Oak Tree Primary School School Prospectus 2014 - 2015 Oak Tree Primary School Welcome to Oak Tree Primary School Dear Parents and Carers Welcome to Oak Tree Primary School, a Co-educational Day School for pupils aged 5-11 with 3+ Nursery provision. If you and your child are joining our school community for the first time, we look forward to a positive and successful partnership. If you already have a child here, we are pleased to renew the links between us. The purpose of this prospectus is to provide you with helpful information about the school’s philosophy, aims and organisation, though we encourage you to visit the school to experience this on a more personal basis. We serve a large estate on the outskirts of Mansfield and have a strong sense of community. We see the development of our children as a partnership between home and school, where we work together to ensure all children achieve their potential. The concept of ‘Take Care’ is central to the way we live our lives in school. We take care and respect ourselves, others, our school, the environment and the world in which we live. Warm, caring and trusting relationships are established between staff, pupils and parents/ carers throughout the school. This helps give the children confidence as learners. The staff and governors provide very good role models for the pupils through shared values and support for one another. As a thriving and friendly school, we aim to provide a wide range of learning experiences where children gain a positive self- image to help them on their path as successful and happy, life-long learners. Every child at Oak Tree Primary and Nursery School is valued as an individual. We are part of a successful Teaching School Alliance and this involves us working together as a group of schools. Collaboration is at the heart of all we do and we share expertise across networks of schools for the benefit of all children and to drive continued school improvement. There are many opportunities at our school for children to develop their skills whatever their level of ability, and to achieve their personal greatness and success in an environment of equal opportunity. It is important that we provide as many opportunities as possible so that children will have many experiences to develop their skills and talents. At Oak Tree School you can be assured that your child’s first steps on the ladder of education will be both happy and fulfilling. I look forward to welcoming you and your child into the community of our School. Please feel free to contact the school directly with any queries you may have. Sarah Moore Headteacher 1 For more information call 01623 458261 Prospectus 2014-2015 Welcome to OakTree Primary 1 Absences 17 School Organisation 3 Other Support Agencies 17 Oak Tree Vision Statement 5 Music Lessons 17 Values 6 School Meals 18 Code of Conduct 6 School Milk Scheme 18 Our Golden Rules 6 School Fruit Scheme 18 School Council 7 Sex Education 18 Partnership for Learning 7 The School Fund 18 Parents’ Support 7 Health and Safety 19 Newsletters 8 Children on Medication 19 Ofsted 8 Suspected Child Abuse 19 Nursery 8-9 Complaints 20 Special Circumstances 9 Fair Processing Notice 20 Admissions to year groups other than the intake year 10 Disclaimer 20 Appendix 1 21 How Can You Best Help Prepare Your Child For School? 11 School Holidays 2014/15 22 Curriculum 11-12 National Curriculum Assessment Results 23-24 Sustainable School 12 Appendix 2 25 Healthy School 12 Sports 13 Out of School Activities 13 Special Needs and Disabilities 14 Religious Education and Collective Worship 15 School Governors 15 The School Day 16 Open Evenings 16 School Uniform 16 Swimming 16 Contact Information Address Oak Tree Primary School Jubilee Way North Oak Tree Lane Estate Mansfield Nottinghamshire NG18 3PJ Telephone 01623 458261 Fax 01623 458864 Email office@oaktreelane.notts.sch.uk Website www.oaktreeschool.co.uk Head Teacher Sarah Moore or visit www.oaktreeschool.co.uk 2 Oak Tree Primary School School Organisation There are 10 classes in the school together with Nursery. The classes are arranged at the time of writing in the following way: Teaching Staff Mrs S J Moore Mrs M Gash Mr G Stride Miss D Sansom Mrs S Gomersall Mrs L Albans Miss R Thomas Mrs A Quant-Epps Miss L Hunter Ms B Maclean Miss R Ward Miss T Lydon Mrs M Fensome Miss K Bowman Miss L Melton Mrs K Smith Headteacher Deputy Head Class 12 – Y6 Assistant Head Class 10 – Y5 Class 11 – Y5 Assistant Head – Job Share, Class 8 – Y3/Y4 Job Share, Class 8 – Y3/4 Class 7 – Y3/4 Class 5 – Y2 Class 3 – Y2 Class 4 – Y1 Early Years Foundation Stage Leader – Reception Reception Job share, Nursery Job share, Nursery SENCO ECaR teacher Ancillary Staff Learning Support Assistant LSA/Social Care Apprentice LSA ICT technician/support Office Manager Admin Assistant Site Manager MDSA Supervisor and Cleaner MDSA MDSA / Cleaner MDSA / Kitchen Assistant MDSA / Parent Governor MDSA / Breakfast Club/Cleaner Cook Supervisor Kitchen Assistant 3 For more information call Yvonne Robinson Paul Gash Lauren Barker (maternity) Katy Mellors Karen Hibbert Elaine McBain Gillian Brunt Julie Marshall (maternity) Becky Judson Olivia Godber Chris Davey Vanessa Enright Jules Webb Frank Crowder Lynne Knowles Elaine Mirfin Janet Fudge Lori Jankiwskyj Julie Hunter Deborah Lockwood Michelle Barnes Fryer Karen Johnson Carol Wood Ruth Millington 01623 458261 Janette Jevons Beverley Blood Helen Wood Bev Ward Claire Baines Rosie Kavanagh Melanie Ball Beverley Bevilaqua Jackie Stirland Julie Pike Jill Jankiwskyj Yvonne West Prospectus 2014-2015 Dear P arents /Care r s Welco m e to O ak Tree have lo Pr imar ts of f y Scho u n an d ol, w he w ill lea re yo u At o ur r n a lot r child scho ol . w ill w e Full Governors’ meetings are held three times a year, r, and lots of h a ve a mazing tro phie s t a there are also committee meetings to discuss educational ational an d we lents li o u r sp ke cr ic len did h a ve w ket. 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Becau s se t e d u Do yo u catio n e we h y a w o v a u e n can ge t Year 6 a fabu Mr L Dubourg (Vice Chair) t? , w hich lo u s sc ho ol, w is a ve did at e r y go o d h a ve V scho ol. ictor ia expe r ie All the n day amazin nce of childre in g!” w h n a t the V e x Parent Representatives claim e ic d t o “ r V ia ictor ia So if y ns n day o u wan is Reverend P Stead t yo ur br ing t c h ild to h hem to a ve t h Oak Tr e be st Mrs Barnes-Fryer ee Pr im e ducat ar y Sc io n eve ho ol. r, Mr A Norman Yo urs since re ly, Mrs T Stevens Matthe w ( Yea r 6) The school is locally managed. This means that an annual budget is delegated from the County to the Governing ng Body. The governors are then responsible for the management ment of the school. School Representative Mrs Y Robinson This school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. arent Dear P /Carer s e rning w the mo n I ll . a s n u ate pect have e w pros e e n w r e e e h v ft ha g for t club. A s. We n e writin ctivitie akfast a e r e b childre ic We ar t r n lp you some kfast a e h a h e it o r t w b ff ke lay have ave stu eople li t we p d we h eakfas ecial p n r p a s b e Head s y e ic r h m t ery n ve ve ssroo v a la h a c e l is u f g. W ivity she wonder learnin ich act re and h o e o w r a M e s y s r . he hoo have M outside when t et to c and we f space . You g o is n il u h s f o P t o lo r is d Sch l ime Vica hall an rimary olden t P ig b G e . e e r r . ic e n go ak T teach ids to have a oys. O little k nt. We s and t r a o e f w m a y u r g o e y time a nurs ve play e have W . We ha e b o place t a nice hloe From C or visit ) (Year 2 www.oaktreeschool.co.uk 4 Oak Tree Primary School Oak Tree Vision Statement The school’s work and vision is based on five core values of: • Integrity • Equality • Respect • Care • Inclusion Oak Tree Primary and Nursery School aims to improve the life chances of all children through providing a caring, positive and stimulating environment in which children feel supported as individuals and able to achieve their very best. The school mission statement was chosen by the children to reflect this aim ‘Learning Together and Having Fun!’ We will achieve this by understanding that… Our rights at Oak Tree Primary are • To learn • To feel safe • To be treated with respect Our responsibilities at Oak Tree Primary are • To follow rules • To consider others Our school aim for behaviour is that we all 5 • respect the rights of others • take our responsibilities seriously • own our behaviour and not blame it on others • develop a positive self-esteem • build workable relationships For more information call 01623 458261 Prospectus 2014-2015 Values - Code of Conduct We have a code of conduct devised by the Children’s School Council, but the children are given clear guidelines through our Personal & Social Development programme. As the children progress, they are encouraged to work with all staff (including non-teaching staff) to make decisions regarding the conduct and wellbeing of all people within the school. Our Golden Rules We are gentle – We don’t hurt others We are kind and helpful – We don’t hurt anybody’s feelings We listen – We don’t interrupt We are honest – We don’t cover up the truth We work hard – We don’t waste our own or others’ time We look after property – We don’t waste or damage things Before we say anything….we check:is it true? is it necessary? is it kind? High standards of discipline are expected both in and out of classrooms. We have a positive approach to discipline, rewarding the good behaviour and manners expected of all children. Our Behaviour/Discipline Policy is based very much on reinforcing positive behaviour, as this is how children learn. There is a series of consequences if behaviour is not acceptable and rewards for good work and behaviour, one of which is a weekly certificate presented in Golden Assembly to children in each class who have made that extra special effort for that week. All children are able to receive this as it is for a small area of improvement, especially in an area they have found difficult. There are “Lessons from the Geese” awards for those who support others. Remember that geese fly in a “V” formation so that they can support each other in a variety of ways. Our anti-bullying statement is available for all parents to read and outlines how we can learn to live together in work and play. Parents are informed immediately if a child’s behaviour gives cause for concern and a meeting is held to try and resolve any difficulties. There is a parents’ booklet that can be read with children. or visit www.oaktreeschool.co.uk 6 Oak Tree Primary School School Council We operate a School Council to which each class elects representatives. The council meets regularly and decisions are given to the school as a whole after the meetings. These are then followed up in classes in Personal and Social Education (P.S.E.) sessions. Partnership for Learning The school works closely with parents. Oak Tree Primary School has an ‘Open Door’ policy for parents/carers. A child’s life in school is a shared responsibility and we encourage you to play an active role in the life of the school. It is a partnership where we try to achieve the very best for the children. In line with National requirements parents, children and staff are asked to sign the school’s Home/School Agreement upon a child’s admission. A copy can be found on our school website. Parents’ Support If you have worries or concerns about your child, do please let us know. If the matter is urgent, it is usually possible to have a quick word with your child’s teacher at any time. If not, then the staff are always willing to make appointments to see you after school. There are two opportunities each year to have a formal discussion with your child’s teacher, as well as a number of informal events when we shall be delighted to see you. There is an active School Association ‘FOOT’ (Friends of Oak Tree) which organizes a variety of social events for children, parents and friends of the school. The Association arranges family activities such as Jangoes, bingo, discos and demonstrations, sales and the ever-popular Christmas Market. Money is raised from some of these activities, supplementing funds and enabling us to buy extra equipment for the school. All parents and friends are invited to the Association’s functions, and a warm welcome is extended to those who would like to become involved in the organization of events. The school is very grateful for all the hard work of the School Association. 7 For more information call We also value the voluntary help which we receive from parents and carers past and present, and acknowledge that many of the activities in school could not take place without such help. Parents/carers assist us in swimming lessons, in hearing children read and in talking to small groups or individuals. We have a ‘Coffee and Craft’ group who meet in school and make craft items to sell and a group of Reading Volunteers who have been trained by our ECaR teacher to support children’s progress with reading in school. Volunteers who can make a regular commitment are always welcome, and if you have a particular skill or feel that you would like to become involved in a classroom, please have a word with a member of staff. We support our parents/carers in a variety of ways. Mrs Brown and Mrs Smith are our Extended Services team and Miss Judson is responsible for supporting children and families, often in need. If we cannot offer relevant support ourselves at school, we have developed strong partnerships and links in the local community such as the Oak Tree Sure Start Children’s Centre and Barrowhill Community Centre. 