Grindleton C.E. Primary School

Prospectus

Sawley RoadGrindletonClitheroe

LancashireBB7 4QS

Tel:01200 441257

www.grindleton.lancs.sch.uk

Grindleton C.E. Primary School

Welcome to Grindleton C.E. Primary School we hope that this prospectus will provide you with all the information you need about the life and work of our school.

We seek to provide a caring Christian environment where each child is happy and safe and can begin to develop self-confidence, self-discipline and a sense of responsibility, while ensuring the development and love of learning.

We are keen to foster strong links between home and school and there is no doubt that this partnership is extremely influential in the development of your child as a whole. We want to make this formative period in your child’s life a happy and successful one.

If you would like to visit our school to find out more about us, please contact myself and we can arrange a mutually convenient time.

Maureen T. Stansfield, Headteacher

Our Mission Statement

We aim to celebrate each child’s unique abilities and skills and are committed to developing these God given talents.

Our School

Grindleton CE Aided Primary School is a Church of England primary school offering primary education to all children aged four to eleven. The school was opened in 1838 by the church to cater for children between the ages of 5 and 11 years, from the areas surrounding Grindleton.

The school premises are modern and spacious, with the recent addition of an extension to the front of the school providing an extra classroom/study area, office, cloakrooms and toilets.

The school is set in an area of outstanding natural beauty. It has extensive grounds with both hard and soft play areas. We enjoy the use of the village sports field and cricket field for games activities. In addition school also has an area of land, which is currently being developed for environmental/forest schools education.

The school has two mixed age class bases. There are currently 33 children on roll. The school has a maximum intake of 8 children into the reception group each year.

Our school is an integral part of the local community and as a church school we have strong links with St. Ambrose church. As a school we regularly attend church services to share in the celebration of Christian festivals.

Staff

Headteacher Mrs Maureen Stansfield

Teaching Staff Mrs Hilary WalmsleyMrs Laura DewhurstMiss Laura Woodvine

Teaching Assistants Mrs Susan MeesonMrs Alison SeddonMrs Carolyn Doherty

Teaching Assistant andLunchtime Assistant Mrs Emma Seed

Office Manager Mrs Jackie Ingham

Site Supervisor Mr Anthony Breward

Catering Manager Mrs Angela Hargreaves

The Governing Body 2014-2015

Category Name Committee Term of office(Standards and Effectiveness/Resource)

Foundation (7) Rev Roger Wood Resources Ex-officio

Mrs P Hebden S&E 1.06.13-31.05.17

Mrs C Masterson (Vice-Chair) S&E 1.9.14-31.8.18

Mrs C Furbush S&E 27.4.16-26.4.20

Mrs G James (Chair) Resource/S&E 1.09.14-31.8.18

Mrs J Entwistle Resources 27.4.16-26.4.20

LEA Governor (1) Mrs S Bush S&E 21.3.16-20.3.20

Elected by Parents (2) Mr P Hipwell S&E 13.6.14-12.6.18Mrs A Vanheste Resources 6.5.15-4.5.19

Staff (2) Mrs Maureen Stansfield Resource/S&EMrs Hilary Walmsley S&E

Clerk to Governors: Governor Services

Governors, together with the Headteacher, set the aims and policies of the school. Together, the governing body and the Headteacher ensure that the school provides good quality education and helps to raise standards.

Pupils care about each other and value differences. Their respectful behaviour and strong sense of community leads to a safe school where learning is rarely disrupted.

Ofsted 2012

School Times

School starts at 8.55am

Lunch 12 noon - 1.00pm (KS2)12 noon - 1.25pm (KS1)

School ends at 3.30 pm

Attendance

The school is open each day from 8.45am to allow parents to come into school with their children and to take part in activities in their child’s classroom.

We believe good attendance is vital for your child to make progress. Regulations concerning absences require us to keep a close check on children’s attendance at school.

There is no entitlement in law to any time off school for children in term time. Parents should be aware that the Government does not allow Headteachers to authorise any holidays in term time unless there are exceptional circumstances.

