Prospectus

SPROTBROUGH ORCHARD

 INFANT SCHOOL

PROSPECTUS

2008 - 2009

                       SPROTBROUGH ORCHARD INFANT SCHOOL

                       Field House Road               

                       Sprotbrough                    

                       Doncaster

                       DN5 7RN

                       Tel. (01302) 853655

                        Fax (01302) 852603

                        e-mail : admin@sprotbrough-orchard.doncaster.sch.uk

                        website : www.sprotbrough-orchard.doncaster.sch.uk

                       Headteacher:         Mrs. J.A. Ryf

                       Chair of Governors:       Mr. D. Banks

            (A full list of School Staff and Governors is available on request.)

Our school prospectus is designed to give you helpful information about the organisation, routines and procedures of Orchard Infant School and to introduce you to our school philosophy, curriculum and teaching aims and practice. Parents and prospective parents are welcome to visit the school at any time during school hours 9:00-3:30 or at other times by appointment.

                                                          .............

The information contained in this prospectus applies to pupils to be

admitted to the school during the academic year 2008-2009 and was correct at the time of printing. It should not be assumed that there will be no changes before the start of, or during that school year, or in relation to subsequent years.

                       WELCOME TO ORCHARD INFANT SCHOOL

We are a community school with a 52 place nursery unit (26 children in the morning session and 26 children in the afternoon session).

As an infant school, we have the privilege of introducing children to the education system. We aim, therefore to teach them that school is a happy, caring and exciting place where every individual is valued and given the opportunity to develop to their full potential.

The context in which learning takes place, particularly with regard to interpersonal relationships and the quality of the school environment, is very important and we give these two areas a high priority.

The whole school staff work very closely together as a team and are committed to fostering good working relations with parents, governors and the wider community.  We believe the basis of forming good relations with children is by valuing children as individuals and guiding them sensitively in their development of responsibility, self-discipline and independence. We aim to encourage their social, moral, cultural and ethical development so that they may live as confident and caring members of the community with increasing awareness of and respect for the needs and opinions of others.

We pay careful attention to the display and presentation of children's work, to providing attractive and stimulating centre of interest displays and to the arrangement and presentation of materials and resources. We take great pride in the quality of our children's work and the whole school environment and thus encourage the children to share in this respect for and appreciation of their achievements and surroundings.

                                                The School Curriculum

We provide for all the children in our care a broad and balanced curriculum covering the relevant attainment targets in the core and foundation subjects of the National Curriculum at Key Stage 1:

            English

            Mathematics

            Science

            Information Technology

            Physical Education

            Art

            Music

            Geography

            History

            Design & Technology

Teaching is planned through a cross-curricular, skill based approach firmly rooted in first hand experiences and is organised for whole class, group and individual teaching as and where appropriate. Each child works at his/her own level and will progress through attainment targets and levels as individuals, not in age organised groups. Children who have special needs have appropriate individual arrangements made for them.

Literacy and Numeracy

There is a strong emphasis on the teaching of the basic skills of reading, writing and mathematics and the children at Orchard achieve the highest standards in these important areas.

Inspection by Ofsted

The school received an outstanding report (September 2005) in which the quality of teaching provided by the school and the high standards achieved by the children were commended:

• “children’s standards of attainment are high – particularly in reading, writing, mathematics    and science – and have been consistently in the top 5 % nationally for many years” 
• “the standard of teaching and learning is very high and fosters in children a love of learning as well as helping them make rapid progress”
• “provision for children’s personal development and well-being are of the highest quality”
• “the school provides an outstanding curriculum, which meets fully the needs of all children”
• “all staff know the children extremely well and the quality of care provided for them is exceptional”

Class Organisation

There are five classes in school: the organisation of the age groups among the classes is considered each academic year in the light of pupil numbers (146 in the school year 2007 / 2008) in order to achieve the most efficient form of grouping the children. The criteria for organising children into classes is by age with the exceptions :

