Barton Hill Academy

Academies Enterprise Trust To make our best better

Barton Hill Academy

Welcome!

Welcome to Barton Hill Academy!

It is my pleasure to welcome you to look through our school booklet. Our primary school years lay the very foundation for a lifetime of learning.

We recognise the importance of knowing every child and work hard to foster the vital partnership between home and school.

We aim for every child to have a happy and active primary education in an environment that is caring and supporting. We aim to provide a stimulating and structured environment in which every child will be encouraged to reach their full potential.

We treat all pupils individually, developing their sense of worth, confidence and encouraging unique talents to flourish in every child.

This booklet is designed to give you a glimpse of the range of opportunities that are available at our school, here you will an insight into the things we consider important in the education of our children.

It is packed with information that parents/guardians need to know.

If you are a parent looking for an admission place for your child, I would be delighted if you could come along to meet us in person and look around the school.

Yours sincerely, Mrs J. M. Young Head Teacher

Academies Enterprise Trust 2

To make our best better

Our Academy Our Ofsted report in April 2014 reported us as a ‘good school with outstanding for behaviour and safety of pupils’.

Through the inspiring leadership of the Head Teacher, the whole staff and governors share a fierce ambition for continual improvement.

Parents and carers are confident that the school works hard to offer the best learning experiences, expect the highest standards of behaviour and keep children safe

The Academy Site The academy benefits from extensive grounds which include three playgrounds, field space, forest school and gardening area, along with the back field renovation after our multi-million pound refurbishment.

This outdoor space is an essential resource to support the children in both their physical and play development.

As well as recreation it is used for science, literacy, mathematics, environmental education and PE.

Security The site is secure during the day as all gates are locked, access to the building is through the main reception area.

New for the school in 2015 will be Close Circuit Television.

The school gates are unlocked daily from 7:45am and from 3:00pm.

Security is very important to us and we continually ­­work together with parents and children to ensure we maintain this.

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Policies Admissions Policy The Academy complies with the Torbay Local Authority admissions policy. This means that all places are allocated by the criteria identified in the Torbay Local Authority admissions policy.

• • • •

Children with special education needs.

Looked after children.

Siblings already at school.

Distance from the school.

Admission of pupils in excess of the admission number must be sought through the appeals process.

The full Admissions Policy is available at the Academy its website or office.

The Academy works closely with parents to assess individual childrens needs, on entry to the school.

Charging Policy We do not charge parents for activities that form part of the curriculum. We do however, ask for voluntary contributions towards the cost of all trips and activities that enhance the curriculum. No child is excluded from the activities. We take into consideration the cost of school activities, and if there is not enough income to cover the costs, then these may have to be cancelled.

Anti-Aggression Policy Barton Hill Academy does not tolerate aggressive acts towards staff, pupils or other parents. If there is an act of aggression against the school community or on site, it is logged and we inform the Local Authority and police. In extreme cases, offenders may be banned from the school site.

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Coming to School Opening Times The school is open from 8:45am until 3:10pm.

If for any reason your child is late, you should ensure that they report to the school office so that they can be marked in the register.

Parents are asked not to enter school without express permission as part of our security measures.

We do recognise that there is a possibility that there may be are emergencies when children are collected from school late and we will support parents in these situations. We will always ensure the child’s safety but will contact Childrens Services if children are left at school without prior notice. At school we have Before and After school clubs that do consider short term placements.

Before & After School Club Our breakfast club runs from 7:45am - 8:45am and the after school club runs from 3:10pm - 6:00pm during term time.

Absences or Lateness If your child is absent from school for any reason you must notify us, this is to ensure that the absence is not registered as unauthorised, we also record any lateness in the register. A leave of absence form can be obtained from the school office.

We are legally required to code all absences by reason and we will notify the Education Welfare Officer should a child continually be late or absent.

It is important that parents and staff support children in developing their understanding of punctuality.

It is important that children attend the academy on time as they may miss out on important lessons.

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Absences in Term Time We do not authorise holidays in term time and we ask that absences during a term are kept to a minimum. If holidays are unavoidable, then please ask for a holiday form at the school office.

Meals All of our school dinners are cooked on the premises and comply with health and nutritional standards. Children are given a choice at every mealtime including salads and fresh fruit. School dinners are eaten in our dining room which adjoins the kitchen.

Children of school age from Reception to Year 2 are eligible for a Government funded free school meal.

Alternatively, you may prefer your child to bring a packed lunch to school. We ask that packed lunches are as healthy as possible and we offer guidance on the types of food which can help childrens concentration.

Fizzy drinks are not allowed in school, fresh cooled water is available throughout the school day.