Parents must inform school if their child is to be absent for whatever reason before 9.20am.

SCHOOL TERM & HOLIDAYS 2015-2016

Autumn Term 2015

School re-opens on Monday 7th September

Mid Term Closure Monday 26th October –Friday 30st October (inclusive)

School re-opens on Monday 2nd November

Closure after school on Friday 18th December

Number of Openings 70

Spring Term 2016

School re-opens on Monday 4th January 2016

Mid Term Closure Monday 15th February –Friday 19th February (inclusive)

School re-opens on Monday 22nd February

Closure after school on Thursday 24th March

Number of Openings 54

Summer Term 2016

School re-opens on Monday 11th April

May Day School Closure Monday 2nd May

Mid Term Closure Thursday 26th May –Friday 3rd June (inclusive)

School re-opens on Monday 6th June

Closure after school Thursday 21st July

Number of Openings 66

TOTAL NUMBER OF OPENINGS – 190

Teacher Training DaysFriday 4th September 2015Thursday 26th May 2016Friday 27th May 2016Friday 22nd July 2016

Monday 25th July2016

Admissions PolicyThe number of places available for admission to the Reception class in the year 2015 will be 8. This arrangement follows consultation between the governing body, the Diocesan Board of Education, the Local Authority and other admissions authorities in the area. The governors will not place any restrictions on admissions to the reception class unless they are advised that the number of children for whom admission is sought is likely to exceed this number.

Parents seeking application to the school under over subscription criteria 3 or 4 must complete and return the school’s Supplementary Information Form in addition to the Local Authority Common Application Form. The Supplementary Information Form is available from the school and is attached to this policy. If a Supplementary Information Form is not received, governors will rank the application based on information received on the Common Application form only.

Children with a statement of Special Educational Needs where the school is named in the statement will be allocated a place in accordance with S.324 of the Education Act 1996 without reference to the oversubscription criteria.

The Governing Body operates a system of equal preferences under which they consider all preferences equally and the Local Authority coordinates the admission. By law no infant class may contain more than 30 children. In the event that there are more applicants than places, the governing body will allocate places using the following criteria, which are listed in order of priority:

1. “Looked after children” (children in public care), adopted children who were previously looked after, those with a special guardianship or residency order and children in special circumstances where their needs can only be met at this school, will be given priority and will be admitted before considering all other children falling into the following categories which are listed in priority order.

2. Children with a brother or sister already attending the school at the time the application is made and who will still be in the school at the expected time of entry.

3. Children whose parents have a regular involvement in the work and worship of St. Ambrose, Grindleton, St Peter or St. Paul, Bolton by Bowland

4. Distance from School5. Children whose parents are involved in the work and worship of another church in

membership of Churches Together in England.

Late ApplicationsApplications received after the deadline will be considered after all the others and placed on a waiting list in order according to the set criteria.

In a case where extenuating circumstances can be shown for late application (and it is before the governors have established their list of pupils to be admitted), then it will be considered alongside the others.

Twins/TripletsWhere there are twins, etc wanting admission and there is only a single place left within the admission number, then the governing body will exercise as much flexibility as possible within the requirements of infant class sizes. In exceptional circumstances cases we are now able to offer places for both twins and all triplets, even when this means breaching infant class size limits. This may also apply to siblings who are in the same year group. The excepted children regulation is only intended to apply to multiple birth siblings, therefore, single birth siblings within the same year group are not covered in this way in the Code. 

Waiting ListWhere we have more applications than places, the admissions criteria will be used. Children who are not admitted will have their name placed on a waiting list.   The names on this waiting list will be in the order resulting from the application of the admissions criteria.  Since the date of application cannot be a criterion for the order of names on the waiting list, late applicants for the school will be slotted into the order according to the extent to which they meet the criteria.  Thus it is possible that a child who moves into the area later to have a higher priority than one who has been on the waiting list for some time.  If a place becomes available within the admission number, the child whose name is at the top of the list will be offered a place.  This is not dependent on whether an appeal has been submitted.  This waiting list will operate until the end of the school year for which the application was made.

