school prospectus

Winchcombe Abbey C of E Primary School Prospectus

Learning Together – Reaching for Success 1

WELCOME This prospectus aims to give you a flavour of our school. We all work hard together to ensure that our school offers a warm, caring environment where relationships are very good, children feel secure and happy and standards are as high as possible. As a church school, we place high importance on the spiritual, moral, social and cultural development of all our pupils. We strive to promote an atmosphere of learning where pupils work with a sense of purpose and

enjoyment.

I hope you will take the opportunity to visit our school and sense this intangible but real and vital „atmosphere‟ which will do more than anything else to ensure that your child makes the most of his or her abilities and potential. Please telephone the school to arrange a visit. I look forward to meeting you and to answering any questions you may have. Do take a look at our website too which is regularly updated with useful information and news and photographs of all that‟s going on in our busy and happy school. The address is www.winchcombe-pri.gloucs.sch.uk.

Helen Springett – Head Teacher

SCHOOL AIMS Each year the Governors and staff review and reaffirm the aims of our school, which are summarised below: Our children:

Our children are happy in school. They reach their full potential

in a school, which they enjoy and benefit from.

Our children are confident, with self respect, self discipline and self esteem.

Each child is a valued and self motivated member of the school community.

Our children respect others and are honest, fair, responsible and polite.

The school partnership: We have high expectations in both behaviour and academic

achievement.

We encourage and welcome parents to be actively involved in their children‟s progress.

We manage the school effectively, giving our children outstanding „value for money‟.

„This is a good school, which gives outstanding value for money. Pupils learn and achieve well and they are extremely successful in many aspects of their personal development. The many positive features lead to outstanding outcomes for pupils.‟ Ofsted June 2011

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Our Values: As a school community, staff, children and governors have drawn up a list of core values which guide us in everything we do. These are: Respect, Humility, Compassion, Truth, Fairness, Responsibility, Forgiveness, Courage. These values are woven into the ethos of our school, its curriculum, policies and our behaviour standards. We ensure that children across the school understand these core values on a practical level. The benefits we offer The Christian ethos is central to the life of the school. A planned creative National Curriculum-based learning

environment where children develop independence, knowledge and skill according to their individual needs.

Recognition of the importance of developing the whole child, spiritually, morally, socially and culturally.

A school where all children receive equal opportunities, irrespective of gender, ethnic background, social circumstances, academic or physical ability.

What is the school like? Our school was opened in September 2000 as a new voluntary aided Church of England Primary School. It was formed from the amalgamation of Winchcombe Junior School and Winchcombe Infants School. Education has always been an important issue for Winchcombe inhabitants. One of the earliest records goes back to

the early sixteenth century when education was offered at the Abbey. Since then there have been a variety of schools. Our name reflects our status as an aided school and our close links with the church. Our school is a Church of England school, which is aided in part by central government, the Local Authority and the Diocese of Gloucester. A majority of the governors are nominated by the Parochial Church Council and are appointed by the Diocesan Board of Education, but there are also governors who are parents, teachers, non-teaching staff and some who are appointed by the Local Authority. Governors have some financial responsibility for part of the fabric of the school but the greater part is funded by central government. Other maintenance costs and all staff salaries are paid for from a budget delegated to the school by the Local Authority. The school follows the National Curriculum, but the governors make arrangements for religious education and worship. We are very fortunate in having an attractive and well-built school with extensions to the pre-existing infant school completed in September 2000. We have nine permanent classrooms, a hall, a music/drama room, a library and an ICT suite, including a trolley of laptops which every class gets the opportunity to use. All computers in the suite are linked to the Internet and networked with each classroom. Our playing field adjoins the school and we also have two hard surface playgrounds and two soft play areas surrounded by attractive gardens. We have a woodland area with a willow tunnel and dome which is used regularly for Forest School sessions as well as for general class activities.



There is a well-equipped outdoor Reception play area outside the Reception classroom which provides an excellent space for children to learn and play.

