HOO ST WERBURGH PRIMARY SCHOOL & MARLBOROUGH CENTRE

(Medway Council)

SCHOOL PROSPECTUS

Head of School: Tara Deevoy B.A.(Hons) QTS, PGDip. Head of Specialist Provision: Catherine McKie B.Ed.(Hons)., QTS, NPQH

Email: office@hoo-st-werburgh.medway.sch.uk Email: office@marlboroughcentre.org.uk

Website: www.hoo-st-werburgh.medway.sch.uk

Hoo St Werburgh Primary School

& Marlborough Centre

Pottery Road, Hoo Rochester, Kent ME3 0BS

Tel: 01634 338040 www.hoo-st-werburgh.medway.sch.uk

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CONTENTS Page

Welcome to our school 3

Aims 4

Admission Criteria – Main school 5

Admission Criteria – Marlborough Centre 6

Governing Body 7

Staff 8

School’s hours 11

Entrances and car parking 12

Medication policy 13

Absence 14

Lunchtime 16

School rules 17

Children with Special Needs 18

The Curriculum 19

Other useful information 22

Inclement weather & emergencies 24

Parental involvement 25

School uniform 26

Data Protection 27

Term dates 28

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The Headteacher, staff, governing body and children of Hoo St Werburgh Primary School and Marlborough Centre are pleased to welcome you and your son or daughter to our school. We hope that they are happy throughout their learning journey with us. We look forward to working with you.

Our

motto is courage, confidence, respect and belonging. This applies to adults and children and anyone who enters our site. We do not accept discriminatory behaviour in any form and work hard to ensure that every member of the school’s community has the best possible opportunity to succeed and to feel positive now and in the future. Hoo St Werburgh Primary School and Marlborough Centre is a large community primary school with an attached Centre for children with a recognised diagnosis of Autism. The allocation of a place within the Centre is very different from the allocation of a place in the main school. Please see the separate admissions criteria further on in this document or on the school’s website. There are over 480 children on roll, organised into 14 classes, with two classes per year group in the main school and an integrated Marlborough Centre of 6 classes catering for 65 children within the specialist setting.

WELCOME TO OUR SCHOOL

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We aim to:

Provide a curriculum which supports a structured learning journey from the first entry to school to Y6 and beyond.

Ensure that the delivery of the curriculum is exciting and relevant and gives a sense of ‘what’s out there’.

Work in partnership with parents, specialists, other schools and agencies to deliver the very best curriculum that we can.

Go on as many visits or welcome visitors into school as often as is appropriate or possible.

Use technologies to deliver and explore an inspiring curriculum that reflects the key issues in the changing world in which we all live.

Ensure that your child will master, at the very least, basic skills in English and maths to enable them to succeed with his/her hopes and dreams for the future.

Ensure that your child is challenged to progress at all times.

Ensure that your child is supported through these challenges.

Provide a range of sporting activities and events, including competitive elements.

Enable your child to develop personal relationships of quality.

To develop in all pupils the ability to appreciate critically human achievements and aspirations.

Encourage everyone to have the confidence to celebrate their successes in the past and to have the courage to give things a go.

Inspire every child in some way as much as possible.

Insist on a moral code based on respect for all, celebrating effort and hard work.

Model the values of courage, confidence, respect and a sense of belonging.

Show zero tolerance of discriminatory behaviour in any form and promote understanding.

Encourage resilience and independence from the start.

To feel proud and to make people proud.

AIMS

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Oversubscription criteria: Places will first be offered to children with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)/ statement of special educational needs, which names this school. If there are more applications for this school than places available, all other applications for community and voluntary controlled schools will be prioritised using the oversubscription criteria below and places will be allocated in the following priority order: 1 Children in public care

Sometimes referred to as ‘children that are looked after’, these are children for whom the council provides a home by agreement with their parents or who are subject to a care order under part IV of the Children Act 1989.

2 Current family association/sibling (a brother or sister attending the named school at the time of application) We give priority to children who have a sibling at this school. Sibling means children who live as brother/sister in the same house and includes natural siblings, adopted siblings, foster siblings and step-siblings. Extended family, for example cousins, living in the same house do not qualify as siblings. Please note that if the older sibling is in Year 6 at the time of application, the link cannot be considered, as they will not be in this school when the younger child would start in the following September.

3 Child’s health reasons

Medical evidence must be provided to the Student Services Admissions Team. This evidence must demonstrate a specific link between your child’s medical condition and needs and how this school can meet these needs.

4 Nearness of children’s home and ease of access to the school Distances are measured using the shortest available safe walking route between the home and this school. Full details of how distances are measured can be found in the Medway Admissions booklet.

Please note for children of multiple birth – in the event of this school being oversubscribed where the parent/carer for the final qualifying place(s) available is the parent/carer of twins, triplets or other multiple birth, the council would give multiple birth applications a higher priority for places than other applications with the exception of children in public care. This will enable multiple birth children to be offered places at the same school. You must tick the appropriate box on the application form to indicate your children are of multiple birth. Tiebreaker – in the event of a tie within any criterion from 1-5, places will be allocated to those living closest to the school measured by the shortest available walking route.

