School Prospectus 2015/16

ST STEPHEN'S (KEARSLEY MOOR) C E SCHOOL BENT SPUR ROAD KEARSLEY BOLTON BL4 8PB TELEPHONE

01204 333642

www.ststephenskearsley.co.uk

Believe and Achieve

School Prospectus 2015/2016 Head Teacher: Mr Tony Lasan

WELCOME TO ST STEPHEN’S St Stephen’s is a Voluntary Aided Church of England School for children from 4 - 11 years old.

MISSION STATEMENT, ETHOS STATEMENT, AIMS AND WORSHIP Mission Statement St Stephen's C E School aims to develop its children and staff to their full potential in a happy and caring Christian environment by:     

Aims

providing a high quality education for all, both academic and social, in a Christian context fostering high expectations and aspirations maintaining a caring and disciplined ethos maintaining close home/school links developing in its pupils, as members of a Church school, a sympathetic understanding of the Christian faith and a respect for other world faiths.

The following is a very broad outline of the aims which we set out to achieve.

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To educate the children intellectually, socially, morally, aesthetically, physically and spiritually based on Christian principles.

2

To promote the highest academic standards in all aspects of the curriculum by ensuring that all children develop to their best potential in acquiring and understanding the skills upon which they can build in the secondary stage of education.

3

To encourage learning by providing a welcoming, friendly and supportive environment in which Christian values are central to the ethos of the school and its teaching.

4

To stimulate in children a sense of curiosity and excitement about the world and to encourage them to search for truth, meaning and purpose in life and to provide an opportunity to search for a faith by which to live.

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To show concern and care through a strong sense of Christian values for all members of the school community and to show respect for the code of conduct and discipline of the school.

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To encourage children to think as individuals and to explore, discriminate and discover things for themselves.

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To ensure that children have a good moral and spiritual awareness to fit them for the world in which we live, preparing them for the opportunities, experiences and responsibilities of the outside world.

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To nurture links and to establish good secure relationships between children, staff, parents, governors and members of the church, parish and local community.

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To use the financial resources at our disposal to provide good accommodation and surroundings and the highest possible levels of staffing and equipment.

Ethos Statement St Stephen’s C E School recognises its historic foundation and will preserve and develop its religious character in accordance with the principles of the Church of England and in partnership with the Churches at parish and diocesan level.

The school aims to serve its community by providing an education of the highest quality within the context of Christian belief and practice. It encourages an understanding of the meaning and significance of faith, and promotes Christian values through the experience offered to all children.

Worship As a Church of England Voluntary Aided School we provide education within the principles and practices of the Anglican Church and this is reflected in our collective worship.

An assembly is held each day and is an integral part of school life, when the school comes together for worship and to share the many good things which are going on in the school.

The following are generally included in Assemblies :  

A hymn, prayers, talk or activity and time for reflection.

Music Celebration of Success – presentation of certificates and awards, including children’s personal achievements outside school.

Significant occasions in the Church year are celebrated by the school in St Stephen's Church as follows :Easter, Harvest, Christmas.

There is a Leavers’ Service in Church at the end of the year for the Year 6 Leavers. All Year 6 pupils also attend the Diocese of Manchester Leavers’ Service.

Confirmation Classes are offered to all pupils in Year 6 during the Summer Term leading to a Confirmation Service in Church.

Parents and friends are invited to attend Celebration Assemblies and special Church services.

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OUR SCHOOL TEAM Head Teacher Deputy Head Teacher

Mr Tony Lasan Mrs Sheila Savage

Teachers

Mrs A Hughes – Reception Miss N Stokes - Year 1 Mrs L Faulkner – Year 2 Miss S Kinsey – Year 3 Miss J Moss – Year 4 Miss S James – Year 5 Mr A Townsend – Year 6 Mrs S Savage – PPA / Subject Leader Time Mr K Lee – Music

Higher Level Teaching Assistants Teaching Assistants

Mrs N Bostock, Miss C Clegg Mrs C Broadbent, Miss B Smith, Mrs S Stott Mrs J Robinson, Miss Y Clegg, Mrs A Taylor, Mrs S Green

