pupils in all aspects of the curriculum. We will encourage respect for, and tolerance of people of different gender, race, religion and way of life. We will regularly assess our teaching materials and resources, and also examine the organisation of the school for gender bias. We will work towards ensuring a school community based on mutual respect, offering equal opportunities for everyone. The Equal Opportunities policy will be reviewed as part of the monitoring process. We believe that each pupil is equally important, and the beginning and end of good education is showing everyone that they are equally valued. 

Children and Young People who are Looked After

The school is committed to a positive policy of promoting equal opportunities, and eliminating discrimination of any kind, by providing equal opportunities for all pupils in all aspects of the curriculum. We will encourage respect for, and tolerance of people of different gender, race, religion and way of life. We will regularly assess our teaching materials and resources, and also examine the organisation of the school for gender bias. We will work towards ensuring a school community based on mutual respect, offering equal opportunities for everyone. The Equal Opportunities policy will be reviewed as part of the monitoring process. We believe that each pupil is equally important, and the beginning and end of good education is showing everyone that they are equally valued. 

Curriculum

Mathematics and Numeracy

Our vision for our learners of Mathematics and Numeracy is for each individual to become a confident mathematical thinker who is excited by the beauty of Mathematics. All our learners will be ambitious problem solvers who are not afraid to be creative and try out new ideas and approaches. Our desire is for our learners to be questioners as they make connections between the concrete, pictorial and abstract representations. We want our learners to be mathematical explorers who look for patterns and are not afraid to take risks. 

Language, Literacy and Communication

Our vision for our learners is for each individual to become a confident user of languages who is excited by the richness of literature. We want our learners to be ambitious problem solvers who are not afraid to be creative when learning and using languages. Our desire is for our learners to be curious as they make connections between languages and seek opportunities to practice them. Our learners will embrace other languages and their cultures and enjoy the linguistic diversity of our community. 

Science and Technology

Our vision is that learning about Science and Technology together will inspire our young people to be skilled critical thinkers, problem-solvers, collaborators, designers and innovators. Through an understanding of how our world works, our learners enjoy discovery and ignite their creativity and imagination bringing value to a more equal and just society. 

Humanities

In St Teilo’s the Humanities Area of Learning and Experience seeks to awaken a sense of wonder, fire the imagination and inspire learners to grow in knowledge, understanding and wisdom. In Religious Education we are learning to follow the right path through care, love and respect in the Light of the Risen Christ. 

Health and Well-being

Our vision for our learners is for each individual to become a confident individual with the ability to express their feelings and emotions. We want our learners to be ambitious problem solvers who are not afraid to be open in their discussions. Our desire is for our learners to be empathetic to others through an understanding of diversity. Our learners will be healthy through their understanding of why a healthy body makes a healthy mind. 

Expressive Arts

Through Expressive Arts, our learners will have rich opportunities to be creative, imaginative and develop confidence in expressing themselves in different ways while experiencing inspiration from all disciplines. Our learners will explore, create and respond to the arts and use reflective, critical and creative processes to make sense of ideas and experiences. 

Relationships and Sexuality Education (RSE)

The school has adopted the new Diocesan RHE policy and has implemented the ‘Life to the Full’ Scheme. The school is trialling the new Ten: Ten resources in line with the policy from Autumn Term 2020. See link for more information: https://www.tentenresources.co.uk/life-to-the-full-catholic-landing-page/  

Careers and Work Related Experiences

Ensuring our children are able to move on to a future where they can find fulfilment in their work is important to us.  As a cross cutting theme of the curriculum, we promote careers and work related experiences throughout the children's time in St Teilo's and ensure that they meet a range of visitors from a range of occupations - particularly those linked to our community in Tenby. 

Homework

Homework is given in accordance with the needs of the child at the discretion of the class teacher. The amount and frequency of homework will depend largely on the age of the pupil. Basic number skills, reading and writing are important elements of homework. Home/school tasks may be given by class teachers. Parental co-operation in these tasks is much appreciated as is constant encouragement for pupils regarding the completion of homework.

Behaviour

Discipline in the school goes along Christian lines, the purpose of which is to develop the character of the pupil and ensure an atmosphere where learning and order are encouraged. 

We have three rules at St Teilo's, which are based on the UNRCR Rights of the Child.

Ready - Respectful - Safe

Children at St Teilo's are encouraged to take responsibility for their own behaviour and as a class create their own behaviour charter, so support everyone in ensuring St Teilo's remains a safe and happy place in which everyone can learn and be themselves.  

All incidents are dealt with restoratively through conferencing with pupils. All staff have received restorative practice training. We have a Behaviour log in which incidents are recorded and communicated to parents. In line with the school behaviour policy serious incidents could result in temporary or permanent exclusion. 

Sports

The school aims to develop pupils’ physical skills to the full. The emphasis is firmly on participation and enjoyment. There are opportunities to participate in a wide range of activities including gymnastics, dance, organised games, athletics, cross country running and outdoor adventure activities. Pupils represent the school at football, rugby, cricket, netball, hockey, cross country and athletics. Regular fixtures are arranged with other schools. All pupils attend swimming lessons each year at Tenby Leisure Centre. 

Extra-Curricular Activities

There is an extensive range of extra-curricular activities provided and encouraged by the school. These include – preparation for the Sacraments (First Communion), Football Club, Choir, Cricket Club, Art Club, Gym, Eco Club, Clwb Cymraeg, Coding Club and Athletics. School visits and various fund-raising charity projects encourage our children to demonstrate concern for the needy and create a community spirit. 

Peripatetic Music Lessons

Peripatetic music lessons, provided by the Pembrokeshire Music Service, are available for several instruments.  We ask is for a minimum donation to help the school towards the cost of the lessons.  Some learners have their lessons funded through grants given to the school.

Educational visits and Residential trips

We provide many opportunities for our children to gain a range of learning experiences beyond St Teilo's School.  Where possible, we try to use our local area to reduce costs, however, on occasion, we may ask parents/carers to make contributions to cover the costs of visits and transport.  Our Y5/6 children usually attend a residential visit annually, supported by school staff.  The cost of residential visits is covered by parents/carers.  

What if I have a concern?

The school’s Governing Body has a complaints procedure to deal with any complaints made by parents and others in respect of the performance of duties and/or exercise powers by the local authority.  Any parent, or other concerned person, who may have a complaint, should first discuss their concern informally with the child's class teacher. If the issue is unable to be resolved, then it may be reported to the Base Leader or Headteacher who will become involved and hopefully resolve the problem.  Please see our complaints policy on our website.

Contact information