BENENDEN C.E. PRIMARY SCHOOL

PROSPECTUS

2016-2017

Benenden Primary School Christingle

Welcome to Benenden Church of England Primary School

We are a church school, and our prospectus should be read in light of the Christian values we promote: Friendship, Trust, Forgiveness

Thank you for the interest you have shown in our school.We are pleased to give you our Prospectus, which has been planned to serve both as an

introduction to our school and as a source of practical information.

We hope it answers questions which parents often ask when they bring their children to the school for the first time, and gives brief notes on our aims, and some important matters of organisation. It is not a substitute for a visit to the school, and our secretary will be very

pleased to arrange for you to come to see us at a mutually convenient time.

We hope that you find it interesting and informative.

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The main school building

Contents

Welcome page 1

Contents page 2

School ethos page 3

Introduction page 4

Organisation Organisation of the school pages 5/6The School day page 7School Uniform, Jewellery page 8

Safeguarding Statement page 9Confidentiality Statement page 10

CurriculumAims page 11Teaching and Learning page 12Subjects pages 13/14

Collective Worship and Special Educational Needs page 15/16 Homework page 16

Communication with parents page 18

Admission Arrangements, Transfer to Secondary school page 20

Medicals, Health Matters, Charging for school activities page 21

Educational visits, School policies, Complaints page 22

Code of Conduct page 23

Equal Opportunities page 24

Parent Teacher Association page 25

Governors page 26

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School 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, promoting Christian values through the experience it offers to all its pupils.

Benenden Church of England Primary School prides itself in providing a happy and secure learning environment in which your child can achieve academic and personal success.

Our last Ofsted Inspection, in November 2014, says about Benenden CE Primary School:“Pupils show positive attitudes to learning, feel very safe and behave well.”

“Governors have a strong commitment… and visit the school frequently.”

“The school works very hard to meet the needs of all pupils.”

Pupils show positive attitudes to learning in most lessons, feel very safe and behave well.The school works very hard to meet the needs of all pupils.Pupils undertake duties, for example as play leaders, and contribute well to the smooth running of the school. In this tightly-knit community, pupils look out for each other and have close friendships across all age groups.

We are delighted to have been awarded an ‘Outstanding’ judgement in the Church SIAS Inspection in November 2012.“Benenden CE Primary School has built on its strengths from the last inspection and is now an outstanding Church School.” An established strength is: “The school’s engagement with distinctive Christian values and the positive impact this has had on all aspects of school life”

Mission StatementTo create a happy, secure and stimulating environment with Christian values, in which excellence in achievement is aimed for and where all children may develop to the full, through a partnership with church, parents, governors, staff and the wider community.

Together, the children, staff and Governors selected three Christian values shown in the life and teaching of Jesus on which to focus – Trust, Friendship, Forgiveness.

Our child friendly motto is: “Be happy, Stay safe, Learn well”Our vision for all children who attend Benenden Church of England Primary School is that they develop as:

Successful learners Confident individuals Responsible citizens Effective contributors

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Our mission is that Benenden Church of England Primary School strives to be: Aspirational Ambitious Inclusive Positive Friendly Collaborative Engaging Innovative

Each child in our school is valued and encouraged. We recognise that all children have potential, and do our best to provide a caring and well ordered environment in which they can learn and grow.

We believe that education is a partnership between home and school and we value the support and active participation of our parents.

We look forward to a happy and successful relationship with you.

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Introduction

Benenden is a Church of England voluntary controlled primary school for boys and girls from rising five to eleven years of age. Like most schools in Kent, it is a Kent Partnership School. These schools have elected to remain as part of the locally accountable education service, working closely with each other and with Kent County Council, the Local Education Authority.

Our school has served the community in the area around Benenden since 1609, when Edmund Gibbon bequeathed a school for boys. The main school building is beautifully situated at one side of the village green, whilst our Early Years class and dining hall are to be found on an opposite side of the same green, in the “Gibbon Building”. We celebrated our 400 th anniversary in summer 2009.

