Loxwood Primary School Welcome Thank you for considering Loxwood Primary School for your child. Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions that you will make for your child, so it is vital that you feel both happy and comfortable with your choice. A village school is an integral part of the community – there has been one in Loxwood for over one hundred years. The school has changed during the course of its history in response to the requirements of society. Today‟s children need a wider learning experience that will give them a better understanding and appreciation of science, technology and languages to enable them to become confident users of computers and better communicators. However, although it is important to respond to new demands and challenges, reading, writing and numeracy retain a high priority at Loxwood. Our most recent review of the curriculum has included the introduction of a skills based curriculum which supports the creative learning journey that the children have embarked upon. At Loxwood, we provide a stimulating and challenging curriculum, setting high expectations for academic success and a happy, caring environment, where children learn to value themselves and their peers. We place a high priority on keeping the child to adult ratio as low as possible. This helps provide an excellent start for your children in a village school that will equip them for today‟s world. Yours sincerely T. McMath Headteacher
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
Loxwood Primary School
Welcome Thank you for considering Loxwood Primary School for your child.
Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions that you
will make for your child, so it is vital that you feel both happy and
comfortable with your choice.
A village school is an integral part of the community – there has
been one in Loxwood for over one hundred years. The school
has changed during the course of its history in response to the
requirements of society. Today‟s children need a wider learning
experience that will give them a better understanding and
appreciation of science, technology and languages to enable
them to become confident users of computers and better
communicators. However, although it is important to respond to
new demands and challenges, reading, writing and numeracy
retain a high priority at Loxwood. Our most recent review of
the curriculum has included the introduction of a skills based
curriculum which supports the creative learning journey that
the children have embarked upon.
At Loxwood, we provide a stimulating and challenging
curriculum, setting high expectations for academic success and
a happy, caring environment, where children learn to value
themselves and their peers. We place a high priority on
keeping the child to adult ratio as low as possible. This helps
provide an excellent start for your children in a village school
that will equip them for today‟s world.
Yours sincerely
T. McMath Headteacher
We are very proud of our large modern infant
Department. All the classrooms are well equipped
and have a bright airy atmosphere, they also have
access to an outside working area. The children are
encouraged to experience all aspects of our creative
curriculum promoting a love of learning for all.
Our fantastic new infant extension…..
A parents comment was: The infant department is absolutely fabulous. They a bright and airy and my child loves it!
It’s a happy
environment for both
pupils and
parents. Ofsted
The Aims of Loxwood School
„To be the best that we can be‟
This is achieved through:
Creating in school a happy and caring environment where everyone feels secure and
respects
others, their property, culture and beliefs;
Providing a stimulating environment which enables both children and adults to
discover their talents and achieve their full potential in whichever direction that
might be;
Preparing the children for opportunities, responsibilities and experiences for the
adult world, so that they may ultimately become responsible members of society and
contribute to it in a valuable way;
Fostering independence in order that children may develop lively and enquiring minds;
Creating an atmosphere where all can experience a sense of wonder, recognise,
appreciate and celebrate beauty and creativity;
Teaching children skills and concepts, in a climate which provides them with as many
opportunities as possible to apply them to practical and problem-solving situations;
Ensuring that the children understand the need for a healthy life style acquired
through a sensible diet and continuous physical development;
Making each day interesting and enjoyable and promoting a sense of pride in
belonging to the school;
Forming a partnership with parents so that the education of their children becomes
a shared and enjoyable responsibility;
Ensuring that children understand the purpose of their work and are committed to it;
Ensuring that the children have the foundation skills needed throughout their lives,
to become caring members of society.
School Achievements over the past few years
Dyslexia Aware Award for 2009
National Healthy School Status
The school achieved this status in 2007
West Sussex Healthy School Status, was achieved in December 2008
Investors in Health award achieved 2011
International School Award – Developing Internationalism 2010
Sportsmark – Achieved in 2008
Active Mark – Achieved in 2007
Football
Winners of the Horsham & District 7-a-side trophy 2011
Runners up at the County 7a-side competition 2011
First Aid
School team won the area competition in 2011, resulting in the school representing West Sussex
in the National finals that is held at the Natural History Museum, London.