OFSTED INSPECTION Our most recent Ofsted inspection was held in June 2011. Inspectors judged our school to be very good, with significant outstanding features. Please see our website for a link to the full report. ORGANISATION How is the school organised? In common with most Gloucestershire Primary Schools, we admit children at the beginning of the school year in which the child has his/her fifth birthday. The children leave us at the end of the school year in which they have had their eleventh birthday. Most go on to Winchcombe School. We are able to admit thirty children each year and Government regulations stipulate there may be no more than thirty children in each Key Stage 1 (Infant) class. In Reception, children work in the Early Years Foundation Stage. This continues to develop Early Learning Goals which children will have started in nurseries and playgroups and links to the reception requirements of the National Curriculum. Children in Reception and Years 1 and 2 work in small groups under the direction of the class teacher. At times, the whole class will work together, but on these

occasions, account is taken of individual differences in ability and educational need. In Years 3, 4, 5 and 6, known as Key Stage 2, there is greater emphasis on whole-class activities, although each child will still be expected to work at a level which suits his or her ability. The content of the curriculum will be consistent with the National Curriculum and the curricular aims of the Governors. We achieve a happy and effective blend of both formal and informal teaching methods. Thus, on visiting a class, you may find an atmosphere of quiet directed study and at another time, a lively air of discussion and exploration. School Hours School starts 8:50 am Break time 10:25 am until 10:40 am Lunchtime KS1 12:15 pm until 1:20 pm KS2 12:25 pm until 1:20 pm School ends 3:15 pm Houses The children are grouped into four houses: Avon, Isbourne, Severn and Thames. There is friendly competition between houses, and house points are awarded for effort, kindness and helpfulness. Stickers, certificates, stars or „smiling faces‟ are also given out as a further positive reward. Children enjoy Gold Book assembly on Friday afternoons when their achievements are celebrated.



WHAT DOES THE SCHOOL TEACH? Our lessons are closely based on the National Curriculum, a copy of which is available in school, as are our policy documents. We apply this though, through a thematic, integrated approach, utilising a skills base. Language We recognise the importance of listening and speaking skills in a child‟s development and we try and give as many opportunities for meaningful discussion as we can. We encourage children to write and record their thoughts in many different ways and for many different purposes. Formal lessons on aspects of grammar, punctuation and spelling take place on a daily basis in all year groups as part of the Primary Strategy. Reading We consider reading to be of paramount importance. We use a wide range of reading schemes which are colour coded according to difficulty, and we keep a close check on each child‟s reading progress. We do not believe that there is one „correct‟ way to teach reading and instead rely upon a variety of approaches including phonics and word recognition. Children make good use of our own well stocked library, as well as visiting the public library in Winchcombe for sessions there. We regularly send books home with children, as well as games to aid word recognition and

spellings to learn. Parental help in regular reading with your child is of vital importance in making good progress. Mathematics The school uses the Primary Maths Strategy as well as other resources to teach maths. Children are encouraged to learn their number facts and multiplication tables and are tested regularly.

Religious Education

Religious Education is part of the basic curriculum for all registered pupils. It has the same status as the National Curriculum. As a Church of England Aided School, closely linked with St. Peter‟s Church, we base our religious education firmly on the Christian faith, as well as referring to other religious beliefs. We use the Gloucestershire Agreed Syllabus. A copy of the school RE syllabus is available on request. We hold an act of collective worship each day which is integral to the life of the school. The content is usually in the form of a modern day parable, a simple hymn and a prayer. On Wednesdays, we welcome members of the local clergy or other visitors from the community. On alternate Wednesdays, we attend St Peter‟s Church, Winchcombe. Parents have the right to exempt their children from religious education both in the classroom and in the act of collective

„Pupils are achieving well and say they thoroughly enjoy learning as teachers make their lessons fun. One of the most important improvements since the last inspection has been in accelerating pupils‟ progress It is now consistently good and, although the school has set its sights on raising standards in English and maths still higher, pupils‟ attainment is above average at the end of Y6.‟ Ofsted June 2011



worship. Parents wishing to do so should notify the Head Teacher in writing. A recent Statutory Inspection of Anglican Schools Report (September 2011) judged our school to be outstanding in its provision of religious education. The full report can be found on our school website.

