school prospectus 2016 2017...priory church academy ce (c): school prospectus 2016 - 2017 3 a...

Priory Church Academy CE (C): School Prospectus 2016 - 2017

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School Prospectus

2016 - 2017


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Contents Page Headteacher’s Welcome 3 Chair of Governors’ Welcome 4 Welcome from the pupils of Priory 5-6 Vision and Values 7 General School Information 8 Admissions 9 Governing Body 10 Staff 11 School Organisation 12 The School Day 13 The Curriculum 14-15 RRS and Behaviour 16-18 Attendance 19 Extended services & Link Club 20 School Meals 21 Additional Information 22-24

Safeguarding Access to documents Communication with parents Complaints procedure Child Protection Act Contact Health and Safety of children Insurance Medicines in school Injuries and Post-operation Care Property, Money and Valuables School Closure Friends of Priory School (FOPS) Parental help in school Useful Information – contact details Freedom of Information School Nurse Road safety

School Term Dates 2016 – 2017 25


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A welcome message from the Headteacher

Dear Parents/Carers, I would like to offer you a very warm welcome to our school. This is a wonderful school and I am very proud to be the Headteacher here.

Our children are very happy and enjoy coming to school because it is a safe and exciting place to be. Behaviour is exemplary and our children take pride in their work and their school. We are a Rights Respecting school and our children are fully involved in the designing and implementing of our school’s vision. We believe that all children have the right to learn and achieve in a safe, caring environment and that it is everybody’s collective responsibility to respect this right.

We have a distinctive Christian character which can be seen in our values based ethos of love and respect. Priory has close links with the local churches and Reverend Shaun leads weekly worship. Prayer and worship are integral parts of the school day. Our children enjoy opportunities for discussing faith and quiet reflection.

Our staff are fully committed to ensuring all children are well supported and make good progress across the curriculum. Priory has adopted the ‘Learning Challenge Curriculum’ and we aim to provide creative and inspiring lessons. Staff take into account the ideas and interests of our children so that they are fully engaged and motivated to learn. We ensure that speaking, listening and thinking skills are at the heart of all we do as we strive to develop confident, independent learners.

We are a rapidly improving school and our expectations are exceptionally high. Our mission is to be the best that we can be in all areas. Our over-arching aim is to ensure that every child’s experience at Priory has a positive and lasting impact on the rest of their lives.

Yours faithfully, Miss Pam Keen


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A welcome message from the Governors

On behalf of the Governors at Priory Primary School I would like to extend a very warm welcome to our school. This may be the first opportunity you have to discover all about us and I hope that you find the information in this prospectus helpful. Priory is a friendly, welcoming school with dedicated staff (both teaching and non-teaching) that are committed to the development of the school and the care of its pupils. We recognise and celebrate the personal achievements of all our pupils, welcome their individuality and enjoy helping them make the most of this important time in their formative years. We are proud of our school and its many achievements and we aspire to provide the very best education for our children in a safe, caring and vibrant learning environment within a Christian ethos of love and mutual respect. We offer a broad and balanced curriculum and aim for enjoyment in learning in order that our pupils can thrive and reach their potential. Visitors regularly comment on the welcoming, calm and well-disciplined atmosphere that prevails throughout the school. The Governing Body is part of the team responsible for the running of the school and comprises of parents, staff, community and local authority governors, all of whom possess a wealth of knowledge and experience and above all are supportive of the school and the Headteacher and the common aim to strive to be the best that we can be in every way. As a Parent Governor it is reassuring to know that our children are safe and cared for and are constantly encouraged to achieve to the best of their abilities, equipping them with the skills they need to enable them to become responsible, caring and independent individuals. We do hope that you choose Priory for your son or daughter and we look forward to welcoming you to the school in September. With very best wishes, Fiona Dumbelton Chair of Governors


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A welcome message from our pupils

Dear Families, Welcome to Priory. Our school is a friendly school that is always up for a challenge. The pupils at Priory always have a voice and a say towards school decisions. We have several groups and councils:

The Ambassadors

The School Council

The RRS Squad

The Worship Council

The E-Safety Council

Peer Mediators

Play Leaders & Friendship Buddies

Priory Prefects

Sports leaders

Our school is now a ‘good’ school with outstanding features. Behaviour is excellent and we have strong anti-bullying systems. Attendance and achievements have both risen a lot. We have a lovely team of staff who are always here to help. We trust them to help us with any problems-big or small. We also help each other as we are Play Leaders, Peer Mediators and Friendship Buddies. We are a Rights Respecting School and we think of others before ourselves. We have class charters that agree the way we should behave. We believe in rights rather than rules, our rights are:

to be safe and healthy

to take part in activities, play and rest

to any special care and support

to make important decisions

to develop our personality and talents

RRS awards are awarded every Friday. We have other rewards. Nursery pupils have smiley face sticker awards green, blue, yellow and red. From Reception and up we have merits which lead up to medals. We also have Super Class which wins pupils their class money to spend for their classroom or on a fun activity. The teachers award class dojos which allow parents to get notifications to see your child/children working hard. Our curriculum is decided with the children having their say about what they do for their homework. Children can learn a variety of instruments such as guitar, violin, clarinet and many more. We have ‘BAD’ learning which stands for basic, advancing and deep and your child can choose their own level. We learn about British values which are democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of faiths and beliefs. We have a lot of outdoor residential trips such as Stanley Head where you go in year 6. There are many different clubs in Priory for all different year groups e.g. computing, table tennis, animal care. At Priory we work very close with Trentham High school. Most terms we have a themed day where teachers pick activities to teach the classes about different subjects e.g. diversity. Children are allowed to make lots of decisions and have views on what we want for the school. We are a Christian school. We worship and pray every day and we have prayer and reflection areas. Our local Reverend comes in each week to lead worship and to teach us about the importance of God. We welcome everyone from across the globe regardless of belief or faith.