School Business Manager Office Manager

Mrs C Horrobin Mrs J Bonnar

Learning Mentor

Mrs K Goodwin

Site Manager

Mr S Williams

Lunchtime Supervisors

Mrs O Camilleri, Mrs D Glover, Mrs K Hilton, Miss C Roe, Mrs J Leach

The Governors are a group of people who are responsible for overall management of the school. Our school Governors are :Link Class Chair of Governors Mr R Grant Yr 3 Vice Chair and P.C.C St Stephen’s Church Dr J Small Diocesan Representative Mr A Hall Yr 4 Ex-officio Foundation Rev M Chapman P.C.C. St Stephen's Church Mr N Turner Yr 6 P.C.C. St Stephen's Church Mr A Miller Yr 1 P.C.C. St Stephen's Church Rev K Lafferty Yr 2 Teacher Governor -- Elected by Teachers Mrs A Hughes Parent Governor Mrs E Fielding Parent Governor Mrs V Smethurst Rec Appointed by Local Authority Mr E Birch Yr 5 Head Teacher -- ex-officio Mr T Lasan

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THE SCHOOL DAY Morning Session

Afternoon Session

(Doors open at 8.40 a.m.)

Key Stage 1 - 8.45 a.m. to 12.15 pm (breaktime 10.15 – 10.30 a.m.)

1.25 p.m. to 3.10 p.m.

Key Stage 2 - 8.45 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. (breaktime 10.15 – 10.30 a.m.)

1.25 p.m. to 3.15 p.m.

Assemblies begin at 8.55 a.m. for all children and last for 15 minutes. The school has 7 classes. The children are taught in their own class by their class teacher but are also taught occasionally by other teachers who have a special skill to offer e.g. French, music, or whilst their own teacher is assessing and planning work.

ADMISSIONS POLICY Admissions to an Aided school are the responsibility of the Governors, in agreement with the Diocesan Board of Education and the Local Authority.

The standard number agreed for admission to the Reception Class is 30.

Responsibility for admissions is delegated to the Head Teacher, acting in consultation with the Chair of Governors.

The school will admit all children having a statement of special educational needs in whose statement the school is named.

When the number of applications received is greater than the number of remaining places available, the decision on which children will be admitted will be based on the following criteria: 1.

Children in public care, (Looked after children) and previously looked after children who were looked after, but ceased to be so because they were adopted (or became subject to a residence order or special guardianship order).

2.

Children whose medical or social circumstances mean that their needs can only be met at this school.

Children who will have an older brother or sister attending the school at the time of their admission.

Baptised children whose parent(s)/guardian(s) are in regular attendance at any church.

Children whose parent(s)/guardian(s) are in regular attendance at any church.

Any other children.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Notes: a) Regular attendance is normally taken to mean a minimum of fortnightly attendance at church at public worship for at least the year prior to 1 st September in the year before admission to the school. Evidence of infant baptism or dedication of the child and of regular attendance of the parent(s)/guardian(s) must be provided by a member of the clergy or other designated church officer on the admission form provided.

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b) Where there are more applicants for the available places within a category, then distance to the child’s normal home front door from the main gate of the school in a straight line measured on a map will be used as the final determining factor, nearer addresses having priority over more distant ones. The ‘normal’ home of the child will be taken to be the home in which the child sleeps for the majority of the school week. c)

Where admission is sought under exceptional medical or social circumstances criteria, professional supporting evidence, e.g. from a doctor, psychologist or social worker, is essential. Such evidence must set out the particular reasons why the school is the most suitable for the child and the difficulties that would be caused if the child had to attend another school.

d)

‘Brother’ or ‘sister’ includes step, half, foster and adopted brothers or sisters living at the same address and full brother or sister living apart.

Twins Where there are children of multiple births wishing to be admitted and the sibling is the 30th child, the governors may admit over the infant class requirement if it is possible to do so.

