Phoenix Primary Prospectus

P H O E N I XCOMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL

Welcome to Phoenix community Primary School

A good education is one of the most precious gifts a child can receive.

We are very proud of our school, our pupils and our successes. We believe

that Phoenix is a ‘good place to be’ and the relationships we develop with

our children and their families, enables us to create a distinctive ethos. We

aim to make the learning experience varied and inclusive. We have high

expectations and strive to achieve excellence for all.

Ours is a happy school where the success of every child matters. We

are a dedicated staff, committed to developing the knowledge, skills and

understanding which enable your child to enjoy learning, achieve success

and become a contented and fulfilled young person.

This brochure is designed to give you an insight into Phoenix and hopefully

capture a sense of our school and the values which underpin all we seek to

achieve. We would encourage you to take the opportunity to visit us so that

you can experience this for yourself and answer any questions that you might

have.

Mr Rob JuniperHeadteacher

1



every child matterS

It is very important to us that every child is valued and that their own unique qualities are recognised. We actively promote and encourage a healthy lifestyle.

We work hard to build trusting relationships with all children and families to ensure their engagement and enjoyment in every aspect of school life. Children and families may experience a range of needs at different times of their lives. We work together with many different agencies to support and ensure individual needs are always catered for.

We believe that the environment we offer plays a crucial part in developing all our children into happy, healthy, safe and motivated learners. Our calm and purposeful atmosphere contributes greatly to the development of the whole child. Children at Phoenix are taught to make good choices, considering the impact upon themselves and others. We encourage independence skills in order to develop our children into caring, sensitive, thoughtful citizens of the future.

At Phoenix Community Primary School we believe that all children are entitled to a curriculum which is broad and balanced. We recognise that learning

Phoenix has developed into a progressive and stable environment for learning with an atmosphere of trust and care.Ofsted July 2009“ ”

32

happens both formally and informally inside and outside the classroom, that children learn in different ways, have different interests and abilities. With this in mind our curriculum aims to:

l develop a love of learning

l encourage children to become confident, independent learners

l prepare children for the opportunities and expectations of adult life

l help children develop good relationships and respect for others

l teach the skills needed to communicate effectively

l provide a safe and supportive learning environment in which all our children can flourish



every child matterS

It is very important to us that every child is valued and that their own unique qualities are recognised. We actively promote and encourage a healthy lifestyle.

We work hard to build trusting relationships with all children and families to ensure their engagement and enjoyment in every aspect of school life. Children and families may experience a range of needs at different times of their lives. We work together with many different agencies to support and ensure individual needs are always catered for.

We believe that the environment we offer plays a crucial part in developing all our children into happy, healthy, safe and motivated learners. Our calm and purposeful atmosphere contributes greatly to the development of the whole child. Children at Phoenix are taught to make good choices, considering the impact upon themselves and others. We encourage independence skills in order to develop our children into caring, sensitive, thoughtful citizens of the future.

At Phoenix Community Primary School we believe that all children are entitled to a curriculum which is broad and balanced. We recognise that learning

Phoenix has developed into a progressive and stable environment for learning with an atmosphere of trust and care.Ofsted July 2009“ ”

32

happens both formally and informally inside and outside the classroom, that children learn in different ways, have different interests and abilities. With this in mind our curriculum aims to:

l develop a love of learning

l encourage children to become confident, independent learners

l prepare children for the opportunities and expectations of adult life

l help children develop good relationships and respect for others

l teach the skills needed to communicate effectively

l provide a safe and supportive learning environment in which all our children can flourish



4 5

Staff encourage and support

children, not just academically,

but also their personal and

social development. Some

parents of children who have

joined the school during the year

commented on how successfully

their children had settled into

the school, praising staff for

‘going the extra mile’

to help.Ofsted July 2009

“

”

Working together

We believe that the best learning happens when parents, staff, governors and children all work together.

Our governors are active and involved in the day-to-day life of the school. They visit regularly both formally and informally and are readily available if parents have any queries that they wish to discuss.

Parents and carers are able to discuss concerns and offer suggestions to improve Phoenix through the Parents Forum which meets monthly.

We have an active and very supportive PTA who offer a variety of events for children and adults to enjoy. We have an established

school council which meets regularly to discuss a variety of issues to do with school life. The children elect their own representatives from each class. Each representative takes back discussion points to their own class. Through the school council children are able to influence and help develop the ethos and practices of our school.

Phoenix Community Primary School has ‘extended school’ status. Our

Family Liaison Officer (FLO) is based in the school’s family room and is always looking at ways in which to build relationships with parents / carers and the community and organizes coffee mornings / afternoons, a parent and toddler group, adult education classes and holiday activities for families. The FLO is able to link parents / carers with other areas of support i.e. school nurse, housing services and the attendance and behaviour service.