Road Safety - School team came 1st in the area finals in 2010 and 2011
Travel Mark Award – Level 2 achieved 2010
Donations to charities include:
Operation Christmas Child shoebox appeal, Water Aid, Red Nose Day, Poppy Appeal,
Cancer Research, Wishing Well appeal, Fair trade awareness week and Angels International.
Maths Competition
Heat winner of the West Sussex Maths Competition (19 schools attended)
West Sussex Count Council Garden Competition 2012
Special Award for the school gardens
The Curriculum at Loxwood….
At Loxwood the creative curriculum is broad, balanced and matched to the children‟s individual
needs. To achieve this, we aim to encourage skills for learning, independence and creativity.
Activities are planned to encourage the children to be independent thinkers who can approach
a task with confidence, using a variety of strategies.
The curriculum is divided into the Six Areas of Learning being; Understanding the Arts; English,
Communication and Language; Historical, Geographical and Social Understanding; Physical
Development, Health and Wellbeing; Mathematical Understanding; Scientific and Technological
Understanding. These areas of learning, which incorporate the National Curriculum Core and
Foundation subjects, include a wide range of subjects which are listed in the following
paragraphs.
The Learning Journey
Where the content of various subjects clearly overlap, those subjects are linked together.
For example, the theme „Castles‟ links with Literacy and traditional stories, DT for making
castles and drawbridges and science for materials and their properties. This approach
enables the children to have a context for their learning.
We actively encourage the children to have ownership of the learning objectives for the
term, and they are involved in the planning of the theme with their class teacher.
The Curriculum at Loxwood has been carefully structured to provide continuity and
progression, as well as offering challenges appropriate to children of all abilities. Should you
have any questions regarding the Curriculum provision, please contact the Headteacher.
Teaching Styles
We use a variety of teaching styles and strategies, ranging from work with the whole class,
to work with individual children. We encourage independent, skills-based and independent
learning which allows for personal development. Children also frequently work together on
tasks to help them to acquire the co-operative skills which are particularly relevant to adult
life.
The curriculum is planned using „I can‟ statements, the language of which is there to give
confidence and understanding regarding the learning objectives for that lesson. These are
discussed with the class at the beginning of each new session to ensure the children have
a clear understanding of what is required of them. In order to fully accommodate the
requirements of the National Curriculum, it is occasionally necessary to teach a specific
subject if it does not link with the theme.
We encourage independent learning which allows for personal development. Children
frequently work together on designated tasks to help them to acquire the co-operative
skills which are particularly relevant to adult life.
The Curriculum continued….
Language, literature and Communication
Language is one of the most important parts of our curriculum.
Our children develop the skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening through
purposeful activities planned within our cross-curricular learning journey. Literacy and
language teaching are taught within the context of the theme, giving the children the
opportunity to express themselves in a rich variety of styles and mediums. The infant
department uses a phonic approach based on „Read, Write Inc‟. The „Jolly Phonics‟ scheme
which we also use, further supports our phonic teaching.
In all, the children learn they are making use of at least one of these basic communication
skills. Through the use of good literature we encourage a love of poetry, stories and
creative writing which fosters self expression through drama and discussion.
Languages are taught in both KS1 and KS2. Children may be introduced to various
languages through games, songs and simple activities with the emphasis on learning through
enjoyment.
Mathematics
Math‟s teaching in our primary school covers: -
The progressive acquisition of mathematical skills
Practice in mental arithmetic
Practical application of skills learnt
Problem-solving and investigations.
We feel very strongly that children should have a sound
understanding of mathematical concepts. It is a great temptation to measure progress
only by the number of calculations „ticked‟ per page. Calculation skills are necessary and
very important, but so is the application of those skills to practical problem-solving
and mathematical investigation. Children do need time and the opportunity to participate
actively in mathematical projects so as to appreciate the relevance and importance of
mathematics in their everyday lives.
Creative Development
Art, craft music dance and drama make an important
contribution toward developing a full and creative curriculum
for the children
Music
Music is a particular strength of daily life at Loxwood School with all
children being actively encouraged to become involved with school music events.
The emphasis is very much on the enjoyment of music for all and the sharing of this
enjoyment with others. Music is taught as part of the national
curriculum but there is a wide range of extra curricular
opportunities available to children which include the learning of a
range of instruments – currently recorder, flute, piano,
saxophone, guitar, brass, voice, clarinet, violin and djembe
(for which an additional charge may be made).
