AN AWARD-WINNING SCHOOL
Information
School Prospectus
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This prospectus
sets out information about the School, which should be of help to those choosing
a school and to parents whose children already attend the School. The information
is also designed to inform the wider local community about the School. The
prospectus refers to the 2001/2002 School year and was correct as at the
end of August 2001. It is possible that changes could affect the things described.
If you need clarification or further information about any part of the prospectus
please do not hesitate to telephone. Advance notification is usually given
of any change affecting children or parents. About the School Parkside Infant School is a co-educational Infant School for boys and girls of all abilities from 3-7 years of age. The School has a 26 place Nursery Unit. Parkside Infant School is not affiliated to any particular religious denomination. A list of teaching and non-teaching staff is given at the end of this prospectus. Times of School Day Nursery Unit:
9.00 - 11.30 morning children Infants:
9.00 -12.00 Teaching time per day: 4 hours 25 mins. Registration Registration
for infant children is at 9.00 am. Children who arrive after 9.30 am are
marked late in the register and do not receive an attendance mark if no satisfactory
reason is given. To aid security all doors are locked at 9.05 am and children
arriving after this time will need to report to the main entrance and ring
the General Office bell. The school operates the Call Divert system. If a
child is absent and no contact has been made by the home by 9.30 this system
is operated. A representative from Call Divert will contact the child’s home/contacts
and then fax the school. The Teaching Day The teaching
day for infant pupils is 4 hours and 25 minutes. Staff supervise the dismissal
of children at the gate. Any child who is not collected will be brought into
school and the nominated contact address for the children will be informed.
The school year is 190 days for children and 195 days for staff. Parents
will receive advance notification (where possible) of any closure due to
unforeseen emergencies. Aims of the School
The Curriculum is not just a list of subjects taught in a school. The Curriculum describes everything that goes on in a school and helps children to learn about the world around them. Any curriculum must cover all the activities in a school designed to promote the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils and prepare them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life and society. The Staff and Governors agree
that:-
The Curriculum includes specific key areas of knowledge, as well as skills, concepts and attitudes which children will experience in relation to subjects, areas of experience, different styles of learning and the values which underpin the curriculum. These values are apparent through the emphasis and priorities in their curriculum. The Curriculum
also has characteristics of breadth, balance, relevance, differentiation
and progression. For example, the School’s Curriculum does not just focus
on the narrow mechanical aspects of learning to read, write and calculate.
In addition to acquiring basic skills, children experience a wide range of
different writing tasks; mathematical problems associated with the real world;
different teaching approaches – for example teacher and pupil initiated activity,
practical and reflective activities, individual, group, full class and school-based
learning; and a wide variety of written published material at a suitable
level. Further information about the Education Committee’s Curriculum Policy
Statements, including assessment and reporting results; arrangements for
pupils with special needs and those of exceptional ability; arrangements
for meeting the needs of ethnic minority pupils; and staff development and
in-service training are available for inspection at the school or from Durham
County Council, County Hall, Durham. Tel: 0191 3864411. The National Curriculum The National Curriculum laid down by Parliament in the Education Reform Act 1988, is made up of nine foundation subjects. The core subjects are English, Mathematics and Science; other foundation subjects are Technology, History, Geography, Art, Music and Physical Education. In addition every school must provide Religious Education and a daily act of worship. Within the National Curriculum, Programmes of Study set out the essential teaching within each subject area. Attainment targets for each subject area set out what children are expected to know and be able to do. English and Mathematics are covered in the Literacy and Numeracy hours and are taught each day. There are National
Tests for infant school pupils at age 7. This marks the end of Key Stage
1 of the National Curriculum.
