Welcome to Grange Primary School · LEARNING TOGETHER, RESPECTING EACH OTHER, ACHIEVING OUR...

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Welcome to Grange Primary School

Transcript of Welcome to Grange Primary School · LEARNING TOGETHER, RESPECTING EACH OTHER, ACHIEVING OUR...

  • Welcome to

    Grange Primary School

  • - 2 -

    INFORMATION BROCHURE 2014/2015

    CONTENTS Page

    Welcome 3

    Admissions 4

    School Aims 5

    Ethos, Vision and Values 6

    Parent Calendar 2014/15 7

    Essential Information and School Times 8

    School Day 9

    Attendance and Punctuality 9

    School Meals 11

    School Uniform 13

    Achievement 15

    Behaviour 16

    Home-School Links 17

    Health and Wellbeing 19

    Safety and Security 21

    Race Equality and Equal Opportunities 22

    Governing Body 23

    Staffing 24

    Curriculum 25

    Assessment and Reporting 27

    Home Learning 27

  • - 3 -

    Dear Parents/Carers

    WELCOME TO GRANGE PRIMARY SCHOOL

    Grange is at an exciting stage of its development as a primary school. We were

    established in September 2011 and have seen standards improve year on year since

    then. We are very proud of our vision statement –

    LEARNING TOGETHER, RESPECTING EACH OTHER, ACHIEVING OUR POTENTIAL

    This statement underpins all that we do at Grange. We warmly welcome both new and

    established families to our community and hope that we can learn together through

    respect and understanding. Our aim is for all to achieve their potential in an ever

    changing world.

    Our school bases its ethos on The United Nations Convention on the Rights of the

    Child, where rights are supported by an emphasis on responsibility. We have high

    expectations of ourselves and each other. The staff team work hard to create a

    purposeful, harmonious atmosphere in which children will thrive and learn well. We

    have an active Governing Body and Friends of Grange who support and challenge the

    work of the school. We encourage all parents to get involved in all aspects of their

    child’s education.

    We regard our diverse community and rich variety of home languages, cultures, faiths

    and traditions as a positive asset. We do not tolerate bullying or violence of any kind

    and have a strong approach to safeguarding our children.

    The following pages give you more detailed information about our school. Please read

    the information carefully and feel free to ask us about anything you do not fully

    understand.

    We wish you and your children a long, happy and successful time with us here at

    Grange.

    Annette Szymaniak

    Headteacher

    Welbeck Road, Harrow HA2 0RY T: 020 8422 5070 F: 020 8423 1008

    E: [email protected] www.grange.harrow.sch.uk

    mailto:[email protected]

  • - 4 -

    ADMISSIONS

    Staff and Governors believe that starting school should be a positive, happy

    experience. All children have the right to a smooth transition into each stage of their

    school life.

    Nursery Admissions - You can apply for a place in our Nursery by filling in an

    application form available from the school office. There is one intake from

    September each year for children who have already reached the age of 3. You can

    only apply for one Nursery place. At the time of application your child’s birth

    certificate and proof of your address, such as a utility bill or council tax bill etc., will

    be required.

    Reception Class Admissions – Harrow Council is responsible for all Reception class

    admissions. If your child is in a Harrow School or Nursery setting, the staff will give

    you the application form at the appropriate time. If your child is not in a Nursery you

    can pick up the forms from any primary school or from Harrow Council. Harrow also

    has an online application form which can be accessed via the Council’s website.

    www.harrow.gov.uk/admissions

    Years 1- 6 Admissions – Harrow Council is responsible for all admissions for Years 1

    to 6. You can pick up the application form from the Council or the Council’s website.

    Harrow Admissions Criteria

    If there are more applications than available places children will be chosen

    using the following criteria:

    Children with assessed Special Educational Needs which can be met by

    the school

    Children in the care of the Local Authority

    Children where there are special medical reasons for seeking a place at

    the preferred school

    Children who have an older brother or sister who will be attending the

    infant or linked junior/primary at the same time

    Distance measured in a straight line from home to school

    Appeals – You can appeal against any decision made about the school place you

    have been offered.

    For all information please go to the harrow website.

    www.harrow.gov.uk/schooladmissions

    http://www.harrow.gov.uk/admissionshttp://www.harrow.gov.uk/schooladmissions

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    SCHOOL AIMS

    To develop the skills that will enable our children to contribute confidently,

    responsibly and positively to society

    To be safe, secure confident learners

    To enjoy learning

    To be healthy and happy

    To achieve success

    To prepare our pupils for their future as lifelong learners

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    OUR ETHOS AND VISION

    At Grange Primary School we have high expectations of ourselves and each other. The staff

    team work hard to create a purposeful, harmonious atmosphere in which children will thrive

    and learn well. As a school we are committed to ‘Learning Together, Respecting Each Other,

    Achieving Our Potential’.