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We have many facilities such as two halls and a sports hall. Pupils have a new and exciting playground with play equipment that we chose. Everyone has access to a wide range of ICT such as IPads and interactive whiteboards. Children from year 1 and up have access to the school library and can take books home with permission from the librarians here at Priory. We have a number of animals including rabbits, guinea pigs, tortoise, snake, chickens, axolotls and Bruce the dog (the Boston terrier). If you have any questions please contact the Office and ask for an Ambassador to assist you. We all strive to be the best that we can be and we hope you choose to join us. Yours faithfully Priory Ambassadors


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Our Vision

At Priory everyone feels respected, valued and cherished.

Confidence, curiosity and courage are fundamental in the pursuit of personal achievement and lifelong learning.

We have an atmosphere of peace, harmony and inspiration that enables

everyone to develop their God given talents.

Equality and respect for individuality create a genuine voice for all and a shared commitment to be the best that we can be.

Our Values

Trust Optimism Gratitude Enthusiasm Thoughtfulness Honesty Enjoyment Respect

We uphold all Christian values but in particular we promote our TOGETHER values through lessons, behaviour management and worship. We encourage prayer and reflection. Classes pray before lunch and at the end of the day as a minimum.


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General Information

We provide education for pupils between the ages of 3 and 11 years.

The school is a Church of England (Controlled) school. This means that the school is under the control of the Local Authority (LA) but that it is able to offer a distinct Christian ethos. The school has strong links with Trentham and Hanford Parishes. Our school chaplain is Rev’d Shaun Morris. We believe we place the right emphasis on Christian values – placing the child and family at the centre of our work. The school is in the process of converting to an Academy. Our name will change in September to ‘Priory Church Academy’. We will part of a Multi Academy Trust (MAT). We are joining the City Learning Trust (CLT). Work with this trust already provides us with access to a range of resources and opportunities for pupil. It also ensures that staff at all levels have support and like-minded people to work with in order to develop best practice. As a trust we aim to provide ‘world class education’. The school provides education in purpose built premises occupying an excellent site to the south of the city. The school is positioned close to major road networks, being situated close to the junction of the A34/A500/A50. The school has extremely generous and well maintained grounds. On site is the Trentford Children’s Centre, which offers free support and classes to parents of children from age 0 to 5. Currently the school provides:

15 Classrooms – all fitted out with IT facilities including internet access, laptops and interactive whiteboards

Two Halls

A beautiful and well-resourced library

Separate playgrounds for younger/older children equipped with outdoor play equipment

A 52 place Nursery

A Sports Hall with full changing facilities including showers

A purpose built ‘Foundation Unit’ that includes provision for Nursery and Reception children in a self-contained, secure environment

Extensive playing fields and sports areas. We believe our school grounds are some of the best of any school in Stoke-on-Trent.

We are a fully extended school which means that we provide all aspects of the core service as defined by the Government. This includes:

Wrap around care – Link Club. This is a school run organisation that provides before and after school care at affordable prices. Link Club operates holiday clubs which are open most days of the year. The school works closely with Link Club and believes it offers an excellent service to parents / carers.

Study support – We provide additional support for children’s learning outside of school hours. We have been awarded the “Activemark” – a national award that recognises our work in supporting physical well-being.

Community access – many groups use our school’s facilities in the evenings and at weekends. A number of these groups promote physical well-being

Parenting support - we hold regular meetings with parents to explain what work children are doing in school, how they are taught and what parents may do to support learning at home.

Swift and easy referral – we provide access to the school nurse, educational officers and a range of other professional services.


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Admissions

The school has an agreed admission number of 60 per year group, with a 52 place Nursery. For application forms for years 1 to 6, parents are asked to contact the school office in the first instance. The Admissions team at Stoke on Trent City Council should be contacted on 01782 236867/ 233232 or www.stoke.gov.uk/admissions for applications to Nursery and Reception. They can also offer general information and guidance about admissions.

Admissions Policy Priory follows the Local Authority’s admission policy. Where the number of applications exceeds the number of places available the following criteria will be applied.

a) Pupils in the care of the Local Authority or provided with accommodation by the authority as defined by Section 22 of the Children act 1989

b) Pupils living within the catchment area of the school who have an older brother or sister in attendance at the school at the time of admission.

c) Other pupils living within the catchment area. d) Pupils living outside the catchment area of the school who have an older brother or sister in attendance at the

school. e) Other pupils living outside the catchment area.