We also have a very active junior choir and busy junior orchestra.
All children are encouraged to play an instrument in school which may include ocarinas in the
infant classes; recorders in lower junior classes and orchestra in upper juniors. Children have
the opportunity to perform at school assemblies, parent assemblies, church services, termly
concerts, school productions, carol singing, music festivals. In 2011 the junior choir attended
the O2 arena for a massed concert event. Wherever possible the love of music is extended
and linked to other curriculum areas such as English, French, RE, PSHCE and history.
Design Technology
This subject area helps children to understand the technical world in which we
live. All aspects of technology are directly linked to topic work. It includes the
making of experimental models, designed and built using a variety of
manipulative skills, materials, appropriate tools and methods. This enhances
the children‟s ability to identify, examine and solve technological problems.
Art
Although art can often be linked to other subjects. It is important that
children appreciate and value art for its own sake. The children are provided
with a wide range of media to use for activities including painting, printing,
drawing, collage, embroidery, clay work and the making of models, which are
designed and built using a variety of materials. Handmade books also form
a major activity. Children are encouraged through close observation,
to gain confidence in their own innate ability and to express themselves using
the techniques of famous artists.
„The curriculum is
enriched by an
excellent range of
activities including
specialist
teaching in music„
Ofsted
A Caring Approach….
Spiritual Development
We have strong links with our local Parish Church, although
Loxwood is not a Church of England school. The Rector takes
assembly every fortnight and is also a member of the Governing
Body.
The Church and school work together to provide a shared code of
conduct and morality. We foster a spirit of caring and sharing and emphasise responsibility.
RE is taught in conformity with the „Agreed Syllabus of Religious Education‟ published by the
West Sussex Education Committee. Under the terms of the Education Reform Act (1988),
parents may withdraw their children from school assembly, collective worship and Religious
Education lessons. The Headteacher should be contacted if parents wish their children to be
withdrawn.
A sensitive approach
Those taking assembly will handle „worship‟ in a way appropriate to the age and
aptitudes of the children present and not as might be fitting for adults in voluntary
attendance at a Church, who freely choose a greater or lesser degree of accepted ritual.
Values
Our overriding aim is to encourage children to search for a
system of values and a sense of purpose to their lives, in the
context of a Christian and caring environment.
PSHCE & Citizenship
Personal, social, health education and citizenship is an integral part of learning in the school.
This approach also forms part of SEAL which is Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning.
Pupils are encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities,
contributing fully to the life of their school and community. They discuss many social, moral,
spiritual and cultural issues and their responsibilities as members of the local community.
To encourage social and personal skills a School Council is elected annually. They meet half termly
to discuss and raise issues of interest on behalf of the all the children. This has been extremely
successful for both staff and pupils.
Ofsted stated that the
children have a good
spiritual, moral social
and cultural
development. They are
friendly and kind
towards each other.
History and Geography
History and geography often form part of a theme
or topic, but are taught as single subjects where
appropriate. Experiences such as theatre visits,
trips and guest speakers enable the pupils to devel-
op a sense of self and place, based on the local environment and those aspects of change,
which are familiar to them.
Children learn through different topics how our environment shapes our lives and that how
we live now is related to how other people live and used to live. We recognise the
importance of utilising primary sources of evidence such as pictures, objects, oral evidence,
simple maps and surveys conducted by the pupils.
ICT
ICT (Information and Communication Technology)
supports all areas of the curriculum in school and
helps to prepare the children for a rapidly changing world by allowing them access to a
variety of technology.
In school children have access to networked laptops, Interactive Whiteboards, digital
cameras, programmable toys, a variety of interactive software and the Internet.
Children are encouraged to use computers in a safe and responsible way throughout their
time at Loxwood School. By the time they leave they will have developed their skills in a
number of areas including: word processing; desktop publishing, data-handling; graphics and
painting; control modelling and data-logging.
In addition to specific ICT teaching the children use laptops to help with their presentation
and research in all topics.
Science
The children are encouraged to acquire basic
scientific skills, understand simple experimental
principles and to develop enquiring minds.
