2009/2010

Updated May 2010

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 HEADTEACHER 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 Mrs Teresa Matten Clerk to the Governors Alison Griffiths

Dear Parents and Carers

Welcome to Thornbury Primary School. As a parent of a child new to the school, we hope you will see our partnership grow together over time. We are privileged to have your child in our care. We believe that in working together, we give your child the best possible foundation to help them grow into happy, confident, independent adults of the future.

We hope you will support your child with homework, ask them about their learning and that you will come to parents' consultations and other school events. We will keep in regular communication through newsletters and meetings in which we discuss your child's progress. We know that if a parent takes an active interest in their child's education, the child is likely to do better at school, therefore we value the part you will play in this process.

As we look to the future, we aim to develop your child as an effective learner, with skills to equip him or her for life:

• We encourage our children to have self-confidence. We will endeavour to encourage and nurture your child's skills, and to work on their skills that are less strong. We hope you will support us in celebrating your child's achievements, and encouraging them to develop a wide range of skills.
   
• We expect pupils and adults to show respect for others. Good manners and courtesy never go out of fashion, and consequently we trust you will support us in matters of conduct and discipline: we aim to demonstrate to children how to behave by being positive role models, and by fostering a secure climate of warmth and fairness.
• We encourage children and adults to see themselves as lifelong learners. We do this by providing a rich and exciting curriculum, as well as paying particular attention to basic skills. We foster a 'have a go' attitude, where children can realise that trying and sometimes failing can be a valuable learning experience. We hope you will ask your child about what they are learning, and help them to celebrate success and overcome difficulties.
• We aim to prepare children for the real world, whilst at the same time protecting their right to the very special time of childhood. We do this by linking the curriculum to real life wherever possible, making learning enjoyable, and by fostering a sense of responsibility for the self, others, our school, and the wider world. We work closely with other education providers in the area, and are able to draw on specialist help if required. We provide every opportunity for children to develop creativity, an enquiring mind, and the ability to solve problems. Your family provides us with an important link to the community, and we would be happy to hear if you have any special interests and talents that would benefit our pupils.

We do hope that if you have a concern, question or suggestion you will come and speak to us. If you have an urgent concern in the morning, please ask at the office to speak to myself or one of the School Leadership Team. Alternatively, teachers can often have a chat with you after school, or will try to arrange a meeting at a mutually convenient time.

Our staff work as a team to provide an all round education, in which your child is highly valued. We welcome the opportunity to work in partnership with you as you join our school family.

Yours sincerely,

Claire Hardisty

Mrs Claire Hardisty

Headteacher

ORGANISATION OF THE SCHOOL

The school opened in 1978 for children aged 4-11. 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. 

For working purposes the school is divided into 3 departments: Infants, Lower Juniors and Upper Juniors and each Key Stage, Infants and Juniors, 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 of teaching methods. Parents are informed at the beginning of each term in very broad terms what their children’s learning programme will be for that term, this is supported in school by more detailed curriculum plans which are freely available for you to view.

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 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 make provision for children with differing needs.
• To set clear targets for pupil achievement and monitor progress towards them.
• To help children to be literate and numerate and able to discuss their thoughts and feelings, thereby increasing their conceptual development.
• To help children appreciate their environment, their place in it and the effect on it.
• To help children appreciate the role of Science and Technology in their changing world.
• To ensure children's learning is improved through the National Curriculum and the Literacy and Numeracy strategies.
• To develop an understanding of the world in which we live and to encourage children to examine moral and social values, and to make them aware of the needs and wishes of others, especially those less fortunate than themselves.
• 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 continue to make very good relationships between the School, the Parents, the Governors and the Community.
• To promote high standards of staff development and thus encourage an education of quality for each child in our care.

