Belle Vue

BelleVue Primary School

Prospectus 2023-2024

WELCOME

Pictured Opposite: Belle Vue School celebrates the late Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.

Mr Andrew Cairns, Headteacher

On behalf of all the pupils, staff, and Governors, I look forward to welcoming you to Belle Vue Primary School.

As will always be the case, if there is anything that you would like to discuss further, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Belle Vue is an inclusive school. We strive to achieve the highest standards for each and every child regardless of their starting points.

Whatever your child’s individual circumstances, we aim to tailor a curriculum to meet their needs; one which facilitates enjoyment in learning and with equal opportunities for all.

Our school facilities are first class; we aim for all children to learn in the best possible environment. Our extensive grounds allow for a full range of extra-curricular activities and highly positive lunchtimes and playtimes.

Welcome to Belle Vue Primary School. We look forward to meeting you in person, but in the meantime, we hope that this prospectus provides a taste of our vibrant School Community.

We understand that choosing a Primary School for your child is an important decision. Through choosing Belle Vue you have our commitment that we will leave nothing to chance; together we will make this an enjoyable period in your child’s life.

Our staff are committed to ensuring we get to know each child as an individual; this process starts before your child’s first day, and is the beginning of a relationship that will build and grow as your child does in our care. We will work closely with you as parents during this time to ensure that your child’s learning journey is a successful and fulfilling one.

The Belle Vue staff are dedicated, talented, and knowledgeable. Your child will be challenged and supported to achieve across the full breadth of our exciting and individualised curriculum.

We also place great emphasis on nurturing our pupils’ growth as responsible citizens. Respect, tolerance, honesty and positive behaviour are expected at all times. We ensure all pupils play an active, positive part in their communities. We ensure all are listened to, all are valued, and through ongoing encouragement and celebrating individual successes, we develop pupils’ self-esteem.

Belle Vue’s Aims Our aims were developed and agreed by pupils, staff, parents, and Governors. They show our commitment to your child, as we continually work hard to ensure the very best experiences for each and every pupil who attends Belle Vue Primary School.

We aim for all of our pupils to: n Be happy and enjoy school life n Be safe and healthy n Enjoy a broad and enriched curriculum n Have high achievement n Be proud to contribute to their communities n Develop the skills that ensure a lifelong love of learning n Behave appropriately and show respect for others and their environment n Know that they will be listened to within a nurturing environment. n Be able to recognise and celebrate their own strengths and those of others.

Performance

Statutory Testing was finally reinstated in 2022 following the Pandemic.

Belle Vue assesses children to support teaching and learning. This ensures we can meet your child’s needs. Teachers assess each pupil’s progress on an ongoing basis throughout the school year.

Parents’ evenings are normally held twice a year to provide personalised dialogue about your child’s progress, achievements, and next steps in their learning journey. Annual written reports are issued at the end of each academic year.

Externally validated Belle Vue 2022 Year 6 SATs results:

Writing:

61%

58%

66%

70%

2022

Maths:

Reading:

Grammar, Punctuation & Spelling:

The Belle Vue Curriculum Our curriculum is designed to suit the age, interests and abilities of every child. It not only encompasses the requirements of the revised National Curriculum and the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum, but goes far beyond these statutory documents.

Continuity from year-to-year ensures that children meet new challenges as they progress through our school.

Visits and visitors are often arranged to bring the curriculum to life.

We aim to enthuse our pupils with a lifelong love of learning. We also believe that if we want our pupils to grow into responsible, active citizens then our ‘hidden curriculum’ is important too; what the children learn from the way they are treated, the role models that they meet and the way they are expected to behave is a major influence on the way they grow and develop.

Personal, Social, Health, Economic and Citizenship (PHSE) PHSE education within our school aims to provide opportunities for pupils to develop the skills, knowledge and understanding they need to lead confident, healthy independent lives and become active and informed citizens. Teaching in this area enables pupils to contribute in an age appropriate way. This may be delivered in ‘CircleTime’, assemblies, or during curriculum lessons such as science or during our Sports and Health Week, for example.

Religious Education Religious Education is a core subject which is taught following the guidelines of the agreed ‘Cumbria Syllabus’. Assemblies are held daily which are broadly Christian in character, although we are a non-denominational school. If you would like to discuss this aspect of school life further do not hesitate to contact the Headteacher.