01623 458261 Prospectus 2014-2015 Newsletters We keep you informed of important events and activities by sending home regular newsletters and updates on our website. Ofsted The school was last inspected by OFSTED are available on request or from the home in June 2011. Copies of the summary report page on our school website. Early Years / Foundation Stage Nursery Oak Tree is a County Primary Coeducational Day school, and caters for pupils aged 5 - ll years. We also offer part time pre-school education to our 3 and 4 year olds, after their 3rd birthday. The admission criteria for entry into the group are as follows:• Children living within the school’s catchment area. Preference to be given to those children who, at the time of admission; - will have an elder sibling in the school; - live nearest the school by the shortest safe walking distance. • Children living outside the catchment area who at the time of admission will have an elder sibling at the school. Preference to be given to applicants who live nearest the school by the shortest safe walking distance. • Children living outside the school’s catchment area. Preference to be given to applicants who live nearest the school by the shortest safe walking distance. or visit In all three criteria precedence will be given in order of age, oldest children taking priority. Children can attend Nursery using the government’s 15 hours of free child care vouchers. It is expected that where places are offered, parents/carers will ensure regular attendance at these sessions. The Nursery will offer your child a 3 hour morning or afternoon place. Miss Wood is the younger children’s keyworker. Miss Bowman (Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday) and Mrs Fensome (Thursday, Friday) work with the older children in Nursery. The Nursery works in school every day under the direction of a qualified teacher and an experienced Learning Support Assistant. When numbers increase in the spring and summer terms, staffing levels rise to meet the needs of the children. The curriculum is planned according to the Foundation Stage curriculum. The activities planned for each day take into account the needs of each child in the group and are available to all the children. The School’s Health and Safety, Behaviour, Child Protection, and Off-site Visit policies all apply to the Nursery exactly as they do to all other classes. www.oaktreeschool.co.uk 8 Oak Tree Primary School We operate an open door policy and staff are happy to answer any concerns or questions at the beginning or end of sessions. Parents are invited to school to discuss their child’s progress throughout their time in Nursery. The Nursery plays a vital part in preparing children for full-time school at 5 years old. The foundations for many of our pupils’ successes later in their school careers are laid during the crucial early years. The group’s contribution to the educational and social development of our pupils cannot be overestimated and the school would be very much the poorer without it. Community Infant and Primary Schools – Standard Reception Year Admission Criteria 2013/2014 The school’s admission number for each year is 40 pupils. In the event of over-subscription, the following criteria will be applied, in priority order, to determine which applications will be granted once places have first been allocated to pupils who have a statement of special educational needs which names the school: 1 Children looked after by a local authority. 2 Children who live in the catchment area and who, at the time of admission, will have a brother or sister attending the school or linked junior/primary school. 3 Other children who live in the catchment area. 4 Children who live outside the catchment area and who, at the time of admission will have a brother or sister attending the school or linked junior/primary school. 5 Other children who live outside the catchment area. In the event of over-subscription within any criterion, preference will be given to children who live nearest to the school as the crow flies. Distances are measured from the entrance to the child’s home to the principal entrance to the main administrative building of the school. Special Circumstances The following groups of children will be given special consideration in their application for a particular school: • 9 Children whose particular medical needs, mobility support needs, special educational needs or social circumstances are supported by written evidence from a doctor, social worker or other relevant professional stating that the school is the only school which could cater for the child’s particular needs. The evidence must be presented at the time of application. For more information call The Local Education Officer will consider each case on its merits and determine the allocation of any such place on the basis of written evidence. Admission under ‘special circumstances’ will take precedence over all but the first of the numbered criteria. Children of nomadic Travellers will be allocated a place at their catchment area school. 01623 458261 Prospectus 2014-2015 Admissions to year groups other than the intake year Applications for admission to other year groups will be considered in relation to the published admission number (PAN) which applied when the year group was first admitted to the school, subject to infant class size restrictions. In some schools, changes in circumstances, such as the building of additional classrooms or as a result of teaching group organisation, will require the school and the LA to agree admission numbers which will apply to each year group. These numbers may be higher or lower than the PAN in operation at the time of first admission and could be different from the current PAN. If places are available within the year group, applications will be considered in accordance with the current published admission criteria to the school. If places are available, the child will normally be admitted to the school. or visit Further guidance on the way in which applications are dealt with including:• Co-ordinated admissions scheme • Preferences for more than one school • Late applications • The way waiting lists are maintained and used can be found in Nottinghamshire County Council’s “Admissions to Schools” booklet 2013/14. The school draws its pupils mainly from Oak Tree Estate itself. We also have pupils from homes which are out of our catchment area. Usually, the school has about 220 pupils attending full time. From September 2011 there is only a single point of entry. This means that all children who are five during the year (September 1st – August 31st) are entitled to start school in FS2 (Reception) from September. www.oaktreeschool.co.uk 10 Oak Tree Primary School How Can You Best Help Prepare Your Child For School? We rely on you to let us know of anything which is likely to affect your child at school. This may be something permanent like a food allergy, asthma, or a physical problem. If a particular treatment is called for, tell us before the sudden onset of an allergic reaction, for example, causes us problems at school, and distresses the child unnecessarily. If there is a minor upset, such as the demise of a favourite hamster, it can help if we know about that too!! Before starting school, your child will be invited to the Foundation Stage Classes for some half day visits. This is a good preparation for a happy start to school. Curriculum resources and training opportunities for staff. The school is linked to the internet and we also have a new school website www. oaktreeschool.co.uk. We have recently applied for the Artsmark Gold award for our The children are placed in classes according arts provision in school. to age. All classes are mixed ability. We Many visitors are invited into school to do try to keep children of the same age provide expertise and enrich the