Merriott First School · 2018-05-25 · Merriott First School - Prospectus 3 Welcome Welcome to...

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School Prospectus 2015 - 2016

Merriott First School

Welcome to our School Prospectus 2015

Merriott First School

Church Street

Merriott

Somerset

TA16 5PT

Tel: 01460 72547

Email: [email protected]

Web: www.merriott.somerset.sch.uk/

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.merriott.somerset.sch.uk/

Merriott First School - Prospectus

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Contents

Welcome 3

About Our School 4

The School Environment 5

What We Teach 6

Every Individual has Rights and Responsibilities 8

Times & Dates 9

Uniform & Other Parental Information 10

Home-School Links 14

Governors of Merriott First School 16

Friends of Merriott First School (FOMS) 17

School Policies and Procedures 18

And Finally... 21


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Welcome

Welcome to Merriott First School

Dear Parents/Carers,

Welcome to Merriott First School. We are very proud of our school, which has served

the local community for over one hundred years. Our most recent Ofsted report found

the school to be “good” with many “outstanding” features. It stated “Pupils' academic

attainments at the end of Year 2 continue to be above average, having improved steadily

over the last three years, and are continuing to improve this year. The school provides a

caring, supportive yet stimulating environment where pupils are seen as individuals and

encouraged to be independent and enquiring young people who can take the initiative to

improve the work of the school.”

The school’s aim is to provide all of its pupils with a broad education that is tailored to

meet each individual’s needs. We provide a caring, happy and positive atmosphere in which

the children are encouraged to reach their full potential.

We are committed to providing an outstanding quality of service for all, regardless of

gender, disability and race.

Merriott First School provides extended services, which include a daily breakfast club

(7:45-8:45) and a variety of after school activities (3:15-4:30).

We are committed to the ideal of a partnership in education between home and school,

hence prospective parents are invited to visit the school to meet the staff and children.

This will be the beginning of a friendly and mutually supportive relationship which will

benefit your child. Welcome to Merriott First School.

With best wishes,

Zoë Coghlan Emma Larkins

Headteacher Chair of Governors

(Leaving end of August 2015)


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About our School

Our Vision

We aim to be an exceptional school that provides the highest possible standard of

education for all our children.

Our Motto

Learning and Growing Together

Our Ethos

We believe that every child should be

encouraged to reach his/her full

potential both academically and socially.

We recognise the importance of

working in close partnership with

parents and the community to ensure

that our children are both happy and

successful.

Our Aims

We are committed to delivering a broad and

balanced curriculum, provided by high quality

teaching and learning, with equal access

assured to all:

To enable children to develop their

potential in all aspects of the curriculum.

To provide children with an education

appropriate to the world beyond the

classroom.

To develop in children a love of learning

and a desire to continue to expand their

knowledge and skills throughout their

life.

To help children to live together within a

community, to develop a sensitivity to

others and become responsible,

independent people.

To develop in children a positive sense of

moral responsibility and self discipline.

Our Attainment

Merriott First School has fantastic attainment figures, with above national and

regional averages recorded for the key Ofsted measures of Reading, Writing and

Mathematics.


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The School Environment

Facilities

The school classrooms are light and

spacious, with displays that are

continuously updated to reflect current

topics.

The school also benefits from excellent

outside space, with a playground, playing

fields and a log-cabin used to support

outdoor and small group activities.

Also from the Autumn Term 2015,

Merriott First School will have a purpose

built hall, to support full school

activities, assemblies and school meals.

Disabled access is available throughout.

Organisation & Classes

Merriott First School is part of a three-

tier school system: First, Middle and

Secondary. Children spend 5 years here:

Age Stage

4-5 Reception Foundation Stage

5-6 Y1

Key Stage 1 6-7 Y2

7-8 Y3 Key Stage 2

8-9 Y4

The school is organised around 4 classes.

