School Prospectus

I warmly welcome you to Belthorn Academy Primary School.

Our school is a happy, safe, caring environment where each child is valued. We have high academic standards, which are reflected in our SATs results and OFSTED Report and furthermore we pride ourselves on knowing our children personally, on the exceptional behaviour of our pupils and in the many opportunities your child will be given to develop their social, sporting and community learning. Our children are the best advertisement for the school and we are extremely proud of all their achievements.

We value our strong partnership with parents and are keen to ensure you take an active role in the education of your children. Our staff are a highly committed and caring team who work hard to ensure no opportunity is missed to promote and extend your children’s learning.

We thank you for your interest in Belthorn and hope this prospectus gives you the information you need about the organisation of the school.

Whilst this prospectus is useful, a visit to school might help you understand further life here at Belthorn. To arrange a visit please telephone Mrs Banyard (School Business Manager) on 01254 55620.

Mr S Tilley Headteacher

School Governing Body Company Registration No 07756219

Chair of Governors

Mrs Yvonne Brown

Vice Chair of Governors

Mr G Chillingworth

Honorary Governor

Mr T Small

(former Chair)

Headteacher

Mr S Tilley

Clerk to Governors 1

Mrs E Banyard

Clerk to Governors 2

Mrs L McGonagle

Company Secretary

Mrs E Banyard

Parent Governors:

Mrs Y Brown Mrs C Rickard Mr I Widlof Mrs S Akram

Community Governors

Mr G Chillingworth Mrs N Hodgkinson Mr S Lowe Mr J Slack Mr T Small

Member Governor

Vacancy

Staff Governor

Mrs J Carter

Staff Governor

Vacancy

Co-opted Governor

Mrs L Billingham

Staffing 2013/2014 Mr Steven Tilley

Headteacher

Miss Kate Ward

Reception Teacher

Miss Caroline Dugdale

Year 1 Teacher

Mrs Helen Rowan

Deputy Headteacher/ Year 2 Teacher

Mrs Jackie Carter

Year 3 Teacher

Miss Rio Shaw

Year 4 Teacher

Miss Sarah Purtill

Year 5 Teacher

Miss Melanie Egan

Year 6 Teacher

Miss Samantha Alderson

Teaching Assistant

Mr Geoff Allen

Teaching Assistant

Mrs Joanne Chillingworth

Teaching Assistant

Mrs Samantha Hall

Teaching Assistant

Ms Audra Howard

Teaching Assistant

Mrs Theresa Luker

Teaching Assistant

Mrs Tracey Middleton

Teaching Assistant

Mrs Tonia Oddie

Teaching Assistant

Mrs Pauline Quinn

Teaching Assistant

Mrs Naomi Wright

Teaching Assistant

Mrs Elizabeth Banyard

School Business Manager

Mrs Louise McGonagle

Office Manager

Miss Mandy Staig

Admin Officer

Mrs Amanda Whalley

Catering Manager

Mrs Maxine Bingham

Catering Assistant

Mrs Samantha Alderson

Catering Assistant

Mr Chris Jackson

Site Manager

Mrs Linda Jackson

Cleaner

Senior Leadership Team

Mr Steven Tilley

Headteacher

Mrs Helen Rowan

Deputy Headteacher/ Year2 Teacher

Miss Sarah Purtill

Year 5 Teacher

Mrs Elizabeth Banyard

School Business Manager The School

The school is organised into seven year groups, from foundation to year 6. We currently cater for about 176 pupils who are grouped into seven teaching groups. There is a teaching assistant based in each class to help and support the teaching and learning within the classroom.

Admissions Policy The age at which it is possible for a child to be admitted to School is determined by the Education Authority. All children whose fifth birthday falls between 1 st September and 31st August in the following year are given the opportunity to start school in the preceding September. During the term before admission to the school, prospective pupils and parents are encouraged to become involved in the full range of pre-school meetings and half day visits that we arrange. Prospective parents are contacted by letter with details of these arrangements. At the beginning of the school year, foundation pupils attend part time for the first week to help them settle in quickly and easily. For September 2013 our maximum admission number for Foundation is 30. The admissions policy in full is available from the school office.

Pupil Information Card

When you receive confirmation of your child’s place in school, you will be asked to complete the information card (found in the back of the prospectus) and return this to the school office as this is a legal requirement.

Literacy The objectives of the Literacy framework are covered during the school year, although there is a degree of flexibility in the structure of it’s delivery. The three strands are as follows: reading, writing and speaking & listening. These skills are delivered through carefully planned lessons following specific objectives for the relevant term.

