Shurdington C. of E. Primary School is situated just outside the centre of Shurdington, off the main A46 road, in

There has been a primary school in the village since the 1850s and the original village school was next to the church. The majority of the current building on

The school is well resourced with good ICT facilities and offers a stimulating learning environment. We are a caring supportive community. Our pupils are eager to learn and they achieve well because of the hard work and strong commitment by staff, Governors, parents and carers at the school.

It is extremely rare but due to circumstances beyond our control, such as very deep snow, it may be necessary to unexpectedly close the school.  Parents can gain access to information regarding school closures at www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/closedschools.

Admissions Policy

If you are considering sending your child to our school you will need to contact the Head teacher who will be pleased to show you around the school and answer any questions you may have. In accordance with the Gloucestershire Local Authority (L.A.) Admissions Policy, children are normally admitted at the beginning of the school year (September) in which they are five years old. If the school is over-subscribed then appeals are also dealt with by the L.A.

School Policy Statements

The school has a comprehensive list of policy statements relating to the curriculum and other areas of school life. If you wish to see any of these policies they are available in the school office.

Class Organisation

Our school has approximately 100 children on roll, organised into four classes. Class 1 currently has all the Reception and some Year One children.  Most of the Year One children are in Class 2 along with all the Year Two pupils. Years 3 and 4 are in Class 3 and the Years 5 and 6 children are in Class 4. Work is generally planned on a two year rolling programme.  Children may work together as a class, in groups, pairs or individually. More able pupils and those with special educational needs may work with higher or lower year groups to allow them to make maximum progress. Parents are always informed about these circumstances.

School Houses

We have four school houses; Chosen (green), Cleeve (blue), Coopers (yellow) and Crickley (red).  Each child is allocated a house when they start school.  House points are awarded as an incentive and reward for good work, behaviour, attitude or manners.  Trophies are awarded at the end of each half term and each child competes for their house on Sports Day.

The School Governors

The Governors play an important part in school life and they are happy to discuss any issues you may have. They work in partnership with the Head teacher, staff and parents. They are responsible for all matters concerning the school, including the curriculum, finance, maintenance of the building and appointment of staff. The Governors meet regularly throughout the year. Dates of meetings are published beforehand and approved minutes are published as soon as they are available. Anyone with a matter they wish to have discussed at a Governors’ Meeting should write to the Clerk of Governors at the school. Agenda and Minutes are available at the school office as are the contact details for the Chair of Governors.

The Governors produce a written description of the school’s achievements and progress over the previous academic year.  This is known as the School Profile and replaces the Annual Governor’s Report and the Annual General Meeting.  A hard copy of the document is available from the school office or it can be accessed online at http://schoolsfinder.direct.gov.uk

Church of England Voluntary Controlled Status

Shurdington is a Church of England school, controlled by the Local Authority. Foundation Governors are nominated by the Parochial Church Council and appointed by the Gloucester Diocesan Board of Education to represent the church.

Foundation Governors have a particular role to play. This covers the monitoring of Religious Education as well as worship and the whole Christian ethos of the school, its community, values and the impact of the Christian ethos upon the pupils.

A lively school and a lively church are two important ingredients for any strong community. Shurdington Church of England Primary School encourages children to grow up with Christian values. Within such an environment the children not only learn the Christian story but are provided with a clear social and moral framework. The vicar of St. Paul’s Church is a school governor and plays a strong role within our school. He leads assemblies on a regular basis and pupils frequently make visits to the church.

School Hours

The school day begins at 8.55 a.m.                

Pupils have a 15 minute break from 10.30 -10.45 a.m.

Lunch is from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m.

KS 1 pupils have a fifteen minute break at 2.15 p.m.

The school day finishes at 3.15 p.m.

Children should not arrive at school before 8.45 a.m. Staff are involved in a huge range of tasks and are not able to supervise children who arrive before this time.

KS 1 children receive 24 hours and 5 minutes of teaching each week.

