This is an Outstanding School. School Prospectus A small school with a big heart

Transcription

1 This is an Outstanding School School Prospectus A small school with a big heart

2 A warm welcome to Asmall From the Headteacher... I am very pleased to welcome you to Asmall Primary School and look forward to working in partnership with you and your child throughout the coming months and years. I have been Headteacher here since January 2011 and I am proud to lead such a happy, caring school where every member of staff knows each child personally. Choosing the right school for your child is one of the most important decisions parents can make and I would be delighted if you entrusted your child s primary education with us. At Asmall we take great pride in the fact that we provide an outstanding education in a warm and welcoming family atmosphere, where every child is known and valued as an individual. We are a small family school, with around 100 children, and have a very caring and dedicated staff. We strive to help all children grow into independent and successful individuals, and whilst we are proud of our children s academic achievements, we also firmly believe in making learning creative and fun and in developing the whole child. The following information can only give you a glimpse of what our school is really like. I would be more than happy to spend some time with you and to show you around our school, so that you can see for yourself how special Asmall is. Please telephone the school office to make an appointment. I look forward to meeting you soon. Michelle Speak Headteacher Mission Statement Working happily together to ensure opportunity and achievement

3 Primary School 1

4 Aims Pupils should: Feel secure, happy and valued in a caring, trusting environment. Achieve their full potential academically, creatively, spiritually and socially regardless of gender, race, religion or disability. Develop lively enquiring minds with the ability to solve problems independently. Experience a joy in learning and take pleasure from academic excellence. Develop meaningful relationships and be sensitive to the needs of others. Develop an awareness of different beliefs and cultures whilst demonstrating respect and tolerance. Become active members of the community. Behave appropriately and take responsibility for their own actions. Accept responsibility for the quality of the environment. Be prepared for life as adults and citizens. Pupils benefit from outstanding teaching and make rapid progress. Ofsted Inspection

5 What is special about Asmall? Asmall Primary School is a small school just outside the centre of Ormskirk. In a semi-rural setting, yet close to good road and rail networks and local amenities, Asmall combines the best of both town and country. Asmall prides itself on its strong family relationships. Each and every child is known personally to all staff and its caring and welcoming atmosphere is tangible. Small classes with high adult:child ratio. Committed and experienced staff, who know every child as an individual. Awards The school is proud to have achieved many awards over the past few years. These include: Outstanding Ofsted Education Extra Award (for extra curricular activities). Learning Excellence Award (for teaching of languages). Learning Excellence Award (for teaching of ICT). Learning Excellence Award (for cross curricular education). Healthy Schools Award (for Personal, Social & Health Education). Silver Eco Award (for environmental education) Investors in People Award. Sports Active Mark. School grounds, recently developed with trim trail, galleon, gazebo and vegetable garden. Excellent ICT facilities. School Brass band - Free Brass Tuition in Years 4, 5 and 6. Swimming and Tennis Lessons for every junior child, every year. Variety of clubs and extra-curricular activities for all ages. Choice of hot and cold lunches, prepared fresh daily by our cook in our new kitchen. Before and After School Care (8.00am pm). Mums and Toddlers weekly sessions every Wednesday morning (10am am). Active 'Friends of Asmall' group, whose fundraising makes a real difference. 3

6 Starting School Starting school is one of those big steps in a young child s life - and in that of their parents! It s really important that we do all work together to make the transition from nursery / pre-school / home into school as smooth as possible. We believe that this can be achieved best by developing and maintaining close co-operation and communication between home and school. We actively promote a community spirit where all concerned - staff, children, parents and governors - are involved in the education of our children. It is so important that we all work together, and I do encourage you to feel free to make an appointment to see me or your child s class teacher at any time. Welcome Meeting You will be invited to a short Welcome Meeting for parents of the new Reception Class at the beginning of the June before your child starts school. During this time you will meet with myself, the Reception teacher and other members of the school team, who will be available to answer any questions and allay any worries you may have. There will be an opportunity to look around your child s new classroom and meet other parents of new Reception children. It s a lovely happy school. Visitor 4

7 "The pupils are polite and happy and the whole school environment comes across as a delightful and happy place to learn in." Visitor Taster Sessions Your child will also be invited to several taster sessions during the second part of the summer term. You would be most welcome to stay during these sessions if you wish, especially on the first visit, but I would encourage you to leave him/her once you are happy that he/she is settled. Starting School in September By September, the children will be familiar with their new teacher and classroom, but they are not accustomed to the school day. Reception children start by coming to school in their new uniforms for half days, building up to staying for lunch and then a whole day. This process happens over approximately one week. We believe that children s first experiences of school stay with them and shape their future attitudes and behaviour. By stepping their movement into full time school, we hope to give the children a very positive start, giving time for their confidence to grow and relationships to build. 5