Among the skills fostered in science lessons are
measurement, observation, theory testing,
recording and extrapolation.
For example:-
How much sugar will dissolve in water?
How much salt and how much sand will also dissolve in
water?
How can you recover solid salt from a solution?
How much salt is in the sea, etc…
The emphasis is on investigation and exploration.
Science is fun, and we wish to remove mystery and
instill a sense of wonder and enthusiasm.
In the modern world science with the other
disciplines is emphasized.
Sex Education
In the infant and lower junior classes the children observe the reproduction
process by looking at the natural world – watching tadpoles grow, incubating
eggs, visiting farms etc.
At this age, questions relating to sex are likely to come from individuals and
each teacher would treat such enquiries according to the maturity of the
child concerned. Once a child reaches Year 5 & 6, more specific information
is given in our topic on „growth‟, which is provided by the NHS Health Trust.
A video of this is offered for parents to view prior to their children
beginning the topic. For more details, please do not hesitate to contact the
Headteacher and ask for a copy of the school‟s Sex Education Policy .
Additional Educational Needs...
Additional Educational Needs All children are valued, respected and welcomed at
Loxwood, whatever their additional educational
need. We will support their learning and ensure
that they are fully included in all school
activities. We aim to provide education which is
sensitive to the individual needs of and is
accessible to each and all of our pupils.
At Loxwood it is important that we monitor every child‟s
progress to ensure that they are achieving the very best
they can. Some children have difficulties and it is vital
that we identify these and address each child‟s individual
needs and difficulties. The school‟s Additional Needs
Co-ordinator will liaise with both the class
teacher and the parents to ensure that the
child‟s needs are met.
Gifted, Able and Talented
At any time our school will have a number of
able or gifted pupils. We recognise academic,
practical, artistic and creative talent and
aim to enhance these gifts in those pupils.
How do we spend our Pupil Premium?
The headteacher and Senior Management Team
apportioned the funding towards additional teaching
assistants in the classroom, allowing for smaller
group sizes to accommodate specific children‟s
needs. We also directed funding towards music
tuition.
„The Additional Needs
Coordinator provides
excellent support for
pupils whose circumstances
may make them vulnerable
and for their families, as
well as for those pupils at
risk of underachieving‟.
Ofsted
„I love this room,
its fun and exciting.
The big cushions
are great! A quote from a child in Year 3
Sporting & Extra Curricular Activities
Physical Education & Games
Individual skills are encouraged to help with body awareness, agility,
co-ordination and basic skills when on or using, the apparatus.
The school has a large hall, which is well equipped for PE and
apparatus work.
The playground and large field are used to play cricket, football,
hockey, netball, rounders, tag rugby and short tennis to name
but a few! A variety of team games are played on the field, plus
athletics in the summer, culminating in sports day which is held in
July. Sportsmanship is fundamental. We like children to play
hard to win and to learn to lose gracefully.
The children also receive swimming and water skills lessons at Billingshurst swimming pool.
Voluntary contributions are sought from parents to offset the costs of this activity.
There is an achievement scheme in which the children are able to earn certificates and badges
for distance and skills.
Extra Curricular Activities
The children are encouraged to participate in after school clubs where
they learn fundamental skills and will have the
opportunity to play against children from other
schools.
The variety of clubs is seasonal and includes;-
Art
Cookery
Cricket, football, netball
Drama
First Aid
Dance
Cricket
Gymnastics
All clubs are available to both boys and girls in the juniors. There are a limited number for the
infant children. To help set up and fund these activities, parents are asked for voluntary
donations during the academic year.
Our Early Years Department “The Young
Explorers” is a fun, creative and stimulating
place to be. We learn through play and
activities that are based around the children‟s
own interests. As well as a newly built
classroom, as of 2012, we are lucky enough to
have an undercover well resourced outdoor
area, our own playground and our very own
vegetable patch. We believe that playing and
learning outside is as enjoyable, exciting and valuable as playing and learning in-
side!
Our aims are:
Wherever possible, to plan activities for learning from first hand experience.
To develop confidence and independence.
To follow the guidance laid out in the Early Years Foundation Stage
(leading to National Curriculum requirements)
To foster a feeling of belonging to a class group, leading to a sense of unity
within the whole school. Even the youngest children should feel part of the
school community.
