Welcome to St Margaret's Church of England (Aided) Primary School, a school with a rich history.
It was previously known as the William Older Charity School and dates back to 1680. 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.
A feature of the school is its location being surrounded on two sides by fields owned by the Older's Trust. The current school building has been considerably updated and enhanced in recent years. We enjoy modern purpose built accommodation with outstanding resources both within its walls and in its extensive grounds. The building comprises 16 classrooms with cloakroom and toilet facilities, assembly hall, library, ICT suite, group rooms, changing rooms and administrative offices. Within the school's grounds there are adequate hard surface playing areas, a sports field and a large nature study area.
The school aims to provide a broad and balanced curriculum and has high expectations of all of its pupils. There is a strong emphasis on achieving high standards in all subject area with a strong focus on literacy and mathematical skills.
The Christian ethos of the school is evident for all to see. We have very strong links with the Parish Church of St Margaret's and work as a combined force within the village on many initiatives. Our Mission Statement focuses our work in school:
"We seek to be a learning centre of excellence at the heart of the local community, fostering the intellectual, spiritual and emotional development of all who play a part in the school, looking to follow the teachings of Jesus in all we do..."

1.2. General Information.

Head teacher:                    Mr D J Boreham
Chairman of Governors:      Mr S West
Pupils on Roll:                    423 in October 2003
Age range:                         4 to 11 years (co-educational)
Status:                               Church of England Voluntary (Aided) Primary School.
Education Area:                  St Margaret's C E Primary School is in the Education (South) Area of the Authority.

Accommodation: The school was opened in 1965 to replace the old village school which was founded in 1680. It was enlarged in 1996 and 2004. The buildings comprise 16 classrooms with cloakrooms and toilet facilities, assembly hall, library, group room, ICT suite and changing rooms and administrative offices. There are adequate hard surface playing areas and a sports field. The school has it's own large nature study area.

For general enquiries contact:
Education Office (South),
Centenary House,
Durrington Lane,
WORTHING,
West Sussex,
BN11 4NH.
Tel: (01903) 708222.

2. Admissions.

2.1. General Matters.

A separate document is available setting out the Authority's policy and arrangements for admission to its schools, including transfer between schools, and general provision of primary and secondary education.
This document may be obtained, without charge, from the Education Office (South) (address above) or schools maintained by the Authority, and is also available for reference in public libraries throughout the county.

2.2. Admissions Arrangements.

The governors in accordance with arrangements agreed with the County Council make admissions to the school. Details of these arrangements are given in paragraph 2.3. Applications for admission should be made to the head teacher who will arrange for interested parents to visit the school and see the children at work.
Children will normally be admitted at the beginning of the academic year in which they are five, either on a full or part-time basis. Those born between 1st September and 31st December inclusive will be full time, whilst those born after this will be part-time in September (5 mornings) and will become full time during the course of the year. There is a very attractive induction programme for part-time children whereby they can become full-time up to a term earlier if parents so wish. There is therefore opportunity for all Reception children to spend a full year in their first class.
Prior to starting school, parents are offered an opportunity to provide as much information as possible to the school relevant to their child's education.
Parents seeking admission for a child to the school at ages between four and eleven years should apply to the head teacher.

2.3. Admission Policy.

St. Margaret's School, Angmering, is a Church of England Voluntary Aided School for children of primary school age. As an Aided School the admissions are controlled by the Governors in accordance with arrangements agreed with the Local Education Authority.
The Governors' Policy Committee meets annually to determine the admissions for the next academic year in the weeks leading up to February half term.

The places will be allocated in accordance with the following priorities in the order set out:
(a) Children living within the Ecclesiastical Parish of Angmering with brothers and sisters, who on the date of entry are still attending St Margaret's School.
(b) Children of parents who normally attend St. Margaret's Church at least fortnightly, and who have been attending St. Margaret's Church with their children for at least a year, and who live within the Ecclesiastical Parish of Angmering.
(c) Children resident in the Ecclesiastical Parish of Angmering
(d) Children who need a place at St. Margaret's CE Primary School on exceptional and compelling social, psychological or medical grounds, children with a statement of special educational needs naming St. Margaret's CE Primary School, or "looked after children".
(e) Children living outside the Ecclesiastical Parish of Angmering with brothers and sisters, who on the date of entry are still attending St Margaret's School.
(f) Children of parents who normally attend St. Margaret's Church at least fortnightly, and who have been attending St. Margaret's Church with their children for at least a year, and who live outside the Ecclesiastical Parish of Angmering.
(g) Children of parents who attend either another Church of England church or a church of another Christian denomination, which is itself a full member of Churches Together in Britain and Ireland or of the Evangelical Alliance, who normally attend worship at least fortnightly, and who have been attending church with their children for at least a year, and live outside the Ecclesiastical Parish of Angmering.
(h) All other children whose parents wish then to attend St. Margaret's CE Primary School.

