AshurstP R I M A R Y S C H O O L

School Prospectus 2017 / 2018

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Welcome to Ashurst Primary School. As a school community we are committed to ensuring a high quality primary education and providing a curriculum which inspires our children and ignites the spark of learning, imagination and creativity developing them as life long learners.

In preparing our children to be future citizens in modern Britain they are taught to show respect, tolerance and understanding. All of which are underpinned through our Ashurst Values that interweave throughout the daily life of our school.

Staff and Governors are committed to ensuring excellence and high standards in unlocking each child’s potential through a nurturing approach and caring environment. Every child is warmly welcomed into the ‘Family of Ashurst’ and is equally valued and challenged to achieve their best, as we work in collaboration with parents/carers to ensure success and achievement for all our children.

Parents and carers are a vital part of the ‘Family of Ashurst’ and we encourage their involvement in the life of the school. Positive relationships with our families based on mutual trust and respect, alongside our caring environment enables our children to flourish.

You should be able to find most of the information you need by viewing our website, but please do not hesitate to call school if you have any further questions or you require paper copies of the information.

If you would like to visit our school, you would be more than welcome. Please contact us to make an appointment.

With warm regards,

Lisa HoughtonHeadteacher

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Ashurst Primary SchoolNew Glade Hill,Blackbrook,St. Helens.WA11 9QJ

Main Contact: Christine WilcockSchool Business ManagerTel: 01744 678150Fax: 01744 678151Email: ashurst@sthelens.org.uk

www.ashurst.st-helens.sch.uk

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These are the values we feel are important for everyone in the ‘Family of Ashurst’. As a school we will promote these values everyday and expect the children to show these qualities in their daily life at school.

We want the members of the ‘Family of Ashurst’ to develop their determination. We want them to persevere with tasks in order to reach their own personal goals. We want them to ‘go the extra mile’ and do ‘whatever it takes’ and believe that ‘nothing is impossible’.

We aim to have a school family that is committed to sharing good practice, good ideas, successes, problems, opportunities and knowledge with each other. We believe everyone has a valuable contribution to make to school life and encourage all to share together as one family.

We expect that all members of the ‘Family of Ashurst’ care about others, the environment and our community.

We want the children in our school to become confident, independent individuals who take responsibility for their own actions and to follow through with their commitments. We aim for the children in school to become responsible for their own learning.

We expect all members of the school to value and respect the unique gifts, abilities and opinions of themselves and of others. We want each individual to show consideration for the thoughts and feelings of others.

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Determination

Respect

Independence

Caring

Sharing

Excellence Everyday

Ensure all achieve success and happiness within the Ashurst Family

OUR VALUES

OUR VISION

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

Play is at the heart of all we do in Reception Class. Our learning is fun, engaging and relevant. It ensures that each child’s natural curiosity is built upon, and they become active learners for life.

The structure supporting learning is the Early Years Foundation Stage as well as the values we hold dear within our school ethos.

At Ashurst the whole child and family matters and we look forward to working with you all to make sure that successful experiences ensure your child achieves their potential throughout their learning journey at Ashurst.

Our Nursery sits within the school grounds. We believe that our nuturing approach from a young age ensures each child’s individual needs are catered for. This enables them to develop and reach their potential, in readiness for their learning journey in Reception. Our Nursery provides either morning or afternoon sessions.

In Key Stage 1 & 2 we work to develop transferable skills and learning for life. Our ethos is a living and breathing thing based on Ashurst Values, which we all strive to demonstrate every day.

The National Curriculum defines the skill and knowledge levels for our learning and sets out the basic requirements, but at Ashurst we aim to build your child’s learning power for life.

Children, families and community are our learning partners and we provide experiences to enhance the breadth and depth of learning for all. At Ashurst no learner is left behind as we embrace new technologies and prepare our children for their future lives as responsible citizens.

As a Community School we follow the Local Authority’s policy for RE and use the Challenge Curriculum which ensures children learn about different festivals, celebrations, cultures and religions from around the world. Assemblies take place during the week either in the hall or in the classrooms promoting British values.

Parents have the right to withdraw their child(ren) from RE lessons on religious grounds and, in this event, are requested to make an appointment with the Headteacher to discuss the matter.

At Ashurst Primary School our Challenge Curriculum promotes curiosity and ignites learning through creativity and imagination. Learning is generated around key questions to find answers to, and standards for learning meet and exceed National requirements.

Children are provided with challenge and opportunities to lead in their own learning. Through our supportive and nurturing environment, supported by secure links with our families, our children thrive and show a desire to learn taking pride in all their successes.

