CHARTHAM PRIMARY SCHOOL
2008
Shalmsford Street
Chartham
Canterbury
Kent CT4 7QN
Telephone: 01227 738225
Fax: 01227 732175
Website: www.charthamprimary.org.uk
Headteacher: Mrs J Martyn
Chairman of the Governors : Mrs V Elvidge
Welcome to our school.
We hope that our school brochure will give you a flavour of Chartham Primary School. Once your child joins our school, you will be given a comprehensive handbook which details the day-to-day running and policies for our school. Do not hesitate to contact us if you wish to see a copy of this.
Chartham Primary School is a community school maintained by Kent Education Authority. It is set in a lovely semi-rural setting. It enjoys modern, airy buildings and spacious grounds mainly surrounded by woodland.
Most of the children attending the school come from Chartham Village, Chartham Hatch or Shalmsford Street. There is a great feeling of tradition with many parents and grandparents having attended either the original primary school in the village or the secondary school, which once occupied the site.
Children are encouraged to respect one another and the adults who work in and visit the school. There is a quiet working atmosphere during lesson time and a happy buzz during break times.
Children are encouraged to take pride in their appearance and that of their school. Displays of work help to celebrate our achievements and our surroundings.
There are always some extra curricular activities to try. They mostly include sporting or musical activities, but they vary depending on the expertise of the staff.
We aim to build a strong partnership between home and school so that, as parents and teachers together, we can help your children to achieve their best. We will do everything that we can to give your child a happy introduction to school and also to provide a safe, happy, welcoming and secure environment for your child through his/her school years.
A newsletter is sent home approximately once a month detailing current items of interest. Additional letters are sent out should there be a need.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF OUR SCHOOL
The following aims were agreed after discussions with pupils, teachers, support staff, governors and parents. They demonstrate our commitment to provide a broad, balanced curriculum and to ensure that all the pupils in our care have equal access to it.
We aim:
- To provide a safe, secure and stimulating environment for pupils, staff, parents and visitors.
- To enable pupils to develop their potential in all aspects of the curriculum, and in particular, in acquiring effective skills in numeracy and literacy.
- To provide pupils with an education appropriate to the world beyond the classroom.
- To develop in pupils an enjoyment of learning and a desire to continue to expand their knowledge and skills throughout their life.
- To help pupils to live together in the community of the school and within the local area, and to develop a sensitivity to others and become responsible, independent people.
- To develop in pupils a positive sense of moral responsibility and self-discipline.
- To develop in pupils spiritual awareness and an awe for the universe.
- To help pupils experience satisfaction and pride through progress.
- To recognise and reward co-operation, hard work and a positive attitude.
- To work together with parents and pupils to raise standards in National Curriculum subjects and throughout the whole of school life.
PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS
It is vitally important that there is close contact and co-operation between parents and school. We need to work together to ensure that all children can make the most of the opportunities provided by the school, and can develop to their full potential in all areas of school life.
As a parent there are many ways in which you can make a difference to your child’s experience of school. You can be seen to support and supplement the work that we do in school. These things will vary according to the particular needs of your child. However, one thing applies to all stages, that being that regular contact is maintained with the class teacher, and that there is always a two-way exchange of information regarding the progress and general performance of your child at home and in school.
At Key Stage 1, contact is via the day-to-day contact between teachers and parents delivering or collecting their children, and through the reading record which all children take home daily. At Key Stage 2 children may have a Home School Contact Book which is also their reading record. Parents and teachers can use this to keep each other informed of progress/problems.
We offer formal and informal meetings to discuss your child’s progress during the course of the year.
The Home School Agreement establishes how we can work together to help your child learn. It provides a framework for the development of this partnership. The agreement identifies what the school is trying to achieve and sets out the role of the parents and pupils in this vital partnership.
ATTENDANCE AND HOLIDAYS
Regular attendance is an important factor in helping to build a successful school experience. Children who achieve 100% attendance in any one term are awarded a certificate. It is important that all children are punctual for school as lateness can be disruptive not only to your child, but to the whole class. Lateness can be recorded as an unauthorised absence.
Department for Education and Employment regulations require us to keep a record of authorised and unauthorised lateness from school. In order to comply with these regulations we need to know reasons for any absence, either by telephone or letter so that an appropriate entry can be made in the register. If no reason is supplied then the absence must be recorded as unauthorised. The Educational Welfare Officer is notified on individual cases which give cause for concern.
Our policy states that, wherever possible, holidays should be avoided in term time, and only in exceptional circumstances will authorised leave be granted after completing a holiday form.
