Gillingstool Primary School Prospectus in Word
Introduction
HISTORY OF OUR SCHOOL
SCHOOL - ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
ABSENCES FROM SCHOOL
CAR PARKING
DOGS AND SMOKING ON SCHOOL PREMISES
ARRANGEMENTS FOR SCHOOL MEALS
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT TUITION
EDUCATIONAL VISITS
COMMUNICATRION BETWEEN HOME AND SCHOOL
Introduction
SOUTH GLOUCESTERSHIRE COUNCILDirector of Education: Therese Gillespie
Welcome to:
GILLINGSTOOL PRIMARY SCHOOL
Full Address: Gillingstool
Thornbury
Bristol
BS35 2EG
Tel No: 01454 866527
Fax No: 01454 866528
Head Teacher: Mr C. Riches
The school is a day school and co-educational. The ages of the children range from
3 - 11 years. The planned admission level for 2007-8 is 20.
School Hours: 8.55 am - 12.00 noon
1.10 pm - 3.15 pm
Playtime 10.30 am - 10.45 am
Office Hours Monday - Friday: 9.00 am - 12.00 noon
1.15 pm - 3.15 pm
A list of terms and holiday dates is sent home with each child but can be obtained from the office or seen on the school notice board.
A staff list and a list of current school governors can be collected from the office.
HISTORY OF OUR SCHOOL
The school accommodation consists of attractive Victorian buildings, an impressive new building completed in 1989 which is surrounded by a landscaped garden, two classrooms and small group rooms were added in 2001 and a hall/dining room and kitchen block built in the 1960's.
The original village school was built by Harold Cossham in 1862. Some years later, because of overcrowding, the infants were moved from what was then known as 'The British School' to the Friends' Meeting House and remained there until the new Infant School was completed. This building was adjacent to the original British School. Both these well preserved Victorian buildings are in use today. One houses the Foundation stage, the other consists of a beautifully constructed Hall, staffroom and various resource rooms for activities such as music, language, cooking and as an Infant reference library.
The Junior block consists of four classrooms, offices, medical room and resource and library area for older children. A large field provides excellent facilities for sport, conservation and play.
The past and present are linked by the original Victorian School bell which has been re-sited over the new building. The bell now forms the school logo and can be seen on our school sweatshirts.
SCHOOL - ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
The start and end of school is an important part of the day.
In order to:
* ease congestion in doorways and classrooms
* develop children's independence
* maintain a safe, calm and well ordered environment
we request that parents leave and collect their children from main doors.
To maintain good relationships and behaviour we ask parents to ensure that children
* walk on paths
* leave the site in an orderly manner
* do not climb on fences, buildings etc.
If a parent wishes to speak with a class teacher at the end of the day, we would ask that you wait until the doorways and cloakroom areas have completely cleared. At the start of the day, urgent problems/messages should come through the office.
We are only too willing to arrange a time for parents to meet with their child?s class teacher to discuss specific problems. Children who are new to the school will need a settling-in period when we would expect there to be daily contact between parents and the class teacher.
ABSENCES FROM SCHOOL
If you wish to take your child on holiday during term-time you are asked to fill in a holiday form which can be obtained from the office. DfES regulations allow us to authorise ten days per year. If you wish your child to be absent from school for other reasons, permission must be sought from the Head Teacher.
In case of illness, it would be appreciated if parents could let us know as soon as possible if they anticipate their child being absent for more than a day or so. In the case of a minor ailment, a telephone call or a note when the child returns is acceptable. However it is essential that we are informed of why a child has been absent.
There have been unauthorised absences during the academic year
CAR PARKING
This can cause problems when parents are collecting their children from school. It is essential to ensure maximum safety, and parents are asked to take note of the following:
o No cars should be driven into the school car park.
o The entrance to the school should be kept clear at all times. .
o The Rock Street car park is an excellent facility with easy access to the school.
We would appreciate parent's co-operation in ensuring that children arrive at and leave the site safely.
DOGS ON SCHOOL PREMISES
We do not allow dogs on school premises. This is to safeguard children, and also dogs, from over-enthusiastic attention. We should be grateful for your co-operation in this matter.
SMOKING ON SCHOOL PREMISES
In line with South Gloucestershire Council Policy, the school has a no smoking rule. This is obviously for the good health of the children and for the good health message it promotes. We ask for the support of all visitors in this.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR SCHOOL MEALS
We are very fortunate in having our own school kitchen and a cooked meal is provided each day by very competent and experienced kitchen staff.