Morning Session 8:45am - 11:45am

Doors open

Morning Session

Break

Afternoon Session

8:50am

9:00am - 12:00 midday

10:00am - 10:15am

1:15pm - 3:15pm

Doors open

Morning Session

Break

Afternoon Session

8:50am

9:00am - 12:30pm

10:00am - 10:15am

1:15pm - 3:15pm

SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Our Curriculum

Foundation Stage

Nursery Religious Education

Key Stage 1 and 2

Timings of the School Day

‘As a result of effective provision, children get a good start to their learning in the early years.’ Ofsted May 2015

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Nursery

Key Stage 1

Key Stage 2

Mrs O’Brien is our SENCO Leader who is responsible for supporting our children who have an Education, Health and Care plan. At Ashurst, we support our children above and beyond what is recommended, as we support their additional needs for inclusion in our learning community.

School works towards early identification of children with special educational needs, through close monitoring and discussion between parents and members of staff concerned, to ensure appropriate provision. The school’s special educational needs and disability policies are up to date and reviewed regularly. These can be accessed on the website.

To support our staff and families, we also have the advice and help of outside agencies. Such agencies include the speech therapist and the educational psychologist. Staff, parents and the relevant outside agencies then work together to ensure that the child’s individual needs are met. This is supported by the skilled staff who work alongside children, including our Pastoral Manager.

Mrs O’Brien co-ordinates and oversees the need allocation for all of our children. This need may be determined by some children not making the age appropriate development, or by the fact that they may have special gifts which need to be nurtured and developed. A range of strategies and options operate throughout school, from one-to-one support, small group work and most commonly support within the class. We aim to work with families to ensure that a child’s needs are catered for, be this for a short term intervention, or longer term support.

At Ashurst we are a fully inclusive school and at all times we strive to fulfil this aim. To be fully inclusive means that we do not accept any form of discrimination or bigotry. Our policies and Equality Scheme to combat any form of this are available to any parent/carer who wishes to read them. These policies are regularly reviewed and parents/carers are invited to help with the revision of these policies. If you would like to be involved, please contact the Headteacher.

The ethos and atmosphere of the school reflects our high expectations of good conduct at all times within our school. As parents/carers, you are a vital support to us and we expect that you will be happy to sign the home/school agreement which reflects these standards. We attach great importance to the traditional values of courtesy, integrity, good manners, self-discipline and respect for the needs of others. As part of this we anticipate full parental support and co-operation in upholding the school’s code of conduct and rules that define our every day interactions. The Governing Body devolves the responsibility for maintaining high standards in all things and at all times to the Headteacher and, therefore, should there be any ambiguity over the interpretation of these standards, the Headteacher will have the final say.

At Ashurst we all share the responsibility for the pastoral care of our children. Should you have any concerns your child’s class teacher would be your first point of contact. As we wish to greet our children and have a prompt start to the day, parents/carers are requested to make an appointment to see their child’s teacher by calling into the school office.

We will endeavour to see parents/carers within 24 hours and if possible, the same day.

SCHOOL INFORMATION

Special Educational Needs

Equality for All

Home / School Agreement

‘Highly skilled, committed leadership has inspired and invigorated staff to make the school the best it can be for every pupil.’ Ofsted May 2015

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We are proud of our attendance figures for the last academic year 2015/16:

Whole School attendance: 95.5%(including Nursery)

3.9% of absences were authorised and 0.6% were unauthorised.(including Nursery)

Whole School attendance: 96.3%(not including Nursery)

3.0% of absences were authorised and 0.7% were unauthorised(not including Nursery)

Parents should note that amendments to the Pupil Registration Regulations (2013) stated that Governing Bodies/Headteachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are exceptional circumstances. The Governing Body will not grant leave of absence for any holidays during term time except for compassionate reasons.

To support our improving attendance figures, the Headteacher and Pastoral Manager will identify pupils whose attendance is falling below an acceptable standard and work with you to improve this. If your child is ill, we ask that you telephone school on their first day of absence. If we have not heard from you by 10 am, school will attempt to contact you and will request you confirm the reason for absence in a letter upon return. We will count on your support in maintaining our high standards.

Monday 16th April to Wednesday 25th July

Half Term Monday 28th May to Friday 1st JuneBank Hol Monday 7th May

Monday 8th January to Thursday 29th March

Half Term Monday 12th February to Friday 16th FebruaryBank Hol Friday 30th March (Good Friday)Bank Hol Monday 2nd April (Easter)

Monday 4th September 2017Friday 20th October 2017Wednesday 20th December 2017Thursday 21st December 2017Monday 4th June 2018

Tuesday 5th September to Tuesday 19th December

Half Term Friday 20th October to Friday 27th October

Parents/carers can request access to inspect a copy of any document, which is required to be made available under the Freedom of Information Act, by contacting the School Office.