Notes:

1. Professional supporting evidence from the appropriate professional eg. doctor, psychologist, social worker, is essential if admission is to be made under the criterion “special circumstances”.

2. ‘Brother or sister’ includes step, half, fostered or adopted siblings living at the same address

3. ‘Parental involvement’ is normally taken to mean a minimum of monthly attendance at church for over a year. The governors will request confirmation of this from the relevant member of the clergy. (See note above).

4. Distance from home front door to the school office door in a straight line will be used as the final determining factor. For children living with parents with shared responsibility, the address of the parent living nearest to the school will be used.

AppealsIn the event of the governors being unable to admit any child, the parents may appeal against the decision, setting out their grounds for appeal. This must be done in writing to the Clerk to the Governors (c/o ‘The School’) within 14 days of notification that the application has been unsuccessful. Grindleton School is a small village school that welcomes all children up to our admission number of 8.

Arrangements will be made for the parents to have the opportunity of stating their case to an Appeals Committee, constituted under the Second Schedule of the Education Act 1980.

Admission of children below compulsory school ageChildren who are offered a place are admitted into the school at the beginning of the Autumn Term following their fourth birthday. Parents may request that their child attends part-time until the child reaches compulsory school age. Parents may request that the child’s entry into the Reception year is deferred until later in the year, but not beyond the beginning of the term following the child’s 5th birthday

New entrants are invited into school for half day visits and lunch on one day in the term prior to admission to familiarise themselves with school before the beginning of September.

Deferred entry to Primary SchoolParents may not defer entry beyond the beginning of the term after the child’s fifth birthday, nor beyond the beginning of the summer term of the school year for which the original application was accepted.

Non Routine AdmissionsIt sometimes happens that a child needs to change school other than at the “normal” time; such admissions are known as non-routine or in-year admissions.  Parents wishing their child to attend this school should arrange to visit the school.  They will be provided with an application form once they have a definite local address with the exception of an applicant that is a member of a British Service family or a Crown Servant, where a place will be offered before a permanent address can be verified. If there is a place in the appropriate class, then the governors will arrange for the admission to take place.  If there is no place, then the admissions committee will consider the application and information about how to appeal against the refusal will be provided.  Appeals for children moving into the area will not be considered until there is evidence of a permanent address, e.g. exchange of contracts or tenancy agreement with rent book.

Please note that you cannot re-appeal for a place at a school within the same school year unless there has been relevant, significant and material change in the family circumstances.

Grindleton Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION FORM

Child’s Surname . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Forename(s) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Date of Birth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Name of parent(s) / guardian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

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

Postcode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Telephone Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mobile Number . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Do you attend a Christian Church? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .If ‘yes’ please name your minister and Church

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

Do you have a child already attending the school and who will still be attending the school at the expected time of entry of the younger child?

………………………………………………………………………..

Name(s) and Year Group……………………………………………

The information provided on this form is used solely for the purpose of considering applications under the school’s Admissions Policy. The information is held by the School and/or the Local Education Authority and will not be disclosed to any third party. Under the Data Protection Act, some of the information provided is defined as ‘sensitive personal data’, which means that your explicit consent is required for the data to be processed.

Please confirm your consent by signing and dating the form below.

Signed: . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Date: . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Class Organisation

We have three classes in school catering for mixed age groupings.

Class 1: Reception, Year 1, Year 2Class 2: Years 5 & 6Class 3: Years 3 & 4

The organisation of our staffing allows us to offer specific teaching to each of the year groups within the mixed age class arrangement.

The Foundation StageIn the Foundation Stage ourchildren learn in a safe andstimulating environment.Emphasis is placed on developing imagination, building independence and enjoying learning.

The classroom is bright, colourful and welcoming. We have a safe outdoor area which children in Class one have access to throughout the day.

