Site Security Update

Here's a reminder of our drop off, collection and visits to school procedures. I realise this information was given out last year but we are still having incidents of adults coming into the school without the knowledge of the staff.

At Ffynnon Taf, we very much pride ourselves on having an open door policy. We really do not want this to change but do need your help in making our school buildings safer, more secure places to be for all our children. In view of this we would like to remind you of the following: 

ü  We have three separate front entrances to our main school building (as well as two at the rear). This causes some confusion but parents and visitors should always, and without exception, report to the ‘main’ entrance and to Mrs James’ office. The entrances by the Headteacher’s office and into Upper Foundation Phase are for children and staff only. Children will be reminded that they are not to open doors for adults even if they recognise them. This may feel like an inconvenience but I’m sure you’ll understand that we need to know who is in the school building at all times to guarantee safety.

ü  All visitors to the school (including parents and supply staff) will need to fill in the visitors book in reception and wear a visitors badge if progressing past Mrs James’ office. All staff on the school site will also be required to wear ID badges from now on.

ü  Drop off and pick up points will remain the same for all classes but we ask from Year 1 onwards (Dosbarth Cangarw) that children are collected from the external door by the classteachers in the morning rather than being dropped off in classrooms. If you are late bringing your child in, please report to the main entrance as detailed above (or in the case of Dosbarth Eliffant and Dosbarth Teigr, the main entrance to the Lower Foundation phase building) where you will be required to sign a latebook.

ü  When collecting children during the school day (for appointments or if a child is unwell etc) please report to the main entrance. You will be asked to wait while your child is collected for you. Please do not take offence, in the current climate this is to safeguard both yourselves and the children. In an ideal world we would have a reception and waiting area, and this is something we are currently working towards, but in the meantime please bear with us.

ü  If somebody else is collecting your child for you please ensure the classteacher is informed beforehand and the child knows. Confusion has arisen in the past when children have not been aware of how they are getting home. This particularly applies to children who catch the school bus.

ü  Our playground is not ideal as any visitor to the school arriving during play or lunchtime currently has to walk through the children before they can report to the office. I am sure I do not need to explain why this is not appropriate and why as a result, this gate will be locked during these times. If you do arrive on site at this time, staff on duty will be able to unlock the gate and give you access.

I fully appreciate and acknowledge that the majority of our parents already follow the above without question. I am also sure that you’ll understand why it was vital we action the above. If you have any questions or concerns about the content of this letter, please do not hesitate to contact me.