About our School : Prospectus

 

 

 

MISSION STATEMENT 

 

'Bramham is a vibrant school which sets high standards for all.

 

At Bramham we aim to develop the 'whole child' encouraging, supporting and inspiring all to reach their full potential , learning skills, knowledge and attitudes for life.

 

The school is set in a rich environment between the villages of Bramham and Clifford. The school values its place in and contribution to this community.

 

 

 AIMS

 

 

The overall aim at Bramham Primary School is to provide a secure, thoughtful and stimulating environment, in which the children can learn and experience a broad and balanced curriculum.  It is our intention that all our pupils will acquire the skills and knowledge which will enable them to grow and develop as a whole person, confident and willing, caring and concerned, committed to their own development yet aware of their responsibilities to others.  We hope our children will gain independence of thought and action for their own well-being and happiness and that of others.

 

The following principles support all we do in school:

 

• We will have an expectation that each pupil has skills and talents, which we need to develop;

• We will challenge children's abilities and strengths and support their weaknesses and difficulties;

• We will treat all children equally, and get to know them well;

• We will provide an education for the whole child - intellectually, socially, spiritually, morally, physically and emotionally;

• We will encourage a curiosity and an enthusiasm for learning in all our children, which we hope will last throughout their lives;

• We will encourage and instil a purpose, a discipline (especially self discipline) in all our pupils, to develop a sense of responsibility in school and in their outside activities;

• We will emphasise the positive achievements of all pupils, both in school and in their outside activities;

• We encourage our pupils to accept that we are all different and we celebrate the diversity of skills, talents and abilities in our pupils;

• We are committed to promoting good relationships with parents and carers and encourage them to take an active role in their child's education;

• We wish to maintain the long established links with the local clergy, the community and everyone connected with the school.

 

 ETHOS

 

ALL members of our School Community work together towards the school aims by:

 

• Regarding all children as individuals and respecting their rights, values, beliefs and opinions;
• Promoting good relationships and sense of belonging to the school community;
• Providing a well ordered environment in which all are fully aware of our behaviour policy and expectations;
• Offering equal opportunities in all aspects of school life and recognising the importance of different cultures;
• Encouraging, praising and positively reinforcing good relationships, behaviour and work;
• Working as a team supporting and encouraging one another.

PUPILS work towards the school's aims by:

 

• Attending school in good health, maintained by adequate diet, exercise and sleep;
• Attending school regularly;
• Being punctual and ready to begin lessons on time;
• Being organised - bringing necessary kit, taking letters home to parent/carers promptly, returning reading books regularly;
• Conducting themselves in an orderly manner in line with the expected code of discipline;
• Taking growing responsibility for their own learning and belongings.

 

Parents work towards the school aims by:

 

Ensuring that children attend school in good health, regularly and punctually;

• Providing support for the discipline within the school and for the teacher's role;
• Being realistic about their children's abilities and offering encouragement and praise;
• Participating in discussions concerning their child's progress and attainments;
• Ensuring early contact with the school to discuss matters which affect a child's happiness, progress and behaviour;
• Giving due importance to homework, hearing reading and assisting in learning of tables and spellings;
• Allowing their children to take increasing responsibility as they progress through the school;
• Supporting the schools extra curricular activities.

 

The need for parents to be involved in the education of their children is well established. We have a friendly and welcoming atmosphere and undertake a variety of initiatives to make parent partners, including open days and invitations to special assemblies etc.,  We look forward to establishing relationships of trust and mutual respect in order to enhance your child's education. 

 

Our Parent Support Group and Parents Working Party meet regularly to discuss school life but also to help with social events.

 

We operate a 'Parents as Partners' Policy. When children start at school we ask their parent/carers and the pupil themselves to sign up to our Home/School Agreement (See Appendix 1), which sets out responsibilities and expectations of the school, parents/carers and themselves.

 

We have a committed group of staff with shared aims and philosophies designed to offer a wide range of opportunities to the children including high standards of achievement and a high quality of learning experiences.

 

If you have any concerns about your child his/her teacher will be happy to discuss them with you if you make an appointment.  The Headteacher is always available to discuss parental concerns.

 

 

 COLLECTIVE WORSHIP

 

Daily Acts of Worship and the caring ethos of the school make a valuable contribution to the personal, social and moral development of our children.  Children are actively involved in Acts of Worship.

