Find Us

The South Norwood Academy

Address: 34 Crowther Rd, London

SE25 5QP

Tel: 020 8654 2983

Email: office@thesouthnorwoodacademy.org.uk

Website: www.thesouthnorwoodacademy.org.uk

@TSNAcademy

2

I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you to The South Norwood Academy. We opened on the 1 January 2016 following the closure of South Norwood Primary School.

The academy is one of four local schools in the Synaptic Trust. Opening and developing a new school has been and continues to be a huge privilege and responsibility. Everyone involved in this endeavour is determined to create a world class learning community where no child is left behind and where creativity and progress is fuelled by innovation and invention. Everyone, pupil and adult alike, is encouraged and expected to excel.

To achieve this we are delivering an exciting and meaningful curriculum in a stimulating and safe learning environment. Our learning culture is supportive and open to all. We are all learners at TSNA, pupils, parents and staff.

Welcome! We hope that all the children who come through our doors will find The South Norwood Academy to be a happy, caring environment where they can thrive, grow and

enjoy their time with us. We want our pupils to develop their learning skills, to challenge and be challenged and grow

in confidence. We look to work with you, the parents and carers, to give the children the best start, in all aspects

of school life. This means we are constantly striving to do better. So, if you consider that there is something we can change to improve things, then we would be

delighted to hear from you.

Meanwhile we hope that your child will settle to a new routine here at The South Norwood Academy. However,

if you have any concerns, then, in the first instance, get in touch with the class teacher of your child, one of the

leadership team within the school, or, if necessary, one of the governors.

Stephen Schwartz Head of School

Les Jones Chair of Governors

WE

LCO

ME

3

VisionWe are a learning community which creates chances for dreamers, idea makers and innovators to connect, thrive and outperform. We empower our children to use their skills as divergent thinkers, responsible role models and leaders to carve out their own futures, and become extraordinary citizens.

We are passionate that all schools in our family are free to follow their own destinies based on the needs and aspirations of their investors. Our uniqueness and different strengths ensures that our communities grow and prosper and that we have opportunities to support and learn from each other as we create futures for all.

Thank you for taking the time to find out about The South Norwood Academy.

The academy is part of the Synaptic Trust family. We pride ourselves on creating futures for dreamers, idea makers and innovators to connect, thrive and outperform. We look forward to engaging with you and your family, so that we can grow and prosper together.

About Synaptic Trust

Inclusion StatementAt The Synaptic Trust, all children are valued, inspired and respected within our happy, welcoming academy community.

We set high expectations for all our children. Practitioners give every child the opportunity to experience success in their learning, by providing a relevant and challenging curriculum with an emphasis on personalised learning. Stuart Roberts

Executive Headteacher

4

Create a welcoming and caring atmosphere, placing safeguarding at the forefront of all we do;

Expect the very best from all through developing an enjoyment, and commitment to twenty-first century lifelong learning;

Develop critical thinking and the ability to transfer skills (Building Learning Powers – BLP);

Foster self-esteem, self-autonomy and self-discipline;

Provide inspirational opportunities to acquire, develop, and apply a broad range of knowledge, understanding and skills;

Enable pupils to become creative, innovative and enterprising learners who welcome challenge;

Develop a respect for the spiritual, moral, social and cultural values and views of others;

Encourage and recognise the importance of pursuing a healthy lifestyle and developing wellbeing; and

Promote a sense of community cohesion through developing partnerships with all stakeholders in our academy.

Strategic Aims

Stuart Roberts Executive Headteacher

5

6

GENERAL INFORMATION

7

School starts at 8:45am and finishes at 3:15pm, or 3:20pm for juniors.

Gates open at 8:35am, when a teacher will be on duty. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and should not be left in the playground. All children should be in the playground by the time the bell is rung at 8:45am. Gates will be closed at 08:50am and, after this time, children must be taken to the office.

Please collect your child promptly at 3:15pm. If you are going to be late, please call the school.

The School Day

Note: For safeguarding reasons, we will not let someone else take your child home unless we have had a note or a phone call from you.

