BRUNEL PRIMARY and NURSERY SCHOOL
Head Teacher: Peter Roberts B.Sc.PGCE
Chair of Governors: Mrs Maria Ashurst
Dear Mothers, Fathers and Carers
Thank you for your interest in our school, I hope that in addition to reading this you have been able to visit the school. Personal contact is, we feel, an essential element of the successful home/school partnership which ensures that we can make the most of your child's abilities.
There are numerous occasions during the year when parents join us in school but we encourage parents who have a particular concern or interest to contact us at the earliest opportunity.
The last year has been a particularly exciting time for us at Brunel because the new Children's Centre opened, we gained our second Primary Quality Mark, third Activemark award and Investors in People for the first time..
We also had a successful OfSTED inspection in July 2008, amongst the compliments from OfSTED were:
- Children make good progress in Foundation Stage and this is maintained throughout the school
- Pupils behave well and enjoy coming to school
- Achievement is good because of good quality teaching and learning
- Pupils' spiritual, moral and social development is good
- Pastoral support and care for pupils is excellent
In the last year we have also installed new outdoor play equipment for the children in KS2, and we are into phase 2 of our outdoor classroom that our Early Years department will share.
Our overall aim is to provide each child with the appropriate work within a stimulating and nurturing environment so that they have the opportunity and incentive to achieve their full potential. Children learn best when their efforts receive positive encouragement and this is the underlying ethos of our classroom practice.
I hope that this booklet will prove useful in that first step towards an understanding of the school and establishing a successful and happy primary school life for your child.
If you require any more information please do not hesitate to contact me
Peter Roberts
Headteacher
The Site
Brunel Primary School is a Community Primary School for children aged 5-11. In addition we have a Pre-school (Issys), Nursery class, Hearing Impaired unit, nurture group (The Bridge), and Kids Club (before and after school childcare).
We have an extensive site that includes Saltash Children's Centre, and we are next door to the town Health Centre, Leisure Centre and Library. The school enjoys the use of five playgrounds surrounded by shrubs and trees and a wildlife conservation garden. The school has spacious classrooms, workbays, library, large school hall, and a purpose built canteen.
As well as play areas, the school has its own playing field which serves as a football pitch in winter months and a sports field during the summer term. Such facilities help ensure that many children enter local, area and county competitions in athletics, cross-country and football.
Parking and Access
The school car park is usually very congested and there are many children moving between the buildings up and down the drive. Please do not use the school car park unless you are staying for some time, and certainly not just to drop off children, whatever age they may be. If, however, your child has any kind of disability and it would be helpful to park nearer the school, please speak to the Headteacher.
Starting School
BRUNEL Early Years Department consists of Issy Brunel's , the Nursery Class and the Reception Class.
Issy Brunel's and the Nursery Class work together as one setting offering flexible, part or full-time sessions five days a week. They are open from 9am to 3.30pm with the exception of school holidays. Issy's is registered with OfSTED to take children from the age of two and the Nursery Class receives funding for all three and four year olds. Our highly qualified and friendly staff work closely with the Reception Class teacher to ensure your child receives a continuity of care and education throughout their early years.
Every effort is made to ease your child's first steps from home to school. Home visits are offered for all children entering the Early Years Department. This gives your child the opportunity to meet their teachers in a setting in which they feel secure and is a good opportunity for any questions or concerns to be raised.
Reception class children are situated in a large double classroom next to Issy's and the nursery class and have access to the shared outdoor play area. We are very aware of how daunting the first days at school can be, both for children and parents. Parents are invited into school on pre-admission visits, in addition children are given the opportunity to meet staff and familiarise themselves with the surroundings before starting school. For more details please see the BRUNEL Early Years Department prospectus and admission procedure available from the school office.
Age of Admission from September 2009:
Issy BRUNEL's and NURSERY - Children may be admitted into the Early Years Department following their second birthday and are eligible for 15 hours of funded nursery places the term after they become three. Children who are starting part-time in the Reception class are also able to attend.