ILLNESS AND ABSENCE
If your child is obviously unwell, he/she should not be sent to school. If your child has an infectious disease, please let us know as soon as it has been confirmed. We can then inform other parents so that they can check for symptoms in their child.
After a stomach upset or sickness during the night, children should be kept at home for 24 hours to avoid recurrence at school and possibly infecting other children and staff.
If your child is absent from school, you should contact us by telephone on the first day of absence and then by letter giving reasons for the absence on your child’s return to school.
We have an absence line in operation where your child’s absence can be recorded.
Wherever possible please try to make doctor and dentist appointments out of school time. Where this is impossible please inform the teacher of the appointment and it will be noted in the register.
SCHOOL UNIFORM
We encourage all children to wear full school uniform. The style and colour was selected by the parents. The uniform gives a sense of belonging to the school and provides each child with sensible attire for the day’s schooling. We look to parents to send children to school with appropriate hairstyles conducive to the orderly education of the children. We ask for your full support in providing a school uniform and PE kit for your child.
The uniform is as follows:
Navy sweatshirt – with school logo
Navy school fleece – as an optional extra over the sweatshirt
Grey school trousers
Grey skirt
Light blue polo shirt
Black shoes
(Girls may choose a blue and white dress in summer)
PE kit:
White T- shirt and navy shorts
Black elasticated plimsolls
PE bag
For health and safety children will not be allowed to wear normal footwear for PE lessons. Suitable kit will be needed for outdoor games, and a tracksuit is always useful.
Clothing can be ordered from the School Office. We also have a variety of good quality second-hand uniform. We do ask that all items of clothing be clearly marked with the child’s name.
Children must not wear jewellery to school. If ears are pierced, then stud earrings must either be removed or covered with micropore tape by the child for the duration of the PE lesson.
ADMISSIONS TO CHARTHAM PRIMARY SCHOOL
Most children who join Chartham Primary School in the Reception class will have attended the Firs Nursery. There is a good history of liaison between the school and nursery. The Foundation staff visit the nursery, and the incoming Year R children visit the school. Informal visits by parents are welcomed from September onwards as the admissions procedure commences.
Parents are encouraged to register their children for a place at the school prior to the commencement of the procedure. The School Office sends out the admissions forms in the autumn term, or alternatively parents can apply online via the KCC website. Parents normally receive notification of places from the LA in March/April.
The school’s admission number is 45 children. Children are admitted using the following criteria:
Children in Local Authority Care
Sibling attending the school in September
Health reasons for which a medical certificate may be needed
Nearness of children's homes to school
Parents who are unsuccessful in obtaining a place have a right to appeal aginst the decision, which will be heard by an independent appeals panel organised by KCC. Appeals must be made within 21 days of the admission decision.
All parents or carers and their children are invited to visit the school before starting. Meetings are held for the Reception class admissions, and the children are given the chance to meet their new classmates and their teacher in the summer term.
SCHOOL HOURS
SCHOOL HOURS
The school day begins at 9:00am and ends at 3:15pm.
Key Stage One: 9:00 – 12:00 and 1:00 – 3:15pm
Key Stage Two: 9:00 – 12:30 and 1:30 – 3:15pm
Infants and juniors have a morning break. Infants also have an afternoon break.
START OF THE DAY
The school gates are opened at 8:40am and the children should then go directly to the playground where there will be staff supervision until 8:55am when the bell is used to signal the start of school. Parents are welcome to wait with their children in the playground but should be aware that they are responsible for the safety of any small children they bring onto site. Although teachers are always willing to discuss any concerns with parents, the time before school is not always convenient as they will be preparing for teaching.
When a child arrives at or leaves school at any other time than the usual 9:00am or 3:15pm, e.g. for a medical appointment, he/she must report to the school office to collect a school pass. We must know the exact number of children and adults on the school site at all times.
Children must be collected from school if they need to leave during the day – they will not be allowed to leave without an adult.
END OF DAY
Parents collecting children are asked to wait in the playground, unless the weather is very bad. Infant classes will be brought into the playground by the class teachers; the juniors will make their own way into the playground. Please ensure that children know the arrangements for their collection each day. If you are unavoidably detained do try to get a message to the school office.
THE GOVERNING BODY
The governors are appointed in different ways: two are appointed by the LA; four are parent representatives; one is a headteacher representative; one is a teacher representative; one is a staff representative; three are community governors.
WHAT DO THEY DO?
The main role of the governing body is to influence the ethos of the school – its general atmosphere and philosophy, and hence its standing in the community.