At our school our Pastoral Manager Mrs Hall helps us to ensure we provide the best service for our families. They are there to support your children and you.

We are happy to receive any compliments or suggestions to improve our school at any time. Any concern regarding your child’s education should be referred to the class teacher, who will be happy to discuss this with you. Any complaint should be addressed to the Headteacher/Deputy Headteacher, who will hopefully resolve the matter. In the event of any complaint remaining unresolved, full details should be put in writing and addressed to the Chair of Governors, Ashurst Primary School, New Glade Hill, Blackbrook, St Helens, WA11 9QJ. The matter will be dealt with in accordance with the School Complaints Procedure.

Improving Attendance & Absence

Term Times

Every Person Matters

Compliments, Concerns & Complaints

Access to Public Documents

Autumn Term 2017

Inset Days

Spring Term 2018

Summer Term 2018

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SCHOOL INFORMATION

The Governors expect all children to wear school uniform. It gives a sense of belonging to our family at Ashurst. Our uniform consists of:

All children who attend Nursery are expected to wear our Nursery uniform which consists of:

Smart Grey Skirt orSmart Grey Trousers or

Grey Pinafore

White Shirt and School Tie orWhite Polo Shirt

Red Cardigan orRed V-neck Jumper/Sweatshirt

Black Flat Shoes(not boots or heels)

Plain Grey Tights orPlain Grey or White Socks

Red Gingham Dress

No sandals or trainers

Blue Gingham Dress(No sandals)

Grey pinafore/skirt orGrey pants

Pale blue polo-shirt

Navy blue Sweatshirt or Cardigan

Grey pants orNavy blue joggers with school logo

Pale blue polo-shirt

Navy blue Sweatshirt or Cardigan

Winter

Physical Education

Physical Education

Summer

Summer

Winter

Red ShortsWhite T-Shirt

Plimsolls

A plain, grey or black track suit or jogging suit may be worn for all outdoor games lessons, with appropriate footwear.

Navy blue joggers or shortsWhite T-Shirt

Plimsolls

Smart Grey Shorts

White Polo Shirt

No Trainers

Grey Shorts

Red ShortsWhite T-Shirt

Plimsolls

A plain, grey or black track suit or jogging suit may be worn for all outdoor games lessons, with appropriate footwear.

Navy blue joggers or shortsWhite T-Shirt

Plimsolls

Smart Grey Trousers

White Shirt and School Tie orWhite Polo Shirt

Red V-neck Jumper/Sweatshirt

Black Shoes(not boots or trainers)

Black, White or Grey Plain Socks

Children are discouraged from bringing mobile phones or music players (ipods, MP3’s etc) to school at a young age. However, if children walk home on their own and parents/carers prefer them to have a mobile phone for safety reasons, they must be handed in to the school office at the start of the day and collected from there at home time. Please make sure that items are labelled with your child’s name.

For safety reasons jewellery is not allowed and only one pair of small, plain stud earrings are permitted. These must be removed by your child prior to PE, games, dance, swimming lessons and after school sports clubs.

Girls Boys

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SCHOOL UNIFORM

NURSERY UNIFORM

Out of School Care And Recreation provision at Ashurst Primary School is provided by this club and it allows families the opportunity to have their children’s education and out of school care provided by the same place. As a school we believe that we have a role to play in the care of our pupils outside the normal school day and Oscar Club demonstrates our commitment to ‘The Family of Ashurst’.

Oscar Club offers affordable, high quality care in the safe environment of your child’s own school. We can offer you:

Care from 7.45am until 9am and from 3.15pm until 5.45pm every school day

A safe, supportive caring environment for your child

Highly professional, qualified staff

Resources and equipment to stimulate and interest your child

Convenience for you and your family

Breakfast (if required), snacks and drinks

Flexibility to suit your own situation

An affordable solution to your child care needs

Places for Oscar Club must be booked in advance either by visiting or contacting the school office or by speaking to the staff in the care facility - Mrs K. Spark-Skully. Contact No: 07934 849022 / 01744 678200.

During each year at Ashurst we provide a wide range of real life learning opportunities and memorable experiences for all our children. We ask parents and carers to make voluntary contributions towards the cost of educational visits and experiences for their children.

Our values are at the heart of our school. We feel strongly that these values are shared as we develop positive links with all sections of our local community to ensure our children have a sense of belonging and know how they can make a difference to our world. Through our dedicated charity fundraising, we demonstrate to our children our shared responsibility to support others.

