NORTHFIELD ST NICHOLAS

PRIMARY SCHOOL

PROSPECTUS

2014 – 2015

Northfield St. Nicholas Primary School

St Margaret’s Road

Lowestoft

Suffolk

NR32 4HN

Telephone: 01502 563528

Fax: 01502 537696

e-mail: ad.northfield.p@talk21.com

Website: www.northfield-st-nicholas.suffolk.sch.school.uk

Age Range: 3-11 years

Headteacher: Mr I de Sousa

Acting Chair of Governors: Mr Richard Turner

Director for Children and Young People Services Allan Cadzow (Interim Director)

Service Director: CYP’s Service Delivery: John Gregg

Suffolk County Council

Education Dept,

Endeavour House

8 Russell Road

Ipswich

IP1 2BX

Area Director (North): Sue Boardman

Adrian House

Alexandra Road

Lowestoft

NR32 1PL

The information and particulars contained in this prospectus relate to the school year indicated on the

cover and are correct at the time of publication.

It should not be assumed that there will be no change affecting the relevant arrangements or some

matter particularised –

a) before the start of, or during, the school year in question,

or b) in relation to subsequent school years

Dear Parents and Carers,

The Staff, Governors and children would like to welcome you and your family to Northfield St.

Nicholas Primary School.

At our school we aim for all children to be happy, confident, well adjusted and successful

individuals. To achieve this, we have excellent facilities, an exciting curriculum and a highly

dedicated and talented staff.

This prospectus will provide you with some basic information about Northfields. However, if you

really want to find out about our school, why don’t you come and visit us? A visit around the

school, seeing the children at work, will give you greater understanding of life at Northfields.

We are sure that your child will greatly enjoy the experiences that we offer and will achieve

extremely well with us. Should you require any further details don’t hesitate to contact us.

Yours sincerely,

Mr I de Sousa

Facilities

Northfield St Nicholas Primary School is extremely well equipped and has recently undergone

extensive building and refurbishment work as part of the School Organisation Review process.

This has greatly transformed the facilities that the school offers. Each well equipped classroom

has been either refurbished or newly built; the classrooms all have interactive whiteboards and

access to an activity area. We are also fortunate to have a number of small teaching rooms and

areas which are used to carry out intervention work to address the specific needs of individual

or small groups of children.

We have a fantastic Foundation Stage Area which is purpose built for the play-based learning

that takes place in Nursery and Reception classes. The foundation play area is a great source of

enjoyment for our children, as can be seen from these pictures!

The large hall and the new ‘Street’ area provide space for school productions, indoor games, P.E.

lessons, assemblies, music, drama and dance work and we have 2 new ICT suites and a well

resourced library. The new dining hall also provides a pleasant environment for the pupils to

enjoy our healthy school lunches and the ‘Link’ is a gallery area where we celebrate the

wonderful achievements of our pupils.

The school is set in extensive grounds with a grassed area at the front, a courtyard in the

middle and a large playground at the rear and plans are in place to further improve these

facilities.

School Aims

We aim to ensure every child receives the highest standard of teaching and learning

tailored to their individual needs.

We achieve this by:

• providing a firm foundation for learning within a broad and balanced curriculum

• engaging children in learning that is challenging, fun and excites their

imagination

• encouraging co-operative learning

• ensuring that children understand what they need to do to make progress

• having high expectations of pupil behaviour at all times

• ensuring that every child feels valued

• promoting respect for self and others amongst all members of the school

community

• encouraging parental involvement in learning

STAFFING STRUCTURE 2014/2015

Ivor de Sousa – Headteacher

Julie Catchpole – Deputy Headteacher

Harriet Wallace – Deputy Headteacher

Teachers Support Staff

Foundation

Stage

Amanda Whiting

(Bumble Bees - Monday & Tuesday)

Nicola Chillingworth

(Bumble Bees - Wednesday- Friday)

Sarah Unwin -

Foundation Stage Leader (Ladybirds)

Gemma Chaplin (Monkeys) Amanda Whiting (Ladybirds – Thursday)

