School Brochure Autumn 2007
INTRODUCTION
This brochure should be read together with the current Local Education Authority (LEA) booklet Schools in Suffolk. All parents must make a formal application for admission to their preferred school by completing a form and submitting it by the deadline as notified by the LEA. The form is called CAF1 and must be completed by all families/carers wishing to send their child to Wickhambrook. The form is the same if you live outside our catchment area. Our own admissions form should be filled in at the same time. The school admits pupils in accordance with the Admission policy of Suffolk County Council as outlined in the Schools in Suffolk booklet.
We need to see a birth certificate prior to admission. Where there is possible doubt about a permanent address in the catchment area we may require proof of domicile (official letter to home address, public utility bill, council tax bill, rent book, child benefit book or similar).
As part of the admission pack you will be asked about religion, ethnic origin and language spoken in the home. We are required to provide this information to the LEA and the Department for Children, Schools and Families (DCSF) as part of ethnic monitoring.
Wickhambrook Community Primary
Wickhambrook
Newmarket
Suffolk
CB8 8XN
Tel. 01440 820309
Fax. 01440 821631
Dear Parents/Carers,
Welcome to Wickhambrook Community Primary School. We are a friendly, caring community where everyone is valued as an individual and where parents and the wider area are invited to share in school life. We aim to instil in all our learners a sense of pride. Pupils at Wickhambrook School are at the centre of everything we do. We have high expectations for both behaviour and achievement and see that every learner has a unique personality and talents to be developed.
While at the school pupils are offered a curriculum, which is not only broad and balanced but also exciting and challenging. Values and skills are taught together in an environment, which is supportive and safe but also inspiring and exciting. Our school encourages children to begin to take responsibility for their own learning while recognising and respecting the needs of others.
We look forward to welcoming you and your children and hope that by working together with you we will provide a sound basis for your child’s education.
Please arrange a visit to the school so that we can answer any further questions you may have. We look forward to meeting you and working with your child on their learning journey.
Georgina Ellis
Headteacher
November 200
INSPECTORS PRAISE THE SCHOOL
Wickhambrook Community Primary School had its Ofsted inspection on the 13th and 14th June 2007 and the children, staff and governors were all delighted with the outcome. The report stated that “since the previous inspection in 2002, the school has improved significantly and standards have risen…..pupils reach above average standards and do particularly well in mathematics.”
Ofsted went on to state “The school gives pupils a good education. Though relatively small in size, the school has a big vision of what it can provide for its pupils and how it can help each one succeed.”
The school was judged to be very good in every category and outstanding in two areas –
its partnership work with others promoting the well being of children, and its provision of opportunity for equality so that all learners achieve as well as they can.
The curriculum was judged as good as it “fosters imagination, creativity and practical experience.” The grounds were also commented on as offering “exceptional opportunities for learning, exploration and play.”
The inspection concluded by suggesting that the school could improve further by extending opportunities for writing across the curriculum and extending the use of learning targets to help children improve their work.
THE PHILOSOPHY AND AIMS
OF
WICKHAMBROOKSCHOOL
The happy and secure environment of our school allows the children to reach their fullest potential. Our model for learning begins with fostering the child’s curiosity and enquiry, and emphasises the process and development of skills and concepts.
The school environment creates conditions for effective learning, to stimulate and motivate the children to find out about themselves and the world they live in. The children are valued and supported in the process of growing up.
The Aims of the School
1) To provide a safe, happy family atmosphere conducive to
learning in its widest context.
2) To offer children a broad and balanced curriculum which
offers each child a high standard of achievement
academically, physically, socially, morally and spiritually.
3) To establish within the children an awareness of their
place in the school, in the community, and in society at large.
4) To encourage within each child a responsible attitude towards
themselves and towards others.
5) To encourage the development of confidence within each child
and to generate opportunities which will challenge each one to
positively extend their experiences.
“Education must nourish the diverse talents of our children. It must widen their horizons; develop their appetite for learning; enable them to live life to the full.”
(Dearing Report 1993)
USEFUL ADDRESSES
Director For Children and Young People.
