September 2024
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome to Thornton-in-Craven Community Primary and Nursery School.
We are delighted that you have decided to find out more about us. We hope that this prospectus will answer some of the questions you may have about how our school and nursery is organised and to help you understand more about our us. We are a small, rural, village school and we believe that our strength is in our size. We all know every child and their family well and we are therefore able to provide a unique, positive educational experience for all children in our care.
We have high expectations of the children in our school. Our staff work hard to provide an environment where children can thrive. Children are asked to work hard and behave well so that they are motivated to achieve their potential in all areas. They are encouraged to develop confidence and enjoyment in all that they do. The school aims to build the core strengths in reading, literacy and numeracy but also to develop their individual skills in all areas including an understanding of responsibility, respect, co-operation and self-belief. We would encourage you to read our June 2018 Ofsted report which also highlights the excellent education that we provide here.
Your child’s progress also relies on your support and encouragement. We encourage parents to work with us and support us in all that we do. We recognise that children are individuals and we are happy to work with you to ensure your child’s education is a happy one.
Further information can be found at www.thorntonincravenprimary.org.uk.
Yours sincerely,
Miss Suzie Brown NPQH Headteacher
AIMS OF THORNTON-IN-CRAVEN COMMUNITY PRIMARY AND NURSERY SCHOOL
Thornton-in-Craven CP School is a small rural primary school and nursery where pupils are encouraged to show a caring attitude towards each other.
It is an establishment that strives to provide a safe, secure, inclusive caring environment where pupils, staff and visitors feel comfortable and where vulnerable groups are identified and receive targeted provision to ensure their presence, participation and achievement.
The school encourages pupils to develop academically and socially to the best of their ability by setting suitable learning challenges and responding to their diverse learning needs.
The staff endeavour to work together to provide opportunities for pupils to express themselves in a variety of ways throughout all curricular and non-curricular areas overcoming barriers to learning and assessment for individuals and groups of pupils.
The school vision is that of a team made up of pupils, teachers, teaching assistants, parents, governors, the LA and the local community working together for success.
At Thornton-in-Craven we aim, in partnership with parents and guardians, to provide a high quality learning environment to help all children realise their full potential, intellectually, physically and socially. Our more specific aims are to help children to:
* enjoy learning and to become independent, self-disciplined and selfmotivated and to achieve the highest standards of which they are capable;
* develop lively, enquiring, imaginative and creative minds, the confidence to question, and the ability to argue rationally;
* acquire knowledge, skills and training relevant to their own lives and to adult life and employment in a rapidly changing world;
* develop, recognise and value a sense of right and wrong and to understand the society in which they live and recognise their obligations towards it;
* develop a concern for the quality of their immediate environment and an understanding of the world in which they live and work, and the inter-dependence of individuals, groups and nations;
* develop an awareness and appreciation of human achievements and aspirations in our own and other societies;
* develop and act on a personal set of values, beliefs and attitudes and to gain understanding of and respect for religious and moral values and an appreciation and tolerance of other groups, races, religions and ways of life and points of view.
Whatever their age, ability, background, gender or special needs.
ABOUT THORNTON-IN CRAVEN SCHOOL
Thornton-in-Craven School was built in 1908. In 1976 an extension was built to provide a dining room. This has now become a classroom. In 1990 new toilets and cloakrooms were provided and a temporary classroom was placed on site. In 1999 offices/staffroom and more teaching space were built. In 2010, the temporary classroom was removed and two new classes were placed on site.
The school also has large school field with superb views of the surrounding hills. This is used for playtimes (weather permitting), PE lessons, sports day and other events.
The school catchment area includes the parishes of Thornton-in-Craven, Broughton and Elslack. Recently many parents from Earby and Barnoldswick have chosen to send their children to our school. The school published admissions number totals 77 pupils. We currently have 100 pupils on roll including nursery. Our admissions number every year is 11. In September 2019, we opened a nursery for 3 year old pupils. This has allowed us to move to a 4 class structure.
