Prospectus

Dear Parents

On behalf of the Governors and staff of Elland Church of England School I present this brochure as a guide to our school. Elland Church of England School is an aided school, a distinction upon which we are proud of. The school serves the local community where children from different faiths, backgrounds and abilities are encouraged to learn to live together and to treat other people with care and consideration.

Elland Church of England School is a part of the work and witness of the Church in our neighbourhood. The links with St Mary's and All Saints Church are strong and vital and we work to embody our Christian foundation in all aspects of school life.

The school has long aspired to high standards of behaviour and achievement. All our children are encouraged to do their very best in a caring and supportive environment. Everyone working at the school plays an important part in making children feel valued, happy and secure. Our teachers are experienced, conscientious in their duties and devote a great deal of time and effort to provide high quality education for our pupils. However, we cannot succeed alone. Children need to know their parents and teachers are in partnership. Working together we can help our children achieve their true potential.

There will be many more things you wish to know about the school. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact me.

Yours sincerely

Mrs E McGowan

Headteacher

School Prospectus

2007

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT OUR SCHOOL

Elland Church of England Junior and Infant & Nursery School is a Church of England Aided co-educational school for day pupils.

CONTENTS LIST

Page 2 Letter from The Bishop

Page 3 Aims of our School

Page 4 Letter from the Headteacher

Page 5 Mission Statement

Page 6 Governors and Staff

Page 7 Admission procedure and Appeals procedure

Page 8-10 School Building and Grounds, Parents visiting school, Class Org.

Special Needs, Progress and Attainment, Sex Education, School Day,

Holiday Dates, The Curriculum, Sporting Aims

Page 11 Complaints Procedure

Page 12 Information on documents in school and outside visits

Page 13 Homework, Welfare of Pupils, School Uniform, PE and Games, Discipline

Page 14 Bullying, Extra Curricular Activities, School Council, Helping in School

Page 15-19 A-Z - Your Questions Answered

Page 20 Standardised Test Results

Page 21 Holiday Dates

Page 13 Homework, Welfare of Pupils, School Uniform, PE and Games, Discipline

Page 14 Bullying, Extra Curricular Activities, School Council, Helping in School

Page 15 -19 A -Z - Your Questions Answered

A LETTER FROM THE BISHOP OF WAKEFIELD

From earliest times the Christian faith has held learning and teaching at its heart – the monasteries of Yorkshire were centres of education. The Church of England helped pioneer education for all and the Diocese of Wakefield now has 104 Church schools within its boundaries. For all these reasons we welcome you and your child to this school.

We hope you will find it a happy community where young people are nourished in every way. This school offers all that our educational system requires, but it aims to do this within the context of the Christian faith, where teaching and learning are rooted in faith in God as seen in Christ Jesus, and handed on by the Church over the centuries. Alongside this must stand the respect for children of other faiths.

Church schools work to foster those attitudes in children which prepare them to become good, reliable and honest members of the wider community. But good citizenship is also dependent upon and nurtured by the guidance and example received through family life. We invite you, then, to work with the school staff in helping your child to develop into a mature and responsible member of the community. This will mean guiding your child to grow spiritually, socially and intellectually, thereby encouraging self-respect, respect for others and faith in God.

We welcome you most warmly and I commend you to God’s blessing.

Stephen Wakefield

The Rt Revd Stephen Platten

Bishop’s Lodge, Woodthorpe Lane, Wakefield, WF2 6JL

Tel: 01924 255349 email: bishop@wakefield.anglican.org Fax: 10924 250202

MISSION STATEMENT

Elland Church of England School’s vision of education is underpinned by Christian principles. It should be dynamic and focus on a meaningful curriculum for our children, so that we may celebrate their achievement and allow them to reach their true potential.

“Forward with Children in our Hearts”

Statement of Context on School Ethos that underpins the Mission Statement:

Elland Church of England School is a Church School for pupils between the ages of 3 and 11 years. It is one part of a community of communities – being a member of the family of the Diocese of Wakefield whilst at the same time serving the parish community of St Mary’s and All Saints Church, Elland.

The ethos of our school is based upon the belief that all knowledge is informed by and derives its ultimate meaning from the faith within whose context it is pursued. The beliefs and practices of the Christian faith are fundamental to the every day life of Elland Church of England School.

It follows from the above that the curriculum of the school aims not simply at passing on a narrow collection of subjects or experiences but rather in its widest sense, it seeks to offer all who come into contact with the school – especially staff, pupils, governors and parents - the opportunity to explore the mystery which God is and at the same time seeks to provide opportunities to demonstrate the gospel of Jesus Christ in action.