 

The local clergy from St. Mary's Cluster of Parishes visit school fortnightly to take whole school Acts of Worship.  Reverend Menzies celebrates with us at our Harvest Assembly and the children visit All Saint's Bramham for our annual Christmas service.

 

By law the school needs to provide daily Acts of Worship. Children participate either as a whole school or in smaller groups. Collective Worship is of a broadly Christian nature but also develops the values that most religions would want to foster.  After consultation with the Headteacher parents may request that their child does not take part in worship.  In the event of a child withdrawing from Acts of Worship alternative provision will be made after consultation with the parents.

 

THE CURRICULUM

 

The Curriculum Explained

 

The Governing Body adopts the LEA statement of Curriculum Policy, a copy of which is available in school.

 

Careful planning ensures the curriculum incorporates the necessary skills, processes and knowledge required in the Core subjects of english, mathematics, science and information technology together with those in the Foundation Subjects of art, geography, history, design technology, music and physical education.  Staff are fully aware of the experiences and levels of understanding expected of children at the end of each Key Stage and plan accordingly.

 

The sum total of all those experiences - planned and unplanned - in school which help your child to learn and develop can be called the curriculum. The most obvious of these experiences is the time spent in timetabled 'lessons'. These will encompass, in a variety of forms, all the areas required under the National Curriculum core and foundation subjects and religious education.

 

The way we live, play, work and interact with each other has a profound effect on your child.  Through all the components of the curriculum we will endeavour to extend and challenge the individual so that he/she develops as fully as possible intellectually, emotionally, physically, socially and spiritually.

 

Please use this Curriculum link to find out further information.

 

 

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

 

We firmly believe that every child has a right to receive an education that:

 

• Respects and values the specific characteristics and diversity of their cultural heritage.
• Enhances their personal, social and spiritual development.
• Recognises their experience in terms of race, creed, class and gender.
• Gives thoughtful and balanced access to learning and achievement by identifying individual learning needs and the teaching methods and learning strategies necessary to support all children successfully.

 

At Bramham Primary School all staff are pledged to prevent discrimination and to actively promote equal opportunities for all regardless of race, disability, class, gender, age or religion.

 

To this end we aim to provide an environment in which all voices are heard, all are treated with respect and individual contributions are welcomed and valued.  We strive to ensure that individual needs are catered for and that differences are viewed positively.  We endeavour to work collaboratively to encourage all parents and carers to be actively involved in the life of the school and to promote an ethos that is inclusive of the parents and community which we serve.

  

ASSESSMENT

 

Teacher assessment of the children's ability is an ongoing process which informs future teaching.  Careful records are kept, and the Standard Assessment Tasks (SAT's) are administered to support the teacher's findings at the end of Key Stage One (age 7 years) and Key Stage Two (age 11 years) in May of each year.

 

Children in years 3, 4 and 5 take optional SAT's tests at the end of each year.

 

THE HIDEN CURRICULUM

 

In addition to the knowledge-based curriculum, other skills and attitudes are carefully planned for and taught.  Skills such as predicting, interpreting, hypothesising and evaluating are important for a child's intellectual growth.  Similarly, attitudes of co-operation, self respect, consideration and politeness are too important to be left to chance, and are therefore part of the curriculum of this school.

 

 

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

 

Every effort is made to meet the particular needs of all children.  We endeavour to give all pupils, including those of high ability, every opportunity to achieve their potential.

 

Children who are experiencing difficulty with their learning receive appropriate support in class.  Some children receive individual or small group tuition, perhaps involving the LEA's learning support services.  We ensure that disabled pupils are treated equally.  This could include adult support, health care plans, resources and/or risk assessments where appropriate.

 

There is a formal structure, embedded in the Code of Practice, set out by Government involving four stages for dealing with pupils' special educational needs.  If your child is one of the many who, at some stage in their school life, are judged to have special educational needs, you will be informed and your views sought.

 

The school has a highly detailed policy concerning SEN.  A copy is available upon request.

 

We are also aware that there are a significant number of children in school with above average ability, in different areas of the curriculum.  We are conscientious in recognising these children and differentiating the curriculum to meet their needs to enable them to reach the highest standards possible.