Early Years GoalsChildren start school in the Reception year which is also termed the ‘Foundation Stage’. During this year work is planned and children’s development is assessed using the Early Learning Goals. Children’s learning is organised into Prime (communication and language, physical development, personal, social and emotional development) and Specific areas (Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the world, Expressive arts and design).

The Curriculum

The National Curriculum incorporates everything we do at school. It provides clear guidelines for study in Core (English, Mathematics, Computing and RE) as well as Foundation subjects (Art, Design technology, Geography, History, Modern Languages PSHE and PE)

We constantly strive to enrich the learning opportunities we offer the children. We have developed a more creative approach, which encourages independent learning skills around carefully planned themes and involving a number of curriculum areas. We have also significantly developed our games and PE curriculum, which has been enhanced by coaching sessions in a range of sports.

French is taught throughout the school and each class has one French lesson each week. Our junior children learn French and our infant children learn French through songs and games.

Beyond the more formal subjects we also teach Personal, Social and Health Education, Citizenship, Multi-Cultural Education and Environmental Studies. These aspects of learning are very often covered as part of a broader topic in our rolling programme of Core and Foundation subjects.

In every area of our curriculum, children are encouraged to solve problems, to think for themselves and to gain confidence and independence in the way they study. We aim to develop this by offering the children a wide range of learning opportunities from many different educational starting points.

We encourage the children to develop their skills as they take part in the day’s activities, during:

Individual tasks Investigations Specialised tasks Co-operating groups Practical activities Discussions Working in teams

Religious Education

Religious Education clearly plays a significant role in the life of our school and although not part of the National Curriculum, holds an important place in our curriculum.

The school is conducted in accordance with the principles of the Church of England. Religious worship and religious teaching are based upon the syllabus of religious education in accordance with the Diocesan Agreed Syllabus, supported by the Lancashire Agreed Syllabus.

The aims of Religious Education are:

To provide a Christian education based upon the teaching contained in the Bible and upon the beliefs of the Church of England, so giving pupils a sound knowledge and understanding of the Christian faith.

To apply and relate this teaching to the experience of the pupils, showing them that Christianity is a living and relevant faith

To show how beliefs of others relate this teaching to our own Christian faith and understanding

To encourage children to participate actively in prayer and worship at school, at home and at Church

To introduce the children to the various religious faiths, cultures and customs to be found in our country.

Parents have a legal right to request that their child be withdrawn from lessons in Religious Education or from Acts of Collective Worship. This is done on consultation with the Headteacher.

Extra Curricular activities

Children can learn to play a variety of musical instruments including the recorder, guitar and flute. We provide lessons via the Lancashire music service.

We are able to offer a wide range of sporting activities during the after school clubs which include: football, netball, tennis, cross country, athletics, rounders, tag rugby, kurling and basketball. Many of our children also belong to sports clubs in the area and we are members of the Schools Sports Partnership who organise various sporting competitions as well as staff training.

Each year all children receive a 12 week course of swimming tuition. Our aim is that the children gain water confidence and safety and can swim at least 25 metres before they leave our school.

Before and After School Clubs

We hold a successful breakfast club which runs from 8am to 8.45am. A choice of cereals, toast or juice is on the menu with various organised activities.

After school clubs are provided by our school staff and on occasion, outside agencies. These include, craft, eco/gardening, science, cookery, dance, gymnastics, film and sport.

There is a small charge for these activities.

Special Educational Needs and Disability

The schemes of work, learning environment and teaching strategies at Grindleton contribute to providing an appropriate differentiated curriculum for all pupils, including those with special educational needs or disabilities (SEND). The application of our SEND policy covers provision for children with and without statements of Special Educational Need.

The Headteacher and SEND co-ordinator (SENDCO) have overall responsibility for contact with parents and outside agencies which give support to school; responsibility for supporting staff within school; for building up resources as funding allows and devising strategies to help with special needs.

The Code of Practice for SEND has been adopted by school and a suitable identification and review system is in place.

