Blackfell

Primary School

Blackfell Primary School2012 - 2013

We will deliver a broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum which meetsthe needs of all children in Blackfell Primary School as well as their entitlement to thestatutory requirements of the National Curriculum.

We will provide a caring, happy, supporting and stimulating environment.

We will value each individual child as well as encouraging effort, achievement and quality from all.

We will develop partnerships with parents and with the community for the benefit of all pupils in our school.

We will provide equal opportunities so that all pupils may become independent learners who are also capable of working collaboratively to reach their full potential and to become valued members of society.

We care for every pupil in our school.

Headteacher: Mrs Julia Watkins

Chair of Governors: Mrs Angela Star

This prospectus gives information about our school which shouldbe of help to those choosing a school and to parents whosechildren already attend the school. The information is alsodesigned to inform the wider local community. The Prospectusrefers to the 2012-2013 school year and was correct in June2012.

Blackfell Primary School is a co-educational county primaryschool for boys andgirls of all abilities from 4 to 11 years of age. We take children intoour Foundation Unit from 3 years of age. Blackfell Primary Schoolis not affiliated to any particular religious group.

A parent and toddler group meets in school community room for2 sessions each week (details from the school office).

We organise our classes by age. At the end of the school yearchildren move automatically to the next year group, until it is timeto transfer to secondary education. Apart from specific individualcircumstances described under the heading "Special Needs",children receive all their teaching as part of their class. Thisteaching may be individual, in small groups, appropriate to thetask. At times classes may combine to study particular topics.Each class teacher is responsible for most of the teaching theirclass receives

Useful informationfor parents

Visiting the school

and admissions

If after having read this prospectusyou would like to know more please

bear the following in mind.

Choosing a school - If you arechoosing a primary school we are

always happy to meet possible newparents and children, but to makesure there is someone free to see

you it is best to telephone first.

Admissions for the nursery agedchildren are dealt with by the Local

Authority after registering yourinterest at our school office.

Names for entry into the Nurserysection of our Foundation unit areaccepted from a child's second

birthday. Our Unit serves the‘catchment area’ of Blackfell, Holley

Park, Ayton,Oxclose and Lambton, children

normally attend a half day sessions(15 hours weekly) until the

academic year when they will be 5then they attend full time.

Once a child has a place in theFoundation Unit they begin

attendance on a phased basis inaccordance with the procedure

recommended by the LocalAuthority. Full details about school

admissions policies are contained inthe booklet "Information for

Parents", available free fromChildren’s

Services in the Civic Centre(Telephone 520 5555). Applicationpacks are given out to all NurseryChildren for applying to Reception

class. We have achieved a variety of awards including Activemark,Healthy School Award,

Quality in Study Support, International Award, Gold Anti Bully-ing Award and Artsmark.

OutdoorPlayAreaTHE SCHOOL DAY

The school day for pupils varies for different age groups.

Nursery aged children:

Reception class

Key Stage 1(KS1)

Key Stage 2 (KS2)

The playground is supervised from 8.45 am. Reception and nurseryhave separate entrances and parents are encouraged to hand theirchild over to a member of staff, once the doors are opened.

8.45 am - 11.45 am12.30 pm - 3.30 pm

8.55 pm – 11.30 pm12.40 pm – 3.10 pm

8.55 am - 3.10 pm

8.55 am - 3.15 pm

We are A welcoming, caring and happy school.Proud of our reputation of providing high quality primary education for pupils aged 3 to 11years.Situated in attractive modern buildings on an extensive site with excellent play and sportingfacilities.

Able to provide a safe secure environment in which all pupils can learn. Committed to providing the very best opportunities for all children. Well resourced with a dedicated and experienced staff. Continually building on our existing high standards.

We offer All pupils the full entitlement of National Curriculum subjects plus religious education. A wide range of clubs, outdoor, sporting and extra-curricular activities. Our school facilities for use by community groups.

We have High expectations of every child.A purpose built foundation stage unit offering quality early years education.

Developed effective liaison with secondary education.

We seek To work in partnership with parents to benefit all of our children.To build on past successes and share in the future development of our village.