 

ACCESSIBILITY

 

Our school is accessible for pupils, staff and visitors and we have recently installed disabled toilet facilities.  Our accessibility plan for increasing access to our school by pupils with disabilities is as follows:

 

Increasing access to the school curriculum:

• Ensure compliance with DDA and code of practice.
• Training for support staff.
• Improved provision on SEN resources.
• Ensure class organisation is suitable.

 

Improve availability of written materials in alternative forms:

• Ensure needs of pupils with recognised disabilities are met, including resources.
• Incorporation of appropriate colour scheme and displays to foundation stage/library development.

 

Improve the physical access within the school:

• Disabled toilet within school.
• Disabled ramp access.
• Disabled parking

 

 

ADMISSIONS

Prospective Parents

 

Parents who are considering the school for their children are most welcome to visit the school.  It is advisable to make an appointment in order to avoid disappointment and to ensure adequate time for discussion and to look around the school. There are also several open morning, afternoon and evening opportunities through the school year.  We encourage prospective parents to come and see the children at work and play.

 

Please use the link to view our Admissions Policy

 

STARTING SCHOOL

 

Coming to school is one of the most vital steps in a child's life.  At Bramham Primary School we make every effort to see that this step is as smooth as possible.

 

Starter Pack

A comprehensive induction is provided for our new parents and children.  Starting with a morning meeting designed to inform parents of all aspects of life at Bramham Primary School.   A starter pack is provided covering as many details as possible for your child's entry into school.

 

Home visits are offered for all children; these are optional and have proved very worthwhile over the years.  They enable the children to meet their new teacher in their surroundings giving the child more confidence, visits to playgroups and nurseries are also arranged whenever possible. 

 

These are then followed by two visits to the class giving the children a chance to meet their new friends and see their new classroom.

 

Before coming to school please encourage your child to:

 

§         Take off and put on their coat

§         Manage at the toilet and know how to ask to go

§         Fasten and unfasten shoes - slip on plimsolls. Buckled and Velcro fastened shoes are much easier than laced shoes.

 

SCHOOL UNIFORM

 

School Uniform for Girls
Item	Winter	Summer
Skirts	Grey skirt or pinafore	Blue and white checked or striped dresses
Shirts	With polo shirt with Bramham Primary School logo
Jumper/cardigan or hooded top	Navy Blue jumper or cardigan with school logo
Socks/Tights	White socks or grey tights	White socks
Shoes	Black leather outdoor shoes plus a pair of black indoor plimsolls	Sandals or black leather shoes plus a pair of black indoor plimsolls
Coat	Navy Blue Fleece with school logo

 

School Uniform for Boys
Item	Winter	Summer
Trousers	Grey Trousers	Grey trousers or grey shorts
Shirts	White polo shirt with Bramham Primary School logo
Jumpers/hooded top	Navy Blue jumper or hooded top with school logo
Socks	Grey socks
Shoes	Black leather outdoor shoes plus black indoor plimsolls	Sandals or black leather indoor shoes plus black indoor plimsolls
Coats - Fleece/Shower proof Jacket	Navy Blue Fleece or Shower proof jacket with school logo

In addition to the above the children will need a painting shirt or overall for art and craft sessions.

PE/Games
Item	Key Stage 1	Key Stage 2
P.E.	White round neck t-shirt with school logo Plain black shorts	White round neck t-shirt with school logo Plain black shorts
Games		In addition to the above children will require a navy blue track suit with school logo for winter games
Footwear	Pumps for indoor P.E.	Pumps for indoor P.E. Trainers for outdoor games only

 

 

School Bags
Key Stage 1	Key Stage 2
All children are recommended to have a navy blue book bag with the school logo so that they are able to take home their reading book, related homework and letters safely.   Navy blue gym bags with the school logo are also available and are encouraged for P.E.	All children are recommended to have a navy blue book bag with the school logo so that they are able to take home their reading book, related homework and letters safely.   A navy blue rucksack is also available from school with the school logo and is recommended for all children to carry P.E. and games kit.

 

 

 

At Bramham Primary School we take an active approach to a healthy lifestyle. We encourage children to bring their own water bottle to be kept in the classroom and access as required during the school day.