The Arts and Music The Arts are a fundamental part of the curriculum. Art, design, dance, music, literacy and other aesthetic, creative activities; we believe that the arts offer opportunities for the children to explore, express and communicate their feelings whilst gaining experiences of the wider world.

Through experiencing The Arts, children develop their creativity, self- esteem and confidence. A continuous and rich artistic experience is an essential part of the curriculum entitlement of every child at Belle Vue Primary School. Our school has recently been awarded the coveted Artsmark ‘Gold Award’ for the quality and breadth of our Arts curriculum.

There is a welcoming and happy atmosphere in your school. Staff use opportunities in an effective manner to offer a curriculum for pupils which is broad, balanced and exciting.

Ofsted 2018

Whilst it is our belief that sex and relationship learning plays an important, positive role in your son or daugther’s development and education, parents/carers DO have the right to withdraw their child from these sessions in consultation with the Headteacher.

Parents/carers are kept fully informed before we commence any teaching in this subject area, and are invited to view the teaching resources we use if they are unsure.

Learning is of course consciously ‘age appropriate’ and is taught in the context of relevant topics.

Our approach to this area of the curriculum has been developed through consultation with a variety of stakeholders and external partners, including the School Nurse.

Sex and Relationships Education

Your pupils are articulate and confident speakers. This is because teachers ensure that curricular activities provide pupils with a broad range of opportunities to develop speaking skills. This includes partnership working in class, school council meetings and visiting older members of the community to sing and talk with them.

Most recently, pupils performed a play by William Shakespeare at a local theatre.

Ofsted 2018

Sport and Physical Education

PE has an important place in the school day and the importance of exercise for a healthy lifestyle is one of the main aims of physical education at our school. All children have access to high quality provision in PE and sport.

Whether your child likes taking part ‘for fun’, or thrives through positive competition, we aim to offer high quality experiences for every student, regardless of their ability.

Our school is affiliated to the Carlisle School Sports Association and takes part in football league and cup competitions. Children also compete in numerous annual sporting events, including athletics, swimming and cross country.

Belle Vue is also affiliated to the County and Regional Gymnastics Associations, and takes part in gymnastic events across the City and beyond.

Belle Vue Extra Out of School Club

Extra-Curricular Activities Extra-Curricular Activities

Belle Vue Primary School offers Breakfast Club and After School Club provision ideal for busy working parents. These are open to students from all year groups in our school. These clubs operate Monday to Friday, during term time only.

n Football n Drama

n Netball

n Chess.

n Art and Design

n Gymnastics

n After School Club: 3:15 - 6:00pm. Children are able to choose from a variety of activities; from free play to planned activities. After School Club also includes a snack, which varies from day-to-day.

n Breakfast Club: 7:45 - 8:45am, includes a buffet style breakfast.

Belle Vue actively encourages participation in the numerous extracurricular activities organised by the school and its staff. They are an important part of our wider curriculum offer.

n Recorders n Knitting

Recent examples of our many extra-curricular clubs include:

n Table Top Games

Further details are available from the school office.

Good behaviour is expected at all times.

With praise and encouragement we expect that each child will develop a sense of self-discipline. We do not condone bullying or any form of rough, physical ‘play’. The school has a clear antibullying policy; a copy is available in school or can be viewed on the school website. We expect that all children will be respectful and tolerant towards others.

Key Stage Two: 8.50am - 12.00 noon

The School Year 2023-24

1.00 pm - 3.20 pm

Belle Vue’s admission number is 60. This means that up to 60 children can join Reception in September. At present the school is organised into seven Year Groups, with two parallel classes in each. Each of the seven year groups follow our school curriculum which encourages continuity and progression and which encompasses the recently revised National Curriculum. Class organisation may differ from year to year.

The Belle Vue School Day 1.15 pm - 3.15 pm

Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage One: 8.45am - 12.00 noon

The School Year 2022-23

Belle Vue Staff and Governors 2022/2023

Administration and Support

Mrs S Giddins

Mrs J Doyle

Mrs S Cooper

Mrs A Cameron

Miss C Blair

Mrs S Brown

STA

Midday Supervisor & Out Of School Club Assistant

STA

STA & Breakfast Club Leader

STA

Midday Supervisor

After School Club Leader & STA

STA

Mrs R Millea

Mrs R Marsh

Ms K Lowe

Miss K Davison

Mr S Winter

Mrs C Marston

Mrs J Coleman

Cleaner

Cleaner

Cleaner

Cleaner

Site Manager

School Administrator

School Administrator

Mrs J Aitchison Mrs S Brooks Mrs D Cannon Mrs K Devlin Mrs H French Mrs D Hickson Mrs A Hill

