Bispham Endowed Church of England Primary School
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Bispham Endowed Church of England Primary School School Prospectus
Transcript of Bispham Endowed Church of England Primary School
Bispham Endowed
Church of England
Primary School
School Prospectus
Bispham Endowed Church of England
(Voluntary Controlled) Primary School
Bispham Road
Bispham
Blackpool
FY2 OHH
Headteacher: Mrs Jo Hirst
Chairman of Governors: Dr Julie Woolford
Telephone: 01253 354672 Fax: 01253 596732
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.bisphamendowed.co.uk
BISPHAM ENDOWED CHURCH OF ENGLAND
PRIMARY SCHOOL
OUR MISSION STATEMENT
Dream it,
Believe it,
Work together to achieve it,
In our happy, Christian school.
Welcome to Bispham Endowed Church of England Primary School
We are very pleased that you have chosen to send your child to our school. Starting a new
school is very exciting and there are many things that we are sure your family would like to
know about. We have tried our best to include as much information as possible in this
prospectus, but please do not hesitate to contact us if there are any questions we have not
answered. We look forward to working together to help your child enjoy their time at
Bispham Endowed.
Bispham Endowed Church of England (CE) Primary School is a Voluntary Controlled
Church of England School, which means we operate within a partnership between the
Church of England and the Local Authority, which is Blackpool Council.
Our Mission Statement, seen on the previous page, clearly states that we aim to work
together to ensure that our children achieve all that they can within a happy, Christian
environment. A wide range of learning opportunities are provided for all children to help
them to grow and develop into independent and responsible people.
Our school emblem, seen with our Mission Statement, is one of encouragement: -
a porch way (signifying lessons to learn)
two supporting pillars (honesty and truthfulness)
the keystone (the Christian faith)
the main stones (symbolising charity, sincerity, courage and loyalty), and
the bell which has called generations of children to school (punctuality).
Our school motto, "Shun not the Struggle", typifies the hard working, yet friendly
atmosphere that our school has always enjoyed.
Our school slogan, “Bispham aims to be the best”, means that everyone in school works
together to try to make Bispham Endowed the very best school it can be. To do this we ask
that everyone tries their best in all things at all times.
We believe that we can achieve the best for your child by having a close partnership
between home and school. We recognise that children whose parents and carers take an
active interest in school life do better in every way. We welcome the involvement of
parents, carers and other family members in the life and work of our school and we
appreciate the variety of support you bring to our school. We aim to keep parents and
carers regularly informed of all aspects of their child’s progress and of school news and
events. Members of staff are available most days after school if you would like to talk to
us about your child's learning and development. Please try to come to school events.
Help us, to help you, to help your child. We hope that you will share with us in making
this a happy and successful period of your child's life.
OFSTED SCHOOL
INSPECTION – MAY 2016
What was said:
This is a caring school. Leaders’
strong and effective promotion of
inclusion means this is a school
where all are welcome and each
person is treated with respect.
Outcomes for pupils have
improved since the last
inspection and work in
pupils’ books shows this
improvement is being
sustained and enhanced.
Pupils from all groups, including
the most able and those who are
disadvantaged, achieve well
because of good quality teaching.
Children in the early
years, and particularly
those in the school’s
Nursery, get a good start
to learning.
Leaders have a clear
vision and high
expectations.
Parents are overwhelmingly
supportive of the school and
recognise the improvements that
have been made to the education of
their children.
The behaviour of pupils is good.
Pupils are polite and courteous to
adults and each other.
Pupils enjoy coming to school;
consequently, their attendance is
good and higher than the average
for all groups.
Pupils are proud of
their school and
enjoy coming because
they say teachers
help them to
understand their
learning in lessons.
Pupils’ attitudes to learning are
good; they are eager to learn.
Pupils know how to stay safe in
and out of school, including
while online, because of the
quality of teaching and
guidance they receive
CHURCH SCHOOL INSPECTION
DECEMBER 2019
What was said:
An inclusive school community, in
which all are accepted for
themselves …… with school values
summarised as Faith, Family and
Friendship.
Highly effective pastoral care
together with embedded
nurturing provision and quality
individual support for pupils
and their families, facilitates
all pupils to develop their
potential socially, emotionally
and academically.
Leadership is strong and
inspirational, supported by
dedicated and cherished staff
and committed governors, thus
creating a Christian community
in which all flourish.
Religious Education (RE) has a
clear role within the curriculum,
providing effective connections
with worship and the Christian
values.
Worship is at the
heart of the school,
providing a spiritual
basis for the day
ahead.
Staff are approachable, caring
and compassionate.
Staff know that their well-being
and that of pupils is a
high priority.
Deeply embedded Christian
values have a clear impact on
the highly positive
relationships in school.
Parents and
carers are highly
supportive and
speak of the
school as a ‘school
for all’.
Pupils are welcoming and
friendly, showing a high
degree of respect for all.
Pupils relate their behaviour
to the values, understanding
they have a responsibility to
take care of each other.
ADMISSIONS AND TRANSFERS
We admit children into our Reception classes when their 5th birthday falls between
1st September and 31st August of a particular academic year. Many parents and carers
choose our school because they prefer their child to attend a Church
School. The maximum number of children normally admitted to each
year group is sixty. Parents and carers of new Reception children are
invited to visit school prior to applying for a place, to look around and
hear about the life and work of our school.
Children may be admitted to other year groups if places are available. Such non-routine
admissions take place on a Monday or at the beginning of a new half term if that is more
appropriate. Visits to the school prior to such an admission are encouraged.
Our local secondary schools - Montgomery High School, Blackpool Aspire Academy, Unity
Academy, St Mary’s Catholic Academy and any other high school which parents and carers
choose - make arrangements to see their pupils before transfer and our children visit
their new high school during their last term with us. Throughout the whole year we work
closely with our colleagues in these schools, and we are involved in many shared activities,
to ensure that our children’s transfer to secondary education is as smooth and problem
free as possible.
SCHOOL ORGANISATION
Our school hours are:
Infants 8:55 a.m. – 12 noon Juniors 8:55 a.m. – 12 noon
1:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. 1:00 p.m. – 3:15 p.m.
Morning break time is from 10:30 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. for all children.
We encourage the children to arrive in the school playground by 8:45 a.m. each day. This is
the beginning of our supervision time and the children are allowed into their classrooms
from this time. This enables us to have a calm and smooth start to our working day.
Our school has fifteen classrooms, a hall, an information technology suite, a library and an
administration block, as well as extensive playgrounds, playing fields, trim trails, a Multi
Use Games Area (MUGA) and an outdoor learning area which includes an allotment, a
nature trail and an outdoor worship area. The children are grouped into two mixed ability
classes within each age group. The staff involved in teaching each year group discuss and
prepare their work together within the context of the overall curriculum and both classes
work on identical schemes of work and projects and share resources.
