Page 3
GOVERNORS AIMS
Our school is Governor run. It is organised into two classes; key stage 1 and key stage 2, plus the facility of an on site nursery; ACORNS.
All phases of the school aim to develop an independent, confident child who is able to learn the basic skills required for each stage of education. To this end the teaching staff balance individual with group work, lively practical work with quiet study sessions and instruction with discovery. In order to develop higher achievements individual pupil targets are set.
Underpinning all this is our belief that for learning to be effective the teaching should be challenging, relevant and enjoyable.
· preparing each child for his/her different roles in life
· fulfilling each child's potential.
In order to do this our school has a series of objectives:
a) To develop a school that exhibits a number of important features: Open, relaxed, well resourced, healthy, safe and pleasant.
b) To provide a curriculum that is based on a number of important ideas; broad, balanced, interesting, challenging, meaningful, differentiated, practical, allowing choice, relevant, integrated, progressive, beyond the classroom, promoting equal opportunity and a positive self image.
c) To deliver the curriculum with teaching styles that satisfy certain criteria; fair, built on trust, allowing time for reflection, involving the community, using relevant groupings and techniques, based on praise.
d) To develop the children in certain important qualities of mind body and spirit; self discipline, co-operation, independence, honesty caring and healthy.
e) To promote a set of positive attitudes; critical, open minded, industrious.
f) To gain knowledge, skills and concepts while studying subjects and themes identified in the National Curriculum.
4.ORGANISATION
SCHOOL DAY TEACHING TIME
School DfEE
BEGINS : 9.30a.m. Class 1 22.30 HOURS 21 HOURS
LUNCH : 12.15 - 1.15p.m. Class 2 24.00 HOURS 23.30 HOURS
ENDS : 3.30p.m.
Class Size September 2007
Class 1 24 Class 2 35
OFFICE HOURS
MONDAY, TUESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY:- 9.15a.m. - 2.45p.m.
EMERGENCIES
In the event of unexpected school closure information will be broadcast on RADIO GLOS. And SEVERN SOUND. Parents will be notified individually if possible. A council website lists closed schools on http://www.gloucesterhsire.gov.uk/closedschools.
MILK
Milk may be ordered for mid-morning break through the 'Cool Milk for School' scheme. Forms are available from the school office. Milk is free for under 5's. Charges becoming effective from their 5th birthday. Milk is provided free of charge for those eligible for free school meals.
LUNCHES
Children may choose to either have a hot school lunch, as detailed below, or can bring in a packed lunch. Churcham School supports the provision of a healthy lunch box, encouraging parents to include healthy options . A leaflet is available in school produced by Gloucester Health Promotion suggesting healthy ideas.
A hot school lunch is available to children. This is produced by Ms Miggins at Hazlefield Garden Centre
All menus are nutritionally analysed and conform to the Government requirements for nutritional standards in schools. A vegetarian option is available if required. The price of a meal is currently £1.75.
You may be eligible for a free school lunch if you receive:-
* Income Support (IS)
* Income Based Jobseekers Allowance (IBJSA)
* Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
* Child Tax Credit, but are not entitled to Working Tax Credit, and your annual income (as assessed by the Inland Revenue) does not exceed £14,155 . This is worked out by the Inland Revenue who will issue a Tax Credit Award notice (TC602) to an applicant.
* The guarantee element of State Pension Credit.
At morning break time we have a policy that children eat only fruit. Fruit is provided free of charge to Key Stage 1 pupils. Key Stage 2 pupils run their own fruit tuck shop with items on sale at no more than 20p each. A free piece of fruit is given to all pupils at lunch time one day a week.
STARTING SCHOOL FOR THE FIRST TIME
Children are allowed to start school at the beginning of the school year in which they are five. The school year runs from Sept.1st- Aug. 31st. A part-time start will be discussed when you visit school. If parents wish, children do not have to start school in the September. They may start at the beginning of the Spring or Summer term. They must still meet the legal age for starting school. The school place remains booked for that child at the beginning of the year and is not available for another child.
During the summer term prior to starting school, each child will benefit from the opportunity to spend time in class 1; time to adjust and prepare for school life, meet new friends and get to know the class teacher.
The most important way to help your child prepare for school is to talk to him/her and the class teacher about the school day, share and join in with school activities. A Starting School booklet is available; ask in the school office if you would like a copy.
Our pre school group ACORNS is on site, working jointly with Reception children thus providing a natural link to key stage 1.
A place in ACORNS does not automatically secure a place in class 1.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
We encourage parental involvement in many ways and see educating your child as a partnership, we need your support in all aspects of school life. This support takes the form of mutual trust and understanding built up over the years your child is with us. There is a form available through school to let us know how you may be able to help in school.