    At Grange Primary School we:

    • Place creativity at the heart of teaching and learning

    • Strive to make learning vivid, fun, relevant and real

    • Work to ensure all learners succeed in an environment that is welcoming, secure and

    stimulating

    • Recognise and celebrate success

    • Aim high and set high standards

    • Match teaching styles to learning need

    • Value children as individuals, enabling them to develop a positive self-image and respect for

    others

    • Believe that asking questions is central to learning

    • Involve children in their own assessment

    • Aim to develop learning skills across the curriculum, inside and outside the classroom

    • Value and celebrate our rich diversity

    • See the school as a learning community where everyone works hard and enjoys themselves

    OUR SCHOOL VALUES We seek to promote good behaviour and support children’s social, emotional and moral

    development through a focus on identified school values. The children are encouraged to value

    themselves, others and the environment through the study of the principles that guide

    positive behaviour. Our Values Based Education encourages adults to model values and to give

    time for reflective practices that empower individuals to become effective learners and good

    citizens.

    The importance of keeping our values and teaching their meaning is a regular feature of

    classwork and assemblies. Each month, we focus on one of our values:

    September - Responsibility January - Perseverance May - Loyalty

    October - Courage February - Thoughtfulness June - Freedom

    November - Honesty March - Politeness July - Independence

    December - Caring April - Tolerance

  • - 7 -

    PARENT CALENDAR 2014/2015

    SCHOOL HOLIDAYS / STAFF TRAINING DAYS

    Autumn Term 2014

    Staff Training Day (INSET) Monday 1st September 2014

    Staff Training Day (INSET) Tuesday 2nd September 2014

    Staff Training Day (INSET) Wednesday 3rd September 2014

    Children return Thursday 4th September 2014

    Half Term Monday 27th October - Friday 31st October 2014

    Children return Monday 3rd November 2014

    Last day of Autumn Term Friday 19th December 2014

    Spring Term 2015

    Staff Training Day (INSET) Monday 5th January 2015

    Children return Tuesday 6th January 2015

    Half Term Monday 16th February - Friday 20th February 2015

    Children return Monday 23rd February 2015

    Last day of Spring Term Friday 27th March 2015

    Summer Term 2015

    Children return Monday 13th April 2015

    May Day Bank Holiday Monday 4th May 2015

    Half Term Monday 25th May - Friday 29th May 2015

    Children return Monday 1st June 2015

    Last day of Summer Term Friday 17th July 2015

    Staff Training Day (INSET) Monday 20th July 2015

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    ESSENTIAL INFORMATION

    Grange Primary School Telephone No: 020 8422 5070

    Welbeck Road Fax No: 020 8423 1008

    Harrow Email: [email protected]

    HA2 0RY Website: www.grange.harrow.sch.uk

    Nursery Hours

    Morning Session 8.45am – 11.45am

    Afternoon Session 12.20pm – 3.20pm

    School Hours

    School Starts 8.45am

    Morning registration closes at 8.55am

    Morning Break 10.20am-10.35am or 10.40am-10.55am

    Lunch Break 11.45pm-1.15pm

    Lunch is served in sittings, with the youngest children eating first.

    Key Stage 1 School Finishes 3.20pm

    Key Stage 2 School Finishes 3.30pm

    The main entrance to the school is on Welbeck Road where the reception and offices are

    located. All visitors to the school are asked to use this entrance. In these days of more

    stringent measures everyone is asked to sign the visitors’ book and wear identification.

    Parents/carers who deliver/collect their children by car are asked to park with care and not

    to block driveways, entrances or create traffic hazards to users of the school.

    http://www.grange.harrow.sch.uk/

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    SCHOOL DAY

    Mornings At the beginning of the school day the children gather on the playground next to the Furness

    Road entrance to the school and their teachers collect them from this playground every day.

    The gates to the playground from the Furness Road entrance open at 8.30am and are locked at

    8.55am, after this time parents/carers will have to use the main entrance on Welbeck Road.

    You are welcome to come in and wait with your child in the playground until the bell goes at

    8.45am. There is always an adult supervising.

    Nursery and Reception Parents/carers of pupils in Nursery and Reception should bring them to their classrooms

    where the doors are opened at 8.45am. Nursery parents/carers are welcome into the

    classroom between 8.45am and 9.00am and between 12.20pm and 12.35pm, depending on the

    session times. Reception parents/carers are welcome into the classrooms between 8.45am and

    9.00am. This is a great opportunity to see what your child has been learning, read with them,

    catch up with your child’s teacher and meet other parents.

    Afternoons School finishes at 3.20pm for Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 and at 3.30pm for Years

    3 to 6. Parents/carers of pupils in Nursery, Reception and Year 1 should collect their children

    from outside the classrooms. All other parents/carers should wait in the playground and

    teachers will bring their classes out. The gates will be locked at 3.50pm.

    After School Clubs Most after school clubs finish between 4.30pm and 4.45pm - parents/carers should check the

    finishing time for each club. All children should be collected from the Reception playground

    (next to the Dining Hall) promptly at the club finish time.

    ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY

    Attendance and punctuality have a direct impact on children’s

    achievement and we ask you to ensure your child arrives at and is

    collected from school at the correct time. Children are expected to

    attend school every day unless they are unwell. If your child is unwell,

    then you must telephone the school on the first day of sickness. When

    they are better and are returning to school you must write a note to

    the class teacher explaining their absence. All medical appointments

    need to be authorised and appointment cards/letters must be brought

    into the main office ahead of the appointment.

