LETTER FROM EXECUTIVE HEADTEACHER & HEAD OF SCHOOL

LALEHAM CHURCH OF ENGLAND (V.A.) PRIMARY SCHOOL Executive Headteacher: Mr Neil Meehan BA (Hons) PGCE NPQH MA

Head of School: Mrs McWilliams-Bowe

The Broadway, Laleham, Staines-upon-Thames, Middlesex TW18 1SB

Tel: 01784 453556

E-mail: info@laleham.surrey.sch.uk Website: www.lalehamcofeprimaryschool.co.uk

September 2018

Dear Parents and Carers, A huge welcome to Laleham Church of England Primary School! We are a thriving school community with a caring Christian ethos at the heart of everything we do. The school is well established in the village of Laleham with a long history and a bright future. We have a vision for our children to “Believe and Achieve” and we aim to nurture children’s talents and abilities, providing opportunities for all each child to reach their full potential and be happy, confident and enthusiastic learners. We understand the importance of working in partnership with parents and encourage parental involvement in children’s learning, as well as fostering opportunities for the children themselves to be actively involved in shaping their school. I am sure this prospectus will give you a good flavour of life at our school. At Laleham, we recognise that choosing your child’s first school is one of the most important decisions that you have to make, so you are most welcome to come to visit us and see the school at work for yourself. Our children are rightly proud of their school and they would love to show you around! Do please contact the school office if you’d like further information or would like to book a visit. Yours sincerely, Neil Meehan Executive Headteacher

SCHOOL ROUTINES

THE SCHOOL DAY

The school gates open and staff are on duty at 8.30am. Parents drop off children at the gates.

Early Years & Key Stage 1 Years R, 1 and 2 8.50am Children collected from playground 12 noon-1.00pm lunchtime 3.05pm end of day Key Stage 2 Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 8.50am Children collected from playground 12.30-1.30pm lunchtime 3.15 pm end of day (Comfort stops will be respected)

On the last day of each term school closes at 1.35pm for Reception, Years 1 and 2 and at 1.45pm for Years 3, 4, 5 and 6. Children may only enter school from The Broadway. Laleham school buildings and grounds are smoking free zones and dogs are not allowed. We greatly appreciate your co-operation. Teaching Hours: Early Years (part-time) children are taught for 15 hours per week Early Years (full-time) children are taught for 21 hours 40 mins per week Key Stage 1 children are taught for 21 hours 40 mins per week Key Stage 2 children are taught for 23 hours 45 mins per week

(This time does not include registration, assembly, play time or circulation times.)

Travelling to school – Pupils enter school via the Broadway entrance. The Staines Road entrance is the staff vehicle entrance and is only used by parents in exceptional circumstances, eg. collecting a child who is unwell during the school day, or picking up a child from the after school club after the school gates have been locked. Children may cycle to school, although only Year 6 pupils are allowed to cycle unaccompanied, subject to their parents’ permission. All children who cycle to school must wear helmets and may bring a cycle lock to secure their bike in the school cycle shelter. Scooter racks are also available. Cycling and scooting are not permitted inside the school grounds and all cyclists/scooter riders are asked to dismount and wheel their bikes between The Broadway and the school cycle shelters, for reasons of health and safety. Before/after school - For health and safety reasons, children may not use the field, Anniversary or Jubilee trails at these times, and ball games, cycling or scooting in the playground are not permitted. We ask all parents to ensure that children comply with these simple rules, for the safety of all concerned. If very wet at the beginning of the day, children are sent straight to class. At the end of the school day, the gates are opened just before 3.05pm. Staff bring children out to meet their parents in the playground, where they should be collected promptly. Children whose parents are late collecting them are brought to the office and parents are contacted. Breaktimes - During this time, children are encouraged to have fun and let off steam. A variety of playground equipment is available at lunchtimes for group or individual play, as well as a friendship corner, storytelling area and prayer space. In the interests of safety, hard footballs are not allowed in the playground. At wet playtimes, children stay in their classrooms and find a board game or another quiet activity, e.g. reading, finishing off a task, etc. All breaks are supervised by adults.