 

Fruit

All Key Stage One children are provided with a choice of fruit on an afternoon break, there is no charge for this. In addition our year 6 children run a Healthy Eating Tuck Shop during the morning break. Children can also purchase a drink of juice during the afternoon if they so desire.

 

Where Next?

 

On reaching the end of their time in primary school, children transfer to a variety of secondary schools in the area:

• Tadcaster Grammar School
• Boston Spa School
• Wetherby High School
• St. Aiden's Harrogate
• St. John Fisher, Harrogate

 

 

 

Please inform the school office before 9.30 a.m. if your child is absent from school for medical reasons. On their return to school we also require a brief note or the completion of the absence slip from the newsletter giving the reason for your child's absence.  This is required by the LEA to verify that the absence is an authorised absence as authorised and unauthorised absences are reportable to the LEA at the end of each half term.

School Attendance 2007/2008

Total number of pupils on roll	45
Annual Attendance	95.50%
Target set by LEA	94.7%

 

Holidays in School Time

 

Parents are encouraged to make every endeavour to take holidays during the periods when school is closed.  If, due to unavoidable circumstances, holidays have to be taken during school time please obtain a Leave of Absence form from school and submit the completed form to the Headteacher two weeks before the proposed dates.  The duration of school holidays is two weeks in one school year.  Any further absence for holidays will be classed as unauthorised.

 

 

Regular contact with school is very important.  It shows the child that home and school are working together.  Parents are made to feel very welcome in school but it is advisable to arrange a mutually convenient time to speak to teachers. 

 

Website

Please visit our website www.bramhamprimary.co.uk for further information about our school.

 

Access to Letters

Copies of the letters recently sent home will be placed on the website on a weekly basis.

 

Class News

Each class produces a termly newsletter telling parents what will be happening for the forthcoming term.

 

Weekly Newsletter

A bulletin is produced each Friday giving details of events in school.  This information focuses on the celebration of our children's achievements and includes information on the lunch menu, forthcoming events and important dates.

 

The weekly newsletter is usually sent home via the children but a copy can be emailed to any parent wishing to receive it this way.

 

 

At Bramham Primary School we see parents as partners during their child's time at school.  Before school the parents are the main educators in their child's life.  We hope that when the child starts school this can develop into a partnership with members of our staff to benefit your child.  Parents have the opportunity to discuss their child's work at two formal parent's evenings during the school year but you are welcome to come into school to discuss any aspect of their child's progress.

 

 

The School Aims to:

·         Be guided by the Mission Statement.

·         Provide a broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum which both fulfils the requirements of the National Curriculum and provides continuity and progression.

·         Develop positive attitudes to learning and place importance on the setting of high standards and expectations enabling children to fulfil their individual potential.

·         Provide an education for the development of the 'whole child' - intellectually, socially, morally and emotionally.

·         Challenge children's' abilities and strengths and support their weaknesses and difficulties.

·         Encourage and instil a purpose, a discipline (especially self discipline) in our children, to develop a sense of responsibility in school and in their outside activities.

·         Be committed to providing good relationships with parents/carers, encouraging them to take an active part and vital role in their child's education.

·         Offer education founded on principles which respect and celebrate differences in race, creed and culture.

·         Keep parents informed concerning the policies, decisions and activities of the school.

·         Be open and welcoming at all times and offer opportunities for parents to become involved in the daily life of the school.

·         Provide regular homework.

·         Keep parents informed of their child's progress by providing parent consultations and opportunities for informal contact throughout the year.

·         Work in partnership with the parishes of Clifford and Bramham and the wide community.

·         Encourage children to behave well at all times and respect one another

·         Work with parents to ensure that children attend school regularly and punctually and avoid unnecessary absences.

·         Deal seriously with all concerns and work to resolve these in a fair and balanced manner.

 

We expect the Parents of children at Bramham Primary School to:

·         Have regard to the Mission Statement in all interactions with the school.

·         Maintain regular contact with the school, particularly with regard to my child's progress.

·         Attend parent/teacher consultations.

·         Endeavour to keep myself informed about the policies, decisions and activities of the school.

·         Offer help to school as I am able.

·         Support my child with his/her homework.

·         Ensure that my child will behave at all times and show respect for other people.