The main school site comprises five well-furnished classrooms, a school office, a Special Educational Needs room, staff room, Headteacher’s office and a well-stocked library. Our tarmac playground also incorporates a small garden area. However, due to the nature of our Victorian buildings accessibility is limited.

When the weather permits, we are able to use the village green as a recreational area. We are also fortunate to have access to the Village Hall, Memorial Hall and Glebe field. St George’s church is regularly used for twice-weekly school assemblies.

We take pride in our history, continuing links with the community and fundraising efforts for various charities. We have recently raised money for the British Heart Foundation, Starfish Malawi and Christian Aid.

We also take great satisfaction in our academic, musical, sporting and other achievements, and we set ourselves high standards in all we do.

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A View from The Green

Organisation

The school takes in children from rising 5 to 11 years of age. They are taught in accordance with the National Curriculum, Foundation and Key Stages 1 and 2, and, exceptionally, Key Stage 3.

Foundation Stage - for children aged 3 to 5 years, which at our school is the Reception Year.Key Stage 1, (infants), consists of children of Year 1 and Year 2 age.Key Stage 2, (juniors), consists of children of Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 age. In key stage 2, we have 3 classes for 4 year groups, which means that we have mixed year classes.

Headteacher Mrs G KnoxAssistant Headteacher Mrs C SmithClass 1/Ash Mrs V Toynbee, in the Gibbon Building, EYFSClass 2/Chestnut Mrs J Foster, Year 1Class 3/Elm Miss E Reed Year 2Class 4/Beech Mrs Alison Brook, Mrs Robinson, Year 3/4Class 5/Oak Mrs R Robinson and Mrs C Williams, Year 4/5Class 6/Hawthorn Mrs C. Smith, Year 5/6The teaching and pastoral care of each class is primarily the responsibility of the class teacher.

Professional support is also provided by:Mrs Alison Brook, SENCOMrs K. Booker, Teaching AssistantMrs A. Gregory, Teaching AssistantMrs H. Maskell, Teaching AssistantMrs F. Kerr, Teaching AssistantMrs D. Bertram, Teaching AssistantMr C. Smith, Teaching AssistantMrs H Walsh, Teaching AssistantMrs G Colquhoun, Teaching AssistantMiss A O’Leary, Teaching Assistant

Administrative services are provided by Mrs Vickers and Mrs Houchin.Mrs Houchin is also the Family Liaison Officer (FLO) and can advise, or signpost parents towards a range of information or support.

Mrs Green is our Caretaker/Cleaner.

Within school the children are divided into three Houses; Guildford, Rochester and York.House points are awarded mainly for citizenship, good conduct, helpfulness, etc. Each week a cup is awarded to the ‘citizen of the week’ in every class. Good work is rewarded by house points and in a variety of other ways. The Houses compete for cups or shields. Inter-house sports and other competitions are also held throughout the year.

To facilitate the running of the House system, and to encourage responsibility and self-reliance, House captains, and vice-captains, are appointed annually from Year 6 pupils. Twice a year, each class elects two children to be their representatives on the School Council, which meets at least six times per year. They manage their own budget and have made valuable suggestions relating to a variety of issues in school.

All of the Year 6 children are also appointed as monitors and are given extra responsibilities within the school community.

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The School Day

Foundation Stage (i.e. children in Class 1) – 8.50 a.m. until 3.20 pm.Key Stage 1 8.50 am – 11.55 am 1.10 pm - 3.30 pm.Key Stage 2 8.50 am - 12.10 pm 1.10 pm – 3.30 pm

Reception Class children can be delivered to their classroom, no earlier than 8.50 am.

All children, with the exception of the Reception Class, should make their way to the playground, having been left at the small gate. At the end of the day children in Classes 2 and 3 can be met from the doors within the playground, whilst all other children can be met inside the large gates, or on the green.

Please ensure that your domestic arrangements are such that pupils arrive at school at the correct time each day and are collected promptly at the end of school.

In the main school, children may arrive from 8.40 am, when the gate is opened and the playground is supervised.

