Primary and Nursery School

Hertfordshire County Council The Reddings Primary and Nursery SchoolBennetts End RoadHemel HempsteadHertfordshire HP3 8DX Telephone: 01442 406500 Fax: 01442 406501 Email: admin@reddings.herts.sch.ukPrimary and Nursery School

On behalf of the Staff and Governors of The Reddings Primary and Nursery School, I would like to welcome you to our school. If your child is the first child in your family to join us, we look forward to a happy and successful partnership over the coming years. If you already have children here, we are pleased to renew and develop further the relationship between us.

The staff and I look forward to working with you to achieve the best for your child. Our dedicated school team has high expectations and works collaboratively to create a happy and productive working environment in which your child will succeed.

We are very proud of our achievements at The Reddings and an important part of our school is working with our parents. Parents are the initial educators and it is our job to work with you to build on your child’s initial learning. We hope that you will become actively involved with school life and take the opportunities to meet with the Staff, Governors and other parents within our school community.

The Reddings School team works hard to provide the very best learning opportunities for all our children. It is our aim that our children will be passionate about learning and that they will become life-long learners.

Visits are warmly welcomed at The Reddings and the school office would be happy to arrange a mutually convenient appointment.

We look forward to meeting you.

Yours sincerely

Head Teacher

This prospectus provides information about the school, its aims, curriculum and activities. The information is correct at the time of publication and meets the requirements of the Education (School Information) (England) (Amendment) Regulations 2002, but there may be changes in the arrangements described during the course of the year

Safeguarding Statement

At The Reddings we are proactive in safeguarding all our stakeholders. All the adults that work with our children have undergone a variety of checks to ensure that it is appropriate for them to work within our school. We have policies in place for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children which includes a child protection policy. All our procedures follow the guidance from the Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children’s Board.

Welcome to The Reddings Primary and Nursery School

Contents

School Office 5Governing Body 5Admissions 5Starting School 6Older Children 6Appeals 6School Organisation 6The School Day 8Assemblies and Collective Worship 9School Security 9School Uniform 10School Meals, Milk and Snacks 12Attendance and Absence 12Medical Matters 13Child Protection 14Accessibility - Inclusion and Equality of Opportunity 15School rules - Discipline and Behaviour 15Anti-Bullying 15School Council 16Communication with Parents 16Friends of The Reddings Primary School (PTA) 16School-based Complaints Procedure 16Assessment and National Curriculum Tests 17Homework 18Sex, Relationships and Drug Education 18Special Educational Needs (SEN) / Inclusion 19Gifted & Talented Provision 19Extra-Curricular Opportunities 20School Visits 20Extended School Services 20Foundation Curriculum 21Key Stage 1 Curriculum 21Key Stage 2 Curriculum 22

Success for All

Vision

To build a learning community with pride in our achievements

Aims

To establish positive relationships based on respect for others, good behaviour and strong communication•

To be a welcoming school, that is happy, enthusiastic and encourages self-confidence•

To develop our role in our local community•

To support and celebrate every child’s success

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The School Office

The School Office is your first point of contact with the School. Our office staff can answer most queries.

The office is staffed from 8.00am to 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. Outside these hours, please leave a message on the answer phone and we will get back to you as soon as possible.

The Governing Body

School Governors have a general responsibility to Parents and the Local Authority for the effective management of the school. They must act within the framework set by National legislation and by the policies of the Local Authority.

Governors help to decide school policy and share responsibility for the leadership of the school. They advise and support the Head Teacher and staff working within the school to meet the needs of the children. It is their role to ensure that the school provides good value for money. The Governors help the Head Teacher in the selection of staff and act as a link between the school and the community.

The Governors annually publish the School Profile, this is available from www.schoolsfinder.direct.gov.uk. Our Governors work in partnership with the school and they are regularly involved with a variety of school events.

Letters marked for the attention of a Governor can be addressed to the school. They will be passed on in confidence.

Admissions

Information about the Local Authority procedures for Admissions can be found in the Hertfordshire County Council book “Starting School”, which also contains the necessary application forms you will need. The book will be sent to you automatically if your child is registered with their G.P.

Further copies are available from www.hertsdirect.org/admissions or the Customer Service Centre on 01438 737500.

The Local Authority uses the criteria for admissions to allocate places in the Nursery (Foundation Stage 1) and Reception (Foundation Stage 2) classes. Parents need to make a separate application for a place Foundation Stage 2, as children in Foundation Stage 1 are not automatically transferred to Foundation Stage 2.

In the Foundation Stage Unit, all children start in September. The school implements a “Starting School” programme to ensure a successful beginning to school life.

