Selattyn CE Primary School Prospectus
Small School, Big Heart
A message from the Head Teacher
Dear Parents and Carers,
Selattyn C of E Primary School is a small, friendly village school, situated in the small Shropshire village of Selattyn near to the Welsh border. The school offers small class sizes, high quality teaching and excellent pastoral care.
At Selattyn School, we are committed to providing a safe, secure and stimulating learning environment in which children will be happy, enjoy learning, and develop positive relationships with others. Our school centres around our vision which focuses on the moral, cultural, spiritual, social and physical development of our pupils. This ensures success for all in our happy and caring school family where everyone is treated as an individual. We strive to make our school welcoming, open and friendly with a positive ethos where the views of the children and parents are valued.
We are a fully inclusive school and strive to ensure equality of opportunity for all our pupils. Our aim is that all children are supported to fulfil their potential in all aspects of the curriculum. We believe a close partnership between home and school is central to achieving this and look forward to working with you and your child throughout their time at Selattyn C of E Primary School.
This prospectus aims to give you an overview of the school, further information is available on our school website www.selattyn.shropshire.sch.uk.
We hope that you enjoy your visit to the Selattyn C of E School website. If you would like further information or would like to come and visit us, please contact our school secretary, Mrs Sarah Samson on 01691 659744 or email: admin@sel.mmat.co.uk.
I look forward to meeting you and your child and to welcoming you to our school.
Yours sincerely
Mr Ross Shepherd
Getting in touch with us
School Address
Selattyn C of E Primary School, Glyn Road, Selattyn, Oswestry, SY10 7DH
Telephone 01691 659744
Email Address admin@sel.mmat.co.uk
Website
Head Teacher
Mr Ross Shepherd
SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator)
Ms April Hughes
School Administrator
Mrs Sarah Samson
School Administration Assistant
Mrs Catherine Nicholson
Introduction to our school
Selattyn C of E Primary School is a small, friendly village school, situated in the Shropshire village of Selattyn near to the Welsh border.
The school offers small class sizes, high quality teaching and excellent pastoral care. The school has a distinct Christian Ethos, which runs as a thread through our daily school life, our learning and our teaching. It maintains strong links with the local church and clergy. However, as a Church of England School it is governed in virtually the same away as any other Local Authority School.
Two governors represent the Church of England Foundation, but the Church has no other direct involvement in the management.
Our vision and values
Our Vision
As a loving community, our vision is to nurture each individual in our care, giving them the skills, resilience and hope to suceed and flourish, both academically and spiritually, in God’s ever changing world.
Our aims
To provide an inclusive Christian learning environment where every child feels happy, secure, valued and suitably challenged.
To ensure children are aware of God’s environment in which they live and learn.
To maximise the potential of every individual with an acceptance and realisation that each child’s abilities, capabilities, aptitudes and needs are different.
To ensure equality of educational opportunity for all children and adults in the school.
To promote a culture of high standards and expectations through all aspects of school life.
To promote the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental, social and physical development of every child within school.
To encourage independence and self motivation and help children develop lively and enquiring minds.
To model and nurture a culture of respect for each other and ourselves and give children the responsibility for their own behaviour.
To foster links with the local and wider communities and explore the benefits of shared initiatives and expertise.
To promote enjoyment of and high standards and expectations in numeracy, literacy, sciences, humanities, physical activities and the arts.
To live and learn within the family atmosphere that lies at the heart of our small village school.
Our school Christian ethos
We believe in a whole school approach that encourages an integrated ‘family’ atmosphere throughout the school.
This is sustained by all members of our community being genuinely interested in the welfare of each other and each child knowing that there is always a sympathetic companion nearby, adult or child. We believe we are a family, God’s family and that in His care and with His guidance we will flourish and grow together.
This ‘family’ atmosphere is also promoted by the willingness of all children to assist and care for each other; to share in each other’s concerns and successes so that the whole community develops together in an atmosphere of friendly, mutual co-operation.
We aim to develop every individual to their full potential, through the encouragement of high standards and high expectations. We aim to offer a broad, balanced and creative curriculum and to foster in our children a love and enjoyment of learning and respect for and an understanding of God’s world in which they live.