AttendanceParents are reminded of the legal obligation to ensure that their children attend school, and that they are on time. We maintain careful records of punctuality and attendance, as required by the Department for Children, Schools and Families. If children are absent from school because of illness, a visit to the doctor or dentist, or for any other reason, you are requested to telephone the school before 10.00 am on the first day of absence and either write or email the school and give the reason for your child’s absence.

Time off for family holidays is not a right. Holiday leave in granted in extenuating circumstances only, such as:-

For service personnel and other employees who are prevented from taking holidays outside of term-time if the holiday will have minimal disruption to the pupil’s education.

When a family needs to spend time together to support each other during or after a crisis.

If a holiday is taken and is unauthorised a referral will be made by the school to the Education Welfare Department for a fixed penalty notice to each parent for each child that misses school. Applications for Leave of Absence MUST be made at least 4 weeks in advance of the requested date by letter to the Headteacher.

The school has an attendance policy on the website for further details.

In the academic year 2014/15 the whole school attendance was 95.7 % and the percentage of authorised absence was 2.5%, whilst the corresponding figure for absence through unauthorised absences was 0.5 %.

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Lunchtimes and BreaksAll of our children stay at school at lunchtime. Very good quality school meals are provided by Benenden Girl’s School and comply with our Healthy Eating Policy. From September 2014, all children in reception, Year 1 and Year 2 will be entitled to a free school meal. For information about free school meals in Key Stage 2 please contact the school office. Alternatively, children may bring a packed lunch and a still drink in an unbreakable container.

As part of a continuing Healthy Eating campaign, children are permitted to bring fruit or raw vegetables to School to be eaten at breaktimes. Sweets are not allowed. A drinking fountain is also available, water bottles are positively encouraged, particularly in the warmer weather. Children in Key Stage 1 are provided with free fruit at morning break and Reception children are provided with free milk up until they are 5 years of age.

Midday supervisors are employed to look after the children while they have their meal and in the playground or on the Green.

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Playtime

School Uniform

The School wishes to encourage the wearing of the school uniform, and as such all pupils are expected to wear the Benenden uniform to school each day. Each article of clothing should be clearly named, preferably with name-tapes. The items below marked with a * are available from the school outfitters.

Girl’s Uniform Boy’s UniformGrey tunic, skirt or trousers Grey shorts or trousersWhite blouse White polo shirt or white shirtSchool sweatshirt*White or grey socks School sweatshirt*Summer dress- Grey socksblue and white gingham*Grey shorts in the summer

AllNavy coat or anorakSensible style black or brown shoes, not trainers or bootsblack, brown or navy sandals (not open-toed)PE bag*Royal blue shorts for PE*White T-shirt for PE*Plimsolls or trainersBlue School Fleece*

Jogging trousers for PE*

Painting apron/overall (an old shirt will do)CagouleSunhat*

Reading book folder*

* Available from Philip’s Mans Shop, Cranbrook OptionalFor reasons of health and hygiene, trainers should not be worn as everyday footwear. Similarly, for PE and games lessons all children must wear a change of clothes.

JewelleryApart from a wrist-watch, jewellery must not be worn in school, as it can present a danger. If a child has pierced ears, only studs with a short pin may be worn.

Health and Safety Guidelines require all jewellery, including watches, to be removed during PE, movement, dance, games and swimming lessons. Children must be able to remove and replace their own studs, staff are forbidden so to do. If this presents a problem, especially with the younger children, then one suggestion, widely adopted, is that they are not worn on “P.E. days”.

Shoulder-length or longer hair must be tied back for reasons of hygiene and to help prevent the spread of head-lice.

Should it be necessary for a child to bring money into school, it should be in a named envelope and given to the class teacher first thing in the morning. Valuable items and toys should not be brought to school. The school cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage to any valuable items brought to school.

