TEL :01752 848900
BRUNEL Primary School
What's in it for YOU?
EMAIL US CLICK HERE
|
||||||||||||||
 |
PROSPECTUSIntroduction - Vision Statement - Home School Agreement - Meals - Parking - Curriculum - SEN - Starting School - Behaviour Policy - The School Day - Contact with Parents - Homework - Off-Site Activities - School Uniform - Medicine - Jewellery - Charging Policy - Personal Property - Class Organisation - SATS - Term Dates FOUNDATION STAGE PROSPECTUSIntroduction - ISSY Brunel - Early Years - Admissions Policy - Getting Ready to Start School - Educational Programmes - Entry Assessment - Looking out for Everyone - Behaviour and Discipline - School Uniform |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BRUNEL COUNTY PRIMARY SCHOOL - PROSPECTUS.Head Teacher: Peter Roberts B.Sc.PGCE Vision StatementWe aim to continually develop BRUNEL so that we provide every pupil with the opportunity and encouragement to access a high quality, seamless educational provision within a positive learning community. The aims of Brunel Primary School are outlined below. They form the backdrop against which the details of our planning and practice are drawn:- • To build a school that is an integral part of the community. • To provide a caring, secure and happy environment which develops the confidence and self esteem of all. • To provide a well resourced learning environment where all available resources are deployed to their best advantage. • To offer equal opportunities to all members of the school community and to encourage children to take advantage of them. • To ensure the provision of a challenging, stimulating and exciting learning environment where excellence is pursued and acknowledged in all areas of school life. • To establish learning as the core purpose of the school and to hold it in high regard so that the achievements of all are recognised and applauded. • To have clear, agreed and appropriate policies and practices that are applied consistently across the full range of school activities. • To ensure that good manners, respect and care for others are encouraged and acknowledged. • To encourage the children to accept individual responsibility for their behaviour and learning. • To develop in children an understanding and tolerance of the beliefs and cultures of others and a respect for the rights of all individuals and groups. • To build a school of which we can all feel proud. • To strive for continual improvement and the raising of standards through bold and forward thinking. Brunel Primary School endeavours to provide a framework in which the talents of all pupils are given the maximum opportunity to develop. The needs of the whole child are of great importance: we aim to promote children's social, emotional, moral, intellectual and physical development. Confidence is viewed as a crucial component of success, flourishing best in an environment which offers encouragement and support to children and families. Brunel Primary School is a two-form entry County Primary School for children aged 5-11. The school has a nursery unit attached, catering for 52 pre-school children. Situated on an extensive site, next to Saltash Health Centre, Saltash Leisure Centre and the local library, the school enjoys the use of five playgrounds surrounded by shrubs and trees. A wildlife conservation garden has been developed with help from the Groundwork Trust and the Family Learning Service. The school buildings were built in the 1950s and provide spacious classrooms, workbays, two school libraries and two large school halls, and a purpose built school 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, football and netball. The Site Brunel Primary School is a Community Primary School for children aged 5-11. The school has a nursery class attached, catering for 52 pre-school children. Situated on an extensive site, next to Saltash Health Centre, Saltash Leisure Centre and the local library, the school enjoys the use of five playgrounds surrounded by shrubs and trees and a wildlife conservation garden has been developed . The school has spacious classrooms, workbays, library, large school halls, and a purpose built canteen. In April 2008 the Salta sh Childrens Centre is due to open on the site.
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.
Parents should also avoid using the main entrance to gain access to KS 1 classrooms and should enter via the playground classroom doors. At the end of the day parents of pupils in both Key Stages should wait in the appropriate playground. How We Look After Your Chil 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 Y3 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.
Healthy Schools 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:
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
Lunch The children have their mid-day meal, either a school dinner or packed lunch, 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 £1.76p. Cheques should be made payable to Cornwall County Council. 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.
Breaktime snack A free fruit scheme operates in KS1 which provides children with a break time snack, there is also a healthy tuck shop for KS2 children.