curriculum. together, but this is not always possible Also, there are opportunities throughout the when trying to create smaller than average classes. Children work individually, in small school year to develop the breadth of the curriculum and experiences eg: Diwali Day, or large groups, as class units, in year Environmental Day, storytellers, drama, groupings, across classes, as Infants or Juniors, as the subject requires. Sometimes P.S.H.E. the whole school combines for work. The We try at least once a year to practise and school is proud of its reputation as an perform a major school production that gives establishment which fosters strong “family” every child the opportunity to take part. relationships amongst its pupils, whatever Other performances include assemblies and their ages. concerts to celebrate events throughout the school year. Parents/carers are invited to We aim to provide all children with come and enjoy these events. Parents and a broad and balanced experience in carers are informed of areas of work being accordance with the National Curriculum covered by a curricular letter, with the hope and the Nottinghamshire Statement on that they might be able to contribute in some the Curriculum. The school teaches all way. We also have events each term linked the National Curriculum subjects, together to our TASC topic themes which parents/ with R.E. and Environmental Education, carers are invited to. Health Education and P.S.H.E.. The National Curriculum subjects being English, Our classes are taught using a cross Mathematics and Science as core subjects curricular based approach which ensures and History, Geography, Physical Education, that the appropriate programmes of study Music, Art and Technology as Foundation and attainment targets for the National subjects. Extra provision is now also made Curriculum are covered in a meaningful for musical and French tuition. IT plays way. The curriculum is broad and balanced an ever-increasing role in the curriculum offering progression and providing as and we have a raft of new IT equipment, many opportunities as possible for pupils During a normal school week, excluding registration, the daily act of collective worship and breaks, children receive 23 hours 45 minutes of teaching time. 11 For more information call 01623 458261 Prospectus 2014-2015 to develop a range of skills and abilities. A range of teaching and learning styles and strategies are used, including whole class, group and individual. Teachers select the most appropriate technique to secure a successful learning outcome. We aim to include visual, auditory and kinaesthetic strategies to enable the best matched learning for each individual child. We endeavour to provide help for children with individual learning difficulties and are able to identify and meet the needs of able and talented children. To enhance the ‘learning brain’ we have a water policy so that your child’s brain does not become dehydrated. Each child has a water bottle in school (the unspillable sports bottle type) which is placed on their desk which they can drink from when they are thirsty. Children are assessed at the end of Key Stages 1 and 2. Results are given in Appendix 1 at the end of this brochure. The governors encourage the school in its aim of involving the children in a wide range of activities, enhancing the regular curriculum, and giving the pupils creative and sporting opportunities to foster development of talents in as many areas as possible. This includes visitors coming to the school, as well as children travelling to see places and events connected to topics of study. During 2013, groups of children went on visits to the zoo, and to museums and towns as part of studies of different localities. Theatre groups and practising professional artists were invited to school to perform and discuss their work. As part of their regular sporting activities which include weekly P.E., games and some swimming time, there were opportunities provided by outside coaches for cricket, football, Martial arts, SAQ (Speed, Agility, Quickness) and dance sessions. These opportunities were both in school time and offered as after-school courses for interested children. Sustainable School bulbs and seeds and planting up pots and hanging baskets have been undertaken. Different habitats have been built to increase the biodiversity of our grounds and logos have been introduced around the school to Many of our children are members of the remind the school community to switch off Eco Club and we have an Eco team, looking lights, turn off taps and reuse/recycle paper. at environmental issues such as litter, Regular Eco Newsletters go out to parents waste, energy, school grounds, transport and we have a school Eco code. and water. Activities such as planting trees, Oak Tree is aiming to be a Sustainable School and we hope to be awarded the EcoSchools Bronze and Silver awards before we then apply for our first Green Flag. Healthy School Oak Tree School is taking part in the National Healthy Schools Standard, a national initiative that aims to ensure all schools are committed to the health and well being of children. We have achieved the ultimate Gold Award which was renewed in September 2012. A Healthy Eating Policy has been introduced and as part of this policy, the school encourages healthy or visit snacks at break time, for example a piece of fruit and children are also encouraged to drink water during the school day. For this reason sweets are not allowed in school. The only exception is for a special occasion (e.g. a birthday reward or return from holiday). We are part of the Nottingham healthy eating project which entitles all KS1 children to a piece of fruit everyday. www.oaktreeschool.co.uk 12 Oak Tree Primary School Sports A strength of our school and led by Mr Gash. We aim to provide all pupils with opportunities to participate purposefully and enjoyably in a variety of sports and games. We aim to foster good sporting attitudes through teamwork and competition and encourage pupils to develop a sense of fair play. We are delighted that our school has been working with the ‘Chance to Shine’ charity and we have made several appearances on the BBC National and local news with Charlotte Edwards and other famous cricketers, promoting fair play in sport in schools. When possible, pupils are involved in interschool competitions. Oak Tree School has won many sporting awards and competitions including basketball and athletics. Cricket is our main strength and the success in this sport for our boys and girls has brought an immense sense of pride to our school. Our curriculum activities include smallsided and modified versions of most major games. We have invested part of the Government’s sports grant toward SAQ for all our nursery and infant pupils. Through the use of various pieces of equipment such as small hurdles and ladders, children can develop multidirectional footwork and body control, hand to eye coordination, agility and balance. This helps their gross and fine motor skills. Extra- curricular clubs provide further opportunities for pupils to participate in sporting activities. We make good use of the in-school coaching programmes provided by the Sports Council, and when available participate in sessions provided by the local professional football clubs and Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club. We also encourage pupils to attend the coaching courses in a range of activities arranged at local Leisure Centres by the Sports Council. Out of School Activities At different times during the year there is an extensive range of after school and lunch time clubs organised by our Extended Services Coordinators. These activities are led by school staff and facilitated by outside providers, funded by our Pupil Premium money. They vary from term to term, and are in response to requests from the children themselves. They include:Art club, Cricket, Football, Play club, Choir, Dance, Theatre club, Energy club, Lazer Quest, Bike Maintenance, Environmental Club, Martial Arts, ALF Club (About Life and Faith), Golf, reading and homework clubs, Safe Zone and Recorders. The school has a strong commitment to environmental education, school trips and Y6 have a residential visit. 