‘Believe Achieve Succeed’

Dear Parents/Carers

Welcome to Springmead Primary School and I hope that this will be the beginning of our partnership with you. We value the community feel of our school which includes you as the families of the pupils who attend the school.

Springmead Primary School is a community school in Welwyn Garden City with 17 classes including a Nursery and a Primary Support Base for children with learning, emotional and behavioural difficulties.

I have been the Headteacher here since September 2015 and it is a wonderful environment to learn and grow in. Each class has a teaching assistant, with three full time teaching assistants in our Reception classes. We are fortunate to have a large site with play equipment and open spaces for the children to play and learn outside as well as within the classroom. Each child is valued for their individual strengths and talents and supported to make progress in all areas.

Our most recent full Ofsted inspection was in January 2014. Throughout this prospectus you will see extracts from the Ofsted report relating to different areas of the school. A full copy of the Ofsted report is available from the school website or the Ofsted website.

I am proud to be the Headteacher of Springmead Primary School and I would be delighted to show you around the school. If you wish to visit or to meet with me, please contact the school office to arrange an appointment. The best way to appreciate what we offer is to visit and see learning in action!

Yours sincerely

Jennifer Moles

Headteacher

Ofsted 2014

“Springmead is a well-organised, safe and welcoming place. Pupils like their teachers and enjoy coming to school, where they are well cared for.”

Aims In our happy, caring community school, we at Springmead Primary School:

have high expectations and we promote high standards of work and behaviour;

encourage adults and children to take a pride in and a responsibility for themselves, their behaviour, their achievements and their school

value and respect our own and other cultures;

encourage care and respect for others;

enable every child to achieve their full potential through a broad, balanced, differentiated and interesting curriculum, including the requirements of the National Curriculum and life skills;

help children to develop lively, imaginative and enquiring minds, with the ability to question and justify their point of view;

encourage children to gain skills to live as independent, resourceful, self motivated adults;

develop cooperative working relationships between all pupils, staff, governors and parents;

encourage children to feel part of the school and foster links with the local community and show concern for their environment;

encourage children to take an active part in their learning and set themselves goals to work towards;

provide equal opportunities for all.

Most importantly! We remember that children are the centre of our focus, and that they provide along with the staff, parents and wider neighbourhood, a whole school community worthy of everyone’s education and support.

Ofsted 2014

“Teachers mark pupils’ written work regularly and keep a close check on their achievements to make sure no-one is in danger of falling behind.”

School Staff –January 2017

Headteacher Miss Moles

Deputy Headteacher Miss Bryant

Assistant Headteacher (Foundation Stage) Mrs. Woodhead

Assistant Headteacher (Key Stage One) Mr. Whittaker

Assistant Headteacher (Lower Key Stage Two) Mrs. Murphy

Assistant Headteacher (Upper Key Stage Two) Mr. Townsend

Base Leader Mrs. Dent

Special Educational Needs Coordinator Ms. Bailey

Pupil Premium Coordinator Miss Gavaghan

Teachers Teaching Assistants

NURSERY (SAPLINGS)

Mrs. Lewis (Mon-Weds, Thurs pm, Fri) Mrs. O'Connor (Thurs am)

Mrs. Smets, Mrs. Legg, Miss Bonass and Mrs. Laniti

RECEPTION (PINE)

Mrs Church (Mon-Weds, Thurs am) Mrs. O'Connor (Thurs pm, Fri) Mrs. Shehu, Mrs. Ratnam and

Mrs. Carter RECEPTION (MAPLE)

Mrs Woodhead (Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri) Mrs. O'Connor (Tues)

YEAR 1 (BIRCH)

Miss Porter (Mon pm, Tues-Fri) Mrs. West (Mon am)

Mrs. Stravens and Mrs. DeLacy YEAR 1

(ROWAN) Miss Babbage (Tues - Fri)

Miss Donaghey (Mon)