Notes:
1. Confirmation of church attendance from the current incumbent or minister must be provided using the Governors' form.
2. Where a family has joined a church from another church within the last year, the parents must also obtain a letter outlining attendance completed by the incumbent or minister of that previous church to show continuity.
3. The attendance of one parent is sufficient.

For those children in category (e) whose brothers or sisters were admitted prior to 1st September 2005 will be considered under category (a).

When deciding between applicants who have equal entitlement under the above criteria, the Governors will have regard to the proximity of the applicant's home to school, measured in a straight line, giving priority to the applicant who lives closer to the school.

3. Organisation of the Classes and Teaching Groups.

When children first start at St Margaret's they are allocated a place in either Ash, Fir or Oak Class, which are parallel classes accommodating Reception age children.
All children are able to start in the September of the school year in which they become 5. Those born between 1st September and 31st December inclusive will be full time, whilst those born after this will be part-time in September (5 mornings a week) and will become full time during the course of the year. There is a very attractive induction programme for part-time children whereby they cam become full-time up to a term earlier if parents so wish. There is therefore opportunity for all Reception children to spend a full year in their first class.
Having completed their Reception year, the children move up into one of two parallel Year 1 classes or a mixed Year 1 / Year 2 class. A further year is spent in either a pure Year 2 class or our mixed Year 1 / Year 2 class.
The Junior department consists of two parallel classes in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6. Each class consists of pupils of mixed ability, but within classes various forms of grouping does occur.

4. Class Teaching.

Within classes provision is made for both individual and group work. There is a permanent staff of qualified teachers for each class. Additional staffing for special needs pupils is determined, usually following an assessment of the individual's needs and the availability of provision at the time.

5. Statement of Curriculum Aims.

The aim of the school is to ensure that all pupils have the opportunity to develop to the full their personal, intellectual and artistic capabilities. The task implies a partnership between parents and school staff that results in a shared understanding of the aims and purposes of the school and the programme of work in which pupils and staff is engaged.

6. The School Curriculum.

The following provides a summary of school curriculum for each of the year groups and how it is organised.

6.1. General.

Children enter the school in their Reception year. They undertake a full range of activities which help them develop their understanding, knowledge, skills and attitudes which are essential, not only for the next phase of education, but also for a well balanced life.
Children in Years 1-6 follow the programmes of study set out in the National Curriculum in the core curriculum subjects of Mathematics, Science and English and in the foundation subjects of Design and Technology, Information and Communications Technology, History, Geography, Art, Music and Physical Education. Religious Education is also taught.
Some work is delivered through topics, whilst other aspects are dealt with on a subject basis. In Years 1-6 each child experiences both the Literacy and Numeracy Hour on a daily basis, whilst in Year R at least a total of one hour is spent each day on these two important areas, spread throughout the day.

6.2. Foundation Stage - Reception Year.

These children follow a broad and balanced curriculum, which fosters their intellectual, emotional, physical, spiritual, moral and social development. Our aim is to enable the children to become confident and enthusiastic learners, able to develop skills, attitudes and understanding appropriate to their stage of development, whilst preparing them for Key Stage 1 of the National Curriculum.

6.3. Key Stage 1 - Years 1 and 2.

All Key Stage 1 children spend two full years following the programmes of study as set out in the National Curriculum in the core and foundation subjects. Class teachers make assessments throughout the two year period which contribute on an equal basis to the formal assessment which takes place as the child nears the end of Year 2. The formal assessment is known as Standardised Assessment Tasks (SATs) and are national assessments.
Work in this age phase includes swimming lessons at the Littlehampton Swimming Centre for which voluntary contributions are sought from parents.

6.4. Key Stage 2 - Years 3, 4, 5 and 6.

The four years that span Key Stage 2 build upon the knowledge and skills acquired in National Curriculum subjects at Key Stage 1. Children continue to work in the core and foundation subjects with reference to programmes of study.
At the end of Key Stage 2 the children take National Curriculum Tests (NCTs) in the core subjects, the results of which are reported to parents alongside the teacher's assessments made over the entire Key Stage 2 period.