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.
Pastoral Care 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.
Children with Disablities 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 the 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.
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:
If you wish to take your child on holiday in term time please complete a holiday form (available from reception).
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.
Contact with Parents & Carers The school 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. There are opportunities for listening to children read, helping with art/craft work and cookery, as well as assisting children to change for swimming lessons. 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.
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:
Girls Boys Blue Sweatshirt/cardigan with school logo Blue sweatshirts with school logo White blouse White shirt White polo shirt with school logo White polo shirt with logoGrey school skirt/pinafore/grey uniform trousers Grey uniform trousers/shorts Black tights in winter
Summer Term Blue gingham dresses Sensible school shoes, white /grey socks Sensible school shoes, grey socks P.E./Games
Black shorts Black shorts White school tee shirt/white tee shirt White school teePlimsoles indoors, Trainers outside shirt/white tee shirtPlimsoles 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
All items of clothing must be 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. Parents should discourage children from bringing items of value to school, particularly toys. We cannot accept responsibility for damage to or loss of any items brought into school against this advice.
Jewellery 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”. Children should not wear nail varnish, false nails or tattoos for school.
Personal property The County's 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.
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.
Medicine 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.
What We Will Teach Your Child
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 TechnologyDesign Technology History Geography Physical Education Music Art
Information concerning current topics may be obtained from your child's teacher, details may also be provided in Newsletters.
The core subjects: Mathematics, English, Science and ICT.
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 and the Literacy Hour requires.
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" 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 20 computers; we have also installed interactive whiteboards in all classes.
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. A Health Visitor shows a video entitled 'Growing Up'. This deals with the issues of puberty in a very caring and sensitive manner, making the children aware of physical and emotional changes. Parents of Year 6 children are invited to view the video before the children. 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 by the time they leave at the end of KS2.
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 peripetetic 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 and clarinet.
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:
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 childrens 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 Choir Recorder Clubs Football Latin Craft Hockey Tag Rugby Funky Fitness French The provision of these voluntary activities can vary due to staff commitments.
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-odinator (SENCO) is available for more advice.
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.
Starting school The Foundation St age department is situated on the KS1 site and comprises the nursery class and all reception children in the school. In addition, the Foundation Stage Co-ordinator is responsible for over seeing the management of Issy BRUNEL's pre school group which is on the same site as the school.
Nursery Class The Nursery Class is housed in a 26 place purpose built unit with its own garden and outdoor play area. There is a wide range of equipment including a climbing frame with slide, a wooden chalet and lots of very robust trikes, trailers and scooters. Inside the children have access to an extensive collection of early learning materials. Children attend the Nursery Class every morning or afternoon.
Reception The Reception children are in classrooms that are an integral part of the main infant building. Each room has access to the large outdoor play area. We are only too aware of how daunting the first days at school can be, both for children and parents. Every effort is made to ease your child's first steps from home to school. The class teacher carries out home visits for all children entering the Nursery, this is a good opportunity for any questions or concerns to be raised.
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 Foundation Stage prospectus and admission procedure available from Reception.
The Saltash Childrens Centre is due to open on our site in April 2008. This exciting new development will see a new multi-agency centre designed to support our youngest children and their families, and refurbished PE hall and dinning room.
From September 2007 children are admitted to school as follows:
AGE OF ENTRY – NURSERY
Children may be admitted into the Nursery in the September after their third birthday. They then stay in the Nursery for a year and enter the Reception classes the following September.
AGE OF ENTRY - 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.
Issy BRUNEL's Issy BRUNEL's is a private pre school group that caters for children aged 2+. The group offers flexible, part or full time sessions, five days a week and is open from 9am to 3.30pm which the exception of school holidays. Issy's is registered with OfSTED and receives funding for all three and four year olds. It's highly qualified and friendly staff work closely with the schools Foundation Stage Co-ordinator thus enabling us to offer your child a continuity of care and education throughout their Foundation Stage.
