GENERAL
|
THE SCHOOL We are a voluntary aided co-educational day Junior, Infant and Early Years school, catering for children in the age range 3 to 11 years. The school was opened on its present site in 1969 and it is set in delightful landscaped grounds, complete with ample sized playground and playing fields. The school has 7 permanent classrooms, a large hall, dining room, library and staffroom.
SCHOOL NUMBERS The number of pupils on roll for 2007/8 was 201. The percentage of half days missed through authorised absence was 5.45%. The percentage of half days missed through unauthorised absence was 0.37%.
FUNDING RESPONSIBILITY OF THE GOVERNING BODY The Governors are committed to providing a school environment that is safe, comfortable and up to date for children and staff to work in. They have a responsibility to fund 10% of all building projects. Recent projects include the development of an Early Years Unit, replacing windows, resurfacing the playground and updating the school kitchen. The Governors cannot do this on their own and we ask that you would support fund raising efforts during the school year for the benefit of your children and children to come in the future.
SCHOOL SESSION TIMES Early Years Unit Part time children: 8.50am -11.50am
Full time children: 8.50am – 11.55am (lunchtime) 1.00pm – 3.15pm (home time)
Key Stage 1 9.00am – 10.30am (playtime) 10.45am – noon (lunchtime) 1.00pm – 2.10pm (playtime) 2.30pm – 3.15pm (home time)
Key Stage 2 9.00am – 10.30am (playtime) 10.45am –12.05pm (lunchtime) 1.00pm – 3.15pm (home time)
Please note that the bell is rung in the playground at 8.55am. Children then have sufficient time to enter the building and use cloakrooms before 9.00am
ADMISSIONS Decisions about admission to the school are made by the Governors. Our school is a Church of England Aided School. This means that the Parish Church of St Peter’s and the Diocese of Wakefield have contributed towards the building of the school and continue to pay towards its upkeep.
As the Church has invested in the school it is appropriate that the criteria for admissions should reflect this. Our school is also a neighbourhood school serving Birstall within the Kirklees Metropolitan Council Education Service and the criteria also reflect this.
The criteria for admission are set out below in order of priority and are subject to notes (a), (b) and (c) following.
1. A Looked After Child where the LEA, in consultation with the Governing Body deems St. Peter’s CE Junior, Infant and Early Years School to be the most suitable for the individual needs of the child.
2. Children with Statements of Special Educational Need in accordance with Schools Standards and Framework Act (1988) where St. Peter’s CE Junior, Infant and Early Years School is named on the Statement in accordance with the LEA’s procedure. (Parents applying under this category will have had discussions with the Headteacher and the LA officers before applying).
3a. Children of parents who regularly worship and are active in the life of St. Peter’s Church. Note (a)
3b. Children who regularly attend St. Peter’s Junior Church. Note (a)
4. Children of families who regularly worship at any other Church. Note (a)
5. Children with brothers and sisters already in the school.
6. Children resident* within the ecclesiastical parish of St. Peter’s who have special needs on social/medical grounds for whom this school is appropriate. Note (b)
7. Children resident* within the ecclesiastical parish of St. Peter’s. Note (c)
8. Children resident* outside the ecclesiastical parish of St. Peter’s. Note (c) Note (a) parents applying under this category should be aware that their minister will be asked to verify this. Regularly is defined as attending Church at least once per month. For admission purposes ‘Church’ means a Church which is a member of the Council of Churches for Britain and Ireland.
Note (b) Parents applying under this category are required to have a supporting letter (in a sealed envelope) from the Medical Officer of Health, Hospital Consultant or Director of Social Services.
Note (c) Where the criteria are not adequate to distinguish between requests for admission which cannot all be accepted without exceeding the Planned Admission Limit, priority will be decided on the basis of the shortest distance from the school to home measured on the map as indicated from front door to front door of the school, measured in a straight line.
* Resident refers to the child’s permanent home at the proposed date of admission.
ADMISSION TO FULL TIME EARLY YEARS, RISING 5’s (formerly Reception) If St. Peter’s School is to be named as 1st, 2nd or 3rd choice on the PCAF (Pupil Common Application Form), a parent or guardian must complete:
a.) A Kirklees PCAF form (please refer to Kirklees Education Service Guidance for Parents on registering their child for full-time schooling). AND b.) A St. Peter’s CE J, I and Early Years School application (please refer to St. Peter’s Admission Policy and Procedures).
If you wish your child to receive application forms, please contact the school around your child’s third birthday. The final date for applications is the 1st December for admission to the school in September of the next year or January of the year after.
Children with birthdays in September to 29th February are admitted in September; those with birthdays from March to August are admitted to school in the January of the school year in which they are 5.
ADMISSION TO PART TIME EARLY YEARS (formerly Nursery) 1. Admission to the Early Years Unit (on a part time basis) is considered in line with St. Peter’s School Admission criteria.
2. If you wish your child to receive application forms, please contact school as soon as possible after your child’s second birthday. The final date for applications is the 1st December for admission to the Early Years Unit in September of the next year or January of the year after.
