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Anston Brook Primary School, Ryton Road, Anston, Sheffield S25 4DN |
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Contents Welcome to our School Contact Details Staff The Governing Body Holidays Admissions The School Building Absence from School Exclusions Health and Safety Parental Involvement Public Access to Documents in School Charges and Remissions Complaints The School Day Ethos and Values The Curriculum - Foundation Stage - Key Stages 1 and 2 Special Educational Needs and Gifted & Talented Children School Visits and Excursions Homework Information is correct at time of publication, but may have to change according to circumstances Welcome to our school! Thank you for choosing Anston Brook Primary School for your child's education. In our care for your child and our determination to help him/her achieve their best, we hope to justify your faith in us. Anston Brook Primary School is a community in which: all children and adults are respected and valued high standards are a priority a love of learning is fostered acceptable and positive behaviour is expected a lively, fun, relevant and broad curriculum is provided creativity in a stimulating and challenging environment is encouraged reading is promoted in all contexts ICT is used as a thread running throughout the whole curriculum children are encouraged to think, challenge themselves, question, share their ideas and develop their imaginations the needs and ideas of all children are responded to links with all stakeholders are actively developed. This prospectus will tell you more about our school although we are always happy to answer any other questions you may have. We look forward to a successful partnership between you, your child and us in the years to come. Christine Farmery Headteacher |
AN INVESTOR IN PEOPLE Our vision statement is: 'BY WORKING TOGETHER NOTHING IS BEYOND OUR REACH' We encourage all children to: Do the best you can do Be the best you can be Take care of yourself and each other Learn and play together Enjoy your school days! We look forward to getting to know you and your child better and to the close partnership that school and home will share in your child's early education. |
Parents interested in visiting the school should contact school in person or by telephone. The Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher or the School Business Manager will be more than happy to show you round the school and answer your questions. Type of school: Day Primary Mixed (Community School) Address: Ryton Road North Anston Sheffield S25 4DN Tel: (01909) 550599 / 550519 Fax: (01909) 550519 Email: anston-brook.primary@rotherham.gov.uk Website: www.anston-brook-primary-school.org.uk Headteacher: Dr C Farmery Deputy Headteacher: Mr A Parkinson Teachers: Mrs E Wilkinson Mrs A Wright Miss M Robinson Miss C Dixon Mrs J Perceval Mrs C Clark Nursery Nurse/HLTA/ Mrs A Stones Family Learning Coordinator: Teaching Assistants: Mrs P Cammoile Miss S Prescott Mrs Y Sanford Mrs S Vaughan Mrs J Wilson Mrs S Wilson Mrs S Link Miss R Younis Mrs M White Mrs A Bacon Mrs M Walker School Business Manager: Mrs K Outram Admin Assistant: Mrs S Richardson Foundation Unit Staffing: Teacher: Mrs E Wilkinson Senior Nursery Nurse: Mrs A Stones Teaching Assistants: Mrs Y Sanford Mrs S Wilson The Foundation Unit will also be joined by Early Childhood Studies students from Sheffield Hallam University and 1st and 2nd year Childcare students from Thomas Rotherham College and Rotherham College of Arts and Technology. Teaching students visit the school from Sheffield Hallam University and Bishop Grosseteste College in Lincoln. If you are interested in helping in school please contact your child's class teacher, in person or by telephone. |
The Governing Body Community Governors: Mr M Green (Chair) Ms A Sharman Mr P Davies Mr G Winfrow PC P Hamshaw Parent Governors: Ms J Hanson Mr M Lindley Mrs M O'Brien Mrs A Kay Mrs L Rowbotham Staff Governors: Dr C Farmery (Headteacher) Mrs E Wilkinson Mrs A Stones LA Governors: Mr M Beech (Vice Chair) Mr T Crookall Ms N Treanor |
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2008/2009 School Closes ..............................School Opens .................................................. Mon 1 Sep 2008 Half term Fri 24 Oct 2008 .............................Mon 3 Nov 2008 Christmas Fri 19 Dec 2008 .............................Mon 5 Jan 2009 Half term Fri 13 Feb 2009 .............................Mon 23 Feb 2009 Easter Fri 3 Apr 2009 ...............................Mon 20 Apr 2009 May Day Fri 1 May 2009 ..............................Tue 5 May 2009 Spring Bank Fri 22 May 2009 .............................Mon 1 Jun 2009 Summer Mon 20 Jul 2009 SCHOOL HOLIDAYS 2009/2010 School Closes ................................School Opens ....................................................Thu 3 Sep 2009 Half term Fri 23 Oct 2009 ................................Mon 2 Nov 2009 Christmas Fri 18 Dec 2009 ................................Mon 4 Jan 2010 Half term Fri 12 Feb 2010 ................................Mon 22 Feb 2010 Easter Thu 1 Apr 2010 ................................Mon 19 Apr 2010 May Day Fri 30 Apr 2010 ................................Tue 4 May 2010 Spring Bank Fri 28 May 2010 ...............................Mon 7 Jun 2010 Summer Fri 23 Jul 2010 These term dates include the 5 INSET days each year - these are In Service Training days for our staff. The Headteacher, in consultation with staff and governors, sets the dates for these to take place during these term time dates. |