Each class being taught by fully qualified

teaching staff with support from

teaching assistants. Class groups are

the core organisational unit, but lots of

educational and fun activities are

organised into smaller groups throughout

the day; boosting social development and

tailoring the educational experience to

help reach the full potential of each

individual.

Class Structure 2015/16

The classes are named as follows:

Golden - Reception

Redstreak - Reception / Y1

Pippin - Y2 / Y3

Codlin - Y3 / Y4

Merriott First School Houses

Each child is also enrolled into one of 4

‘houses’, to support group activities

across classes. They are Trafalgar, Flax,

Millers and Kingston.


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What We Teach Our staff are highly qualified and offer a high standard of education with

personalised learning for all.

The Curriculum

In Reception, children follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum;

the principles of which are ‘A Unique Child’, ‘Positive Relationships’, ‘Enabling

Environments’ and ‘Learning and Development’.

Years 1 to 4 follow the National Curriculum 2014; this being nationally

agreed programmes of study in English, Mathematics, Science, Computing,

Design and Technology, History, Geography, Art and Design, Physical

Education, Music, Personal, Social, Health Education and Citizenship, Modern

Foreign Languages and R.E. (Please see the enclosed copy of our long-term

plans).


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Supporting Children with Special Educational Needs

We are totally committed to respecting the rights of each individual child, helping

them to achieve their full potential; this includes providing additional personalised

support to those that need it. Ask to speak to our trained Special Educational

Needs staff to find out more.

We carefully plan for each child as they begin their school life, tracking and

personalising their learning, whilst providing the right support for any additional

needs they may have. For children with Special Educational Needs we encourage

parental involvement with both the planning and monitoring of progress.

Religious Education

Merriott First School is not affiliated with a particular religious body. Children

meet daily for assemblies following a different pattern each day of the week. The

assemblies provide many opportunities for children to participate. All assemblies

reflect the multi-cultural society in which we live.

Religious Education is taught using the Somerset Agreed Syllabus.

All parents have the right to withdraw their child from daily assembly or from

Religious Education. Any parent wishing to do so should contact the Head teacher.

We believe strongly in the Social and Emotional well-being of the children in our

care and answer all questions sensitively.

Forest School

Forest school is an initiative

to encourage and inspire

children through outdoor

activities. Forest School

forms part of the learning

experience, providing an

exciting and different way to

teach interpersonal skills as

well as many areas of the

National Curriculum.


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Every Individual has Rights and

Responsibilities Our ethos is supported by a set of children’s Rights and responsibilities:

Children have the right to.... Children have the responsibility to...

Learn

Try our best and allow others to learn

Be heard

Listen to and respect others opinions

Be Safe and happy

Look after ourselves and others

Make mistakes

Learn from our mistakes

Be treated fairly

Treat others fairly


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Times & Dates

Times of School Sessions

Session

1 7.45am – 8.45 am Breakfast Club

2 8.55 am – 10.30am Lessons / Activities

Break 10.30am – 10.45am

3 10.45am – 12.15pm (12pm on Fri) Lessons/Activities

Lunch 12.15pm – 1.15pm

4 and 5 1.15pm - 3.15pm Lessons

6 3.15pm – 4.30pm After School Activities

Shorter school days are put in place for those first starting Reception.

A small charge is made for Breakfast and After-School activities to cover costs.

The After School activities provided change from time to time, examples include:

sport, food from around the world and science club. Refer to the website “key

information” page for an example booking form.

Term Dates and Key Dates for your Diary

Term dates, for the academic year (including inset days) are available via the

website “key information” page.

Core School

Day


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Uniform & Other Parental Information

Arrival

Children should be dropped off to their

class in the morning (gates open at

8.40am, doors open at 8.45am).

Please arrive promptly or phone/write a

note if your child is poorly.

Collection

Collect your children when handed over

by their teachers at 3:15pm.

Morning Break

Fruit is available at mid-morning break,

provided free for all children in

Foundation stage, year 1 and year 2.

Please supply your own fruit snack for

Key Stage 2 (year 3 & year 4).