Naomi Bedwell (Maternity leave)

Teresa Maudlin (Nursery Nurse)

Jane Brooks

Susan York

Julie Saggers

Sam Smith

Carly Noonan

Shana Rab Claire Drew (HLTA)

Year 1 Lindsay Higgins (Meerkats)

Sarah Rogers (Penguins)

Sally Cook (HLTA)

Lisa Gibson

Sadie Warner

Natasha Knights

Sam Shadbolt

Year 2

Julie Catchpole – Key Stage 1 Leader

Laura Last (Owls) Heather Lindow (Snow Leopards)

Lynda Moore (HLTA)

Teresa Majid Louise Eglington

Natasha Knights

Shirley Thurling

Year 3

Liz Cudmore –

(Butterflies – Monday- Thursday)

Gabby Saunders (Butterflies-Friday)

Aimee McAvoy (Dolphins)

Jenny Beaugeard (HLTA)

Gillian Manthorpe

Clare Pitcher

Lorraine Eager

Hayley Barwick

Year 4 Rob Wilton – Lower Key Stage 2 Leader - (Orcas)

Claire Rough (Dragonflies- Monday-

Thursday)

Michaela Pritchard (Friday)

Kerry Chase (HLTA) Paul Dunnell

Linda Howard

Beata Karlikowska

Sarah Meers

Hayley Barwick

Year 5

Sheena Birkett (Herons)

Caroline Finch (Otters)

Simone Gore (HLTA)

Teresa Baverstock

Milka Tillett Sarah Meers

Year 6 Harriet Wallace (Kingfishers)

Erin McCartney (Merlins)

Rhiannon Marno

Morag Nunn (HLTA)

Ben Hodds

Michelle Connor

Glenda Spelman

SENCo Aileen Bale

Intervention

Teaching

Staff

Pam Farrow (SEN Teacher)

Mary Williams

Gabby Saunders Lynda Buck

Heather Bigg

Sue Barker

Inclusion

Team

Sarah Aston - Family Support Worker

Shaneeka Daldry – Lead Pastoral Support Worker

Chloe Hall – Pastoral Support Worker

Janet Parker- Pastoral Support Worker

Reading

Advocate

Julie Gulliver

Administrative

Team

Lynne Pavey – Bursar

Maria Ball Joanne Garbutt

Vanessa Madle

Bianca Morgan

June Erkens

Premises

Staff

Gerry Leech- Site Manager

Irene Atherton

Lisa Atherton

Gill Craig Kay Davison

Paul Dennington

Sandra Reynolds

Lunchtime

Staff

Louise Eglington – Senior Midday

Supervisor

Irene Atherton

Lisa Atherton

Hayley Barwick

Teresa Baverstock

Carol Coggle

Lisa Chapman Lorraine Eager

Susan Faulkner

Sophie Flecknall

Theresa Majid

Gillian Manthorpe

Sara Mayer

Carol Pettit

Claire Pitcher

Nicola Rafferty Samantha Shadbolt

Wendy Smith

Glenda Spelman

Sadie Warner

Shirley Thurling

The Governing Body

There is a full meeting of the governors at least once a term and several group meetings. The groups discuss finance, curriculum and premises etc. We also hold termly Governor Open Days and Parent and

Governor Forums. All our governors are enthusiastic, supportive and committed, have regular contact

with the school and have a good understanding of what goes on at the school. The names of our

Governors are listed above and they are very happy to answer any queries or listen to any concerns

that parents have.

Governors

Richard Turner Acting Chair of Governors

Parent Governor

David Bunkell Acting Vice Chair of Governors

Local Authority Governor

Wayne Bennett Community Governor

Vacancy Community Governor

Ivor De Sousa Staff Governor

Morag Nunn Staff Governor

Claire Rough Staff Governor

Nicola Ashford Parent Governor

Vacancy Parent Governor

Julie Catchpole Associate Governor

Harriet Wallace Associate Governor

Admissions

Our nursery offers 52 part time places. The morning nursery session is from 9.00am -

12.00pm, and the afternoon session starts from 12.30pm - 3.30pm.