Parkside Infant School Curriculum The children in the Nursery are provided with learning experiences to build on what parents will already have achieved and to establish a foundation for the National Curriculum. We wish to create a happy, caring, stimulating and safe, secure environment. The children develop through structured though flexible activities and work towards desirable educational outcomes in six main areas through the foundation curriculum. This curriculum is developed in the reception class. As a result of the 1988 Education Act the School will be implementing the National Curriculum. This is composed of:- Core Subjects: Mathematics, English, Science. Foundation Subjects: Technology (and design), History, I.C.T., Geography, Music, Art, Physical Education. Religious Education is also offered. The core subjects are taught for a substantial proportion of the time. For all subjects there will be objectives or goals setting out what children should know and be able to do at each stage of their schooling. These goals are called “attainment targets”. For each subject there will also be descriptions of what children should be taught to help them to achieve the attainment targets. These are called “programmes of study”. It is normal in infant schools for a lot of the foundation subjects to be experienced by children using topics or themes and the list that follows gives some idea of those used:- transport, ourselves, change, growth, shape and colour. Religious Education uses the local authority’s syllabus. We aim to develop an atmosphere in School that is pleasant and stimulating. Although we wish children to reach their full potential as individuals, we are also concerned with their development within a group. Our aim is to provide a curriculum that is matched to the children’s needs thus ensuring that they develop physically, mentally, emotionally and socially. Every effort is made to ensure that each child maintains steady progress through the School. Language Command of language in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Through the experiences provided in School we aim to develop children’s ability to understand and communicate, these being achieved through the use of language for a variety of purposes across the curriculum. We aim to teach children to become more effective readers and writers both for pleasure and to acquire information. After they have learned to read, they read to learn. Library Skills are, therefore, a necessary part of a language programme which aims to develop independent learning. Theatre groups give performances in the School several times a year. Certain children take part in the B.R.P. programme with parental permission. A wide range of texts are maintained in school for the children. The children are encouraged to share texts at home although the books they bring home can no longer be considered as reading books. Mathematics We aim to promote a positive attitude to Mathematics in which children should be able to apply mathematical ideas and concepts in real life situations. From the earliest stages the use of correct mathematical language is important. A structured approach is used providing for development through activity with work covering investigations into number, money, measurement of length, weight, capacity, time, shape and concepts of area and volume. Children work individually or in small groups depending upon the rate of progress. Emphasis is given in all aspects of the mathematical curriculum to develop as high a standard of skills as the capabilities of each child will allow. Environmental Studies and Science In this area children are involved in personal experience of the environment by direct exploration using the School, its immediate surroundings and going further afield. Through a variety of themes children will acquire skills, ideas and attitudes which will enable them to make sense of their environment, both past and present. They will be encouraged to pose questions, to investigate, to seek solutions and solve problems. An appreciation of the environment and its conservation is also promoted. Music Music plays an important part in the curriculum as it is our aim to provide a wide range of musical experiences so that every child can develop an enjoyment of listening to and creating music. String, wind and brass ensembles visit the School to give concerts several times a year. Art, Design and Technology Children are given further opportunities to develop self-expression through a variety of media, for example, Drawing, Modelling, Sewing, Design and Construction. Opportunities for self expression are also offered in Drama, Dance and Poetry. Children, in experiencing, exploring, interpreting and performing, achieve a great deal of satisfaction and are able to attain a measure of aesthetic awareness. Information Technology Children in Nursery and School are able to regularly use computers to work in all areas of the Curriculum and meet National Curriculum requirements. The School has a school web site. The children work towards the E.A.Z. I.C.T. badge scheme to become digital experts. Physical Education In this area children develop mobility, co-ordination and control through a variety of skills in Dance, Gymnastics and Games. Individual confidence is built up, together with attitudes required to work as a team. This section of the Curriculum is concerned