Headteacher: · Web viewHeadteacher: Mrs Julie Guest churchdownvillageinf.co.uk [email protected] Dear Parents We would like to welcome you and your child to Churchdown Village Infant

Headteacher: Mrs Julie Guestchurchdownvillageinf.co.uk

[email protected]

Dear Parents

We would like to welcome you and your child to Churchdown Village Infant School and hope our association will be a happy and successful one.

Your child’s education is a responsibility that we share with you. We provide a caring environment which ensures that a range of opportunities will be provided for the academic and personal development of every child and one which stimulates and motivates them to achieve with confidence, success and enjoyment.

We have had great success and this relies on the partnership between home and school. Close relationships with parents are fostered in many ways, through expectations evenings, parent evenings, classroom help, a highly active Friends of the School, class assembly and involvement in a variety of school events. We are very grateful to our parents for the active interest that is shown in all aspects of our school life.

At Churchdown Village Infant School we offer a school where Staff and Governors are committed to provide the very best education for your child and all the other pupils in our care. We cannot do this alone - your support at home will ensure that your child makes the appropriate progress.

Best wishes to all new children and parents.

Yours sincerely

Mrs Julie GuestHeadteacher

Churchdown Village Infant School, a company limited by guarantee registered in England and Wales under number 07698978, registered office Station Road, Churchdown, Gloucestershire, GL3 2NB. Tel: 01452 714178

Updated March 2018 Page 1

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mailto:churchdownvillageinf.ik.org

CONTENTS

Page

1 Letter from Headteacher2 Contents Page3 Statement of Aims for the School4 School Staff

5 School Governors

6 Useful Information Relating to the School

7 School Hours Dropping off children/ Collecting children

8 Family ArrangementsParking/ Food/School meals/ Pupil Premium

9 Absence & Lateness

Attendance figures for last academic year

10 Uniform & P.E.

11 IllnessesAsthma/ Allergies/ The School Medical Service

12 Partnership with ParentsParents Meetings/ School Assemblies/ Help in School

13 Partnership with Parents (cont)Access to Children’s records/ Home/School Agreement/ Letters/ Website/ School PhotographsFriends of the School

Requests to ParentsSmoking/mobile phones/social networking sites

14 Additional InformationSpecial Educations Needs/Religious Education/Health Education/Internet Safety/Sex Education

15 Costs of TripsTrips in school/Pastoral Care/Equal Opportunities. Discipline/Infant to Junior Transition

16 The National Curriculum

17 National Curriculum Core/non-core Subjects

19 Additional Curriculum AreasEnrichment/Music/Extra/academic clubs

21 Forest School

22 Pupil Progress/Assessment and Reports

23 National Curriculum Key Stage 1 Assessment Results

24 Admissions Policy/Complaints Procedure/Exclusion/School Documents

25 Pre-School Class

26 Before/After School Club/After School Sports/Holiday Scheme


WELCOME TO CHURCHDOWN VILLAGE INFANT SCHOOL

This booklet contains information which gives an overall view of the school, including our aims, the curriculum we offer and more general information. We hope that you will find it useful. Should you require any additional information or wish to visit our school please contact Mrs Sellars, the Company Secretary, who will arrange an appointment. Additional information can also be found on our website which is updated regularly and which we encourage you to look at. www.churchudownvillageinf.co.uk. Please note that this prospectus is reviewed annually.

OUR STATEMENT OF AIMS FOR THE SCHOOL

The Governors and staff aim to provide an environment within which your child will feelsecure and happy while developing a social, moral and intellectual awareness of theworld in which they will take their place.

We aim to place special emphasis on Literacy, Mathematics, computer skills, SMSC (Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural), Modern Foreign Languages, Performing Arts and outdoor learning.

National Curriculum subjects are delivered relevant to the age and needs of the child but always working towards the highest achievement possible. We offer a programme of enrichment for all pupils.

We begin in the Pre-School class by providing a secure, stimulating environment within which your child is encouraged to be independent and confident when carrying out the many and varied experiences and activities of our Foundation Stage curriculum.

When the children enter their Reception year we aim to teach the pupils the important skills required for reading, writing and mathematics.

Our aim for the next two years of your child’s school career is to provide the mostappropriate learning environment to encourage development of all areas of the curriculum within Key Stage 1 National Curriculum and through our Enrichment programme.

It is our aim that every child should be able to read, write, be numerate and confident with Information Technology, but most of all, to enjoy doing so. The school curriculum and working practice is a combination of teaching methods, whole class, group and individually, and a variety of interesting exploratory activities. Relating mathematics, literacy, science and technology to real life situations is paramount.


http://www.churchudownvillageinf.co.uk/

CHURCHDOWN VILLAGE INFANT SCHOOL - SCHOOL STAFF

Headteacher Mrs J Guest B.Ed. Hons

Deputy Headteacher Mrs G.Western B.A PGCE Hons

Main Professional Mrs S Carter B.A. Hons PGCE Art/D&T/Student MentorGrade Teachers Mrs J Guest B.Ed. Hons Music/SMSC/RE & International