Lunch is served from 12 noon onwards. The current cost of a school meal is
£ 1.50. Parents who prefer to pay by cheque should make this payable to South Gloucestershire Council. It is essential that cash payments is sent in a sealed envelope or container with the name and amount enclosed clearly marked. We ask for your support in reducing the time spent on administration by sending in dinner monies in on Monday only even if you wish your child to have a school lunch for only one or two days during the week. However it is much better for all concerned if a definite routine is established regarding when your child stays for lunch, although in an emergency we would of course be sympathetic.
Parents receiving income support are entitled to free school meals for their children, we would urge you to take up your entitlement; details can be obtained from the school office.
If you decide you prefer your child to have sandwiches, please would you make sure that the food is sent in a suitable container. No canned or fizzy drinks please. Of course you may have your child home for lunch if you prefer.
LUNCHTIME SUPERVISION
There are six School Meal Advisory Assistants who are on the premises from 11.50 am until 1.20 pm. They supervise the children both in the dining room and the playground or field. When the weather is unsuitable for the children to be outside, they are supervised by the SMSA's in the classrooms. The Headteacher or a senior member of staff is always in school throughout the lunchtime break.
Afternoon school begins at 1.10 pm and ends at 3.15 pm.
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT TUITION
There are opportunities for children to play the recorder, and also a limited number of children can be taught to play other instruments - violin, cellos, brass, woodwind, drums or guitar. The current charge for instrumental tuition is £48.00 per term. Violins, cellos and some brass instruments can be borrowed from school and we have a limited number of guitars to loan. If parents wish to stop having lesson, a term's notice is required. Children normally purchase their own recorders and music.
However, the Governing Body is mindful of the difficulty faced by some parents making total payments on one occasion. The Head is very happy to make arrangements to spread the cost of these payments if parents acquaint him with the circumstances.
SCHOOL VISITS
Education visits take place regularly. Parent's consent is required for all visits out of school, whether they are local or further afield. Parents of Upper school children are asked to give signed permission for children to travel by coach to the swimming baths. Some years it is possible to arrange a residential trip for the older children in the school.
The Education Reform Act which became law in 1988 states that each school must have a Charging and Remissions policy. The Governing Body recognises the valuable contribution that educational visits make to the children?s personal, social and academic curriculum. As the school cannot make budget provision for educational visits, it will be necessary to ask parents to make a voluntary payments to cover the cost of each activity.
In the event of there not being enough voluntary contributions to cover the cost of the trip or activity, it may not be possible for the activity or visit to take place.
COMMUNICATION BETWEEN HOME AND SCHOOL
Parents are always welcome in school and if you have worries please come and see us, because we can help and are always pleased to see you. Before and after school is a good time to see members of staff, but parents wishing to have a longer discussion with members of staff need to make an appointment. The Headteacher will see parents if he is available but an appointment should be made by telephoning or calling at the office.
Regular newsletters are sent out to parents informing them of all that is going on in school and of forthcoming events. It might be wise to check pockets and bags of younger children for such notes! All newsletters are numbered so if one is missed back copies are available from the office.
Open evenings are held at regular intervals when parents have the opportunity to look at work which has been done in school and discuss their child?s progress. However, informal contact can be made at other times if parents wish.
You will receive an annual written report showing how you child is progressing in the National Curriculum and other subjects.
In years when you child takes the National tests, at 7 and 11, results will be reported to parents as they become available.
BIRTH CERTIFICATES
We should be grateful if you would bring a copy of your child's birth certificate to the office during the first week of term. This is to make doubly sure we have the correct details on our records.
HEALTH AND WELFARE
The school nurse visits regularly to monitor and promote the health development and general well-being of all children.
Reception aged children have a hearing, vision and health survey during their first year in school. Any problems found following these checks will be discussed with parents in confidence and can be referred for specialist help if necessary. Parents can ask for health advice any time.
FRIENDS OF GILLINGSTOOL
The Friends of Gillingstool Association is widely recognised as a strength of the school. It exists to foster and build on good relationships between home and school The Friends raise funds for the purchase of equipment and to organise social functions for the enjoyment and benefit of those connected with the school. All parents are automatically members of the Association.
SCHOOL DRESS
It is important that children wear clothes that are suitable and safe for school. The school has adopted a uniform dress code. Royal blue sweatshirt, grey or dark coloured trousers or skirt. In the summer, children may wear a short-sleeved blue polo shirt or T-shirt, or girls may wear a blue and white striped or check dress. All clothing is available for purchase through school office. Shoes need to be suitable, and preferably in a dark colour. Fashion heeled shoes are not really practical or safe for running around a playground. Children will need a coat for when the weather is wet or cold. Children are not allowed umbrellas in school. It is essential that all clothing is clearly named.