7. R. E. and Collective Worship.

The School is a Voluntary (Aided) Church of England foundation, and as such maintains the traditions and doctrines of the Anglican Church. The Rector of the Parish visits the school regularly, and the children attend services in the Parish Church at the beginning of every term.
Children experience R.E. in accordance with the school's own syllabus in R.E. Teaching is mainly through topics. Each age group completes a minimum of two of these each year. Parents who would wish to inspect the school and county syllabi in R.E. should contact the school office. In addition, different aspects of the two Christian festivals of Christmas and Easter are studied annually by each age group.
An act of collective worship occurs in the school each day for every pupil. A whole school assembly occurs four times a week, whilst on the other occasion infant and junior pupils meet separately. Parents are particularly welcome to join us for assembly when the children are presenting their own contributions.
At the specific request of parents, and after consultation with the headteacher, a child may be excused from School Assembly, religious instruction or Church Services, in accordance with rules laid down in the Education Reform Act 1988.

8. Sex Education.

Sex education in this school contributes to the requirements of the Education Reform Act 1988, which states that the school curriculum should be one which:
(a) Promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils at the school and in society; and
(b) Prepares such pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.
The sex education programme will:
(a) Provide information that is easy to understand and is relevant and appropriate to the age and maturity of the pupils.
(b) Encourage the exploration and clarification of values and attitudes.
Sex education is taught in the main by class teachers through related topics, which take account of the pupil's development. In the upper section of the Juniors one aspect of a health related topic focuses on human reproduction and birth. Children in Year 6 receive talks on menstruation in single gender groups.
Parents have the right to withdraw their children from the part of sex education that is outside the compulsory elements contained in the Science National Curriculum.
A copy of the school's full policy document for personal and Social Development Incorporating Sex Education can be borrowed from the school office.

9. Special Educational Needs.

The Governors recognise the individuality of all children and the fact that they are at different levels of development, physically, emotionally, intellectually and socially. The Governors' aim is to support the pupils and staff in achieving the best possible development in each area for every child within the levels of resources available to them. Staff recognises the need for differentiation in setting tasks for their pupils. The teaching staff who identify a particular pupil who is experiencing a problem, either socially, emotionally or intellectually, consult with the Special Needs Co-ordinator and Headteacher. Discussion then follows outlining the best way of meeting pupils' needs, using resources from within school, or centrally funded advice. Regular reviews are held between the Special Needs Co-ordinator, class teacher, Headteacher and parents.

9.1. Very Able Children.

Very able children are usually identified through evidence of their achievement at school and at home and/or through other indicators of their potential. It is recognised that very able children need an opportunity to be challenged by others who are their intellectual and, as far as possible, their chronological peers. Also, they need an opportunity to learn at their natural pace, one that is faster than that of the majority of children.
Teachers plan work for able children in such a way that all programmes of work include enrichment and extension activities. Children are included in the Authority's Very Able Pupils' Programme and other enrichment programmes.

10. Pastoral Care Arrangements.

Teachers are responsible for the pastoral care of their own pupils. Staff who have special concerns about particular children will involve both the head teacher and parents at an early stage. Parents who wish to discuss details of their own child's welfare with class teachers are encouraged to request an appointment to see staff after school hours. Minor problems may be discussed with teachers where they are available at the end of the school day.

11. Homework Requirements.

Homework is considered to be an important element of the child's learning experience. Reception children will be encouraged to read with their parents and the latter to comment in their home-school reading notebooks. Children in Years 1 and 2, in addition to regular reading, are expected to undertake number work and learn spellings. Class teachers will inform parents of Infant children about the work to be undertaken at home.
Junior children will be issued with Homework diaries where weekly homework assignments will be clearly set out, with appropriate areas for comments. A leaflet will be issued to parents at the start of every school year outlining their role in supporting their child's homework. Weekly homework will typically include either a piece of English or science work, mathematics, spelling and reading.

12. Extra-curricular Activities.

Details of activities that take place during out-of-school hours will be notified to parents for prior approval before a child is permitted to participate. Current activities include various music groups (choral and instrumental), sporting activities (football, netball, running and cricket) and leisure activities (computers and gardening), depending upon the time of year.
Educational visits, where appropriate, take place throughout the school year, including residential visits in Year 4 and Year 6. Relevant details will be circulated to parents prior to an out of school activity. Voluntary contributions are usually sought from parents (in line with the charging policy in para 20) to help cover the costs of these visits.

13. Pupils' Progress.

Parents are encouraged to take an active interest in their child's progress at school. Two consultation evenings are held annually in November and March, but parents are always welcome to discuss any aspect of their child's welfare and progress at any time by appointment with the head teacher or the class teacher. During the year, in the summer term, each child receives a report.

