MOORSIDE PRIMARY SCHOOL

School Brochure 2016/17

Mrs L Templeton, Head Teacher Chester Road, Moorside, Consett, Co. Durham, DH8 8EQ

Tel/Fax 01207 50972

Email: moorsideprimary@durhamlearning.net

Moorside Primary School:

Respecting and Inspiring

Children

MISSION STATEMENT

Moorside Primary School is at the heart of the community and

the start of your child’s learning journey. Our school is a vibrant,

welcoming and safe place to learn driven by high expectations.

We strive as a team to inspire confidence, develop resilience,

promote democracy and give children a voice to be heard,

recognising only the best is good enough.

We challenge children to believe in and reach beyond

themselves so they leave proud of their achievements and

ready to make their next steps as confident and responsible

citizens in an ever-changing society.

Moorside Primary School:

Respecting and Inspiring Children.

Governing Body

Chair (LA) Mrs A. Hird

Vice Chair Mrs K Craggs

Parent Governors: Ms D Akers, Mr P Gowland, Mr J Welsh, Mr B Wisniewski

LA Appointed: Cllr D Hicks, Mrs A Hird, Mr D Grimes

Community Governor: Mr P Archer, Mrs K Craggs

Staff: Mrs Louise Templeton, Miss C Guthrie

Staff

Senior Leadership Team

Head Teacher/ Assessment Lead/ Health and Safety Lead/ Behaviour Lead/ Teaching and Learning /Data Protection/Designated Safeguarding Officer

Mrs H L Templeton

Acting Deputy Head Teacher/English Lead/ Computing/ E-Safety Lead Miss C Guthrie

SENCO/Gifted and Talented/Equality and Diversity Mrs A Ollivere

EYFS Lead Miss J Smith

Staff Team

Nursery Teacher/ Maths, PE, History and MFL Lead Mrs S Wheatley

Reception Teacher Miss J Smith

Year 1/2 Teacher Miss K Cramond

Year 2/3 Teacher/ Science, Geography, Forest Schools and PHSCE Lead Mrs J Shand

Year 4/5 Teacher Mrs A Ollivere

Year 5/6 Teacher

Support Staff

Miss C Guthrie

Higher Level Teaching Assistant Y5/6/Art and DT Lead Mrs D Howey

Higher Level Teaching Assistant Y4/5/RE Lead Mrs M McCabe

Teaching Assistant Bumblebee Room Miss G Howie

Teaching Assistant EYFS Mr K Robson

Teaching Assistant EYFS Mrs K Woodhead

Teaching Assistant Y1/2

Admin and Ancillary Staff

Mrs P Kennedy

School Secretary Mrs D Pears

Caretaker Mr J Welsh

Cook Mrs A Hannant-Thompson

Supervisory Assistants: Mrs M Richardson, Mrs E Richardson,

Ms L Rose

School Organisation

Moorside Primary School is a small primary school of approximately 126 F.T.E. pupils between the ages of 2 to 11

years. It is surrounded by its own gardens and playing fields. We have undergone many positive changes over the

last two years to improve the quality of provision for all children to ensure they receive the highest quality education

possible. We are firmly committed to ensuring that every child achieves to their full potential. Only the best is

good enough.

Our Foundation Stage Unit (2-5 years) has:

• A very large outdoor space consisting of soft, hard and grassed areas

• Covered outdoor area

• Designated early years yard

• Separate reception outdoor area

• Sensory room

KS1 and KS2 pupils:

• are housed in five classrooms

• have shared practical work

• break out group space

• a large outdoor yard

• trim trail/seating areas

• separate KS1 outdoor area

• large school field

• forest school area

In addition we have

• a large hall

• an administrative office

• meeting room

• Head Teacher's office.

Each class teacher will be supported by a fully trained Teaching Assistant. In addition there may be other members

of staff in your child’s class, for example additional support to help our children with reading. All our classes are of

mixed ability and there will be times when your child will be taught with their whole class, in smaller groups and also

individually.

We work closely with outside agencies to ensure that children with needs, and their parents in some cases, have

access to specialist support and advice.