The governing body has responsibility for:
- Delivery of the curriculum
- Care and safety of children and staff
- Appointment of staff
- Management of the budget
- Maintenance of the building
The governing body meets formally once each term. In addition there are Finance, Personnel, Curriculum and Policy, and Premises and Grounds Committees which meet regularly and report back to the full governing body.
The special responsibilities of Health and Safety and Special Educational Needs have designated governors.
Other committees (Appointments, Appeals, Disciplinary and School Development Planning) meet occasionally.
In addition, Governors represent the school on the Management Committees of The Firs Nursery and Time Out After School Club.
The governors produce a School Profile which outlines the previous year’s work.
STATEMENT OF THE GOVERNING BODY’S CURRICULUM AIMS
- To teach the National Curriculum.
- To maintain and develop in pupils lively enquiring minds, to promote the ability to question and argue rationally and to encourage pupils to apply themselves to a range of tasks and skills.
- To emphasise the importance of language, numbers, the aesthetic and physical areas of learning and to develop competence in them.
- To further attitudes which will instil self-confidence in pupils, create in them a sense of personal excellence and help them to acquire knowledge and skills relevant to life and work in a fast-changing world.
- To help pupils develop perceptive, spiritual and moral values, and an understanding of the religions and beliefs of others.
- To help pupils to understand the world in which they live and the interdependence of individuals, groups and nations.
- To develop in pupils the ability to appreciate critically, human achievements and aspirations.
THE CURRICULUM
The National Curriculum is intended to encourage the development of children intellectually, socially, physically and morally, and to provide children with the skills they will need for life and work.
The curriculum of the school is defined by law in the Education Reform Act of 1988, and the orders which are currently in force. The school is working according to the provisions of the Act, and under the supervision of the school governors.
The Education Reform Act defines a National Curriculum which applies throughout the country and which aims to set uniform standards of attainment. It comprises the following subjects for primary schools:
Core Subjects: Foundation Subjects:
English Design Technology Music
Mathematics History Art
Science Geography PE
ICT PHSE
- Religious Education – is a statutory part of the curriculum. It is taught according to a syllabus, which has been agreed by the Local Education Authority – Kent County Council. Parents do have the right to withdraw their children.
Assemblies and RE classwork are especially Christian in outlook, while remaining non-denominational. Work is done in which other religions and cultures are examined, so that children can respect and gain an understanding of the different beliefs held by people around the world.
The Education Reform Act 1988 requires all pupils to attend a daily act of collective worship which is broadly Christian in character. It need not only contain Christian material provided that taken as a whole it reflects the tradition of the Christian belief. It is not necessary that every assembly is of this nature but the majority should be. Assembly is a time when the school gathers together and when its moral and social values are reinforced. Assemblies may be whole school, key stage, class or team. Therefore although you have the right to withdraw your child from assemblies we hope you do not do so.
We follow the Numeracy and Literacy Strategies to support our delivery of English & Mathematics. In addition we use intervention programmes to support groups of pupils in further skills where needed.
The National Curriculum defines programmes of study, attainment targets, assessment arrangements for children aged seven and 11 and arrangements for reporting the performance of individual pupils and the school as a whole.
Whilst the National Curriculum defines the content, we, as a school, will provide the children with a breadth and balance which will enhance their learning.
Copies of all curriculum policies are kept in the School Office.
SEX AND DRUGS EDUCATION
Questions on human development and personal relations are dealt with as part of the science and PHSE National Curriculum.
Specific questions are answered in an honest and caring way as appropriate to the child’s age.
We use Circle Time and SEAL as an opportunity to explore relationships and making sensible choices.
For older children, the school provides them with some understanding of physical, emotional and social changes that will take place at puberty. Parents of these older children will be advised of this in advance, and be invited to see the material used, and will have the right to withdraw their children from the Sex Education lessons.
HOMEWORK
Children are encouraged to read regularly with their parents and to learn spellings, tables and number bonds. As the children progress through the school there will be a need for project and research work to be completed at home and we would appreciate parents’ co-operation in seeing that children complete such work. In Years 5 and 6 the majority of children will take work home in order to complement the work that they will do in school and this will help to prepare them for Secondary Education.
BEHAVIOUR
Our staff are committed to ensuring that our children work hard, safely and happily in a calm, caring, interesting and stimulating environment.
We try to keep formal rules to a minimum but some are needed to ensure the smooth operation of the school. The rules are a collection of understandings reflecting our views on issues such as politeness, safety of the children, the right to learn and teach, and the security of the property of the school and the individual.
The vast majority of children are sensible, well-behaved and work hard at school – most develop self-discipline and want to please their teacher and their parents. Most children make good use of the learning opportunities in school; they participate in extra-curricular activities, take on class and school responsibilities and are proud of their achievements.