This statement further leads us to affirm that each child is the unique gift of God and as such we strive to work in the wider active partnership with all those who have the responsibility of the children within our care, most notably parents and the wider parish community. This statement further leads us to affirm the gospel values of trust, respect, tolerance, honesty and forgiveness of others. The school seeks to provide equality of opportunity for all (staff and pupils), regardless of colour, race, creed, gender or physical ability.

We aim to make Elland Church of England School a place where the love of God enters into the hearts of all associated with the school and where success is judged by honest and serious endeavours of all to be the kind of people God, in his love, intends us to be.

As a consequence of all of the above we wish to celebrate and proclaim God’s love for us all in collective worship which both encourages reflection at a personal level or our own journey and faith and is also responsive to the wider needs of the community.

AIMS OF OUR SCHOOL

To express Christian values in all areas of the life of our Church School;
To promote the personal, social, academic and spiritual development of all pupils;
To work in partnership with pupils, parents, the Church and the wider community;
To offer all pupils a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum which meets the requirements of Curriculum 2000 and includes religious education.
To allow everyone a voice;
To promote an aspirational culture, to allow all to achieve their true potential through the promotion of high expectations;
To create and maintain an attractive and well-resourced learning environment;
To develop communities where pupils feel safe and comfortable but also experience challenge and stimulation in appropriate contexts;
To foster in our pupils a sense of responsibility, self-discipline and respect for all.
To make a difference

The Governing Body:

                              Mr Alan Simpson            -Chairman (All Committees) & Appeals Panel

                              Father David Burrows       -Vice Chair - Finance & Staffing

                                                                                                                  Interviewing Panel

                                   Mrs Betty Halstead         -Staffing Commitee Literacy/D&T

                                    Mrs S Burrows

                            Mrs Rebecca Wharvell    - Foundation Stage

                                                 Mrs Jennifer Hastings     -Staffing

                                                Mrs Brenda Simpson        - PCC Nomination

                                                Mrs Kathryn Walsh                - Teacher Nomination & Chairman of Curriculum Committee

                                                Mrs Pauline Pascall

                             Miss Sheila Jackson        - Finance and Curriculum

                             Mrs Susan Blunstone        - Curriculum

                                    Mrs Joyce Cather         - Parent Nomination

                                    Mrs Rachael Rothery            -Reception

                             Mrs Marilyn Wadsworth - CLERK TO THE GOVERNORS

Mrs Susan Blunstone - PCC Nomination

Mrs Gail Cruse - Parent Nomination

Teaching Staff: Mrs E McGowan - HEADTEACHER Child Protection/PSHCE/DT/

Mrs Diane Hayward - (Y3) DEPUTY HEADTEACHER Music/Assessment

Mrs Debra Greenwood -(Reception) FOUNDATION STAGE MANAGER/ Science

Mrs Kirsty Bedford - (Y6) Numeracy
Mrs Anita Pritchard - (Y1/2)

Mrs Caroline Savage - (Y5) RE/Literacy

Other Members of Staff:

Mrs Gail Mann - Site Manager

Mrs Marilyn Wadsworth - School Administrator Mr Richard Sutcliffe - Admin/ICT

Mrs Jennifer Hastings - Early Years Teaching Assistant Mrs Lesley Kitchen- Early Years Teaching Assistant
Mrs Tracy Kelly- Nursery Teaching Assistant Mrs Maxine Fox - Teaching Assistant/Snr MDS

Mrs Wendy Johnson - Teaching Assistant/MDS Mrs Sheila Sutcliffe - Teaching Assistant

Mrs Anne Hindle - Statemented Support Miss Sarah Agnew - Statemented Support

Mrs Claire Tordoff - Teaching Assistant/MDS Mrs Beverley Marsh - Teaching Assistant/Admin

Mrs Nicky Wadsworth - Statemented Support/MDS

Miss Deborah Smith - Cleaner Miss Kirsty Copley -Cleaner

Mrs Claire Jenkins - Catering Manager Mrs Rita Groves - Assistant Cook

Mrs Michelle Bassinder - General Kitchen Assistant Mr Philip Hamer -Lunchtime Support

Mrs Kathryn Walsh - (Y2) SENCO/History/Geography

ADMISSIONS POLICY

The Church established the School in 1846 when the Thornhill Charity School, opened in 1718 was incorporated. The School continues to be maintained by the members of St Mary’s Church, Elland and All Saints Church, Elland.

The School was established to provide Education according to the teachings and principles of the Church of England for children from the ecclesiastical district or parish of Elland and immediate district.