Lunch

Children have the option of bringing

their own packed lunch and drink, or

they may book a school meal.

School meals are booked and paid for

two weeks in advance. Universal free

school meals are available for all

children in Reception, year 1 and 2.

Booking forms are sent home with the

children, and also available via the

school website.

Drinks

The school playground has drinking

fountains so children have access to

water at playtimes, water is also

available in every classroom.

Milk is available through Coolmilk,

ordered directly by parents. See

www.coolmilk.com or enclosed leaflet for

further information.

http://www.coolmilk.com/


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Uniform

Merriott First School uniform is:

Burgundy sweatshirt/cardigan

Grey trousers, shorts or skirt

Summer red/white dress

White/burgundy polo shirt

With footwear...

Black/brown shoes (with flat heels)

Supportive sandals

Boots can be worn to school, but

please change into school shoes

on arrival.

Jewellery:

No jewellery should be worn to school.

Children with pierced ears may wear

studs, but fashion earrings should not

be worn.

Other Clothing

The Merriott First School PE kit:

White or ‘House’ coloured shirt,

(blue FLAX, green MILLERS, red

TRAFALGAR, yellow KINGSTON).

Black or grey shorts

Trainers/daps (Plimsolls)

Children may wish to wear

sweatshirts and tracksuits during

winter.

It is essential children have a full range

of clothing for PE and that their PE kit

is stored in an appropriate PE bag that

is kept in school at all times.

Non-Uniform for messy activities:

We advise having a set of old clothes

for each child that is kept in the

classroom. To be used for any messy

activities and Forest School.


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Swimming

The Reception class will swim in the

spring term. Year 1 – 4 children swim

in the autumn and summer terms.

Swimsuits/trunks only please, not

bikinis/tankinis or shorts.

Lost Property

There is a lost property basket in the

entrance foyer. The school cannot be

held responsible for any lost

property.

Where to buy Uniform

School Sweatshirts/cardigans and

sports T-shirts can be purchased

through:

Jazziez, Crewkerne 01460 72199

ordered via FOMS in conjunction

with Tesco.

You may also order direct from

Tesco.


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Introducing the Staff

Mr P. Smith Head Teacher, with part-time teaching commitment (Pippin)

Mr W. Pearse Golden Class Teacher (full time)

Science Leader, Forest School Leader, ICT Leader, Senior

Teacher, Early Years Foundation Stage leader

Mrs M. McLelland Redstreak Teacher, (Full Time)

Mrs G. Banfield Codlin Class Teacher, (Part Time)

Mrs A. Witcher Teacher (Part Time), Codlin

Miss M. Lock Teacher (Part Time), Pippin

Mrs H. Berryman Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator

Mrs M. Watts School Manager, Clerk to Governors, P.A. to the Head

Teacher

Mrs C. Rickard Higher Level Teaching Assistant, Line Manager to TA’s for

cover/specified work

Mrs H. Copping Higher Level Teaching Assistant, Intervention Manager,

School Governor, Afterschool Clubs

Mrs J. Evans Higher Level Teaching Assistant, Afterschool Clubs

Mrs K. Steer Teaching Assistant, Admin Assistant

Mrs L. Mitchell Teaching Assistant, After School Clubs

Mrs A. Hinton Teaching Assistant, Play Supervisor, Breakfast Club

Supervisor

Mrs I. Bending Teaching Assistant

Mrs H. Court Senior Mid-day Supervisor, Relief TA, After School Clubs

Mrs S. Young Mid-day Supervisor

Mrs M. Newcombe Mid-day Supervisor

Mr M. Coghlan School Caretaker/cleaner


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Home-School Links

The Home School Agreement

This is a simple contract, agreed by school, parents and the child, to ensure

the well being of our children. Please read, sign and return to school.

(Appendix 1).

It is very important that you keep the school informed of any changes that

may affect your child. Please let us know promptly about any medical, physical

or emotional difficulties of which you are aware.

Occasionally discussions with other professionals may occur. This could include

Health Visitors and Social Services. You will be informed of any such action.