RECEPTION - Children are admitted into the Reception classes in the September after their fourth birthday as follows:
September 1 st to February 29 th birthdays Full-time
March 1 st to August 31 st birthdays Part-time for one term
Brunel School follows the Cornwall Primary School Admission Arrangements as set out in the annual admission booklet “How to apply for a place in a reception class in a Cornish Primary School” given to the parents of prospective pupils in the Autumn term.
Session Times
Issy BRUNEL's /Nursery Class
Morning Session 9.00 – 12.00
Lunch time Session 12.00 – 12.30
Afternoon Session 12.30 – 3.30
Reception Class
Full-time 8.55a.m. – 3.15p.m.
Part-time 8.55a.m. – 12.00
The School Day
School hours are from 8.55 a.m.- 3.15 p.m. (KS1) 3.20 p.m. (KS2). Children should not arrive at school unattended before 8.45 a.m. The Local Education Authority only accepts liability for children on the premises 15 minutes either side of school starting and finishing. Please contact the Head or Deputy if your child will be arriving before 8.40 a.m. each day. Part-time children should be collected from the playground at the end of morning school. Each day begins with Wake Up Shake Up – movement to music designed to prepare children for the day.
At the end of each day children are taken out to the playground to be collected by parents/carers. Please let us know if your child is going to be collected by somebody your child or child's teacher is not expecting.
The lunch time break is 12.00 p.m. until 1.10 p.m. in Key Stage One and from 12.10. until 1.10 p.m. in Key Stage Two
How We Look After Your Child
Attendance
It is the responsibility of parents to ensure that their child attends school regularly. The school is required to record reasons for absence and produce statistics, therefore it is essential that a written explanation is received for each absence.
The Headteacher may, but only in exceptional circumstances, grant up to 10 school days leave of absence in one academic year for a family holiday. Approval is not automatic. Consideration will be given to:
- The timing & length of leave i.e. not prior to or during SATs
- The child's record of attendance
- Previous term-time absences
- The effect on your child & other children in the class where catching up with lessons missed impedes progress
If you wish to take your child on holiday in term time please complete a holiday form (available from reception).
Behaviour
At Brunel Primary School the highest standards of behaviour are expected both in and out of school. Children are expected to be polite at all times and to show consideration for other people's feelings, needs and property. Good behaviour is reinforced through a positive behaviour code. When unacceptable behaviour does occur it is dealt with promptly and firmly.
A child's behaviour becomes unacceptable when it disrupts the well-being, education or safety of other children. If a child has persistent or serious social difficulties, parents will be contacted in an attempt to resolve these matters .
Bullying of any sort will not be tolerated. All staff have a shared responsibility for the welfare of the children; children are encouraged to tell any member of staff if they are experiencing bullying or know of children who are being bullied.
If you think your child is being bullied or you have particular concerns about behaviour, please contact the school as soon as possible. Your child's class teacher and all other members of staff will wish to help. The problem will be investigated, appropriate action taken and your child reassured of others' concern and help. A copy of the school's Behaviour Policy is available in reception for parents/carers to read or borrow. A summary sheet of our policy is available through the office or class teachers.
Children with Disabilities
Brunel is committed to being fully inclusive and meeting the needs of all children. The school has a disability access plan that outlines how it will ensure that children with disabilities can take part in the full range of educational activities. Actions taken to ensure access include the installation of ramps, handrails, low thresholds to rooms, and wheelchair lifts.
Parents who have a child with a disability should contact the Headteacher to discuss any adaptations to the site that may need to be introduced, the school can then request support from Cornwall Local Authority. In addition, our SENCO can provide advice on curriculum adaptations; we have experience in this area as a result of having a hearing impaired unit.