Applications can be made online at www.medway.gov.uk/onlineadmissions

ADMISSION CRITERIA – MAIN SCHOOL

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The Marlborough Centre is a funded LA provision for;

Referrals to the Marlborough Centre which are from the LA, with the agreement of the governors. Delegation of this decision making is given to the Head of Centre Specialist Provision with the agreement of governors.

Pupils with an EHCP/Statement of Educational Needs.

Pupils with a clear medical diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).

A primary need which must clearly be ASD.

Pupils whose performance is significantly below national expectations and whose learning difficulties cannot be met from resources available to and in a mainstream school.

Pupils at pre-school age who will be likely to have had difficulties in gaining a clear assessment as to their ability range and often may be described as being within the ‘broadly average range’ or as ‘unable to assess’.

Pupils who may not have developed verbal skills and rely on communication aids such as PECs, Signalong, gesture or just be at the emergent stage of speech.

Pupils who will have needs that can be met within the existing provision and staffing levels at the Marlborough Centre.

REFUSAL OF ADMISSION

The agreed number of bought places by the authority is fully subscribed and admitting children over this number would be incompatible with the provision of efficient education or the efficient use of resources.

There is insufficient evidence of a clear diagnosis of ASD e.g. where it is reported ‘there are traits of autism’.

There is evidence of pupils working at levels above the cohort within the Marlborough Centre and have well developing verbal skills.

The admission of a pupil would compromise the health and safety of the pupils and/or staff within the Centre or would compromise or disrupt the education of pupils already in attendance.

Siblings are not automatically admitted.

The needs of the child are such that it would be expected that their local mainstream school should be able to meet need, or to make necessary adaptations e.g. training staff to enable needs to be met.

ADMISSION CRITERIA – MARLBOROUGH CENTRE

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Chair of Governors : Mr I Chappell JP Governors : Ms H Bailey – Community Governor : Mrs M Gilbey - Parent Governor Mrs J Emson - Parent Governor : Mrs J Noakes : Mrs L Currie (Staff Governor) at present on maternity leave and replaced by

David Newell : Mr R Dowling - Vice Chair and Parent Governor Ms R Davies - Clerk : Interim Executive Headteacher : Mr F Eagles Should you wish to contact any Governors, please do so via the school office.

OUR GOVERNING BODY TEAM

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Interim Executive Headteacher Mr F Eagles

Head of School Mrs T Deevoy

Head of Specialist Provision Miss C McKie

Dep. Headteacher Mrs S Strangleman

Assistant Headteacher (Inclusion) Miss T Smith

Assistant Headteacher (KS1) Miss S Taylor

Foundation Stage Leader Mrs K Uzer

School Business Manager Mrs H Hampton

School & Community Officer Mrs Diane Haskins

As will be from September 2015 Main School Teachers Mrs L Hunt (Gruffalo) Mrs Uzer (Nemo) Miss S Chapman (Rabbits) Miss Shaw (Hedgehogs) Miss C McGowan (Dinosaurs) Miss S Taylor (Monkeys) Miss E Gel (Polar Bears) Miss K Harrison (Tigers) Miss K Kelly (Wolves) Miss K Crittenden (Ocelots) Miss A Lewis (Lions) Mrs F Spencer/Mrs M Paul (Sharks) Miss H Mills (Panda) Mr S Angus (Meerkats) In addition other teachers working in the school include

Mr P Wrobel Miss M Williams Mrs S Jackson Mrs J Hewett

Centre Teachers Mrs A Coomber (Starfish) Mrs L Currie/Mrs Ingram (Seahorse) Mrs N Higham/Mrs N Bowler (Turtle) Mrs D Mack (Dolphin) Mrs K May (Octopus) Mr D Newell (Whale) Centre Teaching Assistants: Mrs M Matcham Ms F Hussain Mrs C Briggs Mrs J Bishop Mrs S Hirst-Amos Miss C Sherman Mrs A Paterson Miss Ibrahim Mrs C Heath Mr J Myles Mrs J Muggridge Mrs D Gregson

OUR STAFF TEAM

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Mrs T Burr Mrs O Gillies Miss M Jeffrey Mrs V Burnage Mrs C Thorogood Mrs K Martin Mrs V Collison Ms A Benjafield Mrs V Rogers Miss B Singh Main School Teaching Assistants: Miss K Hills (HLTA) Mrs M Blanchard Mrs D Brady Mrs B Reynolds Mrs J Lopes Mr A Berreen Mrs L Hilton Mrs A Palmer Ms D Brenchley (HLTA) Mrs C Weddell Mrs C Titterton Mrs S Potgieter Mrs S Krasij Mrs A Miller Mrs Lowther Mrs C Spence Ms Z Jeffreys Mrs C Nicholls

Midday Supervisors Mrs A Palmer Mrs R Doust Mrs B Reynolds Mrs D Guyver Mrs Perry Mrs H Wells Mrs E Sullivan MAIN OFFICE Admissions Officer Mrs D Stammers Attendance Officer Mrs E Johnston Finance Officer Mrs K Kara