The FLO and ‘Suresteps’ Children’s Centre also help signpost / carers to other voluntary services and provide other programmes for families who have children under 5 at home and require support.



4 5

Staff encourage and support

children, not just academically,

but also their personal and

social development. Some

parents of children who have

joined the school during the year

commented on how successfully

their children had settled into

the school, praising staff for

‘going the extra mile’

to help.Ofsted July 2009

“

”

Working together

We believe that the best learning happens when parents, staff, governors and children all work together.

Our governors are active and involved in the day-to-day life of the school. They visit regularly both formally and informally and are readily available if parents have any queries that they wish to discuss.

Parents and carers are able to discuss concerns and offer suggestions to improve Phoenix through the Parents Forum which meets monthly.

We have an active and very supportive PTA who offer a variety of events for children and adults to enjoy. We have an established

school council which meets regularly to discuss a variety of issues to do with school life. The children elect their own representatives from each class. Each representative takes back discussion points to their own class. Through the school council children are able to influence and help develop the ethos and practices of our school.

Phoenix Community Primary School has ‘extended school’ status. Our

Family Liaison Officer (FLO) is based in the school’s family room and is always looking at ways in which to build relationships with parents / carers and the community and organizes coffee mornings / afternoons, a parent and toddler group, adult education classes and holiday activities for families. The FLO is able to link parents / carers with other areas of support i.e. school nurse, housing services and the attendance and behaviour service.

The FLO and ‘Suresteps’ Children’s Centre also help signpost / carers to other voluntary services and provide other programmes for families who have children under 5 at home and require support.



6 7

The quality of care, guidance and support that the school gives its pupils is good. Some elements of pastoral care are outstanding.Ofsted July 2009

“”

We feel it is important that our children participate in activities which enable them to feel part of the wider community and meet people of all ages and backgrounds. Throughout the year we organise fundraising events to raise money for charity and communities around the world.

The school’s caring ethos helps all pupils feel valued, which in turn makes them want to help others.Ofsted July 2009

“”



6 7

The quality of care, guidance and support that the school gives its pupils is good. Some elements of pastoral care are outstanding.Ofsted July 2009

“”

We feel it is important that our children participate in activities which enable them to feel part of the wider community and meet people of all ages and backgrounds. Throughout the year we organise fundraising events to raise money for charity and communities around the world.

The school’s caring ethos helps all pupils feel valued, which in turn makes them want to help others.Ofsted July 2009

“”



8 9

enjoy and achieve

We have high expectations and want our children to achieve the best that they can in all areas of school life. Our inclusion manager leads a specialist team who ensure that children of all abilities can achieve personal success. We want all children to enjoy learning at Phoenix so we offer a wide range of curriculum experiences and opportunities to develop the whole child. Our creative curriculum inspires children to make links between all the different areas of learning. Through assemblies, visits and focus weeks we celebrate the varied talents and achievements of our children both in and out of school.

Governors provide strong guidance and ensure that statutory requirements are met, and hold staff to account in a supportive way.Ofsted July 2009

“”

Fit For liFe

We feel that it is important that children have positive attitudes to food, fitness and friendship. The school has both Healthy School status and the Active Sports Award which demonstrate our commitment to encouraging healthy lifestyles.

Our learning mentor is part of the inclusion team and works with children and parents to promote

good relationships and overcome any barriers to learning. Our children’s emotional well-being is a key priority. We aim to develop

children’s self-esteem and the skills necessary for successful relationships. Through circle

time and our playground peer support schemes, peer mediators and play heroes, children develop

the confidence to deal with transitions andchanges in their lives.

Children thrive and enjoy learning because of good teaching and exciting activities.Ofsted July 2009

“”



8 9

enjoy and achieve

We have high expectations and want our children to achieve the best that they can in all areas of school life. Our inclusion manager leads a specialist team who ensure that children of all abilities can achieve personal success. We want all children to enjoy learning at Phoenix so we offer a wide range of curriculum experiences and opportunities to develop the whole child. Our creative curriculum inspires children to make links between all the different areas of learning. Through assemblies, visits and focus weeks we celebrate the varied talents and achievements of our children both in and out of school.

Governors provide strong guidance and ensure that statutory requirements are met, and hold staff to account in a supportive way.Ofsted July 2009

“”

Fit For liFe

We feel that it is important that children have positive attitudes to food, fitness and friendship. The school has both Healthy School status and the Active Sports Award which demonstrate our commitment to encouraging healthy lifestyles.

