St Nicholas CE VA Primary School

Prospectus

Dear Parents,

Welcome to St. Nicholas Church of England V.A. Primary School, Child Okeford.

You will find St. Nicholas a happy, caring and supportive school, committed to providing high quality education within the context of Christian beliefs and practice. Our aim is to provide learning opportunities that meet the needs of your child and to encourage them to achieve their personal best. While providing a stimulating and challenging ethos for learning we expect high standards of personal behaviour. We promote respect, tolerance and understanding for one another and appreciate and value our differences. Children are encouraged to care for the school environment and the world in which they live.

We believe in strong home and school links and welcome you as partners in your child’s social, emotional, physical and intellectual development. Regular reports about your child’s progress takes place through both formal and informal contact. Your child’s safety and happiness is our concern and we are keen to listen to and be responsive to any concerns you may have. Our Home School Agreement is included in this prospectus and we ask you to read and discuss it with your child and return it to school. A copy will be returned to you.

The school works in partnership with its community within our local parishes. Many parents, grandparents and members of the wider community are involved in the life of the school. As a Church of

England School we have close links with the local clergy and parishioners. As a school we take part in regular services each term and use the church as a focus for curriculum work in RE, Geography and History.

We have a Pre-School group on site, they meet every morning in the St. Nicholas Early Years Centre. Class 1 and the Pre- School children share some special events together during the Foundation Stage. This regular contact ensures smooth transition for the four year olds joining Class 1, as they are already familiar with the building and some of the staff.

This prospectus aims to answer any questions you might have about our school but please do not hesitate to contact us if there is anything further you would like to know. The staff and I are always happy to discuss your child’s progress. We look forward to watching your child develop during their time with us.

Yours sincerely,

Mrs Susan Marsh & Reverend David Marl

Headteacher & Chairman of Governors

Staff Details

Mission and Ethos statements

The aims of the school

About our school

The School Governors

Parents and the School

PTA

The Curriculum

Special Educational Needs

Homework

School Clubs

Charges for Visits and School Activities

Sturminster Newton Cluster

Behaviour and Discipline

Organisation

Admission Arrangements

School Hours

The Mid-day Break

School Bus

Vehicles on School Grounds

Policy for Emergency Closure

School Attendance

Absences and Holidays

Complaints

Recommended School Uniform

Valuable Property

Health and Welfare

Admissions Policy

Rules for Responsible Internet Use

Within this prospectus we have set out basic information about our school. If you would like to be shown round the school or require further information please contact the school office. (Telephone 01258-860581, e-mail office@childokeford.dorset.sch.uk, fax 01258 863596.

Our school website (under construction) can be found at

www.childokeford.dorset.sch.uk

STAFF 2003

Headteacher Mrs Susan Marsh

Class 1 (Reception)  Mrs Helen Grove/Mrs Marsh (KS1)

Class 2 Miss Sue Harvey/Mrs Sarah Salisbury (KS1)

Class 3 Mrs Isla Ferguson (KS2)

Class 4 Mrs Emma Tremellen (KS2)

Cleaner in Charge Mrs K Eveleigh

Cleaner Mrs P Murphy

Security Mr K Pederson

School Administrator Mrs Jenny Earley

Teaching/Office Assistant Mrs Maggie Brewer

Teaching Assistant (SEN) Mrs Jill Corbett

Teaching Assistant Mrs Nikki Hooker

Teaching Assistant (SEN) Mrs Sarah Mower

Teaching Assistant Mrs Stephanie Scott

Teaching Assistant (SEN) Mrs Paula Young

Specialist Teacher Assistant Mrs Gillian Williams

Senior Lunchtime Supervisor Mrs Pauline Murphy

Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant Mrs Jill Corbett

Lunchtime Supervisory Assistant Mrs Helen Mitchell

We aim to provide a broad and balanced education in a caring and supportive environment in order to encourage children to learn effectively and with enthusiasm, and to build a firm foundation for their future development.

We aim to

St. Nicholas Church of England, Voluntary Aided School was founded in 1846 and has maintained through the last 157 years, a very close relationship with St. Nicholas Church, Child Okeford despite relocating to the outskirts of the village in 1977. 2003 is our Silver Jubilee Year in the ‘new’ building. The Bishop of Sherborne, the Right Reverend Tim Thornton, will be leading a service and taking part in the celebrations.

