Woodhall Primary School

Prospectus 2017-2018

Dear Parents/ Carers,

A very warm welcome to Woodhall School. We hope that this prospectus will

provide a snapshot of life at our school.

Woodhall School is a Hertfordshire County Council community primary school,

with children aged from 3-11 years. We have one class per year group, with a

mornings-only nursery. The school is part of the South Oxhey Consortium of

Schools, which includes the South Oxhey Children’s Centre and the Sports Part-

nership network.

At Woodhall, we value and celebrate every single child, and we have high ex-

pectations of all pupils. Through a positive learning culture, we encourage pu-

pils to develop enquiring minds and a ‘can do’ attitude to all aspects of the cur-

riculum. We strive to develop skills for lifelong learning; encouraging children to

become resilient and confident and to achieve their very best, regardless of their

starting points. We value equality and celebrate diversity; we recognise and re-

spect our difference to create an all-inclusive atmosphere.

Woodhall is a very happy and caring school where every child and every family

matters. We value the support and commitment of parents and carers and know

that parents/carers taking an active interest in a child’s learning is one of the

best ways to help a child succeed in every way. We offer a range of opportuni-

ties to work in partnership, including family learning opportunities, open class-

rooms, assemblies and of course, our ‘Friends of Woodhall’ group.

Beyond the classroom, we offer a rich and extensive range of clubs for children

to develop a variety of skills, interest and talents.

On behalf of the staff and governors at Woodhall School, I look forward to wel-

coming you into our school community. Please do get in

touch if you have any questions or if

you would like a tour of the school.

Michelle Lake

Headteacher

WOODHALL SCHOOL AIMS AND ETHOS

To provide a safe, structured, stimulating learning environment in which we

foster confidence, self-motivation, independence and a desire in each child to

achieve their potential.

To provide equality of opportunities for all regardless of ability, age, gender,

creed or ethnic origin.

To educate the whole child and encourage the acquisition of skills that will

prepare them to live in a diverse society by challenging and extending chil-

dren’s thinking, knowledge and skills.

To provide opportunities for the social, emotional, spiritual, moral and physi-

cal development of each child.

To create and be open to appropriate opportunities for partnership working

and for the effective involvement of all members of the school, parents, outside

agencies and the wider community.

To foster caring relationships and develop positive attitudes between children,

their peers and the adults with whom they come into contact.

To promote respect for property and the environment and to actively promote

tolerance of all faiths and the social inclusion of all peoples.

Facilitate the professional development of staff and governors via collaboration

and in-service training.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

‘AIM HIGH...REACH FOR THE SKY!’

To enable all concerned with the school, children and adults, to experience

and celebrate success and to achieve to the highest standards.

SCHOOL ORGANISATION

The School Day

NURSERY (FS1)

9.00-9.15am Registration/morning activities

9.15-9.30am Wake and shake

9.30-9.45 Adult-led learning

9.45-11.15 Child initiated learning

11.15-11.30am Adult-led learning

11.30am-12.00pm Storytime/activities

12.00pm Hometime

RECEPTION (FS2)