Start of Term Monday 24 to Friday 28 October 2022

Wednesday 7 September 2022 Half Term

Start of Term

Monday 23 to Friday 27 October 2023

Wednesday 6 September 2023

Mrs C Lewis

Mrs A Kersey

Mr P Jenkinson

Mrs L Hodgson

Half Term

Tuesday 19 December 2023

Wednesday 3 January 2024

Mrs S Messenger

Mr B Meaton

End of Term

Start of Term

Spring Term 2024 Tuesday 4 January 2023

Spring Term 2023 Start of Term

Monday 12 to Friday 16 February 2024

Tuesday 16 April 2024

Mr G Kydd

Half Term

Friday 29 March 2024

Monday 20 to Friday 24 February 2023

Start of Term

Monday 1 April 2024

Half Term

Good Friday

Monday 6 May 2024

Thursday 28 March 2024

Tuesday 17 April 2023

Easter Monday

Monday 27 to Friday 31 May 2024

End of Term

Friday 7 April 2023

Early May Bank Holiday

Friday 19 July 2024

Friday 31 March 2023

Start of Term Monday 10 April 2023

Half Term

End of Term

Support Staff

Mrs H Green

STA & Midday Supervisor

School Administrator

Leadership Team

Mrs A Gregan

STA

School Business Manager

Mrs M Harrison

STA

Mrs A Archibald

Mrs C Hitchen

STA

Midday Supervisor

Mrs L Hodgson

STA, Midday Supervisor & Out Of School Club Assistant

Miss G Allen

Mrs J Hodgson

STA

Headteacher

Mrs T Keal

STA & Senior Midday Supervisor

Mr A Cairns

Mrs R Marsh

Midday Supervisor

Mrs D Aitchison

Miss K Martin

STA & Senior Midday Supervisor

STA & Midday Supervisor

Mrs C McKie

Mrs S Allen

Mrs J Nunn

Deputy Headteacher

Miss R Nash

Mr M Shenton

Miss E Page

STA

Miss B Richardson STA

Teaching Staff

Mrs A Reed

Mrs H Sanderson

Midday Supervisor

Good Friday Monday 1 May 2023

End of Term

Summer Term 2024

Easter Monday

Monday 29 May to Friday 2 June 2023

Summer Term 2023

Early May Bank Holiday

Friday 19 July 2023

Mr A Cairns

Mrs R Watling

Staff Representative

Headteacher

LA Representative

Mrs A Evans

Vice Chair

Chair of Governors

Mrs D Aitchison

Clerk to the Governors

Mrs L Shannan

Mrs L Howard

Parent Representatives

Mrs J Thomas

Mr D Ramshaw

Mrs C Bowditch

Rev I Johnston

Mr P Thompson

Co-opted Representatives

Mrs S Cooper

The Governing Body

Site Team

Mr M Shenton

Mrs J Scott

Midday Supervisor

Miss D Airey

Mrs A Temple

Mrs S Taylor

STA & Midday Supervisor

Tuesday 20 December 2022

Autumn Term 2023

Mrs R Townsend

Mrs S Thompson

Midday Supervisor & Out Of School Club Assistant

End of Term

Autumn Term 2022

Miss A Wharton

Mrs K Vorley

Midday Supervisor

Half Term

Mathematics Teacher/ Music Specialist (PPA)

Ms L Wardle

End of Term

The Friends of Belle Vue School The Friends of Belle Vue are a group of parents who give their spare time on a voluntary basis to organise fundraising events and activities for those in our school community. The aim is to use funds raised to help fund additional ‘treats’ for the children, such as Christmas activities, or to supplement additional resources such as library books. Our main events are the Christmas and Summer Fayres. Other events throughout the year include Chocolate Bingo, Discos, Cake Sales, Fashion Shows and much more!

The Friends of Belle Vue are a great group to be a part of - we look forward to welcoming you! Please contact the school office for further information on how you can play a positive role in your child’s education whilst having great fun!

Teaching & Learning

Our staff are committed to raising standards and providing the best possible education for our pupils. We ensure relevant and challenging learning experiences for all pupils.