·         Work with school to ensure that my child attends school regularly and punctually and avoids unnecessary absences.

·         Make the school aware of any problems or concerns that I have concerning my child's wellbeing and give school the opportunity to deal seriously with these in a fair and balanced manner.

·         Encourage my child to adopt a positive approach to their education.

 

We expect the children of Bramham Primary School to:

·         Behave well at all times whilst in school and respect other people.

·         Complete any homework on my own but with support from my parents when I need it.

·         Wear my school uniform with pride.

 

 

 

Parent Interviews/Class Contact

 

All parents are invited into school once per term.

• There is a formal consultation in the Autumn Term to find our how your child has settled into his/her new class and to discuss what targets your child will be working towards during the year.  Children are also invited to attend these consultations.
• During the Spring Term parents will be invited into their child's class for an Open Afternoon and to be involved in ongoing classroom activities.
• In the Summer Term there will be formal consultation with parents to discuss the progress made during the year.

 

We regard these sessions as extremely valuable and we hope parents will be able to attend

 

 

This school is actively involved with the Elmet Partnership of Schools.  This partnership comprises primarily of schools in the local area of Boston Spa, Thorp Arch, Collingham, Bardsey and Wetherby.

 

We as a school actively work at promoting the Primary Statutory Learning Network.  The school has also been involved in joint dance projects and sporting activities.

 

 

The school sees itself as the heart of an active community.  The school passionately believes in the concept of inter-generational learning whereby the children work with more experienced members of the community.  The children always enjoy working with community members and learning from first hand experience.

 

Community Uses of the School Premises

 

Day	Time	Organisation
Monday	09.30 - 11.30 a.m.	Little Tykes  Mums and Tots
Monday	5.00 - 6.00 p.m.	Clifford Beavers
Monday	6.15 - 8.15 p.m.	Clifford Cubs
Tuesday	6.00 - 7.15 p.m.	Bramham Brownies
Tuesday	7.30 - 9.30 p.m.	Clifford Scouts
Wednesday	10.30 - 12.00 p.m.	Silver Surfers - Wetherby in Support of the Elderly (W.I.S.E.)

 

 

 

Bramham Primary School works actively with partnership schools in the local area.  All schools are embracing the challenge of extended Children's Services. All schools work within a cluster with each cluster providing extended services for learners of all ages working collaboratively with partners to identify the needs of their neighbours using a hub and satellite system.  We work together with local partners from the public, private, voluntary and community sectors to assess local needs, agree priorities and network local services to meet identified priorities, in terms of the Core Offer and the Government's Every Child Matters outcomes.

 

 

 

 

The friends of the school are a group of parents who organise fund-raising activities to purchase extra items of equipment for the school. The 'Friends' try to make sure that the events they organise are fun, combining socialising with fund raising.  In recent years they have arranged Christmas and Summer Fairs, Quizzes, and a very successful Race Night.  They also organise 'children only' events such as the Halloween Disco, 'Oscar' themed award ceremonies, Chocolate Easter Egg Hunts and Secret Santa parcels.

 

 

Our Before and After School Club is currently run by a local provider 'Brook Babes'.  Information on their service is included within this prospectus.

 

 

We always welcome parental help in school and on environmental activities but it is very important that parents have completed a successful criminal investigation check for the safety of all our children. 

 

 

At Bramham Primary School the safety of our pupils is of prime concern.  We aim to provide an environment where the children and staff feel safe and secure, and the parents are confident that their children are in safe hands whilst remaining welcoming and friendly towards our parents and visitors.

 

Staff are vigilant in challenging visitors who are required to use our signing in book.  We also expect parents to make us aware of their arrangements for collecting their children and inform us at their earliest opportunity of any changes.

 

Fire drills

 

These are held regularly so that the procedures can be practised during lesson time, playtime or during the lunch break.

 

Building Evacuation

 

In case of an emergency we also have procedures in place for the evacuation of the school hall where arrangements are in place to walk with the children to the Village Hall.

 

 

School Session Times

 

 

 

8.55 a.m.	Start of the School Day
9.00 - 10.30 a.m.	Session 1
10.30 - 10.45	Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 Break
10.45 - 12.00	Session 2
2.00 - 1.00 p.m.	Lunchtime
1.00 p.m.	Afternoon Session 3 begins
2.30 - 2.40 p.m.	Fruit and juice break Key Stage 1
3.15 p.m.	End of School day

 

It is extremely important that children arrive in time for school.  If for any unforeseen reason your child is late, please report to the school office.

