DIRECTOR of EDUCATION Bronwen Lacey Director for Lifelong Learning Department for Lifelong Learning City of Plymouth PL1 2AA Tel: 01752 307400 Fax: 01752 607403 e-mail: lifelong.learning@plymouth.gov.uk   HEADMISTRESS Claire Hardisty Thornbury Primary School Miller Way Estover Plymouth PL6 8UL Tel: 01752 302600 Fax: 01752 602640 e-mail: admin@thornbury.plymouth.sch.uk CHAIR of GOVERNORS Mr C Cox CLERK to the GOVERNORS Christine Fraser

Arrangements are made for the children to attend acts of worship and periods of religious education, but it is open to parents to request that their child should be wholly or partly excused from either or both of these activities. Any such request should be made to the Headteacher. Religious Education in maintained schools is given in accordance with a syllabus agreed by the Authority on the recommendation of a standing Advisory Council and Syllabus Conference, which includes representatives of the various denomination of the Christian Church in Devon as well as representatives of the Authority and the teaching profession.

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

It is the policy of our school to welcome all children whose needs we are capable of dealing with. We have a particular sympathy with those children who have Special Educational Needs and provide appropriate individualised programmes which are arrived at after discussion with the child, the parent, the teacher and the Special Needs Co-ordinator. More detailed information can be found in the Special Educational Needs policy statement in the appendices of this document. We can accommodation wide range of Special Needs, but physical disability requiring a wheel chair is a problem because our school is built on 3 levels and is unsuitable for ramps. In this school we house the City Council’s mainstream KS2 provision for children with speech and language difficulties.

AIMS OF THE SCHOOL

• To help all children reach their full potential in all areas of development, praising genuine efforts and recognising that each child has different levels of achievement.
• To ensure all children have equal opportunities and are not discriminated against on the grounds of gender, race or disability.
• To ensure the 'whole child' continues to receive an education of the highest quality and  that we are not drawn down a road that only includes the National Curriculum and The Literacy and Numeracy Strategies.
• To help children to develop a lively and enquiring mind in a rich and stimulating atmosphere.
• To continue to operate a policy of inclusion and make provision for children’s differing needs.
• To help children to be literate and numerate and able to discuss their thoughts and  feelings, thereby increasing their conceptual development.
• To ensure children's learning is improved through effective use of the National Curriculum, The Literacy and Numeracy Strategies and School Policies.
• To help children to appreciate their environment, their place in it and the effect on it.
• To help children to appreciate the role of Science and Technology in their changing world.
• To develop children’s understanding of the world in which they live, to encourage them       to examine moral and social values, to make them aware of the needs and wishes of  others, especially those less fortunate than themselves and to develop tolerance of  different values and beliefs.
• To develop children’s cultural heritage, their creative talents and their spiritual and     aesthetic values.
• To encourage links between local Primary and Secondary Schools and to make good relationships between the School, the Parents, the Governors and the Community.
• To promote high standards of staff development to ensure an education of quality for  each child in our care.

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KS2 SPEECH AND LANGUAGE ENHANCED PROVISION

The LEA’s Enhanced Speech & Language Provision for KS2 children from across the city is based at our school. The children work mainly within mainstream classroom lessons alongside other children. Specific programmes for individuals are usually taught outside the classroom by the .5 specialist teacher and LSAs appointed to the Provision.

BEHAVIOUR AND DISCIPLINE

We place a high priority on good behaviour and good manners. Children are encouraged to develop tolerance of other people and a caring attitude towards each other. Bullying is not acceptable and is quickly dealt with

a) See the Governor’s policy statement on Behaviour
b) School Rules
c) ‘Thornbury Primary School says NO to Bullying’

SEX EDUCATION

In accordance with the requirements of the 1986 Education Act the Governors have decided that Sex Education will remain as a very minor element of the Curriculum. There will be two teaching sessions each Summer Term for children in years 4 and 5, with an especially written ‘Making Choices’ programme for year 6. Parents of years 4 and 5 are invited to school prior to these dates to view the material.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Games is a compulsory part of the National Curriculum in which all pupils are expected to participate unless medically unfit.

Each week pupils are taught a variety of sporting activities in mixed sex groups. For junior children the aim is to improve and develop skills needed to use in mini versions of recognised games eg. rugby, football, netball, hockey, tennis… During sessions, pupils improve skills, work individually in groups and small teams. Development of team spirit and working co-operatively is encouraged.

As well as lessons, out of school clubs provide ample opportunity for further development of skills and participation in competitive team games, athletic and cross-country competitions.

CHILD PROTECTION

We take very seriously our responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all the children and staff or our school. We follow the LEA guidelines for child protection and Health and Safety. Risk assessments are carried out regularly.