OUR STAFF
Headteacher: Mrs Hirst
Deputy Headteacher: Miss Haslam
Assistant Headteachers: Mrs Bell
Teachers: Mr Ackerley Mrs Anderton Mr Ball
Mr Baxter Mrs Bowie Mrs Crashley
Mrs Daniels Mrs Dow Mrs Gorman
Miss Hartley Mr Harrison Mrs Henrys
Miss Hewson Mrs Innes Mr Jones
Mrs McGlynn Miss Olley Mrs Riding
Mr Small Ms Wood Mrs Woodcock
Nursery Nurses: Miss Bornand Mrs Ollerenshaw Mrs Rigby
Teaching Assistants: Mrs Barry Mrs Bunce Mrs Clark
Miss Coker Ms Cook Mrs Edgar
Mrs Ellarby Miss Green Mrs Hague
Mrs Kenny Mrs McCann Mrs Moore
Mrs Sage Mrs Shepherdson Mrs Weir
Special Support Assistants Mrs Bleasdale Mrs Beatty Mrs Bunce
Mrs Edgar Mrs Kenny Mrs Latham
Mrs Maher Mrs Weir
Behaviour, Pastoral & Safeguarding Lead: Mrs Farina
Whole School Additional Needs Support Assistant: Miss Harcourt
Senior Lunchtime Supervisor: Mrs Wright
Lunchtime Supervisors: Mrs Crank Mrs Clark Miss Coker
Miss Downie Mrs Duquemin Miss Harcourt
Miss Searle Mrs Wilson
Office Staff: Mrs Baron Mrs Collier Miss James
Site Supervisor: Mr Chadwick
Cleaning Staff: Mrs Bleasdale Mrs Dodgson Miss Kauca
Kitchen Staff: Miss Cooke Mrs Loftus Mrs Kenyon
Mrs Wilson
BECC’s Staff: Mrs Barry Ms Cook Mrs Duquemin
Mrs Ellarby Mrs Latham Mrs Searle
Mrs Tobin Mrs Wilson
SCHOOL UNIFORM
We are grateful to our parents and carers for their support of our school uniform policy
which means that our children are less likely to compare and compete with each other
about fashion clothing. All children wear our easily obtainable uniform and visitors
regularly comment upon their smart appearance. Lost property is always a problem in any
school, so we would ask you to label all your items of your child’s clothing and belongings
and encourage him/her to look after all his/her possessions.
Juniors White shirt or blouse with school tie (royal blue and red diagonal stripes)
Royal blue ‘V’ neck sweater/cardigan with embroidered school badge
(available from Bispham Clothing) OR
Royal blue ‘V’ neck jumper/cardigan
Long / short grey trousers, pinafore, skirt or culottes
Grey or white ankle or knee length socks (not trainer socks) or
grey tights
Sensible black school shoes
(Trainers, pumps and long or short boots should not be worn for school)
Summer: White polo shirt with/without embroidered school badge
Girls: blue gingham dresses/skirts and tops Black/blue/white sandals
Infants White polo shirt
Royal blue round neck sweatshirt with embroidered school badge
(available from Bispham Clothing) OR
Royal blue round neck sweatshirt or a cardigan
Long or short grey trousers, pinafore, skirt or culottes
Grey or white ankle or knee length socks (not trainer socks)
Sensible black school shoes
(Trainers, pumps and long or short boots should not be worn for school)
Summer: White polo shirt with/without embroidered school badge
Girls: blue gingham dresses /skirts and tops Black/blue/white sandals
Jewellery
Jewellery is not allowed in school unless an item needs to be worn for medical or religious
reasons. For health and safety reasons the wearing of earrings must be limited to studs
only and earrings CANNOT be worn for PE.
PE
Children require a white T-shirt, black shorts and pumps. P.E. kit should be left in school
each week and only taken home to be washed at the end of each half term.
Swimming
Children in Years 4 and 5 have swimming lessons at Moor
Park Health and Leisure Centre. A letter is sent home at the start of each year giving
details of what kit the children need to have for swimming.
Art & Craft
During their time at school, the children will be involved in a number of potentially messy
art and craft activities. As school uniform is a costly item it is our
recommendation that you provide your child with some protective garment.
Either an ‘old shirt’ or painting apron would be useful. We cannot be held
responsible for any damage caused to children’s clothing unless it is as a
result of negligence on the school’s part.
SCHOOL ROUTINES
Break time
We encourage healthy eating and drinking in all year groups. Milk is
available for all children whose parents and carers wish them to
have it. At present milk is provided free for all children by Blackpool
Council. All children are provided with a piece of fruit or vegetable each
day through the National Fruit and Vegetable Scheme, and Blackpool
Council’s Free Breakfast Scheme. Other snacks or food should not be brought to school.
Children who do not wish to have school milk may bring a named plastic bottle or drink
container of still, unflavoured water for their break time drink. Special ‘school water
bottles’ can be purchased from the School Office and all water bottles should be taken
home each night to be washed. Water coolers providing filtered, chilled water are installed
throughout the school giving staff and children access to fresh water at any time.
Lunchtime
School meals, which are provided by Blackpool Council’s Catering Service, are cooked on
the premises in our own school kitchen. A varied menu, including a range of healthy options,
and giving a choice of two main courses (one vegetarian) is available each
day. Any dietary requirements can be catered for.
Packed lunches may be brought as an alternative to school meals, but
must be in a named plastic or material lunch box (not a plastic carrier
bag as these are easily squashed on the packed lunch storage trolleys), with
drinks in a carton or small, screw top, unbreakable container. Please do not
send cans or glass bottles or any kind of fizzy drinks and please include a
spoon if your child has a yoghurt or dessert. Please try to support our healthy eating policy
by not sending chocolate bars and sweets in packed lunches. We currently have a number
of children in school who have severe nut allergies, therefore please do not send any items
of food in your child’s packed lunch that contain either nuts or peanuts e.g. snickers bars
and peanut butter. The children, whether they have school meals or a packed lunch, all eat
together in the hall and we encourage good table manners and politeness at all times.
Please note that a week’s notice in writing is required if your child wishes to change their
meal arrangements.
Money in School
Dinner money is collected in school each Monday morning. The correct
amount should be in a sealed envelope showing your child's name, class and
the amount enclosed; cheques should be made payable to 'Blackpool
Borough Council’. The School Office has information about the current
cost of school meals. Other money sent into school for tickets for events, school visits
etc. should always be in a sealed and labelled envelope. We cannot accept loose change.