Homework
Children are encouraged to continue and develop their work at home.
We are very lucky at Churcham School as we have a thriving Friends Association, the Friends organise a number of social and fund raising events. In this way they have been able to purchase valued resources enhancing the education offered to our children.
We hold consultation evenings to keep parents informed and involved with progression. A written report is issued each summer term. Churcham Primary School maintains an open school ethos, wherever possible teachers try to deal with issues immediately. Equally staff appreciate strong contact with parents, informally catching parents/guardians at the end of the school day. Teachers would like to stress that they are always willing to make appointments with parents whatever the time of term (not just parent consultation evenings); our children achieve more with a solid working partnership between parents and school.
Staff are conscious that some parents find it difficult to be around at the end of the school day because of their working hours. Teachers are available before school, you only need to ask. The admin e-mail (admin@churcham.gloucs.sch.uk) is confidential and opened daily . This is a useful form of contact for those who cannot get into school.
Children are divided into four houses and points are awarded to reinforce behaviour and attitudes as well as academic achievements. A cup is presented to the winning house on a termly basis.
Parents and teachers are asked to sign a Home/School Agreement contract and work together on issues regarding your child's needs and welfare.
If a child breaks the school rules or persists with anti-social behaviour parents will be contacted. We regard the welfare of our pupils as a collective responsibility; a home/school partnership.
We have strong links with outside agencies; special needs units, educational welfare depts. School doctor/nurse, educational psychologists e.t.c.
SAFETY
We have security locks on all exterior doors; you will need to ring the front door bell if you arrive at school during the working day. There is a telephone entry system installed to the front door.
Full risk assessments are made for all educational journeys/visits.
ILLNESS OR ACCIDENT
If your child is ill we will look after him/her until you are able to get to school. Please keep your child home if he/she is unwell and telephone the school or send a note of explanation when he/she returns. A letter is required if for any reason your child is to leave school early or arrive late.
If absences are unauthorised or a child is persistently late the Educational Welfare Officer will be informed.
We have a policy to assure the safety of everyone at Churcham School. If your child has an accident she/he will be given the correct attention at the time and you will be informed of the incident. You will need to sign a form in order for school to administer medication to your child.
In the event of serious accident it may be necessary for us to telephone an ambulance and give permission for any medical treatment. A registration form giving us this permission is included at the back of this document.
ATTENDANCE
Total number of pupils of compulsory school age 2004/05 56
Percentage of half days missed through unauthorised 0.3%
Percentage of half days missed through authorised absence 3.7%
UNIFORM
Parents are asked to encourage their children to wear school uniform although it is not compulsory. All items of clothing should be marked clearly with your child's name. Pupils will need an old shirt or apron for art and craft activities.
BOYS Blue school sweatshirt with logo, grey trousers, light blue polo shirt with logo. Light blue polo shirt with logo and grey shorts for summer. Sensible shoes (no trainers.)
GIRLS Blue school sweatshirt or sweatshirt cardigan with logo, grey skirt or pinafore, light blue polo shirt with logo. A blue and white check dress for summer. Sensible shoes (no trainers or heels.) Plain black trousers can be worn by girls during the winter months.
P.E. kit Black daps, T-shirt (in school house colour if possible), shorts. A track suit is useful for cold weather activities. Football boots and trainers permitted for key stage 2. Football shin pads are needed for games club.
PASTORAL CARE AND PUPIL WELFARE
Our school has a positive family ethos, pupils are encouraged to show respect for others and their environment.
We have a behavioural policy and children are regularly reminded of our school rules,(pupils were involved in creating our behavioural policy). Policy available on request. School adheres to the LEA policy concerned with restraining pupils.
PUPILS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
Pupils who may have learning difficulties are identified at the earliest possible stage. Children with special educational needs are provided for in line with the Codes of Practice; a 'ladder' of development providing individual educational plans with appropriate support. The SEN policy is available from school.
Our policy includes planning for the individual needs of more able pupils as well as behavioural and learning difficulties.
The school building is suitable for wheel-chair access.
COMPLAINTS
Under the Education Act 1993, the Governors have established arrangements to consider parents complaints. Any complaints should be directed initially to the Head of the school or members of the complaints committee.
The Education Acts in 1981 and 1993 gave parents rights of appeal to special educational needs tribunal for various issues concerning statementing - ref. The Keystone Manual 1.28
Child Protection 1989 (The Children's Act)
This required the establishment of area child protection committees in each local education authority. Gloucester CPC has produced a manual - a copy of which is available in school. Ref. keystone Manual 1.28.