Physical Education P.E. plays a vital part in the physical development of the whole child. We enable children to understand that exercise is an important ingredient of a healthy lifestyle. We provide opportunities, through a broad balanced programme of gym, games and dance that develop children‟s learning and enjoyment and also motivate them to be interested spectators and performers. The younger children are encouraged to work to their personal best, not competing against others, but by Year 2 some competitive team games are introduced. There are two P.E. sessions each week. The lesson content in Key Stage 2 is designed to ensure that each child experiences at least 7 competitive sports: football, netball, unihoc (a version of hockey), cross-country running, athletics, cricket and rounders. The children have lessons of games skills, gymnastics and dance. These take place in the hall or outside, as appropriate. Swimming lessons form part of the P.E. programme and are given in three blocks of ten weeks during the year for children in Years 3 and 5. A voluntary contribution is requested for

swimming.

The Creative Curriculum With the exception of English, maths, RE and PE, the following subjects are taught through creative themes and often interact with several subjects: Science

Science is about developing enquiring minds and a scientific approach to problem solving, through predicting, testing and analysing the results of those tests. We use simple everyday materials to examine the world around us and children will be expected to carry out their own investigations. Technology

Design and Technology is included as an integral part of project work. Children will be expected to discuss the need for a particular item, then to plan, make and evaluate their efforts both individually and as a member of a team. A wide variety of tools and materials will be used. Information Technology is directly linked to our work in English, Mathematics, Science and more general class projects. We have a computer workstation in each classroom and „Roamer‟ robots for teaching simple programming and control. We also have an ICT suite with 16 PCs, each one linked to the Internet and networked to the classrooms. This enables us to teach specific IT skills to the whole class, in line with the need to keep pace with the ever expanding IT requirements of society in the 21st century. We have interactive whiteboards in every classroom.



History, Geography and general project work

We do not teach History and Geography as separate subjects, but frequently use them in thematic projects, which study the environment and the wider world. We encourage children to find out about their world either by direct observation or through the use of books from our own library. We use colour coding in addition to a simplified Dewey system for our reference books. As the children grow older, they are more likely to have lessons, which could be described as specifically „History‟ or „Geography‟. We recognise that, if we are to ensure that every child has the opportunity to experience the prescribed subject content of the National Curriculum, then we must provide clear, specific instruction and teaching rather than attempt to integrate the required knowledge within general projects. Activities based on first-hand experience, such as visits, are very important. Music

All children have a weekly music lesson, which includes singing, the playing of simple musical instruments and, in due course, basic notation and composition. There is also a thriving school choir. In addition to this, instrumental tuition is currently available from peripatetic staff for woodwind, strings, guitar, brass and piano. There is a charge for musical instrument tuition and hire although bursaries are available. Further details are available from the secretary.

Art and Craft

Artistic expression is encouraged in all areas of the curriculum. We aim to help children to be creative and to develop self-expression and self-confidence. We provide experience in various techniques, e.g. drawing, painting, modelling, printing, construction, collage etc., to develop individual skills. Our displays are designed to stimulate children and to give them a sense of pride and achievement. All the above techniques are studied throughout the school. Parents may be asked to make a contribution to cover the cost of materials from time to time. The children‟s work is displayed throughout the school. We also hold regular Art Days in school, which are themed and involve all the children working in mixed age groups. Work is displayed around the school and parents are encouraged to come in and see the fruits of the children‟s creativity.

Extra Curricular Activities We offer a number of activities after school for the older children. During the course of the year, there may be clubs for dance, film, engineers, rugby, environmental, football, gardening, recorders, rounders, drama, sewing, construction, choir, athletics and craft. Teachers voluntarily undertake to run these activities in their own time. No child is allowed to attend an after school club without the prior knowledge or consent of parents. Private lessons are also usually available in Karate, football, rugby and Spanish. Children have taken part in the Cluster Schools‟ Dance Festival with other local schools and participated in various county sporting competitions e.g. rounders, swimming and football.



WHAT ABOUT CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS? It is quite common for children at some time in their school life to experience difficulties with learning. We continually monitor the progress of the children and adapt our teaching methods to meet individual needs. The school closely follows the National Special Educational Needs Code of Practice, which involves carefully recording the needs of children who would benefit from particular support. Regular discussions with their parents are held to review progress and discuss how parents can help. Children in need of special help may be withdrawn to a quiet area of the school for extra tuition on an individual or small group basis. They may also be given extra support in the classroom. Parents with anxieties about their child‟s learning, behavioural or physical development are encouraged to discuss their worries with the Head Teacher or the Special Needs Co-ordinator, Mrs Kate Moss. HOW DO YOU ENSURE A HIGH STANDARD OF BEHAVIOUR? Our Behaviour Policy is underpinned by our core values of Respect, Humility, Compassion, Truth, Fairness, Responsibility, Forgiveness and Courage. Generally we aim to avoid behaviour problems before they start by providing a well-planned and interesting curriculum and sensible

organisation. We aim to have positive relationships with the children and set clear expectations before them. The children are encouraged to think about their behaviour and its effect upon others. We aim to develop an attitude of care and respect for other people‟s feelings and property. The atmosphere in school is one of friendliness and respect for one another.