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SCHOOL ROUTINES

Lunchtimes - Our playleaders assist the children with their meals and supervise their play. On wet days the children go back to their classrooms where they can read or play a quiet game. During the lunch break all children are in the care of the playleader team. In accordance with our school ethos, which is based on mutual respect and consideration, children are expected to follow the instructions of our midday supervisors and treat them courteously. SCHOOL MEALS A school meal may be ordered on a daily basis. All food is prepared on the premises and every effort is made to suit individual dietary preference. All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to a free school meal. Parents complete a weekly menu order form, which is returned to school in the preceding week. Children in Years 3-5 choose their meals each day before school starts in the morning. Lunches are paid for online. Children who do not order a school lunch may bring a healthy packed lunch, which should not include sweets, chocolate bars, fizzy drinks, frubes/tear off yoghurts or fruit winders. Children usually eat their lunch in the main hall, although during the summer months packed lunches are sometimes eaten outside in the shade of a tree. INJURY If a child is hurt during play or becomes unwell during the school day our trained support staff will attend the child. Parents will be notified about serious injury or ill health, usually by our pastoral assistant. MEDICINES If your child is taking medication, please let us know as it may affect his/her progress or behaviour. We ask you for basic health information when your child is enrolled at Laleham, and would ask that you keep us informed of any changes to this information as they arise. If your child requires medicine, eg to finish a course of antibiotics, it must be brought to the school office by an authorised adult in the morning in the original container and include the pharmacist’s instructions for administration. It will then be kept in the fridge if necessary and administered to your child at the correct time. Children with inhalers or epipens keep one in the classroom ready for immediate use should the need arise, with a spare held in the medical room for emergency use. These must be labelled and parents must ensure these are kept up to date. No pupil will be given medication without written consent from a parent/carer. For children with specific medical needs, a medical care plan is set up and agreed by parents and school staff. SCHOOL UNIFORM School Uniform is intended to give children a pride in their own personal appearance and to develop a sense of belonging to Laleham School and we expect for children to adhere to it at all times and for parents to support this. School uniform is worn at all times in school and on educational visits unless a specific notice is given to parents relating to special outings or a planned MUFTI day.

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SCHOOL ROUTINES

UNIFORM

Winter uniform must be worn during the second half of the Autumn Term and during the Spring Term.

Summer uniform is optional and can be worn during the Summer Term and the first half of the Autumn Term

GIRLS Winter: Navy tunic, skirt or trousers¹. White shirt. School tie

Navy Cardigan or V-Neck sweatshirt with school logo*

Navy or white socks or navy tights

Summer: as above or Light blue check dress/culottes style

We recommend a shirtwaister style but do not insist on this.

Black low-heeled or flat shoes suitable for school – with a closed in toe and heel

¹Regulation style navy blue school trousers (details from school office)

BOYS Winter: Grey uniform style trousers. White shirt. School tie

Navy V-neck sweatshirt with school logo*

Black or grey socks. Black smart shoes suitable for school

Summer: as above, but a Polo shirt with the school logo* may be worn

in place of the shirt and tie.

Boys may wear short trousers (above the knee) during the summer months

P.E. and GAMES

Trainers/Plimsolls (black or white, lace-up or slip-on style)

Navy shorts (compulsory for gym/dance lessons)

Blue T-shirt with logo* and a draw-string bag to keep these in.

Plain black or navy tracksuit (for outside games in cold weather)

Coats and Scarves should be warm and appropriate for school use.

Ties, PE bags and book bags – available from the school office

Optional: Warm lined coat with school badge. *

*These items (sweatshirts, cardigans, polo and PE shirts) are available from Shepperton Sports shop

All articles of clothing are to be clearly marked with the child’s name

JEWELLERY

Children should not wear jewellery to school; this includes bracelets, necklaces or earrings. Analogue watches are

permitted for educational purposes if children wish to wear them. If parents wish to arrange for their child’s ears to be

pierced, this should be done at the beginning of the summer holiday so that children are still able to return to school in

September without wearing earrings. Children will not be allowed to take part in PE lessons if they are wearing earrings.

HAIRSTYLES

Hairstyles should be tidy, practical and conservative. Long hair should be tied back (girls and boys). Hair bands should be

plain blue or match the child’s hair colour. Metal or wooden hair ornaments should not be worn. ‘Fashion’ hairstyles such as

sprayed, gelled, beaded, coloured or shave-patterned hair are not permitted.