The staff are united in this common approach and work hard to establish an ethos of ongoing rigorous development for all learners.

In this school there is:

n Effective planning that takes account of the learning needs of all pupils.

n Effective teaching that motivates and inspires all pupils to achieve their best work.

n Relevant opportunities for pupils to engage in a wide range of challenging learning experiences.

n Continuity and progression in the learning of all pupils from reception to Year 6.

Ofsted 2018

The Leadership team ensures that all safeguarding arrangements are of a high standard. Your school site is safe and secure and visitors are carefully checked on entry. Staff and Governors undertake a broad range of safeguarding training.

This ensures that they understand their role in keeping pupils safe.

At Belle Vue...

We always try our best.

We never give up.

We believe in ourselves.

We stay focused.

We are curious.

We try new things and get involved.

We work well with others.

We go the extra mile.

We act on advice.

We make links between our learning.

These Learning Behaviours were identified by our pupils. They are special to our school and were agreed with pupils, staff, parents and Governors.

They support our learning, whatever our role.

Belle Vue Summer Wear:

The Belle Vue Uniform Items with our school logo can be purchased from:

n During the Summer Term and up to the October Half Term, boys are able to wear charcoal grey school shorts. Girls may wear a blue checked summer dress with a navy cardigan.

Jewellery

We have high expectations of pupils’ appearance.

n Navy Tracksuit with school logo.

n Navy fleece/jacket with school logo.

n Navy book bag with logo for Reception and Key Stage 1.

n Reception children may wear Grey Joggers for outdoor learning provision.

Optional items available include:

The Schoolwear Shop, Unit 3, Atlas Works, Nelson Street, Denton Holme, Carlisle, CA2 5NB. Telephone: 01228 810 555 Or online from: www.tesco.com/ues

Please note that for any orders made online from Tesco, Belle Vue school receives a 5% donation from Tesco.

The Belle Vue school uniform consists of the following: n Navy sweatshirt or cardigan with school logo. n Charcoal grey trousers, pinafore or skirt. n Charcoal grey tights.

n Black shoes with low heels, no trainers or sports shoes.

n White polo shirt (logo optional).

The Belle Vue PE Kit:

Other jewellery; chains, necklaces, bracelets, and any hoop or drop earrings; are NOT permitted in school at all. Thank you for your support in this matter.

It is best if jewellery is not worn at all. However, watches and plain stud earrings are permitted, but they MUST be removed for PE lessons. The responsibility for their care rests with the pupil.

n Navy shorts, plain white round neck T-shirt and plimsolls or trainers for outdoor lessons.

n Dark coloured tracksuits may be worn in the winter months.

The school has received national awards and this is further testament to the broad and balanced curriculum that you passionately believe each and every one of your pupils is entitled to. Ofsted 2018

School Lunches

Pastoral Care

Belle Vue School Policies Our team create a great menu of fresh, home-cooked and nutritionally balanced meals every day including a range of freshbaked breads.

When we suspect that a child is ill, parents are contacted by telephone. It is important that we have more than one contact telephone number, in case this situation arises. Naturally, we care for the children to the very best of our ability until the parent arrives. There are a large number of qualified First Aiders in School.

Illness at School

‘Prevent’ Duty

If you are still concerned you should arrange to meet with the Headteacher and/or Deputy Headteacher(s). As a staff we will do all we can to resolve your concerns and to ensure you are happy with your child’s education.

If you become concerned in any way about your child’s education it is important that you speak to us. As a first step you should discuss your concerns with your child’s teacher.

Complaints

We encourage students to accept responsibility for their behaviour, show initiative, and to understand how they can contribute positively to the lives of those living and working in the locality of the school and to society more widely.

We support and adhere to the latest guidance from the DfE which requires schools to actively promote the fundamental ‘British Values’ of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, and mutual respect for and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs and for those without faith. We do this through our broad and balanced curriculum which includes assemblies.

In-line with the Government’s ‘Prevent’ agenda, our Child Protection Policy reiterates our commitment to ensuring our children grow as responsible, well-rounded citizens. We will do anything we can to protect our pupils from the threat of terrorism or radical ideology, and we have a zero tolerance approach to extremism in our school. Our staff are well-trained as to what to do in such circumstances.

Medicine

If prescribed, medication has to be administered in school, please hand it in to the school office in its original packaging displaying the named prescription sticker and complete the relevant permission form. This must be signed by a parent or guardian. All medication must be prescribed by a doctor. Should your child’s requirements change over the year please inform the school office immediately.