Somerset Learning Platform is an essential way to remain up to date with

school information and access to the Learning Zone.

Homework

We feel that children’s time out of school should be time in which they are

able to pursue their own interests.

However we do hope parents will enjoy sharing books at home with their

children throughout their time at school. From the Reception Class onwards

children will bring home books to enjoy with their parents. Sometimes they

will be books to read together and sometimes they will be books which your

child will want to read to you. We encourage parental comments in the

home/school reading record.

Family learning is encouraged through engagement with topics.


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Monitoring your Child’s Progress

The communication of

information, attainment,

special achievements and any

concerns is a continuous

process between Teachers

and Parents; supported by the

following formal Parent /

Staff engagements.

Autumn Term

1st half School Open Day

2nd half Parents ‘surgery session’ and

Progress Report

Spring Term

1st half Curriculum Focus Event

2nd half Parents ‘surgery session’ and

Progress Report

Summer Term

1st half Curriculum Focus Event

2nd half Annual Report ‘Meet the Team’

We will be offering termly ‘surgery sessions’ for all parents who would like to discuss

their child’s progress and targets.

Helping in School

We value any help that you can give at school, whether working with children in the

classroom or helping ‘behind the scenes’. Any help given not only benefits the school

in general; but also your own child. It shows them that you value the school, are part

of the school community and are interested in what is happening.

If you would like to help at any time, either regularly or on an occasional basis, please

contact your child’s teacher or the Head teacher. A DBS check will be needed in

order to ensure the safety of our children.

Parental Consent Forms

Some learning activities require parental consent. The parental consent form(s)

enclosed will cover the duration of your child’s education at Merriott First School

from this year onwards. Please let us know of any changes.


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Governors of Merriott First School Being a School Governor is a rewarding and effective way of making a voluntary

contribution to the success of your school.

The School Governing Body is responsible for working strategically with the head

teacher to ensure a good quality of education for all pupils. The governors make key

decisions that directly affect the course of the school and can really make a

difference in improving standards.

Governors usually serve a four-year term on the Governing Body.

Our current Board of Governors is:

Mrs E. Larkins (Chair) Parent Governor

Mr C. Woods (Vice-Chair) Co-Opted Governor

Mr P. Smith Head Teacher

Mrs H. Copping Co-Opted Governor

Mr W. Pearse Teacher Governor

Rev. J. Hicks LA Governor

Mrs R. Russell Co-Opted Governor

Mrs A. Venn Co-Opted Governor

Mr R. Harwood Smith Parent Governor

Mrs J. Tutcher Co-Opted Governor

Mrs M. Watts Clerk to Governors


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Friends of Merriott First School (FOMS) All parents are automatically members of FOMS.

The Friends of Merriott School (FOMS) is a registered charity, which organises

events throughout the year to raise money for the school. Money is spent in a wide

variety of ways to improve the education of children at Merriott First School.

FOMS is not just a fund raising body; it also brings parents and staff together in

social events.

Each parent is welcome to attend the AGM and is welcome to join our committee.

Whether you are a committee member or not, your help at events will always be

appreciated. Any support you give will benefit your child. If you have any questions

concerning FOMS then please contact the Chair, Astra Conroy, through the school.


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School Policies and Procedures At Merriott First School we strive to ensure the best outcomes for all children, part

of that is to apply a fair set of guidelines for all to follow. As with all schools, we use

written policies approved by the Governors to guide our delivery and enforce

consistency. The table below lists some Policies that may be directly relevant to

parents, for up-to-date policy documents, see the school website or contact the

school office:

Policy Covers

Attendance The importance of supporting your child’s

attendance. There is no authorised term-time leave

except in the most exceptional circumstances.

Behaviour and Discipline Praising of good behaviour, and management of

unacceptable behaviour.

Charging No charges for usual curricular activities, for others

what is charged for, etc. See extracts below.

Class Placement The procedure used to ensure each child is placed in

the most appropriate class.