ADMISSIONS We follow the admission arrangements laid down by Rotherham Local Authority (LA) and a copy of these is available from the office on request. Parents/guardians of all children must complete a parental preference form (located at the back of the "Admissions to Primary Education" booklet) and return it to the address indicated. Following receipt of these forms places will be allocated by the LA. Children will begin part time education in the September of the academic year (1st September to 31st August) they reach four years of age, with a gradual induction during the autumn term. There are 52 part-time places available, currently all our part-timers attend for the morning session. Children begin full time education in the September of the academic year (1st September to 31st August) they reach five years of age. Children with disabilities are admitted under the terms of the admission arrangements laid down by Rotherham LA. School will also liaise with parents and relevant outside agencies to ensure that your child's needs will be met in school. Extra induction visits may be made if this is appropriate for you and your child. Existing facilities to assist access to the school by pupils with disabilities include: " ramped access into school " disabled toilet facilities " an assisted toilet was put into school during the Summer break (2008). The accessibility plan for school is contained within the school's Disability Equality Scheme, a copy of which may be requested from the school office. THE SCHOOL BUILDING From September 2007 to October 2008 the school underwent a partial re-build. The Key Stage 2 building has been demolished and replaced with a purpose-built Foundation Stage Unit and new Key Stage 1 classrooms. The old Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 have been refurbished to become the Key Stage 2 classrooms. ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL We have to account for every child who is absent from school, so please let us know personally or by telephone the reason for your child's absence. It is essential that this is done on the first day. If we do not know the reason we must assume this is an unauthorised absence (or truancy). If children have a history of unauthorised absence, the school must call in the Educational Welfare Service to deal with this. This is also the case for children who persistently arrive late. Only in exceptional circumstances may the Headteacher authorise a leave of absence for an annual holiday to be taken in term time. Such requests must be made in writing on a Leave of Absence form that is available from the school office. Children are only allowed to take up to ten authorised school days per year during term time. If your child has more than two weeks holiday it will be counted as an unauthorised absence. Please be aware that any absence may impede your child's educational progress. It is important that we have a current telephone number or address so that we can contact you in case of illness or emergency. In the case of sickness and diarrhoea, your child will not be allowed back into school until 48 hours AFTER the symptoms have subsided. EXCLUSIONS The Headteacher has the power to use the sanction of exclusion from school for serious breaches of the school's behaviour policy. Fixed period exclusion can be used for a maximum of up to 45 school days per school year. Lunchtime exclusion for misbehaviour at dinner time may be used; each lunchtime exclusion is equivalent to a half day session. As a last resort, the sanction of permanent exclusion can be used. Exclusion will be used in accordance with Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) and LA guidance. Parents/carers will be entitled, if they wish, to state their case to the school's Discipline Committee if their child is excluded. Further details of how the school encourages positive behaviour and responds to indiscipline can be found in the school's Behaviour Policy. HEALTH AND SAFETY We take the greatest care that the environment and children's activities are as safe as possible. There is a Health and Safety policy in school, which you can read if you wish and children practise regular drills so that they are confident of responding quickly and calmly to the need to evacuate the building, whether for fire or other emergency. Accidents or illness do occasionally occur and at these times it is essential that we are able to contact you, so please ensure that we have an emergency contact number at which you can be reached. Don't forget to let us know if your contact names or numbers change. Please leave prams and pushchairs outside school so that we can avoid blocking corridors and ensure quick and safe entry/exit of the building. Dogs are not allowed at all within the school gates, even if they are on a lead. With so many young children around, dogs may get excited or act dangerously and excrement on the grass or playground is a clear safety hazard. Children should not bring any valuable item to school, ie jewellery, expensive toys and mobile phones. If they do it is at the parent's risk as we cannot be responsible for it. If a medicine has been prescribed to be taken four times daily it may be possible for us to administer it, provided that:- " it is brought by the parent or other responsible adult to the office " the parent signs the medicine book each day it has to be taken. We will not accept responsibility for medication where the timing or administration is of vital importance or where serious consequences could result if the medicine was forgotten. Neither will we administer anything where some technical or medical expertise is required. Parents are