Prospectus
TYPE OF SCHOOL
Sturton-le-Steeple is a Voluntary Aided Co-educational Primary Day School with a Foundation Unit catering for children aged 3 - 11. years.
SESSION TIMES
Morning:
Afternoon:
SCHOOL STAFF
Headteacher Mr M Elliott
Teachers Mrs S Hauser
Mrs J Henderson
Mrs D Marples
Early Years Practitioner Mrs M Ledsham
Teaching Assistant Mrs S Kingett
Miss G Mellers
Mrs M Bean
School Administrator Ms L. Stockdale
Caretaker Mr A Brelsford
Cook Supervisor Mrs J Philips
Senior Mid-day Supervisor Mrs R Randall
Assistant Mid-day Supervisor Mrs M Bean
A BRIEF BACKGROUND
The main building comprises of three classroom areas, a hall, a library and its own kitchen. One of the classrooms is a purpose built infant area, furnished to the highest of standards. It adjoins a central courtyard, which serves as a creative play area for the children.
A new Foundation Unit catering for children aged 3 years and over opened in June 2004. As the school continues to develop in response to the needs of our local community. After school care is available at North Leverton and transport is provided from school.
The school is proud to have its own conservation area which, as it continues to develop, provides a rich source of Environmental Education for our children.
SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY, ETHOS AND VALUES
Sturton le Steeple School draws strength from the on-going tradition of the Church of England. Spiritual, moral, social and cultural values are developed in the context of the transmission of Christianity as a living faith, laying a secure foundation for children's lives. These permeate all aspects of school life and enhance the children's learning.
The school aims to serve its community by providing an education of the highest quality with the context of Christian belief and practice. We provide a secure place in which to equip our children with the basic skills of literacy and numeracy, through a broad and rich curriculum delivered to the highest possible standards.
We aim to nurture and help to prepare children for an ever changing and demanding world.
ADMISSION ARRANGEMENTS
Legally a child must enter full-time education at the beginning of the school term, following his/her fifth birthday. The Governing Body has approved the following admission policy:
FOUNDATION UNIT;
Parents can access a place in the Foundation Unit, at the beginning of the term after their child’s third birthday.
RISING FIVES ADMISSION POLICY;
That children enter the school on a full time basis:
Children with birth dates between 1.9.05 - 31.12.05 will be admitted on the first day of the Autumn Term 2009
Children with birth dates between 1.1.06 - 31.3.06 will be admitted on the first day of the Spring Term 2010.
Children with birth dates between 1.4.06 - 31.8.06 will be admitted on the first day of the Spring Term 2010.
The following criteria are used to determine which pupils should be admitted to the school:
- Admit all children in the area normally served by the School.
- If any places remain, to consider applications from parents of children resident outside the area served in the following order:-
(i) Admit children whose parents are members in good standing of the Church of England or of some other Christian denomination and wish their children to receive religious education in accordance with the teachings of the Christian Church as accepted by the Church of England.
(ii) Admit pupils in accordance with the geographical proximity of the school. Preference will be given to applicants who live nearest the school by the shortest, safe walking route.
(iii)Admit pupils for such other reasons as the Governors from time to time determine.
VISITING ARRANGEMENTS
Parents are always welcome in school and are encouraged to become involved in school life. Prospective parents are encouraged to visit the school, by appointment, so that time can be taken to make your visit worthwhile.
Parent Consultation Evenings are held in the Autumn and Spring Terms, although parents may discuss their child’s progress at any time, through a mutually agreed appointment.
CURRICULUM
The details of the
Children will receive a broad and rich curriculum which includes the requirements of the National Curriculum in : English, Mathematics, Science, Technology, History, Geography, Art, Music, Physical Education and Information and Communication Technology.
Religious Education is taught in line with the Nottinghamshire Agreed Syllabus. Personal and Social Education, Environmental Education, as well as Health and Safety Education are also integral parts of the curriculum.
An informal programme of extra - curricula activities helps to give an extra dimension and provide an all round balance of opportunity.
In order to promote integrated and related learning experiences, the curriculum is being increasingly delivered within a cross-curricular and key skill thematic approach.
To support the delivery of the curriculum the school has a wireless network system which comprises of ten laptops, three desktop computers and three interactive whiteboards.