Through all activities we promote forgiveness, co-operation, respect, thankfulness, hope, perseverance, and community.
Our staff
Head Teacher
Mr Ross Shepherd
Teachers
Mr Ross Shepherd
Miss Melanie Ward
Mrs Susan Hardaker
Ms April Hughes
Lunch Supervisors
Mrs Betsan Eratt (Supervisor)
Miss Deliah Astles (Assistant)
Cleaner in Charge
Mrs Wendy Brookes-Jones
Assistant Head Teacher
Ms April Hughes
Teaching Assistants
Mrs Helen Haralambous (HTLA)
Mrs Wendy Brookes-Jones
Mrs Diane Davies
Mrs Susan Orritt
Mrs Betsan Eratt
Mrs Joanne Henders
Administration Staff
Mrs Sarah Samson (Office Manager)
Mrs Catherine Nicholson (Administration Assistant)
Class
organisation
The school is currently organised into four classes.
Class 1
Years:
Reception and Year 1
Teacher:
Miss Melanie Ward
Class 2
Years:
Year 2 and Year 3
Teacher: Mrs Susan Hardaker
Class 3
Years:
Year 4
Teacher: Mr Ross Shepherd
Class 4
Years: Year 5 and Year 6
Teacher: Mrs April Hughes
Various intervention and challenge sessions are put in place for individuals and groups of pupils where a need is identified. These intervention sessions are paramount to some pupils’ individual learning journeys and offer the pupils a chance to consolidate, catch – up on and extend their class work. The sessions also promote inclusion, improving self confidence and self esteem and a chance for pupils to question in a more personal environment.
Class arrangements are reviewed annually.
Our school buildings and environment
Our Buildings
The attractive stone building of Selattyn C. of E. Primary School sits slightly set back from the road in an elevated position under a steeply pitched red tiled roof with beautiful oak entrance doors.
The original Victorian building houses one main classroom, a learning mentor area, the main office and reception, toilets, cloakroom area and the staffroom. This part of the school has been extensively remodelled and refurbished over the last few years.
The school site continues upwards through garden areas to the playground where there are two recently refurbished demountable classrooms, a large hall, a multi-purpose study room, a library area and an outdoor classroom. The reception/Year 1 classroom has an outdoor shelter attached, a separate play area for indoor – outdoor learning, a large play house.
The hall is used for collective worship, dinner time, PE activities, drama and dance activities, the teaching of specialist groups, extra curricular activities, school family days and out-of-school activities. The hall is also used by ‘Little Badgers’, a parent and toddler group which is run jointly by parents and local clergy. Members from The Mother’s Union from St. Mary’s Church organise refreshments at these sessions and join in the fun.
Our Environment
Selattyn C. of E. Primary School is surrounded by countryside and fields and occupies a very enviable position in a truly beautiful rural area.
There are extensive grounds to the rear of the school which rise above the buildings and afford wonderful 360 degree views. The grounds incorporate a flat, top playing field, a sloping, middle field and areas of bank and coppice planted by the pupils and staff over the past few years. There are also areas set aside for wildlife conservation and study, for gardening and growing vegetables and areas of shade.
The large playground is bordered by grassy banks planted with wild and meadow flowers, spring bulbs and trees.
Our unique environment is used throughout all seasons to facilitate our rich and diverse curriculum and as part of our work on learning to care for the natural world around us.
School uniform and dress code
School uniform plays a valuable role in contributing to the school vision and ethos and promotes a sense of belonging.
Having a school uniform:-
Instills pride.
Nurtues cohesion.
Uniform
Supports positive behaviour and discipline. Encourages strong school identity.
Supports effective learning and teaching.
Promotes health and safety.
From School Trends (With School logo):
• Royal blue sweatshirt or cardigan, embroidered with school logo
• Yellow polo shirt, embroidered with school logo
• Royal blue fleece, embroidered with school logo - Optional
Generic items:
• Grey School trousers [No sport style or jogging bottoms]
• Grey School shorts [No sport style or three quarter length]
• Grey School skirt or pinafore.