 

Morning school sessions start at 8.55 a.m. Please be on time - but better late than never. Please try not to have the children waiting in the playground for too long, especially in cold, wet weather, five minutes before school begins is adequate.  To this end parents are asked to note that there is no supervision on the school playground before 8.45 a.m. and neither the governors nor the teaching staff can be responsible for the children before that time.

 

It is the school policy for the children to be outside during these times, whenever possible.  All children require a coat at all times in case of adverse weather conditions.

 

 

Holiday	Schools Close	Schools Open
Summer		Thursday 3rd September 2009
Autumn Mid-Term	Friday 23rd October 2009	Monday  2nd  November 2009
Christmas	Friday 18th  December 2009	Monday 4th January 2010
Spring Mid-Term	Friday 12th February 2010	Monday 22nd   February 2010
Easter	Thursday 1st April 2010	Monday 19th  April 2010
May Bank Holiday	Friday 30th April, 2010	Tuesday 4th May 2010
Summer Mid-Term	Friday 28th  May 2010	Monday 7th June 2010
Summer	Tuesday 23rd  July 2010

 

Training days have been allocated for the 3rd and 4th of September and the 23rd of October 2009. Two further training days will be added to the school calendar as they are allocated.

 

BANK HOLIDAYS

 

Bank Holiday	Date
Christmas	25th and 28th December 2009
New Year's Day	1st January 2010
Good Friday	2nd April 2010
Easter Monday	5th April 2010
May Day	3rd May 2010
Spring Bank	31st May 2010

 

 

 

Parents are asked to supply the school with their telephone number and also a number where they can be reached during the day.  If any changes occur, please inform us as soon as you can.

 

 

It is vital that the school has a telephone number where a parent, carer, responsible adult or relative can be reached during the school day so that we can contact you should it become necessary through your child's illness or injury.  If an accident involving your child occurs at school it will be reported in the school accident book and a letter will be sent home informing the parent of their injury.

 

All staff in school treat children as any caring parent would do and every effort is made to reduce the risk of accidents.  We can only deal with minor injuries at school and so a contact number in order to reach you is essential.  Should it be deemed necessary to seek urgent medical help, the welfare of your child is paramount.

 

 

It is the responsibility of the child's parent to ensure that any asthma inhalers used in school are in date and working correctly.  The school maintains an asthma register and the children take home a note when they have used their inhaler to inform their parents.

 

 

We appreciate that on occasions a child who has time away from school because of illness may be sufficiently recovered to return to school, but the course of medicine needs to be completed. If at all possible if would be appreciated if the dosage could be taken before and after the school day or alternatively parents are welcome into school at lunchtime to administer the medicine themselves.

 

 

The School Nurse, Medical Officer and Audiologist make regular visits to school. On most of these visits the parents received notification prior to the visit.

 

Parents are requested to make regular checks of their child's hair.  Occasionally odd cases of head lice do occur in school.  Most parents are thoughtful enough to inform us if their child is affected. We are most grateful for this information, as it allows us to take necessary precautions to avoid further spread.

 

 

The few rules we do have are common ones, which are applied to make the school as safe as possible for everyone.

 

An acceptable standard of behaviour, in line with our positive Behaviour Policy, good manners and consideration for others are stressed at all times.  It is made clear that racist behaviour of any kind is not tolerated and is unacceptable in school.   Sanctions are in place to deal with inappropriate behaviour.  It is hoped that the parents will support the teachers by encouraging good manners and good behaviour.  If necessary, parents will be contacted so that the matter can be discussed with either the teacher or the headteacher if the child's behaviour is causing concern in school, at playtime or lunchtime.

 

 

Hot meals or sandwiches are provided for the children.  If you would like your child to stay for school dinner, please send the full amount for the week each Monday morning in a named sealed envelope with the child's name and an amount written on it.

 

At the present time, the price of a school meal is £1.90 per day for Reception to Year 4 children and £1.95 per day for children in Years 5 and 6.

 

 

If your child has an alternative diet to the main meal provided, please discuss this with the Headteacher.

