| Home > Prospectus | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
ProspectusHeadmaster's Introduction Welcome from the Chairman of the Board of Governors Welcome from the Chairman of the Friends of Horsmonden Primary School History and Buildings Admissions Policy Starting School at Horsmonden The Aims of the School The Curriculum a. Class Organisation b. Curriculum Areas of Learning Core Subjects c. Mathematics d. English e. Science f. Information and Communications Technology Foundation Subjects g. History h. Geography i. Music j. Physical Education k. Design Technology l. Art Other Areas of the Curriculum m. Religious Education n. Sex Education o. Special Needs p. Equal Opportunities q. Homework
9. Charging Policy 10. Extra Curricular Activities 11. School Session Times 12. Pastoral Care a. A Policy for Achieving Good Behaviour b. Medical Inspections c. Medicines in School d. Absences e. Illness or Accident in School................................ -22- f. Accident Procedure................................................. -22- g. Road Safety.............................................................. -23- h. Health and Safety at Work Act........................... -23- i. Valuables in School.................................................. -23- j. Lost Property............................................................ -23- k. School Fund............................................................... -23-
13. Lunch Time Arrangements 14. School Uniform 15. Parents and the School a. Parent Consultations and Interviews b. Transfer into Secondary School c. Parental Help in School d. Friends of Horsmonden Primary School e. The Protection of Children f. Complaints Procedure g. Communication
16. Conclusion To be added: Appendix 1 –– School Results National Tests & Attendance Figures Appendix 2 –– Home-School Partnership Policy
1. Headmaster's introduction I have had the privilege of leading this school since September 1992, now seeing several classes of children through their entire primary years. My personal aim is that your child should enjoy four key aspects of their time here. The first is that they should be happy - if they are happy then they stand a far greater chance of succeeding. Secondly, they should understand the good feelings of success. Thirdly, they should know what it is to give and receive kindness. Fourthly, they should know what it is to feel special, and at some point during their school life we should be responsible for making them feel that way. Horsmonden School, though, is not just about atmosphere. The activities we undertake are planned to ensure that we not only fulfil legal obligations, but that our children reach their highest potential in all aspects of their life at school. We believe Horsmonden School offers children something extra through a range of curriculum enhancement activities from after school clubs to residential visits in junior years. Moreover, our partnership with Yale and Northern Illinois Universities sees us in a research role developing the concept of Successful Intelligence in helping your child use their learning attributes more effectively. We have extensively developed the school building and grounds in recent years to ensure that our children have the best possible facility for learning that we can provide. Latest innovations during the academic year 2008 - 2009 will see a new computer suite, new children's library and greatly enhanced cookery area for provision during and beyond the school day. We see the school environment as an important contributory factor in the educational opportunities we are able to offer throughout your child’s time at our school and during their time here they will make extensive use of the outdoor classroom. What makes us stand out from the crowd? We develop emotionally engaged, creative thinkers; your child will be able to use what they have more effectively because they came to Horsmonden. This prospectus will give you a great deal of information about the day to day running of the school. We very much hope that your children will be both happy and successful at our school and look forward to working with you in the coming years. Malcolm E. Hayes
2. Welcome from the Chairman of Governors The Governors of Horsmonden County Primary School are proud to be part of such a happy and successful team. We work with the Headteacher and staff to ensure that Horsmonden continues to be a lively and thriving village school, providing the best possible education for each child. A list of the current serving Governors is to be found on page 3 and we welcome any approach from parent with any views on the successes and challenges that face our school.
3. Welcome from the Chairman of the Friends of Horsmonden Primary School (FoHPS)All parents/guardians of children attending the school are automatically members of FoHPS. Made up of parents and representatives from the teaching staff, the aims of FoHPS are threefold: fundraising, the provision of extra-curricular activities for the children of the school and, importantly, to have fun in the process. Funds are raised for the school in a number of ways, with some annual favourites include the School Fete, the Christmas Present Fayre and the Easter Egg Hunt. Activities such as the Camp Out and Bonfire Night, organised by the PTA, provide memorable events both for children and parents alike. Although the PTA is a small committee, it’s success relies upon the widespread support of parents showing their commitment to the school.