We value communication between parents and school as essential. It is vital
that we work together to ensure your child has a fantastic, happy and
successful time at Loxwood school. This begins in the foundation stage with a
home visit, nursery visit and several story sessions that both children and
parents are invited to attend.
The Foundation Stage
Presentation of work & creating a sense of pride
Attractive displays of children‟s work and artifacts
contribute to the positive climate for learning.
Through display we aim to:
Create an environment where children want
to learn.
Demonstrate to children that their work is of value
to themselves and others.
Communicate to everybody involved with the school
what we are doing.
Share experiences.
Give children the opportunity to look, touch and
enjoy their world.
Encourage children to develop a sense of pride
in what they do and to achieve the best possible
results.
Homework
Homework
Work done at home is an important extension of what the children are doing in school.
Every child is likely to have some homework, although the regularity, the nature of the
task and time they would be expected to devote to it, vary with the individual child
and their maturity.
Why are children given homework?
To develop good working habits and self-discipline
To consolidate or finish work begun in school
To use materials and sources of information not available in the classroom
To involve parents in their children‟s work.
What tasks are your children given for homework?
Relaying messages and bringing back the appropriate responses.
Tables, spellings or poetry to learn.
Reading and handwriting practice.
The transfer of rough work into neat work.
Finding things or information which relate to their theme.
A mini or holiday project and Mathematics assignments.
How can parents help?
Talking about and showing an interest in what your child is doing at school, looking at
Homework and giving yourself the time to listen to their replies, sharing in a search for
information and objects if this is appropriate. Providing a suitable place to work guiding,
encouraging and suggesting, but never doing the homework yourself
What if something goes wrong?
Although the children are responsible for completing and returning homework on time, do not
let your child continue with a task which is obviously upsetting both of you; nothing will be
gained. Write the teacher a short note at the bottom of the homework explaining the
difficulty. It is important to remember that pressurising a child will only make him or her
anxious. Homework is important but must never be misery. The school has a Home School
Agreement (HSA) and homework policy which helps parents, children and the school to
understand and work towards the best education for each child. The HSA is a contract
between all parties which should be signed.
The Loxwood Way for the children
“The Courtesy and Respect System to be used throughout the School community”.
Always speak very politely
Say “Hello” and “Goodbye”, using people‟s names while looking at them
Don‟t talk horribly behind people‟s backs
Always find good things to say about people
Always tell the truth!
If you have a problem talk in private to someone
Say sorry if you upset someone
Don‟t blame anyone, but own up if you have made a mistake.
The Loxwood Way for adults
Speak very politely using a person‟s name – „please‟ and „thank you‟ as a minimum
Greet and say goodbye to everyone by name, with eye contact and a touch, appropriate to
the situation
When you talk about a person who is not present, speak as if they are listening to your
conversation.
Use the person‟s name in each sentence in which you refer to them,
(rather than “He” or “She”)
Always find positive things to say
Always tell the truth!
If you have a problem with something someone has said or done, take time to think about
why they could have said or done it, and talk about it with them and in private
Apologise and make amends if someone is upset by your actions
Employ a no blame culture where possible, as a minimum blame a system and not a person.
The Loxwood School
Association (LSA)
We have a very active and successful Parents
Association. Parents are welcome to join the
committee or assist in the planning or running of the
various functions that the LSA hold throughout the
year.
Most of the events are about raising money (some less
than others!). But attend any event and you could be
forgiven for thinking making money is not the real
reason we all enjoy ourselves too much.
Every class has a PTA representative, who organises
class social events, which you are more than
welcome to attend, it‟s a great way to meet other
parents in a social environment.
Some of our regular events are:
Summer fair – a wide range of stalls, children‟s
sports and arena displays
Bike fun day – a bike ride for all the family
Christmas dance – with live music or disco
Christmas bazaar
Quiz nights and dances
Regular newsletters from the school (Links letter)
and the PTA are sent via email and posted on to the
school website. They will inform you about all the
activities and functions that are happening at the
school.
The PTA organise some fantastic events, it‟s a great way to get to know people!
Safeguarding At Loxwood, we are strongly committed to safeguarding and the well-being of all our children
and have clear procedures and policies with regard to child protection and safeguarding of
children. All staff, governors, coaches, music teacher and volunteers are appropriately
checked prior to working at Loxwood. The Headteacher , our designated person in charge of
child protection regularly carries out training to update everyone regarding this important issue.
