THE SCHOOL Welcome to the Raleigh School Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions that you make for your child. We are very proud of The Raleigh. It is a high achieving, popular community primary school as a result of aspirational standards and close partnership with parents and the community. Continuity is also an important factor and, at this school, we are able to offer an education that can be supportive and co-ordinated for seven continuous years. We hope that our prospectus will give you a flavour of our ethos and achievements. In it you will find standard general information and at the back, documentation which is updated annually. We hope that you will come and visit us, so that you can fully appreciate our school. You will be made most welcome and be offered an opportunity to participate in one of our regular, small group, parent “walkabouts” which gives you a chance to see the school at work, meet me, and talk about your child. You will experience first-hand the happy, purposeful atmosphere in each classroom. Children learning through play If you wish to apply for a place at The Raleigh School please ask the Admissions Officer for the appropriate Contents application form. I look forward to meeting you. THE SCHOOL Summary of Good Practice Welcome 3 Vision and Aims 4 Background and Organisation 5 Enjoy and Achieve 6 Safe & Healthy 9 Personal Contribution 12 Admission Policy 14 3 Quality in a Caring Community Our Vision Caring Environment We will provide an environment in which children learn Our vision is to provide a quality tailored education best, which: for each child within a caring and well-organised community. l is happy, caring, safe and well-structured l gives positive encouragement for everyone l values direct experience Our Aims l teaches life skills through exercising appropriate Children First l has mutual respect, trust, understanding, and levels of choice and responsibility Our children and their needs are central to everyone at tolerance as its fundamental values. The Raleigh School. As staff, governors and parents we aim to provide children with a variety of experiences and challenges that are tailored to the individual needs and potential of each and every child. Education At The Raleigh, the education that children receive embraces academic ability, social, emotional and physical skills, moral reasoning and the wider community. Our Vision Physical skills are encouraged and enjoyed 4 THE SCHOOL About The Raleigh We provide a happy and caring atmosphere where children can feel relaxed and positive about themselves in school. Within this environment, children enjoy participating in a wide range of appropriate learning experiences. The Raleigh School has a rich, broad and stimulating curriculum that includes the core skills of reading, writing, mathematics, science and ICT: l the children may work individually, in small groups or as a class, enabling the teacher to match activities closely to the needs of the class, group or individual supported by a teaching assistant l group work encourages children to co-operate and share information, talk, listen and value each other’s contributions l teachers will encourage questions and promote discussions in order to help understanding and extend thinking. Pupils commence school at an arranged date and time Children work together during their first week and are introduced to their fellow classmates. Close contact between teacher and parents The Raleigh School is a co-educational primary day ensure a successful start to school. school for pupils aged four to eleven. It opened in September 1957 in temporary accommodation, with a Daily Timetable teaching staff of two and seventy two pupils on the roll. The school governors decided to name the school after 08.40 Arrival the renowned Elizabethan, Sir Walter Raleigh, a local 08.50 Registration 10.40 Playtime 12.00 KS1 lunchtime 12.10 KS2 lunchtime The children start in the Early Years Foundation Stage in 13.00 KS1 Afternoon school begins Walter’s Wing, a separate building housing Foundation 13.10 KS2 Afternoon school begins 14.15 KS1 Playtime years 1 and 2. Key Stage Two (KS2) covers children aged 15.10 KS1 End of day 7-11 with National Curriculum years 3 to 6. The children 15.20 KS2 End of day figure. Fifty years on we now have a staff of more than 60, including teaching staff and four hundred and twenty children on roll. Stage and Year 1 classes. Key Stage One (KS1) contains children aged 5-7 years old within National Curriculum move to the main building in Year 2. THE SCHOOL 5 Enjoyment & Achievement at The Raleigh thematic way, combining links between Literacy, ICT, Science, Geography, History, Art and Design Technology. Other subjects; PE, RE, Mathematics, Music, French (KS2), and Personal, Social, Health and Cultural Education are taught discretely where there are less clear links to the theme. In this way, each child receives their entitlement to the full National Curriculum in a creative way. All policies are available on request. Educational Visits Day and residential visits are organised to enrich the curriculum and are invaluable in bringing alive the children’s learning. Generally there is a visit each term and in KS2 more ambitious trips are undertaken. All residential school journeys fulfil the requirements of the National Curriculum for Outdoor Adventurous Activities. All trips are well-planned, properly supervised and authorised at Governor and County levels, following thorough risk assessments. Religious Education (RE) Religious Education is a regular part of our weekly work The fully-equipped ICT suite enables pupils to broaden their skills The Curriculum During the Early Years Foundation Stage pupils work towards the five early learning goals. These are: l Personal, Social & Emotional Development l Communication, Language & Literacy and assemblies are held, some of which have an element of worship. These are of a broadly Christian nature and are non-denominational. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from RE and collective worship. Provision for the well-being of withdrawn children will be undertaken by the School. l Problem Solving, Reasoning & Numeracy Assessment & Consultation l Knowledge & Understanding of the World Every pupil is regularly assessed in all curriculum areas. l Physical & Creative Development. At the end of each Key Stage a formal assessment is carried out by means of the SATs – Standard Attainment 6 In Year 1 the National Curriculum determines the focus Tests. In addition for Year 3, the Local Authority performs of learning. Teachers implement a creative curriculum a screening test in basic subject areas. We also test, enabling children to make links between subject areas when necessary, for a variety of needs. Formative and give purpose to their learning. Topics are taught in a assessment which involves close ongoing collaboration THE SCHOOL between teachers, teaching assistants and pupils is an learnt in class and to strengthen the liaison between integral part of classroom practice. home and school. It acclimatises children to selfdiscipline through the completion and submission of Children are encouraged to evaluate their own and assignments on time. The school’s homework policy peers’ work and to use questioning and feedback ensures that there is progression so that by Year 6 the constructively. This involves them as active learners who children are well prepared for secondary school. are aware of their “next steps”. All information gained from testing may be shared with the child’s parents on Teaching of Musical Instruments request. Visiting specialist music teachers are available for brass, violin, clarinet, flute, guitar, piano and keyboard. There is Daytime consultation appointments are available with a school orchestra and choir. teaching staff and the Headteacher. Interview evenings are held to give parents the opportunity to talk to Clubs teachers and see their children’s work. Parents are A wide range of clubs are run outside of school hours, also welcomed into the classrooms one afternoon a either by school staff or by instructors from outside, month to see their child’s work over the period. In the when a charge is made. An up-to-date list of clubs will be summer term, the children bring home a written report found in the loose-leaf section at the back of this of their progress. prospectus. Homework Homework offers opportunities to work independently of the teacher, using outside sources, practising skills Studying the ecosystem in the secure pond area THE SCHOOL 7 Pupils enjoying the Adventure Playground Facilities The school is extremely proud of its facilities and we maximise their use: l adventure playground – is used daily by the children on a rota basis and has been refurbished in recent years by the Parent Staff Association l pond area – this secure area, which can only be accessed with an adult, enables the children to study ecosystems l Millennium Garden – This is a quiet area where the children may sit and reflect among planted and wild flowers l Information Communication Technology (ICT) Studio – this is a highly valued area where children participate in ICT lessons as a class l Interactive White Boards are in every classroom which greatly enhance learning and teaching. Children have the opportunity to learn a variety of musical instruments 8 8 THE SCHOOL Keeping Safe & Healthy at The Raleigh by parents with a signed note detailing administration. Medicines are kept in the school and a fridge is available for storage if required. A record is maintained of medication given l children requiring hospital treatment will be accompanied by a member of staff should a parent be uncontactable l our Child Protection Liaison Officer is the Headteacher l all staff receive regular training on how to deal with concerns relating to child protection issues. Behaviour Discipline within the school reflects our expectations of our pupils and the children’s behaviour also reflects the value of parental backing and support. If a child’s behaviour or work is a cause for concern the parents are contacted and an interview arranged. A monitoring system may then be employed. It is vital that children can see that both staff and parents are working to the same end. Our Home-School Agreement, which sets out how we work with parents, is included in the loose-leaf section at the back of this prospectus. Teachers provide encouragement to all The Raleigh School has an anti-bullying strategy shared by all local schools and the policy is available on request. Welfare The happiness and well-being of the children is of Absence paramount importance and greatly impacts on children’s A telephone call should be made to school on the self-esteem and achievements. The welfare of the children first day on a child’s absence. A letter should then is the responsibility of the Headteacher.However, for accompany the child when they return to school. practical reasons, this responsibility is normally delegated to the class teacher, the senior members of staff – the Meals Deputy Head, two Key Stage Leaders, the