Key Information
ARUNDALE PRIMARY SCHOOL
PROSPECTUS
ARUNDALE SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT
Our school community is committed to providing a safe, secure and stimulating environment. We value and promote shared and personal achievement, high standards and respect for the individual. We believe that by working together we build understanding of one another and develop the self-esteem of every individual.
This Mission Statement represents the principles that we strive towards at Arundale Primary School. Throughout our prospectus we hope to show how we translate these aims into practice.
OUR SCHOOL AIMS
Through our practice at Arundale Primary School we aim to:
Create a happy and caring school for all of our children.
v Provide a welcome for parents, governors and members of the wider community.
v Celebrate the individual contribution of every child.
v Help each child to develop confidence in themselves and respect for others.
v Encourage all members of the school community to be fully committed and involved in the life of the school.
v Develop positive learning partnerships between home and school.
v Have high expectations of every child enabling them to reach their full potential.
v Create a lively and stimulating learning environment.
v Communicate our Mission Statement and aims to all members of the school community.
SCHOOL INFORMATION
SCHOOL INFORMATION
Our school is a Community Primary and Nursery school which admits children between the ages of three and eleven years old. Parents who are considering sending their children to our school are welcome to visit. Please telephone for an appointment.
Our postal address, email address and telephone numbers are:-
Arundale Primary School,
Lowry Grove,
Mottram,
Via Hyde,
SK14 6PW.
Telephone: 01457 762328
Parental requests for admission of pupils should be addressed to:-
Tameside Metropolitan Borough Council,
School Admissions,
Council Offices,
Wellington Road,
Ashton-Under-Lyne,
OL6 6DL.
Telephone: 0161-342 8355
The School Day:
The normal school day is:
Foundation Stage:
Full-time pupils: 8.45 a.m. to 11.45 a.m.
Lunch between 11.45 a.m. & 12.45 p.m.
12.45 p.m. to 3.15 p.m.
Part-time pupils: 12.45 p.m. to 3.15 p.m.
Main School:
Key Stage 1 & 2 pupils: 8.45 a.m. to 12.00 p.m.
Lunch between 12.00 a.m. & 12.55 p.m.
12.55 p.m. to 3.15 p.m.
We expect Key Stage 1 & 2 pupils to be in class by 8.45 a.m. but prefer them not to arrive before 8.35 a.m. as the Authority and teachers cannot accept responsibility for their safety before 8.35 a.m.
All Key Stage 1 pupils will enter via the Key Stage 1 corridor door. At the end of the day, they will be collected from their own classroom door that opens out onto the playground.
All Key Stage 2 pupils will enter via their classroom door that opens out onto the playground and at the end of the day, they exit via the same door.
Children needing to leave school during the school day (e.g. doctor or dental appointment) will only be allowed to do so if collected by a parent or other adult nominated by the parent who must access school via the main reception entrance.
ATTENDANCE:
If there is an ongoing concern regarding a child’s attendance, the school will monitor the attendance of the child concerned. In the first instance, the school will contact the family to find out what the cause of the absence is. If the school is dissatisfied with the reasons for absence, unauthorised absence will be recorded. If the absence continues without an appropriate reason the school will contact parents with a view to discussing the barriers that are preventing the child from regular attendance. Where the school has a continued concern regarding the child’s attendance and discussion with the parent has not resulted in positive action to improve attendance, the Educational Welfare Officer will contact the family and appropriate action will be taken when and where necessary.
Whilst the Headteacher and Educational Welfare Officer wish to work closely with families to support good attendance, the Headteacher has a duty to each child to ensure that they attend regularly to access education.
Remember parents that we wish to work with you to provide the best possible education for your child and regular attendance is a key feature of any child’s continued progress.
PUNCTUALITY:
Punctuality is crucial. Teaching sessions begin at the times indicated above. Children who frequently miss the start of the morning session are at a disadvantage; they have limited time to settle into the regular morning routine and may miss the start of Literacy lessons. A late mark will be entered if your child has not arrived by 9.00 a.m.