    All absence is carefully monitored as we believe that poor attendance has a significant impact

    on your child’s academic achievement and progress. Punctuality is equally important to your

    child’s academic achievement. The registers close at 8.55am and pupils arriving after this

    time will be registered as late.

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    The Education Welfare Service (EWS) works closely with the school to monitor pupil

    attendance and punctuality. Parents of pupils whose attendance or punctuality is raised as a

    concern will be contacted by the school or the EWS. Our aim is for 95% attendance. If a

    child’s absence is below 85% it is known as a persistent absence. This level of absence is a

    serious concern and an appointment with the Headteacher to discuss the absences may be

    necessary.

    Parents do not have an automatic right to withdraw pupils from school for a holiday. In fact,

    the Local Authority and Education Welfare Service do not allow parents to take children out

    of school during term time. The regulations mean that or extended trips to be with family

    abroad cannot be authorised.

    Frequently Asked Questions What if my child won’t be in because she/he is ill?

    You should ring the school before 9.00am to explain that your child won’t be in due to illness. If

    you don’t ring, the school will ring you to check. If absence is persistent you may be asked to

    provide medical evidence or appointment cards. Please try to make doctor’s and dentist’s

    appointments outside school hours. You will need to provide evidence (e.g. appointment cards or

    letters) for appointments in school time.

    What if we’re late in the morning?

    If you’re going to be a few minutes late, you or your child will be asked to fill in the ‘late book’ in

    the school office to explain why you’re late. If you’re going to be later than 9.30am, you should ring

    the school in advance to explain why. It really does help your child - and their class teacher - to be

    in school on time.

    What if I’m late to collect my child?

    If you’re unavoidably late, the children will be taken inside the school building to wait for you near

    the main entrance. You should ring the school to let them know you’re on your way. After 3.30pm,

    enter the school via the Welbeck Road gate. Please try not to be late!

    What if someone else is picking up my child?

    If someone other than a parent is collecting your child you should tell the class teacher in the

    morning or ring the school office as soon as possible.

    What if we need some time off school?

    Attendance is measured by the local authority and schools are under pressure to keep their

    attendance up. This is why no schools are keen on children being away except if they’re ill. If you

    need to take time out of school for exceptional circumstances, you must make a written request to

    the Headteacher and Chair of Governors. The Headteacher and Chair of Governors will consider

    the following when deciding on whether or not to authorise any request:

    The effect on the child’s education

    The nature of the trip

    Circumstances of the family

    Child’s attendance – leave will not be authorised if the child’s attendance is below

    95%

    Health issues

    Other exceptional circumstances

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    SCHOOL MEALS

    Hot meals and packed lunches are eaten in the school dining hall.

    Hot Meals All hot meals are cooked on the premises and are well balanced and nutritious. Children are

    encouraged to eat all their dinner, but are not forced to do so. Please let us know if your child

    is allergic to any food. Water is available for all children at lunchtime. Currently a school

    lunch is available at £2.05 per day, £10.25 per week and must be purchased in advance. Payments can be made online at http://www.feedinghungryminds.co.uk/online-payments or by

    cash/cheque using the dinner money envelopes and payment box available in the main office.

    All children are encouraged to stay at school during lunchtime. If you would like your child to

    go home for lunch please discuss this with the Headteacher.

    Packed Lunches If your child is having a packed lunch please provide it in a secure box or bag with nothing

    breakable. Your child should be provided with food that is easy to eat and nutritious. The

    School has a Healthy Eating Policy and sweets, nuts, chocolate and fizzy or canned drinks must

    not be included in the packed lunch. Water is provided for all children, so a drink is not needed

    unless you wish to provide one.

    Information and advice on healthy packed lunches is available from

    http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/childhealth6-15/Pages/Lighterlunchboxes.aspx

    The menu for the term is in the parents section on the school website, on display in the dining

    hall and copies are available in the school office. Every year there is an opportunity for

    parents to taste the school meals – this is usually in the Autumn term. There is always a

    vegetarian option, a salad bar and a dessert. All meat served is halal.

    Children are expected to be polite and courteous to all midday supervisory staff. Should a

    child be persistently badly behaved we reserve the right to insist on that child going home for

    lunch for a fixed period of time.

    http://www.feedinghungryminds.co.uk/online-paymentshttp://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/childhealth6-15/Pages/Lighterlunchboxes.aspx

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    Free School Meals All pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 will be entitled to a free school meal from

    September 2014 as part of the Government’s Universal Infant Free School Meals Scheme.

    However, all parents who are in receipt of any of the following must make an application for

    free school meals to ensure their child receives their full pupil premium entitlement;

    Income Support

    Income-based Jobseekers Allowance

    Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

    Support under Part IV of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

    The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit

    Child Tax Credit (provided the parent/carer is not also entitled to Working Tax Credit

    and with an annual gross income of no more than £16,190, as assessed by HMRC)

    If your child is in Years 3 to 6 and you receive Working Tax Credit and no other qualifying

    benefit other than Child Tax Credit you will not be eligible for Free School Meals.