The school day starts at 8.50 a.m. and finishes at 3.30p.m, Lunch is from 12 - 12.55p.m. Morning and afternoon breaks are 15 minutes long.
TEACHING STAFF
Miss S Brown Headteacher
Mrs N Whitwell (0.4) / Mrs N Moorhouse (0.6) Oak Class (Y5/6)
Miss S Brown/Mrs A Maloney (0.8) Sycamore Class (Y3/4)
Mrs E Wilkinson Chestnut Class (Y1/2)
Mrs D Shellis Beech Class (Nursery/Rec)
NON-TEACHING STAFF
Mrs M Leeming School Administrator (Mon and Tues)
Miss A Garrity School Administrator (Wed, Thurs, Fri) and After school club Supervisor
Ms A Barnes Teaching Assistant and Breakfast/afterschool club Supervisor
Mrs L Brewster
HLTA/Advanced Teaching Assistant/Midday Supervisor
Mrs H Brown Teaching Assistant/Midday Supervisor
Ms M Cokell Breakfast and Afterschool club supervisor/Midday Supervisor
Miss A Fleming Midday Supervisor
Mrs Kathryn Seed Cook
Mr D Waterworth Caretaker
Two Open Evenings are held each year for parents to discuss children's work and in the Summer Term parents are given written reports on children’s progress. Parents are most welcome to see teachers at other times but we would prefer that where possible parents arrange a mutually suitable time with the teacher.
Dates of Consultation:
Parent Consultation: Autumn Term and Spring Term
SCHOOL RULES
All children are expected to keep the following rules.
• Show respect to everyone in the school
• Take pride in your school by looking smart and keeping your classroom tidy
• Always try your best
• Be kind and helpful – you are part of a team
• Be careful – think about what is safe and sensible
In class circle time children are encouraged to discuss school issues and any problems they may have. There are four teams in school, Wharfe, Ribble, Aire and Calder. Pupils earn points towards their team total. Individual pupils in each class are recognised for achievement for work, behaviour or care and kindness.
The school aims to develop independence and self discipline and children are put into situations to encourage this.
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
All children have a right to undertake the full range of the National Curriculum and we promote the inclusion of all subjects for all children. This includes children with Special Educational Needs. The Governing Body has adopted a Special Needs Policy based on the latest SEND Code of Practice 2014 that is within the Children and Families Act 2014. This has transformed the ways in which school and agencies work with children and young people with additional needs. Information regarding the Local Offer from North Yorkshire and our SEND Policy can be accessed on our website. If you ever have any concerns or queries about your child's progress or the SEND provision we make for your child then please speak to the Headteacher.
Designated Senior Person, Child Protection
S Brown, Deputies: A Maloney, E Wilkinson SENCO
S Brown supported by Sara Toomey Adys (SEN consultants) Looked After Children
S Brown Health and Safety
MEDICAL NEEDS
S Brown
Should a child have medical needs which affect their school education, the local authority will address this through home and hospital tuition.
CHILD PROTECTION
The School is committed to child protection and “safer recruitment” of staff. The School Policy is available on request. Parents who have a concern that a child might be at risk should refer to the North Yorkshire SCB website www.safeguardingchildren.co.uk or NSPCC www.nspcc.org.uk.
GENERAL INFORMATION
DRESS
The wearing of certain basic items of school uniform is encouraged. Sweatshirts, jumpers or cardigans should be red. Trousers or skirt should be grey or black. Sweatshirts and cardigans with the school logo can be purchased from Skip to school in Skipton. All uniform should be named.
Rings and earrings can be dangerous, only small studs should be worn in school. Earrings must be removed for P.E. lessons and hair tied back.
THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM
The curriculum is planned to meet all the current statutory requirements of the 2014 National Curriculum including Attainment Targets, Programmes of Study, and Assessment arrangements.
The core subjects are Mathematics, English and Science. Other foundation subjects are History, Geography, Technology, Music, Art, PSHCE and Physical Education. The basic curriculum also includes Religious Education. We deliver these through a topic based curriculum. An overview of the curriculum each year is available on our website.
