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Parent's Handbook |
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SECTION
1
GENERAL INFORMATION
1.1 Principles to Which We Work
1.11
Parking in
SECTION
2
PUPIL ABSENCE AND HEALTH
SECTION
3
SCHOOL CLOTHING
3.4
Non-Participating in Games or P.E.
3.5
Kit Bags and Painting Aprons
SECTION
4
SCHOOL LUNCH TIMES
SECTION
5
THE CURRICULUM
5.6 Behaviour Policy and School Rules
SECTION 6
CLASS MOVEMENTS AND SCHOOL HOLIDAYS
6.2 Holidays and Training Days
SECTION
7
PUPIL VISITS
7.2 Transportation by Private Car
7.3 Insurance of Pupils in School and on Visits
7.5 Expensive Personal Effects
7.7
Extra-Curricular Activities
SECTION
8
SAFETY AND HEALTH EDUCATION
SECTION 9
OTHER SCHOOL ORGANISATIONS
9.3 Governors’ Minutes and Policies
9.4 The Friends of St Margaret’s School
SECTION
10
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
ST MARGARET’S
Telephone
:
01903) 785416
Fax
:
(01903) 850749
Website
:
www.stmargaretsprimary.org.uk
Chairman
of Governors :
Mr Chris Snell
Vice-Chairman
: The Rev. Mark Standen
Headteacher
:
Mr David Boreham B.Sc (Econ), Dip Maths Ed, M.Ed.
Deputy
Headteacher : Mr David Milner-Smith B.Hum, PGCE
Assistant Headteacher : Mrs Paula Mack B.Ed.
Mrs Sarah Brooking B.Ed
School Address : Arundel Road
ANGMERING
Nr Littlehampton
BN16 4LP
Published January
2009
The history of St Margaret’s, previously known as the
“William Older Charity School” dates back to 1680.
We are delighted that your child will be joining us and will help to
extend education in the
The William Older Charity
School was founded by William Older, a local farmer, who lived in Angmering
and died over 300 years ago. He
was keen to see education flourish and left a sum of money to buy a building
and to pay for a schoolmaster for the village needs.
The original building
gradually deteriorated and another local benefactor, Mr Gratwicke of Ham
Manor, paid for a new school. This
building, which is now the Public Library opposite the church, continued as a
school until after the Second World War. The
village then needed larger premises, and the present school was opened in
1965.
This booklet is written
specifically for parents and includes information which will help you and the
school to work in the best interests of your child in our important
partnership in education. Please
keep it in a safe place for easy reference, and please amend it as you are
informed of alterations in procedure and details whilst your child remains a
pupil with us at St Margaret’s.
This brochure also supplements
the School Prospectus which is issued to parents as they register their child
at the school. It should therefore
be read in conjunction with the School Prospectus and also the West Sussex
Information for Parents document.
1.1
PRINCIPLES TO WHICH WE WORK
To offer a secure, stimulating
and happy learning environment.
To instil an understanding and
respect of people from different backgrounds and ways of life.
To prepare pupils for life in
the wider community and to nurture their appreciation of the community and the environment in which we live.
To
encourage the growth of the child as an independent individual, by
fostering their own academic, physical and aesthetic abilities, and their
moral and spiritual development.
To
stimulate the child’s own awareness of his/her relationships within
the class, the school and the community as a whole, and to develop the
child’s facilities for working with, and cooperating with others.
To
provide a broad, balanced curriculum which offers continuity and
progression throughout the school and develops appropriate cross curricular
links.
To
match the work and the available resources to the ability of the child,
and to value each child for his/her own individuality.
To
give wide practical experience at all levels, ensuring pupils are given
opportunities to investigate for themselves, and to develop appropriate
problem solving skills.
1.2
WORKING TOGETHER
Our aims for teaching and learning are that all children will
achieve their potential in terms of academic and
practical achievement, physical development, aesthetic
appreciation and spiritual awareness within a framework promoting high moral standards.
Teachers work towards the school’s aims by :-
Parents work towards the school’s aims by :-
· Properly equipping children.