We consider that praise and encouragement are more effective than blame. However, when day to day problems arise, we deal with them in a swift and reasonable manner. Should the problem be more serious, we shall contact you and work with you to find a solution. We recognise that behaviour, which could be described as „bullying‟, may occur from time to time in any group of people, adults or children. Our school is not exempt. We have a clear policy on bullying. If you become aware of any incident that may not have been reported to us or dealt with satisfactorily, we ask that you contact the school without delay. We always take action immediately. Our behaviour policy document is available for all parents to see.

School Rules

It is our policy that rules be kept simple and that there should be a plain reason for each one. We expect children to conduct themselves in a quiet and considerate manner at all times and to treat other people the way they would like to be treated. We

„Pupils behave extremely well and are thoughtful, considerate and very responsive to the needs of others. This was demonstrated very well in the way that even the very young children react with great sensitivity to others with significant needs.‟ Ofsted June 2011



always refer to our core values when dealing with behaviour issues. Each teacher operates a Smart chart for class behaviour in the classroom. Playground supervision A member of staff is on duty in the Key Stage 2 playground before school and two members of staff are on duty at mid morning playtime, one on each playground. At lunchtime, there are seven midday supervisors and a play leader. All class support staff and midday supervisors are trained in emergency first aid procedures but Mrs Bullingham and Mrs Dufty have undertaken much more in depth first aid training.

Children are expected to line up silently at the end of each playtime. Classes are rewarded for consistently good playground behaviour with extra playtime. SCHOOL COUNCIL This consists of one boy and one girl from each year (Year 1 and above). Representatives are elected annually by their own classmates and meetings are held at least once a term. We aim to discuss how we can make the school an even better place. Minutes are displayed in school and are available on request. PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT How are parents involved in their children’s education? We believe that effective education depends upon a true partnership between home and school. This means that we share

with you the responsibility for the children‟s progress. The essential prerequisite for this is open and honest communication. We will tell you what is happening at school. We encourage you to tell us if there is anything that we need to know about your child and, in particular, to let us know at an early stage if you have any concerns for your child‟s progress at school. Please try to do this at the end of the school day, as the beginning of the school day is a particularly hectic time and it is difficult to give you our full attention as the children enter school. Serious concerns should be addressed to the Head Teacher Home Visit We offer a „home visit‟ to all parents of children in the term before they enter their Reception year. The purpose of this visit is to give you the opportunity to get to know us a little better and for us to have a better understanding of your child. Your participation in the „home visit‟ programme is purely voluntary. Homework We set some formal homework on a regular basis, and we may well ask you for your support and assistance according to the needs of the individual child. In particular, your child will bring home lists of spellings and tables to learn, or a reading book. Children in Key Stage 2 will be required to complete, at home, a gradually increasing amount of work. The school‟s Homework Policy is available to view on the school‟s website.



Curriculum Maps Each term, the class teacher sends home a Curriculum Map giving details of the work that the children will be covering and the various ways in which parents can help their children. This can also be viewed on the school website. School Website We have a very useful and informative school website www.winchcombe-pri.gloucs.sch.uk which is regularly updated. It contains lots of information about the school and everything we do. You can find the weekly newsletter and each class has a home page where class letters can be read as paper copies often go astray! It also contains links to relevant external websites. Please do visit the website to get a real flavour of the breadth of learning opportunities we offer all our children.

Newsletter Newsletters are sent home every Friday. A copy of the latest letter is always on display in the entrance hall and available on the school‟s website.