The new 2014 curriculum has raised objectives and expectations and it is now measured by new primary curriculum tests that began in Summer 2016. Old levels do not exist and a new in-school assessment system measures children as working towards, working at or working above their year group expectations. Our school results in these assessments can be found later in this prospectus.
How we teach the National Curriculum
At present all the children are taught in their own peer groups in mixed age classes. Within the class, teachers will sometimes group children by ability to ensure that they are accessing work at the right level.
ENGLISH
SPEAKING AND LISTENING
Language is generated and extended through the inter-relation of listening, talking, reading and writing. All children are encouraged to become good talkers and listeners.
READING
Books play an important part in language development both at home and school. A range of big books and text on an interactive whiteboard are used for class reading. We use Essential Letters and Sounds as our daily phonics scheme and children take books home matched to this scheme. Parents are encouraged to hear their child read everyday and at first children will be asked to read the books three times for decoding, expression (prosody) and comprehension. Hearing your child read is the most important contribution you can make to your child’s education.
WRITING
Children write for many different purposes, imaginative and descriptive, factual, letter writing and poetry. They are encouraged to develop their writing style in shared group and individual writing activities. By looking at examples of work by established authors children learn the correct grammar and punctuation and how to develop an imaginative writing style.
PHONICS
Reading is taught through the daily delivery of the Little Wandle letters and sounds programme. Children are rapidly taught different letter sounds and phonemes. They then use this knowledge to sound out and blend words to read. Children are given phonetically plausible reading books (containing words that can be sounds out using their phonics knowledge).
SPELLING
Spelling is taught systematically throughout school. They also learn spelling rules and the correct use of dictionaries and thesaurus.
MATHEMATICS
Numeracy lessons follow the programme of work outlined in the National Curriculum 2014. This now follows the New Framework. All work is carefully structured with each child working at their own level of ability. Children are encouraged to discuss mathematical ideas with the teacher and each other and to take part in mathematical investigations. Appropriate practical work is given to introduce new concepts. Fundamental mental maths skills and routines are consolidated and practised regularly. A problem solving approach is used which links mathematics to everyday life. Children's progress is regularly assessed and tables are taught.
The following main areas of mathematics are covered:-
• Using and applying mathematics.
• Number.
• Shape and Space.
• Handling data.
SCIENCE
Science is taught through a variety of theory and practical investigations. The following areas are covered:
• Scientific Investigation.
• Life and Living processes.
• Materials and their properties.
• Physical Processes.
GEOGRAPHY
Children will study the physical, human and environmental aspects of Geography. These themes will be studied by looking at their own local environment, contrasting localities in the U.K. and further afield.
HISTORY
Through History children should be able to interpret and understand the events of the past. The content of the History curriculum reflects the requirements of the programmes of study for National Curriculum 2014.
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
Children will learn how to identify needs and opportunities, generate a design, plan and make models and evaluate their work.
COMPUTING
Through computing lessons, children will learn how to use computers to store and retrieve information and to prepare databases. They will develop an understanding of algorithms and basic programming. Children have access to networked laptops, Ipads and other IT equipment.
MUSIC
Children are encouraged to be performers and listeners. They are given opportunities to make their own music, sing and play a musical instrument and also listen to music.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
In P.E. children will be encouraged to develop physical competence, to value the benefits of participating in a physical activity, and to develop an appreciation of skilful and creative performances in all areas. P.E. can also contribute to the establishment of self-esteem and the development of interpersonal skills as members of a team. The areas of activity covered in school will be Athletics, Dance, Games, Gymnastics and Swimming.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Religious Education shares common ground with the other elements of the curriculum contributing to the personal, moral and social development of children. Religious Education and the daily Act of Collective Worship are of a broadly Christian character reflecting the broad traditions of Christian belief without being distinctive of any particular Christian denomination. Parents have a right to withdraw their child from R.E. should they so wish. R.E lessons introduce children to all the major world religions.