We aim to ensure that pupils achieve high standards in all areas of the curriculum. We are really proud of our SATs

results over the last two years as they reflect the continued effort of our children and the success we have had in

raising standards. We want our children to reach their full potential and we are pleased to see that in many cases

they outdo our expectations!

Any parent who is considering Moorside Primary School for his or her child is welcome to visit at any time, by

arrangement, in order to meet the Head Teacher and to look around the school.

Admissions

Moorside Primary School follows the admission procedures set out by Durham County Council. All parents must

apply directly to the L.A. under the new Co-ordinated Admissions Procedures for admission into the Reception Class

and any in-year transfers from Local Authority Schools. Any parent who wishes to apply for a school place can apply

to:-

School Admissions

Children & Young People’s Services

County Hall

Durham

DH1 5UJ

Tel (0191) 383 4576

2 Year Old Stay and Play Provision/3/4 Year Old Nursery Provision

We offer provision for 2 year old children in our Bumblebee room you can apply for places by visiting the school

office and completing an application form.

3 and 4 year old provision is within our Caterpillar classroom.

We also offer parents the ability to purchase additional sessions at a cost of £13.50 per session.

Please see our separate early year’s brochure for more information.

Reception During the second half of the Summer Term prior to entering Reception parents are invited into the Unit as their children begin the transition into Full Time Education. Children also stay for a school lunch at this time. Children are admitted to Reception at the beginning of the school year in which they become 5 years old. The school is able to admit a given number of children in any one year from Reception to Year 6 this is determined by the Local Authority. Children may be placed in mixed /single year groups according to their needs or size of cohort. Admissions to the nursery will be made in accordance with the L.A. admissions criteria. Children’s names can be placed on the waiting list at the beginning of the school year in which they are 2 years old. Application Forms and the L.A. admission statement for the Foundation Unit are available from the school office. We are always happy to meet new parents and children and show them around our school. Please telephone first so that someone will be available to welcome you.

Class Organisation

Classes in the school are organised to suit children’s needs from the Reception year to Year 6. Children are taught in

a range of year groupings. All pupils in the same year group will have the opportunity to experience a full range of

activities. Children will be taught as a class, in small groups and where appropriate individually. Work will be planned

and presented in a variety of ways to ensure that each child makes the best possible progress. Children may be

grouped within the school, key stage, and class or year group according to their individual attainment for a particular

subject. This approach enables teachers to provide an appropriate level of support and challenge for children

working at different levels.

The School Day

We request that all children arrive promptly and before 8:55

a.m. so pupils can start their day promptly. Anyone arriving

after 9:00 a.m. will be asked to sign their child in via the late

book. This enable us to ensure all children are safely in school

and maintain accurate attendance records.

KS2 pupils by law have a longer teaching week than KS1 pupils.

During the school day a certain amount of time is spent on registration, the daily act of collective worship, playtime

and lunchtime. The remaining time is lesson time.

The structure of the school day is as follows:

Nursery

Rec/KS1 KS2

Doors Open 8:45 a.m.

Registration

8.45 a.m.

9.00am - 9.05am

8.45 a.m.

9.00am - 9.05am

Lesson Time Nursery session 1 ends 11:45 a.m Break time

9.05am – 10.45am

10.45am - 11.00am

9.05am -10.45am

10.45am - 11.00am

Lesson Time 11.00am - 11.55am 11.00am – 12.00pm

Lunch Time 11:45 – 12:45 p.m. 11:55am – 12.45pm 12.00pm – 12:45pm

Registration 12:45 – 1:00 p.m. 12.45pm – 12:50pm 12:45pm – 12:50pm

Guided Reading 12.50pm – 1:15pm 12.50pm – 1:15pm Lesson Time Nursery session 2 ends 3:15 p.m. 1.15pm – 2.05pm 1:15pm – 2:15pm

Break time 2.05 – 2.15

Lesson Time 2.15pm – 3:15pm 2.15pm – 3:15pm

Assembly/Collective Worship

This takes place for 15 minutes each day, the time of which may vary throughout the week and maybe a whole

school or class assembly. As part of our class assemblies, children take part in a structured personal and social

education programme known as R Time.

Communication

We have a number of ways of keeping in touch:

• Newsletters - a newsletter containing information about activities, achievements, forthcoming events or

holidays, is sent home via pupils weekly.