 

As a Healthy School we are always looking at ways of improving the standard of school lunches.  The school is working actively with parents and the Catering Agency to look at way of further developing the quality of meals produced at the school.

 

The children can being packed lunches, preferably in a box with your child's name on.  We require ONE WEEKS NOTICE, in writing, must be given to the school office before a child can change to packed lunches.  This is to take account of food orders that have already been placed in advance by the kitchen.

 

All the children will have water provided with their mid-day meal.

 

A free meal is available for some children by reasons of the parent's income level.  If you think that you may be entitles to free school meals please contact the school office for the necessary information.

 

School milk is available for all children in Key Stage 1 at a charge of £10 per year. Children in the Reception Class are not required to pay for milk.

 

 

Children are carefully supervised at lunchtime by a Midday Supervisor and Lunchtime Assistants.  Conduct at lunchtime is generally good and there is a reporting system and behaviour policy in place for monitoring those pupils who are not able to maintain good conduct.  Parents are advised that the Headteacher will apply sanctions where appropriate, including in the most exceptional of cases a requirement for children to have their lunch break off school premises.

 

If for some reason a parent wishes a child to be indoors at playtime when the weather is fine, then a written request to that effect is required.  This will indicate that parents are aware that the child will be indoors unsupervised.

 

 

After School Clubs

Children are given every opportunity to join the many extra curricular activities, currently these are as follows:

 

Monday	3.00 - 3.30 p.m.	School Council Meetings
Tuesday	12.30 - 1.00 p.m.	Chessnuts Chess Club
Tuesday	3.15 - 4.00 p.m.	Computer Club
Thursday	12.30 - 1.00 p.m.	Woodwind tuition
Friday	3.15 p.m - 4.15 p.m.	Football Skills

 

Parents are always asked for their permission and for payment where applicable.

 

 

The Governors have a policy to request voluntary contributions to support activities, which could not take place without the support of parents, for example school trips and the transport costs involved.  Details of such are always explained to parents at the initial planning stage, when their consent is sought.

 

No child will be left out of an activity because parents can not/will not make a contribution of any kind.

 

 

 

Charges are made for teaching children to play a musical instrument if the teaching is not an essential part of the National Curriculum or a public examination syllabus being followed by the child.

 

A Peripatetic music teacher for woodwind instruments visits the school each week to work with small groups of children. Parents are asked to pay for musical tuition and the hire of instruments termly. Currently this is £35 for musical instruction and £35 for the hires of a woodwind instrument per term.

 

 

The school reserves the right to charge, in cash or in kind, for incidentals to the provision of education, for example ingredients for baking or models made by the children.

 

 

We believe that homework is intended to provide children with the experience of working by themselves without immediate resource to teacher or other children. However, parents can help their children by encouraging and helping them, checking presentation, handwriting and spelling, testing what has been set to be learnt, listening to them reading what they have written and asking them to explain what they have been studying.

 

The homework set may also consolidate or extend work that has been covered in school, at the same time developing the habit of private study.  Tasks set for homework should always be suited for the needs and ability of pupils.

Types of homework

We have set out what type of homework can be expected as your child makes progress through school. DfEE guidelines do not state that children in reception should participate in regular homework.  However, we feel that literacy based activities will be sent home when appropriate.

 

Years 1 and 2	1 hour per week	Reading, spellings, other literacy and numeracy work
Years 3 and 4	1.5 hours per week	Literacy and numeracy as per years 1 and 2 with occasional assignments and other subjects
Years 5 and 6	30 minutes per day	Regular weekly schedule with continued emphasis on literacy and numeracy but also ranging widely over the curriculum

 

Reception

·       Reading Books

·       Words for reading to be taken home when appropriate

·       Home links sheets when appropriate

 

Key Stage One

·       For children in Key Stage One homework will largely consists of regular reading with parents and looking at books together

 

Year 1 and Year 2

Children to take homework to support reading, literacy and numeracy

·       Reading books

·       Children to have spellings to learn to support work in class

·       Short activities of different kinds related to numeracy

 

Key Stage Two

All children in Keystage Two will continue to read daily (including guided choice of stories and free choice of library books)

 

Year 3

·       Spellings

·       Handwriting practice

·       Topic Related tasks

·       Numeracy related activities to include number facts/tables

 

