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P R O S P E C T U S

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GADE VALLEY JMI & NURSERY SCHOOL

Address: Gadebridge Road

Hemel Hempstead

Herts

HP1 3DT

Telephone: 01442 391324

Email: parents@gadevalley.herts.sch.uk

Website: www.gadevalley.herts.sch.uk

Headteacher: PME Bandle (Mrs)

Chair of

Governors: Mr P Besley

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART 1: GENERAL INFORMATION

1

Brief history of Hemel Hempstead....................................................... 1

Aims of the School.................................................................................... 1

Equal Opportunities 2

Admissions................................................................................................... 2

Access to your child’s school records................................................... 3

Letters and money in school.................................................................... 3

Golden Rules................................................................................................ 3

GVSA – Gade Valley School Association............................................... 4

PART 2: SCHOOL LIFE

5

Organisation ............................................................................................... 5

The School Day .......................................................................................... 5

Assemblies / Act of Worship ................................................................. 5

Behaviour, Discipline and School Rules................................................. 6

Classroom Helpers ..................................................................................... 7

School Uniform........................................................................................... 8

Sports and Clubs ........................................................................................ 10

PART 3: SCHOOL AND HOME LINKS

12

Visiting Arrangements.............................................................................. 12

Entry to Foundation Stage – Nursery and Reception ....................... 12

Parent / School Contact........................................................................... 13

Parent Council ............................................................................................. 14

The Inevitable Head Lice ........................................................................ 14

Children’s Centres...................................................................................... 15

How to resolve a problem ........................................................................ 15

PART 4: CARING FOR YOUR CHILD 16

Caring for your child ................................................................................. 16

Absence from school................................................................................. 16

Feeling Poorly.............................................................................................. 17

Child Protection Procedures.................................................................... 18

Parking and Road Safety.......................................................................... 18

Lunchtimes................................................................................................... 19

School Dinners............................................................................................ 20

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PART 5: THE CURRICULUM

21

Content and Coverage – Foundation Stage .......................................... 21

Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 .................................................................. 23

Assessment – Standard Assessment Tests ........................................ 24

Children with Special Educational Needs............................................. 25

Religious Education and Assemblies ...................................................... 26

School Trips ................................................................................................ 26

Curriculum Enhancement.......................................................................... 27

ICT ................................................................................................................ 27

Classrooms................................................................................................... 28

Books............................................................................................................. 28

PART 6: OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

29

Comparative Graphs SATs Results 2012.............................................. 29

School Holiday Dates 30

Policies :

Anti Bullying ................................................................................................

31

Behaviour ..................................................................................................... 34

Staff list .................................................................................................... 38

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PART 1: GENERAL INFORMATION

Brief History of Hemel Hempstead and the School

The school was built in 1962 and was originally a separate junior and

infant school. During 1970/71 the School Association raised enough

funds to build an outdoor shallow water swimming pool for the school.

The pool is still very much in use today and over the last few years has

been extensively refurbished. The two schools amalgamated in 1982

and Gade Valley J.M.I. came into existence. The old junior school

building became the area’s teachers’ centre before becoming Cavendish

School’s 6th form base. With 1997 seeing the arrival of our new

Nursery class we are back to the present day.

Gade Valley is a County Primary School. We have a Governing Body

made up of parent governors, the head teacher, deputy headteacher, a

teacher governor, community governors, and co-opted members. A

number of committees made up from the Governing Body meet on a

regular basis to discuss such things as finance, curriculum, personnel

issues and issues relating to the use of the school premises. All

Governors work on a voluntary basis and are central to the life of the

School. The day to day running of the school is devolved to the Head,

though at all times the Head and other Governors work closely

together.

Aims of the School

� We aim to enable children and all staff to be actively involved

in their own learning leading to greater independence and

confidence.

� We will endeavour to ensure a learning environment that is

stimulating, challenging and supportive.

� We aim to educate all members of our school for life so that

each individual may contribute positively to any community in

which he or she may happen to be.

� We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to

develop positive self-esteem and to realise that every

individual within our community is valued and respected.

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� We aim to ensure that every member of every team within the

school community has equal access and opportunity to develop

not only their full educational potential but their spiritual,

moral, social and cultural potential too.

Equal Opportunities

Every child at Gade Valley has the right to equal access to the curriculum

and the right to be treated with courtesy, care and respect. We are

particularly concerned that everyone, adults and children, understands and

respects backgrounds, abilities and cultures that might be different from

their own.

Admissions

Gade Valley’s Governing Body has adopted Hertfordshire Education

Authority’s admissions process for entry to the school at

Nursery/Reception class age. The processes for entry to the school are

explained fully in the information packs from County – these packs are

available to all parents with children rising to school age.

The admissions process has to be followed for Nursery places and a year

later for Reception class places. To be given a Nursery place does not

mean a Reception place in the same school is automatic.

In-year admissions are also managed by the LA.

The County Hall contact telephone number is: 01992 555555. Ask for Admissions.

If your child is given a place at our Nursery or Reception class you will be

invited to a meeting for parents in the June before your child join us.

In addition you and your child will be invited to spend time in their new

classrooms late in the summer or autumn terms.

We are always happy to show round parents who may be considering

sending their child to Gade Valley so please contact the school if this is

the case.

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Access to your Childs school records

An entitled person (i.e. parent, natural, adoptive or legal guardian) or

responsible person (i.e. Governing Body of a child’s next school – not

secondary transfer) has the right of access to certain school records.

As parents you may request the above information at any time.

The school will comply within the statutory time scale.

If you require a more detailed policy on the Keeping, Disclosure and

Transfer of Manual Records this is on our website.

Letters and Money in School

Your child will often have to bring money into school and it is an ideal

opportunity to let them become more confident and responsible. Before

you leave them just remind them that the money is there and trust them

to do the rest! Money is always collected in when the register is called so

this serves as a further reminder if needed!

Dinner money is paid in advance and can be paid either by cash or by

cheque (made payable to Herts County Council). You can pay weekly or half

- termly but it can only be paid in on the first day of the week which is

usually a Monday. If you forget just let the office know and pay the two

weeks together the next week. We won’t let your child starve!