Based on the Church of England Foundation the Governors will apply the following criteria, in the order given, to determine the admission of children to the School.

a). Looked after children where the Local authority and school governors, after discussion, deem the school to be the most suitable to deal with the individual needs of the child.
b). Children who are statemented (in accordance with the Education Act 1996) as being in need of an educational placement in Elland CE (VA) J, I & N School.
Children who have a sibling registered at the School on the proposed date of admission;

Children whose parents seek admission for them on medical or social grounds this includes any children with disabilities. Such applications must be supported by a letter from the Area Medical Officer, or the Group Director, Schools and Children’s Services Directorate or the Group Director of Health and Social Care;
Children whose parents are active worshipping members of the Church of England, whose names are on the Parish Electoral Roll of other churches;
Children of parents who are active worshipping members of the congregations of other churches within the Parish of Elland which accept the doctrine of the Trinity;
Children of other faiths whose parents positively select a school with a religious ethos;
Children living in the ecclesiastical parish of Elland;
Other children.

Notes

If the above criteria are insufficient to distinguish between applications, then the governors will allocate a place to the children who, at the time of registration, live nearest to the school by the shortest route as the crow flies, from the front door of the residence to the front of the school.
Parents seeking admission under criteria 1 or 4 should meet with the Headteacher and the chair of governors to discuss the suitability of the school before application.
Parents seeking admission under criteria 2, 5 or 6 should complete a supplementary application form for admission on religious grounds. This form is in addition and not instead of the Common Preference Form at the back of this booklet.

Admissions Procedure

The Planned Admission Limit for admission to all classes in the school, year commencing 2008, will be a maximum of 30. This arrangement follows consultation between the Governing Body, the Diocesan Board of Education, Local Authorities and other admissions authorities in the area. The Governing Body will not place any restrictions on admissions to any class unless the number of children for whom admission is sought exceeds this number. By law, no infant class may contain more than thirty children.

Appeals Procedure

Where parents wish to appeal against the decision of the governors, the following procedure exists. Parents have the right to appeal to an independent appeals panel set up for this purpose. The notification of this wish to appeal should be made within 21 days receipt of this letter informing parents of the Governing Body’s decision to refuse admission and should be addressed to: Clerk to The Aided Schools Appeals Panel, Church House, 1 South Parade, Wakefield WF1 1LP.

SCHOOL BUILDING AND GROUNDS

There is evidence of a school in Elland before 1663. The Thornhill Charity School opened in 1718 and was later incorporated into the present school site, which was first used in 1846. The school was extended in 1871 by the building of the Infant School. The school built in 1846 was damaged by fire in 1942 and subsequently demolished. Education continued in various halls in Elland and West Vale. Early in 1958 work began on extensions and improvements which resulted in the school as we have it now.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR PARENTS WISHING TO VISIT THE SCHOOL

Parents considering applying for a place at the school for their child are welcome to contact the Headteacher and arrange an informal visit at any time.

New entrants to Nursery visit school on a number of occasions in June and home visits are arranged. Parents of children starting in the Reception Class in September are invited to have lunch with their children in the school dining hall towards the end of the term.

The school holds a parent-teacher ‘consultation’ evening each term when problems can be sorted out and progress discussed. These are not the only times when parents can visit – we would hope that parents would come into school when problems arise. An appointment can be made but often teachers are prepared to have discussions before or after school when possible.

CLASS ORGANISATION

Pupils are grouped in form classes for registration, pastoral care and for Curriculum subjects. Pupils in both Key Stage 1and Key Stage 2 are in straight Year groups.

SPECIAL NEEDS (Children doing exceptionally well)

Some children may be doing so well in school that they are a long way ahead of their year group and the usual provision in the class is not “stretching” them. We will do everything we can to support their needs by providing extension activities and other special work so that they can continue to make individual progress.

SPECIAL NEEDS (Children with difficulties)

All children are different and some find learning and school life easier than others. It is estimated that, at some stage in school life, one child in five will need special help because of medical, physical or learning difficulties. When we are concerned about a particular child we will make contact with parents at an early stage. Should it be decided to approach outside agencies such as the Behaviour Attendance Team. External independent SEN consultants or the Educational Psychologist for help we will always seek the consent of parents before a referral is made. Many children receive special help for many different reasons and a request for permission to refer children does not always imply that there is something "wrong".

Children with Special Needs are assessed on a two-point scale, school action and school action +. They will progress up and down in accordance with their need.

School Action Minor concerns- Discussed with parents, noted on Special Needs Register, needs met and monitored by the class teacher. Some difficulties - Individual plan drawn up by class teacher - needs monitored by class teacher and Special Needs Co-ordinator.