Marlborough Centre Office Mrs K Green

Outreach Teacher Mrs K Parkinson (Marlborough Centre) Mrs M Lucas Mrs A Maillardet Inclusions Officer Mrs W Etches

Place 2 Be Manager Naomi Axon

SITE TEAM Caretaker Mr Ian Poynter Mr F Cass Road Crossing Patrol

House Staff Contract Cleaners (Grade One)

Catering Staff Contract Catering (Chartwells)

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Morning session FS and KS1 : 8.50 am – 12.00 pm Morning session KS2 : 8.50 am – 12.10 pm Afternoon session : 1.00 pm – 3.10 pm Centre hours : 8.45 am – 2.50 pm Gates to the site open at 8.30 and Main school begins at 8.50 am. The doors are closed at this time and the site is secured shortly after. Please ensure that your child is on site by 8.45 am, otherwise they may be late. If your child is late, please go with them to the main office. If it is raining or icy and the children are not on the playground, they will either be in the KS1 Hall or in the KS2 hall and supervised by an adult. There is adult supervision on the main playground and in the KS2 hall for ‘Wake up Shake up’ from 8.30am.

Late Arrivals Registers are marked at 8.50 am prompt. Any child arriving after that time must report to the school office. A late mark will be recorded in the register and if this is a regular occurrence, parents will be notified. If you are having difficulty getting your child to school on time, Diane Haskins is available to help and support you.

SCHOOL HOURS

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Children in KS1 and KS2 gather on the large KS2 playground prior to entering school in the mornings. They can go straight to their class line or to ‘Wake up Shake up’ in the kS2 hall. Parents are not permitted on the playground in the mornings so please say goodbye at the playground gate but feel free to stay and wave if you wish. At the end of the day and for safety reasons, please wait for your child on the KS2 playground (unless your child is in FS). All children are returned to this playground for collection and then leave for home. Your child will only be dismissed by his/her teacher if there is an adult there to collect them or you have given permission for them to walk home. Children in FS have their own entrance and exit through the FS play area. Children attending the Centre are delivered to the front door of the Centre by taxi and mini bus. They exit via the same entrance and leave the site through The Hundred of Hoo campus. These children have their own dedicated entry and exit route. Please do not bring your car into the school grounds. It is appreciated however, that it is sometimes necessary to collect your child from school during school hours and you need to park within the grounds but for the safety of all children no parking is allowed between

8.30 am to 9.00 am and 3.00 pm and 3.30 pm. If you bring your child by car, please observe the yellow zig-zag no parking zone which applies in Pottery Road and Knights Road. ROAD CROSSING PATROL Mrs Angela Palmer, our Road Crossing Patrol, escorts the children across Pottery Road in the morning from 8.00 am until 9.00 am and in the afternoon from 3.00 pm until 3.30 pm.

“Car Parking in the Village Hall, opposite the school, is not permitted” as this hall is in use by other organisations on a daily basis. (Village Hall Committee)

ENTRANCES AND CAR PARKING

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SCHOOL MEDICATION POLICY Legally schools are not compelled to administer medication to children. However the school accepts that if your child has regular medical needs he/she should be assisted if at all possible and he/she has a right to the full education available to other pupils.

The prime responsibility for your child’s health lies with you - the parent or carer who is responsible for his or her medication and should supply the school with any relevant information.

Non-prescribed medication, e.g. Calpol, will not be administered during school. However exceptional circumstances may arise when it may be necessary for parents to contact the school for information. If your child is prescribed antibiotics, the school is NOT able to administer these. Children should not return to school until the 5th day of an illness if possible and only then if medication is not required during the school day. If your child is prescribed medication 3 times a day, we would request that it is given before school, on arriving home and before going to bed. If your child is prescribed medication 4 times a day we would request a parent/guardian comes to the school to administer the medication, preferably just before lunch.

We do not expect you to ask staff to administer medication unless it is absolutely essential that this takes place during school hours.

Asthma inhalers should remain with your child in the classroom although it is essential that a spare inhaler be kept in the relevant KS1 or KS2 First Aid cabinet in case it is lost or empty.

You must complete and return a Consent Form giving permission for the medicine to be administered at school. All medicine must be handed directly to the Office.

It must be stressed that, while we do have qualified First Aiders on the staff, we do not have access to nursing facilities.

If your child is unwell at school, every effort will be made to contact you. It is very important that we have up-to-date home, work or contact telephone numbers, any alterations should be reported to the office as soon as they are known. We will work our way down the contact list if the main parent/carer is unavailable.

Some of the school staff are trained as “Emergency First Aiders” and in the event of an accident first aid will be given. In the case of more serious accidents, we will contact the parents as soon as possible. We will always inform you by a note if your child has had an accident and a call home will be made if they have bumped their heads.