P.E. K IT
All children will need shorts and ?T? shirt for P.E. and daps or trainers for outdoor games. These should be kept in school in a named P.E. bag, not a carrier bag please. Suitable bags are available from the office as is all P.E. clothing. All children are expected to change for P.E.
JEWELLERY
For reasons of damage, loss and above all safety, Children are not allowed to wear jewellery although we do permit watches. The only exception is in the case of recently pierced ears. A stud earring can be worn providing the earring is completely covered for P.E. (a plaster or similar being acceptable). The ear should have healed within 6 weeks and after this time the earring should be removed. However, we suggest that if parents are considering having their children?s ears pierced, they plan this for the beginning of the Summer holidays to allow time for the ears to heal.
THE CURRICULUM
The school provides a balanced and broad curriculum. The curriculum promotes the intellectual, personal, social, physical, spiritual, moral and cultural development of pupils.
Work is planned according to the programmes of study and meets the statutory requirements of the National Curriculum. Additional provision is made for children with Special Educational Needs.
English
The aim of the English curriculum at Gillingstool school is to enable all children to develop to their full ability, to use and to understand language through a range of structured, progressive activities in speaking and listening, reading and writing. We follow the National Literacy strategy that is common to schools across the country. In the teaching of reading we use a variety of teaching methods that includes an emphasis on the teaching of phonics. We have very good library provision with a wealth of books both fiction and non-fiction for the children to read.
Science
We aim to help children develop an ability to communicate, explore and relate science to everyday life. This is done through developing the intellectual and practical skills that allow for exploration and investigation in the world of science. The teaching of science is based firmly on scientific investigation. We strive to encourage a questioning approach with good observational skills and to use the appropriate scientific vocabulary. We make good use of our immediate environment and use a variety of visitors and trips to add to our science curriculum.
Maths
The aim of the Maths curriculum is to enable children to solve problems, communicate and make use of their creative ability in understanding and controlling the world around them. To develop a positive attitude to Maths with a clear understanding of key concepts and basic facts and skills. Lessons are planned carefully, based on the National Numeracy framework. In order to enhance maths further maths is used in other subjects in the curriculum, such as science, design technology and geography, for measuring and counting, and in activities such as traffic surveys and science investigations.
Information technology plays an ever increasing part in our children?s lives and forms an increasingly central part of the curriculum in a technological age. Pupils, surrounded by information technologies in everyday life, can reasonably expect them to play a significant part in their education. In all subject areas, children will be given opportunities to use and extend ICT capabilities in their study of the subject. However, it is also important to consider ICT as a discreet area of the curriculum. Children cannot begin to make informed decisions unless they know how and what technology can do for them. The children have safe and effective access to the internet through the school?s ICT suite complete with a data projector. Computers are also in every classroom.
R.E.
Religious Education aids pupils? understanding of human history and the development of traditions in this and other countries. It helps pupils identify for themselves some of the fundamental questions of human existence and contribute to their personal, moral, social and cultural education. The school follows the LEA agreed syllabus for Religious Education which is of a mainly Christian nature, but also requires pupils to learn about World Religions. There is a daily act of Collective Worship
Art
Art offers an opportunity for children to communicate directly through and to the senses. Through our teaching of Art we aim to provide children with skills, knowledge and understanding to aid their creative experience. The children learn to develop their appreciation through the study of a variety of artists, designers and styles.
Music
Teaching music contributes to raising children?s self-esteem, communication skills and appreciation of different traditions, cultures and forms of expression. Children sing, use a variety of musical instruments, compose and perform. They listen to a range of music from around the world and with different styles. A wide range of individual instrumental tuition is available including: violin, cello, brass, woodwind, guitars and drums. There are extra-curricular opportunities for choir and recorders. The school also takes part in the local eisteddfod and other music festivals.
History
Through studying history we aim to enable children to make sense of the world we live in, past and present. To understand the shaping and influence that the past has on all our lives. Good use is made of the locality through activities such as the exploration of local family names in the 1841 census and the survey of local Victorian features on the town trail. Of course parents and grandparents provide an invaluable source of artefacts!
P.E.