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SCHOOL ROUTINES

CLUBS AND OUT OF SCHOOL ACTIVITIES We have a rich, varied and growing pattern of extra-curricular activities, which vary according to the season. Activities currently offered include: football, netball, basketball, hockey, cricket, sewing, creative writing, athletics, gym, choir, street dance, cheerleading, chess, computing, tennis and music lessons. Pupils take part in inter-school sports events on a regular basis and we have a strong track record of success. Some activities provided by outside organisations are charged for on a weekly or termly basis. All coaches, teachers and instructors are DBS cleared and police checked.

CHILDCARE The school offers before and after school care during term times through outside providers. There is an Early Morning Activity Club which runs from 8am to 8.50am and the after school club which runs from the end of the school day to 6pm. The school also signposts holiday playschemes in the local area which offer childcare outside of school terms through newsletters and the parent information area in the main building. Details of before and after school care are available from the school office on request.

MUSIC LESSONS These may be arranged through Surrey Arts and are held on school premises outside lesson times or in the afternoons. Information may be obtained from the school office.

EDUCATIONAL VISITS We organise a variety of educational visits which enhance our school curriculum and extend the work in the classroom. These are both local visits and to more distant venues to support the subject or topic being studied. There are also annual residential visits for our Year 4 and Year 6 pupils. We feel these visits offer an extra dimension to their education and greatly aid their social development.

GOVERNORS CHARGING POLICY FOR SCHOOL ACTIVITIES In accordance with Surrey County Council policy, it is the intention of the Governors to charge a figure enabling the full cost of the activities referred to below to be met where such a charge is permissible under the Education Reform Act 1988 as follows: - 1) Board and lodging on residential visits 2) Costs associated with

i) individual tuition in the playing of a musical instrument whether in or out of school hours (unless it is required by the National Curriculum). ii) group tuition in the playing of a musical instrument out of school hours.

3) Activities which take place wholly or mainly outside school hours but which are not required in order to fulfil statutory duties relating to the National Curriculum or to Religious Education. In certain circumstances help may be available. Parents should contact the Headteacher. Parents will be encouraged to provide, or contribute, to the cost of materials for practical subjects such as cooking, Design and Technology etc. on a voluntary basis. The Governors ask parents to be aware that contributions to cover the costs of outside school visits/activities during normal school hours are genuinely voluntary, but if such visits are not supported by parents they will become unviable and may not take place.

BREAKAGES AND FINES If, as a result of a pupil's behaviour, damage is caused to school property, eg. a window is broken or a text book is defaced, damaged or lost, parents will be asked to pay replacement costs, or costs incurred in repairs.

INSURANCE The school does not provide insurance cover for personal accidents to pupils. It is the responsibility of parents to arrange insurance cover. e.g. for a disabling accident on the sports field, etc. There is no insurance for loss or damage to a child's personal effects; again, parents must arrange this cover for themselves.

CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES Laleham is committed to ensuring the effective inclusion of all pupils, including those with disabilities. The school’s SENCO liaises closely with the parents of pupils with disabilities and with the appropriate Surrey advisory teachers, to ensure that disabled pupils are treated as favourably as other pupils and are able to access the full range of school life, curricular and extra-curricular, in line with our Accessibility Plan.

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ORGANISATION

SCHOOL ORGANISATION Laleham is a Church of England Voluntary Aided school for children from 4 to 11 years of age with two classes in each year group. Our school comprises five buildings:

Silver Birch building houses Years 5 and 6 and the Launch Pad (learning support room), a large hall, library, administrative offices and medical room

Sycamore building, parts of which date back to 1865, houses Years 3 and 4 and the Nest (a small group room), a music and drama studio and a teachers’ preparation room

Oak, our new building houses Year 2

Beech building currently houses Year 1, the Hub (learning support room) and will soon house Reception

Willow building houses the two reception classes in a double classroom unit with its own facilities and an enclosed covered outdoor play area

A separate mobile classroom is used as our Art and D&T room; this is used for art lessons and also houses kitchen facilities for cookery lessons. The space is also used for lunchtime activities and provides a base for the after school club. Although Laleham is a large school, each building is run as a small unit, ensuring a feeling of security and belonging. Our staff work closely together to ensure consistency of approach and a smooth transition across key stages. We also have exceptionally spacious and attractive grounds and an all weather court, which provide excellent opportunities for outdoor educational activities and playtimes.