·
Ensuring their child attends regularly and punctually in good
health.
·
Supporting home/school and extra curricular activities.
·
Supporting the teachers in maintaining standards of behaviour.
· Informing teachers of matters which may affect the child’s happiness and behaviour in school.
·
Liaising with teachers at appropriate times.
·
Supporting and agreeing with the aims and ethos of the school.
·
Being realistic about their child’s ability and giving
encouragement and praise generously.
The above stresses the need for everyone to work together in partnership if our aims are to be achieved.
ST MARGARET’S
1.3
GOVERNORS
AT JANUARY 2009
NAME REPRESENTING EXPIRY OF TERM OF OFFICE
Mr C SNELL P.C.C. August 2010
RUSTINGTON
The Rev. M. STANDEN Incumbent Ex-officio
The Rectory
Rectory Lane
ANGMERING
Mr D BOREHAM
Opted In
Ex-Officio
Mrs C BROWN Local Education Authority
August 2010
Mr D MILNER-SMITH
Teacher August 2011
Mrs P ANSTY P.C.C.
August 2010
Mr J CLARKE P.C.C. August 2010
Vacancy P.C.C.
Mrs H SAUNDERS
P.C.C.
August 2010
Mr C CARY
Parents August 2010
Mrs S HEMSLEY
Parents August 2010
Mrs L SHARP Staff August 2010
Mr R SHARMAN
P.C.C.
August 2010
Mr M WESLEY
P.C.C.
August 2010
Mrs J HENDRY (Clerk)
c/o St Margaret’s
1.4
TEACHING STAFF (January
2009)
|
Mr David Boreham |
Headteacher |
Mrs Bev Jones |
|
Mr David Milner-Smith |
Deputy Headteacher |
Mrs Sarah Love |
|
Mrs Paula Mack |
Assistant Headteacher |
Mrs April Martin |
|
Mrs Sarah Brooking |
Assistant Headteacher |
Miss Kate Matthews |
|
Miss Janet Ayre |
|
Miss Alison Mill |
|
Mrs Paula Bray |
|
Miss Natalie Neylon |
|
Miss Tracey Keates |
|
Mrs Eileen Opie |
|
Mrs Val Cross |
|
Mrs Gemma Peck |
|
Ms Mary Dark |
|
Mrs Catherine Reene |
|
Mrs Hilary Edwards |
|
Mrs Suzanne Romney |
|
Mrs Diane Evans |
|
Mr Ivan Shergold |
|
Miss Vikki Silverlock |
|
Ms Kerry-ann Willing |
|
Miss Ruth Wilson |
|
|
NON-TEACHING STAFF (Main Post)
|
Mrs A Ayre Bursar Mrs K Glossop Clerical Assistant Mrs J Hendry Recep/Clerical Assist. Mrs F Russell Recep/Clerical Assist. Mrs J Smith Recep/Clerical Assist. Mrs M Gent Premises Manager Miss N Coomber Cleaner Miss S Coomber Cleaner Mrs T Hamilton Cleaning Supervisor Mrs K Potter Cleaner Mrs A Waddington Cleaner Miss M Willis Cleaner Mrs J Blagden Teaching Assistant Mrs J Bland Teaching Assistant/IT Technician Mrs C Boarer Teaching Assistant Mrs S Fordham Teaching Assistant Mrs F Chase S.N. Teaching Assistant Mrs S Davies Teaching Assistant Mrs L Folllows Teaching Assistant Mrs P Foris S.N. Teaching Assistant Mrs S Cragg Library Assistant |
Mrs H Gayler Teaching Assistant Mrs S Haigh S.N. Teaching Assistant Mrs K Baird Teaching Assistant Mrs F Hodges Teaching Assistant Mrs C Good Teaching Assistant Mrs D Mackie Teaching Assistant Mrs B Mercalo Teaching Assistant Mrs M Myles Teaching Assistant Mrs H Newson Teaching Assistant Mrs C Osborne S.N. Teaching Assistant Mrs K Pelham S.N. Teaching Assistant Mrs N Plumb Teaching Assistant Mrs M Saunders Teaching Assistant Mrs L Sharp Teaching Assistant Miss N Coomber S.N. Teaching Assistant Mrs P Sparkes Teaching Assistant Mrs A Waddington S.N. Teaching Assistant Mrs L Webber S.N. Teaching Assistant Mrs J Hattersley S.N. Teaching Assistant Mr R Millett IT Technician Mrs J Rodriguez Teaching Assistant |
MID-DAY
SUPERVISORS
Mrs S Lennox Mrs A Waddington Miss N Coomber
Mrs T Hamilton Mrs M Willis Mrs L Webber
1.5 SCHOOL
TERMS AND
Spring Term 2009 5 January 2009 – 3 April 2009
Half Term
16 – 20 February 2009