KS 2 children receive 25 hours and 20 minutes of teaching each week.

Lunchtime Arrangements

Children generally stay on the school premises during lunchtime and eat in the hall. Our Lunchtime Supervisors provide good care and supervision during this period. We have been awarded “ Healthy School” status and excellent cooked dinners are made on the premises.  All dinner money should be sent into school in a clearly labelled envelope. The school will happily provide advice on your family’s eligibility for free school meals.

If your child prefers a packed lunch, these should be brought to school in a named container. Non-fizzy drinks should be brought in an unbreakable container. All pupils are encouraged to drink a sufficient amount of water and school water bottles are available to purchase. Milk can be bought from the organisation, Cool Milk for School. Details about this scheme are available from the School Office. However, children under five years old are eligible for free school milk.

Attendance

If a child is unable to attend school for whatever reason, parents have a legal obligation to inform the school as soon as possible. This can be by telephone, verbal communication with the head teacher or by letter. Reasons for absence are recorded in school and records are maintained on a computer system. We are proud of the fact that there have been no unauthorised absences over the past few years and this is something we are keen to maintain. Our attendance rate for 2008-2009 was 95%.

School Holidays

School holidays are published well in advance and these include staff training days. We hope that you will be able to avoid taking your child on an annual holiday during the school term, as this will be disruptive to the progress and education planned for your child. If it is unavoidable then please complete a holiday form, available from the school office and return it, ideally at least ten days before your holiday commences. Further details regarding attendance and school holidays can be found in the school’s attendance policy, which is available from the school office.

Communication

Whilst your child is at school, the class teacher will normally deal with any concerns. Urgent matters will receive immediate attention.  However, for non-urgent matters you will be asked to meet the appropriate member of staff at a mutually convenient time. The Head teacher is always willing to meet and talk with parents.

Formal Parents’ Evenings are held in the Autumn and Spring Terms, where you have the opportunity to discuss the progress of your child and also view their work. A more informal Open Evening is held during the Summer Term and all children receive written reports at the end of this term. This report also contains details of SATs results for Year 2 and 6 children.

A regular newsletter is sent home with your child. This will keep you informed of activities, events and important dates in the school calendar.  The newsletter can also be viewed on our website (www.shurdingtonprimary.ik.org) and the school playground notice board.

School Uniform

The school is very proud of its image and seeks to promote a high standard of dress to help to instil in pupils a sense of pride in the school. School sweatshirts, cardigans, caps, and jackets are available to order from the school office. School uniform must be clearly marked with the child’s name.

BOYS                    Grey trousers

                             Sky blue school sweatshirt

                             White polo shirt or shirt

GIRLS                   Grey skirt or pinafore dress

                             White polo shirt or blouse

                             Sky blue sweatshirt or cardigan

                             (In summer girls may wear a light blue gingham dress)

FOOTWEAR         Sensible black shoes

PE Kit

                             White or pale blue T-shirt

                             Black or navy shorts

                             Black pumps

                             Trainers or football boots for KS2

                             Track suit or joggers and sweatshirt for winter sports

Children need to dress appropriately for PE. A separate bag to contain PE kit is essential. Please mark all kit and the kit bag with your child’s name.

For safety reasons children will be asked to remove watches and either remove or tape ear rings if worn, during PE lessons.

The School Curriculum

To enable our children to take their place in our demanding, rapidly changing society our curriculum needs to be well planned , with a breadth, depth and variety that will meet their needs. This is achieved through the National Curriculum, cross-curricular links and the ethos of the school.

The National Curriculum consists of the following subjects plus RE: English, Maths, Science, Design and Technology, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), History, Geography, Art and Design, Music, Personal, Social Health Education and Physical Education. For our Modern Foreign Language studies all pupils have the opportunity to learn French.

The National Curriculum is made up of the following Key Stages:

Key Stage 1                     5-7 years

Key Stage 2                     7-11 years

Key Stage 3                     11-14 years

                             Key Stage 4                     14-16 years

At the end of Key Stage 1 and 2 all children currently undergo Statutory Assessment Tests (S.A.T.s).