    For more information and to make an application for free school meals go to

    http://www.harrow.gov.uk/info/17/school_and_college/264/free_school_meals

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What if my child doesn’t eat anything? Eating is monitored by the lunchtime staff. Children are encouraged to eat a balanced lunch

    and to try a range of foods. If there are concerns about what your child is eating this is

    recorded and you will be contacted to discuss further. If you have any questions or concerns

    about lunches please see your class teacher in the first instance.

    What if my child is a slow eater? Children can eat at their own pace and are always given time to finish their food.

    Who looks after the children at lunchtime? School meals assistants (some of whom also work in classes) supervise the children in the

    hall, and, after they have eaten, in the playground.

    Can children bring snacks into school? All children in Nursery, Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are provided with a piece of fruit by

    the school as part of the Government’s Free Fruit and Vegetable Scheme. Children in Years

    3 to 6 are encouraged to bring in fruit or vegetables as a snack for morning break, no other

    snacks are allowed.

    Can children bring drinks into school? All children are encouraged to bring in a named water bottle and there are water fountains

    near the entrances to the playground which the children can use.

    http://www.harrow.gov.uk/info/17/school_and_college/264/free_school_meals

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    SCHOOL UNIFORM

    We ask that all children wear a school uniform including Reception children. We feel that it

    helps to achieve a sense of belonging and identity. Grange Primary School uniform can be

    purchased online directly from Tesco at www.tesco.com/ues

    Uniform consists of:

    Pinafore dresses, skirts or trousers Black or Grey (NO JEANS)

    Shirt, blouse or polo shirt White – with or without logo

    Sweatshirt and jersey cardigans Blue – with logo

    Leather Shoes Black

    Bookbag Blue - with logo

    During the summer months girls may wear blue check dresses and boys may wear black or grey

    shorts.

    Please remember to mark all uniform with your child’s name.

    Headscarves We wish to work in partnership with all members of our community and to foster a spirit of

    mutual respect and understanding for religious and cultural beliefs. We therefore request

    that when headscarves are worn they are black, grey, blue or white and are of a length that

    does not present a health and safety risk. Please remember that the children will be

    participating in physical activities involving a range of apparatus and equipment.

    http://www.tesco.com/ues

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    PE Uniform PE (Physical Education) is an important part of the National Curriculum, and it requires

    appropriate clothing.

    The children should bring their PE kit to school in a separate, named drawstring bag. The

    necessary clothing and footwear are:

    White T-Shirt

    Dark blue sports shorts

    Sports trainers/plimsolls for outdoor PE

    Plimsolls for indoor PE

    Dark blue track suit or jumper and leggings for cold weather

    Expensive, designer trainers should not be worn in school at any time.

    Dance and gymnastics are done in bare feet, long hair must be tied back. Please ensure all

    items of clothing are clearly named. PE kits should be taken home for washing as and when

    necessary.

    Playtime and Lunchtime Activities

    Buddy system The school runs a buddy system. Children in Years 5 and 6 complete an application and are

    interviewed for the role. These children support and play with younger pupils in the

    playground. If a child is feeling lonely they sit at the Friendship Stop and a Buddy will come

    and collect them.

    Organised games The mealtime supervisors have been trained to support organised games at lunchtime play

    and there is a rota of activities for different year groups. This rota is displayed near the

    school entrances on the playground.

    Outdoor Equipment Skipping ropes, hoops, hoppers and construction equipment are available in the playground.

    Toys may vary over the year as crazes change!

    Other lunchtime activities There are several clubs available to children at lunchtimes including PE, Music and Art clubs.

    These are available to different year groups on a rota basis.

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    ACHIEVEMENT

    Celebrating Success We praise, encourage and recognise the children’s achievements in all aspects of school life.

    Positive behaviour and attitude to work is celebrated in class and at weekly assemblies with our

    successful rewards point system. Recognition is given in Celebration Assembly for success

    (academic and extra-curricular). Children who are making good choices are given stickers,

    certificates and may be given monitor responsibilities. Positive comments are written on children’s

    work, smiley faces, stickers and stamps are also awarded. Children who are awarded gold

    certificates are invited to take tea with the Headteacher and their names are published in the

    Golden Book and in the newsletter.

    Ruby

    • Following school and class routines

    • Coming into and settling in assembly

    • Walking around the school at all times.

    • Working well with adults and other

    pupils

    • Wearing the correct school uniform

    including appropriate PE attire

    • Sharing and taking turns with others

    • Good manners ~ using please and thank

    you

    • Following instructions ~ immediately

    Sapphire

    • Being a good friend

    • Returning homework on time, presentable

    and showing good effort.

    • Being responsible for your own learning.