13 For more information call We run a daily Breakfast Club, which is also subsidised by our Pupil Premium funding and is free to pupils who receive free school meals. The cost is £1.20 per day. The children are given a healthy breakfast and have access to a wide variety of activities. They are also encouraged to spend some of their time on homework too. We have also run family learning classes including Homework Club, family cooking, Tales of the Heartwood crafts and storytelling. Parents and carers also have the opportunity to extend their skills on their own. We now link with the Barrowhill Community Centre and have offered courses on nail art, cake decorating, jewellery making, sign language and First Aid. 01623 458261 Prospectus 2014-2015 Special Needs and Disabilities The school has a policy for meeting the needs of children with special educational needs, whether a statement of those needs has been issued by the County or not. greatest possible degree of partnership, by co-operating, collaborating and coordinating all that they do for the benefit of the children. The SENCO is Miss Melton and the SEND policy includes information about the school’s processes and procedures. The school attempts to identify any problems at an early stage, monitors progress, involves parents/carers as much as possible, and then, while matching work to the child’s needs, provides support, both from the school’s own resources and from outside agencies. We accept the fact that any child, at any time, could have a “special need”, which must be addressed. We aim to remove the barriers to learning and encourage each child to develop their full potential intellectually, emotionally, physically, socially and be fully integrated into school life. Equally we recognise that some children are ‘Able and Talented’ and we make provision for this in the curriculum. A copy of the full policy is available in school, and on the school website detailing such things as admissions, access facilities, use of resources, monitoring, staff training and partnership with parents/carers. We aim for every child to receive a broad and balanced curriculum with early identification of needs, well organised and individually structured programmes of work, regularly monitored and reviewed by staff and parents with purposeful involvement of the child concerned. We have a close relationship with the Samworth Academy, which receives most of our children after their final junior year. A lot of care is taken to ease the transfer from primary to secondary school of all children, but special attention is paid to supporting those who have particular reasons for concern. A great deal of work is done throughout the Samworth family of schools on meeting the special needs of all children, and is an example of shared expertise and experience across a supportive group of schools. The staff and Governors of Oak Tree Primary School believe in a whole school approach to special needs, where staff, parents/carers and governors develop the or visit All children participate in the full curriculum to the best of their ability. Learning experiences are closely matched to their needs. Homework is set at their level and is achievable. The school finances Learning Support Assistants to support S.E.N in conjunction with the LA. The school is well resourced to allow for the admission of pupils with a disability and such pupils, whilst receiving appropriate specialist support, are treated as favourably as all the pupils in the school. www.oaktreeschool.co.uk 14 Oak Tree Primary School Religious Education and Collective Worship R.E. is taught in accordance with the Nottinghamshire Agreed Syllabus. Each class will either be visited by an outside visitor or will visit a multi-faith centre to ensure the children experience the United Kingdom as a pluralistic society. The school is not affiliated to any religious denomination, but has close links with the local church. Vicar Phil is a friend of our school and also a school Governor. He regularly attends school to work with the children in class, deliver assemblies and support celebrations and events. Events are held throughout the school year to learn about religious festivals of different faiths i.e. Diwali, Christmas, Easter, Chinese New Year, Harvest Festival. Collective Worship takes place on a daily basis. An assembly program is followed covering multi-faith celebrations and individual school achievements. Assemblies take various forms – whole school, year groups and class groups. Guest speakers are also included on a regular basis. Arrangements can be made for parents to exercise their right to withdraw their children from R.E and Collective Worship if necessary and appropriate provision will be made for the children. Children are given the opportunity to say “Amen” (meaning – I agree). School Governors Our school governors are listed on page 4. Governors are also responsible for: Briefly the role involves being part of a friendly efficient team who actively support and challenge the school working alongside the Head Teacher as a critical friend. Much of the work of the Governing Body goes unseen, but they play a key role in helping the school provide the best education for its pupils. responsibility for the conduct of the school with a view to promoting high standards of educational achievement, including target setting, managing the budget, reporting results and performance, performance management/appraisal, health and safety inspections and policy. The full governing body meeting deals with the big issues that face the school and is often the final stage of consideration of a new initiative before its implementation. A Business Committee carries out most of the work of the Governing Body focusing on the Finance and General Purposes and the Strategic Development of the school, which deals with a variety of issues covering curriculum, pupils and staff policies. This committee really does deal with the nuts and bolts of the operational side of the school and its work directly affects everyone involved with the school. The Governing Body plays an active role in the