Work is

differentiated in appropriate ways to account for all ability groups within a class, whether it is a single or mixed age group.

Mathematics

Mathematics helps us to make sense of our world, providing a means of communication using numbers, symbols and shapes. everyday life.

It is a language used to solve problems in

At school we follow the National Numeracy Strategy Renewed

Framework, in order to provide a range and balance of work to lay strong foundations for future learning.

We ensure that each individual child receives an equal learning

experience in Mathematics regardless of ability, culture and gender.

Our aims in teaching mathematics are that children will: o

Enjoy the subject and study it with confidence and a sense of achievement.

o

Develop logical, independent and flexible thinking.

o

Achieve a higher standard in Numeracy and a range of other mathematical skills.

o

Apply their skills with confidence and understanding when solving problems.

o

Work co-operatively and independently and to communicate with others.

o

Regardless of ability, gender, culture or disabilities have equal opportunities to develop their full potential in mathematics.

Most daily mathematics lessons follow the structure of the renewed framework, but flexibility with the structure allows teachers to use their own professional judgements when and where deemed necessary. The mathematics curriculum is delivered through a range of approaches, which will include direct teaching, discussion, practical activities, problem solving, consolidation and practice within mental, oral and written maths. In early years, concepts are introduced through play activities. There are times when the children will work individually, in small groups or as a class.

Science The school has developed a programme of work to ensure that all areas of the National Curriculum are being covered in science. This is based upon the QCA scheme of work, but teachers are very innovative in adapting this framework to best suit the needs of individual pupils and groups.

Emphasis is placed not only on the importance of

acquiring a good knowledge and understanding of biology, chemistry and physics, but also and equally important, on the development of scientific skills – observing, asking questions, testing hypotheses, recording data and analysing information.

Science has an important role to play in our everyday lives and it is vital pupils develop a good understanding of how scientific knowledge can inform the choices they make in their own lives. This ranges from personal lifestyle choices concerning one’s own health and well-being to questions of international significance such as global warming.

I.C.T At Belthorn your child will have the opportunities to develop their ICT skills to enhance their learning and provide them with the skills necessary for the 21st century. The school has an ICT suite and each classroom has access to laptops and interactive whiteboards.

Music Here at Belthorn we value music because it is a powerful and unique form of communication that can change the way pupils feel, think and act. It also increases selfdiscipline and creativity, aesthetic sensitivity and fulfilment.

Music in the National Curriculum has two elements; performing & composing, singing & appraising. Our music lessons are planned to cover these areas over the course of the year. The children will be taught a wide range of songs which they can accompany with percussion instruments. They will be involved in composing simple sound stories and pieces of music.

Extra Curricular Music Lessons The school benefits from optional musical tuition for guitar and violin. There is a small charge for this.

Performances Music should not be confined to the classroom, but should also help to develop the school as a whole.

Assemblies and performances provide opportunities for this.

Parents are invited to these occasions.

Personal and Social Education SEAL lessons (social and emotional aspects of learning) teach an awareness of how we look after ourselves and how we relate to others. It explores topics such as right and wrong; friendships and bullying; feelings and relationships. Older children also learn about the global community and democracy. The school uses the Seal guidance as a framework and lessons usually take the form of discussions and brainstorming.

Occasionally visits are arranged from outside speakers to augment and enhance the delivery of certain aspects of the subject.

Children with Special Educational Needs The school follows the Code of Practice and children are placed on the Special Needs Register according to individual needs. There are various stages at which a child may be within the Special Needs Register at any time: o

School Action - Your child will receive an Individual Education Plan (IEP) which highlights targets to be achieved within a certain timescale. These are reviewed regularly. If after a period of time, no progress is made your child will then be placed at School Action Plus.

o

School Action Plus - This will result in outside agencies becoming involved and more formal assessments of educational needs being carried out. This may result in a Formal Statement.

o

Formal Statement – In a small number of cases, children could be allocated an educational statement.

This will involve the implementation of a number of

support strategies as appropriate, which in most cases will include extra one to one help provided by a dedicated teaching assistant.

Pastoral Care The school takes responsibility for the well-being of the children very seriously. Class teachers are initially responsible for ensuring all children are happy and feel they are in a safe and secure environment and will deal with any minor day to day problems. More serious issues are referred to the Headteacher who will take the appropriate action.

Parents are strongly encouraged to voice any concerns they may have at the earliest opportunity, either with the relevant class teacher or with the Headteacher.

