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Hutton Church of England Primary School

Prospectus 2014/15

BELIEVE

ACHIEVE

SUCCEED

In our hands

we hold the

future

CONTENTS

Welcome 2 The School 3 Ethos & School Prayer 4 Vision & Values 5 Recent Achievements 6 - 7 The School Team 8 - 9 Admission Arrangements 10 The School Day 11 Attendance 12 School Uniform 13 – 14 School Meals 15 Procedures & Provisions 16 – 17 The Curriculum 18 – 25 Extra-Curricular Activities 26 Home/School Partnerships 27 – 29 Walking To School 30 Your Child’s Next School 31

WELCOME

hoosing a school which will provide the best education for your child is one of the most important decisions that a parent has to make. This prospectus is intended to give you the information to help you make

that choice, and to give you a flavour of Hutton CE Primary School.

We aim for the highest quality of education for all our pupils. We believe it is important to provide the widest possible range of learning opportunities to enable all pupils to develop their own talents and abilities in a variety of curriculum areas. As a church school we aim to apply Christian values to everything we do in school. We like to achieve an extended family atmosphere in school to promote a feeling of belonging to a caring community, which in turn creates confidence and security for the children. We encourage all our parents to have regular contact and discussions with us about all aspects of their children‟s education. Hutton CE Primary School, like all established schools, has its own character and traditions. We hope this prospectus will prompt you to visit our school. We are delighted to show prospective parents around, and to give you an opportunity to meet some of the staff and pupils. Please do not hesitate to contact the school for an appointment to come and meet us.

Luci Amos Headteacher

C

THE SCHOOL

Hutton Church of England Primary School is a Voluntary Controlled School. It was founded in 1826 and the present Victorian building was first occupied in 1873. Extensions were added in 1983 and there has been a major addition with a new hall being completed in 2004 and a new entrance with reception in 2011. We currently have 196 pupils attending the school. Address: Church Lane, Hutton, Weston-super-Mare BS24 9SN Telephone: 01934 812852 Website: www.huttonceprimaryschool.co.uk Headteacher: Mrs Luci Amos Chair of Governors: Mrs Kay Allen

ETHOS

Recognising its historic foundation, the school will preserve and develop its religious character in accordance with the principles of the Church of England and in partnership with the Church at parish and diocesan level.

The school aims to serve its community by providing an education of the highest quality within the context of Christian belief and practice. It encourages an understanding of the meaning and significance of faith and promotes Christian values through the experience it offers to all its pupils.

THE SCHOOL PRAYER

This is our school,

Let peace dwell here,

Let the rooms be full of contentment.

Let love abide here,

Love of one another,

Love of mankind,

Love of life itself,

And love of God,

Let us remember,

As many hands build a house,

So many hearts make a school.

OUR VISION AND VALUES

RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS

OFSTED Hutton C of E Primary School was visited by Ofsted in 2014, they judged our school to be a good school.

SIAS INSPECTION Our most recent Statutory Inspection of Anglican Schools was in 2010. The overall judgement was that we are a good school. The inspector was particularly impressed by our Collective Worship, which was led by our pupils.

HEALTHY SCHOOL STATUS The school achieved Healthy school status and promotes the health and wellbeing of its pupils and staff through a well planned, taught curriculum in a physical and emotional environment that promotes learning and healthy lifestyle choices.

INTERNATIONAL STATUS Through our links with the village we have built strong links with Dabaso in Kenya. We support the village in its bid to achieve Fairtrade status to help make sure farmers and producer organisations get a fair and stable price for their products.

‘Strong professional relationships between teachers and pupils create a culture of mutual respect within which pupils make good progress.’ Ofsted, 2014

‘The impact of collective worship on

the school community is outstanding’ SIAS, 2010

ECO SCHOOLS To help the environment, we have achieved the Silver Award for Eco Schools. To further our sustainable journey our next goal is to gain the Green Flag Award, which is equivalent to a gold standard.

SCIENCE MARK

We have been awarded the Silver Science Mark, which recognises our commitment to promoting science across the school.