Rosalind Turner, Suffolk County Council Education Department, Endeavour House, 8,Russell Road, Ipswich. IP1 2BX
Tel: 01473 583000
Area Education Manager
Vanessa Harvey-Samuel, Suffolk County Council, Western Area Education Office, Shire Hall, Bury St Edmunds. Suffolk, IP33 2AR
Tel: 01284 352000
SAFE GUARDING OF PUPILS
We take this aspect of our responsibilities very seriously. All adults employed by the school and sports coaches are checked by the Criminal Records Bureau. Stringent procedures are taken by the governors, in line with local and National guidelines, when employing staff through interviewing and the requests for references etc. Voluntary assistants always work with pupils in classrooms under close supervision of the class teacher.
SCHOOL SECURITY
If you have an urgent matter you wish to discuss in private, please contact the headteacher.
During school session times access is only permitted through the main entrance in the interests of pupil safety. Classroom doors cannot be opened from the outside. All visitors during the working day are required to sign the visitors book and wear a distinctive badge. Staff will challenge those who are not wearing a badge. It is important that there is a record of all persons in the building in the event of a fire or an emergency.
The school has an electronic fire alarm and fire drills are held each term to familiarise the children with the sound of the alarm and the procedure to follow.
MEET THE GOVERNORS
The school governors are local people representing the parents and public in important matters involving the school and the Education Authority. The governors, in co-operation with the headteacher, are concerned with the educational facilities made available by Suffolk County Council, the maintenance of school buildings, the appointment of staff, and the general administration of the school curriculum. The day-to-day details of teaching and management are the responsibility of the headteacher and the teaching staff.
Twice termly meetings are held, which coupled with frequent visits to the school, mean that the Governing Body is able to carry out their growing responsibilities. A range of Working Parties and Committees operate to enable the governors to contribute to the administration of the school and support the teachers in their work with children.
All governors, and especially the elected Parent Governors are willing to be approached by any parent who feels that they would like to speak with a governor about school matters.
Governing Body Membership
Reverend Ian Finn Chair Community Governor
Mrs. H. Child Vice Chair Community Governor
Mr A. Lightley LEA Governor
Mr P. Miller LEA Governor
Mrs J. Owen ParentGovernor
Mrs J. Pask ParentGovernor
Mr J. Tovey Parent Governor
Mrs. S. Scarff Parent Governor
Mrs S. Swift Community Governor
Mrs L. Pitt Community Governor
Mrs G. Ellis Headteacher
Mrs F. Boughton Teaching Staff
Mrs. L. Chapman Associate Member
Miss Meredith Observer
MEET THE STAFF
Headteacher Mrs G. Ellis
Teaching Staff Mrs T. Thom Foundation & Year 1
Mrs C. Cowie Foundation & Year 1
Mrs S. Faircloth Year 2
Mrs P. Lockyer Year 2
Miss J. Stevenson Year 3/4
Centre for Specific Leaning Differences Mrs F. Boughton
Mrs. K. Richards
Teaching Assistants
Mrs T. Farrow
Mrs M . Wallis
Mrs V . Orange
Mrs M . Smith
Mrs J . King
Mrs. A. Grimes
Centre For Specific Learning Differences Mrs. N. Chinnery
Mrs. C. Masson
School Secretary Mrs L. Chapman
Cleaner-caretaker Mrs J. Swindell
DSO Cleaner Ms D. Cordy
Cook In Charge Mrs V. Reeve
THE SCHOOL
Wickhambrook Community Primary School is a co-educational day school for children aged four to nine years old. The catchment area includes the villages of Denston, Stansfield, Stradishall, Wickhambrook, Lidgate and Ousden.
The oldest part of the school was built in 1878, and is a building of great character. In 1993 the school underwent dramatic changes due to an extensive building programme. The school now has five classrooms, a main hall, two offices, a staff room, reception and multi-media room. There is a walled hard ground playing area with picnic tables on one side, a wildlife area, and two adventure playgrounds. We have a very large grass playing field, and an outdoor swimming pool.
In 1994 the School House was refurbished.
In 2006 the School House became a centre for children with specific learning differences. These children visit from other West Suffolk schools for two days each week, and then return to their own schools. At the moment the centre has the facility for 32 children.