School Action + Significant difficulties - Involvement of outside agencies (such as Educational Psychologist) - termly reviews. More serious concern - The child’s needs are assessed by a variety of people (Teacher, Special Needs Co-ordinator, Psychologist, Doctor etc.) at the end of the assessment a decision will be made to move the child to school action + or not. Statement of support - A ‘Statement’ will be drawn up by the Local Education Authority. This will list the child’s needs and indicate how, when and where these will be met and will specify and additional resources necessary.

PUPILS’ PROGRESS AND ATTAINMENT

All parents receive an annual report at the end of each Academic Year. This will give an indication of the progress children have made in the Statutory Curriculum Subjects as well as commenting on their social and personal development.

We have a rigorous tracking system using internal tracking systems as well as Raise on Line and PAT (Pupil Achievement Tracker). The children’s scores are collated and analysed. This analysis allows us to act quickly and intervene if a child is not making enough progress as well as to track individual attainment for each pupil. Parents are kept informed of their child’s attainment and progress and are supported in helping their children to achieve their full potential.

Towards the end of the school year all Year 2 and Year 6 pupils take Standard Assessments and are given a grade or level of attainment by their teachers. This is reported to parents and is common practice in all schools.

SEX EDUCATION

At some stage, during Year 6 all of our children will be offered a short programme of sex education. The pupils watch a TV programme called ‘Living and Growing’. This is a series of 8 programmes for 9-13 year olds in which the “family” provides a major focus. The aim of the series is to provide the vocabulary and knowledge, which could lead to discussions between child and parent or teacher. Topics covered include growing up, secondary sexual characteristics, physical development, courtship, intercourse, antenatal care, birth and the new baby. The last two programmes in the series, which deal with peer group pressures and the risks of irresponsible sexual activity, are aimed at the older children in the age range and are not watched.

Parents may accompany their child in class sessions and are invited into school to view the materials used beforehand. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from a lesson or accompany their child.

TIME SET ASIDE FOR TEACHING DURING EACH SCHOOL DAY

Allowing for the flexibility enjoyed in the primary school the teaching times are as follows:

Early Morning Work: 8.35 a.m. with bell rung at 8.45 a.m.

Registration; 8.50 a.m.

Playtime: 10.15 a.m. – 10.30 a.m.

Lunch: 12.15 p.m.

Registration: 12.55 pm.

Home: 2.55pm. Monday – Thursday

2.30p.m. on Friday

The minimum teaching time recommended by DfES is Key Stage 1 is 21 hours and Key Stage 2 is 23.5 hours. At present both Key Stages teach 23.5 hours.

HOLIDAY DATES for 2007/2008

These are enclosed on a separate sheet.

THE CURRICULUM

We aim to offer each child a varied curriculum at Elland Church of England School (this is expanded upon within our Curriculum Statement). Each child is encouraged to work to their own ability and develop an inquisitive mind and self-confidence having the opportunity to exercise their own particular talents. We hope that each child will be able to maximise their own potential within the framework of our curriculum, whilst gaining a thorough grasp of the basic skills.

We aim to ensure continuity of curriculum through organisation, assessment and record keeping. Within national guidelines the following subject areas are taught: the core subjects of English, Maths, Science and Information Communication and Technology. As a Christian school RE is also a core subject. We also teach the foundation subjects of Design Technology, History, Geography, Music, Art, Physical Education and PSHCE. We have daily ‘Literacy and Numeracy Hours’. In addition to these requirements we are aware of the importance of the social and personal development of the child and do not ignore such matters as environment, health, multi-cultural education and equality of opportunity. Many of our pupils are encouraged to take extra responsibility within school and help as playleaders, monitors and house captains.

Religious Education is fundamental to our life and work as a Church School. This is provided in accordance with the Wakefield Diocesan Syllabus and is mainly Christian in nature. Christian collective worship takes place on a daily basis and is led by school staff, local clergy and other appropriate visitors. If requested, the school will make arrangements for parents to exercise their right of withdrawal from religious worship and instruction under Section 25 of the 1944 Education Act.

As part of the school’s PE programme, children are expected to undertake swimming in Year 3.

SPORTING AIMS AND PROVISION FOR SPORT

The school seeks to encourage and facilitate sport. Pupils have the opportunity to take part in football, netball, gymnastics and seasonal rounders as extra curricular activities. We provide a trained gymnastic instructor to train our children to a competitive level. The large hall is used for PE lessons and has a good range of resources. Other sporting activities take place in the playgrounds. We are a part of The Brooksbank Partnership’, which is very advantageous for our pupils and offers a wide range of sporting activities.

