Barcombe

Church of England
Primary School
 Headteacher Ms Caitlin Yapp
Deputy Headteacher Mr Justin Heath
Chair of Governors Mr David Dyer
Clerk to the Governors Mrs Heather Shepheard

Barcombe Church of England School

School Path, Barcombe Cross
East Sussex, BN8 5DN

Email office@barcombe.e-sussex.sch.uk

Telephone 01273 400287

Fax 01273 401187

“Teachers explain things

well and try to keep work simple,
but with a challenge.”
Children’s School Council
Head Teacher’s Introduction
I am incredibly proud of the children and the
staff at Barcombe CE School. Ours is a school
“Learning together,
that is happy and cares for all who work in it, believing together”
adults and pupils alike, typified by mutual trust
and respect in our dealings with one another.
It is a place where pupils and teachers share in
a posistive learning process that is rewarding,
challenging and memorable.

Barcombe is a school where children’s work

is valued and their knowledge, experience,
creativity, self expression, imagination and spiritual
understanding can flourish. It provides a learning
environment that is conducive to high standards
of work and behaviour and where children can
learn to be independent.

We have a very supportive school community;

relationships between teachers, pupils, parents
and governers are effective and purposeful. I feel
priviledged to lead Barcombe CE School and
look forward to working with you and sharing
these important years with your children. I am
confident that your child will settle very quickly
with us, secure in our friendly and stimulating
learning environment.

Ms Caitlin Yapp, Headteacher

Barcombe and
the Community
Barcombe is a thriving village and the school is
very much at the heart of the community. Many
of the parents and adults in the village have a
connection to the school, whether they once
attended themselves or are on the board of
governors or members of the PTA. There is
a strong emotional bond between the school
and the community and pupils both know “The school has
and are well known by adults; children feel
exceptionally safe in school. a friendly atmosphere
encouraging good
“Having parents social relationships”
involved in the school is Parent 2009
great as they get to
understand their children’s
points of view better”
Children’s School Council 2009
A school for the Future
Much about the school represents the future,
from the recent building developments through
“We have lights
to the leading role the school is taking in the use that turn on and
of information technology to aid learning. With
the completion of the rebuild in March 2010,
off when you walk
Barcombe CE School will provide its pupils with around and loads
an even greater impetus to look forward. It is
not just the new building, there are also exciting of natural light”
projects planned to develop parts of the school’s Children’s School Council 2009
external environment as an eco-project.

“Information and communication technology is used

especially well to encourage curiosity and independence,
with the school’s website enabling older pupils to
access their work in school from home”
Ofsted Inspection Report 2009
In the classroom “We have Learning Mentors who we can
Mixed age group classes are typical in Barcombe approach about any problems we have anywhere”
CE School and coherent and exciting teaching
is provided through ‘learning journeys’. This is Children’s School Council 2009
a particularly effective way of providing good
subject coverage and a range of interesting
topics to meet the needs of pupils of different
ages and abilities. This approach to teaching
and learning works very successfully at
Barcombe CE School.

“Pupils enjoy
learning because
teachers effectively plan
work which is relevant
for them and fosters their
interest and curiosity
beyond what they
already know”
Ofsted Inspection Report 2009

“We’ve been to
Battle Abbey, Drusillas,
Knowlands Woods and
Hindleap Warren.
We learn so many
different things and
have great fun”
Children’s School Council 2009
Learning outside
the classroom
Wherever possible we aim to enrich our pupils’ “Sports day is
learning experiences through organising visits and
also bringing interesting visitors into the school. great fun. The parents
Sport is an integral part of the curriculum and seem to get as excited
school life and we have an underlying principle
that sport is for all. Care and energy is devoted as the kids about it !”
to ensuring that opportunities are provided for
all regardless of ability.
Parent 2009
Bringing Battle to Barcombe