Communication
We will keep you informed of all aspects of school-life by means of newsletters. A good home school relationship is very important and we value the encouragement and support you give your children. There are many events throughout the year to which parents and friends are invited and we are very grateful to the many parent volunteers who help in school each week. Please contact the Head or Deputy Head if you would like to help in school; in line with current recommendations it is our policy to CRB check all helpers, this is something the school pays for. Parents can also contact class teachers directly or leave their name at the school office.
All parents are encouraged to make frequent contact with their child's teacher to discuss progress and other matters. In addition Parents Evenings are held regularly to which all parents are invited. If your child has a statement of special needs you will be invited to attend review meetings. Each academic year a written report will be provided for every child, showing a profile of each child's achievements and progress. At this time there will be an opportunity to meet with the class teacher to discuss the report.
The school will ask you to provide emergency contact telephone numbers during the day. Please advise us as soon as possible should these or your address change. It is important that back-up emergency contact numbers are aware that they have been nominated as such.
Concerns & Complaints
Parents who have a concern about how their child is doing in school should talk to the class teacher first.
Following that meeting, if parents feel that the matter has not been satisfactorily resolved they should contact the Headteacher to discuss the issue further. The vast majority of concerns can be ironed out at this stage, experience tells us that often concerns are centred around mis-communication. However, if parents still do not feel their concern has been dealt with to their satisfaction they should write to the Headteacher and this will be the start of the formal stage. A copy of the complaints procedure is available from the School Reception.
Healthy Schools and Food
The National Healthy School Programme sets out five key objectives that have been identified to help schools create a healthier environment for children, both short-term and long-term. These objectives are:
- To promote a school ethos and environment which encourages a healthy lifestyle;
- To use the full capacity and flexibility of the Curriculum to achieve a healthy lifestyle;
- To ensure the food and drink available across the school day reinforces the healthy lifestyle message;
- To provide high-quality physical education and school sport and promote physical activity as part of a lifelong healthy lifestyle
- To promote an understanding of the full range of issues and behaviours which impact upon lifelong health.
Healthy Living Blueprint for Schools , DFES 2004
Brunel Primary School Healthy School Aims
At Brunel Primary we recognise the important connection between a healthy, balanced diet and a student's ability to learn effectively and achieve high standards in school.
The school aims to ensure that pupils are well nourished at school, and that every pupil has access to safe, tasty, and nutritious food, and a safe, easily available water supply during the school day.
The school recognises that it has a responsibility to ensure that all members of the school community are able to make informed choices about the importance of food and its production.
The School also recognises the role it can play, as part of the larger community, to promote family health, and sustainable food and farming practices.
Through effective leadership, the school ethos and the curriculum, all school staff can bring together all elements of the school day to create an environment which supports a healthy lifestyle.
The school is committed to providing a welcoming eating environment that encourages the positive social and cultural interaction of pupils and teachers. We recognise that sharing food is a fundamental experience for all people; a primary way to nurture and celebrate our cultural diversity; and an excellent bridge for building friendships, and inter-generational bonds.
The school is committed to ensuring that food provision in the school reflects the ethical and medical requirements of staff and pupils e.g. religious, ethnic, vegetarian, medical, and allergenic needs.
The school is committed to ensuring that it involves pupils and parents in guiding food policy and practice within the school, and enables them to contribute to healthy eating, and acts on their feedback.
More information for parents is available at www.direct.gov.uk
Breaktime snack
A free fruit scheme operates in KS1 which provides children with a break time snack, there is also fruit available for KS2 children.
Lunch
The children have their mid-day meal in the centrally placed school canteen. The money for school meals should be paid in advance on a Monday for the whole week, however children can bring money in daily in a purse clearly marked with their name; lunches cost £1.90p.
Cheques should be made payable to “Scolarest”. Children who stay in school for either school dinner or packed lunch are not allowed to leave the school premises during the lunch break.
We hold the Healthy Schools Award and as a result we operate a colour-coded school dinner system that ensures all pupils choose a healthy, balanced meal. Parents are strongly encouraged to provide their children with healthy packed lunches & snacks in order to support our work in school.