strategic development of the school. Typically a Governor will attend two meetings per term, the full Governing body meeting on one evening and the meetings of the Business Committee on another. Governors are also responsible for monitoring and evaluating the curriculum. As a link governor, they will report on a particular area such as SEN, Early Years, Literacy and Numeracy and will meet the Any of the governors can be contacted member of staff responsible for this subject through school. and report back to the Governors at the next meeting. The Governing Body has general 15 For more information call 01623 458261 Prospectus 2014-2015 The School Day We begin the day at 8.55 am. Lunch is at l2.00pm. Afternoon school is from l.00pm to 3.15 pm. Please ensure that your child does not arrive at school too early. We cannot be held responsible for children who arrive before 8.45 am. The children are supervised at playtime and lunchtimes by the teachers and Mid-day supervisors. We ask that children do not bring nonessential or inappropriate items of value to school. Please be aware that the school cannot be held responsible for any loss or damage. However, when personal items are used as an aid to learning e.g. calculators, we ask that the children do not leave them at school overnight. We ask that all children’s property is named, including purses for dinner money, clothing etc. Open Evenings There are two main open evenings a year, in the autumn and spring terms, that provide parents with an opportunity to view their children’s work and have a private interview with the class teacher. In the summer term parents receive a written report and are invited into school to discuss any issues and to look at their child’s progress. School Uniform The children are encouraged to wear school uniform wearing clothing in combinations of green and grey/black with white shirts. Smart sweatshirts, wind proof coats and P.E. kits marked with the school’s logo are available through school. Please see the Office team. Plain dark tracksuit trousers are permissible for swimming and P.E. P.E. kit of a plain white T-shirt and dark blue or black shorts should be kept at school in a clearly named bag. Plimsolls or trainers will also be needed for outdoor activities. Indoor activities are normally done in bare feet. It is also advisable for each child to have an old shirt to wear to protect clothes from paint, clay and plaster. This can be kept in the P.E. bag and used as necessary. Jeans and trainers are not acceptable. Aprons are provided for use in Infant Clothing should be sensible, and suitable for Classes. an active school day. Please ensure that all items of clothing are clearly named. Swimming Please note that for your child’s safety, they We have swimming on a Tuesday morning at the Rebecca Adlington Swimming Centre. should not wear baggy shorts or bikinis. Goggles can only be worn if a note is When it is your child’s turn for swimming received at school. Earrings should not be sessions, swimming kit should be brought in worn by children during swimming sessions a suitable waterproof bag on the appropriate and long hair should be under a cap or tied day. If your child has to be excused from back. swimming on a particular day, a note of explanation should be brought and given to the child’s teacher. or visit www.oaktreeschool.co.uk 16 Oak Tree Primary School Absences The school must be informed of the cause of any absence by telephone before 9.30am on the morning on the first day of absence. We would appreciate notification of any infectious illness, after this has been diagnosed. Prescribed courses of treatment should be completed before the child returns to school. If you have to make an appointment for your child to see a doctor or dentist please try to avoid appointments during school time. Statutory amendments to pupil registration regulations come into force from 1 September 2013. The changes remove all references to authorised absence being granted for family holidays as well as the statutory threshold of ten school days. The amendments make clear that the Head teacher MAY NOT grant any leave of absence during term time unless there are genuinely ‘exceptional circumstances’. Given these changes parents/carers must appreciate that if they insist on taking their child/ren out of school for anything less than ‘exceptional’ reasons then the absence will be recorded as ‘unauthorised’. We ask that parents/carers understand the changing statutory constraints under which the school has to operate and to do everything possible to assist the school in keeping the level of both authorised and unauthorised absence to an absolute minimum. If we do not receive formal notification of the reason for a child’s absence, such an absence has to be recorded as “unauthorised”. These absences are totalled at the end of each term. Numbers are sent to the Principal Education Welfare Officer at County Hall and also have to be listed in this brochure. This is a legal requirement. During the school year to 22nd July 2013 the percentage of pupil absence was: Authorised absence 5% Unauthorised absence 0.8% Other Support Agencies The school makes use of many of the wide variety of back-up facilities available to the Education Service (further details of which may be found in the general information booklet “Going to School in Nottinghamshire”). Amongst these are the Advisory and Inspection Service, the Support Services, including Special Needs Support, the MASH and Targeted Support services. There is also support from General Services, including the Library, Child Health, and Catering Services. Music Lessons Music lessons are now available from Staff of the Music Support Service for Violin, 17 For more information call Brass and Woodwind tuition via “Music for Schools”. 01623 458261 Prospectus 2014-2015 School Meals The School Meal Menu is sent out on a monthly basis with the Newsletters. The cost of a school lunch will be £2.00 per day. Dinner money is collected on Monday morning for the whole week. If you wish to pay by cheque, this should be made payable to “Notts County Council”. The school meals, which are cooked on the premises and are of a high standard, are eaten by the majority of our children. We have to know dinner numbers by l0.00am, so please let the school know if your child will be arriving after that time expecting a meal. A vegetarian option is available every day. School Milk Scheme Milk is available to children in the UK until their fifth birthday. If your child is over the age of five they are still entitled to subsidised milk. You need to register your child with ‘Cool Milk’ at www.coolmilk.com Children who have Free School Meals are entitled to free milk up to their 7th birthday. All children need to be registered even if they are entitled to free milk. School Fruit Scheme All school children aged 4 to 6 are entitled to a free piece of fruit each school day. Sex Education Sex Education is given in accordance with guidelines issued by the Nottinghamshire Education Authority, and approved by the governing body. Matters relating to sex education will be mentioned if the topic being studied lends itself e.g. the study of animal