Dear Parents and Carers, Thank you for requesting information about The Oaks. We are very proud both of our children and our school, and hope that this prospectus provides you with an insight into life at The Oaks and why this is the right school for your child. We believe that strong foundations in all areas of development will enable your child to become independent and flourish. You are their first educators and we believe very much in working in partnership with home throughout your child s time at our school. Our mission statement underpins all our work at The Oaks: Roots to Grow and Wings to Fly Success and Confidence for All. Our approach is very child-centred; we provide a happy, nurturing and caring environment, where learners are encouraged to develop in all aspects and are challenged to achieve their very best. Positive values and attitudes underpin our ethos. We have excellent teachers, wonderful facilities and an exciting and creative curriculum. Visits to our school are most welcome. Please contact the school office to arrange an appointment or ask any questions you may have. I look forward to meeting you. Penny Forbes Headteacher
The Oaks Nursery We are very fortunate to benefit from an on site Nursery at The Oaks, offering session and full-day care for pre-school children from the age of three. The-fully qualified staff work in excellent facilities as part of our Early Years Foundation Stage provision. Children develop their skills across all areas of learning in a nurturing and supportive environment, where their happiness and welfare is paramount. The provision for children in the Nursery and Reception classes is good. The way in which their welfare is promoted is outstanding. Ofsted Early Years Foundation Stage The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum is followed in the Reception Classes and Nursery it focuses on the six areas of learning: Personal, Social, Emotional Development, Communication, Language and Literacy Development, Mathematical Development, Knowledge and Understanding of the World, Physical Development and Creative Development. In a secure and spacious environment the foundations of successful learning are laid in the development of positive selfesteem, confidence, independence and good social skills. We value the role of structured play in developing children s learning and experiences and use both the indoor and outdoor environments. Key Stage One In Year 1 and 2, we build on the work of the EYFS in the development of the whole child, continuing to ensure that children become confident and independent learners. Key Stage Two Key Stage Two continues from Year 3 to Year 6 and during these years the children are challenged and motivated to become aware of themselves as learners and able to work collaboratively with others. We aim to keep learning fun and stimulating, underpinning the importance of strong literacy and numeracy skills as well as recognising that children will begin to show strengths and talent across and beyond the curriculum.
The Curriculum The curriculum of The Oaks includes all those activities designed and encouraged within our school to promote the intellectual, personal, social, emotional and physical development of our pupils. The curriculum includes not just the formal programme of lessons, but all those activities and features of the life of the school which contribute to our ethos, such as the quality of relationships, the development of values or attitudes and the quality of learning experiences. At The Oaks we enable pupils to develop a wide range of skills; using and applying these skills meaningfully within a broad and balanced curriculum. We believe that fieldwork, educational visits (both day and residential), visiting experts and outdoor work are an important part of learning and these are incorporated into crosscurricular Learning Journeys. All pupils learn in mixed-ability classes and are taught in a variety of ways: individually, in groups or as a class. Expectations are high and the work is differentiated; we make learning active and visual, giving opportunities for discussion and reflection. English, Mathematics and ITC We place great emphasis on good literacy and numeracy skills. We offer an exciting and creative approach in English and Drama and the children use and apply Maths, developing mental as well as written skills and problem solving. Wherever possible. Children use ICT across curriculum with computer software, the internet, email, control and digital cameras. The school has a Virtual Learning Environment, which children can access from home. Pupils greatly enjoy school and are kind, considerate and mannerly. Ofsted
History, Geography and Science History is taught through our Learning Journeys and uses an enquiry approach, role play, visits, visitors, first hand experience and artefacts to bring the subject to life. Geography is also taught through a cross-curricular approach; field trips and visits are made to the local area and further afield. Science is taught practically through investigations stimulating children s natural curiosity. Design Technology (DT) In DT the children are encouraged to be creative and innovative and we involve them in designing, making and evaluating their own products. Children also have opportunities to cook and work with food, in our Food Technology room. Art and Music Children are taught a range of skills including drawing, painting, using textiles, printing and working with clay. The School is proud of its strong music tradition and performances in the community. In Key Stage Two, children have the opportunity to learn an instrument with specialist teachers. Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) Pupils learn French in Key Stage Two and have opportunities to join our clubs to learn other languages. Sport and Exercise At The Oaks, we encourage all children to participate in sport through fostering a sense of team spirit and an enjoyment of sport. The PE curriculum includes athletics, dance, games, gymnastics, outdoor and adventurous activities and swimming. Children participate in regular physical exercise and are encouraged to walk or cycle to school. We are very proud to have achieved the Sports Mark and Active Mark. Through the Crawley School Sports partnership, The Oaks takes advantage of specialist sport coaching and a range of sports clubs. The school has high regard for pupils welfare. Ofsted
Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education (PSHCE) All pupils follow a programme of PSHCE. This recognises the importance of all aspects of a child s development. Keeping safe, friendships, anti-bullying, healthy living and making well-informed choices are regularly revisited as age-appropriate. Healthy Schools The Oaks has achieved Healthy Schools Status and Investors in Health. We work in all areas to promote a healthy lifestyle, including looking after our health, relationships, values and self-esteem. We encourage healthy eating and provide hot school meals. The children eat only fruit and vegetables at morning break and drink water during the day. Milk is available to all children and free to the under five year olds. Sex and Relationship Education In EYFS and Key Stage One, children will begin to understand the life cycle through their normal work in Science and looking at animals and seeds. In Key Stage Two, Science and PSHCE provide opportunities to further develop the children s understanding. A more formal programme of sex and relationship education is introduced later in Key Stage Two. The subject matter is discussed in a sensitive way, parents are notified in advance and invited in to view materials prior to their use in school. Parents may withdraw their child if they so wish and should notify the Headteacher in writing.
Religious Education (R.E.) Children are taught about the main world religions: Christianity, Judaism, Islam and Hinduism. Lessons encourage positive attitudes towards, and respect for, the beliefs of others, and in doing so encourage understanding of the similarities and differences between people that are part of our rich culture. Assemblies During the week there is a mixture of whole school, key stage and class assemblies. These are broadly Christian based and we consider a range of topics and key values throughout the year. We hope that all children will attend so that the school can meet together in this way, but if parents wish to withdraw their child from assemblies or R.E. they should write to the Headteacher. Inclusion and Special Educational Needs (SEN) The school s policies set out our aims and provision to ensure that our children have access to all areas of the curriculum and aspects of school life; they also address how we support children s learning if they are experiencing difficulty. We are committed to early identification of special needs and a staged response, which is fully discussed with parents. The SENCo oversees the provision for children with SEN. This may include additional support in or out of class and an Individual Education Plan (IEP). A wide range of structured programmes are used and advice may be sought from outside agencies. Children with disabilities At The Oaks we have a commitment to do our very best for every single child. Parents may wish to refer to the School s Equal Opportunities policy, Special Needs policy, Disability Equality Duty scheme or Accessibility Plan for more information.
Exceptionally Able Pupils We have high expectations of all our pupils and work is carefully matched to meet the learners needs. For those children who are identified as being particularly able or talented in any area of the curriculum, further challenges are offered. Applications are also made to the County s Enrichment programme for courses that generally take place on a Saturday. Pupil Involvement Pupils contribute fully to our school community; their views influence decisionmaking and school development through the School or Class Council and the Eco Team. Oak Watch and the Squabble Squad (our peer mediators) also play a vital role. Parental Involvement We work closely in partnership with home and encourage parents and carers to come and discuss any ideas or concerns. Parents are invited to join working parties to discuss school developments and participate in a variety of policy reviews. Many parents play an active role in the work of The Oaks, helping in class or accompanying educational visits. Parent/teacher consultations and Parents in School sessions are organised each term, we also have an Open Evening in the Summer Term. The School has a very supportive Parents Network Group where parents work together to raise funds and organise fun activities for the children. Home Learning and Homework We actively encourage parents to read with their child throughout their primary years. Each child has a Home School Learning Diary in which home activities relevant to the work in class are given on a regular basis. Curriculum newsletters are sent out each term from every year group. Teachers provide an outline of the key learning for the term and homework expectations will be explained.