As money is collected for a variety of reasons e.g. milk, school trips, book

club etc. would you please put the money in an envelope and seal it. Label

the envelope clearly with your child’s name and the reason for the payment.

All items have to be paid for separately so please ensure a separate

envelope for each payment. The office has to bank money into several

different accounts and this really helps ease some of the burden.

During your child’s time at school they will have the opportunity to do some

cooking. A small charge is made to cover the cost of the ingredients but

often whatever is cooked will come home to you. Happy Eating!

Golden Rules

Respect yourself

Respect other people

Respect property

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GVSA – Gade Valley School Association

The school benefits enormously from a very active school association which

supports the school in its aims. It fosters positive relationships between

school, home and the wider community so we act as a Learning Partnership.

All parents with pupils at Gade Valley School are automatically members of

the Association which has charity status to assist in its fund raising

events. The Association supports the school in many ways not just as a

fund raising group but also by providing practical voluntary support to

benefit the pupils.

The Association holds its AGM in the autumn so that parents have an

opportunity to meet each other and plan together the future fundraising

and social events for the children and parents.

Money raised in the past has bought play equipment and the gazebo.

Future plans include financing learning areas outside the Year 6 and Year 3

classrooms.

If you would like to come and join us everyone is welcome, many hands

make light work and we have a good time. Every event that is organised

can only be successful if parents, friends and staff help out.

Come and be part of our Learning Partnership.

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PART 2: SCHOOL LIFE

Organisation

At present we have eight classes. Nursery and Reception make up the

Early Years Foundation Stage, Years 1 and 2 make up Key Stage 1 and

Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 make up Key Stage 2. Each class has a one year group

entry.

Each class has a teacher and is also supported by a Teaching Assistant.

Other Assistants support the learning of individuals or groups.

The School Day

Gade Valley’s school day meets the statutory requirements laid down by

the Government and is outlined below:

Nursery 8.50am – 11.50am

Reception 8.50am – 12.00, 1.15pm – 3.15pm

KS1 8.45am – 10.45am, 11.05am – 12.00

1.15pm – 3.15pm, (there is an optional afternoon break for

KS1)

KS2 8.45am – 10.45am, 11.05am– 12.15pm

1.15pm – 3.15pm

On the last Friday of each month parents are invited to join our sharing

assembly at 9.00am.

You and your child are welcome to arrive at school a little early and you can

stay with them until the whistle goes at 8.40am and your child comes into

school.

Please ensure your child arrives on time – they become very unsettled if they

do not come in with everyone else.

Assemblies / Act of Worship

Assembly takes place in School every day. The format of these assemblies

varies slightly each day, but throughout the year conform to a regular

pattern.

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Class assemblies, to which parents are invited are on Wednesdays and our

Parents Sharing assemblies are on the last Friday of each month.

All these dates are on our School Diary which we send to parents each

September.

Behaviour, Discipline and School Rules

We have a comprehensive Behaviour Policy which details how we implement

our rules in daily practice.

The Behaviour Policy also contains our Rewards and Sanctions Policy and

details how we reward excellent work, effort and behaviour and also the

sanctions the school imposes if and when required.

A copy of our Behaviour Policy and Anti-bullying Policy will be given to you

when your child starts with Gade Valley.

Bullying is a major concern to both parents and school staff. Any complaint

of bullying is taken very seriously by the school, investigated thoroughly

and, where required, dealt with firmly in accordance with our Anti-bullying

Policy. All complaints of bullying will be logged and monitored closely by

the school.

When they come into school the children will be introduced to our golden

school rules which are simply:

To show respect for yourself, for each other and each other’s belongings

Obviously we do have more general rules like not running in the school or

shouting out but these rules are learned over a period of time. In the

classroom teachers will often discuss rules with the children and work with

them to draw up their own classroom rules. This helps the children to be

actively involved in their own discipline procedures and is very effective.

At Gade Valley we believe in promoting each child’s self esteem as we feel

that this underpins so much of their behaviour and their ability to cope

with ‘difficult’ situations from friendship problems ( and these can be many

and varied!) to more serious issues.

The classteacher and the child will always discuss what has happened and

reach an agreement as to what should happen next.

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We use an approach to the management of behaviour called ‘Circle Time’.

This is used throughout the school to give children the continuity of

approach that is so important. During their circle time the children will

have the opportunity to discuss any situations or problems that may have

arisen and look for mutually agreed solutions. Again, the emphasis is on

nurturing each child’s self esteem. Children with good self esteem grow

into healthy, well balanced and happy youngsters.

If a child shows persistently difficult behaviour they may lose a privilege

or be given a task to do. If the problems continue then our first call will be

to you as parents to come and discuss your child’s difficulty with us. With

most children who present with difficult behaviour there is nearly always

an underlying cause.

We value you spending time listening to your child and you may pick up on a

worry at school. If that is the case talk to the class teacher to see if

anything is causing a problem. Two way communication is of great

importance!

Classroom Helpers

Your school needs you! You may think that you haven’t the right skills to

help in school but think again! We are always looking for people to help out

with anything ranging from gardening, sewing, model making, playing board

games to working in our library. Perhaps you are a good listener? Would you

like to read to, read with or hear children read? In the summer we need

helpers for swimming.

If you could help in any of the ways listed above then we would love to hear

from you. The school always needs the skills you may offer in and around

the classrooms. You don’t have to be here for very long - even half an hour

regularly once a week would be of great value to us.

If you would like more details then please contact your class teacher or

call in at the office for an informal chat.

We will need to ensure you have had a CRB check done or arrange to get it

done before you can help.

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School Uniform

Gade Valley does have a school uniform of navy and yellow. As a school we

feel that wearing a uniform should be strongly re-enforced and we count on

your support in this.

The school office has a good stock of uniform and the School Secretary

runs the shop at the following times:

Tuesday 8.45am – 9.15am

Thursday 3.00pm – 3.30pm

Alternatively uniform can be purchased from local shops in line with the

schools requirements set out below.

New parents will be invited to an evening meeting in June and the uniform

will be on display then – orders can be placed for September.

Children are expected to be neatly dressed for school. All items of clothing

should be marked with the child’s name.