4. History and Buildings Horsmonden Primary School was founded in 1853 and has an established tradition of being a valued contributor to the village community. The school works in partnership with the Local Education Authority and caters for children aged from 4 to 11. The school moved to its present site in 1969. There are 7 well-equipped classrooms all within the main building, a spacious hall/dining room and kitchen, and a Technology Centre comprising areas for cookery, art and design and computer studies. Currently under development is the relocation of the school computer suite, the redevelopment of the children's cookery area and the development of the new children's library. We are fortunate in having a large playing field with a significant level of play and nature equipment as well as an integral courtyard, which acts as an outdoor area for our Reception Class. Our children have the added luxury of a covered swimming pool, which is open for use between April and September.
5. Admissions Policy Parents considering an application to the school are encouraged to make an appointment with the Headmaster who will be pleased to show them around the school. This usually takes place when the children are between 3-5 years old. The Admissions Policy for the school has been agreed by the Governors in consultation with the appropriate office at Kent County Council. Guidelines are set out in the County Council’s leaflet “Admission to Primary School in Kent” which is available from the Admissions Team. In the first instance, admission to the school is determined by parental preference, provided there are appropriate places available. If spaces are limited the following criteria are considered in the following order:
New entrants are admitted to Reception at the beginning of September. Autumn born children to start full time in September, Spring born children to start part time in September and full time in November, and Summer born children start part time in September and full time in January. Autumn born are children born between 1st September and 31st December. Spring born are children born between 1st January and 31st March. Summer born are children born between 1st April and 31st August. For new entrants there is a full induction programme, which takes place during the term prior to admission. Children who are above the statutory age may be admitted at any time provided that a place exists within the appropriate group.
6. Starting School at Horsmonden Starting school for the first time is a very big step in the life of all children and it is very important that the transfer into full time education goes as smoothly as possible. In the term prior to their starting school, pre-school children visit their new class once a week as a group. During this term the children also make individual morning visits in order to get to know the teacher and the other children in the class. To help your child transfer easily from pre-school to school, we have produced a booklet called “Starting School at Horsmonden” which gives useful information and helpful advice. Before your child begins school you will be invited to meet the class teacher. We have also produced a pre-school checklist for you to fill in about your child and an “I Can Do” book for your child to complete at home. Starting school is an important step for your child to make and to mark the occasion we have a special assembly, to which you are invited when we give each of our new entrants an inscribed book to celebrate their joining our school. One of the special features of our Reception Class is that of “partners”. Reception children are linked with those in the oldest class to ensure our youngest children get good pastoral care. The partnerships have proved to be immensely successful, in many cases leading to a lasting friendship way beyond the children's primary school years.
7. Aims of the School At Horsmonden we aim to have a school where:
8. The Curriculum
a. Class Organisation The school is organised into 7 mixed ability classes, one for each Year Group, with the aim of maintaining classes of a reasonable size. Apart from general class lessons, children’s learning is geared to meet their individual needs, using an appropriate balance of whole class, group and individual teaching methods.
b. Curriculum Areas of Learning The school has a statutory responsibility to teach the subjects of the National Curriculum. These are divided into Core Subjects: English Mathematics Science Information and Communication Technology And the Foundation Subjects: Design Technology Geography History Music Art Physical Education
The school also teaches the Kent Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education and French which is developed particularly in juniors through lessons with our French Assistante and Mrs R Price. Staff hold responsibility for curriculum areas, which they lead across the school. In this way the staffing is organised to make the best of the year group knowledge of the class teacher and the specialist knowledge of the subject leader. Much of this is taught through a variety of cross-curricular themes within the school’s “Curriculum Framework Plan”. This Framework covers the entire primary years, organising subject content into year group ensuring continuity and progression as well as removing the chances of children missing out on knowledge during their time with us. The children up to Year 2 receive 22 hours of lesson time per week, whilst juniors receive 23 hours 30 minutes per week. This excludes time for registration, assemblies and playtimes.