Personal Belongings
Children do not need to bring large bags to school as PE bags and lunch boxes are stored
separately. Apart from being unnecessary, large bags also present a health and safety
hazard in our limited cloakroom space. We have available for purchase in school, ‘book bags’
(with Bispham Endowed printed on them) which are capable of carrying the children’s
homework, letters and reading books without creating storage difficulties.
Children may wear an analogue (not digital) wristwatch but should first
complete a permission form, which is available from the School Office, as
school cannot take responsibility for watches that are lost.
Valuables and other personal belongings, such as money, fit-bits, mobile telephones,
I-pods, electronic games, pencil cases, stickers, toys and games (including electronic
devices) should not be brought to school. We cannot accept responsibility for any such
items which the children do bring to school.
HOME-SCHOOL LINKS
‘BECC's’ - Bispham Endowed Care Club
Our before and after school care is provided by a team of staff who
are employed by the Governing Board and managed by the school. These
care clubs are very popular and well attended. Children who go to the
clubs are always very happy to do so. The children are supervised by a
group of trained staff, many of whom also work in other roles in school
during the day. A variety of activities are provided each session, together with a snack and
a drink, in a relaxed and caring environment.
Breakfast Club is open from 7:45 a.m. to 8:45 a.m. each day and the After School Club is
open from 3:15 p.m. to 5:45 p.m. each day. These Clubs are staffed by a Supervisor and a
team of Play Workers. A registration fee is payable and a charge is made for each session.
Further information can be found in the BECC’s leaflet available from the School Office or
by telephoning 07852 108341. If no-one is available when you phone, a message can be
left on the answer phone.
Bispham Buddies
All parents and carers are members of Bispham Buddies which was established in
September 1990 (as our Parents, Teachers and Friends Association or PTFA). The Buddies
provide valuable support for our children's learning through the subsiding of whole school
events and activities and an educational visit for each child each year and
the financing of a range of resources for school such as lunchtime play
equipment, wet play games, extra library and classroom books, outdoor
seating, outdoor play equipment, cameras and many other items. They also
plan and organise a range of social events for both children and families
throughout the year. These include a Christmas Fair, a Summer Sponsored Event, a
Chocolate Bingo Night, a Quiz Night, Children’s Discos and Entertainment Evenings. Please
do come along and join in whenever you can, as a helper and/or supporter. Buddies’
meetings take place approximately once each half term.
Headlines
This is our weekly newsletter which is published on our website every
Wednesday. A text message is sent to each family to remind them when
it is available. The newsletter keeps you up to date with what is
happening in school, celebrates our successes and gives you details of forthcoming events,
clubs, fundraising and charity work as well as lots of other details and information about
our school. On other occasions separate letters are sent home giving details of school
visits, open evenings and sporting events.
School Website
Our school website can be found at www.bisphamendowed.co.uk. The website will keep you
up to date with letters sent home, school meals menus and school news and includes links
to our school blogs and to our Twitter account which is @BisphamEndowed.
Parent/Carer-Teacher Consultations
These are held twice a year in the autumn and spring terms and give parents and carers an
opportunity to see their child’s work and discuss their learning and progress with the class
teacher. A short written progress and effort report is provided at these consultations. A
written report is sent home at the end of the summer term providing a summary of your
child’s progress and achievements during the year. Parents and carers are also welcome to
make an appointment to speak to their child’s class teacher at any time during the school
year if they have any worries or concerns about their child’s learning or progress.
Helping in School
We are always very keen to encourage as many parents and carers and other adults as
possible to become directly involved in the life of the school and in their child's education.
A system of classroom support is in operation and any parent and carer (or other family
member) wishing to help in school during the school day is very welcome to do so. Please
contact the School Office or your child's teacher if you are interested in having further
details.
HOMEWORK
Our homework policy encourages parents and carers to be involved in their child’s learning.
Your support with reading and learning number bonds, times tables and spellings is always
appreciated. Work which comes home, or is set through an educational website, may be
intended to consolidate work done in the classroom or to lead children to pursue their own
lines of enquiry or to prepare work for a future lesson.
There are many ways in which parents and carers can help their child with their learning
including:
encouraging them to have a positive attitude to learning;
encouraging and supporting them as they work at home;
checking presentation, handwriting and spelling;
testing what has been set to be learnt;
listening to them read what they have written;
asking them to explain what they have been doing.
These are all ways of helping children to appreciate the importance of their learning.
Children all work at different speeds and so homework will take longer for some children
than for others. If your child has regular difficulties with homework, we would encourage
you to get in touch with us. Similarly, we will get in touch with parents and carers if we
feel there are frequent problems over homework which you could help us resolve. Please
remember that homework is an integral part of your child’s work in school. Please
encourage them to develop a positive attitude towards completing homework tasks.
Encouraging a positive attitude towards homework
We often find that children who manage their work most successfully are those whose
parents and carers help them to work at their own pace and, at the same time, see that
they have time for their own interests. Give them time to get over
the school day if needed, and time to discover their own ways of
working. It is good to help children to work out a routine for
themselves, because what works for one in the family does not
necessarily work for another. As children progress through the
school, they will increasingly be expected to work and learn on their own. Homework can be
an invaluable midway stage between direct learning and independent private study when
they are much older.
When should homework be done?
Some parents and carers might say, ‘As soon as you get home from school’ but others will
say, ‘Have a break or watch television first’. Making rules about ‘when’ does not always
work. It is easy enough to say, ‘No T.V. until you have finished your homework', but it is
difficult for a child to go up to their room with homework while the rest of the family
watch T.V. On the other hand, homework begun late is unlikely to be well done.
We advise parents and carers to decide with their children themselves when and where
homework is to be done and remember that younger children do need the company of an
adult both as an encouragement and to ensure the tasks set are completed correctly.
Parents and carers are encouraged to liaise with the class teacher if they feel there are
any concerns or issues arising from their child’s homework.
CHURCH LINKS
We have very strong links with our Parish Church of All Hallows, Bispham.
Our Rector, Rev’d Canon Dr. Simon Cox, and our Curate, Rev’d Tom
Woolford, visit school every week to lead a whole school assembly in which
the children participate. Other clergy from All Hallows may also lead whole
school or year group worship on a regular basis. Children are encouraged to
work for The Rector’s Certificate which presented to those who have
learnt and understood The Lord’s Prayer.
The junior children attend our parish church at Christmas for our Carol
Service and at the end of the summer term for our End of Year Service.
We participate in the All Hallows’ Harvest celebrations with our harvest
produce gifts being distributed throughout the parish.
Bispham Parish Mission regularly donates books for our library. Many of our children also
attend the All Hallows ‘Messy Church’ and ‘All Stars’ events at the parish church. Church
activities and social events are publicised via our weekly newsletter.
COMMUNITY LINKS
Members of the local community are regularly welcomed into school to join in with our
events, to share their expertise with the children and to support the children’s learning.