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

The Local Education Authority has provided schools with guidance on complaints procedure in line with the new schools framework Act in which the LEA is sited as an agent to support and challenge schools. They emphasise that the school and the Governing Body are the first port of call for complaints and the LEA will intercede only when this avenue is exhausted and when invited to do so. The areas covered by the complaints procedure include matters relating to the implementation and delivery of the curriculum; the provision of religious education and worship; changing policies in relation to the curriculum; the temporary withdrawal of pupils from part or all of the provisions of the curriculum.

If parents have any concerns about their children’s education they should contact the Headteacher who will be pleased to arrange an appointment to discuss this. Information with regards to complaints regarding school curriculum or collective worship can be obtained by contacting the Chairman of Governors, Fr David Burrows. If parents concerns are unresolved and they wish to pursue matters further the LEA have drawn up a complaints procedure (required under section 409 of the Education Act 1996) which parents may wish to consult. Please ask.

DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE IN SCHOOL

The following documents are available for inspection in school:

The School Prospectus;
The Governing Body’s School Profile;
All Policies are available in a file
A copy of our full OfSTED Inspection Report and subsequent OfSTED Action Plan.
A copy of our full SIAS (Specific Inspection of Anglican Schools) report.
Letters from Parents and the Community
Enrichment file (photos and newspaper reports)
Any schemes of work currently used by teachers at the school;

OUTSIDE VISITS

The school has a policy on outside visits, which is broadly in agreement with the accepted policy of the LEA. The Governors wish to continue with our day visits and with residential visits for older pupils. As you know, it is necessary to canvas voluntary contributions in order to arrange such visits.

Parents are informed of specific details of each visit in plenty of time, and a sufficient level of voluntary contributions will be required to ensure that each visit takes place.

Charges and Remissions Policy (Summary)

School Visits	LEA Charging Policy	Funded by:
Non Residential
(a) in School hours	No Charge	School or voluntary contributions
(b) outside School hours	Full Charge	Parents or School
Residential
In School time	(i) No charge for incidentals including transport	School or voluntary contributions
	(ii) Charge for board and lodgings*	Parents or School

*NB The whole amount for each residential visit must be paid for all pupils. The LEA will remit £12.50 per year for pupils in receipt of Free School Meals.

HOMEWORK

Homework is now a statutory requirement and pupils are encouraged to complete work given by class teachers at the end of the day. We believe that parental encouragement is important and this partnership between home and school can only assist the child in making progress.

PASTORAL, SOCIAL AND WELFARE NEEDS OF PUPILS

Overall responsibility for the social/pastoral care of the pupils is the Headteacher’s, although Class Teachers assume an immediate responsibility for the care of children in their class. The Deputy Head and SENCO offer assistance in meeting the pastoral needs of pupils. Parents concerned about any social/welfare problem affecting their child may make an appointment to see the Class Teacher or Headteacher.

In cases of illness or emergency parents are contacted and invited to collect their child and take them home or to hospital. If this is not possible the Headteacher or Secretary will take the child home and, if necessary, collect the parents and take them to the hospital. It is important that any change of address and/or telephone number is immediately given to the School Secretary so that our emergency contact cards are up to date.

DRESS AT SCHOOL – SCHOOL UNIFORM

School Uniform is compulsory and consists of a navy blue sweatshirt, or sweatshirt cardigan and grey or black skirts or trousers. We recommend that pupils wear a light blue or navy blue polo shirt with the school logo on, but blue or white blouses or shirts may be worn as an alternative. Girls may wear blue and white striped lightweight dresses in the summer.

School uniform may be purchased from the secretary's office at a reasonable price.

We also have a stock of hats to provide protection from the sun.

P.E. AND GAMES

Physical Education is an important part of the curriculum. All children will have both indoor and outdoor P.E. and games lessons. We ask that children have black or navy shorts, a blue school T-shirt or similar, and black or white plimsolls or trainers in school at all times. (We suggest that these are kept in a drawstring bag and are taken home for washing each weekend). Tracksuits may be worn for outdoor games. It is also important that children do not wear their P.E. clothing for the rest of the day. In the interests of hygiene P.E. kit should be changed out of at the end of the P.E. lesson. Children are not allowed to wear jewellery during PE.