YEAR 2 (LARCH)

Mr. Reisman (Mon, Weds) Mrs. Allen (Tues, Thurs)

Miss Bryant (Fri) Miss Garrett and Miss McDonald

YEAR 2 (CHESTNUT)

Mr. Whittaker (Mon, Weds-Fri) Mr. Reisman (Tues)

YEAR 3 (HAZEL)

Mrs. David (Mon-Weds, Thurs am) Mrs. Will (Thurs pm and Fri) Mrs. Gill and

Miss Dawson YEAR 3 (WILLOW)

Miss May (Mon-Weds, Thurs am) Mrs. West (Thurs pm and Fri)

YEAR 4 (ELDER)

Mrs. Murphy (Mon, Tues am, Weds, Thurs pm, Fri) Mrs. West (Tues pm and Thurs am)

Mrs. Elliott, Mrs. Williams and

Mrs. Day

YEAR 4 (SYCAMORE)

Miss Hickson (Mon- Wed, Fri) Mr. Izuogo (Thurs)

YEAR 4 (ASH)

Miss Albert (Mon-Weds, Thurs pm, Fri) Mrs. West (Thurs am)

YEAR 5 (CEDAR)

Miss Burchett (Mon, Tues, Weds pm, Thurs, Fri) Miss Moles (Weds am)

Mrs. Busch, Mrs. Farran and

Mrs. Coles YEAR 5 (ELM)

Miss Campbell ((Mon, Tues, Weds pm, Thurs, Fri) Mrs. West (Weds am)

YEAR 6 (HAWTHORN)

Mr Townsend (Mon, Weds, Thurs, Fri) TBA (Tues)

Mrs. Thompson, Miss Davies and Mrs. Richmond

YEAR 6 (JUNIPER)

Miss Murphy (Mon am, Tues pm, Weds - Fri) Mrs. West (Mon pm, Tues am)

BASE (BEECH)

Miss O’Brien Miss Cox, Miss Bicheno, Mrs.

Bedi. Mrs. Gray

SEN Mrs. Woodley and

Mrs. Yeoman

Secretary Mrs. Kern

Financial Secretary Mrs. Waters

Admin Assistant Mrs. Archer

ICT Technician Mr. Smith

Site Manager Mr. Alsford

Lead Midday Supervisor Mrs.Coles

Midday Supervisors

Mrs. Hill, Mrs. Hirani, Miss Garrett, Mrs. Woodley, Mrs. Potter, Mrs. Roberts Perry, Miss Rouse, Mrs. Shelton, Miss Thompson,

Mrs. Wheaton, Mrs. West, Mrs. Ganatra, Mrs. Oakes, Mrs. Nazmie, Mrs. Long and Mrs. Fisher

School Governors Peter Martin Bernard White Gill Seymour Anne Lloyd Daryius Wadia Rod Wiltshire Clerk to Governors: Hollie Common

Ofsted 2014

“The senior leadership team and governors have high expectations, shared by staff, encapsulated in the school’s motto: ‘Believe, Achieve, Succeed!’

School Dates 2016-2017

Autumn Term 2016

Spring Term 2017

Summer Term 2017

INSET Day: Thursday 1st September 2016

INSET Day: Friday 2nd September 2016

First Day of Autumn

Term Monday 5th September 2016

Last Day of Autumn

Term: Wednesday 21st December 2016

Autumn Half Term: Monday 24th October to Friday 28th October 2016

Occasional Day: Friday 9th December 2016

INSET Day: Thursday 5th January 2017

INSET Day: Friday 6th January 2017

First Day of Spring

Term Monday 9th January 2017

Last Day of Spring

Term: Friday 31st March 2017

Spring Half Term: Monday 13th February to Friday 17th February 2017

First Day of Summer Term Tuesday 18th April 2017

Last Day of Summer Term Friday 21st July 2017

May Bank Holiday Monday 1st May 2017

Summer Half Term Monday 29th May – Friday 2nd June 2017

Return from Half Term Monday 5th June 2017

INSET Day: Monday 24th July 2017

Organisation of Education

Foundation Stage Nursery - Reception Key Stage 1 Year 1 - Year 2 Key Stage 2 Year 3 - Year 6