DimensionsMrs H Newman B.A. PGCE Hons History/GeographyMrs K Perks BA. Hons P.Ed Science/Forest School

Miss G Southwell B.A. Hons. PGCE Maths Mrs G.Western B.A PGCE Hons Literacy/Assessment FS/MFLSenco Mrs G Butt B.A.MA.PGCE, NPQSL Computing/Assessment KS1

Miss M Hobbs B.A HonsMrs S Curtis B.Ed Hons Maternity Cover

P.E Coaching Miss K Keating – NVQ Level 7

Teaching Assistants Mrs S Danson NVQ Level 3Mrs G Delaney B.Ed.Mrs V Edwards HLTAMrs S Fleet Nursery NurseMrs S Hummel NVQ Level 3Mrs C Miles HLTA

SEN Support Mrs M Exelby NVQ Level 2 Miss C Sambell NVQ Level 3 Miss A Tredgett (degree – ongoing)Miss K O’Brien Early Years PGCE

Company Secretary Mrs L Sellars Business Administration & Professional Management Level 4

Finance Administrator Mrs K Borthwick BTEC National Certificate in Business Studies

Finance/Office Assistants Mrs T Symonds & Miss A Ganderton

Site Manager Mr G Partridge

Lunchtime Supervisors Mrs J Williams (Senior Supervisor)Mrs K AshworthMrs L MannMrs D StrangerMiss D Watts

Cleaners Mrs J LongMrs L Mann

Pre - School Unit Mrs C Bowers Co-Ordinator - QTMrs S Bird Deputy Co-Ordinator – NVQ Level 4

Support Staff Mrs M Lewis – NVQ Level 2 (ongoing)Mrs A Riley - QTMrs S Partridge – NVQ Level 3 Miss H Tredgett- NVQ Level 3Mrs C TuffillMiss L Ganderton (Friday only – Degree ongoing)

Enrichment Teaching Mr R Savage (Spanish)Mr A Newton (Music)Miss E Stagg (Music)


GOVERNORS OF CHURCHDOWN VILLAGE INFANT SCHOOL

Co-opted Mr D Pavey c/o School Address

Miss M Rogers c/o School Address

Mr D Simpson c/o School Address

Mrs A Summerskill c/o School Address

(Member) Mrs L Yates c/o School Address

PARENT Dr C Baker c/o School Address Chairman

Dr E Hartwell c/o School Address

Mr D Minett-Smith c/o School Address(Vice Chairman)

Mr M Stratford c/o School Address

HEADTEACHER Mrs J Guest c/o School Address

TEACHER GOVERNOR Mrs G Western c/o School Address

TEACHER GOVERNOR Mrs G Butt c/o School Address

CLERK TO THE GOVERNORS Mrs L Sellars c/o School Address

Members only and not on Governing Body Mr M TaylorMr P Patterson

Terms of office for the Governing Body are for four years. Members hold their position until they resign. Parent Governors are elected by all parents in the school. Full Governor meetings are held 5 times a year,but extra meetings can be held if the Governing board deem it necessary. There are also 3 meetings a year for Finance & Premises Committee and Communications & Standards Committee.

School Governors are linked to subject areas and visit school observing a wide range of activities.

All School governors can be contacted through the School Office.



USEFUL INFORMATION RELATING TO CHURCHDOWN VILLAGE INFANT SCHOOL

Pre-School 3yrs ( this is the year prior to school)

School

Age Range 4-7 years

Headteacher Mrs J Guest

Deputy Headteacher Mrs G Western

Chairman of Governors Dr C Baker c/o School

There will be one hundred and eighty children on the school roll for September 2018.

Reception Mrs G Western Miss G Southwell 30 pupils 30 pupils

TA TA

Year 1 Mrs S Carter Miss M Hobbs 30 pupils 30 pupils

TA TA

Year 2 Mrs S Curtis Mrs G Butt/|Mrs H Newman 30 pupils 30 pupils

TA TA

Miss K Keating PE Coaching all classes

Mr R Savage Spanish Teaching all classes

Mr A Newton Music teaching all year groups over the year/Ukulele Year 1 & 2

Miss E Stagg Music (Keyboards & Violin) Year 2 only

Pupils completing their Infant education make an application to transfer to Churchdown Village Junior School. Shire Hall deals with admission arrangements.


Pre-School Hours

Morning 8.30 am – 11.30amAfternoon 12.30pm – 3.30pmFull Day 8.30 am – 3.30pmLunch 11.30am –12.30 pm

Doors open at 8.30am to allow pupils access into Pre-School first before Reception pupils.

School Hours

Morning 8.55 am – 12 noon (whistle blows at 8.50am)

Afternoon 1.15pm – 3.15 pm

Dropping your Child off at School.

Please take your child to the designated area (see photos below) by 8.50am. The class teachers will come out and blow the whistle. We request that the children line up in front of their class teacher ready to go into the classroom. We appreciate that this may appear daunting for the Reception children initially but our experience is that they soon get used to and enjoy this routine.

Reception Classes Year 1 and Year 2

Meeting your Child out of School.

