NORTH NEWTON COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL HANDBOOK 2013-14 1 NORTH NEWTON COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL CHURCH ROAD, NORTH NEWTON, BRIDGWATER, SOMERSET, TA7 0BG Telephone/Fax: 01278 662140 Email: [email protected] Website: www.northnewtonschool.co.uk Headteacher: Mr. D. P. Gliddon Chair of Governors: Mrs. S. Cook SOMERSET COUNTY COUNCIL A Somerset Primary School 2 INTRODUCTION North Newton Community Primary School is a rural primary school for pupils aged 4-11. It is the aim of the staff to ensure that the School is a happy and successful one. To this end the staff will be as supportive towards the children in their care as possible and will teach in a manner that suits the needs of the children. Prospective parents are always welcome to visit the School in order to assess the opportunities provided for their children and to meet the staff, and should contact the Head's Secretary at the School for an appointment. THE SCHOOL GOVERNORS Sarah Cook – Chair of Governors Governor Mrs. S. Cook (Chair) Mr. M. Barham Mr. D. P. Gliddon Mrs. S. Hogg Mrs. K. Kirby Mr. A. O’Connor (Vice Chair) Mrs. S. Phippen Mrs. E. Tipper Clerk to Governors: Mrs. R. Hodge Community Community Staff Staff Parent Parent Parent LEA c/o North Newton CP School, 01278 662140 The Governors have a general responsibility for the effective management of the School but they are not expected to take detailed decisions about the day to day running of the School - that is the role of the Head. They are responsible for the curriculum and conduct of the School; managing the budget; staffing; discipline and attendance. Governors' meetings are held regularly and at least once a term to consider a variety of items affecting the School and to receive reports from the Head concerning the conduct, finance and curriculum of the School. 3 STAFF Mr. David Gliddon Headteacher Mrs. Susan Hogg Hedgehogs Class Teacher Mrs. Carol Becher Foxes Class Teacher Mrs. Sarah Thomson Foxes Class Teacher/SENCO Miss Annie Hudson Squirrels Class Teacher Mrs. Helen Woodhams Badgers Class Teacher Mrs. Rosalyn Hodge Secretary/ Finance Officer/Clerk to Governors Miss Denise Rogers, Administrative Assistant Mrs. Patricia Burgess Teaching Assistant, Mid-Day Supervisor, Hedgehogs Class Mrs. Julie Clark Teaching Assistant (SEN) Mrs. Carol Adams Teaching Assistant (SEN)/Mid-Day Supervisor Mrs. Michelle Coombes Teaching Assistant, SEN Mrs. Cynthia Chappell Teaching Assistant (SEN)/ Mid-day Supervisor Mrs. Maxine Hughes Teaching Assistant, Foxes Class Mrs. Susan Stone Teaching Assistant, Squirrels Class Mrs. Vicky Marsh Teaching Assistant, Badgers Class/ Mid-day Supervisor Mrs. Penelope Smith Mid-day Supervisor (SEN) Mrs. Sharon Copping Breakfast Club/Catering Supervisor Ms. Gillian Duddridge Mid-Day Supervisor/ Breakfast Club Mrs. Ann Perry Caretaker/Cleaner 4 AIMS AND MISSION STATEMENT North Newton’s Mission Statement: “We aim to provide a safe, caring, happy and well-ordered environment where everyone’s contribution is valued, and all members of our school community work towards their full potential.” The School is committed to providing a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum, where all our children have equal access and individual needs are met. We aim to provide the best possible education for every child in our care. We want the children at North Newton: to enjoy being a child. to work within an atmosphere of mutual trust and feel confident and secure. to develop self discipline, self motivation, independence and good self esteem. to think for themselves and make their own judgments. to develop a sound foundation in maths, reading, writing, science, ICT and other elements of the National Curriculum, based on the latest developments in teaching practice and to use these skills in intellectual, imaginative and creative contexts. to have a respect for people within our school community and an appreciation and understanding of the wider world in which we live. to have an appreciation of beauty and spiritual awareness. to persevere with tasks and physical skills. to develop a love of learning which will continue in their future lives. We also want to encourage parents to take an active role and interest in the education of their children in partnership with us. 5 THE CONTENT AND ORGANISATION OF THE CURRICULUM Since September 2012 the School has been divided into four classes: Hedgehogs Class (Reception) – 16 children, Foxes (Years 1-2) - 28 children, Squirrels (Years 3-4) – 25 and Badgers (Years 5-6) - 26 children. EARLY YEARS The Early Years Foundation Stage covers the education of children from 3-5 years and the last year of the foundation stage is referred to as the Reception year. The foundation stage provides provision for