PROSPECTUS 2016—2017

Shortstown Primary School is an inclusive school which has a positive impact on children’s lifelong learning and achievement

through high expectations in a creative and motivating environment.

WELCOME

Dear Parents and Carers Welcome to Shortstown Primary School. Clearly this is a very important time for you and your child, as choosing the right school will be one of the most significant decisions you will have to make. Consequently our Prospectus has been designed to give you an introduction to the life of our happy and successful school. We believe that ‘Every Child truly does Matter’ and as a result have an unrelenting focus on raising standards in all aspects of school life, (spiritual, moral, academic and social); so that each student can develop their talents and be the best that they can be. At Shortstown Primary School we expect high standards of conduct from all members of our school community and place considerable emphasis on inclusion.

We work within our community supporting local charities and events. The school was graded Good by OFSTED 2013 and has recently achieved the Inclusion Quality Mark. The school has a number of other National Awards including – Healthy Schools, St Johns First Aid, Active Mark, , University, College and Schools Partnership and a School Achievement Award. The school also operates a Preschool, taking children from two years old. The setting received an Outstanding OFSTED grade in 2013. The safety of the children and stakeholders is paramount. We have a number of policies which address Safeguarding issues, all of which can be found on our website, or on request from the School Office.

We are a thriving school, which welcomes you at what we trust will be a happy and rewarding partnership with your family. Should you have any questions after reading our Prospectus, or would like to visit the school, please do not hesitate to contact us. Yours faithfully, Denise Cottam Head Teacher

Shortstown Primary Opened

September 2013

Be happy, safe and learn

OUR CURRICULUM EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE CURRICULUM Our children begin school in the Foundation Stage and are taught through the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum, which enables them to have the best possible start in life and fulfil their potential. The children are taught through a themed approach which promotes the importance of play both indoors and outdoors. There are seven areas of learning which are equally important and depend on one another to support a rounded approach to child development.

YEARS 1-6 The curriculum is planned around creative activities which promote learning, personal growth and development. It includes not only the formal requirements of the New National Curriculum, but also the range of extra-curricular activities that the school organises in order to enrich the experience of the children. It also includes the ‘hidden curriculum’, or what the children learn from the way they are treated and expected to behave. We aim to teach children how to grow into positive, responsible people, who can work and co-operate with others while developing knowledge and skills, so that they achieve their true potential.

CURRICULUM EVENTS We have regular curriculum events when we invite our parents and friends to the school to share and celebrate our work. These have included ‘Anti-Bullying, E-Safety and Science Week’.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION We value diversity and equality. We provide multi-faith learning and encourage the children to celebrate their differences. Our school RE curriculum is based on the Bedfordshire Agreed Syllabus and it meets all the requirements set out in that document. The RE syllabus reflects the fact that the religious traditions in Great Britain are in the main, Christian, at the same time, it takes account of the teachings and practices of other major religions. We also focus on the school Values and current world events. Parents have a right to withdraw their child from Religious Education classes if they so wish, although this should only be done once the parents have given written notice to the School Governors. A child who has been withdrawn from RE linked activities will be accommodated and supervised, though it may not always be possible to provide additional teaching or to incur extra costs. Parents may be asked to supply alternative activities linked to their own beliefs. Pupils will remain on school premises.

EXTRA CURRICULAR PROVISION We offer a wide and varied programme of extra curricular activities. Changes are made to our provision depending on the season and the children’s interests. Clubs include art, football, gardening, choir, sewing, gymnastics, multi sport and ICT.