All accidents are reported by our staff in the Accident Book, the book is also signed by the person who attended the child. Head Lice Head lice are a common pest. Please check your child’s head regularly and, if infestation is suspected, contact the Health Centre or Chemist for advice. When head lice are seen on children a letter will be sent to the whole class.

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ABSENCE

If your child is absent, the school must be informed by 9.15 am, by telephone, on the first day of absence. You may leave a message on the school’s answerphone at any time before 8 am. After that there will be someone in the office to take your call. A copy of the absence/lateness policy is available on the school’s website. If your child contracts any of the following:- Measles Chicken Pox Scarlatina Whooping Cough German Measles Impetigo Mumps Scarlet Fever Conjunctivitis it is essential that you contact the school, as there are periods of exclusion laid down for these illnesses. APPOINTMENTS If your child has an unavoidable doctor’s or dental appointment during school time, please inform the school office and arrange with them an appropriate time to collect your child from school. No child will be allowed out of school without an adult. A pass must be collected from the office before parents collect children from school. Unaccompanied children are not allowed to leave the premises during school hours.

HOLIDAY LEAVE DURING TERM TIME WILL NOT BE GRANTED Amendments to the Education Regulations, from September 2013, made clear that Headteachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances. In accordance with the Education Regulations, this school can no longer agree any holiday during term time. If you feel that there are exceptional circumstances (not holiday) then please contact the Headteacher to discuss the situation and be aware that written evidence of the circumstances will be required.

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Missing School Means Missing Out!

If they are at school for 190 days out of 190, that's 100% attendance.

Your child has excellent attendance and has the best opportunity to do well.

If they are at school for 180 days out of 190, that's 95% attendance.

This is below our minimum attendance target of 97% but your child still has a good chance of doing well at school.

If they are at school for 169 days out of 190, that's 89% attendance.

This is well below our target. Your child has been off for 21 days (over 4 weeks) so they will find it harder to keep on track.

Your child has now been tagged as ‘persistently absent’ by the local authority and is being closely monitored. Pupils with attendance below 90% typically begin to fall

behind their classmates.

If they are at school for 161 days out of 190, that's 85% attendance.

This is a serious concern and your child's absence is being reviewed weekly. Your child has been off for 29 days (nearly a whole term). This means they will have

missed a lot of learning.

If they are at school for 150 days out of 190, that's 79% attendance.

This is a very serious concern. Your child has been off for 40 days (8 weeks). Poor

attendance will be having a very serious impact on your child's education and catching up with their classmates from this point is extremely difficult.

If they are at school for 143 days out of 190, that's 75% attendance.

Your child has missed 48 days (a quarter of the school year). Something is very seriously wrong.

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Hoo St Werburgh Primary School and Marlborough Centre has its own kitchen which provides balanced healthy midday meals. Many of our children have school lunches. Your child will be encouraged to eat his/her food, but never coerced, and children are able to help themselves to additional salad and fruit carts. We help to teach all children good table manners. In the Main School your child is supervised at lunchtime by midday supervisors. It would help if your child was taught to use a knife and fork competently before starting school. Help is given if the cutting up of food is a problem. The children tend to come to school knowing the basic dining routines but we would simply request that you ensure your child is confident and can manage at the dining table. In the Marlborough Centre the staff have lunch with the children and supervise playtime.

KEY STAGE 1 AND KEY STAGE 2

Chartwells are our catering provider and school lunches cost £10.75 per week (subject to any annual increase in September), payable in advance on Mondays. Chartwells do not allow credit. It helps enormously if payment can be made by cheque, preferably for the whole term. All monies to be in a clearly marked envelope with your child’s name and class. Alternatively the children are able to bring in a packed lunch.

PACKED LUNCH

You may prefer to give your child a packed lunch. If this is the case, the lunch box should be clearly named. Your child may bring a snack i.e. a piece of fruit - but not crisps or sweets - for their mid-morning break; and water in a named plastic container. No cans please. Please ensure that your child has a healthy and balanced packed lunch. Please do not bring flasks with hot food or drinks as this can be dangerous in a large busy dining hall.

FREE SCHOOL DINNERS

Currently, families on Income Support/Income-based Job seekers Allowance/Child Tax Credit are entitled to claim free school meals for their children. Application forms are available from the office or our website, or at www.medway.gov.uk. If you are entitled to a free meal but your child gets a meal anyway as part of the universal infant meal offer or you choose to give your child a packed lunch, please still complete an application form (so you have the opportunity to have a paid school meal on special occasions, i.e. Fun Days and Christmas. This also allows the school to access up to £1000 a year in additional funding to spend on your child’s learning.

If you are receiving free school meals, move address and your child changes to an alternative school, it will be necessary to re-apply.

If you remain at the same school but change home address you must re-apply.

If a your child changes school we request the parents re-apply.

If your child is just starting full time school aged 5 or under, please send a completed application form for the entire family who are eligible.

MAIN SCHOOL BREAKFAST CLUB Child Care Costs - £1 per day Breakfast Costs - from £1.05 per day

Teaching Assistants run our breakfast club. It provides a four-tier price range: cereal, toast, fruit, spreads, drinks and a hot option are all included. A menu is available from the school office.