The School is situated in spacious grounds with hard and grassed areas, providing excellent facilities for outdoor sports. The building is accessible to children and adults in wheelchairs, and has undergone some special adaptations for children with hearing impairment. In one corner of the grounds is a managed wildlife area with a pond. Agility equipment has been provided for both lunch and break times. Community Auctions and PTA contributions provided the funding and local Armed services personnel helped to erect the equipment. We have recently erected a pergola and picnic tables for outdoor lunches and to create a quiet play area.

The accommodation includes four classrooms, School Hall, Fiction and Non Fiction Library, a Medical/Cookery/PTA Room, an Art and Technology Room and a Resource Area plus a staffroom and office.

St. Nicholas Pre-School runs from 9-12, in a room adjacent to the hall. A Parent and Toddler Group meet at 1.30 on Tuesdays. (Contact Mrs Pauline Pinkney on 01258-861007)

While the Headteacher is in charge of the day-to-day leadership and management of the school, Governors play a vital part.

The Governors have the overall responsibility for the curriculum, appointment of staff, managing the schools finances, maintenance of the building and other areas, which help the school to function. Many of our governors are actively involved in the day-to-day life of the school. They work closely with teachers, non-teaching staff, parents, the Local Education Authority and the Salisbury Diocesan Board of Education.

As this is a Voluntary Aided Church of England School, the majority of the Governors represent the Church and Diocese, sharing responsibility for the school buildings. Other Governors represent parents, teachers, non-teaching staff and the local authorities.

The three Governors’ committees meet regularly to discuss their responsibilities and the Full Governing Body meets at least once a term to receive the reports of these committees. Minutes of the Full Governing Body Meetings can be seen on the Parents Notice board near the back door.

An Annual Report of the work of the Governing Body is also published and distributed before the Annual Meeting for Parents, which is held in October.

If you have any concerns or queries at any time please do come and see us. The staff are always pleased to help. Your child’s class teacher can be contacted directly (after school is preferred) or an appointment can be made through the school office. If a member of staff has a concern about your child’s academic, physical, emotional or social development you will be contacted at an early stage and invited to discuss the matter.

Our Home School Agreement explains our aims and values; your support and encouragement are very important The Agreement spells out the responsibilities of the school and parents. It also gives details of the school’s expectations for children. A copy of the Agreement is included in the Appendix.

Meetings with parents/carers are held during the Autumn and Spring Terms. A report is written on each child during the Summer Term and parents are welcome to make an appointment to discuss the content with the class teacher. Parents of children in Year 2 and Year 6 will also be invited to discuss the children’s SATS results.

Frequent newsletters inform parents about school events. Throughout the year there are various events such as concerts, sports events, and performances to which you are all warmly invited. We are always delighted when parents offer to help. Many parents help with general tasks such as making or repairing resources, joining educational visits, making costumes etc. Other parents prefer to help within the classroom, for instance with cooking, art and craft, group work or similar activities. Your help would be very welcome. We have a large number of volunteers from the local community who join us during Golden Time on Friday afternoons at 2.30p.m. We also welcome help with our Storysacks project, a small band of volunteers help to make the sacks and create items to supplement the books and tapes.

All parents are members of the St. Nicholas School Parent Teacher Association. The PTA Committee meets regularly to organise a wide range of fund raising and social events. Funds are used to supplement school visits and to provide additional items of equipment.

Some of the events that the PTA organise are: School Fete, Midsummer Madness and Barbecue, Family Bingo sessions, Fun Run, Duck Race, Jumble sales, Fashion Show, Christmas Art and Craft Day, Year 6 Leavers Event and PTA/Staff Pantomime.

Our school takes children from four to eleven years of age. At present there are 93 children in four classes.

Class 1 – Reception (children in the Foundation Stage aged 4-5)

Class 2 – Key Stage 1 (children in Years 1 and 2, aged 6-7)

Class 3 – Key Stage 2 (children in Years 3 and 4, aged 8-9)

Class 4 – Key Stage 2 (children in Years 5 and 6, aged 10-11)

The children in the Reception Year (Foundation Stage) follow a varied programme of individual and group learning, which stresses the importance of well-planned play activities. The DfES (Department for Education and Skills) provides a statutory national Curriculum for the Foundation Stage; this covers children from the ages of 3 –5. The Pre-School, based on the school premises, covers the first part of the Foundation Stage. We work together to provide continuity and progression, our close proximity eases transition for children in these early years. The Foundation Stage Profile, which is based on the Early Learning Goals, is used during the final foundation year (Reception/Class 1) to periodically record how children are progressing.