As a healthy and active school, we encourage children and families to walk to school where possible, or park and walk part way, or even walk with neighbours in their street. We expect parents/carers to adhere to the parking regulations around school to ensure the safety of all our children entering and exiting the school premises. Pupils who wish to cycle to school have a safe area where their bicycles can be stored. All snacks within school should support our healthy school status. We ask that grapes / small tomatoes are cut in half to minimise choking risks.

A number of extra-curricular activities are offered to pupils, including a games club and gardening club to mention a few. Special sports clubs are provided after school hours. We have a Parents and Friends Association which organises activities for educational development, fundraising and social functions.

Bringing Learning Alive Before & After School ClubsOSCAR Club

What the club offers

Booking Arrangements

Working together as a Community

Promoting Healthy Living

Out of School Activities

‘The before and after club, managed by the governing body, offers excellent provision.’ Ofsted 2009

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EXTENDED OPPORTUNITIES

St. Helens Authority lays down the Admission Policy of the School and the Local Authority publishes details of this policy annually. Copies of this policy document are available from the school. Children with disabilities are not discriminated against and the school works closely with the Access and Inclusion Department of the Local Authority in such cases.

Admission to the Reception Class takes place in the September before the child’s fifth birthday in that school year. Admission forms will be sent out in the October prior to admission in the following September.

A meeting for all parents of children starting school in September will be held in the Summer Term. We will offer parents the opportunity to meet Reception staff and obtain further details concerning school organisation and uniform. In addition to this there will be a number of Inspire Sessions where your child can visit the setting to support a smooth transition to them starting in the September.

Admission to the Nursery takes place at the start of the term following the child’s third birthday. Admission forms will be sent out prior to admission in the following September. Check St Helens Council website for updates. Home visits by Early Years staff take place to support transition into Nursery.

Admissions Policy

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ADMISSIONS

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2016 RESULTS

At the end of both Key Stages 1 & 2 children take national tests (SATs).At Key Stage 1, the attainment of children is measured. In effect this calculates the percentage of pupils working at ‘the expected level’ in Reading, Writing, Maths and Science.

At Key Stage 2, the attainment and progress of pupils is also measured. Progress is a measure of improvement between a child’s KS1 result (4 years earlier) and their result at the end of Year 6. In 2016, progress is measured in terms of a scaled + or – score with zero as a statistical ‘median’- so, in really general terms, a school’s + scoring may indicate positive progress whilst a negative score may indicate limited progress in certain groups.

Each year the Government issue ‘floor-targets’ for schools. This helps to identify schools that may need some support in a particular area. In 2016, at KS 2 schools could meet floor-targets either by:

Having a combined attainment score (in reading, writing and maths) of 65%+ Or:

Having progress scores that lie within ‘thresholds’ issued nationally.

In 2016 our KS2 results are above the national floor-target (see tables of results).

Results explained Government Floor Targets

 Early Year Results 2016

 

Working at Expected standard School Local Authority National

Working at GLD (Good Level of Development)

68% 66% 69%

 

 Phonics Screening Check Results 2016

 

School National

Year 1 87% 81%

Year 2 re-check 100% 91%

 

 Progress Measures KS1 to KS2

 

School National Floor Standard

Reading - 2.6% - 5%

Writing + 5.4% - 7%

Maths + 2.2% - 5%

 

 Key Stage 1 Results 2016 (Cohort Number – 26)

 

Working at Expected standard School Local Authority National

Reading 85% 68% 74%

Writing (teacher assessment) 73% 58% 65%

Maths 81% 67% 73%

GPS 73% 51% 60%

Science (teacher assessment) 81% 77% 82%

Working at a High standard School Local Authority National

Reading 31% 16% 24%

Writing 19% 8% 13%

Maths 23% 13% 18%

R/W/M 15% 6% 9%

 

 Key Stage 2 Results 2016 (Cohort Number – 30)

 

Working at Expected standard School Local Authority National

Reading 67% 65% 66%

Writing (teacher assessment) 90% 72% 74%

Maths 87% 71% 70%

GPS 80% 75% 72%

Science (teacher assessment) 97% 78% 81%

R/W/M 63% 52% 53%

Average Scale Score Reading 100.1 102 102.6

Average Scale Score Maths 105.4 103 103.0

Working at a High standard School Local Authority National

Reading 3% 18% 19%

Writing 50% 13% 15%

Maths 27% 15% 17%

GPS 7% 23% 23%

R/W/M 0% 4% 5%

 

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2016 RESULTS

The results show that Ashurst is perfomring above floor standard in all three progress measures.

Ashurst Primary SchoolNew Glade Hill,Blackbrook,St. Helens.WA11 9QJ

Tel: 01744 678150Fax: 01744 678151Email: ashurst@sthelens.org.uk

www.ashurst.st-helens.sch.uk Des

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AshurstExcellence Everyday

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