Snacks We encourage children to bring fruit for a healthy snack during morning break. They should also bring in a plastic bottle suitable for water, which may be topped up during the day from water fountains around the school. Free toast is also available to Key Stage 2 children during morning break, along with free fruit for Key Stage 1 children, which is part of the National School Fruit Scheme.

Assembly & Worship An act of worship is held daily for all children in key stage assemblies, within year groups, phases or in class. Most of our assemblies have a Christian non denominational theme in line with statutory guidance. All parents have the right to withdraw their children on religious grounds should they wish to. Usually, each assembly has a theme that is explored through a story or action, these themes are related to a variety of issues that link to qualities we wish to develop; honesty, caring, tolerance, helpfulness, doing your best, respect for others and caring for our world.

Many different religious festivals are recognised and also feature as a part of the assembly calendar.

On Fridays the whole school comes together to celebrate and recognise achievements throughout the week.

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Uniform Uniform is compulsory because it: • • • • • •

Helps promote a sense of belonging to the school.

Encourages a working atmosphere.

Is easily recognisable when out on visits from the school.

Reduces the opportunity for children to be competitive about what they wear to school.

Is inexpensive and readily available.

No jewellery, except stud earrings.

Our uniform is based on a navy blue sweatshirt, red polo shirt and black or grey trousers or skirt. It may be purchased from any retail outlet or from a local supplier with logos. In the summer, girls may wish to wear a red and white checked summer dress.

Footwear is preferred to be black and should be flat and sensible as there are stairs and steps around the school site. Trainers should not be worn unless for specified PE or games sessions.

PE Kit Children are expected to have a PE bag with a change of clothes to ensure hygiene and safety, this kit should consist of a T-shirt, a pair of shorts and black pumps or trainers.

Children should bring in a change of shoes to help protect the new school carpets.

All school uniform and PE kits must be marked with the child’­s name.

Children should not wear jewellery or make-up.

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Parents and School At Barton Hill Academy we put partnership with parents into practice in a variety of ways. Parents are always welcome to come into school to discuss matters with members of staff and the Head teacher.

There are times in the school calendar that are busier than others so there may be occasions when you need to make an appointment.

The Head teacher and the staff will always be willing to see parents, other commitments permitting.

It is important that we are made aware of any issues that could affect your child in school, for instance, serious family illness, bereavement or family break ups can all affect your child, alerting us to such difficulties allows us to deal with your child in the appropriate manner with full confidentiality.

We will contact you if we are concerned about your childs work or behaviour and we will ask you to be involved in supporting us to support your child in school.

We also seek to share the positives about your child in school with you. Certificates, stickers, house points and praise are all part of our behaviour management within school and we try to ensure that the parents can also share these successes as much as possible.

Friends of the Academy We have an active Friends Group which works to develop relationships with our community and raise extra money for the academy. They meet to organise events throughout the year, and to discuss and identify ways in which the funds raised may be spent.

Parents are informed of these events by text, blog, website, twitter and our facebook page.

We actively try to involve parents in their child’s education and life in school.

We appreciate all of the additional help that parents provide and we hold regular workshops to help inform parents about the work the children are doing in school. We share with them ideas and information about different subjects, through newsletters, curriculum letters and through our facebook page.

We send parents an annual report of their child’s progress in the summer term. There are three parent consultation evenings each year when all parents are invited in to see their children’s work and discuss their progress with there appropriate teacher.

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The Curriculum The curriculum is all the learning opportunities that are provided for your child, during their time at school.

The new National Curriculum forms that basis for all of our teaching.

At our academy we believe that the curriculum should be broad and balanced and provide for all the needs of the children. We aim to develop the children morally, intellectually, creatively, physically and spiritually through experiences in and out of school.

Whenever possible we teach subjects through themes which allows us to be creative and support the children in making essential links in the learning process, whilst focusing on skills.

There are four main core subjects that are taught on their own and as a part of the taught themes; English, Maths, Science and Computing.

The foundation subjects are; History, Geography, Art, DT, Music, MFL and PE, these are taught through the key skills, the children are always encouraged to make connections between their own ideas, experiences and the subjects content.

Religious Education RE is taught at the academy in accordance with the Education Reform Act 1988. We use a scheme which has question based approach. Fulfilling requirements of both approach and content of national framework.

It is a balanced and broad curriculum with a multi faith approach, which aims to promote spiritual, moral and cultural growth for all pupils.

The children are encouraged to appreciate and value other peoples contribution to our community and to support the creation of equality for all.

RE is taught in many ways through story, reflection, discussion, drama and other areas of the curriculum.

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Health and Sex Education Health education is taught in a number of ways through a variety of curriculum areas as well as a separate subject.