Children with a statement for Special Educational Needs will be given priority, as will Looked After Children (Children In Care).

If priorities have to be decided within any of these categories, children will be placed in order of priority using distance from their home to the main gate of the school as measured by the nearest practical walking route.

Nursery Admissions

Priory also provides 52 full time Nursery places. Places to our Nursery are allocated by the Local Authority. Parents are asked to contact Admissions on 01782 236867/233232 or www.stoke.gov.uk/admissions for an admission form to Nursery or Reception.

Where the number of applications exceeds the number of Nursery places available the following criteria will be used to allocate places.

a) Children in the care of the Local Authority. b) Children who have an older brother or sister in attendance at the school at the time of admission. c) Others in priority order depending on how near their home address is to the main gate of the setting as the

crow flies*

*Nursery places will be given firstly to children living in the City of Stoke on Trent. Only when these children have a place will children living outside the City of Stoke on Trent be considered.

Please note that Reception class admissions are an entirely separate process from Nursery admissions. Attendance to our Nursery DOES NOT guarantee your child a place in the Reception class.

http://www.stoke.gov.uk/admissions

http://www.stoke.gov.uk/admissions


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Our Governing Body Chair of Governors Mrs F. Dumbelton (Parent Governor) Vice Chair of Governors Rev S Morris (Foundation Governor) Community Governor Mr W Pearce Parent Governor Mrs V. Bardon Headteacher Miss P. Keen Foundation Governor Mrs S Thomas Clerk to the Governors Sandra White (City Learning Trust)

Our Leaders and Teachers Headteacher Miss P. Keen Deputy Headteacher & Year 2 Teacher Mrs A. Washington Assistant Headteacher & Year 3 Teacher Mrs J. Cunliffe Assistant Headteacher & Year 6 Teacher Mr L. Facey Early Years Leader & Nursery Teacher Mrs E. Woolliscroft Reception Teacher Mrs A. Bache Reception Teacher Mrs K. Hague Year 1 Teacher Mr T. Washington Year 1 Teacher Miss A. Burton Year 2 Teacher Mr S. Rogers Year 3 Teacher Mr M. Beattie Year 4 Teacher Mr J. Aked Year 4 Teacher Mr R. Pattison Year 5 Teacher Mr A. Bradshaw Year 5 Teacher Mrs J. Clarke Year 6 Teacher Mrs R. Davies


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Our Support Staff Home School Link Worker and Assistant SENCO Mrs J. Tindall Learning Mentor Mrs E. Derbyshire Display and Learning Resources Mrs C. Lovatt Early Years Practitioners Mrs A. Rowson Mrs M. Seiver Mrs J. Greensmith Mrs G. Brown Senior Teaching Assistants Mrs J. Hart Mrs A. Cooper Mrs J. Harold Mrs S. Snape Mrs K. Forrester Teaching Assistants

Mrs Z. Turner-Wemyss Mrs L. Mitchell Mrs L. Holmes Mrs C. Pollock Mrs D. Cordall Learning Support Practitioners

Mrs C. Anckaert Mrs C. Tuck Mrs M. Coates Mrs Z. Adderley Office Staff Mrs C. Hawkesworth Mrs L. Sutton Mrs E. Barker Mrs E. Knight Mrs S. Lovatt Link Club Mangers: Mrs G. Walley and Mrs N. Davies Miss S. Mountford Mrs M. Stone Mrs L. Mitchell Miss H. Morgan Lunchtime Supervisors Mrs S. Lovatt Mrs S. Harris Mrs E. Alici Mrs R. Wilson Mrs E. Sireno Mrs D. Kennedy Mrs S. Cotton Miss S. Brammer Miss S. Burgess Miss T. Pritchard Mrs C. Cope Mrs J. Lee Site Staff

Mr G. Taylor Mrs A. Chidlow Cleaners

Mrs G. Young Mrs A. Chidlow Miss T. Pritchard Miss L. Barker Miss L. Knowles


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Organisation of the School There are seven year groups in the school plus Nursery. They are divided into four Phases and each Phase is managed by a Senior Leader.

Mrs Woolliscroft: Early Years Foundation Stage - Nursery and Reception children (age 3 – 5 years).

Mrs Washington: Key Stage 1 - Year 1 (age 5 – 6 years) and Year 2 (age 6 – 7 years).

Mrs Cunliffe: Lower Key Stage 2 - Year 3 (age 7 – 8 years) and Year 4 (age 8 – 9 years).

Mr Facey: Upper Key Stage 2 - Year 5 (age 9 – 10 years) and Year 6 (age 10 – 11 years). Children are taught in mixed ability classes under the direction of their class teacher, assisted by support staff. The class teacher has pastoral care for the class and will always be ready to see you to discuss any problems or difficulties. If you need to see your child’s teacher, please call the school office, send a message to them via Dojo or see them at the start or end of the day to arrange a convenient time.

