Information
The School's Aims
- We seek to develop respect for moral and religious standards and attempt to develop tolerance towards other people, religions and lifestyles.
- We seek to develop the skills of cohabiting in the class, the school and society in general, emphasizing the inter-dependence between individuals, groups and nations.
- We seek to develop children in both languages, i.e. Welsh and English, so that they can enjoy and respect both languages and use them effectively and imaginatively.
- We seek to deliver solid foundations in all aspects of the Curriculum and to develop the required skills to use this information in the current world so that children understand how our living standards are maintained.
- We seek to develop knowledge, respect and love for the arts and give children a chance to express their feelings creatively.
- We seek to teach children about human exploits and achievements in the world of art, science and religion.
- We seek to give all children an opportunity, whatever their ability, to play a full part in school life. Also, we seek to ensure that all children are given an opportunity to extend themselves in their special skills, whether academic, physical or social.
- We endeavour to help children develop lively, inquiring minds, providing opportunities to ask questions, and introduce them to a broad and interesting curriculum.
Contact with School
We believe the school can not exist as a unit on its own and that we should contribute to the community in which we exist. We take firm steps towards this by encouraging pupils to distribute gifts from the thanksgiving service to the elderly, participate in the Community Carol Service, sponsoring local charities, inviting members of the community to school activities and encourage local use of school facilities. We make an effort to raise money for various charities. Regular visits are arranged to local companies to enrich the children’s curriculum, and we receive and accept many invitations to entertain members of the community.
Open evenings are organized three times a year - the first at the start of the Academic Year, the second half way through the year and then at the end of the year. During the first of these the parents have the opportunity to meet the teachers to have a general conversation about the class' work program for the year. In the other two open evenings the parents have, if they wish, a specified time to look at their children's work and discuss this fully with the class teacher. If, however, concerns arise at any time and on any aspect of school life, please contact us immediately, so that arrangements can be made to have a chat.
A summary of the term's work is given at the beginning of each theme, and a report of progress during the term, which sets out the next targets.
We now have a free app which is very important when sharing information with parents. Go to the app store and download "Our School's app." Then, enter the school's postcode (LL16 3DP), look down the list for Ysgol Twm o'r Nant. In this app, we share important events of the year, information about events, information about the Urdd and policies. Units also share information using the Seesaw app and emails.
We have a successful School Council which is a good influence on the pupils and ensures we listen to pupils voice. The classes from Reception to Year 6 are represented on the Council by two representatives.
They will hold a meeting every half term.
There are many occasions when parents and friends are invited to concerts and special services, and their support is greatly appreciated, especially by the children.
School Routine
The site is located on Rhyl Road, Denbigh. We share the site with Ysgol Frongoch and Ysgol Tyn y Fron, part of Ysgol Plas Brondyffryn. Ysgol Twm o'r Nant is a County Primary School and it was established at Capel Mawr, Denbigh in 1960. It relocated to the present site in 1968. Ysgol Twm o'r Nant is a designated Welsh School. Children are admitted to the nursery class in the academic year in which they reach the age of 4, for 5 mornings a week; although we are fortunate to be able to offer full-time education for those who wish, by working with the Welsh Language nursery organisation, Mudiad Meithrin. In the foundation phase Welsh is the language of all the children's education and English is presented as a subject to the children in Year 3. By the end of their career in this school most children transfer to Ysgol Glan Clwyd.
We kindly request that children do not arrive at the school before 8.45 since there will not be a member of staff on the yard to look after them. If pupils need to arrive early at the school, the school’s breakfast club opens at 8.00 a.m.
Nursery:
8:55am. - 11:30am
Foundation Phase:
8:55am. - 11:45am
Hours spent teaching children: 21 hours 15 minutes
Primary:
8:55am - 12:15pm
Hours spent teaching children: 23 hours 40 minutes
Children are admitted to the Under 5 Unit in the Nursery school year for five mornings a week as long as they will have reached their fourth birthday during the year, i.e. between September 1st and August 31st.
Similarly, children are admitted into the Reception Class full time if they are aged five before the end of the school year.
Parents who are considering sending their children to school can arrange a visit to receive more information by contacting the Head teacher.
Meetings are held in the summer term for families and their children before the September when they are about to join the Nursery class. In addition, during this period parents of new pupils are also invited to bring their children to the school to spend some time in the Nursery Class. This experience will undoubtedly help the children in their new surroundings at the beginning of their school career.