Waiting list Where we have more applications than places, the admissions criteria will be used. Children who are not admitted will have their name placed on a waiting list. The names on this waiting list will be in the order resulting from the application of the admissions criteria. Since the date of application cannot be a criterion for the order of names on the waiting list, late applicants for the school will be slotted into the order according to the extent to which they meet the criteria. Thus it is possible that a child who moves into the area later to have a higher priority than one who has been on the waiting list for some time. If a place becomes available within the admission number, the child whose name is at the top of the list will be offered a place. This is not dependent on whether an appeal has been submitted. This waiting list will operate until the end of the autumn term only.

Appeals Where the governors are unable to offer a place because the school is over subscribed, parents have the right to appeal to an independent admission appeal panel, set up under the School Standards and Framework Act, 1998, as amended by the Education Act, 2002. Parents should notify the clerk to the governors at the school within 14 days of receiving the letter refusing a place. Parents will have the opportunity to submit their case to the panel in writing and also to attend in order to present their case. You will normally receive 14 days’ notice of the place and time of the hearing.

Deferred Admissions Children will be admitted to the Reception class at the beginning of the Autumn term before their fifth birthday. Parents may request that their school place be deferred until later in the school year and if they do this the place will be held for the child. They cannot, however, defer entry beyond the beginning of the term after the child’s fifth birthday, nor beyond the school year for which the original application was accepted. Parents can also request that their child attends on a part time basis until the child reaches compulsory school age.

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Please keep this copy of the Admissions Policy for your own information.

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SCHOOL CURRICULUM Our Statement of Intent for the Curriculum ‘Our aim is to provide a stimulating, creative and exciting curriculum which inspires, challenges and motivates; giving every child the opportunity to achieve. It is built around a range of collaborative and self-directed activities which extend and develop individual interests and talents and prepares children to be valued and responsible members of society’.

The school offers a creative curriculum and aims to provide children with an exciting, broad, balanced and differentiated range of experiences. Each year group has a half termly topic which incorporates a variety of learning experiences across the Curriculum, including visits and visitors to school. Literacy and Numeracy are taught separately but are reinforced through the Cross Curricular approach.

In addition, throughout the year there are whole school themed days which give children an opportunity to work with teachers and pupils from other classes.

“Classrooms are vibrant………..pupils are given ample opportunities to discuss their learning and share ideas…………(which) helps to set a good atmosphere for pupils to learn well”. Ofsted 2014.

Educational Visits A comprehensive programme of educational visits and visitors enhances the curriculum.

The school is required to give written information to parents, including a permission slip, which must be signed and returned to school in order for the children to participate. It is the school policy to ask parents for a voluntary contribution towards the cost. If your child is eligible for Free School Meals, there will be no cost for educational visits. Without your support these trips would not be able to go ahead.

Residential visits are arranged each year for Years 5 and 6. In Year 5 the children visit Grasmere in the Lake District for a 2 day, 1 night Geography field trip. The Year 6 children attend a 3 day, 2 night residential where they take part in team building outdoor and adventure activities.

“Pupils are provided with interesting experiences, enriched by a good range of after-school activities and trips linked to class topics”. Ofsted 2014.

Religious Education The teaching of Religious Education ensures that each child has a good moral and spiritual awareness to fit them into our modern world. This education is predominantly Christian. To reflect the multi cultural society in which we live, children are also made aware of other religions.

Parents are informed of the importance of Religious Education in our curriculum before they accept a place at St Stephen's. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from Religious Education or worship. However in such a case they must put their request in writing to the Head Teacher who will then invite them to discuss their concerns before a final decision is made.

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Our aim is to foster a caring and sympathetic attitude towards the beliefs and customs of individuals, regardless of their religion. This is done through a main focus and study of aspects of the Christian religion, including Jesus, the church, festivals and the Bible. Key Stage 2 children will cover two in depth studies of the Jewish and Islamic faiths.