Subjects of the National Curriculum: Core Subjects
Mathematics We aim to provide a practical broadly balanced mathematics curriculum which will suit the individual needs of our children and show them the usefulness and relevance of maths in their everyday lives. We consider first hand experience important and aim to provide our children with varied opportunities to use their mathematical skills in tackling genuine practical problems and “open ended” investigations. Children are introduced to a wide variety of basic mathematical concepts and opportunities to develop mathematical language. All work is differentiated to suit the needs of all our children. Our work includes the development of number work and place value, including practical metric measures and decimal notation. Estimation and approximation skills in mental number work, measurement, spacial work, data handling and computer skills form an important aspect of the mathematics scheme.
English Our aim is to provide a language-rich environment within which all children can learn to communicate effectively, purposefully, and with enjoyment through the spoken, written and printed word. When children leave our school, we want them to understand the rich tapestry of the English language and to make best use of it in their further learning and in later life. Speaking and Listening: The spoken word is a child's first opportunity to share their capability with others. As such, we aim to model and develop ambitious and interesting vocabulary on which children can base their communication. We have high standards for listening, which we take time to develop in ensuring children get as much as they can from any situation. Reading: The children in our school show a great enthusiasm for reading and we want children to develop positive lifelong reading habits. Reading is taught through a structured approach using the “Oxford Reading Tree” Scheme. This scheme is supplemented with a wide assortment of attractive books of different formats and levels of difficulty. We can use both classroom based reading material and our well stocked children's library to introduce our children to the widest possible selection of books. We believe that children become confident and fluent readers when both school and home support them. We encourage parents to hear their children read a little every evening and record comments in a reading record. As the children progress through the school, they are introduced to literature of increasing complexity. They also learn to analyse and evaluate a wide range of texts. Writing: Our children are encouraged to write in different styles and for differing occasions. We place a high value on the conventions of written language and stress the importance of spelling, punctuation, and presentation. The correct formation of letters and the development of a cursive style of writing begins at a very early stage in the Reception class, and is taught progressively throughout the school. Our aim is to have the children writing in a joined cursive style by the time they commence in the Juniors (Year 3).
Above all, we want to ensure children do not leave our school feeling resistant towards enjoying and using the English language. We hope that their early enjoyment the aspects of English and an understanding of the relevance and importance of making best use of language skills will give them the strongest possible foundation on which to build.
Science We aim to provide a practical, broadly balanced science curriculum, which is related both to the individual needs of the children and to real life science. Children are naturally curious and through the study of science we aim to stimulate this curiosity, giving opportunities to develop both the skills and attitudes appropriate to science and to develop scientific concepts. We involve the children in situations where they may gain first hand experiences to enrich their understanding. Classes frequently use the school environment for study and field trips form a valuable part of the science curriculum.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Information and Communications Technology is concerned with the handling and processing of information using electronic devices. The National Curriculum requires ICT capability to be used in every area of the curriculum. Within ICT our main aims are to develop children’s confident use of computers to support learning, communication, solving problems and the use of technology in everyday life. The school has invested heavily in staff training and in developing a new computer suite alongside a fully networked the school building in order to offer the best possible opportunities for children.
Subjects of the National Curriculum: The Foundation Subjects
History The school curriculum provides one of the fundamental ways in which a society can transmit its cultural heritage to new generations. In order to make sense of local and world events today, children need to know and understand what has happened previously. The children will progress from learning about local history, the school and village, to major British and world situations of the past. They will begin from an understanding of their personal and family history, moving on to historic personalities and themes such as transport, farming, or buildings. Some periods of British and World History will be studied in detail, such as the Tudors, Britain since the 1930’s and Ancient Greece.
Geography In geography, children focus upon the study of places, the human and physical processes which shape them, and the people who live in them. As the children progress through the school, they will learn about their local environment, the United Kingdom and its relationship with other countries, and will also study 2 developing countries. They will study geographical themes within the context of actual places. These themes include rivers, weather, settlement, and the environment. Thus, pupils develop geographical knowledge and understanding as well as being introduced to geographical enquiry and developing geographical skills. During Year 6 the children have an opportunity to go on a School Journey during which an extensive first-hand experience is gained in many aspects of physical and human geography. Most recently, the children have visited the old city of York and its environs.