• Web Site - www.consettmoorside.durham.sch.uk. This is updated regularly and also contains information

about our school.

• App- please download www.OurSchoolsApp.com/ on to your smartphone/tablet and ensure that

notifications are enabled to receive updates as and when they occur. To download please search for our school by postcode or name.

• Facebook https://www.facebook.com/pages/Moorside-Primary-School/451530998285871?ref=hl • E-Mail – please ensure we have an up to date e-mail address

Attendance

In partnership with parents, the Governors and Staff of Moorside Primary actively pursue the goals of regular

attendance and punctuality both in relation to individual pupils and the school population as a whole. If your child is

unable to attend school, please notify us of the reasons for absence as soon as possible on the first day. Notification

of absence can be made by letter, in person, by telephone or by sending a message with a responsible adult.

The school is required by law to record attendance every morning and afternoon and to record any absences as

authorised or unauthorised.

An authorised absence is when a child is away from school with an appropriate reason for absence, e.g. illness. An

unauthorised absence occurs when a parent/guardian gives an invalid reason or no reason at all for their child’s

non-attendance at school.

Through working together, it is hoped that we can avoid unauthorised absences and give our children their full

educational entitlement by maintaining high levels of attendance and punctuality. If your child’s attendance falls

below an acceptable level the school will contact you to try to improve the situation. If poor attendance persists,

the Educational Welfare Officer, Steven Walker, will contact you and possibly visit you at home. The same is true for

children who are persistently late for school. We have many reward schemes to congratulate full attendance and

punctuality.

Medical and Dental Appointments

Children may attend appointments where confirmation has been received from parents either by letter, in person,

by telephone or on the production of an appointment card. However we do encourage parents to try and make such

appointments outside of school hours where ever possible. Your child will be marked as present if they are in school

during part of the school session.

For reasons of security, any parent collecting or returning their child must report to the school office first.

Absence due to family holidays during term time

We ask that Parents do not take their children out of school during term time for family holidays. Holidays in term

time will not normally be authorised. A written application must be made in exceptional circumstances. Please note

that taking your child out of school for unauthorised holidays may result in a fixed penalty notice of £60 being issued

to both parents by the Local Authority.

Punctuality

Good time keeping is expected at Moorside Primary School. Please make every effort to ensure that your child

arrives on time for school and is collected promptly at the end of the school day. If as the result of an unexpected

emergency you will be late to collect your child, please telephone the school office so that we can re-assure your

child that you are on your way. Lateness is monitored by the school office on a weekly basis. The register closes at

9.15am and any child arriving after this time will receive an unauthorised mark in the register. Persistent lateness

will result in a fixed penalty notice being issued by the Local Authority. Please ensure that your child’s teacher is

informed if someone other than yourself will be collecting your child from school.

Pastoral Care

At Moorside Primary we are committed to ensuring the development of the ‘whole' child. We hope to help your

child to develop positive relationships with other children and adults in order to achieve and enjoy school. Children

learn and make progress when they are happy and feel secure. If a child appears unhappy at school and is not

behaving in his or her usual manner then parents will be contacted to discuss ways in which together we can help to

improve the situation. Similarly we ask you to let us know if you or your child is unhappy about any aspect of school

life. Please feel welcome to come and discuss any concerns with us.

Safeguarding and Child Protection

We have comprehensive and robust Safeguarding and Child Protection policies and procedures which are rigorously

adhered to when/if necessary. All staff have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children in the school. The

Local Authority requires referrals of any serious concerns to be made to the Head Teacher as the designated

member of staff.

Parents are asked to keep the school informed of any unusual or serious injuries which their child has suffered, and

of any circumstances at home which might cause a change in a child’s behaviour at school. Staff may on occasion

wish to speak to you to discuss and clarify the cause of a particular injury or sudden change in behaviour. If this

happens please remember that we have a responsibility to promote and safeguard the welfare of the children in our

care. In those instances where staff have serious concerns about the welfare of a child then the school is under a

duty of care to make a referral to staff at Durham Child Protection Team via the Initial Response referral process.