Parental Help

We welcome parental help and we aim for every class to have one or more parents working with the children at some time during the week. We would be delighted if you can volunteer some of your time, if you are not already committed elsewhere. Parents are also

actively involved during school outings. We are always most grateful for this help which broadens the experiences available to the children. All parent helpers are asked to complete the necessary CRB check. Reports

We make every effort to keep you informed of your child‟s progress. Parents‟ evenings are held in the Autumn and Spring terms. In the main, we arrange appointments in the early evenings so that parents who are usually at work may attend, but we are flexible. At the end of the Summer term, we send home a written report of your child‟s progress. An appointment may be made to discuss this report if you so wish. Friends of Winchcombe Abbey C of E Primary School

Every parent of a child in the school is automatically a member of The Friends of Winchcombe Abbey C of E Primary School. The Friends‟ Committee is a voluntary body of parents and staff who are committed to the organisation of fundraising and social events including Christmas and Summer Fairs, discos, a promises auction, craft mornings etc. The proceeds from these provide a very significant level of financial aid to the school. The drawing together of the whole school community by enjoyable mutual co-operation and support is as important as the fundraising. We do hope you will take an active part in these activities. Please contact the Chair of the Friends, Amanda Peck via the school office if you are interested in getting more involved.

http://www.winchcombe-pri.gloucs.sch.uk/



YOUR CHILD’S WELFARE What if my child is unwell? The best place for a sick child is at home. School, although caring, cannot look after your child in the same way as you or your carer can. If your child vomits or has diarrhoea we ask that 24 hours elapse before they return to school. If your child is ill at school, we will contact you as soon as possible to ask you to collect your child. My child is too ill for school, what do I do? Please let us know as soon as you can, (preferably before 9.30 am) either by „phone, message or E mail. This helps us with our absence returns and helps us keep a track of the reasons for non-attendance. Your co-operation is greatly valued. What if my child needs medicine? If it is essential that your child should receive medicine during school hours, we would prefer that you administer the medicine yourself. If you are unable to do so, please hand the medicine to the school office with a note giving your permission for the school to administer the medicine and details of the dosage. Asthma inhalers will be kept in classrooms and be available to children as required. Mrs Wendy Wilson, our school nurse recommends that

children who use inhalers should have a spacer in school for them to use as required. What if my child has an accident at school? Children often have minor accidents such as grazes and bumps, which we are able to deal with in school. All accidents are recorded in a

First Aid book and a note is sent home to parents. If children sustain a more serious bump to their heads, we may ask parents to collect them so they may observe them at home. If we feel that a child needs professional medical treatment, we will contact you. In an emergency, we will call an ambulance and a member of staff will accompany your child to the hospital and remain there until you arrive. It is very important that we have up to date contact telephone numbers. What if my child has a problem at home? If there are any problems at home which could affect your child‟s wellbeing and performance in school, it is important that you let us know. We are willing to help in any way we can. What if my child has a problem at school? This is a caring school and each member of staff is responsible for the pastoral care of the children in his/her own class. We hope that both you and your child will feel able to confide in the class

„Pupils are valued as individuals and feel that there is always someone to whom they can turn if they have a problem. That is indicative of the high levels of care and support provided by adults.‟

Ofsted June 2011



teacher, but if you prefer you may, of course, contact the Head Teacher direct. Will my child have a medical check at school? A school nurse is assigned to the school. In their first year, all children are checked for visual or hearing difficulties; parents will be told immediately of any problems. There can be ongoing checks at parents‟ or the school‟s request. WHEN DO I NEED TO CONTACT THE SCHOOL? Please note that we must always be informed by letter, telephone or email if: your child has to be / has been absent from school for any

reason

your child is to be collected from school for a dental / medical appointment

a Key Stage 1 child is to be collected by someone other than a parent or if that child is going home to play with another child

for medical reasons your child is unable to take part in games, P.E. or swimming lessons

your child needs to stay in at playtime for any reason. ABSENCE AND FAMILY HOLIDAYS The school has to record the reasons for all absences from school. You should therefore ring us with details on the first morning of

your child‟s absence. Please inform us as early in the day as possible. Absence figures have to be published, and our figures for 2010 – 2011 were as follows : Attendance 96.42% Rate of authorised absence 3.58% Rate of unauthorised absence 0% Authorised absences are those authorised by the Head Teacher, for example, illness or medical appointments. “Unauthorised” absences are those where no reason has been given or that the Head Teacher is unable to authorise, for example shopping trips, birthday treats or more than ten days‟ holiday absence. Absence should be requested not less than two weeks before the start of the holiday/absence. The maximum authorised absence, which can be granted for family holidays, is ten days per academic year. Remember that children may be missing important areas of work relating to the National Curriculum. Parents are requested not to take Year 2 and Key Stage 2 children out of school in late April or May or any children during the first two weeks in September. It is very unsettling for children if they miss the first few weeks of the new school year. We have introduced “Attendance Ted”, a teddy bear which is presented to the class with the best attendance each week in Friday‟s Gold Book Assembly.