E-SAFETY MARK As a school we have a strong commitment to improving the children‟s e-safety awareness and resilience. We are well on the way to achieving the e-safety mark.

‘A sense of excitement, awe and wonder for Science has been created at Hutton and the children are lucky

to have been given all the varied and exciting opportunities the subject leader has helped to provide.’

THE SCHOOL TEAM

GOVERNING BODY Chair: Kay Allen Vice Chair: Lizzie Carrington-Porter Foundation Governors Link Area Rev‟d Anne Lee R.E. Mary Potter Safeguarding and Humanities Jane Barry English Co-opted Governors Kay Allen (Chair) Induction & training and EYFS Lizzie Carrington-Porter Maths and Gifted & Talented Paul Durbin Computing & E-safety Parent Governors Jennifer Green SEND Lisa Smith PE and Arts Clifford Brindley Health & Safety and Science Local Authority Governors Norman Poole Health & Safety Staff Governors Luci Amos (Headteacher) Sarah Pritchard MFL

Finance, Staffing and Pay Standards and Curriculum

Norman Poole Luci Amos Kay Allen Lizzie Carrington-Porter Clifford Brindley

Mary Potter Luci Amos Kay Allen Anne Lee Jane Barry Sarah Pritchard Jennifer Green Lisa Smith

‘Governors challenge the school where necessary and support

improvement measures.’ Ofsted, 2014

TEACHING AND SUPPORT STAFF

Head Teacher: Mrs Luci Amos Deputy Head: Mrs Claire Stafford Teaching Staff:

YR Mrs Jane Storer Y1 Mrs Rebecca Lacey (maternity cover) Y2 Mrs Jenny Gooch (maternity cover) & Mrs Laura Lovely Y3 Miss Alayna Harris Y4 Miss Sarah Pritchard & Mrs Jane Johnstone Y5 Mrs Sam Richardson Y6 Mr Mark Mitchell

Administrator: Mrs Nicola Cooksley Assistant: Mrs Liz Brady Site Manager: Mr Dave Baker Support Assistants: YR Mrs Kate Walker KS1 Mrs Kim Drinkwater Mrs Trudy Cowton Miss Leanne Bryant Mrs Julie Lewington Miss Julie Conway

Mrs Julia Cruse (support teacher) KS2 Mrs Helen McCollum Mrs Justine Kuht

Mrs Rachel Whiting (support teacher) Learning Mentor:

Mrs Helen McCollum

‘The head teacher has high expectations and is well respected in the school. She has created an environment where everyone is valued and all

talents are celebrated.’ Ofsted, 2014

ADMISSION ARRANGEMENTS

North Somerset policy allows all children to have three years of infant schooling. To achieve this, children may start school in September, provided they have their fifth birthday during that school year. This is a voluntary option open to all North Somerset parents but, by law, all children must start school at the beginning of the term which follows their fifth birthday. The children‟s admission to school will be on a part-time basis to start with. Their full-time attendance will depend upon how they are able to cope with a longer spell in school. The school‟s Early Years Foundation Stage policy explains the induction process and can be obtained from the school office.

In order to make the transition from playgroup and nursery to school as smooth as possible, we arrange for your child to make a number of visits to get to know his/her teacher and to meet the other children currently in the Reception Class. The Reception teacher makes regular visits to the local pre-school. A home visit will be made just prior to your child starting school.

Parents are notified in April, by North Somerset Council, of their allocated school and new parents are invited to a meeting in the Summer Term to discuss any questions they may have about their child‟s pending entry and to look around the school.

Appropriate information will be circulated after the school places have been allocated. All new parents are welcome to visit the school to meet the head and staff and see the school in action. Please contact the school for an appointment.

OVER-SUBSCRIPTION The school has to comply with North Somerset Local Education Authority‟s admission policy relating to the allocation of places. Should the school be over-subscribed, the over-subscription criteria will be applied, full details of which can be obtained from the School Admissions Department at North Somerset Council, telephone 01934 888888.

