Walberton & Binsted C of E School Prospectus

WELCOME

Walberton & Binsted C of E School

Dear Parents,

Thank you for considering Walberton & Binsted C of E Primary School for your child.

Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions you will make for your child, so it is vital that you feel both happy and comfortable with your choice.

At Walberton and Binsted, we believe education to be a partnership between home and school: it is about sharing the same expectations, with everyone working together to achieve the best for your child. For the seven years your child is with us, we will work to develop a friendly and trusting partnership between you, your child and the staff in our school. This partnership will enable your child to develop the skills, knowledge, independence and confidence to achieve. We share your hopes and anxieties, and look forward to celebrate your child’s successes with you.

Walberton & Binsted School is a place where the efforts of everyone are truly valued; a place that strives for achievement for all, where high standards of work and behaviour are expected, and where children and staff are happy and interested in all that they do.

Sincerely

Maureen Shilliday Headteacher. Cert.Ed. NPQH


Our school has come a long way since it was founded in 1732, when John Nash bequeathed £12 for a school master to teach 18 children `to read, sew and knit’.

Today we have 210 children in seven classes, together with a staff of 20 teachers and teaching assistants who are totally committed in providing our children with the very best start in life. Our new school building provides our children with an educational environment to meet the needs of the 21st century.

Whole class teaching, as well as opportunities for children to work as part of a group, with a partner, and as an individual are all utilised within the class situation. The design of our building offers children opportunities to work independently, developing a sense of responsibility for their own learning.

DAILY ROUTINES

8:50 a.m. Children should arrive at school no earlier than this time. They should go directly to their own classroom, where the teacher will be there to receive them.

9:00 a.m. Official registration.

10:30 a.m. Morning Break (Children may bring a healthy snack to eat.)

10:45 a.m. Return to lessons

12:00 noon Midday Break (Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1)

12:15 p.m. Midday Break ( Key Stage 2)

1:00 p.m. Return to lessons

3:15 p.m. School ends

In addition, for the children in Reception and Years 1 and 2, there is a 15 minute break in the afternoon. Please ensure that children are in school promptly for registration at 9:00 a.m. and are collected at 3:15 p.m.

School hours

The total teaching time in a week (minus Collective Worship, registration and breaks) is:

Key Stage 1 22 hours 35 minutes

Key Stage 2 24 hours 25 minutes

These are above those recommended by the DCSF.

SCHOOL ORGANISATION

THE CURRICULUM


We aim to provide children at Walberton and Binsted CE School with a creative, broad and balanced learning experience meets both the Foundation Stage Curriculum and the National Curriculum. The areas of development introduced in the Reception Class are used as the basis for all future learning and curriculum opportunities.

Our staff recognise that not all children learn in the same way. The teaching approaches that are used in the classrooms vary, with staff using formal and informal methods. Children learn from a blend of single subject teaching and topic-based activities, making use of a range of audio and visual aids and ICT to enhance their learning.

“This is an outstanding school. It provides an excellent education for pupils.” Ofsted


SAFEGUARDING

At Walberton & Binsted CE School we are strongly committed to safeguarding the well-being of all our children and have clear procedures and polices with regard to child protection and safeguarding of children. All staff, sport coaches, music teachers and volunteers are appropriately checked prior to working in school. Training is part of staff induction and is regularly updated. The Headteacher is the designated person for child protection.

SECURITYThe safety and security of our children is of paramount importance to us, and the school hold the ‘Security by Design’ award issued by West Sussex Police.

We want Walberton & Binsted CE School to feel friendly, welcoming and approachable, but it must also be secure.

All visitors must report to reception on arrival where they will be issued with a badge and asked to sign the visitors’ book.

HEALTH and SAFETYIn the interests of heath and safety we operate a no-smoking policy and we request that visitors refrain form smoking whilst on the school premises.

We also request that you do not park on the school driveway or on the zigzag lines outside the school.


1 Our stunning new building was officially opened and dedicated on 9th. November 2006. It has been awarded ‘Highly Commended’ by West Sussex County Council for sustainability, and has also gained a ‘Security by Design’ award by West Sussex Police. The building benefits from under floor heating, a cross ventilation system, and a sedum roof.

The main entrance and lobby opens in to a light and airy central atrium. The atrium is used as a working area as well as the main thoroughfare throughout the school.