Our learning mentor is part of the inclusion team and works with children and parents to promote

good relationships and overcome any barriers to learning. Our children’s emotional well-being is a key priority. We aim to develop

children’s self-esteem and the skills necessary for successful relationships. Through circle

time and our playground peer support schemes, peer mediators and play heroes, children develop

the confidence to deal with transitions andchanges in their lives.

Children thrive and enjoy learning because of good teaching and exciting activities.Ofsted July 2009

“”



10 11

‘Peer mediators are there to help you resolve problems.’

‘Play Heroes organise activities help children in reception class at lunchtime’

The school’s healthy eating policy encourages children to make healthy food choices. We provide fruit and milk at break and a choice of healthy school meals is available.

Swimming is on the curriculum for pupils in KS2 and all children take part in a multi skills programme.Children and families are encouraged to walk or cycle to school whenever possible. A ‘walking bus’ is being set up and children are encouraged to take part in the ‘walk on Wednesday’ initiative.

Phoenix is a ‘bike it’ school, working in partnership with Sustrans ‘bike surgeries’ are held to ensure bikes are safe to ride and children are encouraged to participate in themed activities and events such as the virtual ‘round the world’ bike race.

Phoenix offers children a wide range of extra curricular activities. Clubs on offer vary from year to year but have included netball, rugby, dance, gardening, ICT and art and craft. We encourage children to participate in friendly and competitive sports which many children thrive on. Examples are rugby tournaments, athletics competitions and netball matches.

We feel sure that the skills that we teach children will help them to make healthy choices in the future.

Teachers motivate pupils well so that they are keen to learn. As a result, pupils listen carefully to teachers as they provide information or instructions.Ofsted July 2009

“”

admiSSionS

Phoenix Community Primary School serves the Bybrook, Bockhanger and Kennington areas of Ashford.

If our school is oversubscribed, all pupils will be considered against Kent’s admissions criteria:

l parents’ wishes

l current family association (an elder brother or sister in the school at the time of entry)

l health reasons (for which a medical certificate may be needed)

l nearness of children’s home and ease of access to school

Our admission number is 30 pupils per yeargroup.



10 11

‘Peer mediators are there to help you resolve problems.’

‘Play Heroes organise activities help children in reception class at lunchtime’

The school’s healthy eating policy encourages children to make healthy food choices. We provide fruit and milk at break and a choice of healthy school meals is available.

Swimming is on the curriculum for pupils in KS2 and all children take part in a multi skills programme.Children and families are encouraged to walk or cycle to school whenever possible. A ‘walking bus’ is being set up and children are encouraged to take part in the ‘walk on Wednesday’ initiative.

Phoenix is a ‘bike it’ school, working in partnership with Sustrans ‘bike surgeries’ are held to ensure bikes are safe to ride and children are encouraged to participate in themed activities and events such as the virtual ‘round the world’ bike race.

Phoenix offers children a wide range of extra curricular activities. Clubs on offer vary from year to year but have included netball, rugby, dance, gardening, ICT and art and craft. We encourage children to participate in friendly and competitive sports which many children thrive on. Examples are rugby tournaments, athletics competitions and netball matches.

We feel sure that the skills that we teach children will help them to make healthy choices in the future.

Teachers motivate pupils well so that they are keen to learn. As a result, pupils listen carefully to teachers as they provide information or instructions.Ofsted July 2009

“”

admiSSionS

Phoenix Community Primary School serves the Bybrook, Bockhanger and Kennington areas of Ashford.

If our school is oversubscribed, all pupils will be considered against Kent’s admissions criteria:

l parents’ wishes

l current family association (an elder brother or sister in the school at the time of entry)

l health reasons (for which a medical certificate may be needed)

l nearness of children’s home and ease of access to school

Our admission number is 30 pupils per yeargroup.


12

School SeSSionS

Key Stage 1 morning session 8.50 a.m. – 12 noon

Key Stage 1 afternoon session 1.00 p.m. – 3.15 p.m.

Key Stage 2 morning session 8.50 a.m. – 12.45 p.m.

Key Stage 2 afternoon session 1.30 p.m. – 3.15 p.m.

Parents must inform the school by telephone by 9.00 a.m. on the first day of their child’s absence. When your child returns to school a brief letter of explanation must be sent to the class teacher. Please do not send children to school when they are unwell or return them too early after sickness.

Finally....This brochure is just a taste of life at Phoenix Community Primary School. If there are areas or aspects of the school about which you would like to know more please ask. We look forward to meeting and working with you in future.

Documents

Phoenix Primary Prospectus