Kempsford School Prospectus

WELCOME

Kempsford Primary School, at the heart of the village community, provides equal access to the curriculum for all our pupils in a caring, well-resourced environment. We enable all children to be happy whilst reaching their full potential and developing a sense of self-worth within our Christian Vision.

At Kempsford Primary there is pride and passion about our togetherness. High standards and expectations through our RISE (Respect, Improve, Succeed, Excel) vision form the foundation for your child’s education and gives them confidence for their future.

We are delighted that 100% of the parents surveyed via Ofsted’s Parent View would recommend Kempsford Primary school to another parent (6th March 2017).

The number on roll (September 2020) is 98 and the children are grouped in four classes according to year group. Provision for pre-school children is also made within our Foundation Stage unit “The Hive” for children age 3 to 5 years.

The school is extremely well supported by Governors, an active ‘Friends‘ association, parents, the Church and the wider community.

Kempsford Primary School is part of a cluster of local Primary Schools, and we have strong ties with Farmor’s School, our local 11-18 Comprehensive in Fairford.

Prospective parents are welcome to get in touch to arrange a visit around our school. I look forward to welcoming you.

VISION & VALUES

RESPECT

Treat others the way you would like to be treated

Respect, Love, Care, Trust, Friendship

IMPROVE

Improve yourself in all that you do Perseverance, Thankfulness, Creativity, Peace, Service

SUCCEED

Persevere to reach your goals!

Forgiveness, Perseverance

EXCEL

Go the extra mile in what you do Wonder, service

VISION STATEMENT

Together, we will RISE.

At Kempsford Primary there is pride and passion about our togetherness: ‘How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!’ (Psalm 133:1).

Through our commitment to RISE, we ensure that every child flourishes in all that they do: ‘I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.’ (John 10.10 NIV/ Diocese of Gloucester ‘Life’ Vision)

“RISE” drives everything that we do at Kempsford C of E Primary School, underpinned by our Core Christian Values. By using RISE in our everyday lives, we aim to nurture and promote the values, skills and attitudes that will enable all children and adults to develop and respond positively to all opportunities and challenges.

Children who demonstrate aspects of the RISE ethos, through their work or attitude, are praised and rewarded in a variety of ways. Any child demonstrating Respect, Improvement, Success and Excellence will be rewarded by moving up the learning behaviour chart in the classroom.

Children who reach ‘silver’ are awarded a house point, while children who reach ‘gold’ are awarded two house points and consequently are considered for the RISE Cup in Celebration Worship. Each class has an agreed reward system including verbal and non-verbal praise, stickers, stamps, certificates and house points.

Our Christian Values

Christian Values are promoted through all that we do. To keep driving forward our Vision, we dedicate time each week for the children to discuss the Values and learn how these impact on our everyday lives in modern day Britain.

Collective Worship celebrates the Values and engages children to reflect on them, taking examples from the Bible to guide how we all strive to RISE.

We hold a daily act of worship to help us realise our vision. We focus on core Values through a two year programme.

‘Overseen by the ethos committee, the vision is regularly monitored and used to drive governors’decision-making and schoolimprovement’- SIAMs, October2020

LEARNING

Each half term classes complete topic based units of work. The topic will include related literacy units, science and other Subjects. These are mapped across the year to ensure an even balance of foundation subjects, such as Geography and History, as well as taking into account the children’s interests and questions they may have.

THE SCHOOL DAY

Each school day begins at 9:00am with the gates opening at 8:50am. The children have a mid-morning break and up to an hour for lunch before lessons begin at 1:00pm. The school finishes for the day at 3:15pm.

Writing

The school follows a ‘Talk for Writing’ Approach which is also known as ‘Story Telling’. This is an approach developed by Pie Corbett, an English Educational writer, and is based on the principles of how children learn. It is powerful because it enables children to imitate the language they need for a particular topic orally, before reading and analysing it and then writing their own version. Children follow three phases known as Imitation/Immersion, Innovation and Invention.

Within their Literacy units, children also focus on the key skills of writing such as; sentence structure, text organisation and grammar. Children in Years 2-6 also have dedicated time which focuses purely on grammar and the associated language.

Reading and Spelling

In EYFS, KS1 and lower KS2 children follow a phonics based program called ‘Letters and Sounds’. This is split into 6 phases that take varying amounts of time to work through. Children are grouped across classes so that they work at the level most appropriate for them. Phase 6 is a bridging unit into more formalised spelling teaching, which the children move onto upon completion of Letters and Sounds. Whilst Letters and Sounds focuses on the sounds make by single and multiple letters, spelling teaching will focus on spelling patterns and rules. Children receive spellings and spelling tests weekly.