Thank you.

We do not usually give un-prescribed medicine to children in school.

If it is necessary for a child to have un-prescribed medicine during school hours then please discuss this with the Headteacher and arrange to come to school to give the medicine to your child yourself.

It is also expected that the school will be provided with ample advance notice of Doctor, Dentist, Hospital Appointments wherever possible. If children must be taken out during the school day, parents should collect their child from the main school office where they will be signed out.

Where ongoing specific needs exist, a formal care plan will be drawn up and agreed between the parents/guardians, staff and the school nurse.

We place great emphasis on ensuring your child is safe whilst they are in our care. All visitors must report to the main school office upon arrival. All external doors are secured with keypads and the grounds and building are continually covered by CCTV.

Site Security

Persistent lateness will be challenged by the school, and where necessary, the Inclusion Officer from the Local Authority will become involved.

Where absence through illness cannot be avoided, it is important that parents ring school to inform of the reason by 9:15am on the day of absence. Where no notification is received, this will be followed up by our staff, and marked as ‘unauthorised absence’ until and unless a satisfactory reason can be ascertained.

Absences from School

All school staff are responsible for the pastoral care of pupils; the school has a caring and friendly atmosphere. Children are encouraged to speak to their class teacher, or the Headteacher about any problems or worries they may have. If you have any concerns about your child, speak to us at your earliest convenience and we will help in any way that we can.

Orian have introduced Lunch Shop, which is an online ordering and payment system. Parents and children can go online and choose meals together, in advance. Meals can be paid for online, with balances topped-up easily whenever you need to.

We do ask that meals are ordered two weeks in advance to enable food orders to be placed and goods to be delivered. Meals are priced at £2.55 per meal. To ensure our ordering system is accurate we do ask for two weeks notice to switch between school dinners and packed lunches.

In September 2014, the Government introduced free school meals for all primary school pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2.

However, please note, If you receive one of the qualifying benefits for Free School Meals and the Clothing Grant, please still apply as this qualifies your child to receive the ‘Pupil Premium’, which is extra funding for the school to help your child. Full details of this can be found in the Pupil Premium section of our website.

Packed Lunches If your child wishes to bring a packed lunch instead please note that as we are a ‘healthy school’, your child’s packed lunch must not contain fizzy drinks or sweets (including chocolate bars).

Due to recent changes in the law, Headteachers are no longer able to authorise any holidays in term time unless there are exceptional circumstances. Any requests for a holiday to be authorised during term time need to be made in writing to the Headteacher. All applications are considered on an individual basis.

A copy of Belle Vue’s full Complaints Procedure is available from the school office or the school website.

6. Parental Disagreement: The management of school applications may be severely delayed during the main admissions round where separated parents or carers of the child each submit a separate application for different schools. The School Admissions Code 2021 states that only one offer per child can be made by the LA. In this situation the LA asks that parents or carers attempt to resolve matters between themselves and inform the LA in writing of which application should be processed. The LA will not become involved in private disputes.

In a situation where parents or carers are unable to reach an agreement the LA will decide which application should be processed. In most circumstances the LA will process the application submitted by the parent or carer who is in receipt of child benefit for the child to whom the application relates. In some circumstances, the LA may also suggest that parents or carers seek independent legal advice and ask that they provide copies of any relevant court order relating to child arrangements.

7. The Admissions Timetable: The timetable for the September 2023 application and allocation processes for entry to Reception in an infant or primary school, Year 3 in a junior school and Year 7 in a secondary school will be in line with the co-ordinated admissions scheme.

8. Late Applications: For all schools, applications which are received or changed after the published closing date will only be considered in exceptional circumstances. Even if there are exceptional circumstances, applications submitted after the relevant published date, contained within the co-ordinated admission scheme, will not be considered until after allocations for those parents or carers who applied on time have been made. Any evidence submitted after the relevant date to support a late application or change of preference will not be considered. Affected applicants will not receive an offer with other parents on national offer day, instead receiving one on ‘re-allocation day’.