advised that for children suffering from asthma, an inhaler should be kept in school all year round and a single parental signature should be provided at the beginning of each year. The School Health Service helps you with the health and well-being of your child. Our school nurse is Mrs Deborah Bennett, who visits the school on a regular basis. The School Health Service can arrange referral to other clinics or help from other professionals and will liaise with your GP. Please note, the LA no longer inspects hair for headlice, so it is advisable that you check your child's hair yourself each week. The person responsible for Child Protection issues in school is the Headteacher, Dr C Farmery. It is her responsibility to act on behalf of the child if abuse or neglect are suspected, which may require the involvement of other professional bodies, ie the School Health Service, the Educational Welfare Service, Social Services or the Police. We are a no smoking environment, smoking is not permitted within the school grounds. |
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT We are proud of our family atmosphere in school and welcome the interest and support of our local community. Parent interviews are held several times a year; in July pupils' Records of Achievement are issued at a Parents' Open Evening. At other times parents are welcome to see their child's class teachers informally (at the end of the school day) if they wish to talk about their child, share concerns or ask questions. It is usually possible to see the Headteacher without too much delay, simply send a note, call in or telephone school to make an appointment. As a staff, we try to be as accessible as we can be to our parents. Parents are cordially invited to help in our classrooms. We promise that you will be made very welcome, but the best thing is to ask anyone who is already doing it for their opinion, or just to give it a try and see! We hold various events through the year when families are involved; assemblies, celebrations, for instance, Christmas and Sports Day and curriculum meetings to give up-to-date information. Fund raising events take place throughout the year. We have a thriving Family Learning Programme that is overseen by Mrs Stones. There are regular Tuesday afternoon sessions and opportunities to stay one morning each week, for around half an hour, for 'Stay and Play' activities with your child. In addition to this, we host Basic Skills' training sessions. A Parents' Council is being set up from September 2008. Please see Mrs Stones in the Foundation Unit for further information. Coffee mornings are held with the school nurse and other visitors to provide an informal setting for sharing information. The school distributes a regular newsletter to every family informing parents about the life of the school. It is a very important source of information and well worth reading! This is also available on the school's website, which is www.anston-brook-primary-school.org.uk Last but not least, we have a very active parents group, the Friends of Anston Brook School (FAB), which meets regularly and organises fund raising events that are fun and entertaining. Parents are always welcome to join this group. PUBLIC ACCESS TO DOCUMENTS IN SCHOOL Local Authority and School statements of curriculum policy DCSF matters which relate to the curriculum Present schemes of work Procedure for complaints about the school curriculum Any HMI (Her Majesty's Inspectorate) or Ofsted report, which relates to the school Charges and remissions policy The Local Authority agreed RE syllabus CHARGES AND REMISSIONS Governors reserve the right to ask for voluntary contributions for educational visits taking place during school time. Parents in receipt of Income Support or Family Credit may have some financial help for residential visits. Please see the Charges and Remissions Policy for more information - on request from the school office. COMPLAINTS The school has adopted the Local Authority model policy for complaints. A copy is available from the school office and a shorter parental leaflet is available. |
THE SCHOOL DAY SCHOOL TIMES: FS1: Doors open 8.50am Session Starts 9.00am Session Ends 11.30am FS2 and KS1: Doors open 8.50am School Starts 9.00am Lunchtime 12.00 - 1.15pm KS2: Doors open 8.40am School Starts 8.50am Lunchtime 12.15 - 1.15pm School Ends 3.15pm It is very important that children arrive at school on time. Arriving late is upsetting for the child and disrupts lessons for the other children and the teacher. Arrival at school Walking to school is actively encouraged. If you need to come to school by car, please use the car park at the Parish Hall, opposite the school playground. Never use the school car park, this is strictly for the use of school staff and official visitors, and please do not park on Ryton Road as this obscures the view of children and parents when crossing the road. We have crossing patrol staff allocated for both Rackford Road and Ryton Road, immediately outside school, although the position outside school remains unfilled at the time of writing. Ryton Road is a fast, potentially dangerous road, so please teach children to observe road safety rules and follow patrol staff's instructions. When the doors open at 8.40am in Key Stage 2 and 8.50am in Key Stage 1 and Foundation Stage, children may go straight to classrooms. Parents are also welcome in the classroom at this time. If parents are not staying to help in the classroom, they will be asked to leave when the register is taken. Responsibility for children on the school premises prior to these times remains with the