Behaviour and Courtesy At Belthorn we believe everyone should be treated with respect. All children should take responsibility for their own behaviour and be helped towards taking a responsible approach to life. At all times high standards of work, politeness and behaviour are expected. Belthorn School has a positive behaviour approach that utilises praise and rewards, encouraging children to support our younger pupils. However, there will always be minor infringements to deal with and we ensure that we take a fair and consistent approach toward maintaining discipline, through discussion and the withdrawal of privileges.

School Rules 

We always walk quietly and sensibly around the school.



We play carefully and sensibly in the yard.



We listen carefully, answer politely and do what we are asked first time.



We always do our best in school.



We respect ourselves, each other and the school at all times.

School Meals Children who have a school dinner or packed lunch will be looked after by the Mid-day Assistants during lunchtime.

Applications for Free School Meals should be made

directly to the Local Authority and until school has received authorisation for free meals, all meals must be paid for.

Packed lunches – Please send your child’s lunch in a labelled, unbreakable box and drinks container, placed in a strong, labelled bag or satchel. Please avoid plastic bags and breakable containers, bottles etc. in the interest of safety.

School Dinners – Dinner money is payable one week in advance on Monday morning and at the moment the cost is £10.00 per week, £2.00 per day. Please send this in an envelope with your child’s name. Bank Transfer or Cheques are preferable and you can pay monthly, per half term or full term. Details of the school bank account are available from Mrs Banyard. If you think you may be entitled to Free School Meals for your child please contact the school office where you will be given full details.

Change of Arrangements - If you intend to change your child’s dinnertime arrangements please let us know by letter or telephone at least a week prior to the changeover. This notice is needed for administration and the benefit of the kitchen staff.

Milk - Milk is available to all pupils – To register you need to access www.coolmilk.com

Swimming Year 3 children have one period of swimming per week. It is Local Authority policy that all children should attend these swimming lessons unless a medical certificate is produced. The following kit is needed: Boys

- Swimming trunks (not shorts); Swim Cap

Girls

- One piece swimsuit, Swim Cap

Goggles may be worn for medical reasons if a certificate is provided by the child’s doctor.

Hair Long hair should always be tied back and hair accessories should be small and discreet.

Hair styles should not be extreme e.g. un-natural colours, tramlines, spiky gelled hair etc.

Shoes

Shoes should be black. Heels or open sandals should not be worn as they are unsafe.

Children wearing unsuitable footwear will be asked to wear their black PE pumps during the school day. Trainers should not be worn as part of the school uniform.

Jewellery The wearing of jewellery, apart from stud earrings, is not allowed. Children with pierced ears must wear a stud or studs. If you want to have your child’s ears pierced, please make sure this is done in the summer holidays – we are not allowed to teach PE to children who wear earrings.

The staff may, on occasions, discuss aspects of the uniform with parents and children if they perceive there to be an issue.

Please ensure your child’s uniform and PE kit, are clearly labelled.

Friends of Belthorn Parents play a vital role in all aspects of school life. We welcome you into school to meet once a term/half term to plan for fund-raising events or enjoy a social evening / afternoon as part of the school community.

The Friends of Belthorn is an organisation of parents, staff and friends who aim to bring the community together and also raise much needed money to improve resources with the school. In 2010/2011 a large amount of money was raised which was used to purchase the school’s laptop facility.

Recent events have included:  Children’s Disco  Christmas Fair  Summer Fair  Fashion Show

Chair

Mrs Y Brown

Vice Chair

Mrs C Rickard

Clerk

Mr J Prestage

Treasurer

Mrs L McGonagle

Parents Representatives

Mrs Gallagher Mrs Parkinson Mrs Seedat Mrs Hope Mrs Taylor Mrs Lowe

Friends of School

Mrs Hodgkinson

Teacher Representatives

Mr S Tilley Miss K Ward Mrs H Rowan

Foundation Stage Profile

During their first year in school, pupils are assessed (per term) by the class teacher.

The school uses the Foundation Stage Profile to identify children’s attainment. This is not a form of testing, but a way in which the school finds out where the child is in order to plan its teaching.

The assessment includes such things as counting to 10, colour

identification and knowledge of letters. A special parents’ evening will be held in late autumn to inform parents of their child’s progress in settling into school. If you have any concerns, please let us know.

SATS Results

Key Stage 1

2012

2010

2011

Level 3 Reading

0

0

20

Level 2 Reading

82

78

72

Level 3 Writing

0

0

5

Level 2 Writing

79

64

68

Level 3 Mathematics

0

28

5

Level 2 Mathematics

79

78

85

2010

2011

Key Stage 2 Level 5 English

58

35

37

Level 4 English

100

88

84

Level 5 Mathematics

75

50

63

Level 4 Mathematics

100

96

95

Level 5 Science

-

-

-

Level 4 Science

-

-

-