1. education
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WILLOWS PRIMARY SCHOOL
PROSPECTUS 2013/14
Welcome ......
Headteacher’s letter
Leadership team
Dear Prospective Parents, Pupils and Visitors,
Miss Alex Butler - Executive Headteacher
- Mrs Amanda Cook – PA
Thank you for taking the time to visit The Willows Primary
School. As you will have noticed from your visit it is a very
happy, vibrant and busy place. Our pupils enjoy coming to
school and benefit greatly from the many exciting learning
opportunities they are given. The dedicated staff team
places a strong emphasis on creating a safe, well-resourced
and attractive environment in which all children can learn.
The Willows Primary School is a family-orientated school and
encourages parents, family members and volunteers from
the local community to support learning in all areas of the
curriculum and school events.
At The Willows Primary School we are different because:
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Mrs Sarah Coxell – Head of School
Mrs Alison McDonald –
KS2 Team Leader
Mrs Sarah Coxell –
KS1 Team leader
Miss Carla Szadowski –
Foundation Stage Team Leader
Mrs Clair Lawes - SENCo
Mrs Jill Bellingham - School Business Manager
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We use the International Primary Curriculum (IPC)
All children over 7 play a musical instrument
Residential trips are planned annually for all pupils
from Year 3
A broad range of clubs and extra-curricular activities
are offered
We have very committed school staff and governors
Our PTA are enthusiastic in both fundraising and
organising social events
We have been part of a formal collaboration with
Hampstead Norreys CE Primary School since
November 2009, having been their headteacher for
five years I became headteacher of both schools.
This exciting and unique relationship enables staff
and pupils the opportunity to work across two
schools
I hope some of the information here will help to confirm
whether our school is the right environment for your child.
However, if you still have unanswered questions please just
get in touch and a member of my team or I will happily
answer them.
Yours sincerely,
Alexandra Butler
Executive Headteacher
Willows Primary School, Tel: 01635 42155
Pyle Hill,
Fax:01635 48484
Greenham,
e-mail: [email protected]
Newbury,
Berkshire RG14 7SJ
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Vision & Aims
School Structure
The Willows Primary is a community school for children aged 3 – 11
years. There are ten classes at The Willows, all with tree names.
Vision
Early Years Foundation Stage
For every child to engage in and enjoy learning.
The Willows Primary aims to be an inspirational
and vibrant environment where children can
enjoy learning.
Our school :• Provides a safe, welcoming environment;
• Develops the whole child;
• Promotes independence;
• Maximises potential;
• Encourages a responsible, caring attitude.
Elm, Fir and Oak (Reception aged 3 – 5)
KS1 (Yrs 1 and 2 – aged 5 – 7)
Pine, Beech & Yew
KS2 (Years 3 – 6)
Maple & Cedar – Years 3 & 4/ aged 7-9)
Eucalyptus and Acacia – Years 5 & 6 /aged 9-11
Teaching Staff
Miss Carla Szadowski – Foundation Stage - Elm
Miss Emily Beckett – Foundation Stage – Oak
Miss Nicola Thomas – Foundation Stage – Fir
Mrs Alison Hann – KS1 – Yew
Miss Kate Paterson – KS1 – Beech
Miss Louise Clarkson – KS1 – Pine
Mrs Alison McDonald – KS2 – Maple
Miss Anna Head – KS2 – Cedar
Mrs Jo Davis – KS2 – Acacia
Mrs Tess Evans – KS2 – Eucalyptus
Mrs Ruth Wild – Planning Preparation Assessment Cover
Aims to:
• Give access to all subjects within the National
Curriculum.
• Allow children to become independent and
confident, to be able to communicate well and
respect others.
• Provide excellent facilities and opportunities.
• Encourage pupils to contribute and play their
part.