We place great value in learning through experience and practical activities. Breadth is added by offering a range of experiences beyond the classroom. Club activities, school visitors, church services and educational visits all play an important part in school life. We recently achieved “Artsmark” status, which recognises our provision, commitment and achievement in the “Arts”. We have also been awarded the “International School Award” as recognition of our success in promoting the International dimension to our curriculum.

Our curriculum areas are mostly taught as subject specific topics and lessons as well as cross-curricular themes.

At the beginning of each term parents are informed about each class’s focus for study. This enables parents to assist their children by supporting schoolwork at home. School Curriculum documents may be inspected on request. A brief description of the curriculum can be found on the following pages.

Foundation Stage

Pupils who enter our school in the Reception class in the year in which they are four years old follow the Foundation Stage. Children who have attended playgroup or a nursery setting will be familiar with this curriculum. Learning is through structured play and covers the following six areas,

Knowledge and Understanding of the World

Creative Development

Mathematical Development

Physical Development

Communication, Language and Literacy

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Parents are invited to a New Parents’ Meeting before their child starts our school. New Reception pupils make many school visits. There is a Foundation Curriculum Evening for parents during the first term. This evening outlines the areas of the Foundation Stage curriculum and gives parents information about how they can support their children’s learning.

English

In studying English, pupils develop skills in speaking and listening, reading and writing. We encourage our pupils to express themselves creatively and imaginatively and to communicate with others effectively. They learn to become critical readers of stories, poetry and drama as well as non-fiction and media texts.

In Key Stage 1 pupils learn to speak confidently and to listen to what others say. Their interest and pleasure in reading is developed as they are taught to read independently and confidently, currently through use of the “Letters and Sounds” scheme. They learn to write narrative and non-fiction texts and to spell and punctuate their work correctly and neatly.

The main reading scheme is the Oxford Reading Tree, which offers a selection of graded books. This scheme is supported by a wide range of reference materials, fiction and non-fiction texts. The school has a large number of texts which are used for guided reading. Classes 1 and 4 take part in an excellent paired reading scheme. The older children support the younger ones in their reading. Strong partnerships exist with parents, reading books are sent home and parents and children read together. Many reading activities are linked to ICT.

In Key Stage 2, pupils are taught to change the way they speak and write to suit different purposes and audiences. They read a wide range of materials including challenging and lengthy texts which they are taught to analyse and discuss. They learn the main rules and conventions of written English and they develop a fluent joined up style of handwriting.  The curriculum is delivered by using Literacy lessons based upon the National Literacy Strategy.

The school has very good library facilities including a Dewey referenced library. At Shurdington we strive to create an atmosphere where books are enjoyed and valued. Children are encouraged to use a range of reference materials to find out information for themselves.

The home/school partnership is greatly valued and all pupils are encouraged to take reading books home for additional practice and enjoyment. We are fortunate in having a strong band of parent helpers and retired villagers who support pupils in school with their reading. Pupils are given the opportunity to perform in large and small scale drama productions at different times during the year.

Maths

We believe that Maths is an integral part of everyday life. We aim to promote and develop the competent and confident use of mathematical skills, knowledge and processes. We wish to ensure that Maths is an activity which all children find enjoyable, where perseverance, curiosity and logic are applied. Pupils are encouraged to use and understand Maths in real situations, where it is meaningful and relevant to their lives, now and in the future.

The curriculum includes number, measures, algebra, shape and space and data handling. This is covered through the National Numeracy Strategy. Great emphasis is given to developing good mental strategies. It is vital that children not only understand what they are doing, but can communicate in appropriate forms, e.g. verbally, in writing, symbols, diagrams and graphs. Relevant use is made of technology to develop skills.

Parents have an important part to play in helping their children to develop confidence and enjoyment. Support at home is valued e.g. when learning tables, handling money and in playing Maths Games as part of our Home/School Partnership.