Girls Winter

Navy skirt or trousers

Navy or gold sweatshirt

Navy or gold polo shirt

Navy cardigan

Navy tights, navy or white socks

Summer

Blue or yellow checked dress

Navy sweatshirt or cardigan

White socks

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Boys Winter

Navy trousers

Navy or gold sweatshirt

Navy or gold polo shirt

Summer

Navy shorts if preferred to trousers

Navy or gold sweatshirt

Navy or gold polo shirt

PE Kit Navy shorts and white t-shirt

Plimsolls should be available in school at all times

Tracksuits in navy or dark colours, are useful for cold

weather

Swimming

Kit Towel, swim suit (any design though not bikinis) and cap

Shoes Navy or black – An indoor and outdoor pair are required

Book Bag

Items available in school office –

Sweatshirts, cardigans, polo-shirts, PE kit, book bags, swimming

caps.

Hair

Hair styles and colour should also be simple and natural. Please do

not send your child to school with shaved areas of hair/patterns.

If hair has to be held back from the face, please use a simple, plain

hairband.

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Jewellery

The wearing of jewellery of any kind, including earrings and studs, is not

permitted, except where ears have been pierced. In this case small gold or

silver studs are allowed. They must be taped over for PE lessons and removed

for swimming.

Footwear

Please ensure that your child has a change of shoes for indoor and outdoor

wear!

A shoe bag or even a plastic carrier bag will help your child keep their

shoes tidy and safe. Please make sure the shoes are clearly marked with

their name - an unmarked plimsoll can be a nightmare!

Wellies are needed for children in Nursery and Reception classes. They

will be outside whatever the weather!

Other classes Year 1 – Year 6 will need trainers for PE.

Nail Polish

This must not be worn in any circumstance.

Sports and Clubs

Gade Valley has a range of clubs covering a variety of sports and other

activities. All children are encouraged to take part.

For example we run football and netball clubs and take part in the

various Cups and Leagues. We have amongst others an IT club, drama and

gardening clubs. In the summer term we offer Rounders and Cricket. Our

swimming pool is an asset – we use it each summer and our children view

lessons as a highlight of the term!

The Sports Network centred on The Cavendish School provides many

opportunities for our children.

The school has a choir and offers instrumental tuition for children at

school (which has to be paid for) with a peripatetic music teacher.

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Our Year 4 class learns to play the fife – the teacher comes from the

Herts Music Service.

All we ask of the children who sign up for a club is a real commitment to

attend regularly and, where necessary, to practise their developing skills at

home.

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PART 3: SCHOOL AND HOME LINKS

Visiting Arrangements

We welcome visits to our school.

An appointment to visit should be made in advance by contacting the

School Secretary, Mrs Simson on Tel: 01442 391324. Mrs Simson will be

happy to make an appointment for you at a time acceptable to both you and

the Head teacher Mrs Bandle.

Entry to Foundation Stage – Nursery and Reception classes

Getting children ready for school

We want your child to settle at school as quickly as they can. We want

them to enjoy being here, able to engage in activities with others and to

look forward to coming.

To help us achieve this we need your help.

We have found that children settle into school life best when you as

parents have helped them to:-

1. Become used to parting from you. A quick goodbye, hug and a

kiss! Even if they are a little upset they will usually settle really

quickly once you have gone.

2. Be independent eg. able to go to the toilet on their own, put on

and take off their own coat and PE kit, manage their own indoor

and outdoor shoes – Velcro is wonderful!

3. Be used to helping! Please encourage them to help at home e.g.

putting cutlery on the table, putting shopping away etc. etc.

Also get them to help tidying up – their own clothes, shoes, coats,

toys.

We hope your child will settle well and quickly. Please tell us though if

you have concerns.

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Parent / School Contact

One of the busiest times of the day for any teacher is first thing in the

morning as the children are arriving. If you need to have a word with your

child’s class teacher, after school is always the best time. However

sometimes something important has happened and you need a quick word

and that is understandable. If you can be brief and return later for a

fuller chat that would be very helpful. The Headteacher and Deputy

Headteacher are also available most of the time in the mornings if you

would prefer a fuller discussion which can then be passed on to the

classteacher.

In September we have a “Meet the Teacher” meeting which is exactly what

it says. This is an ideal time to ask any questions about how the classroom

is set up and run and the activities that take place and to receive useful

information about the new class your child is in.

More formal Parents Teacher Consultation days are termly and these will

focus more on your child’s progress and development. You will have the

opportunity to see their work and again to ask any questions of the

classteacher.

In the summer term you will receive your child’s school report covering all

areas of the Curriculum. There will be a space for your comments and the

opportunity to meet again with your child’s teacher to follow up any issues

which may have arisen.

Information about the above events and lots of other events will be sent

to you by email. It will also be posted on our website linked to the diary.

We also use Groupcall which sends you a text message. This is useful when

we need to get information out quickly.

You can contact us by phone or using the following email account –

parents@gadevalley.herts.sch.uk

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Teachers also have an email address you can use to communicate directly

with them. These are:

Nursery: teachernursery@gadevalley.herts.sch.uk

Reception: teacherreception@gadevalley.herts.sch.uk

Year 1: teacher1@gadevalley.herts.sch.uk

Year 2: teacher2@gadevalley.herts.sch.uk

Year 3: teacher3@gadevalley.herts.sch.uk

Year 4: teacher4@gadevalley.herts.sch.uk

Year 5: teacher5@gadevalley.herts.sch.uk

Year 6: Teacher6@gadevalley.herts.sch.uk

We hope you will look at our web-site. There is a lot of information there –

policies, children’s work, school diary of events etc.

All of this is available to see at www.gadevalley.herts.sch.uk

Parent Council and School Council

We have a School Council where representatives from the children’s family

groups meet with our Deputy Headteacher to discuss issues of importance

to our children and organise internal events such as fundraising.

Our Parent Council meets regularly and is chaired by a member of our

Governing Body.

Issues which the school and council have worked on together are

developing communication between school and parents and re-organising

and rewriting school documents such as this prospectus!

The Inevitable Head Lice

Don’t be shocked if your child catches head lice, a lot of them do - and

often more than once!