Summer Term 2009 20 April 2009 – 22 July 2009
Half Term
25 – 29 May 2009
Autumn Term 2009
3 September 2009 – 18 December 2009
Half
Term
26 – 30 October 2009
Spring Term 2010 4 January 2010 – 1 April 2010
Half Term
15 – 19 February 2010
Summer Term 2010 19 April 2010 – 23 July 2010
Half Term
31 May – 4 June 2010
School will be closed on Monday 4th May 2009 and Monday 3rd May 2010 for Bank Holidays.
1.6
SCHOOL ORGANISATION
In September 2009 the school
will have sixteen class bases, two of which are housed in mobile classrooms
located across the playground and to the south of the main building.
Children have the opportunity to
join the school in the September before their 5th birthday.
Children will be full or part-time depending on their date of birth.
For 2009/10 the school will be organised in parallel classes as shown :-
Reception - three parallel classes
Year 1 - two parallel classes
Year 2 - two parallel classes
Year 1/2 - one class
Year 3 - two parallel classes
Year 4 - two parallel classes
Year 5 - two parallel classes
Year 6 - two parallel classes
Teachers plan together and deliver a differentiated curriculum catering for the different mixed ability needs of children within their class. Children are grouped according to ability within each class.
1.7
SCHOOL TIMES
Morning Session Afternoon Session
Reception 8.45 a.m. – 12.15 p.m. 1.20 p.m. – 3.05 p.m.
(Doors open 8.35 a.m.)
Infants 8.45 a.m. – 12.20 p.m. 1.20 p.m. – 3.05 p.m.
(Doors open 8.35 a.m.)
Juniors
8.45 a.m. – 12.30 p.m. 1.20 p.m. – 3.20 p.m.
1.8
START OF SCHOOL DAY
Children should only arrive on site within the 10 minute
period prior to school starting at 8.45 a.m.
Before 8.35 a.m. there is no supervision of pupils in the playground, and
no First Aid cover is available on site. During
inclement weather pupils will not be allowed access to the school building until
8.35 a.m. and only then under teacher supervision.
Staff will take responsibility for any pupils they request to arrive for
special activities before 8.35 a.m.
Parents of pupils who arrive by
education taxi earlier than 8.35 a.m. should inform both the school office and
the individual class teachers so that staff are aware of these particular
exceptions.
It is the responsibility of the parents of ‘taxi children’ to inform the taxi operator when the child is absent from school.
1.9
END OF SCHOOL DAY
Children should clear the school
site as quickly as possible at the end of the day.
Infant pupils will only be released to a responsible and known adult when
school finishes.
Parents of infant pupils should
always inform their child who will be collecting them each evening.
If there is any change to this arrangement, the school office (telephone
785416) should be informed before the finish of school.
Parents who are likely to be delayed because of domestic problems should
also inform the school immediately. Unfortunately,
because of teachers’ own commitments to staff meetings, courses, after school
clubs etc., pupils cannot be looked after regularly at the end of the school
day.
Parents of junior pupils should make their own arrangements for their children, as these pupils will be sent home and not retained until a parent arrives.
1.10
SCHOOL CROSSING PATROL
The school crossing patrol
officer (Lollipop lady) is usually available between 8.25 a.m. and 8.55 a.m. and
between 2.55 p.m. and 3.30 p.m. on school days to see parents and children
across the road. If she is ill, then
the police or a replacement will be asked to deputise.