parent. Home Time Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 children are to be collected from their classroom doors at 3.15pm by a parent. If another adult is collecting your child, please inform the class teacher or the school office. In the interests of safety, if you have not informed school that another adult will be collecting your child we will not release your child to the person who comes to collect him or her. Key Stage 2 children may be met by an adult or may walk home alone. Breakfast and After-School Club At the present time our Breakfast and After-School Club runs 7.45-8.45am and 3.15-5.45 pm weekdays in term time and offers a choice of tasty breakfasts/ teatime snacks and exciting activities. Fees are £2.00 per day for the breakfast session, £6.50 per day for the after-school session (prices correct at time of publication) and the cost may be offset for families on certain benefits. The Club offers perfect peace of mind for busy parents, those needing to get to work or those job seeking. Playtimes The playgrounds are marked with games for the children to play on and we provide a selection of playground toys for them to share. Drinks and Snacks The Foundation Stage provides a drink of milk or water and a variety of snacks such as fruit, biscuits, etc. A small cost is required of 50p per week for part time children, 75p for full time children, payable on Mondays, which helps towards the cost of the food. After your child's fifth birthday, if you still wish to have milk and snacks, the cost raises to £1.35 due to free milk only being available for under 5s. Children in Key Stages 1 and 2 may bring a healthy snack for breaktime and fruit is provided free of charge for children in KS1 and the Foundation Unit. No sweets or chocolate are to be brought into school please. Children may buy milk and/or toast at break from the school 'tuck shop'. There is a water fountain for use in the playground, which we encourage children to take advantage of, and filtered water in school, for children to take to class. Lunchtime Hot and cold meals are prepared on the premises and provide excellent value and choice for £8.50 per week (correct at time of publication), which must be paid for on Monday morning. Our 'grab a bag' scheme costs the same as a hot meal and children can choose a packed lunch, prepared in school, which saves you the bother of making up sandwiches each night! We operate a cafeteria system on a class rota basis and children have a different choice of food each day. They are encouraged, but not forced, to eat a little of everything they choose. If there are certain foods your child is not able to have (i.e. for dietary or religious reasons) please let us know and we will offer an alternative. Water is served with all meals. If you think you may be entitled to free school meals (i.e. you are in receipt of Income Support or Jobseekers Allowance) please collect a form from the school office. Alternatively, your child may bring a packed lunch in a plastic container. Water is provided but they may bring fresh fruit juice or yogurt drink, no squash or fizzy drinks. Please label all containers with the child's name. In any one week your child should have all dinners or all sandwiches. It is our school policy that a week's notice is given of intention to change from dinners to sandwiches, or vice versa. ETHOS AND VALUES We believe in the education of the whole child, recognising the importance of his/her spiritual, moral, cultural and social development. Behaviour and Discipline Common expectations of acceptable behaviour at home and in school form part of our home-school agreement. By developing co-operation between home and school and a consistent approach, children quickly understand that good behaviour is praised and encouraged whilst unreasonable behaviour is neither acceptable nor accepted. We ask children to respect others and their property and to treat them as they would wish to be treated themselves. Children are expected from their earliest days in school to take responsibility for their actions and to rationalise what is right and what is wrong. Our sanctions may include missing a playtime or lunchtime play and children may be asked to do additional work. Parents will be informed if their child misbehaves on a regular basis. Our emphasis is much more on praising and celebrating good behaviour, through merit stickers, 'special mention' assemblies, weekly Golden Time and raising self-esteem so that children are encouraged and motivated. Bullying is not tolerated. We encourage children to confide in their teacher or known adult and we ask you as parents to inform us of any incidents of this nature. Any allegations will be taken seriously and investigated. We have a leaflet available for parents about our anti-bullying measures. School Code of Dress School uniform is expected and can be purchased through the school, although it is also easily purchased in most clothing stores or might even be put together from your present wardrobe. Please call into the school office for an order form and list of prices. School badges can be purchased, to be sewn on to items not bought from school. Uniform items available from school are: navy sweatshirts, sweatcardis, fleeces, reversible waterproof jackets, white PE shirts all with the embroidered school logo, plain red short sleeved polo shirts, and navy baseball caps with printed logo. You may wish to provide a 'painting shirt' to protect children's clothing. PE kit is white tee shirt and dark shorts and bare feet. When children do PE and sports outside, all children must have trainers; sandals and