the different starting points from which children develop their learning and builds on what they can do already. The content matches the different levels of young children’s needs. Planned and purposeful activities provide opportunities for teaching and learning both indoors and outdoors. The Early Years Foundation Stage is divided into three prime areas, and four specific areas of learning: The prime areas are: • Communication and language • Physical development • Personal, social and emotional development The specific areas are: • Literacy ( reading and writing) • Mathematics (numbers and shape, space and measures) • Understanding the world (people and communities, the world and technology) • Expressive arts and design THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM The curriculum to which each child is entitled has been laid down by the National Curriculum, which will provide a framework which will ensure the development of a child as he/she moves through the School. The basic requirements under the National Curriculum include Religious Education and four 'core' subjects: English, Mathematics, Science and ICT. There are six 'foundation' subjects: Art and Design, History, Geography, Music, Physical Education and Technology. 6 In addition to the subjects specified in the National Curriculum, the School curriculum also addresses cross-curricular issues such as Personal and Social Education, Health, Equal Opportunities and Multi-Cultural Education. The manner in which the curriculum as a whole is delivered will reflect the needs of each individual child, and so the organisation of teaching groups will, of necessity, be flexible. The National Curriculum describes subject areas and we do teach the curriculum in subjects, especially at Key Stage 2; where appropriate the curriculum may be taught in a more integrated and thematic way. The majority of teaching time in a given week will be given over to the core subjects, although every effort will be made to ensure that the foundation subjects receive adequate emphasis. The National Curriculum provides attainment targets which will provide standards against which children's progress will be assessed. The School will communicate the results of these assessments to parents at the end of each Key Stage, i.e. ages 7 and 11. The overall purpose of any such process is to monitor progress, diagnose weaknesses and to give staff an indicator for a pupil's future work. Every child is given an Annual Report in July and parents are given an opportunity to come and discuss this with the Class Teacher. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION The School's Religious Education policy has been drawn up in accordance with the LEA's nondenominational Agreed Syllabus, and the daily Act of Worship is intended to reflect our Christian tradition. It is, however, intended that our pupils should also gain some awareness and understanding of other world religions. The requirements for daily worship are complied with, and assembly is held either as a whole school or individual/combined classes. SEX EDUCATION Sex Education is given as part of the teaching on Health, Personal and Social Education and in the Science element of the core curriculum. The content of the Sex Education teaching has been drawn up in accordance with the LEA's guidelines and has been approved by both the School Governors and parents of children at the School. Children will NOT be exposed to subjects such as Aids or homosexuality in the teaching programme, although staff will respond to any enquiries from children on such matters. SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS Where appropriate the School aims to give special help to children with specific or general learning difficulties and to very able children. All children will have access to the whole of the National Curriculum, however the work set will match individual pupil's needs and abilities and children with learning difficulties may also receive additional support as part of a group or individually. Children with particularly severe learning and/or behavioural difficulties may, with their parents' consent, be referred to the Multi-Professional Team who deal with Additional Educational Needs’ children. Access to the school for children with disabilities is being enhanced on a rolling programme. The Special Educational Needs policy is reviewed annually. The School employs a part-time SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator) who assesses and supports children throughout the School with specific educational needs. Additional support programmes are provided, as required, and the SENCO is available to talk to parents who may have concerns regarding their child. 