THE SCHOOL DAY

Children should arrive at school between 8.45 a.m. and 8.55 a.m. in good time for registration at 9.00 a.m. Responsibility for supervision cannot be accepted before 8.45a.m when members of staff will come on duty in the playground.

Key Stage 1 Key Stage 2

Registration 9:00 am 9:00 am

Morning Break 10:10 am – 10:20 am 10:30am – 10:45 am

Lunch Break 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm 12:10 pm – 1:00 pm

School Ends 3:20 pm 3:20 pm

Excluding time for collective worship, registration, lunch and other breaks we provide 21 hrs 25 mins per week teaching time for Key Stage 1 and 23 hrs 35 mins for Key Stage 2, thereby meeting our statutory obligations.

ATTENDANCE

If your child is absent from school for any reason please inform the school by telephone or letter. We are required to publish details of authorised and unauthorised absences. We currently operate a First day Absence scheme where the school phones the home if the children are absent and the school has not been notified. If your child needs to leave the premises during the school day (e.g. hospital appointment) please notify the school office in writing. Children must be collected from and signed out of school for any such appointment by a parent or parent-designated adult. No child will be allowed to leave the premises unaccompanied. We prefer dental and non-urgent appointments are made out of school hours.

The Government has issued new guidelines which prohibit head teachers from authorising any holiday during term time except in very exceptional circumstances. Taking holidays during term time can have a very detrimental effect on a child‟s education. Not only do they miss the work whilst they are away but it often takes them time to pick up concepts when they arrive back in school. Therefore the school will NOT authorise holiday during term time. Cheaper holidays, working hours, visiting relatives, or birthdays are NOT exceptional circumstances and therefore will not be authorised. If you take unauthorised holiday you are likely to be fined. If you do this more than once you may end up in court for non-attendance at school.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

It is a school requirement that all children should attend school looking neat and tidy. The children are proud of their school uniform which consists of the following:

BOYS Grey or black trousers, a white polo shirt with collar, a crew neck school sweatshirt and black shoes. Green shorts, white “Hutton” t-shirts and gym shoes should be worn for PE activities.

GIRLS Grey skirt or black trousers, white polo shirt with collar, a crew neck school sweatshirt/cardigan, and black shoes. In the summer girls may opt to wear a green/white checked dress. Green shorts, white “Hutton” t-shirts and gym shoes should be worn for PE activities.

No trainers are allowed except for outside PE and games. For health and safety reasons we ask that open toe or sling back sandals are not worn.

All items MUST be named and kept in a named draw-string bag.

Younger children should have elasticated fronts on P.E. shoes.

We keep some uniform for emergencies, but uniform should be ordered on line through our suppliers Marks and Spencers: mandsyourschoolunform.com or 0844 544 7972. This is delivered direct to your home. „Hutton‟ crew neck sweatshirts and cardigans. „Hutton‟ Polo shirts „Hutton‟ T-shirts Green shorts „Hutton‟ Book and „Hutton‟ PE bags „Hutton‟ School Fleeces „Hutton‟ school waterproof jackets (only available on line) „Hutton‟ baseball caps and legionnaire caps (optional)

JEWELLERY AND PERSONAL POSSESSIONS For their own safety children must not wear jewellery in school, with the exception of a practical, inexpensive watch or plain studs for children with pierced ears. However, before PE children must remove their own earrings. Make-up should not be worn which includes nail varnish or nail extensions. Toys may be brought to school to use at playtimes, however they must only be pocket sized, must not be swapped, and must be inexpensive. North Somerset Council provides no insurance cover against theft or damage to personal possessions in school. It is particularly important that the parents of pupils who have expensive musical instruments at school take out the necessary insurance to cover themselves. Mobile phones are not permitted in school – there is always access to a phone if required in emergencies.

SCHOOL MEALS School meals are served each day. Children are able to choose from a nutritious and varied menu that is prepared and cooked in our own kitchen by the Head Cook Sue, and Assistant Cook Kelly. Payment for school meals should be made via ParentPay, details for which are available from the school office. Applications for free school meals should be made on line through North Somerset Council.