3. Only in very exceptional cases can the Governors agree to admit a child earlier than the normal admission time. Parents who wish to make a special request for the early admission of a child to the school may approach the Headteacher who will put them in contact with the Local Education Authority’s Principal Education Social Worker.
EARLY YEARS AND MAIN SCHOOL MID-TERM CASUAL ADMISSIONS These will be considered by the Governors depending on the capacity and resources of the school at that time (up to the PAL/ overall numbers on roll). It should be remembered that the Governors are not, in general, bound to admit any child to the school other than at the beginning of a term.
Parents who are considering sending their children to St. Peter’s are invited to visit the school by arrangement with the Headteacher. Children subsequently accepted for admission are invited to visit the school for a half-day towards the end of term prior to entry. Parents new to the school are invited to an introductory meeting when the school’s general organisation is explained and parent’s questions answered.
AWARDS
SPORTS ACHIEVEMENT AWARD We have been awarded a prestigious national award by Sport England. Sport England is the country’s leading sports development agency. Activemark is a national accreditation programme, which recognises schools that show a commitment to promoting the benefits of physical activity. To achieve an award the school must offer a well balanced physical education programme, provide an environment that encourages physical activity and teaches children the importance of staying active for life. We strive to ensure that physical activity has a high profile throughout the school and that our pupils have access to appropriate opportunities to be active both within lessons and out of school hours.
INVESTORS IN PUPILS AWARD The school has also achieved the Investors in Pupils Award. Investors in Pupils helps pupils find out why they come to school, about the jobs of everyone in the school and how each person is involved in their education. It supports them in making rules for the class, in setting targets for the class and for themselves whilst recognising the importance of relationships, teamwork and the roles of everyone involved in their education.
HEALTHY SCHOOL AWARD We have been awarded the Healthy School Standard Award. We have been recognised as a school that is successful · in helping pupils to do their best and build on their achievements · in committing to on-going improvement and development · in promoting physical and emotional health by providing accessible and relevant information and equipping pupils with the skills and attitudes to make informed decisions about their health · in recognising the importance of investing in the health of its pupils and staff to assist in the process of raising pupil achievement and improving standards · in recognising the need to provide both a physical and social environment that is conductive to learning We continue to run a School Council which is made up of two children from each Key Stage 2 class. The council have formulated an action plan for the Healthy School Award.
INVESTORS IN PEOPLE AWARD St. Peter’s is recognised as an Investors in People workplace- the national standard which sets out a level of good practice for training and development of people to achieve business goals.
THE CURRICULUM At St. Peter’s we strive to develop each child as an individual to achieve his/her full potential, working closely in partnership with parents. Our curriculum is based on the National Curriculum with the core subjects of Maths, Science, English and Information Communications Technology (ICT). We also teach History, Geography, Design Technology, Art, Music and P.E in accordance with National Curriculum requirements. A programme for teaching Personal and Social Education is in place. From Year 1 all pupils participate in the Numeracy and Literacy hours. We have introduced French as our modern foreign language in Key Stage 2.
Pupils in our Early Years Unit follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum which is based upon the DCSF Early Learning Goals. Topics are planned to provide activities based on numerous areas of learning including language and literacy, problem solving and knowledge and understanding of the world. Activities take place both in and out of doors.
When planning work for their classes, teachers will adopt appropriate teaching styles to fit particular lessons. Whole class teaching and working with groups are two of the styles used.
All activities are planned to promote the intellectual, personal, social and physical development of each child.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND COLLECTIVE WORSHIP St. Peter’s is a Church of England School where the Christian tradition, teaching and faith are central to our thought and practice. The school enjoys the support of the Parish Council of St. Peter’s whose involvement and contribution to the education of the children is both real and valued. R.E is a core subject and as a Church school we follow the Diocese of Wakefield R.E syllabus. As well as studying Christianity, other major world faiths are also studied. Pupils at Key Stage 1 have the opportunity to study Islam. At Key Stage 2, pupils study Islam and Sikhism. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from religious worship or instruction and are asked to consult with the Headteacher. Should any child ever be withdrawn, other curriculum work would be continued within the classroom.
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS (SEN) We aim to identify SEN early in the child's school life - if this need has not been identified prior to entry. Our Special Needs Policy is set in the context of the National Curriculum, the Kirklees Code of Practice for Special Education Needs and the DFES Code of Practice. Our policy states that we regard parents as partners in the education of their children. If a child is considered by the class teacher to require extra help because of a learning or behaviour problem our Special Needs Co-ordinator and parents are informed. Progress is then monitored and action taken in line with the Codes of Practice. The Special Needs Co-ordinator is Miss R Lockwood and Miss K O'Shea is the Governor responsible for Special Educational Needs.
Staff wish to nurture a close working relationship between home and school. Parents are encouraged to play an active part in furthering this vital relationship. Opportunity is always available for parents to see their child's class teacher or the Headteacher if there are concerns about any aspect of their child's growth, development or academic progress.