8 School Uniform We are proud of our school uniform which provides a sense of identity with the school community and encourages children to take a pride in their dress and appearance. Winter Uniform White polo shirt. Grey school trousers/skirt. Red sweatshirt or cardigan with school logo. Black school shoes (with low heels. Trainers should not be worn except for outdoor PE lessons). Summer Uniform White polo shirt and grey shorts. Red checked dress. Red sweatshirt or cardigan with school logo. Black school shoes (please note that open toe sandals should not be worn for safety reasons). 6 Admission Policy The admission number for the school is set at a maximum of 25 per year group. The Governors criteria for admission are available on the school website:

9 PE Kit PE kits should be in school every day Indoor Kit Plain white T-shirt or T-shirt with school logo. Plain navy shorts (no sports logos please). Black slip-on pumps. Outdoor Kit (no football kits or logo) Plain white T-shirt or T-shirt with school logo. Trainers. Tracksuit bottoms and top or jumper to keep warm outside during PE sessions in our wonderful British climate! This is an outstanding school. Ofsted Inspection 2013 Swimming Kit (Years 3, 4, 5 and 6) Swimming trunks/costume. Swimming cap. Towel. Waterproof Bag (named). Optional Red fleece with school logo. Red waterproof reversible jacket with school logo. Red baseball cap with school logo. All items of clothing should be clearly named. School bags and clothing can be purchased from Premier Sports in Ormskirk. Jewellery For safety reasons, jewellery is not allowed in school. If your child s ears have recently been pierced plain studs are allowed to be worn, but MUST be removed (by your child) or covered with plasters for PE and Games. No earrings should be worn for swimming, therefore parents should consider very carefully the timing when having children s ears pierced. 7

10 School Dinners Excellent healthy, nutritious and freshly cooked meals are provided each day by our cook in our new school kitchen. Children may stay for school dinner or bring packed lunch or a combination. School lunches cost 11 per week or 2.40 per day. Menu Each day children can choose from: Menu of the day (e.g. homemade pie, potatoes and vegetables) Pasta Choice (e.g. Lasagne) Jacket Potato (with a variety of fillings) Cold Sandwich There are also family theme days when parents and grandparents will be invited into school to have a hot lunch too! Fruit Fruit is provided daily, free of charge to all infants as part of the Government Healthy Schools initiative. The children have free access to a salad bar in the dining room. There is a choice of desserts plus a drink. Special Theme day menus are offered regularly throughout the year when all children are invited to have a school meal. 8 At the end of Year 2 this year pupils attainment continues to be above average in reading, writing and mathematics. Ofsted Inspection 2013

11 The Curriculum At Asmall we aim to develop happy, well rounded children and this is reflected in our curriculum. This is achieved through the National Curriculum, crosscurricular links, the creative curriculum and the ethos of the school. The work is structured to ensure that all children enjoy a broad and balanced range of experiences with an emphasis on literacy and numeracy. The curriculum is presented through creative topics which link subjects as we believe that children learn best when their learning is meaningful, enjoyable and fun. Annual overviews of the curriculum for each class and details of individual subjects are available on the school web site. Those pupils leaving Year 6 in July secured above- average results in English and mathematics, particularly at the higher levels Ofsted Inspection

12 PE and Games The school has excellent facilities for sport large playing fields, three playgrounds, adventure play area and good gymnastic equipment in the school hall. We ensure that all children are given the opportunity to enjoy a wide range of activities appropriate to their age and ability in the areas of gymnastics, athletics, games, dance, swimming and outdoor adventure activities. Children are taught sport and exercise as a necessary part of a healthy lifestyle and a qualified sports coach works with all classes one day each week. Sporting activities offered through the extra curricular provision of the school enable those children, who are particularly talented or attracted to sport, to compete against children from other schools through football, netball, rugby, swimming and athletics. This is supplemented by a range of additional activities, often taught by professional external coaches: Tennis - Years 2-6 in partnership with Ormskirk Tennis Club. Football - Years 3-6. Tag Rugby Years 3-6 in partnership with Ormskirk Rugby Club. Outdoor Adventure (two nights, residential) Years 5 and 6. Swimming - Years 3 6 at Park Pool in Ormskirk (one term each year). Schools Sports Partnership Coaches for every class - Athletics, Invasion Games, Dance, Net/Wall Games, Stiking/Fielding and Gymnastics. We feel that it is important for all children to learn to swim and therefore fund the activity for Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 children through the school budget. There are significant strengths in the way pupils are taught both by teachers and their teaching assistants. Ofsted Inspection