8.30-8.50am Soft start

8.50-9.05am Registration/morning activities

9.05-9.20am Wake and shake

9.20-10.00am Adult-led learning

10.00-11.00am Child initiated learning

11.00-11.15am Tidy time

11.15am-12.00pm Adult-led learning

12.00-1.15pm Lunchtime

1.15-1.45pm Adult-led learning

1.45-3.00pm Child initiated learning

3.00-3.20pm Storytime/activities

3.30pm Hometime

KEY STAGE 1

KEY STAGE 2

8.30-8.50am Soft start

8.50-9.00am Registration

9.00-10.00am Lessons

10.00-10.15am Assembly

10.15-10.30am Playtime

10.30-12.00pm Lessons

12.00-1.00pm Lunchtime

1.00-2.00pm Lessons

2.00-2.15pm Playtime

2.35-3.30pm Lessons

3.30pm Home time

8.30-8.50am Soft start

8.50-9.00am Registration

9.00-10.00am Lessons

10.00-10.15am Assembly

10.15-10.30am Playtime

10.30-12.20pm Lessons

12.20-1.10pm Lunchtime

1.20-3.20pm Lessons

3.30pm Home time

THE SCHOOL DAY: FRIDAYS

On Fridays, school finishes at 2.00pm, meaning that the day is structured

slightly differently. Playtime is at 10.00-10.15am for Key Stage 1, and 10.15-

10.30am for Key Stage 2. Key Stage 1 children go to lunch at 11.45am, and

Key Stage 2 at 12.00pm. Lunchtime finishes for everyone at 1.00pm. During

the afternoon, Key Stage 2 take part in their ‘Woodhall University’ clubs, and

Key Stage 1 have skills-based activities. Parents/carers of children in Recep-

tion are invited into school each week to take part in Puzzle Club.

DROPPING OFF AND PICKING UP

There are two main entrances to Woodhall School; one on Woodhall Lane and

the other on Little Oxhey Lane. Hertfordshire County Council operate a school

crossing patrol service on Little Oxhey Lane from 8.30-9.05am and 3.15-

3.50pm (Mondays-Thursdays), 1.45-2.20pm (Fridays)

Dropping off in the morning:

Nursery parents/carers: please wait outside nursery entrance door.

From September 2017, we will be trialling a ‘soft start’ in the mornings for

children from Reception to Year 6. They will be invited to go straight in to

their classroom between 8.30am and 8.50am. During this time children will

complete early morning activities.

When you arrive at school, please take your child directly to their classroom

via the outside doors (children will no longer line up in the playground).

Children in Year 5 or 6 may be dropped at the main entrance doors. Whether

or not you choose to drop your child off for a ‘soft start’, all children must be

in their classroom at 8.50am for the morning register.

BREAKFAST CLUB

At Woodhall, we offer a daily Breakfast Club for children at a rate of £3.00

per day. Breakfast Club places must be booked and paid for in advance. The

children are offered a choice of hot/cold drinks, cereals and toast. Children

attending Breakfast Club will be taken to their classrooms at 8.30am to join in

with the soft start activities.

PARKING

Between 8.15am and 4pm, the school car park is reserved for use by staff,

visiting consultants, contractors and emergency vehicles only. Before and after

these times, the car park may be used by parents/carers dropping children off

at Breakfast Club or picking them up at the end of an after-school club.

In the interests of the safety of all children and adults, please do not park on

the yellow zig-zag lines outside the school or across the school gates (as these

are in constant use)

PLEASE DO NOT SMOKE ON THE SCHOOL GROUNDS. IN THE INTERESTS OF

HEALTH AND SAFETY, DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED ON THE SCHOOL SITE.

SCHOOL ORGANISATION

ADMISSIONS: NURSERY/RECEPTION

All admissions into school for Nursery and Reception children are initially ar-

ranged by the Local Education Authority (LEA) Admissions Officers. After your

child’s second birthday, you will receive a general admissions booklet from

the LEA, which contains an application form for your preferred Nursery and

instructions.

Just before your child is admitted to the Nursery, you will be sent a letter

from the school inviting you to attend an admission meeting. Arrangements

are explained and each new intake is gradually introduced over a period of

days at the beginning of the term to make the process a happy one for the

children.

You will be sent a further Admission booklet so that you may apply for

transfer from the Nursery to a Reception Class in a similar process. Transfer

is not automatic and there are no Reception places linked to the Nursery pro-

vision. Please see the Admission booklet for further details of this process.

Children born between 1st September and the 31st August are usually admitted

in September. Occasionally children with special educational needs may be

admitted at different points during the year due to their presenting needs. This

is always in discussion with parent and other agencies involved with the

child.

ADMISSIONS: OTHER YEAR GROUPS

Where the school has spaces in other year groups, parents/carers are welcome

to make an appointment to view the school (at which further advice on admis-

sions and applications may be given) Please contact the School Office to make

an appointment.

If the year group is full, parents will be referred to LEA admissions.

At the end of Year 6, pupils will transfer to a secondary school. Obtaining a

place at the school you consider right for your child is not always easy; please

make sure that your child is eligible for a place at your preferred school under

that school’s admission criteria. The SW Herts Admissions Consortium compris-

es the seven secondary schools in the area which operate an admission test for

a proportion of their intake: Parmiters, Queens', Rickmansworth, Bushey Meads,

St Clement Danes, Watford Boys Grammar School and Watford Girls Grammar

School.

