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ORCHARD COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL GRANGE DRIVE
CASTLE DONINGTON DE74 2QU
PROSPECTUS AND PARENTS' HANDBOOK 2016-17
HEADTEACHER TELEPHONE NUMBER Mrs. A. Sherwood 01332 810078 /01332 814300
FAX 01332 810078 e-mail [email protected]
CHAIR OF GOVERNORS Mrs V. Jones
LEICESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL Children and Young People’s Service
County Hall Glenfield Leicester
Tel: (0116) 2323232
2
Orchard Community Primary School
Headteacher: Mrs. A. Sherwood
‘Consistently good teaching for all age groups means that pupils do well in all classes.’
Ofsted Report January 2013
We are very proud of our school. It is an attractive, exciting
place with well-maintained buildings, its own playing field and an
extensive environmental area. The school has a dedicated,
caring staff who provide for the needs and aspirations of each
child. The school will do its best to provide a happy, caring
environment where each child has the opportunity to achieve
his/her potential.
We are not complacent and will always continue to improve the provision for all our
children to ensure good progress. We actively encourage a partnership between school
and home. From the first day at school the staff and I will be available to discuss with
you any matter regarding your child’s progress.
We believe that working in partnership with parents enables children to learn and
develop. The Governors, staff and I look forward to working with you to achieve the best
for your child and hope that you will become an involved member of our school
community.
Anne Sherwood
3
Contents Page
Headteacher's Letter 2
Terms and Abbreviations 4
Introduction 5
School Awards 6
Statement of Aims 7
School Results 7
School Governors 8
Documents available in school 8
School Staff 9
Admission 10
School Uniform & Jewellery 11
School Day 12
Dinnertime 12
School Discipline 13
Teaching and Learning 14
Extra -Curricular Activities 20
OPS Radio 20
Breakfast Fun Club 20
School Visits and Charging Policy 21
Special Needs and Accessibility 21
Pupil Welfare 22
Medication & Accidents 22
Child Protection 23
Health & Safety 23
Travel to School & Parking 23
Home School Liaison 24
Parents Association 24
End of Phase Transfer 25
County Policy Statement 26
Complaints Procedures 26
Documents available in school 26
4
Some terms and abbreviations used in school documents.
10+ school Until recently, the primary schools in this area transferred their
pupils at the end of year 5 when they were 10 rather than the more usual 11. This will change to transfer at the end of Year 6 in September 2017.
Foundation Stage All terms used to identify classes for our youngest pupils Reception / 4+ aged 4 – 5 years old. Often written as EYFS – Early Years
Foundation Stage. Key Stage 1 Classes for children aged 5 – 7 - sometimes still referred to as 'Infants' Key Stage 2 Classes for children aged 7 – 11 – sometimes called 'Juniors'. The
final year of Key Stage 2 is the first year after transfer to the next school.
CDC Castle Donington College CYPS Children and Young Persons’ Service – formerly Education
Department LA Local Authority (Leicestershire) Nat. Curric. The curriculum that state schools are obliged to provide. N.C. OFSTED Office for Standards in Education – the body who inspect schools
and validate our judgements. PSHE and Cit. Personal, Social, Health Education and Citizenship – taught
throughout the school. R.E. Religious Education – taught throughout the school. SATs Standard Attainment Tests – tests done at the end of Y2 and Y6. SEAL Social and Emotional aspects of learning – taught throughout the
school as part of PSHE SEND Special Educational Needs and Disabilities SENDCO Special Educational Needs & Disabilities Co-ordinator/ Inclusion
Leader – Mrs Miller
5
Orchard Community Primary School
Orchard School was built in 1970 to
accommodate the influx of children generated
by the development of new housing in Castle
Donington. It currently has 232 pupils on roll
aged between 4 and 10 years.
In Key Stage 1, the school is semi open-plan with each base open to the main corridor
and an open practical area. This provides each class with an enclosed classroom area
for formal work but allows for easy movement between the bases for flexible working
opportunities. The classrooms in Key Stage 2 have been enclosed and refurbished and
provide an excellent working environment.
A newly refurbished, fully-networked computer suite is available for all classes. All
classrooms have an interactive whiteboard and have access to laptop computers.
Notebook computers are also in use in some lessons.
The caretaker’s bungalow has been refurbished for use as a learning Centre. This
includes an attractive library, with an excellent supply of reference and non- fiction
books, a music room, a cooking kitchen for the children to use for their cookery lessons,
and a radio room where children make radio broadcasts. In addition, our SENCO, Mrs
Miller, has her base here.