ADMISSION TO SCHOOL
We cater for children aged four to nine years. In the September following their 9th birthday children transfer to middle school. Details about choice of schools and the arrangements for transfer will be given to parents nearer the time.
Part time mornings only education is available in school for children after their fourth birthday:
- If your child will be five between 1st September & 31st December they may begin full time education in that Autumn Term.
- If your child will be five between 1st January & 30th April, they may begin attending mornings only sessions in the previous Autumn Term, & full time in the Spring Term.
- If your child will be five between 1st May & 31st August, they may begin attending mornings only sessions in the previous Autumn & Spring Terms, and full time in the Summer Term.
HOW TO HELP YOUR CHILD
These are some of the ways you can help your child.
- By talking to him/her, answering questions.
- By showing an interest in all she/he does.
- By giving a child plenty of interesting things to do e.g. helping to cook. Helping mum/dad with the car, or in the garden. Reading books, water play, cutting out old magazine pictures and sticking them on paper to make a scrapbook.
- Find time to play with your child, telling stories, singing nursery rhymes and watching suitable children’s TV programmes with your child.
- Taking your child on visits to interesting places – the zoo, museums, the airport and farms.
PRE-SCHOOL FACILITIES
Many children are ready to attend school on a part time basis after their fourth birthday, while others may well benefit from spending a longer period of development at a playgroup. The Playgroup, which we recommend for your consideration, is:
Happy Days Child Care
Contact Mrs Caroline Priestly on 01440 820027
‘Happy Days’ also provides before and after school care for your child.
Whichever form of education you choose for your child is of course entirely optional. We endeavour to maintain close links with Happy Days Child Care, and your child will be assured of a warm welcome in our school whether he or she begins as a four or a five year old.
THE SCHOOL DAY
The school sessions are as follows:
Key stage 1 children 9.10am – 12.30pm and 1.30pm – 3.30pm
Key stage 2 children 9.10am – 12.30pm and 1.30pm – 3.30pm
A teacher is on duty from 9.00am. At 9.10am, when the bell is rung, the children line up and the class teachers accompany the children into school. We encourage children to come into class on their own, as this helps to develop their independence.
If you bring your child to school by car, please park with care and consideration for local residents and the safety of all children. The school car park is very small and is reserved only for school staff. The lay-by immediately outside the school gates must be kept clear as it is reserved for official school transport. Parking in the vicinity of the school has been a safety issue and to help solve our concern for the safety of the children, the County Council has made a footpath from Thorns Close to Cutbush Lane. We strongly recommend that car users park in the Memorial Hall car park, walk to Thorns Close and then along the new footpath to school.
At the end of the day please collect your child from his or her classroom . To ensure road safety please shut the school gates behind you. The bus children line up in the hall and are taken by a teacher to their buses.
If you usually collect your child from school, and for any reason find yourself unable to do so, please contact the school office. We cannot allow children to go home with anyone else unless authorised by you to do so. If children are not collected on time, staff will arrange for them to wait in the front entrance hall. If for any reason you are making alternative arrangements for your child who normally travels home by bus, please send a letter or telephone informing us of the arrangement. We will not change bus travel arrangements unless authorised to do so.
THE CURRICULUM
At Wickhambrook School, as all state schools, we teach the National Curriculum to children once they reach the age of five.
The Foundation Stage establishes a stage of learning from the age of three to the end of the reception year. It is a distinct stage, which is important in its own right. It recognises how vital early years experiences are for success throughout life. The stage is about developing and consolidating key concepts. Staff use “Early Learning Goals” to plan carefully and deliver the curriculum. Well-planned play forms an integral part and first hand experiences are emphasised at all times.
There are six areas of learning.
§ Personal, social and emotional development
§ Communication, language and literacy
§ Mathematical development
§ Knowledge and understanding of the world
§ Physical development
§ Creative development
LITERACY
Language is the key to learning and forms an integral part of all other curriculum areas. Our aim is that all children shall be able to appreciate and use language effectively in all its different forms.
