Prospectus 2023/24

PROSPECTUS Stoke Prior, Leominster, HR6 0ND Tel: 01568 760207 Email: admin@stokeprior.hereford.sch.uk

Welcome We hope this prospectus gives you an insight into our school.

Please call us to arrange a visit if you would like to see the school in action or to answer any further questions. Please see our website www.stokeprior.hereford.sch.uk for further information

www.stokeprior.hereford.sch.uk

Welcome page

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Contents School Information Local Education Authority Vision Statement Holiday Dates The Setting Admission of Pupils

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Arrangements to visit School Transport Transfer to Secondary School Organisation of School

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Classes, Supervision before and after school Timing of school day, Late pupils, First Aid, Food and Drink

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Food and Drink, Absence, Medicines.

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Medicines, School Uniform, jewellery, toys and games

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Lost Property, Charging for Activities Discipline.

School Security

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School Security Child Protection

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Organisation of the Curriculum Early Years Year 1 – Year 6 Curriculum Special Needs

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RSE, Homework, Forest School

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After School activities Parents' Evening

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Access to Information about school Complaints Procedure Parents, Teachers and Friends Association National Curriculum Assessments - Key Stage 1 National Curriculum Assessments - Key Stage 2

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School Information SCHOOL STAFF Headteacher

Mr M Lewis

Teachers

Mrs J Angell (Deputy Headteacher), Mrs J Lancaster, Mrs McShee, Miss Searle, Mrs E Jackson

School Administrator

Mrs A Dawson

Classroom Assistants

Ms C LaMonica (SEN) Miss K Evans Mrs K Davis Ms H Morris Mr. T Browning (SEN)

Mrs R Bufton Mrs Z Lane Mrs K Thomas Ms S Green (SEN)

Midday Supervisors

Ms H Morris Mrs K Davis Miss K Evans

Mrs Z Lane Mrs R Bufton Ms C LaMonica

Cleaner

Ms A Haines

SCHOOL GOVERNORS Chairman

Mrs J Balderson. jbalderson@stokeprior.hereford.sch.uk

Vice-Chairman

Mrs Lorna Firth

Co-opted

Mrs A North Mrs K Davies

LEA Appointed

Mrs M Ault Mr Tim Yair Mr J Barnett Mrs L Firth

Parent Governors

Ms H Milde

Mrs J Barnett

Staff Governor

Miss J Angell

Clerk to Governors

Mrs A Dawson

PTFA Chairperson

Mrs E Davidson

Secretary

Mrs N Thomas

Treasurer

Mrs P Palmer 2

LOCAL AUTHORITY

Telephone

Herefordshire Council, Plough Lane Offices, Plough Lane, Hereford. HR4 0LE 01432 260500

The information in this booklet applies to the academic year and may be subject to change in the future.

Vision Statement Every child is unique and all children can be successful by achieving their best. To do this we expect children to be self-disciplined, caring, curious and enthusiastic.

Through achieving success in all that they do, we hope children will become selfconfident.

Children, staff, parents and the community should be proud of Stoke Prior School, respecting each other and the school, feeling ownership, working together, and being dedicated and committed to this vision.

School Term and Holiday Dates ~ 2023/2024 Our school term and holiday dates can be found on our website.

Parents can also subscribe to our calendar on the website and have the calendar appear on their mobile device’s calendar.

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The Setting The school is situated in open countryside just outside the village and is set in its own spacious grounds.

These contain a wildlife conservation area with secure pond, school garden; playing field and two hard surface play areas.

There is an adventure play area with safety surface, Monkey Puzzle - Class 1 have their own secure outdoor learning area. The school has access to its own forest school site in local woodland, which provides outdoor learning opportunities for all our pupils.

The older Victorian building houses two classrooms, library, staff-room, office and toilet block. Over years the school has been sympathetically extended with two further classrooms, a School Hall, Design & Technology Room, Medical Room and Disabled Toilet.

We continually strive to develop and improve our teaching areas.

Admission of Pupils Our Admissions Policy states that children who reach their 5th birthday during an academic year are entitled to start school in the September of that same year.

All children with fifth birthdays between 1st September 2023 and 31st August 2024 will be welcomed into the Reception Group in Monkey Puzzle Class in September 2024 at the beginning of the Autumn term. A series of introductory days are held during the 2024 Summer term to help prepare children and their parents for starting school.