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Safeguarding Statement

Safeguarding is not just about protecting children from deliberate harm. It includes issues for schools such as: pupil health and safety; bullying; racist abuse; harassment and discrimination; use of physical intervention; meeting the needs of pupils with medical conditions; providing first aid; drug and substance misuse; educational visits; intimate care; internet safety; issues which may be specific to a local area or population, for example gang activity; school security.” (Briefing for Section 5 Inspectors on Safeguarding Children, Ofsted 2011)

Please see the school’s safeguarding policy on the school website, for detailed information regarding safeguarding and other related policies.

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Year 5 Science

Be Happy, Learn Well, Stay Safe

Remember…..

At Benenden:we trust each otherwe respect each otherwe look after each otherwe do our best to make sure everyone is happy and safe

In our talks/discussions we will:listen carefullynot laugh at each othernot tease each othernot hurt each other’s feelingsIf we do find out things about other children which are personal and private, we won’t talk about it outside our classroom.

At Benenden:We can talk to all the grown-ups.The grown-ups promise to listen carefully.They can’t promise not to tell someone else because they must do their best to keep us all safe.

If we are worried about someone hurting us or hurting someone else, we will tell a teacher.

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Curriculum

Aims The School Governors have overseen the introduction of the new curriculum since 2014 and details of this can be found on our website. .

Our School aims for the curriculum are:

To maintain and develop lively enquiring minds in pupils; to promote the ability to question and argue rationally; to encourage pupils to apply themselves to a range of tasks and skills.

To emphasise the importance of language, number, aesthetic and physical areas of learning and to develop confidence in them.

To foster attitudes which 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, cultural 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 pupils’ ability to appreciate critically human aspirations and achievements.

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Assembly led by Austen Smith, Captain of the South African Hockey Team

Teaching and Learning

Teaching MethodsAt Benenden, we value the skills, experience and expertise of our teachers. Drawing upon a range of teaching techniques, teachers strive to cater for the individual learning needs of all pupils. Staff recognise that children learn in different ways, and so lessons may include a variety of activities, designed to appeal to visual, auditory and kinaesthetic learners.

We encourage children to become more responsible for their own learning as they progress through the school, and to work collaboratively, and with imagination. All pupils are actively involved in planning, reviewing and evaluating their learning.

The CurriculumThe school aims to offer a broad and balanced curriculum, which is designed to match the educational needs of the children with the requirements of the new National Curriculum. The core subjects of English, Maths, Science, computing, as well as RE, form the basis of the curriculum, complemented by the Foundation subjects: Art, Design Technology, Geography, History, Music and Physical Education. Other, additional subjects, such as French, Personal, Social and Health Education, with Citizenship, together with the Core and Foundation subjects, make up the whole curriculum.

Much of our planning and teaching is based on a cross-curricular approach between subjects which enables children to make appropriate links in their learning. Although certain subjects like Science and Maths are mostly taught discretely, this Creative Curriculum approach incorporates most subjects in the key areas of the curriculum

EnglishOur aim is to ensure that your child learns to listen, talk, read and write effectively and with enjoyment. Language provides the basis for logical thought and, through self-expression, supports personal, emotional and social development. English occupies a central place in the curriculum and provides access to all other subjects. We give it a very high priority at Benenden. Children are able to withdraw non-fiction books from the school library and fiction books from class libraries to enjoy at home. Withdrawals are managed through an electronic library system, and each child is issued with a library card.

MathematicsMathematics is a powerful tool that children need to master in order to cope with the practical demands of everyday life. It also has a significant role to play in the learning processes of other areas of the curriculum. Our aim is to provide your child with varied opportunities to develop and refine mathematical skills in number, shape, measurement and logic, and apply them to genuine problems and investigations. We place particular emphasis on mental agility skills, as well as investigations/problem solving and encourage children to explain their own strategies and reasoning. Additionally, the children are positively encouraged to develop an enjoyment of mathematics.

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Science Young people show great curiosity about the world around them and we seek to further develop that sense of awe and wonder. Science offers opportunities to question and to investigate. We aim to teach your child how to obtain evidence, test scientific ideas and present findings in a variety of ways. We provide opportunities for children to carry out the whole process of scientific enquiry in a range of suitable contexts. Science content includes life processes and living things, materials and their properties and physical processes. We are fortunate to be able to work with both Benenden School and High Weald Academy who are able on occasions to provide enrichment activities and equipment for our children. Science is taught in discrete year groups throughout the school.

