Downsbrook Primary School Prospectus

Downsbrook Primary School, Dominion Road, Worthing West Sussex, BN14 8GD Tel: 01903 230467 / 01903 233827 Email: office@downsbrook.w-sussex.sch.uk Online: www.downsbrook.w-sussex.sch.uk Follow us: @dpsworthing

Designed by www.springcreate.co.uk

Through effort we will achieve.

4. Introduction

18. Excellence and Enjoyment

6. Starting School for the First Time

20. The Arts

7. Working in Partnership

20. Sports

8. Early Years

22. Special Educational Needs

11. Curriculum Statement

22. Trips and Visits

12. Security

22. Friends of Downsbrook

13. Admissions Policy and Arrangements

23. Forest School

14. Behaviour

24. The Extended Curriculum

16. Anti Bullying

24. Uniform

17. Complaints

2

‘They particularly praised the partnership, the excellent levels of mentorship and the quality of support and training provided by the school’ University of Brighton – External assessor for the Faculty of Education

3

Introduction Our excellent spacious site is the amalgamation of two schools on one campus, following a major re-organisation of the school in 2002. Adaptations and extensions, including the new wing (completed 2014) have resulted in our current fantastic facilities, which include a recently refurbished ICT suite, two spacious performance areas, bespoke technology and food technology rooms, a modern music suite, large and extensive outdoor games space and a fully equipped science laboratory enabling us to cater for the needs of all our children.

In September 2015, the new EYFS/KS1 areas were created as we became an all through primary school.

The School Day 8.35am – school gates open (Penfold Road or Southdownview Road) 8.45am – school begins 3.00pm – EYFS and KS1 school ends 3.10pm – KS2 school ends

4

5

Starting School for the First Time Starting school is a very important time for you, your child and the school.

We all need to work together to make the transition smooth and rewarding.

The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the standards that all Early Years’ providers must meet to ensure that children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. It promotes teaching and learning to ensure children’s ‘school readiness’ and gives children the broad range of knowledge and skills that provide the right foundation for good future progress through school and life.

In the term prior to their entry, pupils are invited into school for a ‘Stay and Play’ session in their new classroom, as well as teachers going to nurseries to visit children in their current settings. This helps children become familiar with the school surroundings as well as allowing teachers and pupils to get to know each other very well, even before starting school in September.

During this period, there will be information and welcome meetings for parents to discuss our partnership with you and talk about any concerns you might have.

Pupils will be admitted to Downsbrook Primary School in the September of the academic year in which they are five. The Early Years Foundation Stage is followed throughout children’s first year in school. Through self-initiated learning, short taught inputs and purposeful play, pupils develop the prime skills, confidence, independence and a love of learning to prepare them for their journey through Downsbrook Primary School.

6

At the start of each new school year, class teachers run workshops about the Early Years curriculum and how parents can help their child at home, as well as ongoing contact throughout the year. We look forward to developing home-school partnerships in Early Years.

Every child deserves the best possible start in life and the support that enables them to fulfil their potential. Children develop quickly in the early years and a child’s experiences between birth and age five have a major impact on their future life chances. A secure, safe and happy childhood is important in its own right.

Good parenting and high quality early learning together provide the foundation children need to make the most of their abilities and talents as they grow up. Parents play a major role in fostering good attitudes to learning, developing language skills and promoting good behaviour, and at Downsbrook Primary School we make every effort to involve parents in the learning and development of their child.

Working in Partnership At Downsbrook we value the vital partnership between parents, carers and teachers and aim to take account of the wishes, feelings and views of those involved with your child’s development. We encourage parents and carers to take on active part in their children’s education. Some parents assist in after school clubs and activities, whilst others come in to help children read or help supervise school trips and visits.

We send home a fortnightly newsletter, hold welcome meetings for new parents, invite parents in for Maths and English mornings and have two parent/teacher meetings during the year.

We have on open door policy for parents to come in and discuss any ideas or concerns they may have.

In order to promote effective partnerships we ask that all parents and pupils sign our Home/School Agreement which clearly shows how we can work together effectively to support your child.