7 GENERAL INFORMATION ABSENCE If your child is unable to attend school it is necessary for you to let us know on the first day of absence. Please telephone the office by 9.30 a.m. to advise that your child will not be in school on that day. If we do not know the reason for your child’s absence we shall endeavour to contact you to ascertain the reason; this is a Department for Education requirement. When the absence is lengthy, please notify the School as soon as possible. Arrangements can then be made for work at home to be provided, if this is appropriate. BREAKFAST CLUB (EARLY BIRDS) The Early Birds Breakfast Club provides children with a healthy breakfast and a good start to the day, at a very reasonable cost (£4.00 per session). After a nutritional breakfast the children have access to play facilities, organised games, craft activities or can just mix with their friends. The Club is open each school day from 7.45 a.m. to 8.45 a.m. and is operated by two members of staff. Children may only use the Breakfast Club if they have booked in advance. To book a place (or if you have any queries) please contact the Breakfast Club Team on 07545 266027. BUDDY SYSTEM Children from years 5 and 6 operate a buddy system during playtimes and are noticeable by their red caps. Any child who ‘needs a friend’ can approach one of the buddies for support. CHURCH LINKS The School receives weekly visits from the Rev. Jane Haslam or Rev. Philip Denison during term time. We also visit the Church for important festivals at Harvest and Christmas. COMPUTER SUITE The school has a large number of networked computers and laptops giving children access to the Internet and Somerset Intranet in each of the classes. Children use group email addresses and the computers have all the programmes required to cover the ICT curriculum. Access is restricted to sites that have been centrally ‘filtered’ and we ask all parents to sign a consent form allowing their child to access the Internet. Each classroom also has an Interactive White Board. EDUCATIONAL VISITS AND EXPEDITIONS All classes have the opportunity to take part in trips away from the School. Recent residential visits include a visit to Cornwall for children in Years 5 and 6 and the Magdalen Project for Years 3 and 4 children. These trips are of great educational and social benefit. Occasional class visits in connection with school work are organised to local places of interest. An annual visit is made to a local theatre for its Christmas production. This frequently results in much interesting discussion and follow-up work. 8 EMERGENCIES In the event of severe weather, etc. preventing the School from opening announcements will be made on BBC Radio Somerset (95.5 FM) and Heart radio’s (106.6 FM). The following websites will also list school closures: https://slp.somerset.gov.uk and www.heartsomerset.co.uk. If possible, a recorded message will be announced on the school’s answer-machine. It will remain School policy to open if at all possible and all parents are encouraged to keep in touch with the School should prolonged difficulties occur. EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES A variety of extra-curricular activities take place after school and at lunch times throughout the year including recorders, drums, netball, football, rounders, cricket, film club, computer club, art, speech and drama, cookery and gymnastics. The children regularly take part in netball, football, rounders and athletics competitions against other schools. GETTING TO SCHOOL Children are encouraged to walk, cycle or scoot to school and bicycles/scooters can be stored safely in the cycle shelter/scooter pod. Children who walk or cycle to school are provided with a free fluorescent jacket. HOLIDAYS IN TERM TIME The government advice through the Department for Education is that parents should not normally take pupils on holiday during school term-time. The law says that a pupil may be granted leave of absence from the school to enable him/her to go away on holiday where: (a) An application has been made in advance to the Headteacher by the parent/carer with whom the pupil normally resides; and (b) The Headteacher considers that the leave of absence should be granted due to the "special circumstances" relating to that application. Save in "exceptional circumstances", a pupil shall not be granted more than ten school days leave of absence in any school year. HOMEWORK/PARENTAL HELP Children are encouraged to learn tables, spellings and new words, and to practice their handwriting and reading at home (see guidance table below). The School will keep parents informed of any other requirements. Parents may also wish to help teachers in the classroom, for example with reading or library work as well as on school trips (see “Volunteers” on page 14 for more information). Year R 1 2 3 4 