Professional Documents
Culture Documents
School Prospectus
HEADTEACHER - MR C SPRING B.Ed P.G.D.E. TELEPHONE NO - (01865) 820422 FACSIMILIE NO (01865) 820422 E-MAIL office.3230@john-blandy.oxon.sch.uk WEBSITE www.john-blandy.oxon.sch.uk
CONTENTS
Introduction The History of John Blandy School Admissions Aims of the John Blandy School The Curriculum Organisation Sports Extra-curricular activities Assemblies & Acts of Worship Homework Out of School Activities Policy on Sex Education Religious Education Special Needs Withdrawal of Children from Activities Getting Ready for School Day to Day Information School Times School Uniform KS2 &KS1 School Uniform Foundation Stage School Meals Packed Lunches Parents & Teachers General Matters Attendance Complaints Procedure Governing Bodys Charging Policy Voluntary Contributions Discipline Home School Agreement School Policies Secondary Schools 3 4 5 6 7
10 11 12 13
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Health and Safety Delivering & Collecting Children Dogs Medicines Smoking Security The Friends of John Blandy Term Dates National Curriculum Assessments School Staff School Governors L.E.A. Fair Processing Notice: Data Protection Act
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17 18 19 20 & 21 22 23 24
INTRODUCTION
This booklet has been prepared by the Governors and Staff of John Blandy Primary School to provide information on the school, its aims, curriculum and activities. The education system has undergone many changes over recent years. The Governors, with the Head, now have responsibility for the management of the School while the Local Education Authoritys role is to monitor and advise the management team. The involvement of parents is important to the School and the School welcomes your help and support either by direct assistance in School or by the participation of The Friends of John Blandy. Parents of prospective pupils are most welcome to visit the school. Please telephone to make an appointment and we will be happy to show you around.
THE HISTORY OF JOHN BLANDY SCHOOL The School was first established by an endowment from John Blandy, Squire of the village and Lord of the Manor of Kingston Bagpuize, in 1735. It is said to have been the first school of its kind educating boys who were going to sea. The Will of a later John Blandy enlarged the endowment. In 1894 a new school and schoolhouse were built on the Faringdon Road. This new building replaced the old school house and long schoolroom, which still stands on the Abingdon Road, southwest of the lodge house close to the main gates to Kingston Bagpuize House. As a result of the 1944 Education Act, the building erected in the last decade of the 19th century was taken over by the Berkshire Education Authority, but the Blandy Trust still maintained an interest in the school, which became known as Kingston Bagpuize Primary (Controlled) School. With the growth of Kingston Bagpuize and Southmoor in the 1960s it became obvious that this building, with its two rooms, two temporary classrooms and use of the village hall, would be far too small. So, on the 6 February 1968, all equipment and furniture having been moved by the Authority with the help of School Managers and Parents, the new building in Southmoor opened with five classrooms, work areas and library area, hall, changing rooms and fully equipped kitchen. (The old School is now used as the headquarters of the 1st Longworth Scout Group). In June 1968, the swimming pool was ready for use, through contributions and work of Parents and Friends, and a generous grant from the Blandy Trust. On 19th June 1968, Mr John Blandy (now Professor Blandy) in the presence of the Director of Education for Berkshire, the County Architect, the Chairman of the Education Committee, Parents, Friends, Staff and Children officially opened the school. His mother Lady Blandy, ceremonially unveiled a plaque made by Professor Blandy himself, commemorating the occasion. This plaque can be seen on the wall of the main entrance on the north side of the school. In May 1996 the Nursery Extension, now accommodating the Foundation Stage Unit, was completed and opened on the 21st June by Professor John Blandy and the Chairman of Oxfordshire County Council.