School Nurse

The school nurse is available to give advice on a range of health related matters. If you would like to talk to her in

confidence please speak to your child’s teacher or a member of our office staff to ask for this to be arranged. Our

nurse is Mrs Karen Guest Humphries.

School Rules, Behaviour and Discipline High standards of discipline and behaviour are essential for effective learning and for the

well-being of everyone in the school community. We aim to provide the guidance, support

and care which enables the children to cope with life situations in school, at home and in

the wider community. We feel that it is important children acquire a set of moral values on

which to base their own behaviour e.g. honesty, sincerity and personal responsibility.

We have a positive approach to discipline and good behaviour and want to develop self-discipline in each individual.

All adults and children are encouraged to recognise and praise effort, high achievement and good behaviour. Each

class has its own Class Charter linked to the main school rules. We encourage pupils to feel that this is their school;

• Through school uniform to create a sense of community and belonging

• Through emphasising hard work

• Through emphasising and recognising all personal achievement

• Through being involved in decision- making

School expectations are displayed throughout school and included in our Home/School Agreement. Above all we aim

to create a school where all are valued, all are respected and all can succeed. We promote a positive and caring

working environment that reflects the value of everyone. All pupils are seen to be of equal worth.

Our School Behaviour Plan has 3 parts:

• Rules

• Rewards

• Consequences

Rewards for good behaviour

1. Praise

2. Team points

3. Golden Time

4. Stickers and certificates

5. Team Treat

6. Top 25 Treat

7. Homework and attendance awards

Daily Consequences

1 warning – chance to adjust behaviour

2 warnings – move to orange and spend playtime in reflection

3 warnings – move to red and a letter is sent home

4 warnings –phone call home and meeting with parents

In cases of severe disruption, the child will be sent immediately to either the Head Teacher or Deputy Head Teacher

and parents will be asked to come into school to discuss the matter. On very rare occasions it may prove necessary

for members of staff to use reasonable force to control a pupil who may otherwise be in danger of hurting him or

herself or others. Reference to the use of reasonable force is included in the school’s policy on discipline and parents

can be supplied with a copy of this on request.

It is essential that parents support the school’s discipline policy. If a child has persistent difficulties parents will be

contacted and meetings arranged to discuss a positive way forward to help the pupil follow the rules in the future.

Home School Agreements

It is a statutory requirement for parents and the school to sign a Home School Agreement. This agreement outlines

what school and home will do to ensure an effective partnership. A copy of our Home School Agreement will

accompany this brochure –This is reviewed every year. Parents are asked to sign this document when their child

starts school.

Gifted and Talented Pupils

The school is committed to meeting the needs of all pupils by providing differentiated learning opportunities and

activities which support a range of learning styles. Gifted and Talented children are identified and have a designated

member of staff to promote their interests and co-ordinate enrichment activities. Nominations for inclusion are

welcomed from children, their parents and from the school staff who work with them. Parents are kept fully

informed of the reason for their child’s classification and are encouraged to play an active part in their child’s

development.

The Governing Body’s Curriculum Statement

“The Governing Body is responsible for ensuring good quality education in the school. It aims to help children to

work to the best of their ability in a caring, friendly, happy and secure school, in full partnership with parents.”

Rules KS1 & EYFS

• Always do your best

• Listen carefully to adults

• Get on with your task/work

• Tidy up when asked to

• Walk quietly in school

• Be kind and helpful to others

KS2

• Always work hard to do your best

• Complete homework and reading within deadlines

• Follow instructions

• Keep hands, feet and nasty words to yourself

• When an adult is speaking: Stop, Look and Listen

• Look after the classroom and school by keeping it tidy and everything

in its place

“Within the guidelines of the National Curriculum, we offer your child a curriculum to suit his/her age and ability. We

teach the basic skills of reading, writing and mathematics, because we believe these are the tools that your child will

need in the world outside school. In addition we include scientific, creative, environmental, social, physical and

ethical education because we also believe in giving your child a broad, balanced and relevant education”.