    Doing extra

    • Respecting school property, tidying

    things up and keeping the class tidy

    • Taking pride in all your work

    • Open to new challenges

    • Keeping yourself and others safe

    • Making a sensible contribution to a

    lesson

    Emerald

    • Being a thoughtful buddy

    • Supporting others outside normal

    friendship groups

    • Producing high, quality school work

    • Focusing on a task and completing it

    well

    • Achieving learning, attendance or

    behaviour targets

    • Taking responsibility for a task

    • Acting as a school ambassador on school

    trips

    • Being a lunchtime champion

    • Promoting being team player

    • Reporting bullying and looking after

    each other

    Gold

    • Taking the initiative and showing

    leadership

    • Excellent contribution to class discussions

    and work

    • Consistently working hard to achieve your

    potential

    • Being a responsible role model

    • Producing an exceptional pieces of work

    on several occasions

    • Befriending and helping a new pupil to

    the school

    • Representing the school in an outstanding

    manner at events

    • Showing improvements in all areas of

    school life

    • Actively promoting anti-bullying

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    BEHAVIOUR

    At Grange Primary School we work together as a community to provide a happy, secure and

    stimulating environment where children are motivated to learn, are valued as individuals and

    encouraged to reach their full potential.

    Behaviour Thermometer The Behaviour Thermometer is a visual, structured, whole school approach that the children

    find easy to understand and which ensures consistent implementation.

    Behaviour thermometers are displayed in all classrooms and throughout the school.

    26. Permanent exclusion

    25. Five day external exclusion

    24. Four day external exclusion

    23. Three day external exclusion

    22. Two day external exclusion

    21. One day external exclusion

    20. Half day external exclusion

    19. If the behaviour continues next step is explained

    18. Panel meets to discuss the internal exclusion

    17. Member of SMT meets parents, pupil on report. If this

    behaviour continues pupil will move up the steps

    16. Pupil with SMT all day. Phone call home, letter and community

    service within school

    15. If the behaviour continues next step is explained

    14. Move to link class, phone call home and purple incident sheet sent

    home

    13. If the behaviour continues next step is explained

    12. Loss of playtime

    11. Move to paired class, phone call home and pink incident

    sheet sent home

    10. Verbal warning that if the right choices are not made

    pupil will move up to the next section

    9. Lose another 3 minutes Golden Time

    8. Pupil sits alone

    7. Move to a different table and lose 2 minutes Golden Time

    6. Reminder to pupil about behaviour choices

    5. Verbal warning – say pupil’s name

    4. Praise other pupils’ good behaviour

    3. Non-verbal warning – stand by pupil

    2. Non-verbal warning – diversion tactic

    1. Eye Contact

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    HOME-SCHOOL LINKS

    The school welcomes all parents/carers as part of our school community and parents/carers

    should not hesitate to contact the school about any matter concerning their child/children.

    Small problems can often be prevented from becoming major ones if prompt action and co-

    operation is sought by teachers and parents/carers. Parents/carers should contact the class

    teacher in the first instance.

    Any parents/carers wishing to come along and meet us before enrolling their child in January

    can do so. The parents/carers of all children starting school for the first time will be invited

    to an introduction and welcome session in June.

    Parental Involvement All parents of children at Grange Primary School are automatically members of Friends of

    Grange School (‘FOG’) PTA. If you wish to have more information about this association or to

    help out at some of their events, please speak to a member of staff in the school office.

    Regular meetings are held during each term to discuss forthcoming events, etc.

    A group of parent helpers come into school regularly to provide valuable assistance with a

    variety of activities. Volunteers for this are always warmly welcomed. For longer periods of

    voluntary work in school, legislation requires that all adults working with children undergo a

    criminal records check through the Disclosure and Barring Service, which will be arranged

    through the school.

    Home/School Agreement The school has a Home/School Agreement designed to strengthen the partnership between

    home and school. Parents are required to sign this agreement when their child joins the

    school.

    Communication With Parents The school currently uses Parentmail and is moving to Sims Intouch to communicate with

    parents via email and text messages. A monthly newsletter is issued to keep you informed

    about school events and other issues. Your child will regularly bring information home in their

    school bag. Please encourage them to pass these on. PLEASE REMEMBER TO CHECK THEIR

    BAGS.

    Website Visit our school website to keep up to date with what’s happening in school,

    www.grange.harrow.sch.uk There are sections for Parents, Governors, Pupils, Curriculum etc.

    If you’re looking for the school policy on something, want to view the latest newsletters, or if

    you’d like to know some useful websites to support your child’s learning, have a look at the

    website. There is also a calendar where you can view dates for cake sales, assemblies, trips

    and term dates. The website is run by the school so if you have any questions, please just ask.

    We will invite you to share in various fundraising activities throughout the course of the year.

    We hope you will enjoy them and help us to raise money, which will be spent in a variety of

    ways to support and enhance the school’s facilities.

    http://www.grange.harrow.sch.uk/

  • - 18 -

    Consultation Evenings We hold a Consultation Evening for parents/carers each term. The first is usually held early

    in the Autumn Term to enable parents/carers to meet their child’s new teacher and to discuss

    the curriculum for the new year group. The second one, in the Spring Term, is to review

    progress and agree new targets. In the Summer Term, parents/carers can make an

    appointment to discuss their child’s report with the class teacher, if they wish to do so.

    Parent Views An annual questionnaire for parents and children is carried out in the summer term to gather

    opinions on different aspects of the school. Please make the effort to complete this,

    particularly if you have ideas to put forward. The responses are often used when reviewing

    school policy. Children also complete a questionnaire to help the school to evaluate its teaching

    and learning.