Please be at school by 3.15 pm, and wait for your child in the designated area. The teachers will ensure that each child is safely handed over to their parent, so please make sure that the teacher can see you and go forward to collect your child once they are at the front of the school.

If neither parent or guardian is collecting, please inform the school, as we are most careful to promote the safety of our children and will not allow them to go with any unauthorised person. It is not sufficient for the pupils to inform us of arrangements.

The School Governors have agreed that school children will not be allowed to be collected by older brothers or sisters (under 16) unless a letter of disclaimer has been signed.

If you are delayed collecting your child, please make a telephone call to the school office to help avoid any anxieties for your child.


Family Arrangements.

We are aware that changes in family situations occur, including parental break-ups. We request that you please keep the school informed of any changes. Legal arrangements must be supported by documents where appropriate. Please provide the school office with addresses, telephone numbers and emails of both parents. This will ensure that both parents are informed equally. If you move to a new address please also inform the school office.

Parking

We request that no cars be driven by parents up the school drive at any time unless there is an emergency or by prior arrangement from the school office. The gates are closed in the morning and at the close of school.

If you bring your child to school by car, you are asked to park well away from the school entrance, with dueconsideration for local residents, especially when you are attending a school function, eg Christmas, School assemblies and Parent’s Evenings etc.

Additional parking is available at St. Andrews’ Church and the Community Centre.

Careful considerate parking will reduce danger to our pupils

Healthy School – Food and Drinks

Fresh Fruit

Gloucestershire schools are part of the Free Fresh Fruit Initiative. Deliveries are made twice a week andinclude apples, bananas, carrots, pears and satsumas. These are given to the children each day at morning break. You may send alternative healthy snacks into school with your child if necessary.

Universal Free School Meals

From September 2014 Universal Free School Meals have been available to all infant aged children. The school kitchen prepares fresh hot dinners each lunchtime which include a meat and vegetarian option, as well as jacket potatoes. There is a new menu each term with 3 weeks of different options which rotate – you will be sent home a new menu at the start of each term which is also available on the school website and school noticeboard.

If your child does not wish to have hot dinners, you can send them in with a packed lunch instead. Please ensure that if your child has a packed lunch that it does not contain sweets and chocolate. As a school we strongly promote healthy eating.

Allergies and Special Dietary Requirements

Please notify the school of any special dietary requirements or allergies. The school kitchen is able to cater for these by modifying the meals accordingly (gluten free, dairy free).

Please ensure that packed lunches do not contain peanut butter or nuts of any description to protect children with nut allergies.

Pupil Premium Funding

If you are entitled to Tax Credits or other qualifying benefit, you may also be entitled to Pupil Premium Funding. This will provide the school with additional funding which can be used to support your child (additional educational support, subsidies for trips or clubs). You will need to fill in the relevant forms in order to ensure the school receives this funding so please ask at the school office for more information if this applies to you. Children also entitled to Pupil Premium, are Forces and ‘Looked After’ children.


Drinks

You do not need to send your child in with a water bottle. We will be encouraging all pupils to drink water at lunchtime and throughout the day. This will make it easier for our youngest pupils and will reduce the amount of un-recyclable materials.

Milk

Children may have milk after morning play. All children under the age of 5 are entitled to free milk and this is arranged through the school office. Free milk ends after the fifth birthday of your child so you will need to contact www.coolmilk.com if you wish to continue. Each week the office receives an updated list of children having milk. You may be entitled to free milk after your child turns five if they receive Pupil Premium Funding for economic reasons. Please check with the School Office to see if your child is entitled.

ABSENCE & LATENESS

Absence

If your child is absent at any time, please leave a message with the school office. If we are not notified the absence will be counted as unauthorised. Mrs Sellars will request the reason for absences if we have not been notified.

Any absence during term time must be requested by completing an Absence Request Form available from the School Office. Only the Headteacher can authorise absence. If the absence is for a hospital appointment a copy of the appointment letter is all that is needed – please bring the appointment letter to the office and the school will photocopy it.

Taking days off from school will affect your child’s education as they will miss out on learning opportunities.

The School Governors issue attendance certificates to children each term in recognition of their 100% attendance.

Please note that only ten school days are allowed only under exceptional circumstances. We advise that whenever possible, holidays are taken during the designated school holiday time.

Lateness

Please be in school on time as the children begin activities as soon as they come into their class. It is a statutory requirement that lateness and unauthorised absence is recorded in the school register and reported to the School Governors each term. The attendance target for this school is 97%.

PUPIL ATTENDANCE FOR ACADEMIC YEAR 2016-17

Percentage attendance 96.21%Number of Authorised Absences 3.72%Number of Unauthorised Absence 0.07%


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UNIFORM

Suggestions for School Uniform

GirlsWhite blouse or polo shirt.School sweatshirt /CardiganGrey skirt or pinafore dress or grey trousersSummer dresses – striped or checked, green or yellow.Shoes – sensible low heeled – not bootsHairbands to be green

BoysWhite polo shirtSchool sweatshirt Grey shorts or long trousers.Sensible black shoes –not trainers

School uniform can now be ordered online via the school website using the two providers on the Links tab. Only items with the school logo can be found here so other uniform can be bought in shops of your choice.