ADMISSIONS
John Blandy School welcomes all families who choose to use our School. Children are admitted to the Foundation Stage Unit at the beginning of the academic year in which they have their fifth birthday when they are known as F1 (Foundation 1) children. They are expected to attend for five daily sessions, Monday to Friday inclusive from 08.50 until 15.00. Should the school be in the position of having more applicants than places available the Oxfordshire County Councils admissions criteria will be used to allocate places. Copies of the admissions procedure for the Foundation Stage Unit and School are available from the school office. It is possible to register your child for a place in the Foundation Stage Unit on his/her second birthday. Registration forms can be obtained from the school office. It is essential that your childs birth certificate accompany the completed registration form. This is photocopied and returned to you for safekeeping. Over recent years we have been working to improve access to the school for pupils, staff and visitors who have a physical disability. Ramps, improved parking and toilet facilities are now available. The internal plan of the building enables classroom layouts to be modified allowing full access to equipment for all pupils. Whenever possible the school will endeavor to afford pupils full access to the curriculum regardless of any disability. (Also see - equal opportunities and special needs policies, copies available from the school office)
OUR AIMS
Ensure maximum academic development of children of all abilities including those with special education needs (notably in Literacy, Numeracy, Information & Communications Technology). Develop lively, enquiring minds with a lifetimes interest in learning and promote personal, social and moral development. Enable children to work both independently and as part of a team. Foster a continuing interest and involvement in sporting, cultural and leisure activities. Provide excellent facilities (Buildings and Grounds), which will encourage and facilitate learning. Ensure the professional development of staff is effective and conducive to high quality of teaching. Manage the schools finances to meet the requirements of a continuously developing school.
THE CURRICULUM
ORGANISATION The National Curriculum is organised into key stages as follows:FSU Key Stage 1 Key Stage 2 Ages 4 to 5 Ages 5 to 7 Ages 7 to 11
John Blandy School children attend from 4-11 yrs of age. In accordance with the Education Reform Act (1986) and subsequent legislation the children benefit from a broad and balanced curriculum including the ten National Curriculum subjects and Religious Education. English, Mathematics, Science, ICT and RE form the core of the curriculum, which at present also includes aspects of History, Geography, Design and Technology, Music, Art and Physical Education. Emphasis is placed upon the learning and application of skills, understanding key concepts and imaginative and creative thinking in addition to the acquisition of knowledge. At present the curriculum at KS1 is planned on an annual cycle and the curriculum at KS2 on a 2-year cycle. This is done to give breadth and balance and to ensure continuity and progression. The curriculum is designed to help children become literate, developing skills so they become fluent in the use of spoken language, reading and writing. The school is well stocked with books and from the earliest stage children are taught to value books as a source of pleasure, interest, study and information. It is also our aim that children gain a sound understanding of mathematical concepts in all areas using practical activities to gain increasing competence in application. Children are introduced to scientific studies, history and geography. The investigation and enquiry involved helps to develop childrens ability to think through a problem and to anticipate outcomes.
Music, Art, Drama, Physical Education and the use of ICT are regarded as essential elements in the curriculum giving children the opportunity for self-expression and to develop their creative talents. A wide range of teaching aids are used where appropriate, including television and radio broadcasts, films, outside visits, etc. Detailed records are kept to ensure an even coverage across a broad and balanced curriculum. Each child has an individual profile and portfolio of examples of work. SPORTS Sports are played at the school as part of our PE curriculum to encourage a healthy lifestyle. At KS1 a variety of sports skills are developed during P.E. sessions. At KS2 all children take part in a range of games that include netball, football, hockey, rounders, tennis cricket and other team games. Skills particular to rugby are also taught without there being physical contact. Girls and boys of all ages participate in all of these sports and all are encouraged to develop their games skills and their ability to co-operate in teams. Life is competitive and so are sports. We encourage our pupils to compete fairly and with determination. It is our intention that our pupils learn to win honorably and to lose gracefully. School teams participate in Area and Partnership competitions and friendly matches are arranged to give as many pupils as possible a chance to represent their school. The school is participating in the Oxfordshire School Sport Partnership Programme. Working with other primary schools in the area and a number of local secondary schools the scheme aims to improve the teaching of PE and to increase the opportunities offered to children. EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Activities including environmental studies and gardening, football, ICT, French (peripatetic teacher/privately run), gymnastics and netball are organised after school. Children are informed in school of what activities are currently being offered and parents are informed by letter. If you have a skill that you could share with the children please talk to your childs class teacher in the first instance. ASSEMBLIES AND ACTS OF WORSHIP An Act of Worship is held each day and we also have visiting speakers. The assemblies and acts of worship are non denominational but the majority are of a broadly Christian nature in line with the requirements of the Education Reform Act (1986). HOMEWORK Children are encouraged to practice handwriting, spellings, tables and older children to complete or extend their schoolwork at home. We suggest that a period is set aside each evening for a relaxed reading time when parents and children enjoy sharing books. A full policy is available on request. OUT OF SCHOOL ACTIVITIES Visits to places of interest are extremely important as we wish to encourage children to use skills taught in the classroom in a variety of situations. Each year we arrange residential visits for Year 5 and Year 6 pupils to encourage the development of self-reliance and responsibility. We will always inform you of any planned trips and frequently ask for your help.