Whole school science trip to Herstmonceux

Art and DesignWe encourage children to work independently and collaboratively in Art and Design to develop their practical and creative skills. Art work is often linked to learning in other areas of the curriculum and children will design and make art using a range of materials in two and three dimensions. Discussion is a very important part of the making process and children are regularly asked to share their thoughts and feelings about their own work and that made by others, including professional artists and craftspeople from different times and cultures.

Design and Technology

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Mosaic made during our 400th celebrationsMosaic made during our 400th celebrations

This is a creative activity involving imagination and discovery by developing children’s existing skills. It is a method of solving problems and communicating ideas or information. We provide opportunities for children to take part in investigating, designing and making functional products, using a variety of materials such as wood, food, textiles, etc. Opportunities are provided to help them to understand the complex technological society in which they live.

Geography This is a subject involving the study of, and interaction with, our physical and social environment. Within the scheme of work we follow we ensure that the children become familiar with maps and globes and gain the necessary skills to obtain information from them. Initially the children investigate their local environment, familiarising themselves with the geographical features surrounding them. Subsequently they are encouraged to develop an appreciation and awareness of the world around them, helping them to develop an understanding of the world in which they live.

History Within this subject, the National Curriculum has two main aims. These are; to help the pupils to develop a sense of identity through learning about the development of Great Britain, Europe and the world; and to introduce pupils to what is involved in understanding and interpreting the past. We aim to address the content of this Curriculum through our creative learning journey and to stimulate the children’s imaginations and empathy. We also encourage their understanding of the nature and use of historical evidence.

ComputingOur aim is to enable your child to become fully computer-literate before they leave the school. Each class has an interactive whiteboard, a multi-media computer system and printer, and each class has timetabled access to 20 laptops. We have a further 8 laptops available for use in KS2 classes. Our PTA have recently purchased 36 learnpads which are mainly used in Reception and KS1. All rooms in the main school have internet access, and we have a website; www.benenden-cep.kent.sch.uk. Children undertake word processing, desktop publishing and data handling, as well as work involving graphics, spreadsheets, simulations and control technology. ICT learning is often embedded within other curriculum areas. There are Internet e-safety posters by all computers and children are reminded about this before using the laptops. All stakeholders sign an Appropriate Use Policy. Regular e-safety training is available to staff, parents, governors and the all children.

MusicMusic is an integral part of the National Curriculum, but at Benenden it is also an area in which we seek to provide opportunities to extend children’s skills and talents though extra-curricular activities. The children learn the skills of listening, composing and performing as a means of self-expression. Children have the opportunity to learn piano, flute and recorder. We run a choir and Music Club. In upper KS2, we provide large group tuition in trumpet and cornet for children, free of charge.

Physical Education The school’s aim is to provide as many different sporting opportunities as possible so that your child develops an enthusiasm for physical education, to help them to understand the benefits of exercise and a healthy lifestyle, and to encourage those with particular talents in sport to extend their skills through links with other organisations.

All children are taught a range of dance, gymnastics and games skills as part of the physical education curriculum. Swimming is taught in Key Stage 2 at the Benenden Girls’ School Swimming Pool. This is considered to be an important part of the physical education curriculum, both from the point of view of fitness and for personal safety.

Children also have the opportunity to join a range of clubs, including football, netball, cross country, maypole dancing and multi skills.

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The school is a member of the Weald of Kent Schools Sports Association and takes part in more than 24 different sports festivals every year. We encourage Year 6 pupils to train as Play Leaders and lead KS1 pupils in sporting activities at lunchtimes.

Collective Worship and Religious EducationThe school provides a daily act of collective worship. On Mondays and Fridays this takes place at St. George’s Church. The Friday act of worship is led by the classes in turn, to which parents are invited. The other acts of worship are led by staff or children either for Key Stages or individual classes. They are all set in the context of Christian beliefs and practices.