As part of our support programme, we recognise that some children may show ability and understanding at a high level, often working beyond expectations for their age. Again, these children are given every opportunity to flourish be it in academic areas, sporting or the creative arts.

Our Learning Support Programme, is an umbrella which covers Special Educational Needs and all aspects of Curriculum Support.

Assessment

Informal assessment takes place on a daily basis, but more formal assessment procedures take place on a regular cycle. In this way we are able to track each pupil’s progress and plan work matched to individual needs.

Children take part in SATs (Standard Assessment Tasks) in Year 2 and Year 6. The results of these assessments are reported to parents as part of the written report at the end of the summer term.

Health, Sex and Relationships

We promote confidence and high self-esteem in our pupils, to help them develop respect for others and to make informed choices.

We are committed to healthier living and learning and have gained standards towards National Healthy School status.

Three key areas of sex education are studied throughout your child’s school life. They are: relationships, family life and growth and change. Sex education is an ongoing developmental process which includes the exploration of attitudes and values as well as the presentation of factual information. In year 6, the school nurse supports the delivery of sessions to help children understand body changes and aspect of reproduction.

Transfer to High School

During their final year at Grindleton School the children will be given the opportunity to visit various High Schools of their choice during the September term. Forms for selection are provided by Lancashire County Council and parents are encouraged to take part in the secondary school application process online.

Home-School Agreement

When a child starts school parents are invited to sign our home-school agreement.

The agreement acts as a pact between the child, the parents and the school, acknowledging everyone’s responsibilities I making every child’s time at Grindleton a safe, happy and productive one.

The document is not legally binding but we hope that parents and children will agree to sign as a gesture of their goodwill in bringing these aims about.

Our School Council

We have a very active school council that is made up of a representative from each year group and in addition a Chairperson, Vice Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer. They meet regularly and have a true voice. Our School Council vision and aims are:

School Dinners

School mealtime is an important part of the school day. It helps children enhance their social skills and encourage them to try new foods and flavours alongside foods they are already familiar with.

Our dedicated Catering Manager – Mrs Hargreaves prepares healthy meals cooked fresh on site daily.

In addition we have ‘special’ themed lunches usually at least one per half term. Themes have included the Olympics, Bonfire Night, Easter, Victorian picnics and the World Cup.Packed lunches can be brought in a clearly labelled box or bag. We ask that parents make their children’s lunch as healthy as possible i.e. salty snacks or crisps, chocolate and sweets should be kept to a minimum and

no fizzy drinks.

To listen to what children have to say and when we can do something about it.

To make our school an even more friendly and happy place.

To raise money for charities.

Free Meals

From September 2014, as part of a Government initiative, all KS1 children are entitled to a free school meal.

You may be entitled to free meals and other monetary benefits for your child. It is easy to apply – just a ‘phone call’ to Pupil Access Team at LCC; have your National Insurance number to hand. Ask at the school office (confidentially) for details.

School milk and snacks

Milk is available for Foundation and Key Stage 1 children. Milk is free for all four year olds, once your child reaches 5 years old the cost for milk is £6 per term. Please note that only water is allowed as an alternative. A water machine is situated in school and we ask that children bring in a named water bottle from home so that they can have a drink of water in school throughout the day.

Infant children are also entitled to free fruit each day which is served during the afternoon session.

Snacks are available each morning break at 20p each. These include fruit and toast and a ‘special treat’ on Fridays. Money for snacks should be kept in a named purse or wallet.

School Trips

During the school year we offer the children many opportunities to take part in trips and extra activities to enhance our teaching and learning and broaden the experiences of the children.

On occasion we find we need to ask for a voluntary contribution from parents to help meet our costs of organising such events. We ask for your understanding and co-operation in this matter, however, no child would be excluded from any activity but if insufficient funds were raised the trip/activity would not take place.

Parents are always informed well in advance of the nature of any activity and the cost involved.

The “Friends of Grindleton School” (FOGS) raise funds each year to assist our finding of education equipment and visits.A detailed policy regarding school trips and contributions is available in school.