A curriculum suitable to their age and stage will be provided. Miss Angell will be their Class teacher and she will have the help of a Teaching Assistant.

To apply for a school place you are now required to register your child on-line at www.herefordshire.gov.uk. If you are unable to complete on line, please contact The Admissions team on 01432 260926 or the school office.

Parents of children wishing to transfer to our school from their existing school will be expected to have fully discussed this matter with their present Headteacher before they are considered for admission. An Admission/Transfer form (PA2) should be completed and returned to the school.

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Arrangements to visit the School Prospective parents are welcome to visit the school. As the Head and Staff have a large teaching commitment, a prior appointment would be helpful. Please contact the school office.

Transport School transport is provided for children within the designated catchment area if they live more than two miles from school and are aged 5 - 8. The 8 - 11 year olds have provision 3 miles from school. Please contact the school for a map of this designated area. Attendance at a chosen school out of your catchment area negates entitlement to free transport. The Authority has a vacant seats payments scheme, negotiable with the Transport Section of the County Education Office.

Cycling to School Children are expected to have passed the Cycling Proficiency Test before they cycle to school. We try to arrange this training for the top juniors. Due to the position of the school, parents are advised to accompany their children.

Cycle helmets must be worn and bikes must be roadworthy. Although the school accepts no responsibility for bikes, they may be parked behind the school. It is suggested bikes be padlocked for safety.

Transfer to High School Pupils completing their Primary Education usually transfer to the catchment high school, Earl Mortimer College in Leominster, at the beginning of the Autumn Term following their eleventh birthday. Parents may choose to apply to send their children elsewhere.

Organisation of the School Monkey Puzzle

Miss J Angell

Reception and Year One

EYFS & KS1 Maple Willow Oak

Miss S Searle Key Stage 1 Mrs McShee Key Stage 2 Mrs Lancaster Key Stage 2

Year One and Two Year Three and Four Year Five and Year Six

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Classes The school is organised into four full time classes, which have been named after trees. This is to ensure that class sizes are kept small.

Children change classes according to age. Within the class, smaller groups are arranged to cover age and ability. Individual’s progress is continually monitored.

Supervision before and after school Children should not arrive before 8.40 am. Taxi children, who arrive at 8.30 am, have their own supervision arrangements. At the end of the day children are supervised at the gate as they are collected between 3 and 3.10 pm. The same arrangement occurs after clubs.

Arrival and departure times were adjusted in September 2022 and these arrangements will be kept under review.

Breakfast Club The school has a Breakfast Club, which runs from 8am. Parents/guardians should book their children into club and sign them in on arrival. The cost is £3.50 per day.

Breakfast club runs every day the school is open.

Timing of the School Day 8.50 10.20 – 11.00 12.00 – 13.00 2.00 - 2.15 3.10

School begins Milk and morning break (Staggered KS1 then KS2) Lunchtime Class 1 break End of day.

Late Pupils Children arriving after the start of school are required to report to the office.

The School Administrator will escort them to their classroom.

First Aid We have 7 members of staff qualified in paediatric First Aid. Most members of staff have received basic first aid training. Every care is taken to ensure your child's well being whilst in our care.

Food and Drink School Lunches The school offers a full hot lunch service, provided by Alliance in Partnership from Earl Mortimer College.

All Key Stage 1 children are entitled to a free school lunch every day. Alternatively, children can bring a packed lunch and drink in a suitable container. If you think your child qualifies for free school meals, which is benefits related you can make an application online or ask the administrator for an application form. Please apply as it does benefit our school budget along with the pupils who are then entitled to other benefits. For further information contact the school office.

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School Milk Children have the opportunity to purchase milk in third pint cartons. This is optional and must be paid for. Children under 5 will receive free milk.

Snacks As a ‘Healthy School’, we encourage pupils to choose a healthy snack in the morning and cool filtered water is available on demand. All Key Stage 1 pupils receive a piece of fruit daily, funded by the School Fruit Scheme.

Absence Illness If your child is absent from school through illness or to attend a medical appointment, please inform the school by 9.30 am on the day of the absence.

Should a child become ill during the day, the school will let you know. It is essential that we have an up to date contact number and one or two emergency contact numbers, to ensure this system is reliable.

Holidays The school is unable to authorise family holidays in term time (except in exceptional circumstances). All holidays taken in term time will now be treated as unauthorised absence and may be subject to a fine. If you need any further information please contact the school office.