7

Early Years The new Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework, sets out the standards for development, learning and care of children from birth to five.

It is important that all children are given the opportunity to experience the best possible start to their education.

Within the Reception Year, learning experiences of the highest quality are planned and resourced to consider children’s interests, needs and achievements. Both child-initiated and teacher-led activities provide opportunities for all children to succeed in an atmosphere of care and of feeling valued. Well-planned play is a key way in which children learn with enjoyment and challenge, both within the indoor and outdoor learning environments.

The curriculum for the Foundation Stage is designed to ignite children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, and to build their capacity to learn, form relationships, thrive and prepare children for later learning. The curriculum is planned in seven areas of learning and development; all areas are important and inter-connected.

There are three prime areas which are: • Communication and Language Development involves giving children opportunities to experience a rich language environment; to develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves; and to speak and listen in a range of situations.

• Physical Development involves providing opportunities for young children to be active and interactive; and to develop their movement, co-ordination and fine and gross motor control. Children must also be helped to understand the importance of physical activity, and to make healthy choices in relation to food.

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development involves helping children to develop a positive sense of themselves, and others; to form positive relationships and develop respect for others; to develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings; to understand appropriate behaviour in groups; and to have confidence in their own abilities.

‘Downsbrook is a fabulous school. The staff have always been so supportive.’

Parental Endorsement

8

9

Early Years

Curriculum Statement

There are four specific areas through which the three prime areas are strengthened and applied. These specific areas are:

Our curriculum is designed to meet the needs of each child, through ongoing assessments that inspires them into lifelong learners. We promote independence, creativity, excellence, perseverance and a belief in themselves.

• Literacy Development involves encouraging children to link sounds and letters and to begin to read and write. Children must be given access to a wide range of reading materials (books, poems, and other written materials) to ignite their interest.

We aim to ensure equal access and opportunity to this curriculum, regardless of background, ability, gender or race.

As a school, we take pride in the ways in which we look after the pastoral needs of the children.

• Mathematics involves providing children with opportunities to develop and improve their skills in counting, understanding and using numbers, calculating simple addition and subtraction problems; and to describe shapes, spaces, and measures.

Each year we train children to become peer mediators, and also have play supervisors on duty during lunch breaks. Children who do not wish to go outside can make use of the quiet area or numerous lunchtime clubs. For identified children we also have established nurture groups in The Pond for EYFS and Key Stage 1 and the Rainbow Room for Key Stage 2.

• Understanding the World involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the environment.

• Expressive Arts and Design involves enabling children to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials, as well as providing opportunities and encouragement for sharing their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of activities in art, music, movement, dance, role-play, and design and technology.

10

‘To plan such an imaginative curriculum, that is obviously enjoyed by both children and teachers is wonderful, and sets a very high standard for others to follow.’

Tim Loughton MP

11

Developing our international links The School currently offers French lessons to all year groups.

The children have close links with a school in Kenya. The children support the development of the Koma Ranch School, Kenya and the schooling of street children in Nairobi by organising their own fund raising events.

Security Your child’s safety is of paramount importance to us. To this end all visitors are asked to report to reception and sign the visitors’ book. They wear a badge which is returned to the office at the end of their visit. Parents taking children out of school during the day are also asked to sign them out.

Staff all wear badges and all entrances and exits are monitored.

12

‘I cannot express how pleased I have been with Downsbrook.

Inspirational, supportive and outstanding’.

Parental Endorsement

Admissions Policy and Arrangements In common with other local primary schools all parents wishing their children to join our School must contact: Pupil Admission Office South.

Tel: 03330 142 903 or email admissions.south@westsussex.gov.uk This office is open Monday-Friday 9.00am - 5.00pm, including school holidays.