“Christian values underpin an ethos that emphasises the importance and responsibility of each pupil. As a result the children possess a positive sense of worth and hope” SIAS Inpection 2012

Sex Education The governors have approved that sex education shall be taught in school. Parents will be informed by letter when specific lessons are to take place and are reminded that they have the right to withdraw their children from these lessons if they so wish. In considering sex education topics, emphasis is given to expressing the importance and benefits of family life, of faithfulness, respect and honesty in all our interpersonal relationships.

Homework Showing an interest in the work your child does at school and supporting them with homework is really important. Homework is given throughout the school and will include making ‘Learning Logs’ before each new topic, practising reading and learning spellings and times tables. Please help your child to make the best use of their time at St. Stephen’s by supporting them with any work sent home.

BEHAVIOUR Behaviour is expected to be of a high standard both inside and outside the school.

These are our School Rules:1.

Follow instructions, behave sensibly at all times.

2.

Always walk when inside the school building.

3.

Be polite, kind and considerate to everyone.

4.

Take care of people and property.

5.

Ask permission before leaving the room or school grounds.

Children are rewarded for good behaviour through a rewards system and weekly ‘Star Awards’.

“Around the school, pupils are polite and respectful towards each other and the adults around them”. Ofsted 2014.

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SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS At St Stephen’s we ensure all pupils (including Gifted and Talented pupils) have the greatest possible access to a broad and balanced curriculum that meets their educational needs.

The Special Educational Needs (SEN) Code of Practice states that a child has special educational needs if he or she has a learning/physical difficulty which calls for special educational provision to be made for him or her.

Mrs Savage is the teacher responsible for co-ordinating the day to day provision for pupils with S.E.N. at St Stephen's School. Mr B Grant is the S.E.N. Governor of the school.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES We offer a wide range of Extra Curricular Activities for children to cater for all tastes, including sports, creative and musical activities.

PERSONAL DEVELOPMENT AND WELLBEING Safety and the general well being of every child at St Stephen’s is paramount.

“Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is developed well”. Ofsted 2014 To ensure the safety of all children, visitors to school during school hours, must enter via the Main Entrance.

“The school’s work to keep pupils safe and secure is good”. Ofsted 2014

As a Healthy School, all children take part in a twice weekly 10 minute exercise routine, the ‘Heath Hustle’, devised and led by the children.

HOUSE SYSTEM On entry to school all children are placed in a House, with a House colour :Coniston Derwent Ullswater Windermere Each House has :House Teachers House Captain Vice-Captain

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Throughout the year children take part in House activites, giving opportunity for children to work together collaboratively across all year groups.

ATTENDANCE School registers are marked at the start of the morning and afternoon sessions. The school doors open to receive children at 8.40 a.m., the school day begins at 8.45 a.m. To encourage punctuality we are required to mark, as late, those who arrive after 8.50 a.m.

Parents are requested to inform the school by telephone on the first day as to the reason for a child being absent. A letter notifying us of the reason for absence should accompany the child on the first day back after absence. If we do not know the reason for absence we have to classify this as unauthorised.

We are continually trying to improve pupil attendance to ensure all pupils are able to take advantage of the learning experiences available to them. With this in mind, we have introduced ‘The Traffic Light Initiative’. Every term all parents will receive a letter informing them which traffic light zone their child falls into and their attendance record. Green Zone indicates your child has achieved between 95% - 100% attendance for the term. Amber Zone indicates attendance between 85% 94% and Red Zone indicates attendance of below 84%. In addition we will report class attendance levels in the weekly newsletter and reward children termly with badges for 100% attendance.

In accordance with the Governments’ drive to improve attendance the school does not authorise holidays during term time.

SCHOOL UNIFORM All uniform can be purchased from ‘Ziggys School Outfitters’, Brackley Street, Farnworth, Bolton Boys Navy "V" neck sweatshirts with school logo Tailored grey school trousers / shorts White shirt School tie (available from school)

Girls Navy "V" neck sweatshirts with school logo Grey pinafore dress/skirt/trousers/sky blue checked dresses in summer.