Teaching Assistants
Mrs R Block
Mrs A Gilbert
Mr T Gilmartin
Miss A Green
Mrs B Griffin
Mrs S Perry
Mrs N Reynolds
Mrs S Rosier
Mrs H Smith
Mrs M Carter
Mrs A Lloyd
Mrs L Pearce
Mrs E Popper
Mr S Moreton
Mrs M Dymond
Mrs S Forte
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Additional Lunchtime Carers
Mrs T Sage,, Mrs C Heath, Mrs J Buchanan,
Mrs C Patel, Mrs L Pearce
Office
Mrs J Bellingham, School Business Manager
Mrs A Cook, EHT PA
Mrs P Jones, Admin Officer
Mrs B Hargreaves, Reception/Admin Assistant
Pastoral
Mrs D Green, Pastoral Support Worker
Other Staff
Mr David Lategan, Site Controller
Mrs S Chandler, Cleaner
Mrs C Heath, Cleaner
Mrs T Sage, Cleaner
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The Curriculum
The school embraces the National Curriculum, The Primary Strategy, The
Foundation Stage Curriculum and the International Primary Curriculum.
These aim to give a broad-based curriculum suited to the age and aptitude
of every child. The Core Curriculum subjects of numeracy and literacy
occupy the larger part of curriculum time.
The International Primary Curriculum (IPC) From Year 1 our pupils follow
the IPC, which includes geography, history, art, music, design technology,
information technology, physical education & personal social health and
citizenship education. The IPC is an integrated skills based curriculum
based on fun topics which follows cross-curricular National Curriculum
subjects, yet drawing on the child’s previous learnt experiences wherever
possible.
Numeracy - Numeracy is taught to pupils as a class, group or individual
activity. The needs of the pupils are met through differentiated tasks. The
Numeracy Strategy is followed throughout the school. Investigations and
problem solving are provided at all levels. At Key Stage 2 mathematical
learning is expanded and developed. Calculators are used in upper Key
Stage 2 for specific tasks, to correct and investigate.
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Literacy - The Literacy Hour takes place in all classes each day. Literacy
work includes reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. English is also
integrated into other curriculum areas. Pupils are taught as a whole class
and also in small groups. We encourage pupils to develop their written
work through note taking, draft writing and word processing on the
computer. Handwriting and spelling are given regular curriculum
time. Every child in the school participates in a daily phonics lesson which
takes place in ability set groups. We have a wide variety of reading books
in our well-stocked library and age appropriate books in classrooms.
The school drama production usually takes place at the end of the Summer
term.
Science - Pupils have opportunities throughout their primary years to
investigate and experiment with scientific ideas. Skills, knowledge and
understanding develop from these investigations. Planning and
organistional skills are taught through experimental work. All pupils record
their results in pictorial and written form.
Modern Foreign Languages - Pupils in KS2 have the opportunity to learn
French. Lessons are highly practical and focus on learning the language
through songs, poems, role play and games. However, we acknowledge
and celebrate the rich variety of language experiences our children bring to
the community to reflect our multi-lingual society.
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Music - The love and enjoyment of music in its various forms is
something that this school considers extremely important. Music is for
everyone. Currently all children in KS2 have the opportunity to learn
an instrument, including brass and guitar and there are opportunities to
learn other instruments through extra-curricular activities.
ICT (Information Communication Technology) - ICT is used regularly to reinforce mathematical
concepts and to be a source of information for data-handling work, but is used in all subject
areas. Interactive whiteboards are used in all classes and we have an excellent, large new ICT
suite. The school has a set of ipads, kindles and other mobile devices.
Religious Education - RE is provided in accordance with the current LA agreed syllabus. The
syllabus reflects the fact that the religious traditions in this country are in the main Christian,
whilst taking into account teachings and practices of other religions represented in Great Britain
today.
Collective Worship takes place every day, four times a week the whole school meet in the hall. All
parents and friends are welcomed to the children's sharing assemblies. Dates of each class
assembly are announced in the newsletter and on the termly dates list. The school hold several
church services each year which are led by the children, to which all members of the school and
local community are welcome.
Physical Education (PE) - Physical education is a very important part
of a child’s development. We acknowledge the importance of sport in
society and aim that the children will develop the necessary physical
skills and attitudes required for active participation. There is an
annual programme of athletic activities, tag rugby, football, games,
dance, gymnastic activities, swimming, OAA (outdoor & adventurous
activities) and the school has an Activemark award for good practice
in PE.
Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education - All pupils take part in weekly PSHCE
lessons. These lessons follow a scheme of work which includes themes such as all about me, my
family, friendship, people who help us, relationships, feelings, drugs and alcohol, the environment,
money and economic well being, staying safe and being healthy.
Sex Education - Sex Education is part of our school curriculum at the end of Key Stage 2 (Years 3,
4, 5 and 6). Parents have prior access to the audio visual content used and are invited to discuss
the approach taken by staff. Children in the younger age range have no formal sex education,
although health and relationship issues are dealt with through other topics. Parents have the
right to withdraw their child from all or part of the Sex Education programme provided.
Alternative activities will be allocated to children not partaking in these lessons.
Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum – All children enter school
full-time in the September after their fourth birthday. The mornings
have a numeracy or literacy learning focus, linked to the theme for the
term. All children join in a daily phonics session. There are indoor and
outdoor learning opportunities and we ensure all children benefit from
child-initiated play and adult directed learning, appropriate for their
age and development.
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Absences - School attendance is a legal requirement and as such, we have a stringent
attendance policy in place which is available on request from the school office. All absences due to
illness should be notified to the school office as soon as possible, ideally by phone before 9:00am. An
absence is unauthorised if the school is not notified by phone or in writing as to the reason and our
Pastoral Support Worker will follow these up. The Education Welfare Officer will be involved with
persistent absentees and children who continually arrive late. As part of the school’s rewards system,
attendance awards are given to children whose attendance is above a certain level.
Lateness If your child arrives late, they should report to the classroom initially. If the register has
been sent to the office, the child is asked to report to the office to be signed in.
After 9.30am,your child is marked as ‘late after registration’ which is classed as unauthorised
absence.
Accident Reporting/First Aid - In the event of any mishaps, all
accidents are noted on an accident form indicating the cause and treatment given. At
the end of the school day, you will be asked to sign an accident form to show that you
have been informed about the accident by the class teacher. In case of an accident
requiring further medical attention, we will follow our practice of contacting you
immediately. Staff have First Aid Qualifications which are updated on a regular basis.
Admissions - The Local Authority (LA) manage admissions to this school. The School takes boys
and girls between the ages of 3 and 11. The LA should be consulted before seeking a place at The
Willows. They will supply information on availability of places. An appointment with the Headteacher
may then be made to arrange an admission date. Detailed information is available on the website at
www.westberks.gov.uk
Nursery Admissions - Children can be registered on our waiting list from the age of 2 years by
completing our Nursery Admission form. We admit children to our nursery in the term after their 3rd
birthday for half day sessions, 5 days a week. In the term before your child is due to start, we invite you
and your child to visit. Once a place is accepted, the teacher will arrange a home visit and a date to start.
It must be pointed out that you would still need to apply to the LA for a place in Reception class.
Foundation stage (Reception) - children with 5th birthdays falling between September 1st and the
following August 31st, will be admitted full-time at the beginning of the Autumn Term to the Reception
class.
Before and After School Care –
A breakfast club operates from 8am – 8.50am in the staffroom. Children can be dropped at the main
school entrance from 8am. Breakfast is provided and all pupils are expected to brush their teeth!!
A daily After-School Care Club operates from 3.10pm until 5.30pm in the community room (week days,
term time only). The KS1 children are collected from their classes and taken to the centre by a member of
staff. The activities include: Arts and Crafts, Lego, board games, television, PS2, DVD player, singing and
dancing, physical games – indoors and outdoors, books, puzzles, supervised access to our Multi Use Games
Area and lots more included in the price. Healthy snacks are provided. Children may attend as many days
as you like providing spaces are available. Registration forms and current information are available from
Mrs Natasha Fishlock, After School Club Supervisor, in the after school club every afternoon from 3.00pm.
She can be contacted on 07847 585206. Ask in the school office for an information leaflet.