PROCEDURES & PROVISION

MEDICAL CARE AND ACCIDENTS

It is the policy of the school that teachers are not normally allowed to administer drugs of any kind to children. If your child needs medication during school hours, parents must come to school at a time arranged with school to give the necessary medication. At the head‟s discretion, medicines may be administered for medical conditions that require long term medication e.g. asthma but parents must complete a form giving permission for a member of staff to administer such medication.

If your child has any special medical conditions that might affect his/her school life in anyway whatsoever, e.g. heart murmur, asthma, could you please discuss this with his/her class teacher and/or Headteacher. This is often an on-going situation so please update this information regularly.

The school has a number of first-aiders. Children who have minor accidents will be given appropriate first-aid treatment. If necessary, wounds will be covered with a sterile dressing. Parents will be contacted or informed where necessary. If your child has an allergy to Elastoplasts please notify the office. Parents will need to provide an emergency contact number for use when necessary. These need to be updated regularly.

CHARGING POLICY

From time to time we provide enrichment activities for your children as part of their learning programme. These could include visits to farms, museums and other educational establishments. In order to fund these we ask parents to make a voluntary contribution towards the costs. A copy of the Charging Policy is available from the school office. Music tuition and residential visits in Years 4, 5 and 6 carry an additional cost.

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

Parents should always discuss any problem they might have with the class teacher. If issues can‟t be resolved in this informal and open way, the matter should then be taken up with the Headteacher. However, in exceptional circumstances the matter can be taken in writing to the Chair of Governors of the school.

SAFEGUARDING CHILDREN

Our school community has a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of our pupils. This means we have a Child Protection Policy and Procedures in place. Parents are welcome to view this policy. An Enhanced Criminal Records Bureau check is required of all staff including our volunteers and supply staff. Sometimes we need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies when there are concerns about a child‟s welfare. We will always ensure that our concerns about our pupils are discussed with their parents/carers first unless we have reason to believe that this is not in the child‟s best interests.

SEND PROVISION Hutton CE Primary School is committed to providing an inclusive education and school experience. Our SEND co-ordinator is Mrs Claire Stafford, and further details of our SEND provision can be found on the school website.

DISABILITY PROVISION

Hutton CE Primary School is an educationally inclusive school in which the teaching and learning, achievements, attitudes and well-being of every young person matter. Parents of pupils with disabilities, who are thinking of applying for a place at Hutton, should approach the school and the local authority at the earliest opportunity to discuss individual needs and the level of support the school is able to provide. Inclusion, and equal opportunities for those pupils with disabilities, does not mean treating all pupils in the same way. Rather, it involves taking account of pupil‟s varied life experiences and needs and attempting to meet those needs to the best of the school‟s ability. Hutton does not take educational inclusion for granted, but constantly monitors and evaluates the progress each pupil makes.

EXISTING FACILITIES

Physical Impairment Our site is all on one level, comprising a main building and 3 temporary buildings housing 5 classrooms. Each temporary building has a ramped access and handrails, and although fire exits have rails they are not currently ramped. Toilet facilities are available in two of the three temporary buildings, and a disabled toilet and shower facilities, with appropriate handrails, are within the main building. Sensory Impairment Blinds are fitted on all classroom windows and most other windows to reduce light glare. There is one set of steps in the playground (alternative route available), and these have an appropriate touch sensitive surface to alert the visually impaired to the location of the steps. A number of staff are trained in the use of Makaton or British Sign Language, and some of the children in school can also use these communication methods.

PLANNED FACILITIES The accessibility plan includes plans for a loop hearing system in the hall. There are currently plans for a sensory garden to be built in the grounds which will further develop the use of the facilities.