White blouse School tie (available from school) Tights, when worn, should be plain navy, grey or black

Sensible black school shoes, not trainers, sandels or boots. (maximum heel height 1" or 2cm) The wearing of jewelley is restricted to a watch and, if ears are pierced, small stud earrings.

P.E. Clothing Trainers for outdoor use, Plain navy shorts, House coloured T-shirt,Tracksuit (preferably navy) for outdoor games during cold weather.

As with school uniform ALL ITEMS SHOULD BE MARKED WITH THE CHILD’S NAME. The wearing of any jewellery is not permitted in Physical Education lessons.

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HOME/SCHOOL COMMUNICATION At St Stephen’s we aim to do all we can to help parents, carers and families support their children’s learning. We believe parents are the biggest influence in the development of children’s lives and as such, we recognise and value your support. We welcome the opportunity to work, in partnership, with all parents, fully involving you in your child’s education with an aim of improving achievement.

In November 2014 our school achieved the nationally recognised Leading Parent Partnership Award (LPPA). The purpose of the award is to focus the school’s work with parents and families. We have established a Parent Partnership Group, made up of parents, staff and governors, who work as part of a whole school team sharing their opinions and ideas.

Parents are also encouraged to contact Class Teachers and the Head Teacher whenever there are any concerns.

Weekly Newsletters are published each Friday to keep parents well informed. In addition, we use the Teachers to Parents texting service as a communication tool as well as Twitter.

Website The school’s website www.ststephenskearsley.co.uk is used as a form of communication between school and home. In addition to information about the school, parents can view and download the following:  Weekly Newsletter  Year Group Information – topic overviews, class information, timetables  School documents – some policies, holiday list, prospectus  School calendar There is also a section with links to sites that the school feels may be useful to parents – Ofsted, DfE, Bolton Council etc.

Parent Information Night During Autumn Term, we hold a Parent Information Night to inform all parents of new initiatives and our priorities for the coming academic year. During this evening Class Teachers will outline their specific topics and other relevant information for their Year Group.

Reports and Parents Evening Parent/Teacher Interviews are held during afternoons/evenings in November and March. Written reports are sent out at the end of the year.

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SCHOOL MEALS We offer school meals, cooked on site. As part of a new initiative by the Government, free school meals are currently offered to all children in Key Stage 1. However, children may also bring their own packed lunch.

Healthy Tuck is provided at morning break at a small cost payable on a Half Termly basis.

FRIENDS OF ST STEPHEN'S SCHOOL (FOSSS) Parents, grandparents, other relatives and friends are invited to join FOSSS, which organises fundraising events and activities to help buy resources, equipment and other extras for the school.

The information in this document applies to the school year 2014/2015 and was correct as at 17th June 2015. Parents should not, however, assume that there will be no change affecting these arrangements, or a particular item.

Should you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

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St Stephen’s (Kearsley Moor) C E School HOLIDAY LIST 2015/2016 AUTUMN TERM

SPRING TERM

SUMMER TERM

*INSET Day

Monday 7th September 2015

*INSET Day Term Begins

Tuesday 8th September 2015 Wednesday 9th September 2015

Half Term

Monday 26th October 2015 Friday 30th October 2015

Term Ends

Friday 18th December 2015

*INSET Day Term begins

Monday 4th January 2016 Tuesday 5th January 2016

Half Term

Monday 15th February 2016 Friday 19th February 2016

Term Ends

Friday 18th March 2016

Term Begins

Monday 4th April 2016

Bank Holiday

Monday 2nd May 2016

Half Term

Monday 30th May 2016 Friday 3rd June 2016

Term Ends *INSET Day

Thursday 21st July 2016 Friday 22nd July 2016

THE SCHOOL YEAR 2016/2017 TERM BEGINS FOR CHILDREN ON TUESDAY 6th SEPTEMBER 2016* to be confirmed – (keep looking at updates for this date – it is possible that 2016/17 school year will start for children on Weds 7th Sept 16) *INSET DAY – TRAINING DAY FOR STAFF, CHILDREN NOT IN SCHOOL

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