Science

The teaching of Science helps children to explore and understand the way in which our world works. The school has a rolling programme of scientific themes in line with the National Curriculum programmes of study. The emphasis is on a practical approach to scientific investigations and enquiry.

The local environment provides a valuable resource for the study of plant and animal life. Our school garden is a focus for many investigations. The subject is well resourced to support other areas of science including, materials, light, electricity, sound and forces.

Design and Technology

In Design and Technology pupils use a wide range of tools and materials to gain an understanding of the skills required to design, make and evaluate products. The subject develops the child’s manipulative, creative and critical skills. Children are also taught awareness of Health and Safety.

Information, Communication Technology (ICT)

The use of ICT provides children with skills for our rapidly changing technological world. Each class has a bank of computers and printers. We also enjoy the use of two laptop computer trolleys containing twenty computers each. Interactive whiteboards are used in all classes and the children also have access to tape recorders, scanners and digital cameras.

All our computers are networked and have restricted access to the Internet. All pupils are taught to use computers accurately and safely, their use is incorporated into most subjects.

Art

Children are encouraged to express themselves creatively. They are provided with a wide variety of materials and are taught a range of different techniques. They are taught to be aware of shape, pattern, colour and design in two-dimensional and three-dimensional form. They learn about the work of different artists, both local, past and present and from a variety of different cultures. The school runs an after school art club and often exhibits pupils’ work in the local social centre.

Geography

The children are taught geographical skills and how to use these in developing their understanding of places: locally, nationally and throughout the world. They learn to use first hand experience and how to research and investigate. They look at physical and human areas of geography. As in all other subjects, each class will have specific areas and information to cover in line with the school’s two year rolling programme of topics. The school often runs an after school environmental club, where children are encouraged to take care of their surroundings.

History

The children are taught awareness of, and facts about, the past. In Key Stage 1 pupils study the immediate past within and beyond living memory. Important events and the lives of famous people are also taught. In Key Stage 2 we aim to teach about important episodes and developments in Britain’s past, from Roman to modern times, about Ancient Civilisations and the history of other parts of the world.  Good use is made of visiting speakers, local visits, drama, theatre visits and also outreach schemes from local museums are used to bring this subject alive.

Physical Education

Children are encouraged to grow in confidence and develop skills through a variety of physical activities, as well as individual and team sports. Dance and gymnastics are taught in our spacious, well equipped hall. The school benefits from an extensive playing field and a large playground. The school has regular fixtures in football, tag rugby, netball, cross country, rounders and cricket. Pupils participate in the Gloucestershire Dance Festival and inter-school athletics events. Pupils also attend Cheltenham Recreation Centre for swimming lessons, for which a voluntary contribution is requested. PE is a vital part of the school curriculum, so it is necessary to send a letter if for any reason your child should not be able to take part. The school runs a number of very popular after school clubs for sport.

Religious Education

As a Church of England School, we follow the recommendations of the Diocesan Board of Education that Religious Education should be based on the Gloucestershire Agreed Syllabus. Children are taught about the Christian faith as well as exploring some other world faiths.

We meet together daily for assembly which is an important part of school life.  We follow the “Values For Life” programme, through which the children learn about a different Christian value each term. At various times during the school year, for example class assemblies, Harvest and Christingle, parents are invited to join us. As a Church school we have very strong links with our local Church of St. Paul’s. The vicar regularly leads assemblies as does the Open the Book team, who are a group of local Christians who bring to life many Bible stories for the children to enjoy and learn from. Once a week, the Church also organise a very popular after school club. (Parents who wish to withdraw their children from attendance at religious worship or education should discuss this with the Head teacher.)

Music

Music is a valuable part of school life at Shurdington and is enjoyed by children of all ability levels. The children are introduced to music through a range of enjoyable experiences. They have opportunities to listen, sing and create music using tuned and un-tuned instruments. There are opportunities for children to perform to wider audiences.