SCHOOL TEACHERS AND STAFF:
Teaching Staff:
Executive Head Teacher : Mr Steve Clark
Deputy Headteacher : Mrs. Joy Armstrong
Acting Assistant Head : Mrs. Anne Knowles
Foundation Stage Manager : Mrs. Susan Wooding
Nursery Teacher : Mr. Peter Hartley
Nursery Teacher : Mr. Peter Hartley
Year 1 Teacher : Mrs. Joy Armstrong
Year 2 Teacher : Ms. Sabrina Webb
Year 2 Teacher : Ms. Sabrina Webb
Year 3 Teacher : Mrs. Sam Bulger
Year 4 Teacher : Miss Clair Pickford
Year 5 Teacher : Mrs. Emma Whitehurst
Year 6 Teacher : Miss Nicola Chapman
PPA Cover Teacher : Mrs. Sharon Costigan
Reading Recovery Teacher : Mrs. Jenny Jackson
Year 4 Teacher : Miss Clair Pickford
Year 5 Teacher : Mrs. Emma Whitehurst
Year 6 Teacher : Miss Nicola Chapman
PPA Cover Teacher : Mrs. Sharon Costigan
Reading Recovery Teacher : Mrs. Jenny Jackson
Support Staff:
Business Manager : Mrs. Pat Harrison
Administration Asst : Mr Tony Hoskin
Learning Mentor : Miss Maggie Phillips
NNEB : Mrs. Helen Suthern
Teaching Assistant : Miss Marie Fleming
Teaching Assistant : Mrs. Jean Breeze
Teaching Assistant : Mrs. Sheila Bickley
Teaching Assistant : Mrs. Emma Power
Teaching Assistant : Mrs. Laura Hulland
SSA : Mrs. Elaine Stocker
Teaching Assistant : Mrs. Laura Hulland
SSA : Mrs. Elaine Stocker
Lunchtime Staff:
Midday Supervisor : Mrs. Hilary Neild
Midday Assistant : Miss. Janine Baxendale
Midday Assistant : Mrs. Claire Owen
Midday Assistant : Mrs. Cath Jordan
Midday Assistant : Miss Debbie Jackson
Midday Assistant : Mrs. Lynn Bell
Midday Assistant : Mrs. Sheila Bell
Midday Assistant : Mrs. Sue Keating
Midday Assistant : Mrs. Janette Van der Stel
Midday Assistant : Mrs. Janette Van der Stel
Caretaking, cleaning and kitchen staff are all provided by Interserve FM. Our two caretakers are Mr Paul Morris and Mr Michael Garry.
CURRICULUM:
Arundale uses the both the Foundation Curriculum and National Curriculum as a basis for curriculum delivery. At our school we cover three Key Stages:
Ø Foundation Stage for children aged 3 to 5 years.
Ø Key Stage 1 for children aged 5-7 years in Years 1 and 2 classes.
Ø Key Stage 2 for children aged 7-11 years in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 classes.
Foundation Stage:
At Arundale we provide a warm and welcoming environment for children starting at school. Good communication between families and school helps to ensure a smooth transition, but also enables the teacher to learn about each child from the adult that knows them best. Information from pre-schools will also help to ensure continuity of experience in the Foundation Stage.
At this stage, young children are developing rapidly and the Foundation Stage helps them to maximise their potential. Children vary greatly in their maturity and experiences and with this in mind the learning and developmental processes will have to be carefully planned to take account of their individual needs. Children may be engaged in some whole class activities, some individual learning opportunities, or playing co-operatively in small groups.
At Arundale we aim to nurture and build upon the natural energy, enthusiasm, curiosity and sense of humour of children. In the Foundation Stage, the children are exposed to the six areas of learning and with this as our basis we offer a variety of play opportunities which include imaginative play, designing and constructing, investigating and exploring sand and water, creative activities and energetic play both inside and outside. Through these experiences children's language will be enriched and their understanding of the natural and built world will be extended; physical abilities and co-ordination will develop; and levels of concentration and persistence will be raised.