At Laleham there are two classes at each age group giving 14 classes altogether. In Early Years and Key Stage 1 classes, the number under government regulations will not exceed 30 pupils per class. We have trained learning support assistants to support the teachers in the education of children. At Key Stage 2 the Governors have agreed a maximum class size of 30 pupils. There is also a team of learning support assistants who support learning at Key Stage 2.

The staff in each year group share in the planning and delivery of the National Curriculum ensuring through collaboration that all children of a similar age and/or ability receive a similar level of work. The assessment of pupil work informs the next round of planning.

PASTORAL CARE AND DISCIPLINE The Headteacher has overall care of all pupils. Each class teacher has pastoral charge of the children in their class, with the support of the team leader for that key stage.

Our rules are set in the context of: 1. Thinking about God - God's name is very special and must not be used carelessly. Swearing and blasphemy are therefore

not acceptable.

2. Thinking of others - We treat each other with respect and spend our time together in harmony and friendship. Adults and children speak politely to one another, fighting is not allowed, play fighting is discouraged and dangerous items are not allowed in school.

3. Thinking about our surroundings - We are privileged to have such a wonderful environment so our school and field are kept unpolluted and tidy. Books, furniture and other people’s possessions are treated with care.

4. Thinking about ourselves - We think about safety so we do not wear jewellery. We think about health so we only eat sweets or chocolates in school on very special occasions.

At Laleham we have a very clear Behaviour Policy, which can be viewed on our website under ‘School Policies’, that outlines high expectations of behaviour at our school.

In accordance with our Christian values, we understand that children will sometimes get things wrong and that this applies to behaviour as well as work. We believe in a restorative justice approach to changing unacceptable behaviour, and that this is an important part of the process of growing and learning. Children are encouraged to learn from their mistakes, to forgive one another when they have had a disagreement, and to believe that they can put things right and move on.

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ORGANISATION

CLASS TREATS We believe in rewarding children for good behaviour. Children who have followed school/class rules are rewarded with a special activity session or treat, organised by teachers, at an appropriate time. Children whose behaviour falls below an acceptable standard are referred to the Headteacher and encouraged to reflect on the reasons for this and think about how they can ensure their behaviour improves. Parents are informed if their child has been referred to the Headteacher so they can encourage their child to follow school/class rules. BULLYING This is never acceptable. We encourage children to speak out about bullying – our children are assured that they are not telling tales, and adults will take these issues seriously and follow up on them. In order to be able to deal with bullying the school has to be informed, so we rely on everyone being alert to any bullying situations. If you have any concerns about bullying, please speak to your child’s class teacher right away.

We have circle time sessions when all the children sit together with their teacher and discuss issues to do with children’s emotional well-being, eg. friendship, bullying, sad and happy times. Through this work children learn how to express their feelings and understand how their behaviour may affect others. Our Health for Life curriculum and our annual marking of National Anti-Bullying Week ensures that we regularly encourage all pupils to reflect on behaviour choices and how we treat each other. As well as our anti-bullying policy, we have a ‘children’s charter’ written by the pupils themselves. ABSENCES AND LATE ARRIVAL FOR SCHOOL The school has to account for pupil absences. If your child is absent from school through illness, on the first day of absence, before 9.00am please TELEPHONE or EMAIL the school office (absence@laleham.surrey.sch.uk), or leave a note with staff at the school gate. In the event of a short illness or to inform us of a contagious illness, please send in a note explaining the absence when your child returns. Certain illnesses, such as chicken pox, slapped cheek, German measles and shingles, may be hazardous to children with weakened immune systems or women in the early stages of pregnancy - please inform the school right away if your child is suffering from any of these conditions.

Children should not be taken out of school for holidays during term time and this will not be authorised. The Government now takes a very strict line on this issue, and such holidays disrupt the child's education. If there are exceptional circumstances, parents should make a written request for leave of absence from the headteacher before making any reservations.