THE SANCTUARYDuring lunchtime, a dedicated room is opened as a Sanctuary. Here children who are experiencing any friendship difficulties or any personal upsets can seek guidance. This room is staffed daily by an experienced pastoral TA (Teaching Assistant). Your child may be asked by their teacher or a Lunchtime Supervisor to attend, or they may request permission to visit.

LUNCHTIME

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BEHAVIOUR

All children have the right to learn in an atmosphere and environment conducive to learning. To make the best of teaching and learning methods and opportunities in the school children have to develop self-discipline and self motivation. The majority of children want to be in a safe, orderly and constructive environment.

HOME-SCHOOL AGREEMENT

You are a child’s first teachers. You play a crucial role in helping your child to learn. Children achieve more when schools and parents work together. Parents can help more effectively if they know what the school is trying to achieve and how they can help. Our Home-School Agreement provides a framework to develop such a partnership.

the agreement provides clear expectations for each of the partners involved

parental help is valued and given status as an important factor in pupils’ learning

pupils are given responsibilities as well as rights and feel some control over their contribution

Your child will study core subjects of English, maths, science, & computing. This is balanced by other creative areas of the curriculum in which core subject skills can be used. Your child will also have opportunities to study: RE, art & design, PE, design & technology, history, geography, music, Spanish & PSHE (personal, social and Health Education). Our PE curriculum includes significant swimming opportunities to take account of our proximity to water.

SCHOOL RULES

Please see our behaviour policy on the school’s website.

This is designed to :-

develop in pupils a sense of self confidence and an acceptance of responsibility for their actions.

create the condition for an orderly caring community in which effective learning can take place

promote a quality of life for all who work within the school which sustains the high ideals we deem to be important

RULES & REWARDS

House Points – Your child is allocated to a house when he/she joins our school, the houses are named after castles - Cooling, Rochester, Upnor and Leeds. Your child can earn house points for good behaviour, good attitude, kindness, helpfulness etc. The children’s points are recorded on a card and for every 25 points gained they receive a certificate which is presented in our Celebration Assembly every Friday. House points are also added together on a weekly basis and the house with most points is presented with the cup for that week.

Buttons – Each class can earn buttons for good teamwork and effort in class. When the children have earned 50 buttons (25 in KS1) they can then receive a reward, it can be watching a DVD, cooking, a talent show; whatever they choose.

Gold Award – Each week the teachers will choose a child from their class who has shone for a particular reason, the children will receive a certificate and have their name put in the Gold Book. The certificate will be presented in our Celebration Assembly.

Centre pupils and Key Stage One hold a Merit Assembly. One child from each class is nominated and awarded with a weekly Merit Badge and Certificate for outstanding effort or achievement in a particular area. Children are encouraged to share their good work with other classes or the Senior Leadership Team.

SCHOOL RULES

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Many children encounter difficulties with their school work at some time or other. It is our policy to keep a parent/carer fully informed regarding your child's progress and to ask for professional advice where necessary. Children who are 'gifted' and ‘talented’ also have special educational needs and we endeavour to cater for their specific needs as well.

We have a teacher responsible for the co-ordination of Special Needs (SEN) throughout the school. The teacher is often referred to as the SENCO (Special Educational Co-ordinator). The teacher provides advice to staff working with these children and often works with the children concerned.

PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS OF PUPILS WITH SEN

It essential that parents see this intervention as a partnership and any information that may be relevant to your child’s educational performance or behaviour should be shared with the school. Because of the confidentiality of some matters, please ensure that the information is passed to the SENCO who will be happy to make appointments to discuss any concerns you may have concerning your child.

Objectives of the school's SEN Policy We intend to provide the most effective support for your child’s special needs. All pupils have an entitlement to access the full curriculum of the school. Extra support is given in such a way as to minimise the disruption to your child. Support will be provided at the earliest opportunity. You will be fully involved in decisions made about your child. Your child may be involved in decisions about how he/she should be supported. Staff will be fully involved in the routes to provide for SEN pupils.

All lessons within school are differentiated in order to maximise learning opportunities for all abilities. Your child may also be invited to participate in particular intervention programmes to further support his/her needs.

You will be kept informed of your child's progress and will be invited to join Annual Reviews if your child has an Education and Health Care Plan.

Your views may be sought prior to the In-School Review (ISR) meetings and if your child is being discussed you will then be consulted about any plans which are suggested.

THE PLACE2BE

The Place2Be is a national children’s charity providing emotional support to children. The project is in school 3 days a week and is overseen by a School Project Manager, and up to 4 volunteer P2B workers.

The support offered to children, following agreement from parents, includes:-

Place to Talk - where children refer themselves during the lunch break, to share a concern or worry.

P2B - takes place in a designated P2B room equipped with art and play materials. The P2B worker and the child work together on a 1:1 basis for 50 minutes, once a week, for between 6 weeks and a year.

Group work for up to 6-8 children at any one time.

A place for parents is available on request for any parent who would like the support of P2B for themselves.