Our Classes

Nursery

Super Squirrels Bouncy Badgers Remarkable Rabbits Happy Hedgehogs

Reception

Rocking Robins Sparkling Sparrows

Year 1 Year 2

Magnificent Maples Wonderful Willows Brilliant Beeches Outstanding Oaks

Year 3 Year 4

Downing Street Trafalgar Waterloo Park Lane

Year 5 Year 6

Wembley Wimbledon Piccadilly Paddington

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Our School Day We ask that children be on site no more than 10 minutes before the start of the school day which starts at 8:50 a.m. Our doors are open for pupils from 8:45 a.m. Excluding registration, worship, break-times and lunchtimes, pupils in Key Stage 1 work for 4 hours 30 minutes per day, or 22 hours 30 minutes per week. Pupils in Key Stage 2 work for 4 hours 45 minutes per day, or 23 hours 45 minutes per week. Additionally we believe the time in worship/assembly provides educational instruction. At present children in Key Stage 2 start and finish at slightly different times to the younger children.

From To Nursery

8.55 9.15 Self-registration and settling in

9.15 9.30 Learning Input

9.30 11.15 Guided Groups and Child initiated learning

11.15 11.35 Daily Maths/Phonics

11.45 12.50 Lunch

12.50 1.10 Phonics/Daily maths


2.45 3.00 Story and song time

From To Reception

8.50 9.05 Self-registration/signing in

9.05 9.25 Worship

9.25 9.40 Learning Input


11.15 11.35 Phonics

12.00 1.00 Lunch

1.00 1.15 Daily Maths


2.55 3.10 Story and song time

From To Key Stage 1

8.50 9.05 Busy Bee Time Maths/English

9.05 9.25 Worship

9.25 10.20 English

10.20 10.45 Phonics

10.45 11.00 Playtime

11.00 12.00 Maths

12.00 1.00 Lunch

1.00 1.25 Guided Reading

1.25 3.10 Creative Curriculum

From To Key Stage 2

8.50 9.05 Busy Bee Time Maths/English

9.05 9.25 Worship

9.25 10.35 Maths

10.35 10.50 Playtime

10.50 11.15 Phonics/SPAG

11.15 12.10 English

12.10 1.00 Lunch

1.00 1.25 Guided Reading

1.25 3.15 Creative Curriculum


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Teaching and Learning in the Early Years

When teaching we focus on motivating the children and building on their skills, knowledge and understanding. We have adopted a creative approach to the curriculum and we ensure it is broad, balanced and exciting. We make links across the curriculum and to life wherever possible as we believe this deepens the children’s level of learning. We use the Revised Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum (Development Matters) as appropriate, to guide our teaching. These documents set out the aims and objectives for each Phase and provide details regarding what is to be taught. The Revised EYFS (2012) is broken down into areas of development. There are two main sections of the curriculum, the “Prime” areas and the “Specific” areas. The Prime areas are fundamental and work together to support development in all other areas. The Specific Areas of development include essential skills and knowledge for children to participate successfully in society.

The Prime areas of development are:

Personal, social and emotional development

o Making relationships o Self care and self awareness o Managing feelings and

behaviour Physical Development

o Moving and handling o Health and self care

Communication and language o Listening and attention o Understanding o Speaking

The Specific areas of development are English

o Reading o Writing

Mathematics o Number o Shape, space and measure

Understanding the world o People and communities o The world o Technology

Expressive arts and design o Exploring and using media

and materials o Being imaginative

Working alongside the Early Years Curriculum, in the EY’s we are interested in the ways in which the children engage with other people and their environment – playing and exploring, active learning, and creating and thinking critically. These are the characteristics of learning and underpin learning and development across all areas. We use what we know about the learning styles of our children to support them and help them to remain effective and motivated learners.

Teaching and Learning in Key Stage 1 and 2 We aim to develop each and every pupil to ‘Be The Best That They Can Be.’ To do this, we teach a broad and balanced challenge based curriculum. The basic classroom curriculum for all schools is comprised of two main elements: The National Curriculum and Religious Education (agreed locally).

Our curriculum has to take into account the principles of

Breadth – It should introduce children to a wide range of knowledge, skills and understanding.

Balance – Each subject of the curriculum should have sufficient time to make its special contribution.

Relevance – Subjects should be taught so as to draw on, and show applications to, the child’s own life experience.

Differentiation – What we teach, and how it is taught, must be planned to extend each child’s ability


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English is taught daily and there are strong links to the rest of the curriculum. Reading and Phonics are taught discreetly and systematically throughout the school, including in the Early Years. Mathematics is taught daily are links are made to the rest of the curriculum where appropriate. Opportunities to apply English and Maths skills are maximised throughout the curriculum. Music Tuition Opportunities are available for children in Key Stage 2 to learn to play the violin, cello, woodwind, guitar or brass instruments. Weekly lessons are provided by peripatetic music teachers and the children are prepared for national music exams where appropriate. They may also join the various training organisations after school. There is a small charge levied by the L.A. to cover the cost of insurance for the instrument and the tuition fee is payable by parents/carers. For further information contact the school office. There is also a £40 termly fee, which covers the cost of the

specialist teacher who provides expert guidance to very small groups of pupils with a similar ability. Fees are non- refundable if the pupil is absent for a session, as the teacher will still attend. Pupils who qualify for Pupil Premium funding, (Free School Meals), may qualify for a reduction in cost. Please contact the school office for further information.