8

BOYS’ UNIFORMTeal jumper; grey trousers or shorts (Summer only); white shirt and tie or white polo shirt; white, black or grey socks; black shoes or trainers (no other colours and no prominent logos).

School uniform must be worn at all times. Many items can be purchased from high street uniform suppliers. Others are available from our online supplier at www.pbuniformonline.com

Uniform

PE KIT - BOYS AND GIRLSPlain white T-shirt, navy blue P.E shorts or jogging bottoms Black plimsolls or trainers – NO other colours

JEWELLERYOnly simple gold or silver studs may be worn

HAIR ACCESSORIESAny hair accessories (including all beads, hairbands, scrunchies, etc.), should be plain white, clear, grey or black. Hijabs should be plain white, grey or black

GIRLS’ UNIFORMTeal jumper or cardigan; grey trousers, skirt or pinafore; white shirt and school tie or white polo shirt; yellow check dress (Summer only); white knee high or ankle socks; black shoes or trainers only (no other colours and no prominent logos). Please note: no open-toe sandals, boots of any kind or shoes with heels are permitted.

9

Universal free school meals are available to children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2*. Our caterers, Harrison, provide excellent, nutritionally balanced options, which appeal to all tastes and diets, including a daily offering of salads and jacket potatoes alongside a variety of “main meal” options.

Should you not wish to take advantage of the free meals on offer, your child may bring a packed lunch consisting of a healthy sandwich, wrap or roll, with a piece of fruit or other healthy snack. No juice, squash or other soft drink may be brought into school.

Lunch

Please note: We operate a strict NO NUTS policy, including peanut butter, due to allergies.

Learn and Lunch Event for ParentsParents will be invited to come and sample the food for themselves. This will take place during a morning session within the first term of the children starting school. Further details will be communicated with you shortly.

*If you are in receipt of Income Support or Family Credit, your child may be entitled to Free School Meals, beyond the end of Year 2. To check your entitlement, please go to the Free School Meals checker at https://pps.lgfl.org.uk

10

Security, Safety & Payments

Lost PropertyPlease ensure that all clothing (including coats) and other items are clearly named. Lost items may be taken to the Lost Property station.

Please do not allow your child to bring anything “precious” into school. We cannot accept responsibility for any items that are lost or damaged. If discovered, any such items will be kept safely in the Office for collection at the end of the school day.

CollectionChildren are not allowed to leave school unaccompanied by an adult. If you are unable to collect your child yourself, then a person over the age of 16 must collect them, and we must know the name of the person in advance.

PaymentsThe South Norwood Academy operates as a “cashless” school. Any payments that need to be made (for trips, clubs etc.) may be paid via ParentPay. This offers you the flexibility of topping up your account 24 hours a day from any electronic device.

You will be issued with a unique activation code and password that you will be prompted to change when you activate your ParentPay account. Our office staff are available to provide support to those who are new to using this system.

Our school has a strict NO DEBT policy.

Please note that when your child reaches Year 3, meals will have to be paid for in advance using the ParentPay system.

11

Every child’s attendance is monitored closely. It is important that your child is only kept at home if s/he is really unwell. Every day at school counts!

Attendance, Absence & PunctualityIllnessIf your child will be absent from school, please ring 020 8654 2983 by 9am and leave a message explaining why your child is not going to be in school.It is vital that your child comes to school every day.

s/he has a high temperature

s/he has been sick within the preceding 24 hours

s/he has diarrhoea

s/he has been advised to stay at home by a Doctor (in which case we will need a letter confirming this)

A child should only be kept at home if:

If your child has medicine that needs to be given three times a day, please fit this in around your child’s time at home.

If medicine needs to be given four times a day or more, please come into school and complete a form to request that the school administers the medicine.

If your child breaks a bone, they cannot be brought into school until we have completed a Risk Assessment. Please call the Office to arrange a time to bring your child in.

12

AppointmentsPlease book all appointments outside of school hours. In the event of an emergency, where there is no option but to take your child out of school, please try to arrange an early morning or late afternoon appointment so that your child may benefit from the majority of the day in school. Please ensure that the office has a written note recording the date and time of the appointment, which will be kept on your child’s file.