also with the children’s awareness and knowledge of their own bodies and how to promote their well-being. The children experience a different sporting activity each day (Educational Gymnastics, Dance, Games Skills, Athletic Activities). One period of Health Education is taught per week. From Year 1 children take part in the Persil Funfit Educational Gymnastics Award. Children need to have suitable clothes for P.E. Gym shoes are not worn for indoor activities. Religious Education and Collective Worship The Religious Education Curriculum is taken from the County Agreed Syllabus which has been discussed, agreed and ratified by the Durham County Council Education Committee, local teachers and representatives of all major local faiths and denominations. Although Christian-based, it also ensures that our pupils gain respect, awareness and understanding of other world religions. There are varied arrangements for daily worship, including class and whole-school assemblies. All parents have a right to withdraw their child from the School’s daily act of collective worship and/or religious education. If you want to withdraw your child from these parts of School life please write to the Headteacher. Sex Education Sex Education arises in a natural way from the study of Life Cycles, Health Education and from questions children might ask. It is provided with due regard to moral considerations and the value of family life. The National Curriculum provides the following framework for the teaching of Sex Education:- Science – Life and Living Processes. 5 – 7 year olds should learn that ‘living things reproduce their own kind’. The Governing Body has discussed and approved this policy. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from Sex Education. If you do not want your child to take part in this please write to the Headteacher at the start of the school year. Health Children in Years 1 and 2 follow 3 modules, ‘Keeping Safe’, ‘Keeping Healthy’ and ‘Feeling Good’. Health care professionals and other relevant agencies contribute to these modules. Special Needs Children with particular learning and other special needs can benefit from special help. This may be because they experience particular learning difficulties or because they show exceptional ability. Additional help is given in the classroom wherever possible, but there can be occasions when individual or small group work is appropriate. For a very small proportion of children the School may need to involve other specialists in a formal assessment of complex special educational needs. In such circumstances there is always prior consultation with parents, who are involved in any assessment process and the formulation of Individual Educational Plans. All children
with S.E.N.s are placed on the School’s Special Needs Register. Constance
monitoring is carried out by all staff involved with child and individual
education plans are developed by the school.
Class Organisation As far as possible children are placed in mixed ability groups within a chronological year. However numbers may be such that children are taught in mixed age groups. In spite of this, emphasis is still on the needs of the individual child. Homework Children are given small tasks to do at home, such as learning spelling lists. Parents are encouraged to hear their child read every night and record this in their home/school book. This book can be a book the child has chosen or a book the child has at home. School Rules The School operates a system of assertive discipline which rewards good behaviour and imposes known sanctions for bad behaviour. The rules and consequences are discussed with the children and displayed in the classrooms. The children are expected to operate within a framework of discipline based simply on courtesy, respect for others and safety within School. The School aims to develop the children’s self discipline and to lay an important foundation for behaviour in adult life. Parents are consulted when in School sanctions have failed. If bad behaviour is a problem at lunchtime and all sanctions have failed, the governors will ask for that child to have lunch at home and return for the afternoon session. Exclusion This is the ultimate sanction used for extreme instances of very bad behaviour. The L.E.A.’s guidelines are followed and attention is drawn to the fact that parents have the right of appeal to the Governing body and ultimately, the L.E.A. School Attendance Regular attendance is crucial to each child’s educational development and at Parkside we recognise our part in assisting parents to meet their legal obligations. If you child is unable to attend school because of ill-health or for any other reason, a letter of explanation must be sent to the class teacher. The Educational Welfare Officer will visit families who have 10 or more unauthorised absences in any term. Unauthorised absences Years 1 and 2
108 unauthorised absences to 25th May 2001 School Uniform The School colours are blue, yellow and grey. The uniform is not compulsory and consists of:-
