Great Missenden C of E Combined School Prospectus
Taking you step by step through starting our school...
"Believe and Achieve"
Welcome
Welcome to Great Missenden School, the foundingschool of the Great Learners
Trust. It’s excitingnews that your child is joiningour wonderful school community. We look forward to working in partnershipwith you as parents and carers to ensure that the children have a happy and smooth transitioninto life at Great Missenden School.
We strive to ensure each and every child at Great Missenden leaves us with a thirst for learningand has realised their full personal potential. Our aim is that children come out of the school gates every day saying, “That was the best day ever!”
Our School Motto is:
“Believe and Achieve”
Our values are: Truth, Love, Faith, Courage, Respect, Community
Mr Magee, Headteacher
Our School
Great Missenden Church of England School is a primary school located in the Chiltern hills, originallyfounded in 1823.
We have approximately 450 children, rangingin age from rising 5's to 11, with a Pre-school for 3-4 year olds. We are an academy school in the Great Learners Trust.
We are a church school and aim to nurture the spiritual, cultural, moral andsocial development of the children and to foster mutual respect and responsibility.
We offer exceptional facilities includingan extensive sports fields, a MUGA, two large playgrounds, forest school, gardens, a trim trail, a large dininghall offeringhot school lunches and cooking facilities for children's lessons, a music room and a library an ICT suite and pupils also have access to ipads laptops.
We are extremely proud of our professional, hardworking team of teachers and support staff. We are also fortunate to have specialistteachers in languages, musicand PE.
Key Information
• School opening times:
• 8.30 am—8:50am: School gates open
• 8.50am: Registration
• 10.30am – 10.45am: Morningbreak
• 11.45am – 12.45pm: Lunch break (EYFS and Key Stage 1)
• 12.15pm – 1.15pm: Lunch break (Years 3 and 4)
• 12.45pm – 1.45pm: Lunch break (Years 5 and 6)
• 3.15pm: End of school day
Children in Key Stage 1 receive an additional mid-afternoonbreak.
The school gates open at 8.30am and children are dropped at the KS1 and KS2 Playgrounds. At 8.40am, the bell rings and children enter their classrooms ready for registration. At the end of the day, Parents can enter the playground at 3.05pm ready to collect their children when they are dismissed at 3.15pm.
If your child misses the gates or morning registration, please bring them to the school office to sign in. The office staff can escort them to class if required.
Uniform
School uniform plays a valuable role in contributing to the ethos of our school. The aim is to present a smart appearance that promotes a sense of belonging and pride in our school.
All items of uniform, PE kit and school bags must be clearly labelled with the pupil’s name and class.
Winter uniform
• White short-sleeved polo shirt
• Navy sweatshirt or cardigan with school logo
• Dark grey school trousers or shorts
• Dark grey skirt (knee length)
• Smart black shoes
• Dark grey socks or tights
Summer uniform (summer term only)
• As above
• Blue gingham summer dress (worn with white socks)
Reception and KS1 children may wear a dark grey tunic with a plain white polo shirt
Reception and KS1 children must have a Great Missenden School book bag . KS2 children may bring an appropriate bag of their choice.
Coats should be warm and waterproof.
PE kit:
· Dark / light blue sports polo with school logo
· Navy shorts or skort
· Navy / light blue sports socks
· Navy tracksuit with logo may be worn for outdoor sports in winter
· Indoor PE is performed in bare feet
· Trainers for outdoor PE and games
· Football boots and shin pads (optional)
Other information
· Long hair must be tied back at all times.
· Navy or black hairbands only
· No jewellery, exceptearrings. Earrings must be plain studs and must be removed or taped during PE or swimming.
· Bookbags, gym bags, water bottles and hats are also available via PL Schoolwear.
Uniform can be purchased from PL Schoolwear
Second Hand Uniform Shop
Communication
The school communicates with parents by email and key information can also be found on our school and the Great Learners Trust websites.