14. Parental Involvement.

The school has a well-established Friends of St Margaret's School Association to which all parents are affiliated without payment of fees. The Friends provides an opportunity to be actively involved in the life of the school. Parents interested in an aspect of schoolwork are invited to discuss this with the head teacher.

15. Discipline.

The school aims to provide and encourage an atmosphere of individual freedom within defined limits. As part of the school community each child is expected to observe the rules and disciplines of that community, and any breaches of school discipline will result in appropriate sanctions.
Parents will be involved at an early stage where a pupil demonstrates behaviour that is of particular concern to the school staff. In this case it is hoped that parents will work in a partnership with teachers to help resolve the particular problem. Parents of new children are made aware of the main school rules and our behaviour policy at the induction meeting.

16. Policy and Rules on Dress and Uniform.

The children are encouraged to wear uniform, and, although not compulsory, it is hoped that parents will co-operate in this aim. The winter uniform comprises navy skirt or culottes or grey trousers (although both colours are acceptable) with a white shirt. Year 2 children and juniors are encouraged to wear a school tie. Pullovers are in the main school colour that is navy blue. Navy sweatshirts with an embroidered school crest, which can be worn throughout the year, are available in crew or v-neck from the school office.
Girls may choose to wear properly styled navy trousers when the weather is particularly cold. Summer uniform for boys is as above, but with short sleeved shirts. Girls may choose to wear blue-checked gingham dresses or styled navy shorts, (not football shorts).
The main indoor P.E. kit for all pupils is a plain white tee shirt with navy shorts. Bare feet are used for indoor work, and trainers are worn when P.E. is taken out of doors. For winter outdoor games activities children will require good trainers. Children who would prefer to wear their own football kit in other colours for outdoor games are welcome to do so. During the winter period pupils are advised to have their own tracksuits and jogging suits.
A uniform list is available from the school's office and on the its web site.

17. Out of School Activities.

These vary according to the particular interests of our teaching staff at any time. Top Infant pupils have the opportunity to have recorder tuition. Junior children may join sessions for recorder and guitar tuition. Violin, clarinet, flute and brass tuition is normally offered to older pupils who have already shown sustained interest in learning an instrument.
The netball and football clubs meet each week, and there is a regular programme of inter-school sports matches throughout the school year. Football and rugby team players will need to have football boots for training and matches.

18. Charging and Remissions Policy.

The Governors of St Margaret's School Angmering have adopted the West Sussex Education Authority policy for charging.
Full copies of the Governors' policy for charging are available for inspection in the school office.
Generally these state that the school can make no charge for any activity taking place in the school day. However, Governors may seek voluntary financial contributions from parents to help support special activities, like swimming, educational visits or in-school theatre productions.
Where insufficient contributions are received, and the viability of an activity is threatened economically, the head teacher, on behalf of the Governing body, reserves the right to cancel the said activity. In cases of hardship it may be possible to help families with costs of visits following confidential discussions with the head teacher.

19. Arrangements for the Consideration of Complaints.

In general it is anticipated that the majority of parental concerns and complaints about matters relating to the school will be dealt with at school level. Initially these may be handled by a class teacher, and later by the head teacher, or, during the head teacher's absence, by the deputy.
If the complaint remains unresolved at this level, a more formal complaint is made to the Chairman of Governors.
The Chairman may then convene a meeting with the complainant for the purpose of clarifying the issue, or issues, involved. This will be a private meeting without the head teacher or others being present.
The complainant is in any case entitled to request such a meeting. Subsequently the Chairman will report back to the head teacher, and if the matter remains unresolved, the Chairman must appoint a panel of three Governors (to include a parent Governor) who will convene a formal hearing to resolve the matter.
The decision of the panel shall be conveyed to the head teacher and the complainant within 7 days after the date of the hearing.
The Governors' correspondent will attend the hearing and record the discussion, but take no part.

20. Availability of Documents. (what documents?)

Under the school curriculum and related information regulations 1989, schools must make available, for parents, up-to-date copies of certain documents. These may be obtained from the school for viewing in school. Parents who wish to purchase their own copies of these documents can obtain the appropriate address from the head teacher.

21. Applicability of Information in this Document.

The information in this document has been prepared to assist parents who will be seeking a place for their child in a primary school at the start of the school year 2004/5. The particulars were correct in relation to that year at September 2004, but it should not be assumed that there will be no change affecting the relevant arrangements, or some matters particularised, either before the start of or during the school year in question, or in relation to subsequent school years. The information in this document ceases to have validity in September 2006.

D J BOREHAM Headteacher

S WEST Chairman of Governors

St Margaret's Church of England (Aided) Primary School: Prospectus.