We are introducing the new strategy for Literacy. This will develop your child’s skill in reading, writing, listening and speaking through a wide variety of stimulating experiences. We place a strong emphasis on the development of reading, and value the importance of school and home working closely together. We hope to develop in each child a love for books and an appreciation of the power of the written and spoken word.
NUMERACY
The new national numeracy strategy is being introduced where a variety of teaching approaches are employed including the development of number skills, problem solving and investigative work. During these lessons the children experience working as a whole class, in small groups or on an individual basis. We recognise the importance of developing numeracy in order to enable the child to meet the demands of daily life. We encourage children to develop mental strategies and to explore their own methods of calculation, alongside a more traditional approach. Our aim is to develop the mathematical potential of each individual and to encourage a positive attitude towards this area of learning.
SCIENCE
In science the children learn about the physical world around them, both naturally and man-made, and the forces that operate upon it. The children are encouraged to enquire, explore and observe so that they can ask questions about themselves and the environment. Children are given the opportunity to make predictions, to test and experiment, in order to find answers to their questions. They are encouraged to look for links and patterns, and as they progress through the school, will develop skills to record their findings in a variety of ways
INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
Your child will be introduced to computers as soon as he or she enters school, as they are used as a tool to enhance learning across the curriculum. Children are taught how to use computers to communicate information and ideas, to use a wide range of software programs to enhance their learning, and to safely access the Internet. We have a suite of five computers linked to the Internet, as well as a multi-media computer in every classroom. A trolley of fifteen laptops ensures that each class has considerable access to computers. Each class has an interactive whiteboard to facilitate teaching. We are continually saving to renew and purchase more computers as well as up to date appropriate software. We also have two digital cameras, a scanner and a microscope. We are continually developing our own web site.
Each class has a tape recorder with headphones and we have a CD player, a video player, and a television.
HISTORY
The children use a variety of sources as evidence when learning to appreciate and evaluate our past. They learn to develop skills to identify evidence of change and continuity. The children are encouraged to consider and challenge different interpretations of history, and to be able to understand a sequence of chronological events.
GEOGRAPHY
During geography lessons, the children study places and how these places are shaped by physical and human activity. The children are encouraged to value their local environment and to appreciate the wonders of the world they live in. In school we work to foster the children’s curiosity and to help them to develop an understanding of their part in the community.
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
Design and technology is a subject based around investigation and the acquisition of practical skills. The children are given the opportunity to practice teacher directed tasks, disassemble and evaluate simple products, and to produce designs of their own. They are also encouraged to discuss, review, refine and evaluate their work and to appreciate the work of others.
FRENCH
A visiting French teacher teaches this subject to all children. She visits the school on Wednesday mornings. A special focus is put on speaking and listening, and the children learn games and songs, and are involved in drama activities.
ART AND DESIGN
A well-balanced and progressive programme enables the children to develop creatively. They are taught specific technical skills, and work with a variety of different media. The children are encouraged to express themselves through observation, imagination and memory. There are also opportunities for the children to study the work of a variety of artists, as well as the art forms of different cultures. Great emphasis is placed on display throughout the school, which as well as creating a stimulating learning environment, encourages the children to feel pride in their work.
MUSIC
Children are introduced to the basic strands of music – listening, performing and composing. They are given the opportunity to develop skills in singing and learn to use tuned and un-tuned percussion instruments appropriately. The school has an excellent range of instruments for making music.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
All children actively participate in Physical Education, which consists of a balanced curriculum involving dance, gymnastics, games, and swimming.
The children are taught to:
- enjoy physical activity
- understand the importance of physical activity in physical and mental health
- be aware of safety during all activities
- be creative and sensitive
- develop a sense of achievement and a sense of fair play
- be able to take part in extra curricular sporting activities.
Our facilities for sport are very good. We have a hall with PE apparatus, two outdoor adventure playgrounds as well as a hard surface play area, a very large school field, and a swimming pool. Children in Year 4 have access to the community tennis courts, just next door, and we have been invited to use the new community all weather sports surface to.
All children swim regularly during the Summer Term, and the older children also take part in skittle ball, soccer tournaments, and keep fit fun days.