Special Needs We believe in the importance of healthy eating impacting Co-ordinator and playground supervisors. on the children’s ability to concentrate: l school lunches are cooked on site by Commercial l relevant staff are trained in First Aid on a regular basis l parents are asked to provide contact information so that they are easily reached in an emergency l medicines may be administered at school at the Head’s discretion. They must be delivered and collected THE SCHOOL Services l an alternative choice is offered to children with specific dietary needs l the school offers a packed lunch to those families who prefer this option 9 Water Children are encouraged to drink water throughout the day from spill-proof containers that they bring from home. Drinking water fountains are located in several places around the school and a chilled water dispenser is available in the school hall. Possessions Money should only be brought into school for a specific school purpose and should be in a clearly named purse/wallet. The only jewellery that can be worn in Healthy school meals school are watches and small stud/sleeper earrings l a cafeteria system is in operation with continuous which must be removed by the child for PE lessons. No responsibility can be taken for lost personal possessions. service l healthy packed To and From School lunches may be Parents are requested not to park on the yellow lines brought in from outside the school or to park immediately opposite either home end of the pedestrian footpath. Neither the entrance, nor l during the the playground, may be used for turning. Collecting or lunchtime break the delivering children by car in the approach roads to the children are under school should be done in a clockwise direction. The the care of a senior playground is used for parking at most official school Midday Supervisor functions. To reduce car use we run a dedicated school and her team. bus service, Pegasus, seating 37, which transports l fruit is allowed as a children to and from a wide area. snack l sweets are not We do ask for parents’ fullest cooperation in not blocking allowed for snacks residents’ driveways. The roads adjacent to the school or in packed lunches are monitored regularly by the local police. In-school catering A Raleigh parent says, ” The Pegasus bus is an inspiration. The children love getting the bus as it UED TIN SCON DI extends the time they have with their friends as well as feeling very grown up. For me as a working mother it extends my working day by a good hour which allows me to be home when The Pegasus Bus 10 they are.” THE SCHOOL Walking All parents and every member of staff are automatically Promoting a healthier lifestyle, we encourage walking to members of the Association. They may attend any of its and from school with participation in the National General Meetings and are eligible for election to the Golden Boot Challenge which promotes `Healthy Routes committee. Numerous functions are organised by the to School’. This also helps to alleviate local parking committee throughout the school year, some being issues. fund-raising others being purely social affairs. Special Needs Communication The Raleigh School recognises its responsibility to Communication is an essential part of school life: support pupils, whatever their individual needs. We aim l Parent Interview Evenings are held to give parents the to encourage and help each child to achieve their full opportunity to talk to teachers and see their potential, not only intellectually, but also physically, children’s work l parents are also welcomed into creatively, emotionally and socially. the classrooms one afternoon a The Special Educational Needs month to see their child’s work Co-ordinator (SENCO) works with over the period l weekly `Headlines’ newsletter staff to ensure that those pupils who may need additional support keeps parents up to date with are identified as early as possible. events both past, current and We ensure that children with future as does our website www.raleigh.surrey.sch.uk special educational needs are l our Home/School Agreement, taught by skilled, committed and which we ask parents to sign enthusiastic staff. when their child starts school, is included in the back pocket of this Good communication between prospectus parents and school is paramount. l a parents consultative group Class teachers, teaching assistants `Spotlight’ meets once a term and special needs assistants, supported by the School’s SENCO, liaise closely and communicate Communication is an essential part of school life and is made up of parent representatives together with the Headteacher and or Deputy and directly with parents. other staff members If further assessment or specialist support is required, l the school has a Linkline which is a communication advice is sought from the Multi-professional Team or system, consisting of children’s contact details, run by Health Services. parents and is based on class pyramids. Class representatives provide a social link for parents by A more detailed Special Educational Needs Policy can be viewed upon request. arranging social events l annual events are held as a thank you to voluntary helpers such as parents, governors and local The Parent-Staff Association (PSA) residents. The Parents Staff Association has two main objectives: l to establish a constructive relationship between Documents parents, staff and other friends and supporters Parents are welcome to borrow any Statutory associated with the school Documents and circulars sent to school by the l