Heron Way Primary School Prospectus

W E I N S P I R E , E XC I T E A N D C H A L L E N G E

and together we will learn how to meet the challenges of tomorrow

Heron Way Primary School was opened in March 1968 and extended in 2014. The main building comprises 12 classrooms, a Learning Resource Hub, Library, Infant shared areas, Mathematics Hub, large Hall, small Hall and administrative offices. In the grounds there are three further classrooms comprising a hutted classroom and a double class unit.

A very warm welcome to Heron Way Primary School We are a school that prides itself on providing an outstanding education for all. Our aim is to ensure that all our children develop as high achieving, confident, articulate young people, whose education inspires them to be independent, lifelong learners.

We are very ambitious for our children and believe that our emphasis on high quality teaching is a key feature of our and their success. We spend a great deal of time ensuring that, as teachers, we are well prepared and we continuously learn and enhance how we teach to engage every single child.

Page 3

Our vision and values

4 and 5

About the school: the pupil’s perspective

6 and 7

First steps into education: Early Years Foundation Stage

8 and 9

Striving for excellence: Years 1 to 6

10 and 11

Learning new skills

12 and 13

Learning to stay healthy

14 and 15

Learning about life

16 and 17

Assessing our learners

18 and 19

Special Educational Needs

20

Transitioning to Secondary School

20

Parents in Partnership

21

Essential Information

22

Information sheets (back flap)

23

n ts nte Co

Headteacher welcome

We expect a great deal of hard work from our children. We also value every individual within our school community, where all staff, parents and governors are part of a wonderful team that strive to ensure the very best future for our children.

We welcome pare nts and carers wish ing to look around the school.

Please make an appointment in advance with the School Office by calling

(01403) 26194

4

2

-

Children s at Hero pend seven yea n Way P rs rim (coverin g ages r ary School ising 4-1 There a 1). re fourt een clas TWO in ses: th Foundat e Early Years io FOUR in n Stage (Recep tio K EIGHT i ey Stage 1 (In n), fa n Key S tage 2 ( nt) and Junior) Our yea . rly (2 class intake is 60 c hildren es) and we 370 chi ldren on have r (as at S eptembe oll r 2015). school i Th sn particula ot affiliated to e an r religio us deno y minatio n.

Design by Blue Apple Education Copywriting by Implement Marketing

Heron Way Primary School is an innovative environment that nurtures and develops high aspirations, high motivation and high achievement for all. At the end of each day, we enrich our offer with a wide variety of activities, from extra sports and specialist clubs to extended support for literacy and mathematics.

We make a pledge to your child that we will excite them, challenge them and inspire them. Together, in partnership, we will learn how to meet the challenges of tomorrow.

James Crump, Headteacher

3

“Such an amazing school…. fantastic friends, fun lessons and a great Headteacher.”

Year 6 pupil

Our Vision & Values

“We inspire, excite and challenge and together we will learn how to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”

“Even if you’re coming to Heron Way and you don’t know anyone, that’s OK, as it’s really easy to make new friends.”

Year 4 pupil

The vision for Heron Way Primary School reflects a passion and commitment to learning throughout the school, irrespective of ability.

This is driven by our desire to offer the best possible education for all our learners in partnership with parents, governors and the local community.

d support

. We nurture an

lieve e think and be ons of what w

l expressi e fundamenta Our Values ar ill: ners so they w all of our lear

= Risk Takers pendence go e a d e In v a = h to d e r a Be prep appy individuals h d n a g in r a c , = Teamwork fe s e c n ie r e p x e Be confident, sa d wledge, skills an o n k e r = Spirituality a h s to g n Be willi = Creativity n new things Be happy to lear = Aspiration arriers Be able to leap b they can be Be the best that

“I’ll be sad to leave Heron Way…I’ll miss the resources, books and the Apple Macs in the Learning Hub which is such an amazing space!”

Year 6 pupil

4

5

About our School: the pupil’s perspective

Team Captains

“In Year 6, you get the opportunity to be elected in as Team Captain by the rest of the school. There are four teams - Red, Blue, Yellow and Green - and two captains per team.

The first thing each of us did was to write a speech to persuade the school to vote for us. Some of us focused on our sporting achievements, whilst others focused on their effort and how much they enjoyed helping others.