During the Summer Term your child will need a swimming costume and a towel. These should be brought to school in a suitable waterproof bag. Children should wear hats (also available from the office). All children participate in swimming unless there is a medical reason, which prevents it.
The school has a specialist PE coach who visits on Wednesday mornings
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Arrangements for the act of collective worship and religious education are made by the school in accordance with the requirements of the Education Reform Act 1988, and with the Suffolk Agreed Syllabus. In this Community School, collective worship and religious education are non-denominational in character.
Parents may, if they wish, withdraw their children from the arrangements for worship and from religious education. Please talk to the Headteacher if you wish this to happen. You will be asked to put your request in writing.
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
Wickhambrook School provides a supportive learning environment for children who experience particular learning difficulties. A member of staff is appointed to act as
co-ordinator for this work. Parents are kept well informed during all stages. Where there are specific concerns about a child’s progress, we may refer them to an Advisory Teacher, the Educational Psychologist or other specialists.
We also recognise that the term Special Needs also applies to children who are particularly able or gifted. These children are also identified and provided with appropriate extension activities.
GIFTED AND TALENTED
We are keen to provide opportunities for individual pupils to demonstrate their full potential and develop individual aptitudes so that we can recognise their wide range of talents and abilities. Our approach is an inclusive one through a variety of strategies such as testing, differentiation in class work, assessment of pupils learning characteristics and the use of special ability scales. Prior to your child starting Wickhambrook, parents/carers will have the opportunity to inform the school of any particular strengths which their child possess. Pupils will have the opportunity of completing a questionnaire to identify them in their own identification process.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
The school offers a broad, well balanced and creative curriculum. We aim to provide equal opportunities for all children irrespective of their race, religion, sex, or cultural background. The school has a Multi-cultural Policy, which encourages children to develop positive attitudes towards people of other cultures, and to value and respect others.
P.S.H.E.
Personal, social and health education is taught throughout the school. During these lessons the children learn about themselves as individuals and as members of their communities. They learn about the reason and need for rules in society, how to behave appropriately and how to keep themselves safe and healthy. The contents of these lessons promotes high self esteem, the understanding of others, and acceptable codes of behaviour. Learning about human relationships and sex education are a natural and important part of this curriculum area. We treat this subject as a joint school and parent responsibility that should be dealt with sensitively. Other areas of study help the children develop a sense of social justice and moral responsibility, and to begin to understand that their own choices and behaviour can affect local, national or global issues.
SCHOOL DISCIPLINE AND BEHAVIOUR
We believe the children should be able to play safely and happily at school and that school and home should co-operate to enable this to happen.
We believe this is helped by having clear guidelines as to what is acceptable in lessons and playtime and what steps will be taken if children do not behave well. All classes have a behaviour management plan, agreed in partnership with the class teacher and pupils.
The school must maintain discipline and good conduct to secure an orderly learning environment in the interests of all the children. The school behaviour policy sets out a corporate statement of purpose, the boundaries of acceptable behaviour and the likely consequences of misbehaviour.
HOMEWORK
At Wickhambrook we believe that homework plays a valuable part in the education of your child. The partnership between school and parents is a vital element in pursuing the aims of the school. Skills and understanding gained at school can be reinforced at home and the whole process of learning can be extended and enriched. We consider that homework should involve parents in enjoyable activities where they can be supportive and encouraging. As your child gets older there should be time at home to develop his or her confidence and sense of independence in learning. We hope that good habits will be established which will provide a foundation for work at Middle School and beyond.
We wish to make the demands of homework manageable for all concerned. Your child’s class teacher will endeavour to ensure this. We aim to establish a familiar routine, which will be helpful to you and your child. Homework needs to be seen as a valuable part of education, and the school will encourage and praise your child at every opportunity. At home you can also encourage and help by providing a reasonably peaceful and suitable place for work.
ASSESSMENT
Teachers assess the progress that your child is making in several ways, through:
ü Individual learning targets
ü Listening and questioning your child individually and as part of a group
ü Your child’s reading and written recordings in class
ü School based tests in reading spelling and number
ü County test – Suffolk Reading test. Your child will take this tests when he or she is 6/7 and again at 8/9
ü Government Statutory tests (Key Stage 1 SATs) which your child will take in year 2.