Our school is Governor run. It is organised into two classes; key stage 1 and key stage 2, plus the facility of an on site nursery; ACORNS.
All phases of the school aim to develop an independent, confident child who is able to learn the basic skills required for each stage of education. To this end the teaching staff balance individual with group work, lively practical work with quiet study sessions and instruction with discovery. In order to develop higher achievements individual pupil targets are set.
Underpinning all this is our belief that for learning to be effective the teaching should be challenging, relevant and enjoyable.
· preparing each child for his/her different roles in life
· fulfilling each child's potential.
In order to do this our school has a series of objectives:
a) To develop a school that exhibits a number of important features: Open, relaxed, well resourced, healthy, safe and pleasant.
b) To provide a curriculum that is based on a number of important ideas; broad, balanced, interesting, challenging, meaningful, differentiated, practical, allowing choice, relevant, integrated, progressive, beyond the classroom, promoting equal opportunity and a positive self image.
c) To deliver the curriculum with teaching styles that satisfy certain criteria; fair, built on trust, allowing time for reflection, involving the community, using relevant groupings and techniques, based on praise.
d) To develop the children in certain important qualities of mind body and spirit; self discipline, co-operation, independence, honesty caring and healthy.
e) To promote a set of positive attitudes; critical, open minded, industrious.
f) To gain knowledge, skills and concepts while studying subjects and themes identified in the National Curriculum.
4.ORGANISATION
SCHOOL DAY TEACHING TIME
School DfEE
BEGINS : 9.30a.m. Class 1 22.30 HOURS 21 HOURS
LUNCH : 12.15 - 1.15p.m. Class 2 24.00 HOURS 23.30 HOURS
ENDS : 3.30p.m.
Class Size September 2007
Class 1 24 Class 2 35
OFFICE HOURS
MONDAY, TUESDAY, THURSDAY, FRIDAY:- 9.15a.m. - 2.45p.m.
EMERGENCIES
In the event of unexpected school closure information will be broadcast on RADIO GLOS. And SEVERN SOUND. Parents will be notified individually if possible. A council website lists closed schools on http://www.gloucesterhsire.gov.uk/closedschools.
MILK
Milk may be ordered for mid-morning break through the 'Cool Milk for School' scheme. Forms are available from the school office. Milk is free for under 5's. Charges becoming effective from their 5th birthday. Milk is provided free of charge for those eligible for free school meals.
LUNCHES
Children may choose to either have a hot school lunch, as detailed below, or can bring in a packed lunch. Churcham School supports the provision of a healthy lunch box, encouraging parents to include healthy options . A leaflet is available in school produced by Gloucester Health Promotion suggesting healthy ideas.
A hot school lunch is available to children. This is produced by Ms Miggins at Hazlefield Garden Centre
All menus are nutritionally analysed and conform to the Government requirements for nutritional standards in schools. A vegetarian option is available if required. The price of a meal is currently £1.75.
You may be eligible for a free school lunch if you receive:-
* Income Support (IS)
* Income Based Jobseekers Allowance (IBJSA)
* Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
* Child Tax Credit, but are not entitled to Working Tax Credit, and your annual income (as assessed by the Inland Revenue) does not exceed £14,155 . This is worked out by the Inland Revenue who will issue a Tax Credit Award notice (TC602) to an applicant.
* The guarantee element of State Pension Credit.
At morning break time we have a policy that children eat only fruit. Fruit is provided free of charge to Key Stage 1 pupils. Key Stage 2 pupils run their own fruit tuck shop with items on sale at no more than 20p each. A free piece of fruit is given to all pupils at lunch time one day a week.
STARTING SCHOOL FOR THE FIRST TIME
Children are allowed to start school at the beginning of the school year in which they are five. The school year runs from Sept.1st- Aug. 31st. A part-time start will be discussed when you visit school. If parents wish, children do not have to start school in the September. They may start at the beginning of the Spring or Summer term. They must still meet the legal age for starting school. The school place remains booked for that child at the beginning of the year and is not available for another child.
During the summer term prior to starting school, each child will benefit from the opportunity to spend time in class 1; time to adjust and prepare for school life, meet new friends and get to know the class teacher.
The most important way to help your child prepare for school is to talk to him/her and the class teacher about the school day, share and join in with school activities. A Starting School booklet is available; ask in the school office if you would like a copy.
Our pre school group ACORNS is on site, working jointly with Reception children thus providing a natural link to key stage 1.
A place in ACORNS does not automatically secure a place in class 1.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
We encourage parental involvement in many ways and see educating your child as a partnership, we need your support in all aspects of school life. This support takes the form of mutual trust and understanding built up over the years your child is with us. There is a form available through school to let us know how you may be able to help in school.