The School Curriculum

At Moorside we aim to provide a broad and balanced curriculum for children of all ages. The National Curriculum

2014 framework is an important element of the school curriculum for children from Year 1 to Year 6 following the

National Curriculum, which includes the core subjects of English,

Mathematics, Science, R.E. and I.C.T. The foundation subjects of History,

Geography, D.T., P.E., Music, Art, French and Citizenship are also taught

according to the National Curriculum. Work is planned throughout the school

to offer pupils relevant and interesting learning experiences reflecting their age

and ability. The development of Literacy, Numeracy and Personal and Social

Skills are a key priority at all ages. We aim to provide a curriculum which excites

and stimulates the children to encourage them to reach beyond themselves and

equip them with a range of skills to become confident and resilient individuals.

Much of your child’s work in school will be practical, investigational and based on solving problems related to real

situations.

However, each National Curriculum area has several essential skills that children will need to develop in order to

progress. At Moorside Primary these skills will be specifically taught as part of a continuous and planned programme

of work in each Key Stage.

The Foundation Stage Curriculum

“The FUN is in Foundation”

Children in the nursery and reception classes follow the Foundation Stage

Curriculum and work towards achieving the Early Learning Goals. The national

expectation is that most children will reach the early learning goals by the end

of their reception year. Many of the experiences provided for our youngest

children are ‘play based’. The aim is to ensure that children are confident, have a positive attitude to learning and

can work co -operatively with other children and adults. There are three prime areas of learning and four specific

areas of learning. These are:

Prime Areas of Learning:

• Communication and Language

• Physical Development

• Personal, social and emotional development

Specific Areas of Learning:

• Literacy

• Mathematics

• Understanding the world

• Expressive Arts and Language

Children’s progress is assessed throughout their time in the nursery and reception class and parents are provided

with regular feedback.

When your child enters foundation stage there are some skills that will help them to settle in and develop more

easily. Please take a look at the list below. Are there any points that your child needs extra help from you to master

before they start school?

Can your child:

• Go to the toilet by him/herself?

• Put on and take off his/her own shoes and coat?

• Wash and dry his/her hands independently?

• Express his/her own needs?

• Hold and use a knife and fork?

• Recognise his/her written name?

• Know colours and shapes?

• Sit still and listen?

• Recognise the numbers 1-5?

• Make shapes with Play-Doh using his/her hands?

If you require any assistance please speak to your child’s teacher or teaching assistant.

Key Stages 1 and 2

All pupils in Years 1 to 6 are taught the following

‘Core’ and ‘Foundation’ subjects:

The `Core' Subjects: A higher proportion of lesson time is devoted to these subjects.

• English – including speaking and listening, reading, writing, grammar, punctuation, spelling and handwriting

• Mathematics – including basic number skills, share space and measures, data

handling and problem solving

• Science

• Computing

The ‘Foundation’ Subjects:

• Design technology,

• Geography,

• History,

• Art,

• Music

• Physical Education,

• MFL (at KS2)

In addition all pupils are taught Religious Education – in accordance with the locally

agreed syllabus. The above subjects are supplemented by other aspects including moral,

spiritual and cultural education, personal and social education, health education,

citizenship and economic awareness. These are sometimes presented as part of other

lessons but at times will be taught directly. A programme of educational visits supports

learning across the curriculum.

PE and School Sport

We believe improving a child’s physical activity and developing confidence in terms of competition and resilience will

benefit other areas of his/her abilities, therefore, it is the aim of school to provide as many opportunities for children

to participate in as wide a range of different and competitive sporting activities as possible. To this end we work in

conjunction with Real Adventure Through Sport to provide children with a range of adventurous opportunities and

residential activities across all key stages. These activities in climbing, archery, canoeing and mountain biking.

School has a football team depending upon numbers that competes against local schools. We also send teams to

compete in competitions involving the following sports –cricket, swimming, dance, tennis, golf, gymnastics and

athletics.

• Coaching in school is developed through links with local

tennis, rugby and cricket clubs, Durham Sport, Derwentside Schools Partnership and Real Adventure Through Sport.

• Each class receives at least two hours of P.E. per week,

including 1 swimming session for Year 1 to 6 on a rota basis.

• Small games equipment and 5-a-side football nets are available for use at morning

and lunchtime playtimes.

• School has a well-equipped hall, a hard surface playing area, garden areas, a trim trail and extensive playing

fields.

• Real Adventure Through Sport provide a range of outward bound activities for pupils to participate in.