Newsletters are sent out every week updatingparents on events in school, key dates and providing useful reminders.
Dates can be found on the school website calendar.
Subscribe to the calendar which populates your diary with school events here
Follow us on facebook and twitter for regular school updates, announcements and news.
The office can be contacted by calling 01494 862310 or emailing:
office@gmglt.co.uk for all general enquiries, please note this is a very busy inbox and any emails that need to be dealt with that day should be directed to the email addresses shown below. attendance@gmglt.co.uk for all daily child absence notifications, medical appointments, dropping/collecting pupils and bus bookings.
ampmclubs@gmglt.co.uk for any amendments or cancellations to Jelly Beans Club bookings.
safeguarding@gmglt.co.uk this email address should only be used for urgent safeguarding concerns.
Contact
Inclusion@gmglt.co.uk this email address should be used for any communications relating to SEND.
Year group emails :
Preschool: preschoolclass@gmglt.co.uk
Reception: receptionclass@gmglt.co.uk
Year 1: year1@gmglt.co.uk
Year 2: year2@gmglt.co.uk
Year 3: year3@gmglt.co.uk
Year 4: year4@gmglt.co.uk
Year 5: year5@gmglt.co.uk
Year 6: year6@gmglt.co.uk
SchoolSystems
Arbor
We use a data management system called Arbor to manage all our students’ personal information.
It’s important that your information is kept up to date, i.e. change of home address or change of phone numbers, as this is the only record we hold of your emergency contact details for your family.
Prior to your child starting school, you must log into Arbor and input the information required for your child. Individual login details will be provided via email.
Everyonehas their own, unique log-in for Arbor which ensures that the data it contains remains secure.
If any of your personal information changes during your child’s time at Great Missenden School it is your responsibility to log into Arbor and make the necessary changes.
School Gateway
School Gateway is our payment and consent system for school visits and activities. It is also used to book and pay for wrap around care and book places on the school bus.
Schoolcloud
Schoolcloud is the parents evening booking system. In the event that appointments need to take place virtually, this is also where you will ’meet’ with your child's teacher remotely.
Tapestry
Tapestry is secure online journal to help record all the learning and fun of children's early years education. It is used in Preschool, Reception and EYFS year groups.
School Food United
AIP is our school meals provider, and meals are ordered and paid for online via School Food United
Reporting Absence
Parents must phone or email the schoolbefore 9am each day their child is absent, as the school must be able to account for all pupils. Please call 01494 862310 (option 0) and leave a message or email attendance@gmglt.co.uk
RequestsFor Absence
Every school day matters. We ask parents to make every possible effort to avoid taking children out of school during term time.
To request an absence, an AbsenceRequest Form must be submitted to the Head Teacher in advance of any planned absence. All requests will be considered against the child's attendance records before permission is granted.
Absence
Absences during term time will not be authorised unless there are exceptional reasons why the event cannot happen at any other time. Holidays will not be authorised in term time.
We also ask that, wherever possible, routine medical appointments should be made outside of school hours. If your child has a medical appointment during the school day, please notify us in advance by emailing attendance@gmglt.co.uk and sign your child in or out on the day at the office.
Lateness
The school day begins with registration promptly at 8.50am. We ask that children arrive on time to ensurethat they have a positive start to their day. Please ensure your child is not late for school. Children who arrive late must report to the school officewhere you must sign them in.
Attendance policy
Absence Request Form
Supporting Medical Needs
Medical Conditions
Any child with a medical condition requiring medication or support in school should have an individual Health Care Plan, which details what support the child needs.
Please click here for a Health Care Plan and return to office@gmglt.co.uk.
Medicines are kept in the school office and where required can be stored in a fridge and collected at the end of the day.
Illness / Accidents at school
For children joining at the start of a new academic year, these arrangements should be in place and medications brought to the school office before your child commences school.
Where a child joins mid-term or a new diagnosis is given, arrangements should be in place as soon as possible, ideally within 2 weeks.