We also take children on visits within the community as an extension of their work. Our
school benefits from a great deal of support from the local community but we are also
keen to offer support where we can. The following groups of people regularly come into
school.
EMERGENCY SERVICES – We have very strong links with our local community police
officers. They work with our children as part of their ‘people who help us’ topics and
provide support and guidance for all age groups in terms of ‘Stranger Danger’ and other
safety initiatives. Our local fire officers give talks about fire safety to children in Year 2
and Year 6 and the paramedic ambulance team talk to the children about their work.
HEALTH - The school dentist visits from time to time to carry out whole school
inspections. A dental nurse gives a series of talks to our infant and junior children about
the importance of looking after their teeth. Our School Nurse visits school regularly to
check children's general health; she supports us in our science and PSHE work and is also
available to meet with our families who wish to discuss any health related issues. The
school audiologist may also work in school to test children’s hearing. Many of these
professionals also take part in our whole school Health Week during the summer term.
INDUSTRY and BUSINESS - We have built up many worthwhile links with
local businesses leading to sponsorships and further opportunities for
children’s learning. Local firms and shops willingly donate prizes for our
Christmas Fair.
LIFE EDUCATION CENTRE - The Life Education Centres’ mobile classroom visits school
annually to support the children’s work in Personal, Social and Health Education.
CHARITY WORK AND FUNDRAISING
As a church school we always try to think of those in need who deserve our support and
generosity. Much of our charity work is co-ordinated through The Good Samaritan Fund.
The children are invited to contribute a small amount of money to our Good Samaritan
Fund each week. Monitors collect for the fund each week and we have a collection box for
loose change in the school entrance. Donations from the fund are sent regularly to the
various charities which we support during the year. The children themselves, through our
School Council, choose which charities we support. The help which our chosen charities
provide covers many things, but each charity must do one of the following: -
1. Give relief from poverty.
2. Help with education.
3. Be of benefit to our community.
We also support a variety of special national fundraising events on an annual basis. In the
past few years we have supported the following charities:
Jeans for Genes Comic Relief / Sport Relief
Leprosy Mission Action Medical Research
Bishop of Blackburn Harvest Appeal Christian Aid
MacMillan Cancer Care Free the Children
Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal Tools for Self Reliance
Morafe School in Bloemfontein Trinity Hospice for the Fylde
BBC Children in Need Salvation Army
Raynauds and Scleroderma Association Brian House Children’s Hospice
CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
In our school we have regard to the SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities)
Code of Practice (September 2014) on the identification and assessment of children’s
special educational needs (SEN) and we make provision for children who have SEN in line
with this Code of Practice.
We recognise and value each child as an individual with their own unique
abilities, skills and talents. All our children have the same entitlement to
the full range of the school curriculum and we are committed to making
the curriculum accessible to all children through differentiation of work,
varied teaching styles and providing a range of resources and equipment
according to individual needs. Parents and carers are kept fully informed
about their child’s progress and are advised at an early stage if a teacher is worried about
their child’s progress, so enabling children with special educational needs to be identified
and supported appropriately. If at any time you are concerned about your child’s learning
and progress, please contact school.
Through the school’s general assessment procedures and processes, class teachers
identify children who may have special educational needs and bring them to the attention
of Mrs Barbara Innes, who acts as Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) as
part of her role as Inclusion Manager in our school. Monitoring of these children by both
the class teacher and the SENCO may lead to a child being placed on the Special
Educational Needs Register.
Children who are placed on the register at the ‘Concern’ stage are carefully monitored by
the class teacher who may also request advice from the SENCO. At this first stage, work
and tasks within the classroom are appropriately differentiated, and targeted intervention
using support staff, may also be employed. Children at ‘SEN Support’ have a Personalised
Plan (formerly known as an Individual Education Plan or IEP) which sets out specific
targets to enable the children to address their difficulties and overcome them. At this
stage, they may also have access to support from outside services and agencies which
provide additional help for the child in whatever capacity is required. Some children at the
next stage on the register may have an Education, Health and Care Plan (formerly known as
a Statement of Special Educational Needs). Class teachers, working with our SENCO,
produce each Personalised Plan and these are regularly reviewed with parents and carers
and, where appropriate, with the child. Each child’s progress is monitored through close
co-operation and in partnership with the class teacher, SENCO and parents and carers.
An allocation of funding is made each year in the school budget for the
support of children with special educational needs. This finances some of
the hours worked by classroom teaching assistants who work alongside
children with SEN in the classroom situation, finances special support
assistants who work with individuals and small groups of children with SEN
and funds resources, materials and equipment specifically needed by these children.
We work in close co-operation in school with a range of external support services and
agencies based in the Local Authority, the Primary Care Health Trust, Blackpool Council
and the local community to ensure that all children with SEND have the opportunity to
reach their full potential.
The Governing Board’s Policy for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities actively
encourages all groups within the school community – parents and carers, staff and
governors – to be involved in the education of children with SEND and it is regularly
reviewed and updated. The SEND Policy has been updated in line with the SEND Code of
Practice (September 2014) and continues to be successfully implemented. If you would like
to see a copy of this policy, please contact the School Office or look on our school
website.
Our school also includes a Special Education Resource Facility (SERF) called the Smile
Centre which supports a small number of junior aged children from
other schools in Blackpool who have emotional, behavioural and social
difficulties. These children spend four days a week in the Smile Centre,
where they learn how to cope with and adjust to day to day classroom
life and work, and then return to their own school for one day each
week.
The Principal Special Educational Needs Officer for Blackpool Borough Council is based at
Number One Bickerstaffe Square, Blackpool, FY1 3HS.
CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES
The Disability Discrimination Act 1995 defines a disabled person as one who has “a
physical or mental impairment which has a substantial and long-term adverse effect on a
person’s ability to carry out normal day to day activities”.
Bispham Endowed Church of England Primary School aims to be an inclusive school and
provide equal opportunities for all. The Governors are concerned to provide an education
for all children wherever possible within a mainstream education setting.
Children who are defined as disabled within the act are admitted according
to the Local Authority’s admission policy considered in conjunction with the
school’s Inclusion Policy. Upon admission the needs of each child are
carefully and sensitively assessed by the class teacher and the school’s
Inclusion and Integration Manager working closely with other agencies such as the Local
Authority, Social Care and the local Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs) and appropriate
provision is made.
As a school, Bispham Endowed strives to make every reasonable
adjustment to enable pupils, parents and carers, staff and visitors to
take a full and active part in the everyday life and work of our school.
Ramps at the front of the school, in the inner quadrangle and into the
Burnside Pavilion facilitate wheelchair access to the building. The
school has three disabled toilets suitable for adults and children and adaptations for
physically disabled children have been made in three sets of children’s toilets so far. The
front entrance to school has automatic doors and the administration block has a low level
‘reception’ window and wide doors to all rooms.