DISCIPLINE

Our aim is always to promote and encourage good behaviour rather than to deal with poor behaviour and we actively look for good behaviour. Children are praised for good behaviour and are able to work towards both class-based and school-wide awards and rewards. As a Christian school we foster a climate of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Personal Social & Health Education now combined with Citizenship is an important part of our curriculum and as such helps to create a positive environment and ethos in classrooms and in and around school in general. So that any disciplinary problem can be avoided, class teachers use a clear framework of PSHCE as an integral part of our Positive Behaviour Policy.

BULLYING

Bullying, which involves dominance of one pupil by another or group of others, is usually deliberate and normally forms a pattern of behaviour rather than just one incident? If either pupils or parents feel that bullying is taking place they should report it without delay to the child’s class teacher who will investigate and take appropriate action. The school has zero tolerance to bullying. Bullying has been defined in school as being-regular, unprovoked, hurtful, unfair and by the same person or the same group of people.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

During the school year we offer a range of after school clubs and activities. These activities are run after school. These will usually be for a fixed number of weeks and be open to specified age groups. We will let you know about any activities open to your child and ask you to give permission for them to attend. We do ask that once a child has started to attend he or she continues to take part for the remainder of the term. At present the range of activities on offer includes Rugby, Football, Netball/Basketball, Recorders, ICT and Gifted and Talented. We are proud of the enriching and varied experiences we offer our children.

SCHOOL COUNCIL

We are very proud to say that we have a very active council in school made up from pupils. The council is consulted on all matters pertaining to the school and is an ideal way for everyone to raise issues in a meaningful way. The council is also involved in social and fund raising activities. Council members are elected annually and hold office for one academic year. Council meetings are held once per half term. These are minuted and are available to the school community.

HELPING IN SCHOOL

There are very many ways in which parents can help the school. These range from help in the classroom to D.I.Y. projects.

As part of our Literacy and Numeracy strategy we are encouraging parents to become involved on a regular basis. This involves supporting teachers as they deliver the Literacy and Numeracy hours. If you would like to be involved in any way please let your child's teacher know. You will be made very welcome. With the advent of the Criminal Investigation Bureau, schools are required by law to see a certification from volunteers that they have been police checked before they are allowed to work in any capacity with children. The school will provide information as to how to go about this check if requested.

‘A to Z’ – Your Questions Answered

INTRODUCTION

When children start a new school there are many questions parents need to know the answers to. Similarly, as children move upwards through the school or when circumstances change, there are a number of matters which parents need information about.

We hope the following ‘A to Z’ of Elland Church of England School will be of help.

ABSENCE

Elland CE School makes every effort to avoid unauthorised absences and always asks parents to notify school either by letter or telephone if their child is ill. Leave of absence forms are required to be completed if holidays are requested during term time and it is expected that no more than two weeks will ever be taken in any one school year. Your child can only have ten school days as authorised absence, any more than this would be recorded as unauthorised.

ACCESS TO THE SCHOOL BUILDING

In the interests of the safety of children and the security of property most external doors open from the inside only. The main entrance door (front of school) will be open at the beginning of the day from 8 a.m. for Breakfast Club and from 8.35 a.m. – 8.50 am for the whole school and from 2.55 p.m. - 3.30pm. The back door will be available for Reception Class pupils only at these times. If you have a child in Reception Class who has an older brother or sister in school, then arrangements can be made for the older child to be escorted to the back entrance for collection. At the end of the school day Year 1 and Year 5 pupils exit through the Parochial Hall doors.

Visitors coming into school are asked to use the main entrance at the front of school. All other doors are locked during the day and any visitors with appointments will sign in and wear a visitors badge.

All staff are required to log in and log out when they go off site, a simple method by identifying themselves on an attendance board situated outside the main school office. This is an additional security measure that we feel is necessary to monitor and track who is on site and where they are at any one time.

APPOINTMENTS

If you have any worries, questions or concerns about your child at school, the first point of contact is your child’s class teacher. Teachers are normally available in their classrooms immediately before and after school, although this may not be the best time or place to discuss the issue. An appointment can be made with the class teacher at a mutually convenient time. If the Headteacher is available she will be more than pleased to see you without an appointment. If she is not available, please see the Deputy Headteacher or make an appointment.

ASSESSMENT

Class teachers continuously assesses the progress of all of our children and this will be discussed with you on parents' evenings and incorporated in the child's annual report. In addition, at the end of Year 2 and Year 6, children are assessed rather more formally in accordance with Government policy. Again this information will be contained in the child's report and may be discussed at the following parents' evening.

BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL

Our school building has narrow corridors and many steps. Entrances and the spaces outside classrooms can easily become congested with pushchairs at the start and end of the school day and this could cause not only inconvenience, but also danger in the case of fire. To keep our school orderly and safe the following arrangements will apply;

Children should not arrive at school before 8.30am. (unless attending Breakfast Club). At 8.35am the main door at the front of school and the door in the rear playground (for Reception Class only) will be unlocked, children can then make a good start to the day by coming in and doing their early morning work before registration. Please refer to the ACCESS TO THE SCHOOL BUILDING paragraph.

There is normally no need to bring your children further than the door. If you wish to talk to your child’s teacher before school is a good time to do it but please remember that if you have a serious concern it is probably better to arrange an appointment to see the teacher after school has ended. In the interests of safety we ask that you do not come into the building unless you have a particular reason for doing so.

At 8.45 am a bell will be rung in both playgrounds and children must come into school and go straight to class.

PLEASE DO NOT ACCOMPANY YOUR CHILD INTO SCHOOL UNLESS YOU NEED TO SEE A TEACHER.

When meeting children after school we ask that you arrive to collect your child from the playground promptly. Parents collecting children should wait for them in the playground and not in the Entrance Hall or corridors.

We regret that these arrangements may mean that parents occasionally have to wait outside in poor weather at the end of the school day. We will always do our best to send children out on time. We do say to children that if the person that they expect to meet is not there then they should come back in and tell their teacher.

Reception children, during their first two weeks of school, may be brought to and from classrooms by parents, but once this period is over the above arrangements will apply to all parents.

BREAKFAST CLUB

Breakfast Club starts at 8.00 a.m. and consists of a choice of cereals, toast and a choice of jams, followed by milk or a hot drink of either hot chocolate or tea. There is also a menu of activities which operates. Payment for the first week can be brought to school on Fridays for the following week. It is advisable to add your name to the waiting list as Breakfast Club is very popular and we do often have children waiting to attend.

CLASSES

As children progress through the school they move from year group to year group. These are;

Nursery the school year in which they are 4;

Year 5 (Y5) the school year in which they are 10;

Year 6 (Y6) the school year in which they are 11.

Primary education is also divided into two "Key Stages";

Foundation Stage - Nursery and Reception

Key Stage 1 (Infants) –Y1 & Y2

Key Stage 2 (Juniors) - Y3 to Y6

We have a Foundation Stage Unit which Nursery and Reception share. At present all other classes are taught in single cohorts. Our curriculum is organised so that each child is taught appropriately to his or her needs and abilities.

FIRST AID

The school has trained First Aiders. Children with minor cuts and scrapes will be given appropriate attention but, in the case of a more serious injury or illness, we will contact you and ask you to come to school and take your child to the doctor or hospital for treatment. It is important that you give us the telephone number of at least one person who can come to collect the child in an emergency.

FOOD IN SCHOOL

We have a tuck shop each day and as a Healthy School we encourage children to buy fruit or popcorn but homemade cake and biscuits are available. If children have a packed lunch they can bring juice or water but please do not send fizzy pop. Snacks brought in packed lunches must not be eaten outside the dining area at any time during the day. At no time is chewing gum allowed in school.

JEWELLERY AND WATCHES

Please do not wear jewellery and watches at school. From a health and safety point of view, pierced ears can cause many problems for children in school.

IF STUDS MUST BE WORN THEY MUST BE REMOVED BEFORE SWIMMING AND PE LESSONS

Staff cannot remove studs or earrings. Pupils may hurt themselves when trying to remove them on their own and this can cause anxiety and serious damage to ear lobes. We will do our best to look after such valuables, but we cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damage.

LATENESS

It is important that pupils arrive in school in time for the start of the session. The main doors are locked ten minutes after sessions begin so that we can ensure that the school is secure from intruders. We are very grateful for your help in ensuring that this takes place. Children who arrive late not only miss out on their own opportunities to learn, but also cause disruption to the learning of others.

Children who arrive late at school are noted at the office. Children who are late consistently (3 times in a week) activate a late letter to be sent home automatically to remind parents about the importance of children arriving at school for a sharp, smart start to the school day.

LOST PROPERTY

We ask that each and every item of your child's property and clothing is clearly marked with his or her name. We can order some name labels at a reasonable cost, please contact the School Secretary. A lost property box is located at the bottom of the steps in the Dining Hall and anyone who thinks they may have lost something should check here first. At the end of each term all personal property should be taken home.