Generally, progress throughout the four classes is determined by the age of the child. At all stages the teachers monitor children’s progress and development to ensure continuity and progression through the curriculum. National Curriculum tests (SATS) are held in Year 2 (Key Stage 1) and Year 6 (Key Stage 2) and the results shared with parents. Comparative information and data about these tests are held in the school office and can be seen by arrangement with the Headteacher.

Progress tests take place at the end of Year 3, Year 4 and Year 5, during the Summer Term. Parents are informed about the results of this assessment in the Annual Report.

Most children transfer to the local secondary school, Sturminster Newton High School, at the age of eleven.

Our curriculum is based upon the National Curriculum’s Programmes of Study together with Religious Education. The core subjects are Maths, English, Science, Information and Communication Technology and R.E. Other non-core subjects are Art, Design Technology, History, Geography, Music and PE.

English is fundamental to the whole curriculum and enables pupils to communicate effectively through speaking and writing and to listen with understanding. Children are encouraged to enjoy reading for pleasure and to access information, through a wide range of material situated in the classrooms and the school’s excellent libraries. We have two library areas – one fiction and one non-fiction, children work as Librarians guided by the School Librarian/Literacy Governor. Drama is used to help develop communication skills, to enhance confidence and to encourage children to think creatively. We use drama across the curriculum to enhance children’s understanding, to develop empathy and compassion, to stimulate their oral skills and to promote and improve the quality of their writing. Visits to the local performing arts centre and the use of specialist performers form part of the curriculum. During the past year we worked with members of the Bournemouth Theatre in Education Team, taking part in an outdoor production on Hambledon Hill.

Each child is monitored closely to ensure progress in reading, writing, spelling, punctuation, grammar and handwriting. The school uses the Kingston cursive handwriting style throughout the school. In the early years the correct letter formation is taught and cursive joins are introduced in Class 2.

Since September 1998 we have been implementing the National Literacy Strategy; this curriculum area has benefited from additional funding to support the strategy. We regularly undertake additional projects to develop children’s reading and writing; for example a number of professional authors, poets, writers and drama specialists have worked with the children and staff in addition to LEA support. Regular visits from book suppliers offer opportunities for parents and children to buy books at book fairs held in the school hall.

Mathematics covers the use and application of mathematical skills, number, shape, space and measure, plus data handling in Key Stage 2. Children and staff use published maths schemes alongside investigative and problem solving activities. We encourage the children to learn multiplication tables and number bonds at school and home and then apply this knowledge in problem solving and other mathematical activities. We also encourage discussion and choices about mathematical tasks and the ability to record their work appropriately. Whole class teaching methods are used where appropriate. The daily maths lesson emphasises the importance of mental mathematics.

A recent evaluation by OFSTED noted that the National Literacy and Numeracy Strategies have had a significant impact on standards attained in English and Maths, and on the quality of teaching over the past four years. Recent staff training has encouraged children to make greater use of problem solving in mathematical activities.

This covers life processes and living things, materials and their properties, and physical processes such as light, sound, magnetism, electricity, energy and forces. The basic aim is to develop an enquiring mind and a scientific approach to problems and investigations. Children learn through active scientific investigation and experimentation, often designing their own experiments, recording their results accurately and thinking carefully about what they have actually discovered.

The school is well equipped with a network of computers. Our long-term aim is to provide an ICT suite. ICT forms an important part of the curriculum. Communication and handling information are skills that are essential in other subject areas. Children learn the skills they need through first hand experience as they are introduced to programs appropriate to their age and ability. They use computers to assist their learning in other subjects. We aim to make them confident in their use of CD Roms as a research tool, desktop publishing, databases and draw programs. We provide supervised access to the Internet and pupils will be able to exchange electronic mail with partner schools and research information from museums, libraries, news providers and suitable Web sites as part of their programme of learning. A copy of Rules for Responsible Internet Use is included in the Appendix. The children have access to Video Conferencing facilities, enabling us to make links with other schools in the pyramid. The children are also encouraged to use a digital camera. The school’s website address is www.childokeford.dorset.sch.uk. The website is continually updated.

We believe that our practical designing and making activities outlined in the National Programme of Study ensures a meaningful context for the children, enabling them to appreciate the value of design/technology in the wider world. We aim to develop persistence and an ability to improvise. The balanced use of construction materials, kits, food, textiles, electrical and mechanical components, gives children an understanding of the technological world and prepares them to make informed choices as consumers and participants.