    Learning workshops These events provide the opportunity for parents/carers to come in to school and find out

    how different aspects of the curriculum are delivered in school and how learning can be

    supported and extended at home.

    What happens if my child is struggling? If you, or your child’s teacher, feel that your child is finding it difficult to learn or behave

    appropriately, good communication is the key to moving forward. It’s always worth telling the

    teacher if there are any changes or issues at home that may be affecting your child’s

    behaviour at school – moving house, illness in the family, etc. Staff will always speak to you

    first if they feel there is an issue. It may be that with a bit of extra support and

    communication between home and school, problems can be sorted out.

    We don’t speak English at home – how can I help my child? There is a wide and rich range of languages in addition to English spoken among families at

    Grange Primary, the main ones are Tamil, Somali and Pashto. Many children speak a language

    other than English at home. Bilingualism has some real benefits for children’s learning, so don’t

    feel that it holds them back.

    The important thing is that they are fluent and comfortable in their home language, as this is how their understanding of the world develops. Children are amazing linguists, but they need a

    solid base of a home language before learning a new one. So:

    DO value your home language

    DO talk to your child in your home language

    DO read stories to your child in your home language

    DO encourage them to speak to you in your home language

  • - 19 -

    HEALTH AND WELLBEING

    Child Protection At Grange Primary we are actively committed to promoting and safeguarding the welfare of

    pupils at our school. We believe that children have a fundamental right to feel safe and

    protected from any form of abuse. Therefore we aim to provide a secure, caring environment

    with highly skilled and aware staff, and a curriculum which nurtures self-esteem and empowers

    children to protect themselves. All concerns are reported to the relevant staff and dealt with

    in accordance with our school policy. Mrs Bev Weber is currently the designated officer for

    Child Protection and she is supported by Mrs Karen Kennedy. Any concerns should be raised

    with Mrs Weber or Mrs Kennedy.

    Health and Wellbeing There are certain medical conditions which you will have notified the school about if they

    affect your child:

    Diabetes

    Epilepsy

    Asthma

    Anaphylaxis

    These conditions require certain named, prescribed medication to be held in school. It is the

    responsibility of parents/carers to ensure that ALL their child’s medication is in date.

    Prescribed Medication If you child has been unwell, please make sure they are fully recovered before they return to

    school. However, if your child returns to school and prescribed medication still needs to be

    given to him/her (such as antibiotics), we request that parents come into school at an agreed

    time to administer such medication or sign a disclaimer to request a member of staff to

    administer the medication.

    Medication Kept at School If your child is asthmatic and uses an asthma pump, he/she must bring two pumps into school,

    one of which will be kept in class and the other in the Wellbeing Office. These will be

    administered as necessary. If your child requires an epi-pen this will be kept in the Wellbeing

    Office for use as required.

    Head lice Head lice are a continuing nuisance in schools and we encourage parents/carers to check their

    child’s hair on a regular basis. Letters will be sent home to all the children in a class as soon as

    we are notified of a child in that class having head lice. We are not permitted to treat head

    lice in school.

    Contagious Illnesses Please let us know immediately if your child contracts a contagious or infectious illness.

  • - 20 -

    Illness and accidents The school will ring you straight away if your child becomes ill during the day. Please make sure

    the office has your up-to-date contact details. There are several trained first aiders on the

    staff.

    School nurse The school nurse visits the school on a regular basis and is always happy to see parents if you

    have any concerns about your child’s health. Your child will also have routine height and weight

    checks during their school life.

    Hot weather Parents are asked to provide children with sunhats on hot summer days. If it is likely to be

    sunny it’s best to apply sunscreen before they get to school. You may provide your child with

    sunscreen, but teachers are not allowed to apply sunscreen to children, so make sure your

    child knows how to do this themselves.

    Jewellery For health and safety reasons, children must not wear jewellery to school. If your child has

    pierced ears, only studs are permitted. All jewellery must be removed during any form of

    physical activity (athletics, dance, games, gymnastics, swimming) and given to the teacher for

    safekeeping.

    We wish to make it clear that the responsibility for the loss or damage of any such

    items remains with the parent/carer.

    Learning Mentors Learning Mentors work with parents and children, mostly on social and emotional issues.

    Staff will make contact with families of children who they feel will benefit from a learning

    mentor.

  • - 21 -

    SAFETY AND SECURITY

    It is essential that pupil records are kept up-to-date. If you move house or change your home

    or work phone number please let the school office know. We need to have current contact

    numbers where you or a responsible relative or friend can be contacted if your child needs you

    during school hours. Please make sure the school office has all the telephone numbers

    necessary in case of any emergency.

    Our welfare staff are fully qualified in first aid should your child become unwell whilst at

    school. If your child is seriously injured, requires urgent medical attention or is too unwell to

    be in school, you will be contacted immediately.

    Pupils may not leave school unaccompanied during school hours but may be collected by parents

    or carers for dental appointments, etc., after prior arrangement with the school.

    We are constantly on guard in school to make sure that safety hazards are dealt with quickly.

    We have a health and safety representative keeping check at all times. If you are aware of

    any potential hazard in school, please report it to the school office as soon as possible.

    We have regular fire drills and all pupils learn how to leave the school building safely in case of

    an emergency.