Homework
Children are encouraged to continue and develop their work at home.
We are very lucky at Churcham School as we have a thriving Friends Association, the Friends organise a number of social and fund raising events. In this way they have been able to purchase valued resources enhancing the education offered to our children.
We hold consultation evenings to keep parents informed and involved with progression. A written report is issued each summer term. Churcham Primary School maintains an open school ethos, wherever possible teachers try to deal with issues immediately. Equally staff appreciate strong contact with parents, informally catching parents/guardians at the end of the school day. Teachers would like to stress that they are always willing to make appointments with parents whatever the time of term (not just parent consultation evenings); our children achieve more with a solid working partnership between parents and school.
Staff are conscious that some parents find it difficult to be around at the end of the school day because of their working hours. Teachers are available before school, you only need to ask. The admin e-mail (admin@churcham.gloucs.sch.uk) is confidential and opened daily . This is a useful form of contact for those who cannot get into school.
Children are divided into four houses and points are awarded to reinforce behaviour and attitudes as well as academic achievements. A cup is presented to the winning house on a termly basis.
Parents and teachers are asked to sign a Home/School Agreement contract and work together on issues regarding your child's needs and welfare.
If a child breaks the school rules or persists with anti-social behaviour parents will be contacted. We regard the welfare of our pupils as a collective responsibility; a home/school partnership.
We have strong links with outside agencies; special needs units, educational welfare depts. School doctor/nurse, educational psychologists e.t.c.
SAFETY
We have security locks on all exterior doors; you will need to ring the front door bell if you arrive at school during the working day. There is a telephone entry system installed to the front door.
Full risk assessments are made for all educational journeys/visits.
ILLNESS OR ACCIDENT
If your child is ill we will look after him/her until you are able to get to school. Please keep your child home if he/she is unwell and telephone the school or send a note of explanation when he/she returns. A letter is required if for any reason your child is to leave school early or arrive late.
If absences are unauthorised or a child is persistently late the Educational Welfare Officer will be informed.
We have a policy to assure the safety of everyone at Churcham School. If your child has an accident she/he will be given the correct attention at the time and you will be informed of the incident. You will need to sign a form in order for school to administer medication to your child.
In the event of serious accident it may be necessary for us to telephone an ambulance and give permission for any medical treatment. A registration form giving us this permission is included at the back of this document.
ATTENDANCE
Total number of pupils of compulsory school age 2004/05 56
Percentage of half days missed through unauthorised 0.3%
Percentage of half days missed through authorised absence 3.7%
UNIFORM
Parents are asked to encourage their children to wear school uniform although it is not compulsory. All items of clothing should be marked clearly with your child's name. Pupils will need an old shirt or apron for art and craft activities.
BOYS Blue school sweatshirt with logo, grey trousers, light blue polo shirt with logo. Light blue polo shirt with logo and grey shorts for summer. Sensible shoes (no trainers.)
GIRLS Blue school sweatshirt or sweatshirt cardigan with logo, grey skirt or pinafore, light blue polo shirt with logo. A blue and white check dress for summer. Sensible shoes (no trainers or heels.) Plain black trousers can be worn by girls during the winter months.
P.E. kit Black daps, T-shirt (in school house colour if possible), shorts. A track suit is useful for cold weather activities. Football boots and trainers permitted for key stage 2. Football shin pads are needed for games club.
PASTORAL CARE AND PUPIL WELFARE
Our school has a positive family ethos, pupils are encouraged to show respect for others and their environment.
We have a behavioural policy and children are regularly reminded of our school rules,(pupils were involved in creating our behavioural policy). Policy available on request. School adheres to the LEA policy concerned with restraining pupils.
PUPILS WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
Pupils who may have learning difficulties are identified at the earliest possible stage. Children with special educational needs are provided for in line with the Codes of Practice; a 'ladder' of development providing individual educational plans with appropriate support. The SEN policy is available from school.
Our policy includes planning for the individual needs of more able pupils as well as behavioural and learning difficulties.
The school building is suitable for wheel-chair access.
COMPLAINTS
Under the Education Act 1993, the Governors have established arrangements to consider parents complaints. Any complaints should be directed initially to the Head of the school or members of the complaints committee.
The Education Acts in 1981 and 1993 gave parents rights of appeal to special educational needs tribunal for various issues concerning statementing - ref. The Keystone Manual 1.28
Child Protection 1989 (The Children's Act)
This required the establishment of area child protection committees in each local education authority. Gloucester CPC has produced a manual - a copy of which is available in school. Ref. keystone Manual 1.28.