There are several playgrounds, and provision is made for quiet activities as well as
space to play. An outdoor classroom is available for lessons in warmer weather and for
shelter during breaks. In summer the playing fields are available for games and
playtimes. A large environmental area is a valuable resource for science education.
Orchard School has a headteacher and twelve teaching staff, some of whom are part-
time. The pupils are also supported by a large number of dedicated non-teaching staff
who fulfil a variety of vital roles within the school and an Inclusion Leader.
The school operates a flexible policy towards the organisation of year groups. Children
are taught in both single and mixed-age classes depending on the number of children in
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the cohort. This arrangement changes each year to take account of numbers but
classes are always organised according to age and not ability or friendship.
At the end of the Primary phase, most children transfer to Castle Donington College.
School Awards
The School has achieved its Enhanced Healthy School award and encourages
children to learn how to make sensible healthy choices. The school tuck shop sells
healthier options (at a cost of 25p per break), and is available to all children in school.
Fresh water is always freely available from water fountains around the school. All breaks
should be put into the child’s tray in the morning and not kept in their lunch boxes as
there is no access to lunch boxes until lunch time. We would like to encourage parents
to send healthy snacks into school for break rather than crisps. We do not allow sweets
or chocolate in school unless it is to celebrate a specific occasion eg birthdays or
parties.
The school has achieved Eco-school status and a Silver Environmental award. This
demonstrates our commitment to developing understanding about sustainable energy. .
As part of our work, children may apply to join our Compost Kings group and help to
compost waste material for use in our school garden. We have a group of Eco-warriors
who monitor energy use and raise awareness across the school.
The school has achieved Sainsbury’s School Games Gold Kite mark. The
Sainsbury's School Games Mark is a Government led awards scheme launched in 2012
to reward schools for their commitment to the development of competition across their
school and into the community. Schools in England are able to assess themselves
across bronze, silver and gold levels of the Mark. We are proud to have been awarded
the Gold Kite mark which reflects our outstanding commitment to school sport.
7
Our statement of aims
The governors, staff and parents have worked together to formulate our school aims.
Our school values the following aims for each child irrespective of ability or background.
To be extended to achieve his/her potential in all areas.
To be a self-motivated, independent learner.
To acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes which enable him/her to participate
actively in an ever-changing world.
To be able to express his/her informed ideas fluently and with confidence.
To have high self-esteem and respect for others.
In addition the school has regard for the Every Child Matters Agenda and believes that
every child has the right to:
Be healthy
Be safe
Enjoy and Achieve
Make a positive contribution to the community
Achieve economic well-being
School Results End of Year 2 2015-16
The table shows the percentage of children who achieved the expected standard at the
end of Key Stage 1 (Year 2). It also shows the percentage of pupils who exceeded this
standard.
Achieving
expected level
Achieving at
greater depth
Achieving at or
above expected level
Reading 51% 17% 68%
Leics. 48.7% 24.6% 73%
National 50.5% 23.6% 74.1
Writing 41% 22% 63%
Leics 49.9 14.1 64
National 52.5 13.3 65.8
Mathematics 51% 17% 68%
Leics 71.7
National 72.7
Totals may not equal 100% because of rounding
There will be no KS2 results for Orchard Primary School until 2018
8
School Governors
Parent Governors Staff Governors
Mr. P. Glover Mrs A. Sherwood (Head teacher)
Mrs A. Howells Mr. J. Patching
Mr. T. Ottewell
Mr. A Murphy
Mr. R. Neil
Mrs. S. Shearman
Community Governors Local Authority Governors
Mr. M. Battle Vacancy
Mr. C. Burton
Mrs. V. Jones (Chair) Clerk to the Governors
Mrs. J. Mortensen (Vice Chair) Mrs. R. Daft
Governors are elected every four years and give their time freely to lead the school. The
governors have one formal meeting each half term when the Headteacher reports about
the work of the school. Small committees meet each half term to discuss the curriculum,
the budget, staffing and the school building. Vacancies on the Governing Body are
advertised on the newsletter. If you are interested in becoming a governor, please talk to
the Headteacher or the Clerk to Governors.
Documents available in school
Where possible, we store documents electronically and communicate with
parents using email or text message. Paper copies of all documents are available
in school.
Policies and Schemes of work prepared by the Staff and Governors.
The School’s complaints procedures.