However, this cannot be guaranteed, and on occasions no-one may be
available.
It is the duty of the parent to ensure that their child arrives safely at school. School staff are not legally permitted to deputise for an absent patrol officer.
1.11
PARKING
Parking in
1.11.1 CAR PARKING ON SITE
Please only park vehicles in designated areas. Drop off zones in the morning are in constant use and must not be used for waiting before 9 a.m.
1.12
DOGS IN PLAYGROUND
For health and safety reasons dogs must not be brought into the school playground or tied and left unattended at the school gate.
1.13
BICYCLES
Bicycles, or other similarly
propelled items, must not be ridden in the playground, for safety reasons, by
children or adults.
1.14
SNACKS AT BREAK
Children may only have fruit as
their mid-morning snack. Infant and
junior pupils use the water fountain for breaktime drinks.
1.15
LUNCH TIME
Few pupils return home for
mid-day lunch. We would like to warn
parents that no crossing patrol officer is available in
1.16
MILK
Milk can be provided free of charge for all children until their fifth birthday and can be purchased once they reach the age of five.
1.17
MOBILE PHONES
Mobile phones should as a general rule should not be brought into school by pupils. If it is essential for a child to have a phone with them for occasional use, it must be handed in to the front desk at the start of the day and collected at the end of school.
1.18
WATER
It is important that children
have ready access to water during the day. Please
provide your child with a 500ml, or similar sized, filled water container, which
they keep on their table and can drink from during the day.
2.1
ILLNESS
It would greatly assist teaching
staff if parents would telephone between 8.30 a.m. – 9.00 a.m. if their child
is going to be absent from school because of illness. We will contact parents
after 9.30 a.m. either at work or at home if we have not been notified of why a
child is absent. Parents must submit
a brief note to the class teacher when their child returns to school.
Any child whose absence is not authorised by note or telephone is said to
have an unauthorised absence which is recorded on the pupil’s end of year
report.
Exclusion periods for pupils who have contracted childhood illnesses should be discussed with doctors.
2.2
PARENTS’ HOLIDAYS
Parents must complete the appropriate form obtainable from the school office for pupil absence due to family holiday. The school should be informed as early as possible about any impending absence. Parents are strongly encouraged to take their breaks in the school holiday periods rather than during term time.
For much of March, April and May, Year 2 pupils will be engaged in national testing, and it becomes very difficult if these children are absent from school at this time. In May, Year 6 children are also involved in national curriculum testing, and no holidays will be authorised during the actual week of tests.
2.3
PART-DAY ABSENCE : MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS
The school office and the class teacher should be informed in advance about any absence that is going to occur due to a medical appointment. During the school day parents MUST report to the school office before collecting a child from the classroom prior to an appointment, and also inform the office when returning the child to school after such a visit.
2.4
Pupils who arrive after the 8.45 a.m. school bell are deemed to be late. Should they arrive in class after the register has been taken, they will be marked late in the register. Parents will be informed if pupils are regularly arriving late for school.
2.5
ADMINISTERING
MEDICINES
Prescription Medicines
Medicine should only be brought
to school when it is essential to administer it during the school day. In
the vast majority of cases, doses of medicine can be arranged around the school
day thus avoiding the need for medicine in school.
Antibiotics for example are usually taken three times a day, so can be
given with breakfast, on getting home from school and then at bedtime.
Occasionally
a GP may prescribe that a medicine has to be taken during the school day.
Parents may either call into school and administer the medicine to their
child or they may request that a member of school staff administers the
medicine. If school staff are to
administer medicine, the parent must supply the medicine in the original
pharmacist’s container to the school office and must complete a “Request for
school to administer medicine” form. On
no account should a child come to school with medicine if he/she is unwell.
Non-prescription Medicines
Non-prescription
medicines are not administered at school and children should not bring them to
school for self-administration. Non-prescription
travel sickness medication will be administered by staff providing they are
supplied in the original packaging and accompanied by a “Request for school to
administer medicine” form. Sunscreen
is not a medicine and children are welcome to use this on sunny days to protect
against sunburn.