Security The safety and security of our children is of paramount importance to us and we have
procedures in place to ensure this. At Loxwood, we have created a friendly and approachable
environment where everyone feels welcome. The school however, must be secure and we ask
that all visitors must report to reception on arrival, where they will be issued with a badge and
asked to sign the „visitors‟ book.
Health and Safety
We take all issues of Health and Safety very seriously and insist that all measures are taken to
abide by County directives.
Uniform As it is always necessary to buy clothing suitable for school, we have a school uniform. This also
helps to create an identity for the school of which the children can be proud. Any style of top
coat may be worn. The sweatshirt, cardigans, reversible jackets, fleeces, polo and t-shirts,
jogger trousers, sun caps and winter hats can be purchased from the school. Other items are
available from local department stores. Baggy fashion or Bermuda beach shorts are not suitable
for PE. They could get caught on the apparatus and cause an unnecessary accident.
The Governors and Headteacher encourage parents to provide uniform and equipment; this is
especially important when children attend school organized events away from school premises,
where the wearing of uniform assists in the exercising of close control and care of the children.
PE kit Although it is really the children‟s responsibility to make sure that they have kit in school at all
times, parents are asked to assist with this. All items should be named and in a PE bag. Junior
age children have the option to play football in games lessons. Should they choose to play, they
will need football boots, shin pads and football kit, which is only to be worn for after school
clubs. Hockey is also available and for protection shin pads will also be required.
Footwear Sensible, dark coloured low-heeled shoes are encouraged. Trainers are required for PE
lessons for juniors, and plimsolls for infants. Obviously trainers get quite wet and muddy if the
children are having PE outdoors and they therefore need to change their shoes after the lesson.
For safety reasons, trainers for PE should have rubber soles. Plastic slips on the
apparatus and is too rigid. Baseball type trainers (with over ankle support) restrict full
movements of the ankle and are not suitable.
Travelling to and from school
For those parents who need to transport their children to school by car, please note that
parking is somewhat restricted close to the entrance. Please do not park on the bends or
verges adjacent to or opposite the entrance or in such a way as to block a child‟s
vision. It is better to park a short distance from the school in one of the surrounding
roads and walk, than to contribute to congestion and possible danger at the school
entrance. The School Travel Plan, which is in place, encourages and finds ways to reduce
congestion and promote a healthier lifestyle for all. During the year, we have a „walking bus‟
that brings children into school daily. Please contact the school office for further details.
Mid-morning break
To promote a healthy diet we encourage the junior children to bring in fruit or veg for
their mid morning break, whereas the infants have fresh fruit or veg which is provided free
of charge by the National scheme „Fruit & Veg for Schools‟. Sweets, chewing gum and fizzy
drinks are not permitted. Please do not use glass containers for safety reasons.
Children are also encouraged to bring in water containers for use in the classroom. We feel
that drinking water during the day is essential for a healthy lifestyle and concentration
School Meals
Hot meals are available to children at a cost of £2.10 and must be
ordered A full week in advance. Parents can place orders by phoning
0845 603 7998 or on-line at www.mealselector.co.uk.
If you do not wish your child to have a hot meal, you should provide
them with a packed lunch and drink. Please place it in a named lunch
box/bag and drinks should be kept in non-breakable containers
If you are eligible for free school meals, please speak to the school of-
fice for further
advice and assistance.
Admissions
Loxwood School caters for children in the school
catchment area. Admissions to the school are made by
the Headteacher on behalf of the Governing Body and
in accordance with LA guidelines.
At present, children are admitted to school in
September either on a full time or part time basis,
depending upon their birthday. However, if parents so
wish, they may delay their child‟s entry until the term
before their fifth birthday. Parents are encouraged to apply to
register their children with the Headteacher as early as possible. An information pack will
be available just before your child commences school.
It is never too soon to approach the school as it helps us to plan ahead.
Arrangements are made for a number of familiarisation visits to the „Young Explorers‟ class
and the teacher will also visit you in your home. This helps with the transition into school life.
Parents also have the opportunity to visit to observe the school at work and discuss their
children‟s needs with the staff and Headteacher.