A good preventative measure is to comb your child’s hair at least once a day. Combing has the effect of breaking the legs of the lice and thus

preventing them from laying eggs. The egg is the ‘nit’ you hear about.

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If your child does have head lice we will always let you know straight away

so that you can have them treated. Your chemist or Alison Adams our

school nurse will be able to advise you. Remember if your child has got

them you must treat the whole family.

Alison Adams is always available if you need to consult her. Please ask the

school office if you need her contact details.

Children’s Centres

We are part of the group served by the Galley Hill Centre -

www.hertschildrenscentres.org.uk/galleyhill/

Its manager Terri Burfield will give details of courses, groups and other

support she can offer to families.

Do call in or ring to find out what is going on or if you need help.

How to resolve a problem

We make every effort to work harmoniously with you, and we are always

pleased to discuss concerns with parents in order to find a resolution.

There may be need for on-going meetings to evaluate the situation but

parents should speak to the class teacher first.

If further clarification is needed, an appointment should be made with the

Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher.

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PART 4: CARING FOR YOUR CHILD

Caring for your child

Your child’s pastoral and welfare care are of great importance to you as a

parent and to us, as we look after them on a daily basis.

If we have concerns about a child we will always contact you and would ask

you to do the same if you have concerns. The Headteacher and Deputy

Headteacher are always happy to talk over any concerns. It is important

that you notify the school of any changes in circumstances that might

affect your child. All discussions are confidential and only staff who need

to know will be informed.

The staff team regularly discusses concerns there may be about a child

and how the child can be supported.

Absence from School

Absence from school is unavoidable at times due to illness or family

circumstances. However, for the sake of your child’s continuity of

education we ask wherever possible that disruption is kept to a minimum.

We need confirmation in writing that your child’s absence has been

authorised.

Please phone or e-mail us (absence@gadevalley.herts.sch.uk) on the first

day of absence to tell us your child will not be in school. Otherwise we will

contact you to ensure your child is safe.

Leave of absence for holidays has to be requested and permission will only

be given in exceptional circumstances by the Governors. For this reason

we ask you to contact us before you book a holiday and fill in the form you

will be given.

It is for the sake of your child’s education that the school asks wherever

possible that you minimise these absences.

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Feeling Poorly

Once your child starts school they will come into contact with the usual

childhood illnesses and very often before any physical signs appear they

will feel unwell and be at their most contagious. Once something starts

going around in the classroom it can do so at lightning speed.

One rule we do ask you to adhere to is in the case of tummy bugs. If your

child has an upset tummy we ask you to please keep them at home for at

least 24 hours from the time they were last sick or had diarrhoea. This

not only helps to protect the class but also the adults working in it.

Sometimes children bounce into school in the morning but by lunchtime

they may be feeling poorly. As you know children can succumb very quickly

to the odd virus, etc. If we feel your child is really poorly we will always

telephone you.

If you collect them and take them home please sign them out in the folder

outside the office. Similarly if you take them to an appointment at the

doctors, dentist or hospital.

When you bring them back from the appointment please sign them in.

Again the folder is outside the office.

It is very important that we have an up to date contact number for

you or your nominated stand-in. You will be given a form which asks for

this information when your child starts at Gade Valley. Please make sure

that you fill in your numbers on our form and let us know if any of them

change.

In an emergency requiring hospital treatment we will always endeavour to

contact you but if this is not possible a member of staff will accompany

your child to hospital and remain with them until you arrive. We will always

err on the side of safety where the children are concerned.

If you child returns to school but needs to be taking a regular dose of

medicine, we ask that where possible the dosage is arranged to fit around

school hours. Strictly speaking schools can refuse to give medicines to

children under the health and safety rules.

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However if it is impossible to give your child the required amount of

medicine outside school hours then we do have a form in the office which

you must fill in on behalf of the child. We cannot give medicine without this

form being filled in and signed.

We have designated members of staff responsible for administering

medication.

If your child is taking regular medication for asthma for example, the

same form will have to be filled in. During their time in the Foundation and

KS1 classes we do ask that the inhaler be left with the teacher.

Child Protection Procedures

Gade Valley follows the statutory guidelines on child protection. The

school has a ‘Child Protection’ Policy and this is available on our website to

any parent who wishes to read it.

Every adult working with the children in school has access to a copy of this

policy and works within the given framework.

Each school has a nominated Child Protection Officer and at Gade Valley

this is the Head teacher Mrs PME Bandle and our Deputy Child Protection

Officer is Mrs M Geddes.

There may be a time when a child’s welfare will be best served by the

school implementing its ‘Child Protection Policy’. In this instance only, the

child’s welfare is put above any other concern and treated as confidential.

A copy of this policy is held in the school if you wish to see it. This policy

is a County document and is required to be in place in all schools.

These procedures are only set in operation when the school has serious

concerns about a child’s safety and welfare.

Parking and Road Safety

We hope that you and your child(ren) will be able to walk to school – a

great time to talk and keep fit.

As you will find out the road outside school becomes extremely busy and

congested at the start of the school day and at 3.15pm.

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We are concerned for our children’s safety and yours.

If you do need to drive your child(ren) to and from school please use the

car park in front of the Cavendish School Learning Centre (6th Form block!)

and walk round to our playground.

The entrance is a little further up Gadebridge Road at the turn in.

Please do not park on the road or drive onto our school premises.

Lunchtimes

We are lucky enough to be able to offer the choice of school lunches or

packed lunches at Gade Valley.

Our kitchen is run by Hertfordshire Catering and each day they prepare a

selection of hot meals and a ‘packed lunch’ option for the children. Healthy

eating and table manners are life lessons and we take this seriously at

school. Letting your child have a school meal is a way of introducing them

to social meal times and all the staff try their best to encourage a good

standard of table manners!

We would never force a child to eat foods that they dislike but we may

encourage them to try a little especially if it is something they haven’t

tried before. We would also never rush the children through their food -

having a conversational lunch is part of their social education.

If you and /or your child would prefer a packed lunch we do ask that is a

healthy, well balanced meal without sweets and chocolate. Drinks should be

in an unbreakable container.