• Yellow or blue gingham summer dress (Optional)
Ensures all children from all backgrounds feel welcome.
Lessens risk of harassment and bullying, promotes harmony.
Provides identity for children both in and out of the school.
• Dark school shoes (No trainers), Summer sandals with back heel strap may be worn with socks.
• Sun hat of any sensible style in hot, sunny weather
• Sun cream, clearly named and for application by the child him/herself only. [Members of staff are unfortunately unable to apply sun cream to any pupils, therefore for younger children who may find correct or adequate application difficult, all-day sun cream applied at home, before school, might be preferable].
Sports
Kit
From School Trends (With School logo):
• Royal blue PE bag with school logo
• Royal blue plain shorts, [no football team shorts or logos]
• Plain white T-shirt with school logo
Generic items:
• Trainers for outdoor sport, or plimsolls if wished for indoor sport.
• Black or navy tracksuit may be worn for outdoor games in winter
• Long hair should be tied up for all sporting activities.
School uniform and dress code
Forest School and Outdoor Activities Kit
Cold Weather
• Wellies
• Old Trousers
• Warm Jumpers
• Gloves, Hat, Scarf, Spare Socks
• Warm, Waterproof Coat
• Waterproof trousers if possible
• Long hair should be tied up
General guidance
Hot Weather
• Wellies or old trainers if dry
• Old Trousers
• Sun hat
• Shirt / T-shirt with long sleeves
• Waterproof Coat if wet
• Waterproof trousers if possible
• Long hair should be tied up
• Pupils should not wear any make-up or nail varnish to school.
• Pupils should not wear any form of jewellery to school for health and safety reasons.
• No electronic or ‘Smart’ style watches to be worn.
• No earrings other than simple studs in the interest of safety. These must be removed or taped over for sports activities.
• Simple, practical hair accessories may be worn, but no sharp or metal hair bands please.
• All pupils should bring a water bottle to school daily, especially in hot weather.
School Uniform with the school logo should be ordered direct from our uniform supplier School Trends.
www.schooltrends.co.uk
Admissions arrangements
School Trends
Parents / Carers who are considering enrolling their child at Selattyn C. E. Primary School are welcome to visit the school during a school day at a mutually convenient time.
An appointment may be made by phoning or emailing the school. Mr Shepherd will be pleased to meet the parents / carers of prospective pupils, to answer any questions and to show them and prospective pupils around the school.
Children can join reception in the September after their fourth birthday. For our new starters joining our Reception in September, we give parents and carers the opportunity to attend an information session to meet our class teacher and ask any questions. Arrangements are also made for our new starters to spend some time in class to familiarise themselves with the school, class and other pupils.
As a Church of England school, the Governing Body and Staff endeavour to encourage a caring and Christian ethos in the school. Christian values play an integral part in the life of the school. Collective Worship and Religious Education consequently play an important part in the school day and we encourage pupils to take a lead in these activities.
Admissions
The Local Authority (LA) is responsible for the allocation of all places at Selattyn C.E School. The date of admissions to full time primary education in Shropshire can be at the beginning of the term following the child’s fourth birthday.
For admissions to the Reception Year application must be made through Shropshire Council by 15th January in the academic year prior to which your child is due to start school. All applications received by this date will be considered and parents will be informed by Shropshire Council on 16th April (or the next working day) if they have been allocated a place for their child.
Please see the Parents Guide to Education booklet on the website www.shropshire.gov.uk/schooladmissions and also for details of the admission arrangements.
Admissions Criteria:
Children with a Statement of Special Educational Needs or Education and Health Care Plan which names Selattyn CE Primary School will be allocated places, after which places are allocated up to the Published Admission Number of 13 according to an agreed set of criteria in strict order of priority as shown below.
1. Looked After Children who are in Public Care or children who were Looked After but ceased to be so because they were adopted (or became subject to a child arrangements order or special guardianship order).