We recorded these speeches and they were watched by everyone, who then voted. There were many candidates and we were the eight chosen - it was really exciting to be voted in!

School Council

“The School Council is made up of elected members; one from every class, as we believe that children in all classes should get their thoughts heard. We make sure that our school is a safe and fun place to learn. In our meetings we talk about good ideas to improve the school and solve any problems that children have told us about.

We have helped to make decisions about the equipment bought by the school and worked with the teachers to develop our team-points system. We have a say in deciding which charities to support and enjoy getting involved in fundraising activities like our Sports Relief dance off and dressing up for Children in Need.”

“It’s great because we get to use iPads in our lessons.”

Year 2 pupil

Eco Council

“One Eco Council Rep is voted for in each class per year. Our collective role is to inform the rest of the school of current environmental issues and promote waste reduction both at school and in the home. We meet every month and focus on a range of different themes which include litter, waste, healthy living and biodiversity. We like to keep the school tidy, save electricity and learn about how to reduce waste. For example, we ensure that class recycling bins are being used, lights and interactive whiteboards are turned off when not in use and we’re also involved in numerous activities including regular recycled clothes collections. The Eco-Council holds assemblies for the whole school to share with them current information on these environmental issues. We even have our own mascot….Captain Busta!”

Throughout the year we show visitors around the school; talk to new teachers who have applied for jobs; answer questions about what makes Heron Way a great school; help look after children who need extra support and we help collate the team-points which can be won by anyone throughout the school on a daily basis - from helping a friend in need to putting others before ourselves. Every team has won the cup at some point. At Sports Day in June we will be helping our teams to do their best and encourage the younger children.

“A key role of the Eco Council is to encourage all pupils to choose an active way of getting to school.

Being a team captain is a great experience and has given us the opportunity to develop skills and try out being a team leader.

We encourage everyone to believe in their abilities and have a go! Plus you get to wear a different colour tie to show you’re a Team Captain!”

We keep a count of all the bikes and scooters in the bike sheds, as well as choosing one bike each week to receive the Golden Lock; the owner of that bike receives a certificate in assembly and gets to choose a cycling-related prize!

We support events like the Big Pedal because we love cycling to school and wish we could all do it more often!”

6

7

First steps into education Early Years Foundation Stage (Reception Year, age 4-5)

Children are born ready, able and eager to learn and early experiences affect their attitudes to learning. By taking each unique child and helping them to establish positive relationships within a stimulating environment, they will enjoy the experience of learning and developing from the very start of their education.

The 7 areas are used to plan learning experiences and activities through a range of exciting cross-curricular topics. Children in Reception learn by playing and exploring, being active and through creative and critical thinking, which takes place both indoors and outside.

The Early Years learning environment at Heron Way nurtures a real love for learning through these stimulating indoor and outdoor spaces and classrooms that literally ‘open up’ to allow free flow throughout the day.

The Early Years curriculum is organised into 7 key areas of learning and development which are interconnected: • Communication and language • Physical development • Personal, social and emotional development • Literacy • Mathematics • Understanding the world • Expressive arts and design

During their time spent in Reception, we will help your child to happily settle into the routines of school and lay the foundations for skills needed both socially and academically to successfully progress along their learning journey.

8

r your child fo e r a p e r p o t How ool al skills starting sch and Emotion “I like making stuff with the junk modelling, I love making a house for the ants!”

Reception pupil

Starting School for the first time

Children may start in West Sussex schools at the beginning of the school year (September) in which they reach their 5th birthday.

of Personal,

Social

in ool. Expla arting sch st t u o b o a h w ple ur child caring peo re Talk to yo a rs • e ch a at their te to them th m e s help th child come are there to when your ty e xi n a w t o n ct any pare Try not to sh • lways conta a l il w e o W h at sc ol to school. distressed r o t se p u d is n when whose chil ’ll try!” eve “I f o e d u it the att Encourage • lt s w or difficu d take turn a task is ne eir toys an th re a sh child to Help your • s other ild respect ch r u yo re Ensu • elongings they have people’s b y up when d ti to d il ch Teach your • ing ng someth si u finished