The service offered is school based and our aim is to provide support for the children during their time at Hoo.

CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

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HOMEWORK

All children receive a termly theme based homework menu that we call our ‘jigsaw family learning projects’. This approach means that homework can be organized at home to fit with busy family life. A variety of projects are including from quick written pieces to more involved research and artistic endeavours. The projects your child chooses to complete should fit any schedule. Your child will also receive a spelling sheet at the start of each term outlining which weekly spelling patterns will be covered in class and suggesting some words to learn. This is not tested, but learning these words will support your child at school. .

Your child will be encouraged to work at home from an early age and it is expected that all pupils in FS and KS1 will read or practise key number facts daily at home..In addition to these activities, more formal homework is given to children from years 3-6. This is issued on a Friday for return the following Wednesday.

This structure has been created so that families are able to set up clear and important routines for your child to complete his/her homework. It is also to ensure that you know what to expect from the school. Please contact the class teacher in the first instance if your child says that he/she does not have any homework. We hope that this helps your child to practise things that they have learned in class and to apply and extend their skills and knowledge.

In the Marlborough Centre a similar approach is followed, although there are occasional exceptions dependent on the children's specific needs.

GAMES/SPORT

We believe that competition is a valuable part of Sporting activities as well as in life. We have a range of cooperative and competitive sports as part of our curriculum. We believe that games and sport make a unique contribution to a child's education as it is the only area of the curriculum which is concerned with the development of: gross motor skills; movement competence; learning through movement.

Aims We aim to enable your child to become physically educated by giving her/him the opportunity to: develop an understanding and apply a wide range of movement skills and concepts; become competent and confident in her/his movements; recognise their movement potential and promote self-esteem; experience a variety of physical activities enabling her/him to recognise and value the

benefits of participation, while at school and throughout life.

Objectives

THE CURRICULUM

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These objectives, derived from the aims, will not only guide us in planning Schemes of Work but will also form the basis for assessment of your child and evaluation of the policy. Your physically educated child will: know about; be able to do; and understand the following:-

Develop an understanding of and apply a wide range of movement skills and concepts. Be aware of and practise fundamental movement concepts and motor skills as defined

by the new national curriculum. Become competent and confident in their movements. Know about the factors which influence performance/participation. Know how to improve his/her performance and others’ by engaging in the continual

process of planning and evaluating against these factors. Recognise his/her movement potential and increase self-esteem. Exhibit such personal qualities as perseverance, valuing self and humility. Experience a variety of physical activities enabling them to recognise and value the

benefits of participation, while at school and throughout life. Know about working as individuals, pairs and members of a group. Select and engage in regular physical activity

We have gained the Active Mark Award for promoting Sports and high quality provision since 2004 and have been a long term partner in the Howard School Sports Partnership. As a regular competitor in mini-youth games events, your child is given a wide range of opportunities to demonstrate any sporting talents and represent the school.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Under the terms of the Education Reform Act, 1988, Religious Education is part of the basic curriculum, but not of the national curriculum. It is given in accordance with the agreed syllabus. RE reflects the Christian tradition, whilst taking into account other topics rather than being taught separately. You have the right to withdraw your child from RE. Please contact the Headteacher if you wish to do that.

COLLECTIVE WORSHIP

The 1988 Act requires that all children participate in an act of collective worship on each school day. This has to be broadly Christian in character. We believe that our school assemblies are important in helping to establish a feeling of community based on Christian beliefs and principles. Again, you have the right to withdraw your child.

SEX & RELATIONSHIP EDUCATION

SRE (Sex & Relationship Education) is part of our ongoing support to all pupils in developing positive relationships with each other and dealing with difficulties. Sex and Relationship Education is the umbrella term for a significant amount of work in school – circle times, bubble time, P2Talk, for example, are all part of developing healthy relationships.

Specific Sex Education takes place in Year 5 or Year 6 and is led by the school nurse. This is entitled “Growing Up Talk” and gives pupils an opportunity to hear and discuss the changes taking place in their bodies. You will be informed of this prior to the school nurse visit and we will try and ensure that you have the opportunity to view any DVD material before it is being shown to the pupils.

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OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

MEDICALS

The School Health Authority has now deemed that health screening of children will be conducted by the school nurse and a consent form will be given to you to sign when your child starts school. Vision screening by the Medway Maritime Hospital will also be conducted during your child’s year in Reception. A consent form will also be given out for your signature. Dental screening is often carried out at various times during the school year. All Year 6 will have their height and weight recorded.

DRINKING WATER IN SCHOOL

Your child should bring her/his own half litre bottle of drinking water from home. She/he may drink this at any time during the school day and replenish his/her drinks bottle from the water fountains. School water bottles are available from the office at the cost of £1.00.

BEING HEALTHY

We encourage healthy lifestyle choices. In FS and KS1 your child receives a piece of fresh fruit everyday through the Government scheme. This is free.

Your KS2 child may bring fruit or a healthy snack bar for morning break. The choice of snack is open to you to be as creative as you wish, providing the crisp type, high fat snack can be avoided. Chocolate is not allowed.