Special Educational Needs All children are continually assessed to confirm whether the progress they are making is good. If a child needs additional support due to either a specific learning difficulty or a physical or emotional difficulty, an Individual Educational Programme of work is agreed for the child where appropriate. This programme will be coordinated by the Special Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) who will liaise closely with parents, school staff and the Local Authority’s Special Needs Service. Help may be called in from the Special Educational Needs Support Service (S.E.N.S.S.). If necessary, the Educational Psychologist can be called on for advice. We work closely with parents/carers and will consult and involve parents / carers at all times. The assessment process may also identify pupils who demonstrate exceptional talent. The school will work with the Local Authority to establish programmes of study where appropriate. Educational visits Educational visits to places of interest relating to the Curriculum play an important part in our teaching. We believe that visits should be exciting and should provide a valuable learning experience. We ask parents to contribute towards the cost in order to make the visits possible. This may include contributions towards visiting theatre companies/artists that may take place in school. If we do not receive at least 80% of the costs, the events will unfortunately have to be cancelled. In cases of hardship we may subsidise costs. You are always advised when an educational visit will be taking place, and have the right to withdraw your child from such visits if there is a valid reason to do so. We always use reputable local coach firms. All the coaches we use have seat belts. We have insurance cover for all our visits. Rigorous Risk Assessments are always carried out prior to the trip. In Year 6, a weeklong residential visit is made to an Outdoor Education Centre (currently Stanley Head). Pupils are accompanied by staff from the Priory along with Centre staff.


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Rights Respecting Schools (RRS) We have achieved Level 1 of the UNICEF ‘Rights Respecting School Award’ and are working towards Level 2. As part of this all children are familiar with the UN Convention on the rights of the child. These rights and the responsibilities that accompany them are reflected throughout the school.

Our Rights (and responsibilities)

We all have the right to be safe and healthy (To share ideas and listen to others)

We all have the right to join in lots of activities, play and relax (To be kind, caring and

supportive)

We all have the right to any special care and support we need (To look after ourselves, each other and our school)

We all have the right to develop our own personality and talents (To always try hard and

encourage each other to be the best that we can be)

We all have the right to help make important decisions (To take part, play fair and include others)

Children will explore the responsibilities that accompany these rights. For instance, if we all have the right to be safe and healthy it is everyone’s responsibility to: keep the environment tidy, care for others, promote healthy eating, use water appropriately.

Our Behaviour System

Merits and Positive Dojos: Reception to Year 6 We recommend that parents sign up to Class Dojo. You will receive up to date information regarding merits and warnings along with positive and negative Dojos. You may also use this system for communicating with the class teacher.

We want the children to have a sense of achievement and to understand that they receive rewards for being responsible and respectful members of our school. Individual merits and positive Dojos are given to children for a range of positive behaviours, including behaviour for learning. As children collect merits they advance through the school’s merit system. Children can earn a medal at the end of the academic year if they progress through the merit system.

http://www.google.co.uk/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=0Fi2TbNx2RANdM&tbnid=hJXEZqmY-wUTbM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http://www.harrowway.hants.sch.uk/about-us/unicef-rights-respecting-school&ei=D0iwU6z6IqeU0AWgtoHYAw&bvm=bv.69837884,d.ZWU&psig=AFQjCNEIPoITb4FAGOJpF5q5TQZpMmKdQQ&ust=1404148104487334


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1st Bronze 20 merits (presented in class) 1st Silver 20 merits (name read out in assembly, presented in class) 1st Gold 30 merits (presented in assembly) 1st Platinum 30 merits (presented in assembly – parents invited) 2nd Bronze 20 merits (presented in class) 2nd Silver 20 merits (name read out in assembly, presented in class) 2nd Gold 30 merits (presented in assembly) 2nd Platinum 30 merits (presented in assembly along with a medal – parents invited)

Smiley Stickers and Positive Dojos: Nursery In Nursery when children display positive behaviour, are kind, use their manners or share fairly they are rewarded with a ‘smiley face sticker’. Nursery also add a positive Dojo to show parents a ‘smiley face sticker’ has been awarded. As the children collect smiley face stickers they progress through the system.

Yellow Smiley Face Award – 15 stickers (presented in assembly – parents invited) Red Smiley Face Award – 15 stickers (presented in assembly – parents invited) Blue Smiley Face Award – 15 stickers (presented in assembly – parents invited) Green Smiley Face Award – 15 stickers (presented in assembly – parents invited)

Other Rewards Classes from Reception to Year 6 also work together to receive Super Class rewards. To earn a Super Class letter each week the class has to meet their target for the number of warnings. Each time they achieve all the letters they receive money to plan their own treat e.g. a barbeque or a visit from the ice cream van. Every half term two pupils from each class will receive a Progress Award for making a concerted effort to improve or maintain a high standard. Lining up stickers are awarded to the best classes from Year 1 to Year 6 each day. When a class has received 10 stickers they choose a class reward e.g. games or a DVD. Children are often sent to the headteacher for good work, improving behaviour or for excelling in another way e.g. being kind. Children will be selected each term and invited to afternoon tea with the Headteacher. Warning/Consequence System: Reception to Year 6 Whilst we will continue to emphasise the positive aspects of behaviour we do recognise the need to deal with pupils who for one reason or another, need reminding to respect the rights


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of others. This is dealt with in a non-punitive manner and we use our consequence system to support children and set them on the right course. Children may receive a warning or a negative Dojo.