t Developmen

ills

f Physical sk

to Developmen

e toilet nd flush th a se u to sh and Teach them • mber to wa e m re d n a ntly independe ards ands afterw eir coat dry their h to put on th le b a e b to Teach them • p u for PE and and zip it ndressing u d n a g in ss Plimsolls Practise dre y buttons! k • ic tr se o ng on th concentrati ideal! ainers are or Velcro tr fork and se a knife, u n ca y e Ensure th • ently spoon effici skills Although this is our usual pattern for starting school, nd Literacy a y c ra e m u courage t of N parents can choose to send their child full time from the ur child, en Developmen yo to ry o d ing a st pictures an When read beginning of the Autumn Term if they wish. Parents will • about the lk ta d n a ok reading them to lo be given the opportunity to state their preference during s as you are rd o w e th nd point to the term before their child starts school. gh songs a mber throu u n ce u d o Intr • ymes e value of nursery rh derstand th n u to d il ch f objects Help your ll groups o • a sm g n ti n me y cou eir own na numbers b cognise th re to d il ch skills Help your • d Language n a n o ti a ic n at their mmu by looking pment of Co rs lo e e e v th k e o i D l to I lk l them to ta es are and “At schoomy friends, Encourage t their nam a h • w g in sk ith iling, a eyes and sm playing wg running, selves grown up ucing them doin d o tr in ncerns to a co d ll n a a e k g ta g them to jumpin best.” ut anythin Encourage • eak up abo sp e to d h t ie rr in s wo call g sport n pupil and not be emory by re m ir e th se o em to u Recepti Support th g the day • done durin ve a h to ask y e th what urage them co n e d n a red r child t be answe Talk to you • that canno s n io st e u ss rq and answe arn to expre that they le so ’, o ‘n r by ‘yes’ o s clearly and take themselve ild to listen ch r u yo e g Encoura • nversation turns in co

If your child’s 5th Birthday falls between:1 Sept to 31 Dec Full-time from the beginning of the Autumn Term 1 Jan to 30 Apr Part-time for the first two complete weeks of the Autumn Term then Full-time 1 May to 31 Aug Part-time for the first two complete weeks of the Autumn Term then Full-time

9

rents enings for pa v e m lu u ic give rr Cu m evenings to t lu u ic rr u c ld We ho find ou portunity to p o e th ts n re ts and pa erent subjec iff d h c a te e how w child’s support their n a c y e th w o h ome. learning at h

Striving for excellence Years 1 to 6

Throughout your child’s learning journey at Heron Way, foundations for a lifetime of learning are constantly being built upon. We place a huge emphasis on developing the key skills of literacy and numeracy.

Specialist tuition

Curriculum organisation

Every week, each class teacher spends half a day outside of their teaching duties to concentrate on lesson planning and evaluating their pupils’ learning. All of the teachers who provide cover for these half days are experts in specialist subjects. This allows our children to benefit from weekly specialist tuition in Music or PE, or specialist early years’ support according to which year they are in.

The Key Stage 1 and 2 National Curriculum requires that all children are taught Literacy, Mathematics and Science as core subjects. There are also programmes of study for Art and Design, Computing, Design and Technology, French, Geography, History, Music and Physical Education (PE). Details of the topics for each year group can be found in the back flap.

All of the learning which takes place in our school is dependent on the four inter-related skills of talking, listening, reading and writing. In addition, our lessons cross subject boundaries to encourage active enquiry, initiative taking, discussion and debate by the children.

This cross-curricular approach is a creative way to develop children’s knowledge, skills and understanding, whilst motivating them to learn and engaging their imagination.

Year 1

Our curriculum teaching does not start when the children set foot through the gate in the morning and then end when they leave in the afternoon.

We believe that what and how we teach has a deep and moral impact upon the children that attend Heron Way. This will influence their attitudes inside and outside the school and throughout their lives.

Age

5 - 6 year olds

Year 2

6 - 7 year olds

Year 3

7 - 8 year olds

Year 4

8 - 9 year olds

Year 5

9 - 10 year olds

Year 6

10 - 11 year olds

Stage Key Stage 1/Infants

Key Stage 2/Juniors

“The teachers are lovely here and they make subjects like Maths really fun.”

Year 4 pupil

10

11

Learning new skills

By the end of their time at Heron Way, your son or daughter will be fully prepared for the next step in their educational and life journey.

They will have worked together with other people both adults and their peers - and learnt how to listen, contribute and become good team players.