Ongoing adjustments are made to the building as part of our daily work. For example, the
Office Team readily provide assistance for sensory impaired and
other disabled visitors to school. The school’s Disability Equality
Scheme, which includes its accessibility plan, is in place and
improvement work has already been undertaken. Other alterations
and improvements to the building which will make the school more
easily accessible for people with disabilities will be made in the next few years as part of
the overall plan to improve the building through minor works projects.
HEALTH, WELFARE AND SAFETY
The health, welfare and safety of all our children is very important to us. Everyone in the
school community is made aware of their responsibilities to each other and we work hard
to create and maintain an atmosphere which is caring and supportive. Bispham Endowed
Church of England Primary School has fine surroundings and everyone in school takes pride
in them and is encouraged to look after them.
Medicines in School
Nationally in the past few years, several problems and legal issues have arisen when school
staff have volunteered to administer medicines to children. Therefore, we follow the
recommended practice, which is supported by our Governing Board, that parents and
carers are responsible for the administration of medical treatment during the school day.
Please do not send any form of medication, including prescribed or over the counter
medicines, treatments, creams, lotions, lip balms, cough sweets etc. into
school with your child as we are not able to administer the medication nor are
we able to supervise your child self administering any medication. However,
you are welcome to come into school during the day and administer any
medicines or treatments.
Exceptions are made to this policy for those children who have long term medical
conditions, such as asthma, epilepsy, diabetes, eczema and severe allergic reactions, which
require ongoing, daily treatment. With the agreement of the Headteacher, specific
arrangements are made in such cases for the children to have and use medication in school.
In very exceptional cases it may be agreed that a child can self-administer medication,
but this will only be possible with the prior agreement of the Headteacher and if the
parents or carers provide the following written details to be kept with the medication:
1. name of child and class
2. name/dosage (only the necessary amount should come into school)/timing storage.
First Aid
Many members of our staff are qualified First Aiders/Paediatric First
Aiders. A first aid kit is kept in each classroom and working area of the
school. All staff follow our agreed school policies if, for example, a child
has an asthma attack or a bump on the head. If a child becomes unwell
during the school day, the class teacher may recommend that parents or
carers be contacted. It is vital that you keep us up to date with the emergency contact
numbers for your child so that we can reach you or someone on your behalf if necessary.
Security
We try to make our school inviting and welcoming but at the same time ensure that
everyone is able to work and play safely and securely. All visitors coming to school during
the school day, including parents and carers who wish to speak to a member of staff and
also adult helpers, must enter through the main front doors and report to the School
Office. Visitors are asked to sign in and out and to wear a brightly coloured and highly
visible badge whilst they are in school. There are security doors, operated by
an electronic key pad, between the main entrance reception area and the main
school. Keypads are fitted to doorways that are not easily visible and to the
entrance door to the Burnside Pavilion which is used for teaching and by the
Bispham Endowed Care Club. Security locks are fitted to all external exit
doors used by the children. The two playground gates, the large blue gates at
the end of the drive and the Nursery gate are locked during the school day. An intruder
alarm system is activated when school is closed. The alarm system is subject to regular
checks and maintenance by an external company.
Children are supervised throughout the day and are allowed directly into classrooms from
8:45 a.m. At 3:15 p.m. Reception and Year 1 children are collected directly from their
classrooms by parents and carers and are closely supervised by staff as they leave. Year 2
children are collected from the playground by parents and carers and children in Years 3
to 6 are encouraged to meet their parents and carers in the school grounds rather than
near the main road. Support staff check that external doors are secure at various points
during the day. Any child leaving the school premises during the day to attend an
appointment must be collected by an adult and signed out of and back into school.
Fire
Our fire alarm system and our emergency lighting system are tested regularly. The whole
school have regular fire practices when we evacuate the building under timed conditions.
All fire exits are always kept free. The names of children arriving later than 8.55 a.m. are
recorded in the late book, which is kept in the School Office, to ensure that all children
are accounted for in case of an emergency.
Car Park
The school car park is for staff, visitors and disabled drivers only. Parents and carers
should not use the car park when dropping off and collecting children
unless they have a current disabled driver’s permit. Many parents and
carers use the Council land between school and the Community Centre
for parking. Our School Crossing Patrols are on duty each morning and
evening to see children and adults across the zebra crossing on Bispham Road. Children and
adults must enter the school grounds through the pedestrian gates and not through the
main vehicle gates.
School Travel Plan
As a school we are committed to the safety and security of our children on their journey
to and from school. Our school also recognises the need to promote more sustainable,
healthier and safer forms of travel to school in order to reduce the dependence of
parents and carers on the car as the sole means of transport to and from school. Our
School Travel Plan was produced following consultation with pupils, parents and carers,
staff, governors, representatives of the local community and Blackpool Council. It aims to
improve pupil safety, reduce the congestion and pollution caused by the ‘school run’ and to
encourage more environmentally friendly travel methods to be used.
Road Safety
Road safety education involves developing a range of skills and knowledge that will enable
children to become aware of, and competent in, the traffic environment.
As a school we actively support the development of positive attitudes
towards road usage. Where practical we integrate road safety themes and
topics into the curriculum. For example, the whole school have general
talks on road safety during Road Safety Awareness Week each year and
Year 6 pupils take part in Bikeability training. Each year two children from Year 5 and two
children from Year 6 are appointed as Junior Road Safety Officers (JRSOs) to help the
Travel and Road Safety Team promote road safety throughout the school community.
Regular efforts are made to work in partnership with parents and carers in order to
further encourage safe practices on or near the road, through the provision of relevant
publicity materials and information. If you bring your children to and from school by car,
please be aware that from Monday to Friday between 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. there is
no parking or stopping to drop off / collect on the zig zag markings outside school.
This is enforced by the police and is for the safety of your children. To reduce congestion
on the pavements outside school, parents and carers are encouraged to wait within the
playgrounds, away from the pedestrian gateways, when collecting children from school.
Safeguarding
In our school the Behaviour, Pastoral & Safeguarding Lead, Mrs Farina, takes the role of
Designated Safeguarding Lead. The Headteacher and the Deputy Headteacher are both
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads. We work closely with Blackpool Social Care and
other professionals involved in safeguarding children and their families. Parents/carers
who have any concerns or worries about a child are asked to contact us straight away.
DISCIPLINE AND BEHAVIOUR
Our staff are concerned not only with for the academic progress of your child, but also
for their personal and social development.