We value The expertise, professionalism and commitment of our staff.Our relationships with parents, the local community, our Governing Body and the City ofSunderland.

The achievements of all of our pupils.

We care for every pupil in our school.

We aim to provide a safe, happy, responsible, well-ordered community in which children can learnand be valued as individuals. To achieve this the school will help pupils:

· develop lively, enquiring minds, with the ability to question and argue rationally;· apply themselves to tasks and physical skills;· acquire knowledge and skills relevant to subsequent stages in their education, adult life and work;· use language and numbers effectively;· understand the world in which they live, including the interdependence of

individuals, groups and nations;· appreciate human achievements and aspirations;· develop appropriate relationships with other children and adults;· be respectful of religious and moral values and tolerant of other races and religions.

In this way we seek to work with parents to fulfil each child's intellectual, spiritual, moral, culturaland social development.

PARENTS CHOOSE BLACKFELL PRIMARY SCHOOL BECAUSE...

THE AIMS OF OUR SCHOOL

Concerns ProceduresIf you have concerns about any aspect of your child's schooling the first step is to speak to the class teacher. If it is aconfidential or complex matter do not try to deal with it immediately before or after school, ask to see the class teacherat a more suitable time. Most matters can be dealt with by your child's class teacher but some things may have to bereferred to the headteacher or other senior staff. It is not always possible for the headteacher to see a parentimmediately, however every effort will be made for you to speak to a member of the Senior Management Team if it isurgent.

Medical MattersMedical support in our school is provided by School Nursing Services based at the Galleries Health Centre, and DoctorDeshpande who is our school medical officer. First aid treatment is available in school from 5 trained members of staff.If your child is ill please inform the school and advice will be given in the case of infectious diseases. In most instancesit should not be necessary for pupils to bring prescribed medicines to school. However arrangements can be made forparents to come to school to administer prescribed medicines where this is appropriate. If pupils need to bring inhalers,tablets, etc. to school parents must complete a form giving full details of the medication and instructions and consentfor its use in school. Special arrangements can be made for pupils who suffer from asthma to keep 'inhalers' with themduring the school day. Under such circumstances they must be clearly labelled with the child's name. We ask all parentsto provide us with an emergency contact number so that they can be notified if their child becomes ill during the schoolday.

Child ProtectionParents should be aware that the school will take any reasonable action to ensure the safety of its pupils. In caseswhere the school has reason to be concerned that a pupil may be subject to significant harm, ill treatment, neglect orother forms of abuse, staff have no alternative but to follow the Sunderland Safeguarding Children’s Board ProtectionProcedures and inform the Social Services Department of their concern. The Head Teacher Mrs Watkins and DeputyHead Teacher Mrs Rutherford are the designated child protection officers at our school. The appointed Governors areMrs Star [Chair] and Mrs Frith [parent Governor].

Emergency ClosuresWe will notify you in advance by text of any emergency closures that can be foreseen, for example severe weatherconditions.

Security in SchoolWe take firm measures to ensure that all our staff, pupils, and visitors can be sure that the school is safe and secure.Visitor check in arrangements and other security systems including CCTV and door entry systems are in place. Weexpect to receive the support of all parents in keeping the school safe and secure. Mobile phones should be switchedoff at all times when on school premises. Children are not allowed mobile phones in school.

SchoolOffice

Entrance

The Curriculum at Blackfell Primary School

Our curriculum is not just a list of subjects which are taught in school. It includes all of the activitieswhich we provide to promote the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupilsand prepare them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life and society. Ourcurriculum includes key areas of knowledge as well as skills, concepts and attitudes. It has thecharacteristics of breadth, balance, relevance, differentiation and progress, all of which are necessarycomponents of a curriculum which aims to provide the best possible primary education for the pupilsin our care.

Learning SkillsWe place great emphasis on developing skills for lifelong learning. The children will be introduced tothe 5 R’s of learning:-

ResilienceRelationshipsResourcefulnessReflectionRisk taking

The National Curriculum is made up of the core subjects of English, mathematics and science, andthe foundation subjects of design and technology, information and communication technology,history, geography, art and design, physical education, music and French. In addition we providereligious education and daily collective worship.