Music Through listening, performing, creating and composing, each child has the opportunity to develop an appreciation of music and a chance to participate in a wide range of musical activities. Class work will include singing, singing games, developing an awareness of rhythm and time, and the opportunity to create musical effects and later, composition and harmony. Television and radio programmes may be used to broaden the children’s experience and knowledge. Children have the opportunity to learn a range of instruments in school. For a small charge, children can learn guitar, piano or nay instrument within brass and woodwind. Children in Years 5 and 6 currently learn cello free of charge. The children take part in musical activities outside the school, including most notably the annual non-competitive music festival organised by the Weald of Kent Primary School Music Association. Children also have weekly opportunities to develop their choral singing, often leading to some sort of production.
Physical Education We believe that alongside the development of intellectual and social skills, must go the development of physical skills. To neglect this aspect would be to ignore a major element in the all-round growth of the child. Our Physical Education programme is designed to develop those skills using movement, dance, games and agility activities. The Juniors develop individual and group skills by playing football, netball, rugby, stoolball, hockey, rounders, badminton and cricket. They learn the meaning of competition and to be able to lose as well as to win. The school is equipped with its own covered swimming pool, giving children in all classes the opportunity to participate in swimming lessons. Swimming takes place in the Summer and Autumn according to current weather conditions and again, unless there are special circumstances and the teacher is informed of these, all children are expected to participate. Infant children have their own sports day in the summer and from the summer of 2009 junior children will hold their own olympics in the Tonbridge School Centre, combining skills development using the outstanding facilities alongside competition in houses in swimming, athletics and indoor sports. In addition, junior children hold a winter sports day, The Ken Mills Challenge and the school is active in the inter-school netball, football and rugby tournaments.
Design Technology Within the National Curriculum, technology has been defined as “the creative application of knowledge, skills and understanding to design and make good quality products” and the Technology Cycle is: The Identification of Needs Generation of Designs Planning and Making Evaluation of Products. At the school all children are taught to plan, devise and produce solutions to identified human needs, e.g. Room designs, classroom and entrance hall displays, new greeting cards, stage scenery, and farm implements, to name but a few tackled recently. They are encouraged to think about how articles work and what are the strengths and weaknesses of various designs. In addition, the junior children take part in a weekly Technology afternoon, which includes activities such as cooking, sewing, model making, construction, weaving and bookmaking, all of which fulfil the requirements of the National Curriculum.
Art Art, in its many forms, is an important vehicle for learning and for assisting in personal development. Our children are encouraged to explore colour, line, tone, texture and form. They will explore and experience a wider range of media and materials and be introduced to the skills and techniques in drawing, the use of colour, printing and collage. They will have experience of clay and other tactile materials for 3-dimensional modelling. The children will also study the work of major artists, craftsmen and designers in developing their aesthetic and critical awareness to enrich judgements made about art.
Other Subjects of the Curriculum
Sex and Relationships Education At the school, we incorporate Sex Education within our curriculum framework. At all levels aspects of personal and social education are integrated into class topic work, particularly in Key Stage 1 the children are taken on a farm visit, which allows contact with animals and also study their own growth from birth. Higher up the school we aim to prepare them for forming good relationships as part of their preparation for their future life. In Year 6 Sex Education is dealt with more formally and in greater details as part of a Health & Safety Topic. Three BBC videotapes are used and outside speakers such as the school nurse are invited to attend. The topic aims to increase the children’s awareness of their own bodies and how they function. It deals with development from conception to adulthood and covers such aspects as personal hygiene, the physical and emotional changes involved with growing up, and drugs. At all stages we stress the importance of family life, loving relationships, and encourage regard to moral considerations. The teaching staff adopt a sensitive approach, dealing with questions in an honest and open way appropriate to the children’s age and development without making it personal. All parents have a right to withdraw their children from all or part of the Sex Education we provide. Year 6 parents are informed before it begins and are given the opportunity to view the TV programmes used. However, we hope that parents will allow their children the chance to study this topic in a relaxed atmosphere with the rest of their Year Group.