Whenever possible, the children's education will be enhanced by real life and hands on experiences and by a range of activities both within and outside school. To this end visits are frequently arranged and visitors encouraged to come into school. A homework policy is in operation.
ORGANISATION AND TEACHING METHODS
The School has official hours of 27 hours and 30 minutes per week.
At present the teaching arrangements are as follows:
Literacy Groupings: Year 1, 2
Year 3 ,4
Year 5 , 6
Numeracy Groupings Year 1 and 2
Year 3 and 4
Year 5 and 6
These groups are flexible and are dependent on the child's ability.
For the remainder of the curriculum children are taught in their small Key Stage Classes. A Learning Support Assistant works alongside the teacher in the Key Stage 2 group of 20 pupils.
Our broad and balanced curriculum is taught by both a subject based and thematic approach appropriate to the age, aptitude and needs of individual pupils. Cross - curricular links are made whenever possible to make maximum use of teaching time, to enable the children to make connections between subjects and to transfer acquired skills. A variety of teaching approaches are used to ensure children are both motivated and stretched. Individual, paired, group and class teaching strategies are used in the classroom to deliver the curriculum, as are investigational, direct teaching and collaborative learning approaches. The school operates the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategies.
Where children have exceptional abilities, the cross phase nature of classes allows them to be appropriately challenged at a higher level within their own class. The opportunity also exists for pupils to join the next class for specific teaching input and if pupils need stretching further than the Key Stage 2 National Curriculum levels 2-5, our close working links with the secondary school are a positive source of support. The school recognises that some children have individual talents and these are both highlighted and developed.
SEX EDUCATION POLICY
The Governing Body has agreed a Sex and Relationships Education Policy as part of a whole school approach to Personal, Social and Health Education. The policy was presented and discussed with parents and a copy is available in school. Under section 241 of the Education Act 1993 parents have the right to withdraw their children from all or part of the Sex Education offered, except where the content forms part of the National Curriculum Guidelines for Science.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND POLICY
The school is affiliated to the Church of England and included at the end of the prospectus (Appendix II) is a statement produced by the Diocesan Director of Education.
The School bases its Religious Education Policy on the teachings of the Christian faith in accordance with the principles and practice of the Church of England. Children are encouraged to reflect, respect, relate and rejoice as they explore their own experiences, learning to appreciate themselves and the experience of others. Collective worship is an important daily act and all children are encouraged to participate in the Christian Fellowship within the school.
Close connections with our Church are maintained and the school regularly attends for services. Children take part in Holy Communion at Candlemass, Ash Wednesday and Ascension Day Services.
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS POLICY
The school has a Special Needs Policy which identifies children who, for whatever reason, are experiencing difficulties. Some children may only need support for a short time, while others will always need specialist help. This support may be provided by a classroom assistant, a special needs support assistant, a specialist teacher or from an educational psychologist A copy of the policy is available in school for you to see. It includes information about the school's process and procedures in the following areas:
Special Educational Provision;
Policies for Identification, Assessment and Provision for all pupils with Special Educational Needs. Staffing Policies and Partnerships.
Any parent or guardian of a child who has special educational needs, who is not satisfied with the educational provision made for their child at Sturton le Steeple school should contact the Head Teacher. A meeting will be arranged to discuss the nature of the complaint. If a satisfactory solution is not achieved, a further meeting of all the staff who are involved with the child will be arranged.
HIGHER ABILITY PUPILS
We recognise that higher ability pupils have special needs which need to be recognised and action taken. This is consistent with our aim to ensure that all children should be given opportunities to develop their full potential. Lesson planning takes account of pupil strengths and appropriate extension strategies.
A policy has been formulated by the staff to ensure there is a whole school approach towards meeting the needs of gifted and talented pupils.
PROVISION OF SPORT
A full programme of Physical Education, which includes gymnastics, dance, athletics, swimming and games is maintained in the school and offers children two hours of physical education every week. The traditional team sports of football, netball and cricket are taught throughout the year to both boys and girls., with the opportunity to play in competitive sporting fixtures and leagues.
Use is made of the large village playing field, as well as the playground. Negotiations are presently in hand to purchase some extra land adjacent to the school to extend our own playing area. The school is also involved with Bassetlaw Leisure and also a
Since 2005 Sturton has been involved in a Family Sports Partnership which has further increased the profile and expertise of PE in the curriculum.