To apply for a place in the nursery, please visit our school office to put your child's

name down on the waiting list. Children become eligible for a place the term after their third birthday. Places are allocated to children on our waiting list, at a termly nursery

panel meeting, who will use the Local Authorities selection criteria. Further details can

be found in the 'Schools in Suffolk' brochure.

We will contact you when a place becomes available, to invite you and your child to visit

the nursery and meet our staff. We will also talk about our induction programme and

how this supports your child to make a smooth and happy start to their life at the

school. Nursery pupils transfer to the reception classes in the September following their fourth birthday.

The Primary School

In the school year (September to August) that your child turns 5, they will be at the

age to enter the Reception class. All children start in Reception in September.

In the summer term before your child starts in Reception, you will be invited to meet

the Headteacher, Foundation Stage Leader and Reception class teachers and together

we will ensure the smooth transition from Nursery to main school.

School Timings

Nursery: 9.00 am- 12.00pm (morning session) Reception: 8.55am – 11.45 am

12.30 pm- 3.30 pm (afternoon session) 12.45pm - 3.20pm

Key Stage 1: 8.55 am - 12.00pm Key Stage 2: 8.50 am - 12.30 pm

1.00 pm - 3.20 pm 1.30 pm - 3.25pm

Admissions Policy

We follow the Local Authority’s policy for admissions as outlined in the ‘Schools for Suffolk’’ brochure.

All admissions are organised by the Local Authority – you can obtain more information

by going to www.suffolk.gov.uk/onlineadmissions.

Arrival and Departure

Northfield St. Nicholas borders St Margaret’s Road, which is a very busy road. We

encourage that parents where possible walk their children to school and we also have a number of cycle racks if parents wish their children to cycle or scooter. There is very

limited parking and parents collecting and delivering their children by car are asked to

take special care when parking on the road and observing the yellow lines.

We ask that parents wait with children before school starts. A teacher will be on duty

in the main playground from 8.40 and we ask that pupils do not arrive before this time.

SCHOOL TERM DATES

2014-15

Autumn Term 2014 Wed 3rd Sept to Fri 19th Dec

Half term: Mon 27th Oct 2014 - Fri 31st Oct 2014

Spring Term 2015 Mon 5th Jan to Fri 27th March

Half Term: Mon 16th Feb 2015 - Fri 20th Feb 2015

Summer Term 2015 Mon 13th Apr to Wed 22nd July

Half Term: Mon 25th May 2015 - Fri 29th May 2015

Teacher PD Days

(Professional

Developement)

Wed 3rd Sept 2014

Thu 4th Sept 2014

Mon 3rd Nov 2014

Mon 5th Jan 2015

Mon 13th April 2015

For the safety of our pupils, there is no parent parking on the school grounds unless there are special circumstances that require them to do so. Special permission can be

given by the Headteacher.

Safeguarding and School Security

The children’s safety is a major priority of all the staff at the school.

If you have any concerns about the safety of any of our children, these

concerns should be reported to Ivor de Sousa, Sarah Aston or Shaneeka Daldry, Aileen Bale or Julie Catchpole as soon as possible. The school is

committed to safeguarding and all our staff, governors and volunteers have

undergone enhanced CRB checks to ensure that they are safe to work with

children.

The school is a secure building; new CCTV cameras and perimeter fencing have been

installed and all doors have security locks on them. All visitors, including parents who

wish to enter the school building, should report to the school office at the front of the building.

A copy of the school safeguarding policy may be obtained from the school website,

www.northfield-st-nicholas.suffolk.sch.uk.

Visitor’s Book

Everyone who comes into the main school building is asked to sign in the Visitor's Book.

This includes parents and professional people. It gives us a list of everyone on site.

Children Leaving or Returning Mid Session

We keep a register of children who leave for appointments or illness or who are late

for school. This information is not shown on our registers until the beginning of the

next session and so the register gives us immediate knowledge of which children are

not in school in the event of an emergency. It is therefore vitally important that all

pupils who collected or brought during school sessions come to the office and sign the

register.