Year 4

·       Spellings

·       Literacy activities

·       Topic related tasks

·       Numeracy related activities to include number facts/tables

 

Year 5

·       Spellings

·       Topic related tasks

·       Literacy activities will be set to support the work children will be doing in class

·       Numeracy related activities to include number facts/tables

·       Reading

 

Year 6

·       Spellings

·       Topic related tasks

·       Literacy activities will be set to support the work children will be doing in class

·       Numeracy related activities to include number facts/tables

·       Reading

 

Children with Special Education Needs

We set homework for all children as a normal part of school life. We ensure that all tasks set are appropriate to the ability of the child.  If a child has special needs, we endeavour to adapt any task set so that all children can contribute in a positive way.  When setting homework to children who are named on the register of special needs, we refer to the Individual Education Plan.

 

 

We discourage the wearing of any jewellery in school, mainly to prevent loss of items and for safety reasons.  Earrings other than close fitting studs are a potential danger to children and we advise parents not to send children with earrings that hang away from the ear. Other items of jewellery, especially rings are best left at home for similar reasons. If parents consider it advisable to let their children wear jewellery at school, they must be prepared to accept that the school cannot be held responsible for loss or damage.

 

 

We ask parents to ensure that ALL school uniform items and other personal belongings are clearly marked with their child's name.  Only if this is done can we help to locate any misplaced items of clothing and other items.

 

Please inform your child's class teacher at the earliest opportunity if you think that your child has misplaced something. Please call at the school office if you wish to look for anything that your child may have misplaced.

 

 

 

Parents should be aware that schools have statutory responsibilities to monitor children for any signs of abuse and report any concerns to Social Services.  This is a responsibility that we take very seriously.

 

 

If you have a complaint please contact the Headteacher as soon as possible and your complaint will be dealt with.

 

If you follow this procedure and you are still not satisfied, then you should complain in writing to the school's Governing Body.

 

Any problems regarding a child's progress or the school's educational provision should be taken up initially with the class teacher.  The Headteacher should be contacted if the matter is not resolved through the teacher.

 

If the problem is still not resolved the matter would then pass to the Governing Body who have a standard procedure laid down to deal with any grievances.

 

 

2008 Key Stage 2 National Results

 

These tables show the percentage of year 6 pupils achieving each level nationally at the end of Key Stage 2.

 

Figures may not total 100 percent because of rounding.

 

2008 Teacher Assessment   Key Stage 2
13 pupils	Percentage at each level
	W	1	2	3	4	5	6	Pupils disaplied	Pupils absent
English	0.0	1	4	16	49	30	0	0	0
Mathematics	0.0	1	4	16	46	33	0	0	0
Science	0.0	1	2	12	47	38	0	0	0

 

 

2008 Test Results Key Stage 2
	Percentage at each level
13 pupils	Below Level 3*	3	4	5	Pupils not entered #	Pupils absent
English	4	13	51	29	0	1
Reading	4	6	38	48	0	1
Writing	4	26	47	20	0	1
Mathematics	3	15	47	31	0	1
Science	2	8	44	44	0	1

 

*           Represents pupils who were not entered for the tests because they were working below Level 3 in English, Mathematics or Science; pupils awarded a compensatory level from the tests; and pupils entered for but not achieving a level from the tests.

#          Pupils working at the levels of the tests, but unable to access them

 

W         Represents pupils who are working at Level 1, but have not yet achieved the standards needed for Level 1.

2008 Key Stage 1 National Results

 

This table shows the percentage of eligible children achieving each level nationally at the end of Key Stage 1.

 

Figures may not total 100 percent because of rounding.

 

2008 Teacher Assessment Key Stage 1
Percentage at each level
	W	1	2	2C	2B	2A	3 or above	Dissaplied children	Absent children
Speaking and Listening	2	11	87				21	0	0
Reading	3	13		13	22	24	25	0	0
Writing	5	15		22	27	19	12	0	0
Mathematics	2	8		16	25	27	21	0	0
Science	2	9	89				22	0	0

 

W represents children who are working towards level 1, but have not yet achieved the standards needed for level 1.

 

Please do not hesitate to contact the Headteacher if you wish for more information on any of the school policies.