Please note that for health and safety reasons, children must remove all jewellery before taking part in PE lessons

Religious Education (R.E.) and Collective Worship

Religious Education is taught in the school in accordance with the agreed syllabus adopted by the Durham Local

Authority. The content of the syllabus reflects the fact that the religious traditions in this country are in the main

Christian. Account is taken of the teaching and practices of the other principal religions represented here. The

content is not based on the teachings of any particular denomination. All children attend an act of worship during

the school day. This may be either as a whole school or in groups. The content of the majority of these acts of

worship reflect the broad traditions of Christian belief.

Health, Sex & Relationships Education

At Moorside Primary School we aim to prepare pupils, at the appropriate time in a child’s stage of development,

about the physical and emotional changes that will take place in their lives. We want to equip children with the

knowledge, skills, values and attitudes that they will need in order to help them cope successfully with their present

and future lives. Many aspects are taught in a cross curricular approach through a range of subjects, including

English, science, PE, and RE. At all times accurate information and the correct terminology will be used.

Sex education is not taught as a separate subject but is gradually introduced through health education and topics

dealing with growth and change. Individual questions asked by children are always answered honestly and

sensitively in a manner which is appropriate to the child’s age and level of understanding. Each year the school nurse

talks to Y6 children about the changes which take place at puberty. Parents are always informed about this and may

withdraw their children if they wish to.

Lessons

Lessons are planned using the national curriculum 2014 programmes of

study. The curriculum is planned to meet the needs and abilities of all pupils.

Teachers in all year groups make regular assessments of children’s progress

using observation and other methods, including tests and specially designed

tasks. The information from these assessments is used to ensure that

teachers have a clear understanding of individual children’s learning strengths

and areas for development.

Schools are required to assess children’s progress using National statutory assessment tasks and tests in English and

mathematics at the end of Key Stage 1 in Year 2, when the majority of pupils are 7. Statutory tests are administered

at the end of Key Stage 2 in Year 6 when the majority of pupils are 11. The results of these assessments are reported

to parents in the annual report.

In addition to this all children at the end of Reception Year are assessed against the Early Learning Goals and this is

used to inform their level of development at the end of Early Years Foundation Stage. Children also undertake the

Phonics Screening Test at the end of Year 1 to ensure they have reached the required level of phonic development.

Results will be reported to parents in the annual report.

Parents will have many opportunities to talk to staff to discuss their child’s progress. An annual report will be written

for each child informing parents of the progress that their child is making in relation to the above expectations

provided. Targets for future work will also be identified.

School Records & Pupils' Annual Reports

The school keeps a record on every child and we are firmly committed to use these records to share and discuss

progress with parents. We firmly believe that your child’s education is a partnership. The school uses a half termly

tracking sheet (The Traffic Light Tracker) to report to parents on the areas of attendance, punctuality, attitude,

effort, uniform and homework. We positively encourage discussions with parents in relation to this.

You will receive an annual report in relation to your child’s development and progress at the end of the summer

term, each year. You will have the opportunity to write any comments you wish to make in response and discuss the

report with your child’s teacher.

Special Educational Needs

At Moorside Primary it is our policy to provide learning experiences that are differentiated to take account of the

needs and attainments of all our children. Children with special needs will be identified at the earliest possible

opportunity and supported by the staff of the school in accordance with government legislation. Our Special

Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) arranges referrals for additional support for children and staff and to co-

ordinate advice for other professional including the LA special needs team and educational psychologist.

Parents will regularly be invited to share their knowledge, views and experience of their child’s special needs in order to ensure the most appropriate provision. Children will also be given the opportunity to reflect on their needs and have their views taken into account.

Statutory Assessment Tests

Equal Opportunities

We seek to ensure that all children have full access to the curriculum regardless of race, creed, or gender.

Appropriate individual and group programmes of work are planned according to the abilities, interests, skills and

needs of the child.

Race Relations

The Race Relations (Amendment) Act 2000 places a duty on all schools to:

• Promote racial equality

• Promote good race relations between people from different racial groups

• Eliminate unlawful racial discrimination

Our school fully supports these statements and has a written race equality policy, further details of which can be

obtained from the school office.