The first time a child needs reminding: 1st warning = verbal, no additional consequences.

Second time: 2nd warning = child works on a different table/on their own for 10 minutes, then goes back to their own table.

Third time: 3rd warning = child goes to a Senior Leader and takes work for the rest of that lesson.

Fourth time: 4th warning = to Head/Deputy who advises that if they continue then parents will be informed.

Fifth time: 5th warning = parents informed. In the event that a child is severely disruptive or involved in a serious incident they will be sent immediately to the Headteacher.

Every day is a new start in our consequence system. Consequence System: Nursery Nursery children are given half a term to settle in before the consequence system is introduced. Staff spend lots of time teaching and explaining expectations for behaviour. They use teaching opportunities to explain about rights and responsibilities. When a child is not adhering to their responsibilities staff teach them that their actions have consequences. Children will use the ‘thinking chair’ for three to four minutes ‘time out’ to allow a child to think about their actions.

First time a child needs reminding about their behaviour they are spoken to about their actions, no additional consequences.

Second time, the child sits on the thinking chair for three to four minutes and the practitioners talk to the children about their behaviour.

Third time, the child sits on a thinking chair in the other nursery classroom and is spoken to about their behaviour.

Fourth time the child spends three to four minutes in a Reception Classroom.

Fifth time the child is taken to speak to the Headteacher. Parents are informed each time a child spends time on the thinking chair and staff keep records to spot any patterns in behaviour. In the event that a child is severely disruptive or involved in a serious incident they will be sent immediately to the Headteacher.

Every day is a new start in our consequence system


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Attendance The school places high value on full attendance, believing that achievement, attendance and motivation are all closely linked. If your child is absent you should contact the school office by 9:30 a.m. on the first day of absence. Absences may be reported in person, via telephone call or via text message using the School Gateway app. You must not use the Class Dojo system to report absences. Both attendance and lateness are monitored closely. Should the school have cause for concern, parents are contacted in the first instance by the class teacher and then, if necessary, by the Headteacher. Parents do not have the right to remove children from school for holidays in term time. The law is clear in that parents have a responsibility to make sure that their children attend school. Parents are asked to take annual holidays during school holidays. The school cannot authorise absences for holidays taken in term time. The Headteacher of the school can, if she thinks it appropriate, authorise up to ten days absence during any one academic year in exceptional circumstances. Parents who request approval for absences will be expected to provide the school with evidence of the exceptional circumstances. Only in approved cases will the absence then be recorded as “authorised”. All other absences will be recorded as “unauthorised”. A request form may be obtained from the school office. Holidays for Nursery children will be authorised as this is non-compulsory school age. Absence includes sickness as well as holidays. A list of term dates for the forthcoming academic year is enclosed with this prospectus.

Dropping off/collection from school. Children may not leave school early unless prior notice has been given. Pupils who have permission to leave before the end of the school day, must be collected from the school office where they must be signed out of the building. If your child is to be collected by another adult please advise the school office or class teacher. Children will only be released to known adults. Children from Year Nursery to Year 2 must be picked up from school by an adult with parental responsibility or a named adult as arranged with school. In exceptional circumstances these children may be picked up by a 16 or 17 year old sibling. Children in Year 3 and Year 4 may be picked up by older siblings of high school age, but should not walk home alone. Children in Year 5 and Year 6 may walk home alone. Please also ensure that if the person picking up is different to normal, the school is aware of this fact. Children should not be dropped at school and left unattended before 8:40am in Key Stage 2, and should never be left unattended in Key Stage 1 or Foundation Stage. If children are dropped off any earlier than this time, the school will place the child in Link Club and parents will be charged at the usual rate. Similarly, if parents are consistently late in picking their child up from school, the child will be sent to Link Club and parents charged accordingly.


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Extended Services Before and After School Club & Holiday Club (Link Club) Link Club provides wrap-around care from 7.30am to 6pm for 50 weeks of the year. The club is situated in the school grounds, with extensive outdoor play facilities. Link Club is managed by Gemma Walley and Nicola Dixon They are both highly trained and experienced in children’s care. The prices are fair and competitive in comparison with other local providers. The club provides high-quality out-of-school-hours activities to enable working parents to leave their children in good hands before and after school, and all day throughout the holidays. Healthy breakfast choices are provided as part of the price, as are after-school snacks. Link Club is closed in the last week of August, and over the Christmas holiday. Information regarding fees is available from the school office and on the school website http://www.prioryceprimary.org.uk/?page_id=65

Out-of-School Activities and Clubs A range of out-of-school activities are available. Some of these are run by the school, others by private organisations who hire our facilities. Information regarding current activities is available from the school office and on the school website http://www.prioryceprimary.org.uk/?page_id=51. Our school tries to support the wider community and we offer a range of clubs/activities for parents – usually in the evenings. The Trentford Children’s Centre runs various classes for parents of children aged 0 – 5. Lists of classes are sent out periodically and are available upon request from the Children’s Centre.

http://www.prioryceprimary.org.uk/?page_id=65

http://www.prioryceprimary.org.uk/?page_id=51.