Details of closing dates, and other relevant dates can be found: i) in the parental information booklets for admission to an infant or primary school, transfer to junior school and transfer to secondary school in September 2023; ii) in the 2023-24 co-ordinated admissions scheme for all maintained schools and academies in the area of Cumbria; and iii) on the county council website – cumbria.gov.uk/schooladmissions 9. Waiting Lists: In the main admissions round the LA will maintain a waiting list for each community and voluntary controlled primary and secondary school, i.e. those schools where the LA is the admission authority, until 31 December of the normal school year of admission. Once places have been allocated, children refused a place will continue to be considered for any vacancies which become available up until 31 December of the normal year of admission.

Each child that is added to the list will require the list to be ranked again in line with the published oversubscription criteria. Priority will not be given based on the date that the application was received or the name was added to the waiting list. Vacancies will always be allocated by applying the determined admissions arrangements and length of time on the waiting list will not be a consideration.

If a request for an in-year school place is refused, parents and carers can request that the child’s name be added to a waiting list. The request must be submitted in writing, by letter or e-mail. If a place becomes available, it will be allocated using the oversubscription criteria set out in the LA’s general admissions policy (Appendix 2). The child’s name will remain on the waiting list until the end of the academic year in which the request for the school place was submitted. To re-apply to remain on the waiting list for the following academic year, parents and carers will need to contact school admissions again by e-mail or in writing; e-mail: school.admissions@cumbria.gov.uk

11. Twins and Siblings of Multiple Births: Where places are available for some but not all children from multiple births (including twins) the LA will exercise the discretion offered by the School Admissions Code 2014 to offer all of the children a place. Where this results in an infant class exceeding 30 pupils, additional children admitted under these arrangements will be treated as ‘excepted pupils’ for the duration of their infant education and will not constitute a breach of legislative requirements.

10. Early, Deferred or Delayed Entry to all Schools and Part Time Attendance at Infant/Primary Schools: Children are entitled to a fulltime place in the September following their fourth birthday but if a child who has not reached compulsory school age has been allocated a Reception place and their parent or carer wishes to defer entry to school, the place will be held open. Entry cannot be deferred beyond the point at which the child reaches compulsory school age and not beyond the beginning of the final term of the school year for which the place was allocated. Parents or carers can request that their child takes up the place part-time until the child reaches compulsory school age.

Summer-born children (children born between 1 April and 31 August) do not attain compulsory school age until the September after they would normally start school in Reception. In line with government recommendation, the LA as the admission authority for community and voluntary controlled schools will admit these children into a Reception class a year later than usual at their parents’ or carers request. These children will remain eligible for their full entitlement to schooling, and will subsequently transfer to junior (where applicable) and secondary school with other children in the year group in which they have been educated, rather than with their ‘chronological cohort’.

Where a summer-born child is allocated, and takes up a September Reception place, in the normal year of admission (i.e. the beginning of the academic year in which they turn 5) then subsequently attends school beyond the end of the autumn term of the admission year, an application for a Reception place for the following September will not be considered as a ‘summer-born’ application. In this situation the child has already commenced school and any request to be admitted out of the normal year group will be considered on its individual merits.

Other requests, for early or delayed transfer to secondary school, for example, will be considered on their individual merits and in line with the provisions of the School Admissions Code 2021. Unlike delayed entry for summer-born children, others have no automatic right to education outside of their chronological age group, although there is no legal bar to this.

Parents or carers seeking early transfer should submit their request to school admissions by 30 September for secondary applications, and by 31 October for primary applications in the year before that in which they would usually apply. This will allow time for the application to be considered prior to the closing date for applications. Parents or carers will still need to submit preferences by the appropriate closing date.

Parents or carers seeking delayed entry to school or transfer to a junior or secondary school should submit their request by the same dates in the year in which they would apply if their child was transferring at the usual age. This will allow consideration of the request prior to the closing date for preferences to be submitted, allowing parents or carers sufficient time to submit preferences in the event their request is denied.

Cumbria Education Service Admissions Policy 2023-2024 for Community and Voluntary Controlled Schools

These are the 2023-2024 admission arrangements for community and voluntary controlled primary and secondary schools, i.e. those schools where the Local Authority (LA) is the admission authority.

1. Co-ordinated Admission Arrangements: In line with current legislation, the LA has drawn up a separate scheme to co-ordinate admissions to maintained schools and academies within Cumbria for the main admissions round.

2. Published Admission Numbers: The admission number the LA will publish for each community and voluntary controlled school is shown in Appendix 1.