PROGRESS REPORTS

Reports on the children’s progress are currently sent out near to the end of the Academic Year. Parents and children are invited to Open Evening which follows immediately afterwards. In the Autumn and Spring Terms there are Open Evenings to set and review English and Maths Targets. Also at the beginning of the Autumn Term we share the Curriculum Map for the year and discuss how it will operate. Appointments can be made to discuss your child’s work at any other time during the year, if you have any queries or problems.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The Staff of Thornbury Primary School meet for two hours each week for professional school based training. This involves a range of curriculum and management issues; this year we have covered Numeracy and ICT training in depth but have also addressed some aspects of Science, Geography, Assessment and Behaviour Management. Staff also have the opportunity to go on local and national courses to enhance their professional development and thus effect classroom practice. Some of the staff are also invited to lecture on a variety of issues, thereby enhancing their professional standing and the status of the school.

COMPLAINTS

Where a parent or other person has a complaint relating to the curricular responsibility of the Local Educational Authority or Governing Body, that complaint should initially be addressed to the Headteacher who will endeavour to resolve the issue. Copies of the arrangements for the consideration of complaints are available at the school.

GENERAL INFORMATION for PARENTS

• There is a parent notice board where information, sent to school, applicable to Parents is displayed.
• The Headteacher writes regularly with relevant dates and other items of information and reminders.
• There is a termly Literacy Newsletter.
• The Governors write a newsletter once a term called ‘Termly Talk’.
• There is a file of policy statements kept in the Secretary’s office.

THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION HOPEFULLY COVERS EVERYTHING ELSE MOST PARENTS WANT TO KNOW ABOUT THE SCHOOL:-

UNIFORM

This is a combination of grey, cherry red and white.

Girls: Winter Grey skirt or pinafore dress, red jumper or sweatshirt, white shirt and tie or polo, red or black tights. Leggings are not acceptable school uniform nor are black or ‘fashion’ trousers.   Summer Any red and white dress, skirt and blouse or white polo shirt.       Boys: Winter Grey trousers, red jumper or sweatshirt; white shirt and tie or polo shirt.   Summer Grey shorts, white or red polo shirt or T-shirt. Sweatshirts and ties can be ordered from school. Infants do not need a tie.

SHOES

NO STILLETTO TYPE HEELS because they cause severe damage to the tiled floors and carpets. As the inside of the school is mainly carpet, I would be grateful if the children would bring a change of shoes on wet days. NO TRAINERS.

PE/GAMES KIT

Girls:  Red leotard or white shorts and plain red T-shirt

Boys: White shorts, plain red T-shirt, Black jogging bottoms.

All children need a change of footwear for games that can be plimsolls, football boots, trainers or old shoes otherwise they will be required to do it in their school shoes.

All indoor PE is done in bare feet for safety reasons.

JEWELLERY

If your child has pierced ears please ensure that earrings are restricted to studs. This is for safety reasons. National guidance suggests ears should be ‘taped up’ if studs are not removed. Earrings worn during PE and Games can cause accidents. The only jewellery pupils are allowed to wear is a signet ring that the child always wears and a watch and although every measure will be taken to ensure the safety of these articles the school cannot take ultimate responsibility for any losses. 

All jewellery needs to be removed during PE and Games Lessons – for safety reasons.

ADMISSION ARRANGEMENTS
 

• CHILDREN STARTING SCHOOL FOR THE 1st TIME

Parents are invited to school to meet each other and listen to a series of talks about our philosophy. An appointment is usually made for a Home Visit before these talks take place for children living within a 3- mile radius of the school. However, parents outside this catchement area still have an opportunity to meet with the teacher but on the school premises. All children just starting school make several visits to school prior to their admission. Parents are requested to fill a school admission form as soon as possible. Please inform the school if you move from the area. We admit children in line with LEA Policy. Our Planned Admission Number is being reduced to 60 per year group.

• PUPILS OTHER THAN AT FOUNDATION STAGE

Please fill in an admission form and, if you wish to visit the school, make an appointment with the Headteacher. When the child starts school we have a ‘buddy’ system to help them settle in. If they are changing schools at the end of an academic year they are very welcome to attend our ‘new class day’.

ABSENCE

If your child is away from school for any reason it is essential that you send a note explaining the absence. If we do not hear from you, your child’s absence shows as unauthorised and you may receive a visit from the Educational Welfare Officer.

HOLIDAYS

In the case of annual holidays being taken in school time the appropriate holiday form must be filled and returned for the Head’s approval in advance of the holiday, otherwise it will count as an unauthorised absence. At the moment you are legally entitled to take a maximum of ten school days as holiday in an academic year. I would ask you, if it is at all possible, NOT to take holidays in term time. In year 6 authorised time WILL NOT be granted during the SAT’s week.