The
headteacher’s permission must be obtained for the school to accept
responsibility for a medicine where the timing of the administration is crucial.
Such permission will only ever be given in very specific circumstances.
2.5.1
INHALERS
Asthma medicines
Record Keeping
Using a School Asthma Card
A School Asthma Card will be
sent to the parents/carers with a letter so parents/carers can ask their
child’s doctor or asthma nurse to fill it in.
2.6
ILLNESS
IN SCHOOL
It is very important that
parents keep the emergency contact telephone numbers held on school records up
to date. The school must be
advised when a pupil’s home address or a parent’s place of work is changed.
If a child is sufficiently
unwell that he is unable to continue in class, the home telephone and emergency
numbers will be tried. If no contact
is effected, a parent may be contacted at their workplace, if this is deemed
necessary by the school.
In more serious cases, the child will be taken to the hospital in an ambulance accompanied by a member of staff, whilst the parent is contacted and advised which hospital to attend.
2.7
ALLERGIES
It is important that the school is advised of pupil allergies, and in particular those which may cause a serious problem to a child if treatment is not rapidly obtained.
2.8
HEAD LICE
Headlice are rife within our
community and so it is not surprising that children in school occasionally have
them present in their hair. The
school nursing service can give advice as to the best way of treating them.
In school we encourage parents to inform us when their children have
headlice so that we can notify parents within the class to be extra vigilant.
Most parents treat headlice through combing with conditioner which seems
to alleviate the situation without using potential harmful chemicals.
Our policy is to send a letter home informing of headlice cases in the child’s class.
2.9
HEALTH INTERVIEWS
These are no longer held
routinely in school.
3.1
SCHOOL DRESS
The Governors request that
parents support the clothing policy of the school.
Appropriate garments with current prices are set out in the school’s
Prospectus.
Winter uniform comprises navy
skirt, culottes or navy/grey trousers with a navy pullover.
Sweatshirts, on which the school crest is embroidered, are available from
the office. Years 2 to 6 should wear
a school tie with a white shirt.
In the summer pupils may wear
short sleeved shirts, blue check or striped dresses, properly tailored navy
shorts.
It is essential that all clothes
are clearly labelled.
During wet and snowy weather
pupils should come to school in wellington boots and use their best shoes for
in-school wear.
Items of jewellery should generally not be worn to school at any time. Sleepers or studs in ears are permitted, but no other type of earring. Watches should be named if at all possible.
3.2
P.E. KIT
For all pupils, indoor P.E. kit
should be a white T-shirt with navy or royal blue shorts.
Pupils may choose to wear leotards instead.
The Authority advise that for
indoor work children should be in bare feet.
Trainers used for wear to and
from school will not be permitted for indoor P.E. use.
All kit must be labelled.
Children will not be permitted to take part in these lessons if they are wearing studs or sleepers in their ears, unless they are removed by the child before the commencement of the lesson. An exception will be made if the ears have been pierced within the previous 6 weeks, when it will be permitted for the sleepers to be covered with tape.
Long hair must be tied up for P.E. lessons, and parents must provide hair ties or elastic bands for this purpose.
3.3
OUTDOOR GAMES
In the summer time, many
physical activity lessons will take place out of doors.
Normal P.E. kit, together with good trainers as footwear, is ideal.
In winter months, weather
permitting, junior boys and girls may participate in outdoor games/skills
lessons which may include netball, hockey, football, non-contact rugby and
cross-country running whilst infant children also undertake outdoor activities.
For outdoor games pupils require
a good strong pair of trainers (without high ankle support) and a change of
socks. Children may wear their own
preferred kits for outdoor P.E.
Only pupils taking part in extra
curricular football activities and matches will require studded football boots.
In winter it can be very cold,
and parents are advised to provide a tracksuit, old jogging suit or warm
pullover as an extra.
The same rules apply for outdoor games concerning long hair, studs and sleepers as apply for indoor P.E.
3.4
NON-PARTICIPATING IN GAMES OR P.E.