Early Years Curriculum

The Nursery and Reception classes follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum

for children from birth to 5 years. This curriculum continues until the end of the

reception year when a profile is completed of your child’s achievement during this stage

of their education in school.

Our curriculum is based on play and developing independence. We provide a wide and balanced range of activities to promote learning. Sometimes these are led by an adult

and other times led by the child; with them selecting the things they need. We plan

around the children’s interests and learning needs. The Nursery and Reception classes

share a spacious, purpose built outdoor area; we understand the importance of outdoor

learning and the benefits it has on our pupils every day.

Curriculum

The children receive a broad and balanced curriculum which aims to develop their

literacy, numeracy and ICT skills as well as promoting their physical, social, emotional

and creative development. The curriculum is carefully designed to enthuse the pupils, to

meet their needs and to fully meet the requirements of the National Curriculum.

English (Reading, Writing and Speaking and Listening)

At Northfield we place great emphasis on this area of the

curriculum. It is taught as a subject in its own right but

also given high priority in all other areas of the curriculum.

English provides opportunities for speaking and listening

and a variety of strategies for learning to read and write.

The children have structured lessons throughout each day

involving some class teaching, independent and guided group work. We aim to teach the children to become confident

speakers, listeners, readers and writers. Children are

encouraged to write in many forms eg. Stories, poetry,

plays, letters, newspaper

articles, reports, explanations. Phonics, grammar, spelling

and handwriting are taught directly and through discussion

and re-drafting of the child’s work.

Mathematics

Structured, daily Maths lessons teach quick mental recall

skills, involve whole class teaching and differentiated group

work. The teachers develop the children’s ability to solve

mathematical problems in real situations. The children’s

learning in numeracy lessons is reinforced in other subjects

across the curriculum.

Topic Work

We have developed an investigative and enquiry based approach to our topic work. This

work encompasses themes from science, history, geography and R.E. We aim to ensure

that children take an active part in their learning, developing research and recording

skills appropriate to their ability. The children are also very much involved in the

planning stage of each topic, as the teachers consult them about their previous knowledge of the topic and about what they would like to find out. The topic is then

planned to take into account the pupils’ needs and interests.

Information and Communication Technology

At Northfield St Nicholas we are very keen for the children to become competent in

the use of technology so that it can enhance their learning in all areas of the curriculum. The school computer suites enable all children to be taught the skills to

reach national standards. There are a large number of laptops for pupils to use and a

variety of technological/programmable toys. Broadband connections are in all the

classrooms and the school has an Internet use policy. A wide range of software is

available and the children have access to digital cameras and digital video recorders.

Our classrooms have interactive whiteboards (Smartboards) in the school. The SMART

boards provide the children with uniquely motivating material. This should enhance the

pace of learning and support a more creative approach for all the children. We have also recently launched the School VLE (Virtual Learning Environment). This is

proving extremely popular with the pupils and enables them to learn about e-mail and

social networking within a secure environment. Each class has its own homepage and the

class teacher uses the VLE to provide the children with activities that they can carry

out at home and links to websites that will help them with their learning. The pupils

were taught about safe use of technology prior to them using the VLE and e-safety is

given a high priority and is taught on an ongoing basis.

The school has a new website which contains lots of useful information about the school for parent’s children and visitors. You can log on at:

www.northfield-st-nicholas.suffolk.sch.uk.

Physical Education

Our pupils enjoy being active and PE and Sport is a major part of life at our school.

The large school hall is well resourced with gym equipment and the school field and

large playground area are used for outdoor PE activities. The P.E. curriculum covers

games, gymnastics, dance, athletic activities, adventure activities and swimming on a

cycle of activities throughout the year. We use the pool at The Ashley School and

Water Lane pool for swimming lessons throughout the year. The school runs several sports clubs and sends teams to local tournaments with other primary schools.

Further opportunities for exercise and games are provided at lunchtime in structured

activities with different kinds of equipment. All classes also do Activate each day,

which provides ten minutes physical activity within the classroom which helps them to

focus on their learning. The school has achieved the Active Playground Award, the

Activemark award through Sport England and the FA Charter Standard.