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School Meals

We are a ‘healthy eating school’

The school has an on-site kitchen that provides a range of excellent meals including vegetarian options and can cater for children with specific dietary requirements. If your child requires a special diet please contact the school office as soon as possible.

For children in Nursery, the cost of a school meal is currently £1.80 per day. For children in years 3 to 6 (Key Stage 2), the cost of a school meal is currently £2.20 per day.

Free school meals are available to all pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2, regardless of family income. Registration forms for infant free school meals are available from the school office or our website http://www.prioryceprimary.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Infant-Free-School-Meals.pdf you must register your child to claim the free school meals.

Payment is made at the beginning of each week on Monday morning by cash or cheque made payable to ‘Priory C of E Primary School’. Payment for the whole term is also possible and is encouraged for ease of administration.

Free school meals are available for those children in Nursery and Key Stage 2 whose parents are in receipt of one of the following:

Income Support or

Income-based Job Seekers Allowance

The guaranteed element of Pension Credit

Child Tax Credit (providing you do not receive Working Tax Credit) and have an annual income of £16,190 or less.

Supported by NASS as an asylum seeker

Income related Employment Support Allowance.

Claim forms for free school meals are available from the school office or our website: http://www.prioryceprimary.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Free-School-Meals.pdf You can also contact the Free School Meals Team at the Local Authority on 01782 236813 for assistance.

Children are also able to bring a packed lunch. We request that pupils who bring sandwiches do not include carbonated drinks or sweets/chocolate as part of their meal and that parents support our ‘healthy eating’ agenda. Please send your child’s packed lunch in a plastic container/box labelled with the child’s name and class. Please do not include any drinks in glass bottles or cans.

Requests for changes between school meals and sandwiches can be made at the beginning of each week.

Snacks Children are not allowed to bring sweet biscuits, chocolate bars, crisps etc for a break-time snack, but may bring healthy snacks (e.g. fruit). Key Stage 1 and Foundation Stage children receive a free piece of fruit each day. Children under 5 also receive free milk. Key Stage 2 children can buy healthy snacks from the school kitchen at morning break.

School Uniform

Please read the enclosed policy regarding school uniform. Items with our logo our only sold at school so that we can ensure the quality and reasonable cost of the items. Please complete an order form and the office will organise the items you have requested.

http://www.prioryceprimary.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Infant-Free-School-Meals.pdf

http://www.prioryceprimary.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/Free-School-Meals.pdf


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Additional Information

SAFEGUARDING We are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Related policies are available on our website.

Access to documents Copies of all documents to which parents have access may be obtained upon request to the Headteacher or school office.

Communication with Parents At Priory we use Schoolcomms, an electronic school communication system. The system enables you to receive all your information from school quickly and reliably. We send letters via email and short messages directly to your mobile phone in the form of a text message, or if you have an Apple or Android mobile phone, by “School Gateway” app message.

Complaints We hope that most complaints can be dealt with informally by discussion with staff or the Head Teacher. If you wish to bring something to the attention of the Governing Body please contact the Parent Governors via the school. There is a school and LA procedure to be followed if informal means do not succeed. A copy of this procedure is available on the website and can be obtained on request.

Child Protection Act It is declared School Policy that if a child is suspected of having suffered abuse (including physical and/or sexual abuse, emotional abuse or neglect), the appropriate authorities will be notified immediately. Miss Keen, the Headteacher, is the Designated Senior Person responsible for overseeing child protection issues and any matters of concern should be reported to her.

Contact

If a child becomes unwell at school or has an accident we may need to contact parents/carers urgently so we ask that you provide us with necessary details/telephone numbers and keep us informed of any changes to contact numbers. Our telephone system is part of the Local Authority network and as such phones which operate with call barring may not accept calls from our system. Please contact your service provider to arrange for calls to be accepted from our telephone number 01782 233585.

Health and Safety of children In line with recent Government legislation smoking/vaping are not allowed anywhere on the school site. This includes all the grounds, playing fields, entrances, driveways and buildings. We are always concerned about the safety of your children in our care. Your cooperation in the following is vital for the health and safety of the whole school community and we thank you for your understanding.

Dogs are not allowed within the school grounds (with the exception of guide dogs/hearing dogs/SRD dogs and our school dog)

Please do not park on the yellow zig-zag lines outside the school. These now include an official ‘No Waiting’ area. Waiting is illegal on these lines before and after school.

Please do not mount the pavements when parking, as this makes pushing a buggy difficult for parents.

Please try not to inconvenience neighbours of the school when parking.


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Insurance Children are insured for personal injury or accident whilst carrying out school activities on school premises. Insurance cover is taken out against injury whilst on a school trip.

Medicines in School If your child needs to take any prescribed medication whilst in school, for either a short or long term illness, please complete a permission form, obtainable from the school office. School staff cannot administer any medication without a signed permission slip. The permission form also confirms the correct dosage to be given. All medicines should be given to your child’s class teacher or to the school office and must not be left in children’s bags. Please ensure that all medicines, including inhalers are marked with the child’s name and class. In certain circumstances it may be necessary for a parent to visit school to administer medicine to their child. For further information please see our First Aid Policy.