Through Humanities we aim to help children understand their own lives in the context of the past and the world around them. Children are given opportunities to develop awareness of the past and of the ways in which it was different from the present. Study units include, Ourselves, Toys, Ancient Egypt, Romans, Life in Tudor Times, Victorian Britain, Ancient Greece, and the local history/geography of Child Okeford. The beautiful countryside surrounding the school offers an ideal resource for rural geography studies, whilst Dorset town centres support urban geography. Geography offers the opportunity to learn various geographical skills, terminology and techniques. Study units include Food and Farming, Homes and Houses, Holidays, Child Okeford, Bournemouth, Rivers, Pakistan and environmental issues. These topics are supported by a variety of educational visits e.g. to a puppet theatre presentation on conservation, and the work of visitors e.g. archaeologists, a ‘Roman’ Soldier, Theatre in Education specialists and local historians. Their contributions make these subjects a fascinating source of information and help to enhance the children’s learning.

We aim to foster children’s creativity as well as enabling the development of a wide range of skills. Art capability and awareness is developed through drawing, painting, printmaking and modelling with a variety of media, including clay. Where fabrics and sewing are used there are close links with Design and Technology, and children also create artwork using computers software. Children are given the opportunity to look at the work of past and contemporary artists and apply this to their own work. Recent staff training has included a visit to the Tate Britain, working with other teachers in the Pyramid on the development of Art in school. Children’s work, and the work of professional artists and craftspeople, used in imaginative displays, adds to the stimulating environment of the school.

Music is taught following the National Programmes of Study and we aim to bring enjoyment and a sense of achievement to all children. Children are introduced to a broad range of musical styles, create their own compositions and to listen to a wide range of music, developing musical appreciation. A number of peripatetic teachers, governors and parents work in school teaching keyboard and piano, violin, recorders and clarinet. The school choir takes part in Pyramid concerts and performs at school and church events. Pyramid funding has enabled us to broaden the range of percussion instruments available in school. We enjoy visits from sections of the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra and the Dorset Music Service and take children to live performances in local venues where possible.

We believe that Physical Education has a valuable contribution to make to physical, intellectual, social and emotional development. A variety of teaching styles and differentiated tasks are employed in order to encompass all the areas of activity outlined in the National Curriculum. This covers games, gymnastics, dance, athletics, outdoor and adventurous activities and swimming.

The School Hall is well equipped with gymnastics equipment; a recent Lottery bid enabled us to replace some original equipment with newer and more mobile apparatus. Children are trained to use, move and store the apparatus safely.

Football, Hockey, Rugby and Netball are played in the winter whilst Rounders, Cricket, Athletics and Swimming take place during the Summer Term. One of our ex-Governors kindly allows us to use his pool during the summer term. We use the services of a local sports coach to run an additional after school club at a reasonable charge. A number of other out of school sports clubs complement this activity. The school takes every opportunity to play competitive games and enters the tournaments that take place regularly. In recent years we were finalists in the Davies Cup, (Dorset Schools Football Tournament) and although defeated by a much larger middle school, were delighted to have done so well. The girls’ netball team won the Small Schools section of the North Dorset Netball Tournament.

Annually our sixth year pupils meet their peers from the Sturminster Newton Cluster schools and spend a week at the Weymouth Outdoor Education Centre. Activities include canoeing, potholing, absailing, kayaking and team challenges. Our Year 5 pupils also undertake a two day Outdoor Activity Course at Leeson House, near Swanage. This helps to prepare them for the longer residential visit in Year 6.

A high standard of personal behaviour is encouraged and expected at our school. To help achieve this we aim to develop self-awareness, awareness of others, strong communication skills, self-confidence and confidence in relationships.

Our Behaviour and Discipline Policy is based on the work of Jenny Moseley, Educational Consultant. We use the Golden Rules, Golden Time and Circle time to create a positive atmosphere that facilitates teaching and learning. Merit Certificates are given out during Friday’s "Gold Book" assembly.

For the past two years we have been working towards a Healthy Schools Award. This has involved us in developing areas of the PSHCE curriculum. The following aspects are covered, some systematically, others incidentally. Personal: self esteem, equal opportunities, race relations, gender and multi cultural studies, and personal safety. Social: acceptable behaviour, peer pressure, anti-bullying, links with the community, local businesses and industry. Health: lifestyle, medicine and drugs, our environment and sustainability, safety, aspects of sex education.

Citizenship aims to give children the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to lead confident, healthy, independent lives and to become informed active, responsible citizens. It encourages children to investigate topical issues and problems, helping them jto understand concepts such as rules and responsibilities, fairness, the difference between right and wrong. Class discussions, circle times and debates enable children to form opinions, explain their views and listen to the views of others. We offer children opportunities to participate in decision making and taking responsible action. A major emphasis is on working and playing co-operatively and learning to take and share responsibility.