Free School Meals
If you think your child may be entitled to free school meals an application form can be picked up from the school secretary. Your child is entitled to a free meal if parents/carers are in receipt of Income Support, Job Seeker's Allowance, Child Tax Credit with an annual income of no more than £16.040, or a guaranteed element of Pension Credit. Parents are strongly encouraged to apply for this benefit.
Home School Agreement
Parents of children new to the school will receive a copy of our Home School Agreement which we encourage parents to read and discuss with the child before signing and returning it to school. We ask parents and children to revisit this agreement in Yr 3 and re-commit to the intent.
We aim to offer an environment in which courtesy and good manners really do matter and where children are able to learn self-discipline and consideration for others. Through providing a happy working atmosphere all children can secure a firm foundation upon which they may build in future years.
Jewellery and Personal Property
The wearing of jewellery in school is not encouraged. Earrings should preferably be of the stud type or very small rings. Other forms of pierced jewellery we feel are unsuitable for young children. However, if parents feel strongly that children should wear other forms, we would request that they are small and discrete. The main issue is one of health and safety and the suitability of certain forms of piercing for school activities. The school cannot be held responsible for injuries caused by the wearing of jewellery, either to the wearer or any third parties. Finger rings should only be worn if they have particular importance. We cannot be responsible for the security of watches and jewellery on school premises, although we make every effort. The best rule is “if its valuable or fragile, leave it at home”.
The school insurers do not cover personal property, including musical instruments. Although every care is taken to ensure security, all personal property is brought to school at the owner's risk.
Kids Club – Before and After School Care
We are fortunate in accommodating on-site the Kids Club, which provides high quality care and activities for children before and after school hours, from 8.00 a.m. to 8.50am and 3.20 to 5.30 p.m. Parents requiring more details can obtain them from the school office, or telephone the Kids Club leader – Mrs Cathy Murton – directly on 01752 841111, or 0786 6814 256
Medicines
If your child requires daily medication for a long-term condition e.g. diabetes, asthma etc, please ensure that the school is fully aware of the relevant details. In the case of asthma, we realise that many parents may prefer their child's medication to be kept close at hand in the classroom. This can be arranged through your child's class teacher and the Head Teacher. The school produces a School Asthma Pack which is available to parents and children.
Children requiring short-term prescription medicines should not usually be in school. In exceptional circumstances prescribed medicine will be dispensed but only with prior agreement of the Head Teacher and upon receipt of full written instructions. The necessary form is available from Reception.
Mobile phones
We understand that for safety reasons some children come to school with a mobile phone, possibly because they walk home alone. If you wish your child to bring a phone to school it must be handed in to the school office at the start of the day (switched off!) and collected at going home time. Please note that the school will not accept responsibility for lost or stolen phones.
School uniform
The wearing of a school uniform is encouraged at Brunel Primary School . The uniform is extremely smart and does much to engender pride in the school and a sense of identity. The uniform consists of the following:
Blue Sweatshirt/cardigan with school logo
White blouse / White shirt / White polo shirt with school logo
Grey school skirt/pinafore/grey uniform trousers /shorts
Sensible shoes Grey or White socks Black tights in winter
Summer - blue gingham dresses
P.E./Games
For boys and girls: black shorts, T-shirt (red, yellow, green or blue depending on which house your child is in), plimsolls indoors, trainers outside
For hygiene reasons it is important that children have a PE kit to change in to.
School sweatshirts and fleeces can be purchased from Saltash Sports on Fore Street
Please ensure that all items of clothing are named or marked for identification purposes . We will always do our best to locate lost items of clothing but children must be responsible for looking after their own things. If owners cannot be found for clothing it will be put in the lost property boxes in the reception area.
Security
If parents need to visit school during the day they must report to reception and should not go to the classrooms unless directed to do so. This will assist us in monitoring adults on site. For the safety of all children please help us in this respect.