Children are not allowed to leave school unaccompanied by an adult. If you are unable to collect your child yourself, then a person over the age of 16 must collect them, and we must know the name of the person in advance.

Term Time AbsenceTaking a child out of school during term-time must be avoided. In the case of an unauthorised absence, a fixed penalty notice may be issued to parents. Please remember, regular attendance at school is a legal requirement.

Should there be exceptional circumstances requiring absence, such as a close family bereavement, you may make a request for authorised absence. Please phone the school to arrange to discuss the circumstances with a member of the Senior Leadership Team. For this to be considered, your child’s attendance must be above 94% for the current academic year. If it is below this, the request will be automatically declined.

Our Education Welfare Officer (EWO) monitors all absences. Fines can be issued and, in extreme cases, parents may be taken to Court.

We will not authorise any absence during term-time. Your child’s education is our priority.

13

Before and After School ProvisionOur “Happy Healthy Breakfast” is available for a small daily fee. This consists of fruit juice, cereal, yoghurt and fruit and is available in the Infant Hall, from 7:30am to 8:45am. This is an extremely popular provision, which currently runs a waiting list.

A range of exciting after-school clubs take place until 4:30pm. In recent years, these included cookery, gardening, Spanish, sewing, crafty art, football, multi-sport, athletics, knitting, crochet, steel pans, singing, basketball, photography, jewellery, Japanese and origami.

We also have an after-school club, which provides an extended provision from 3.30pm up to 6.00pm. Please speak to a member of our office staff or check the website for more details.

14

Houses and AwardsAll children are allocated a House upon joining the Academy. These are named after trees and each has its own colour:

Cedar = yellow Maple = blue Oak = green Willow = red

Each house has a House Captain and a Vice House Captain, from Year 6.

At special events, such as Sports Days, children compete in their Houses. Staff members also belong to Houses, so such events tend to become very competitive!

“WOWs”When children demonstrate a positive attitude to school community improvement (such as opening a door for an adult, exemplary manners, demonstrating extra care for the school environment), they may be awarded a “WOW”.

A celebration assembly takes place every Friday. Reception children start to attend in the Summer Term. Parents of children who receive a “WOW” are invited to attend.

15

Autumn Term 2017

INSET Day – 01 September 2017

INSET Day – 04 September 2017

School Opens – 05 September 2017

Autumn Half-Term – 2 weeks from Monday 16 October to Friday 27 October 2017

School Opens – 31 October 2017

(INSET) Teacher Training Days

Friday, 01 September 2017

Monday, 04 September 2017

Tuesday, 02 January 2018

Other Events

Learn and Lunch – Friday 23rd September 2016

Learn and Lunch – Friday 30th September 2016

Spring Term 2018 INSET Day – 02 January 2018

School Opens – 03 January 2018

Spring Half-Term – Monday 12 February to Friday 16 February 2018

School Opens – 19 February 2018

Last Day of Term – 29 March 2018

Summer Term 2018

School Opens – 12 April 2018

May Bank Holiday – 7 May 2018

Summer Half-Term – Monday 28 May to Friday 01 June 2018

School Opens – 04 June 2018

Last Day of Term – 24 July 2018

Term Dates and Special EventsTerm Dates and Special Events

16

Area of Learning and Development Aspect

PRIME AREAS

Personal, Social and Emotional DevelopmentMaking relationshipsSelf-confidence and self-awarenessManaging feelings and behaviour

Physical DevelopmentMoving, handlingHealth and self-care

Communication and LanguageListening and attentionUnderstandingSpeaking

SPECIFIC AREAS

LiteracyReadingWriting

MathematicsNumbersShape, space and measure

Understanding the WorldPeople and communitiesThe WorldTechnology

Expressive Arts and DesignExploring and using media, materialsBeing imaginative

LEARNING & ATTAINMENTThe Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets out the standards for learning for children from birth to five years. It is based on four key principles; a unique child, positive relationships, enabling environments and learning and development.

The EYFS framework consists of 7 areas of learning and development, each of which outlines statements that children should achieve. There are three prime areas of learning and four specific areas of learning.