Medicines

We follow very strict guidelines. Medicine can be administered by a member of staff but only following completion of a request form by parent or guardian.

If a child suffers from asthma, school should be aware of this so arrangements can be made for the storage of named inhalers.

Sun Awareness

Parents are asked to apply sun cream to their child before school and if possible to send in a sun hat to protect their child. Sun creams and lotions are not allowed in school.

Uniform

Our school uniform consists of: A red sweatshirt Grey long/short trousers, skirt or pinafore White polo shirt White or grey socks Red and white summer dress for girls

The school PE kit comprises of:- Red t-shirt Black shorts Black pumps Trainers for outdoor games Tracksuit/jogging bottoms in cold weather

All our school uniform is available from:RVS, Wellgate, Clitheroe or online at www.tesco.com

All uniform and PE kit should be labelled with child’s name. PE kit should be kept in a drawstring bag and taken home for washing each half term.

Pupils thrive in this nurturing school.

Ofsted 2012

Children should not wear jewellry in school for safety reasons, but if your child has pierced ears we request that they only wear studs which must be removed for PE/Games and swimming. If you child is to have their ears pierced it is recommended it be undertaken at the beginning of the summer holidays.

Communication

Most letters are sent home via ‘pupil post’ and are given to the eldest child in the family whose responsibility is to deliver to you. It is advisable to check school bags daily in case your child forgets to give you a newsletter or other correspondence. We also use text alert on occasion and will do our best to make as much as possible available on our website.

Discipline and Behaviour

A high standard of behaviour is expected at all times throughout school. A positive approach to learning and good behaviour are rewarded. Rewards include stickers, certificates, team points, raffle tickets and golden time. Occasionally sanctions may be used such as a withdrawal of privileges.

Any problems are dealt with quickly and fairly and very rarely parents are asked into school if a problem persists. We will not tolerate racist behaviour or bullying.

We believe that discipline should be fair, firm and consistent and should be based on a positive approach.

Good behaviour and discipline are learning processes and require co-operation between school and home.

The school encourages the children to develop self-discipline and a sense of responsibility, with staff providing a positive role model.

Courtesy comes from respect and consideration on the part of all of us.

All children respond to positive encouragement but naturally there are occasionally, situations, which require a firm approach.

A copy of our Behaviour policy is available from the school office on request.

Equal Opportunities

As a school we strive to promote the uniqueness and value of our children, embracing their cultures and the contributions they make. All children are valued and respected.

All members of staff ensure that all children irrespective of age, gender, religion, race or disability have access to all areas of school life.

Complaints

We believe that our school provides a good education for all our children, and that the Headteacher, staff and governors work very hard to build positive relationships with all parents. However, there are occasions when things do not go smoothly usually out of a misunderstanding and not malpractice, and concerns and complaints arise. Our school aims to be fair, open and honest when dealing with any complaint. We give careful consideration to all complaints and deal with them as swiftly as possible. We aim to resolve any complaint through dialogue and mutual understanding and, in all cases, we put the interests of the child above all other issues. We provide sufficient opportunity for any complaint to be fully discussed, and then resolved.A full copy of our complaints procedure is available from the school office.

SCHOOL INFORMATION

School Address:- Grindleton CE Aided Primary SchoolSawley Road,Grindleton,Clitheroe,Lancashire,BB7 4QS,Tel/Fax: 01200-441257

Lancashire Education Schools General Adviser:Authority:

Area Education Office, Mrs Sarah Watson,The Globe, The Globe,St James Street, St James Street,Accrington, Accrington,Lancashire, Lancashire,BB5 ORE. BB5 ORE.Tel: 01254-220500 Tel: 01254-220530

Blackburn DioceseDiocesan Director of Education:

Church HouseCathedral Close

BlackburnBB1 5AA

Tel: 01254 503070

Chair of Governors:Mrs Gillian James

c/o Grindleton CE Primary SchoolSawley RoadGrindletonClitheroe

LancsBB7 4QS