If you are considering applying for a place for your child at any of these

schools, you will need to register with the Consortium: The website address to

register is: www.swhertsschools.org.uk Parents and children are invited to vis-

it secondary schools, and then return the appropriate form indicating their pref-

erence. The LEA allocates places according to the criteria as set out in the infor-

mation pack.

SECONDARY SCHOOL TRANSFER

CURRICULUM

EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE (EYFS)

At Woodhall School, we believe that high quality early years’ experience in

school is of vital importance and can have a lasting effect on a child’s atti-

tudes to education, personal and social skills and attainments.

To ensure a smooth transition into Early Years, parents/carers are invited with

their children to an informal ‘Come and Play’ session at the end of the summer

term. Here, children can become acclimatised to their new surroundings. An in-

duction meeting is also held for parents/carers. This meeting outlines the in-

duction process and gives parents/carers a chance to meet our Early Years team

and to find out anything they want to know

about the early education in general and

Woodhall School in particular.

T

he Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum

follows the Statutory Framework as imple-

mented from September 2012. All areas of

the curriculum are covered and requirements

are specified for the learning and develop-

ment which help children work towards the seventeen Early Learning Goals

(the knowledge, skills and understanding children should have by the end of

Reception) EYFS staff look carefully at each child, consider their needs, interests

and stages of development and use this information to plan challenging and

enjoyable experiences across all areas of learning. The curriculum is based up-

on practical tasks, first hand experience and structured play. Children build up

a Learning Journey showing examples of their work and photographs of some

of their other activities, which contribute to the teachers’ assessment of each

child. Throughout the year, parents/carers are invited to contribute to, share

and ask about their child’s Learning Journey.

KEY STAGES 1 AND 2

At Woodhall School, the National Curriculum (2014) is taught from Year 1 to

Year 6.Our aim is to deliver the curriculum in a creative, cross-curricular

way, linking subjects where possible to make learning more meaningful, with

literacy and maths at the core. We strive to ensure that the curriculum is

stimulating and exciting so that children enjoy learning and are inspired to

become lifelong learners. We continue to build links within the local commu-

nity and take the children on trips out of school, to excite and interest them

in their learning and create a real life context to learning.

ENGLISH

There are four main elements to the English curriculum: spoken language,

reading, writing and grammar/punctuation/spelling.

Spoken language: Woodhall’s approach to speaking and listening is cross-

curricular and holistic. There are also discrete opportunities for the develop-

ment of spoken language through presentations, talent shows, assemblies,

discussion, debate and drama.

Reading: at Woodhall, we strive to ensure that children are able to access in-

formation and the curriculum whilst finding pleasure in reading. Phonics

form the daily basis of reading development in EYFS and phonically decodable

reading books are used to develop children’s reading skills. Phonics are taught

on a daily basis in Key Stage 1 with extra support for those children who are

not progressing as quickly as their peers. Children take part in guided reading

sessions at least three times a week from Year 1 to Year 6. In Key Stage 2, as

children become more fluent readers, there is a more independent emphasis on

reading. Discrete comprehension sessions help children develop strategies to

explore texts and respond to a variety of questions.

Writing: much of the writing at Woodhall is cross-curricular in nature, giving

children a real purpose and context in which to write and also covering a

variety of genres. Writing can be produced individually, in pairs or groups,

with a variety of inspirations to reflect the wide variety of reasons to write in

everyday life.

Spelling, punctuation and grammar: these are taught both in context and

discretely to enable children to use language more creatively and with greater

understanding and confidence.

MATHS

SCIENCE

Science is taught each term so that we cover the Science National Curriculum.

Each year group has science units of study that are covered in depth. Chil-

dren are encouraged to be independent and collaborative science investigators

by their involvement in exciting practical investigations and a developing

knowledge of scientific concepts.