As they progress through the school, the children have the opportunity to learn to play a wide range of instruments, as the school has a peripatetic teacher for woodwind and brass. A good deal of parental support is necessary in order for such tuition to be successful. A fee is payable once a term in advance, for the hire of the instrument and tuition. Children who play instruments become involved in the school band and also have the opportunity to pay with other instrumentalists in Gloucestershire Music Workshops and at music days at our local secondary school, Chosen Hill.

PSHCE Personal, Social, Health, Citizenship Education, which includes

Sex Education

During their time with us, children will cover a wide range of health related topics which include family life, citizenship, safety in different

environments, nutrition, drug and solvent abuse, anti-bullying, health related exercise and personal hygiene.  Sex education is taught as part of our rolling programme of PSHCE in Years 5 and 6. The school nurse is involved in the planning and teaching of these lessons. The older children watch videos which cover hygiene, human growth and reproduction as part of a specific programme of health lessons.  The school aims to promote the positive self image of individuals so that they respect themselves and others, and are able to make positive choices with regard to their own health. Children are encouraged to behave in a positive and responsible way.  Parents will always be informed in advance of any lessons about Sex Education and are invited to view materials which are to be used if they so wish.

Modern Foreign Language (French)

All pupils enjoy regular French lessons. The emphasis is on making learning a foreign language fun and we aim to encourage confidence by singing songs, role play and conversation. A specialist teacher delivers this area of the curriculum for most classes via a video conferencing link.

Special Educational Needs (S.E.N.)

We are aware that children have differing abilities and potential and we endeavour to ensure that each child’s needs are met. Those children who are identified as having special needs, outside the usual provision, are given our full support to minimise or overcome any difficulties as far as possible. Parents are always kept informed if their child is on our S.E.N. register and therefore require an Individual Education Plan (I.E.P.)

Children are supported in a number of ways- in the classroom, in small groups and occasionally in one to one situations, using resources from within our school and from the support services within the county. Specific initiatives are undertaken from time to time for pupils who would benefit from a more intensive programme of work. A full copy of the school’s S.E.N. Policy is available from the office on request.

Homework

We believe that homework is essential not only because it provides the child with further learning opportunities but because it is a vital link in the school/parent partnership.

Reading books, spelling lists and multiplication facts will make up the bulk of homework. From Reception to Year4 we have a Maths Games initiative which supports the school’s Maths curriculum. Good work habits should be encouraged at home whenever possible, such as providing a suitable environment to work in. Presentation should be compatible with the standards expected of class work.  Homework can be set, marked and monitored only with parents’ help. No work should be set that requires additional teaching as the main purpose of homework is to gain further practice or reinforcement, to catch up after an absence, to learn facts or to pursue an interest or a class investigation. A homework timetable is sent out at the beginning of each year.

Extra-curricular Activities

During the year a range of clubs is offered at lunch-times and after school, subject to staff availability and to the number of children showing interest. These have recently included:

          art               football                 choir            netball

          gardening     rugby                    band            hand chime

          All Stars (Church Group)           cricket         cross country

          tri-golf        board games           athletics       drama 

          writing         library                  tennis

Complaints Procedure

We have a Complaints Policy in place and copies are available from the school office.  However, nearly all issues can be resolved quickly and amicably either with the Class Teacher or Headteacher.

 If you wish to make a complaint about a policy or an action of the Local Authority, you should write to the Director of Learning and Development at Shire Hall.

Educational Visits

The children are often taken to places of interest in order to enrich the curriculum. A major part of the costs of these activities, which also includes swimming, is met by voluntary contributions from parents. The school always aims to find the most competitive prices for these trips.