WHAT HAPPENS AT BREAK AND LUNCHTIME ?

Milk at morning break Children entitled to free school meals and those children under 5 years of age may have free mid morning milk. Milk for the morning break is available to others at a charge. In all cases, parents/guardians must complete an order form, which is available from the school office. Snacks Children may bring in a piece of fruit, vegetable or dried fruit and their own non-carbonated drink if they wish. As part of a government healthy eating initiative, all KS1 children will be provided with a free piece of fruit or vegetable.

Lunchtime Your child may have a school lunch, bring sandwiches or go home for lunch. Healthy School lunches Very good meals are freshly cooked in our kitchen by Marianne Macpherson and her team from Edwards and Ward. We use Parent Pay, a secure online payment system for meals (currently £2.00 per day). Parents are given log in details to set up an account and can pay online using credit or debit cards. Alternatively those wishing to pay by cash can be issued with a Paypoint card to enable them to top up their accounts with cash at the Coop or at the Top Shop in Winchcombe. Children can have school lunches for all or part of the week. Special diets are catered for. Free meals are available for those who qualify within the terms of current legislation and those

wishing to apply for these should see the school secretary. Confidentiality will always be maintained. Water is available during lesson times or children may bring their own water bottles.

Packed lunches Parents are asked to send their child with a suitable amount of food in a sealed box clearly marked with the child‟s name and class. Drinks should be brought in a screw–top unbreakable container or carton. All children eat in the hall in two sittings. Parents are asked not to include any foods containing nuts such as peanut butter or breakfast bars as there a couple of children in school with severe nut allergies.

WHAT IS YOUR POLICY ON SEX EDUCATION?

From Reception onwards, health and hygiene form part of the curriculum. In Years 5 and 6, we include sex and relationships in the curriculum. With the help of suitable video programmes, the lessons include the basic changes that occur to children‟s bodies during adolescence and an explanation in simple terms of the fundamental facts. Lessons are led by class teachers with the support of the school nurse. Parents have the right to exempt their child from the lesson should they so wish. In such instances a letter is sent to parents of the children concerned, which stresses that staff and governors believe that it is the responsibility and duty of individual parents to explain matters in further detail as and when they feel it is right for their own child. The school is presenting a starting point, which may or may not be taken up by parents. The



topic may also arise informally in any classroom and will be dealt with sensitively, as the situation demands. A copy of our Sex and Relationships policy is available on request. What do you do with the personal information you will have concerning my child? Data will only be collected, used and disclosed in accordance with the school‟s registered purposes for the education and welfare of your child. It will not be made available to any unauthorised person. CHARGING POLICY The school wishes to provide all pupils with the best possible educational opportunities available within the funds allocated by the Local Authority. The law states very clearly that education during normal school hours is to be free of any compulsory charge to parents and the school accepts that principle and is committed to uphold the legal requirements. It is recognised, however, that many educationally valuable activities are dependent on financial contributions in whole or in part from parents. Without that financial support, the school would find it quite impossible to maintain the quality and breadth of the educational programme provided for pupils. The school‟s concern is to keep financial contributions to a reasonable minimum and to ensure, as far as possible, that all children are able to take part, irrespective of their circumstances.

We make a charge for individual music tuition. At the time of writing, this is £65.00 per term, payable in advance. A bursary is available from the Local Authority for those who meet the criteria. Application forms are available from the school office. On occasions, you may be asked for a voluntary contribution to cover the cost of cookery ingredients (but you also get to eat the results!). A copy of the Governors‟ “Charging Policy” is available for parents to read on request. UNIFORM Does my child have to wear a uniform? We encourage children to wear school uniform because we believe it gives them a pride in personal appearance and helps them to identify with the school. We have sweatshirts (red with a gold logo) or fleeces, which can be bought from the school. We also stock white polo shirts, sports T. shirts and book bags. Boys Autumn and Spring Term