Should it be necessary to take your child out of school for any reason, including doctor’s appointments or medical treatment, please complete an ‘absence request form’ at least one day prior to the appointment, and return it to the school office with a copy of the appointment letter. Children must be in school for registration at 8.50am. Any child arriving after this time between 8.50 and 9.10am will be marked late and a reason must be given. Any child arriving after this time will be marked as a U code which will statistically count as an absence.

At Laleham Church of England Primary School during the attendance period for 2015-16, our attendance rate was above the national average at 96.6% and we continue to aim high in securing children’s high attendance. IMPORTANT INFORMATION The school office is open from 8.30 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. It is very important that parents keep the school up-to-date with certain information.

Change of address - in the event of moving home please let us know.

Emergency contact telephone numbers - if your child is taken ill during school, we must be able to contact you or one of your named emergency contacts. Please make sure we have current contact numbers.

If your child is taking medication, please let us know; it may affect his/her progress or behaviour.

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ORGANISATION

KEEPING IN TOUCH Our teaching staff are always happy to talk to parents about their child and value the opportunity to share information between home and school. If we are concerned at any time about your child's progress we will contact you. In return, if you have any worries or difficulties please discuss them with us. Teachers are usually available after school. If you are unable to come into school, please request an appointment by telephoning the school office or sending a note to your child’s class teacher. If you have ongoing concerns, you may ask for an appointment with a senior leader or the headteacher. We have adopted Surrey Council’s policy for responding to parents’ concerns.

Early Years and Year 1 children have a reading record which is also used as a link between home and school. From Year 2 upwards, pupils are given a home-school diary.

We welcome and encourage parents to take an active part in their children's education and there are opportunities to be involved in the work of the school, e.g. helping with small groups of pupils in art or craft activities, accompanying children on educational visits etc. Regular written communication takes place through the school newsletters. Class teachers also send curriculum information letters home each term. The school uses Parentmail to send messages by email and parents are able to use Parentmail +Pay to pay for school trips and events online.

PARENT/PUPIL CONSULTATIONS AND REPORTS In the Autumn term, there is an opportunity to meet your child's class teacher, discuss progress and set targets for the year. In the Spring term there is an interview to review progress and set targets. At the end of the academic year there is a full report issued to all parents, with SATS results for Years 2 & 6. Additionally each term we have a ‘learning look’ afternoon in which parents are invited to come in to school and see their children’s books. There is a further opportunity for parents to see the class teacher to discuss the annual report at the end of the summer term if they would like to. You are, of course, welcome at other times to discuss your child's progress, but teachers would appreciate your making an appointment. Curriculum information evenings are held during the school year. These focus on aspects of education which impact upon the progress of the children, eg maths methods, hearing your child read, e-safety.

PARENT INFORMATION EVENINGS At the start of each term there are Parent Information Evenings, led by your child’s class teachers, which outline the curriculum for each term.

THE GOVERNING BODY Our Governing Body takes a full part in the life of the school. The Governors bring to their role a wide breadth of interest, experience and expertise. The Governing Body consists of nominated or elected representatives from the London Diocesan Board for Schools, Spelthorne Deanery, the Parish Church Council, Surrey County Council, parents, and the teaching and support staff. Much of the work is managed by committees but all Governors share responsibility. The Governing Body meets twice a term and a public copy of the minutes is available on request. Governors with a special subject interest make regular visits to the school.

THE SCHOOL COUNCIL (PLT Pupil Leadership Team) We have an active school council which meets regularly to discuss issues which are important to pupils. Each class elects two representatives who serve on the council for half a year, feeding back information at class council meetings. Two Year 6 pupils are elected as school council leaders. The Headteacher and Governing Body regularly consult school council on issues which affect pupils and take their views into account when making decisions. The school council also take a lead in planning our school charity work. Through this work our children learn to become active citizens, with a social conscience and an understanding of the balance between rights and responsibilities.