Key Stages 1 and 2:
Our school curriculum helps to develop enjoyment of, and commitment to, learning as a means of encouraging and stimulating the best possible progress and the highest attainment for all pupils. It builds on pupils' strengths, interests and experiences and develops their confidence in their capacity to learn and work independently and collaboratively. It equips them with the essential learning skills of Literacy, Numeracy, and ICT (Information and Communication Technology), and helps to promote an enquiring mind and the capacity to think rationally.
By providing rich and varied contexts for pupils to acquire, develop and apply a broad range of knowledge, understanding and skills, the curriculum enables pupils to think creatively and critically, to solve problems and to make a difference for the better. It gives them the opportunity to become creative, innovative, enterprising and capable of leadership to equip them for their future lives as workers and citizens. It also helps to develop their physical skills and encourage them to recognise the importance of pursuing a healthy lifestyle and keeping themselves and others safe.
Our school curriculum also promotes pupils' spiritual, moral, social and cultural development and, in particular, develops principles for distinguishing between right and wrong. It helps to develop their knowledge, understanding and appreciation of their own and different beliefs and cultures, and how these influence individuals and societies. Our school curriculum passes on enduring values, develops pupils' integrity and autonomy and helps them to be responsible and caring citizens capable of contributing to the development of a just society. It promotes equal opportunities and enables pupils to challenge discrimination and stereotyping. We help our pupils to develop their awareness and understanding of, and respect for, the environments in which they live, and secure their commitment to sustainable development at a personal, local, national and global level.
The school curriculum promotes pupils' self-esteem and emotional well-being and helps them to form and maintain worthwhile and satisfying relationships, based on respect for themselves and for others, at home, school, work and in the community.
At Key Stages 1 and 2 the same subjects are studied. These are:
Ø Core subjects: English, Mathematics Science and Religious
Education (RE).
Education (RE).
Ø Foundation subjects: ICT (Information and Communication
Technology) Geography, History, Music, PE (Physical Education),
MFL (Modern Foreign Languages), Art and Design and Design and
Technology.
Technology) Geography, History, Music, PE (Physical Education),
MFL (Modern Foreign Languages), Art and Design and Design and
Technology.
Ø Sex & Relationship Education (SRE), Personal Health, Social &
Emotional (PHSE) & Citizenship
Emotional (PHSE) & Citizenship
Ø All children must study religious education unless they have been
withdrawn from lessons by their parents. Parents wishing to
withdraw pupils from acts of worship and religious education are
asked to contact the Headteacher. A room is provided for Pupils
who wish to follow through acts of worship other than that
provided by the School.
withdrawn from lessons by their parents. Parents wishing to
withdraw pupils from acts of worship and religious education are
asked to contact the Headteacher. A room is provided for Pupils
who wish to follow through acts of worship other than that
provided by the School.
Ø Relationship & Sex Education is taught through various elements of
the National Curriculum. We use professionals to deliver specific
aspects of sex education in Year 6 and we endeavour to answer
children’s questions regarding sex, both honestly and frankly while
taking into consideration the level of maturity and understanding
that the child has.
the National Curriculum. We use professionals to deliver specific
aspects of sex education in Year 6 and we endeavour to answer
children’s questions regarding sex, both honestly and frankly while
taking into consideration the level of maturity and understanding
that the child has.
Ø The school’s Sex Education Policy is followed by all staff. As with
all school policies, a copy is available for parents to see if they
wish.
all school policies, a copy is available for parents to see if they
wish.
Ø An alternative curriculum is provided for pupils from Year 1 to 6
that is designed to give them skills for life.
that is designed to give them skills for life.
OUR POSITIVE APPROACH TO BEHAVIOUR
The positive behaviour approach is the foundation for an effective learning and teaching environment in which all members of the school community can feel respected, safe and secure. The school behaviour policy reflects how the school values and includes all the people in it.
The school operates a series of positive rewards and a series of sanctions. We believe that positive discipline is the most appropriate way of dealing with inappropriate behaviour. With this in mind we have adopted a sensible and sensitive attitude towards discipline.
We have high expectations of all the pupils at Arundale and will work as a team to promote this positive behaviour. The following are positive rewards that pupils can receive:
§ Success Cards awarded at our Achievement assemblies.