I love the school dinners, especially the roasts!
„Parents & carers appreciate the exceptional care in planning the induction pro-cess when their children start school‟. Ofsted
School Organisation
Daily Routines
8.30am Children should arrive at school no earlier than this time. They should
go to the playground. The bell will ring at 8.45am, after which they
line up and walk to their classroom. A member of staff will be on duty.
8.45am Bell Rung. All children into school.
10.20am Morning break for the infant children (A healthy snack is provided)
10.40am Morning break for the junior children. (Please bring a healthy snack to eat)
12 noon - 1pm Infant lunch time break
12.15 - 1.15pm Junior lunch time break
2.20pm Infant afternoon break
2.45pm Infants return to class
3.05pm End of school day for the infants
3.15pm End of school day for the juniors
School hours
The total teaching time in a week (minus Collective Worship, registration and break) is:
Key Stage 1 23 hours
Key Stage 2 24 hours 25 minutes
Health and Welfare...
Absence
The Education Regulations 1991 (Pupils Attendance Records), requires schools to give details
of absences on an individual basis (on your child‟s report) and at school level in the school
prospectus. If your child is absent from the school for any reason it is important to contact
the school by 9.30 am either by telephone or letter, otherwise, your child will be recorded as
having an unauthorised absence
The governors have agreed a school policy that states that „if parents remove their
children during the first or last week of the academic year, this absence will be classified as
unauthorised‟.
Parents should carefully consider the implications of taking their child out of school during
term time. If it is absolutely imperative, you are asked to request permission from the
Headteacher, by completing a „Request for Approved Absence‟ form. A maximum of 10 school
days may be approved for the academic year 2012/13 there were 6 unauthorised absences.
Illness
If your child is ill, we look after him or her, within the
limited school facilities for doing so. We normally contact
you (or the person you have nominated), so it is most
important to keep us informed of change of address, work and
home telephone numbers. In the case of an emergency, we use
either the Loxwood doctor or the casualty department of
a local hospital.
Medicines
The school is unable to administer medicines, but if your child has a particular medical problem
or the dosage is more than three times daily, please contact the headteacher so that suitable
arrangements can be made
Events
You are invited to attend our family assembly, which is held at 2.45pm every Friday, as well as
Harvest Festival, Christmas Service and school performances.
„Each child is known
& valued. Pupils
receive excellent
care and support‟. Ofsted
School Uniform
Girls
School Polo shirt* £ 5.50
Sweatshirt* £ 9.50
Cardigan (to order) £11.00
Book bag* £ 4.00
Grey skirt, white polo shirt , white socks or green tights and for the summer, a green and
white dress. These clothes are available from local department stores.
PE Kit
School T-shirt* £ 5.50
School Jogger trousers* £10.00
PE Bag* £ 5.00
Dark coloured shorts, black slip-on plimsolls for infants & trainers for juniors.
Boys
School Polo shirt* £ 5.50
Sweatshirt* £ 9.25
Book bag* £ 4.00
Grey trousers or shorts, white polo shirt and grey socks.
PE Kit
School T-shirt* £ 5.50
School jogger trousers* £10.00
PE Bag* £ 5.00
Dark coloured shorts, black Slip-on plimsolls for infants & trainers for
juniors.
Please note that the Young Explorers (Yr R) are asked to come to school in the green
joggers and sweatshirts due to the activities required by their specific
curriculum.
* Are available form the school office.
We also sell:
Winter hats and sun caps at £4.00
Reversible jackets £18.50 (to order).
The School Governors The Governors‟ aims are that the school is run in the interests of the community it serves,
through a close working partnership with the Headteacher and the Local Education Authority,
while leaving the day-to-day management of the school to the Head and his staff.
The important changes that have taken place in education over the past few years, namely
the introduction of the National Curriculum and its continual updating together with Local
Management of Schools (LMS), mean that it is vital that the Governors plan resources –
both staff and materials, to ensure that the highest possible standard of education is
available to all children. Proper management of the National Curriculum will produce
well-balanced children ready to live a full and happy life – a principal aim of all who become
Governors.