Religious Education We wish your child to develop fully as a complete person and, therefore, we seek to educate the whole of the child, spiritually as well as mentally and physically. We hope to establish a sense of awe, wonder and regard for others in each child. Each day includes an act of Christian worship. Assemblies play an important part in school life. Each term, every class produces its own class assembly to which parents are invited. The school has a strong Christian ethos and we enjoy close links with St. Margaret’s Church in Horsmonden. At Christmas all the children take part in our Candlelight Carol Service held in St. Margaret’s Church with readings, carols and a depiction of the nativity. Our R.E. policy incorporates the traditions of all our own Christian beliefs and our awareness of differing religions. Christianity is taught through worship and discussion; the teaching of other religious traditions is delivered through the curriculum. Parents have a right to withdraw their children from participating in collective worship, and from the R.E. programme. If parents wish to exercise this right it can be arranged following discussions with the Head Teacher.
Additional Educational Needs Help and support is always available in school for children with a variety of additional educational needs (AEN). At Horsmonden School we feel that such children have an equal right to the opportunities offered to any child within our care, and to experience all elements of the school curriculum. The children included have needs at both ends of the spectrum; both those with specific and general learning difficulties and those who are exceptional. Mrs Jodi Hacker is the school's Inclusions Manager and is involved in identifying the needs of SEN children and continually monitoring their progress in school. Where their needs have been assessed, a trained Learning Support Assistant working alongside the classroom teacher and Inclusions Manager gives extra support. Together they will ensure that targets written on the IEP are carried out and achieved. The Inclusions Manager also liaises with parents and all concerned. Individual educational plans are carefully worked out every term to cover the needs of each child. A review of AEN pupils is also held each term, with an emphasis on early intervention. Although most of the day-to-day support is provided by the child’s class teacher in liaison with the Inclusions Manager, a number of external agencies and support services are also involved in identifying, assessing and monitoring special needs. The Learning Support Service (LSS) provides trained staff, who visit the school on a regular basis. The LSS also provides training and support for classroom assistant and class teachers. At all stages parents are encouraged to discuss their child’s development and progress with the Inclusions Manager and class teacher and the views of parents are taken into account when assessing their needs.
Equality of Opportunity We seek to ensure that all children, irrespective of their gender or race, have the opportunity to use their talents to the full and have equal access to the curriculum.
Homework Policy It is important that all children need to relax after the busy and concentrated demands of the school day. During the academic year we are looking closely at how we balance requirements placed upon us by the Department for Children, Families and Schools alongside the needs of children and preparation for secondary education. Above all we are seeking to make purposeful connections between school learning, real life and home learning in giving the whole experience a deeper meaning for children, staff and parents. Our Homework Policy is included in this package within the Home-School Partnership Policy (Appendix 2).
9. Charging Policy For curriculum related activities, outings and residential trips, a voluntary contribution to cover essential costs will be requested from parents. However, no child will be excluded from these educational activities on financial grounds, and school funds will be used to pay for, or subsidise, such children. Anyone experiencing difficulties in this way should contact the Headteacher to discuss arrangements.
a. Charges for items made at School and brought home. The school may charge for an item made at school, if parents have indicated in advance a wish to own the finished product.
b. Music Tuition There are opportunities for children to learn a range of brass and woodwind instruments as well as violin, which take place during school hours but for which a charge is made for the tutoring.