We try to combine our high standards and high expectations for behaviour with a
sympathetic approach. Sometimes problems do occur in school and then we involve parents
and carers at an early stage, rather than leave it until later. We hope that you, as parents
and carers, will do the same with us and let us know of anything which may be affecting
your child’s behaviour. A new baby in the family, a sudden death or some upset at home can
cause your child to behave differently at school, just as worry over school work or a fall
out with a friend can cause you problems at home.
Our school has a very successful ‘Happy School’ ethos using “Smiles, Chuckles and
Ha Ha Ha” as our logo. Throughout the year children and staff talk about the ethos and
the logo and we all are keen to make sure that our school remains a HAPPY SCHOOL.
Our Behaviour Policy is clear in its aim to promote a positive approach to discipline and
behaviour with rewards which include verbal praise, table points, various types of reward
stickers and smiley faces, letters home, badges, certificates and many, many more. Each
week the ‘Getting it Right’ Good Behaviour Award is given to all classes where children
have had a positive attitude to learning and whose behaviour both in and out of the
classroom has been acceptable and appropriate. Each class and phase in school also have
their own behaviour reward schemes which operate on a daily, weekly or half termly basis.
When necessary, sanctions are applied ranging from the removal of privileges, losing
playtimes or lunchtimes, doing extra work and writing a letter of apology. Children in the
juniors whose unacceptable behaviour has upset other members of the school community -
staff and/or children - may be asked to undertake ‘Community Pay Back’ where they spend
their playtimes or lunchtimes doing tasks which help our school.
The ‘Good Behaviour Promise’ and our School Rules are key elements of our ‘Happy
School’ Policy and are displayed throughout the school and can be seen on the following two
pages.
A Happy School
Good Behaviour Promise
At Bispham Endowed we will:
Play together sensibly and carefully.
Respect each other, people’s property
and the school environment.
Only walk quietly around school.
Make it as easy as possible for the
staff to teach and for all to learn.
Impress others by being polite, well
mannered, thoughtful and helpful.
Show kindness and be caring to
others.
Every day in every way try to do our
best.
By keeping this promise we all make sure
that Bispham Endowed is a happy school.
School Rules
Walk around the building sensibly.
Only stay in school if a member
of staff is with you.
Only walk quietly around school.
Use the pedestrian gates and
walk on paths.
Wear your uniform correctly.
Eat and drink healthily at playtime
and at lunchtime.
Put any litter you see in the bin.
Look after other people.
Look after our school.
Look after the environment.
Each week one child in each class is chosen to be that week’s Super
Pupil and they receive a certificate and a special badge to wear for
the week.
For children who find playing out sensibly and
appropriately on the playground a challenge, we
operate ‘Blue Space’ which is supervised by members of our Support
Staff Team. Here children learn to play through a structured programme
of activities and learning experiences.
If children find it hard to make friends and socialise they are invited to our Happy
Playtime Club which is also supervised by a member of our Support Staff Team and takes
place on a smaller and quieter playground.
During their final year in school, in Year 6, some children are chosen by the staff to be
School Monitors. Monitors carry out a range of jobs in school helping both the staff and
the younger children.
SCHOOL COUNCIL
Council Meetings
Council Meetings are held in school time and are chaired by members of the teaching
staff. Representatives of the teaching staff, support staff and governors may also be
present. Other children attend on an agreed basis.
Representatives
Two children from each class in Years 1 to 6 are selected to be their class
representatives - a councillor and a deputy. Each class devises their own fair
method of sending each class member in turn as a delegate.
The Council's Remit
Everyone understands that the remit of the council is to debate issues, make
recommendations and to undertake duties/responsibilities. These recommendations are
then forwarded to the appropriate body - staff, governors and parents and carers where
the recommendations are discussed and either agreed or a reasoned refusal given. The
naming of staff or other children in a critical way is not allowed, although general points
may be acceptable. A small annual budget is available to the Council.
Evaluation Meetings
An annual review takes place in each class which can then form agenda items for the
following year.
ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY
Attendance at school by children of compulsory school age is a legal requirement. We have
very high standards for attendance and pride ourselves on being one of the top primary
schools in Blackpool for attendance and punctuality. We expect all children to attend
school each day on time unless they are ill. Broken weeks due to repeated absences and
persistent absence (less than 90% attendance) seriously disrupt children’s learning.
We have a comprehensive series of rewards in the form of certificates, mascots, stickers
and trophies, for both individuals and classes, which encourage the children to attend
school regularly and arrive on time each day. We also have a 100% Club which children join
each term if they have no absences and no late marks. Our weekly newsletters keep
parents and carers informed about attendance and punctuality in school.
We are legally required to record all children’s absences as either authorised or
unauthorised. Only the school can authorise absence from school; parents and carers
cannot authorise absence from school. School does not authorise an absence due to illness
for any child whose attendance rate is less than 93% without first obtaining medical
evidence. Such evidence could be an appointment card for the doctor, the hospital or the
walk-in centre, the back of a prescription or a medication bottle/box prescribed by a
medical practitioner.
If your child is late for any reason they should enter school through the main front door
and report to the School Office as the children’s doors will all be closed for security
reasons. Their name will be entered into the Late Arrivals Book.
Please try to make dental and doctors’ appointments out of school hours or in school
holidays wherever possible so that your child’s learning is not disrupted during the school
day.
We strongly discourage parents and carers from removing their children from school for
holidays in term time. This is well known to have a detrimental effect on children’s learning
and progress. As of 1st September 2013 schools can no longer authorise holidays in
school time. (Previously schools could authorise up to 10 days in any school year.)
100% Club
In order to meet our safeguarding responsibilities, we would ask that parents and carers
who do choose to take a holiday in school time complete a ‘holiday form’ which can be
obtained from the School Office, informing us of the dates on which their child will not be
attending school; a copy of the form will then be returned to you.
In July 2015 the Governing Board of our school agreed that penalty notices for non-
attendance may be issued in cases of unauthorised absence. The circumstances in which a
penalty notice may be issued include:
Parentally condoned absence
Unauthorised leave i.e. holidays taken in term time
Unwarranted delayed return from authorised leave
Persistent late arrival after the register has closed
Pupil absence in 2018/2019
School England
Overall absence 3.5% 4.0%
Persistent absence 4.6% 8.2%
(less than 90% attendance)
The term dates for our school for the current year and the next academic year can be
found on our school website at www.bisphamendowed.co.uk in the School Calendar and
Term Dates section.
THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM
Bispham Endowed Church of England Primary School is committed to providing a curriculum
which fulfils the requirements of the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum and the
National Curriculum and their assessment arrangements; has regard to Blackpool Local
Authority’s Curriculum Policy and meets the highest possible standards in terms of
educational quality.
Each child has access to a broad, balanced and differentiated curriculum, with built in
continuity and progression supported by the sound tradition in this school for whole-school
and year-group planning. We continually review and evaluate the curriculum and then adapt
it whenever necessary to ensure it is relevant and meets the needs of all of our children.