School Uniform

We believe smartly dressed pupils in uniform create a sense of belonging. We strongly

encourage all children to wear the school colours. Uniform for the school is a combination

of royal blue and black. Most items can be bought from High Street shops. Some items are

sold in school, see below. Please speak to our office staff for details of prices.

For girls:

• Royal blue/gold/black pleated skirt

• Black skirt/pinafore dress or trousers. (not leggings)

• White blouse or polo shirt

• Royal Blue hoodie, sweatshirt or cardigan (with logo available from school office)

• Plain black polishable shoes

For boys:

• Black trousers.

• White polo shirt

• Royal blue hoodie/sweatshirt with school logo (with logo available from school office)

• Plain black polishable shoes

Reversible waterproof coats, with the school logo, which are suitable for boys and girls are also available. In the

summer time girls can wear blue and white checked dresses and boys can wear black shorts.

Shoes should be flat, plain black, polishable and appropriate for school. Please do not send your child to school in

shoes which prevent them from running in the playground. Your child should be in shoes which he or she can

manage to do up independently. High boots, high heeled shoes and /or strappy sandals are not suitable for wear at

school. In the interests of Health and Safety, tight skirts /dresses, sun dresses, sleeveless t-shirts and crop tops, are

not permitted.

For health and safety reasons children are not permitted to wear rings, hooped earrings, nose studs and eyebrow

rings at any time.

P.E. Kit

Children need a change of clothes and footwear for P.E for health and hygiene and a bag in which to keep the kit at

school during the week. Girls and boys wear:

-shirt or royal blue (with logo available from school office) – elasticated ones are essential for younger children

All school uniform and P.E. kit MUST be named. Children can become upset and much time can be wasted as a result

of lost clothing. Please help us by naming everything.

EYFS

As whole school uniform but children are permitted to wear black jogging bottoms for ease in EYFS.

School Meals

Children are well supervised during the midday break. School meals are cooked on the premises and it is hoped that

most children use this service provided for them. Children in Reception and Key Stage 1 (years 1 & 2) are eligible for

free school meals. Please ask at the office for further details.

Packed lunches

Packed lunches are permitted by prior arrangement with the head teacher but please note

that fizzy drinks, crisps, sweets and chocolate should not be included. One weeks’ notice is

required if children wish to change from a school meal to a packed lunch. Children who wish

to have packed lunch should be provided with a suitable plastic lunch box, clearly marked

with the child's name and class. Drinks should be in unbreakable containers.

School Milk

Milk is available for children in the infant departments and those eligible for FSM.

Fresh Fruit

Infant children are provided, free of charge, with a piece of fresh fruit each day as part of the National School Fruit

Scheme. Junior children can also purchase fruit or snack daily at a cost of 20p per piece.

Parental Involvement

At Moorside Primary School we believe that strong links between home and school extend the learning

opportunities available to our children. We have a Home / School Agreement which clearly sets out the

responsibilities of the school and those of parents. Parents are always welcome to come into school and work with

the children (subject to a CRB check). We are most appreciative of the voluntary help given by parents. We need

help in a variety of ways, playing educational games, helping with reading, assisting with displays and art work,

cooking and going on school visits, etc. If you are interested or would like more information please speak to our

office staff. We also have a parent group run by our Parent Support Advisor. They meet informally on a weekly

basis to discuss parents’ views and ideas on school development.

Homework

Homework plays an important role in actively involving you and other adults in your child's work and ongoing

development. Homework is set for all children regardless of ability. Tasks and the amount of time to be spent on

them will vary from child to child. Some children will require extra work to practice basic skills, others will require

work to extend their skills to a higher level. Parents are advised each September of the homework requirements for

their child’s year group. Homework tasks usually relate to English and mathematics work, including the development

of reading skills, the learning of spellings and tables or number facts. We ask you to listen to your child read regularly

at home and make a comment in the Home/School ‘Reading Record Book’.

Reading at home

Parental involvement with a child's reading at home is very important and greatly

contributes to a child’s progress and enjoyment. Within the first few weeks at school

your child will bring books home to share. He or she will choose one book a week to

bring home. Please talk about the pictures with your child and read this together.