shoes are not appropriate for health and safety reasons. If children persistently 'forget' their kits, they will be required to do PE in normal wear/underwear. PE is an important part of the curriculum and may not be missed, except in exceptional circumstances. Please note:- No jewellery, other than small stud earring and a wristwatch, may be worn in school. We cannot take responsibility for accidents incurred or loss sustained if jewellery is brought to school. Children are not allowed to take part in PE activities wearing jewellery, including earrings. Children must be able to remove their own earrings, a member of staff is not allowed to take out a child's earrings and the earrings cannot be covered eg with a sticking plaster. Please label all clothing. Indoor shoes are advisable especially during the winter. THE CURRICULUM The children are taught in class groups for all subjects. In the course of a normal day, children will be grouped in a variety of ways depending on the learning objectives of the activity ie whole class teaching, groups, pairs, individually. Children are taught at their own level of ability and we aim to give an education suited to individual children's needs. Classes are currently organised: FS1/FS2 - Foundation Stage Y1 - Key Stage 1 Y2 - Key Stage 1 Y3/4 - Key Stage 2 Y4 - Key Stage 2 Y5 - Key Stage 2 Y6 - Key Stage 2 We offer a broad, balanced curriculum, which strikes the balance between the important skills of literacy and numeracy, and the equally significant needs of children to express their creativity ie Art, Drama and PE. In addition to the core subjects of English, Maths and Science children study Information Communication Technology (ICT), History, Geography, Art, Design Technology, Music, PE and RE. French is also taught in Key Stage 2 and PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education) is delivered through school. Anti-Bullying Week On Blue Friday, we made a chain of hands to show our awareness and commitment to saying 'NO' to bullying. |
All planning is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework, The Literacy and Numeracy Strategies Renewed Frameworks, the National Curriculum Programmes of Study and the requirements of the Rotherham Agreed syllabus for RE. Children's progress is recorded on an ongoing basis and reported to parents at open evenings and through the annual Record of Achievement. Children are formally assessed by National Curriculum Standard Assessment Tasks and Tests in reading and comprehension, writing, spelling, speaking and listening and maths in Y2; and in English, maths and science in Y6. Children also sit optional SATs in Years 3, 4 and 5. The Foundation Stage Profile is completed at the end of FS2, showing attainment in all areas. From September 2005 all class teachers have had a statutory entitlement to a 10% reduction in their teaching time, to allow for planning, preparation and assessment (PPA). During this PPA time, your child will be taught by a trained professional in school. |
The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum The thinking behind having a foundation stage is that it reduces the number of transitions a young child experiences. For some children the transition from home to nursery and nursery to reception can be very traumatic, even with caring, well trained staff. Allowing a young child to stay in the same environment, with familiar adults and routines, until they are emotionally secure reduces stress for the child and helps build up their confidence and emotional security. A happy, confident, secure child will learn better. Children learn at different paces and the foundation unit allows children to learn at their own developmental level. There is no limit to what nursery children can achieve, they can learn alongside older children and have access to their teaching and activities. The child who has less experience particularly benefits when they reach reception age, as they can continue to play and learn alongside younger children, have access to appropriate resources and have the time and space to develop at their own pace. The foundation unit allows children to transfer to Year 1 able to cope emotionally with all the routines and procedures of National Curriculum school life. |
Our aims are: To ensure that your child feels happy, safe, secure and valued To promote parents and staff working together To ensure that all staff understand your child's developmental stages - physically, intellectually, emotionally and socially To plan and organise for a stimulating, positive, purposeful and active learning environment To build upon what your child knows and to develop this throughout the Early Years Foundation Stage To observe and respond appropriately to your child to help him or her move on to the next stage of their learning. How you can help: Teach your child to: - recognise colours/numbers/counting/shapes - write their name (not capital letters) Please encourage your child to put his/her coat on and fasten it, put shoes and socks on themselves Please label your child's clothing. During wet weather if wellingtons or boots are worn please provide slippers, plimsolls or shoes to change into. Please check your child's hair regularly for head lice and inform staff of any infestation. Young children learn through play and first hand experiences. These everyday activities and experiences form the basis of their development and the Early Learning Goals to which we plan and teach. THE AREAS OF LEARNING Personal, social and emotional development Successful personal, social and emotional development is critical for very young children in all