The LA's agreed syllabus for R.E.
The most recent OFSTED report
Many of these documents, and others, can be found on our website and our VLE. A full
range of policies are also available in school.
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School staff
Mrs. P. Bennett Teacher, responsible for Design Technology
Mr. M. Battle IT Technician/ Network Manager
Mrs. E. Bowden Teaching Assistant
Mrs. J. Bucknell Midday Supervisor/Breakfast Club Supervisor/TA
Mrs. L. Champlin Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
Miss D. Charity Lunchtime Supervisor
Mrs. S. Cooper Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
Mrs. M. Cotterill Teacher, responsible for Mathematics
Mrs. R. Daft Office Manager
Mrs. A. Douglas Teacher, responsible for Food Technology
Mrs. H. Fairbrother Learning Support Assistant
Mrs. M. Farrar Admin. Assistant
Mrs. C. Fordham Teaching Assistant
Mrs. S. Gayson Cleaner
Mrs. C. Godsell Teacher responsible for P.E and Sport
Mrs H. Gilkes Teacher responsible for PSHE
Mrs. L. Hack Learning Support Assistant
Mr. M. Holyland Premises Officer
Mrs. S. Horsfall Nursery Nurse (HLTA)
Mrs. A. Knight Lunchtime Supervisor
Mrs. T. Lane Breakfast Club Supervisor, Teaching Assistant
Mrs. T. McGravie Teacher responsible for Science and Environmental Education.
Mrs. L. Miller Inclusion Leader
Mrs. V. Morgan Learning Support Assistant, Senior Lunchtime Supervisor
Mrs. E. Mycroft Learning Support Assistant
Mrs I. Parker Teacher, responsible for Geography and History
Mr. J. Patching Deputy Headteacher
Mrs. A. Raynes Lunchtime Supervisor
Mrs. G. Sheldon Teacher, responsible for English
Mrs. A. Sherwood Headteacher.
Mrs. Z. Stockdale Lunchtime Supervisor
Mrs. L. Stuart Teacher, responsible for EYFS
Mrs. T. Taylor School Cook
Mr R. Webb Teaching Assistant (HLTA)
Mrs R. Westfield Learning Support Assistant
Mrs L Widdowson Teacher responsible for Religious Education
Mrs. P. Wood Learning Support Assistant and Lunchtime Supervisor
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Admission
Parents intending to send their child to Orchard School should call in or telephone to
make an appointment with the Headteacher, preferably during the Autumn Term
preceding admission. The Headteacher or a member of staff will be happy to show you
around the school and provide you with information concerning the curriculum,
organisation and day-to-day running of the school. The application should then be made
on-line through the Leicestershire County Council website.
Children are admitted to the school at the beginning of the Autumn Term after their
fourth birthday, usually at the very end of August. There is only one intake for the year.
Whenever space is available, the children will be taught in the 4+ Unit. Parents may
apply for admission to be delayed and should approach the Headteacher to discuss the
matter.
As well as general information, parents of pre-school children will be asked for their
written comments on the skills and development of their children. These will then be
discussed with parents at the first Parents’ Evening in October. At the time of
registration, parents are asked to produce their child's birth certificate.
Parents will be notified about the exact commencement date, as children are taken into
school on a staggered intake over a period of approximately two weeks, depending on
numbers. Thereafter, the children attend full time.
Your child will need help from you to settle into school. Do not be surprised if children
arrive home tired and irritable at first - a new school can cause physical and emotional
tiredness and extra sleep usually solves the problem. Patience, combined with
reassurance, will help your child to adjust to the situation.
In the term prior to your child coming to school the Headteacher will invite you to meet
her to talk about the organisation and curriculum of the school. Your child will have the
opportunity of meeting his/her teacher before starting school. A few weeks after the
start of the term an open meeting will be arranged to explain aspects of education in the
school and to answer any questions.
11
School uniform
Children are expected to wear school uniform:
royal blue sweat-shirt or cardigan with Orchard badge or royal blue cardigan
or sweatshirt
blue or white polo shirt with or without logo
optional fleece jacket
grey skirt or trousers, light blue and white check cotton dress
sensible dark shoes should be worn, not trainers.
Grey or white socks. Black socks may be worn with trousers.
Sandals may be worn in summer
baseball cap (optional)
For P.E.
white T-shirt
royal blue or black shorts
black plimsolls
P.E. bag
Track suit/ jogging bottoms and sweatshirt (preferably black)
trainers for outdoor PE only
Additional Items
book bag (essential in Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1)
Items in bold may be purchased from the school although items in the school colour,
royal blue, are equally acceptable. Items sold in school have a school logo.