‘Pupils eligible for the pupil premium, disabled pupils and those who have

special educational needs, achieve as well as, and sometimes better than, other

pupils.’ Ofsted, 2014

THE CURRICULUM

Hutton CE Primary School follows the National Curriculum. Under the National Curriculum requirements there are the five „core‟ subjects. They are: Mathematics, English, Science, Computing and Religious Education. There are six „foundation‟ subjects: Art, History, Geography, Music, Physical Education and Technology. However, many of the subjects are taught together as they are designed to interrelate to make learning more meaningful for the children. The school uses „Assessment for Learning‟ (AfL) which is a tool allowing children to evaluate their own work and to plan with the teacher how they will improve. Different levels of „Success Criteria‟ are agreed at the start of the lesson and children are able to measure their learning and achievements using these.

ENGLISH

Speaking and Listening Children are taught to listen attentively, express their thoughts clearly and confidently, and discuss ideas with their peers, teachers and other adults. A wide range of opportunities are offered; starting with “show and tell” in the youngest years, working together in a group, and later acting out dramas with the year group.

Reading Learning to read is crucial in allowing children to access the rest of the curriculum, and therefore we place a great emphasis on it. From starting school in Reception, all the way through to Year 6 we help children read with fluency, understanding and accuracy using many different methods. Children begin to learn to read phonetically and to recognise high frequency words on sight. Writing

Writing is a very important part of the curriculum, as it encompasses all areas of schoolwork. Writing is encouraged from basic mark-making in the Reception year to learning the letter shapes and developing a joined style. Children will encounter learning to write for a wide variety of different purposes, progressing from captions and messages, writing information, persuasive letter writing, to extended stories. Handwriting, spelling,

punctuation and grammar are taught both discretely and though all writing tasks. Library The school has a comprehensive library. We have recently developed a fiction section which supplements the non-fiction section where children can learn to find information.

MATHEMATICS We aim to provide a secure foundation in mathematical thinking. This is achieved through direct teaching and interactive oral work with the whole class and groups, with a strong emphasis on developing children‟s mental

calculation skills. We feel building children‟s confidence is the key to them achieving success in numeracy. We aim to make the daily mathematics lesson enjoyable, interesting and chellenging. We encourage our children to explore practical situations for themselves, apply their knowledge and understanding and look on problem solving as a happy and purposeful part of the day.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGIES Science The school aims to develop the experimental investigative skills of science. These include observing, questioning, predicting, recording, and drawing conclusions. Science is taught through practical topics covering life and living processes, materials and their properties, and physical processes. We have developed our school grounds to maximise its use for such study. Computing The school aims to provide every pupil with the opportunity to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding in ICT as part of a

balanced curriculum. The school has a networked ICT suite that houses a server and 24 computers. Each class has timetabled access to the suite at least twice a week, and more if needed for a longer project.. Our access to the Internet is very carefully screened to prevent the children having access to inappropriate material which runs alongside the delivery of an e-safety curriculum. Parents and pupils are required to sign an agreement form, agreeing that the pupils will only access material that they are allowed to access.

This is carefully monitored. All classes have an interactive whiteboard.

Technology The work we do in Design and Technology is about identifying needs, and planning solutions. Technology is taught throughfocused skill development e.g. joining materials, with the skills then applied to a practical task, e.g. making picture frames. It also involves research, drawing, model-making and writing using a variety of materials such as construction kits, blocks, plasticine, card and wood. Needlework and cookery are also a core part of the programme.

THE ARTS AND PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Our work in the “arts” incorporates dance, mime, drama, music and art. We teach specific skills in each of these areas and then have a performance or celebration where we display the skills learnt.

Art Art provides many opportunities for creative and expressive work in a variety of forms. We develop an awareness of different styles of art and encourage our children to apply this to their own creative ability. Art work helps create an environment in which children value their work and gain a sense of pride and achievement. We regularly enter local art Festivals, both in the village and in the wider town.

Drama Through watching and taking part in drama, children can often make connections of lasting educational value. We aim to have all children in school participating in at least one performance in each year throughout their schooling. We have been lucky enough to provide the children with regular live theatre experiences, either through visits to local theatres, or through travelling theatre companies.