During the morning we are still able to offer the children the opportunity

to have milk. This is free for Nursery and Reception children up to the

term that they are 5 years old but for other children you can order

through the office at the beginning of term. A letter giving details of how

to order and pay for the milk will be sent out to you.

Fruit is provided through a government scheme for Foundation and KS1

children.

KS2 are allowed to bring in a piece of fruit for their morning break. We do

not allow any other kind of snack during school time.

REVISED NOV 12 24

The children need to drink regularly. Please provide a named water bottle

– this can remain at school but does need to return home on occasions to be

given a good clean!

To help your child enjoy lunchtime and get on well with other children we

have a number of systems in place:

1. Play leaders. Children from Year 5 are trained to help younger

children. They take out equipment and encourage others to play.

2. Peer Mediators – Mrs Geddes trains Year 5 and 6 children who

then work in pairs.

Other children ask our midday supervisors if they can go to the

mediators for help to sort out problems which have arisen.

3. Playground buddies support children at lunchtimes with ideas for

games and things to do.

4. Sometimes we use a Buddy system – An older child is paired with

a younger one to offer support. For example Year 6 children help

our Reception class children to go to the dining room and collect

their food in the autumn term.

School Meals

Herts Catering offer a varied and nutritional lunch for our children at a

cost of £2.00 per day.

If you think you may be eligible for Free School Meals please contact the

office on 01442 391324 or visit the HCC website

www.hertsdirect.org/freeschoolmeals

REVISED NOV 12 25

PART 5: THE CURRICULUM

As a school we are committed to helping our children develop in all areas of

learning – socially, academically, spiritually, emotionally and physically.

We are now a leading school for Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning

(SEAL) and we use the SEAL materials in school to help our children develop

good self-esteem, cope with change and develop persistence etc.

We have also recognised the importance of learning and thinking, Philosophy

for Children (P4C) is embedded across the school and it helps children think,

articulate their thoughts, look at issues from different angles and engage in

debate.

Outside learning is a focus for us – we have beautiful grounds which include a

nature reserve, a meadow area, gazebo and gardens which our children may

help to look after.

We are developing gradually additional outside learning spaces which all our

children enjoy using.

The Curriculum – content and coverage

Foundation Stage (Nursery and Reception Classes)

Staff who work with your children will focus on the Early Learning Goals.

They set out what most children are expected to achieve by the end of the

foundation stage. Different curriculum areas are not taught separately.

Instead, learning is grouped under six broad areas of learning.

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development. Your child will learn to

be self-confident, take an interest in things, know what his/her own

needs are, tell the difference between right and wrong, and be able

to dress and undress.

• Communication, language and literacy. Your child will learn to talk

confidently and clearly, enjoying stories, songs and poems, hearing

and saying sounds, and linking them to the alphabet. They will read

and write some familiar words and learn to use a pencil.

REVISED NOV 12 26

• Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy. Your child will develop

an understanding of maths through stories, songs, games and

imaginative play. They will become comfortable with numbers and

with ideas such as 'heavier than' or 'bigger'. They will be aware of

shapes and space.

• Knowledge and Understanding of the World. Your child will explore

and find out about the world around them, asking questions about it.

They will build with different materials, know about everyday

technology and learn what it is used for. They will find out about

past events in their lives and their families' lives. They will find out

about different cultures and beliefs.

• Physical development. Your child will learn to move confidently,

controlling their body and handling equipment.

• Creative development. Your child will explore colours and shapes,

trying out dance, making things, telling stories and making music.

None of these areas of learning and development can be delivered in

isolation. They are equally important and depend on each other to

support a rounded approach to child development. All the areas must

be delivered through planned, purposeful play, with a balance of

adult-led and child-initiated activities.

There will be an assessment made at the end of the Foundation

Stage called the Foundation Stage Profile. This is a national scheme

to enable teachers to record observations and summarise your

child's achievements at the end of the Foundation Stage. It will be

used to summarise their achievements of the Early Learning Goals

within the Foundation Stage and covers all six areas of learning.

REVISED NOV 12 27

Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2

The National Curriculum gives all children access to a wide education from the

earliest age. Once in Key Stage 1 your child will be following schemes of work

in the following subjects:

English Physical Education including

Mathematics PSHE and Swimming

Science History

Geography Religious Education

Technology and I.T. Music

Art Modern Foreign Language - French

The school also covers Personal Health and Social Education including Sex

Education. As parents you do have the right to withdraw your children (on

specific grounds) from either Religious Education and/or Sex Education - we

hope you don’t! All aspects of the curriculum are covered with sensitivity and

an understanding of your child’s needs. Whenever Sex Education is covered

(not in detail until Years 5 and 6), you will be kept fully informed.

Our approaches to teaching the National Curriculum are varied and tailored to

the needs of the subject and the children. Sometimes subjects will be taught

discretely (i.e. as separate subjects), sometimes we may have a topic which

draws together several curriculum areas.

We focus on teaching skills so the children can use them in a variety of

different contexts and make connections in their learning.

We also group children in different ways to suit the purpose of the planned

activity. This could involve whole class teaching, small group work,

collaborative or individual teaching. When we plan our curriculum, giving equal

opportunities to all our children is an integral part of our planning.

Importantly, we recognise that our children are individuals and we endeavour

to teach them as such.

Homework: We do have a School policy on homework. Obviously the amount

given depends on the age of your child. Homework is part of the teacher’s

planning process and the work is therefore carefully linked to your child’s

class work.

REVISED NOV 12 28

Children will sometimes need your help to complete a task – they will always

need your support and enthusiasm! We see a significant improvement in

children’s progress and learning when they have parental support.

Reading: Reading is a crucial skill to your child’s education. It underpins so

much of what your child will have access to. Without sound reading skills,

children will have difficulty accessing many areas of the curriculum and they

will certainly find life in ‘the world’ difficult. We expect children to read with

an adult at home 3 times per week.

It is important for children to learn to love books from the earliest possible

age.

The example set at home has much to do with how a child will respond over

the years. Reading to your child, with your child, or listening to them read

and helping with homework – are some of the greatest educational

opportunities you can give them.