“The good systems for
tracking pupils’ achievements
mean that pupils who may
need additional help are
picked up quickly”
Ofsted Inspection Report 2009
Every Child Matters “The teachers at Barcombe
Class Teachers and the Senior Management Team invest so much time and
monitor the progress of individual children very
carefully. We follow the SEN Code of Practice for energy making our children
Special Educational Needs. Gifted and Talented into good citizens who will
children are stretched and challenged in all areas
of the curriculum through assessment and careful create a better society
planning. Pupils understand their own learning
because they are increasingly involved in setting
in the future”
targets and monitoring their own progress against Parent 2009
next steps set out for them.
Path to independence
Developing life skills is a key focus of the
school’s work. The level of pupils’ computer
Pupils understand how to lead healthy lifestyles
and the school has been awarded Healthy School
“Pupils also have well
and technical skills is very strong and researching Status and Activemark awards. developed ICT skills”
for information on the internet to support
Ofsted Inspection Report 2009
study topics is encouraged.
Your child’s first
year in Reception
For most children starting school is a positive,
exciting experience and the continuation of
what they have been doing at home or playgroup.
Very young children who cannot read or write
express their feelings through play, it is a child’s
way of developing new skills and building up
relationships with older children. Play can be a
very important method of introducing children
to mathematical ideas such as sorting, counting,
adding and subtracting.
We encourage your child to be curious, include
them in conversations and find out how things
work. All children benefit from having stories
read to them. Stories teach children about life,
they increase spoken and written vocabulary and
stimulate the imagination.
All children will start school in September.
However, the time at which a child starts full
time education will vary according to their age.
Children with birthdays from 1st September to
31st December will be full time from September
(Term 1). Children with birthdays from 1st
January to 31st August will be full time from “There are really
January (Term 3).
good links between
the school and home.
My child’s start at
school has been
a fantastic experience
for the family”
Parent. 2009
 Barcombe
Church of England
Primary School