BREAK TIMES

Morning:  8.55am to 12.15pm

Afternoon:  1.15pm to 3.00pm

Playtime: 10.30am to 10.45am

Assembly takes place every day in a range of formats. Administration and registration takes place from 8.45 to 8.55. Children should NOT arrive at school before 8.45am because there is no supervision. When they do arrive they come straight into the school building and are encouraged to start work right away.

Curriculum Time 

KS1 23.3 hours

KS2 23.3 hours

These times do not include collective worship, registration, break and lunch times.

HOME TIME

Parents of the Reception children are encouraged to meet them in the playground, others at the gates.

CAR PARK

Please DO NOT use the car park for parking or as a short cut, as this creates safety problems for the children, who are NOT ALLOWED in the staff car park at any time.

In exceptional circumstances arrangements to park can be made by phoning the school for permission.

TUCK

It is school policy NOT TO HAVE TUCK AT PLAYTIMES.

There is drinking water available at all times.

Milk is sold from the school kitchen at breaktime each day.

However, as a Healthy School Award holder we take advantage of the Government fruit scheme so   Infants are given fruit each morning, whilst Junior Children can bring a piece of fruit from home or   buy a piece of fruit at school.

SCHOOL DINNERS

These are cooked on the premises. Children may stay for the whole week or for odd days as long as we know on Monday. The money is payable in advance on a Monday morning, even if your child is only staying one day later in the week.

Drinks are on sale from the kitchen for all children at lunchtime.

PACKED LUNCHES

These must be in a lunch box and children can only bring a drink if it fits in the box. Water is always provided, there are drinking fountains in the KS1 cloakrooms and in each teaching Base. Summer chill packs are recommended during the hot weather as there is no refrigerated storage available.

PROVISION FOR FREE SCHOOL MEALS

There is provision by the Local Education authority for free meals. If your circumstances are such that you require this service forms of application are available from the school.

EXTRA CURRICULAR CLUBS

These are of a wide variety, run on a voluntary basis by members of staff. Some of them take place at lunchtimes and some after school. As they are a voluntary activity the staff running them determine the number they take and the age group the club is for. For more details on our clubs, visit our Extra Curricular page.

EDUCATION VISITS

Children go on school Educational visits and have visitors into school as part of their ongoing work. Information about these visits is always sent home and we usually ask parents for a voluntary contribution towards the cost. The content of these visits to a variety of places are a valuable part of a child’s education and we make every attempt to keep cost to a minimum. Year 6 children can go on a residential visit to Brentor, an environmental and activity experience, and Year 5 children can go to Beaford, which is a residential Art Centre.

See the Governors policy on charging.

SCHOOL FUND

We would be very grateful if you could support this voluntary contribution because it helps us to buy luxury extras eg. computer programmes, science equipment etc. This is collected every Friday.

DENTAL INSPECTION

At regular intervals there will be the usual routine school dental inspections. I am sure that you will agree that it is in the interests of all school children to have their teeth inspected regularly.

CLASS ASSEMBLY

Once a week we like to welcome all parents and friends to join us when we hold a class assembly. This commences at 9.10am and usually lasts for about twenty minutes.

TEACHER PARENT RELATIONSHIPS

We are very keen to foster good relationships with the parents and welcome all offers of help and support. We do not have a PTA but smaller committees are set up to organise various events. The reason for this was to provide more flexibility of commitment. It allows parents and teachers to choose those events in which they are most interested and so far it is working really well.

SCHOOL EVENTS

During the course of the year a number of different events take place. For example during 2003 – 2004 we have:

• All performed in a Christmas presentation including our youngest children in The Nativity
• Held Remembrance and Easter Services
• Taken place in a range of sporting events
• Enjoyed book week with poets, authors, illustrators
• Held a Multi Cultural Festival
• Sent shoe boxes filled with gifts to Moldova
• Achieved the Sports Activemark Gold Award
• Opened our new staff room and SEN room
• Held an Art Exhibition
• Developed our web page
• Developed a link with Ghana
• Won the South West Region of a contest to design an Anti-Bullying Poster
• Raised money for children’s charities: Barnardos and Darfur in the Sudan

In the Autumn Term

• We hold a Multicultural Festival to share the children’s work with you.
• We usually have a Christmas presentation of some form, the Reception Infants perform
• The Nativity. All through the year our older pupils are involved in various sporting events.

In the Spring Term

• We present a variety of cups and shields at the Governors’ Assembly.
• As part of fiction based project work we hold a range of celebrations across Book Week.
• We always have an Easter Service which is organised by Year 5 as part of their RE programme.