ü Optional SATs for years 3 and 4
When your child starts school we need to find out what he or she already knows, understands and can do. Early Years Assessment in Suffolk includes an end of Foundation Stage assessment. The scheme covers reading, writing, mathematics and personal and social development. It must be emphasised that the Foundation Stage
assessment is not a test. Most of the activities in the scheme are part of what would normally take place within an Early Years classroom, such as children recognising their own
name, reciting a nursery rhyme and recognising numbers. The teacher makes judgements on what your child knows, understands and can do, mainly through observation and discussion in the classroom.
This information is very useful as a guide to planning specific activities, which will help your child to learn more effectively. It will help your child’s class teacher to decide if your child has particular learning needs and how those needs can best be met in school.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
We offer a range of clubs including:
Recorders
Gardening
Cooking
Science
Art
Drama
Book Club
Tennis
These clubs are free of charge and run by members of the staff at various times during the year. Children are expected to make a commitment to attend regularly.
Parents run a Swimming Club after school during the Summer Term.
Football is also offered after school and run independently for a small charge.
SCHOOL CLOTHING
Children are encouraged to wear school uniform. The uniform is as follows:-
Plain grey or black tailored trousers for boys or girls, grey pinafore dress or skirt for girls in winter . (Red and white dress in summer or grey or black tailored shorts for boys). White blouse, red or white shirt or polo shirt. School sweatshirt or red jumper or cardigan.
Children should wear clean shoes indoors. Trainers, heavy or high heeled boots and clogs are not permitted. If a child comes to school in these they will be asked to change on arrival. High fashion shoes are usually unsuitable for school. In summer sandals or jelly shoes are permitted as long as they have a low heel and are secured with a buckle.
For P. E. Trainers or plimsolls are required. Boys and girls should wear plain red or white t-shirts and black or navy shorts. Black leotards may be worn but these are not essential. During the colder weather sweatshirts or jumpers/cardigans are worn over sports clothes for outdoor activities. Tracksuits may be worn.
Please name all clothing clearly
PHOTOGRAPHS
We are required to inform you that from time to time we may photograph or video pupils as part of lessons, for records of work done or displays. The school has digital cameras and the children may photograph each other and reproduce these on screen or paper.
Parents and others visiting the school should only photograph or video children with our full knowledge and consent. The governors have agreed that parents will be allowed to photograph their children on the following occasions:-
- Assemblies
- Sports day
- Services held at the Methodist chapel (after the service)
- Performances
Parents are not permitted to photograph any activity taking place at the school pool.
JEWELLERY
All jewellery must be removed when a child takes part in any form of physical education. This is an official County Council Safety recommendation. For reasons of safety and security, it would be appreciated by staff if all items of jewellery, including ear-rings, studs or sleepers are left at home on the days when the class is involved in P.E. or swimming. Staff are not permitted to remove or replace ear-rings and cannot take responsibility for the safe keeping of jewellery or watches.
THE SCHOOL COUNCIL
Each year two children from each year group are elected by their class mates to serve upon The School Council. These children represent their peers, and collect ideas and complaints from them to present at the council meeting, which meets with a member of staff on a regular basis. In this way every child in the school has a voice and is listened to.
THE HEALTHY SCHOOLS INITIATIVE
Wickhambrook School is part of a Nation wide initiative promoting healthy education in school. As part of this initiative we encourage the children to eat healthy snacks, and to drink water in the classrooms and during lunch in the dining room. Fruit, fresh and dried, cheese, and raw vegetables are suggested for playtime snacks. Other foods are not allowed during the morning break.
YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH
The school Nurse or the Community Nurse from the Primary Care Trust will conduct a routine check for eyesight and hearing once during your child’s stay here. You will be sent a health check questionnaire. You may be contacted if the nurse thinks your child’s health requires further investigation.
In addition the school Dental Service carries out an annual dental inspection. You will be informed when the inspection is to take place and your child may be withdrawn from the examination if you wish. You should inform us of this in writing. Again parents are informed of any treatment that may be necessary.