Healthy snacks may also be purchased from our Energiser Tuck shop for KS2 pupils. The current menu is on our school notice board.

MONEY IN SCHOOL

Your child does not need to bring money to school unless it is to pay for school lunches, break time snacks, or it has been requested for a particular purpose. Any money brought to school must be in a sealed envelope. Please ensure your child's name and class, the sum enclosed and the purpose for which the money is intended must be clearly written on the outside.

PERSONAL PROPERTY

We do not accept responsibility for loss or damage to the personal property of pupils. Marking clothes and other possessions with your child's name is therefore of the greatest importance. Lost property is kept in a cabinet in the KS2 library area – please contact Mrs Haskins. KS1 also has a lost property area outside the KS1 hall. Your child is not allowed to bring toys to school, unless asked to do so by the teacher.

Your child is not allowed to bring mobile telephones to school or any electronic items. He/she is totally responsible for any items, such as pencil cases, etc.

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EDUCATIONAL VISITS

During the course of a year, your child will be involved in visits to places associated with her/his curriculum work. There are also speakers and travelling theatre companies visiting the school. This is a key feature of our curriculum as part of our commitment to providing a rich learning experience for your child. Whilst most of these activities are fully funded by the school it is sometimes necessary to ask you to make a contribution towards the cost of some of these important activities. In cases of financial difficulty, please contact the office or Diane Haskins. No child is ever left out of these events for non-payment but you must be aware that if we do not receive enough money to cover the cost, then we may have to cancel the trip or activity. Thank you for any contributions that you are able to make. PHOTOGRAPHS OF CHILDREN WORKING IN SCHOOL

Images of your child may be taken to record the achievements of children as well as to illustrate pieces of work. Equally photographs taken by the children are often used in the publishing exercises they undertake within school. Technologies form a huge part of our curriculum. You will receive documents relating to internet safety and our policy on the use of images. These will also be available on our website.

Please note that identifiable images are for school use only and are not made available to external groups. We inform you of this fact as a matter of information sharing.

If you wish to discuss this matter further then please make an appointment to see Diane Haskins.

AMBASSADORS

Year 6 students volunteer for responsibilities throughout their final year at the school. Every child has the opportunity to volunteer to become an Ambassador, a prestigious role within the school. These children have responsibilities such as: organising games for other children at lunchtime, ensuring the Dining Hall is a pleasant place to eat, advising younger children on their reading skills. BUDDIES

Year 5 and 6 children have been trained to ‘mentor’ other children. They will sit in designated places in the playground where students can approach them to discuss any problems they may be having. If the problem cannot be sorted this will be passed on to the Sanctuary. Year 5 students are also trained as Young Sports Leaders. Some of these pupils will run our morning Wake-up! Shake-up! classes.

SCHOOL POLICIES School policies are available from the school office or on the website:

www.hoo-st-werburgh.medway.sch.uk

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INCLEMENT WEATHER

In severe weather it may be necessary to close the school. At such times, Radio Kent and Heart Radio are used to give you necessary information. We stress that no children are ever sent home from school without proper arrangements being made first with you or alternative contacts. Radio Kent : 96.7 FM Heart Radio : 103.1 FM Information will also be sent electronically to you by text message. Please advise the office if you change your mobile telephone number or indeed any other contact details. If the school is closed for a number of days, the staff will set work for your pupils via the learning platform. EMERGENCIES In the unlikely event of any emergency please listen to the radio as calling the school could block telephone lines needed for the emergency services. Please do not come to the school. Your children will be safe. You may cause complications if we are evacuating the site. An emergency evacuation may mean that we go to The Hundred of Hoo site, the local church or the Community Centre/Park for example. The school has emergency procedures in place. In the event of an emergency – information will be posted on the school’s website, on the radio websites and, if possible, you will be notified by text message. Useful website addresses: School website www.hoo-st-werburgh.medway.sch.uk Learning platform hsw.medway.dbprimary.com KMFM http://resources.thekmgroup.co.uk/schools

Heart Radio http://www.heart.co.uk/kent/news/snow/

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PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

We encourage you to be involved in the everyday life of the school. If you are interested in helping in school, please see your child's class teacher or the school office. You will be asked to complete forms for a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

We have formal parents’ evenings at least twice a year when you will have the opportunity to discuss your child's progress and see displays of work etc.

You are also welcome to visit the school at any time, particularly if there is a question you wish to discuss with a member of staff or the Key Stage Leader. However, it is preferable to make an appointment so that we can make ourselves available without interruptions and involve any other staff member who may be needed to make a contribution. PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION

There is an active Parent Teacher Association which arranges regular fund raising events and supports the school in many ways, regularly providing extra items of equipment, etc, for the school. Your help and support for this organisation would be much appreciated.

Some parents whose children have moved on to secondary school have kindly donated good quality school uniform to the PTA. “Nearly New” uniform can be purchased from a PTA member and

should you wish to make enquiries, please contact the school office for further information.