POLICY ON SEX EDUCATION The Staff and Governors of John Blandy School are committed to providing a programme of Sex education which complements and supports the role of parents in the Sex Education of their children in accordance with current legislation. Our aim would always be to work with and alongside parents in order that their children may learn in an open and supportive environment. We would also aim to develop Sex Education in the context of a broad and balanced programme of Health Education. Full Policy - available on request. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION All teachers are involved in teaching Religious Education frequently using real-life situations to discuss moral and social issues. The school follows the Oxfordshire County Council Agreed Syllabus for RE, a copy of which may be borrowed on request. SPECIAL NEEDS A pupil is deemed to have special needs when extra provision or additional differentiation is required within or outside the classroom to facilitate or extend their learning. Needs may be physical, intellectual, emotional, behavioral and/or social. It is our aim to facilitate individuals access to a broad and balanced Curriculum and enable pupils to achieve their own potential. Provision is co-ordinated for pupils on the Special Needs Register through a three-stage assessment. A close partnership with Parents is essential for the successful education of children with Special Needs. A copy of an extensive Special Needs Policy is available on request. WITHDRAWAL OF CHILDREN FROM ACTIVITIES Anyone wishing his or her child to be withdrawn from either the National Curriculum, Religious Education, the daily act of worship or sex education should consult the Headteacher. Curricula for children withdrawn from these activities will be developed to meet the individual needs of the child in discussion with parents.
Office Opening Times The school office will be open on a Monday to Friday as follows:08.30 09.15 12.00 13.00 14.30 15.15 If you telephone and your call is not answered you will be invited to leave a message. Please do so as well as giving the date and time of your call along with your contact number. A member of staff will return your call as soon as he/she is able.
SCHOOL UNIFORM
Please ensure that all clothing is clearly marked with your childs name. WINTER Terms 1-2-3-4 SUMMER Terms 5-6 GIRLS BOYS Grey or black trousers or Grey or black shorts Plain blue or white shirt (Polo shirts acceptable) School sweatshirt* Plain grey, navy or white sock Black shoes or sandals (indoors) Trainers (outside) Waterproof coat Hat and gloves Sun hat Grey skirt/gymslip Blue gingham dress Grey or black trousers Plain grey, navy or white socks Plain blue or white shirt (Polo shirts acceptable) School sweatshirt* Black shoes or sandals (indoors) Trainers for outside Black shoes (indoor) Sun hat Waterproof coat Hat and gloves
BOYS AND GIRLS PHYSICAL EDUCATION In the Hall White T-shirts*, black shorts Outside White T-shirts*, black shorts and track suits for juniors Swimming (Class 5) Bathing costume, towel, bathing hat and flip flops *Sweatshirts are available from the school uniform shop, (run by the Friends of John Blandy School), which is held in the hall at 15.00 on several Fridays per term. Notices regarding dates are posted on the school website and around the school. Please make cheques payable to FOJBS. Trainers are worn outside for playtimes and school shoes worn indoors, in order to help keep the school clean. Long hair must be tied back. The only permitted jewellery is ear studs. We insist that they are removed for any physical education and no child will be allowed to participate unless they do remove them. To avoid spoiling clothes during art and craftwork each child will need an overall or an old shirt to cover their uniform. They will also need a hand towel with a hanging loop to dry their hands.
SCHOOL MEALS
Nutritious and tasty meals are cooked daily in our own kitchen at a cost currently of 1.95 per meal. We operate on a strictly pay as you go basis. Payment for a school meal must be received before one is ordered. If you wish your child to have school meals please send a cheque made payable to John Blandy V C Primary School for collection during Monday morning registration. It is helpful if you pay per term. Please place your payment in an envelope marked with your childs name, class, date and amount enclosed. Some children may be eligible for free school meals, if so please contact the school secretary for the relevant information and application form. If new menus are produced these are sent home as well as displayed on notice boards in the school. Packed Lunches Children may bring a packed lunch, with a non fizzy drink; containers should be unbreakable and leak proof. It is acceptable for children to bring fruit or vegetables for break-time.