Pupils who are unable to take part in P.E. or games lessons must produce a signed letter from their parents stating the reason(s) for non-participation.
3.5 KIT BAGS
AND PAINTING APRONS
Parents must provide a suitable
bag in which their child can keep sports kit.
The traditional large cloth plimsoll bag with drawstring is ideal and
hardwearing too. The child’s name
should be clearly shown on the outside of the bag.
For art lessons, an old shirt
from a parent, tacked to size with elastic at the wrist, is perfect, and it
should be named and kept in the plimsoll bag.
All kit should be taken home regularly and washed please!
3.6 SWIMMING
Year 1 and 2 pupils go to the
Littlehampton Swimming Centre each week for part of the school year.
These sessions are jointly funded by parents, the Friends and school.
Non-swimmers in Year 6 have the
opportunity to attend a crash course in swimming during a week in the summer.
SCHOOL LUNCH TIMES
4.1 SCHOOL
MEALS
A hot meal service is provided in school.
Further details of cost and menu can be obtained from the school.
A free meal is provided for those children whose parents are in receipt of income support, or income based job seekers allowance, on completion of an application form available from the office.
All children eat their packed
lunches in their classrooms under the supervision of an adult.
5.1 THE
CURRICULUM
The school curriculum is based
on the ten National Curriculum subject areas :- Mathematics, English and Science
as core subjects and Design & Technology, Information Technology, History,
Geography, Art, Music and P.E. as foundation subjects.
In addition, Religious Education is taught.
Children experience a Modern Foreign Language from Year 3 being taught.
Spanish in Years 3/4 and French in Years 5/6.
The National Curriculum starts
in Year 1. Reception children work
at the Foundation stage. Key Stage 1
covers Y1 and Y2, whilst Key Stage 2 encompasses all of the Junior years from Y3
– Y6 inclusive.
5.2 RELIGIOUS
EDUCATION
St Margaret’s is a Church of
England (Aided) Primary School. Religious
Education is based on a series of topics and themes which are taken mainly from
the Bible and Christian beliefs, with some study of other world faiths.
An act of collective worship is
experienced by all children each day.
The purpose of all acts of worship is to promote Christian knowledge, faith, ethics and behaviour, whilst R.E. lessons educate pupils principally in Christianity, but also with reference to other world major faiths.
5.3 REPORTING
TO PARENTS
The home-school link is
recognised as being of vital importance by all the teaching staff at St
Margaret’s. Although parents are
able to request an appointment at any time throughout the school year, there are
a number of fixed contact times when parents and teachers are able to get
together.
Consultation evenings are held
annually in November and March. These
work on an appointments system and are an opportunity for the teacher and
parents to meet to discuss the child’s progress and attitude in school.
In mid July parents receive a school report, and parents of pupils in Year 2 will receive SAT results for Maths and English and teacher assessments for Maths, English and Science, whilst Year 6 pupils will have teacher assessment and test result levels in the three core subjects of Maths, English and Science.
5.4
CONTACTING STAFF
Inevitably there will be a range
of occasions outside the formal consultation evenings where parents and teacher
may need to discuss a particular issue. A
brief word may be exchanged at the classroom door in the morning, although
longer conversations must be kept for the end of the school day.
For more important meetings, a
note should be handed in to the teacher requesting an appointment, which the
class teacher will be happy to arrange.
If a parent considers that it is urgent to effect an appointment with the school, they should call in to the school office or telephone and request an appointment with the Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher that day.
5.5
DISCIPLINE
The staff at school maintain a
discipline which is both firm and fair, borne out of the pupils’ respect for
each other and their property.
Teachers attempt to encourage
children towards their own discipline. It
is inevitable that, at times, rules will be broken.
Staff discipline may vary from a friendly word to the child or working
through playtime as a result of a misdemeanour.
If a member of staff is persistently worried about a pupil’s work or behaviour, they will contact the parents with a view to seeking a meeting, so that the problem may be discussed and a plan of action mutually agreed.
5.6
BEHAVIOUR
POLICY AND SCHOOL RULES
A copy of the school’s
Behaviour Policy can be viewed in school. Our
school rules, devised in association with the children, are set out below and
are displayed throughout the school.