2. Children living inside the designated catchment area will have priority of admission. If there are not enough places for all the children in the catchment area then the following criteria for admission will apply in order:
a) Priority will be given to children living within the catchment area* who will have an older sibling at the school on the day they are due to start school.
b) After that, priority will be given to other children who live within the catchment area.
*The designated catchment area can be viewed through LocalView on the Shropshire Council website www.shropshire.gov.uk .
3. If there are spaces still available after the above criteria have been applied, children living outside the designated catchment area will be offered places according to the following criteria:
a) Children who will have an older sibling at the school on the day they are due to start school.
b) All other children.
Each category will be rank ordered according to the distance from home to school as a straight line measurement.
The school’s published admission number for each year group is 13.
Further information can be obtained by telephoning the Admissions Team on 0345 678 9008 or email: school-admissions@shropshire.gov.uk
Governing body
At Selattyn we have a very supportive and proactive governing body. Their role is to oversee the activities of the school and ensure that the policies promote our ethos as well as help to ensure an enriched, high quality of education for each child.
Parent Governors
Parents, including carers, of pupils are eligible to stand for election as governors. Parent governors are elected by other parents at the school. If insufficient parents stand for election, the governing body may appoint parents.
Parents who have a child in school may elect parent governors, who may serve for four years on the governing body. Every parent has the opportunity to be elected and is notified by letter when each election is due. Alongside termly governor meetings there are also sub-committee meetings which take place. Training is available and it is a good opportunity to make a positive contribution to school life.
Governing Body Membership
Mrs Nikki Hill Chair Co-opted Governor
Mr Steve Garthwaite Vice Chair Foundation Governor
Mr Ross Shepherd Head Teacher
Miss Melanie Ward Staff Governor
Rev Steve Nicholson Foundation Governor
Mrs Alice Best Parent Governor
Mrs Libby Gaskell Governor
Mrs Sarah Samson Co-opted Governor
Mrs Joy Roberts Co-opted Governor
Term ends – 13/11/23
Term ends – 23/03/27
Ex-officio
Term ends – 31/08/27
Ex-officio
Term ends – 28/09/27
Term ends – 09/10/26
Term ends – 29/08/26
Term ends – 28/06/27
The school day
8:00am - 8:50am Early morning drop off is available from 8:30 each morning. This is to enable those parents who need to get away swiftly, to drop their children off earlier. Class 3 and 4 pupils go straight to class, while all other children go to the hall. Between 8:30 – 8:50 all children should be in one of these locations. Children in the hall will be taking part in BBC Super Movers wake up and shake up programme.
Class 1 & 2 pupils will then go straight to their class at 8:50 from the hall.
It is the responsibility of parents to ensure their child reaches the school door safely each morning.
8:50am - 9:10am Registration and lunch numbers
9.10am - 9.30am Collective Worship (On Friday this takes place at 10:30 – 10:50
9:30am - 10:45am
9:10am - 10:30am
10:45am - 11:00am
10:50am - 11:05am
11:45am - 12:15pm
11:05am - 12:15pm
Session 1
Session 1 Fridays
Morning Break (15 Minutes) Morning Break Fridays
Session 2
Session 2 Fridays
12:15pm - 1:15pm Lunch Break
1:15pm - 2:15pm Session 3
Flexible afternoon break depending on learning activities undertaken each day.
2:30pm - 3:30pm Session 4
3:30pm End of our school day, children are dismissed by their teachers from the top playground directly to parents. No child will leave the premises unless a member of staff has seen them go to their designated adult. We have a note of each child’s designated adults in the main office. If there is a need for a different adult to collect a child, this must be confirmed with the main office and a password designated for safeguarding.
3.30pm - 5pm Various after school clubs and tuition take place.
The curriculum
Pupils in reception follow the Early Years Curriculum which dovetails into the National Curriculum subjects in key Stage 1.
The National Curriculum sets out the clear full statutory entitlement to learning for all pupils. The core subjects are English, Mathematics and Science. The foundation subjects are Art, Geography, History, Design Technology, ICT, Music and Physical Education. Religious Education is taught in all classes and follows the Shropshire Syllabus and The Understanding Christianity scheme of work. Each child attends a daily act of worship.