BREAKDOWN OF THE CURRICULUM

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

English	This is the umbrella of the curriculum. It encompasses speaking, and listening, reading and writing. Children are taught Literacy every day. 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, spelling, writing and analysis of text to look at punctuation and grammar.
Mathematics	Children carry out mathematical activities every day, these include computation, problem solving, mental agility and thematic work.
Science	This is made up of physical science, environmental science and health education.
ICT	ICT is a constantly developing area of the curriculum in line with Government initiatives. Children are taught ICT skills and encouraged to use them across the curriculum.
The Arts	Drama, dance, music, art, design, literature and poetry are carried out by all children. The ‘Arts’ are a particular feature of our school and we operate a number of extra activities outside the normal day to support this.
The Humanities	This encompasses history, geography, religious education and citizenship.
PHSE	Personal, social and moral education are an important part of our Curriculum.
MFL	Children in KS2 study a Modern Foreign Language (French).

Creativity and problem solving are experienced across the year through a range of relevant curriculum areas and supported by the relevant National Curriculum programmes of study and Literacy and Numeracy Strategies.  A particular focus is group work and thinking skills. The Every Child Matters Agenda is covered through a range of curriculum areas and involvement with other organisations.

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.

Governors’ policy on Collective Worship.

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 our Special Educational Needs policy statement. 

We can accommodate a 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.

See here for more information on Special Educational Needs.

GIFTED, ABLE AND TALENTED CHILDREN

These are identified and accommodated through a range of activities.

KEY STAGE 2 (KS2) LANGUAGE SUPPORT CENTRE

The Local Authority Provision for Key Stage 2 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.

SEX EDUCATION

In accordance with statutory requirement, the Governors have decided that Sex Education will be taught as part of Health Education. Children across the school will follow the programme of study agreed by parents and Governors. In year 6 there is an extra programme of work that looks at ‘Making Choices’; involving peer pressure activities, life skills, drugs, health, and transition to secondary school.

This policy is currently under review, the current policy is here.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Games, Educational Gym and Dance are 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 games 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.

Each week pupils also have lessons either in dance or educational gym.

Extra curricular clubs provide ample opportunity for further development of skills and participation in competitive team games, athletic and cross-country competitions.

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 each term we send home the detail of the Year Group’s curriculum. Appointments can be made to discuss your child’s work at any other time during the year, if you have any queries or problems.

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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The Staff of Thornbury Primary School meet for two hours each week for professional development training. This involves a range of curriculum and management issues. Staff either lead these meetings in their particular curriculum area or outside speakers are be brought in. Two to three meetings per term are also spent assessing and moderating children’s work.

Staff also have the opportunity to attend local and national courses, which enhances their professional development. From time to time staff are invited by the LA or other schools to share their expertise and thereby celebrate our school’s success.

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 Local Authority for child protection and Health and Safety. Risk assessments are carried out regularly.

BULLYING

We take incidents of bullying very seriously and deal with them as quickly as possible. We identify bullying as one particular child or group of children consistently picking on another individual.

Bullying Policy

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 in the main Entrance Hall where information, sent to school, applicable to Parents is displayed. The Headteacher writes regularly with relevant dates and other items of information and reminders.

Parent Support Adviser

Lorna Kelley, our PSA is available to support parents on a range of issues, and can be contacted through school or on her mobile no. 07847896699, or via email: lkelley@thornbury.plymouth.sch.uk

Emergency updates (e.g. unplanned school closures due to adverse weather) are posted on this site: www.thornburyemergency.moonfruit.com

DATES FOR THE YEAR

This year’s school dates can be found here.

UNIFORM

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

Girls: Winter

Grey skirt, pinafore dress or trousers; red cardigan, sweatshirt or fleece; white shirt and tie or polo shirt, red or black tights. 

NB  Leggings are not acceptable school uniform nor are black or ‘fashion’ trousers.

Girls: Summer

Any red and white dress, grey skirt and white polo shirt.

Boys: Winter

Grey trousers, red ‘v’ necked jumper, white shirt and tie or red sweatshirt/fleece and white polo shirt.  

 Boys: Summer

Grey shorts or trousers; white polo shirt.

Sweatshirts, fleeces and ties can be purchased from school. Ties are optional.