At Woodhall, we inspire all children to become confident and enthusiastic

mathematicians, who are willing to take risks and are not scared of making

mistakes but who learn from those mistakes. We aim to develop mathematical

skills and to provide opportunities for their application in meaningful, real-

life situations. Mathematics provides a way of viewing and making sense of

the world. It is an interconnected subject and at Woodhall we encourage pu-

pils to make rich connections across mathematical ideas to develop their flu-

ency, reasoning and competence in solving increasingly sophisticated prob-

lems. Throughout the Early Years pupils explore and develop skills in a stim-

ulating mathematical environment. Across the whole school pupils are en-

couraged to become logical and creative thinkers who demonstrate their un-

derstanding by using and applying their skills and knowledge in a wide

range of problem solving situations. Pupils have opportunities to apply their

mathematical skills through activities that engage in real life activities. There

is a strong focus on mental mathematics which includes times tables

knowledge and understanding of the inverse operations. We have a large

range of mathematical resources that support children’s conceptual under-

standing and reasoning. We aim to develop positive attitudes towards maths

so that every child feels that they have the confidence and ability to succeed.

COMPUTING

Our Computing curriculum allows all children to learn about the im-

portant area of ‘Programming’. There are many games and apps that

children are already familiar with at home that allow them to develop

their programming skills at a very early age.

At school, we build on these skills and the children learn to create al-

gorithms where they create a sequence of instructions to make some-

thing happen.

In Key Stage 1, children learn basic skills of creating, organising, stor-

ing, manipulating and retrieving digital content. As they progress into

Key Stage 2, pupils learn to work more independently, selecting, using

and combining a variety of software (including

internet services) on a range of digital devices.

All pupils learn to use technology safely, respectfully and responsibly

and identify where to go for support when they have concerns about

the internet/other online technologies. E-safety is regularly addressed

in school.

ART AND DESIGN TECHNOLOGY

Art stimulates creativity and imagination. Understanding, appreciation and

enjoyment of the visual arts has the power to enrich our lives. During their

time at Woodhall, children are introduced to a wide variety of creative activi-

ties including drawing, painting, modelling, and needlecraft, and they are

taught to use materials with precision and care.

Design and Technology is about making things. Children are able to work on

a range of designing and making activities. They explore how familiar things

work and think about what products are used for and the needs of people

who use them. They plan what has to be done and identify what works well

and what could be improved in their own and other people’s designs. Both

art and design technology are closely linked to the termly class topic.

At Woodhall, we aim to develop a secure understanding and awareness of

chronology and the passing of time. We want the children to understand local,

national and world events from the past which have had an impact upon

their lives. The children study the lives of significant men and women in the

past who have contributed to national and international achievements. They

learn about ancient civilisations and features of the past; and begin to explore

historical interpretation. Children’s geographical and historical vocabulary is

developed to ensure the use of appropriate terminology.

In Geography pupils develop their knowledge of people and places to under-

stand the physical, social and economic forces which shape those places and

the lifestyles of the people who live there. We study local areas/issues and

extend these studies into the wider world. The children learn to use maps to

locate cities, countries, mountain ranges, rivers, seas and oceans. They use

atlases, photos and the internet to explore the environment and economics of

those countries which they study. They then use the skills they have developed

in literacy, maths and ICT to report and record their findings.

HISTORY AND GEOGRAPHY

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

At Woodhall, all classes receive 2 hours of P.E per week; one hour of which

is

taught by our specialist ‘Game On’ coaches. During indoor P.E sessions, the

focus is on movement/dance/gymnastics. Children also have a dedicated

weekly gymnastics session for one term. During outdoor P.E sessions, the

children take part in a range of invasion games, striking and fielding games,

net/wall games and outdoor adventurous activities. In Year 3, children have

a weekly swimming lesson at Sir James Altham pool. We take part in a wide

range of sporting competitions, festivals and other PE based opportunities

throughout the year, so please make sure that your child always has their PE

kit in school.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

The RE curriculum we follow is taken from the Hertfordshire Agreed Syllabus.

There are two main strands: learning about major world religions, and learning

from religions (reflecting and exploring) The children are encouraged to under-

stand and respect some of the practices and beliefs from the major world

faiths. Children are helped to explore questions within their own beliefs and

develop sensitivity to the beliefs and cultures of others, and acknowledge the

right to not believe. Parents/carers have the right to withdraw their children

from RE lessons. Lessons are not tackled from a personal belief point and do

not indoctrinate in any way.

MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES

At Woodhall, children in Key Stage 2 are taught French for one lesson per

week. The children are taught using the National Curriculum 2014. They

learn through a mixture of discussion, visual, ‘hands-on’ and written activ-

ities.

ASSEMBLIES

Our assemblies are occasions when we meet together as a community for a pe-

riod of sharing reflections and thoughts. They are also a time when we cele-

brate achievements. The moral themes for our assemblies draw on a wide

range of sources. Under the Education Act 1996, all children must be offered the

opportunity to take part in a daily act of collective worship. As a Local Author-

ity school, our assemblies must have a predominantly Christian theme, but we

acknowledge the diversity of faiths that are represented in modern Britain, and

we celebrate some of the major festivals of world faiths. Parents/carers have

the right to withdraw their children from acts of collective worship. If you

would like to discuss this, please contact your child’s class teacher.

SPIRITUAL/MORAL/SOCIAL/CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT AND

BRITISH VALUES

The promotion of British Values takes place across the curriculum. British Val-

ues are promoted so that the children can be prepared for life in modern Brit-

ain. They are helped to accept and engage with the fundamental values of de-

mocracy, the rule of law, individual liberty, mutual respect and tolerance of

those with different faiths and beliefs.

Spiritual development encourages the children to reflect on their beliefs, reli-

gious or otherwise, and reflect upon their experiences. Moral development en-

courages the children to recognise the differences between right and wrong; to

have a concern for others and to understand the consequences of their ac-

tions. Social development encourages the children to work and socialise with

others and to relate to those from different backgrounds (religious, ethnic and

socio-economic) and to participate fully and contribute positively to life in

modern Britain. Cultural development encourages the children to understand

and appreciate the wider range of cultures in their local community and fur-

ther afield. They are taught to respect different faiths and diversity in local,

national and global communities.

SEX EDUCATION

Our policy details the sensitive and caring context for the delivery of this cur-

riculum element, complementing and supporting your role as parents/carers.

You will be informed as to the timing of these sessions and given additional

information, so that you can support your child at home. You have the right

to withdraw your child from those aspects of sex education that are not part

of the National Curriculum. If you wold like to discuss this further, please

contact your child’s class teacher.

ACTIVITIES

FRIDAY AFTERNOON CLUBS

On Friday afternoons at Woodhall, the children take part in a variety of fun,

skills-based sessions. Years 1 and 2 remain with their class teacher and enjoy

activities that reinforce their fine/gross motor skills eg cutting/threading, cook-

ing, mixing paints.

In Years 3-6, the children work in mixed-age groups and in different areas of

the school. They have a choice of different clubs, including sewing, gardening,

science and design technology. Clubs change on a half-termly basis. If you

would like to volunteer to come and help with one of our clubs, please let the

school office know.

SPORTS’ CLUBS

At Woodhall, we offer a wide variety of sports’ clubs. Some of them are run by

school staff, some by our coaching company ‘Game On’ and others by outside

providers. Our current clubs include tae kwon-do, boxing, karate, football,

dance and multisports (these vary according to the time of year) For some of

our clubs, there is a weekly fee. Letters or texts will be sent home with further

details.

RECEPTION ACTIVITIES CLUB

On Friday afternoons, we invite parents/carers to come and join their Reception

child at our activities club.

FILM CLUB

Our Film Club is run by school staff and takes place on Fridays from 2.00-

3.30pm. Children can relax and watch the show whilst enjoying a drink and

snack. Booking forms for Film Club are available from the

school office and places must be paid for in advance

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

The governors and staff at Woodhall work hard to ensure that children with

SEND have access to a fully inclusive curriculum and can take part in

everyday activities. The school operates within the guidelines contained in the

revised Code of Practice that came into effect in September 2014.