The School Council, a body of children elected by the peers, meets weekly with the Headteacher. A governor with a special interest in the school council also attends the meetings. The children are involved in decision making, fund raising and social activities. The School Council elections are held twice yearly. Each KS1 and KS2 class has Council Members, a boy and girl from Years 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6. Issues discussed have been the introduction of school milk, playground equipment, community involvement, playground "buddies", numerous fund raising activities and monitoring our behaviour and discipline policy and practice. A major fund raising activity helped to provide a pergola and picnic tables that provide a quiet area for use after lunch and during breaks.

The Headteacher informs staff of the issues discussed and the children are encouraged to explore how the rest of the class feel or to consider suggestions in weekly Circle Times. New School Councils are given a small budget; this is usually used to buy new playground equipment for break times.

The School Council members change every six months and the children and staff feel the School Council has made an impact on life in school, whilst developing the children’s skills in citizenship

Sex and Relationships education is part of lifelong learning about physical, moral and social development. It includes learning and understanding about physical development at appropriate stages, learning about personal and social skills and helps to develop values and responsible attitudes.

Children in Year 3/4 learn about growth, including healthy eating, and how their bodies change, as they grow older. Years 5/6 study the main stages of the human life cycle as part of the Science Topic "Our Bodies". This is set in the context of family life. Younger children learn about their bodies and family relationships during the topic on "Ourselves". Parents have the right to withdraw their children from SRE sessions. However we would ask you to discuss your concerns with a member of staff. The SRE policy is available in the school office and outlines the topics covered in detail.

We aim to give our children an understanding of Christian beliefs, values and practice. While encouraging open-minded valuing of the beliefs held by others, we commend Church of England teaching to the children. Six world faiths are studied, to enhance children’s understanding these are linked to Topics e.g. knowledge and understanding about Islam is set in the context of the geography topic about Pakistan. Collective Worship provides opportunities for reflection, periods of quiet and calm, celebration of events during the Christian Year, participation, discussion, listening to stories, using Art to explore the Christian Faith, drama and self-expression. Local clergy are involved in Collective Worship and often lead beginning and end of term services, which are held in the church.

Many of our parents attend these services. We also hold regular thank you assemblies to members of the wider community who help in school.

Daily act of Worship and Religious Education: Legally Parents have the right to withdraw their children from the daily Act of Worship. We hope that parents will contact the Headteacher if they have any concerns.

French

In 2004 we started teaching French, mainly because we all felt that children learn a language so much more quickly and easily at primary age than later. We were very glad when the government agreed with us and introduced their policy to provide an 'entitlement' for all Key Stage 2 children by 2010. We are well ahead of that date.

The aim of the school and governing body is to ensure that each child receives the best possible education to suit his or her needs; children with Special Educational Needs are carefully catered for. Early identification of temporary or permanent learning difficulties is important so that suitable support can begin as soon as possible. Parents are contacted immediately if the school has any concern about a child’s progress. A child with Special Educational Needs will have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) drawn up in consultation with Mrs Marsh and Mrs Williams, the school’s Special Educational Needs Co-ordinators (SENCOs)

The children’s progress is assessed, monitored and reviewed regularly, with the school working in partnership with parents and any outside agencies required. Support is carried out in a normal class situation with the regular withdrawal for specialist individual or group work. This provision is carried out with close regard to the DfES SEN Code of Practice.

Provision for able children is normally made within the classroom through carefully planned differentiation, and the effective and efficient use of resources. Staff training on the LEA policy for Very Able and Gifted Children took place in February 2003. Recently we have introduced Philosophy sessions for our Y5/6 children. These have encouraged children to become more reflective, resilient and resourceful.

We believe the main purposes of homework are to develop links with you as parents or carers and to help you understand what your child is learning in school. The purpose of homework for children is to give them an opportunity to practice, to develop confidence and self-discipline, to extend school learning and to develop good study skills, which will help them in their secondary school careers.

All the children bring library books home to enjoy with you and to extend their reading skills (book bags are on sale in the school office to protect the books). We know how much it helps the children if you are able to hear share books together or hear your child read at home. The Story Sacks scheme also helps to promote literacy in an enjoyable way, involving the whole family. E.g. playing games or listening to books/story tapes.

In the early years the children will bring home phonic books and high frequency words to share with you. Sometimes they will be asked to look for things or bring in objects linked to current topics.

Key Stage 1 children (Class 2) will bring phonic and reading activities, Numeracy games or activities, spellings and tables to learn at home.