Music We aim to provide a practical experience of music for all children and encourage them to develop an appreciation of its beauty and power. We encourage all our pupils to demonstrate their musical talents through performances including singing at concerts, playing in assemblies and talent shows. We have a wide range of visiting music teachers who provide instrumental tuition on a fee-paying basis. These lessons take place during the school day and we currently offer tuition in guitar, violin, cello, oboe, flute, clarinet, trumpet, keyboard and drumming. In addition 3 whole classes are learning to play clarinet or brass.

Music makers: clarinet lesson, young percussionists and members of the School

choir in rehearsal

PE PE is given high priority in the school. As well as its contribution to providing a healthy lifestyle, it develops physical skills and gives opportunity for leadership, co-operation and teamwork. Our programme includes gymnastics, games, athletics and dance. Swimming is started in the Spring Term of Year 3, and is continued for a year. Pupils are given the opportunity to experience outdoor adventure activities when attending a residential stay at Hooke Court. There are also

opportunities for pupils to participate in street dance, football and gym after school.

Competitive Sport Children should learn to become good team members; they should learn how to win and how to lose gracefully. This can only be achieved by regular participation in competitive situations. Sport gives them these opportunities. Many of our sports teams compete against other local schools as well as an annual Sports Day and various inter-achool competitions throughout the year.

HUMANITIES

Geography Our teaching of geography develops the children‟s knowledge about different places and the world in which they live. It also enables them to study their local areas and encourage respect for the environment. The school grounds provide a valuable resource for the children to explore and investigate environmental influences. We are currently working towards Eco-status Green level having already achieved Bronze and Silver status. We also have links with the village

of Dabaso in Kenya to develop the international dimension and global awareness. We have recently achieved International Status (Intermediate level.)

History The children are taught chronological understanding through placing people, events and change into the correct periods of time, using appropriate vocabulary. They develop knowledge of events, people and change through studying past cultures and ancient civilizations. Using links within the village children are able to gain an in-depth knowledge of Hutton through the years.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

As a Church of England School, we have close links with Hutton St Mary‟s Parish Church. Services are held in St Mary‟s Church each term and the Priest-in Charge of Hutton regularly leads a service in school. St Mary‟s Church is used as a valuable resource for teaching different aspects of RE throughout the school. RE is a core subject, and the school follows the Awareness, Mystery and Value syllabus as provided by the North Somerset Local Education Authority and the Diocese of Bath and Wells. This covers both the implicit and explicit areas of RE. Whilst focusing on Christianity, the children also learn aspects of Judaism, Hinduism and Islam. Collective Worship We hold a daily act of collective worship and encourage children to take part. We meet as a whole school three times a week, and on other occasions in key stages. Parents have a right to withdraw their child from the school‟s daily act of collective Worship, or from Religious Education. Any parent wishing to withdraw a child from these elements of the curriculum should make a written request through the Head teacher.

PERSONAL, SOCIAL, HEALTH AND MORAL EDUCATION (PSHME)

PSHME plays an integral role within the whole curriculum and helps promote a positive attitude towards inclusion for all learners. Children are encouraged to be sensitive and show respect to the needs and feelings of others. Homework activities will often be focussed around such issues.

Sex & Relationship Education Sex education is part of our on-going Personal, Social, Health and Moral Education Programme, which is developed throughout the school, embedding this topic into the framework of personal relationships, responsibility and family life. There is a well planned specific Sex & Relationship Education Programme which the Year 5 children follow. Parents are given the opportunity to see the curriculum material prior to it being taught. If any parent wishes to withdraw their children from this specific aspect of the curriculum, then a request should be made in writing to the Headteacher after the materials have been viewed by parents.