The link between us and the Secondary Schools we feed is critically important to ensure a continum of learning. We work closely with Ysgol Glan Clwyd, and children will have the opportunity to visit Ysgol Glan Clwyd several times from Year 5 onwards. Parents have an opportunity to visit the school before the transfer.
Attendance and Absence
Attending school regularly and punctually is important but please, do not send your child too early - not before 8.00 to the Breakfast Club. If your child does not attend the pre-school club, then he/she is expected at school after 8.45. If your child is away from school we ask you to contact the school by leaving a phone message or the register will have to be marked with an unauthorized absence. In accordance with County policy, holidays are not allowed during the school term. If there are more than 10 days (20 sessions) of unauthorized absences, then a 'fixed penalty' penalty will be given. A list of the holiday dates is sent to you each year. Attendance rates are monitored by the Headteacher and Social Services.
If your child suffers from any allergy or medical condition then we ask that you inform us as soon as possible. The school's Staff receive annual training on the most common medical conditions, with some receiving special training as needed. In order to avoid delays for a child to start we ask that you inform us as soon as possible about medical conditions.
The school nurse calls regularly and parents are welcome to contact her Denbighshire Health Authority recommends that a child suffering from certain illnesses should stay home from school for a minimum of -
Chicken Pox - 5 days from the appearance of the rash
The German Measles - 6 days from the appearance of the rash
Measles - 4 days from the appearance of the rash
Mumps - 5 days from the appearance of the swelling
However it is best to contact your own doctor if your child is not feeling well. In the event that your child becomes ill we will contact the contact numbers on the initial form given to parents. The necessary information will be received when the parents complete Form A and the Admission Form when the child is first admitted to the school.
It is important that you let us know if the information has changed at any time during your child's school career.
Appointment - Denbighshire County Council promotes appointment confirmation forms with the health service. If your child has an appointment you must let the class teacher know.
There is an appropriate form to ask a teacher to give medicine to a child. There is a national problem with head lice and we recommend that all parents examine their child's hair regularly.
First Aid boxes are located in the hall and in all Briws. Accidents are recorded in the Office and if there is any doubt about the condition of a child after an accident, we will send for the parents or take the child to the Denbigh Infirmary/hospital.
Medication / Medicine - There is no obligation on any teacher to handle medicine or give it to children if they are unwilling to do so.
Payments
Meals are prepared at the school. There is a formal meal for the children and milk and fruit/snacks will be available during the morning playtime, for the foundation learning period only - this can be paid for through Parent Pay. Pupils in the junior section are welcome to bring a healthy snack to school.
School lunch is now free for all school pupils (except Nursery children). However it is important that if you are entitled to claim for financial support that you do this via the Denbighshire website. Claims can be made for support to buy school uniforms etc.
This policy is based on Welsh Government Policy. It was decided to charge children who receive instrumental lessons from the tutors of the Denbighshire Music Coopretive and a contribution is also requested from families towards educational trips related to class work. As a school we make sure that
costs do not become too much from term to term and do our best to ensure that we do not put financial burdens on families.
When the class makes crafts or cooks occasionally, donations are requested to match the cost. There is no charge for swimming as we use the local Swimming Pool.
The school's Charging Policy can be seen for more details.
An online system called 'Parent Pay' is used for almost all school payments.
We encourage parents to use this system.
The school has childcare clubs which are Breakfast Club 8:00-8:45, Meithrin Mwy (11:30 - 3:00) and Clwb Twm (3:00 - 5.30). All club payments will go through Parent Pay. You can claim 30 hours of free childcare with Meithrin Mwy and Clwb Twm and claim separate payments. For more details about the
clubs contact us at the school.
School Uniform
- Black / Gray Skirt (Blue or black Tights)
- Black / Gray Shorts or trousers
- Yellow polo Shirt (With School Logo)
- Summer Dress for the summer term
- Blue School Jumper (With School Logo)
- Black or brown Shoes
- Small or Stud Earrings
- Hair Tied Back
All items of the school uniform are available from School Shop on the industrial estate.
A reading bag can be purchased through parent pay and collected from reception. We have started to provide opportunities for parents to exchange clothes in the school reception.
- Black shorts – white T-shirt (plain)
- Trainers for outdoor sports.
Gymnastics lessons in the hall will not require shoes/trainers.
Earrings are not a recognized part of the school uniform and we would prefer that they were not worn. If they are, however, they should be 'studs' and should be removed for PE, sport or swimming lessons in accordance with the school's Health and Safety rules
Please ensure that all items worn are clearly marked with the child’s name.