THE FRIENDS OF LALEHAM SCHOOL (PTA) All parents/carers, grandparents etc. of children at Laleham School, and former pupils, automatically become members of the “Friends of Laleham School” (FoLS). The Friends of Laleham School exists to enrich the lives of the children and their surroundings through fundraising and social activities. All parents are automatically members and we urge you to play an active part in supporting it. Some events are fundraising and others are just fun, but are a vital part of bringing together the people involved in the life of your child at school. - 7 -

ORGANISATION

From the funds raised by Friends of Laleham School, the school has benefited from:

Refurbishment of school library

a new Jubilee Trail for KS2 children and Anniversary Trail for EY/KS1

a new pavilion and playhouses in the main playground

new computers and mobile devices for the classrooms

new staging and lighting for the hall

books for the library/classrooms

visualisers for the classrooms

new ‘Faith Corner’ in the playground

Early Years outdoor area improvements

new cooking facilities

new outdoor PA system

curriculum events, such as a ‘Performing Arts Festival’

If you can help in any way, or are interested in becoming a committee member, please come along to the AGM in September or contact any committee member. See the FoLS noticeboard for a contact list.

The “Friends of Laleham School” warmly welcome you and we look forward to you becoming involved. THE GOVERNORS FUND Laleham is a Voluntary Aided School. A key aspect of this is that the Governors' Fund is required to meet the costs of capital expenditure, insurance and other related improvement costs. Parental donations are almost the only source of income for the Governors' Fund and these form a vital element in the overall funding of the school. Parents are offered the choice of contributing annually, termly, or monthly, although the last option is only available if paying by bank standing order. Contributions from tax payers may be increased by using gift aid which allows us to claim a rebate from the Inland Revenue. The level of contributions depends upon how many children each family has at the school and is advised annually. COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE Following the 1988 Education Reform Act, the Governing Body has a complaints procedure, which follows Surrey County Council guidance. Parents are recommended to follow this procedure should they have cause to complain to the Governing Body. Should parents wish to make a formal complaint to the local authority, information is available from the school office and on our website.

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CURRICULUM

The curriculum at Laleham School is regularly reviewed to make learning relevant and fun by using cross-curricular themes which link subjects where this is appropriate. However, we still maintain the distinctive elements of each subject and aim for high academic standards. We follow the National Curriculum, which includes English, Mathematics, Science, Computing, History, Geography, Art & Design, Design & Technology, Music, Physical Education, Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education, which we call ‘Health for Life’ and French at KS2. We also teach Religious Education. Our thematic approach helps to motivate children to learn and gives meaning and relevance to their learning. Because we know that children learn best when they are fully involved, much of our teaching is through hands-on experience and our educational visits are chosen to enhance this aspect of school life.

At the beginning of each term parents receive an outline of the curriculum to be covered during the term, the class's behaviour code and home learning. A full curriculum plan is also available on our website.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES Laleham School offers equal opportunities to every child, to be included and to receive equally every aspect of the curriculum and school life.

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS & DISABILITIES Children experiencing learning difficulties are supported by the class teacher who differentiates the tasks to the ability and pace of learning of the child. However, some children need a little more support and for this we have a team of trained support staff. Our SENCO ensures that the Code of Practice is followed. This is a Government Paper which lays out procedures for children who find any aspect of learning difficult. These children's names are placed on the school's confidential register and an individual plan is devised to address the area for SEN support. Parents are kept informed and there are regular opportunities for consultation.

If a child has severe or ongoing difficulties, advice may be sought from the school's multi-professional team, which includes specialist teachers, therapists, support workers and our educational psychologist. This is only done once parental permission has been given and parents are kept fully informed at all stages.

MORE ABLE CHILDREN We recognise that each child has valuable strengths to celebrate and share. We recognise a wide range of abilities; academic, sporting, musical, artistic and social. Our lessons and activities are planned to challenge and extend the thinking of our most able pupils and to support each child's learning needs. Children with special abilities are identified by their class teachers in consultation with parents. Our More Able Pupils leader works closely with teachers to ensure that suitable opportunities are made for all children to develop their talents and celebrate their successes.

CLASSROOM ORGANISATION Children are grouped in mixed ability classes, according to age. Classes in the same year group work closely together to ensure a common approach and curriculum coverage. Depending on the subject being taught, children may work as individuals, or in ability or social groups or as a whole class. The children are mainly taught by their own class teacher but there may be occasions when they are taught by other members of staff or specialist teachers and coaches. We aim to utilise staff expertise for the benefit of the children. We have high expectations of our pupils and aim to provide a varied and exciting learning environment in which all children can achieve.