There is a nursery class and 15 other classes. Classes stay together for the whole academic year and the class teachers are responsible for curriculum work within the class. All classes are ably supported by well trained Support Staff. Within the classes children work individually, as a whole class or in small groups according to ability or the subject being studied. The Daily Routine (Years 2, 3, 4 and 5) 8.45 am First bell, classroom doors open 8.55 am Second bell, classroom doors close and gate is locked

10.20 am –10.40 am Morning Break. This is always taken outside unless the

weather is particularly bad 12.00 pm – 1 pm Lunch break. (Some clubs are held during lunchtime) 1.00 pm Afternoon sessions begin 3.15 pm End of the day 3.15 pm Extra curricular activities are held. This includes sports,

creative and language clubs. (Years 1 and 6) 8.45 am First bell, classroom doors open 8.55 am Second bell, classroom doors close and gate is locked 10.20 am – 10.40 am Morning Break. This is always taken outside unless the

weather is particularly bad 12.15pm – 1.15 pm Lunch Break. (Some clubs are held during lunchtime) 1.15 pm Afternoon sessions begin 3.15 pm End of the day 3.15 pm Extra curricular activities are held. This includes sports,

creative and language clubs. Assemblies are held daily. There is an opportunity to reflect morally and celebrate achievements.

Ofsted 2014 “Children feel safe and happy to come to school and parents are very pleased with

the care and support children receive.”

The School Curriculum English At Springmead Primary School we believe that Literacy underpins the curriculum and so the teaching of it is given a lot of emphasis. All classes are taught Literacy in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage, National Curriculum and to the needs and interests of the children. Literacy lessons are challenging and carefully focused. Phonics is taught through ‘Letters and Sounds’ which was introduced by the government in 2007. We intend to develop to the full our pupils’ ability to communicate confidently and effectively in both oral and written form and to listen attentively and with understanding. Reading We cannot overemphasise the importance of reading as a skill which is used across the whole curriculum and as an enjoyment for life. We have a carefully structured reading scheme, which ensures that children are reading at the appropriate level, and within each level there is a wide choice of books to cater for individual tastes and interests. Reading is taught systematically in order that children will develop the skills they need to read with understanding, and the desire and enthusiasm to use these skills to take full advantage of the wealth of literature and information available to them. Reading should be a relaxed and enjoyable experience both at school and at home. Please find time to read with your child each evening. A home-school reading book will be used between teacher and parent to make relevant comments. The expectation is daily reading. Speaking and Listening Speaking and listening skills are practised in all areas of the curriculum. Particular emphasis is given to these skills in class assemblies and other productions held at school. Library Children are encouraged to use the library. As of January 2017, all children will be given opportunities to visit the library every week. Maths At Springmead we aim to equip children with the necessary Numeracy skills to enable them to feel confident and prepared for the work place. All children in our school are taught numeracy during daily mathematics. Oral and mental work will take place each day as part of the lesson. Numeracy lessons are challenging and well resourced to develop children’s numeracy skills to the full. It is expected that as children progress through the school they will learn their multiplication tables at appropriate levels. Parental help is extremely important. We believe that far more time is lost by not knowing tables than is ever spent when learning them.