The school uses coloured book bands for children moving through EYFS/KS1 and lower KS2 reading. As children work through these book bands they may be moved onto ‘Free reading’ where they can choose their own books to read. Generally, children should be reading at a level where they can read 90-95% of the words correctly in their book.

Mathematics

Mathematics is taught within classes using stepped learning journeys. The focus is on the age-related expectation (A.R.E) for each year group. Children work to this A.R.E and after learning and practising the required skill, they will work on applying it in different situations. Kempsford is working on a Mastery approach which develops the children’s ability to spot patterns, problem solve and reason at whatever point they are working.

Children in Years 2-6 have dedicated time which focuses purely on arithmetic and calculation methods. Factual knowledge is taught through the units and also included in homework.

‘I feelvery lucky that my daughters gets to go to such a wonderful school with such caring and hardworking teachers.’ - Parent

HOMEWORK

Every week, children at Kempsford receive homework that is closely linked to national curriculum requirements. This includes:

• Spellings to learn

• Maths Facts

• Science research

• A reminder to read for 15 minutes every day

This homework will be monitored by testing of the spellings/maths facts within the class and children can move up the behaviour chart and/or receive house points for this.

Electronic copies of homework are distributed each week via the Class pages on Microsoft Teams.

BREAKFAST AND AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS

The on-site Breakfast Club operates every week day from 7:45am to 8:50am during term time. Breakfast is chargeable; a selection of cereals and fruit are available to the children.

Our on-site After School Club runs during term time from 3:15pm to 5:15pm, Monday to Friday. There is a per session cost with a discount for siblings. The children are provided with a healthy after school snack. If they require something more substantial this should be provided in a packed lunch style box.

‘Describing the work of the school, parents said that ‘the nurture is fantastic at this school’. They agree that the school ‘goes the extra mile’ when helping their families.’

SIAMs, October, 2020

PRE-SCHOOL

Kempsford Pre-School is part of ‘The Hive’, our Early Years Foundation Unit. This is run as an integrated part of the school and provides a wealth of learning experiences and opportunities for children from ages 3-5. There is a morning session from 8:45am-11:45am, lunch from 11:45-12:15 and an afternoon session from 12:15pm-3:15pm. A child can attend one, two or all three sessions in a day.

SCHOOL MEALS

Children may either bring a packed lunch or enjoy a hot meal provided by our on-site kitchen. The children have a choice of 3 meals including a vegetarian option. This is selected in advance using an online system.

FREE SCHOOL MEALS

All children whose parents/carers meet certain criteria may be eligible for a daily free school meal (FSM). If a parent meets the criteria, the school receives a small amount of funding which is used to support the children in school. Even if your child is in YrR, 1 and 2, we strongly encourage applying for this so that we provide additional support for the children. Further details can be obtained from the school or local authority.

ADDITIONAL CLUBS

A wide range of activities take place during school lunchtimes and after school from 3:15pm-4:15pm throughout the year. We are proud to provide inclusive opportunities with a wide range of new activities in Sport through our after school sports clubs, which are delivered by qualified coaching staff. Alongside sports, activities may include music, arts, computing, drama and environmental work. Most of these clubs are offered free of charge although some require a small donation towards material.

‘Thank you all so very much for making it such a lovely and calming environment, my child is absolutely loving being with you.’ - Parent

ADMISSIONS

Our Reception intake is 15. Parents wishing to send their child to Kempsford Primary School need to apply via the Gloucestershire County Council website.

For all in-year admissions, please contact the school to organise a visit or for an application form.

FRIENDS OF KEMPSFORD

The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) is known as The Friends of Kempsford. The committee works closely with the school and the wider community to organise a range of fundraising events throughout the year. The money that is raised supports improvements to the school including the purchase of resources and equipment. Anyone who wants to get actively involved is very welcome to join the core committee of parents.

GOVERNORS

The Governing Body’s main role is to support the Head Teacher in the management of the school and the planning and monitoring of the long term interests of its children. Kempsford Governors look at three key areas and have committees to support these; Resources, Ethos and Standards.

Kempsford Church of England (VC) Primary School

High Street

Kempsford

GL7 4EY

Tel: 01285 810367

admin@kempsford.gloucs.sch.uk