Shoes: Ideally black ‘school shoes’

Health & Safety:

• MUST have flat heels which do not taper.
• MUST fit securely to the foot
• NO fashion shoes with high heels.
• NO trainers.
• NO heavy boots
• NO stiletto type heels (also because they cause severe damage to the tiled floors and carpets and the inside of the school is mainly carpet.)
• NO backless or open-toed sandals

PE/GAMES KIT

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

Boys:  White shorts, plain red T-shirt

 As we go out in all weathers, both boys and girls need a track suit or an old school sweatshirt and joggers in the winter. 

All children need a change of footwear for games. Plimsolls or trainers are acceptable.

Indoor PE is done in bare feet for safety reasons.

JEWELLERY

• If your child has pierced ears please ensure that earrings are restricted to small, discreet studs. This is for safety reasons. 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. 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 by your child during PE and Games Lessons – for safety reasons - and the child must be able to do this for themselves.

Fashion: In keeping with the age of the children in school, we do not allow make up, nail varnish or extreme hair styles; our aim is for children to look smart and ready to learn.

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. 
• All children just starting school make several visits to school prior to their admission. 
• Parents are requested to fill an Admission Form as soon as possible. 
• Please inform the school if you move from the area. 
• We admit children in line with Local Authority Policy. 
• Our Planned Admission Number is 45 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’.

ATTENDANCE

We have a responsibility to promote good attendance as this encourages good learning, and sets positive habits for life. (Good attendance is recognised as over 95%) 

If your child is away from school for any reason it is essential that you send a note on the child’s return or phone on the first day of absence explaining the absence, and then keep us informed if the illness is longer than a day or two. 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 being booked, otherwise it will count as an unauthorised absence.

• I would ask you, if it is at all possible, NOT to take holidays in term time.
• The Government rules state that it is not a parental right to take children out of school for 10 days in any academic year.
• The school is also unable to authorise any holiday leave over 10 days in any academic year.
• Holiday can only be authorised if for unavoidable annual leave.
• Absence for long weekends away, bookings made by grandparents and other family or friends, (unless fulfilling the conditions above), and for day trips will not be authorised.
• Authorised holiday WILL NOT be granted during SAT’s week or at the beginning of the new academic year. 

It is particularly detrimental to the child’s learning to take them out of school at the beginning of a term or a half term, when new work will always be introduced.

Requests are always considered on an individual basis, whereby the child’s attendance history and progress in school are taken into account.

Other leave

Occasional other leave may be authorised if it fulfils educational principles, and cannot be booked at other times. This may include a ballet exam, or county/national sporting representation.

SCHOOL 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 8.45 they come straight into the school building and are encouraged to start work right away.

Curriculum Time: KS1 22 hours and KS2 22.4 hours (these times do not include collective worship, registration, break and lunch times).

HOME TIME

Children at KS1 are dispersed to the nominated adult at the cloakroom doors. Junior children are dismissed on to the upper junior playground.

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.

As a Healthy School Award holder we take advantage of the Government fruit scheme and 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, in an envelope marked with your child’s name and the days meals are required, even if your child is only staying one day later in the week. This is because we have to book the lunches for the week on a Monday.

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. In line with our Healthy Schools Award, we trust parents will support us in providing a healthy packed lunch. Fizzy drinks are not allowed.

PROVISION FOR FREE SCHOOL MEALS

There is provision by the Local Authority for free meals. If your circumstances are such that you require this service forms of application are available from the school. We would be really grateful if you apply if you are eligible, because it also generates more money for the children’s educational needs. If your forms have not been renewed you will need to send money, or a packed lunch.

EXTRA CURRICULAR CLUBS

These are of a wide variety, run on a voluntary basis by members of staff and parents. 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. There is also a strictly adhered to protocol in relation to behaviour during Club sessions.

 For more details on our clubs, visit our Extra Curricular page.

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) Governor’s policy statement on Behaviour
• b) School Behaviour Protocols for class, lunch time and clubs
• c) ‘Thornbury Primary School says NO to Bullying’

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. We endeavor to take the older children on a residential visit (Years 5 and 6 to PGL, Year 6 to Mountbatten).