ATTENDANCE

The school sets targets for attendance and works closely with Bedford Education Welfare Service. Both attendance and punctuality are the legal responsibility of the parent. If the child is unwell, then certainly the best place for them is at home, but apart from personal illness, children must attend school. Missing school for other reasons may well affect social and educational progress. If a child is not in school parents are required to phone the school daily, as soon as possible, to let us know the reason for their child’s absence. If we do not receive a phone call we will attempt to contact the parent ourselves. After 3 consecutive days of absence, due to sickness, medical evidence may be requested by the school, before authorisation is given. Holidays during term time The law says that Parents/Carers do not have a legal right to take their child out of school for holidays in term time. The Head Teacher will not grant any holidays during term time. A leave of absence may be granted for exceptional

circumstances. For the request an application is made in advance by the Parent/Carer with whom the child normally resides. Medical appointments All routine medical and dental appointments should be made outside school time. Routine appointments in school time may be unauthorised. Requests for absence may be granted for Consultant or Hospital appointments where the appointment card is for the child and where these appointments cannot be changed. If a child has a specific medical need which may affect their attendance, it is the responsibility of the parent to communicate this to the school, with medical evidence and requirements for the care of the child. Punctuality at both ends of the day is considered as important as the child can become distressed. A phone call to the school can prevent this upset. We promote the importance of attendance through Positive Reinforcement and Reward Schemes every term.

SESSION TIMES Morning 8.55 – 12.00 Afternoon 1.00 – 3.20 The Foundation Classroom endeavours to open slightly earlier to enable Parents and Carers to collect the younger children first.

COLLECTION Parents are asked to meet their child personally, from the classroom external doors. If someone else is collecting, please inform us, otherwise we will not let them take your child. Early collection of children The school day finishes at 3.20p.m. Children are working in class until this time. Early collection disturbs theirs and others learning. Appointments not related to the individual is not a reason for early collection, alternative arrangements should be made.

GOOD ATTENDANCE =

GOOD PROGRESS

Shortstown Primary School Attendance Groups GREEN: No concern YELLOW: Concern AMBER: Risk of underachievement PINK: Severe risk of underachievment – Persistent Absentee

SCHOOL UNIFORM We request that all children come to school appropriately dressed at all times. The colours of Shortstown Primary School uniform are blue, grey and white. There is a link to the suppliers of our uniform, via the School’s website– www.shortstownprimary.co.uk All uniform is supplied through Josens in Bedford www.josens.com/ or Tesco online: www.tesco.com/ues

JEWELLERY ,HAIR & MAKEUP There is no jewellery allowed in school except for watches. It is the school policy that only studs should be worn in the ears. During P.E, all watches and jewellery must be removed. No earrings are to be worn, not even taped. It is recommended on P.E. days earrings are not worn. (Safe Practice Physical Education and Sport 2012) The wearing of any religious jewellery must be discussed with the class teacher to ensure Health and Safety expectations can be met. No makeup or nail varnish should be worn to school.

P.E. (all children) Blue shorts Blue T shirt Black Plimsolls Blue tracksuit Trainers Blue Pump bag KS2 only Swimming kit—towel Girls—all in one blue swimming costume Boys— Blue swimming trunks Swimming bag

GIRLS Winter Grey skirt / pinafore/ trousers White shirt / polo shirt Blue sweatshirt/cardigan Grey socks/tights (no leggings) Black shoes Summer Blue and white checked dress Grey skirt / pinafore/ trousers White shirt / polo shirt Blue sweatshirt/cardigan Grey /white socks Black shoes/sandals (no open toed)

BOYS Winter Grey trousers White shirt / polo shirt Blue sweatshirt Grey socks Black shoes Summer Grey shorts or trousers White shirt / polo shirt Blue sweatshirt Grey socks Black shoes/sandals (no open toed)

SHOES Black shoes no higher than 2.5 cm. (No trainers or boots.)

BLUE BOOK BAG Essential for carrying letters and other communication.

OUR REWARDS AND SANCTIONS INDIVIDUAL REWARDS We praise and reward children for good behaviour in a variety of ways, we: Congratulate and praise children. Distribute merits. Distribute stickers. The ‘Hot Spot’ to take home. This is given to children who have set a good example of behaviour throughout the day. Weekly class ‘Beanie’ to take home for the weekend. At the end of each half term children who have shown continuous positive behaviour will be rewarded with a behaviour card. Six behaviour cards results in an enamel gold star badge to be worn with pride on their uniform.