The facts at your fingertips

The School Day From year to year, however, the size of age groups Holidays
varies, as do the needs of individual children.
The school day begins at 8.45 a.m and ends at The school is proud of its high level of
3.15pm. The children line up in their classes in the Within each class, children will be taught as a attendance. We do not advocate children
playground, but if there is inclement weather the whole class, in groups both of mixed and similar being taken out of school in term time. The
children will be able to come into school from ability and individually where necessary. Government and the Local Authority have
8.35 a.m. Latecomers must sign in at the school All class teachers welcome contact with parents procedures in place regarding absence during
office and their late arrival is noted in the register. and carers at mutually convenient times to discuss term time. A request for leave of absence must
No children should arrive at school earlier than matters relating to the academic, social and personal be applied for on a form available from the
8.35 a.m. as the school cannot be responsible for welfare of children in their care. Please do not School Office.
them before this time. hesitate to contact staff when you have a need to. There are, in addition to fixed holidays, other
The day begins with registration for both attendance closures known as Inset Days when teachers are
and school dinners. At the end of the day children School Meals and Packed Lunches on courses in order to familiarise themselves with
are escorted to the playground by their teacher to new curriculum demands. Parents are informed
be collected by their parents or carers. Highly nutritious school meals are cooked on the of these additional days in ample time. They
premises and cost £1.87 per day. A till system are usually added on to existing holidays where
operates in the canteen and each child is provided possible to ease child-minding arrangements.
Class Organisation and teaching staff with a canister to bring their money into school.
Every effort is made to organise classes so that These are collected in the classroom as soon as
children arrive and are handed out just before lunch. Starts Ends
there are no more than 30 children to a class.
Some children prefer to eat a packed lunch Term 1 3rd Sept 09 23rd Oct 09
brought from home. Children leave their lunch Autumn Holiday 23rd Oct 09 2nd Nov 09
Morning Activity
boxes at the canteen in the morning, collecting Term 2 2nd Nov 09 18th Dec 09
8.45am Registration the empty boxes again at the end of the day. Christmas 18th Dec 09 4th Jan 10
8.50am Class Time and Assembly Time Drinks are best brought in a plastic flask, bottle or Holiday
10.30am Playtime in cartons. We do ask that the children take their Term 3 4th Jan 10 12th Feb 10
10.45am Class Time rubbish home with them for recycling. As healthy February
eating is a part of the children’s education, fizzy Holiday 12th Feb 10 22nd Feb 10
Afternoon Activity drinks and sweets are not allowed. Please ensure
12.00pm Lunchtime that your child has the necessary tools to eat Term 4 22nd Feb 10 31st Mar 10
1.00pm Class Time their packed lunches e.g. if they bring a yoghurt, Spring Holiday 31st Mar 10 19th Apr 10
2.30pm KS1 Playtime they have a spoon to eat it with. Term 5 19th Apr 10 28th May 10
2.40pm Class Time Midday Supervisors ensure that good manners are May Bank 3rd May 10 4th May 10
adhered to, and that the children eat their lunch Holiday
3.10pm KS1 Home May Holiday 28th May10 7th Jun 10
in a quiet and civilised manner. Any extra training
3.15pm KS2 Home the children get from home helps to support this. Term 6 7th Jun 10 23rd Jul 10
If you are concerned about how much lunch your Summer Holiday 23rd Jul 10
child is actually eating, the Midday Supervisors are
always happy to have a chat with you.
Communication with
Parents and Carers
Communication and partnership between
school and parents is extremely important to
us. Parents and carers are welcome to visit the
school by appointment to discuss their child’s
progress. The school will also contact parents
on similar matters. Consultation Evenings also
provide opportunities to discuss children’s work
with the class teacher. An Annual Report for each
child is provided for parents.
News, events, holiday dates, appeals for help and
all other information is circulated through school
newsletters, playground whiteboards and on the
school website. Letters are sent home via the
children’s book bags or, preferably, via email.
We encourage the use of the school website:
www.barcombe.e-sussex.sch.uk
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Parking and Transport
If you live near enough to the school to walk each
day then please do. If you have to drive, we ask
that you park your car in the village, or one of the
other safe places to park, and walk down School
Path or, preferably, down Grange Road and across
the Recreation Ground into school - this route
has been especially designed for the children’s
use. Parking in the Recreation Ground car park
is not available to parents who are not using the
facilities there. School Path can be a dangerous
road and we would ask you to take care, whether
as a pedestrian or motorist. Please note that all
dogs should be kept outside the school premises.
Complaints Procedure
If you are concerned about your child’s
educational progress, health or happiness please
come into school straight away to see your
child’s class teacher. If possible, come at the
end of school when we have more time to give
to you. Most problems can be sorted out quite
easily if there is close co-operation between
home and school.
Any matter for complaint, which a parent may
have, should be discussed in the first instance
with the Head Teacher. If the problem cannot
be satisfactorily resolved by the Head Teacher,
parents may contact the Governors via their
Clerk. Failing this, the school has a formal
complaints procedure. The document setting out
these arrangements can be seen at the school.
Medical Services
The School Nurse visits regularly and may be
contacted via the school or directly through the
School Medical Team at Orchard House, Victoria
Hospital, in Lewes. The School Nurse makes
regular medical examinations and children are
usually examined in the Reception Year. Parents
are welcome to be present at these examinations.
Sight and hearing are re-tested at the age of
nine years.
If your child is ill a telephone call to the school on
the first day of absence and subsequent days plus
a letter confirming the reason for absence on the
day the child returns to school is sufficient for our
records. If a child needs medicine at school, you
are welcome to bring it in to the School Office
where relevant procedures will be followed.
Inhalers may be left in the School Office, but
teachers are not permitted to take responsibility
for medicines. Please ensure we have up to date
emergency contact details.
Most parents try to make dental or doctor’s
appointments during school holidays or after
school. In the event that it is imperative that your
child attends an appointment (for example to see
a specialist) during school time, we would hope