The green carpet acts as a forest path leading to all parts of the school, and the earth coloured carpet designates the areas of growth and learning. The seven classrooms are each a different colour of the rainbow. As a Church of England school we want to remember the message of the rainbow being one of ‘Hope’ for the future, for our children and for our school, and also a reminder that we need to care for our environment.

As well as the seven classrooms we also have additional spaces for group work in the practical room and the special room. Our studio provides facilities at children’s level for food technology, and also has a kiln. We are also able to cater for the needs of children with special needs with a therapy room, a small medical room, and two disabled toilets, one with hoist and shower.

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“Parents are proud of their school, “The school far exceeds my expectations as a parent”. Ofsted


2 Our ICT facilities show our commitment to the importance of technology. All teaching areas have an interactive white board to support teaching & learning with one computer in every class for children’s use. The ICT suite is designed to cater for a whole class of thirty children, and with the bonus of drop-down desks the room can also be used for other purposes. Reception class have a mini suite in their own classroom.

3 Our hall has a wooden sprung floor for PE and dance activities. It has wall mounted apparatus for gymnastic work. It also benefits from sound and lighting for drama and music productions. It is used on a daily basis for Collective Worship, and there is adequate space for parents to attend Family Assembly.

At lunch time the hall becomes our dining room with appropriate tables & seating. The infant eat first, followed by the junior children.

4 In addition to the suite & classroom computers there are also ICT work spaces in the atrium. This allows children to research independently, and apply their ICT skills to other areas of the curriculum. Working in the atrium, children have the opportunity to take responsibility for their own learning.

There are eight computers for junior children, and four computers for the infant classes.

5 Our library is situated right in the centre of the atrium. It can be used as a lending library, but is also a quiet area to go to enjoy reading or to research for information. When parents come in to help in school they use the library to listen to children reading or to play maths games.

Our Achievement Board is also situated in the library where everyone can see the awards and certificates that the school has been awarded. We have on view: Basic Skills Award 1, 2, 3 & 4. Bishop’s Commendation 2004 & 2009, Active Mark, Healthy Schools Status Award for Internationalism In Schools, Silver Eco Status, Travel Mark Award, Sport Certificates, and Certificates recognizing our efforts for charity.

6 The Red Class is for reception children. It has a toilet area and cloakroom attached, just for their use. There are double doors that link in to Year 1 classroom.

7 There are canopies outside every class so that children can work outside. There are playground markings for infants to play on at break, and a sports court for juniors.

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MATHEMATICS


We endeavour to ensure that our children see a purpose in the learning of mathematics, through real-life situations. The National Framework for Mathematics provides a programme of study for the teaching of mathematics, which develops skills in mental arithmetic, calculations in number and money, together with an appreciation for shape, measurement, algebra and handling data. There is a particular emphasis on problem solving and applying their knowledge and skills.

We utilise a variety of teaching approaches, including practical activities, ICT, games, and real-life problem-solving situations.

“This is a school which always puts the needs of pupils first.” Ofsted


As parents, teachers, support staff or governors, we have an important role in ensuring the well being of every child in our care.

ILLNESS and EMERGENCIES If your child is taken ill at school and needs to go home, the school notifies parents immediately. It is important that parents supply the school with an up-to-date home address and telephone number and also details where they can be contacted at work. We also ask that you nominate someone else as a contact if there are times when you are unavailable. If your child has a medical problem, please do share this information with us so that we can do our best to help.

MEDICINES If your child has been prescribed medication following an illness, we cannot take responsibility for administering this to children. Parents may of course come in to school to administer it personally.

INHALERS

Children needing to use inhalers should be trained in their use. These are stored in a safe, handy place in the classroom, and must be named.

SCHOOL NURSE

Our school nurse is an invaluable member of the School Health Service and has a special contribution to make in promoting health in the school community. She attends school on a regular basis, hosting a `Drop In’ for parents to discuss any concerns they may have regarding their child. She also provides advice and support to teachers in planning programmes that address issues relating to Health Education and Sex Education.

HEALTH & WELFARE

INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY (ICT)


Information Communication Technology is not only taught as a subject in its own right in the ICT suite, but children have access to work stations in the atrium and classrooms that are used to enhance learning in all areas of the curriculum.

Children learn to use computer hardware and software confidently in order to communicate and handle information.

A variety of computer software is available to support their class work. Children are taught the skills of word processing and are given an introduction to skills relating to the use of the Internet, e-mail, and digital cameras.