ENGLISH At Laleham we use a variety of texts to ensure that the needs of individuals and classes are met and links are made between other areas of the curriculum. All children have daily English lessons, which involve reading, writing and discussion. We place a strong emphasis on speaking and listening. The children learn phonics (letter and sounds) which support their learning and reading and spelling. English is taught every day and additional time is used for extended writing opportunities and specific teaching of spelling, grammar and punctuation.

To keep an accurate check on reading we use a Reading Record Book in Early Years and Year 1 and a home school diary from Year 2 upwards, which children take home daily. Children are expected to read at home every day. Parents are encouraged to make this an enjoyable time, and to sign the record and use the comments section to convey information about the progress or attitude of their child. - 9 -

CURRICULUM

MATHEMATICS Our mathematics curriculum comprises Number, Measurement, Geometry and Statistics. Our pupils have daily maths lessons lasting for about an hour, with an emphasis on fun and learning from first hand experience. Children in KS1 and KS2 are usually grouped according to their ability within their class so that they can receive the appropriate level of support and challenge and regular assessment is made of their progress. From Year 4 upwards the children are set for maths, so that they can learn at a pace appropriate to their needs. We encourage all children to learn their number bonds (pairs of numbers which add up to 10) and times tables as appropriate for their age. We operate a whole school reward scheme in the learning of times tables from Year 3 upwards.

SCIENCE Science is planned and taught as a separate subject (although it may be linked with a particular theme). Science comprises Scientific enquiry, Life processes and living things, Materials and their Properties and Physical Processes. It is taught through practical experiments and first hand experiences. Every effort is made to develop a firm interest and enjoyment in Science as a way of working, thinking and enquiring as well as acquiring a substantial body of scientific knowledge.

COMPUTING At Laleham we provide every pupil with the opportunity to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding of computing as part of a balanced curriculum, in order to prepare them for life in a technological world. Through the computing curriculum pupils are taught word processing and presentation skills, use of the internet, online safety, communication via e-mail, data handling, use of spreadsheets, control, coding and modelling, digital media and the use of art and design software. These skills are then used to enhance and extend teaching and learning in all subjects.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION Religious Education is an extremely important aspect of our curriculum and is an integral part of all of our school life together as a Christian community. The RE curriculum consists of two aspects, learning about religion and learning from religion. As a church school with a strong Christian ethos, we aim to instil a respect for God and his word and how it relates to us in our daily lives.

Our scheme of work for Religious Education is predominantly Christian but children do study other faiths. We believe it is important for our children to learn tolerance and understanding within the context of our caring and inclusive Church School.

WORSHIP There is a daily act of Christian worship for all children. This may be with the whole school, their Key Stage, Year Group or their class. During the school year, classes take it in turn to lead a special assembly for the rest of their key stage, which may celebrate an aspect of their work or acknowledge the Christian Church Calendar. Parents of pupils leading this assembly are invited to attend. We have strong links with All Saints Church, Laleham and through the year we include acts of worship in the church, often around Christmas and Easter.

RIGHT TO WITHDRAW FROM RELIGIOUS EDUCATION & WORSHIP Parents have the right to withdraw their children from religious education and the daily act of worship. However parents should think carefully about the practicality of this because as a church school, when opportunities for religious education and worship arise spontaneously, we use them, and it is a daily part of our school day.

GEOGRAPHY Geography is taught through themes in which children develop their knowledge of places and environments throughout the world, an understanding of maps and a range of problem solving skills both inside and outside the classroom. Through this work we aim to prepare them for living and working in the contemporary world, foster a sense of wonder and enquiry about the world around them and enhance their sense of responsibility for the Earth and its people. Our Year 4 children take part in a three geography fieldwork residential trip.

HISTORY Our history curriculum is taught through themes which enable children to have a sense of their own identity through learning about the social, political, cultural and economic development of Britain, Europe and the world. Through the study of history, children are able to study life in the past and gain a level of historical understanding appropriate to their age, ability and maturity.

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CURRICULUM

DESIGN TECHNOLOGY AND ART & DESIGN These subjects are closely related and many of the techniques are overlapping. We aim to provide children with a broad experience of art with techniques including drawing, painting, textiles, 3D, clay, printmaking and collage. In Design and Technology, children experience some food technology and have opportunities to cook in our Art and D&T room. They also learn to use a range of materials and tools in other D&T projects.