Medication in school
We understand that sometimes it’s necessary for your child to have medication administered during the school day and if this does occur, we can help.
Please complete Parental Agreement for School to Administer Medication form and return to the office with the medicine.
We can only support with medication that needs to be administered 4 times a day. All administration of medicine is time and date recorded.
If your child is unwell or has a minor accident, we provide basic first aid where necessary and notify you by email or telephone where applicable. If your child needs to go home due to illness or accident, we will inform you immediately. It is important that we can contact you in the unlikely event of an emergency, so please keep Arbor updated with your correct contact details and the name of an emergency contact in case we can’t get hold you.
The ‘48 hour rule’
In general, it is recommended that any staff member or child with diarrhoea and/or vomiting symptoms must stay away or be excluded from the school until they have been free of symptoms for 48 hours (the '48 hour rule') and feel well.
Teaching & Learning
Our aim is to provide an environment which stimulates and celebrates learning and recognises individual achievements at every level. Children are encouraged to take charge of their own learning right from the start, to develop selfmotivation and responsibility. We feel that it is not just what is learned but how it is learned that determines lasting attitudes to education.
A wide range of teaching and learning strategies are used and classes are often taught in small groups so that each child has asmuch individual attention as possible. Therefore, work is at the appropriate level for each child, some requiring extra help for a specific difficulty, others needing to extend the work to a more advanced level.
“Challenge For All”
We have high expectations for all children. It is fundamental that children develop maths skills, learn to read fluently, and that writing skills, with emphasis on spelling and grammar, are fostered at an early age. We place great importance on teaching these subjects since they form the basis upon which all further education depends.
Everything we do at Great Missenden is led by our motto which is ‘Believe and Achieve'. During their time at Great Missenden, we want all our children to develop a real love and thirst for learning which will remain with them for their entire lives, preparing them for the challenges of secondary education and enabling them to flourish in all that they do.
Curriculum & Assessment
We are Curriculum (WAC)
Having designed a 'We are Curriculum,' at Great Missenden, we are mathematicians, authors, geographers, historians, artists, designers, scientists, theologians, sociologists, athletes and so much more.
We believe that an exciting, deep curriculum is essential for children to be inspired to learn and we work hard to make our curriculum irresistible and inclusive for all. Through rich and engaging cross curricular Learning (based on the National Curriculum), we motivate learners ensuring that they have a broad and balanced understanding of the world around them whilst creating memorable learning experiences during their time at Great Missenden.
All children take a reading book home each evening and have a Home–School Reading Record in which comments may be written. The amount of home learning increases as the child progresses through the school. Children are also encouraged to use our well-equipped library.
Assessment and Recordsof Achievement
The children's work in class is monitored by their teachers, and their progress is confirmed and moderated by regular optional and statutory assessments.This builds up a detailed picture of each child. These ongoing assessments are discussed with parents at consultation evenings. They are shared with parents in written reports in the Summer Term. If any child plateaus or falls behind during the year, parents are informed immediately.
Inclusion
We pride ourselves in being an inclusive school which offers exceptional care, guidance and support to all our pupils. We aim to meet the needs of all our children, including those with special educational needs or disabilities, English as an additional language and those identified as being gifted and talented.
Special Educational Needs
We are committed to providing ‘Challenge for All’ in order to ensure that every pupil, including those with SEND, achieves their full potential.
Challenging and enjoyable
We believe all children have individual needs, strengths and talents which should be met through a challenging, enjoyable and enriched curriculum which provides opportunities for all children to work at their own level and pace. We recognise that many children may require additional support, or additional challenges, at some point within their learning journey.
Equal opportunities
We believe that all children should be equally valued in school and have a Growth Mindset. We strive to remove any barriers to learning which could hinder or exclude individual pupils with SEND. We believe all children should have the opportunity to flourish and feel safe. We support the development of the whole child, whilst valuing and celebrating the many and varied abilities displayed by all children.