Children’s good work, positive attitude and sensible behaviour are recognised by staff and rewarded in a number of ways. If a problem does occur we deal with each situation appropriately. If there is a persistent problem we ask parents to work with us in finding a solution.
Reference copies of the full Behaviour Policy are available in each classroom and in the school office. You may be interested in the objectives and principles guiding the policy.
In the classroom
Each class will have established through discussion between children and teacher an agreed set of rules with appropriate rewards and punishments. These are specific to each class and are displayed in each classroom. House points, merit marks and other individual class reward schemes are used as incentives to motivate children to behave appropriately and work hard. Good behaviour, hard work and personal achievement are recognised and celebrated weekly in achievement assemblies.
The Playground
All children are entitled to enjoy a break from lessons to get some fresh air, to be able to use the toilet facilities, and to return to the classroom refreshed and relaxed. They also have a responsibility to ensure that their behaviour does not restrict the pleasure of other children. We use a set of Golden Rules for the playground and for wet days that have been agreed by the staff, children and midday supervisors. These rules are based on a model of positive behaviour and reward children who are considerate and supportive of each other. We are proud of how our children behave and respond to one another. However if a child does break a Golden Rule there is a clear set of consequences for their actions. All children should understand that if they cannot abide by these rules at lunchtime, they will eventually reach a point at which they are excluded from school during the lunchtime period.
Our Behaviour Policy details the graduated response and sanctions imposed.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Staff and governors do everything practicable to prevent injury and ill health within the school.
- If a child has an accident in school, which requires treatment, the parents are informed in writing or contacted immediately by telephone if necessary. It is most important that we have work, home and emergency telephone numbers.
- We have procedures for the emergency evacuation of the building.
- Safety education is delivered through various aspects of the National Curriculum and by regular visits from the police and the British transport police. We update our procedures in line with advice and recommendations from the LEA, crime prevention officer and risk assessment officer.
- Children are not allowed to leave the school site during the day unless an adult collects them.
- Copies of the Governors’ Health and Safety Policy are kept in the School Office.
- Parents are invited to bring to our notice any concerns regarding Health and Safety, which should be reported to the headteacher or the class teacher.
The school operates a no smoking policy in its buildings and grounds. We hope that visitors to the school will co-operate in this matter.
No dogs or other pets are allowed on site.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
Chartham Primary School is committed to the philosophy of equal opportunity for all pupils irrespective of gender, race or disability.
A child’s self-image is vital in the learning process. Within the curriculum we take the opportunity to discuss the issues of racism, prejudice, bullying, and name calling so that children understand why they are unacceptable. We believe that the community, including staff and parents, must work together in eliminating any form of discrimination.
ADDITIONAL SPECIAL NEEDS
The school is fully inclusive of all pupils, and values all children of all abilities. Regardless of their disability, the school strives to meet all needs and works with external agencies and the family to ensure that each child has appropriate access and support to the curriculum and school environment.
At some time in your child’s life, they may need additional support. This may be for a short period of time, or depending on your child’s needs, may be for a more sustained timescale.
There is a policy for children with special educational needs, which is reviewed annually. Parents will be informed of their child’s inclusion on the SEN register.
The school employs a SENCO who assesses children, maintains records and communicates with parents.
Children will be supported at School Action, School Action Plus or by Statemented provision. Extra support for children with SEN will be in a variety of ways, either through individual support, within a small group, or through class support. We use a range of intervention and specialist programmes delivered by trained teaching assistants to meet individual needs.
Where children’s abilities exceed that of their peers, consideration is given for possible inclusion on to the school’s Gifted and Talented register. These children are identified by teacher nomination or referrals from the community, and in consultation with parents. Areas can include academic performance, musical ability, creative arts, and sport. This register is reviewed annually, and just like our SEN register, the make-up of the register may vary from year to year.
MEDICAL MATTERS
Medical Examinations
At certain times during your child’s primary career there will be checks for hearing, vision, dental etc. You will always be notified before any examination/screening and invited to attend. If you have any concerns about your child’s hearing/vision please let us know and we will contact the school nurse.
Medicines in School
We are not allowed to administer medication of any sort but there are exceptional cases where a child needs daily medication e.g. for hay fever/asthma. In these circumstances we are willing to supervise the dosage provided the parent has given us written permission to do so, and instructions as to the dose required.
When necessary, inhalers belonging to children who suffer from asthma will be kept available in the School Office.
Where a child has been prescribed a medicine for a ‘short-term’ illness, e.g. throat, ear infection, and is deemed to be fit enough to attend school, then we would very much appreciate it if you could endeavour to time the dosage of such medication out of school hours.