Children are taught in four mixed age classes with mixed ability settings for all subjects Year 6 pupils are taught separately each morning.
At Selattyn, we teach using a variety of approaches and strategies including individual teaching, whole class teaching, group teaching and mixed aged teaching. Where possible cross curricular links are used to create theme based learning around a particular topic to make learning meaningful, relevant and fun. More focused discrete subject teaching also has a place in our curriculum and the progression of skills in individual subjects is addressed through our whole school planning system.
Children have the opportunity to join and participate in our School Council, Worship Group and Eco Committee.
Religious Education and Collective Worship
As a church school, we have a strong Christian ethos which runs through our everyday school life. All members of our school community have a strong commitment to upholding Christian values and to helping others to learn within a caring Christian environment.
Collective Worship takes place for the whole school, every day for 20 minutes. It takes place both in the hall and outside in various locations on site depending on the weather and theme. The time of collective worship varies throughout the week. Once a week there is a designated Anglican worship delivered through listening, art activities and drama.
Rev.Steve Nicholson leads collective worship regularly, Jane Webber, Youth Christian Worker, leads collective worship once a fortnight and other visitors are welcomed to lead collective worship at least once a term.
The school has a very close relationship with the local church, St Mary’s, and regularly leads special services for parents and the community based around the Christian calendar including Harvest, Christmas, Easter and Mothering Sunday.
Prayer is an important element in our school life, including formal and extempore prayer at collective worship, meal times and at the end of the school day. Quiet reflective times are part of worship so each pupil may think about important issues and be calm and still in the midst of their busy lives.
Religious Education is taught in accordance with the Shropshire Agreed Syllabus and Understanding Christianity Resource, which gives a mainly Christian emphasis while informing children about other world religions. As a school we encourage a positive understanding of the faiths taught in Britain today.
Parents have the right to withdraw their children from any or all of the religious activities undertaken in Selattyn C. E. School.
Out of school activities
Selattyn arranges a variety of out of school activities. Some of these take place on a regular basis and form an integral part of school life.
Swimming sessions, field studies around the grounds and village, sports fixtures with other local schools, athletic and cross country events and services at St. Mary’s Church.
Others take place less frequently and are usually undertaken to enrich the curriculum and provide experiences and opportunities for learning, socialising and having fun. These include; three day residential outdoor pursuits trip, museum visits, pantomime visits and trips depending on subject areas being taught.
The school also arranges for visiting groups to come into school such as travelling theatres, local authors and local police and fire officers.
A range of after school clubs also take place including Football coaching, cross country club, athletics club, study club, games club and Eco Committee. Out of school activities
Sex and Relationships Education
At Selattyn C.E. Primary School, Sex and Relationships Education is taught in the context of respect, relationships and responsibility within the Christian Ethos.
It is taught alongside Personal, Social and Health Education and crosses over with National Curriculum Science Curriculum.
A sympathetic and sensitive approved scheme of work is delivered throughout the school designed to help the children make sense of the world around them, understand life processes and uphold Christian values. In the early years, pupils learn about more general aspects of the natural world around them leading up to more specific human reproduction content for pupils in year six.
If you would like to discuss this more fully, please contact the Personal Social and Health Education (P.S.H.E.) lead or Headteacher.
Special Educational Needs
The teaching staff at Selattyn C. of E. Primary School provide a suitably differentiated curriculum within their Quality First teaching for all children in their care.
Support and specialised resources are co-ordinated by one staff member and where appropriate, in consultation with parents, other approaches are taken to provide the best opportunities for individual children’s educational development. Parent and school consultation and partnership are essential for the successful support of children with identified Special Educational Needs. This could include identified pupils having an Individual Education Plan or Basic Skills Plan which set out the aims and objectives or how to support learners.
A copy of the school’s Special Educational Needs Policy is available on request. A copy of the school’s Information report for Special Educational Needs and/or disability is available on our website: www.selattyn.shropshire.sch.uk. The school is accessible to pupils with disabilities within the buildings sited on our upper level. There are disabled toilet facilities within these buildings. All pupils are actively encouraged to integrate into all aspects of school life and we believe Selattyn C. of E. Primary School is a truly inclusive educational setting.
