About Swiss Valley Primary School
About Us | Amdanom Ni
Swiss Valley is a Community Primary School which caters for pupils between the ages of 3 and 11 years. It was built in 1969 and is set in an open, elevated ground in the centre of the Swiss Valley Park Estate, and enjoys panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Staffing and Organisation
The school is currently organised into an Early Years department (Nursery, Reception and Nurture group), Year 1 and 2 department and upper school department (Years 3, 4, 5 and 6). All classes are of mixed ability and we currently have some classes which are split age group. Including the Headteacher, there are 8 full time teachers, 2 part time teachers and 1 school administrative officer. There are also 2 Higher Level Teaching Assistants (HLTAs) and 10 teaching assistants.
The Welsh Language
Our school is primarily an English medium institution. We promote the Welsh language in many different ways to ensure that our children have a pride in the language and their country. Swiss Valley was the first English medium school in Carmarthenshire to successfully attain the Siarter Iaith Bronze and Silver Awards for promoting the Welsh language.
Additional Learning Needs
The school has an Additional Needs Policy which parents may examine. When a child experiences learning difficulties, the class teacher will discuss the problem at an early stage with parents. Where possible children will receive further support within the existing framework by being referred to the ALNCo (Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator). The education authority may also provide further support following an assessment of the child. The school adopts a policy of inclusion. All pupils on the Additional Needs register have IDPs (Individual Development Plans) known as ‘Smart Targets’.
More Able and Talented Pupils
The school recognises that some pupils display a higher level of ability at an early age in certain curricular areas. The school has a ‘More Able and Talented’ policy which parents can examine on request and class registers of all the pupils who have been identified as fitting the criteria. These pupils will be provided for by being given tasks at a higher level, or additional work and opportunities in order to extend and broaden their interest. We use our ‘Sgiliau Swiss’ to provide a wide variety of challenges at different levels to help improve many different skills, and pupil voice is a key feature to enable pupils to make choices with their learning.
Equal Opportunities
The school has a policy which promotes equal opportunities and good relationships between all stakeholders in our school community. A culture of respect, tolerance and understanding between all pupils, staff etc is promoted and we are proud that our school is welcoming to people of all nationalities, religions and genders.
Latest Estyn Report:
https://www.estyn.gov.wales/provider/6692176
The school motto is:
“Mae rhaid mentro cyn cael dim!”
“In order to succeed at anything, at first you must try!”