Speech problems often correct themselves once the child is in school, but the class teacher will discuss with you any persistent difficulties your child may have, and, with your approval, we may ask for the help of the Speech and Language Therapy Service.
Parents have a duty to inform the school if their child has any medical condition which may affect the child’s well being. Parents should tell us of any allergies and current treatment, if any.
If children suffer a bout of sickness and/or diarrhoea they should be kept at home for 48 hours after they are symptom free, or in the case of under 5’s 72 hours to reduce the spread of disease.
Children may have to be excluded from school if they develop infectious or contagious diseases or certain conditions. Please consult with the school once a medical diagnosis has been made. General Practitioners do not always remind parents that exclusion from school may be necessary. We are required to follow the advice produced by Suffolk Health to protect other pupils.
Several staff hold current First Aid certificates. We are only allowed to administer First Aid. If additional treatment is necessary we will contact you. We treat all injuries as serious. You will be contacted if your child’s injury is a cause for concern. If necessary we will seek medical advice or treatment if you cannot be contacted. All children will be given an advice slip to give you even if she/he has had only a slight bump as symptoms of injury may not always be apparent until later.
Medicines
The majority of medicines can be administered outside school hours. Recent medical advice indicates that only in the case of certain children with long-term medical conditions would it be necessary for medication to be administered during the school day.
In exceptional cases where medicine has been prescribed by the doctor and needs to be taken at a specific time, it should be taken to the school office for safekeeping. You will be asked to complete a permission and disclaimer form, and provide written instructions
regarding timings and dosage. It is not our policy to administer eye drops, cough sweets or medication that has not been prescribed by the doctor.
Asthma
It is expected that pupils suffering from asthma will have suitable medication available in school. Children will normally take responsibility for the safe keeping of their own medication near to hand. It is the parent’s responsibility to monitor use and arrange for replacements to be made in good time.
Headlice
Headlice are a recurrent problem in all schools. Young children are particularly vulnerable. Prevention is better than cure and you are advised to comb your child’s hair thoroughly at the end of each school day using a fine toothed comb. Regular wet combing using this type of comb and conditioner should prevent infestation. Please do let us know in confidence if your child has headlice and we will issue a reminder to the class or classes.
ATTENDANCE
Regular and punctual attendance is important for your child’s education. If children are absent we are required by the Education (Pupil’s Attendance Records) Regulations 1992 to record absence as either authorised or unauthorised. If your child is absent please inform the school by telephone. In the case of prolonged absence due to illness, we are always pleased to provide work for your child to do at home. Absence for holidays is actively discouraged. Holidays taken during school time are disruptive particularly during formal assessment periods such as the SATs, and at the beginning of the new school year in September. Holidays taken in school time will be classified as non authorised.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Your child’s education and welfare is a shared responsibility between home and school. If, at any stage, you have concerns, please discuss them initially with your child’s class teacher. Where problems are of a more serious or persistent nature additional help may be enlisted from the Headteacher. All prospective parents are encouraged to visit the school. It is helpful if you make an appointment beforehand. Regular letters are sent to parents giving information about current school activities. These are sent home via the children. Do check regularly in their reading bags because they often forget they’ve been given them! If you feel you may have missed one, please contact the school office.
Formal parent evenings take place during the Autumn and Spring Terms, but we encourage you to make an appointment with your child’s class teacher any time that you feel it necessary. A parent’s curriculum evening is held in the Spring Term, the 2007 meeting focusing on helping your child with reading. Written reports are sent home during the Summer Term, and once again, if you have any queries with the report please make an appointment to discuss it with your child’s class teacher.
Your child’s work is available for you to see at any time after school. We encourage parents to take this opportunity to celebrate their children’s achievements. At the beginning of every term parents are sent information about lesson topics for the term that their children will be covering in each area of the curriculum.
Please remember that we are always grateful for offers of help with any school activity!
PARENT’S ASSOCIATION
The school has a very active and enthusiastic Parent’s Association. This group meets regularly to organise fund raising events and social activities. It also provides help at many school events. All parents are members of the Association, which is an official charity, and are invited to attend the AGM in the Autumn where new members are elected onto the committee. New members committee members are welcome at any time.