At Selattyn School we believe all children to have particular gifts and talents. We aim to provide opportunities for all children to achieve their full potential. Additional support and opportunities are organised to challenge the needs of pupils who are able to access their learning at a higher level.
Most importantly, Selattyn is truly inclusive, and every pupil is respected and thoughtfully enabled to make progress and achieve their very best.
SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator)
Ms April Hughes
Ofsted November 2019 stated:-
“Leaders are ambitious for everyone. They, and their staff, listen to pupuls with care. Staff know how to help pupils flourish, including those who have difficulties”
Learning Mentor / Intervention Sessions
Our Learning Mentor / Intervention Lead is Mrs. Helen Haralambous. She works with pupils who may need extra support using many different approaches. Mrs Haralambous works to build supportive relationships with individual and groups of pupils who for various reasons may find some aspects of learning difficult.
The type of issues which may get in the way of learning can include family problems, bereavement, bullying, low self- confidence etc. Pupils may be timetabled to meet with Mrs Haralambous if ongoing support is needed or they may meet with her on an informal ‘drop in’ basis.
Absence
As a school, we take pride in our excellent attendance record and work hard to make school a happy, exciting place for children and staff to be.
We hope you will work with us in ensuring your child attends school regularly and that when absence is unavoidable, the school is notified of the reason for non attendance before 9:30am on the first day of absence.
The school has a legal requirement to record every absence and the reason for that absence. Unauthorised absences are reported on a termly basis to the local authority and the school works closely with a designated Educational Welfare Officer to monitor trends and improve standards.
Lateness
It is very important that your child arrives in school in time for registration at 8:50 am. Persistent lateness is monitored by the Educational Welfare Service. Children who arrive after 8:50 am should come into school via the main front door and report directly to Mrs Samson, school administrator.
Annual holidays in term time
We strongly request parents not to take holidays during term time, often this causes disruption to your child’s learning journey and relationships. If leave of absence is to be requested, parents must complete a Shropshire County ‘Leave of Absence Form’ available from the main office. It is at the discretion of the Headteacher and the governing body whether such leave will be granted. The Headteacher will refer to the child’s previous attendance history and their stage of education.
Leave of absence will not be granted for Year 2 or Year 6 pupils during May, when they sit their National Curriculum SATs.
Headteachers are unable to authorise leave of absence for family holiday. Selattyn C. of E. Primary School follows Shropshire Guidance on fining. Details can be found at www.shropshire.gov.uk.
School lunches
Children at Selattyn may either bring a healthy packed lunch or have a cooked lunch provided by OCS Food Co Ltd, the meals being transported to Selattyn from Woodside School, Oswestry.
Children can choose to have school dinners on any day of the week and dinner numbers are taken every day. Pupils come into the hall for lunches in their school year groups and are encouraged to help each other and socialise across year groups. A member of staff is always on duty in the hall along with a server from OCS Food Co Ltd and Year 6 monitors who help with organisation.
Dinner monies
All payments for dinner money is taken using ParentPay www.parentpay.com . All meals should be ordered in by parents at home before 8am on the day of taking the meal where payment is also made at the same time.
Other monies / Parent Pay
Most items and activities should preferably be paid for using ParentPay. This is for school dinners, afterschool clubs, trips and other activities. If you would prefer to pay for an item by cash, please contact the school office. Please ensure all money is in a sealed envelope and clearly marked with the child’s name, amount and what it is for.
Other information
School houses
Every pupil in our school, from Reception to Year 6, belongs to a school house. Each house is names after a local area:
A mix of children from Reception to Year 6 make up each School House.
The Houses help to promote our caring and supportive ethos as well as giving the children opportunities to work and play alongside pupils from different age ranges and with different abilities. We aim to be a truly inclusive school.
Berwyn
Offa
Oswald Wynnstay
Wrekin
Parent Teacher Association
At Selattyn C of E School we have a very active and supportive PTA that organises a varied programme of social and fundraising events each year and raises money for additional resources and projects for school. Every parent is automatically a member of the PTA and you are MOST WELCOME to join in and attend regular meetings or participate in the events.