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Behaviour/Conduct - Governors, teaching and non-teaching staff have agreed a Behaviour
Policy. We promote a partnership contract between school and home regarding pupil behaviour. If a
child displays persistent anti-social behaviour a meeting will be arranged between parents and teacher
so that the matter can be discussed. The Local Authority (LA) policy permits exclusion of a pupil from
school in the rare cases of serious and persistent discipline problems. We have a successful rewards
and sanctions system in place which involves the child going through a series of stages up to stage 5,
being the highest reward, when the child receives a red letter presented in whole school assembly. A
sanctions system is also in place for when behaviour is not acceptable.
Community - The school has close links with the community, including the local church, the
community centre and community wardens, the Children’s Centre on our site and regularly gets involved
in community activities.
Communications - A newsletter is circulated to parents regularly, in which current
and future events are reported. The Parents-Teacher/Friends Association (PTFA) also use a
newsletter to inform parents of current and forthcoming events. We also use a very effective
texting system to remind and inform parents of important issues. Our website is populated
with lots of useful information in more detail and useful forms for parents’ use www.willows.westberks.org. We hold regular parent meetings for giving information and
termly parent consultation evenings are held.
Emergency - please inform the office of any change in emergency contact numbers stated on
the admission form.
Expressing your concerns - Occasionally, parents may have reason to be concerned
about their child’s education. If you are concerned, you should, in the first instance, approach your
child’s classteacher; then, if necessary, approach the headteacher. The Governing Body are also there
to assist parents and may be contacted through the school office. If a concern relates to the
curriculum, there is a statutory procedure established by the LA for dealing with written complaints.
Details of the formal process are available from the office. The office also keeps a list of who to go to
for a variety of day to day issues, available on request.
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Extra-Curricular Activities
See in the photo all the clubs available . Every term
a list of all the clubs is sent home with the children
to decide with parents what they are interested in
and places are offered on a first come/first served
basis. These are usually run by teachers, volunteers,
parents etc. Some are at lunchtime and others
after school from 3:15pm to 4:15pm. They include,
Dr Who club, Japanese, Football, Storytime,
Homework, Table Tennis, Art, Cross Country,
French, Recorder, and many more!!
Facilities - Our school has several large classrooms and a
foundation stage unit, comprising separate classrooms with a self
contained play area. In addition, we have a newly refurbished
reception/administration office, a large air conditioned ICT suite, brand
new library and extensive outside facilities, including 2 adventure
playgrounds a large sports field and a conservation area with pond.
There are also extra temporary buildings – terrapins which are used for
meetings and other activities.
Getting to School
Walking to school
We are encouraged by the amount of families who walk to and from school and would suggest that
parents do not consider allowing children to walk alone until they are in Years 5/6.
Coming to School by Car
Parents are asked not to park in the school car park, apart from disability reasons.
Parking is available outside on the road, but obviously avoid the zig-zag yellow lines.
Cycling
Parents are requested not to allow their child to cycle to school unaccompanied or unsupervised unless
the child has passed the Bikeability 1 and 2. Training for Year 5 pupils takes place annually in the
Autumn Term.
Bad Weather
Should it become necessary to close the school due to bad weather, an announcement will be made on
local radio stations including BBC Radio Berkshire and Newbury Sound during the peak programmes, a
text message will be sent and our website updated.
Homework - Children in Foundation Stage are sometimes set a task to do at home. We do
encourage parents to hear reading and each child has a home/school reading book and accompanying
record book. Pupils in Years 1 and 2 may be given small tasks to complete at home, including spelling
and reading. Pupils in Years 3,4,5 and 6 are set regular homework. Pupils in Years 5 and 6 will be given
extra projects in order to establish a routine for the transition to Secondary School. In all these cases
parents will be consulted, ensuring home/school liaison.