10. Extra Curricular Activities Many schools achieve success through recognised methods of measurement such as SATs results. However, research now available is clearly suggesting that children are receiving a curriculum that has been narrowed by the emphasis on league tables and other tests. How do children learn? Primarily through motivation, Horsmonden Primary School has a long-established philosophy based on nurturing qualities and attributes in the children that help them to become responsive and motivated learners, valued as individual with a sense of self-confidence through the recognition of success. Activities beyond lessons are an essential part of this philosophy. As our children get older, we see developing their needs as a person to be a vital part of their growth, and our residential visits to the Science Museum (Year 4), Gaveston Hall (Year 5) and York (Year 6) provide us with a valuable opportunity. We also see activities such as sports, instrumental tuition and now sailing in Year 5 as a great chance to develop personal and social skills. We look to music and art to widen children’s aesthetic understanding of the world. We use practical skills of making and doing in a variety of contexts to consolidate children’s learning as well as make the task more enjoyable. The range of clubs available to children is somewhat dependent on the time of year and a full timetable is published each term. Children are encouraged to join clubs, and to demonstrate commitment to those clubs once joined.
11. School Sessions In the interest of adequate supervision, safety and welfare of children, it is important that they do not arrive at school earlier than 8.30 a.m. The children may go to their classrooms on arrival. New reception children may be escorted into their classroom for the first two weeks, but after that please encourage your children to become independent by letting them come into school by themselves. School sessions times are:- Infants Juniors 08.45 - 12.00 08:45 - 12:10 Lunch Break 13.10 - 15.20 The mid-morning break is from 10.30 to 10.45 a.m. On days when the weather is particularly wet the children have supervised indoor play but in light rain children put on coats and go outdoors. From 14.30 to 14.45 the infants have their afternoon play. At the end of the day the Infants are collected from their classroom. Parents waiting for children to come out of school should keep small children with them and discourage them from running in the playground or onto the grass or flowerbeds. It is very important that parents and small children show consideration for the children who are still working in the classrooms.
12. Pastoral Care
a. Policy for Achieving Good Behaviour We expect a very high standard of behaviour from our children as soon as they start school. We expect responsible, considerate and polite behaviour from everyone in our school. We praise and encourage positive attitudes. The school has one basic rule : kindness. This is an easy rule for children to remember and is deliberately more positive than a list of things you must not do. Juniors are enrolled into four houses (Jukes, Parkinson, Bailey and Fletcher) and are encouraged to gain house points for excellent work, good effort and courtesy. Winter and Summer Sports Days along with an annual junior swimming gala all focus on the children developing a positive and supportive attitude through their team. Each week an assembly is held when “Special Mention” awards are given to children who have achieved excellence in one form or another during the week either in school or with something they have achieved outside. In the event of poor behaviour or lower standard of work than is acceptable for an individual pupil, a sanction will be given. This usually takes the form of a loss of privilege, or a “10.30”! Where a child’s behaviour or work causes concern over a period of time, we contact the parents so that we can solve the problem together. There is no corporal punishment
b. Medical Inspections It is the duty of the local authority to provide for the medical examination of pupils in attendance at every school and the arrangements are as follows:- New Entrants to Infant Department - a full medical examination Year 1 to Year 4 - vision screening tests Year 4 - routine hearing test and measurement of weight and height Year 1 and 3 - dental inspection Notifications are sent to parents prior to visits by doctor or dentist.
c. Medicines in School From time to time we are asked to administer medicines to children who are recovering from a short-term illness, are well enough to attend school, but who are receiving a course of anti-biotics, cough medicines, hayfever, asthma or other medications. It is essential that the parents of such children send a note to the office with the medicine giving clear instructions concerning required dosage. The medicine must be clearly labelled with the owners name. It will be stored safely in the medical cupboard and will be administered in accordance with instructions.
d. Absences If your child is absent from school, please telephone the school on the first day of absence. All absences are recorded and reported under various legal criteria. Please send a note to the class teacher on return. If the illness is a contagious disease, notify the school immediately. Children should be kept at home until they have fully recovered from their illness. Absence for reasons other than illness will be rare, but if you have a special and important reason, permission can be given. Currently, the law allows for up to ten days annual leave only in exceptional circumstances. In line with all schools in the local Cluster, annual holiday does not constitute exceptional circumstances and taking holiday in term time may result in a Penalty Notice fixed rate fine. Term dates are published well in advance to try and avoid this, as vacation during term time does have a negative effect on your child’s education.