PROVISION FOR THE ARTS
The school aims to provide a wide range of cultural experiences with visits to art galleries, theatres and participation in a variety of workshops.
Artists are invited to the school to present performances and then engage in follow-up activities.
Art, Drama and Needlework form part of a cycle of clubs within the school.
As part of the drama and music curriculum, all children are involved in our annual Christmas Concert and Years 4, 5 and 6 take part in a
Pupils benefit from a range of curriculum initiatives developed within our Federation and Family of Schools structure. As a school we particularly seek the support of Art, Music and Drama Workshops. The staff take advantage of all training opportunities that will serve to enhance their classroom and teaching skills.
Children are actively encouraged to learn to play an instrument. Tuition is offered for violin, woodwind and brass instruments and the cost, which is subsidised by the school governors, includes the loan of an instrument, its maintenance and a weekly lesson.
CARE OF PUPILS
Each child is in the direct care of his or her class teacher. This is supported by
other staff, the Headteacher and the non-teaching staff of the school. In addition the ethos of the school encourages a caring attitude between children.
If any child is unwell we will contact parents immediately and if necessary see the child receives adequate medical care. We ask parents to notify us of any specific medical condition.
The school operates a Medicines Policy. Where children are well enough to return to school but still need to complete a prescribed course of antibiotics, a member of staff will supervise. Staff are not able to oversee the taking of any controlled drugs or any over the counter medicines.
The children receive regular medical check-ups through the Area Health Authority and a check is kept on vision, hearing, speech and teeth.
An area of major importance in the pastoral care of the pupils is good home-school liaison. The school values the existing strong links with its parents, supported by the ‘Home-School Agreement, which help assess and overcome any pupil problems of either a medical, social or academic nature. Our ‘Adults in School' policy requests that all volunteers undergo CRB checks. This will identify any adults who should not work with children and so safeguards pupils.
ROAD SAFETY AND TRANSPORT
Where children have to travel on buses the school always complies with the Authority's regulations. This includes transport to the swimming pool, which is provided by the Authority on buses that may not have seat belts, although as a rule this does not apply to the coach we use. For all school visits, only coaches with seat belts are used.
At times it may be necessary to take some children in cars which belong to staff or parents, especially for sporting fixtures. All children wear seat belts. The school asks parents who transport children to ensure they are covered by their insurers for such journeys.
If you do not want your child to travel by car, please write to us withdrawing your permission.
SCHOOL DISCIPLINE
Discipline within the school is based on mutual trust and respect between staff, children and parents. The school has developed its own Code of Conduct and we constantly encourage and praise children for living up to the expected standards.
Every family has their own copy and our rules are prominently displayed in classrooms. A system of rewards and sanctions operates as part of the whole School Behaviour Policy.
EXTRA CURRICULA ACTIVITIES
As part of its policy of providing wide educational advantage for the children, the school provides, through the goodwill of staff and parents, a variety of clubs and activities. These include Football, Netball, Basketball, Gymnastics, Computers, Cricket, Cycling Proficiency, Conservation, Drama and Art Clubs. The clubs operate on a rolling programme basis so that over a year pupils can experience different skills.
A programme of competitive, inter-school soccer, mini-cricket, and High 5 adds another dimension to the children's education as does selection for other sporting competition e.g. swimming, athletics and basketball.
Visits to exhibitions, sporting events, theatres and participation in County organised events i.e. Environmental and Road Safety are also a feature of school life, as are topic linked visits which give children the chance to explore the local environment. Children in Years 5 and 6 are able to participate in an Extended Visit.
SCHOOL DRESS
Parents have expressed the preference for a school uniform and the school colours are navy blue, sky blue and grey. Navy blue sweatshirts, sky blue t-shirts and navy tracksuits all with the school logo, may be ordered via the school office.
The school also has a uniform for Physical Education of light blue t-shirts and navy blue shorts or skirts.
In summer blue/white checked or striped dresses for girls are optional. Children can wear short-sleeved shirts or blouses, with skirts or shorts, preferably in the school colours.
Jeans, combat trousers, bermuda and cycling shorts are not allowed.
We encourage children to take pride in wearing the uniform of the school. Pupils are requested to dress smartly at all times and in the school colours of blue and grey. Please ensure all items of clothing are named.
