Shurdington C. of E.

Primary School

Badgeworth Lane

Shurdington

Cheltenham

Gloucestershire

GL51 4UQ

Telephone: 01242 862420

Fax. : 01242 862420

E mail: admin@shurdington.gloucs.sch.uk

Website: shurdingtonprimary.ik.org

Headteacher Chair of Governors

Mr. R. Woolston Mrs S. Bird

CONTENTS

PAGE

1 About our School

Admissions Policy

2 School Policy Statements

Class Organisation

School Houses

The School Governors

3 Church of England Controlled

Status

School Hours

4 Lunchtime Arrangements

Attendance

School Holidays

5 Communication

School Uniform

6 to 12 PE Kit for Boys and Girls

The School Curriculum

13 Special Educational Needs

Homework

14 Extra-curricular Activities

Curriculum Complaints Procedure

Educational Visits

15 Charging for School Activities

16 Assessment

Behaviour and Discipline

17 PTFA

Parental Help

18 Accidents and Medication

Transfer to Secondary School

Appendix (Staff and Governing Body,

OFSTED Report, SATs Results,

Term Dates Collection Sheet)

TEACHING STAFF

Headteacher Mr R. Woolston

Class 1 Mrs S. Eliot (Senior Teacher)

Class 2 Mrs C. Blomfield and Mrs K. Murton

Class 3 Mrs A. Rose

Class 4 Miss L. Walton

Special Educational Needs Mrs J. Whiteoak

Specialist Science and Support Teacher Mrs J. Footer

NON-TEACHING STAFF

School Secretary Mrs C. Redmond

Early Learning Support Mrs H. Thomson

Teaching Assistants Mrs A. Harper, Mrs J. Grant, Mrs S. Loveridge and Miss Alix Wilson

Cleaners Mrs J. Wilkinson and Mrs H. Thomson

School Cook Ms A Humphries

Lunchtime Supervisors Mrs C. Mustoe, Mrs N. Boucher, Mrs T. Clune and Mrs J. Radnor

GOVERNING BODY

Mrs S. Bird (Chair) Parent

Mr S. Howse (Vice Chairman) Parent

Mrs S. Field Parent

VACANCY Parent

Mrs K. Thompson Foundation

Rev. R. Mitchell Foundation

Mr J. Noble Community

Mr M. King Community

Mrs S. Eliot Staff

Mr R. Woolston Headteacher

Mr J. Beardsmore Local Authority

Mr M. Howe Local Authority

Mrs C. Redmond Clerk

All Governors may be contacted via the school office.

About our School

Shurdington C. of E. Primary School is situated just outside the village of Shurdington , off the main A46 road, in Badgeworth Lane. The school is a controlled C. of E. school and has very good links with the Parish Church of St. Paul’s in Shurdington. We are a co-educational school with approximately 100 pupils between the ages of 4-11.

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 Badgeworth Lane dates from the 1960s. It comprises administration offices, four classrooms, a practical area for Foundation Stage pupils, and a very spacious hall which is used for assemblies, PE and other curriculum areas, as well as performances and for serving cooked meals and packed lunches. We also have a library, a small kitchen for children’s use and an access toilet. Outside there is a large playground with seated areas, an adventure playground, a wildlife garden with pond and extensive playing fields including a trim-trail. The school offers a fantastic environment for children where they can feel secure and happy in surroundings that are well cared for and attractive.

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 ww3.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 explain our admissions arrangements. 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 number 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 four classes, a separate Foundation Stage class, then mixed Y1/2, Y3/4 and Y5/6 classes. 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 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 mid-day 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 2006-2007 was 95.1%

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 and the school noticeboard.

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 for Boys and Girls

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 (core subjects along with ICT), Design and Technology, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), History, Geography, Art and Design, Music, Personal, Social Health Education and Physical Education. In addition Shurdington offers all pupils the opportunity to learn French.

The core subjects cover the knowledge and skills required throughout the curriculum subjects. 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 each Key Stage all children 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. The school has achieved Artsmark status, which recognises our commitment to the Arts.

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. 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 good 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 three of our classrooms and the fourth class has a laptop computer connected to a projector and whiteboard. 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 and 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 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 during the summer term, 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, Shurdington School follows 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. 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.)

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Shurdington C of E Primary School

Term Dates and INSET Days 2008 - 2009

Term 1- INSET: Tuesday 2^nd September 2008

Pupils return: Wednesday 3^rd September 2008

Break up: Friday 24^th October 2008

Term 2- INSET: Tuesday 4^th November 2008

Pupils return: Wednesday 5^th November 2008

Break up: Friday 19^th December 2008

Term 3- Pupils & staff return: Monday 5^th January 2009

Break up: Friday 13^th February 2009

Term 4- Pupils & staff return: Monday 23^rd February 2009

Break up: Friday 3^rd April 2009

Term 5- Pupils & staff return: Monday 20^th April 2009

Break up: Friday 22^nd May 2009

Term 6- Pupils & staff return: Monday 1^st June 2009