Inspiring learning through the Arts

Heron Way holds the Artsmark Gold Accreditation, managed by Arts Council England. It recognises schools that champion the Arts and strive for excellence in their provision.

We demonstrate this through our commitment to offer opportunities for all our children to perform. Not only do we encourage self-expression through artwork, we also nurture a desire to stand out and perform to an audience. Drama allows children to try out another point of view. They can recreate situations using other perspectives and reach new conclusions. Doing that collaboratively, trusting others by sharing our thoughts and being open – and in return being respectful through constructive criticism – is what makes Drama so effective in developing the whole child.

All Year Groups are involved in delivering a production - from being on stage to working the sound and lighting system - bought for the school via the PTA’s fundraising efforts. We also use the professional services of companies including Wise Moves and Opera Brava, so that the children have an opportunity to work with professionals at certain points in their school life.

12

Learning a language

French is taught from Year 3, when children are at their most receptive to learning a foreign language and keen to develop an interest in the culture, people and traditions of another country. We aim to give the children the confidence to communicate in a foreign language from the outset and use a variety of tools to stimulate learning and encourage speaking skills, including songs, raps, games, mimes, video clips and role play.

Children are introduced to the written word from Year 3, and exposed to sound-spelling links, making comparisons with their own language from early on and experimenting with the writing of simple words. By Years 5 and 6, children are working at text level to understand more complex phrases and sentences.

An external provider runs after school French and Spanish classes and the school operates an after school Italian Club for our budding linguists in Years 5 and 6.

Organised and run by our parents, Heron Way Football Club trains at the school on Saturdays. The club is open to boys and girls with teams split into: under 6’s; under 7’s; under 8’s; under 9’s; under 10’s; under 11’s. The drama group ‘Act Too’ also uses the facilities on a Saturday. Further details for both are held at the School Office.

During the holidays, our PE specialist runs a pay-asyou-go activity club which offers a range of sports on different days. Details on how to secure your child’s place will be sent home prior to the start of each holiday.

Before and after school provision

Rocketeers runs a Breakfast and After School Club on school premises, plus holiday and inset day clubs.

Details are available from the School Office.

Out of school activities

A number of clubs are organised before or after school during the year, depending on the year group your child is in. Some are run by the teaching staff and some are provided by an external organisation for which a fee applies. Typical activities include:• ICT / Computing • Choir • Arts & Crafts • Country Dancing • Rhythm Masters • Band • International Schools • Netball • Cookery • Sports Skills • Karate • Gardening • Recorders • French and Spanish • Ballet and tap

“Opera Brava was a really good experience because it helped boost my confidence when standing in front of a crowd.”

Year 6 pupil

13

Learning to stay healthy

All pupils at Heron Way are encouraged to stay fit, active and healthy. From the development of teamwork, perseverance and resilience, to the promotion of healthy eating, we help instil a health conscious start in life.

Excellent facilities

The school has a grass playing field as well as two hard surfaced playgrounds. Our purposebuilt hall incorporates climbing apparatus and a range of equipment to give children a choice of sports activities. In addition, we employ a Physical Education specialist who works alongside members of staff to teach the children high quality PE.

Teaching teamwork

We believe Sport is an essential area of the curriculum, as it teaches our children how to rise to a challenge and nurtures the character and skills that will help them achieve and succeed in life. All children have the opportunity to be involved in competitive sporting activities and we hold an annual Sports Day which parents are actively encouraged to attend.

During the academic year, we take part in inter-school activities, including:• Hockey Tournaments • Reception Multi-Skills Tournament • 5 a-side Football Tournaments • Cross Country • Touch Rugby Tournaments • Indoor Athletics • Rounders Tournament • Netball Tournaments • District Sports Athletics Competition • Swimming Galas

14

“The best thing about Heron Way for me is the sport, because our sports teacher is brilliant!”

Year 6 pupil

Healthy eating

We are a healthy eating school and promote healthy, nut free lunches and snacks. The school takes part in the ‘Fruit and Vegetable Scheme’ which enables each child in Reception, Year 1 and 2 to have a piece of fruit or vegetable each day free of charge.

Children in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 may bring a snack for morning break, which preferably should be fruit, or of a healthy nature! Children are encouraged to bring a drink, preferably water, into school to have during the day.

All children in Reception, Year 1 and 2 receive a free hot school meal. These are available for a small charge for children in other year groups (free to children on Pupil Premium).