aspects of their lives and gives them the best opportunity for success in all other areas of learning. We provide the experiences and support to enable the children to develop a positive sense of themselves. Communication, Literacy and Language In every speaking, listening, reading and writing situation the children learn more about the use of language. We read and act out stories, rhymes, poetry and songs. Listening skills are developed through individual and group situations. Children are encouraged to write for themselves. Mark making is a very necessary part of the writing development process and should also be encouraged at home. We encourage children to look at books and pictures and talk about them. You can help by reading to and alongside your child at home. For the part time children we have a book lending system in the classroom, where you can take books home to share with your child. Book Bags Your child will be provided with a wallet (part time) or a blue school book bag (full time). Please look after these, as lost or damaged bags will need to be replaced at a cost. This book bag is a link between school and home. Please check the bag regularly for any information it may contain. For full time children there will be activities brought home to support their learning. Mathematical Development We provide many opportunities to develop mathematical language and understanding through well planned and structured activities. Your child will develop many mathematical skills eg counting, number knowledge, colours, shapes, money, measures and solving simple puzzles/problems. Knowledge and Understanding of the World (Science, ICT, Geography, History, RE, Design &Technology). We provide the opportunities for your child to develop their knowledge and understanding of the world around them through lots of new and different experiences. They will enjoy exploring, discovering and investigating. Foundation children have the opportunity to use a variety of information and communication technology (ICT) such as computers, an interactive whiteboard, Roamer and Pixie programmable toys. This offers an introduction to technology and the modern method of handling data. Taped stories are also available for the children to listen to. Creative Development We provide lots of creative experiences to enable your child to express themselves in many ways. Opportunities are given for every child to draw, collage, paint, model, play instruments, sing, dance, take part in imaginative role-play and many more. These activities provide children with the opportunity to experiment and to create with a wide range and variety of different materials and media and support the development of fine and gross motor skills. Physical Development This area of learning includes many different experiences ranging from holding a pencil and using scissors to large apparatus in PE or outdoor play. We provide lots of different experiences to develop fine and gross motor skills. These include: Painting, collaging, modeling, sculpting… Mark making Construction Small world play Wet sand, dry sand, water Jigsaws Threading Outdoor play and many more….. Outdoor play This offers children a great deal more than a simple chance to 'let off steam'. The children are taught to use outdoor equipment safely and skilfully. This also helps to develop co-ordination and social skills eg taking turns. The children are supervised at all times in our own playground. Physical Education (PE) In PE, the full time children take part in games, dance and gymnastic activities. They require a PE kit (white T-shirt and dark shorts) and trainers in the summer. Earrings and jewellery are a danger to the children in PE and outdoor play situations; please do not let your child wear them during the school session. |
Curriculum for Key Stages 1 and 2 English This subject is broken into three main parts, speaking and listening, reading and writing, and is mainly delivered through the Literacy Strategy renewed Framework. Speaking and listening involves teaching children to listen carefully and to speak clearly using correct grammar, to ask questions and to discuss and explain their work. This is important to every area of the curriculum. Children are encouraged to share their work with each other. Reading - children are taught to use and practise different strategies to help them with their reading ie sight vocabulary (look and say), phonics and reading for meaning. The understanding of what is read - comprehension - is introduced through guided reading sessions. Writing - children are taught how to write in different ways appropriate to the purpose, task and reader ie lists, stories, diaries, poems and instructions. They learn about spelling patterns and punctuation and how to plan, draft, revise, proof-read and present final copies of work. Outside the literacy hour, reading and writing are intrinsic to other subject areas too. We encourage children to read for pleasure and to write spontaneously and independently, practising their own spellings and skills. Parents are invited to support us at home and in school by: - sharing books with children at home and filling out a home/school diary - reading and sharing stories in class - writing with children - drama and role-play. We encourage visits from outside specialists such as performers and authors as a stimulus for the children to write. Writing materials are available for the children to develop as independent learners throughout the day. Mathematics We have a daily session of Maths based on the requirements of the National Numeracy Strategy renewed Framework - mental and oral