Or Downsbrook Primary School. Tel 01903 230467 Age Stage 4 - 5 years

Reception

Foundation Stage

5 - 6 years

Y1

Key Stage One

6 - 7 years

Y2

7 - 8 years

Y3

8 - 9 years

Y4

9 - 10 years

Y5

10 - 11 years

Y6

Key Stage Two

13

Behaviour The right to feel safe in school and positive behaviour are extremely important and we expect all of our pupils to be polite, respectful, honest and tolerant of others. This enables the school to run smoothly as well as promoting good citizenship for life. This is embodied in the school’s work on the Rights and Responsibilities.

We support children to make appropriate choices and for those children who are still learning to manage their own behaviour we have a positive approach to behaviour management. Parental support in behaviour management is crucial to its success and we will work closely with you to support your child.

A copy of the Behaviour Policy is available if parents wish to read it.

To support this, the children have written their own guide to behaving well at Downsbrook.

We have a reward system which includes stickers, charts and bronze, silver and gold certificates. Children receive their gold awards in a Special Assembly to which parents are invited.

The 4 Downsbrook Rights • Right to an Education • Right to Relax and Play • Right to be Treated with Respect • Right to Feel Safe All members of our school, staff and pupils have a responsibility to enforce and uphold the rights that we have highlighted.

Staff are fully aware that they are role models and take this responsibility seriously in showing all pupils how to behave and interact with others.

Pupils are taught that that with rights come responsibilities. Through realising the effect of their actions children will learn experiences and be deterred from repeating the same mistakes.

As a school we have decided that the following Rights are paramount and guide how all members of our school community behave:

14

15

Anti-Bullying

Complaints

We accept that like all sections of society, there will be incidences of bullying at our school. What makes us different is that we acknowledge this and ensure that we deal with it. The children have written their own anti-bullying leaflet which sets out very clearly how we deal with bullies and support those who have been bullied.

If you have cause for complaint, please discuss the issues in the first instance, with the class teacher. If your concerns remain unresolved, then the Phase Leader, Assistant, Deputy or Headteacher will be available to try and help. We appreciate the importance of sharing concerns, and working together to support the children in our care. We also understand how crucial it is to listen to the parents’ perspective and give weight to their opinions.

Child Protection At Downsbrook, we recognise that your child is our responsibility and concern. We want to work in partnership with you, and discuss with you, any concerns we may have or that you may have. It is our priority to inform and involve you at every stage in your child’s time at the school.

Since the first priority is your child’s welfare, there may be rare occasions when our concern about your child means that we have to consult other agencies even before we contact you. The West Sussex Local Safeguarding Children Board has laid down the procedures we follow, and the school has adopted a Child Protection Policy in line with this for the safety of all.

Charging Policy Our policy on charging is in line with that of West Sussex Education Authority. The basic principle is that all the education provided within school time should be free of charge. However parents are asked to make a voluntary contribution towards the cost for ingredients in Food technology, outside visits or visiting speakers and residential trips. Anyone experiencing financial difficulties should contact the Headteacher in confidence.

If you want to know more about our procedures or the policy, please speak to the Headteacher, Mr J Grover (Designated Child Protection Co-ordinator).

16

17

Excellence and Enjoyment At Downsbrook we aim to make the curriculum challenging, exciting, interesting, relevant and fun. The children are taught in mixed ability classes mostly by their class teacher. Some lessons may be taught by a specialist teacher.

We teach the majority of the curriculum with the exception of some English, Maths and Science through integrated topics.

Each topic whilst having a different major focus incorporates the creative aspects of the curriculum such as History, Geography, Art, Music, Drama and Dance.

We teach geographical and historical skills using first hand experience, field trips, visitors and role play to bring these subjects to life.

At Downsbrook Primary School Sex & Relationship Education (SRE) is provided through the Personal, Social and Health Education & Citizenship Framework. The curriculum for SRE is planned to ensure pupils receive their sex education in the wider context of relationships, and are prepared for the opportunities, responsibilities and experience of adult life. We believe that the teaching of sex education should be complementary and supportive to the role of parents, and should have regard to parents’ views on its content and presentation. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from all or part of any Sex Education provided, but not from teaching of the biological aspects of human growth and reproduction necessary under National Curriculum Science.