Grey or black trousers or shorts Grey or white shirt Red sweatshirt Sensible, flat shoes – preferably black or brown An overall or painting shirt with sleeves is useful for practical

art/crafts activities



Summer Term

White short sleeved polo shirt Grey shorts or trousers as for Autumn/Spring term Shoes or substantial sandals (secure back and top strap) in

black or brown Girls Autumn and Spring Term Grey skirt or grey or black school trousers. Fashion trousers like

hipsters or those with buckles are not acceptable White blouse/polo shirt

Red sweatshirt/cardigan White socks /grey or black warm tights Sensible, flat shoes – preferably black or brown. They should

be comfortable and not „fashion shoes‟ which could be dangerous in school.

An overall or painting shirt with sleeves is useful for practical art/crafts activities

Summer Term

Red and white check summer dress White socks Shoes or substantial sandals (secure back and top strap)

low heels in black or brown

P.E. Kit for boys and girls

red/white T shirt and black/white shorts, plimsolls ALL CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR SHOULD BE CLEARLY NAMED Variations in our unpredictable climate may of course make the summer uniform appropriate in the other two terms and vice versa! For safety reasons, jewellery (apart from watches) is not allowed. Nail varnish and make up are not permitted. The only permitted earrings are studs or small sleepers and a single stud is permitted in each ear. Earrings can cause unpleasant injuries and they must be removed by the child before all Physical Education (including swimming lessons). If a child is unable to remove them themselves, they should not be worn to school on PE days. The only exception is in the first six weeks after piercing when stud should not be removed. Then they may be covered in tape for the PE lessons. Parents are asked to provide this tape for their child. Dyeing or streaking of hair is unacceptable in school as is the shaving of patterns into the hair.

INSURANCE Is my child covered by insurance whilst at school?

Yes but further Personal Accident Insurance is available through Gloucester County Council, covering children both in and out of



school. Personal belongings are not covered. Please contact the

school office for details. THE GOVERNORS What do the Governors do? Governors provide support to the management of the school and oversee its strategic development. This involves control of the financial aspects of the school, including the deployment of resources and staffing. They are accountable to parents and the Local Authority for the effective running of the school. All parents are encouraged to play a participatory part in the work of the Governors and to stand for election, as and when vacancies occur. Details of the members of our governing body are on the school website. The School Profile, which summarises key elements of the school‟s performance, is available for parents to view online. Mrs Debbie Andrews is the School‟s Chair of Governors and Mr Paul Astbury is Clerk to the Governors. Both may be contacted through the school office. COMPLAINTS What do I do if I have a complaint? Under the l988 Education Reform Act, the Local Authority has established arrangements to consider parents‟ complaints about the school‟s curriculum and related matters. A copy of the full procedure for this is available for inspection in each school and

public library maintained by the Authority. It covers matters relating to the National Curriculum and the provision of external examination courses, religious education, the operation of the school‟s charging policies in relation to the curriculum and the provision of information. The procedure provides for complaints to be directed initially to the Head Teacher, and for an attempt to be made to resolve them informally. If this fails, a formal appeals procedure is available for parents.

ADMISSIONS PROCEDURE How do I secure a place for my child at the school? In the Autumn term, we have two Open Afternoons aimed at parents of pre-school children due to start school the following September. Details can be found on the school website. If you would like to apply for a place at our school for a new Reception child, you should contact the school office to register your interest by mid-November. During the Autumn Term you will be sent a Guide for Parents and Carers by the Local Authority with details of how to apply for a place online. Once you have read the guide, you should make an online application on behalf of your child. If more than 30 children seek admission, then the following system of priority will be followed: In the event that there are more applications than there are places available, the Governors will admit pupils according to the following criteria, which are listed in order of priority. Please note that all



received preferences for this school will be given equal consideration, using the criteria below. 1. Children in Public Care (Looked after Children) 2. Children for whom only one particular school is appropriate due to an exceptional medical condition. Applications under this criterion will only be considered if they are supported at the time of application by a written statement to the Chair of Governors from the child‟s doctor. This must demonstrate that there is a very specific connection between the medical need and the facilities or resources of the school 3. Children who have siblings attending Winchcombe Abbey Primary School when the younger child is admitted. (NB We define siblings as a brother or sister, half brother or sister, adopted brother or sister, step brother or sister, or the child of the parent/carer‟s partner, and in every case, the child must be living in the same family unit at the same address) 4. Children of whom at least one parent is on the electoral roll of St Peter‟s Church, Winchcombe and who are resident in the Ancient Ecclesiastical Parish of Winchcombe. This should be supported at the time of application, by a letter to the Chair of Governors, from the minister confirming the parents‟ Christian commitment and regular attendance at church. Regular attendance is defined as attendance at the principal act of worship on a Sunday at least once a month on average during the year prior to consideration of the application