GENERAL MATTERS
Attendance
We are required to publish details of our annual attendance record. If your child is unable to attend due to illness, please let the school know on the first day of absence, a telephone call is acceptable (01865 820422). If a member of the office staff is unable to take your call please leave an answer phone message giving your contact number and the date and time of your call. Please send a letter addressed to your childs class teacher explaining the reason for absence and the dates it involved when your child returns to school. Absences for dental/doctors appointments etc. should also be notified by phone or preferably by letter if known in advance. Please do all you can to make the appointments towards the end of the school day or if this is not possible towards the end of the school morning. For holidays during term time please complete a holiday request form which is available from the school office. This needs to be completed at least 14 days before the planned holiday. If you have a child in Year 2 or 6 please avoid taking a holiday during the time at which your child will be taking SATs. These dates can be obtained from the class teacher or school office staff.
Complaints Procedure
The school would like to create an environment where complaints are seen as opportunities and will endeavor to use complaints to improve the delivery of education for all the children in school. Complaints can be made verbally or in writing and all will be treated in confidence. The LEA also has a Complaints Procedure that Parents may use, if they believe that either the LEA or the Governing Body is failing to 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. Provide the National Curriculum in the School or for a particular child. Follow the Law on charging for school activities Offer only approved qualifications or syllabuses. Provide Religious Education and daily collective worship. Provide information they have to provide. To carry out any other statutory duty relating to the Curriculum.
Voluntary Contributions
It is hoped that parents will continue to make voluntary contributions to enable the continuance of educational visits to places of interest including museums, nature reserves and theatres. Lack of sufficient contributions will result in the cancellation of such trips. Full Policy on Governing Bodys Statement on Charges is available on request
Discipline
Any lapses in good behavior will be dealt with by the teachers or non-teaching staff. The Headteacher will deal with serious episodes of misbehavior and parents will be contacted immediately. We encourage children at all times to have respect for others and to show a caring attitude towards their fellows as well as for the tools and equipment they handle and the surroundings in which they work. To this end we endeavor to foster a high standard of self-discipline in a happy learning situation. The school has developed a Code of Conduct for all people in school which operates within the Farringdon Partnership Community Approach to Good Behavior, (copy enclosed). Both Policies were formulated following lengthy consultation with pupils, teachers, governors and parents.
School Policies
The school has written policies covering many areas of its work e.g. curriculum subjects, special needs, health and safety. Copies of any school policies can be obtained from the school office. All school policies are available for parents to read in a folder in the main entrance to the school and many can be viewed on the school website.
Secondary Schools
Children leaving John Blandy School usually attend either Farringdon Community College or Matthew Arnold at Cumnor. Parents of Y5 and Y6 children are advised to visit both on the days specially arranged for the purpose. Some children also move on to private secondary schools in the area.
Dogs
The school and grounds have been designated a NO GO area for dogs, except guide dogs.
Medicines
If your child is receiving prescribed medication (with the exception of antibiotic medication) and will need this administered whilst in school please collect the appropriate forms from the office. Please hand the medication and completed form to a member of the office staff. The school health nurse has advised that antibiotic medication should not be administered in school. If your child has asthma he/she will require two inhalers of each type in school. For all Foundation and KS1 children one is kept by the class teacher and the other by the office staff. For all KS2 children one is kept by the child and the other by the office staff.
Smoking
The staff and governors of John Blandy have decided that there should be NO SMOKING in the school buildings at any time.
Security
In the interest of security, parents visiting the school, at times other than the beginning and end of the school day, are requested to report to the office before entering school. All visitors to the school are logged and issued with a visitors badge.