Home Learning
At Great Missenden we believe that home learning is an essential and valuable element of a child’s education, but it must be purposeful and meaningful. It may be hard work at times, but when children realise the connection between home and school learning, it can be rewarding and exciting.
We aim to work in partnership, providing clear and relevant information about each child’s progress and development. We ask parents to read regularly with their child and to support them in their home learning.
We hold regular open days where parents are invited to come in, see the children at work, and engage in discussion about specific topics. Themes for these open days have included literacy, maths, Challenge For All and Growth Mindset.
Parent Consultations
Parent consultations are held in the autumn and spring terms, when teachers feedback on how children are performing and progressing in relation to the National Curriculum objectives. A progress report is sent home at the end of the summer term, with an optional parents’ consultation opportunity.
Wellbeing
At Great Missenden School, the emotional wellbeing and mental health of our children and their families is as importantto us at as academicgrowth and development.
Pastoral Care
We pride ourselves on the high level of pastoral care we provide at Great Missenden. If you have a concern about any aspect of school life do not hesitate to let us know. Responsibility for pastoralcare lies primarily with the class teacher in close liaison with both the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher.
All children are asked at the start of each academic year, to identify an adult in the school with whom they would talk if they had any anxieties or problems.
Healthy Minds
We believe that good mental health is important to thrive in life. We have special assemblies focusingon mental health. A sample of some of the interventions we offer to help children to improve their mental health include; Nurture Groups, Social Stories, Zones of Regulation.
Pupils have the opportunity to join the following groups. They hold regular meetings and make decisions and improvementsfor the whole school.
• Agents for Change
• School Nutrition Active Group
• ECO Warriors
• Junior Leadership Team
• Language Ambassadors
• Sports Ambassadors
• Librarians
Food For Life
Great Missenden school is committed to a policy of healthy eating. We are a gold ‘Food for Life’ school - one of only 20 in the whole country and the only school in Buckinghamshire to achieve this award.
AIP is our school meals provider, and meals are ordered and paid for online via the School Food United website.
We are fortunate to have a school kitchen with a fully trained kitchen team who prepare, cook and serve nutritious meals.
Packed lunches / snacks
Children may choose to bring in a healthy packed lunch and mid-morning snack. Crisps, sweets and chocolate bars are not permitted in lunch boxes.
Mid-morning snacks should be a fruit based or savory based item. Please provide a named water bottle.
Nuts (and products that contain nuts) are not permitted in school as some of our children have severe allergies.
Allergies
On starting the school we ask for a Health Care Plan to be completed with any dietary requirements and for these to also be noted on Aspens Select if your child is having school lunches. We cater for a wide range of dietary needs.
Details of any allergies or food intolerances need to be coordinated with the Food For Life Co-ordinator on ffl@gmglt.co.uk
Clubs & Activities
Teacher Led Clubs
We offer an extensive range of teacher led clubs for pupils to take part which can include:
Football, Basketball, Book Club, Mindfulness, Creative Chaos, Choir, Rock band, newspaper club and Explorers club to name a few.
External clubs
Children have the opportunity to take park in clubs run by outside agencies. These include multisports, football, fencing and chess. More details can be found on the school clubs section of the website.
Swimming
Children from Year 3-5 have swimming lessons once a week for a term at Chiltern Pools in Amersham. We also offer catch up swimming sessions in Year 6 for those children who are not confident when swimming 25 meters.
Forest school
Children in Pre-school have Forest School three times a week and Reception have Forest School at least once a week. We are very fortunate to have a dedicated forest school area onsite complete with mud kitchen and fire pit.
Music
Music tuition is available to KS2 children through Bucks Music Trust.
Trips & Visits
School Trips:
School trips offer our pupils the opportunity to develop their academic learningoutside of the classroom in the wider world relevant to the topics they are studying. Examples include trips to the Chiltern Open Air Museum, River & Rowing Museum, British Museum, NationalHistory Museum, The Globe, YoungVoices at the O2, and Thorpe Park.