Key Stage 2 will bring a similar, higher level range of activities. All children may be asked to do some personal research related to a topic, using information books, CD ROMs, and related websites. We appreciate your support in providing a quiet time and place for children to do their homework and ensuring that it is returned when required. Please help your child by checking they understand what they have to do and praising them when they try hard. Showing them that you are interested in their learning gives a clear message about the value of education and good home school links. Join in with their homework tasks whenever you can (but don’t do it for them!) Children need to practise spellings and tables at home as these are tested regularly in school. Older children use Homework Diaries to prepare them for the next stage of education. Please use this diary to share with your child your feelings about their success, written comments also provide useful feedback to the class teacher.

These clubs allow children extra opportunities to develop their own interests and include German, Netball, Football, Cricket, Rounders, Sports Club (KS1), Short Tennis, Gymnastics, Recorders and Drama They take place for an hour after school from 3.15-4.15.  Parents help to run the school choir and recorder groups.

Such activities as visits, swimming, cookery, technology and needlework cannot be funded from the budget allocated to the school and parents are asked to make voluntary contributions but if there is insufficient support the activity may have to be cancelled. If any parent has difficulty please contact the Headteacher to discuss the matter in confidence. A copy of the school’s Charging Policy, drawn up in accordance with the 1988 Education Act, is available in the school office.

St. Nicholas School is part of this cluster, which also includes Shillingstone, Okeford Fitzpaine and Hazelbury Primary Schools.

Through the cluster, the schools benefit not only from extra funding but also in many other ways, which enhance the children’s experiences. For example sports leagues and shared visits. The local Pyramid of schools includes the six local primary schools, the High School and special school at Sturminster Newton. The Headteachers of all 8 schools meet termly and one staff training day each year is set aside for Pyramid Development activities. In the last year the Pyramid focus has been on the Development of the Creative Arts for children from 4-18 years of age.

We set high standards of behaviour, speech, courtesy, respect and care for others. Our OFSTED inspection commented on these high standards of good behaviour in school. Children are encouraged to think of others in all aspects of their behaviour at school whether in class, in the playground or at lunchtime.

We expect all children to be able to play and work without disturbance. Any unsociable behaviour will result in appropriate sanctions such as losing "Golden Time" or a play period.

Our school policy and practice is based upon the Golden Rules devised by Jenny Mosley, Educational Consultant.

Do be gentle Do not hurt anybody

Do be kind and helpful Do not hurt people’s feelings

Do work hard Do not waste your or other people’s time

Do look after property Do not waste or damage things

Do listen to people Do not interrupt

Do be honest Do not cover up the truth

Golden Time is a reward for sticking to the Golden Rules. During Friday afternoons the children take part in half an hour of educational activities. The scheme was introduced in 1997 and has been very successful, with a number of parents and community volunteers being involved. The children choose from a large number of activities; these include using computers, art/model making, PE activities, skittles, role play, using construction kits, making books, parachute games, cookery, gardening and sewing. The high adult: child ratio provides small groups and a chance to mix with other children. It is a very popular part of the school week and provides an opportunity to mix with friends and to work with different adults in alternative areas of the school.

If the children break the rules they can forfeit some of their Golden Time. They are warned by staff that this may happen and are given a chance to rectify their behaviour. When minutes of Golden Time are lost they can be regained by demonstrating appropriate behaviour. Children who have not ‘earned’ their minutes back spend the first few minutes of Golden Time in ‘time out’ and discuss their behaviour with the Headteacher. They are asked to identify the rule/s they have broken and are encouraged to set a target for themselves for the following week. e.g. to be a better listener. They reflect on the need for everyone to adhere to the rules so that the school is a happy and settled environment.

In the event of any persistent problems, parents will be contacted at an early stage so that home and school can be involved in improving the situation. On rare occasions a behaviour contract will be used to monitor a child’s behaviour; parents, staff and the child sign this. The Headteacher will supervise this arrangement for the duration of the contract.

The school accepts all children within the parishes of Child Okeford, Manston with Hammoon and Hanford.

In line with County Policy there will be one admission date, ie September, and applications for children starting school for the first time in September should be sent in before the LEA published deadline. All applications are considered together and the parents informed after 18 March 2005. In exceptional circumstances children may be admitted at a later stage during the school year. Our small reception class, provides a calm and nurturing atmosphere. We feel this gives children the best possible start and enables them to settle readily into school.

A copy of the full Admissions Policy is included in the Appendix.

During the term prior to your child’s admission there will be opportunities for parents to meet the class teacher and hear more details about the school organisation. You and your child will be invited to visit the school and share some activities. We also visit you at home to enable your child to meet their new teacher in familiar surroundings.