The Physical Education curriculum aims to develop control, co-ordination and mastery of the body. It is primarily concerned with learning through action, sensation and observation. The children take part in a number of different sports and physical activities including: gymnastics, athletics, football, netball, cricket, rounders, rugby, hockey and swimming. We have one swimming session per week that is used by the junior age children. The swimming year is organised as follows:
Autumn term Year 4;
Spring term, Year 5 and Year 6 (half term each);
Summer term Year 3.
The school also runs a number of extra-curricular clubs for school teams in football, netball, rugby and cricket. All these teams are open for girls and boys equally. The school takes part in interschool competitions and festivals. We have strong links with local sports clubs who also provide specialist coaching from time to time.
Design and Technology
Design and Technology is a way of working in which pupils understanding, investigate and change the made world. The children experience a range of materials and equipment with which to work. They will design and make a variety of articles to suit different purposes and then evaluate their own work.
Geography
Through studying Geography we aim to enable children to make sense of their surrounding and wider world by developing their interest in different places near and far. Through the study of the different topics the children build up their knowledge of their own surroundings and of other areas, countries and cultures. Studies include population studies in Thornbury and aspects of physical geography. Caring for the environment is a strong theme and the school is actively involved in recycling.
Sex Education
Sex Education is an integral part of the Science curriculum and also forms part of our Personal, Social and Health Education Programme. The focus of the programme concerns human development and is conducted in Year 6.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
At Gillingstool we recognise that all individuals need to develop in the social, physical and intellectual areas. To this end no individual should be excluded from any aspect of school life on the grounds of sex, race, creed, age, disability or financial status.
SPORT
The teaching of traditional team sports and the development of skills forms part of the Physical Education Curriculum. All KS2 classes have weekly games lessons. The school also runs representative teams in football and netball and takes part in local sports festivals in rugby, cricket, rounders and athletics.
ORGANISATION
The organisation of the school may vary according to the number of pupils within each year group. However, all classes are currently arranged by Year group. Children will be taught by whole class and groups, as well as individually. All work within a class is differentiated according to the ability of each child.
A comprehensive system of assessments takes place throughout the year to ensure continuity and progression.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
The school is fortunate in having staff who organise and run clubs and activities during lunch-times and after school. These activities include Art, Netball, Football, Gymnastics, Computer club, Choir, Green Finger club, Bulgarian, Writing club, Young Enterprise, and recorders. The school takes part in local Arts Festivals and also interschool matches for Netball and Football.
BEHAVIOUR AND DISCIPLINE
At Gillingstool we wish to have a community to which we are all proud to belong. Our children will be self-disciplined and we recognise their right to be safe, respected and to learn. We wish the children at Gillingstool to have respect for themselves, other people and property. In order to maintain a calm, purposeful and positive atmosphere, discipline is based upon high expectations clearly stated and applied consistently. A full copy of the school?s discipline policy is available from the office. This policy is reviewed annually.
HOMEWORK
At Gillingstool we wish to have a community to which we are all proud to belong. Our children will be self-disciplined and we recognise their right to be safe, respected and to learn. We wish the children at Gillingstool to have respect for themselves, other people and property. In order to maintain a calm, purposeful and positive atmosphere, discipline is based upon high expectations clearly stated and applied consistently. A full copy of the school?s discipline policy is available from the office. This policy is reviewed annually.
NURSERY CLASS
The earliest stage in education begins in our Nursery class where we are able to offer 52 part-time places to children aged three years and above. It is here that we begin to build a partnership with our parents.
The transition from home to school is an important step in the life of a young child and also for parents. We believe that every effort must be made to ensure this transfer is as smooth as possible.
Our aim is to provide a stimulating, caring and secure environment in which children can continue to develop intellectually, socially. emotionally, physically and aesthetically. We encourage and promote independence and self-esteem by actively involving children in their learning. Your child will be able to choose his/her own activities for part of the session, planning and reviewing these accordingly. Children will also take part as a whole class for story, poems, music, discussion and outdoors time. Small group time is adult led and offers activities which cover the whole curriculum. We greatly value the under - five?s provision at Gillingstool Primary, and believe that our nursery curriculum offers the children an excellent start to their education.
As parents and carers you are warmly welcome in the nursery class to work with us. (Your time would be particularly helpful during group time, supporting us by talking with the children, thereby supporting the ethos of the school.) Offers of help in any term are greatly appreciated as this reinforces our commitment to the home/school partnership.
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS PROVISION
At Gillingstool it is our aim to meet the needs of every child. In taking responsibility for this, it is necessary to monitor each child?s progress and identify those children who are experiencing difficulties either with their work or their behaviour. We will then plan a program of support which will be reviewed on a regular basis with you. Where appropriate, your child may receive extra support at school and if you feel able to support your child at home we would welcome your involvement.