The above items, plus book bags, PE bags, backpacks and baseball caps are all available from Ricara in Chichester and Littlehampton. All clothing and footwear should be clearly named. In the interests of Health and Safety no jewellery, other than a watch may be worn

SCHOOL MEALS Children need to bring a healthy packed lunch to school, including a drink. (In the interests of health and safety, hot drinks or snacks are not permitted).

Some parents may be eligible to free packed lunches for their children. If you think you may qualify, do inform the School Office. All personal details are treated in the strictest confidence.

MID-MORNING BREAK Children are allowed to bring fruit or a snack bar (not crisps or chocolate items) to eat during the mid-morning break. This should be separate from the pack lunch.

In keeping with recent health advice, children are encouraged to bring a bottle of fresh drinking water for use during the course of the day.

TRAVELLING TO AND FROM SCHOOL If it is at all possible, we encourage children and parents to walk to school. Walberton easily becomes congested with traffic at the beginning and end of the school day, particularly at the main entrance to the school. For this reason we encourage parents to park in the village car park in order to use the pedestrian entrance to the school.

Cycle permits are available upon application to the Headteacher.

UNIFORM

Pupils are encouraged to take a pride in their appearance at all times and to wear our school uniform, which is as follows:

White blouse or shirt

White polo shirt with school logo

School sweatshirt or cardigan with school logo

Sensible black shoes

Green and white summer dress

School tie

Grey skirt or trousers

White or grey socks

For PE children require:

Navy shorts

T-shirt in the house colour

Plimsolls

Trainers for outside activities

GEOGRAPHY & HISTORY

“Pupils enjoy playing an active role in the school and the local community.“ Ofsted


We take a cross-curricular approach to all our topics, with children studying various locations around the world, and different periods of history. We try to link current events whenever possible to provide real meaning and stimulate the children’s interest in these subjects.

Our children are encouraged to make use of their local environment to learn from first hand experience and become aware of the effect they can have on it. They are given opportunities to find out about different places, develop a global awareness, and an appreciation of Britain as a multicultural society.

Using their own experiences, we aim to give children the opportunity to develop an awareness of the past, and an understanding of how and why things change. We cover aspects of local, British, European and world cultures through different periods of history. Children are given the skills to seek out information from a variety of sources, including visits to local places of interest where they can view and handle artefacts first hand.


From time to time children will go on educational visits, connected with the topics they are studying. The school requires permission from parents for all visits; however, we frequently make visits on foot around the village. These are often arranged at short notice. For these visits we require permission from parents at the start of the child’s school life.

Walberton and Binsted School adhere to the charging policies as laid down in the Education Reform Act and the West Sussex County Council Guidelines for Off-site visits. Voluntary contributions may be requested from parents to cover the cost of the activity, such as transport and admission fees. If parents are unable to contribute, their child will not be penalised in any way. However, if insufficient voluntary contributions are forthcoming, we may have no alternative but to cancel the proposed outing.

During the latter part of the summer term children in Year 6 have the opportunity to participate in a residential school journey to the Isle of Wight.

We also utilise the support of the local community, theatre groups, guest speakers, local museum personnel, and sports coaches to support aspects of the curriculum.

VISITS

CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT


CREATIVE STUDIES

Art, craft, music, drama and dance are a major part of our school curriculum and make an important contribution to the creative development of each child.

In addition to the planned curriculum, we offer a variety of after school extra-curricular activities for children to enjoy and develop their skills further. .

“Outstanding in meeting the needs of all learners.“

Ofsted


ART We aim to provide children with opportunities to explore colour, shape, form, texture, and design. Teaching approaches make use of a wide range of media, including painting, drawing, printing, textiles and three-dimensional work. We hope to develop an aesthetic awareness of their own and other people’s works of art

MUSIC

Music plays an important role at Walberton and Binsted C of E School. Children have the opportunity to develop musical skills and techniques such as pitch, rhythm, timbre, tempo and dynamics through composing and performing, as well as being able to listen to, and appreciate a wide range of musical styles and composers.

All children participate in singing within the class, and as a whole school in daily Collective Worship and celebration of the major Christian festivals within the school year.

The singing group welcomes children from all year groups. The group has performed in local and national concerts and festivals.

Children have the opportunity to learn to play orchestral instruments with instruction being provided by the WSCC Music Support Service.

The school also subscribes to the WSCC Wider Opportunities Scheme and our children benefit from djembe drumming sessions in Key Stage 2. Through singing, dance and drumming our children are able to develop a sense of global awareness and other cultures.

PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT


SPORTING AIMS AND PROVISION

Sport and physical education play an important part within the life of our school. We offer the children a balanced and varied programme that includes athletic activities, co-operative games, dance, gymnastic activities, games, and swimming.

Pupils are encouraged to develop positive attitudes, a knowledge and understanding about how the body works and responds to exercise, and to maintain an active and healthy lifestyle.

All games are played by boys and girls and we place a strong emphasis on co-operation, teamwork and good sporting behaviour. Children are taught the skills associated with invasion games such as basketball, football, hockey, netball, and rugby. In the summer children experience a range of striking and fielding games such as cricket, rounders and stoolball, as well as tennis and athletic activities.

Children in the junior classes are taught swimming by a professional coach at Arun Leisure Centre. A voluntary contribution towards costs for lessons and coach transport to and from the pool is requested from parents.

“The school provides an excellent level of care, guidance and support for pupils.” Ofsted


EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES In addition to the planned curriculum we offer a wide range of after school extra curricular activities for children to enjoy and develop their skills further. These include, amongst others, athletics, country dancing, football, netball, and rounders

We hold an annual School Sports Day where every child is given the opportunity to work as part of a team. The morning event allows children to participate in mixed age teams in simple field activities, with an afternoon of track races.

We regularly compete against teams from other schools in football and netball, and have had very successful results in local athletic and swimming events.

In addition to the clubs offered by staff, a professional coach offers cricket during the summer months, and throughout the year the school hall is used for classes in karate, fencing, judo and dance.

At the start of Year 6 children are given the opportunity to participate in a Cycling Training Course, organised by West Sussex Road Safety Team. A successful result gives these children the option to cycle to school, providing they obtain a cycle permit.

SPIRITUAL DEVELOPMENT


COLLECTIVE WORSHIP AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

As a “controlled” Church of England Primary School, we want our children to experience a Christian based education.

Collective Worship and Religious Education have a central role to play in the life of our school, contributing to the child’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.

The school has a particular relationship with the community of Walberton and Binsted through its association with the Parish Church of St. Mary’s, Walberton. We attend the church every half-term for one of our school assemblies, and every term one of our classes takes a special part in a joint School/Church Sunday Service.


RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

We believe that Religious Education should be an exciting activity for all or children to share in, and regard it as a particular area of learning where Christian values and school ethos can come alive in the classrooms. We employ a variety of teaching approaches, making use of art, literature, music, drama and cooking to support the learning. We want to enable our children to think about themselves, their feelings, their relationships, and their uniqueness as human beings.

As a “controlled” Church of England School we follow the West Sussex Agreed Syllabus, which covers aspects relating to Christianity, but also Judaism, Islam, Hinduism and Buddhism are studied in the curriculum. We consider it important to provide opportunities for our children to develop respect and sensitivity for all people, and to understand more, not only of our own Christian faith, but also the importance of religion in today’s world.

Parents have the right to withdraw their children from Religious Education lessons and Collective Worship but happily, this has not been invoked. Parents are asked to come into school to discuss suitable alternative arrangements should they wish to do so.

COLLECTIVE WORSHIP

We also want our children to appreciate the value and role of other Christian representatives within the life of the school and its community. The Vicar of St. Mary’s Church, School Governors, and leaders from local ecumenical groups are invited to lead our Collective Worship in school on a regular basis. We celebrate the major Christian festivals with children participating in services to celebrate Harvest, Christingle, Christmas, Easter, Ascension Day and Pentecost.

OUR SISTER SCHOOL

We have a Diocesan link with Koiva SLC school in Sierra Leone. We exchange letters with the children from the school, and have also supported them though fundraising events.

“There is a Christian ethos of care that is reflected in all areas of school life.” Ofsted

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT

“Pupils say they are made to feel valued as individuals.” Ofsted


PERSONAL, SOCIAL, HEALTH AND CITIZENSHIP (PSHCE)

The personal and social development of each child at our school is a matter of great importance to us. We believe that our children should have opportunities to develop these skills and personal qualities to the full.

Personal qualities of loyalty, courtesy, honesty, pride in achievement, and respect for all people and the environment are promoted through a programme for PSHCE throughout the school.

Our staff is committed in wanting our children to grow up happily and healthily, with confidence to approach life and citizenship.

All classes are represented on the School Council, which meet regularly to discuss views and opinions relating to the school, including fundraising events for charities.