The emphasis in our health education is on respect for themselves and others around them. In discussing issues with the children we aim to ensure that they have the skills and ability to deal with peer pressure with regard to drugs, smoking, alcohol, personal safety and well being as they get older.

Assessment and Reporting We use assessment as part of our everyday practice because we recognise that it is essential to be able to identify what children can do and what they need to do next. This procedure forms a considerable part of the assessment process in school.

These types of assessment are made throughout the week and form the steps planned for the individual and group within classes.

As with all primary schools we have a statutory obligation to report on levels of attainment for all pupils at the end of KS1 and KS2. These take the form of national tests which are the basis for the annual school league tables.

Health and Safety Health and Safety responsibilities in school are derived from the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and associated regulations. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) enforces health and safety law relating to the activities of local authorities and schools.

The health and safety of staff, pupils and visitors while on school premises or involved in school organised activities (educational visits) must be protected as far as is reasonably practiceable. The school carries out risk assessments for all activities and measures put in place to minimise or control risks.

Childrens Welfare It is important that your child feels happy and secure at school if they are to achieve their full potential.

We will always inform you if your child is taken ill during the school day or if they have a bump to the head.

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You can help us by keeping us up to date with; • • • • •

Any injuries/illnesses that your child may suffer.

Any medication that they may be taking.

The name and address of your family doctor.

Your daytime telephone number and another emergency number.

Any other medical information/diagnosis.

Child Protection When it comes to child protection we follow guidelines set out by Torbay Council and we log and report all concerns.

We work closely with all services and we feel that it is essential to support all children.

Medicines in School If your child has been given a course of medicine you must check with your doctor whether they can be given it outside of school hours. If medicines need to be administered during the school day, you must complete an Administration of Medicines form available from the school office. Your child will then be administered the medicine as per instructions from the clearly labelled bottle.

The school will not administer paracetamol or ibuprofen based medicines in accordance with DfE guidelines.

If children have particular allergies, in school we have a system to support their individual needs.

Property Under no circumstances should children bring valuables into school. We try to teach children to respect their property as well as other peoples but we cannot take responsibility for any loss or damage to children’s personal possessions.

All belongings should be marked with your child’s name, every effort will be made to return items of lost property to their owner.

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Extra Curricular Activities A variety of after school clubs and lunch time clubs are offered to our children.

These include various sporting activities such as rounders, netball, football, homework club, ipad club, choir, band, film club, gardening club and many more.

Places are usually limited to identified year groups, although we try to offer as wide a range of activities to as many children as possible.

Homework All of the children will have homework throughout the week, this is often reading, practical spelling, times-tables and topic work where children may be expected to do some research and find things out.

It is handed out on a Friday and due in on the following Wednesday.

It is important that you encourage your children to have their homework completed and return it each week according to their year group.

Visits and Residential Trips The school recognises the importance of visitors & visits in school to enrich learning opportunities.

We are committed to ensuring that any activities that the children undertake will help them to develop an understanding, our visits and visitors are also selected to enhance personal experiences.

Each year we take our year 6 on a residential trip to London, with year 5 also attending a residential trip.

We are working hard to develop trips and visits across Devon to enhance the curriculum.

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Concerns and Complaints If you have a concern or a worry then please speak directly to your child’s teacher.

If you feel that your concern is urgent or you would prefer, you can make an appointment and speak directly to Mrs Young the Head teacher.

If you made a complaint and you feel that this has not been addressed in a satisfactory manner, please contact: Chair of Governors Barton Hill Academy Barton Hill Road Torquay TQ2 8JA Tel: 01803 327161 You can also direct information questions to the facebook page.

The School Governors The Governing Body at the Academy is made up of parents, staff, community members and governors appointed by the Academies Enterprise Trust, who serve on the governing body for four years.

They work voluntarily for the good of the school and are responsible for overseeing all the matters relating to school life.

The governors are responsible for agreeing school policies and ensuring that the academy is run effectively, so it is able to meet its goals and objectives.

Should a vacancy arise, then we will notify all parents, any parent may stand as a parent governor.

Parent governors endeavour to be accessible to all parents, any matter of policy which a parent feels should be discussed may be raised at meetings of the governing body.

The school governors attend monthly meetings to discuss the curriculum development, policies, special educational needs and inclusion, finance, management of the building and health and safety.

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Where to find us

We hope that you found this booklet informative.

If you would like to visit the school please telephone us on 01803 327161 or email contactus@bartonhillacademy.org to make an appointment. www.facebook.com/bartonhillacademy

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www.bartonhillacademy.org

@bartonprimary

Barton Hill Academy Barton Hill Road, Torquay, Devon, TQ2 8JA T: 01803 327161 F: 01803 322181 E: contactus@bartonhillacademy.org

www.bartonhillacademy.org