In KS1 and KS2 the RE teaching provided is predominantly Christian, with elements of Judaism and Hinduism in KS1, but in KS2, Islam replaces Hinduism and Sikhism is introduced at the end of Year 6. These units help our pupils to understand that people have different beliefs, preparing them for life in a multi-cultural society.

Our religious education teaching is based on the Kent Agreed Syllabus and in accordance with the religious education policy approved by the Governing Body.

Parents/carers have the right to withdraw your child from daily acts of worship and religious education. It is hoped that this would be done in full consultation with the Headteacher.

Personal, Social, Health EducationPersonal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) along with Citizenship and Drugs Education, are central to our school’s ethos, supporting children in their emotional and academic development, and underpinning learning in the classroom, in school, and in the wider community. We are currently working with materials to support the social and emotional aspects of learning in order

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Kent School Games Tennis Festival 2015

that pupils learn how best to express themselves and be heard. It is the foundation upon which we build the principles of Every Child Matters: stay safe, be healthy, enjoy and achieve, make a positive contribution and achieve economic well-being. We have an active School Council. We also encourage children to have regard for their environment and we are working towards renewing our Green Flag Eco Status.

Sex EducationThis is a shared responsibility with parents. Sex education at Benenden is undertaken within both our Science and Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship education teaching. Our policy for Sex and Relationship Education is available from the school office and meetings are held annually for Key Stage 2 parents about the sex education curriculum. .

Children with Special Educational Needs At some time during their time in school some of our children may need additional support in order to help them to overcome specific difficulties or to attain the best outcomes within their capabilities. Our Special Educational Needs department, (SEN), comprises an Inclusion Manager, with the responsibility for co-ordinating support within the school, and a number of Teaching Assistants.

We operate within the framework of the new SEND Code of Practice which can be found on our website.

Children are given extra help within the classroom or, where appropriate, individually or in small groups elsewhere in the school. We are always happy to meet with parents who have concerns about their children’s progress at school and believe early intervention is the best way to support children. More details about how we cater for children with special educational needs can be found in the school’s detailed Inclusion policy, available on request.

We believe it is vital that all parents become closely involved at the earliest stages of their child’s learning processes. We cannot overstate the value of parental support for all children, but particularly so, where children have been identified as requiring additional help.

Modern Foreign LanguagesMFL became statutory in KS2 from September 2010. We use a variety of resources including ‘Language Angels’ and the new curriculum underpins our work. We focus on developing oral and written skills and intercultural understanding. Our class work is further supported by Club Francais, a weekly lunchtime club.

HomeworkOur homework policy is based upon a principle of encouraging and enhancing good patterns of learning and development. It reflects the idea that homework will start in the early years of schooling in an informal way through home/school reading links. As the children develop, this will become more structured with set tasks to encourage independent learning by Year 6.

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Children enjoying Swimming atBenenden Girls School

Communication with ParentsWe regularly review our ways of improving communications with parents and always seek to make it better.

A weekly newsletter is produced and e-mailed to parents as well as being placed on our website together with other relevant information about our school (please go to www.benenden-cep.kent.sch.uk). Paper copies are available upon request. Other special letters about particular events such as consultation evenings and Christmas concerts are sent home in the same way. The PTA also produce a regular newsletter. At the beginning of every short term, the school emails a class newsletter, detailing the main areas of the curriculum and any key dates during the term.

We actively encourage and promote such partnership and advise all parents to sign our Home-school agreement.

Our school is very fortunate to employ a Family Liaison Officer, Mrs Emma Houchin, who works in the school office. Our FLO helps with the vital communication between home and school. If any parent/carer would like some support, advice or just a listening ear then they can speak to our FLO. The FLO can also link families with other agencies, statutory and non-statutory and work in partnership with them. All conversations are in the strictest of confidence.

Internet safety/photos Parental permission is asked from all parents before any children have their photographs taken, or are videoed.

Consultation Evenings and Other VisitsIn October and March you are invited to visit the school to discuss your child’s progress with class teachers and, if required, with the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator and/or the Headteacher. Parents are also welcomed to discuss any issues arising from your child’s report in July.