Morning Session 9.00 am – 12.00 KS1

9.00 am – 12.15 noon KS2

Afternoon Session 1.15 p.m. – 3.15p.m. KS1/2

Our doors are open at 8.45a.m; official registration takes place at 9.00am. Lessons start promptly immediately after registration. Children use the back door; where the Headteacher greets them. Children arriving at school after 9.00a.m. should report to the School Office and will be marked late. Please help us by ensuring your child arrives in time for registration at 9 o’clock.

Reception children attend the morning session only during the Autumn Term. This finishes at 11.45. Children are collected from the white back door in Class 2 (near the ramp)

Governors and staff cannot accept responsibility for children on school premises before 8.45am. Children on arrival go straight to their classrooms where they are encouraged to start on pre-determined activities. Parents in Class 1 are encouraged to stay and play with their children until registration to help settle them.

If you are unavoidably delayed when collecting your child, please telephone the office; we will look after him/her until you arrive.

Please let the teacher and the office know of any change in the people collecting your child from school. We appreciate this in writing in order to avoid confusion.

As part of our Healthy Schools project we encourage children to eat a healthy lunch. All children are also encouraged to bring a piece of fruit to eat at break. We also like them to bring a bottle of water to drink during the day. Please do not send fizzy drinks or sweets. For a small fee milk is available during morning break. Order forms are available in the office. We also prefer yoghurts to be in pots rather than tubes, as the latter cause difficulties for most children.

All children bring a packed lunch in a suitable container. Flasks must be made of plastic and be unbreakable, please ensure they are not leaking. If necessary, include a cup or straw and a spoon. It is essential that both Lunchbox and Flask are clearly labelled. Popular styles cause confusion for the children if they are not named. Children may go home for lunch if parents wish.

Children living more than two miles from the school (three miles if over 8 years old) are provided with free transport by the LEA. It is possible for parents to pay for concessionary seats on the school bus. Please enquire at the school office.

We ask parents to park considerately in the vicinity, as parking spaces are very limited on the premises. The spaces available are for use by staff and visitors. Our staff has grown considerably so we ask you not to use the Staff Parking Area at the rear of the school. The Parish Council allow parents to use the car park at the community centre whilst they deliver and collect children. Please do not park in this car park at other times. The majority of children use the footpath through the recreation ground as a safe route to school.

During the winter months when weather conditions are more extreme, it may be necessary to close the school. This will only happen when conditions make travelling to and from school hazardous for the staff, children and their families, if the school building is not safe, heating fails or pipes are frozen.

Notification of an emergency closure may come in two forms:

Parents will be notified via local radio broadcast bulletins at breakfast time when it is known in advance. If an urgent situation arises during the day, we will rely on local radio, word of mouth and telephone calls. We would ask working parents to ensure that we have the telephone number of a responsible adult who would be willing to collect their child if necessary. In the event of school being closed earlier than usual, no child would be sent home unaccompanied.

Schools must keep a record of the reason for every absence, so a telephone call on the first day of absence is essential if your child is not attending school. It will be necessary to write a letter with an explanation of absence on the child’s return.

Registration is at 9.00am and 1.00pm daily. Unauthorised absences, including late arrival, will be recorded in the register and on your child’s annual report.

Authorised absences are:

Children whose parents are unable to take holidays during school vacation periods are entitled to two weeks (10 school days) leave of absence and are asked to complete a "holiday form", obtained from the school office.

However we would urge you to take family holidays during official school breaks. Our OFSTED inspection and recent LEA review noted the increasing, and above average, number of days leave of absence taken by children.

If you have any concerns about the education of your child, you are welcome to contact the class teacher in the first instance. If you wish to discuss the matter further, please do not hesitate to contact the Headteacher.

If you wish to make a complaint under Section 23 of the Education Reform Act, copies of the procedure to be followed can be requested through Mrs Earley, our School Administrator or from the County Education Officer, Education Department, County Hall, Dorchester DT1 1XJ

All Children: School Fleece/ (can be ordered from school office)

Girls: Burgundy Sweatshirt

Grey skirts/pinafore dresses

White blouses/Polo t-shirt

Dark grey (plain) trousers – not leggings

Pink/red print dresses in summer

Plain socks

Boys: Burgundy Sweatshirt

Dark grey shorts/trousers

White shirt/Polo t-shirt

Plain socks

Plain White T – Shirt

Dark grey/blue or black shorts

Slip-on plimsolls –suitable for younger children

Lace up plimsolls – suitable for older children

Football boots/strong trainers for winter games (in a boot bag)

Optional Tracksuit for winter Games (Outdoors)

Football Boots and Shin Pads must be kept in a separate waterproof bag, not a large backpack.