All items of clothing, including shoes, and other personal property should be
clearly marked with your child's name.
Jewellery
Jewellery should not be worn in school as it can be dangerous and easily lost or
damaged. If studs are worn, they must be covered or removed for P.E. We cannot
accept responsibility for the loss of personal possessions. It is best if children do not
bring valuables or precious possessions to school.
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School Day
Our School Day
8.45am School opens
8.55am Registration
11.50am KS1 Lunch
12.00pm KS2 Lunch
1.00pm Afternoon lessons
3.15pm School Ends
Dinnertime
Dinnertime is from… 11.50 a.m. - 1.00 p.m. for Key Stage 1 and Foundation Stage
12.00 noon - 1.00 p.m. for Key Stage 2
Some children go home for dinner but most children stay at school.
The children staying for a cooked meal have a single choice of menu. The meals are
cooked on site and cost £2.15 per day, £10.75 per week for children in Key Stage 2.
Children in Reception and Key Stage 1 are entitled to a free meal under the Universal
Infant Free School Meals scheme. Dinner money for the whole week must be sent
into the classroom on a Monday morning in an envelope clearly marked with the
child’s name. Packs of pre-printed envelopes are available from the office. Cheques
should be made out to Orchard School. If your child is ill on a Monday, please send
in the money for the rest of the week on the first day back at school. It saves a lot of
confusion if your child can have either cooked dinners or sandwiches in any one week.
Your child may be entitled to free school meals. Please check
with the Finance Officer to see if you are eligible. Application
forms are available from the office.
Children bringing packed lunches provide their own drinks plus
cutlery, cups or straws. We encourage healthy eating and
request that you do not send fizzy drinks, sweets or chocolate
bars. All lunch boxes must be placed on the lunch trolleys and
collected at the end of the day. Please label lunch boxes and drinks bottles with your
child’s name.
During the lunch hour, children are supervised by the Lunchtime Supervisors. The
Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher is always available. The children play outside
unless it is very wet and should always have a coat in school. On very wet lunchtimes
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the children are supervised in their classrooms. Poor dinnertime behaviour may result in
children being sent home for lunch.
Please note that we have children with serious nut allergies in school and children
are requested not to bring nuts or nut products into school. This includes
sandwiches and snacks.
School discipline
At Orchard School we expect good behaviour. We
believe that good behaviour needs to be carefully
developed, it is too important to be left to chance. We
think that children learn best when they are clear about
what they are supposed to be doing and when they
are consistently and continually encouraged to do it.
The following rules are displayed around the School as a reminder to us all.
Listen carefully. Be kind and helpful to one another. Always try your best.
Look after our school and equipment. Walk sensibly and quietly around the
school.
All staff seek to praise children regularly for their good behaviour and try to explain and
demonstrate the behaviour we wish to see. We feel that good behaviour should be
recognised and rewarded.
In every classroom there is a School Discipline board divided into green, amber and red
zones. At the beginning of each day, all the children have their names placed in green.
All children whose names are in the green zone at the end of the day receive a team
point. If a child continues to misbehave after clear warnings, his/her name is put into
amber and the expected behaviour is made clear to the child. This is initially the ‘choice’
zone and children have an opportunity to make a good choice, improve their behaviour
and return to the green zone. Children who choose not to improve their behaviour and
continue to disrupt learning will receive up to 3 ticks, each corresponding to 5 minutes
detention time (at break or lunchtime). Continued poor behaviour or extreme behaviour
will result in them going into the red zone. They are required to complete a ‘Think sheet’
which they bring home for discussion. A text message is also sent home to parents to
alert them.
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Children in the school are split into four teams. The children are rewarded for their good
behaviour with team points. The winning team is mentioned in the newsletter and
applauded in assembly.
Occasionally children may forget our aims for good behaviour and be inconsiderate
towards others. If we have concerns we will discuss them with you together with the
strategies we are using to improve behaviour. Depending on the situation, it may be
necessary to deal with persistent misbehaviour by: removing privileges; separating the
child within, or from, the class; or by devising an individual behaviour programme.
In rare cases it may be necessary to exclude a child. This will only ever be considered
after all other possible avenues have been explored. We never administer corporal
punishment.