Alternatively, children can bring in a packed lunch.

No sweets of any kind are allowed at school.

15

Learning about life

The girls and boys attending Heron Way have strengths both within and outside the classroom that they may not yet recognise. It’s our job to teach, guide and encourage them to discover their strengths and develop the confidence and determination to make the most of them.

Independent and cross-school learning

In Year 6 the children visit an activity centre on the Isle of Wight where they have the opportunity to try a wide variety of sports and pastimes including abseiling, rock climbing, quad bike racing and fencing.

A variety of teaching styles and strategies are used ranging from work with the whole class, to group work and work with individual children. We encourage independent learning which allows for personal development. Children frequently work together on designated tasks, enabling them to acquire the co-operative skills which are particularly relevant to adult life.

Please see the back flap for details of the school’s policy for charging for activities.

Religious Education and Collective Worship

The school assembly and religious education lessons provide an opportunity to learn about Christianity and other faiths. There is a daily act of collective worship for all children. These vary in organisation during the week and may be whole school or separate Key Stage assemblies.

If parents wish to withdraw their child from Religious Education lessons and assemblies they should contact the Headteacher.

The curriculum of the school is developed in many instances through a cross curricular approach to learning. Topics or themes are often investigated by more than one class and can involve the whole of the Infants or Juniors.

Learning outside the Classroom

Where possible we arrange visits to local places of interest for each topic or have ‘experts’ come into school to talk to the children. These have previously included children’s authors, the local fire brigade and scientists.

These enrichment activities form an essential part of our curriculum enabling it to literally “come alive” for the children.

16

Personal, Social and Health Education

The personal development of pupils and the establishment of attitudes of mind are important features during the primary years. Sex and relationships education as a separate study is undertaken in this school and includes topics such as growing up, relationships, responsibility and body changes.

The general behaviour of pupils is a matter of great importance in the running of the school and to the wellbeing of the community. Qualities of kindness, honesty and fair dealing are constantly encouraged, whilst politeness and thought for others are regarded as the basis of relationships between pupils and teachers.

Children are expected to be responsive to discipline and to observe school rules, and parents are consulted at an early stage when pupil behaviour causes concern.

We encourage all our children to see themselves as members of a community and to have a responsibility towards all members of that community. The Year 6 children are allocated jobs that encourage them to help younger children and maintain the high standing of the school.

17

Assessing our learners

Progression terminology explained

The number of objectives that your child “masters” will inform them, you and the class teacher as to how they are progressing against end of year expectations. The following language will be used:

Working Towards:

If children are working below age related expectations, previous year group objectives will be used to identify where they are working.

We work hard to ensure that every child leaves us in Year 6 having achieved against age related expectations, and is ready to start secondary school - the next stage of their learning journey.

Working Within:

If children are working within age related expectations then they are working at the required level of attainment for their age, however, they have not yet achieved all of the objectives outlined in the National Curriculum for their Year Group.

Homework

We believe your child’s education should work in partnership both at home and at school. Homework is an extension of what your child is learning in class and we ask that parents support learning at home.

Each year group has its own homework policy and parents are informed at the start of each Academic Year of the expectations.

Able and talented children

We believe the curriculum challenges the needs of all children at Heron Way. Where we see talent developing in a particular subject, we will support an individual to take their learning on a stage further through off site enrichment courses.

Achieved: Your child has achieved all of the objectives Visibility of your child’s progress for their Year Group and work is planned to support a deepening of their understanding of these objectives.

With the government giving freedom to schools as to how they assess progress against age-related expectations, Heron Way has devised its own method - called the Heron Way Flight Path.

This is an example lesson in Year One that challenges a child to use full stops and capital letters. Time will be given in the lesson for a child to self-assess their own work, have a partner to assess their work or perhaps work with a teacher who assesses alongside them. © Heron Way Primary School Horsham

The children are assessed using both formative (daily) and summative (set) assessments, which help us understand what steps in learning each child needs to take. Regular tests are used to ensure that a child is on track to meet age-related expectations for the end of that academic year.