e. Illness or Accident in School In the case of illness or an accident at school, it is vital that we have an emergency telephone number (home, work, neighbour, etc) to enable us to reach the parent. On the child’s admission to school you will be required to fill in a Pupil Data Contact Sheet giving this information. Should circumstances change, i.e. New address or job, please inform the secretary by letter as soon as this occurs.
f. Accident Procedure It is the policy of the school that, whenever an accident occurs at school, the parents are informed as soon as possible. In the first instance, minor accidents are dealt with by a qualified First Aider. There are currently 4 qualified First Aiders on the staff. The school operates in accordance with its Health and Safety Policy, which incorporates all the most recent legislation and is available to be viewed by any interested parent.
g. Road Safety The safety of the children near the approaches to the school is of paramount importance. We, therefore, request your co-operation when delivering or collecting your children from the school by car. If possible, please park a short walk away from the school as this eases congestion, reinforces safe crossing of roads and acts as an important social activity. Year 6 pupils will have an opportunity to take the Cycling Proficiency course during the Spring Term.
h. Health and Safety At Work Act In order to comply with the regulations of this Act, parents are asked to note the following policies:- Smoking: It is against the law to smoke on the premises Dogs: In the interest of hygiene, dogs, with the exception of guide dogs, are not allowed in the school grounds or buildings.
i. Valuables in School Children should not wear jewellery at school as it is easily lost. Watches should be inscribed with the child’s name. Children should not bring any valuable belongings to school except by special arrangement, as for example, when an item is being loaned for displays. Where ears have been pierced, only studs are allowed to be worn. These must be removed for P.E. and swimming activities.
j. Lost Property All items of clothing must be clearly named. Items of lost property are placed in the lost property box situated outside the Medical Room. This box is clearly marked and any unclaimed item is disposed of after a reasonable length of time.
k. School Fund In addition to the funding from the Local Authority the school generates a small amount of income which is held in the 'school fund'. Income into the School Fund accrues from commission on sales of photographs and other items, in addition to donations from a variety of sources. This fund is administered by the school for the benefit of the children and is audited annually in accordance with LEA regulations.
13. Lunch Time Arrangements
Children have the option of a school dinner or bringing their own sandwiches each lunchtime. The school meals’ service is run by a private company who operate a two choice menu each day with payment being made in advance on Monday of each week or on a half-termly basis. The cost per meal is publicised in school newsletters. Children may bring packed lunches to school. Please ensure that the food is brought in plastic containers and that drinks are stored in unbreakable containers or cartons. Packed lunches are stored on trolleys in or near your child’s classroom. If you think that your child may be eligible for free school meals, please apply to the office for a form to complete or contact the West Kent Area Education Office.
Mid Morning Snack The children may bring a healthy snack or a small carton of drink to consume at mid morning break. These snacks should be named and put in the snack box in each classroom. We do not eat crisps at playtime.
14. School Uniform School uniform is important in developing a sense of community in the school. We would ask you to help us to maintain the tradition by ensuring that your child is dressed in the correct uniform. It helps to create a corporate spirit, together with a sense of belonging and identity; more generally, it reflects the tone and ethos of the school. All items of clothing must be labelled, preferably with embroidered name tapes or iron on labels. Shirts should remain tucked in and ties done up whenever children are in uniform on the premises, including after school. Sweatshirts and T-shirts with the school logo, ties and book bags may be ordered through the school office.
15. Parents and the School
We believe that it is very important that strong links are forged between home and school and that school and home should work together for the benefit of the child. The Home-School Partnership Policy (Appendix 2) gives greater detail.