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Meals - are prepared in our own kitchen, with a choice of meals available daily,
including a vegetarian option at a cost of £2.05 per day. Menus are sent out in advance
from ISS, the contracted catering company, so that children can decide with you
what meal is required. Also available on our website. Payment must be made daily, although parents
may pay in advance on the Monday of each week or online www.feedinghungryminds.co.uk/onlinepayments (Please note that credit cannot be given). Cheques made payable to ISS. Children may bring
their own healthy packed lunch if they wish, in a secure, named plastic container. Healthy snacks are
available at morning break time at between 25-50p. All pupils in Reception, Year 1 and 2 receive a piece
of free fruit under the government’s free fruit scheme.
(If you are in receipt of eligible benefits e.g. Income Support, Job Seeker’s Allowance, Child Tax Credits etc., you may be eligible
for Free School Meals. Please contact West Berkshire Council on tel.01635 519777. It is necessary to re-register termly for Free
School Meals and only authorised documentary proof can be accepted.)
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NO SWEETS, NUTS OR NUT PRODUCTS ARE ALLOWED IN SCHOOL
Medicines - Children finishing a course of medicine may attend school if they are well
enough. Medicines are locked in the office (or fridge in staffroom) and should be given to the
reception in the morning. A signed consent form must then be completed in order for the medicine
to be administered (can be obtained from the website). It is the responsibility of the adult collecting
the child to ensure that the medicine is taken home. PLEASE INFORM THE SCHOOL IF YOUR CHILD
HAS A MEDICAL CONDITION WE SHOULD BE AWARE OF.
Parental access to information -
all school documentation regarding the
Governors’ Meetings and subject policy documents are available in the office. Any requests for
information should be put in writing and sent to the school office.
Parental Consent - On admission to the school, parents are asked to sign a home school
agreement and give permission for various activities, including internet access, permission to take the
children out locally, to take photographs for use in promotional activities such as school prospectus, the
website and local press. Written permission is always sought from parents for trips involving
transport, prior to each visit.
Parental involvement – The school has an
active Parent Teachers Friends Association (PTFA). All
parents are automatically members of the Association and
are encouraged to join in and support the various activities
organised. The PTFA raises funds to provide additional
resources and facilities for the school, such as adventure
playground equipment, music and computer equipment,
trips to the pantomime, computer equipment. The PTFA
hold regular events such as discos, Summer fayre,
Christmas bazaar, etc.
We also welcome volunteer helpers to carry out various
tasks such as helping walk children to venues near the
school, help children read etc. All volunteers are subject to
a CRB check.
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Pastoral Care - The Staff of The Willows School take responsibility for pupils in their care
within the school premises. This care extends to extra-curricular activities outside the school
premises. The values, standards and attitudes of the school are made clear to the children. We have
a pastoral support worker who works with children who may have issues with their self-esteem,
behaviour, etc and several staff have been specially trained in Emotional Literacy (ELSA). A Family
Support Worker also provides help and support to families and holds regular coffee mornings and
parenting groups. This post is funded by the New Jigsaw Partnership.
Reporting to Parents – Parents’ evenings are held in the Autumn and Spring terms.
These consultations also include reporting end of Key stage 1 (Infant) and Key Stage 2 (Junior)
Standard Assessment Tests (SATs) results. An annual report on the progress of each child and their
attainments is sent to parents at the end of the Summer term and termly progress reports.
Safeguarding - The security and safety of the children in our care is of paramount importance
and various procedures are in place to this end. All visitors have to gain access through the secure
reception area and are asked to sign in on entry and exit, their identity being verified. All staff and
anyone working with the children have to be CRB checked. Children are always closely supervised.
School Council - The school council of pupils have
devised their own Code of Conduct, which is on display in school.
We encourage self-discipline and promote acceptable social
behaviour. The school council have regular meetings and discuss a
range of topics from improving the school grounds to deciding on
playtime equipment.
Special Educational Needs - We are aware that during their Primary School years
some children may experience difficulties in aspects of learning and may require extra
assistance. Likewise other children need extra challenge. Our Special Needs Policy encourages
early recognition of these needs and in line with the 2001 Code of Practice, parents will be
consulted and kept informed and involved. If there is a fundamental problem, the school has
developed procedures that ensure a programme of work with learning support. We do have a
Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator whose work is primarily to address the needs of these
children. The school has wheelchair access and a disabled toilet facility.