School Closure Should the school need to close due bad weather or any other emergency, you will be notified via the school text messaging service. Notices will be placed on the school web-site, Herefordshire Council web-site and be broadcast on local radio.

Administration of Medicines Children who are unwell should not be sent to school. However, occasionally children will need to take prescribed medicine during the school day. This could be because they are suffering from a chronic illness or allergy (such as diabetes or asthma) or because they are recovering from a short-term illness and are undergoing a course of treatment.

It is important that parents recognise that they are responsible for the administration of medicine to their children. Where medicine is required to be given during school time one day’s dose should be brought to the school. This should be delivered to the office, where the parent is required to complete and sign a label with pupil’s name and clear written instructions.

The school must be informed of any asthma sufferers for the child's safety. The school should hold an inhaler for a child with asthma. Please ensure the school knows of this condition. Inhalers are to be kept in school (named).

We cannot accept responsibility for administering medicines where the timing of its administration is crucial, where some technical knowledge is required or where intimate contact is necessary, without a care plan in place.

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During summer it is advisable that you protect your child by applying sun cream before they come to school.

Pupils are welcome to bring a hat to wear during play times. The school are aware of sunburn dangers and ensure children have access to shade during play times.

School Uniform Uniform

Grey trousers or shorts Navy or grey skirt Blue checked dress (summer) Blue or school polo shirt Navy jumper/school sweatshirt/Navy cardigan Suitable school shoes

PE

Sky blue school or white t-shirt Navy blue shorts or skort, navy jogging bottoms or leggings can be worn in winter.

Trainers / pumps PE kit will be required regularly. We suggest all children leave their kit in school. Trainers may be worn outdoors.

Pumps or bare feet indoors.

School Sweatshirt

Navy sweatshirts and royal blue polo-shirts with embroidered school logo, and the PE t-shirt are available to order from www.wovina.com and www.myclothing.com

PTFA Uniform Sales

The PTFA sell second hand uniform, this is line with the school’s sustainability culture and raises funds for the school

Please mark all clothing with the child's name. School uniform is very difficult to identify without a name.

Jewellery We ask that children do not wear jewellery, nail varnish or makeup to school.

The school will not accept any responsibility for, and discourages the wearing of jewellery.

All jewellery must be removed for games and swimming and remains the responsibility of the individual. This is for the safety of all the children.

Toys and Games The value of educational toys and games in school is great. However, toys and games from home are not allowed. Apart from damage or loss, they can be a great distraction. No toys will be allowed that either look like or could be used as offensive weapons eg guns, knives or chains.

Mobile Phones or any other electronic devices are NOT permitted in school.

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Lost Property All lost property is collected in a box outside the office. Teachers urge parents to name all items. Uniform is particularly difficult to trace with no name inside. We encourage children to be responsible for their own belongings, but still a lot of time is spent tracing lost items.

Please keep valuable items and money at home. Children love to show these to friends, but sadly we can take no responsibility for their loss.

Charging for School Activities Government legislation states that schools cannot ask parents for direct payment towards any school activity - this includes transport for swimming; school outings; educational visits and so on.

To cover the cost of the above it is necessary to ask for voluntary contributions to enable these activities to take place. If sufficient contributions are not forthcoming then sadly the activities covered by the donation will not be able to take place.

Discipline All staff work hard to ensure children feel secure and confident in the school environment.

The school operates a voluntary Home School Agreement between school and home to reinforce our aims and values.

Our discipline is rooted in a mutual respect for self and care of others. We encourage children to reflect our friendly, fair, courteous, caring and considerate attitudes. A positive Behaviour Policy is in place at Stoke Prior which has been created in association with the School Council. A copy can be found on the school’s web-site. Rules are displayed throughout the school, along with clear information on rewards and sanctions.

Parents will be consulted if further action needs to be taken. As home and school are striving for the same results we hope this will be a partnership working together. Please let the Head know immediately if you have any points for query or discussion.

School Security and Visitors in School We take the subject of school security very seriously and maintain a secure environment throughout the school.

All exterior doors have been fitted with coded security locks.

Emergency exit doors can be opened by push bar and interior fire doors have an automatic closure mechanism.

All visitors should report to the office first. They are requested to sign in, collect a visitor badge and be informed of our Health and Safety requirements. All visitors will be accompanied by a member of staff should they wish to enter the classroom.