If a parent wishes to withdraw their child they should put their request in writing to the Headteacher - a reason for this decision is not necessary.

‘Thank you for singing at our church.

Your singing was lovely and you looked so happy.’

Broadwater Baptist Church

We also teach Religious Education where the children learn about the major religions of the world through their festivals, customs and ways of worship. This enables them to understand the multi-cultural, multi-faith nature of the society we live in. If however you wish to withdraw your child from R.E. or collective worship you can do so by contacting the Headteacher.

18

19

Arts We are proud of our reputation for the arts. Our choir and Glee group have performed before a variety of audiences and work hard in the local community. We also offer a variety of instrumental tuition through the county’s peripatetic music scheme.

‘It was visible how enthusiastic everyone is about the school and how much effort had gone into the day.’

Parental Endorsement

Sports PE and living an active and healthy lifestyle is a very important part of the life of Downsbrook School. The children will learn about many sports such as dance, gymnastics, swimming, outdoor education, adventurous activities, athletics and invasion games, such as football and hockey.

We also run a large variety of extra-curricular sports clubs that enables our children to experience a wide range of sporting opportunities. The majority of these are organised and run by school staff. Some additional cost may apply especially with external providers.

20

21

‘A very welcoming school and we were in no doubts that this was the right school for Jack’

Special Educational Needs At Downsbrook we are committed to helping each child realise their potential and want the children in our care to be happy at school. Whether your child’s special needs are long term learning, emotional or physical difficulties, or a short period of crisis, it is important that their needs are recognised and that they received and that they receive the appropriate support. Our nurture group also provides intensive support for a small group of identified children. The school fully meets the DDA regulations.

The school has a robust and effective SEND Policy, Intimate Care Policy and Accessibility Plan in place.

Trips and Visits Children have the opportunity to undertake residential visits to a variety of locations both in this country and abroad. These visits are invaluable in developing social and life skills and the overwhelming majority of pupils participate in at least one residential trip during their time at Downsbrook.

Friends of Downsbrook The school has a very active Parents’ Association (FOD) who support the school by organising fund raising events, such as fayres, cakes sales, discos and quiz evenings. An annual professional firework display is also organised and held at the school. The money they raise supports learning opportunities for all children. New members are always welcome.

22

Parental Endorsement

Forest School Our Forest School is based in the Lancing College estate which is situated in the heart of the South Downs National Park. We operate in an area of about 5 acres in the beautiful Ladywell Valley. The site includes a scout cabin, a meadow, a stream and a woodland area. Children have the opportunity to learn through self-directed play and exploration.

This develops their curiosity, confidence, self-esteem, creativity, empathy, communication skills, knowledge of the natural environment and their ability to assess risk.

23

The Extended Curriculum We have an ever increasing number and variety of after school and lunchtime clubs. This currently includes a homework club, athletics, netball, football, girls’ football, computing, cricket, choir, art and many more. Some clubs will be specifically for KS1 or KS2 children.

We have an OFSTED accredited pre-school breakfast club and after schools children’s club, which has proved to be very popular.

Uniform Our school uniform was designed by our pupils for durability, smartness and comfort.

White polo shirt with the Downsbrook logo Green School sweatshirt with Downsbrook logo Black or grey trousers or skirt Black shorts in the summer (no cycling shorts or leggings) or a green check summer dress Black shoes or black trainers (no white trainers) No jewellery may be worn except a wrist watch and stud earrings

24

‘I would like to thank the school for the last 4 wonderful years that Dominic has had at Downsbrook.

Each year he has progressed and this has put him in good stead for high school. Thank you to the hard working staff.’

Parental Endorsement

P.E. Kit Black shorts House T Shirt Plimsolls or trainers (which must be different to their normal footwear) West Sussex County Council Regulations do not allow the wearing of any kind of jewellery (earrings, studs, watches, rings, neck chains, bangles, etc) during any P.E. lesson or other organised physical activities.

For Health and Safety, hair that is collar length or longer, should be tied up, especially for PE, Science or Technology.

25