· Use equipment properly
· Always walk away from trouble makers
· Always walk around the school
· Always treat people how you would like to be treated
· Always listen when the teacher is talking
· Listen to other people’s ideas
· Only eat your food
· Play nicely – don’t fight
· Leave expensive things at home
6.1
CLASS MOVEMENTS
Parents are told by mid-July as
to which new class their child will be in when returning in September.
6.2
HOLIDAYS AND TRAINING DAYS
Schools can take 5 staff
training days during the year at times outside these holiday dates.
At these times no children should report to school.
Parents will be advised of these dates well in advance.
It has been our practice, wherever possible, to attach these to the
beginning or end of holiday dates to cause the least disruption to parents
working away from the home.
7.1
VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS
Staff regularly arrange visits
for their pupils in order to support work currently being undertaken in the
classroom.
Government legislation informs
parents that for day visits taking place mainly during the school day, schools
may only seek voluntary contributions from them to cover the cost of the visit.
As no additional funds are made to schools to cover any shortfall between
contributions and the actual cost of the trip, teachers are left in a dilemma.
Residential visits are funded by voluntary contributions covering at
least the costs of board and lodgings.
Accordingly, for trips out,
voluntary contributions will be requested in advance of a visit, and if these
fail to cover the expected cost of the trip, it will be necessary for it to be
cancelled.
Parents who are genuinely unable
to afford the cost of the trip for their child should contact the headteacher,
who will discuss the problem in confidence.
The same rule applies for special activities, such as the visit of outside theatre groups etc.
7.2
TRANSPORTATION BY PRIVATE CAR
At times, to help reduce the
cost of trips, or to assist with sports matches, parents are invited to help by
transporting pupils in their own cars.
We are very grateful to parents
who offer this assistance. Pupils
may only travel as seat belted rear passengers.
Cars must have a valid MOT and a current comprehensive certificate of
insurance for the transportation of passengers, and all volunteer car drivers
must complete an Authorised Driver’s form, available from the office.
7.3
INSURANCE OF PUPILS IN SCHOOL AND ON VISITS
The Local Authority and the Governors wish to inform all parents that pupils are not covered by personal accident insurance for in-school or off-site activities. Parents who wish to arrange such cover privately should do so through their own insurance agent or contact the school for details of the optional County scheme.
Children are covered for
accidents resulting from an act of negligence by any member of staff, or a
school helper (including parent helper), both in school or out of school on an
organised visit. Personal accident
insurance cover for pupils is taken out by the school for any visit which
includes an overnight stay and most trips out by coach.
7.4
RESIDENTIAL VISITS
Children in Years 4 and 6 have the opportunity to take part in a residential visit during the year.
7.5
EXPENSIVE PERSONAL EFFECTS
Children must not bring electrical equipment or expensive games to school (apart from inexpensive calculators) without the class teacher’s permission. Arrangements are made for storing musical instruments (e.g. recorders, violas, violins, cellos, guitars) during the day ready for orchestra or club activities. The school accepts no responsibility for damage occurring to these instruments whilst they are on the premises.
7.6
PARENTAL HELP
The school is indebted to
parents who give up time to help in the classrooms or who accompany pupils on
visits and supply transport.
Class teachers will regularly request such help from parents by newsletter. Parents who are willing to help in the classroom or to listen to children read should contact the headteacher or a particular member of staff. The school checks all regular voluntary helpers in school with an enhanced check from the Criminal Records Bureau. Occasional helpers are checked against List 99.
7.7
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
A number of after school
activities take place at St Margaret’s. In
the main these are for older, junior pupils and depend on the interests of the
teaching staff at any time. Presently
these include sports, music, dance, gymnastics, drama and computer clubs, but
these are subject to change depending upon the interest of the staff and the
time they have available to offer these activities.
Year 2 pupils are offered
recorder tuition. There are also
numerous recorder and guitar groups for junior pupils.