SUPPORT FOR CHILDREN

We will always consult parents/carers if we feel that a child needs special

support with learning and parents/carers are encouraged to voice any concerns

they may have with the class teacher/SENCo. Children who have been

identified as having a special educational need may require a modified

curriculum or additional support. Where necessary, the school will consult with

and receive advice from various outside agencies such as the Educational

Psychologist. At all times, the progress of children with SEN is assessed and

reviewed, and individual or group WEPs (Woodhall Education Plan) are

produced. We also have an experienced pastoral support team who provide

support to many children in school to try to remove any social or emotional

barriers to learning.

SUPPORT FOR PARENTS/CARERS

At Woodhall, we have a Family Support Worker who is available to support in a

number of ways, from a quick chat to providing links with advisory groups. A

general noticeboard outside the main entrance to the school is kept updated with

leaflets from local community groups etc. We also have good links with South

Oxhey Children’s Centre who can also provide support. In school, our SENCo is

available for advice, as is our Learning Mentor and Social/Emotional support

HLTA.

ACCESSIBILTY

The school has an accessibility plan to ensure that we consider the needs of

people with disabilities. The building has a stairlift and disabled access toi-

lets. Parents/carers with disabilities are encouraged to let the school know if

there is any way we can make communication between home and school easier

for them.

PASTORAL CARE

Effective pastoral care depends on mutual respect, confidence and

understanding between the home and the school. We aim to motivate chil-

dren through praise and reward for good behaviour, but have a scale of

sanctions which we can use for children who misbehave. If your child’s

behaviour is causing concern at school, you will be informed and invited to

discuss the way forward with the class teacher or a member of the Senior

Leadership Team.

The school rules are intended to ensure that the children are safe. We have

a detailed policy for Behaviour and Discipline and for Equality, both of

which are available on the school website. Anti-bullying procedures are in-

cluded as part of the Behaviour and Discipline policy. Pastoral support is

given to both bully and victim. If you are concerned that your child is being

bullied, please tell a member of the staff team as soon as possible

SCHOOL COUNCIL

Woodhall School Council is an important part of life at our school. Each class,

from Year 2 upwards, elects two school councillors, a girl and a boy, to

represent them on the School Council. A member of staff holds meetings where

children discuss and vote on issues pertinent to the school. School Councillors

feed back to younger children and also hold their own class meeting

BUDDIES AND PLAYLEADERS

At the start of the school year, our Year 6 children are each ‘buddied’ with a

Reception child. For the first two weeks of the term, the buddies spend

lunchtimes together. Our Year 5 children, after their initial training, are present

on the Key Stage 1 playground at least twice a week during lunchtimes. They

organise games and activities for the younger children and keep a special eye

out for any children on their own.

SCHOOL SERVICES

REPORTING TO PARENTS/CARERS

A positive and supportive link between home and school can help to provide a

good quality, happy holistic education for your child. We will keep you

informed about your child’s progress in a number of ways. Parents’/carers’

consultation evenings are held in October and February, with an optional

appointment in July. Each term we hold an ‘open classroom’ afternoon, where

parents/carers are invited to come in and look at some of their child’s learning.

An annual report is sent home in July. Arrangements can be made to send

copies to both parents if they live at different addresses. During the term, we

operate an ‘open door’ policy, meaning that parents/carers are welcome to

speak to their child’s class teacher at any reasonable time (or make an

appointment for a longer discussion)

Please let us know of any factors at home that might affect your child during

the day. We recognise that there are times when parents/carers are under

particular stress and when extra support may be appropriate. There may also

be times when we need to discuss matters with you. For example, if your

child’s progress or behaviour is of concern, we will contact you at the earliest

opportunity.

Parental help and involvement during the school day is most welcome.

Parents/carers can support in activities such as reading, art work and extra-

curricular clubs, as well as attending class assemblies, productions and other

school events.

TEXT MESSAGING

At Woodhall, we use a text messaging service

called ‘Teachers 2 Parents’ This is a very use-

ful way of contacting parents/carers quickly;

but please make sure that we have your most

up-to-date mobile number!

SCHOOL UNIFORM

At Woodhall, we have the following uniform:

Woodhall School sweatshirt

Woodhall School (or plain red) polo shirt

Black/dark grey trousers/shorts/skirt/pinafore dress

Red/white checked summer dress

Flat, comfortable black school shoes - no trainers

The wearing of jewellery is inappropriate for school. If children wear ear-

rings, they must be plain, small studs, for safety reasons. These will need

to be removed or covered up with tape for PE. Please also note that chil-

dren should not wear nail varnish or large hair accessories to school.