5 6 ENGLISH Letter sounds (10 minutes nightly) Shared reading with an adult (15 minutes nightly) Spellings (20 minutes weekly) Reading to an adult (15 minutes nightly) Spellings (½ hour weekly) Reading to adult or alone (15 minutes nightly) Spellings (½ hour weekly) Reading to adult or alone (15 minutes nightly) Spellings (½ hour weekly) Reading for pleasure (15 minutes minimum nightly) Spellings (½ hour weekly) Reading for pleasure (15 minutes minimum nightly) Spellings (½ hour weekly) Reading for pleasure (15 minutes minimum nightly) MATHS Weekly 10-15 minutes Times Tables (2-5 and 10) Maths Times Tables (2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 10) Maths Maths: 30 minutes per week minimum Times Tables (2-10) Maths: 30 minutes per week minimum Times Tables (2-10) Maths: 30 minutes per week minimum Times Tables (2-10) 9 INSURANCE Parents involved in transporting children on school activities are advised to check with their Insurance Companies that their insurance company is aware that they are using their vehicles for School activities. The school buys into the Schools Activities Travel policy arranged by Somerset County Council via ACE Europe. The Policy provides travel insurance cover for all insured persons (pupils, teaching and support staff, adult volunteers, helpers and assistants, and other authorised children) of participating schools whilst on organised trips outside the designated school boundaries. JEWELLERY/MAKE-UP Children should not wear jewellery or make-up (including nail varnish) to school. If children do have pierced ears small temporary studs may be worn however these must be removed or covered for all PE lessons and swimming. LOST PROPERTY Items are retained at School for a reasonable length of time or until claimed; do please ask if your child loses something. LUNCHES Children may bring a packed lunch to school or can order hot meals. All meals are eaten in the classrooms under the supervision of our Mid-Day staff. Liquids should be sent in an unbreakable, leak-proof container - no fizzy drinks. Hot meals are provided by ProServ and are currently priced at £2.60 per day. Menus include a choice of meals, including a vegetarian option, and pudding or a packed lunch. Meal orders should be returned to the school by the Thursday preceding the week meals are required. Free School Meals are available for those children whose parents are on either Income Support; Income Based Jobseekers Allowance; Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act, 1999; or receive Child Tax Credit, but are not entitled to a Working Tax Credit, and whose annual joint income (as assessed by The Inland Revenue), does not exceed £16190. MAYPOLE DANCING/SWORD DANCING Maypole and sword dancing are main attractions at our annual May Fayre. MEDICAL CHECKS Regular visits are made to the School to check vision. Dental checks are also available. Children with hearing problems will also be checked at School - please let us know if your child has a hearing problem. MINIBUS The School owns two 17 seater minibuses which are used throughout the year by the children. All seats have 3 point seatbelts and booster seats are available for the smaller children. It is the policy of the school to ensure that an additional adult travels on the bus with children whenever possible. 10 MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGE Children throughout the school receive modern foreign language lessons (French or Spanish) with a visiting teacher, Mrs. Claire Pickford. MUSICAL INSTRUMENT TUITION Children in Years 2-6 are able to receive group or individual music tuition (guitar, keyboard, piano or drums) from independent teachers who visit the School. This is a chargeable activity and lessons vary in price and length – please enquire at the School Office if your child would like to receive a lesson. During the academic year 2012/13 children in years 3 and 4 received free clarinet lessons; in 2013/14 children in years 3 and 4 will receive free brass or string lessons. At the end of the Spring Term each year we hold a Music Evening when children throughout the school sing or play the wide variety of musical instruments they are learning. Music Evening 2013 NEWSLETTERS Newsletters are distributed regularly detailing diary dates for the forthcoming term and other essential information. They are also available by email - please provide an address and we will be happy to send letters electronically. All letters are also available for viewing on the School’s website (www.northnewtonschool.co.uk). OFSTED The School received an Ofsted inspection on 26th and 27th May, 2010. We are delighted to report that the main findings reported: “This is a good school. It has some outstanding features. It is held in high regard in the local community and with parents and carers. There is an excellent and very purposeful atmosphere within the School.” In January 2013 we received an Interim Inspection saying we would not be inspected again until the summer of 2014 at the earliest. The full report can be viewed at www.ofsted.gov.uk or on our website, www.northnewtonschool.co.uk. Alternatively, you may wish to pick up a copy of the report from the School Office. 