Sometimes we may ask your permission to seek advice from an outside agency such as an Educational Psychologist or Speech Therapist to help us support your child in school.
In carrying out our responsibilities for Special Education Needs, the school has a designated teacher who is responsible for ensuring that children?s individual needs are met. There is also a school Governor with responsibility for Special Education Needs. We have a Special Education Needs policy which can be made available to you (please ask at the office).
Many children at sometime in their education, may experience a difficulty of some kind. We firmly believe that by identifying difficulties at an early stage and working together in partnership with you we will give your child the best opportunity to
succeed.
ASSESSMENT
The school has a whole school policy for Assessment Recording and Reporting. Pupil?s work is evaluated using clear criteria and assessments are rooted in the National Curriculum Programmes of Study, Assessments are systematically recorded and used to promote learning. In order to achieve this assessment, opportunities are linked directly to teacher?s planning. Parents/Carers of statutory age pupils are invited to comment on an annual written report. These reports met statutory requirements.
At the end of Years 2 and Year 6, children take the National Assessment Tests. Pupils take further National tests at Secondary school. Pupils are informed of the results of their child?s tests in the core subjects - English, Maths and Science.
TOYS
Toys should not be brought to school. However, with younger children there may be an occasion where a special present is brought into show.
LOST PROPERTY
Lost property is kept in the school medical room. Children should place lost property in the labelled box and look there for anything that they have lost. Lost Property is cleared out at the end of each term. Please help us by ensuring all your child?s clothing is clearly named.
COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
Section 23 of the Education Reform Act 1988, places a duty on the Local Education Authorities to introduce from September 1989 an approved formal complaints procedure, which offers parents and other a readily accessible route to pursue any complaint about the school curriculum and other related matters. A copy of this section of the Act is available for inspection at the school, together with all circulars relating to the Act. Anyone who is concerned about any aspect of the school curriculum, should first contact the Headteacher. We believe firmly in the principle of school and parents co-operation in the education of children. Please contact the school at an early stage if you have cause for concern.
succeed. Back to top
HISTORY OF OUR SCHOOL
The school accommodation consists of attractive Victorian buildings, an impressive new building completed in 1989 which is surrounded by a landscaped garden, two classrooms and small group rooms were added in 2001 and a hall/dining room and kitchen block built in the 1960's.The original village school was built by Harold Cossham in 1862. Some years later, because of overcrowding, the infants were moved from what was then known as 'The British School' to the Friends' Meeting House and remained there until the new Infants' School was completed. This building was adjacent to the original British School. Both these well preserved Victorian buildings are in use today. One houses the Foundation stage, the other consists of a beautifully constructed Hall, staffroom and various resource rooms for activities such as music, language, cooking and as an Infant reference library.
The Junior block consists of four classrooms, offices, medical room and resource and library area for older children. A large field provides excellent facilities for sport, conservation and play.
The past and present are linked by the original Victorian School bell which has been re-sited over the new building. The bell now forms the school logo and can be seen on our school sweatshirts. Back to top
SCHOOL - ARRIVAL AND DEPARTURE
The start and end of school is an important part of the day.In order to:
* ease congestion in doorways and classrooms
* develop children's independence
* maintain a safe, calm and well ordered environment
we request that parents leave and collect their children from main doors.
To maintain good relationships and behaviour we ask parents to ensure that children
* walk on paths
* leave the site in an orderly manner
* do not climb on fences, buildings etc.
If a parent wishes to speak with a class teacher at the end of the day, we would ask that you wait until the doorways and cloakroom areas have completely cleared. At the start of the day, urgent problems/messages should come through the office.
We are only too willing to arrange a time for parents to meet with their child?s class teacher to discuss specific problems. Children who are new to the school will need a settling-in period when we would expect there to be daily contact between parents and the class teacher. Back to top
ABSENCES FROM SCHOOL
If you wish to take your child on holiday during term-time you are asked to fill in a holiday form which can be obtained from the office. DfES regulations allow us to authorise ten days per year. If you wish your child to be absent from school for other reasons, permission must be sought from the Head Teacher.In case of illness, it would be appreciated if parents could let us know as soon as possible if they anticipate their child being absent for more than a day or so. In the case of a minor ailment, a telephone call or a note when the child returns is acceptable. However it is essential that we are informed of why a child has been absent.