Assessment

Standard Assessment Tests – Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 and

Foundation Stage

Standard Assessment Tests (or SATs as they are known in school) are

taken by our children at the end of KS1 in Year 2 to inform Teacher

Assessment and at the end of KS2 in Year 6.

All children are given an assessment mark called Teacher Assessment, or

TA. It is recognised that a teacher’s knowledge of her/his class is a

crucial part of the overall assessment of a child.

When the SATs results are given to Year 6 parents they will notice two

marks – SATs attainment and Teacher Assessment.

The school’s most recent results of Y6 SATs are at the back of the

brochure.

Parents of Year 2 and Year 6 are invited to a meeting with the Head and

class teacher to discuss any anxieties or queries they may have about the

SATs and how we implement them.

REVISED NOV 12 29

You will be invited into school several times during the year to learn about

your child’s targets, curriculum, progress and attainment.

In addition you will receive a written annual school report in the summer term.

Children with Special Education Needs

Special education has never been a matter just for special schools. The needs

of most pupils with special educational needs (SEN) will be met in mainstream

schools.

The Code of Practice (COP) gives schools a framework within which to

operate. At Gade Valley we have used this framework to inform our work

and teaching within the school.

The COP works through different stages

If a teacher has a concern about a child’s development and/or learning

they will highlight that child as one to monitor closely. You as parents will

be met and the situation discussed. The school and you may need to

provide extra support for your child. If, over a specified period of time,

the teacher’s or other responsible adults’ concerns continue or strengthen,

we may move him/her on to the next stage.

School Action (SA)

The SEN Co-ordinator will review all the information available and the child

will be helped in ways other than normal classroom practice. An Individual

Education Plan will be drawn up for your child and put into action. The

effectiveness of this IEP will be reviewed twice yearly. However, if we

feel that more help is required, we may move your child to School Action

Plus.

School Action Plus (SA+)

At this stage the school is saying that more intensive action with specialist

support is required. The child may need to be seen by an outside agency

e.g. Educational Psychologist for the school to get a clearer picture of the

nature of the underlying difficulty. From this assessment a new IEP will be

drawn up and implemented. After termly reviews the child will revert to

School Action or stay at SA+ for longer.

REVISED NOV 12 30

Religious Education and Assemblies

Religious Education

Religious Education is taught throughout the school and follows

Hertfordshire’s Agreed Syllabus.

During your child’s time at Gade Valley they will learn about the world’s

major religions, in particular:

Christianity

Hinduism

Buddhism

Islam

Sikhism

Judaism

As parents, if you have a strong belief in your own way of life, you do have

the right of withdrawal from these sessions. However, the teaching of

Religious Education at Gade Valley is not about indoctrination in any way

but it is an important part of educating your child for life.

School Trips

To help our children learn we organise trips most terms.

A trip to St Albans helps in learning about the Romans; the Imperial War

Museum contributes to Y6’s learning etc. etc.

Sometimes we visit places by coach have specialist people come into school

to work with children or we may use our local area.

You will be informed by email for these outings. There may be a charge

for these outings and we will need your permission to take your child out of

school.

Years 5 and 6 go on a residential trip in the summer term – Year 5 to

Cuffley camp in Herts and Year 6 to the Kingswood Centre on the Isle of

Wight.

All sorts of activities are planned – team opportunities, learning new skills

and enjoying new opportunities. The children love both trips!

REVISED NOV 12 31

If you have problems paying for any of these activities please come into

school to see us – we can help. We want all our children to be able to

participate in these opportunities.

Curriculum Enhancement

The Governing Body’s aim is to ensure that all pupils have access to all

areas of the life of the school, regardless of the parents’ ability to pay.

The members of our governing body have therefore adopted the Charging

and Remissions Policy of Hertfordshire County Council.

When activities are organised by the school during school hours involving

the need for payment, voluntary contributions will be sought from parents

to cover the cost of these activities. No child is excluded from

participating in the activities because of non-payment of the contribution,

but it is possible these activities may not take place if the level of funding

is insufficient.

The Head teacher and Governors will consider cases of genuine need

seeking help with these charges and will remit those they feel are

necessary from the school’s budget. However difficult it is please contact

us if you need help with any payments.

All year groups have trips out of school to enhance the curriculum and

their learning. Some may be local – walking around the local area, science

work in the park, going to the shops and others are to places further afield

e.g. Hatfield House (Tudors), Imperial War Museum, Boxmoor Trust etc.

ICT

Gade Valley has a well equipped IT suite beside our library area.

The computers all well-used by all our children.

There are also classroom computers some of which are networked to the

suite. All classrooms have an interactive whiteboard and we use visualisers

widely. The latter allow teachers to use IT to show children books, how to

use a protractor, do a calculation, re-draft writing etc. by projecting the

image into a screen.

All staff follow our e-safety policy rigorously. They teach our children how

to use the internet safely and monitor their use of it.

REVISED NOV 12 32

Classrooms

Our school is an attractive place to be. We all work hard to keep it looking

good – teachers and children produce lovely displays of their work.

Our classrooms have learning areas within them e.g. a role-play area which

could be a garden centre, Anderson air-raid shelter, Greek temple etc.,

Mathematics area, Writing and Reading areas.

Learning may also be done outside – Foundation Stage and KS1 use their

garden areas. KS2 use our grounds too and we are developing paved areas

outside to enhance their learning in outdoor places.

Books

We encourage all our children to read at home and so they will often have a

book from their classroom or the library in their book bags.

Please read with them – ten minutes or so three times each week is so

valuable - look at pictures, talk about the book – whatever is suitable for

your children’s stage of development.

It is important that all our books are looked after and returned to us so

others can enjoy them too.