Opportunities to pass on pressing minor pieces of information exist usually through the school secretary and FLO. At the beginning of the academic year there is an opportunity to meet with the new class teacher to find out about how the class operates and how best to communicate regarding your child.

If particular problems arise, you are, of course, welcome, and indeed encouraged, to discuss them more fully with class teachers, the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator or the Headteacher, by appointment, at a mutually convenient time.

Additional meetings are also arranged during the year for specific purposes, e.g. to provide parents with information with regard to the selection procedure at age 11.

Your Child’s RecordsRecords are kept of your child’s academic progress through the school and of any other matters that may be relevant. A mid-year report provides information about your child’s progress and achievement in Maths and English as well as setting targets to be addressed before the end of term 6. The end of year report covers the wider curriculum and progress on previous targets.

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Story time for Ash Class

Admission Arrangements

Benenden C E Primary School aims to be fully inclusive. To ensure that we can meet the needs of you and your family members we would like to ask that you provide us with information regarding any disability that may impact on how you or your child access the school.

For the academic year 2016-2017 all Reception children are offered the option of beginning school in September. Specific details of the starting arrangements for this year’s reception class will be discussed with parents at the Induction afternoons with more information being contained in the School’s Starting School Booklet. If a family are unsuccessful in obtaining a place at Benenden Primary School, the parents can request that their child is kept on a waiting list should places become available. Applicants will be ranked in the same order as the published oversubscription criteria.

(i) Children in Local Authority Care(ii) Attendance at a linked school(iii) Current Family Association(iv) Health and Special Access Reasons(v) Nearness of children’s homes to school

Full details of the above criteria can be found on the Kent County Council website.Prospective parents are welcome to come and look around the school by appointment with Mrs Vickers, the school secretary.

Transfer to Secondary Education

Children at Benenden are in a position to transfer to a variety of secondary schools in West Kent and elsewhere at the end of Year 6. Some parents choose to send their children to grammar school.

During May all children in Year 6 undertake SATs tests, and in the Autumn term Years 4, 5 and 6 take CAT tests, (Cognitive Ability Tests). The results of these are monitored and help in our assessment of children’s abilities and progress. These are nationally standardised tests. Together with teachers’ assessments of children’s work, they form the basis for the school’s recommendation, where requested, as to the most suitable type of secondary education for each child. Placement decisions are discussed in detail with parents and, for those whose parents who wish them to attend a grammar school, there are further standardised verbal, non-verbal and maths tests.

We take a great deal of time and care with this assessment process and try to ensure that parents are fully aware of the reasons behind the school’s recommendations. Parents are invited to discuss these matters with the Headteacher at any time, and as often as parents feel is necessary, before the final decision is taken regarding a child’s transfer to secondary education.

Medicals22

The school can request a medical examination for any child whose physical development gives cause for concern. A KCC School Nurse visits the school twice a year to take height and weight measurements of the Reception class and Year 6. They also visit Reception class once per year to check the children’s hearing.

Other Health Matters

We ask, as a matter of urgency, that you inform us of any illness or condition suffered by your child, e.g. heart murmurs, asthma, epilepsy, anaphylactic reactions.

If your child needs to have prescription medicine administered at school, we ask you to complete the relevant form in the school office which gives full written instructions detailing dosage, timing, frequency, etc. Wherever possible, we ask you to send to school each day only the amount of medicine that your child will need to take that day.

Charging for School Activities

The Governors’ policy for all school activities which require funding deemed to be beyond the normal school budget, including school residential and day visits, swimming, art and craft, cooking etc., is that parents are informed of the cost and invited to make a contribution to the school fund.

It is felt that the school must remain the final arbiter as to what is necessary to enrich the National Curriculum. Speakers, visits, outings and residential courses play a vital part of underpinning a wide range of concepts, knowledge and skills. Such activities are often beyond the budget of the school and help is usually sought.