§ Team points towards the whole school Team Points System
§ Chosen as student of the Half-term and Year
§ Bronze, Silver and Gold Individual Star Achievement Cards
We do have rules and a code of conduct which have been developed in the interest of safety for all children at Arundale. In line with these procedures parents will be informed if their child’s behaviour is causing concern.
Bullying and aggressive behaviour will not be tolerated. If you have concerns regarding your child, please contact school immediately. It is important that any cases of bullying are dealt with promptly. We treat all reported incidents seriously and confidentially.
At the start of each September, staff will review the school discipline policy and copies will be available on request.
At playtimes our aim to create a caring ethos in the playground, which is in line with our behaviour and anti-bullying policies. We have a selection of activities and resources available in the playground to help children to develop skills of co-operation and turn taking. Children are encouraged to take responsibility in the playground through a monitor system, which encourages children to look out for lonely children, take care of playground equipment and supervise children walking into school at the end of play.
A copy of our Code of Conduct is included for your reference.
1. IT’S UP TO US TO LOOK AFTER OUR SCHOOL
(This means putting litter in bins, keeping walls and
furniture, clean and unmarked and taking care of displays,
particularly of other people’s work)
2. IT’S UP TO US TO LOOK AFTER EACH OTHER
(This means respecting other children and their property; as well as respecting the school staff)
3. IT’S UP TO US TO BE KIND, GOOD MANNERED AND
HONEST
(This means that you do not hurt anyone, that you talk
politely and you always tell the truth)
4. IT’S UP TO US TO ARRIVE ON TIME, LISTEN, WORK
HARD AND TRY OUR BEST
(This means behaving in a sensible manner at all times which will help everyone to learn and the teacher to teach)
5. IT’S UP TO US TO TALK TO A GROWN UP IF WE
HAVE A PROBLEM
(This means that you do not have the right to retaliate and you must find an adult to talk to)
General School Rules:
These general rules are highlighted to apply to everyone on school premises. If we all keep to these few rules, the school environment will be a pleasant and happy one to be in.
1. Walk quietly around school.
2. Respect each other.
3. Put litter in a school bin.
4. Do not use foul or abusive language.
5. No smoking on school premises.
6. In the interest of Health and safety no animals allowed on
school premises.
school premises.
ADMISSIONS
Admissions to Arundale Community Primary and Nursery School follow the agreed Council Policy on admissions.
Part-time Foundation Stage (Nursery age children) places:
Parents may register their child for a place in Arundale’s Foundation Stage at anytime from birth. We offer part-time foundation stage places to any child from the age of 3 years old. There are no set intake dates as soon as a child is three years old the parent may request a part-time place for their child.
Full-time Foundation Stage (Reception age children) places
Children who are already in our Foundation Stage Unit will be sent a ‘Starting out’ booklet which will enable them to apply for a full-time place in our Foundation Stage Unit .
If you child is not at present in our Foundation unit but is 5 years old between 1 September and 31 August of the current academic year, we can request a ‘Starting out’ booklet for you to enable you to apply for a full-time place in our Foundation Stage Unit.
We are happy to discuss educational arrangements with parents who wish their children to enter our school, although applications to join our school have to be made through the Local Education Authority.
INCLUSION
Here at Arundale, we aim to provide the best education we can for all our pupils in a happy, caring environment. Our curriculum is stimulating and challenging and success is achieved in partnership; with pupils, parents, carers and other members of the community. We are committed to giving all children every opportunity to achieve the highest of standards. Our developments related to inclusion will ensure that this happens for all children, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, attainment, ability or background.
Our aim is to be a totally inclusive school. This means that equality of opportunity is a reality for all our children. We make this a reality through the attention we pay to the different groups of children in our school, for example:
· Girls and boys
· Minority ethnic and faith groups
· EAL learners
· Children with special educational needs
· Gifted and talented children
· Children looked after by the local authority
· Children who are at risk of disaffection or exclusion
· Other children such as, sick children, young carers and those
children from families under stress
children from families under stress
We do have an inclusion unit in school where children are able to access specific provision to ensure that their specific needs are met. If you wish to see our Inclusion Unit please ask at Reception for an appointment to view the unit.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Extra-curricular activities depend on the skills and interests of the staff and parents and their willingness to give of their time and expertise. After school clubs are normally open to children from Year 2 and above. Activities for this year include:
Football Multi-sports Club KS1 Sports
Art and Crafts Club Choir Drama
Arundale Dance Cooking
The children and parents are informed of the particular days and times of the activities. If your child is involved in any clubs please collect your child from the appointed door at the stated finishing time.