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 and 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 childs teacher is not expecting.
The Nursery has different session times to the main school, mornings are 9.30-11.30am . Afternoons are 12.45-3.15pm . More details can be found in the Foundation Stage Prospectus.
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.
Kids Club 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 6.00 p.m. Parents requiring more details can obtain them from the school office.
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 £14,155, or a guarantee element of Pension Credit. Parents are strongly encouraged to apply for this benefit.
The Governors' Policy on ChargingIn response to the Government Circular 2/89 and the County policy statement the following is the governors policy with regard to charging and remissions for activities organised by the school. 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.
Class organisation 2007 - 2008 Teaching StaffYear Six Mrs Wood Mrs Cabello Mr Hughes Year Five Mrs Fuller (KS2 Leader) Mr Kay Year Three / Four Mr Arnold Miss Pengelly Mrs Carter Year Two Mrs Latham(KS1 Leader) Mrs Hutchings Year One Mrs Latham Mrs Coburn Reception Mrs Young Nursery Mrs Cooper - Deputy Head Mrs Sharp Mrs Smith (Nursery Nurse) Issy Brunel's Adele Ruth Judith Sue Nurture Group Mrs Harmieson School Secretaries Mrs Bee Mrs Randall Mrs Reynolds Site Supervisor Mr Price There are a large number of teaching assistants who are attached to classes and individual children throughout the school providing general classroom support and individual support for specific children with special educational needs. Details of SATs results (national and school) and pupil absence rates.As required by legislation and described in DfE Circular 15/94 the following is information about school performance in 2006. Key Stage 1
There were 45 pupils eligible to take KS1 SATs and all figures are percentages of the Y2 year group of pupils; figures in brackets refer to national scores. Key Stage 2
There were 58 pupils eligible to take SATs. Key: TA - Teacher Assessment SAT - Standard Assessment Test All figures are percentages of the Y6 class group of pupils. Finally! Please do remember that we are on hand to deal with any questions or concerns you may have with regard to your child's education and welfare at school . Please do not hesitate to contact us either informally at the classroom door or by making an appointment to see Mr Roberts. He will make every effort to see you as soon as possible. The information contained in this booklet is correct at the time of printing but you will appreciate that variations may be inevitable during the school year.
FOUNDATION STAGE PROSPECTUSIntroduction - Issy BRUNEL's - Early Years - Admissions Policy - Getting Ready to Start School - Educational Programmes - Entry Assessment - Looking out for Everyone - Behaviour and Discipline - School Uniform WELCOME TO BRUNEL Brunel Foundation Stage Department is part of Brunel Primary School. Brunel provides the full range of primary education and most of the children who join us at age three or four stay with us, right the way through, until they leave for the secondary school at age eleven. Our school is situated on a quiet site, away
from busy roads yet very close to Saltash Health Centre, library
and leisure centre. At Brunel we feel very fortunate in being
able to work in such varied and attractive surroundings. The Foundation Stage department is situated on
the infant site and comprises the Nursery class and all Reception
children in the main school. In addition, the Foundation Stage Co-ordinator
is also responsible for overseeing the management of Issy BRUNEL's
pre school group which accepts children from two and a half years of age. The Reception children are in classrooms that are an integral part of the main infant building. They both have access to the large outdoor play area. FAMILIES Brunel parents, and other family members,
are very important and we value highly the encouragement and support
that they give to their children at home, as well as their support
for school activities. Right through the school, from the Nursery
onwards, we welcome family involvement with school activities
such as reading, cooking, art and craft, educational visits etc.
so please don't hesitate to see your child's teacher if you feel
you can help in any way. Issy BRUNEL's provides a secure, stimulating environment for children aged between two and a half and five. Its highly qualified, friendly staff work closely with the Foundation Stage Co-ordinator thus enabling us to offer your child a continuity of care and education throughout the Pre-School Group, Nursery, and Reception classes. Issy's is registered with OfSTED and receives funding for all 3 and 4 year olds. The flexible hours of Issy BRUNEL's make it an ideal choice for working parents.