Complaints The process for handling complaints, from parents

and carers.

Severe Weather Conditions School’s commitment to staying open, whilst being

mindful of the safeguarding of children, staff and

parents making drop-offs and collections – see

extracts below.

Special Educational Needs Identifying and providing support for those with

special educational needs.

The policy extracts below detail important information for Parents / Carers:

Charging

There are no compulsory charges for the usual curricular activities at the school.

For some activities, such as school trips, the school may have to ask for voluntary

financial contributions in order for the activity to take place. However, no child will

be excluded from an activity because the parents have not made a voluntary

contribution.

A charge will be made for Breakfast Club (£3.00 per session) and After-School

Activities (£2.50 per session) to cover costs.


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Severe Weather Conditions

Every effort is made to enable the school to open at all times.

If you anticipate difficulties collecting your children later in the day due to weather

conditions, please come early and collect your children from school or telephone us to

let us know what arrangements to make.

The Head, Senior Teacher or other authorised people will remain at school until

parents have safely collected all children.

If the decision is made not to open school as a result of deteriorating

conditions overnight, a notice will be put up outside school as early as

possible to tell you school is closed.

Please listen to local radio or, refer online to the Somerset Learning

Platform for details of school closures (search for Somerset County

School Notifications).

The following contact number will also be available:

Merriott First School 01460 72547 – manned


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Smoking

We are a SMOKE-FREE school and there is no smoking allowed at any time

anywhere on school property.

How To Make A Complaint

Complaints or concerns should in the first instance be brought to the attention of

the class teacher, or where this is inappropriate, to the attention of the Head

teacher. If the class teacher does not resolve your complaint satisfactorily then you

should then talk with the Head teacher.

Any Questions?

Somerset L.A. (Children and Young People’s Directorate) Admissions

Policy

As a Community School, the local authority (Somerset County Council) is responsible

for admissions to the school and each year, it sets an admission number and parents

are invited to apply for places using an application form. Admission forms are

available from the school.

If you have a query or are unsure about

anything connected with the school, we

hope you will not hesitate to make contact

with your child’s class teacher, or if

preferred the Head teacher.


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And Finally... We hope you find this information useful. Questions and comments are always

welcome. Every care has been taken to ensure that the Information in this brochure

was correct at the time of its production.

Please use our website at www.merriott.somerset.sch.uk/, to keep up to date.

This document is also available electronically to help with accessibility. We can

translate it into different languages on request.

For those without internet access, the school office is able to provide printed

versions of documents advertised as available online.

Please contact the office should you wish to talk with a member of staff to discuss

the details in this prospectus.

http://www.merriott.somerset.sch.uk/

Introducing Merriott Pre-School MERRIOTT PRE-SCHOOL SCHOOL PLAYING FIELDS CHURCH STREET MERRIOTT SOMERSET TA16 5PT

Tel: 01460 77922 Registered Charity No: 801052 E-mail: [email protected]

Ofsted Reg: URN 162080

Dear Parents and Guardians Set in the playing fields behind Merriott First School, we are a thriving independent service run by a voluntary parent committee. We are pleased to offer the following services.

Early Years Care and Education for children between the ages of 2 and 5, following the ‘Early Years Foundations Stage Curriculum’.

Fantastic facilities and equipment in a stimulating yet safe environment. Nursery education funding for children aged 3 to 5. Employer Voucher Schemes

also accepted, and where families meet the criteria 2 year old nursery education funding and 3 year old Pupil premium, again where eligible .

Fully qualified and experienced staff team. Lots of opportunities for getting involved with your child’s online learning journal

'Tapestry'

We enjoy very strong links with Merriott First School and extend a warm welcome to all parents and carers. Please telephone for more information or to arrange a visit.

We look forward to meeting you all. Jenny Hayne Pre-School Manager and Early Years Teacher. NB* Attendance at Merriott Pre-School does not automatically entitle your child to a place at Merriott First School.

mailto:[email protected]

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