11 PARKING Parking is limited at the School however we are able to use the village hall/pub car park at drop off and pick up times. The safety of the children is paramount so please consider the following if driving to school: • Park safely and do not obstruct the view of children or other drivers. • Never park on the zigzag lines, not even for a few seconds. • Ensure your child is with you at all times in the car park and not playing around whilst cars are coming and going. Please be aware that the police do make regular visits. PHOTOCOPIER The School photocopier is available for private use at a cost of 10p per colour copy and 5p per black and white copy. POLICIES The School has a large number of policies in place covering all aspects of school life. Policies are regularly updated by governors and are available to view on the school website or in hard copy on request. SCHOOL COUNCIL At North Newton School we encourage the children to contribute to the school’s development. A School Council with representatives from children in Years 1-6 meets regularly to discuss a wide variety of school issues. SECURITY The school has installed a security system to ensure the safety of pupils, staff and visitors. Access to the school is through a controlled gate with entrance into the buildings via security fobs. SWIMMING All the children go to the St. James' Street Pool in Taunton regularly throughout the year. Careful instruction is given at all levels and many attain a high standard, acquiring a good number of ASA Awards. We ask for a voluntary contribution to cover costs, from September the charge will be £2.00 per session as the school will be subsidising the cost using money received from a Government PE grant. From September 2013 the classes will swim as follows: Foxes: Mondays/Tuesdays, 2.30-3.00 p.m. Hedgehogs: Wednesdays, 1.30-2.00 p.m. Squrirels: Thursday, 1.30-2.00 p.m. Badgers: Fridays, 1.30-2.00 p.m. 12 TIMES OF SCHOOL SESSIONS No child should arrive before 8.45 a.m. unless agreed with the class teacher and all children should be in School by 8.55 a.m. at the latest so that a prompt start to lessons can begin at 9.00 a.m. School finishes at 3.15 p.m. throughout the year. Session Times 9.00 a.m. - 10.40 a.m. Break 10.55 a.m. - 12.10 p.m. (Hedgehogs finish at 12.00 noon) Lunch 1.10 p.m. - 3.15 p.m. UNIFORM/PE KIT There is a uniform at the School and parents are asked to send their children to School in uniform as this will help to develop their sense of identity with the School. Items marked with an asterisk (*) are available from the School, all other items can be purchased in local stores. Navy blue sweatshirt (with logo)* Navy blue cardigan (with logo)* Dark grey or black trousers Black/grey pinafore/skirt White blouse/shirt or white polo shirt* (with logo) Summer dress (blue/white check) PE Kit Black pull-on gym shoes (for Hedgehogs/Foxes Classes) White plimsolls/trainers (for Squirrels and Badgers Classes) White T-shirt/vest Black/blue shorts Please make sure that your child’s clothing is named. 13 VOLUNTEERS At North Newton School we rely on the support of parents and friends. Help is required with driving children to swimming lessons and also with excursions around the county as part of the children’s topic work. It is necessary for any persons who have contact with children to obtain police clearance through the Disclosure procedure. Any parents who would like to help should ask for the appropriate form from the School Office. Parents/friends will not be allowed to help with the children unless a Disclosure Certificate has been issued. WATER BOTTLES Children are encouraged to bring a water bottle to school each day and they are actively encouraged to refill them at break times. Water bottles are available during all lessons, except in lessons where this could have health and safety implications. WEBSITE The School website holds current information and photographs and is updated regularly. Details of school term times, class visits, etc. can be found on www.northnewtonschool.co.uk. 14 WORKING WITH OTHERS Each year we support a different charity and through the efforts of all the children, staff and parents we raise funds at our annual Harvest Festival Sale. We have supported charities, such as National Children’s Homes, Help the Aged, Lepra, Children in Need, Red Nose Day, Barnados, Little Bridge House