Parents and carers are encouraged to become involved in their child's learning and
progress throughout their time in school.
The Stages of the Curriculum
The term KEY STAGE is now as familiar as 'infants' and 'juniors'. There are five stages,
known as key stages, which your child will pass through during their academic school life.
Foundation Stage: 3- 5 year olds
Key Stage 1: 5 - 7 year olds
Key Stage 2: 7 -11 year olds
Key Stage 3: 11-14 year olds
Key Stage 4: 14 -16 year olds
Foundation Stage
In Reception your child’s learning and development is based around The Early Years
Foundation Stage Curriculum. During this stage your child will cover seven areas of
learning:
Communication and language
Physical development
Personal, social and emotional development
Literacy
Mathematics
Understanding the world
Expressive arts and design
Each area of learning is implemented through planned, purposeful play and a mixture of
adult-led and child-initiated activity.
Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2
English, Mathematics and Science are Core Subjects in the National Curriculum and all
schools must by law ensure that all children from age 5 to 16 years devote a significant
proportion of their time-table to these subjects.
Throughout Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 children must also study a range of Foundation
Subjects. These are art & design, computing, design & technology, languages, geography,
history, music and physical education.
Religious Education is also taught in both Key Stages and provision is also made for
personal, social, health and economic education.
Assessment
Children are assessed on entry to the Reception class using in part the information from
any pre-school setting they have attended. Ongoing assessments play an important part in
the learning and development process. These, usually in the form of observations, are
undertaken by the staff in the reception classes throughout your child’s first year in
school. At the end of the year, the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile will be completed
for your child, identifying your child’s knowledge, understanding and abilities compared to
the Early Learning Goals.
National Curriculum testing takes place at the end of Year 1 (phonics screening), at the
end of Key Stage One, when the children are in Year 2, when the children are in Year 4
(times tables) and at the end of Key Stage Two, when the children are in Year 6. The
children are assessed by their teacher and also take a series of nationally determined
tests called Standard Assessment Tests (SATs) to determine their level of attainment.
The introduction of the new National Curriculum in 2014 led to changes to the way that
children are assessed. They are now assessed against a series of national expected
standards for reading, writing, mathematics and science. Termly and annual school reports
inform you if your child is currently ‘on track’ to be working at the expected standard in
these subjects at the end of Key Stage One or Key Stage Two.
It is important to remember that children are all individuals and as such they will each
make progress at different rates throughout their time in Key Stage One and then Key
Stage 2. As such not all children will be working at the expected standard at the end of
Year 2 and Year 6 and some children may be working at a greater depth within the
expected standard at these points in their school life.
INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Following a great deal of investment in Information and Communication Technology
equipment, the school has a wide range of high quality resources which greatly enhance the
teaching and learning which takes place across the whole curriculum.
Our ICT Suite, which has recently been re-furbished, houses sixteen networked
computers allowing whole classes to work together in timetabled ICT lessons when the
children can all have real ‘hands on’ experience of ICT. Each classroom has an interactive
whiteboard and projector, two networked desk top computers, a networked lap top
computer and a chrome book. Children in the infants and the juniors also have access to
chrome books and I-pads. All networked computers provide access to the Blackpool
Intranet and the internet. A ‘managed wireless system’ ensures that the internet can be
accessed both indoors and outdoors throughout the school. Internet usage is carefully
monitored through the Local Authority’s ‘firewall’ and internet access by the children is
always directly supervised by adults.
SEX AND RELATIONSHIPS EDUCATION
Relationships and Sex Education falls within the general framework of the school's
curriculum and is in accordance with the requirements of section 46 of the 1986 Education
Act which states that: 'Sex Education should be given in such a manner as to encourage
pupils to have due regard to moral considerations and the value of family life'. The general
policy of our school is that the content and organisation of any programme of relationships
and sex education is incorporated into the teaching of Religious Education, Personal, Social
and Health Education (PSHE) and Science. The Governors feel that information on the
subject of human reproduction and puberty should be part of the normal education
provision in the school and extracts from videos may be used as a natural part of the
relevant study unit in the Upper Juniors. Any parents and carers who so wish, have the
opportunity to view the video prior to it being shown to the children.
Parents and carers have the right to withdraw their child from the sex and relationship
programme that we teach in our school over and above science (Education Act 1993). If a
parent or carer wishes their child to be withdrawn for these lessons, they should discuss
this with the Headteacher, and make it clear which aspects of the programme they do not
wish their child to participate in.
MUSIC
In addition to the music lessons provided through our school
curriculum, we offer a range of opportunities for children to
develop their musical skills and interests. All children in Year 3
learn to play the recorder as part of the national Wider
Opportunities Music Scheme. We regularly have visits from professional
musicians and whenever possible the children attend concerts given by
professional orchestras. We hold an annual Music Extravaganza Evening when
junior children who play a musical instrument or sing have the opportunity to
perform in front of an audience of families and friends.
We have a junior choir who practise in school each week and who take part in a range of
events including the Blackpool Choir of the Year competition and the Blackpool Music
Service Annual Christmas Festival. They are also invited to sing at events in the local
community. We have our own specialist music teacher in school, Mr Paul Harrison, who
provides tuition in recorder and violin. In addition, the Blackpool Music Service provides
instrumental tuition in woodwind, brass, keyboard and strings by arranging lessons with our
specialist peripatetic teachers. A small charge is made for these external lessons.
Foundation Stage and Infant children also take part in ‘Tiddly Om Pom-Poms’ – a music
programme for younger children which is led by a specialist teacher.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND COLLECTIVE WORSHIP
Bispham Endowed Church of England Primary School is a voluntary controlled Church of
England school within the Diocese of Blackburn.
The religious education taught in the school is mainly in
accordance with the Local Authority's Agreed Syllabus but it is
supplemented, where relevant, by specific Church of England
teaching.
The content of the religious education syllabus is mainly Christian but
also focuses in part on the beliefs and practices of the other main
world religions. The school has a good collection of religious resources
and artefacts and visits are made to places of worship whenever
possible.
Collective worship is an important part of each day in our school. The whole school worship
together on four days during the week and on the other day worship is class or year group
based. Worship is led by the Headteacher, the Deputy Headteacher or a senior member of
staff. Our local Rector, Reverend Canon Dr. Simon Cox from All Hallows Parish Church,
leads whole school worship one day a week and at certain other times of the year. Other
members of the All Hallows Clergy Team may also lead worship each week. Prayers are said
in each class before lunch and at the end of each day and each classroom has a worship
area created within it. We also have an outdoor worship area.