13 There is a broad and stimulating curriculum. Pupils receive high-quality teaching in a wide range of subjects and learning related to real experiences outside the classroom as often as possible. Ofsted Inspection

14 R.E. and Collective Worship As a Community school we have no affiliation to any church or denomination. In order to enable the children to experience as many different religious views as possible, ministers from all the local churches and other visitors are regularly invited to share in our assemblies. The school follows the Lancashire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education. Children are taught about Christianity, Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and other faiths especially those represented by children in the school. Parents have the right to ask for their child to be excused from attendance at collective worship and/or religious education at school. 12

15 Inclusion Asmall is an inclusive school, with a wonderful ethos that is underpinned by excellent care, guidance and support. We believe that every child has the capacity to extend their learning beyond their expectations. We have an excellent record of achievement for all of our children and we are proud of successes. We closely monitor the children with special educational needs and provide additional support when necessary. This could be both in class or small group support. We work closely with our families to meet all the children s needs. More Able We have excellent provision for our more able children. Children are identified as being more able in a number of ways including teacher observation, optional and national tests and checklists of characteristics. Talented children are provided for in extra curricular activities including chess, choir, brass and guitar tuition, art club and football. In class our able pupils are given learning experiences which match their needs in terms of challenge, pace, depth and learning style. 13

16 The headteacher is excellent. She is very well supported by her senior staff and by high-quality governance. No stone is left unturned in the pursuit of excellence. Ofsted Inspection 2013 Extra Curricular Activities We offer an extensive range of extra curricular activities, the quality of which has been recognised through the Education Extra Award. All children are encouraged to participate in extra curricular activities, which are regarded as an important part of school life. As far as possible these are incorporated into the school day. Where activities are organised after school, children are invited by letter and they must have the written agreement of parents or guardians before taking part. 14 Activities offered during school time: Brass instruments Educational visits Games Club Tennis Coaching Choir Guitar Group Recorder Group football coaching at lunchtimes After school activities include: Football High 5s Netball Art Club Dodgeball Basketball Streetdance Multisports Sports Coaching Gardening Club Dance Chess Club Most activities are free, held weekly and are open to all children. Some specialist coaching, such as that from the Dance Club, is provided at a cost to parents. Guitar lessons are available to Years 2,3,4,5 and 6 are available at a small cost to parents. We also participate in the Penwortham Music Festival each Spring.

17 Welfare and Safety Every Child Matters The Every Child Matters outcomes, listed below, are central to everything that we do at Asmall: Collecting Children Please inform us if only certain people should collect your child from school, if a particular individual must not collect your child or a different adult than usual is collecting your child at hometime. S H E E P Stay Safe Be Healthy Enjoy and Achieve Economic well-being Make a Positive Contribution to society We value the safety and well being of all members of the school community and as such take the following measures: School Security A high priority is placed on the security of the children. Parents of Reception children are encouraged to come into class each day when the children arrive at school. From Year 1, children are encouraged to come into school by themselves. They will be met each morning by a teacher on the playground door between 8.45 and 8.50am. Parents are asked to leave their children at this time. At hometime, class teachers will accompany their children to the playground doors. Any child not collected will be brought back into school and a telephone call will be made to parents from the school office. Before and after these times the only way into the building is via the School Office door as security locks are installed on each external door to prevent intruders walking into the building. 15

18 Safeguarding and Child Protection The safety and well being of all children has overriding priority at Asmall. Children are cared for by dedicated staff who know them well and are alert to their needs. All staff and volunteers are DBS checked prior to working in school and all staff are trained in safeguarding on a regular basis. The Head Teacher and a Governor have responsibility for Child Protection. The school Child Protection Policy adheres to the recommendations of the Directorate for Children and Young People and is available in school. The school works closely with the Education Welfare Officer and Social Services in these matters. Please note: Because of the day to day contact with children, school is particularly well placed to observe outward signs of abuse, changes in behaviour or failure to develop. Parents should be aware, therefore that where it appears to a member of school staff that a child may have been abused, the school is required, as part of the Local Child Protection Procedures, to report their concern immediately. Pupils attitude to learning and their behaviour are generally outstanding. They help one another learn in class and are keen to come to school because of the enjoyable experiences and high-quality teaching they receive Ofsted Inspection Water Cold drinking water is available for every class. We have drinking fountains and water bottles are available to purchase at the school office. School Council At Asmall, we recognise the important role of our pupil voice. Each year group votes one of its members onto our very active School Council, who meet each week with the Headteacher and then report back to their classes or take part in assemblies. We ask the children s views on many aspects of school life and involve them in decision making where appropriate.