Special Educational Needs & Disabilities It is essential to identify children with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND), as early as possible, to ensure that all individuals develop, are motivated and are confident in their learning. These special needs may be physical, emotional, academic, or a combination of all these. For the majority of children, their needs are met within the class teacher‟s normal differentiation of teaching and learning programmes. Some pupils will have a provision map, which identifies additional support, which may involve group work or booster support or additional homework. For a minority of pupils, for all or part of their school lives, they may have a need for a greater level of support than others so that they may have an equal access to learning. In such cases an Individual Education Plan is drawn up between the teacher, the Special Needs Co-ordinator (SENDCO) and where necessary, a network of professional support to help the children achieve their goals. Support is provided for pupils with Downs Syndrome, hemiplegia, cognition and learning difficulties, communication and language difficulties, speech difficulties, dyslexia, dyspraxia, behavioural difficulties, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and for those on the autistic spectrum. The school is working on the provision of social skills training and support for those pupils with low self esteem or difficulties sharing and turn taking. In addition mentoring support for children with emotional needs has been provided through a full-time learning mentor. A copy of our full SEND policy is available on request.

PUPIL VOICE GROUPS

Pupil voice is very important at Hutton CE Primary School, and we include it as part of our curriculum time, rather than being an extra-curricular activity. However many pupils do then choose to give up their spare time to continue to help the school and wider community. For example, playground buddies give up their lunchtimes to help children learn new games and find new friends and the gardening club have been helping the Hutton in Bloom team with their work in the village.

We have a number of different

councils and pupil voice groups

who all have their own jobs

around school. Each

council group is run by the children (with support from a member of staff if needed) who

determine which projects they will be working on throughout each term.

‘Pupils take on a wide range of leadership responsibilities. These activities prepare them extremely well for making valuable

contributions to society as responsible citizens.’ Ofsted, 2014

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Staff and other adults offer a wide range of out-of-school activities. These provide opportunities for the children to enrich their education and experience outside normal school sessions. Some of the clubs which have been offered include: Art, Orchestra, Chess, Choir, Cooking, Rugby, Football, Stamp Club, Gym Club, Street Dance, Spanish Club and Drama Club. The clubs are very active, and often participate in community event and perform in the local area for example taking part in music festivals at the Winter Gardens and performing at the Playhouse in Weston

Pupils performing at Weston Playhouse

HOME/SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP

We believe a supportive partnership between home and school is an essential ingredient for a child‟s successful education. The co-operation between parents and teachers is vitally important particularly when children are entering their first school.

HOME/SCHOOL AGREEMENT

In line with government regulations we have drawn up a Home/School Agreement that establishes the partnership between the school and the parents. It is available for inspection in the school office. We ask all parents to sign this Agreement with their children in each year.

PARENTS HELPING IN SCHOOL

We recognise the value of parents working alongside and assisting teachers in school and we have many parents coming in on a regular basis to help with cooking, reading activities, etc. If you feel you have an expertise to offer or would just like to help please feel free to contact a member of staff. You are welcome to come into school at a mutually convenient time to talk to your child‟s teacher.

PARENT/TEACHER LIAISON

Two open evenings per year (one in the autumn, the other in the summer) are held for parents to discuss children‟s progress, but you are encouraged to speak with your child‟s class teacher whenever you wish to talk about any aspect of your child‟s education. You may wish to discuss any problems or worries that may affect your child‟s happiness and emotional well-being, which in turn could affect his or her ability to learn. Please do not hesitate to contact us about any matter, no matter how trivial it may seem to you, because it is often the small things that upset a child. A quick exchange of information is usually possible after school. For longer discussions with the teacher, it would be appreciated if you would make an appointment. In the summer term a written report is sent home for each child, which sets out the progress made against the National Curriculum subjects. The school has a further open evening in the summer term when the children are encouraged to show their parents around the whole school to share their own and other‟s achievements. We send home a regular newsletter and a curriculum outline each term, highlighting the main programmes of study we will be teaching the children. We have a Home/School Links booklet, which

Parents are children’s first teachers and we aim to build on that foundation. Children have been found to make the best progress when home and school are working together. To this end we encourage you as a parent to become involved as much as possible in

your child’s education.

also acts as an important means of communication between all those working for your child. It is particularly useful for the older children whose parents are not able to get into school on a regular basis.