SCHOOL MEALS
An excellent meal is provided at lunchtime, cooked in our own kitchen. The price of the meal is £1.80. It helps a great deal administratively if you can send dinner money in full on the first school day of each week, in a named envelope or purse.
If you are receiving Income Support or Income-Based-Job-Seekers Allowance, your children are entitled to free school meals. Application forms for free school meals are obtainable from the school and should be completed and forwarded to the Area Education Manager, Shire Hall, Bury St. Edmunds.
SEVERE WEATHER CONDITIONS
The County Council has arranged with local radio stations to announce which schools are closed in the event of severe weather. This school will be referred to by name. Information will be broadcast on Radio Suffolk (95.5, 95.9, 103.9 or 106.4), SGR FM (97.1 or 96.4) and for the Newmarket area Q103 (103, 97.4) from 7.30am onwards. We also have an ‘in house’ system where parents contact each other.
LEGAL MATTERS
Governor’s Policy on Charging
The governing body reserves the right to make a charge in the following circumstances for activities organised by the school.
Activities Outside School Hours
The full cost to each pupil of the following activities deemed to be optional extras taking place outside school hours:-
- Theatre or similar trips
- Clubs held after school or at lunchtime
- Discos etc. organised by the PTA
Materials, instruments etc.
The cost of purchase or hire of instruments, materials, equipment or clothing (or the provision of them by parents) for the following activities:-
- Recorder group
- Cooking, claywork, crafts of various types where the parents have indicated in advance that they wish to own the finished product.
General
- The governing body may, from time to time, amend the categories of activity for which a charge should be made.
- Nothing in this policy statement precludes the governing body from inviting parents to make a voluntary contribution to the cost of providing education for pupils.
Educational Visits
When it is necessary for the school to request a voluntary contribution towards the cost of an educational visit it must be realised that the validity of the visit will depend on the level of contributions. If there are insufficient donations the visit may be cancelled and the cash already paid, returned.
PERSONAL ACCIDENT INSURANCE
In common with other County Council Schools the LEA or ourselves do not normally insure our pupils against accidents that may happen at school. We take great care to ensure pupil safety but accidents may happen from time to time. It is the responsibility of parents to insure their children against the consequences of accident or injury. Children taking part in educational visits are not normally insured as the type of visits we undertake are low risk. Suffolk County Council does offer an optional Master Policy for personal pupil cover at a low cost. If you would like more details, please contact the school office.
LIABILITY FOR PUPILS PROPERTY ON SCHOOL PREMESIS
The Department for Education and Skills advises that schools are not liable for property, including clothing, brought onto their premises. You should ensure that you have your own insurance. Personal items are normally covered under the all risks section of home contents insurance.
COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
The school and the Governing Body wish to deal with complaints concerning curriculum and other matters quickly and effectively.
In the first instance parents should contact the headteacher, or as appropriate other teaching staff who will make every effort to resolve the issue by informal means. If the issue
cannot be resolved in this way, it may be referred firstly to a panel of governors of the school, and as a last resort to a Local Education Authority panel for formal consideration.
Complaints concerning the headteacher should be referred to the Chair of Governors. Further details of the Authority’s procedures may be obtained from the headteacher, or the Area Education Office.
TERM DATES 2007
3rd January 2008 – 20th March 2008
(Half term week beginning Monday 11th February 2008)
7th April 2008 to 22nd July 2008
(Half term week beginning Monday 26th May 2007)
1st September 2008 -19th December 2008
(Half term week beginning Monday 27th October 2005)
Teacher Professional Development Days:
3rd/4th January 08. 7th April 2008
(Other dates are yet to be confirmed)
The information and particulars contained in this brochure relate to the school year 2007/2008 and are correct at the time of publication. Changes in circumstances could render parts of it inappropriate.
The brochure is produced to inform parents and visitors about Wickhambrook School. We hope that it will give parents confidence when making the important decision in choosing the right primary school for their child. A visit whilst our school is in operation will, I am sure, help you to make this decision, or visit our website at www.wickhambrookschool.co.uk
Georgina Ellis October 2007
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