5. Other children of parents resident in the Ancient Ecclesiastical Parish of Winchcombe. [A map of the Parish can be viewed in school] Any remaining places or in the event of oversubscription in any of the criteria above, places will be given to children with the strongest geographical claim, measured in a straight line from the ordnance survey address point of the child‟s home address (including flats) to the ordnance survey address point of the school, using the Local Authority‟s computerised measuring system, with those living closer to the school receiving the higher priority. In the event of oversubscription and in the event of a tie break situation, where two or more children live an identical distance from the school, a lottery will take place to allocate any remaining places In the event of a child being refused a place, there is a right to appeal to an independent appeal process. Please contact the school for an appeal application. Requests for appeal relating to the main entry year of the school for September 2012 (i.e. Reception) should be made by 25 May 2012. Waiting Lists

If the school is oversubscribed, a waiting list will be held for the first full school term (ie until the end of December). The waiting list will be prioritised according to the school‟s oversubscription criteria.



Children with Special Educational Needs

Children who have a Statement of Special Educational Needs are placed in schools through the arrangements set out in the SEN Code of Practice and not through any admission criteria. Governing bodies are required by Section 324 of the Education Act 1996 to admit a child with a Statement that names that particular school. Parents of children with Statements of SEN should contact their child‟s casework officer for any further information. Children who have a Statement of Special Educational Needs naming a school will be allocated a place even if that school is full.

Fair Access Protocols

The school has signed up to the In-Year Fair Access Protocols held by the Local Authority. Should a vulnerable child within these Protocols require a place at the school, they will take precedent over any child on the waiting list.

In Year Admissions Any applications for a school place made outside the normal year of entry to the school must be made directly to the Local Authority. In accordance with their statutory duty, the Local Authority will be responsible for offering school places to children on behalf of the Governing Body within their In-Year Co-ordinated Admission Scheme for the school year 2012-2013. This scheme will be consulted upon by the Local Authority in January 2012.

School Transport

School Transport is not available at this school.

If you are considering moving a child from an existing school to our school, please contact the school to discuss the matter with the Head Teacher. Further details about the Admissions process are available on the School Admissions website: www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/schooladmissions or follow the link from our school website.

http://www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/schooladmissions



SCHOOL STAFF – SEPTEMBER 2011

Head Teacher Mrs Helen Springett Deputy Head Mrs Sally Johnson Deputy Head/ SENCO

Mrs Kate Moss

Year 6 teachers Miss Emma McCauley/Mrs Sally Johnson Year 5 teacher Mr Terry Tromans Year 4 teacher Mrs Janet Dowling Year 3 teachers Mrs Lynne Banks/Mrs Kate Moss Year 2 teacher Mrs Aisling Stranack Year 1 teacher Mrs Naomi Whitehead Reception teacher

Mrs Debbie Bullingham

Special needs teacher

Mrs Frances Bygrave

Support teachers Miss Abi Bargus Mrs Mel Baxter Mrs Jenni Brown Mrs Kirsten Chandler Mrs Rachel Clarke Mrs Claire Ford Miss Eleanor May Mrs Evelyn Rayson Miss Louise Charnick Mrs Michele von Seckendorff

Early Years Support teachers

Mrs Karen Dufty Mrs Lucy Relf

School Secretaries Midday supervisors

Mrs Linda Blackwell Mrs Fiona Shurmer Miss Abi Bargus Mrs Claire Ford Mrs Jacqui Hyett Miss Susan Jones Mrs Jeanette Parker Ms Sally Parsons Mrs Jeanette Swift

Crossing patrol

Mrs Fran Barrett

Catering Edwards and Ward Caretaker and cleaning staff

Daybreak Cleaning Ltd

school prospectus

Documents

Transcript of school prospectus