Friends of the School sell nearly new uniform throughout the year at their coffee mornings.

Please mark children’s names in all articles of clothing, including wellingtons.

We suggest sensible shoes (black) for the children not trainers as these may cause foot problems. Sandals (in Summer) must not have open toes or sling backs as these can be dangerous when thechildren are moving about school or at playtime. Please be particularly careful when buying shoes – high heels are a major Health & Safety problem.

We ask that no jewellery be worn in school. Small studs are advisable if your child has pierced ears. We encourage the children to have a smart appearance - girls hair tied back and no fashion hairstyles for boys (i.e. hair gel). Young children are easily distracted by inappropriate hairstyles and sometimes get upset when their peers comment on their appearance.

Physical Education

For P.E. the children will need:

- P.E. pumps, daps, plimsolls (slip-on P.E. shoes are easier for the children to manage themselves) - Yellow P.E. T. shirt- Green shorts- A named P.E. bag in which to keep their P.E. kit.

All P.E. items should be marked with child’s name.Please ensure that P.E. kits are in school on the first day after each holiday. P.E.kit will be sent home half termly for washing.

For health and Safety reasons no jewellery is allowed. It is also advisable for children with long hair to have it tied back for all P.E. lessons – again this is important for safety reasons. If your child has pierced ears please remove their earring or cover them on their P.E. days.


Illness and Medication

Illnesses

If your child is unwell, please keep them at home until you consider them to be well enough to return to school.

Below is a table of illnesses giving the suggested period for keeping your child away from school.

Infectious Disease At home forDiarrhoea and/or vomiting 48 hours from last episode

Chickenpox 5 days from onset of rash

Measles 5 days from onset of rash

German Measles 5 days from the appearance of rash

Scarlet Fever 5 days (appropriate treatment must be given)

Scabies, ringworm, head lice Until adequate treatment has been carried out

Mumps 5 days from onset of swollen glands

Conjunctivitis None

Impetigo Until lesions are crusted over or 48 hours after start of treatment

Asthma and Inhalers in school

The school needs to be informed in writing of any emergency procedures to be taken should your child suffer from asthma.Please complete the form available from school providing us with clear guidance showing your child’s name, how many puffs, and make a note of expiry dates so that replacements are available.

Allergies

Please inform the school office of any allergies which your child may have.

The School Medical Service

The Area Health Authority provides a valuable service for early discovery of any condition which, if neglected might interfere with a child’s progress during school life and after.

Reception pupils have a height and weight check in the Autumn term. School nurses do simple vision/hearing tests in the Spring term and inform parents if there is any abnormality.Children can be seen at the Eye Clinic or by an optician if necessary. The Dental care service also doschool dental checks.


Head Lice

Head Lice are a constant problem in schools these days. Please be vigilant in checking your child’s hair and scalp and wash hair regularly. Contact your local chemist for their advice on treatment.

Please inform the school if your child has been infected.

Medicines

We are happy to give medicine to your child but please make this arrangement with the Headteacher or Company Secretary. A medicine form will need to be completed with details of the dosage and time. Please do not give un-prescribed medicine to your children to bring to school this includes lip balm and creams. Please do not put medicine or inhalers in school book bags without informing the class teacher or school office.

PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS

Parent Meetings

Throughout the academic year, the school provides opportunities for parents to meet the staff on a formalbasis to discuss their child’s progress. Parents will be informed by letter about these, so do check schoolbags / pockets regularly, they occur in October, February and July. If you have any concerns please do nothesitate to speak to your child’s class teacher between the scheduled parent meetings.

School Assemblies/Worship (it is a statutory requirement that we hold an act of worship daily)

Whole school assemblies take place daily at 9.10am in the School Hall. Monday’s assembly is led by the Headteacher and is about Values and Rewards. Tuesday assemblies are led by St. Andrew’s Church and are called ‘Open the Book’. Wednesday assemblies are whole school singing. Thursday assemblies are based on International Dimensions.

Birthday assemblies will take place every Friday morning at 9.10am. In these we invite children to stand up and talk about their birthday. They can bring in one present to show to the school. This happens on the Friday following your child’s birthday and Mums, Dads, etc. are welcome to attend their child’s birthday assembly from the beginning of the academic year.

Year group and whole school assemblies for special events take place throughout the year. Parents will notified accordingly.

Help in School

We believe that parents and grandparents play an important part in your child’s development. We value their experience and expertise which can be shared with teachers and children i.e., cooking, sewing, library work, pre-reading, pre-number activities, helping with school trips, helping at special curriculum weeks, International weeks, sports and healthy living.

If you wish to help in school or you have a particular skill you would be willing to share with us, pleasecontact any member of the teaching staff.

Access to children’s Records

Parents are granted access to their children’s school records under the Education Reform Act unless the disclosure of this information is deemed likely to be detrimental to the child concerned.


Home/School Liaison/Open Door Policy

Parents are welcome to visit school at any time. Parents wishing to discuss a specific problem are asked to make an appointment with the Headteacher.