Teaching and Learning
The school's work is based on the
National Curriculum 2014. We place
great importance on the core subjects:
English, Maths, Science and Information
Technology. In addition we try to
provide a broad curriculum through the
foundation subjects: Music, Art, Design
and Technology, Geography and
History. These are taught through
integrated topics. P.E. and games are taught throughout the year.
English
English teaching is based on the National Curriculum. Activities are designed to ensure
good or better progression throughout the school, building on skills already learnt.
Children work in ability groups in their own classroom and English is very closely linked
to other curriculum areas.
On entry to school children are encouraged to be confident and articulate speakers,
while knowing that there are also times when careful listening is expected. Speaking
and listening skills are practised in all year groups through activities like role play, talk
15
partners and regular discussion times. Spelling, punctuation and Grammar (SPaG) are
taught from year 1 through to year 5 and for a key part of the English curriculum.
Children are introduced to a wide range of books, both fiction and reference, from the
very beginning. Relationships between letters and sounds are taught alongside the
enjoyment of books, so that children soon acquire reading skills and a
love of books. As reading skills increase
throughout the school, progress is monitored
regularly so that appropriate programmes of
work can be matched to individual children,
ensuring that comprehension and research
skills continue to develop. Children choose
their own reading books from a colour-coded
selection. Children have a reading record
book for parents to sign every time the child reads. Reading fluently,
with understanding and enjoyment, is considered a high priority. Parents are asked to
continue reading regularly to children, even after they become fluent readers. We invite
parents to volunteer to work with small groups in school to improve reading skills.
The school uses a scheme called Letters and Sounds to teach phonics. Children in the
Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 have a daily phonics lesson in which they are taught
all the different sounds they need for reading and spelling. This is consolidated in Key
Stage 2. Parents may access the phonics on the school VLE.
All children are taught to write in a legible printed style of writing on entering school.
This develops into joined handwriting in Y1. Children are encouraged to express their
own ideas, while, at the same time, developing knowledge of the skills needed for good
writing. As accuracy in spelling and punctuation grow, children
are given opportunities to
practise their increasing skills by
writing for many different
audiences.
Once per half-term, all children
in KS1 and KS2 consolidate
their writing skills with a ‘long
write’. This encourages the
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children to develop speed, fluency and stamina.
Mathematics
The school's maths syllabus has been developed, with reference
to the National Curriculum for Mathematics, to ensure continuity and good or better
progression throughout the school. There are opportunities for practical tasks, mental
arithmetic, problem solving and investigational work, as well as the development and
consolidation of concepts. We expect children to learn multiplication tables both by rote
and as instant recall of multiplication and division facts.
A variety of approaches are provided to match the needs and interests of the children
taking into account their age, ability and the concept, skill or knowledge being taught. On
the school VLE there is comprehensive information for parents about calculation
methods.
It is the school's policy that Information Technology, in the form of calculators,
computers, tablets, laptops and programmable robots, are used to enhance the teaching
and learning in mathematics. However, children are expected to develop their mental
arithmetic skills and to learn their tables.
Science
Children should have every opportunity to make
sense of their world. A scientific approach is one
vehicle through which this can be achieved in an
exciting and enjoyable way.
Science is taught through our integrated topics.
Our aims in teaching science are that the children will:
• retain and develop their natural sense of curiosity about the world around them
through asking and researching questions
• collect and organise information and use this evidence to develop and test ideas
• begin to build up a body of scientific knowledge and understanding which will serve
as a foundation for future scientific enquiry
17
Information and communication
The school is well- equipped with a variety of computers
laptops and tablets and uses a range of software to
support the curriculum and the children's learning. The
children rapidly become skilled in the operation of the
computers and have monitored access to the Internet.
The children are taught specific skills and then have
opportunities to apply these skills using computers and
devices in all areas of the curriculum. Computing now
forms an integral part of the curriculum and children
undertake different projects throughout the year.
All classrooms have interactive whiteboards linked to the Internet. The school has a
Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) which allows for more links between home and
school and provides a safe platform for children to use their skills.
The children are also taught E-Safety through a comprehensive CEOP scheme (which
can be accessed through our Internet Safety room on the VLE).
History, Geography, Art. Technology and Music
These subjects are now taught through integrated
topic work. The topics vary in length and are part
of a 2-year rolling programme. Literacy is
incorporated into the topics and children are
encouraged to do their own research. The
topics are stimulating and interesting and
children have some input into their content.
Information about each topic block is available
on the VLE.