After a little while your child will bring home a simple book to read at home. Please

talk with your child about the pictures in the book, and help your child to point to the

words as he or she reads. Give your child lots of praise and encouragement and try to ensure that reading

together is fun. Don’t spend too long reading, a short time each day is all that is needed. If your child is tired he or

she won’t want to read.

Parents will be invited to a meeting where teaching staff will explain the school’s approach to teaching reading and

offer you further advice on how to help at home. Book Bags with the school logo can be bought at the office to

ensure that books are protected on their way to and from school. If books are spoiled or lost we ask you to make a

contribution towards the cost of the replacement.

Home and School Working Together

The school sees itself as working in partnership with parents, to achieve the best possible results for the children.

We are always happy to talk to parents. If you have any concerns of wish to talk to your child’s Teacher or the Head

Teacher please come into school to arrange an appointment. We will be equally happy to talk with you on the

telephone. If you need to speak to a member of staff urgently please telephone or come into school either before

8.30 am or at the end of the day at 3.15 pm. We will try to ensure that any issues are resolved as quickly as possible.

There are a number of regular, formal contacts with parents. Parents of Nursery children spend the first session with

their child to familiarise themselves with staff and the building. Parents’ Evenings take place during the autumn and

Spring Terms. Reports are issued for all pupils annually during the Summer Term. Information meetings will also be

held advising parents how to help their child at home and how to prepare for the end of key stage, Year 2 and 6,

tests and assessments (SATS).

Individual parents will be contacted when the school has ‘good news’ to share about their child’s work or behaviour.

Conversely, if the school has concerns that a pupil is not achieving their full potential, parents will be informed and

their help sought.

Health, Safety & Security

Governors are committed to the highest possible standards of safety and security for all site users. Regular ‘Health

and Safety’ Inspections are undertaken and there is a strict security system in place for access to the school

premises. Pupils are closely supervised at all times. Please note we have a no mobile phone policy on site.

Car Parking

We do not have facilities for parents to park on school premises when taking children to and from school. The

exception is for parents collecting a sick child from school. Please consider the needs of local residents and others

when parking in front of the school. We appreciate your co-operation with this matter. Our Travel Plan encourages

children and their parents to walk to school.

Due to the constant flow of traffic into the car park by visitors and workers at the Children’s Centre, parents of

children attending our Foundation Unit must walk on the paths and not up through the car park.

Medical matters

If your child is ill, please keep him or her at home until well, or until your doctor advises a return to school. This is

particularly important in the case of infectious diseases. We ask all parents to provide us with an emergency contact

number so that you can be notified if your child becomes ill or has an accident during the school day. If we are

unable to contact parents and the child is in need of urgent medical attention, a member of the school staff will take

action on your behalf. A designated person is available in school to administer prescribed medication such as

inhalers and medicine. Please note that we are unable to administer ointments, eye and ear-drops or medicine

bought "over the counter." Parents should contact the school office if their child needs medication during the school

day so that the necessary written permission form can be completed. Medicines etc. should not be sent to school

with your child.

Theft and loss of property

The Local Authority is not legally responsible for any clothing or possessions brought to school by pupils and if lost

have no responsibility to replace them or grant financial compensation. Please bear this in mind when your child

asks to bring any personal items to school.

Charging for School Activities

The Education Reform Act 1988 states that education provided during school hours must be free of charge. The

school therefore does not charge for activities taking place in the school day.

However Parents are requested to make a voluntary contribution of a minimum of £1.00 each week to the School

Fund. This helps to pay for Educational Visits, Theatre Groups, cooking ingredients etc. From time to time, if school

funds are low, parents may be asked for a contribution towards the cost of a school visit. No child will be left out of

an activity because of his or her parents’ unwillingness or inability to contribute. Unfortunately it may be necessary

on occasions to cancel the proposed visit or activity if the school does not receive sufficient contributions to support

it. At Moorside Primary School the governing body has adopted the Durham Authority Policy for Charging for School

Activities. This policy is reviewed on an annual basis.

Visiting the school

We hope that you have found this brochure useful and that it has explained what the school has to offer.

We are always pleased to meet prospective and current parents. Please telephone the school office on 01207

509724 to make an appointment.