Our Early Years/Foundation CurriculumOur Foundation Unit provides a safe and secure environment, where the children can learn in anatmosphere of encouragement, acceptance and respect we hope they will develop a love of learning,and the ability and confidence to learn with increasing independence. We encourage the developmentof partnership between home and school and the on-going commitment of parents, giving recognitionto their role as their child's first educator. Our curriculum is based upon the ‘Early Year’s PrimaryStrategy’ which relates to the following areas of learning:· Personal, social and emotional development;· Language and literacy;· Mathematical development;· Knowledge and understanding of the world;· Physical development;· Creative development.

CURRICULUM

The Curriculum Across The School

EnglishWithin our school we see English as being central to the process of teaching and learning. English is alife skill. It encompasses speaking and listening, reading and writing, drama and media education.We follow the Primary National Strategy and each class has a daily ‘Literacy Hour’.

MathematicsEvery pupil takes part in a daily mathematics lesson which follows the curriculum of the Primary NationalStrategy. Mathematics lessons are highly structured and offer daily opportunities for pupils to use andapply mathematics; to develop their knowledge and skills in number and algebra; to work with shape,space and measures; and to develop skills in handling data.

ScienceIn science we involve children in practical investigations which build on their own interests andexperience. Individual and group skills of planning, decision-making, investigating and communicatingresults, as well as observing, classifying, recording, making and testing hypotheses are taught.Designing experiments and drawing information from evidence are vital to science-based activities butcan also be applied to other areas of the curriculum.

Foundation SubjectsEvery effort is made to link learning and most of the Foundation subjects (are taught through themes.Good planning for teaching and monitoring of learning ensures there is a development of skills acrossthese subjects throughout each child’s primary school year. Projects are set for homework so that thefamily can get involved in their child’s work right from the start. The children will go on educational visitsor have visitors in their class to enhance their ‘themed’ learning.

CURRICULUM

The Curriculum Across The School

MusicAll children have the chance to learn to play a musical instrument. We currently teach violin and ukuleleto all Yr2 & Yr4. Some children develop further skills and pay for a peripatetic music teacher to come intoschool for individual lessons. We currently offer private tuition in small groups on violin, guitar, brass andwind instruments [eg: trumpet, saxophone, clarinet….] Instruments are loaned to you and tuition costsare £3 per session.

Religious Education and Collective WorshipOur Religious Education curriculum is based upon the City of Sunderland's 'Agreed Syllabus' for theteaching of R.E. We will give pupils a rich variety of experiences through which to develop skills, conceptsand knowledge in order to help pupils create their own beliefs and values in life. Although Christian based,we will ensure that our pupils gain respect, awareness and understanding of other world religions. Thereare varied arrangements for daily worship, including class, key stage and whole school assemblies.Parents are invited to some of our assemblies as are representatives of local churches. Parents have aright to withdraw their child from the school's daily act of collective worship and/or religious educationlessons.

Sex EducationThe content of our sex education teaching has been drawn up following reference to the guidelines of theCity of Sunderland and has been approved by our School Governors. Sex Education is not taught as aseparate subject but may be part of the statutory curriculum of other subjects (e.g. science). Teacherswill recognise the different levels of maturity within an age range by responding to the individual needs ofchildren. We hope to create a climate in which children feel able to ask questions and to have thoseanswered by teachers in a frank but appropriate way.

CURRICULUM

TV PRESENTER/ARCHITECT GEORGECLARKE DISCUSSES DESIGN TECHNIQUES

A broad and balanced curriculum is providedfor every child. At Blackfell Primary School we

believe that children should enjoy theirexperiences in the classroom and we invitemany other professionals to deliver exciting

experiences for our children.

Learning About Italy

CURRICULUM

Special Needs

At Blackfell, children are identified as havingspecial needs because they experience par-ticular learning difficulties or because theyshow special ability. It is our school policy totry to assist children with special needs in aninclusive, positive and supportive way, pro-viding a curriculum appropriate to theirneeds and building upon individual achieve-ment. We provide extra support both withinthe classroom and in withdrawal groups.Sometimes, where a child is having extremedifficulties it may be appropriate to involveother specialists from outside agencies. Wewould do this as part of the 'Code of Practice'and parents would be kept informed andinvolved in this process.