For further information and prices please
refer to the separate prospectus for Issy BRUNEL's available from
reception or contact:
KIDS CLUB We are extremely fortunate at Brunel in not
only having a Pre-School on site but a 'Kids Club' as well.
The club provides high quality care and activities for children
aged between five and twelve years of age, and also makes provision
for children who wish to get on with their school homework. TERM TIME 8.00am to 9.00am and SCHOOL HOLIDAYS AND OCCASIONAL INSET DAYS 8.00am to 6.00pm or For further information please contact: Catherine Murton 01752 841111 FOUNDATION STAGE STAFF AT BRUNEL Brunel's Foundation Stage is staffed by teachers who have chosen to specialise in early childhood education, and are committed to meeting the needs of young children taking their first steps in their school careers.At Brunel the needs of the whole child are of the utmost importance, and our aim is always to promote the children's social, emotional, moral, intellectual and physical development. We believe that confidence is crucial to success and flourishes best in an environment which offers encouragement and support to both the children and their families.
Mrs A Sharp B.A.(Hons) Mrs J Searle Cert Ed Nursery Nurse
AGE OF ENTRY Nursery Children may be admitted into the Nursery in the September after their third birthday. They then stay in the Nursery for a year and enter the Reception classes the following September. Reception Children are admitted into the Reception classes
in the September after their fourth birthday as follows: Nursery Children can be registered from birth by completing a Nursery application form ( which is available from the school secretary ). They then go onto the waiting list. The admissions panel, which consists of the Headteacher, the Nursery teacher and a school Governor, meets in the Summer term to draw up a list of children who will be offered a place in the Nursery. The following priority order is used in accordance with Cornwall County Council's admissions criteria: Children who live in the designated area of the nursery or who can provide evidence that they will be living in the designated area by the date from which admission is required.If there are more designated children wanting places at the nursery than there are places available, the criteria below will be used to decide which of these children should have priority for admission: Children with an unequivocal professional recommendation from a school medical officer or educational psychologist or social worker (in the case of the children in public care) that non-placement will produce medical (in the case of a doctor) or psychological (in the case of a psychologist) or other (in the case of a social worker) harm. Children with siblings who will still be attending BRUNEL school at the time of their admission. Children who live geographically closest to BRUNEL school. Domestic reasons. Reception 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. Starting school for the first time is an enormous step for a young child, and at Brunel we are anxious to do everything we can to ensure that the children settle into their new surroundings as easily and happily as possible. We believe that an important way of doing this is to provide as many early opportunities as possible for children to become familiar with the Nursery and Reception classes before they start at Brunel. Home Visits Very often it helps children if they can first meet their new teacher in the familiarity and security of their own homes, and it also provides parents with the opportunity to ask questions or discuss anything that concerns them. For this reason every child is offered a home visit shortly before they come into the Nursery, and the same offer is made in the case of children coming straight from home into the Reception classes. If you feel that a home visit will not be necessary then that's fine, and there will of course be plenty of opportunities for you and your child to visit us beforehand. Staggered Entry In both the Nursery and Reception classes new children are admitted several at a time over a period of two to three weeks. In this way we can concentrate more fully on helping just a few children to settle rather than trying to give support to a large number of new children all starting at the same time. HOW YOU CAN HELP US
SCHOOL HOURS Nursery Morning Sessions 9.00 am to 11.30 am Reception Part - time 9.00 am to 12.00 am Full - time 9.00 am to 3.15 pm At Brunel we give the greatest priority to developing the whole child, and the Nursery and Reception classes curriculum places equal emphasis on children's social, emotional, moral, physical and intellectual development. The Foundation Stage The DfES identifies six AREAS OF LEARNING
for the Foundation Stage Therefore we plan our activities around these
areas and work towards the EARLY LEARNING GOALS, whilst always