A peripatetic teacher provides private tuition for
children who wish to learn to play the piano.
Parents pay for lessons on a half-termly basis.
Please contact the School Office if you would like
further details.
18
Music lessons are available for all children in years 4 and 5. They learn to play the
clarinet in group lessons provided by Leicestershire Arts.
Each year, Year 3 join with other schools for a singing performance for their parents and
Years 4 and 5 also have an opportunity to produce a singing performance.
Religious Education
In Religious Education, children learn about different religions, beliefs and practices. We
aim to help our children develop personal values and a real understanding of other
people's lives and religions. Work in Religious Education is based on the Leicestershire
Agreed Syllabus. There is a daily Assembly and representatives of the local churches
come into school to contribute to our Assemblies. Parents have the right to withdraw
their children from R.E. and Assembly under section 25 of the 1944 Act. Please write to
the Headteacher if you wish to discuss this further.
Physical Education
A high-quality physical education
curriculum inspires all pupils to succeed and
excel in competitive sport and other physically
demanding activities. Our curriculum provides
opportunities for pupils to become physically
confident in a way which supports their health
and fitness. Opportunities to compete in sport
and other activities build character and help to
embed values such as fairness and respect.
We follow core values in PE:
Become more determined and demonstrate resilience
Understand and demonstrate the importance of respect for others
Learn to develop self-control and manage emotions
Experience being part of a team and understand their contribution to it
Win with pride and lose with grace
Learn the importance of practice and preparation
Learn how to set realistic goals and work towards achieving them
Aspire to improve and challenge themselves
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Have fun and enjoy themselves
P.E. starts with individual activities aimed at developing personal skills and moves on to
co-operative work in small groups and teams, where there is a common goal. Orchard
School provides a balanced programme of games, athletics, gymnastics, dance and
outdoor activities. Children are encouraged to be active at break and lunchtime and are
encouraged to take part in after school clubs and other sporting activities.
Personal, Social and Health Education with Citizenship
As the children progress through school they are encouraged to learn about themselves,
their relationships with others, and to understand the structures of society. They learn
how to keep safe and are given information to help them make healthy decisions. They
learn how a democracy works through voting for members of the school council and
practise business skills through running the school tuck shop. The school uses the SEAL
materials in all classes.
Sex Education
Sex Education is taught throughout the school at a level appropriate to the age of the
pupils. The children are taught to respect and have knowledge of their bodies and
bodily functions. They are encouraged to have regard for moral considerations and the
value of family life. A sex education policy has been drawn up by all the local schools so
that expectations and provision in the schools are the same.
Drugs Education
The local schools have prepared a drugs policy to be used in all schools. It teaches
children about keeping safe, and the dangers posed by different drugs including tobacco
and alcohol.
Modern Foreign Languages
Children in Key Stage 2 have a weekly French lesson to provide an appropriate balance
of spoken and written language which lays the foundations for further foreign language
teaching at key stage 3. It should enable pupils to understand and communicate ideas,
facts and feelings in speech and writing. The focus of study in modern languages will be
on practical communication.
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Homework
Children of all ages are expected to complete homework. In the 4+ this will focus on
reading, including sharing books with parents and learning high frequency vocabulary
(key words).
In Key Stage 1, children will be expected to read for a short time each evening, do some
personal research as required in topic work and learn spellings, number bonds and
tables.
In Key Stage 2, children will be expected to read regularly – minimum 3 times each
week, learn spellings and tables and to complete formal homework regularly.
From Year 2 onwards, children will be given the opportunity to complete Creative
Homework, presenting information in any way they choose. Sometimes homework will
be a piece of research or something to explain to members of the family. It is important
that children complete these types of homework as they allow the child to practise
specific skills.
Extra-curricular activities
The school has a small choir that meets at
lunchtime. Regular after-school sports
clubs will be offered to specific year groups
e.g. football, cross-country, gymnastics,
tennis, hockey and golf. Some of these
afterschool clubs are run by external
providers. We have very successful
sports clubs and regularly compete in the
Charnwood and North West Leicestershire competitions.
OPS Radio
We are proud to be one of the only
schools in the local area to be
producing our very own radio shows
from our dedicated studio. We have
several shows broadcast each
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week by our Year 5 pupils. We have been able to interview a variety of special guests
and all shows can be heard through My Live School (www.myliveschool.org) or from our
website.
You can also follow the radio team on Twitter (@OPS_Radio) to find out what they have
been doing!