The Flight Path explained • •

•

•

• •

•

Each child is given a log book at the start of every academic year to record progress Within it, each lesson objective is turned into a question, asking the children whether or not they are able to do something The same lesson objectives are turned into “I Can” statements which the children answer to demonstrate their level of understanding The children undertake work relating to the respective “I Can” statement on up to six occasions or “flights” Three of these “flights” are self or peer assessed and their teacher assesses three When all flights have been completed, the children receive a “route” sticker which they stick in their log book which resembles a boarding card It may be possible for an objective or “route” to be achieved by demonstrating an understanding or mastery on fewer occasions

All children will start in September, at the beginning of the Academic Year, ‘Working Towards’ age related expectations. By the end of the first half term, judgments will be made within the above parameters.

Further judgments will also be made in the spring and summer terms. The aim is to build on the progress that your child has made in previous years.

All parents are encouraged to take an active interest in their child’s progress by attending the various consultation evenings, open afternoons and other occasions arranged by the school. Your child’s individual Flight Path is available to view in the classroom at any time.

Reports are written three times a year and parents are welcome to make an appointment to discuss any queries or concerns with the class teacher at any time.

When a child has achieved an objective, or route, the teacher will plan opportunities for the child to deepen their understanding by applying it across a number of different contexts.

If a child has not fulfilled the objective, further opportunities will be planned by the teacher for the child to demonstrate their understanding and then subsequently apply it across a range of contexts.

18

19

Special Educationa l Needs

Transitioning to Secondary School

Children a re all indiv iduals and pace. Whe develop at re we feel their own that a chil as well as d is n o we would t achievin g expect we identifying start a pro and addre cess of ssing his o r her spec ial needs.

The child ’s teacher, the schoo Co-ordina l’s Specia tor and l Needs p a rents dis streng ths cuss the and weakn child’s esses and strategies suggest ap or learnin p ro priate g program include giv mes. This ing a child may extra supp or small g ort on an in roup basis d iv idual .

y at 11 years old (Year Children leaving Heron Wa Arrangements - Transfer 6) are part of the ‘Special the Horsham Community to Secondary Schools in because arrangements Designated Area’. This is ee Horsham secondary for admission to the thr School (co-educational), schools - Tanbridge House and Millais School (Girls) The Forest School (Boys) designated catchment – do not have an individual ils from a Community area, but will admit pup all three schools. Parents Designated area covering d a place for their child will therefore not be offere will be invited to express at a particular school, but lar school. a preference for a particu

If the chil d’s progre ss is still agreemen very slow, t of the with the p arents, w the advic e may ca e of anoth ll upon er profes advisory te sional suc acher, edu h as an cational p therapist, sychologis occupatio t, speech nal thera welfare offi pist or e cer. ducationa l

ements are sent to you Details of the transfer arrang r at school. In Years 5 during your child’s final yea the opportunity to visit and Year 6, children have take part in activities the secondary schools and logy, Art and Cookery, to such as Design and Techno what it will be like. This get more of a feel as to n process a little easier. serves to make the transitio

Children w hose learn ing is more due to v severely h isual or indered hearing im learning p airment, difficulties specific (dyslexia), behavioura emotional l difficultie or s or poor be recom coordinati mended fo o n m a r y a formal will give a assessmen clearer pic t.

T his ture of the may result child’s abil in the prov ities and is io n of an Edu Care Plan cational H (EHCP) an ealth d e x tr a resource meet thos s supplied e needs. to

Parents in Partnership We welcome parents and carers to be actively involved in the school, as we firmly believe we should work as partners in the education of your children.

Communication with parents

Our fortnightly newsletter keeps you informed of what is happening throughout the school, and we send emails and text messages and letters home via your child’s book bag. Your child’s homework diary and reading journal will give you a snapshot as to how they are progressing, and you are welcome to come into class to take a look through their Flight Path.

Parental involvement

There are many opportunities for parents to become involved in the life of the school. If you are able to help, for example to hear the children read, share a story about your experiences, help with cooking or craft, or are able to join us on an outside visit, please talk to your child’s teacher. Prior to helping, a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is carried out.

Discussing concerns “I’m not worried about leaving this school as Heron Way makes you more than secondary ready.”

Parents a re always involved in the beginn discussion ing and no s from decisions parental a a re made w greement. ithout

Year 6 pupil

Class teachers are always happy to meet with parents and carers to share any concerns and an appointment should be made with the School Office. Messages can also be given to teachers by letter or telephone.