19 Behaviour and Discipline Asmall is a happy and caring school. Children are expected to be responsible for their own good behaviour. We are proud of our children and place a great priority on good behaviour and good manners. All children, in whole classes and smaller groups, participate in weekly sessions about relationships and social skills, based on the SEAL Project (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning). At Asmall we follow our own Golden Rules. These were devised by the children. Teachers know individual pupils very well. They demonstrate a strong commitment in ensuring the best possible development of pupils as individuals. Ofsted Inspection 2013 Golden Rules We show respect for everyone in school. We keep our hands and feet to ourselves. We follow instructions from adults first time. We show others that we care by the things we do and say. We listen and pay attention when the teacher is talking. Rewards Children who keep the Golden Rules will be rewarded in the following ways: Stickers to say Well done! Certificates in Rewards Assemblies Golden Time on Friday afternoons Children who keep the Golden Rules for a full half term gain extra special time for a treat in class. Serious discipline problems rarely occur and minor disturbances are dealt with immediately in school. If necessary, parents are involved in disciplinary matters. Bullying is never tolerated and all children are taught how to deal with this. 17

20 Home School Partnership As parents you are welcome to visit the school at any time. Throughout the year you will be invited to participate in various functions such as class assemblies, theme day lunches, coffee mornings, etc. Open days are arranged when children can share their work with you. Parents are encouraged to become fully involved in the life of the school and regular newsletters are sent home informing you of forthcoming events. Parent Responsibilities Being mindful of the health and safety of all our children we ask parents to : Supervise their children on the playground before and after school. Not smoke on school premises. Not bring dogs onto the playground. Park sensibly having regard to the safety of children and courtesy to the residents of Tennyson Drive. 18

21 The Friends of Asmall School The Friends provide much needed and valuable support for the school. Throughout the year many fund raising and social functions are held with all money raised going directly to the children in school. All parents automatically become members of the Friends association and are encouraged to participate in the wider life of the school. Meetings are held each term to organise events such as the Family Night, Easter Coffee Morning, the Summer Fayre etc. Friends events are very popular and always well attended. Your help would be very welcome we look forward to meeting you soon! The school actively and highly effectively promotes spiritual, moral, social and cultural development through everyday teaching and learning, assemblies and extracurricular activities. Ofsted Inspection 2013 Absence All children fall ill from time to time. Please telephone school by 9.30am on the first day of your child s absence, giving brief details. When your child returns to school, please send in a letter explaining the absence. This will be kept on file. It is important that children do attend school regularly and do not take time off unnecessarily. Keeping children at home to go shopping or visiting, or because parents are unwell is considered to be unauthorised. Children receive certificates for full attendance each term. Holidays in Term Time Family holidays should be taken out of term time. The law changed in September 2013 and children are no longer allowed to take time off from school for family holidays. 19

22 Children enjoying our annual re Charging Policy for Educational Visits Each year, educational visits and activities are organised to extend and enhance the children s experiences. We cannot demand a charge to be paid for educational activities which take place mainly during school hours or as a result of requirements of the national curriculum. Charges for visits are not compulsory and school or Friends of Asmall pays for many of them throughout the year, e.g. swimming lessons, annual trip to the pantomime. However, in order to continue providing day visits, sometimes voluntary contributions are requested. There is no discrimination of children whose parents are unable to contribute. Parents are invited to contact the head teacher if difficulties arise. Residential visits to Hothersall Lodge are planned for children in Years 5 and 6. Payments are spread over a period of several months and parents are kept well informed of arrangements by meetings in school and by letter. The children take part in a range of outdoor adventure activities and spend three days / two nights at the centre. This is always lots of fun and the highlight of the year for our older children. 20

23 sidential to Hothersall Lodge Concerns Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have concerns or worries about any aspect of school life. Your child's class teacher and Mrs Speak are usually available for a short time at the beginning and end of the school day, or an appointment can be made via the school office. 21

24 Headteacher : Mrs Michelle Speak Asmall Primary School Tennyson Drive Ormskirk Lancashire L39 3PJ head@asmall.lancs.sch.uk