Injuries and Post Operation Care If your child needs to return to school, but requires special care due to an injury or post-operative care we will need to complete a Risk Assessment with you before they return. Please contact the office to arrange a convenient time to meet with Mrs Tindall to complete one.

Property, Money and Valuables Parents are advised that neither the Local authority nor the school can accept liability for the loss of or damage to personal property whilst on or left at the school/school site. In order to prevent against loss, please could we ask that:

Children are not allowed to bring valuables to school.

All personal property is clearly marked and identifiable.

Money brought into school is in a marked envelope and given to class teachers as soon as is practicable.

School Closure If we need to close the school due to the weather we will contact Signal Radio and Radio Stoke immediately. The radio stations will announce the closure and it will be added to Signal’s website. This is the quickest and most reliable means of communication and the one you should rely on.

We will add the closure to the Stoke on Trent School Closure Notification website,

www.stokeschoolclosures.org.uk/ We will also send a message via Schoolcomms email/text/app message and we will update our school Facebook page and website. The decision to close the school will depend on conditions at school, conditions on the roads and the number of staff who can get to school, as some of our teachers live a considerable distance away. It is not an easy decision to make as the severity of the weather and the conditions on the road are not always predictable and it is not a decision I take lightly. Our main concern is always the safety of pupils, parents and staff. We aim to make the decision in good time and to avoid closing the school part way through the day but sometimes this might be necessary due to conditions worsening throughout the day. In this event we will publicise the closure in the same way and allow you time to collect your children. It is helpful if you don’t phone the school unless you have a problem collecting your child/children as the phone line becomes jammed easily and we are then unable to call the parents who do not use Parent Mail.

http://www.stokeschoolclosures.org.uk/


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Friends of Priory School (Parent and Teacher Association – PTA) The Friends of Priory School (FOPS) raise extra funds for school and provide enjoyable activities for children and parents. Their support is invaluable and greatly enhances the educational experiences of all children at Priory. The committee meet regularly and would welcome newcomers to the group.

Parental help in the school Many parents help in school. Some support lessons or help with making resources. Others accompany children to swimming lessons or sporting events. A form is available on request if you can offer any help. New legislation requires schools to have all volunteer helpers registered with the LA and to complete a Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) form. You will be asked to complete a registration form in school. You will also be provided documents relating to safeguarding, a policy and a code of conduct.

Useful Information The school is administered by Stoke-on-Trent L.A., Civic Centre, Glebe Street, Stoke-on-Trent. ST4 1BR. The Chair of Governors, Fiona Dumbelton, may be contacted via school. Please see below for details. The Headteacher, Miss Pam Keen may be contacted at school, the full address is: Priory C.E. (C) Primary School, Jubilee Road, Trentham, Stoke-on-Trent. ST4 8EF. Tel: 01782 233585. Email: [email protected] Our website is kept up to date and contains many of our policies along with a range of useful information, including resources to help you to support your child’s learning. www.prioryceprimary.org.uk

Freedom of Information Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000 we have a responsibility to make information available to the public. A copy of the Governing body Statement on Freedom of Information is available from the office on request. Basic information about your child is kept on computer. You will be asked to check this for accuracy. We are registered under the Data Protection Act.

School Nurses The school nurses visit the school regularly. All children of Reception and Year 6 age will be offered the opportunity to be weighed and measured as part of a national programme. You will receive a letter to your home address with the results and may be contacted with the offer of additional support, if required. The nurses can provide information, advice and support on health issues to parents, children and teachers. You can contact the school Nurse at any time via the school office or directly through the Central Referral Hub on 0300 124 0362 or via email: [email protected]. Further information is provided in the leaflet “Our Health 5-19”. Please contact the school office or visit our website www.prioryceprimary.org.uk for a copy.

Road Safety Our Crossing Warden operates on New Inn Lane. As far as possible we encourage parents to walk their children to school, but if parents drive we ask that parking is considerate and that it avoids zig-zagged areas. We also request that cars do not mount the kerb when parking so that wheelchair and buggy access is not restricted.

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.prioryceprimary.org.uk/

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.prioryceprimary.org.uk/


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Autumn Term 2016

Staff Training in School Monday 5th September

School open (for pupils) Tuesday 6th September

Half Term Monday 24th October to Friday 28th October Staff Training Monday 31st October School Open Tuesday 1th November

End of Term Friday 16th December

Spring Term 2017

Staff Training Tuesday 3rd January School Open Wednesday 4th January

Half Term Monday 20th February to Friday 24th February (inclusive)

End of Term Friday 7th April

Summer Term 2017

Staff Training Monday 24th April School Open Tuesday 25th April

May Day Monday 1st May

Half Term Monday 29th May to Friday 2nd June (inclusive)

End of Term Thursday 20th July Staff Training in School Friday 21st July

*****Please keep this list for reference through the year*****

Term Dates 2016 – 2017

school prospectus 2016 2017...priory church academy ce (c): school prospectus 2016 - 2017 3 a...

Documents