LUNCHTIME ARRANGEMENTS

At lunchtime children may eat a school meal or bring a packed lunch. Families with low incomes may be entitled to free school meals - if you would like more information about this please contact the School Administrator. Children who pay for their meals are asked to bring dinner money for the week on a Monday morning. We are quite flexible in that if a child likes the look of the menu one day they can bring their money in a named envelope and a dinner can be arranged through the school office. If children wish to change from dinners to a packed lunch from home the office must be made aware of the change the week before the child wishes to start the new arrangement

Children eating a packed lunch should do so only in the Dining Hall. It is our policy to ask children to take home any uneaten food in their lunch box so that you will be aware of how much has not been eaten. As we are a healthy eating school we do ask that your child brings a sensible packed lunch e.g. sandwich, yoghurt and fruit.

MEDICINE IN SCHOOL

Children who suffer from asthma will keep their inhalers in class. Our policy regarding medication in school is available for parents in the entrance hall.. If a child needs regular long - term medication parents should contact the Headteacher and discuss their child's needs. It is not our usual policy to look after or administer medicine in any other cases unless there are exceptional circumstances - medicine which needs to be taken three times a day can be given at home before school, after school and at bedtime. We do not keep or administer paracetomol but a parent may come into school if necessary and give paracetomol to their child. Please inform school if you are going to do this. If medicine is administered in school parents must sign a consent form which will be kept in a file in the school office.

MUSIC

. Children wishing to play an instrument can collect an application form from the school office. The completed form will then be sent to Calderdale’s Music Section who have many teachers and offer a varied range of instruments. Lessons are timetabled into the school day.

PARENTAL CONSULTATION

We see education as a three-way partnership between the school, the child and you, the parents. We hope that you will stay in close touch with your child's teacher at all times. Each term we hold Parents' Evenings when your child's progress can be discussed with the teacher and in the summer term we will send you a written report. If, at any time, you have any worries or concerns please contact the school.

PLAYTIME

There is a short break for pupils during the morning session. Some pupils may get the opportunity to have a short break in the afternoons too. When the weather is suitable children are expected to spend this break in the playgrounds. There may be occasions when, because of unfinished work, class teachers stay with children in the classroom. As the weather is changeable it is important that the children always bring a coat.

At lunchtimes our Play Leaders offer a menu of games and other activities designed to teach the children how to play together safely and with enjoyment. These sessions are very successful and are run by our Teaching Assistants.

READING

Reading is perhaps the most important component of education, particularly in the early years. All of our children are encouraged to bring books home to read with you. Please help us and help your child by being ready to read to and listen to your child. It is best to do this in a quiet environment and to praise and encourage rather than focussing on mistakes. Children have a "Reading Record" which we encourage you to complete whenever you read with them.

SCHOOL VISITS

All classes are normally offered the opportunity to take part in at least one educational visit during the school year. Although we do not exclude any child from these if their parents are unable to pay, the visits can only take place if sufficient voluntary contributions are made by parents to cover the costs (which we always keep as low as possible). Parents who wish their child to participate in a visit but are unable to contribute should contact the Headteacher as soon as they receive details of the proposed visit.

SECONDARY SCHOOLS

The majority of our pupils transfer to The Brooksbank School in Elland at the end of Year 6. Some also transfer to Holy Trinity Church of England School in Halifax or other school in Calderdale. We maintain links with any schools that our children go to. During their child’s final year with us parents are sent information on secondary schools. Once a place has been allocated children are normally taken to visit their new school during the term before they leave us. Some parents opt to allow their child to sit an entrance exam for grammar school. Individual parents make these arrangements direct with the school they have chosen, usually during the Autumn term.

STARTING SCHOOL FOR THE FIRST TIME

When Reception (rising 5's) children start school at the beginning of the academic year we accept the whole class from the start of term full time, including lunch and we have had no problems with this arrangement.

SWIMMING

Year 3 have swimming lessons at Elland Pool for all or part of the school year. Some children that are already competent swimmers will not be required to attend swimming lessons. This is so that we can ensure that all pupils can swim by the time they leave primary school. Your child’s teacher will let you know when the lessons will take place. Pupils will need to bring swimwear and a towel. If, for any reason, a child is unfit for swimming we ask that a note of explanation be sent on each occasion. In the interests of health and safety all jewellery (including earrings) must be removed before entering the pool.

TELEPHONE

The school telephone number is (01422) 373159. During office hours the School Secretary will usually answer the telephone but there may be occasions when the answerphone is switched on. Calls received via the answerphone will normally be

returned the next school day. We regret that the school telephone is not normally available to pupils either for incoming or outgoing calls.

Welcome to Our School !

Reception the school year in which they are 5;

Year 1 (Y1) the school year in which they are 6;

Year 2 (Y2) the school year in which they are 7;

Year 3 (Y3) the school year in which they are 8;

Year 4 (Y4) the school year in which they are 9;