Science Much of our science work is practically based and children are encouraged to talk about their work, to reason, to question and to experiment. Science activities are designed to stimulate and to provide opportunities to develop skills and concepts. I.C.T. As well as using ICT in the classroom we benefit from having an ICT suite in which we teach discrete skills. In addition to this we use a rich range of ICT tools, including interactive whiteboards, to enhance our teaching and learning across the curriculum motivating and engaging pupils in the process. We are continually improving and developing our ICT provision in line with innovative and emerging technologies. Physical Education All children from Reception to Year 6 have 2 sessions of P.E. a week. Sport and physical activity is important for children’s well being and health. Through sport we aim to build personal stamina, team work, enjoyment and to learn how to accept winning and losing. Some classes are taught by Sports Coaches. There are also clubs at lunchtimes and after school to help support and build on our P.E curriculum. R.E R.E. is taught in accordance with the Hertfordshire Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education. The children will be involved in learning about many religious of the world, including celebrating festivals such as Christmas and Divali. Much of the work will be of a comparative and moral nature. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from R.E. and collective worship. Those wishing to do so should consult their child’s class teacher. Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL) This is taught throughout the child’s time in school, and is mostly incorporated into a topic based approach. Children learn about their own and others feelings and emotions and also about how to look after themselves in terms of road safety, health, hygiene and anti-drugs measures.

Sex and Relationships Education. Sex Education is taught as part of the science and SEAL curriculum. From Reception to Year 4 basic life processes are taught from the science programme of study, for example the life cycle of a frog. From Year 5 to Year 6 children have additional input on Sex Education led by the school nurse to help them prepare for the physical and emotional changes of puberty and growing up. Parents are always informed when Sex Education will take place and parents are able to preview material used. Parents are able to withdraw their child from all or part of Sex Education. Those wishing to do so should consult their child’s class teacher.

Ofsted 2014

“Pupils find the activities teachers plan for them to be interesting and engaging. Year 5 pupils were very enthusiastic in describing how they had made pizza and its packaging when they were learning about nets, calculations and advertising. Teachers make good use of assessment information to make sure tasks build on pupils’ prior learning, often in the form of challenges of increasing difficulty that

pupils can choose from”.

Foundation Stage Organisation (Nursery and Reception)

Nursery In the Nursery there are two sessions. One in the morning from 8.55 am to 11.55 am and one in the afternoon from 12.15 pm to 3.15 pm (this includes time to eat a packed lunch) For this academic year parents/carers are able to choose mornings, afternoons or whole days and any combination of these. Parents are contacted during the term prior to the children starting and are invited to a meeting where the Nursery routine is discussed and explained. There is one intake to Nursery in September. Reception We offer two options for children joining Reception. Option One is a gradual introduction with mornings for the first week, then in week two lunchtime is added before children attend full time in Week Three. Option Two involves children attending full time from the start of term. Parents/Carers are asked to choose the option they would like for their child. The Curriculum The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum is divided into seven areas of learning:

Personal, Social and Emotional Development – developing independence, respect and social skills

Communication and Language – developing speaking and listening

Physical Development – developing balance and co-ordination, fine motor skills, being healthy

Literacy – developing phonics, reading and writing

Mathematics – developing number skills, counting, shape and measuring

Understanding the World – Science, History, Geography, RE, ICT, and DT

Expressive Art & Design – Art, Music, Dance, Drama

Ofsted 2014

“Children begin school in the nursery showing a typical level of development for their age in all areas of learning. In the clean, bright and well-resourced nursery

space, children become engrossed in the interesting activities provided. Teaching is good. Adults model language well and interact regularly with children,

questioning and encouraging them in their chosen activity, to extend learning further. Consequently, children make good progress and their confidence and

speaking skills develop well.”

Other aspects of school life

Extra curricular activities Children have the opportunity to take part in extra curricular activities which vary during the year to provide a range of opportunities. They take place during lunchtimes and after school. Activities include: Cards Spanish Drama Football Athletics Multi-Sports Gymnastics Tag Rugby Speed Stacking Karate Netball Tri-Golf Wildlife Handicraft Aerobics Eco buddies This is a committee of pupils, led by staff, who work to make the school a greener place. This involves themes such as recycling, efficient use of energy, travelling to school and organising activities to promote awareness. We currently hold the Silver Eco Award. School Council School Council is an important children’s representative body which meets regularly to discuss school issues. In this way, the school can monitor what it is like to be a child at Springmead, to make improvements as necessary and to make sure that pupils have a voice.