SEX EDUCATION
The school’s policy on Sex Education is:
• To do a Puberty talk in the summer term. This talk with involve year 5/6 girls and then boys (delivered separately).
• Other aspects of reproduction and the human body are covered in the science curriculum. This content is statutory.
BRITISH VALUES
Values are principles that guide behaviour. At Thornton in Craven Primary and Nursery School, adults are encouraged to model values and to give time for reflective practices. We believe that this empowers individuals to be effective learners and good citizens.
Our values based philosophy underpins our work to actively promote fundamental British values of democracy, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of those from all faiths, backgrounds and cultures. A rounded programme of assemblies and classroom based learning promote children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, enabling them to develop their own moral and ethical compass to guide what is right and what is wrong.
• Children are taught the difference between right and wrong.
• Children are encouraged to value others.
• Children are encouraged to value other cultures and beliefs.
HOMEWORK
In order to reflect the new National Curriculum 2014, homework is a traditional format with weekly literacy and numeracy tasks alongside daily reading practice. It is a non-negotiable expectation that children complete their homework. This also prepares them for Secondary school. Completion of homework is monitored by class teachers and the Headteacher. Parents can support their child by providing a good working space at home and by encouraging them to complete the work to the best of their ability.
Further details regarding our curriculum can be accessed via our website www.thorntonincravenprimary.org.uk
SCHOOL DINNERS:
School dinners are provided by North Yorkshire County Caterers and all meals are cooked on site. A termly menu is sent home each term. From September 2014, all reception and key stage 1 children are entitled to a free school dinner. We also offer Friday dinners, where children can have the option of a cooked dinner every Friday so they can try what is available without committing full-time. Alternatively, children can eat a packed lunch sent in from home. We ask that this does not contain any chocolate, sweets, hot food or fizzy drinks.
MILK AND FRUIT
The school provides milk. It is free for the children under 5 and older children may purchase milk. The school is part of the School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme and the children in nursery/reception or KS1 receive a free piece of fruit or vegetable each school day.
ATTENDANCE
We take attendance very seriously. There are strong links between children’s attainment and good attendance. Attendance figures of 95% still mean that a child is missing on average one day per fortnight. Holidays cannot be authorised except in very exceptional circumstances. Any unauthorised absences are reported to the LEA and they may choose to issue a fine. Arrival at school on time is also very important, being late not only disrupts your child’s education but it also disrupts the teacher and the learning of others. Persistent lateness will be addressed by the Headteacher and you will be asked to meet with us if you are failing to bring your child on time. Similarly, we ask that you collect your child promptly at the end of the day. Our day does not end at 3.30pm and we have other work commitments that means we are unable to look after your child after school. While we understand that problems sometimes occur, persistent late collection is not acceptable.
ABSENCE
Pupils who are unwell should not be sent to school. If a child becomes ill in school or has an accident, parents will be contacted. All parents must provide home and work telephone numbers and a number to contact in case of an emergency i.e. a relative.
When your child is ill please telephone school on the first day of absence and send a written note of explanation on the day of return. Children should not return to school within 48 hours of having sickness or diarrhoea. We realise that this means a child will be at home for 48 hours in good health after they have recovered but they are infectious so keeping them at home protects other staff and children.
MEDICINES
The school can only administer prescribed medicines which need to be taken four times a day. An Instruction and Authorisation for the administration of medication form must be completed by the parent/guardian.
INSURANCE
The County Council only insures against injury caused to children as a result of negligence of the Authority, its servants or agents, and does not insure to pay compensation following any injury suffered by a pupil. It is the responsibility of parents to arrange and pay premiums for personal accident insurance if they wish to do so.
PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION
The PTA meet regularly for educational, social and fund raising activities and welcome all parents to join them. Details are available on the school notice board.
GOVERNING BODY
The governing body meets half-termly and the chair is Mr Neil Roe.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
The school currently run the following: Monday sports club for Y1 to Y3 and Wednesday Football club (Autumn 1, Spring 2 and Summer term only no cost). Fridays Musical Theatre Club for £5 a session. Other extra curricular activities such as weekly baking, arts and crafts or film club are delivered through our dedicated after school care.