In the Summer Term

• Sports Day takes place at school. Children are also involved in inter-school events.

During the year we usually have some form of fund raising.

INSURANCE

Pupils/students are insured against injuries caused by building effects, etc. and accidents which occur as a result of negligence by a member of the Authority’s teaching or non-teaching staff.

Pupils/students attending the Authority’s schools and colleges are not insured against personal injury or accident while on education premises or taking part in recognised activities outside the school/college.

Pupils, if injured in the School Private Car Park, would not be covered by our insurance because they are expressly forbidden to be there.

THE SCHOOL GROUNDS

This is private property and not for public use. In the conservation area is a pond which children in school are never allowed to use without adult supervision. The Governors also intend to invoke the Local Authority Act (Miscellaneous Provision) Section 40, which allows us to call the Police to deal with anyone on our property whether they are committing acts of vandalism or not. 

CCTV cameras have been installed throughout the school.
 

I also draw your attention to the dangers of exercising your dogs in areas where children work and play. It has been drawn to our attention that dog excreta can cause blindness.

There is no public right of way through the school grounds.

I ask you to support me whole heartedly in my efforts to look after the buildings and grounds by making sure your children do not enter the school grounds, when the school is not in session.

SECURITY

All the classroom doors have been secured to only allow exit from the building. After the children have entered school the only access is through the main entrance, which has a door entry phone, please press the office button. This is not to be used by children arriving at the normal times. All people, working on the site who are not part of the staff have to sign in and out with the school secretary.

FAMILY INCOME SUPPORT/TAX CREDITS

Please could you let us know your family income supplement number even if you do not wish to claim free school lunches. Each family receiving support can help to improve the School Budget just by submitting their name and this number to us, in a sealed envelope – this information is treated as highly confidential.

It is important that parents access their tax credits as this makes an incredible difference to centrally held statistics about the school. This can make a big difference to our school banding when calculating results.

THE GOVERNORS

Who are they?

They are a chosen body of people who are elected for a term of four years and they are there to oversee the running of a school in management terms. There is parent, teacher and political representatives on a school board of Governors.

Why do we need them

It is a legal requirement that schools are required to have a board of Governors with balanced representation.

What do they Do?

Whey meet on a regular basis to discuss matters pertinent to the school in the light of the immediate area, local level, county level and also national interests. They are ultimately responsible for everything that takes place within the school.

Can I approach them?

Yes. They can be your voice piece on a variety of issues and would only be too happy to discuss anything relevant to the school.

The Governors are:

Name and Type of Governor: Mr C Cox Parent Governor Chairman Mr M Luscombe Vice Chair Mr L Allen Community Governor Mr D Andrews Local Authority Governor Mr N Burrows Parent Governor Mrs C Hardisty Staff Governor Mrs S Hitchcox Additional Local Authority Governor Mr P Hutchings Local Authority Governor Mrs A Kitchenham Staff Governor Mr R Lomax Parent Governor Mrs Katy Mears Mrs J Taylor Staff Governor Mr I Withecombe Community Governor Mrs C Fraser Clerk

The Governor’s have their own page on this web site, which contains news and information that parents may find useful.

Correspondence can be sent to the Governors via the school.

ORGANISATION OF THE SCHOOL

The school, which was first opened in 1978, was built in two phases to cater for 560 children aged 5-11. It has quite a lot of ground around it used for Games and Environmental Studies. It also has two halls – one fully equipped for PE and the other carpeted and resourced for Music, Dance and Drama. All these subjects at Junior Level have some input from specialist teachers.

For working purposes the school is divided into 3 departments: Infants, Lower Juniors and Upper Juniors and each Department has a teacher in charge of it, known as the Head of Department.

The Head of Department is responsible for the day to day running of the Department and for ensuring the philosophy and practices are carried out with quality. Work is planned on a yearly, termly, weekly basis to meet the needs of individual children and we use a full range o teaching methods. Parents are invited at the beginning of each year to a meeting outlining in broad terms what their children’s learning programme will be for the Academic Year.

BREAKDOWN OF THE CURRICULUM

The curriculum at Thornbury is divided into manageable units. For identification and planning purposes it is divided into seven broad areas.

Language Development	This is the umbrella of the curriculum. It encompasses talking, and listening, reading and writing.  We hold a daily Literacy Hour in line with Government recommendations. This means that every day your child will be involved in a range of pre-planned   tasks that will include daily reading, word and sentence skills, writing and   analysis of text to look at punctuation and grammar.
Mathematics	Computation, problem solving, mental agility and thematic work operate in our school, through a daily Numeracy Hour and across the curriculum when relevant.
Science	This is made up of physical science, environmental science and health education.
ICT	ICT is a developing area of the curriculum in line with Government initiatives.