Breakfast Club
A breakfast club, known as Fun Club, is available from 8.00am until 8.45am. Children
have the opportunity to play and be creative in a safe environment before school. The
Club does not provide food, although the children have a drink before starting lessons.
At present, the cost of the club is £2.50 per day. Please ask for details of vacancies and
prices.
School Visits and Charging Policy
A high value is placed on pupils gaining first hand
learning experiences to support the various topic
projects. Regular educational visits take place and
all children in Years 3 and 5 are offered the
opportunity to take part in residential visits. The
County guidelines on residential visits are followed and
pre-visit parent meetings are held.
The Governors have agreed that parents will be asked for voluntary contributions for
educational day visits and certain other activities. Without sufficient voluntary
contributions some activities may be cancelled. No pupil will be excluded from an
activity if a contribution is not made however, lack of funds may result in a visit or activity
being cancelled. If there are difficulties please contact the Headteacher. Please note
that we do not make any profit on school visits.
Special Needs and Accessibility
All children take part in all of our lessons. The National Curriculum is available to
everyone. Lessons are planned to meet the needs of all pupils and all learning
opportunities are planned with care to ensure equality of access. For various reasons
22
some children may need additional support and help. We will discuss your child’s needs
with you and may produce an individual plan to help your child.
We want all children to succeed in their learning. If you have any worries about your
child's learning, please come in to talk about it, either with the Headteacher, class
teacher or Mrs. Miller, our Inclusion Leader. The school's Special Needs Policy is
available for parents if they wish to see the details and is based on The Code of Practice
for Special Needs.
The school is continually revising and improving its access policy and practice. Toilet
facilities for the disabled are available in the School Reception area and almost every
room in school is easily accessible for people with mobility problems. Parents who
experience difficulties should make their needs known to the Headteacher. The school
has been able to meet the needs of children with a very wide range of disabilities.
Parents who need help with literacy or with reading or speaking English should also
contact the Headteacher so that arrangements can be put into place for home/school
communication.
Pupils who need help with learning English will receive support in school and will be
encouraged to share their home language and culture.
Pupil Welfare
If your child is not well we will do all we can to care for him/her. It is important that we
have the correct telephone number to contact you. Sick children will not be sent home
on their own. We follow Department for Health guidelines for length of absence due to
illness (e.g. children with sickness and/or diarrhoea should be off school for 48 hours).
While your child is at school, we take the place of parents, 'in loco parentis'. We take
this responsibility seriously and your children's welfare and safety is our highest priority.
If there is a change in domestic circumstances, please let the school know as this can
have an impact on your child’s wellbeing.
Health Checks
Whilst at school children undergo national health checks. Further information is
available from school as to the timing and nature of such check ups. The School Nurse
is a regular visitor to the school and can be contacted by telephone. During your child's
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school life there are checks on physical growth, hearing, etc. Parents are informed in
advance.
Medication
If any pupil is receiving long term medication for a chronic condition the Headteacher
should be informed so that the appropriate arrangements can be made. Pupils are not
permitted to keep medicine in the classroom. Medicines must be labelled and sent to
the School Office for safekeeping. In general, a child who is on antibiotics should stay at
home until the course of medication is finished or the dose adjusted from mid-day to the
end of school. Children who have asthma should have their inhalers clearly marked and
are encouraged to become responsible for their own equipment and keep them with
them at all times. Parents should request an asthma policy from the school office. We
are not allowed to administer non-prescription medicines.
Accidents
Occasionally accidents do occur and a report is kept of all accidents. Serious accidents
are reported to County Hall. If we feel urgent hospital treatment is necessary, parents
are contacted, an ambulance called and the pupil taken to hospital as quickly as
possible.
Child Protection
The school monitors all children and, in the event of concerns, follows the LEA’s Child
Protection procedures. We feel that children’s achievements should be recognised
within the community and frequently invite the local newspaper to record aspects of
school life. We ask parents for permission to use named photographs. Parents and
relatives of pupils should note that any photographs or video recordings which are taken
at school events are likely to contain images of other children whose parents will not
have given permission for the image to be used. Such images should not be circulated
more widely than the family. Any manipulation or distribution of such materials could
result in a prosecution.
Health and Safety
The safety of the children both in and out of school is extremely important. We review
our Health and Safety Policy annually. Safety experts are invited to work with the
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children on topics such as Safety in the Home, Road Safety and Personal Safety.
Please ensure that your child always uses the pedestrian entrance and does not leave
or enter through the driveway gates.