Workshops and visits:
Children benefit from immersive experiences, allowingthem to actively participate and learn through experience and to spark interest in various subjects. Examples include Planetarium visit, Victorian themed day, a Florence Nightingale workshop, reptile encounter and farm animal visits.
Residentials:
From Year 3 we offer a sleepover in tents on the school field and in Years 4,5 & 6 children have the opportunity to attend residential trips. These experiences provide valuable opportunities for children to step out of their comfort zones, learn to navigate new environments, and developcrucial life skills in a safe and supportive setting. The memories made duringthese trips can last a lifetime.
Wrap Around Care
Jelly Beans Breakfast Club
Jelly Beans Breakfast Club is open from 7.30am to 8.50am and there are two session options to choose from (7.30-8.50am or 7.50-8.50am). The club offers a healthy, nutritious breakfast, a programme of creative activities and play options, and the opportunity for children to socialise across a range of ages in a safe and welcoming environment.
Jelly Beans After School Club
Jelly Beans After School Club runs from 3.15 pm - 6pm and also has two session options for bookingto choose from (3.15-4.15pm or 3.15-6pm). Children who are booked in for a full session (to 6pm) are given a snack at 4.30pm. Children take part in activities such as ICT, craft and sports , as well as use the play equipment, MUGA trim trail and playground.
Policies and Booking information
• Jelly Beans RegistrationForm
• Policies and Procedures for Jelly Beans Club
• Jelly Beans Information for Parents
Parental Engagement
Parent Teacher Association
We have a very strong Parent / Teacher Association in the school which raises considerable funds for extra items. We always welcome new members, so please refer to the Parents / PTA tab on the website for information and events. The PTA can be contacted on pta@gmglt.co.uk.
Class Reps
Class reps meet once every term with the Headteacher. Two class reps attend from each class, bringing questions or ideas from other parents to the agenda, which are minuted and fed back to parents. Emails are sent by the reps to arrange social events, and to request help for class and school events, with all communications being blind copied to maintain your privacy.
Parental Engagement
Parent interest and involvement in their child’s learning is crucial. We welcome parents helping regularly in the classroom and coming in for special events such as our Farmers’ Markets or class trips.
We aim to work in partnership, providing clear and relevant information about each child’s progress and development. We ask parents to read regularly with their child and to support them in their home learning.
Parental Engagement
Home School Agreement
At Great Missenden we see education as a three-way partnership of children, parents and teachers. In addition, as a church school, we aim to nurture the spiritual, cultural, moral and social development of the children, and to foster mutual respect and responsibility. Upon joining the school, we expect parents and children to support us by signing our Home-School Agreement
Parent Code of Conduct
We value our strong relationship with parents and carers. Together this helps us achieve the very best for the children in a mutually supportive partnership between parents, class teachers and the school community.
To truly create the best outcomes for children requires the relationship between home and school to be based on the principles of care, integrity, trust and mutual respect.
Parent code of conduct policy
Useful Information
Parking
Parents are encouraged to use the Buryfields carpark. The first hour is free and a ticket can be obtained from the parking meter or via Ringo.
The school has an agreement with Buckinghamshire County Council which allows parents to park in the Link Road car park between the hours of 8.20am and 9.20amand 2.50pm and 3.50pm. Parents will require a parking permit (to be displayed on their dashboard) in order to do this. Please complete a parking permit application for the Link Road carpark and return to office@gmglt.co.uk
For parents parking on Church Street please be mindful of our neighbours and avoid parking on the double yellow lines and in the resident parking bays.
Buses
From Year 3, children who are eligible can travel to and from school on the school bus. This can be arranged through Bucks County Council
Mobile phones / smart watches
Mobile phones and smart watches are not permitted in school. If your child brings one in, it must be handed in to the office until the end of the day.