Children’s Hospice and Macmillan Cancer Appeal. Children in Need November 2012 PARENT, TEACHERS' AND FRIENDS' ASSOCIATION (PTFA) We have an energetic PTFA which is responsible for organising a number of social and fundraising activities throughout the year; these include a May Fayre, Christmas Raffle, Leavers’ party, Skittles and Disco. ALL parents with children attending this School are members and a Committee of thirteen, of whom at least seven are parents, is elected annually. We hope that all parents and staff will actively support the PTFA, thus promoting a greater understanding of the work of the School and strengthening the bridge between School and home. May King and Queen with the High Sheriff of Somerset, 2013 THE NEWT FESTIVAL The Newt Festival is an annual event held in the fields surrounding Maunsel House, North Newton. 2013 is the 22nd year of the Festival which attracts thousands of visitors each year. The event boasts over 90 real ales and bands play throughout the weekend. The School is delighted to receive a percentage of any surplus funds that are generated at the Festival, dependant on the number of hours worked by parents and friends of the school. We operate a ‘credit card system’ whereby parents and friends who work for the benefit of a child at North Newton School receive credit which can be offset against swimming, school trips, after school clubs, etc. This system cannot be guaranteed but it is our intention to operate this facility. We hope all parents and their friends will support this event which provides so many additional extras for all our children. Visit the Newt’s website on www.newtbeerfest.com. FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT 2000 The Freedom of Information Act requires publicly funded bodies, including schools, to be clear about the information they publish. We have produced a publication scheme setting out all the information we publish on a regular basis and where to find it. Please contact the school office if you would like to see a copy of the scheme. DFES regulations require the School to make certain items of information available at the School to parents and the public. Copies of the following can be viewed at the School: Statutory instruments and guidance about the curriculum and National Curriculum. Published OFSTED reports on the School. Schemes of work and syllabuses currently used by teachers in the School. School policies. CHARGING POLICY The Education Reform Act 1988 prohibits schools from charging for: education wholly or mainly during school hours; materials and ingredients for things made in school which pupils or parents do not want to keep; visits in or outside school hours which are necessary for an examination. Charges MAY be made for the following: individual and group music tuition which is not part of the syllabus for an examination; excursions where a third party is involved (sometimes); board and lodging where a school activity involves a residential element; the exact cost of 'optional extras', i.e. not connected directly with the National Curriculum. Some School activities will only be possible if parents make a voluntary contribution, and where this is the case parents will always be informed at the outset. The above represents a brief summary of complex issues, and the School will always guarantee that parents are fully informed of the conditions relating to requests for financial outlay in individual cases. DISCIPLINE The code of conduct at the School is intended to encourage pupils to develop a respect for others around them, and for books, equipment and the School as a whole. Pupils will be made aware of a few basic rules when they start at the School, and they will be expected to act within these rules. Where pupils break School rules, a variety of sanctions may be used, from the loss of free-time or extra work to, in extreme cases, exclusion. It is obviously hoped that parents and teachers will be able to prevent such extreme action becoming necessary. HOW TO MAKE A COMPLAINT We hope that any complaints that parents may have can be resolved by the School. Therefore any complaints, in the first instance, should normally be made to the Headteacher, and it is hoped that in most cases complaints will be dealt with at this informal level. If the complaint cannot be resolved at local level (i.e. with the Headteacher) then the parent should subject his/her complaint in writing to the Clerk to the Governors (who will acknowledge receipt of the complaint. PROVISION FOR WITHDRAWAL FROM COLLECTIVE WORSHIP Under the provisions of the Education Reform Act 1988 all parents have a right to withdraw their child from the School's daily act of Collective Worship, or from Religious Education. (The School's Religious Education curriculum is in