The children’s PE Kit should be in school from Monday to Friday every week. It should be taken home for washing and checking at half term and end of term. Please name everything in their kit.

Children are not normally encouraged to bring expensive toys to school. Special arrangements should be made should the need arise.

Mobile phones are not permitted in school or on school visits.

The school cannot accept any liability over the loss of items brought to school or left on the premises.

The only jewellery which children are permitted to wear are small stud earrings if they have pierced ears. If the children wish to wear a watch, we ask that are able to turn off alarms etc. as these can cause considerable disruption.

Large Backpacks are a safety hazard in our limited cloakroom areas.

We recommend children carry only their Reading Bags and Packed Lunch Boxes to school. Those children cycling to school are permitted to have SMALL Backpacks only.

The school doctor, nurse and dentist visit regularly to carry out medical and dental checks. They also talk with the children about aspects of health as part of our health education curriculum.

The Life Education Mobile Roadshow visits our school every years. Parents are welcome in the afternoon session. The Life Education Centre promotes good health and well being through a carefully structured Health Education Programme.

The school nurse no longer carries out regular inspections for headlice so please check your child’s hair carefully every week. A leaflet with further information can be obtained from the school office. This has been a growing problem over recent years in our schools and we ask for your full co-operation in preventing these outbreaks.

Please do not send your child to school if he or she is unwell as we cannot care properly for sick children and it is unfair to your child and to other children and staff in the class.

If your child has an accident or becomes ill during the school day we will contact you immediately. Please make sure your mobile phones are left on if this is your only means of contact with the school.

If your child has had a heavy cold or diarrhoea/vomiting, please keep him/her at home for 24 hours after the symptoms have subsided.

We prefer not to give medicines in school. F it is possible to give antibiotic medicine before and after school this is preferable. Essential medicines can be administered in school; these must be handed to Mrs Williams. Dorset Authority Guidelines state that a written request should be completed and that medication must be clearly labelled with the child’s name and the dosage to be given. The medication should be in a childproof container and should never be left in the child’s care during the school day

We believe bullying is not a problem at St. Nicholas but all incidents of unpleasant behaviour are dealt with by staff immediately and recorded in an Incident Book. Racist incidents are recorded separately. The School Council also discuss behaviour at breaks in their weekly meetings and take responsibility for encouraging sensible behaviour.

We have clear guidelines about acceptable and unacceptable behaviour, which are used consistently throughout the school. We ask you to use The Golden Rules at home, to reinforce our school behaviour and discipline policy.

The Headteacher is informed where unacceptable behaviour is a persistent problem. Parents will then be involved. The children are encouraged to treat one another with respect and are made aware of the school’s system of rewards and sanctions.

A copy of all of our policies including Anti- bullying Policy, Rave Equality and Behaviour and Discipline Policies can be seen in the school office.

The school accepts all children within the parishes of Child Okeford, Manston with Hammoon and Hanford.

In line with County Policy there will be one admission date i.e. September, and applications for children starting school for the first time in September should be sent in before the LEA published deadline. The LEA publish 'Admissions to Dorset Schools: A Parents' Guide 2005-06' in September 2004, and this document is available from the school office.  All applications are considered together and the parents informed by the LEA after 18th March 2005.

However, when there are more applications than our LEA designated planned admission number (15), then our school’s 2005-06 approved policy can be summed up in the brief order of admission below:

Children living in the area served by the school with a brother or a sister who are at the school at time of admission;

Children living in the area served by the school;

Children living outside the area served by the school with a sibling at the school at time of admission;

Children with exceptional reasons for attending the school (with supporting report from District Medical/Clinical Officer);

Children with religious affiliation of the Christian Church.  First priority will be given to those children whose families regularly attend Church of England Services, followed by those regularly attending a church in Churches Together.  A letter of support from a priest or minister would be required;

All other children.

In any particular category, 'looked after' children will be given priority.

If there are more applicants than places in any one category then those children living nearest to the school would be given priority.

The full policy is published on page 103 of the LEA Parents' Guide.

Parents have the right to appeal if their application is unsuccessful. The School may be able to accept more than the LEA's planned admission number in certain circumstances after the appeal process is complete.  The LEA will inform parents of how to make an appeal, and information will be available from the school office or from the Clerk to the Governors.  An independent panel hears all appeals together in the summer term.