3. The General Admissions Policy for 2023-2024: The General Admissions Policy will be used to allocate places at those schools which are oversubscribed. This is attached as Appendix 2 for entry to Reception, Year 3 and Year 7 and as Appendix 3 for entry to Year 12.

4. Address to be Used in Determining Priority for Admission: If a school is oversubscribed, the address of the parent or carer with whom the child normally lives will be used in the allocation process. Where a child’s address is difficult to determine, for example where shared living arrangements are in place, in most circumstances, the address of the parent or carer claiming child benefit will be used.

In some circumstances, the LA may also suggest that parents or carers seek independent legal advice and ask that they provide copies of any relevant court order relating to child arrangements.

Residency at a particular address is a key factor in allocating places at oversubscribed schools. If you move house you must contact the LA to provide details of the new address. For the application to be considered on the basis of the new address, documentary evidence will need to be provided. The LA will need to be satisfied that you will be resident at this new address on national offer day and at the time that your child would be admitted to the school that you are applying for. LA representatives may visit the address given as the child’s residence to verify that he/she lives there.

5. Fraudulent Applications and Withdrawal of a School Place: The LA will not withdraw an offer of a place unless it has been made in error or it is established that the offer was obtained through a fraudulent or misleading application. An application will not be withdrawn because an offer was made in error once the student has taken up the place at the school. Where an offer is withdrawn on the basis of fraudulent or misleading information, the application will be considered again on the basis of the correct information, and parents or carers will have a right of appeal where no place can be offered.

Where parents or carers are found to have made a fraudulent application for a school place but the LA decides that it is not in the best interest of the child to withdraw the place, should a school place be sought for any other sibling or siblings the criteria that provide a higher priority for a school place for siblings will not be applied.

Where a place has been offered on the basis of a timely parental application, the place will not be withdrawn unless one of the exceptions set out in paragraph 2.13 of the School Admissions Code 2021 applies: • An admission authority must not withdraw an offer unless: i) t has been offered in error; ii) a parent or carer has not responded within a reasonable period of time; and iii) it is established that the offer was obtained through a fraudulent or intentionally misleading application.

12. Siblings: Siblings of children attending their catchment area school have a higher priority for admission when places are allocated at oversubscribed community and voluntary controlled schools.

Expressing a preference for a school other than the catchment school may result in there not being places available for younger siblings when they are due to start school. Catchment children will have a higher priority for places than children living outside of the catchment area, including those children living outside the catchment area with siblings that already attend the school.

Siblings are brothers or sisters living at the same address and includes step and foster children.

13. Children Previously Looked After by a Local Authority and Children Previously Looked After outside England: 1) Children Previously Looked After by a Local Authority: Children previously looked after are children who were looked after, but have ceased to be so because they were adopted (under the terms of the Adoption and Children Act 2002) or became subject to a Child Arrangements Order or Special Guardianship Order (Children Act 1989).

For a previously looked after child to be considered under category 1 of the LA General Admissions Policy, the parent or carer will need to provide appropriate written evidence to support the application. It is the responsibility of the parent or carer to provide appropriate documentary evidence with the application; without this it will not be possible to consider the application under category 1 of the LA General Admissions Policy.

2) Children Previously Looked After outside England: Current advice issued by the Department for Education (DfE) in July 2021 states that a child previously looked after outside of England is one that was looked after, outside England, by a public authority, a religious organisation or another provider of care whose sole purpose is to benefit society.

For a child previously looked after outside England to be considered under category 1 of the LA General Admissions Policy, the parent or carer will need to provide appropriate written evidence to support the application, for example, a UK adoption order or a copy of the adoption order from the child’s county of origin (to be updated as appropriate). It is the responsibility of the parent or carer to provide the appropriate documentary evidence with the application; without this it will not be possible to consider the application under category 1 of the LA General Admissions Policy.

For further information, please contact the School Admissions Team: Email: school.admissions@cumbria.gov.uk or Tel: 01228 221582 14. Children of UK Service Personnel (UK Armed Forces) and Crown Servants: Any admission requests received for children of UK service personnel and crown servants will be processed in line with the School Admissions Code 2021, paragraph 2.21.

For further information, please contact the School Admissions Team: Email: school.admissions@cumbria.gov.uk or Tel: 01228 221582

15. Admissions to Nursery Schools and Infant/Primary Schools Offering Nursery Education: These arrangements do not apply to the admission of nursery pupils. Nursery admission arrangements will be determined separately. Attendance at a school’s nursery does not guarantee admission to the school’s Reception group.