School PoliciesImportant policies are on our website and the school has copies of all relevant policiesavailable for any parent/carer to read. Please contact the office should you wish to viewany of them.

Sporting Aims and ProvisionAll children have 2 hours of timetabled PE and every child is encouraged to take up atleast one active ‘club’ in after school hours. All children are offered active games atlunchtimes adding another hour to physical activity weekly.We encourage pupils to take part in a wide range of team sports. These include football,tag rugby, cricket, swimming, tennis, quicksticks, hockey and athletics.

We welcome many sports professionals and coaches into our school to work with ourpupils. These can include athletics, football, basketball and tennis coaches. We also havedeveloped links with Sunderland Association Football Club, Puma tennis centre and othersporting groups and agencies.

Our school enjoys excellent playground and playing field facilities.

ENJOYING SPORT WITH OUR EUROPEAN GUESTS

Personal, social & health education and citizenship

Personal, social and health education (PSHE) and citizenship help to give pupils theknowledge, skills and understanding they need to lead confident, healthy, independ-ent lives and to become informed, active, responsible citizens. Pupils are encouragedto take part in a wide range of activities and experiences across and beyond thecurriculum, contributing fully to the life of the school and their communities. We haveestablished an excellent programme of study support for after school hours. We alsohope that pupils will find out about the main political and social institutions that affecttheir lives and about their responsibilities, rights and duties as individuals and mem-bers of communities.We hope that children will learn about leading a healthy lifestyle and the importanceof a healthy diet. We encourage all children to bring water to school and to take upschool meals which provide a balanced lunchtime menu. Sweets, chocolate and fizzydrinks are banned from packed lunches. School also run a daily healthy tuck shop forchildren in Y3, 4, 5 & 6. KS! Children are provided with free fruit and veg. daily. Milkis on sale and paid for half termly, look our for more information on cost in our monthlynewsletters.

Within our school, our ‘Golden Rules’, and our policy ofdeveloping pupils’ roles and responsibilities as prefects,

contribute towards our aim of enabling pupils to recognisetheir own worth and to work well with others.

BLACKFELL PRIMARY SCHOOL STAFF

Teaching Staff

Name Title ClassMrs J Watkins HeadteacherMrs E Rutherford Deputy Headteacher Reading Recovery

Specialist SupportMrs S Huntley Nursery classMrs P Hutchinson Foundation classMrs S Sacco & Mrs R Smith Y1Mrs A Grieves Y2Miss N Burniston & Mrs V Haw Y3Miss C Anderson Y4Miss L Kitchen Y5Mr C Barrass Y6Mr Bovill Specialist Music teacher (part-time) Y1 – Y6

All Staff have further teaching and learning responsibilities covering subject areas and otherinitiatives we are involved in.

Support staffMrs. N. Horn Teaching Assistant Nursery/KS1Miss L Brooks Teaching Assistant Foundation UnitMrs B Hough Teaching Assistant KS1Miss R Hepplewhite Teaching Assistant KS1Mrs D Ewart Teaching Assistant KS2Mrs L Kearney Teaching Assistant KS2Mrs. J. Mawdsley Higher Level Teaching Assistant KS2Mrs. L. Reynolds Office ManagerMrs. J. Simpson Administrative assistantMr. C. Atchison CaretakerMrs. K. McKinnell Supervisory assistant LunchtimesMrs. G Stevens Supervisory assistant LunchtimesMrs. C Payne Supervisory assistant LunchtimesMrs L. Docherty Supervisory assistant LunchtimesMrs N. Manning Supervisory assistant LunchtimesMrs A Smith Supervisory assistant LunchtimesMrs S Hodgson Supervisory assistant LunchtimesMrs. S. Donkin CleanerMrs S Little CleanerMrs. K. McKinnell CleanerMrs E McNally Cleaner

BLACKFELL PRIMARY SCHOOL GOVERNORS

The governing body of Blackfell Primary school consists of parents, nominees of the local au-thority, teaching staff and representatives of the local community. The full governing bodymeets at least once per term, and in addition there are sub-committee meetings to discussspecific areas such as finance, personnel, premises, etc. Every year our school profile is up-dated and available on our website or by request at the school office.