accordance with the non-denominational Agreed Syllabus.) Any parent wishing to withdraw a child from these elements of the curriculum should make a written request through the Headteacher. REMISSIONS It is the policy of the Governing Body: to remit charges for school activities to parents in receipt of Income Support; Income Based Jobseekers Allowance; support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act, 1999; or in receipt of Child Tax Credit and whose annual income, as assessed by The Inland Revenue, does not exceed £16190. To delegate to the Headteacher the determination of any individual case arising from the implementation of the policy. ADMISSIONS POLICY HOW DECISIONS ARE MADE The LEA is the admission authority for this School and places are allocated in accordance with their published arrangements. A copy of these arrangements can be obtained by ringing Parentline on (0845) 6045555. All calls are charged at local rates. PLANNED ADMISSION NUMBER Our Planned Admission Number for September 2013 is 16 - this means we are limited to accepting this number of Reception children unless advised by the County Admissions team. In 2014 it will revert back to our original PAN of 12. ADMISSON FOR PUPILS WITH DISABILITIES Pupils with disabilities will be welcomed into the School and a School Entry Plan will be drawn up to ensure their needs are met. Pupils with disabilities will be offered the same opportunities as other pupils and included in all aspects of school life, subject to the necessary risk assessments being carried out. The School has in place a dropped kerb, sloping entrance to the playground and a hoist in the recently modified accessible toilet. FIRST ADMISSION TO SCHOOL If your child is at playgroup many of you will be considering the next stage of your child's life, their starting school. I hope the following information will be of use to you in working out: (i) when your child can actually start school. (ii) how to get admission to the school of your choice. (iii) how we at North Newton will be admitting your child. WHEN CAN MY CHILD START SCHOOL The law says that children are entitled to start school in the September following their 4th birthday. In Somerset, children whose date of birth falls between 1st April and 31st August have the option of deferring admission until the beginning of the spring term. It is important that parents wanting to take up this option must still apply for a school place in the normal way. A booklet is available that explains how to do this. If you have not received a booklet, please contact the school office and one will be sent to you. CHOOSING YOUR SCHOOL i. Make an appointment to look around the School. Our number is (01278) 662140 or you may call in and make personal contact. ii. After looking around, decide if the School is right for your child. iii. Fill in an admission form online - details will be sent to you directly from the Admissions Team at County Hall. NORTH NEWTON’S INDUCTION ARRANGEMENTS i. In the Summer Term prior to starting school the Reception Teacher, Mrs. Hogg, will often visit playgroup and meet the children. She may also make a home visit by mutual arrangement to meet both parent and child. ii. In July your child will come for two afternoons to get used to school. Full details are sent to parents in advance. iii. From September 2013 children may attend full-time however part-time can be arranged if this is beneficial to your child. We can be flexible in our arrangements if it is felt your child is not ready for the amount of time in School that we are allocating. PREPARING FOR SCHOOL All parents are understandably eager to help their children during the early years at school. Below are a few suggestions: If you have any worries or concerns please speak to the teacher or make an appointment and come into School to discuss the problem with us. Try not to apply pressure on your child over school work, e.g. reading, homework, etc. make it fun and rewarding for all concerned. Parents will be eager to help their children to adjust to being at School, and listed below are a number of suggestions as to how parents can prepare their child for School: Children should be able: to dress/undress on their own, to attend to their own toilet needs, to recognise their own name, to use pencils and crayons. Your child will make a good start if he or she is used to being with other children (playgroup is a great help) and is used to accepting authority from adults other than parents. New admissions are encouraged to spend a little time with us in the Summer Term before starting in September. Do as much as you can to develop your child's vocabulary as this will be of great help in learning to read. Learning to write will be assisted by activities which develop fine