Our Reward System
Here at Selattyn we like to use praise and reward to encourage a positive attitude towards behaviour and work. Every child can gain DOJOs to add to their class account for doing their best work, for making a consistent effort, for behaving in a kind and caring way, for being helpful and polite and for showing the right attitude to school and learning.
10 of these DOJOs gain a certificate in our Celebration Assembly every Friday and a chance to move their house’s horse along one space of the race course, as well as earning One House Point. At the end of term the House who has won the race is presented with a shield.
Star of The Week
At the end of each week one child from each class, who has shone in the classroom, is chosen to be their STAR OF THE WEEK. They are presented with a trophy and have their photograph taken to commemorate the event which is displayed on the class story on Dojo.
Homework
We ask for your help in encouraging your child to read as part of their daily routine whatever class they are in. In all 4 classes, small amounts of work may be set relating to classroom learning on a weekly basis. The amount set is age related and appropriate to the children’s learning stage. Some of these tasks may be interactive and also include tasks set on Class Dojo.
Behaviour
At Selattyn C.E. Primary School we model and expect high standards of behaviour and discipline and all stakeholders work hard to sustain a caring, respectful community. We encourage each child to develop a sense of self-discipline, recognising the need to co-operate for the good of the whole school community, and reflecting our Christian values and Ethos. Each individual is encouraged to develop their sense of right and wrong and an understanding of how to behave in an acceptable manner.
Through the teaching of R.E. and PSHE, and through collective worship and reflection, forgiveness is a key theme, encouraging all pupils to reflect on their behaviour and that of others.
Good, positive behaviour is always recognised and celebrated throughout the school and our school rule of RESPECT is the over riding guide for all of our actions.
Rare incidents of bullying are dealt with openly and swiftly and the school operates a ‘helping hand’ scheme for any pupil who needs to bring concerns or worries to the attention of an adult.
The school has a Policy for Behaviour and Discipline and also an Anti-Bullying Policy. These are available in school for any parent should they wish to see them.
Healthy Schools
At Selattyn we all try to follow a healthy lifestyle. We think about what we eat and try to eat healthily, we think about keeping fit and try to exercise regularly and we think about ways in which we can keep ourselves healthy and fit for learning and life. Fruit is provided for children in Classes 1 and 2 at morning break time, Children from Classes 3 and 4 may bring their own fruit as a snack if they wish.
As part of the National Healthy Schools programme we have been awarded with a gold award for our promotion of healthy living.
School Visitors
All visitors who come into school will be asked to sign the visitors’ register. Visitors will then be required to wear an identity lanyard for the purpose of safeguarding, showing that they are allowed visitors on our school site.
Before working in school any person, including those working on a voluntary basis, will be required to undergo an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring check from this establishment.
Safeguarding
The school aims to help parents understand that it has a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of all pupils, staff and stakeholders. The school may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies when there are concerns about a pupil’s welfare.
Our designated lead for Safeguarding is Mr Ross Shepherd, Headteacher.
A copy of the school Policy for Child Protection can be found on the website and is available from the school office.
First Aid
Six members of the staff are qualified first aiders. Two staff members are paediatric first aid trained. Qualifications are reviewed and refreshed within the recommended time frame.
Security
A single side gate, accessed from the front of the school, is the normal main access for all pupils entering or leaving the premises. This gate is locked at 8:50 am and is opened again at 3:20 pm just before home time, in order to allow parents and carers access to the top playground to collect pupils.
All main entrance doors are fitted with electronic locking devices to ensure only those authorised in to school can obtain entry. All staff wear identity lanyards both on and off site for safeguarding purposes.
Selattyn C. of E. School is part of the Shropshire Local Authority Safer Schools Scheme which aims to provide a practical and realistic approach to school security and personal safety.
Complaints Policy
All schools are required to establish a formal complaints procedure under section 23 of the Education Reform Act 1998. The intention is to offer parents a route to pursue any complaint about the curriculum, religious worship and related matters. Parents are encouraged to raise any problems initially with the class teacher. Should it not be possible to resolve any complaint or concern satisfactorily in this way the complaint should be taken to the Head Teacher.