All visitors to the school are required to log in and out through reception and to wear badges to identify them. Children arriving after 9.15 a.m. must report to reception to be logged in. They will be given a red ‘late slip' to give to their class teacher to show that they have been added to the class register for that session. Children arriving after 9.15 a.m. or 1.15 p.m. must not go directly to their classes.
Welfare of Children
The immediate welfare of children is the responsibility of their class teachers. Parents with concerns or information pertinent to their child's behaviour or progress should, in the first instance, contact their class teacher. If you wish to speak to a teacher, other than briefly, please make an appointment to see them when they are not teaching, either before or after school. The Head or Deputy Head Teacher can be consulted at any mutually convenient time.
In line with good practice we reserve the right to refer any concerns we may have about a child's welfare direct to Social Services. Such a step is thankfully rare.
If there are any changes in family circumstances which may affect your child in school please inform us as soon as possible. Any information you give us, or discussion you have with us, will be held in strict confidence and only divulged to staff on a "need to know" basis and with your agreement. Children are encouraged to discuss any worries or concerns they may have with their class teacher, but may approach any member of staff they feel comfortable talking to. Parents can help by encouraging children to talk to their teachers.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching Methods: We do not subscribe to one particular teaching method throughout the school and across the curriculum, although we do all subscribe to the same philosophy of teaching and learning. Teachers, as professionals, will elect to use the most appropriate method for the material, age and ability of the class. Individual, group and whole class teaching will be in evidence throughout the school. The features common to all approaches will be positive encouragement of effort, work that will stretch but not frustrate, recognition of achievement and work programmed to develop individual children and help them achieve their full potential. Our teaching style takes account of the learning styles of the pupils and caters for the full range.
All children receive a broad, balanced curriculum through both subject and topic work. Children learn best from experience and our curriculum is carefully planned to provide opportunities for investigation, problem solving and visits to places of educational merit. Where appropriate in KS 2 children are taught in ability groups for English and Mathematics. Children are taught to the requirements of the National Curriculum and the Primary Strategy for Literacy and Numeracy. Children follow catch-up programmes for literacy and numeracy.
The subjects of the National Curriculum are:
English
Mathematics
Science
Information Communication Technology
Design Technology
History
Geography
Physical Education
Music
Art
Information concerning current topics may be obtained from your child's teacher, details are also provided in newsletters.
Mathematics: In recent years Mathematics has become much more than just the learning of arithmetic skills and memorising facts and the scope of the subject will become even broader. In Mathematics we aim to establish competence in the skills associated with numeracy and a knowledge of the facts required to use these skills effectively within a framework of mathematical experience that is relevant and stimulating. We hope to draw the children into an appreciation of Mathematics, an understanding of the concepts and an ability to apply their knowledge to problem solving.
The National Curriculum outlines attainment targets to be achieved and our maths programme ensures each child follows that progression and that the curriculum is delivered as per the Numeracy strategy, a style to which we subscribe.
English: Language, more than any other subject element, goes across the full curriculum and is an essential key to the whole process of learning. The ability to listen, talk, read and write is of vital importance to communication and understanding. They are learned skills and receive the prominent attention their importance demands.
Reading in particular is a skill which requires a teaching approach that is carefully structured and monitored to ensure steady development through success and encouragement. Early diagnosis of difficulties is part of successful monitoring and where necessary we provide extra support.
All children take home books from the reading programme, the core scheme is currently “Oxford Reading Tree”, and from the school libraries. Parents can help by hearing children read and encouraging effort. Reading to your child and with them is a valuable activity and we would encourage parents to make time available each day to spend with their children reading. Parents who would like advice on how to make best use of this time should contact class teachers who will be pleased to help.
The core reading scheme is supplemented by several other reading schemes as well as a wide range of non-scheme material to develop the children's skills and above all their enjoyment of reading. Teachers will select the books they feel will be best for your child and encourage them to make choices too.