behaviour, always bearing in mind the different levels of awareness and readiness amongst the children. Parents/ carers will be notified if a topic is likely to involve questions of sex education. The school always attempts to deal with the subject in a sensitive and caring manner, working in partnership with the home and family. The School Fund In addition to money provided by the Local Authority, there is a school fund which is managed by the Headteacher, and which consists of donations and other income raised in a variety of ways. The purpose of this fund is to benefit the pupils of the school or visit by the provision of facilities, equipment, activities and financial assistance which cannot be made available for whatever reason from monies provided by the Local Authority. www.oaktreeschool.co.uk 18 Oak Tree Primary School Health and Safety We would like to remind parents about the County Policy concerning jewellery, which states that children should not wear jewellery to school as it is not only unnecessary but can also be dangerous. Jewellery, including all ear-rings, must not be worn during P.E. lessons or swimming sessions. Children with newly pierced ears are permitted to retain the studs if the ears are taped with Elastoplast apart from in PE lessons. Children on Medication no longer contagious. This includes head lice which can become a problem if not contained immediately. A letter of warning will be sent home if this occurs. If your child needs medication at school, a form which can be obtained from the school office, needs to be completed. Inhalers should be kept by the child. However, parents/carers should make every effort to administer Parents/carers of children diagnosed as medication at lunchtime themselves. Asthmatic are asked to complete an Asthma Doses can and should be altered so that form, providing information regarding their no lunchtime dose is necessary. In the medication. A copy of the form can be found case of class A drugs such as Ritalin, the on our website. Headteacher will volunteer in line with the The school has adopted LA guidelines in this school’s Administration and Storage of matter. If your child is ill, or has an infection, Drugs Policy. they should be kept away from school until Each teacher accepts responsibility for the care of the children in their class. Confidential records are kept in school so that staff can act quickly if individual problems occur. You will be asked to complete a form giving such details as doctor’s name and telephone number and a contact number in case of emergency. Suspected Child Abuse Every school in Nottinghamshire is required to follow a set procedure in cases of suspected child abuse. Headteachers are required to refer their concerns to the Nottinghamshire Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) for further investigation so that children at risk can be identified quickly. 19 For more information call This procedure is intended to protect children from abuse. When a school refers a concern about a pupil to the MASH/Social Services it is not accusing the parents of abuse but requesting that further investigation takes place to establish whether a child is at risk. 01623 458261 Prospectus 2014-2015 Complaints We believe that children will thrive in the right environment and we try hard to make our school a happy, safe and caring place. Sometimes things do go wrong however, and if you have a concern or a complaint we want to know about it so that we can do our best to put it right. • if the complaint cannot be resolved informally, the complainant should write either to the Clerk of the Governing Body, whose address is available at the school, or to the designated officer in the Education Authority, who is the Principal Education Officer (Operational Management) in the Education Department, County Hall, West Bridgford, Nottingham. NG2 7QP. There is a complaints procedure, agreed by the Local Authority, for dealing with any complaints concerning the school curriculum and other related issues. A copy of the If a formal complaint is lodged, the full complaints procedure is available for Head Teacher will be able to provide the reference in school. The procedure states complainant with copies of the relevant that:documents explaining the arrangements for • there should normally be a considering the complaint in more detail. preliminary informal discussion Appendix 2 of this brochure relates to the with the Head Teacher or other Freedom of Information Act 2000, with which appropriate school staff to see if the the school complies. It also lists a number complaint can be resolved without of documents, LA statements and policies recourse to the formal procedures. which are available to be seen in school. Fair Processing Notice Fair Processing Notice is available on the Oak Tree Primary School processes personal data about its pupils and is a “data schools website www.oaktreelane.co.uk controller” in respect of this for the purposes under the home page. of the Data Protection Act 1998. The Disclaimer The information given in this brochure, which relates to the school year 2013/14 was valid at the time of printing. It should not be assumed that there will be no changes affecting either the arrangements generally described in this brochure, or in any particular part of them, before the start of the school year 2014/2015 or in subsequent years. Any anticipated changes have been included as part of the text. Date of Issue September 2013 or visit www.oaktreeschool.co.uk 20 Oak Tree Primary School Appendix 1 As required by law, the school’s SAT results for 2013 are appended along with National SAT scores for 2012. The expectation nationally is that the majority of children will achieve Level 2 at the end of Key Stage 1, and Level 4 at the end of Key Stage 2. Each child’s results are individually discussed with his\her parents at the end of the assessment period. These discussions are not confined to achievement in SATs but range over much wider issues of the child’s overall progress and provide a balance between the school’s judgement of the educational development and test marks. 21 For more information call It should be noted that these scores have to be given as percentages, and therefore comparisons between school scores and national scores, or even between successive years within school, should be treated with a great deal of caution, bearing in mind the small size of the school’s sample. Figures may not total 100 per cent because of rounding. 