Music

The children’s music curriculum is taught using Music Express which ensures continuity

and progression throughout the school. There are many opportunities for music making

which include concerts, religious festivals and music classes. Singing is a great strength of the school and all the pupils in Reception and Year 6 receive weekly singing lessons

and are given regular opportunities to perform. Year 4 pupils are also taught a musical

instrument by the School Music Service.

Design Technology and Art

The school is well-equipped and resourced to teach Art and Design Technology. There

are progressive schemes of work which are followed by each group from Reception to

Year 6.

P.S.H.E. (Personal, Social and Health Education)

The PSHE curriculum includes drug education, sex education, health, relationships,

citizenship, the world of work and sustainable development. We follow guidelines for

teaching all areas of PSHE as outlined by the Local Authority. PSHE is taught as a

discreet subject as well as through areas of the curriculum.

Provision for Children with Special Needs

At anytime during their education a child may have additional needs, different from

their peers. We aim to identify these needs as early as possible and, through

consultation and careful planning, provide for these needs in the mainstream classes or

support groups. Also available to the school are Support Teachers, Advisory Teachers,

an Educational Psychologist, the School Nurse and Doctor. Parents are always informed

if the school identifies additional needs. Children may be discussed at multi-

professional planning meetings and support is put in place as appropriate. Mrs Bale is

the SEN Co-ordinator and has great expertise in this area and is keen to discuss any concerns that parents have.

Learning Behaviours

At Northfield St Nicholas we firmly believe that all

children can exceed expectations and accomplish

incredible things, to help them with this we

encourage the children to think of themselves as

having Growth Mindsets. Our Growth Mindset characters help the pupils to

understand key qualities which, when combined,

create a Growth Mindset.

Behaviour and Discipline

The school follows a positive behaviour policy. This can be obtained from the School’s

website, www.northfield-st-nicholas.suffolk.sch.uk. This is based on rewards and

sanctions. The school rules are in each classroom and children are expected to show care, respect and consideration for others and property. Parents are informed if

disciplinary problems arise.

Learning at Home

We value parents’ support in continuing children’s learning at home. A range of books are available for children to take home and share with parents. Regular homework tasks

are set for all pupils in Reception to Year 6 that are set at an age appropriate level. As

mentioned earlier, the VLE also provides lots of opportunities for pupils to carry

out learning activities at home.

Keeping Parents Informed

The teachers’ assess the children’s progress continually. There are two main parents

evenings a year, in the Spring and Autumn terms, with a full progress report at the end of the Summer Term. However, teachers are always happy to discuss your child’s

progress if you have any queries.

Visits off School Site

As part of their education the children visit places nearby in the locality, such as

the park, local shops, the beach etc. Parents are asked to complete a parental

consent form to cover the above off-site activities which are a regular part of the

children’s education. For day trips involving coach travel, a separate consent form is always sent.

School Attendance

All children should, by law, be attending school every

day unless they are ill or there is another good

reason. School registers are checked regularly and

the Education Attendance Officer is informed of

any lengthy or repeated unexplained absences.

It is important that the school is informed as soon as possible when a child is to be absent from school

for any reason. Please could you inform the school by 10.00am by telephone, or email via

the schools website on the first morning of absence. When a child does not have

permission to be absent from school this will be recorded as an unauthorised absence.

Holidays will only be authorised in exceptional circumstances as outlined in the agreed

Attendance Policy (which may be obtained on the school website).

Absence last year was higher than the national average. Parents’ co-operation is much

appreciated in maintaining good attendance as this is a key indicator of your child’s success. The children all work towards a class Attendance Race – this encourages

children to work together to improve their attendance.

Uniform

We have a school uniform as follows:

Boys: Grey Trousers. Grey or white shirt or white polo shirt Northfield St. Nicholas Sweatshirt

Girls: Grey skirt, pinafore dress or school style trousers White blouse or

white polo shirt

Northfield St. Nicholas sweatshirt

Shoes: Flat dark shoes suitable for growing feet. This includes plain black

trainers, no clogs or slingbacks please. We ask that all footwear is suitable for running, skipping and all outdoor play.