There is no "best" way to teach children to read and so our work includes elements of all the successful approaches from "phonics" such as Letters and Sounds to "look and say". If it works for your child, it's the right approach.
Science: Science in the primary school is a curriculum area that has received a great deal of attention, particularly since the advent of the National Curriculum. Our Science is topic based and taught in all classes. It pays particular attention to the requirements of the National Curriculum and involves "hands on" experience.
Information Communication Technology: Every class from Nursery to Year 6 has at least one computer available all the time. The potential for computer education is enormous and we plan to continue its development throughout the school. Increasingly all children use computers as an integral part of their work, most of the computers we have are networked and can access the internet via a safe ISP . As well as the computers in the classroom we have a Computer Suite with 21 computers; we have also installed interactive whiteboards in all classes.
Music Lessons: We are very proud of the number of children opting to learn a musical instrument. Younger pupils can join the recorder club, and older pupils receive tuition through the peripatetic music service. Children who have lessons through the music service will be asked to pay for such lessons and enter a contract with the teacher. Currently over 90 children are learning to play either the drums, guitar, violin, recorder, keyboards, flute or clarinet.
Religious Education: Brunel is a Community Primary School and as such is not affiliated to any particular denomination. Our aim is to teach sound moral principles in a broadly Christian way as prescribed by government legislation.
R.E. is a required part of the curriculum and is based upon the Cornwall Agreed Syllabus. Under Section 25 of the Education Act 1944, "a parent has the right to withdraw a pupil from attendance at religious worship and/or religious instruction at any County or Voluntary school". Parents who wish to exercise this right should write to the Headteacher detailing the exact requirements of the withdrawal. Should this occur we will liaise with parents on the most appropriate alternative provision.
Sex Education: In accordance with legislation, parents must be informed about the school's approach to Sex Education. Children follow a health education programme including items on diet, health and fitness, cooking and general hygiene. During Year 6 these issues become more closely linked to changes in the children's bodies. Details of the Yr6 programme are sent out at the appropriate time and parents can withdraw their children from all or part of the Sex Education provided.
Swimming: The school arranges swimming lessons at Saltash Leisure Centre. It is the school's aim that all children should be able to swim 25 metres by the time they leave at the end of KS2
SEAL
Throughout the school pupils take part in SEAL (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning). It is a whole school approach for teaching social, emotional and behavioural skills to all children and is organised into seven themes which can be covered within a school year:
Time of Year |
Theme |
September/October |
New Beginnings |
November/December |
Getting on and falling out |
November to coincide with national Anti-Bullying week |
Bullying
|
January/February |
Going for goals! |
February/March |
Good to be me |
March/April |
Relationships |
June/July |
Changes |
Each theme is followed by the whole school and includes an overview, assembly and suggested follow-up activities in class. The ideas are revisited yearly, so that by Year 6 a child who entered the school in Reception will have experienced each theme at the appropriate level each year.
The idea is that by working through the SEAL curriculum we can teach and develop the children's ability in five key areas: self-awareness, managing feelings, motivation, empathy and social skills.
Where children have good skills in these areas, research shows that they are more likely to:
• be effective and successful learners;
• make and sustain friendships;
• deal with and resolve conflict effectively and fairly;
• solve problems with others or by themselves;
• manage strong feelings such as frustration, anger and anxiety;
• be able to promote calm and optimistic states that promote the achievement of goals;
• recover from setbacks and persist in the face of difficulties;
• work and play cooperatively;
• compete fairly and win and lose with dignity and respect for competitors;
• recognise and stand up for their rights and the rights of others;
• understand and value the differences and commonalities between people, and be tolerant of people who have beliefs and values different from their own.
As a result of our successful SEAL work we have been appointed to be a Lead SEAL School – one of only 6 in Cornwall .