The main fund raising events are the Fireworks Night, Christmas Bazaar, Book Sale and the Summer Fete. Children also enjoy Saturday Film Shows and end of term Cake Sales. There are also several social functions held during the Academic Year.

All parents automatically become members of the PTA and we ask all new parents to come along to the Annual General Meeting held during the early part of the Autumn Term and to actively take part throughout the year.

School Governors

The School Governors are a group of individuals, from a variety of backgrounds, who are elected, nominated or co-opted and are representative of parents, staff and the local community. They work with the Headteacher and are responsible for setting the strategic direction of the school.

Meetings are held at least once each term and Committees meet in addition to meetings of the full Governing Body. Many of the Governors have additional duties, such as Literacy Governor and Special Educational Needs Governor. To contact the Chair of Governors, or to enquire about forthcoming vacancies on the Governing Body, please liaise with the School Office.

The full range of policies the school adheres to are available from the School Office, with the more common ones also available via the school website.

Parent Teacher Association

Heron Way Primary School has a very active and supportive PTA whose main aim is “to promote the best interests of the school and its pupils”. The PTA fundraises to provide iPads and equipment for the benefit of our children, which the school would be unable to provide through its own resources.

20

21

For term times and school uniform guidelines, see the back flap.

School hours

Essential information

Infants

8.55am - 12.00noon 1.00pm - 3.00pm

Juniors

8.55am - 12.30pm 1.15pm - 3.00pm

Admissions

West Sussex County Council deal with admissions to Heron Way through the Admissions Office in Horsham. The general policy is to provide a place for your child at your catchment school. Should the school be oversubscribed, a place will be offered at another school. If you express a preference for another school, your request will be agreed, unless there are more applications than places available.

Time set aside for teaching during each school day/week: Infants (Years 1 & 2) 4hrs 15mins per day 21hrs 15mins per week Juniors (Years 3 to 6)

The Heron Way Travel Pledge

Applications are prioritised according to the following criteria: • Children who need a place at the school on exceptional and compelling social, psychological or medical grounds or children with an EHCP. Unless a child has an EHCP naming the school, parents must provide a letter from a qualified person (usually a doctor or social worker). The evidence should state clearly why it is essential that the child attends that particular school in order for the Director for Children & Young People’s services to make a decision • Children with brothers or sisters already at the school who will still be there when the child starts.

Brothers or sisters may be half or step siblings but must be living permanently at the same address • Other children who live in the catchment area • Other children who live outside the catchment area

4hrs 45mins per day 23hrs 45mins per week

Above times do not include play and lunchtime breaks, registration or assembly.

Arrival and Collection of Children

Children arriving at school go directly to their classrooms between 8.45am and 8.50am to be ready to start school at 8.55am.

Access Before & After School Top Gate/Playground Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 Lower Gate/Playground Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 The school is currently in consultation with West Sussex County Council to provide two new pedestrian crossings on roads leading to school. There is also a Lollipop Lady to help children safely cross at the junction of Comptons Lane and St. Leonard’s Road. See the next page for our Travel Pledge, initiated by the children.

In the case of over-subscription in the above categories, priority of placement will be given to applicants who live nearest the school (measured by a straight line from school to home, using Ordnance Survey address point data).

Joining the s

cho

ol later on We make eve ry effort to ensure chil monitored dren joinin so that the g the schoo y q u ickly make l are welco making an med, looke friends. Tea assessment d after and ch e rs gi of their aca ve children from the pre d ti e me to settle m ic abilities. Th vious schoo in before is assessme l, will enable nt, togethe your child to r with record have the be s st start in o ur school.

22

The following information has been included here as separate information sheets: • • • • • •

School uniform guidelines Term times Charging for School Activities Policy Year Group topics Complaints Policy Latest OFSTED Report

Heron Way Primary School, Heron Way, Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 6DJ

www.heronway.w-sussex.sch.uk Tel: (01403) 261944 Fax: (01403) 262369 E-mail: office@heronway.w-sussex.sch.uk

Headteacher: Deputy Headteacher: Assistant Headteacher, Key Stage 1: Assistant Headteacher, Key Stage 2: Chair of Governors: School Support Service:

Mr James Crump Mrs Tara Harmer Mr Adrian Bates-Holland Mrs Charlotte Head Mr Mike Price County Hall North, Chartway, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1XA, Tel: (01403) 229000