REVISED NOV 12 33

PART 6: USEFUL INFORMATION

Comparative graphs

SATs Results 2012

Key Stage 2

English

SATs

Reading

SATs

Writing

SATs

Maths

SATs

Level

4+

76% 97% 93% 93%

L5 24% 33% 33% 23%

SATs

Level 4+ in EN and MA 93

2NC levels progress in EN (KS2) 93

2NC levels progress in MA (KS2) 80

Numbers are % (1 child = 3.4%)

TAss – Teacher Assessments

EN – English

MA – Maths

SC – Science

REVISED NOV 12 34

School Holiday Dates

2011 / 2012 2012/2013

Autumn term 2011 Autumn term 2012

Term begins 2nd September Term begins 3rd September

Half term 24th to 28th October Half term 29th October to

2nd November

Term ends 16th December Term ends 21st December

Spring term 2012 Spring term 2013

Term ends 3rd January Term begins 7th January

Half term 13th to 17th February Half term 18th to 22nd February

Term ends 30th March Term ends 28th March

Summer term 2012 Summer term 2013

Term begins 16th April Term begins 15th April

Half term 4th June to 08th June Half term 28th May to 31st May

May Bank Holiday 07th May May Bank Holiday 6th May

Term ends 23rd July Term ends 24th July

REVISED NOV 12 35

Policies

Please look on our website for all our school policies. Hard copies can be obtained from

the office via Mrs Calverley.

GADE VALLEY SCHOOL ANTI-BULLYING POLICY

1. Our approach

The DFE identifies three characteristics that are included in most definitions of bullying:

• The behaviour is intended to cause distress

• The behaviour is repeated

• There is an imbalance of power between the perpetrator/s of bullying and the

targets.

This may involve:

• name-calling, taunting, mocking and making offensive comments.

• Offensive graffiti

• Excluding another/others from a group

• Gossiping or spreading hurtful rumours

• Physically hurting another

• Taking belongings

• Cyberbullying

In short, any behaviour which leaves an individual regularly feeling worthless, unhappy and

fearful.

At our school we believe that everyone should be able to learn in an environment free

from bullying of any kind. We believe everyone should feel supported and safe.

We are totally committed to ensuring that we eliminate any bullying in our school. We do

this by educating children about what bullying is, the effects of it and how to prevent it

from happening in the first place. Bullying behaviour is often linked to ‘difference’ and so

we strive at our school to celebrate difference and respect one another.

This document is part of a portfolio of policies that ensure that we;

• Safeguard pupils

• Promote wellbeing

• Promote equality between different groups

• Promote community cohesion

Our school is committed to working with staff, Governors, pupils and parents and carers

to create and maintain a school community where bullying is not tolerated. The school anti-

bullying policy has been developed with due regard to our duties and obligations under

existing legislation and public sector duties for the wellbeing of all our pupils and we will

take all steps to ensure their safety.

REVISED NOV 12 36

2. Roles and responsibilities across the school

Mrs Michele Geddes is the named member of staff on the Senior Leadership Team

responsible for anti-bullying.

Mr Jon Chapman is the named Governor for anti-bullying.

THE HEADTEACHER AND SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM has a responsibility to promote

the school ethos of inclusion and to promote wellbeing and safeguarding. They also have a

responsibility to report incidents of bullying and to monitor and review the implementation

and impact of this policy.

ALL teaching and support staff have a responsibility to contribute to building and

maintaining a school ethos which is welcoming, supportive and inclusive.

PUPILS have responsibility for reporting any incidents of bullying experienced or

witnessed and to actively promote a no-bullying environment.

PARENTS have a responsibility to support our work on preventing and dealing with bullying

and safeguarding.

3. Preventing and responding to Bullying

Our anti-bullying ethos is reinforced throughout the school community through the

curriculum (SEAL, PSHE and Citizenship) and through various peer support programmes

such as peer mediation and playground buddies. We undertake training when necessary and

work hard to maintain a good partnership with parents.

All reports of bullying are taken seriously and investigated. People who have been bullied

are given the opportunity to talk and steps will be taken to ensure that their self-esteem

and confidence is restored. People who have bullied are also supported and taught to

understand alternative courses of action and the fact that behaviour needs to change.

Parents are informed. Action is taken in accordance with our behaviour policy.

We make sure that children can access various support groups if they need to eg HABI.

4. Recording and reporting bullying

When someone has reported an incident of bullying they are assured that they have

done the right thing and that action will be taken.

Each class has a worry box to support children who may find it difficult to report bullying.

Class teachers with support from the whole staff team monitor children who have been

bullied carefully to ensure that it does not continue. These children may be placed on our

provision map to show that we are monitoring and supporting them very closely.

Bullying and racist incidents are recorded on the forms recommended by the ‘Preventing

and Responding to bullying’ guidance. Information is shared amongst the SLT and with

other members of staff when necessary.

The named Governor for anti-bullying is responsible for reporting incidents of bullying to

the Governing Body.

REVISED NOV 12 37

Any really serious incidents of bullying may result in the school contacting the Local

Authority advisor.

Bullying and racist incident incident data is submitted termly via the SOLERO system.

5. Stakeholder feedback

We seek to involve all parents and members of the school community in the

implementation and review of this policy. Parents will receive it each year and will be asked

to make any comments or suggestions regarding it should they wish to do so. Staff and

Governors will review it annually.

Children are frequently asked for their views through circle time, questionnaires and

learning walks and in school council meetings. All of this helps to inform our policy.

6. Impact assessment

We ask the children their views of the actions we take to prevent and respond to bullying.

We also take part in various questionnaires eg the Hertfordshire anti-bullying survey and

the Health Related Behaviour Questionnaire to help us assess the impact of the work we

are doing.

M.G July 2010

Reviewed September 2011

Date for review: September 2012.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Please complete and return to school.

I have read the school’s anti-bullying policy.

Signed

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Name of child/ren at the school………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

I wish to make the following comments and/or suggestions:

REVISED NOV 12 38

GADE VALLEY JMI & N SCHOOL

BEHAVIOUR POLICY

How we behave at Gade Valley School

At our school we have three golden rules. These are:

1. Respect yourself.

2. Respect others.

3. Respect property.

Respect yourself

This means being kind to yourself.

If we need help we ask for it instead of getting worried and struggling.

It means never giving up and always wanting to be the very best so that

we can learn well and be safe and happy.

Respect others

This means that we treat others as we would like to be treated ourselves. We are kind,

helpful and polite.

We listen to each other and remember that we all need to work together as a team.

Respect property

This means being proud and taking care of our school, the grounds, our classrooms and

everything in them.