Traffic congestion outside the school gate is a problem and we ask parents to observe a
one-way system coming into Grange Drive and going out along Tipnall Road when they
drop children off.
Travel to school
The school encourages children to walk or cycle to school to improve health and fitness
and reduce congestion. If you want your child to cycle to school, you should collect and
sign a copy of our cycle policy. Cycles may then be kept in the school cycle racks.
Parking
Vehicles must not be brought onto the site at the beginning or end of the school day as
this constitutes a safety hazard when children are walking to and from school. To help
ensure your child's safety, please park off site and well clear of the yellow lines. When
parking, please consider local residents and ensure their driveways are kept clear.
Home-School Liaison
Orchard School is an 'Open Door' school: parents are always welcome, but are asked
not to disturb teachers during lesson time.
Parents’ Evenings are held during the Autumn and Spring terms when parents have a
private appointment with the teacher to discuss their child's progress. Reports are sent
out in the Summer term. Many parents work in school and give freely of their time to
support class teachers and to be involved in the life of the school. If you would like to
help in school, please contact the Headteacher to discuss times and possible tasks. An
enhanced DBS check is required (this can be arranged through school).
Each term, we try to arrange opportunities for parents to come into school to see the
children working. Occasionally we will arrange an information evening for parents which
focusses on the school curriculum. There are also opportunities to find out more about
helping your own child. Details of these events are given on school newsletters.
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Information
A weekly Newsletter is sent out by e-mail and is posted on the VLE. This keeps parents
up to date on day- to -day issues. Please take a few moments to check through it. If
you do not have internet access, you may request a paper copy from the school office.
Information and publications for parents are displayed in the Entrance Foyer.
We have a website available for parents to access. The address is:
www.orchard.leics.sch.uk There is a link from there to the VLE. Please contact the
office for a username and password as this is a secure site for parents only.
Parents' Association
There is an active Parent Association and every parent with a child at Orchard School is
automatically a member and is welcome to join in all events. The P.A. organises social
events which raise a great deal of money for the school. Events such as Christmas Fair
and Summer Fete etc. are arranged and enjoyed by many. The Parents’ Association
regularly hold discos and other events for children and families from Orchard School.
The quality of our facilities is due in no small way to the efforts of our P.A. The
committee plan events throughout the year which we hope you will be able to support.
Please see if you can find a few hours each year to help to run some of the many
activities available.
Transfer
From July 2018, the majority of children will transfer to the Castle Donington College.
Principal: Mrs. J. Shepherd Tel: 01332-810528
Parents must apply for a place for their child early in the Autumn term of Year 6
The College arranges times when parents and children can visit the school and every
effort is made to inform and welcome the new children and their parents. In the Autumn
term prior to transfer, the College holds an open evening for parents and children.
During the Summer term the Year 6 children are invited to spend two days at the
College familiarising themselves with the school. Staff from the College liaise with
Orchard teachers and the Year 6 children. Records and reports are transferred. Great
care is taken in making the transfer as smooth as possible and the children look forward
to this next step in their education. At 16 they move to the Upper Schools in the area
and, again, parents have a choice of provider.
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COUNTY POLICY STATEMENTS
Multicultural Statement
The Governors of Orchard School agree with the Local Authority's report on Multicultural
Education. We are opposed to racism in any form and we work to promote tolerance
and understanding in all of our pupils and to develop cultural awareness and
understanding.
Equal Opportunities
The Governors pledge that the school will promote equal opportunities in the classroom,
curriculum and throughout school life.
Complaints
If you have a complaint about something that has happened in school, you should make
the Headteacher aware of your concerns either in writing or in a formal interview. Most
complaints can usually be resolved at this stage.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your contact with the Headteacher, then you
can write to the Chair of Governors. The letter can be addressed to the Chair of
Governors at the school or sent to ‘Administration, Committees and Secretariat’
Education Department, County Hall, Glenfield, Leicester. LE3 8RF
If the Chair of Governors is unable to resolve the issue, you may then request the Chair
of Governors to convene a Governor’s Complaints Panel to listen to your complaint. If
you then feel there have been irregularities in procedures you may refer the matter to
OFSTED and/or The Secretary of State for Education.
A leaflet detailing the full complaints’ procedure is available in school.
The members of the Governing Body and staff of Orchard Primary School hope
that parents will find the information contained in this booklet useful and
informative. We wish to work together with parents to provide success and
happiness for our children.