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SCHOOL UNIFORM

The School Uniform which we encourage and promote is listed below:- Embroidered Fleece : Navy blue Embroidered Sweatshirts : Navy blue Embroidered Polo Shirts : Sky blue Trousers : Grey Skirt : Grey Pinafore : Grey Summer Dress : Blue/White - Striped/Checked Socks/Tights : White/Grey Sensible Shoes : Black

Your child is expected to change for PE lessons and will require the following kit:- Tee Shirt : Plain white Shorts : Navy

For outside activities:- Years 3 to 6 : Trainers Reception to Year 2 : Trainers/Plimsolls Please provide a bag in which to keep PE clothing and an art apron.

Items of uniform with an embroidered school logo are available for purchase from our school uniform provider, School Trends, via the internet at

http://www.schooltrendsonline.com/schools/HooStWeburghPrimaryME39BS/ or order forms are available from the school office. PRICE LIST (to be confirmed and subject to change) Embroidered fleece From £13.80 Embroidered sweatshirts From £9.29 Embroidered sweatcardi From £11.25 Embroidered polo shirts From £7.29 Plain PE T-Shirts From £5.55 Knitted Hat £4.50 Sew-on Badges (available from school) £2.65 Sun Hat (available from school) £4.50 Book bag (available from school) : £4.50

Please ensure that ALL items of clothing are clearly named.

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DATA PROTECTION ACT

Schools, local education authorities and the Department for Education all hold information on pupils in order to run the education system and, in doing so, must follow the Data Protection Act 1998.

This means that, among other things, the data held about pupils must only be used for specific purposes allowed by law. We are therefore writing to tell you about the types of data held, why that data is held, and to whom it may be passed on.

The school holds information on your child in order to support her/his teaching and learning, to monitor and report on her/his progress, to provide appropriate pastoral care, and to assess how well the school as a whole is doing. This information includes contact details, national curriculum assessment results, attendance information, characteristics such as ethnic group, special educational needs and any relevant medical information.

From time to time we are required to pass on some of this data to the Local Authority (LA), to another school to which you child may be transferring, and to the Department for Education (DfE), which is responsible for the national curriculum and associated assessment arrangements.

The LA uses information about your child to carry out specific functions for which it is responsible, such as the assessment of any special educational needs she/he may have. It also uses the information to derive statistics to inform decisions on (for example) the funding of schools, and to assess the performance of schools and set targets for them. The statistics are used in such a way that individual pupils cannot be identified from them.

The DfE uses information about pupils to administer the national curriculum tests and assessment for Key Stages 1 to 3. The results of these are used to compile statistics on trends and patterns in levels of achievement. The DfE uses the information to evaluate the effectiveness of the national curriculum and the associated assessment arrangements, and to ensure that these are continually improved.

The DfE uses information about your child and other pupils for statistical purposes, to evaluate and develop education policy and to monitor the performance of the education service as a whole. The statistics are used in such a way that individual pupils cannot be identified from them. The DfE will feed back to LAs and schools information about their pupils where they are lacking this information – perhaps because it was not passed on by a former school. On occasion, information may be shared with other government departments or agencies strictly for statistical or research purposes only.

Your child, as a data subject, has certain rights under the Data Protection Act, including a general right of access to personal data held on her/him, with parents exercising this right on her/his behalf if they are too young to do so themselves. If you wish to access the personal data held about your child, please contact the relevant organisation in writing:

The school at Hoo St Werburgh Primary School and Marlborough Centre, Pottery Road, Hoo, Rochester, Kent ME3 9BS

The LA Data Protection Officer at the Children’s Services Policy Unit, Gun Wharf, Dock Rd, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TR

The DfE Data Protection Officer at DCFS, Caxton House, Tothill Street, London SW1H 9NA.

*Please note this prospectus is a live document that is constantly updated. There may be changes to staffing throughout the year.

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Hoo St Werburgh Primary School & Marlborough Centre

TERM DATES

September 2016 to July 2017

TERM 1

Term starts: Monday 5 September 2016

Term finishes: Friday 21 October 2016

Autumn break: Monday 24 October to Friday 04 November 2016

TERM 2

Term starts: Monday 7 November 2016

Term finishes: Thursday 22 December 2016

Christmas break: Friday 23 December 2016 to Tuesday 3 January 2017

TERM 3

Term starts: Wednesday 4 January 2017

Term finishes: Friday 10 February 2017

February break: Monday 13 February to Friday 17 February 2017

TERM 4

Term starts: Monday 20 February 2017

Term finishes: Friday 31 March 2017

Spring break: Monday 3 April 2017 to Monday 17 April 2017

Good Friday Friday 14 April 2017

Easter Monday Monday 17 April 2017

TERM 5

Term starts: Tuesday 18 April 2017

May Bank Holiday: Monday 1 May 2017

Term finishes: Friday 26 May 2017

May break: Monday 29 May to Friday 2 June 2017

Spring Bank Holiday Monday 29 May 2017

TERM 6

Term starts: Monday 5 June 2017

Term finishes: Friday 21 July 2017