that they would be well enough to return to
school after treatment, rather than miss a whole
day. Again, a note or telephone call is necessary.
When collecting a child early for an appointment
or bringing a child in late after an appointment,
please make sure that he/she is signed in or out
at the School Office.
School Discipline
We are proud of the excellent behaviour of our
pupils. We discuss issues concerning behaviour
during Assembly time and the staff have high
expectations of the children. We also teach how
to negotiate, and resolve conflict as part of the
Personal and Social Education curriculum. These
lessons take place regularly in every class and
often involve role-play and drama. The older
children are expected to set a good example
to the younger ones as part of their additional
responsibilities. Every encouragement is given
to children to behave courteously and with
consideration towards each other and towards
adults. The school has a clearly formulated
Behaviour Policy that sets out principles and
procedures in this area. Parental contact is made
should a child’s behaviour become a serious
cause for concern. The school has an Anti-Bullying
Policy and all staff are committed to
‘zero tolerance’ on this important issue.
School Uniform
Children at Barcombe CE School wear our
school uniform. We believe that a simple, smart
uniform has much to commend it. It ensures that
the children are wearing practical, appropriate
clothes that promote a sense of belonging.
Long hair should be tied up and conventional
hairstyles are required.
Home Learning
Barcombe CE School has a policy of providing
home learning opportunities that are enjoyable,
manageable and interesting. We want to
encourage children to becombe independent
learners and have fun learning with the family
and by themselves.
Grey skirt/pinafore dress/trousers.
Green and white checked striped dress.
White blouse, or polo neck shirt. School
sweatshirt or green cardigan. Sensible,
dark coloured shoes.
Girls
Art: Painting overall/shirt.
PE Kit (kept in a drawstring bag): Black
shorts. White T-shirt. Slip-on plimsolls or
white soled trainers.
Grey trousers or shorts. White shirt, or
polo neck shirt. School sweatshirt or
green jumper.
Boys Art: Painting overall/shirt.
PE Kit (kept in a drawstring bag): Black
shorts. White T-shirt. Slip-on plimsolls or
white soled trainers.
THE SCHOOL AND THE
COMMUNITY
Parent Teacher Association
There is an active Parent Teacher Association
and all parents and carers automatically become
members when their children start school. The
PTA seeks to involve families in educational and
social events. Its fund raising activities help to
provide the school with extra resources, which
are put to very good use. They also hold sales of
second hand items of school uniform.
The Chairperson can be contacted most days
at the beginning or end of the school day in
the playground.
School Governors
The Governors of the school meet formally
at least once a term. They are accountable for
overseeing the provision, conduct and curriculum
of the school. Their mutual concern is for the best
interests of the children in the school and they
are happy to talk with you about their role and
responsibilities.
Contact details for the Chair and Clerk of the
Governors can be found at the front of this
prospectus.
Links with Secondary Education
There is a close link with Chailey and Ringmer
comprehensive schools to which children
normally transfer. Regular discussions on particular
aspects of the curriculum are held and induction
visits to the school by the children take place in
the term before transfer.
Children with
Special Educational Needs
We are an inclusive school that seeks to enable
every child to develop to their full potential.
When a child is identified as having Special
Educational Needs, help is readily available. The
school has an Inclusion Manager and a team
of Teaching Assistants. We are able to support
children within the classroom, on a one-to-one
basis or in a small group.
Some children need additional help and, with
parental consent, they may be referred to outside
agencies and professionals such as Speech and
Language Therapists or Educational Psychologists.
The school works closely with these agencies,
and the child’s parents, in assessing, monitoring
and addressing the child’s needs.
Our Inclusion Policy outlines the procedures
for early identification, continual assessment,
appropriate provision, record keeping and the
involvement of outside agencies.
Our more able pupils are also identified and
given work appropriate to their needs.
Admission of Pupils with Disabilities
Barcombe CE School is an inclusive school.
Reasonable adjustments will be made to enable
the admission of pupils who meet the criteria
of the Disability Discrimination Act 2005. If your
child is disabled or has a medical condition, you
should discuss the matter with the Head Teacher.
Please note, we like as much information as
possible about your or your child’s disabilities. This
helps us to make access to learning, for pupils and
parents, as good as possible.
Religious Education and Worship
The school has a Church of England foundation
and has strong links with its local churches.
Religious Education is taught throughout the
school and our scheme of work has been
developed from the Education Authority’s Agreed
Syllabus. This syllabus reflects the fact that the
religious traditions in Great Britain are in the main
Christian, whilst taking account of the teaching
and practices of the other principal religions
represented in the country.
Assemblies are held daily, usually led by one
of the staff, and are broadly Christian. The
assemblies are based on weekly themes. We
have outside expert help on a regular basis
to lead us in worship. Each class presents an
assembly to parents three times a year. We
attend St. Mary’s Church for our Easter and
Harvest Festival services. Our Key Stage Two
children’s Christmas performance is also held
at St. Mary’s Church, Barcombe.
Any parents who would prefer that their
child does not participate in RE or worship
are requested to discuss the matter with
the Head Teacher.
Sex Education
Sex Education is part of the curriculum decided
upon by the Governors. A specific Sex Education
Policy has been produced and is available for
inspection. Sex Education is seen as an integral
element of the school’s Health Education Policy.
It is dealt with in a context of caring, of respect
for others and for oneself and of increasing
responsibility. Specific biological facts relating to
Sex Education are taught to children in Years Five
and Six and parents are given advance notice.
Parents have a right to withdraw their children
from Sex Education sessions if they so wish.
Key Stage 1 Key Stage 2
This table shows a summary of the National Curriculum assessment results of pupils in the school (2009) These tables show a summary of the National Curriculum results of pupils in the school (2009) and
and nationally (2008) at the end of Key Stage 1, as a percentage of those eligible for assessment. nationally (2008) as a percentage of those eligible for assessment. The number of eligible children is 21.
Figures may not total 100& because of rounding.