calculation as a whole class, for quick recall and acquisition of language and concepts, followed by group activities for hands-on experience, skills revision and recording. We have a practical, problem solving approach to relating Maths to everyday life and children are introduced to mathematical equipment as appropriate. Key Stage 1 lessons reinforce the quick recall of number facts and language. Children develop skills, recording and strategies to solve problems. This is through a practical approach, which relates to everyday life. Key Stage 2 has a high emphasis on developing number skills mentally. Activities are differentiated according to the ability of the children, which enables all the children to be challenged and apply their knowledge to real life scenarios. The children have targets for achievement and attainment related to class work and receive homework each week in KS1 and KS2 in order to practise their skills. Science Science is very practical, involving children in direct experience and investigation. They are encouraged to observe, question, predict, hypothesise and record their findings in different ways. Children set up 'fair tests', based on their own knowledge and rationalise their results. Safety in their work is a high priority. Information and Communication Technology ICT is used across the curriculum for communicating and handling information, controlling devices and using IT based models. All children have access to a range of computers, whiteboards and programmable devices eg Roamers. The children use a variety of software programs on the computers and they explore the use of ICT in the environment. The school is connected to the Internet via the Rotherham Grid for Learning (RGfL). We safeguard our children from unsuitable sites as parents and children are required to sign their understanding of our 'ground rules' for using the Internet. There are computers in all classrooms, smaller suites in the Foundation Unit and Key Stage 1 in addition to our main ICT suite. Geography This is the study of the world around us and how it comes to be as it is. The children study places and geographical themes such as environmental change, settlements, the weather and rivers, whilst developing skills of, for example, map reading and correct vocabulary. A lot of geographical work is done in the vicinity of the school and through visits; sources such as books, photographs and videos are also used. History Our younger children develop a sense of the past through stories and drama about famous people and events and by learning about the everyday lives of people in days gone by. They gradually develop a sense of chronology and an appreciation of cause and effect. Older children study specific periods of history in greater depth eg the Egyptians, Tudors, and the period from the 1930s (including the Second World War) to the present day. Art, Craft and Design Children are encouraged to express themselves through a variety of media including paint, pencil and pastel. They work from direct experience, imagination or recall. They are taught skills, for instance, line and tone which they are given time to practise and refine. The work of famous artists or sculptors is used to generate ideas or stimulate discussion, and children's attention is drawn to art in the local environment ie window dressing, posters. We have an Art Corridor for children to enjoy the work of artists in an appropriate setting. Music This involves the children in making their own music (sung and instrumental) and listening to that of others i.e. the other children or the work of famous composers. The children are encouraged to express opinions about the music they hear or are involved in making, so that they begin to develop their own taste. Extra curricular activities include a choir, with opportunities for brass, woodwind and string tuition using the peripatetic Music Service. The children follow a music scheme that gives them the opportunity to sing, express opinions about a piece of music and make their own. They listen to music from a variety of composers, cultures and eras. Physical Education The younger children are taught games skills, dance and gymnastic activities and additionally the older children participate in athletics, outdoor and adventurous activities and swimming. Extra curricular activities are offered in a range of sports depending on the season. Teams of older children regularly compete against other schools. Sports specialists are also invited into school eg in rugby, football and cricket. Through PE the children grow in confidence, learn co-ordination and develop teamwork skills. They are taught safe working practice and the value of exercise to a healthy life style. The school hall is purpose built with a sprung floor and is equipped with large apparatus, the school field is marked out for track sports and football. The school is presently involved in the Sports Co-ordinator Programme to raise the profile of sport in the curriculum. Religious Education There is a collective act of worship each day, which is broadly Christian in nature and which concentrates on developing the values of caring for each other. We make the children aware that there are different religions in the world and that people worship in different ways. Religious Education is also taught through story and topic work. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from both collective worship and Religious Education, at these times children will be required to sit and read quietly instead. Sex and Relationships Education The Governing Body has adopted a policy on Sex and Relationships education, whereby children from FS1 upwards will be gradually introduced to knowledge of their body and hygiene, relationships and changes associated with puberty. Videos are used as part of this curriculum and they are available for parents to view (by arrangement). Please note that parents may withdraw their child from all or part of the sex education provided, except that which is required as part of National Curriculum Science. PHSE (Personal, Health and Social Education) PHSE is taught throughout school. Films covering topics such as growth, ourselves and our bodies are shown at regular intervals. Drugs education is introduced at levels appropriate to the children's understanding. The school has achieved the Healthy Schools standard. Circle time is used regularly to explore ideas and feelings and the SEAL programme - the Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning - supports our PHSE curriculum. Citizenship Citizenship is taught throughout all subject areas. We aim to prepare all our children to play an active role as citizens so we promote their spiritual, moral, social and cultural development through Assembly and RE, circle time and the humanities, eg changing social attitudes and norms evidenced through History. This kind of learning is firmly rooted in familiar situations ie the family, friendship, the school body and the local community. Each class from Y1 upwards elects two members to the school council that meets to discuss issues of importance to the children and make decisions on the life of the school. |
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND GIFTED & TALENTED CHILDREN Throughout school we carefully monitor children's educational and behavioural development. Any concerns are shared with the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO). Very often at this stage such issues can be addressed within the classroom, the 'School Action' stage, by specific planning or behaviour modification strategies, for example. Should concerns persist there are others on whose expertise we can call, eg the Learning Support Service, the Educational Psychology Service or the School Health Service, the 'School Action Plus' stage. These stages relate to the Revised Code of Practice 2001 for supporting children with Special Educational Need, a copy of which is available in school. An updated Policy for Special Needs is currently being addressed; copies will be available from November 2008. Parents are encouraged to approach the class teacher or headteacher if they have any worries about their child's progress. Similarly school will always keep parents informed of any steps taken within school to address specific needs. We aim to work in partnership throughout and to this end we invite parents to join us each term in setting targets for their child and reviewing progress. The school upholds and positively works towards the principle of inclusion for all children. All children are individuals with a right to the highest educational opportunities. For this reason we systematically plan to differentiate work for different groups of children and by careful record keeping and assessment we make sure that there is a match of need or ability with degree of challenge. There are an identified percentage of children (approximately 10%) who benefit from extra challenge either in the curriculum or in a particular talent. The school meets their needs through increased differentiation in class or specific provision ie out of school clubs or activities. Many of the teaching and learning strategies used for our Gifted & Talented children also enable other children to challenge themselves, leading to greater attainment for all children. We are an inclusive school and everyone is treated fairly and with respect. Our discipline policy and anti-bullying policy and practices ensure that none of our children are treated less favourably than others. SCHOOL VISITS AND EXCURSIONS These are an integral part of the curriculum providing broad educational and first hand experience to the children. Much of the work done during a topic is related to what the children see and learn on such trips and so it is important they are able to go. Careful risk assessments are made to ensure safety. Parents can help on these visits and if you give your name to the class teacher he/she will add it to a list from which helpers are chosen on a rota basis. (Please note you will need a Criminal Records Bureau check. This is a simple form to be completed. Please ask at the school office for a copy.) Sometimes visitors are invited into school to share a skill with the children, teach them something new or perform for them e.g. theatre groups and musicians. Payments for these visitors, as for trips, are funded mainly by parent contribution. We are grateful for our parents' support in this, as if there are not enough parental contributions, the visit/visitor would have to be cancelled. HOMEWORK From starting school children are encouraged to learn spellings and take books home to read. We sell book bags (£2.50) for easy transport and care of books. Our experience shows that children enjoy their homework and gain from doing it, so we would ask that parents support us in this and take an active interest in their children's learning. Please use the homework book as a way of communicating with your class teacher. Please also share our new-style reading diary with your child and encourage your child to read daily. |
Suggested Homework Times Year ........................Time (each week) FS2 / Y1/Y2 ...............1hr Y3/Y4 .......................1½hr Y5/Y6 .......................2½hr |