“As a result of high quality provision, pupils’ enjoyment of school is outstanding.“ Ofsted


HEALTH EDUCATIONOur Health Education Programme forms an integrated part of the science and RE curriculum. Through PSHCE we teach children how to stay safe and healthy, the importance of diet, exercise, and the risks involved in the use of harmful substances, and issues relating to e-safety.

SEX EDUCATION Sex Education is also part of our Health Education curriculum. Throughout their years at Walberton and Binsted, children are encouraged to consider relationships and responsibilities towards each other. Once the child is in Year 5 we feel that more specific information should be given and therefore the children see a short series of straightforward but sensitive videos.

Parents are notified in advance of this, and are offered the opportunity to view the video beforehand.

Parents have the right to withdraw their child from this area of the curriculum should they so wish, but we ask that you come into school to discuss this with us.

BEHAVIOUR Our school operates a Behaviour Management Policy based on praise and positive reinforcement that is designed to enable children and staff to work together positively. School rules are kept simple and are geared towards ensuring the safety and well being of everyone.

Staff, pupils and parents work together to create a school community where bullying is not tolerated. Clear boundaries have to be set, and children must learn that there are consequences should children not keep to our agreed Code of Conduct.

Older children are entrusted with a variety of roles within the school. In their role as Prefect, Buddy or House Captain they are encouraged to assume responsibility for the care and support of younger members of our school community.

REWARDING SUCCESS

We have high standards and high expectations of our children at Walberton and Binsted. We promote a system of rewards that encourages children to be both independent and successful, and is designed to develop self-esteem and pride in achievement.

Our house system encourages teamwork and leadership. Children earn house points for good work, good attitudes, good efforts and care for others.

We celebrate success and effort through our `Golden Book’. The names of those children entered during the week are shared with the school in family assembly on Fridays, and the book is then displayed in the main entrance of the school.

LANGUAGE

“Teachers make learning fun” Ofsted


LANGUAGE, LITERATURE AND COMMUNICATION

The National Framework for English is used as the basis for our planning. This encompasses all aspects of English. Providing the basic skills for the development of grammar, comprehension, story writing, poetry and spelling. There are opportunities within all areas of the curriculum to develop Speaking and Listening, drama and communication skills. Basic skills for grammar, comprehension, story writing, poetry and spelling are developed throughout every year group.

The teaching of reading is promoted through the use of a variety of published schemes as well as a real book approach. Within each class, children have access to a wide range of fiction books, and the school library meets the needs of non-fiction literature for personal research and to support topic work.

French is taught in all Key Stage 2 classes. Emphasis is placed on the spoken word and a progressive scheme of work is developed through the class topics.


STAFFStaff meet regularly to discuss aspects of school policy and curriculum development, and we work closely together to ensure the continuity and progression of learning for your child within the school as they move from class to class. We also liaise with our local pre-school establishments and secondary schools in order to ensure that transfer from one stage of education to the next is well managed.

A current list of our teaching and non-teaching staff is included in the back of the prospectus.

PUPIL PROGRESS The progress made by pupils in all areas of the curriculum is monitored very carefully. Teacher assessments are carried out every half term in order to evaluate the progress of each child and ensure they are meeting their targets. The Headteacher and Assessment Co-ordinator also track the progress and development of each child throughout the school through formal and informal assessments. National Statutory assessments are carried out in Years 2 and 6 in the Summer Term The individual results of these tests are made available to the respective parents, and the overall results are published.

Parents are invited to view their children’s work and discuss their progress at the consultation meetings held each term. Written annual reports are sent at the end of the Summer Term to inform parents of their child’s progress and areas for further development. Parents are welcome to discuss any aspect of their child’s education at any time with the class teacher or the Headteacher, and need only telephone to arrange a mutually convenient appointment.

If, after discussion, parents feel that their concerns have not been dealt with satisfactorily, they have the option to make a formal complaint to the Governing Body of the School..

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS All children are unique and we recognise that children progress at different rates and have different strengths and weaknesses. Some children experience special educational needs, and it is our objective to ensure that these needs are recognised and assessed as early as possible and additional provision made to support the child’s progress. When a child has been identified as having special needs, the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator will work alongside parents and class teachers to develop an individual programme to address these needs.

We also work closely in partnership with outside agencies, including the Educational Psychologist, Learning Support Team, and Behaviour Support Team to utilise their expertise.

ABLE & TALENTED Some children are identified as being very able in certain areas, and they too, require provision to ensure the curriculum is challenging for them. Our Co-ordinator has access to the County’s Enrichment Programme, which offers these children further opportunities to extend their talents and learning.

EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE


In our Reception Class we follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. This focuses on the six areas of learning: Personal, Social, Emotional Development, Communication, Language and Literacy Development, Mathematical Development, Knowledge and Understanding of the World, Physical Development and Creative Development.

In our stimulating secure environment the foundations of successful learning are laid. We value the role of structured play in developing learning, providing opportunities for children to make use of both the indoor and outdoor environments. The development of positive self-esteem, confidence, independence and good social skills are encouraged and nurtured in all aspects of leaning throughout the school.


ADMISSIONSChildren can start school in the September following their fourth birthday. Parents have the right to choose whether they wish their child to start full-time or part-time, subject to the caveat that children are receiving full-time education in the term following their fifth birthday. Parents have the right to defer entry to later in the academic year and, in such cases, a place offered in reception would be held open for the child for the intake year. Admissions to Walberton and Binsted School are the responsibility of the Local Education Authority and applications must be made through their offices at:

Education Office (South) Pupil Admissions Office Centenary House, Durrington Lane, Worthing, West Sussex, BN13 2QB Tel: 0845 675 1007Fax: 01903 839214Email: admissions. [email protected]

Under the Education Act parents can express a preference for any school but parents do not have a right to choose a school. West Sussex Education Authority does however make every effort to meet parental preference where possible. Further information about how places are allocated at this, and other schools in the County, is contained in the Authority’s Information for Parents Booklet, a copy of which is available from the school office or the Pupil Admissions Office.

Preliminary visits are encouraged for parents who are considering applying for a place at the school. This allows parents the opportunity to observe the school in practice and discuss matters of interest with the Headteacher.

STARTING SCHOOL

When a place has been offered to your child at the school, the parents will be invited to attend a meeting for New Parents to find out more about the arrangements for admission. Representatives from the teaching staff, the Governing Body, the PTA, and Year 6 children also attend the meeting to provide you with a complete picture about our school.

Prior to starting school the Reception teacher will visit each child in their own home. The children are then invited to the school on prearranged afternoons during the second half of the summer term preceding their admission to get to know each other and their teacher.

“We are delighted with the school and the progress our children have made”. Ofsted

SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY


Young children have a natural curiosity about their environment. We teach the natural and physical sciences by encouraging an attitude of enquiry, also making use of our school grounds with its pond and environmental area. All children experience practical science as part of their work, and our investigative approach promotes the development of skills requiring observation, reasoning, experimenting and recording.

In Design Technology children experience working with a variety of materials to design, make and evaluate products. Food Technology is integrated into topic work. It is also covered within the science curriculum, where children learn about the importance of a healthy lifestyle.


HOME / SCHOOL LINKS

HOMEWORKThe best way to help and support your child at school is to share in their learning, giving them your time and encouragement. It is school policy to give homework to all children, although the amount and nature of the task depends on the age and stage of development of each child. Reading with your child is an activity that we would encourage all parents to do.

Parents are also encouraged to assist in the work of the school community. They can do this in a variety of ways; such as helping with class activities, accompanying groups of children on educational visits, hearing children read, helping with cycling training, etc.

PTA

There is a very active Parent Teacher Association that meets regularly. In addition to fundraising events, they organise social events for children and parents. In recent years many extra items of equipment have been donated to the school by the association, the success of which relies on the enthusiasm and involvement of parents. All parents are automatically a member of the PTA and as such are welcome to attend meetings and events.

EVENTSYou are also invited to attend Family Assembly on a Friday morning, as well as the Harvest, Christmas, and joint school/church services, in addition to the annual Sports Day and Open Days.

A regular Newsletter is sent home every half term to keep you informed about recent developments and successes and to alert you to forthcoming events.

ABSENCEIf your child is absent from school for any reason please contact the school as soon as possible by telephone or letter. We are required to document all absences from school, and the reasons for them.

APPROVED ABSENCEParents should consider very carefully the implications of taking their child out of school during term time. If it is absolutely imperative, you are entitled to request permission from the Headteacher, by completing a form, “Request for Approved Absence” providing reasons for the request. A maximum of 10 school days may be approved by the Headteacher, dependent on the current attendance record of the child.

The Headteacher will not authorise absence for any child during the months of September or May, the start of the year when class routines are being introduced and the national end of key stage tests are considered crucial times in the school year.

Walberton & Binsted C of E School Prospectus

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