Our current governors are:

Name Title Appointed

Mrs. A Star Chair of GovernorsCommunity Governor 01/10/05

Mrs. J Watkins Headteacher 01/04/12Mrs. J.E. Frith Parent Governor 01/10/05Mrs K Miller Parent Governor 29/09/08Mr D Wilkinson Parent Governor 01/10/09Mrs C Walker Parent Governor 01/03/12Ms C White Parent Governor 01/03/12Mrs V Haw Teacher Governor 07/11/06Mrs M Megahy Community Governor 12/03/08Mrs. W Young Community Governor 07/11/05Mr E Polden LA appointed 10/07/07Cllr B. Scaplehorn LA appointed 07/10/08Cllr.H. Trueman LA appointed 03/12/03Mrs L Reynolds Non teaching staff Governor 01/06/09

Clerk to the Governing Body: Mrs J Lancaster

Director of Education and Community ServicesCivic CentreSunderlandSR2 7DNTelephone 0191 520 5555

School AttendanceIf your child is sick or away from school for any reason, please phone the school on the first day ofabsence. This is especially important as the school is legally required to report reasons for absence(see the table in the 'other information' section). If you need to take your child out of school during theday, it is very important that you:- let us know in advance- collect your child from school. Children cannot be allowed to meet you off school property

HomeworkWe hope that parents will encourage their children to complete any homework which is set by theschool. Our home reading scheme gives an opportunity for you to listen to your child reading at home.Older pupils will be expected to learn spelling lists and mathematical tables, your help and support athome can make a big difference to your child's performance in such tasks. Many successful classprojects rely on children bringing in materials which they - and you - have helped to prepare at home.If a child needs to consolidate or extend their learning the class teacher may suggest appropriate workor other activities to be undertaken at home.Every pupil is provided with a homework bag so that work and books can be carried safely betweenschool and home.

Lunchtime ArrangementsPupils must either stay on the premises for lunch or go home. Those who stay at school may eitherbring packed lunches or pay weekly for a choice of lunches, prepared in our kitchen on the premises.In order to avoid waste and to ensure that adequate lunchtime supervision is available we expectparents to opt for cooked meals, packed lunches, or for their child to go home, on a termly basis.We will always try to help in times of unexpected unavoidable emergency.

Pupils whose behaviour at lunchtime is unsatisfactory will have the facility of staying atschool at lunchtime withdrawn. Parents will be informed of any such decision and will be expected tomake their own arrangements for looking after their child at lunchtime. Further information from ourGood Behaviour and Discipline policy.

Some parents are entitled to receive free school meals for their children. Further information andapplication forms are available from the school office or from Education and Community Services,

PO Box 101, Civic Centre, Sunderland - Telephone 520 5555

HOW YOU CAN HELP

OUR EXPECTATIONS

On Pupil BehaviourWe have high expectations of pupil behaviour in our school and have developed our own Good Behaviourand Anti Bullying Policy.We have a well developed PSHE & C (Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship) programme whichencompasses learning about good behaviour, respect for others and living a healthy lifestyle.

School Uniform and PE KitThe Governing Body has decided that all pupils should wear our school uniform which consists of

· Royal blue sweatshirt/cardigan· Blue or white polo shirt· Grey trousers/skirt/tunics· PE kit Blackfell’s own or suitable T shirt and elasticized shorts· Comfortable shoes (no heels & no open toes]· Blue/white summer check dresses

Our own uniform with logo can be bought at Little Gems in the Galleries. However, we do not insist onchildren wearing logo uniform – other similar coloured clothing can be purchased from manysupermarkets.

The Governors have agreed that no jewellery should be worn with the exception of watches. Any childwearing earrings will be asked to remove them as this is a health and safety requirement in our school.

OTHER INFORMATION

Daily Assemblies

Parents are occasionally invited to assemblies and other events involving their children in school. As wellas being ‘acts of corporate worship’ our assemblies are used to reinforce our school’s values,expectations and ethos. By visiting and taking part in class assemblies, parents can join pupils and staffin celebrating the work and achievements of our children.