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Teachers are asked to be aware of any persons in or around the building and check they're authorised if they are in any doubt.

Many visitors are welcomed in school, including work experience students, Teacher Training, PGCE's and people who will talk or share their skills and experiences with the children.

Parents are welcome to come and help in school. This may be on a regular basis or a 'one off' to help with a particular project. If you have any suggestions to offer, please talk it over with the staff.

Herefordshire Council has a "No Smoking Policy" in all public places. This school does not have a designated smoking area. Any member of staff or visitor who wishes to smoke is requested to do so outside the school grounds. This includes E-cigarettes or “Vaping” Devices.

Our children’s safety is paramount at all times. We have high staff supervision levels during play times with staff on duty at arrival and departure times. At home time, children are only allowed through the gate when staff see a known person is there to meet them.

Please inform us if your child is to be collected by another person or there is a change of arrangement. This is particularly important for their safety.

Child Protection The health, safety and well-being of all our children are of paramount importance to all the adults who work in our school. We respect our children and they have a right to be safe. We have an agreed Child Protection (Safeguarding) Policy and this policy ensures that all staff in our school are clear about the actions necessary with regard to a child protection issue.

Mr M Lewis is our designated safeguarding lead and Miss J Angell is the Deputy. If any teacher suspects that a child in his/her class may be a victim of abuse, they immediately inform the named person about their concerns. Any action the named person takes when dealing with an issue of child protection is in line with the procedures outlined in the LA Child Protection guidelines.

We require all staff (temporary or permanent) and regular volunteers to complete a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) criminal check form. This is standard for all adults within school, as is the expectation that confidentiality on all issues is a priority.

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Curriculum and Organisation Introduction At Stoke Prior Primary School we believe that our curriculum should be broad, balanced and relevant to meet the needs of all children whatever their ability. The taught curriculum comprises both The National Curriculum and the wider curriculum. We ensure the children have a range of learning experiences that challenge, stimulate and promote thinking and learning.

The curriculum meets statutory requirements.

The Organisation of the Curriculum The children are taught in mixed age classes with 2 year groups in each class, so our long term curriculum plans ensure that children do not re-visit areas previously covered.

The curriculum is taught through class topics but linked to the core skills of the National Curriculum subjects. We are committed to finding ways to enhance enjoyment within the curriculum to enthuse children. We try to include trips, events, visitors and our local environment in the curriculum to ensure it is relevant and engaging for pupils.

We publish information about the content of our curriculum in each class termly via the school website.

The Curriculum for our Reception pupils Early Years The school follows the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage which sets our early learning goals and the educational programmes.

This covers 3 Prime areas: Personal, Social and Emotional Development (PSED), Communication and Language (C&L) and Physical Development (PD) There are then four specific areas, through which the three prime areas are strengthened and applied. They are: Literacy, Mathematics Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design Each curriculum area has what is referred to as Early Learning Goals. Children will progress towards these goals at different rates of individual achievement. Some may require continued support to achieve some of these goals even after they have entered compulsory education (which is the term after their fifth birthday). In our mixed age group class this is easily achieved.

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The Curriculum for Year One to Year Six. The school curriculum comprises both the National curriculum and the wider curriculum.

Morning sessions usually start with phonics, spelling and reading sessions. The remainder of the mornings are usually dedicated to English and Maths. Afternoon sessions develop other areas of the curriculum and Religious Education. The teacher plans work to reflect the class topic whenever possible as we believe that this can creatively link areas of the curriculum together to deepen knowledge and understanding. Forest school sessions are also popular with children and teachers use these sessions with the older children to learn in a range of areas of the curriculum.

Physical Education We have a playing field at the school and a large level playground suitable for games and athletic skills.

We also have considerable PE resources, which enables us to offer a wide range of sporting opportunities to suit all needs and abilities.

Please help us by making sure your child has the appropriate kit for indoor and outdoor PE every day, and swimming on the appropriate day.

Swimming: Pupils in Maple, Willow & Oak classes take part in lessons at Leominster:

Special Educational Needs The school caters for the needs of all pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) by following the SEND Code of Practice 2014 and recommendations of Herefordshire Council.

At Stoke Prior we believe that all children are entitled to a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum. All teachers are teachers of children with SEND and have a responsibility to meet those needs with the support of the SEN Co-ordinator and external professionals.