Letters

We try to keep letters home to a minimum. At the beginning of each term, parents will receive a list of events with all the important dates for the term. These are sent via email. Newsletters/Headteacher letter are also sent via email weekly. These can also be found on the school website and school noticeboard.

Website

The school website can be found at www.churchdownvillageinf.co.uk and is one of our primary methods of sharing useful information and resources with parents. Details about each year group, including current topics and aims, information about the school, documents and forms can all be found on the website. The events list is also available on the website, as well as a calendar detailing school events. All of these are updated regularly and we ask that you, please, do use this resource to find out information.

The website includes pictures of children in school and their work so that parents can see what the children have been doing – if you do not wish your child or their work to appear on this please inform the school office on the registration form.

There is a Headteacher Newsletter blog which is updated weekly celebrating the many exciting things we do in school – this can be found under ‘Latest News’.

School Photographs

The children are able to have their photograph taken during the Autumn Term, either on a family orindividual basis, and in the Summer Term as a class group. Details are sent home prior to the photographs being taken and any subsequent purchases are entirely optional.

Friends of the School

We have a thriving, very supportive, Friends of the School group, which organises many events and socialActivities. These are very well attended. You are an automatic member of the Friends of the Schooland we hope you will enjoy and share the many events they arrange. Our Friends of the School give invaluable help when we organise educational events and their support aids in the smooth running of thispart of our school life. We hope you will be encouraged to join in, share the work load, and give us yourhelp.

Requests to Parents

Smoking:To promote awareness of Health and Safety for the children of Churchdown Village Infant School, smoking is not permitted anywhere on the school site.

Mobile Phones:The School Governors have requested that parents do not use mobile phones on the school grounds, but they can be used in the school office area. This policy is in place to safeguard children against unauthorised photographs, uploading to social media sites and overheard adult conversations. Use of mobile phones at school assemblies/productions is permitted but please ensure that photos and videos are not posted on social media sites if the images include other children.


http://www.churchdownvillageinf.co.uk/

Social Networking Sites:

The school DOES NOT have a Facebook page. There are pages set up by parents but we cannot take responsibility for content which appears on these social media pages. If parents have any questions please ask the school directly rather than posting on social media sites. The Governors have requested that social networking sites are not used to discuss pupils, staff or the workings of the school. P)lease note that if parents use social media to make defamatory remarks, the school may take legal action.

If you have immediate queries that cannot wait until office hours, please contact the Headteacher at [email protected]

S pecial Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)

The policy of Churchdown Village Infant School is to cater for the individual educational needs of all the children.

The SEND Co-ordinator attends courses in SEND and meets regularly with the designated school governor who reports to the governing body.

We fully encourage any parent with concerns, however small, to talk, on a formal basis initially, with theirclass teacher who will refer this to the SEND Co-ordinator – Miss G Western, who is available after school most days to discuss any concerns you may have.

Churchdown Village Infant School strives to ensure that the culture and ethos of the school are such that, whatever the abilities and needs of members of the school community, everyone is equally valued and is treated with respect. Pupils should be provided with the opportunity to experience, understand and value diversity. More information can be found on the school website and look for School Offer. There will also be a leaflet put in the green pack given out at the Reception Open Evening.

Religious Education

The School meets together daily for assembly led by the Headteacher or members of staff. When a class leads the school assembly the parents of those pupils are invited to join us. Parents are also invited at Harvest time, Christmas and other festivals.

Religious Education takes place within assemblies and as part of classroom work. The R.E. Curriculum introduces children to Christianity, its values, and influences on everyday life. We also encourage a respect for other religions in preparation for our children’s place in a multi-cultural society. We develop an awareness of all aspects of moral education by explaining ideas, feelings and actions and by the development of personal qualities.

A child may be excused from R.E. or corporate acts of worship if parents write to the Headteacher makingsuch a request.

Health Education

In this curriculum area, all children are helped to understand how the human body works and what promotes their wellbeing. Children, therefore, learn about hygiene, nutrition, exercise, dental care, road and water safety.

Internet Safety

When using the internet the children know that if anything appears on their screen during lessons which upsets them they must tell the class teacher immediately. The school internet is provided and filtered by Exanet which provided internet services for over 2000 schools across the country.


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Sex Education

Although the children in this school are very young there is a Sex Education Policy in place which is firmlybased on Health Education and the value of family life.

Examples of topics informally discussed with children might be:- people in my life, - getting ready for a new baby, keeping safe, the beginning of life – me, animal and plant changes as we grow and different types of families. If you have any particular concerns or wish to have further information about the policystatement, please contact the Headteacher. The Life Bus visits school annually during our Healthy Living Week ( Spring Term).

Trips and costs of trips in school

Throughout the year, all year groups enjoy educational trips out of school, including the Pantomime each year. Year 1 and Year 2 take part in sporting activities. All trips have a Risk Assessment undertaken and only coaches with seat belts are used. Signed permission slips from parents are completed at the beginning of the year for the whole of their time in school, however, additional permission will be sought if the trip is not during school time.