We offer each child an equal opportunity to: · develop lively and enquiring minds, the ability to question and debate and apply themselves to tasks, both mental and physical
· acquire understanding, knowledge and skills relevant to life in a rapidly changing world
· appreciate art, music, literature, science and technology
· develop an understanding and appreciation of the environment and the need for conservation
· develop personal, social and moral values, tolerance, respect and understanding for religions and races
· develop understanding, knowledge and skills and be able to apply these appropriately.
SEX AND RELATIONSHIPS EDUCATION The Governing Body has a policy in place for the teaching of Sex and Relationships Education in school. Parents have a right to withdraw their children from Sex Education and any parent wishing to exercise this right is asked to consult with the Headteacher in the first instance.
SPORTS EDUCATION We aim to promote physical activity and healthy lifestyle, to ensure safe practice and positive attitudes through the convention of fair play, honest competition and good sporting behaviour, both as individuals and as a member of a team. Teams from St. Peter’s compete in local football, netball, rounders and swimming events. Sporting specialists have worked with pupils in the past coaching rugby, cricket, table tennis and basketball, to name but a few.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Special activities vary according to the availability of staff, but these may include recorder, dance or choir groups, gardening club, cricket, football, netball and rounders clubs. Activities may take place during lunchtimes or at the end of the school day.
BEHAVIOUR The philosophy which governs our Positive Behaviour policy is the reinforcement of good behaviour. The basic principle stated in our Positive Behaviour policy is that of children having the right to learn and teachers having the right to teach. Where inappropriate behaviour prevents this then action is taken. School rules are based on respect for others and for the learning environment.
Our Positive Behaviour policy may be consulted by any parent on application to the Headteacher.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES Every child has the right of equality of opportunity regardless of sex, race, class or disability. The Governing Body have an accessibility plan in place and encourage parents of children with a disability to discuss any concerns with the Headteacher in the first instance.
CLASS ORGANISTAION The school has seven classes catering for eight age groups. Children spend one year in each class except from the Early Years Unit, where children attend part time for one year then full time for another year.
PARENTS IN SCHOOL Parents are always welcome to discuss their child’s progress with the Headteacher or class teacher at mutually convenient times.
There are a number of organised occasions where parents are invited into school to discuss progress. Parents are invited to attend meetings in October and February. In July, a ‘celebration of work’ evening is held, where parents are invited into school to share and celebrate their child’s work.
Reports covering all areas of your child’s development and curriculum work are sent out in February. Reports for Early Years pupils are sent out in July.
There are many other opportunities for you to visit school e.g. class assemblies, seasonal activities and sports day as well as various social and fundraising events organised by the Friends of St. Peter’s.
Prospective parents might like to visit our school website (www.stpetersjin.net) and access our Ofsted Report and School Profile together with the Statutory Inspection of Aided School Report.
SCHOOL UNIFORM Parents are asked to respect the Governors request that all children (both full and part time) wear the school colours of blue, grey and white (in plain colours).
The girls wear skirts and blouses or dresses (in the traditional gingham checked squares or blue and white stripes), blue or grey tights or white socks or long blue flannel trousers.
The boys wear long or short grey flannel trousers, white shirts and navy blue jumpers. Sweatshirts, polo shirts and cardigans with the school logo on are available from school. Reversible outdoor fleece jackets are now also available. Children are encouraged to look after their own clothes.
FRIENDS OF ST. PETER’S Parents are encouraged to be active members of the ‘Friends of St. Peter’s’- an organisation of parents, teaching and non-teaching staff, members of the Parish Church and the local community, interested in the work of the school. Social activities, to give support to parents and children, together with fund raising activities, are held throughout the year.
The Friends of St. Peter’s raise lots of money every year, which is used to purchase equipment, books, materials and special events such as Christmas etc.
P.E KIT All pupils must have a change of clothing for P.E. Plain navy, black or white shorts and plain white or blue T shirts, or blue leotards, are acceptable. Appropriate footwear is also needed. Slip on pumps or Velcro pumps are best for younger children whilst training shoes are ideal for Key Stage 2 outdoor games.
HAIR STYLE The Governing Body has ruled that patterns cut into the hair are not allowed (e.g. ‘Nike’ logo or Mohican hair style). No hair colours or dyes are allowed.
CHARGING FOR SCHOOL ACTIVITIES Many varied learning opportunities are planned in support of the curriculum. Some of these activities incur costs and in these circumstance parents are asked to make a voluntary contribution towards meeting expenses within the Charging Policy agreed by the Governors. Activities may include baking, school trips or performances by theatre companies.
Cost of damage to or loss of school books will be charged for their replacement cost, although consideration of a minimum charge will be more dependent on the books condition and age. Any other costs of breakage or damage caused by a pupil’s behaviour will be fully charged. The Governing Body’s Charging Policy may be consulted by any parents on application to the Headteacher.
COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE Please contact the school at any time. The Headteacher and staff will be pleased to help in any way they can. Serious concerns may need some time for discussion, and if any should arise, it may be necessary to make an appointment. In the rare event of there being cause for complaint, the procedure is as follows: 1. See the class teacher 2. If there are still concerns, see the Headteacher 3. If concerns remain contact the Chair of Governors These arrangements apply to matters concerning curriculum and other aspects of school.
|