Ofsted 2014

“The curriculum develops pupils’ language and mathematical skills well. Pupils like using computer technology to help them in their learning. Visits are used

effectively to kick start topics, such as trips to supermarkets for the ‘Food, glorious food’ topic. Further enrichment comes from a good range of trips, for

example to see The Lion King when studying Africa.”

Pastoral Care and Behaviour

Our aim is that your child is happy in school within a positive learning environment. The organisation of the school is designed to help children develop self discipline; empathy and respect for others. We expect good behaviour at all times within and outside school. We believe this leads to a positive learning environment. At Springmead Primary School we do not tolerate bullying or racial harassment. The desired behaviour is promoted through a variety of strategies, with the emphasis being placed on positive behaviour. The children are expected to be polite and thoughtful towards others. Celebrating Success Each Friday we will hold a Celebration Assembly where children and staff are publicly congratulated for special efforts. On the rare occasion when children do not meet our expectations, teachers will discuss the incident with the child and if necessary impose sanctions/consequences in line with our behaviour policy. Should serious problems arise, parents are invited into school to discuss the matter and work together with their child to plan the best cause of action.

Ofsted 2014

“The behaviour of pupils is good. They get along with each other and their teachers really well. They know their behaviour affects how well they learn.”

Uniform Please label and name all uniform. There is a compulsory uniform which we expect children to wear from entry into our Nursery. Girls Green sweatshirt or cardigan (with school logo) Grey skirt, trousers or pinafore White polo shirt White or grey socks (knee high or ankle socks) Bottle Green or grey tights Black shoes (not trainers) Summer: Green and white checked dress Boys Green sweatshirt (with school logo) Grey trousers Grey shorts White polo shirt Grey or black socks Black shoes (not trainers) All uniform with a logo can be purchased from the school office. P.E. Kit Green P.E. shirt Black shorts White socks Trainers or plimsolls The kit should be kept in school in a P.E. bag For Health and Safety requirements as well as maintaining high standards of tidiness, children are required to have shoulder length hair tied back at all times. Small stud earrings may be worn by pupils with pierced ears but no other jewellery is acceptable. Watches are acceptable but remain the child’s responsibility.

Home-school Links Prospective Parents/Carers The Headteacher is happy to show interested parents around the school and to give additional information. The office staff will be glad to make an appointment for you. Parents in School Parents/Carers are very welcome to join us in school on many occasions. Sports Day is always popular with parents. Classes also invite parents/carers to their assemblies and curriculum meetings. Parents/Carers are always welcome to come and help in school, whether regularly or just periodically, subject to a DBS check. Cooking, using the computer, painting, listening to reading or just talking to children, are all useful jobs that we welcome parental involvement with. Teacher Consultations We have a formal Teachers Consultations in the Autumn and Spring term, to which teachers really do expect every parent to attend. It is most important that children know their parents are interested in their schoolwork and value their achievements. In the Summer Term, we hold an Open Evening when parents and visitors are welcome to spend some time with us sharing in the children’s achievements and joining a lesson. We also write school reports at the end of the Summer term and we invite parents who wish to, to talk to teachers about the contents. We have an open door policy and the teachers and Senior Leadership Team are always willing to discuss learning and progress. Children’s education is a firm partnership between home and school and we encourage positive interaction and dialogue.

Ofsted 2014

“Parents appreciate the work the school does in involving them. Regular workshops and model lessons provide valuable support for parents to understand how their children learn and to help children at home, for example with reading.”