It is the policy of the school within the terms of the Education Reform Act to ensure that where voluntary contributions are requested, no pupil is disadvantaged solely on their inability to pay. The Headteacher in conjunction with the class teachers will proportion the costs accordingly. The school will continue to support and encourage the work of the Friends of the School in fund raising and subsidising any activities including coach hire. This year the Friends of the School are helping to refurbish the Adventure Playground.

Pastoral care

If it is brought to the attention of a member of staff that it is suspected that a child is being abused or at risk, we are required to notify the Gloucestershire Safeguarding Children Board immediately. The GSCB was established in 2006 in response to the Every Child Matters reforms and the Children Act 2004. The Board is made up of professionals from partner agencies responsible for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people including protection from harm.

The designated person in school for safeguarding is the Headteacher Mrs Julie Guest.

The school also operates an open door policy where any parent can speak to the Headteacher regarding any concerns, not necessarily academic, they may have. There is also a Governor with the responsibility of Pastoral Care should a parent wish to speak to them.

Equal Opportunities

Each child is given opportunities and encouraged to explore all roles and activities.

Discipline

We aim to develop self-discipline within all our children and teach them to consider the feelings and well-being of others. We encourage them to respect all other people with whom they come into contact and to be careful with possessions, property and the resources of the school. This discipline policy applies to all children in our school. If for any reason parents have concerns or worries please do not hesitate to contact the school immediately. We do expect all children in school to behave appropriately and ask for parents full backing in this matter.

Infant – Junior Liaison Transition

Our two schools work closely together on a variety of projects throughout the year. Year 2 and Year 3 teachers liaise closely prior to children transferring to the junior school.


THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM

The Foundation Stage curriculum prepares children for learning in the early years and is consistent with the National Curriculum.

National Curriculum programmes of study for Key Stage 1 are taught in Year 1 & 2.

FOUNDATION STAGE/EARLY YEARS

The Foundation Stage covers the development of children aged 0 – 5 years. The children in our Pre-School and Reception classes learn within the Foundation Stage Curriculum.

Communication and Language Physical Development Personal, Social and Emotional Literacy Maths Understanding of the World Expressive Art and Design

KEY STAGE 1

From September 2014 all schools in England and Wales were required to follow the New National Curriculum. This curriculum contains core and foundation subjects.

CORE SUBJECTS FOUNDATION SUBJECTS

English Art & Design P.E.

Mathematics History Geography

Science Music Computing

In addition, all schools are required to provide Religious Education and a daily act of worship.

Churchdown Village Infant School successfully fulfils these requirements.

The long term planning of topic work supported by focused teaching provides a broad and balancedcurriculum which ensures progression and continuity in all areas of study. These can be found on the school website under the relevant year group pages.


NATIONAL CURRICULUM CORE SUBJECTS

English

English is a vital way of communicating in school, in public life and internationally. Literature in Englishis rich and influential, reflecting the experience of people from many countries and times.

In studying English pupils develop skills in speaking, listening, reading and writing. It enables them to express themselves creatively and imaginatively and to communicate with others effectively. Pupils learnto become enthusiastic and critical readers of stories, poetry and drama as well as non-fiction and media texts.

The study of English helps pupils understand how language works by looking at its patterns, structures andorigins. Using this knowledge, pupils can choose and adapt what they say and write in different situations.

All pupils experience Literacy each day and Guided Reading session during Readers workshop.

Mathematics

During Key Stage 1 pupils develop their knowledge and understanding of mathematics through practical activity, exploration and discussion. They learn to count, read, write and order numbers to 100 and beyond.They develop a range of mental calculation skills and use these confidently in different settings. They learnabout shape and space through practical activity which builds on their understanding of their immediate environment. They begin to grasp mathematical language using it to talk about methods and explain theirreasoning when solving problems.

All pupils experience Mathematics each day.

Science

During Key Stage 1 pupils observe, explore and ask questions about living things, materials andphenomena. They begin to work together to collect evidence to help them answer questions and to link thisto simple scientific ideas. They evaluate evidence and consider whether tests or comparisons are fair. They use reference materials to find out more about scientific ideas. They share their ideas and communicate them using scientific language, drawings, charts and tables. The Life Bus visits school every year as part of our Science Curriculum during Healthy Living Week.

NATIONAL CURRICULUM NON-CORE SUBJECTS

Geography

Pupils investigate their local area and a contrasting area in the United Kingdom or abroad, finding out about the environment in both areas and the people who live there. They also begin to learn about the wider world. They carry out geographical enquiry inside and outside the classroom. In doing this they ask geographical questions about people, places and environments, and use geographical skills and resources such as maps and photographs.

History

Pupils learn about people’s lives and lifestyles. They find out about significant men, women, children and events from the recent and more distant past, including those from both Britain andthe wider world. They listen and respond to stories and use sources of information to help them ask andanswer questions. They learn how the past is different from the present. Every year we have a history week with a special focus eg (Victorian Homes).


Music

Pupils listen and respond physically to a wide range of music. They play musical instruments and sing a variety of songs from memory, adding accompaniments and creating short compositions, with increasing confidence, imagination and control.