Royal Blue School sweatshirt – obtained from school Parents are requested to dress their children in sensible clothes if the uniform is not worn. No jeans are to be worn in School and trainer boots are only allowed if the child can manage the complex lacing themselves. Jewellery is not permitted. Earrings, bracelets or necklaces are not to be worn to School. If ears are pierced, then earrings can be worn for a short period provided they are covered by tape before the child comes to School. If a child arrives at School with earrings uncovered the parents will be contacted to come and cover or remove the earrings. Admission to the School Admission to Nursery is registered in the school year in which the child is 2. Children are normally expected to have a minimum of three terms part-time in the Nursery Unit. Children join the Reception class at September depending on the completion of Form AF1 the previous November and School placed being available. Children are invited to visit their new class before starting school. Children are normally admitted full time on the first day of school or the following Monday. Visits to School Parents are welcome in School and may visit by prior arrangement with the Headteacher. Every effort will be made to meet requests by parents to visit a particular time, subject to the organisational and educational needs of the School. During the School year parents will have the opportunity to see their children’s work and discuss their progress. Arrangements are made so that new Nursery and Reception children, together with their parents, may visit the School before their admission. A number of parents work in the School, mainly helping with reading and I.T. activities. Training is given to these parents. A Coffee Afternoon is held every Friday afternoon at 2.30 pm. Interested parents are asked to ‘pop in’ as their help is always appreciated. There is also an Annual Parents’ Meeting when a report is presented by Governors. Further Information Pupils may either stay on the premises for lunch or go home. Those who stay at School can either have a School dinner or a packed lunch. Parents need to know that there is no cold storage available for packed lunches. Lunches have to paid for in a marked box/tin on a MONDAY morning. Families in receipt of Income Support need to complete a form in School and show evidence of entitlement. A week’s notice
in any changes to a child’s lunchtime arrangement is needed. Guidance on
packed lunches can be obtained from the School.
Medical Matters:- The School always has a qualified First Aider on the premises and on educational visits. As a result of the First Aid, Health and Safety (First Aid) Regulations, we can no longer treat cuts and bruises with traditional methods e.g. witch hazel, antiseptic creams, plasters etc. We are, therefore, left with ice + water and should any further treatment be considered necessary we would, of course, use the emergency contact numbers sent to School. If an injury is serious and you cannot immediately be contacted the School will assume “in loco parentis” and ensure the child gets immediate medical attention. Medicines (a) Medicines can only be administered at School on written instructions from a parent/guardian. Parents need to call at the School Office to sign the required consent forms. (b) Antibiotics can only be brought to School on the 4th or 5th day of the course and the child should remain at home for the first three days. (c) If a child suffers from sickness or diarrhoea they must remain at home for 24 hours after the last bout. (d) Any medicines brought to School that have not been prescribed by a G.P. CANNOT be given. Inhalers Inhalers will be kept in a locked but easily accessible place and given as per instruction. Parents are required to ensure that adequate supplies are sent to School. Parents are required to sign a consent form each term for regular medication. Supply of Stationery Pens, pencils and basic equipment are supplied free of charge by the School. However, parents will be asked to provide pencils and pay for lost books where it is a recurrent problem of carelessness. Blue Reading Bags can be obtained at School if reading books are to taken home (cost £2.50) at present. School Transport Parents are responsible for ensuring that their children arrive at School punctually each day (9.00 am). Parents who have cars are asked not to park them to obscure the Lollipop Lady’s visibility. No parent's cars/taxi’s (unless transport provided by the L.E.A.) must enter the School grounds for safety reasons. We ask that all parents with prams do not wait near the safety barriers, as this causes dangerous congestion. Charging Policy By law no state
school can make a charge for:-
We hope to be able to resolve any complaints that parents may have. In the first instance complaints should normally be made to the Headteacher and in most cases we find that complaints can be dealt with successfully at this informal level. However, there are formal routes that you can use if you wish to take the matter further. Curriculum complaint You have particular
rights in making a complaint about: -
If the complaint is not resolved by the Governing Body it may be referred to Durham County Council Education Committee where it will be considered by Councillors. If that fails, the complaint can be referred to the Secretary of State. Note: This procedure does not apply to complaints on matters like pupil discipline or individual teachers. Other Curriculum Information By law schools
must make certain information available for viewing by parents or members
of the public. All documents listed below are available for viewing at the
school:-
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