GROUP REWARDS Each Teacher and his/her class decide on a method to record whole class achievements, with subsequent rewards. Golden Time takes place on a Friday afternoon to reward positive behaviour, build relationships and celebrate effort through the week. The school acknowledges all the efforts and achievements of children, both in and out of school. Children are encouraged to bring certificates, trophies and other achievements into school to be celebrated in a whole school Assembly.

SANCTIONS The school employs a number of sanctions to enforce the school rules, and to ensure a safe and positive learning environment. We employ each sanction appropriately to each individual situation. At any point during this process the pupil’s behaviour may be recorded and parents may be informed. Bullying of any description will not be tolerated. School expectations include: Follow instructions the first time. Keep hands and feet to yourself If you can’t say anything nice don’t

say anything at all.

At Shortstown Primary School we value:

Respect & Responsibility

(For each other and ourselves)

Learning & Perseverance

High expectations & Boundaries (Dreams & Aspirations)

Wellbeing

Belonging

Enthusiasm

(Fun & Laughter)

Be the best that you can be.

LEARNING AND TEACHING

TEACHERS Our Teachers are committed to teaching each pupil to fully develop their talents and aptitudes, to be able to meet realistic but challenging targets. Pupils are taught using a variety of methods including whole class, group work, peer mentoring and on a one-to-one basis. Our Teachers are very conscious that every child matters and adapt their teaching methods accordingly. Staff development is vital as our staff is highly valued. The Support Staff provides a high standard of work which supports the pupils achievement and is vital to our success.

ASSESSMENT Assessment is regular, objective and an integral part of learning allowing the pupils and Teacher to identify strengths and next steps, motivating the pupil to see how progress can be achieved. The school has embedded Assessment for Learning strategies which involves Teacher, peer and self

assessment in order to enhance learning. The school employs a number of strategies to support and challenge the children’s learning.

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS Your child’s progress is monitored as soon as they start with us. Any concerns about learning or other aspects of development will be discussed at an informal meeting with the parents. The next steps of support will be agreed and put into action. There is a Special Needs Policy in place which is available on request. The SEND report can be found on the school website.

NURTURE PROVISION We believe in providing the best education to suit the individual needs of our children. We are fortunate to have a Nurture provision on site to support children who find working in a large classroom environment difficult and may require smaller group work to focus on the development of their

emotional, social and academic progress.

TRANSITION OF LEARNING The school places importance on ensuring transition between learning phases supports all children to feel confident in the changes and to continue to make progress in their learning. This includes, transition between Preschool and Early years settings, into the main school, then between year groups. We also work closely with Bedford Academy and Bedford institutes of higher education, promoting

OUR PLACE IN THE COMMUNITY GOVERNORS Our Governors work tirelessly to support the school. They meet regularly as a full Governing Body to discuss school development and also have a planned programme of monitoring and involvement with all areas of the school. There are three sub committees, taking special interest in; Premises, Finance and Personnel and the Curriculum.

PRESCHOOL The Shortstown PreSchool is part of our school, taking children from 2years old. The team received an Outstanding grade from OFSTED in 2013 and they continue to share their good practice with Early Years Settings throughout the Borough. They work closely with the Foundation Stage Class to ensure children are supported through this transition process.

TEACHING SCHOOL Shortstown Primary school is a member of the Peter Pan Teaching school Alliance. Peter Pan Teaching School Alliance is a group of outstanding and good schools from Bedford & Cambridgeshire. We care for and educate children from 6 weeks to 11 years old. There are four strands to the partnership: Initial teacher training, Research and development, Continued Professional development and school to school support. Further information: www.peterpanteachingschoolalliance.co.uk

PARTNERSHIP WITH HIGHER EDUCATION We are a Lead Literacy School and an Excellence Partner with the University and Bedford College, supporting a number of individuals through their training programmes. We also support Hertford University and The Develop Group for school based work placements.

COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT The school supports a number of local Charities and events, such as Litter Picking, Sustainability Days, entertaining the residents of the Sheltered Accommodation, collecting for the Salvation Army.

PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS We place great emphasis on our relationship with parents as the primary Teachers of our children. We provide opportunities for sharing your children’s school experiences through informal and special assemblies, open days and weekly newsletters, the Blog and Website. Communication with parents plays a vital role in your child’s learning ethos. You will receive 2 interim reports before parents meetings in the Autumn and Spring term, then a final report in the Summer. Any immediate issues can be dealt with by the Class Teacher at the end of the day or through appointments made at your convenience.

FRIENDS OF SHORTSTOWN PRIMARY (FSP) We are fortunate to have a committed Friends of Shortstown Primary (FSP) which works hard to provide fund raising events for the school. Many resources have been purchased by the FSP, they include subsidising visits and workshops, including an annual residential trip, buying bike and scooter racks, helping to develop the school outdoor play equipment. All are welcome to hold a seat on the FSP and we always welcome new faces and new ideas.

OTHER ASPECTS OF SCHOOL LIFE SCHOOL DINNERS Caterlink are responsible for the school dinners. From September 2014 Free School Meals are available for parents of children in YR, Y1 & Y2. For children in Y3-Y6 Free School Meals are available for parents in receipt of certain benefits. Please ask at the office for an application form. Packed Lunches may be brought instead. Please ensure the lunch box is clearly labelled. As a Healthy School we encourage a healthy lunchbox – no sweets, chocolate or fizzy drinks.

SNACKS As a Healthy School we only encourage fruit and vegetables as snacks for break time.

MEDICINES Prescribed medication should only be bought into school when absolutely essential. We would encourage ,where possible, that medication be prescribed in dose frequencies which enable it to be taken outside school hours.

EMERGENCY CONTACT There are occasions in a child’s school life when accidents happen. This may result in a

phone call to the emergency contact, or in the worse case a hospital visit. It is vital the consent and contact forms are completed and updated with amended or new information. Help us to keep your child safe. We also run a text messaging service so your current mobile number is vital if you wish to receive information about your child’s school life.

HOMEWORK Children are encouraged to take learning logs home to share their learning with their parents. Reading for pleasure books are sent home on a regular basis. There are also two online programmes, the Bug Club to support reading and RM Maths to help develop Maths skills. We encourage the parents to make comments in their Home Record Book. We encourage parents to discuss any issues with the Class Teacher.

EDUCATIONAL VISITS School excursions play an important role in your child’s learning, providing them with different stimuli and opportunities to experience the world around them. You may be asked to make a voluntary contribution to support these trips. However, if we cannot cover the cost, due to the lack of contributions, we may have to cancel. We would not want a pupil to miss a trip due to financial constraints, we would

encourage you to come and speak with the Class Teacher. In our school we expect all pupils to behave in an appropriate manner and follow our rules. If a pupil’s behaviour has demonstrated that they may endanger the safety and enjoyment of themselves or others, permission to attend the trip may be withdrawn.

CHILD PROTECTION We have a statutory duty of care for all of our children. We communicate any concerns with parents and external agencies especially if we believe the child may be at risk of significant harm.

SCHOOL ECO COUNCIL Pupil Voice is respected at Shortstown Primary School and the Eco Council support our recycling efforts and help develop the school through ideas and actions initiated by the children. They are responsible for the work towards the Sustainability award.

CONTACT US

POSTAL ADDRESS Shortstown Primary School Beauvais Square Shortstown Bedford MK42 0GS TELEPHONE 01234 740881 HEAD TEACHER Denise Cottam CHAIR OF GOVERNORS Corinne Royden Child Protection contacts Denise Cottam Gina Bobbett Lesley Adam

LOCAL EDUCATION AUTHORITY Bedford Borough Council Borough Hall, Bedford Tel: 01234 267422

ADMISSIONS All Admissions are dealt with through Bedford Borough Council Admissions Service. Please contact them directly. Tel: 01234 718120 www.schools.bedfordshire.gov.uk

UNIFORM

Josen’s Uniform 25 Harper Street Bedford. MK40 1LA Tel: 01234 359191 E-mail: info@josens.com Website: www.josens.com Tesco on line: www.tesco.com/ues

E-Mail : office@shortstownprimary.co.uk Website : www.shortstownprimary.co.uk