Winter: A warm hat, scarf, gloves and coat for outdoor play in winter

Summer: A hat to wear when it is hot and sunny.

You can buy school uniform from Screens. Pleased contact 01502 581010 or

alternatively log onto their website www.screensprinting.co.uk Each child is given a free book bag when they join the school.

P.E. Kit

Foundation Stage

Children in the Foundation Stage do not need a special kit for indoor P.E. However we do ask that they have a pair of plimsolls, shorts and T-shirt for games outdoors.

Years 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

PE uniform for all of our children in Key Stages 1 and 2 is:

• Red aertex t-shirt,

• Black shorts or tracksuit trousers,

• Plimsolls or trainers.

Parents are asked to send children with shoe bags or small rucksacks, this is important, as we do not have the space for large bags. P.E. Bags can be purchased from the school

for £3.50 each.

Jewellery

In the interest of safety and following local authority guidelines, jewellery other than

plain ear studs/sleepers are not allowed. Even plain ear studs/sleepers must be

removed for P.E. Parents are asked to remove earrings on the days the children have

P.E.

School Meals

The School meals are provided by EATS. School meals are cooked on the premises and

there is a children's cafeteria in the hall. Meals cost £2.20 per day, payable in advance

on Mondays, if possible. Please put the dinner money in a purse, envelope or container

clearly marked with the child's name. If your child is absent later in the week, the

money will be automatically credited to you. Cheques can be accepted and should be made payable to SCC Northfield St. Nicholas Primary School. Water is freely available.

Copies of menus are sent out termly and a weekly menu is displayed around the school.

Packed Lunch - Facilities are available for children to eat a packed

lunch with a drink. If a child forgets to bring lunch and we cannot

contact you, a school dinner is provided which you will be asked to

pay for. The school has advice leaflets for parents on choosing,

preparing and storing packed lunches. Free school meals are available to all children in Reception and KS1 and for children

whose parents are receiving income support or job seeker’s

allowance. Forms can be obtained at the school office or Area

Education Office. It will be dealt with in the strictest confidence.

Children receiving free school meals are not identifiable in school

but If you are entitled to free school meals it is vital that you

register this as the Government provides additional funding

which is used to support the learning of our pupils.

Snacks

As part of the Healthy Schools initiative we take part in the

National Fruit Scheme. Free fruit is provided for all children

up to the age of seven, which is eaten just before morning break.

We also have a fruit shop for children in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6.

A range of fruit is on sale at 10p per item. Children in our Nursery and Reception classes also have milk provided by the school.

Water is also available to all children during lessons.

We ask parents to provide a named water bottle which

children can refill when necessary.

School Health Service

Our school nurse is in regular contact. She is available to support parents with any matters regarding children’s health. All children have vision and hearing screening in

the early months of school. Parents are invited to complete a health questionnaire.

Children requiring medicine prescribed by the doctor will normally have it administered

at home. In the event of long-term medication being required, or special circumstances,

please see the Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher. We follow Suffolk Guidance in

managing asthma in school; please let us know if your child has asthma.

Complaints Procedure

The Local Authority has established procedures so that the concerns of parents and

others about the school curriculum and related matters may be considered and,

whenever possible, resolved locally. The arrangements are to apply to complaints

relating to the curriculum responsibilities of the Local Authority or the Governing Body

of a County, Voluntary or Maintained Special School: that is, that the authority or

governing body has acted, or is proposing to act, unreasonably or has failed to comply

with the requirements or duties imposed by the Education Reform Act 1988. In the first instance, particular problems should be referred to the Head teacher who

will endeavour to achieve a satisfactory outcome by informal means, if necessary

through discussion with appropriate members of staff and the complainant. If,

however, the issue cannot be resolved in this way, it may be referred first to a panel of

governors of the school and, as a last resort, to a Local Authority panel for formal

consideration. Further details of the authority’s procedures may be obtained from the

Headteacher or the Area Education Manager.