Only under extreme circumstances should medicine be brought to school, and our policy details how arrangements for this would operate.
SCHOOL MEALS
As part of the Healthy Schools scheme, we promote healthy lifestyles through encouraging our children to eat a nutritious and balanced diet. Our popular independent kitchen produces quality home-cooked food which is enjoyed by many of our children. Children may alternatively bring a healthy packed lunch from home.
THE NATIONAL FRUIT SCHEME
All children at Key Stage 1 are provided with a piece of fruit at playtime under the Government’s National Fruit Scheme. This is free of charge. Key Stage 2 children are welcome to bring in a healthy snack, such as a piece of fruit, for breaktime.
EDUCATIONAL VISITS
Educational visits, whether local or at some distance from the school, can be very valuable in reinforcing and extending the work in the classroom.
Local walks are often planned to study the history and geography of the local environment and to link in with project work. Parents will be informed, in advance, of the general intention, but the exact timing may depend on weather conditions.
Visits farther afield have included Greenwich Maritime Museum, Dover and Hever Castles, Deal, Wingham Bird Park and Canterbury Cathedral. For visits such as these you will be given precise details in advance. Some outings will only be possible if sufficient parents are able to accompany the group.
Coaches used by the school shall comply with at least the minimum statutory requirements with regard to safety i.e. seatbelts. Private cars driven by members of staff are also sometimes used for away sports fixtures and by visits of small groups of children.
An optional week-long residential trip is organised for Year 6 children during their final year to Swattenden Outdoor Centre, near Cranbook. Parents are consulted well in advance and payment for this trip can be made in instalments.
Visits needing transport can only go ahead if parents make sufficient voluntary contributions so that the cost will be covered. No child should feel excluded on grounds of cost. If the contribution is likely to cause difficulty, please do not hesitate to contact the school. All enquiries will be dealt with in confidence.
Parent Consent Forms are required for all children taking part in extra-curricular activities or involved in school visits. These forms will normally be issued by class teachers prior to the activities. Letters will be sent out giving parents ample notice of any out-of-school activities.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Where time, season and circumstances permit, extra activities are available both during lunchtime and after school. These include netball, football, choir, orchestra, recorders, French, environmental club, ICT, art, country dancing, rugby, and athletics.
Parents who would like their children to receive tuition from a peripatetic teacher from the Kent Music School should obtain application forms and details from the School Office. Applicants will be offered tuition when a suitable vacancy becomes available. Lessons will normally be during school hours. Instruments currently include piano, violin and clarinet.
CYCLING PROFICIENCY
Cycling proficiency training organised by Kent County Council Road Safety Office is available during the Summer Term for Year 6 children. In view of the heavy traffic in Shalmsford Street children are not allowed to cycle to school other than for cycling proficiency training.
SCHOOL FUND
Parents have always contributed to fundraising either by organising or supporting the Friends of Chartham Primary School or through direct voluntary contributions to the School Fund. The money raised is used to provide additional benefits for all our pupils – badges, certificates, swimming awards, trophies, visiting authors and musicians, prizes etc. We would suggest a contribution of £5 per family per year – payable at the start of the year, but of course we will be pleased to receive any donation you feel able to make.
‘FRIENDS’ ASSOCIATION
All parents of children attending the school automatically become members of the FRIENDS OF CHARTHAM PRIMARY SCHOOL. The Friends support the school by organising regular fundraising and social events, which include summer and Christmas Fairs, circuses, ice-skating, family games afternoons, and discos and entertainers for the children. Regular meetings are held in school to which all parents are invited. Funds raised by the Friends contribute towards the cost of live entertainment and purchase additional equipment and resources for the benefit of all children.
The Friends Annual General Meeting is held in September.
THE FIRS NURSERY
Operating in its own building on the school site is the very popular pre-school the Firs Nursery. The nursery is registered to accept 32 children per session and accepts children from 2 ½ years to school age.
The school and nursery have close links and very good liaison, and is very popular with families hoping to gain a place at the school. Visits and further information can be gained by contacting the nursery supervisor on 01227 731876.
COMPLAINTS
Most ‘problems’ in school can be resolved in discussion with a member of staff. However if this is not possible there is a formal complaints procedure. In the first instance you should speak to the headteacher or other senior member of staff. If, however, you are still not satisfied you should make a formal written complaint to the Chair of Governors. Further appeal stages will involve the LA and eventually the Secretary of State. A copy of the complaints procedure may be seen upon request to the headteacher.
ACCESS TO DOCUMENTS
Copies of school, Local Authority and National Curriculum policies are kept in the school office.
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