We know that everyone in our school wants to be happy and do their best.

This is how, at Gade Valley School, we reward those of us who behave well:

1. Certificates

There are three types of certificates to collect and you get these by collecting

stickers.

6 excellent stickers for excellent BEHAVIOUR = ONE BEHAVIOUR CERTIFICATE

6 excellent stickers for excellent EFFORT = ONE EFFORT CERTIFICATE

6 excellent stickers for excellent WORK = ONE WORK CERTIFICATE

Any adult in the school can reward you with a sticker if they see you behaving well,

making a real effort or doing some excellent work.

This can happen at any time and in any area of the school.

The certificates are presented in parent sharing assemblies.

REVISED NOV 12 39

When you have one of each type of certificate your name will be put in the Gade

Valley book of excellence which is proudly displayed in the main entrance to the

school.

Most of us behave really well all of the time and adults in the school know this and will

make sure that you are rewarded fairly.

2. Golden Time

Every child begins each week with thirty minutes of Golden Time which they will have

each Friday afternoon.

Golden Time is when you are allowed to choose a really fun activity to do eg football,

netball, painting, dancing, drama, ICT, going outside, dressing up, playing with friends,

junk modelling etc.

All classes have Golden Time at the same time each week and the different activities

are set up in different areas of the school so children get to mix up with friends

across the school.

3. Star of the Week

Each week someone who has been fantastic in each class and still has all of their

golden time is chosen to be the Star of the Week by their class teacher.

This child is given a Star of the Week certificate on the Friday and a special badge to

wear all week.

Older children help their teachers decide who, in their class, should be named as the

Star of the Week.

On Friday, in assembly, the star of the week in each class will be asked to stand up so

that everyone can see you and give you a great big clap.

4. Happy Faces

Teachers show you that they are pleased with your

behaviour by writing your name under a smiley

face picture on the whiteboard in the classroom.

We know that most of the time everyone at Gade Valley School will follow the golden

rules, be happy, work hard and do their best.

REVISED NOV 12 40

But sometimes this does not happen. We know that adults in the school and parents

need to work together to make things better and so this is how we deal with bad

behaviour:

1. Talking

If you are behaving badly your teacher or another adult will talk with you and explain

why what you are doing needs to stop.

Teachers also use circle time to talk about behaviour problems when they need to.

There are also peer mediators who you can talk to if you have a problem at lunchtime.

2. Sad faces

If talking hasn’t worked, your teacher may write your name under a sad face on the

whiteboard.

This may mean that you are moved to work somewhere else in the room to make sure

you and others can work well and get on with learning.

It may mean that you miss playtime to catch up on your work.

3. Golden Time

If this doesn’t work you may lose 5 minutes of your Golden Time.

You will keep losing 5 minute chunks of your Golden Time if your behaviour doesn’t get

better. This means that you won’t be able to join in with the fun on Friday. You will

have to catch up on work instead.

You can get back your Golden Time in 5 minute chunks if you start to behave better.

4. Yellow and Red Cards

If you do something that is dangerous or if you hurt someone an adult may have to

give you a yellow card.

If a yellow card is given a letter will go home to parents and your name will be

recorded.

You will either miss a playtime and/or be asked to work outside of the classroom.

The Yellow card lasts for 6 weeks so if you are good for those 6 weeks your name will

be cleared.

If you do something dangerous or hurt someone again in the 6 weeks you may be given

another yellow card.

This will last for 6 weeks too so if you are good for these 6 weeks your name will be

cleared. Again, a letter will go home to parents and you will miss playtime and/or be

asked to work outside of the classroom.

If a third yellow card is given then you will spend half a day or a whole day working

outside of the classroom.

REVISED NOV 12 41

If you do something dangerous or hurt someone for a 4th time you will be given a red card.

If this happens you will not be allowed to work at all in your classroom.

You will not be allowed to have playtimes with the other children.

There will be a meeting with the Headteacher and your parents and a special plan will need

to be written so that you can learn to be good again.

If you are given a second or third red card then the Headteacher will have to exclude you.

This means that you will not be allowed to come to Gade Valley School for a while.

This behaviour policy was written by a working party made up of a teacher, some parents,

a Governor, a teaching assistant and mid-day supervisor and some children in May and

June 2010.

We are very proud of it.

So that we can all work together as a team to make our school happy and safe we would

like you to read it carefully and sign the slip below.

Please then return the slip to school. This will show that you agree to the policy and will

follow it.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Read by parent/s…………………………………………………………………………………………………(please sign)

Read by child…………………………………………………………………………………………………………

(please sign or make a mark)

Read by class teacher…………………………………………………………………………………….

(please sign)

Date…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Comments:

REVISED NOV 12 42

Staff List

Headteacher: Mrs Patricia Bandle

Deputy Headteacher: Mrs Michele Geddes

Finance & Office Manager: Mrs Brenda Simson

Admin Secretary: Mrs Jennifer Calverley

Admin Assistant: Mrs Cathy Jarmin

SLT: Mrs Jenny Berry

Teachers:

Mrs Jackie Atkins (SENC0) Miss Annie Kavanagh

Mrs Jenny Berry Mrs Lydia Matthews

Mrs Joanna Blofeld Mrs Joanne Nye

Mrs Irene Cooper Mrs Lucy Oakley

Mrs Emma Hernon Mrs Annette Simons

Mrs Amanda Hobbs Mrs Eloise Swain

Teaching Assistants, Nursery Nurse

Mrs Sandra Burrowes Mrs Lynette Walker

Mrs Cathy Jarmin Mrs Kathryn Plimsaul

Mrs Deborah Skinner Mrs Clare Hale

Mrs Ann Dilley Mrs Sue Coleman

Learning Support Assistants

Mrs Allison Bordoley

Mrs Sue Coleman

Mrs Valerie Reeves

Caretaker: Mr Dave Atkins

Senior SA Mrs Cathy Jarmin

MSAs Mrs Kathryn Plimsaul

Miss Kaye Gurney

Mrs Lynette Walker

Mrs Stephanie Hurley

Miss Joanne Wadsworth

Mrs Tracey Cartwright

Mrs Suzanne Stanyon