RESULTS OF TEACHER ASSESSMENT RESULTS OF TEACHER ASSESSMENT 2009 AND NATIONAL 2008
Percentage at each level Percentage at each level
W 1 2 2C 2B 2A 3> D A W 1 2 3 4 5 6 D A
Boys 0 0 67 - - - 33 0 0 School 0 0 0 14 67 19 0 0 0
English
Speaking Girls 0 0 88 - - - 13 0 0 National 0 1 4 16 49 30 0 0 0
and
listening Whole School 0 0 75 - - - 25 0 0 School 0 0 5 14 52 29 0 0 0
Mathematics
National 2 11 65 - - - 21 0 0 National 0 1 4 16 46 33 0 0 0
Boys 0 0 - 0 8 58 33 0 0 School 0 0 0 5 43 52 0 0 0
Science
Girls 0 0 - 0 25 38 38 0 0 National 0 0 2 12 47 38 0 0 0
Reading
Whole School 0 0 - 0 15 50 35 0 0
National 3 13 - 13 22 24 25 0 0
Boys 0 0 - 25 33 33 8 0 0 TEST RESULTS 2009 AND NATIONAL 2008

Girls 0 0 - 25 38 25 13 0 0 Percentage at each level

Writing Below Pupils not
Whole School 0 0 - 25 35 30 10 0 0 3 4 5 A
level 3* entered**
National 5 15 - 22 27 19 12 0 0 School 5 10 71 14 0 0
English
Boys 0 0 - 8 8 58 25 0 0 National 6 13 51 30 0 1
Girls 0 0 - 13 50 38 0 0 0 School 5 5 52 38 0 0
Maths Reading
Whole School 0 0 - 10 25 50 15 0 0 National 6 6 38 49 0 1
National 2 8 - 16 25 27 21 0 0 School 5 33 48 14 0 0
Writing
W 1 2 2C 2B 2A 3> U National 6 26 48 20 0 1
Boys 0 0 58 - - - 42 0 School 5 10 57 29 0 0
Mathematics
Girls 0 13 88 - - - 0 0 National 5 15 47 31 0 1
Science
Whole School 0 5 70 - - - 25 0 School 0 14 33 52 0 0
Science
National 2 9 67 - - - 22 - National 2 8 44 44 0 1

W represents children who are working towards level 1, but have not yet achieved the standards needed for level 1. W represents children who are working towards level 1, but have not yet achieved the standards needed for level 1.
U represents children for whom it is possible to determine a level. * represents pupils who were not entered for the tests because they were working below level 3 in English,
D represents pupils that are disapplied. mathematics or science; pupils awarded a compensatory level from the tests; and pupils entered for but not
A represents pupils that were absent. achieving a level from the tests.
** represents pupils working at the levels of the tests, but unable to access them, formally referred to as disapplied.
Barcombe C of E School
School Path, Barcombe Cross, East Sussex, BN8 5DN
Email office@barcombe.e-sussex.sch.uk
Telephone 01273 400287
Fax 01273 401187

With thanks to the

Barcombe School Council
Newick

South
Chailey
Isfield
Barcombe

Cooksbridge

Design: Suzie Johanson 01273 527424 Editorial: Nigel Greenwood @ sosussex.co.uk

Offham Ringmer

Lewes