EDUCATIONAL VISITS
Educational visits take place at various times of the year. Parents are asked to contribute towards the cost of these visits. These visits are dependent on sufficient funds being raised by voluntary parental contributions. Visits have included trips to local shops, library, the Science and Industry Museum, Portland Basin, etc.,
We do provide an opportunity for a Year 5 residential which we try our best to keep costs to a minimum. The visit this year is to Robin Wood where pupils will have the opportunity to engage in various active pursuits. Adequate supervision is provided for all outings. Parents are given notice of future trips by the class teachers.
UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT
The children at the Arundale Primary School are proud of being a part of the school. The governors, parents and staff together believe that wearing a simple school uniform enhances this feeling of belonging.
We also believe that school uniform prevents the inevitable loss of self-esteem caused to individual children should a family not be able or willing to provide the newest, most expensive or most fashionable clothing and equipment.
Some issues of safety for individual pupils arise from clothing and equipment, such as shoes with heels and hair fastenings.
For these reasons the school insists that uniform and equipment conforms to the school’s prescribed format as described below:
Girls
Grey skirt (of a reasonable length) or trousers together with a red polo-shirt and school sweatshirt or cardigan.
In summer girls can wear blue and white checked dresses (not sun dresses) which can be purchased from school if required. Black or brown shoes as described below.
Boys
Grey shorts or trousers together with a red polo-shirt and school sweatshirt or cardigan. Black or brown shoes as described below.
PE Kit
The school PE kit consists of black or blue sports shorts (not cycling or leisure shorts) and a red school T-shirt or PLAIN red or white T-shirt (Motifs of any sort are not allowed). Children will also need a pair of pumps or trainers. This kit should be kept in a bag and should all be named. You can purchase a school PE kit consisting of a pair of shorts, school t-shirt and bag from school.
General dress and equipment code:
General dress and equipment code:
§ No jewellery should be worn to school except studs for pierced
ears. For Health and Safety reasons studs must be taken out or
covered with a plaster on PE days.
ears. For Health and Safety reasons studs must be taken out or
covered with a plaster on PE days.
§ Only plain, simple watches of low value should be worn to school.
Children will wear sensible, safe, black or brown shoes without
heels over ½” or flashing heels at all times of the year. No open
back or open toe shoes are permitted.
Children will wear sensible, safe, black or brown shoes without
heels over ½” or flashing heels at all times of the year. No open
back or open toe shoes are permitted.
§ Trainers may be worn for sporting activities but should not have
flashing heels.
flashing heels.
§ Children will not wear trainers to school except in exceptional
circumstances to be agreed with the headteacher.
circumstances to be agreed with the headteacher.
§ Long hair should be tied back tidily with a sensible, soft fastening in
particular for PE.
particular for PE.
§ No varnish should be worn on finger or toe nails.
§ Clothing accessories should be sensible i.e. socks, hair fasteners.
§ No biros should be brought to school or used in school.
§ No knives should ever be brought to school.
§ No mobile phones should ever be brought to school.
§ No medicine should ever be brought to school by the children
(except inhalers or epi-pens for older children with headteacher
permission).
(except inhalers or epi-pens for older children with headteacher
permission).
§ No CD’s, video’s or material of inappropriate nature should be
brought into school.
brought into school.
§ No MP3 players, ipods, video game consoles etc should be brought
into school.
into school.
§ No money should be brought to school unless for a specific
permissible purpose which should be handed in at the office or
given to the pupil's class teacher.
permissible purpose which should be handed in at the office or
given to the pupil's class teacher.
§ All school uniform and equipment should be clearly labelled.
§ Bags to carry equipment should be of reasonable size as space in
cloakrooms is limited.
cloakrooms is limited.