PE KIT

For PE, children should bring a bag containing their PE kit to school on a

Monday and take it home every Friday. For PE (depending on the weather),

children will need:

Black PE shorts/tracksuit bottoms

A white Woodhall PE t-shirt (or plain white)

PE trainers

A black Woodhall hoodie and tracksuit bottoms are available and ideal for

PE in the colder months.

PE is a National Curriculum requirement for all children. Your child’s class

teacher will speak to you if your child forgets their PE kit on more than one

occasion.

ALL CLOTHING SHOULD BE CLEARLY LABELLED WITH YOUR CHILD’S NAME.

SWIMMING

The National Curriculum requires all children to be able to swim at least 25

metres by the end of Key Stage 2. At Woodhall, our Year 3 class have swim-

ming lessons at Sir James Altham pool throughout the year. Pool regulations

state that, during school lessons, children must wear either a swimming cos-

tume or trunks (no Bermuda shorts or bikinis) and a swimming cap (available

from the school office)

FOOD AND DRINK

The school employs Herts. Catering to serve a wide variety of high quality

dinners, planned to provide a balanced and healthy diet with a choice of food

every day. The cost of school meals is available from the office. All Reception

and Key Stage 1 children are eligible for the government’s Universal Infant Free

Meal Scheme - please complete the form at the school office. If you are in re-

ceipt of income support or tax credits, your child may be entitled to free school

dinners. Please ask/collect a form from the school office, where staff will be

happy to help. Children not wanting a school dinner can bring a packed

lunch to school. Please do not put anything containing peanut butter or choco-

late spread in your child’s packed lunch, as we have children at school with

severe nut allergies.

Every week, there is the option of a roast dinner on Wednesdays and a ‘Friday

Fun Day’ lunch (pizza, burgers etc) Children who usually have a packed

lunch are welcome to opt for a school lunch on any of these days and order

forms are available from the school office. School lunches must be booked

and paid for in advance.

Drinks for the children should not be in glass containers or cans, for safety

reasons, and no fizzy drinks please. Fresh water is always available for

children and the school provides every child with a drinking bottle to be used

during the school day.

Free playtime fruit is provided by Herts County Council for all EYFS and Key

Stage 1 children. Children in Key Stage 2 are welcome to bring a healthy snack

such as fruit to eat during their playtime.

Nursery children are supplied with free milk if ordered. All other children may

have milk at playtime at a subsidised cost. If you are in receipt of income

support/tax credits, your child may be entitled to free school milk. Please ask

at the office for details.

SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICE

During your child’s first year at school, he/she will be offered a general

health check, including a measurement of height and weight, a hearing and

vision test. These are carried out by the School Nurse. If you have any con-

cerns about medical matters, including behaviour at home, you can contact

the School Nurse via the school office.

MEDICINES AT SCHOOL

If your child has been prescribed a medicine by their doctor and a dose is

required during the school day, you will need to complete a medical require-

ment form to enable school staff to administer it on your behalf. If your child

is asthmatic, diabetic, extremely allergic or has epilepsy, you will be asked to

complete a detailed medical form providing all relevant information, and

provide us with emergency/preventative treatment for use in school.

PUBLIC ACCESS TO DOCUMENTS

Children’s records are regarded as strictly confidential. Entitled and

responsible persons may see them, on request in writing. In most cases, the

entitled person will be the parents who have legal parental rights, as

described in the Education Act 1998. Responsible persons are the Headteacher,

staff of Woodhall School, officers of professional agencies working for the

benefit of the children at the school and the Headteacher of a receiving

school. The Governing Body holds the right and responsibility to give due

consideration to written application by entitled persons to suggest amendment

to a pupil’s record. There are some records which the Governing Body is not

empowered to authorise disclosure to entitled or responsible persons. These

include information from third parties, Social Services reports, information

concerning another pupil, ethnic data and school reports to courts.