Careful attention is paid to Design and Technology and Art & Design in other cultures and our children have opportunities to observe, experience and explore them. We use art across the curriculum to enhance and support our teaching and the children’s learning. Art is included within class work as well as taught by a specialist art teacher, from Year 3 upwards, in our Art and D&T room, who works with each class in turn through the year.

MUSIC All children participate in musical activities, singing, using pitch and non-pitch percussion instruments, making music and responding to music. The children love music and we have a strong tradition of musical productions. Music lessons are taught by a specialist teacher. Early Years and KS1 perform at Christmas, and year 6 put on an end of year summer production. Our school choir performs several times a year to a very high standard. Membership is open to all children from Year 2 upwards. Children also have the opportunity to sing in combined school events such as festivals and concerts in larger venues. There are many opportunities for instrumentalists to perform to audiences. The subject is supported by extensive online resources, through which many children extend their skills and knowledge beyond the school day .

We have good links with Surrey Youth Music & Performing Arts at Staines Music Centre and children can have instrumental lessons in school, outside normal lesson times. There is a small charge for this.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION Through Physical Education children learn to develop co-ordination and control through gymnastics, dance, games and athletic activities. They learn to work together in pairs, small groups and teams. Children in Year 3 an 4 attend Spelthorne Leisure Centre to receive tuition in swimming. Some of our PE lessons are delivered by trained sports coaches. Our aim in PE is to improve physical fitness and develop an enjoyment of physical exercise. During the football and netball seasons there are regular after-school practices and we take part in competitions and festivals with other schools. At Laleham we have been successful in winning the Spelthorne Netball and Football cups and Swimming Gala, and KS2 children represent the school at District Sports every year. Where appropriate, children are also encouraged to participate in other sporting events such as hockey and cricket competitions. Our PE Assistant also leads sporting activities over lunchtimes, supported by Year 6 Sports Leaders.

PERSONAL SOCIAL HEALTH & CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION At Laleham we aim to educate the child as a whole person in society. To do this we have created our ‘Health for Life’ (PSHCEE) programme and we teach children about our school values. We also involve the children in various Junior Citizen Projects run by the Police and the Borough Council and have visits from the Life Bus. Sex and Relationships Education forms part of the PSHCE and Science curriculum.

From the Governors "Relationships and Sex Education is dealt with most appropriately within the loving confines of the home. However, after careful consideration the Governors have decided that the school should offer a programme of Relationships and Sex Education. It will be appropriate to the pupil's age and experience and will be presented sensitively within a moral, family-oriented and Christian framework."

To this end we have materials, including videos to use. Parents will be given an opportunity to view the videos and decide whether they wish their child to see them. The teaching is set in the context of family relationships, health and hygiene and children's questions are answered as honestly and as sensitively as possible in a way which is appropriate to the age and development of the children. Parents who wish to withdraw their children from relationships and sex education must inform the Headteacher in writing.

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CURRICULUM

GREEN ISSUES As a school we really appreciate our beautiful surroundings and care of the environment is high on our list of priorities. Recycling, reusing and reducing are important aspects of school life and children are encouraged to consider the impact of their actions on the environment. Much of our practical work on green issues is covered in our science, geography and personal, social, citizenship and health education. We see green issues as a way of life which is firmly rooted in our Christian ethos and have ‘eco champions’ in Year 6 who lead our work on green issues.

MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES French is taught from Year 3 upwards by a specialist teacher with support from classteachers. The aim is to encourage positive attitudes to learning another language, develop children’s understanding of other cultures and to give children some basic conversational skills.

HOME LEARNING We recognise that parents are vital to children’s learning. Time spent helping children to continue learning at home will ensure they achieve their full potential. At the beginning of each term parents receive information about home learning expectations. This is mainly reading, spelling and maths. They are informed of what their child’s learning tasks will be and how long they should spend on them. This varies according to the age of the child.

Pupils from Year 2 upwards have a home-school diary into which home learning activities will be written. Parents are asked to contact their child’s class teacher if it looks as though no home learning activity has been set.

CURRICULUM ENRICHMENT At Laleham there is also a rolling programme of enrichment activities, eg. French, Music, Sport, and Art. All of these sessions are taught by specialist teachers and coaches, who are carefully selected and subject to the same stringent vetting procedure as all adults in school.

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