Children's progress is constantly assessed and recorded by teachers as they progress through the school. Children entering the Reception class have an entry assessment made of their development and this forms the basis of our judgement of pupils' progress. The Foundation Stage Profile will be completed by the end of the Reception Year and is a summing up of your child's development in preparation for moving on to the National Curriculum in Key Stage One. At the end of Key Stage One (7 years), and throughout Key Stage Two a more formal assessment is made involving SATs, and reading tests. Parents are kept regularly informed about their child's progress through annual written reports and parent/teacher interviews. Parents can also arrange to discuss progress with teachers at other times if required.
Extra curricular activities take place at lunchtime or after school.
Clubs include
Athletics Drama Cookery
Choir Recorder Clubs
Football Latin Craft Hockey
Tag Rugby Funky Fitness
The provision of these voluntary activities can vary due to staff commitments.
Homework
Homework helps to reinforce what the children have been learning in school. All children are expected to take reading books home to share with parents. As children progress through the school they will be expected to learn spellings and multiplication tables. Older children may be asked to undertake research for projects; this may entail visiting Saltash Library.
School Trips
Visits are linked to curriculum work and offer children added experience of work studied. Parents will be asked by letter if they are willing to make a voluntary contribution. If the cost cannot be met in this way the visit will not be able to take place.
Year 6 children are offered the opportunity to experience a residential setting at a Cornwall County Council Outdoor Education Centre on the Isles of Scilly, activities include canoeing and sailing. All instructors are qualified and certificated.
All off-site activities require a Parental Consent form which must be returned before the visit takes place.
The Governors' Policy on Charging
Optional trips or visits wholly or mainly outside school hours will be charged at cost.
For visits taking place wholly or mainly during school hours parents will be asked to fund these visits through voluntary contributions.
Residential trips wholly or mainly during school time: the cost of the trip will be in two parts, the board and lodgings element (which will be charged at cost) and the voluntary contribution element.
Parents unable to pay voluntary contributions may apply to the governors through the Head Teacher for assistance.
If any venture or visit proves to be financially unviable through lack of voluntary contributions the trip will be cancelled.
All voluntary contributions and charges must be paid in advance of an activity taking place.
The school may invite voluntary contributions towards the cost of materials and ingredients where parents have expressed the wish in advance to have the finished product.
The school may make charges for breakage or damage to property where it is felt that the child concerned was acting deliberately or negligently.
Special Educational Needs
Children with learning difficulties: It is our aim, through careful screening and monitoring of progress, to locate any difficulties at an early stage. Extra help from support staff or our Special Needs Co-ordinator can at that stage be most effective. We will keep parents informed of the progress children are making and suggest ways in which they can help. In the event that we need to look beyond our own resources to help children this will be discussed fully with parents.
Children who are identified as being gifted or talented in particular areas are provided with suitably challenging work.
By law the school must keep a register of children receiving special support. Parents are kept fully informed and are involved in the process of placement and the monitoring of progress that ensures their children receive the appropriate level of support. Each child's targets are reviewed termly, modifications made and new targets set.
Mrs Hill, our Special Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) is available for more advice.
Staffing 2009 - 2010
Teaching Staff
Year Six Mrs Wood Miss Pengelly Mr Hughes
Year Five Mrs Cabello (KS2 Leader)
Year Four Mrs Carter Mr Kay
Year Three Mrs Hutchings
Year Two Mrs Latham (KS1 Leader)
Year One Mrs Coburn
Reception Mrs Young
Nursery Mrs Cooper (Deputy Head), Mrs Sharp , Mrs Smith
Issy Brunels Miss Hosking, Mrs Feeney, Miss Beswetherick
Special Educational Needs Mrs Hill
School Secretaries Mrs Bee Mrs Randall Mrs Reynolds
Site Supervisor Mr Woodward
There are a large number of well-qualified teaching assistants who provide general classroom support and individual support for specific children with special educational needs.
FOUNDATION STAGE PROSPECTUS
We are in the process of updating the Foundation Stage Prospectus