ABSENCE AND ATTENDANCE

If your child is taken ill at school, we will contact you. Children are not

allowed to go home on their own if they are unwell. If your child is absent

from school through illness, please contact the school office by telephoning and

leaving a message before 9am. If your child has to attend a medical/dental

appointment during the school day, please give the school office the

information in writing.

It is essential for your child’s education that absences are kept to a minimum.

Headteachers are unable to grant any leave of absence during term time unless

there are exceptional circumstances. Governors are required to report to parents

on each child’s end of year report the amount of authorised and unauthorised

absence.

Unauthorised absence is any absence that has not been explained, or a valid

reason has not been given eg a day off for the child’s birthday.

School starts at 8.50am for Reception-Year 6 children, and 9am for nursery

children. If children arrive at school after this time, they are marked as late in

the register.

Lateness and absence are monitored regularly by the school and the County

Attendance Officer.

EMERGENCY CONTACT INFORMATION

At the beginning of each school year, parents/carers are asked to complete an

emergency contact card for each child attending the school. In case of accident

or injury, school staff provide first aid and care. It is essential that the school

is notified of any change of telephone number and emergency contact details.

CHARGING FOR ACTIVITIES

Our school governors are required to formulate a policy on Charging and Re-

mission in line with county policy. Government legislation states that a school

may not charge for items which are part of the curriculum (with some listed

exceptions) However, schools may ask for voluntary contributions. We do ask

parents/carers for contributions to cover the cost of a variety of educational

activities arranged for the children. Unfortunately, if we do not receive suffi-

cient money to cover the costs of a specific activity, we may have to cancel

that activity. Please see our full Charging and Remission policy on the school

website.

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES

We hold regular fire and other emergency drills in school. In the event of

a need to carry out emergency procedures at the beginning or end of the

school day, parents/carers on the school premises are asked to assemble

on the Key Stage 2 playground.

OTHER INFORMATION

FRIENDS OF WOODHALL

Our fantastic ‘Friends of Woodhall’ organise a variety of fundraising events at

school. They are always looking for new members! If you can spare some time

to help out (as little or as much as time as you can give) please leave your

details at the school office so that a member of ‘Friends of Woodhall’ can

HOW TO RESOLVE A PROBLEM

Staff at Woodhall make every effort to work harmoniously with parents/carers,

and we are always pleased to discuss concerns. There may be the need for

ongoing meetings to evaluate, monitor and resolve a situation. Parents/carers

should speak to their child’s class teacher in the first instance. If further

clarification is needed, an appointment can be made with the Headteacher or a

member of the Senior Leadership Team. Hertfordshire County Council has set

up arrangements for considering complaints, and a full outline of this

procedure is available on the school website.

SAFEGUARDING

The school works in partnership with parents/carers to support children in

every possible way. The Children Act 1989 places a clear responsibility on

schools to ensure that they work together with other agencies to promote and

safeguard the welfare of all children. Therefore, if concerns are raised in

school, or there is a report of a situation involving possible abuse, we would

not be able to guarantee confidentiality, as the matter would need to be re-

ferred to Social Services. This is the policy of Hertfordshire County Council

and of the government. All adults working with children at Woodhall School

need to have an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) Check.

TERM DATES 2017-2018

AUTUMN TERM 2017

Occasional Day Wednesday 30th August

Occasional Day Thursday 31st August

Occasional Day Friday 1st September

INSET Day Monday 4th September

INSET Day Tuesday 5th September

CHILDREN BACK TO SCHOOL Wednesday 6th September

Half term break Monday 23rd-Friday 27th October

End of term Tuesday 19th December

SPRING TERM 2018

INSET Day Wednesday 3rd January

CHILDREN BACK TO SCHOOL Thursday 4th January

Half term break Monday 12th-Friday 16th February

End of term Thursday 29th March

SUMMER TERM 2018

CHILDREN BACK TO SCHOOL Monday 16th April

Bank Holiday Monday 7th May

Half term break Monday 28th May- Friday 1st June

End of term Friday 20th July

INSET Day Monday 23rd July

INSET Day Tuesday 24th July

Occasional Day Wednesday 25th July

Occasional Day Thursday 26th July

Occasional Day Friday 27th July