BullyingWithin our ethos of mutual respect we promote our ‘Anti Bullying Charter’. We have an Anti Bullyingpolicy written by our school council and all children are aware of the need to follow its guidelines. We have'zero tolerance' of bullying and any form of violence in our school. Pupils or parents concerned about anyform of bullying should immediately inform the class teacher or headteacher. Immediate action will betaken by the school.

Blackfell Primary School's Parent & Toddler GroupOur Parent & Toddlers Group meets in school for 2 sessions each week. We provide facilities forpre-school children and their parents, grandparents and carers where adults can meet to talk and shareexperiences.

OTHER INFORMATION

VisitsDuring the time that children are pupils in our school, they will have the opportunity to take part in anextensive programme of visits which are organised by staff as part of, and in addition to, their curriculumentitlement. Visits within the immediate area occur frequently, and over the 7 or 8 years pupils spend in ourschool, there will be opportunities for visits to local churches, historic sites, theatres, exhibitions, museums,etc. (see our 'Charging Policy') Older pupils have the opportunity to visit Derwent Hill outdoor educationfacility for a residential visit.Pupils in years 5 and 6 take part in a planned programme of visits to local secondary schools. We haveparticularly close links with our neighbouring comprehensive school, Oxclose Community School.

Out of Hours ProvisionThe School runs a daily breakfast club. Children have a choice of food and drink and participate in a rangeof activities. Breakfast club runs from 7.45am until 8.50am. The current cost is £2.50 per session.Extra-curricular activities may take place in the lunch hour or after school. During the course of the schoolyear they can include football, tennis, music, choir, gymnastics, cricket, drama, art, computer club, film club,mathematics activities, dancing, and outdoor activities.

Other Information

If you are considering joining us at Blackfell you need to be aware of:

Our Charging Policy

By law, no state school can make a charge for:_ education wholly or mainly within school hours_ materials and ingredients for things made in school which pupils or parents do not want to keep

(we however charge for items which pupils may wish to take home)_ visits in or outside school hours which are necessary for an examination

Charges may be made for the following:_ individual music tuition which is not part of the syllabus for an examination;_ certain excursions where a third party is involved_ board and lodging where a school activity involves a residential element; with some exceptions_ the exact cost of "optional extras" i.e. things not connected directly with the national curriculum and

provided by other organisations

The school governors have decided that, in general, charges will be made for school activities if this is theonly way to guarantee the event takes place. This is most likely to apply to some trips and excursions.We will always inform parents at the outset, and try to assist parents who would have genuine difficulty inpaying.A full copy of the school's policy on charging is available from the school office.

OTHER INFORMATION

Our Complaints Policy/ProcedureWe hope to be able to resolve any complaints parents might have as quickly as possible. In the firstinstance complaints should normally be made to the headteacher, and in most cases we find thatcomplaints can be dealt with successfully at this informal level. We do, of course, hope that any complaintscan be resolved, by the parent discussing the matter with an appropriate member of staff. A copy of theSchool’s Complaint Procedure can be accessed via the office or school website.

Our policy on making information available to parents and others

By law schools must make certain information available for viewing by parents or membersof the public, there may be a small charge for photocopying. At Blackfell Primary we arehappy to provide parents with a wide range of information about their own child and aboutour school. Please contact our school office for further details.

Information on numbers of day pupils and attendance data for Blackfell Primary School(2011/12 Year )

No. of pupils of compulsory school age – 204 (excludes nursery)

% authorised absence = 3.9%

Our attendance is above national average.

How parents can helpOur attendance figures could be even better if parents avoided withdrawing children from school duringterm time for annual holidays. Because of the time required for covering the National Curriculum it is likelythat children will be unable to ‘catch up’ on work missed during holidays taken in term time. Parents areasked to give careful consideration to this fact when making arrangements for holidays.

Parents should note that permission from the Head Teacher must be sought before holidays are booked.Holiday request forms can be obtained from the school office or on our website.

Blackfell

Primary School

Blackfell Primary SchoolKnoulberry, Blackfell Village, Washington,

Tyne & Wear, NE37 1HA

Tel: 0191 2193670Fax: 0191 2193671

Email: blackfell.primary@schools.sunderland.gov.uk

www.blackfell.co.uk