SEND pupils will be fully integrated into the life of the school, enabling them to maximise their full potential as learners and share in social and cultural activity.

A copy of the SEND policy & Information report and our local offer of provision is available on our website. The SENCO is Miss J Angell and the SEND Governor is Mrs Abigail North.

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RSE (Relationship & Sex Education - Policy of School Governors Sex Education is an integral part of the science curriculum and will be dealt with under the umbrella of, and as part of, the PSHE syllabus.

Additionally, upper KS2 children receive a series of talks on ‘Growing up’, which will enhance and consolidate what has been learnt from television programmes and written information.

Homework It is the school’s policy to encourage parents to share in their children’s homework. Your involvement and encouragement will benefit your child’s education. If you do have any comments, please record them in the Homework Diary or the Reading Record Book Forest School We are a qualified ‘Forest School’ with five members of staff having completed their training. We are fortunate to have the use of a nearby enclosed wood, where each class can enjoy their outdoor education sessions in a secure environment.

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After School Clubs and Activities The school recognises the value of extra curricular activities with staff support. There are opportunities for the children to participate in activities after school hours as follows: *TAG Rugby

KS2

*Go Green

(Eco activities) KS2

*Art and Craft

KS1/2

Lucky Dip

KS1

Games Club

KS2 Football and Netball during the autumn and spring terms.

Rounders and Cricket in the summer term.

*Multi-Skills

KS1

Yoga & Mindfulness

KS2

*First Friday Film Club

3 – 4.30 pm on the First Friday of each month

*Instrumental Music Teaching (by arrangement). Fee charged. *Charges Apply

These clubs change termly, letters are sent out to confirm attendance.

Parents' Evenings A Parents' Evening is held twice a year in the Autumn and Spring terms. The first is to discuss how the child is settling in the new school year, the teacher’s expectations and the child’s targets.

The second consultation is a chance for parents to look at the children’s work and discuss their targets for the rest of the school year. The annual written report is sent near the end of the Summer term. Parents have the opportunity to come and discuss any queries following this.

We also hold Parent Information Evenings for Reception pupils early in the Autumn term, so that parents can meet the teacher and find out more about their child’s learning.

It is helpful if parents come in when they feel there is a need to talk to the teacher. Problems can arise at any time and should be tackled as soon they are spotted. Please talk to the teacher even if the problem seems to be a small one. A phone call, visit or letter will ensure an immediate response.

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Access to Information about the School The following documents are available to parents on request. Should you wish to see any of them please enquire at the school: Any Ofsted Reports which refer to the school; any policies and schemes of work currently used by the teachers; any syllabuses followed; a full copy of the arrangements for consideration of complaints about the school curriculum made by the LA; the LA's Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education; minutes of Governor meetings (except matters deemed to be confidential); the Accessibility Plan and Travel Plan.

Change of Information Parents will be notified of any changes to the prospectus as and when they occur.

Keeping you Informed The school aims to keep parents and carers fully informed on school events and other important information. All families receive a digital copy of our weekly ‘Friday Newsletter’ which contains news, reminders and details on up-coming activities. information about class curriculum coverage, along with other important documents are published on our school web-site. We also operate a text messaging service so that emergency information can be sent out quickly and efficiently.

Arrangements for the Consideration of Complaints Any complaints should be directed, initially, to the Headteacher. Should attempts to resolve the matter informally fail, then the complaint should be sent in writing to The Chair of the Governing Body. Full details of the School Complaints Policy are available on request.

Parents, Teachers and Friends Association All parents are automatically members of the PTFA and are welcome at all meetings and functions. Notices of meetings together with agendas are distributed through the children, on the Friday Newsletter and on their Facebook page. All parents are welcome to attend all meetings. We have a very supportive Association who ensure lots of fun along with money raising issues.

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2023 National Curriculum Assessment Results EXS = Expected standard

School 2023 R+W+ M at EXS+ Reading EXS+ Reading GDS Writing EXS+ Writing GDS Maths EXS+ Maths GDS Science EXS

National 2022

GDS = Greater Depth

2022

92%

2021 TA

2020 TA

50%

92%

67%

64%

25%

18%

14%

92% 33% 92% 17% 92%

58% 8% 68% 5% 77%

64% 14% 57% 7% 86%

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School 2019 43%

64%

50%

57% 7%

55%

42%

64%

50%

54%

50% 0% 50% 7% 57%