Charging for School Activities

The school wishes to provide the best educational opportunities for all pupils through the budget allocated by the Local Authority. The Law very clearly states that education during normal school hours is to be free of any compulsory charge to parents and the school warmly endorses that principle. It is recognised however, that many valuable educational activities are dependent on financial contributions from parents. Without this additional financial support the school would find it quite impossible to maintain the quality and breadth of the educational programme provided for pupils. The school aims to keep financial contributions to a minimum and to ensure that all pupils are able to take part regardless of their circumstances. The Governing Body has drawn up a policy relating to charges and this is available for inspection on request at the school office.

Residential Visits

If the school makes a residential visit, parents will be charged for the full cost of their child’s board and lodgings.

Musical Tuition

A charge will be made for tuition and hire of a musical instrument.

Assessment

Teachers are assessing their pupils all of the time on the basis of the results of their daily work and on the results of regular assessment tasks. The school also has a programme of assessment tests and below is an approximate timetable for the year:

Autumn Term                   Reception pupils tested using baseline tests within the first weeks of being in school

                                      Y5 take the Cognitive Abilities Test (CATs)

                                      Individual reading ages are tested

                                      Screening for SEN and intervention programmes

Spring Term                    Screening for SEN and intervention programmes

Summer Term                  Y2 and Y6 pupils take National SATs

                                      Y3, 4 and 5 pupils take optional SATs

                                      Reception pupils tested against baseline attainment.

Teachers regularly monitor and test progress in relation to national curriculum targets and samples of children’s work are kept. There are Parents’ Consultation Meetings in the Autumn and Spring Term. Annual reports are sent home in July and we hold an Open Evening during the summer term.

Behaviour

Children are expected to conform to certain standards of behaviour, accepting their responsibilities, within the school community. They are encouraged to show respect towards each other and show consideration for the rights of others as well as themselves. Children are expected to behave in a polite manner and take responsibility for their own actions.

We believe that parents play a vital role in promoting good behaviour in school and seek your co-operation and support. The school works in partnership with parents in the interests of their children as soon as they start school. Children are expected to be responsive to behaviour management strategies and to observe school rules. Parents are consulted at an early stage if a pupil’s behaviour causes concern. The school’s policy on behaviour is available from the office upon request.

The school places great stress on the value of praise and incentives. On Fridays merit awards are given to pupils who have done particularly well in school. When pupils have achieved six merit awards over time they earn a merit certificate.  We also present weekly “Good Citizen” awards and house points are awarded on a daily basis.

PTFA

All parents and staff are automatically members of the school’s PTFA. The Parents, Teachers and Friends Association exists to foster good relations between home and school and of course to raise money to buy essential services or equipment.

Meetings to organise fund-raising events and social occasions are held regularly. Your support is essential for the PTFA to be successful, so please get involved if you can!.

Parental Help

There are many aspects of school life in which parents help is invaluable. Currently parents help with sports teams, school journeys, cooking, art work, listening to readers, swimming and cataloguing resources. If you are interested in helping in any way please contact school. We do hope that you will be able to help, thank you!

Accidents and Medication

Occasionally accidents occur in school and in the case of minor mishaps basic first aid is given by a designated member of staff. Very occasionally parents need to be contacted regarding accidents in school or if a child is unwell. It is vital that the school is kept up to date with contact numbers, if numbers do change please keep us informed.

If your child requires medicine during the school day ideally we would ask that you could come in to school and administer it. However, if this is impossible a member of staff will administer medicine on receipt of a medical authorisation slip, which is available from the school office.

Transfer to Secondary School

Our pupils have attended a number of different secondary schools but in the main they move on to Chosen Hill School. As a feeder school we have strong links with Chosen Hill. Teachers from each school meet regularly to liaise and share expertise. Pupils make regular visits to familiarise themselves with much larger secondary schools.

Children may sit the admission examinations for Gloucestershire Grammar Schools. During the Autumn Term of Year 6 pupils are given an information pack about transfer to secondary school. The Head teacher and the Gloucestershire LA Admissions team are available for advice.

Appendix

(Staff and Governing Body, OFSTED Report from January 2007, SATs results and comparison data, term dates and data collection sheet)