    Personal Accident Insurance Harrow Council, in common with most other Local Authorities, carries a third party insurance

    policy. This means that, in the event of an accident, a successful claim could only be made if

    negligence were to be proved against part of the Council or any of its employees.

    The Local Authority does not have a personal accident insurance policy for the children in its

    schools. Parents/carers may, of course, make their own arrangements by taking out a

    separate policy or by modifying any existing insurance policy they may already have, if they so

    choose.

    Queries, Problems and Complaints If a query or problem arises, please do not hesitate to contact us. Your child’s teacher is

    always willing to discuss any concerns you may have but it is best to arrange a mutually

    convenient appointment as he/she often has to attend meetings at the end of the school day.

    The Headteacher or Deputy Headteachers are available to discuss urgent or serious problems

    but, again, it is probably best to make an appointment if possible.

    A copy of the Governors’ Complaints Policy and Procedures is available from the school office

    and can also be found on the school website.

  • - 22 -

    RACE EQUALITY AND EQUAL OPPORTUNITES

    Grange Primary is an inclusive school and we celebrate the ethnic diversity of our school

    population. We endeavor to make all of our families feel part of the school community and to

    demonstrate respect for the different cultures represented here.

    The promotion of racial equality at Grange Primary is present not only in the Race Equality

    Policy but in all policies, schemes of work, resources and the everyday practice of the school.

    We seek to provide good quality education for all of our pupils, whatever age, gender,

    ethnicity, attainment and background. We are committed to ‘Learning Together, Respecting

    Each Other, Achieving Our Potential’.

    We aim to ensure that all of our pupils have every possible opportunity to learn whilst being

    given full and equal access to all aspects of the curriculum and we support Harrow’s Equal

    Opportunities Policy. We seek to encourage, support, guide and celebrate the successes of all

    pupils in all areas.

    Racist incidents at Grange Primary are rare but, when they occur, we take any breaches of

    this entitlement seriously and therefore investigate and record all reported incidents.

  • - 23 -

    GOVERNING BODY as at JUNE 2014

    ACHIEVEMENT COMMITTEE RESOURCES COMMITTEE

    Adrian Ingham (Chair) Tofail Ahmed (Chair)

    Hinda Ahmed Amjad Ikram

    Jess Bharj Adrian Ingham

    Amjad Ikram Samir Nath Pyarkurlal

    Evelyn Le Prince Adler Abu Saud

    PAY COMMITTEE APPEALS COMMITTEE EXPANSION COMMITTEE

    Tofail Ahmed Hinda Ahmed Jess Bharj

    Amjad Ikram Samir Nath Pyarkurlal Adrian Ingham

    Abu Saud Evelyn Le Prince Adler

    FULL GOVERNING BODY

    Peter Dollimore (Chair)

    Hinda Ahmed

    Tofail Ahmed

    Jess Bharj

    Amjad Ikram

    Adrian Ingham

    Evelyn Le Prince Adler

    Samir Nath Pyarkurlal

    Christine Robson

    Abu Saud

    Annette Szymaniak

  • - 24 -

    STAFFING

    Senior Leadership Team Headteacher - Mrs A Szymaniak

    Deputy Headteachers - Miss D Fairbrother

    - Miss K Holdsworth

    Assistant Headteachers - Mrs J Edwards

    - Ms E Naidoo

    Phase Leaders - Ms R Ahmad

    - Miss R Wall

    - Mrs B Weber

    Business Manager - Mrs P Dawson

    Premises Manager - Mr P Hutchinson

    Class Teachers (This list will be updated in September)

    Year 6 - Mrs J Campbell

    - Ms M Mullings

    - Miss S Ali

    Year 5 - Miss D Popeck

    - Mr D Camick

    Year 4 - Miss A Carroll

    - Ms R Ahmad

    - Mr A Gefuri

    Year 3 - Miss C Burton

    - Miss C Mulhern

    Year 2 - Ms E Naidoo

    - Miss R Wall

    - Miss R Smith

    Year 1 - Mrs W Reimus

    - Miss K Ting

    Reception - Ms C Keating

    - Mrs B Weber

    - Miss A Ganesh

    Nursery - Miss N Shah

  • - 25 -

    CURRICULUM

    English At Grange Primary School writing skills are developed from an early age to enable children to

    write creatively and effectively for a range of different purposes across the curriculum.

    Children are taught to write legibly and fluently with accurate spelling and grammar, which we

    hope encourages them to take pride in their work.

    Children at Grange Primary learn to read through the teaching of phonics as well as by sharing

    books at school and at home. These skills are further developed through guided reading and

    children are actively encouraged to read, not only for learning, but also for pleasure.

    Maths At Grange Primary we are committed to developing pupils’ awareness and understanding of

    mathematical processes, concepts and skills. There is a strong emphasis on the development

    of calculation skills and giving opportunities for pupils to use and apply mathematics in real life

    situations. Practical maths and hands-on maths investigations enable pupils to apply the skills

    and strategies they have learned in class.