The EYFS identify three Characteristics of Effective Learning which reflect the different ways in which children learn; playing and exploring, active learning and creating and thinking critically.

CHARACTERISTICS OF EFFECTIVE LEARNINGPlaying and Exploring – EngagementFinding out and exploringPlaying with what they knowBeing willing to ‘have a go’

Active Learning – MotivationBeing involved, concentratingKeeping tryingEnjoying achieving what they set out to do

Creating and Thinking CriticallyHaving their own ideasMaking linksChoosing ways to do things

17

Area of Learning and Development Aspect Early Learning Goals

Pe

rso

nal,

So

cia

l and

Em

otio

nal D

eve

lop

me

nt

Making relationships

Children play co-operatively, taking turns with others. They take account of one another’s ideas about how to organise their activity. They show sensitivity to others’ needs and feelings, and form positive relationships with adults and other children.

Self-confidence and self-

awareness

Children are confident to try new activities, and say why they like some activities more than others. They are confident to speak in a familiar group, will talk about their ideas, and will choose the resources they need for their chosen activities. They say when they do or don’t need help.

Managing feelings and behaviour

Children talk about how they and others show feelings, talk about their own and others’ behaviour, and its consequences, and know that some behaviour is unacceptable. They work as part of a group or class, and understand and follow the rules. They adjust their behaviour to different situations, and take changes of routine in their stride.

Co

mm

unic

atio

n a

nd L

ang

uag

e

Listening and attention

Children listen attentively in a range of situations. They listen to stories, accurately anticipating key events and respond to what they hear with relevant comments, questions or actions. They give their attention to what others say and respond appropriately, while engaged in another activity.

Understanding

Children follow instructions involving several ideas or actions. They answer ‘how’ and ‘why’ questions about their experiences and in response to stories or events.

Speaking

Children express themselves effectively, showing awareness of listeners’ needs. They use past, present and future forms accurately when talking about events that have happened or are to happen in the future. They develop their own narratives and explanations by connecting ideas or events.

Phy

sica

l De

velo

pm

ent

Moving and handling

Children show good control and co-ordination in large and small movements. They move confidently in a range of ways, safely negotiating space. They handle equipment and tools effectively, including pencils for writing.

Health andself-care

Children know the importance for good health of physical exercise, and a healthy diet, and talk about ways to keep healthy and safe. They manage their own basic hygiene and personal needs successfully, including dressing and going to the toilet independently.

Prime areas

18

Area of Learning and Development Aspect Early Learning Goals

Lite

racy

Reading

Children read and understand simple sentences. They use phonic knowledge to decode regular words and read them aloud accurately. They also read some common irregular words. They demonstrate understanding when talking with others about what they have read.

Writing

Children use their phonic knowledge to write words in ways which match their spoken sounds. They also write some irregular common words. They write simple sentences which can be read by themselves and others. Some words are spelt correctly and others are phonetically plausible.

Ma

the

ma

tics Numbers

Children count reliably with numbers from one to 20, place them in order and say which number is one more or one less than a given number. Using quantities and objects, they add and subtract two single-digit numbers and count on or back to find the answer. They solve problems, including doubling, halving and sharing.

Shape, space and measure

Children use everyday language to talk about size, weight, capacity, position, distance, time and money to compare quantities and objects and to solve problems. They recognise, create and describe patterns. They explore characteristics of everyday objects and shapes and use mathematical language to describe them.

Und

ers

tand

ing

the

Wo

rld

People and communities

Children talk about past and present events in their own lives and in the lives of family members. They know that other children don’t always enjoy the same things, and are sensitive to this. They know about similarities and differences between themselves and others, and among families, communities and traditions.

The world

Children know about similarities and differences in relation to places, objects, materials and living things. They talk about the features of their own immediate environment and how environments might vary from one another. They make observations of animals and plants and explain why some things occur, and talk about changes.

TechnologyChildren recognise that a range of technology is used in places such as homes and schools. They select and use technology for particular purposes.

Exp

ress

ive

Art

s a

nd D

esi

gn

Exploring and using media and materials

Children sing songs, make music and dance, and experiment with ways of changing them. They safely use and explore a variety of materials, tools and techniques, experimenting with colour, design, texture, form and function.