The school then promises to deal with your complaint as follows: -
1. Formally acknowledge it within seven working days.
2. The complaint will be investigated and a meeting arranged to discuss the findings.
3. If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your complaint you can write to the Chairman of Governors who will arrange for the Governing Body to consider what you have to say.
4. Should you still not be satisfied and want to take the matter further you will be informed of the correct procedure to follow.
A copy of the Complaints Policy can be obtained from the school office.
Medicines
If your child is unwell, please keep him/her at home and notify the school by 9:30 am. When a child becomes unwell or has an accident at school, we will endeavour to contact parents. For this purpose we hold a contact list holding relevant information. [This will form part of the paperwork completed by new parents and is updated once a year.] Minor cuts and bumps will be dealt with by the school’s trained first aiders and any incidents involving a bumped head or a cut will be detailed on a letter home that day.
Please note the following points relating to the administration of medicines in school:-
• All medication must be administered by parents and not by school staff. We are happy for parents to come into school to the main office to administer medicines to their own children.
• Prescribed medicines only may be brought into school by a parent.
• If your child needs to take any medicines, including all creams, ear drops and eye drops please refer to Mr Shepherd or the Office.
For those children who suffer from asthma, there is a form to complete detailing type of inhaler and dosage. All inhalers will be kept in individual class bases and taken with each child when away from that class base.
Photographs and Videos
Throughout your child’s time at Selattyn there will be numerous occasions when photographs or video footage may be taken. There is a form to complete detailing your permission for this to take place or to notify us if you do not wish your child/children to be included in these activities.
Charging Policy
Parents are informed when there is a need to ask for a voluntary contribution towards the cost of an educational trip. We are very grateful for the support parents give to the school in this way, as activities not receiving adequate contributions would have to be cancelled.
Transfer To Secondary School
At the end of Year 6, your child will transfer to one of the local secondary schools unless private arrangements are made.
A great deal of effort goes into making the transition as smooth as possible.
Lost Property
If your child loses something at school you should check the lost property box in the Outdoor Classroom. Clear labelling of all clothing and property is invaluable when trying to identify lost items.
Pre-loved Uniform
We have pre-loved uniform available for parents to take for Free or give a donation to school. A selection is available at all times in reception for parents to take any items they need. With more items available regularly at various events such as fêtes and parents evening.
Insurance
Shropshire Council provides insurance cover to protect your children should they suffer injury, damage or loss through negligent acts by staff or others engaged on County Council business. Shropshire Council does not provide any personal accident insurance (i.e. where no one is negligent or to blame) or cover for personal effects. The Governors recommend that parents consider personal injury cover for their own children, covering them for 52 weeks of the year; details are available from the school. For local outings such as those listed above, school journey/personal accident cover will not be taken out. The school holds a block insurance policy for longer trips and outings. Detailed information and consent forms will be sent to the parents concerned at the planning stage of each trip. Details of the cover are obtainable from the main school office.
Disability And Accessibility
Selattyn C. E. Primary School is an inclusive school where all the children are treated fairly and equally. We ensure that any children with disabilities or with special educational needs are treated in every respect, no less favourably than other children. Specialist training for staff is sought from specialist agencies to heighten awareness, knowledge and skills to meet the needs of specific children. The curriculum is adapted as necessary including appropriate resources and learning materials. The school has vehicular disabled access to the demountable buildings on the top section of our site, with ramped entrances and all access toilet facilities. Entrance to the lower buildings does require the use of steps. The school has an accessibility plan that identifies targets and strategies. The school operates on an Equal Opportunities Policy for all.
Little Badgers toddler group
Little Badgers is a baby, toddler and pre-school group held at Selattyn School on a weekly basis. The group welcomes all parents and carers along with their little ones, offering an opportunity for adults and children to build friendships. They meet for a session of social interaction, play, craft activities, refreshments and story & song time. Little Badgers takes place during term time, on Friday mornings in the school hall between 9am until 10.25am.