recognising each child's individual needs. Entry Assessment has two aims: * to find out what children know, understand
and can do - Entry assessment is no longer a statutory requirement. The Entry Profile
The Foundation Stage Profile will be completed at the end of the Foundation Stage, which is the end of the Reception year for most children. The Foundation Stage Profile will be a summing up of your child's development. It will have to be completed in the summer term, but can be worked on during the year with completion at the end of Reception year. Parents are invited to discuss their child's profile towards the end of the summer term. RECORD KEEPING AND REPORTING TO PARENTS Nursery EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES At Brunel we take great care to promote equality of access and opportunity for all children to learn and make progress, whatever their age, gender, attainment, cultural background, special educational needs or competence in English. At the same time we believe that equality of opportunity is not only a matter of how we provide for children at Brunel. It is also a matter of promoting the children's recognition of the entitlement of people in general. Therefore we make every effort to ensure that the content of the curriculum and the resources that we use, reflect the achievements and contributions of people from all walks of life. SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS Brunel has a strong tradition of integrating children with special educational needs into mainstream classes. This is a policy of which we are very proud and which we believe benefits all children in learning to cope with the world in which they live. Two places in the Nursery are available to children with special needs. Advisory teachers and educational psychologists from Cornwall County Council's learning support team regularly visit Brunel and we also have good links with members of the local primary health care team. Children with hearing difficulties are supported through the on-site Hearing Impaired Department staffed by a qualified teacher of the deaf. The school is also fully ramped to aid children with mobility problems and specially modified equipment is provided where appropriate. HEALTH AND SAFETY Brunel Primary School and Nursery Unit are covered by the Cornwall Education Committee Health and Safety policy. The Headteacher, Health and Safety manager and Governors ensure through a regular system of surveys and reports that the school is a safe environment for young children. There are trained first aiders on the staff and we are next door to the Health centre should an emergency arise. MEDICINES IN SCHOOL From time to time it is necessary for children to take prescribed medicines during the school day. When this happens please have a word with your child's teacher. You will then be asked to fill in a short form giving details of the medication and when it is to be taken etc. It would also help if you could send single doses of the medicine clearly labelled with your child's name. (The plastic canisters that films are supplied in are ideal.) BEHAVIOUR AND DISCIPLINE IN SCHOOL At Brunel the highest standards of behaviour are expected and encouraged, both in and out of school. At all times the children are expected to be polite, and to show consideration and respect for other people's feelings, needs and property. When unacceptable behaviour does occur it is dealt with promptly, firmly and fairly. In the case of more serious incidents, or persistently inappropriate behaviour, parents are contacted. Obviously in a school which aims to promote an atmosphere of caring, bullying of any sort, whether physical or verbal etc, cannot be tolerated and is taken very seriously by everyone at school. Consideration of others' needs and feelings is also promoted through the curriculum, for example social, moral, religious and multi-cultural education etc. Through stories and discussion the children are encouraged to reflect upon and talk about different aspects of human behaviour and the school has a good collection of story and picture books, specially designed for young children, which deal with issues such as bullying, prejudice, injustice etc. COMPLAINTS PROCEDURES The wearing of school uniform is encouraged at Brunel. The uniform is extremely smart and does much to engender pride in the school and a sense of identity. Children attending the Nursery class do not have to wear school uniform but may do so if wished. The uniform consists of the following: Girls and Boys Sensible school shoes with white or grey socks P.E./Games Black shorts
Uniform can be purchased from FRIENDS OF BRUNEL (FOBs) on sale in reception or from the National Schoolwear Centre, Mayflower Street, Plymouth. FRIENDS OF BRUNEL For the latest information about BRUNEL School's Foundation Stage please contact the school on 01752 848900 |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
BRUNEL Children....at the centre of learning.