All parents or carers of children who are due to start school will need to complete and submit an application (online or Form SA1) for a Reception place at the preferred school by the appropriate closing date.

16. Transfer from Infant to Junior/Primary Schools: Attendance at an infant school does not guarantee admission to the associated junior school.

All parents or carers of children in Year 2 at a junior school will need to complete and submit an application (online or Form SA2) for a Year 3 place at the preferred school by the appropriate closing date.

17. Admission to School Sixth Forms (not relevant)

18. Catchment Areas: Cumbria County Council operates a ‘catchment area’ approach to school admissions. Most (not all) schools have a defined catchment area. Details of the arrangements for each school can be made available on request. Where an area is not included within an agreed catchment area, the “catchment area school” will be the nearest school to the parental home.

Any enquiries regarding catchment areas in relation to the allocation of school places should be directed to the School Admissions Team: Email: school.admissions@cumbria.gov.uk or Tel: 01228 221582

19. Distance Measurements: 1) Straight-line Measure: Where there are more applications than places available at a community or voluntary controlled school for entry to all year groups, applications will be prioritised using the criteria set out in Appendix 2 and Appendix 3. For any criteria that gives priority to those living closest to the school, distance measurements will be undertaken using the LAs computerised Geographical Information System (GIS). This measurement will be a straight-line measurement between the centre of the pupil’s home address and a common point on the school site as determined by the LA. 2) Shortest Walking Route by Road: Where a place cannot be offered at any of the parents or carers’ preferred schools, the LA will allocate a place at the nearest school in Cumbria to the home address with a place available after all timely applications have been processed. In these circumstances, the distance will be measured by the shortest walking route by road between the pupil’s home address and the nearest available entrance on the school site, using the LA’s GIS mapping system.

20. In-Year Admissions: 1) The LA is the admissions authority for all community and voluntary schools in Cumbria. A list of community and voluntary schools is attached as Appendix 1.

2) Applications for an in-year place at a community or voluntary school must be made by completing the application Form SA8.

3) Parents/carers can find a copy of the Form SA8 on the county council website at: cumbria.gov.uk/childrensservices/schoolsandlearning/lss/applyfora ninyearplaceincumbria/applyforaninyearplace.asp or by contacting the School Admissions Team, e-mail: school.admissions@cumbria.gov.uk or tel: 01228 221582.

4) The completed Form SA8 must be returned to the LA School Admissions Team for processing. Completed forms can be returned by post or by e-mail.

5) On receipt of an in-year application, the LA School Admissions Team will contact the preferred school(s) regarding the availability of a place in the relevant year group.

6) The outcome of the application will be notified to the parent/carer within 10 school days.

7) Where an application for a place is offered and accepted, arrangements will be made for the child to start school as soon as possible. The parent/carer will be advised to contact the school to make the necessary arrangements for admission.

8) Where an application for a place is refused, the reason for the refusal will be set out in the letter and information about the right of appeal will also be provided.

9) Parents/carers who are refused a place at the preferred school(s) can request that their child’s name be added to a waiting list to be considered should a place become available in the relevant year group at the school. For more information about waiting lists maintained by the LA please refer to section 10 of these arrangements.

10) If the LA receives a number of in-year requests for places at a particular school and there are insufficient places to offer a place to all applicants, the place or places that are available will be allocated in line with the determined admission arrangements.

Where a parent or carer wishes to change school for their child there may be circumstances when the LA may not offer a place at a community or voluntary controlled school before the first day of the term following receipt of Form SA8 (request for an in year school place). However, wherever possible, when a place has been offered, arrangements for admission to the school will be made as soon as possible.

Any place offered must be taken up within 6 (school) weeks or it may be withdrawn and offered to another applicant.

Belle Vue’s School Rules We always try our best.

We treat everyone with kindness and respect.

We look after our school environment & our community.

We look after our own and others’ belongings.

We take pride in all that we do.

We travel around school safely.

We care for each other and help other people.

We take responsibility for our actions.

We value differences in other people.

We speak to someone if we have a problem.

Our School Rules were agreed with the School Council. They help us to learn, keep safe and be happy.

Belle Vue Primary School Beaver Road, Belle Vue, Carlisle, Cumbria CA2 7PT.

01228 593 161 bellevue.cumbria.sch.uk

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