The wearing of jewellery, necklaces, rings and bracelets is forbidden for reasons of safety. Stud-earrings are permitted but they must always be removed for P.E. lessons.
SERVICES FROM WHICH THE SCHOOL BENEFITS
The school derives great benefit from a range of services;
Child Health Service Education Psychology Service
Education Welfare Service Education Library Service
Off-site Support Service Special Needs Support Service
Classroom Support Service Music Support Service
Advisory and Inspection Service Environmental Education Service
Appraisal and Professional Development Support
The school has its own named school nurse in partnership with Bassetlaw NHS Trust.
The Education Catering Service provides a choice of nutritional meals at lunchtime from our on-site kitchen. We operate a self-service system with a choice of meals, including at least one vegetarian dish. Our cook supervisor can cater for special diets if a request is made. However, children are welcome to bring sandwiches.
Further information on these services is contained in the general information booklet "Going to School in Nottinghamshire" which is available in school for parents.
CHARGING POLICY
School visits are an important part of school life and it will be necessary at times to request a voluntary contribution from parents to subsidise these activities.
Any contribution sought will be entirely voluntary and pupils will not be treated any differently according to whether or not a contribution is made.
SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
A calendar of holiday dates is included as Appendix IV. Wherever possible, we would ask parents not to take children out of school during term time. Should parents wish to take their children on holiday during term time, the Governors can authorise up to two weeks holiday per academic year, upon completion of a holiday request form.
RATES OF AUTHORISED AND UNAUTHORISED ABSENCE
- The total number of registered pupils of compulsory school age on roll
for the last session before 19th December 2008 = 54
- The percentage of sessions missed through authorised absence – 4.4%
- The percentage of sessions missed through unauthorised absence – 0.%
NATIONAL CURRICULUM TEST RESULTS FOR PUPILS AGED 7 AND 11 YEARS
The results at Key Stage 1 and 2 cannot be printed as it would compromise the confidentiality of individual pupil results. This is the National policy where year groups consist of fewer than 10 pupils.
We would like to assure prospective parents that standards are high in the school and that our pupils do achieve excellent results.
FORMAL COMPLAINTS
There is a procedure agreed by the Local Education Authority for dealing with any complaints about the school curriculum and other related issues.
The procedure provides: -
(a) that there should normally be preliminary informal discussions with
the Headteacher or other appropriate school staff to see if the
complaint can be resolved without recourse to the formal procedures.
(b) that if the complaints cannot be resolved informally the complainant
write to the Clerk to the Governing Body, whose address is available
in school.
(c) if a formal complaint is to be lodged, the Headteacher will be able
to provide the complainant with copies of the relevant documents
explaining the arrangements for considering the complaint in more detail.
It is our belief that education is a shared responsibility, based on a shared understanding between the parents and staff.
PT.F.A.
There is a very successful Parent Teacher and Friends Association which supports the school by promoting educational, social and fund-raising events. All parents are invited to be involved on a regular or occasional basis, in helping with its activities. The school sees this Association as a vital link in maintaining and furthering its educational aspirations for the benefit of all pupils.
DISABILITY STATEMENT
The school premises have been upgraded to include disabled access and disabled toilet facilities.
OFFICIAL DOCUMENTS
Pertinent documents under regulation 6 of the Education (School Curriculum and related Information) Regulations 1989 which are available, can be seen by making an appointment with the Headteacher. These include any statutory instruments and circulars sent to schools by the Department for Education, any Policies and schemes of work in use and the agreed syllabus for Religious Education.
SUSPECTED CHILD ABUSE
Every school in Nottinghamshire is required to follow a set procedure in cases of suspected child abuse. Head Teachers are required to refer their concerns to the Social Services Department for further investigation so that children at risk can be identified quickly. This procedure is intended to protect children from abuse. When a school refers a concern about a pupil to the Social Services Department, it is not accusing the parents of abuse but requesting that further investigations take place to establish whether or not a child is at risk.
DISCLAIMER
The information given in this brochure which relates to the school year 2006 was valid at the time of printing. It should not be assumed that there will be no changes affecting either the arrangements generally described in this brochure or in any particular part of them before the start of the school year 2008 or in subsequent years.
Any anticipated changes have been included as part of the text.
DATE OF ISSUE January 2009