Behaviour The Oaks has a calm and purposeful atmosphere and we have high expectations of behaviour and good manners around the school. Qualities of honesty, kindness and fair dealing are constantly encouraged; we endeavour to create a spirit of thoughtfulness, tolerance and regard for others, thus making the children aware that self-discipline is of the utmost importance. Our behaviour policy is based on a positive approach, with clear rewards and sanctions. If there is cause for concern, parents are contacted then school and home, work in partnership with the child to improve behaviour. Bullying will not be tolerated. All aspects of bullying are dealt with in accordance with our Anti-bullying policy. Pastoral Care At The Oaks, all staff work closely to ensure there is a safe, secure and supportive environment where children will be happy and well cared for. Children are actively encouraged to talk to their parents or an adult in school if they have any problems or worries, then school and home can work together to support the child. Child Protection The Oaks is strongly committed to safeguarding the well-being of all the children and has clear procedures and policies with regard to child protection and safeguarding of children. All staff, sports coaches, music teachers and volunteers are appropriately checked prior to working in school. Training is part of staff induction and is regularly updated. The Headteacher is the designated person for child protection. Security The safety and security of our children is of paramount importance to us. We want The Oaks to feel friendly and approachable, but it must also be secure. A fence surrounds the school grounds and the gates are locked during the school day. All visitors must report to reception, sign the visitors book and be issued with a badge.
Health and Safety In the interests of health and safety The Oaks operates a no-smoking policy and we request that all visitors refrain from smoking whilst on the school premises; this includes the grounds and playgrounds. For the safety of the children we do not allow dogs to be brought on to the school premises; we request that they are left at home. Extended services and extra curricular activities The Oaks offers Breakfast Club and a wide range of extra curricular activities that include: art, athletics, choir, cricket, dance, football, French, netball and study clubs. This is an important part of the school s provision and we encourage all children to join clubs. First Aid, Medicines and Medical Needs The Oaks has a high number of staff trained in First-Aid who are on duty throughout the day and accompany educational visits. If a child is injured and/or too unwell to continue at school, we will contact parents or carers. In general school staff do not administer medication during the school day; if required, parents are able to come to school to give their child medicine. In certain circumstances, where there is long-term medication required, parents may request medicines to be administered in school according to school policy. Special arrangements are made for children with medical needs such as diabetes. In these circumstances school staff may consult the school nurse, and if appropriate have training and put in place special provision and procedures. My child has progressed really well at the school and we find the teachers very encouraging and enthusiastic in the way they teach. Ofsted
Complaints procedure Parents are encouraged to discuss issues with the class teacher or Headteacher as soon as possible. We want to be able to resolve matters to everyone s satisfaction, however, if a matter is not resolved, The Oaks has an established complaints procedure, a copy is available from the school office. Charging Policy The school policy on charging is in line with that of West Sussex Local Authority. Parents are asked to make a voluntary contribution to cover the cost of educational visits, visiting speakers or workshops. If there are financial difficulties, families are encouraged to contact the Headteacher. Requests are dealt with in total confidence. School Uniform We believe that our school uniform fosters a sense of belonging and contributes to our school ethos and equal opportunities. We are grateful that families strongly support our school uniform and we are very proud that the children look so smart. Enclosed with this prospectus is a list of items; some are available in school, others through local stores. This is a good school. Pupils achieve well in reading, writing and mathematics and they are given strong opportunities to develop their creative, practical and sporting skills. Ofsted Please contact The Oaks if you would like to look around and visit, you are most welcome.