TERM DATES
TERM 1 2009 Thursday 3 September 2009 Wednesday 21 October 2009 OCTOBER HOLIDAY 2009 Thursday 22 October 2009 Friday 30 October 2009 TERM 2 2009 Monday 2 November 2009 Friday 18 December 2009 (13.15) DECEMBER 2009/JANUARY HOLIDAY 2010 Monday 21 December 2009 Monday 4 January 2010 TERM 3 2010 Tuesday 5 January 2010 Friday 12 February 2010 FEBRUARY HOLIDAY 2010 Monday 15 February 2010 Friday 19 February 2010 TERM 4 2010 Monday 22 February 2010 Thursday 1 April 2010 (13.15) APRIL HOLIDAY 2009 Friday 2 April 2010 Friday 16 April 2010 TERM 5 2010 Monday 19 April 2010 Friday 28 May 2010 MAY DAY HOLIDAY 2010 Monday 3 May 2010 MAY HOLIDAY 2010 Monday 31 May 2010 Monday 7 June 2010 TERM 6 2010 Tuesday 8 June 2010 Thursday 22 July 2010 (13.15)
SCHOOL STAFF
Headteacher Mr Christopher Spring B.Ed PGDE Class Teachers Miss Karey Evans B.Ed (Hons) To be confirmed Mrs Linda Audas B.A (Hons) PGCE (0.8|) And to be confirmed (0.2) Mr Toby West B Ed (Hons) (0.8) Mrs Marie-Jo Carr Mrs Alison Francis B.A (Hons) PGCE Foundation Stage Unit Miss Ann Joseph B.Ed. (Hons) Mrs Diane Bradley NNEB Assistant SENCo Mrs Helen Hallworth O. Cert LSA Teaching Assistants Mrs Liz Barrett Mrs Helen Benson Mrs Melanie Ferguson Mrs Elaine Forster Mrs Sue Moore Mrs Jane Thomas Mrs Sue Tombs School Administration Mrs Christine Priest Mrs Jane Rowlands Canteen Staff Mr Rupert Twiston-Davies Ms April Bourke Lunch Time Supervisors Mrs Elaine Forster Mrs Jane Griffiths Mrs Jane Rowlands Cleaner in Charge Mr Chris Davies Secretary Administrative Assistant Year Reception FSU N.N.E.B. Nursery Nurse
Year 1 Year 2 Years 3 & 4 Years 3 & 4 Years 4 & 5 Years 4 & 5 Years 5 & 6
HEADTEACHER I am always pleased to see parents and would like you to feel that the doors to the school are always open to you. As I am involved with the children as much as possible I would ask that, if you should wish to see me concerning a confidential matter, you ring the school secretary to arrange an appointment. Your childs performance at school is greatly affected by his or her happiness or emotional stability. If you know of any circumstances, which might be upsetting this, I hope you will feel you can come and discuss it with me. SECRETARY The school secretary is available to answer any questions you may have on the administration side, e.g. dinners, holidays or other dates, illness and so on. Dinner money is collected at the beginning of term or on a Monday morning during registration and can be paid for by cheque which should be made payable to John Blandy V C Primary School. Please send all monies into school in a sealed envelope bearing the name of your child, class, date and reason for payment. TEACHING STAFF If you have any points you would like to raise about your childs education, the teachers are always pleased to discuss them with you; obviously this is easier without a lot of children around, so a telephone call or a note arranging a time after school would be most convenient for both parties. LUNCH SUPERVISORS Lunch supervisors are the Headteachers representatives during the midday break and look after the children, encouraging good table manners and responsible play. If your child goes home to lunch, he or she should not return before 12.45 COUNTY STAFF We are frequently visited by county advisers and specialist teachers on a professional basis. Some may work in the school with groups of children. The children will be encouraged to discuss their work on such occasions. CARETAKER/ We have a caretaker who is responsible for keeping the school clean and tidy. The children have obligations too in keeping the building tidy.
SCHOOL GOVERNORS
Local Education Authority Representatives Mr John Disley (Chair) Mr Hayden Pugh Vacancy Parish Council Representative Mr Brian Forster Blandy Trust Representatives Vacancy Vacancy 01865 820867 Telephone 01865 820577 01865 820078
Co-opted Governor Vacancy Headteacher Mr Christopher Spring Teaching Staff Representative Mrs Alison Francis Miss Ann Joseph Non Teaching Staff Representative Mrs Helen Benson Parent Representatives Mr Lawrence Brabin (Vice-Chair) Mrs Melissa Gulliford Mr Steve Jones Clerk Mrs Terry Bunce 01865 821935 01865 821655 01865 821087 01865 821589 01865 820422 01865 820422 01865 820422 01865 820422