Some parents find it difficult to contribute. Ways can be found to help the children of families with such problems. The Headteacher is more than willing to discuss such matters individually and in the strictest confidence.

That apart, where there is only partial support for activities needing financial contributions, it would seem unfair to ask some parents to carry the burden of their own, and other children’s costs. In such cases, partial support will have to result in the school considering cancelling the activity.

It is hoped, however, that such measures will prove unnecessary and that the established pattern of positive parental support on a voluntary basis can continue to be relied upon.

Individual or small group musical tuition, including the hire of instruments, where this is not part of the syllabus, may incur charges.

Parents may be asked for recompense where damage is caused by a child. Breakage or damage to school property, equipment and materials, including the loss or replacing of books, caused by the pupil’s misbehaviour may incur a charge equal to the cost of repair and/or replacement.

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Educational Visits

Much of the National Curriculum is related to both the local environment and more distant places. Educational visits take place two or three times a year for most year groups, for which your approval is sought. You are asked to make a voluntary contribution towards the costs of these activities. Please also refer to the Charging for School Activities section previously mentioned.

School Policies

School policies are drawn up by staff and governors and cover most aspects of school life. They provide the framework within which we work. Given the high number of policies that are needed, there is a constant process of formulation, implementation and review. Current policies are available on the website or in the headteacher’s office.

Complaints about the Curriculum and Other Matters

If you have a concern about the school curriculum, and other related matters, we ask you to contact the teacher or Headteacher at the school, in order that these matters may be discussed informally. There is also a contact email for the governors at Benenden should you wish to discuss any concerns with them.

An official complaints procedure is, however, available. Details of this are available from the school office.

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Year 6 at Hilltop

Code of Conduct

Full details regarding our Behaviour and Anti-Bullying Policy are available on school website

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Equal Opportunities

Benenden Primary School believes that each child has the right to be treated in all matters as a unique individual and to have equal access to the curriculum. Every child’s contribution to the life of the school is valued and we do our best to avoid stereotyping by gender, culture, religion or race. The school is opposed to racism and racial harassment in all its forms. We recognise the cultural diversity of our nation and actively seek to promote multicultural harmony.

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The Gibbon Building is the original school building, and is the location of the dining room and Class 1

Parent Teacher Association

The school is fortunate to have an active and friendly Parent Teacher Association, (PTA). The association has a committee, which is elected each year by the parents. All parents are automatically members of the PTA.

The committee organises a full programme of social and fund-raising events. Money raised is used to improve the school’s facilities and is of benefit to the pupils.

All parents of children at the School, and all members of staff, are automatically members of the PTA. Help is always gratefully received, not only on the committee, but also in supporting any of the organised activities. If you wish to volunteer your services in any way, please contact one of the members of the committee, or the Chair.

Details of forthcoming PTA events are published in both regular PTA broadsheets and the weekly school newsletter.

More information about the PTA can be found on the school website.

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School Governing Body

Name of Governor Type of governor Start of term of

officeEnd of term of

officeDeclaration of

interests

Martin Goodwin Chair, Foundation Governor 30/11/2015 29/11/2019  

Nicola ThomasVice Chair, Community Governor

01/06/2013 31/05/2017 Vice Chair of Parish Council Child in Y6

Mike Lycett Local Authority Governor  01/10/2014 30/09/2018  

Lucy Whitestone Community Governor 07/07/2015 07/07/2019 Supervisor at local

pre-school

Bill Martin Associate Governor 09/02/2013 08/03/2017  

Colin Smith Parent governor 01/10/2012 30/09/2016 Children in Y3 and Y1

Oliver Streeten Parent Governor     Children in Y3 and EYFS

Joe Swash Parent Governor 01/09/2015 31/08/2019 Children in Y3 and Y1

James Astridge Parent Governor 07/07/2015 07/07/2019 Children in Y2 and EYFS

Rachel Robinson Staff Governor 01/01/2015 31/12/2018 Employed by school as teacher

Janet Beattie Foundation Governor02/01/2016 01/01/2020  

To contact parent governors Colin Smith, Oliver Streeten or James Astridge, please email28

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