They explore and enjoy how sounds and silence can create different moods and effects.

P.E.

Pupils build on their natural enthusiasm for movement, using it to explore and learn about their world. They start to work and play with other pupils in pairs and small groups. By watching, listening and experimenting, they develop their skills in movement and co-ordination, and enjoy expressing and testing themselves in a variety of situations. All classes have specialist P.E. coaching teaching dance, gymnastics and games. The P.E. coach is employed by the school. Once a month all classes attend Forest School sessions rather than PE. Please ensure that you send Forest School clothes in to school during that week. The weekly newsletters will indicate the dates. (See Forest School section page 20)

Art & Design

Pupils develop their creativity and imagination by exploring the visual, tactile and sensory qualities of materials and processes. They learn about the role of art, craft and design in their environment. They begin to understand colour, shape and space and pattern and texture and use them to represent their ideas and feelings.

Design and Technology

Pupils learn how to think imaginatively and talk about what they like and dislike when designing and making. They build on their early childhood experiences of investigating objects around them. They explore how familiar things work and talk about, draw and model their ideas. They learn how to design and make safely and could start to use ICT as part of the designing and making.

Computing

Pupils explore ICT and learn to use it confidently and with purpose to achieve specific outcomes. They start to use ICT to develop their ideas and record their creative work. They become familiar with hardware and software and learn how it can be used to enrich learning in other subject areas.

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural

Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural education (SMSC) help to give pupils the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to lead confident, healthy, independent lives and to become informed, active, responsible citizens. Pupils are encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities and experiences across and beyond the curriculum, contributing fully to the life of their school and communities. In doing so they learn to recognise their own worth, work well with others and become increasingly responsible for theirown learning. They reflect on their experiences and understand how they are developing personally andsocially, tackling many of the spiritual, moral, social and cultural issues that are part of growing up. Theyalso find out about their responsibilities, rights and duties as individuals and members of communities. They learn to understand and respect our common humanity, diversity and differences so that they can go on to form the effective, fulfilling relationships that are an essential part of life and learning.


ADDITIONAL CURRICULUM AREAS

Enrichment Activities

Every Friday morning all children participate in additional Enrichment activities. These include Art, French, Music, Science, Forest School, Drama, Craft and Technology. Specialist teachers are employed to deliver aspects of the curriculum as well as members of the school staff. The year groups rotate and by the end of each academic year all classes have experienced all of these areas of enrichment. In addition we have a specialist PE Coach in school who teaches all year groups in gymnastics, dance, athletics and tennis.

We also employ a Modern Foreign Language teacher who teaches Spanish to all year groups including Pre-School.

Mrs Western takes pupils from Year 2 to develop their skills in Poetry and Prose reading. This year weentered a number of pupils in the Cheltenham Festival for Performing Arts and enjoyed great success.

The school has a ‘Connecting Classrooms’ project funded by the British Council. This links us with a school in India, SAI International School. This work focusses on the development of core skills and sharing best practice.

Music/Extra Teaching

In Year 2 our pupils are offered the opportunity to play the recorder and prepare for performances. Mrs Guest teaches lessons at lunchtime. As a result of this, Year 2 pupils have been very successful in the Cheltenham Performing Arts Festival.

We have a very successful School Choir which practices in school and is taught by Mrs Guest.There is an opportunity for pupils to have private music tuition, ukulele, violin and keyboard in Year 2. These are arranged by our Peripatetic Music teachers – Mr Newton and Miss Stagg.

Academic Clubs

During certain terms of the year – academic clubs are run by teachers offering cookery, construction and computer opportunities for all year groups after school.

Forest School

Forest School is about children building self-esteem and independence through exploring and experiencing the natural world. We have transformed part of a playing field into a natural environment where learners have the time and space to develop skills, interests and understanding through practical, hands-on experiences.

Forest School is a long term programme delivered by trained Forest Leaders who enable the children to develop confidence, skills and understanding. Forest School allows adults to step back and observe the children in a safe environment in order to encourage and inspire them to achieve and enjoy outdoor learning.

Uses the outdoor environment to help all children learn. Encourages children to develop independence and to work as part of a team, improves language

and decision making and raises their self-esteem through small achievable tasks. Sessions are child-led to accommodate different learning styles and the adult’s role is facilitative. Sessions led by one of three trained Forest School Leaders – Miss Keating, Mrs Perks and Miss

Sambell.


What to wear

Children will always need:

Woolly hat or sun hat Jacket / waterproof coat Long sleeved top e.g. fleece or sweatshirt Long trousers Change of footwear, ideally wellies

In winter they will need extra layers and gloves

We go out in all weathers apart from thunder and lightning so that children experience the extremities of the great British weather.

PUPIL PROGRESS


ASSESSMENT AND REPORTS

Assessment, Target Setting and Reporting

An integral part of the teaching process for the teacher is observing how a child approaches and deals witha set task and deciding from such observations what educational activities would be most appropriate to thechild’s future work.

At Churchdown Village Infant School we begin our assessment of the children in the Reception class. Herewe begin with a Baseline Assessment of each child.