a. Parent Consultations and Interviews You are invited and encouraged to visit your child’s class at any time on an informal basis to see your child’s work or their teacher. However, we also run three more formal occasions beginning in the Autumn Term with an open evening at which we share our priorities for the year. Parent consultations with teachers are arranged during the Spring Term and the Summer Term. These take place on two evenings each term and are arranged through an appointment system. During consultations, the child’s progress, development and potential is discussed in detail with the parents. These summarise the child’s development, understanding, skills, knowledge, neatness, behaviour and relationship with others. They give an assessment of progress and achievement as well as noting things which teachers and parents can help the child to improve. Most important are the Learning Evaluation Sessions. These often follow class assemblies and are planned so that your child can show you in their learning where they have met their personal targets. Engaging with your child's learning in this way not only increases your knowledge of their progress but it increases the engagement they have with their learning through their ability to articulate personal objectives. Most importantly, remember that if there's a problem don't let it fester, call in and see us so that together we can get it sorted. Likewise, do tell us about the things that are going well - we won't need to change those in a hurry. Teachers can be contacted via email on a standard address format of <first name>.<second name>@horsmonden.kent.sch.uk .
b. Transfer into Secondary Education During Year 5 parents of the children are informed about the options and procedures for their child’s transfer to Secondary Education. Parents may opt to enter their child for assessment under the Kent Procedure for a place at a Grammar or High School in Tonbridge or Tunbridge Wells. Parents may also apply for their child’s admission to one of the wide ability, direct entry schools such as Angley, Bennett Memorial Diocesan, St. Gregory’s RC, Mascalls, Hayesbrook and Hillview schools. All Secondary Schools have open days during the Autumn Term and parents of the Year 5 and 6 children are encouraged to visit the schools during this period. Further details regarding transfer to Secondary Education are contained in the County’s handbook “Opportunities in secondary Education” available from West Kent Area Education Office. Advice may also be sought from the Headteacher. When a final choice has been made in Year 6, all pupils will spend a day at their selected secondary school.
c. Parental Help in School There are many areas of school life where parental help is needed and valued. Ø Many parents help in the classroom on a regular basis Ø Some use their cars to transport children to matches Ø Some assist with the class visits Ø Some help on the P.T.A. Committee Ø Some are Parent Governors If you would like to help in any way, please see the Headmaster, your child’s class teacher, the Chairman of the Board of Governors or the PTA Chairman.
d. The Friends of Horsmonden Primary School Our Friends Association plays a vital role in the life of the school. Every parent is automatically a member. They hold a number of fund raising and social events during the year. The main fundraising event is the School Fete, which is a great occasion for the whole village. Money raised is aimed at providing the extras for children that we would not otherwise be able to enjoy such as the school swimming pool.
e. The Protection of Children Procedures have been introduced by the County Council for checking with the local police on the possible criminal record of those who apply, or move to work, with children. The arrangements apply to all local authority paid staff and helpers in the school. Parents who would like to help at the school should consult the Headteacher in the first instance. The school is responsible for ensuring that all action taken with regard to Child Protection procedure is in line with Kent policy. The Deputy Headteacher is the designated Child Protection Officer.
f. Complaints Procedure To conform with the requirements of the Education reform Act 1988, the following procedure must be followed by any parent or guardian of a child. The first port of call for anyone who is concerned about, or has a complaint, regarding the curriculum or Religious Education within the school, is the Headteacher. If the situation is not satisfactorily resolved, the complainant may ask for the matter to be considered by the School Governing Body. Full details of the Complaints Procedure are available from the school on request.
g. Circulars and Newsletters We send home weekly newsletters and circulars to keep you informed about life in school. The school website holds an archive of letters if you miss a copy. We encourage parents to sign up to the E-letter service, which enables you to receive your child's newsletter at your email address. This is sometimes more reliable than letters in bookbags and help the school keep production costs to a minimum. Paper copies are also displayed on the external front corner noticeboard and on the Headmaster's noticeboard in the main entrance hall. Each week, teachers display a sheet entitled 'This Week's Learning'. This summarises the learning taking place in your child's class along with details of homework and any other classroom notices. It's important to keep well informed, so please take time to read the information we prepare.
16. Conclusion We do hope that you have enjoyed reading our Prospectus and have found it useful. More detailed policies on our work are available on request. The information given in this document relates to the year 2008/2009. Though the details were current as at September 2008, it should not be assumed that there will be no change affecting these arrangements during the year in question, or in further years. The school retains the right to amend the details in this Prospectus at any time.
|
 |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 |