Being imaginative

Children use what they have learnt about media and materials in original ways, thinking about uses and purposes. They represent their own ideas, thoughts and feelings through design and technology, art, music, dance, role play and stories.

Specific areas

19

AssessmentWe will:-

Communicate as much information as possible about your child’s learning

Work with you in partnership to help your child enjoy and progress in his or her learning

The EYFS sets out the expected levels that your child should reach by the end of Reception. Known as “Early Learning Goals (ELGs)”. There are 17 ELGs. At the end of Reception, the class teacher completes an assessment to report on whether your child has met the Early Learning Goals - the EYFS profile.

In Years 1 to 6, we follow statutory requirements from the National Curriculum for English and Maths. For all other subjects, the statutory elements from the National Curriculum have been incorporated into our “Q5” curriculum, which integrates all subjects into five key questions to scaffold your child’s learning and development throughout the year.

Special Educational NeedsWe offer structured support whenever necessary, in line with a Code of Practice, managed by the Academy’s Inclusion Manager, Miss Hayward. We maintain a comprehensive Special Educational Needs (SEN) Register.

Every child on the SEN Register will have a “Support Plan” implemented. It may be possible to meet a child’s needs through specifically adapted class teaching. In other instances, a child may need additional support from outside agencies, such as the Educational Psychologist, CAMHS, Speech and Language Therapy or Operational Therapy.

Children who need support beyond the provision we can provide may have an Educational and Healthcare Plan (formerly known as a Statement of Special Educational Need).

20

Pastoral CareWe will work with you to make sure your child is happy at school. If you have any concerns, or if your child appears to be going through an “unhappy spell”, please do come and talk to us.

We have a comprehensive Behaviour Policy, which will deal with issues such as “Bullying”. If you suspect your child is being bullied or unfairly treated by other children, please tell us and we will deal with it. Please do not approach other children or their parents directly if you think there is a problem.

Children can sometimes be unhappy at school because they are unhappy at home. If your child discusses something with us, we will talk to you about what can be done to try to help the situation. If a child makes a serious allegation or discloses a situation which we deem to be dangerous, we will take action in line with our Safeguarding procedures. We will always act in the best interest of the child and take what we consider to be the most appropriate course of action.

Families of pupils at The South Norwood Academy are supported by our Family Support Worker, Mrs Claire Austridge, to ensure the children are happy and learning. Her role is to provide support, help and a listening ear regarding any issues you may have around behaviour, health, or other concerns, either at school or at home. All matters are treated as confidential.

If you would like to arrange a meeting with Mrs Austridge, catch her by the door in the morning or arrange an appointment with the Office.

Mrs Austridge also takes a leading role in SNAPS (South Norwood Association of Parents and Staff), our parent / teacher fundraising group. Please let her know if you are interested in getting involved.

21

Should you feel it necessary to raise a complaint or a grievance, please follow the steps below:-

Talk to your child’s teacher. (S)he is at the front line of your child’s learning and development. If you feel unable to talk to your child’s teacher, please…

Talk to Kate Hayward (Deputy Headteacher), Katy Norman (Assistant Headteacher - EYFS), Lisa Guy (Deputy Headteacher), Sue Banfield (Deputy Headteacher) or Stephen Schwartz (Headteacher)

In most instances, it can be useful to have another person’s point of view and support to address a problem.

Complaints and Grievances

Once you have raised a concern with us, we will do our best to resolve the situation and monitor it to ensure it does not happen again. If this is not the case, please come back and talk to us again. Not all issues can be resolved quickly, but we will take whatever measures we can.

If you still feel that you are not receiving the support and/or action that you would expect or need, please consult our FORMAL COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE, which can be found on the website.

22

23

WE ARE HERE

Find UsThe South Norwood Academy

Address: 34 Crowther Rd, London

SE25 5QP

Tel: 020 8654 2983

Email: office@thesouthnorwoodacademy.org.uk

Website: www.thesouthnorwoodacademy.org.uk

@TSNAcademy