The statutory functions of Governing Bodies have increased over the years, becoming more
focused with the 1988 Education Reform Act. Their main responsibilities include making
decisions about the aims, general conduct and ethos of the school, Curriculum policy,
Safeguarding, School budget, Appointment of staff, Discipline policy, Communication with
parents, Annual report, Care and the maintenance of buildings & control of their use.
The Governing Body has resolved to adopt the LA‟s Policy Statement on the Secular
Curriculum (including sex education) and the LA‟s Policy Statement on Religious Education.
The Governing Body has resolved that Sex Education should continue to be included in the
Curriculum, through a programme of lessons undertaken by older junior children following
consultation with parents.
Governors‟ Policy on Discipline Under the Articles of Government, the headteacher is responsible to the Governors for
discipline within the school and must act in accordance with this Statement; he will have
the full support of the Governors in so doing.
The Governors believe that a happy and well-ordered school is essential to enable pupils,
staff and the community to derive the maximum benefit and to achieve the aims and
objectives of the curriculum. Within and towards that concept, the Governors expect a
high standard of personal behaviour, proper regard for authority and self-discipline to be
actively promoted and maintained. They attach particular importance to the qualities of
honesty, kindness, politeness, thought for others and respect for property, and expect
offensive or abusive speech or behaviour to be positively discouraged.
Concerns and Complaints Informal complaints or matters of concern should be raised by parents with the class
teacher, headteacher or both. If the parent is not satisfied as a result of this process, he
or she may then register a formal complaint with the Area Education Officer. They will
either attempt to resolve the matter themselves, or pass it to the Governing Body, another
Senior Education Officer or, in matters relating to RE or Worship, to the West Sussex
SACRE (Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education). Please never hesitate to consult
your child‟s teacher if you have any concerns.
Educational visit’s and charging...
Educational visits
Educational visits and activities form an important basis for
the broader study of many curriculum subjects.
Recent visits have been:
Amberley Chalk Pits, The Weald & Downland Museum, Arundel
Castle, Fishers Farm Park, British Museum, National Gallery, Sayers
Croft Education Centre, Wey and Arun Canal, Petworth House and a
residential week on the Isle of Wight have enabled the children at
Loxwood School to gain first hand experience of historical,
geographical and environmental issues and their impact on the world
in which we live today. Apart from anything else, educational visits
are fun! The school depends on parental contributions to enable the-
se visits to take place. Should this create any problems, please con-
tact the Headteacher.
Charging
Specific points to note in regard to charging for these activities are as follows:
1. Apart from board and lodging, no charges are made in cases where an activity is provided:-
To fulfill any requirements specified in the syllabus for a prescribed public examination or
specifically to fulfill statutory duties relating to the National Curriculum, imposed by Section 10
of the 1988 act; or specifically to fulfill statutory duties relating to Religious Education imposed
by Section 10 (1) (b).Charges for board and lodging will be supported for parents in receipt of
income support or family credit.
2.There will be no charge for class or group tuition during school hours, but charging will
3. continue to apply for individual instrumental tuition or after school activities that are run by
outside agencies
Charging in kind
Parents will not normally be charged or required to supply ingredients or materials, although
voluntary contributions may be invited.
Definition of Optional Extras
Optional extras are activities which take place wholly or mainly out of school hours. School
hours do not include the midday break. A non-residential activity shall be deemed to take
place out of school hours, if 50% or more of the whole time spent on the activity occurs out of
school hours. In the case of a residential activity. If the number of school sessions is less
than 50% of the number of half days taken up by the activity, the activity is deemed to have
taken place out of school hours.
It‟s always a pleasure to accompany children on school outings as they are so well behaved‟.
Activities for which charging is not permissible.
While charges cannot be levied for activities not covered by the policy outlined
above, parents may be invited in writing to make a voluntary contribution.
Optional Extras
Participation in any optional extra will be met on the basis of parental choice
and a willingness to meet such charges as are made. Any charges made will not
exceed the cost of the provision of the optional extra.
The cost may include an appropriate element for:
A pupil‟s travel costs.
A pupil‟s board and lodging costs.
Materials, books, instruments & other equipment.
Non-teaching staff costs.
Teaching staff costs, including the costs of travel and board and lodging,
where a teacher or instructor has been engaged specifically for the purpose of
providing an activity.
The total cost will be divided equally by the number of individual pupils