Special Needs Support Service
The Special Needs Support Service Team visit on a regular basis and together with the staff help
with developing this support in school. Wherever possible, children are taught in groups to retain
their sense of belonging in class. The individual needs of the child are, however, paramount.
Able Pupils showing an exceptional gift or talent within a specific subject are placed on an
individual programme of work and sometimes have opportunities to participate in secondary
school enrichment days to further stretch them.
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Staff Training - Five days are allocated annually to Staff In-Service training. The training is
planned in conjunction with the needs of the school outlined in the School development plan.
Timings - School Day is from 8:50am to 3:10pm
8:40
8:50
10:30-10:45
12:10-1:00pm
2:15-2:30
3:10
The pupils gate is unlocked and pupils enter through doors near Early Years
Morning registration
Break
Lunch
Break for Years 1/2
End of school day
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Transferring to Secondary School - There are generally 3 secondary schools in
this area, but the majority of the pupils move on to Park House Secondary School, with whom we
have close links. A number of transition activities aim to ease the move to secondary school. Parents
of Year 5 and 6 pupils will be informed about Open evenings in local secondary schools.
Uniform
For boys:-
grey or black long trousers / short trousers, (no jeans or tracksuits)
white or grey shirt (and this can include a white polo shirt),
blue jersey or sweatshirt, grey socks
For girls:-
grey skirt/pinafore dress or grey or black trousers
(not jeans or tracksuits) white blouse or shirt, (and this can include a polo shirt), blue
jersey, cardigan or sweatshirt, grey or white socks or grey or black tights
For both:-
PE Kit:- black shorts and blue owl motif Willows t-shirts, trainers or plimsolls.
One piece swimsuit (any design) for girls and trunks for boys. Swimming hats.
Shoes Children are expected to wear appropriate school shoes.
Trainers will not be allowed except for play or PE. School shoes must be black tie up,
buckle or with Velcro fittings, with a LOW HEEL.
For the summer term we will expect all children to have a sun hat
For boys:- shorts may be worn
For girls:- as for the winter or a white/blue gingham dress
OUR SCHOOL UNIFORM SWEATSHIRTS AND CARDIGANS (WITH OWL LOGO) ARE AVAILABLE FROM:
TRUTEX, (FORMERLY NATIONAL SCHOOLWEAR), 13 BARTHOLOMEW ST., NEWBURY, BERKSHIRE
RG14 5LL TEL: 01635 38285
email: [email protected]
Uniform Prices – Please see our website for current prices
Please name all items of clothing. Jewellery is not allowed in school.
Children with pierced ears may wear round studs. These will have to be removed for PE and swimming.
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Visits – It is our desire to give the children as many opportunities to go offsite and visit places
of interest, take part in special events and go on residential trips etc. We are somewhat hindered
in this desire by the cost and so rely heavily on voluntary contributions from parents, or donations
from charitable organisations, otherwise it would be impossible for us to arrange these visits.
Contributions towards these curriculum-enriching activities are gratefully received.
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Visits to the school are welcome. Please contact the school office to arrange an
appointment. To apply for a place, you will need to complete a Local Authority
admission form and send to the School Admissions Team, West Berks Council, West
Street House, West St, Newbury RG14 5BT. Once they have offered a place, we will
then arrange to admit the child.
Nursery admissions are dealt with by the school. You just need to complete our
own admission form and return it to the school office and let us have sight of the
birth certificate. The Admissions Officer will then contact you to arrange admission
at the appropriate time.
We are
here
We look forward to welcoming you.
How to find us:Heading south from A34, take A339 signposted
Winchester, follow signs for Newbury Racecourse.
Our school is south of the racecourse, head up
Greenham Road, turn right into The Nightingales and
school is on the corner.
Willows Primary School,
Pyle Hill,
Greenham,
Newbury,
Berkshire RG14 7SJ
Tel: 01635 42155
Fax:01635 48484
e-mail: [email protected]
[email protected]
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