Attendance/Punctuality Registers are sent to the office at 8.55 am. If you arrive at school after 8.45am, you must take your child to the main school entrance to the school office. Daily attendance at school is a legal requirement. Please notify us by phonecall or e mail if your child is to be absent. We need to be informed on a daily basis of continued absence. All reason for absence are recorded and reported to the school Attendance Officer. Permission must be sought from the Headteacher for all planned periods of absence. An unacceptable level of absenteeism could result in legal action being taken by the authority. All request for any absence except for illness will be considered individually. It is the responsibility of the head teacher and governors to decide whether or not to authorise leave of absence. When making the decision the following factors will be considered:

the amount of time requested

age of the pupil

the pupil’s general absence/attendance record

proximity to SATs and public examinations

length of the proposed leave

pupil’s ability to catch up the work

pupil’s educational needs

general welfare of the pupil

circumstances of the request

purpose of the leave

frequency of the activity, and

when the request was made. Holidays in term time are not a right and will not be authorised unless there is an exceptional circumstance. In September 2013 there was an amendment to the Education (Pupil Registration) (England) Regulations 2006 where it was made clear that headteachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances. It remains the discretionary power of the head teacher to authorise leave of absence. When requesting absence for your child from school, we ask that you bear in mind that:

there are only 40 teaching weeks in the school year; there are 12 weeks of holiday.

missing five days of learning every term of every year is the same as missing one whole school year

whilst 95% attendance sounds good your child is missing one day of learning a month Medicine If your child is unwell please inform us by phone if they will not be attending school. In the case of diarrhoea or sickness a child should stay away from school for 48 hours after the last episode.

School Meals Excellent meals are cooked on the premises and a vegetarian option is always available. Please let us know if your child cannot eat certain foods, the cook is always very willing to make efforts to cater for special dietary requirements. We are not allowed to give credit, so we ask for prompt payment of dinner money bills please. Cheques are welcome. All children in Reception, Year One and Year Two are entitled to Free School Meals. For more information please speak to the office. Families on low income with children in Key Stage Two may be eligible for free school meals. Information is available from the school office. Milk Milk is available free of charge for children under 5. If your child is in the main school and would like milk at play time for which you are prepared to pay, please contact the office. Water We expect every child to bring a water bottle with fresh drinking water to school every day. Snacks Children are not allowed to bring sweets, or chocolate to school, however, they may bring in fresh fruit or healthy snack for playtime. Fruit is provided for a break time snack for Early Years and Key Stage 1. Child Protection The School works in partnership with parents to support children in every way possible. However, there is a clear responsibility on schools to ensure that they work together with other agencies to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children. As a result, if concerns are raised within the school or a child or parent reports a situation involving possible abuse, we would not be able to guarantee confidentiality. Such information would have to be referred on to Social Care. This is in line with Government and Hertfordshire policy. The designated teachers for Child Protection are: Jennifer Moles Headteacher, Claire Bryant (Deputy Headteacher) and Michelle Dent (Base Leader). Complaints Procedure We hope that you will maintain a regular contact with the school and with your child’s teacher. In doing so points of concern can be discussed and dealt with as they arise. Legislation provides for complaints to be dealt with: a) By discussion with the Headteacher, b) In writing to the Governors, c) In writing to the LEA addressed to the Chief Complaints Officer, County Hall, Hertford.

School Documents Key documents which refer to the work of the school are available to parents. They are kept by the Headteacher. A request should be made at the school office to see or discuss these documents. PTA (Parent Teacher Association) The parents association was formed to coordinate the organisation of fund raising and social activities that the parents/carers and school wish to hold. Recent fundraisers include fireworks, summer fete and discos. Membership is automatic for all parents and carers of the school. Your support for PTA activities would be much appreciated. We welcome you to our school and hope that your child will be very happy with us at Springmead Primary School.

Ofsted 2014

“Attendance is above average and punctuality is good. The school monitors attendance closely and promotes the need for high attendance successfully to

parents. Pupils enjoy coming to school to have fun and meet their friends. They like their teachers and feel cared for and valued.”