• children with a statement of educational needs may be put in a class with younger children so that they may benefit from the learning experiences and activities of the lower age group
• twins, siblings and other near relations are put into separate classes to support their development as individuals

Educational Visits

Much of our work is stimulated by the school grounds and local community and by educational visits out to places of interest. In recent years visits to The Dome, Local Shops, Cannon Hall, Conisbrough Castle, York Railway Museum and The Deep have proved to be a successful source of exciting and high quality work in all areas of the curriculum. Places to visit are chosen to cover different areas of learning and every care is taken to ensure the children’s safety : all places are pre-visited by staff and health and safety regulations and guidelines are fully followed.

Such activities are educationally very worthwhile and so we ask parents, in order that we may continue to provide them, for a voluntary contribution towards the cost of funding individual visits.

There are no compulsory charges for any educational provision offered by the school.

“Taught Time”

Direct teaching time, excluding playtime, lunch, registration and assembly, is 21 hours per week.

Homework

We encourage children to take books home (in a protective bag which can be purchased from school) every day and we ask parents to take an active role in the sharing of books at home to develop a positive approach to reading. All children are given homework activities to practise key skills and we have regular parents’ meetings to explain how you can help your child at home. Our homework policy is included at the end of the prospectus.  

R.E. and Collective Worship

Religious Education is taught in accordance with the Local Education Authority's Agreed Syllabus. This has a moral basis, and also teaches about the life of Jesus, Old Testament stories and stories from other world religions. The school has no particular religious affiliations. We have a daily assembly which is broadly Christian. The children sing praises, give thanks and say simple prayers. We focus on caring and sharing, helping one another and celebrating our work in school.

Children whose parents request that they do not join in assemblies or R.E. in the classroom, will be given alternative activities in another part of the building.

Sex Education

The governing body has adopted a general policy statement on sex education: There is no formal sex education taught in school but spontaneous questions raised by children are answered sensitively at a level appropriate to their individual understanding. This approach follows Local Authority guidelines which are available in school.

Physical Education

Each class has a daily P.E. session (dance, gymnastics, games).

For indoor P.E. children work in bare feet. The boys wear underpants or black, stretchy sports shorts and the girls wear pants or a black leotard. For outdoor games, when the weather is suitable, the children need pumps, shorts and a tee shirt in a drawstring PE bag (available from school).

For reasons of safety, in accordance with Local Authority regulations, we ask that children do not wear any form of jewellery for school except watches. Watches should be handed to the class teacher for safekeeping during P.E. sessions and children with long hair must have it tied back from their face.

Equal Opportunities

We have a school policy on equal opportunities which is put into practice through our organisational methods, our provision of resources and our whole school ethos. There are ramps for wheelchair access at the main school doors and a disabled toilet for adults and children.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

We have SEN and More Able Pupils policies (following DfES & LEA guidelines) which ensure that children with special educational needs are given individual attention carefully matched to their needs. A Parent’s Guide to SEN is available in school.

National Curriculum Assessment Results

We are required to assess all children at Key Stage 1 in National Curriculum Year 2 (6-7 year olds) through teacher assessment and by administering Standard Assessment Tests (SATs).

In the school year 2006/2007 40 Year 2 children were assessed. (One child had a statement of Special Educational needs).The numbers achieving each level were:

Our results were very good, we are proud of our children’s achievement.

In reading, 28 children achieved Level 3 which is exceptional, more than double the national average* (70% compared with national average* 26%).

In writing, 16 children achieved Level 3 which is also outstanding, a long way above the national average*  (40% compared with national average* 14%).

In maths, 21 children achieved Level 3 (53% compared with national average* 21%)

Parents are sent a report of their child’s individual results, all parents are informed of the overall results for the school.

Open Days/ Reports

We hold Open Days three times a year, once a term, for parents to discuss their child’s progress with the teacher. Careful records of attainment are kept so that a child’s development is thoroughly monitored throughout the year.