We are involved in a National research project called “PIPS” (Performance Indicators in Primary Schools).This assessment is implemented within the first days of the Reception Year. Data is used to support the teachers when making assessments and judgements about individual pupils and working groups withineach class. At the end of the reception year PIPs assessment is carried out once again to show the progress which has been made during the year. The EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) is also completed and this information provides evidence of progress which is moderated by the Local Authority and with other schools and passed on to the Year 1 teachers.

At the beginning of the Autumn term baseline assessments take place which inform the termly plans for each class and set targets for each term. Formative assessments are carried out on a daily basis to ensure teaching and learning meets individual needs. Summative assessments are carried out by the class teachers to track the progress of children in their class. Progress is shared with parents during Parents Evenings and pupil reports.

In Year 1 pupils receive Phonics Screening. Results are published in the report to parents.

In Year 2 (end of KS1) children receive a teacher assessed judgements on progress and attainment which are reported to parents.

School Reports

All parents receive our annual report on their child’s progress.

Pre-School All areas of the Foundation Stage Curriculum 3-4 years.

Reception All areas of the Foundation Stage Curriculum 4-5 years/ Reading Levels/ Achievement in high frequency words

Year 1 All areas of the National Curriculum are reported to parents including Phonic Screening outcomes.

Year 2 All areas of the National Curriculum are reported to parents and their end of Key Stage 1 Assessments / Reading Attainment.


National Curriculum Key Stage 1 Assessment ResultsSummer 2017


ADMISSIONS POLICY

The school has a Published Admission Number (PAN) of 60 places per year group. All parents have the right of appeal if their request for a place is initially rejected. As an academy any appeals are conducted by an independent appeals panel.

The Local Authority (LA) determine the admissions to our Reception classes.

Please visit our website http://www.churchdownvillageinf.co.uk click on the documents tab, school policies and you will find the Admissions Policy for the current and future year.

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

It is hoped that any matter of concern could be dealt with informally at the school through the Headteacher or Governors before proceeding to formal arrangements.

However, there is a statutory procedure to deal with complaints by parents who feel that the Governing Body or a school’s curriculum is failing to discharge its duties.

The arrangements are not intended to deal with complaints about the actions of the Headteacher or individual teachers, but specifically the National Curriculum, including religious education and worship, exemptions from National Curriculum, and the provision of information and charging policies.

EXCLUSION ARRANGEMENTS

Please see policy on website.

SCHOOL DOCUMENTS

Parents can see copies of the following documents by visiting the school website.

Published OFSTED reports on the school

Statutory Policy Documents

Planning documents

Prospectus’ (CVIS, Pre-School and BASC)

Relevant Forms for School

Menus

Accounts and Value for Money Statement

Homework Guide

SEN Report


http://www.churchdownvillageinf.co.uk/

As part of our Extended Services we, as a school, have a very well established Pre-School class and Before and After School Club. As an academy, both of these are registered with Ofsted under the school and all will be inspected at the same time.

PRE-SCHOOL CLASS

8.30am – 11.30am

Monday – Friday or

12.30pm – 3.30pm

or

8.30am – 3.30pm

We offer 32 places every session.

The Foundation Stage for 3 – 5 year olds begin in the Pre-School and continues into the Reception year. Close liaison between the Reception and the Pre-School takes place with our Early Years Co-ordinator Mrs Western.

The Pre-School children attend school class assemblies, special events, for example Mother’s Day, Easter Bonnets etc. The Pre-School children present an end of year assembly for their parents.

Specialist P.E coaching, a modern foreign language and specialist music teaching and Forest School is also available for our Pre-School pupils.

For costings please see the Pre-School Prospectus.


BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL CLUB

This operates each school day. The times of the sessions are:

Mornings 7.45 am (bookings only)Mornings 8.00 am – 8.55 am

Evenings 3.15 pm – 6.00pm

The 7.45am start needs to be booked in advance at the school office.

We offer a programme, which includes creative activities, constructional play, reading activities, social activities, homework table and outdoor recreation.

This facility is provided to support all parents.

We also have many children who use the club occasionally for social interaction with friends.

The club is run by the school and is staffed by trained staff who work in school during the dayand additional staff from our Lunchtime Supervisors.

A list of fees is available in the Before and After School Club prospectus and the registration forms.

We also extend this facility to Churchdown Village Junior School children.

Our school P.E. coach provides specialist coaching to all of the children who attend the club.

AFTER SCHOOL SPORTS

Throughout the year we provide after school sports from Monday to Thursday for certain weeks during the terms organised by Miss Keating and specialist coaches. These are for Key Stage 1 mostly but Reception pupils will be able to take part during the Summer Terms.

HOLIDAY SCHEME

Throughout the year we provide a Holiday Club which is co-ordinated by our Sports Coach Miss Keating. Details are sent out to both our infant school children and those who attend the junior school.

ACADEMIC CLUBS

We also provide on a Monday throughout Autumn Term 2 and both Spring Terms a Computer, Construction and Cookery Club on a round-robin basis. This does incur additional costs but is organised by teachers in school and is open to all year groups.