BEHAVIOUR

Excellent behaviour is expected at all times and is very effectively reinforced through praise and encouragement by all adults working in school through the use of merit stamps and certificates. There are Golden Rules for the whole school and each class makes its own special rules for the year. There are also clear guidelines about the sanctions to be applied should these rules be broken. Children are expected to behave with courtesy and consideration at all times. They are encouraged to develop a caring attitude towards people and property, showing self-discipline and a sense of fair play. The school‟s behaviour policy is available for inspection at the office, but there is a clear contribution that parents can make in accordance with the following extract from the policy:

Always try to achieve my best.

Be a kind, helpful, friendly and responsible member of the school.

Care for the equipment and building at school.

Do as I have been asked, and set a good example to others.

Everyone and the environment deserve respect.

Follow the safety code -walk around school.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

The school has a Publication Scheme on information which is available under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. Details of the Scheme are available at the office.

HOMEWORK

We follow government guidelines about the amount of homework in primary schools. These range from one hour per week in Key Stage 1 to half an hour a day at Year 6. The pattern for homework will vary for each class. However there is a strong emphasis on reading, writing, spelling and maths skills throughout the school. As the children get older the homework will include a wide variety of investigative work on areas which the children are studying in history, geography or science. Good standards of presentation are encouraged and rewarded, as the aim of homework is to help the children‟s learning at the same time as raising their self-esteem.

‘Pupils are polite and courteous. They behave well and demonstrate great pride in their school and their

achievements.’ Ofsted, 2014

HUTTON PARENTS TEACHERS FRIENDS ASSOCIATION (P.T.F.A.)

The P.T.F.A. brings together parents, friends and staff in a more informal setting. All parents automatically belong to the association and everyone is welcome to attend all meetings. The P.T.F.A aims to provide opportunities for social, educational and fundraising activities and is a focus for many successful and enjoyable events throughout the year. The support and enthusiasm of everyone is invaluable.

Major events include: Scarecrow Festival, Christmas Bazaar, Winter Disco, Quiz night and the Summer Fete. All proceeds benefit all the children in the school. This has included major fundraising for the musical instruments which provide part of our sensory garden, to little extras like crackers and squash at the Christmas meal and refreshments at Sports Day and other school events.

Left: One of our entries in the scarecrow festival. Below: Musical chimes

provided by the PTFA

WALKING TO SCHOOL

As part of our aim to be a „healthy school‟ we encourage all our children to walk to school if possible. There are many reasons why we encourage our children to walk to school.

Walking provides good exercise

If families walk together it can be a sociable start to the day

It gives children the opportunity to understand the importance of road safety.

Parking around the school is limited

Traffic Congestion caused by parents trying to park near the school has potential to cause accidents.

It helps reduce the impact of car pollution on the environment. If it is not possible to walk, to avoid congestion around the school, we encourage parents/carers to park in the surrounding area. There is a lane from Vereland Road that leads through to the main road opposite the school, where our Lollipop Lady can see you safely across the road.

YOUR CHILD’S NEXT SCHOOL

All children start their secondary school at the end of the school year in which they reach the age of eleven. North Somerset Education Authority does not operate a “feeder school” policy. The village of Hutton is situated in the Weston-super-Mare consortium area which comprises the following schools: Broadoak Maths and Computing College, Churchill Academy and Sixth Form Centre, Priory Community School, Worle Community School, and Hans Price Academy. However, parents are welcome to apply for a place at any alternative school. Full details of the admissions criteria are available from the Education Authority.

Details of transfer arrangements are circulated to parents of leaving-age children by North Somerset Education Authority. In the Summer Term of their final year, prospective parents are invited to a meeting at their allocated secondary school and their children have a visit to meet staff and pupils and familiarise themselves with the school. The transition from primary to secondary school is a big step for all children and these arrangements help to smooth the transfer and allay any anxieties.

Thank you for showing an interest in our school. The information was correct at the time of publication. Up to date information is available on

the school website www.huttonceprimaryschool.co.uk

Date of Publication: May 2015