See the Governors’ policy on charging.

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CLASS ASSEMBLY

We like to welcome all parents and friends to join us when we hold a year group assembly. This commences at 2.30pm on a Friday and usually lasts for about twenty minutes. At the beginning of each term we send out the dates for each year group.

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 involve more people at convenient times to them. 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 in the past we have:

• All performed in a Christmas presentation including our youngest children in The Nativity
• Held Remembrance and Easter Services
• Taken part in a range of sporting events
• Enjoyed book week with poets, authors, illustrators
• Sent shoe boxes filled with gifts to deprived children across the world
• Achieved the Basic Skills Award and Healthy Schools Award
• Displayed our work in the LEA offices
• Raised money to provide water for children in Africa
• Held an Arts Week

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.

NB/

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. 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. 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. I would like to be able to offer the fields as a play area, but because of the constant vandalism the police have recommended a total non-use policy.

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 to gain entry. 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 office.

FAMILY INCOME SUPPORT

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 also helpful if you can tell us if you receive jobseekers allowance because we can also use this information to try to improve our budget. 

FAMILY TAX CREDITS

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 provide strategic direction to the school, and to provide support for the management of the school. They are often described as ‘Critical Friends’. There are parent, teacher/staff, community and political representatives (Local Authority) 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?

They 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 will be only too happy to hear your comments about the school. They are not able to represent an individual parent’s views. Should you have a concern they will direct you to the relevant school member of staff, as the Headteacher has responsibility for day to day matters.

The Governors are:

Mrs T Matten Chair and Parent Governor

Mrs L Trace Local Authority Governor

Mr S Jones Vice Chair and Community Governor

Mr R Lomax Parent Governor

Mrs L Taylor Parent Governor

Mrs L Hunter Parent Governor

Mrs L Smith Local Authority Governor

Mrs C Hardisty Headteacher

Mrs A Kitchenham Staff Governor

Mrs J Taylor Staff Governor

Mrs F Banks Associate Governor

Mr D Brooker Associate Governor

Mr T Knowles Community Governor

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.

STATUTORY TEST DATES FOR YEAR 6 CHILDREN (10th - 14th May 2010)

During this period NO HOLIDAYS will be authorised for Year 6 pupils.

SCHOOL POLICIES

The Governor’s policies on charging, discipline, sex education and worship are available as links below. Other curriculum documents and LEA and Government Policies are available in school. If you wish to see any of the school policies, please make an appointment with a member of the admin staff.

GOVERNOR POLICY STATEMENTS

Behaviour & Discipline
  Behaviour Management Policy
  Behaviour Protocol
Bullying
Collective Worship
Sex and Relationships (currently under review)
Charging
Finance
Allocating the Budgets
Lettings
Equal Opportunities
Race Equality
Complaints Procedures
Voluntary Unofficial Funds
Emergency Policy adopted from the LEA
Freedom of Information
Data Protection
Acceptable Use Policy

POLICY STATEMENTS RELEVANT TO THE CURRICULUM

English
Drama
Role Play
Maths
Science
History
Geography
Design Technology
Information Communication Technology
Art and Design
The Arts
Music
PE
Health Education
Personal and Social Education
Religious Education
Citizenship
Moral Education
Learning and Teaching
Multicultural Education
Inclusion
Gifted, able and talented
Assessment, Recording and Reporting
Marking
Foundation Stage
Home School Liaison
Parental Partnership
Homework
Children and Loss
Child Protection
Restraining children

POLICY STATEMENTS RELATING TO STAFF

Staff Appointments  
Newly Qualified Teachers Induction
Performance Management 
Pay Policy
Disciplinary and Grievance Procedures 
Redundancy Procedures
Insurance Claims  
Early Retirement
Teaching and Learning Policy

OTHER POLICY STATEMENTS

First Aid/Medicine/Asthma  
Fire Procedures
Lunchtime Fire Procedures  
Security
Admissions   
KS Support Centre

We hope you have found the information in this prospectus helpful and if you have any queries please do not hesitate to contact us. Thank you for reading this prospectus.

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