BEFORE AND AFTER SCHOOL CARE
Breakfast club runs from 8.00am for £4.00 per session or from 8.30am for £1.50 as session. We also run an after-school club from 3.30pm until 5.30pm. The cost is £5.00 per session (until 4.30pm) or £10 a session (until 5.30pm) and includes a healthy snack plus all activities.
RESIDENTIAL OUTDOOR EDUCATION CENTRE VISIT
Year 5/6 have the opportunity to go on a 3 or 4 day visit to one of NYCC’s Outdoor Education Centres. The instructors are fully qualified teachers who specialise in outdoor education. The centre staff and teachers support the children in all activities. The adult to child ratio is usually 1 to 6 while the pupils are involved in the activities. At night, pupils sleep in same sex dormitories with staff in rooms adjacent. The meals are excellent and all are cooked on site. Activities include rock climbing and abseiling, walking, canoeing, orienteering, gorge walking and mountain walking. The children are encouraged to work as a team, helping each other to become self reliant and independent. This is run on a two year rolling programme.
COLLECTIVE WORSHIP Assemblies
Collective worship within school is in accordance with the 1988 Education Act. All children attend an Act of Worship at some point during the school day. This may be either as a whole school or in groups. The content of the majority of these Acts of Worship reflects broad traditions of Christian belief. On Mondays, we have a whole school assembly and on Fridays at 3pm we have a celebration assembly where we celebrate children’s good work and achievements. Parents of the class who are presenting their learning are welcome to attend on Fridays.
SCHOOL VISITS
Visits to local places of interest will be arranged from time to time. This will often be linked to areas of the curriculum and these visits can greatly enhance children’s understanding of a topic. Contributions towards these trips are voluntary but a shortage of contributions may result in a trip being cancelled. Your support in this is greatly appreciated.
COMMUNICATION
Success depends upon close co-operation and partnership between the home and school. Parents are warmly invited to contact school when issues arise or advice is needed. We, in turn will be in touch whenever a need arises. Class teacher will always be the first point of call, after this the Headteacher is available. The school uses Scholarpack texts and emails for communication purposes relying on email and texts and occasionally paper copies. A weekly newsletter will keep you up to date and copies of the newsletter are also posted on the school website. The PTA also has a facebook page but we do ask that this is used for PTA fundraising purposes only and it is not linked to the school in any other way.
POLICIES
There are a number of documents and policy statements that are available in school or on our website.
RAISING CONCERNS/COMPLAINTS
From time to time there will be issues that cause concern. The School and Governing Body has adopted a complaints policy and this is also available from the school or on our website. Please raise concerns with the school directly rather than discuss them with other parents without letting us know first. Key Stage 2 Results 2022
Blue more than 10% above the national results Green in line with or above the national results Orange slightly below national results (difference is less than one child) Red well below national results
Essential Information:
Address:
Thornton in Craven CP School
Cam Lane
Thornton in Craven
North Yorkshire
BD23 3SX
Tel 01282 843381
Email admin@thornton-in-craven.n-yorks.sch.uk
Local Authority:
North Yorkshire County Council
Children and Young People‘s Service
County Hall
Northallerton
North Yorkshire
DL7 8AD
Headteacher: Miss Suzie Brown NPQH
Chair of Governors: Mr Neil Roe
Governors:
Miss Suzie Brown
Mrs Nicola Moorhouse
Mrs Rebecca Garrity
Mrs Rachel Davies
Mrs Debbie Joyce
Mrs Rebecca Lofthouse
Mrs Sue Walker
Mrs Donna Ryan
Other Information:
Number on school Roll: 96 including Nursery children
Price of school meal: £3.20 per day
Breakfast Club: Available from 8.00am 8.50am £5 or 8.30am-8.50am £1.50
After-school Club: 3.30p to 4.30pm £5.00 or 3.30pm to 5.30pm £10