to support fund raising activities so that the school Department for Children, Schools and Families including may be able to afford various goods and services any of the National Curriculum documents. The school’s which cannot be provided by the Local Authority or out own policy documents are also available to be viewed. of School Funds. THE SCHOOL 11 Making a Personal Contribution Posts of Responsiblity l Year 6 children are paired with `Special Friends’ from the Early Years Foundation Stage for whom they act as mentor and carry out induction throughout their first year at The Raleigh l Year 6 children also regularly spend time reading with their "Special Friend" l Year 5 children are paired with a reading buddy from Year 1 l children in Years 5 & 6 also have a variety of other responsibilities to smooth the day-to-day running of the school. These include, for example, register delivery, audio technicians for assembly and KS1 fruit delivery. Older pupils support younger ones Children have an opportunity to contribute via: School Council l two School Councils, one for each Key Stage, meet every two weeks. l the Councils are made up of 2 pupil representatives per class and one teacher from each Key Stage l class representatives are chosen democratically by their peers and their term of office covers one year l the Councils each have a Chair, Secretary, Treasurer and a budget l the School Council has its own noticeboard located in school. Children enjoying National Curriculum music lessons 12 THE SCHOOL Raleigh Eco-Rangers This mixed age team is involved in a range of initiatives leading the school in its drive to be more “eco friendly”. Business Links Children at The Raleigh learn about business l school councillors lead this initiative by sourcing and running stalls at the Christmas and Summer Fairs l produce sold is chosen by the children and profits are split between chosen charities and the classes, helping children develop economic awareness which is a key feature of the `Every Child Matters‘ agenda. Charity Work Each year all the children are involved in various fund-raising events for charities. Recently these have included Red Nose Day, Save Our Soles (RNLI), Poppy Day and retiring collections following school productions which have been sent to other charities. Children enjoying books Community We produce a school Christmas card, one for each key stage. These are delivered to the local community by our Year 6 children and are available for purchase. Year 6 also plan, cook for, present and serve our annual strawberry cream tea. All of our volunteers, including members of the Governing Body, PSA parent helpers, community members and local residents are invited. Fund-raising team for "Guide Dogs for the Blind" THE SCHOOL 13 The Raleigh School Admission Policy Admissions In Surrey children can be admitted to school at the beginning of the academic year before their fifth birthday. Statutory schooling must begin in the term following a child’s fifth birthday. The Raleigh, as a community school in Surrey, has an equal-preference system for admissions as do all Surrey schools. This means that all applications are considered equally against their admission criteria and, for example, an application from a parent who has given a school as their third ranked preference is treated initially in the same way as an application where the school is shown as the first ranked preference. If your child meets the admission criteria for more than one school you will be offered a place at a school which you have shown as the highest ranked of these. We will admit pupils up to our published admission number of 60 in KS1. When there are more applications than there are places available, Surrey’s policy is to admit children in a specific priority order: The current priority order can be found in the general information which is located at the back of this prospectus. For first admissions to school (4 - 5 year olds) exceptional arrangements can only be considered for applications received by the closing date. Children learn through imaginative play What to do if you have a complaint Full details on applying for admission to school are given in the County’s publication “Information on school admissions & transfers for both primary & secondary schools available from schools and nurseries in September. 14 With the best will in the world sometimes things go wrong. There are procedure pamphlets available on request at the school office but most problems can be resolved quickly and easily by approaching the class teacher first. Either write about your concern or telephone to make an appointment to see them. If a matter cannot be satisfactorily resolved then raise it with the appropriate Key Stage Leader, the Deputy Head and finally the Headteacher. If the matter is still not resolved, you can contact the Chair of Governors via the school office. THE SCHOOL Raleigh cover_web_Layout 1 27/07/2010 16:06 Page 2 How to find us B2115 M25 Rd N d O h am Hor sle yR G La uile ne sh ill Ockham Effingham Junction N m Co ne am as Rd on m t La gh f in Ef d oa R La SCHOOL Forre st Rd h ac Re ng Lo y ple Ri en O Gre e c Lan THE kha RALEIGH m E CURCHODS HC OT E CR LA NE ES T S EA O HC RT EAS TL D AN E R TE CH EA GR A246 NO N LO West Horsley THE SCHOOL Northcote Crescent, Northcote Road, West Horsley, Surrey KT24 6LX T: 01483 282988 F: 01483 285631 E: [email protected] W: www.raleigh.surrey.sch.uk Mrs F. O'Neill, Headteacher H RT NO A246 AD RO Ockham Roa d S tre et Th Effingham M HA eS K OC East Horsley NORT k Oc Ripley a mL ha ck