The school orchestra meets after school on Tuesday evenings, and choir on
a Friday evening, whilst sports matches and training, mainly for Year 5 and 6
children, can occur on any evening.
Teachers leading these activities will inform parents of participating year groups when places become available in any particular club.
8.1
FIRE PRACTICE
These are held regularly, at
least once each term and at varying times of day.
8.2
STRANGER DANGER
The police liaison officer visits school to discuss this topic with pupils. Parents following up this topic with their child at home will reinforce the work done in school.
8.3
HEALTH AND SEX EDUCATION
Sex education is a small part of
a much broader Personal and Social education development programme which is
taught throughout the school. Other
aspects include the people in my life, friendships, keeping safe, families,
growth in people, animals and plants, feelings, body changes, first aid, healthy
eating, personal hygiene, and the functions of the major organs of the body.
As and when questions concerning
reproduction arise as part of topic work, these are dealt with candidly and
openly by the class teacher.
In Year 6, one aspect of a health related topic focuses on human reproduction and birth. Children in Years 5 and 6 also receive talks on menstruation in single gender groups.
9.1
THE GOVERNING BODY
The Governors have overall
responsibility for the organisation, curriculum and financial management of the
school, although much of the responsibility, including the day to day running of
St Margaret’s, is devolved to the Headteacher.
The Governors have a formal
meeting each term. Twice a year
informal meetings are held where the Governors visit the school during the
morning to see the school at work.
The Governing body also have sub-committees for ‘Staffing and Finance’, ‘Ethos and Worship’, ‘Premises’ and ‘Curriculum and Policy’ which generally meet independently each half term.
9.2
COMPLAINTS
Most complaints will be resolved
amicably through discussion between parents and teacher or headteacher.
A complaints policy, including detailed procedures, is available in the school office for parents who wish to pursue a particular complaint more formally.
9.3
GOVERNORS’ MINUTES & POLICIES
A file containing approved copies of Governors’ Minutes and Policies is available upon request from the school office for perusal by parents on the school site.
9.4 THE
FRIENDS OF ST MARGARET’S SCHOOL
The committee of the Friends
organisation normally meets every half-term.
New members are elected to the committee at the Annual General Meeting.
The purpose of this group is
mainly fund-raising, but it also provides social events for parents and
children.
The two major functions each
year are the Christmas Market, held in late November/early December and the
Summer Fete, which usually takes place at the end of June on a Friday evening.
The names of the present Friends’ Chairman and Secretary are available from the school office.
9.5
CONCLUSION
The Governors, Staff and Friends organisation hope that the partnership between your family and St Margaret’s Primary school will prove to be stimulating, enjoyable and rewarding, and that, jointly, we will fulfil your child’s true potential.
D J BOREHAM
Headteacher
C SNELL Chairman of Governors
Parents will be informed by school newsletter of the actual dates of activities occurring in school. Outlined below is a monthly calendar of regular events. The Governors, Friends and Headteacher reserve the right to cancel any of these functions.
SEPTEMBER Separate Church services for Infants and Juniors
OCTOBER Harvest Festival
Half-Term
Governors’ Meeting
NOVEMBER Consultation Evening
Governors/Parents Open Meeting
Christmas Market
DECEMBER Infant Plays
Y5 / Y6 Play
Christmas Parties
Carol Service in school
Christmas Holiday (approx. 2 weeks)
Governors’ Visit
JANUARY Separate Church service for Infants and Juniors
Friends of St Margaret’s School AGM
FEBRUARY Half-Term
Governors’ Meeting
MARCH Football & Netball Rallies
Easter Service in school
Governors’ Meeting
Year 3 / 4 Play
Consultation Evening
APRIL Easter Holiday (2 weeks)
MAY May Day Celebrations
National Curriculum Tests (Years 2 and 6)
Governors’ Meeting
Half-Term
JUNE School Fete
Diocesan Leavers’ Service
Governors’ Visit
JULY Open Evening
Sports Days
Inter-Schools Athletics Meeting
Inter-Schools Swimming Gala
Information on New Classes
School Leavers’ Service in school
School Summer Holiday (approx. 6 weeks)
Friends’ Parties