There have been unauthorised absences during the academic year Back to top
CAR PARKING
CAR PARKINGThis can cause problems when parents are collecting their children from school. It is essential to ensure maximum safety, and parents are asked to take note of the following:
o No cars should be driven into the school car park.
o The entrance to the school should be kept clear at all times. .
o The Rock Street car park is an excellent facility with easy access to the school.
We would appreciate parent's co-operation in ensuring that children arrive at and leave the site safely. Back to top
DOGS AND SMOKING ON SCHOOL PREMISES
DOGS ON SCHOOL PREMISESWe do not allow dogs on school premises. This is to safeguard children, and also dogs, from over-enthusiastic attention. We should be grateful for your co-operation in this matter.
SMOKING ON SCHOOL PREMISES
In line with South Gloucestershire Council Policy, the school has a no smoking rule. This is obviously for the good health of the children and for the good health message it promotes. We ask for the support of all visitors in this. Back to top
ARRANGEMENTS FOR SCHOOL MEALS
We are very fortunate in having our own school kitchen and a cooked meal is provided each day by very competent and experienced kitchen staff.Lunch is served from 12 noon onwards. The current cost of a school meal is
£ 1.30. Parents who prefer to pay by cheque should make this payable to South Gloucestershire Council. It is essential that cash payments is sent in a sealed envelope or container with the name and amount enclosed clearly marked. We ask for your support in reducing the time spent on administration by sending in dinner monies in on Monday only even if you wish your child to have a school lunch for only one or two days during the week. However it is much better for all concerned if a definite routine is established regarding when your child stays for lunch, although in an emergency we would of course be sympathetic.
Parents receiving income support are entitled to free school meals for their children, we would urge you to take up your entitlement; details can be obtained from the school office.
If you decide you prefer your child to have sandwiches, please would you make sure that the food is sent in a suitable container. No canned or fizzy drinks please. Of course you may have your child home for lunch if you prefer.
LUNCHTIME SUPERVISION
There are six School Meal Advisory Assistants who are on the premises from 11.50 am until 1.20 pm. They supervise the children both in the dining room and the playground or field. When the weather is unsuitable for the children to be outside, they are supervised by the SMSA's in the classrooms. The Headteacher or a senior member of staff is always in school throughout the lunchtime break.
Afternoon school begins at 1.10 pm and ends at 3.15 pm. Back to top
MUSICAL INSTRUMENT TUITION
There are opportunities for children to play the recorder, and also a limited number of children can be taught to play other instruments - violin, cellos, brass, woodwind, drums or guitar. The current charge for instrumental tuition is £25.00 per term. Violins, cellos and some brass instruments can be borrowed from school and we have a limited number of guitars to loan. If parents wish to stop having lesson, a term's notice is required. Children normally purchase their own recorders and music.However, the Governing Body is mindful of the difficulty faced by some parents making total payments on one occasion. The Head is very happy to make arrangements to spread the cost of these payments if parents acquaint him with the circumstances. Back to top
EDUCATIONAL VISITS
Education visits take place regularly. Parent?s consent is required for all visits out of school, whether they are local or further afield. Parents of Upper school children are asked to give signed permission for children to travel by coach to the swimming baths. Some years it is possible to arrange a residential trip for the older children in the school.The Education Reform Act which became law in 1988 states that each school must have a Charging and Remissions policy. The Governing Body recognises the valuable contribution that educational visits make to the children's personal, social and academic curriculum. As the school cannot make budget provision for educational visits, it will be necessary to ask parents to make a voluntary payments to cover the cost of each activity.
In the event of there not being enough voluntary contributions to cover the cost of the trip or activity, it may not be possible for the activity or visit to take place. Back to top
COMMUNICATRION BETWEEN HOME AND SCHOOL
Parents are always welcome in school and if you have worries please come and see us, because we can help and are always pleased to see you. Before and after school is a good time to see members of staff, but parents wishing to have a longer discussion with members of staff need to make an appointment. The Headteacher will see parents if he is available but an appointment should be made by telephoning or calling at the office.Regular newsletters are sent out to parents informing them of all that is going on in school and of forthcoming events. It might be wise to check pockets and bags of younger children for such notes! All newsletters are numbered so if one is missed back copies are available from the office.
Open evenings are held at regular intervals when parents have the opportunity to look at work which has been done in school and discuss their child?s progress. However, informal contact can be made at other times if parents wish.
You will receive an annual written report showing how you child is progressing in the National Curriculum and other subjects.
In years when you child takes the National tests, at 7 and 11, results will be reported to parents as they become available. Back to top