Annual reports are sent home in the Summer Term and are discussed with the class teacher and the Head Teacher on Open Days in the Summer Term.

Further details about the curriculum, including school policy statements, guidelines and schemes of work are available in school on request. Also available are DfES orders and circulars and any OFSTED, HMI and LEA reports.

Partnership with Parents

We believe that working in close partnership with parents is the way to give children the best possible education. Parents play a vital role in school life and we are always pleased to welcome you into school. A copy of the Home/School Agreement that we ask you to sign can be found at the end of the prospectus. If you would like to take an active part in school, the class teacher would appreciate your help in the classroom. Parents are encouraged to help in all areas of the curriculum.

All parents are regarded as “Friends of the School”. We welcome parents’ help with fund raising events. Their fund raising has helped to purchase many resources for school and extra curricula treats for the children - we very much appreciate parents’ support of these activities.

There is a Parents’ Noticeboard in the school entrance and a bookshelf of relevant information in the school dining room.

Parents run a weekly school book shop every Wednesday after school in the school dining room – carefully chosen books are on sale or saving stamps for children to collect towards a book they would like.

School Dress

We do not have a formal school uniform, but, in consultation with parents, we have adopted a code of school dress. This is entirely optional allowing for parental and child choice.

School Dress consists of red, jade or navy sweatshirts, cardigans, tee shirts, polo shirts and dresses with the school logo, worn with navy, grey or black bottoms (trousers, skirts, leggings, shorts, cords etc.). School Dress items can be viewed in school - we will let you know when they may be ordered.

We do not allow children to wear jewellery in school for safety and security reasons.

It is important for health and safety reasons that children should wear sensible shoes in school. High heels, mules, clogs and `flip-flops` are not considered suitable footwear. Children will need a change of footwear if they arrive in wellingtons or boots.

Please could all items of clothing be clearly marked with your child's name.

School Organisation and Routines

The times of the school day are:

                       Nursery Hours         Morning Session      9:00 - 11:30 am

                                                      Afternoon Session   1:00 - 3:30 pm

                       School Hours          9:00 am - 12:00 noon

                                                     1:15 pm - 3:30 pm

Each classroom has an outside door and parents and children should use these at the beginning and end of the school day (not the entrance to the administration area. All external doors have security locks which prevent unauthorised entry to the school. The classroom doors are opened at 8.50 am for the children to start coming into school. Children should be in school by 9 o'clock. At 3:30 pm the children are dismissed from their classroom doors, where they should be met by a parent or other responsible adult.

Adults and children are asked to use the path heading down to the playground rather than crossing the grass and walking round the edge of the school. Children walking under the windows are in danger of being injured on raised manhole covers and open grates.

Admission to School 

We have an open admissions policy and welcome all children to the school. It is an important aspect of the school’s ethos that we facilitate provision for children with special educational needs, wherever possible.

We liaise closely with the relevant authorities (Speech / Occupational / Physio Therapists, Educational Psychologists etc.) to ensure suitable provision for children with specific physical disabilities or severe learning difficulties.

The admission procedure is determined by the LEA’s admission policy, a copy of which can be requested from the LEA.

School Meals and Milk

A good balanced two course meal is provided each day by our excellent cook Mrs. Shaw and her kitchen staff. The cost is fixed by the Local Education Authority and you will be kept informed of the current cost by letters sent home. Dinner money is paid weekly, in advance, on Monday mornings. We ask that this is sent in a sealed envelope with the child's name clearly marked. (Cheques should be made payable to DMBC.) If, for any reason, your child is going to be late for school, please ring in before 10:00 am to let us know if he/she requires a meal.

If there is any food which, for medical or religious reasons, your child cannot eat, please let us know. Special diets can be provided. Otherwise all children are encouraged to try a little of everything but no child is ever forced to eat anything they do not like. (A very few children bring a packed lunch – as a Healthy Eating School we expect this not to include sweets, crisps or chocolate).