Parents and carers may withdraw their child from all or part of the religious education and
collective worship provided by school. Parents and carers who wish to exercise this right
should make an appointment to see the Headteacher in order to discuss the matter and so
that the appropriate alternative provision for their education during the period of
withdrawal can be made.
PE and SPORT IN SCHOOL
Physical Education is taught in school according to the National Curriculum. Within PE
lessons the children play and experience a variety of sports and physical activities.
We regularly invite external specialist teachers and coaches into school to organise
training sessions for our children in a range of sports and activities.
Netball and football teams are entered in the local inter-schools’ competitive leagues and
tournaments; the athletics squad takes part in cross country and indoor and outdoor
athletics events; swimming teams are entered in the local swimming galas and the cricket
and rounders team enter annual inter-schools’ tournaments. Our children also take part in
the Blackpool Festival of Dance.
Practices for team sports such as netball, football and cricket take place after school and
matches are also arranged for after school.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
A wide range of ‘after school’ or ‘lunch time clubs’ are on offer to the children in both the
infants and the juniors. These vary from term to term, season to season and may include
some of the following:
Netball Football Spanish Choir Bible Class
Athletics Games Active Kids Enrichment Healthy Eating
Art Library Recorders Sewing Dance
French Maths Computer Drama Homework
Learn to Draw Environment Study Book/Theatre
Staff, governors and other adults provide these ‘clubs’ on voluntary basis in their own time
and no charge is made for attending a club. We do have parents and carers who either lead
or assist in the running of these clubs and we are always on the look out for new ideas and
volunteers.
GOVERNORS’ CHARGING and REMISSIONS POLICY
At Bispham Endowed Church of England Primary School the education we provide wholly or
mainly during school hours is free. School does not charge for books, materials,
instruments or other equipment.
However, our Governing Board does recognise the valuable contribution that a wide range
of additional activities - including clubs, visits and on-site experiences and activities - can
make towards a child's personal and social education. Our Governing Board aims to promote
and provide such activities, both as part of a broad and balanced curriculum for the
children in the school and as additional optional activities.
On some occasions a ‘voluntary’ contribution towards the cost of an activity may be
requested by the school. Parents and carers are free to decide whether or not to make a
contribution. This policy sets out the principles upon which our school will operate charges
and remissions for school activities and school visits.
a) No charge is made for the admission of pupils to the school.
b) No charge is made for education provided outside school hours if it is part of the
National Curriculum or part of Religious Education.
c) No charge is made for individual or group instrumental or vocal music tuition, unless the
tuition is provided at the request of the pupil’s parents/carers.
d) Charges are made for the extended day services offered to pupils e.g. the Bispham
Endowed Care Club’s before and after school sessions.
e) The school may request voluntary contributions towards the cost of some ‘optional
extra’ activities planned during school hours.
f) Pupils of parents and carers who are unable or unwilling to contribute towards the cost
of an ‘optional extra’ activity are not discriminated against.
g) Where children are to undertake a day visit or an in-school event or ‘optional extra’
activity with visiting experts is arranged, voluntary contributions are sought for
transport, admission charges and other such expenses that may be incurred. Without
this action a visit may not be able to take place. In the case of voluntary contributions,
parents and carers are notified as early as possible and their right to withdraw before
a booking is made is recognised.
h) Where there are insufficient voluntary contributions to make the visit or activity
possible, and there is no way to make up the shortfall, then it will be cancelled.
i) On residential visits that take place wholly, or mainly, during school hours the school
charges for the cost of board and lodging at the actual cost of the provision.
j) Children whose parents are in receipt of some specific benefit payments (i.e. if they
meet the eligibility criteria for free school meals) are also entitled to the remission of
these charges. A similar entitlement applies where the visit takes place outside of
school hours but it is necessary as part of the National Curriculum or the syllabus for
Religious Education.
k) The school provides materials, ingredients and equipment for practical subjects such as
cooking, sewing and design technology, but if parents and carers have indicated in
advance that they wish to own any finished product, a charge may be made.
l) Transport or admission costs or coaching costs for swimming lessons or sports
activities etc. during school hours are met by the school.
m) Where individual or group instrumental or vocal music tuition is not an essential part of
the National Curriculum, then charges may be made.
A full version of the school’s Charging and Remissions Policy can be found on the school
website.
SCHOOL POLICIES
As a school we have a large number of school policies which help us make sure that the
school meets all its statutory requirements. These include policies for Special Educational
Needs, Inclusion, Disability, Equal Information and Objectives, Race and Equality, Equity
and Diversity, Safeguarding & Child Protection, Relationships and Sex Education, Anti-
Bullying and Behaviour. Copies of our policies are available to parents and carers via our
school website.
COMPLIMENTS COMMENTS COMPLAINTS
We value greatly the strong partnership we have with our parents and carers. We aim to
celebrate our successes and achievements with our children and their families and we also
welcome suggestions and comments as to how we can improve the education and facilities
we provide for your children. All parents and carers are asked to take part in our annual
survey to identify any areas for school improvement.
If at any time you have a question, worry or concern about any aspect of your child’s
education please contact your child’s class teacher or the Headteacher or Deputy
Headteacher or the Assistant Headteacher. Similarly, if we have a worry or concern about
your child then we will contact you either personally or by telephone.
Access to the range of documents, required to be kept for inspection within our school, is
organised upon request.
The Authority’s insurance arrangements in relation to children and parents and carers are
as follows: -
i) The Authority’s liability insurance arrangements provide protection for the
Authority in respect of claims for compensation made by any person suffering
bodily injury or damage to property due to some negligent act or error of the
Authority.
ii) These arrangements are in respect of the Authority’s legal liabilities only and it
should be noted that the Authority does not automatically accept liability for any
injury or damage which may occur as it would have to be proved that the Authority
was legally responsible for the injury or damage suffered, i.e. it was at fault.
iii) Where an injury or damage to property arises due to some act or neglect of a Third
Party (i.e. some person or organisation other than the Authority) any resultant claim
for compensation would be directed towards the third party and not the Authority.
iv) If a person suffers bodily injury where no-one is at fault there would be no legal
grounds for pursuing a claim for compensation against either the Authority or a
Third Party. However, this is a risk which can be covered by a Personal Accident
insurance policy which provides limited benefits in respect of injuries suffered by
the insured person, regardless of legal liability. Parents and Carers could arrange
such cover on a general "all risks" basis applicable throughout the year or
specifically for a particular event (e.g. a school visit/holiday). Advice could be
obtained from an Insurance Broker or Insurance Company.
v) The Local Authority's complaints procedure/policy is available from school.
vi) The Director of Children’s Services for Blackpool is:
Mrs Diane Booth
Number One Bickerstaffe Square
BLACKPOOL
FY1 3HS Tel 01253 476630
Please note: the information in this Prospectus is accurate at the time of publication.