01623 458261 School Holidays 2014/2015 1 August 2014 – 31 July 2015 August 2014 Prospectus 2014-2015 September 2014 October 2014 M 4 11 18 25 1 8 15 22 29 6 13 20 27 T 5 12 19 26 2 9 16 23 30 7 14 21 28 W 6 13 20 27 3 10 17 24 1 8 15 22 29 T 7 14 21 28 4 11 18 25 2 9 16 23 30 31 F 1 8 15 22 29 5 12 19 26 3 10 17 24 S 2 9 16 23 30 6 13 20 27 4 11 18 25 S 3 10 17 24 31 7 14 21 28 5 12 19 26 November 2014 December 2014 January 2015 M 3 10 17 24 1 8 15 22 29 5 12 19 26 T 4 11 18 25 2 9 16 23 30 6 13 20 27 W 5 12 19 26 3 10 17 24 31 7 14 21 28 T 6 13 20 27 4 11 18 25 1 8 15 22 29 F 7 14 21 28 5 12 19 26 2 9 16 23 30 31 S 1 8 15 22 29 6 13 20 27 3 10 17 24 S 2 9 16 23 30 7 14 21 28 4 11 18 25 February 2015 March 2015 April 2015 M 2 9 16 23 2 9 16 23 30 6 13 20 27 T 3 10 17 24 3 10 17 24 31 7 14 21 28 W 4 11 18 25 4 11 18 25 1 8 15 22 29 T 5 12 19 26 5 12 19 26 2 9 16 23 30 F 6 13 20 27 6 13 20 27 3 10 17 24 S 7 14 21 28 7 14 21 28 4 11 18 25 8 15 22 8 15 22 29 5 12 19 26 S 1 1 May 2015 June 2015 July 2015 M 4 11 18 25 1 8 15 22 29 6 13 20 27 T 5 12 19 26 2 9 16 23 30 7 14 21 28 W 6 13 20 27 3 10 17 24 1 8 15 22 29 T 7 14 21 28 4 11 18 25 2 9 16 23 30 31 F 1 8 15 22 29 5 12 19 26 3 10 17 24 S 2 9 16 23 30 6 13 20 27 4 11 18 25 S 3 10 17 24 31 7 14 21 28 5 12 19 26 School holidays Public holidays Administration day This pattern gives 195 working days for staff, including the administration day on Tuesday 3 September 2014. A total of 4 in-service training days for staff will be taken by each school from the 194 term days given above, leaving 190 term days for pupils. or visit www.oaktreeschool.co.uk 22 SUMMARY OF THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM ASSESSMENT RESULTS OF PUPILS IN THE SCHOOL AND NATIONALLY AT THE END OF KEY STAGE 1 This table shows the percentage of eligible children at Oak Tree School in 2013 achieving each level, compared to national end of Key Stage 1 teacher assessment levels. The shaded sections of the table represent 2012 national teacher assessment data for core subjects. Figures may not total 100 per cent because of rounding. TEACHER ASSESSMENT Percentage of pupils at each level Speaking & Listening 3 or above Disapplied Children Absent Children 68 0 0 0 66 22 0 0 24 10 0 0 23 26 27 0 0 31 17 17 0 0 0 14 19 29 21 14 0 0 0 14 34 34 10 7 0 0 National 2 8 14 27 28 22 0 0 School 3 48 41 7 0 0 National 2 9 68 21 0 * W 1 2 2C 2B School 0 31 National 2 10 School 3 24 14 24 National 2 11 11 School 7 27 National 3 School 2A Reading Writing Mathematics Science ‘W’ represents children who are working towards level 1, but have not yet achieved the standards needed for level 1. * = Not applicable. 23 KEY STAGE 2 SCHOOL AND NATIONAL LEVEL DATA These tables show the percentage of Year 6 children at Oak Tree School in 2013 achieving each level, compared to national end of Key Stage 2 teacher assessment levels and test results. The shaded sections of the tables represent 2012 national teacher assessment and test result data. Figures may not total 100 per cent because of rounding. W Represents pupils who are working towards level 1, but have not yet achieved the standards needed for level 1. * The result awarded in this test is indicative of a pupil working at the level reported rather than a true National Curriculum level as for other tests. ** represents children who were not entered for the tests because they were working below level 3 in English or mathematics, children awarded a compensatory level from the tests and children entered for but not achieving a level from the tests. TEACHER ASSESSMENT Percentage of pupils at each level English Speaking and Listening Reading Writing Mathematics Science W 1 2 3 4 5 6 Pupils Disapplied Pupils Absent School 0 0 14 21 43 21 0 0 0 National 1 1 3 11 49 35 1 0 0 School 0 0 18 21 46 14 0 0 0 National 1 1 2 12 50 34 1 0 0 School 0 0 14 21 36 29 0 0 0 National 1 1 3 9 40 45 2 0 0 School 0 0 11 25 46 18 0 0 0 National 1 1 3 14 53 27 1 0 0 School 0 0 7 28 50 11 4 0 0 National 0 1 3 11 45 36 4 0 0 School 0 0 11 25 46 18 0 0 0 National 1 0 2 11 50 36 0 0 0 TEST RESULTS Percentage of pupils at each level English Grammar, punctuation and spelling Reading Mathematics Below Level 3** 3 4 5 6 Pupils Not Entered# Pupils Absent School 36 28 14 21 0 36 0 School 28 18 43 11 0 18 0 National 6 7 38 48 - 4 0 School 14 25 50 7 4 14 0 National 4 11 45 36 - 3 0 24 Oak Tree Primary School Appendix 2 This is Oak Tree Primary School’s Publication Scheme on information available under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. The governing body is responsible for maintenance of this scheme. 1 Introduction: what a publication scheme is and why it has been developed One of the aims of the Freedom of Information Act 2000 (which is referred to as FOIA in the rest of this document) is that public authorities, including all maintained schools, should be clear and proactive about the information they will make public. The publication scheme guides you to information which we currently publish (or have recently published) or which we will publish in the future. This is split into categories of information known as ‘classes’. These are contained in section 6 of this scheme. The classes of information that we undertake to make available are organised into four broad topic areas: School Prospectus – information published in the school prospectus. Governors’ Documents – information published in the Governors Annual Report and in other governing body documents. To do this we must produce a publication scheme, setting out: Pupils & Curriculum – information about policies that relate to pupils and the school curriculum. • The classes of information which we publish or intend to publish; • The manner in which the information will be published; and School Policies and other information related to the school - information about policies that relate to the school in general. • Whether the information is available free of charge or on payment. The scheme covers information already published and information which is to be published in the future. All information in our publication scheme is available in paper form. Some information which we hold may not be made public, for example personal information. This publication scheme conforms to the model scheme for schools approved by the Information Commissioner. 2 Aims and Objectives The school aims to: • enable every child to fulfil their learning potential, with education that meets the needs of each child, • help every child develop the skills, knowledge and personal qualities needed for life and work, and this publication scheme is a means of showing how we are pursuing these aims. 25 3 Categories of information published 4 How to request information If you require a paper version of any of the documents within the scheme, please contact the school by telephone, email, fax or letter. Contact details are set out below. Email: office@oaktreelane.notts.sch.uk Tel: 01623 458261 Fax: 01623 458864 Contact Address: Jubilee Way North, Oak Tree Lane Estate, Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, NG18 3PJ To help us process your request quickly, please clearly mark any correspondence “PUBLICATION SCHEME REQUEST” (in CAPITALS please) If the information you’re looking for isn’t available via the scheme you can still contact the school to ask if we have it. 5 Paying for information Single copies of information covered by this publication are provided free unless stated otherwise in section 6. If your request means that we have to do a lot of photocopying or printing, or pay a large postage charge, or is for a priced item such as some printed publications or videos we will let you know the cost before fulfilling your request. Where there is a charge this will be indicated by a £ sign in the description box. For more information call 01623 458261
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