Parents are welcome to join their child for lunch in school. If you would like to book a lunch with your child, you should see Mrs. Shaw in the school kitchen to arrange this. The cost of an adult meal is currently £2.35.

We ask parents not to send children to school with toys, sweets or any other snack. A bottle of milk (free to Nursery children) is available for every child each day at the cost of £7.00 per term. Milk money should be sent in a sealed envelope clearly marked with the child's name, on the first day of term. (Cheques should be made payable to DMBC.) Also a piece of fruit (free) is available for all children every day.

Drinking water is always available in school, we encourage children to bring a water bottle for their own use which should contain only water (not flavoured water or juices).

Pastoral Care

The school has an Educational Welfare Officer who is available to help with any problems. In addition, we are always available to discuss any concerns you may feel about any aspect of your child's education or general welfare.

The Local Education Authority has a scheme for parents who qualify for free school meals and help with clothing for their children. Information about how to apply can be obtained from the school office.

Any children, up to the end of the school year in which they are seven, who are eligible for free school meals, are also entitled to receive free school milk.

School Discipline

There are few school rules; these exist to ensure the safety of the children, consideration for others and the smooth running of the school. The children are reminded about these rules regularly and parents will be informed by letter of any new rules. We do not administer corporal punishment. Misbehaviour is dealt with if and when it occurs, usually by the class teacher. If there is a particular problem then parents will be consulted and involved in sorting it out.

Health

We ask that you fill in details of home, work and emergency contact telephone numbers, together with relevant medical details on a yearly issued form so that we may contact you in case of illness or accident. Please update this information as necessary.

It is very important that we know about any medical problems that may affect your child. If any medication (including inhalers) is required during school hours, please see Mrs. Ryf or the school secretary, Mrs. Johnson.

There are some medicines that we are able to administer in school - safety regulations require that the medicines must be sent to school as a single dose, labelled with the child’s name and any instructions necessary. There is a medical book kept in the school office which a parent must sign to authorise administration of medicine.

The school nurse comes to school regularly and can always be contacted if necessary. Routine dental checks take place each year, and your child's eyes and ears will be tested. You will, of course, be informed of any problems and you will be invited to attend if your child is due to have a school medical examination.

Traffic Safety

The Education Authority does not allow access to the school car park. This is used only for staff cars and delivery vans. Heavy goods vehicles delivering stock, goods to the kitchen and refuse vans emptying large dustbins use the car park daily: this is obviously a dangerous area for children and adults on foot.

Parents may use the car park opposite Sprotbrough Club on Cadeby road. Cars parked any closer to the school present a serious danger to children as well as causing inconvenience and annoyance to local residents.

There is a school crossing patrol warden on the main road every morning and afternoon to ensure that children walking to school may cross safely.

Absence and Holidays

It is important that parents inform school if a child will be absent (by telephone or a message brought by another parent) since recent legislation requires schools to record un-notified absence as "truancy".

We are required to publish figures for authorised and unauthorised absences for each school year.

(Authorised absences include holidays, illness, visits to hospital etc.)

In the school year 2006/2007 there were 3.3% authorised absences and no unauthorised absences.

Children are not allowed out of school during the school day for any reason unless collected by an adult.

If you are going on holiday during term time please fill in a holiday form (available from the school office). You may take your child out of school for up to two weeks in any year to go on holiday.

School Holidays 2008/2009

1Teacher Training Day to be arranged.  

The early years of your child's school life are vital to his/her later educational

development and achievement. The staff at Orchard Infant School endeavour to create a learning environment in which each child may reach his/her full potential. To achieve this goal we need your support. If there are any problems, however small, please do no hesitate to come in and see me or my staff.

We look forward to a happy and successful association with you and your child.

                                   Mrs. J.A. Ryf

                                   Headteacher

Details of the complaints procedure relating to the curriculum and related matters are available from:

                       The Education Dept.

                       P.O. Box 266

                       The Council House

                       College Road

                       Doncaster

                       DN1 3AD

                       Tel. (01302) 737777

* National Test Results 2006