    Science At Grange Primary, we see science as being primarily concerned with the gathering of

    experiences that are connected to the child’s immediate environment. However, despite a

    child’s natural ability to observe, make comparisons and ask questions, we are aware that

    children will use these natural skills to much greater advantage if we can provide structured

    opportunities for them. Within such scientific activities, the children will be shown how to use

    equipment safely and how to work co-operatively.

    Information and Communication Technology All children have access to and are encouraged to use the technological equipment in school.

    We aim to provide children with the skills to use technology with confidence and due regard to

    safety. Technology is used across the curriculum to enhance the delivery of the wider

    curriculum and computing and programming skills are an integral part of the curriculum.

    The school is wirelessly networked and all computers have access to the internet. Parents are

    asked to give permission for their children to use the internet which, in this modern world, we

    see as a vital learning tool. Each classroom has an interactive whiteboard and we have a fully

    operational ICT suite in addition to sets of ipads and laptops. We consider every child’s safety

    seriously and we have appropriate filters in place to block unwanted web content. As part of

    our e-safety curriculum, the children are taught how to identify online hazards and how to

    keep themselves safe online.

  • - 26 -

    Foundation Subjects All the other curriculum subjects (History, Geography, PE, RE, PSHE, Art, Design Technology

    and Music) are taught through topics so as to support children to make links in their learning.

    The children study a different topic each half term and letters will be sent home to explain

    the key areas of learning that will be covered in each of these topics. The topics selected are

    designed to engage children in their own learning and develop children’s independence and

    confidence as well as their subject knowledge.

    We use a style of teaching that prepares our children very well for their future as adults. It

    gets children interested and focused in their learning and helps them to make links with what

    they experience in real life. It encourages children to develop flexible, adaptable skills that

    can be applied to the constantly changing world around them.

    Physical Education (PE) All children in the school have 2 sessions of PE a week. The children need to keep a PE kit in

    school. Across the year the children learn a range of sports including dance, gymnastics, games

    and athletics. During Years 3 and 4 the children will also have swimming lessons at Hatch End

    Swimming Pool. The children are taught about the links with health during PE lessons and are

    encouraged to develop a positive attitude towards fitness.

    Special Educational Needs The needs of children with learning difficulties are met within school and every attempt is

    made to identify special needs as early as possible. We work closely with outside agencies,

    such as Speech and Language Therapists and Educational Psychologists to help us provide the

    best support for our pupils with Special Educational Needs.

    The Deputy Headteachers are responsible for all aspects of Special Needs and Inclusion,

    working alongside the Inclusion Team.

    English as an Additional Language At Grange Primary we take account of the cultural, linguistic and academic needs of every

    pupil and recognise the positive contribution EAL pupils can make to our school.

    Children with English as an Additional language are provided excellent access to the curriculum

    based on individual needs. The EAL members of the Inclusion Team take responsibility for the

    induction of new arrivals who are also new to English.

    Class Assemblies Each class presents an assembly for the whole school, these are held on Fridays and

    usually start at 2.50pm. Dates are published in the newsletter and the class teacher

    will usually send a reminder note home too. Parents are invited and encouraged to

    attend their child’s class assembly.

  • - 27 -

    ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING

    Your child will be regularly assessed by their class teacher throughout the year and any particular

    strengths and areas for development are reported to you at regular consultation evenings and through

    the end of year report.

    We are required to assess all children at the end of year 2 and year 6, using a mixture of teacher

    assessment and formal tests. We are also required to complete phonics screening for all children in

    Year 1. The results of these assessments are reported nationally and to parents/carers. Children in the

    Early Years will be assessed using the Foundation Stage Profile. At the end of each year you will receive

    a written report on your child’s progress.

    HOME LEARNING

    Home Learning will be adapted as necessary to suit the needs of individual children. The quantity of

    Home Learning will increase as children progress through the year. The content will reflect the

    children’s developing abilities.

    Year

    Group Subject

    Time Per

    Week

    Day Given

    Out

    Day For

    Return

    Year 6

    English -Spellings, Reading and Writing *

    Maths including Times Tables (if necessary)

    Topic

    2½ Hours Thursday Tuesday

    Year 5

    English – Spellings and Reading *

    Maths including Times Tables (if necessary)

    Topic

    2 Hours Thursday Tuesday

    Year 4

    English – Spellings and Reading *

    Maths including Times Tables

    Topic

    1½ Hours Thursday Tuesday

    Year 3

    English – Spellings and Reading *

    Maths including Times Tables

    Topic

    1-1½ Hours Thursday Tuesday

    Year 2

    English – Spellings and Comprehension

    Maths including Times Tables 1 Hour

    Friday

    Tuesday

    Levelled reading books to read with

    parents/carers Every Day

    Year 1

    English – Spellings and Comprehension

    Maths including Times Tables

    ½ - 1 Hour

    Friday

    Tuesday

    Levelled reading books to read with

    parents/carers Every Day

    Reception English or Maths 15 minutes Friday Monday

    Levelled reading books are available for children to enjoy with parents/carers at home

    Nursery Parents/carers are advised weekly of topics that the children have covered

    Levelled reading books are available for children to enjoy with parents/carers at home

    * The focus for English homework will vary across the weeks but will encompass writing tasks, reading

    comprehension and grammar exercises.