motor control; for example, drawing, tracing, painting, even scribbling, working with plasticine and helping with cooking. Counting games and nursery rhymes, skipping and ball games will all begin to develop skills before children reach school age. The concepts of playing and fair play, within broad rules, will also be started. SPEECH A few children reach school age with a specific problem and, if not already diagnosed, specialist help is available. However, there are also some who come to School having already formed incorrect habits or patterns in their speech. For example, 'th' is spoken as an 'f' or 'l' sound; 'd' sounds like a 't'; and 'd' and 'b' are confused. Whilst fully respecting the local patterns of speech and dialects, it is better for the child if some errors are avoided. Further advice is always available. YOUR CHILD'S NEXT SCHOOL At the age of eleven children will transfer to Secondary Education. In the Autumn before a child is due to transfer, the LEA will send parents particulars of all the schools available. To ensure that the transfer from primary to secondary education is an easy one, each child's abilities and attainments are discussed with the comprehensive schools concerned. Comprehensive school teachers will meet with the leavers and their class teachers, and the children will visit their new school in the Summer term before the transfer takes place. In 2013 our children will transfer to the following Schools - Robert Blake Science College, Haygrove School, Bishop Fox’s Community School, Heathfield Community School. Free transport may be provided to "The Robert Blake Science College", which is our catchment area school and with whom our liaison is strongest. CONCLUSION No publication, however comprehensive, can hope to answer every query which a prospective parent may have about a School but, at the same time, we hope that main ideas and themes upon which the School is based are apparent. We would therefore ask that, having spoken with the Head and Staff and looked around the building and its grounds, you will feel free to contact the School again if any further information is required. An Admission Form, to be completed on behalf of each new entrant, may be obtained upon request at the School. The information supplied in this Handbook was correct at the time of its production. Changes in staff and other factors may, of course, alter the arrangements in School before your child can be admitted. Upon request the Head will be happy to appraise any prospective parent of anything which may have altered, or is likely to change in the foreseeable future. Somerset School Terms and Holidays 2013/2014 Academic Year S M T W T F S September 2013 1 8 15 22 29 2 9 16 23 30 3 10 17 24 4 11 18 25 5 12 19 26 6 13 20 27 7 14 21 28 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S December 1 8 15 2 9 16 3 10 17 4 11 18 5 12 19 6 13 20 7 14 21 S M T W T F S 2013 22 29 23 30 24 31 25 26 27 28 S M T W T F S 1 March 2014 2 9 16 3 10 17 4 11 18 5 12 19 6 13 20 7 14 21 8 15 22 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 June 2014 8 15 22 9 16 23 10 17 24 11 18 25 12 19 26 13 20 27 14 21 28 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 29 30 Key: School holiday Bank holiday Inset Day 30 31 S M T W T F S S M T W T F S 1 2 3 4 5 October 2013 6 13 20 27 7 14 21 28 8 15 22 29 9 16 23 30 10 17 24 31 11 18 25 12 19 26 S M T W T F S November 3 10 4 11 5 12 6 13 7 14 1 8 15 2 9 16 1 2 3 4 January 2014 5 12 19 26 6 13 20 27 7 14 21 28 8 15 22 29 9 16 23 30 10 17 24 31 11 18 25 S M T W T F S February 2 9 3 10 4 11 5 12 6 13 7 14 1 8 15 1 2 3 4 5 April 2014 6 13 20 7 14 21 8 15 22 9 16 23 10 17 24 11 18 25 12 19 26 1 2 3 4 5 July 2014 6 13 20 7 14 21 8 15 22 9 16 23 10 17 24 11 18 25 12 19 26 27 28 29 30 27 28 29 30 31 2013 17 24 18 25 19 26 20 27 21 28 22 29 23 30 2014 16 23 17 24 18 25 19 26 20 27 21 28 22 May 2014 4 11 18 5 12 19 6 13 20 7 14 21 8 15 22 9 16 23 10 17 24 S M T W T F S 1 2 3 S M T W T F S August 2014 3 10 17 4 11 18 5 12 19 6 13 20 7 14 21 1 8 15 22 2 9 16 23 Term date summary: Term 1: 2 September - 25 October 2013 (40 days) Term 2: 4 November - 20 December 2013 (35 days) Term 3: 6 January - 14 February 2014 (30 days) Term 4: 24 February - 4 April 2014 (30 days) Term 5: 22 April - 23 May 2014 (23 days) Term 6: 2 June - 22 July 2014 (37 days) 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 TOTAL = 195 Bank and public holidays 2013/2014 Christmas Day Boxing Day New Year’s Day Good Friday 25 December 2013 26 December 2013 1 January 2014 18 April 2014 Easter Monday May Day Holiday Spring Bank Holiday Summer Bank Holiday 21 April 2014 5 May 2014 26 May 2014 25 August 2014 Start date for the 2014/2015 academic year: Monday 1 September 2014
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