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Starting School

A meeting is held in the Summer Term to welcome all our Foundation Stage parents and children. This is an opportunity to meet the Foundation Stage Team and other Professionals who work within our school community. Home visits are made by the Foundation Stage Practitioners to our morning children.

The Reddings has designed an individualised programme to meet every child’s needs. This includes small group visits, staying for lunch with the older children and having a “buddy” to help settle into new routines.

Older children

The Head Teacher can accept applications for the admission of older children at any time. Admissions will depend on whether there is a space in the relevant age group. The school’s admission number is a maximum of thirty in Key Stage One. We are an inclusive school that welcomes children from all backgrounds and abilities. The level of ability of a child or any special needs that s/he may have, play no part in the admissions policy of the school.

Appeals

Parents have a legal right of appeal to an independent panel if their child has been refused a place. The relevant forms can be obtained from Student Services Tel: 01923 274144

School Organisation

The whole school is organised into 3 Key Stages.

Foundation Stage Nursery and Reception

Key Stage 1 Years 1 and 2

Key Stage 2 Years 3, 4, 5 and 6

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Foundation Stage

The Foundation Stage comprises of the Nursery (Foundation Stage 1) and Reception (Foundation Stage 2). The Foundation Stage team consists of a Teacher and two Teaching Assistants.

Foundation Stage 1 is open in the mornings from 09.00 to 12.00. Foundation Stage 2 is open from 08.55 to 15.15

The Foundation Stage Unit incorporates three learning areas which includes an outdoor learning area accessible throughout the year.

The Foundation Stage Curriculum

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development• Communication, Language and Literacy• Mathematical Development• Knowledge and Understanding of the World• Physical Development• Creative Development

Key Stage 1 & 2

Each class is taught by a Teacher. Higher Level Teaching Practitioners, Teaching Assistants and Learning Support Assistants contribute and support the learning and teaching within the classrooms.

The teachers work closely as a team to allow for flexibility and collaborative teaching. Classes may also be taught by a music specialist or sports coach.

The children spend the following hours in lessons each week:

22 hours 05 minutes per week at Key Stage 123 hours 45 minutes per week at Key Stage 2

Key Stage 1 & 2 Curriculum

• English• Mathematics• Science• Information & Communication Technology• Religious Education• History and Geography• Art & Design and Design Technology• Music• Physical Education• Personal, Social, Health Education & Citizenship

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The School Day

Foundation Stage - Reception

Key Stage 1 & 2

08.53 Doors open to the Foundation Stage Unit

08.55 Self Registration opens

09.05 Session Starts

12.00Session ends. Foundation Stage 1 Children are collected from the Unit.Foundation Stage 2 Children are escorted to the dining hall. On finishing their food, children go out to break in the playground.

13.00 Whistle is blown to indicate the end of break children line up and are escorted to classrooms.

13.05 After registration, sessions recommence.

15.15 Session ends. Parents collect children from outside the classroom doors.

08.53 On the whistle children line up on the upper playground and are escorted to classrooms.

09.00 Lessons begin.

10.20 Lessons end and break time commences. Members of staff are on duty at this time. During inclement weather, children remain in classrooms.

10.35 Whistle is blown to indicate the end of break children line up and are escorted to classrooms.

10.35 Lessons commence.

12.00Key Stage 1 Lessons end. Children are escorted from classrooms and go to lunch in the dining room. On finishing their food, children go out to break on the playground.

12.05Key Stage 2 lessons end. Children go out to break and are collected in classes on a rota system for their lunch. On finishing their food, children go back out to break on the playground.

13.00 Whistle is blown to indicate the end of lunch children line up and are escorted to classrooms.

13.05 After registration, lessons recommence.

14.35 Key Stage 1 have a 15 minute afternoon break time.

15.15 Key Stage 1 & 2 lessons end. Parents collect children from outside the classroom doors.

Any child not collected after 15.25 will be taken to the School Office and Parents/Carers will be contacted. Written confirmation is required to permit children in Key Stage 2 to walk home unaccompanied.

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Assemblies and Collective Worship

In accordance with the law we hold a daily Collective Act of Worship which is of a broadly Christian ethos.

All Key Stage 1 and 2 pupils attend the school’s Act of Worship each day, which is led by various members of staff. We also encourage visitors to join us and lead us in our assemblies. We hold a weekly Sharing Assembly where pupils have the opportunity to share their work. It is also a time of celebration where weekly awards are presented. We hold Class Assemblies on a termly basis where children share their learning with an audience of children, Governors, Staff and Parents.

The aim of our assemblies is to encourage children to develop positive attitudes to themselves and others.

We expect all children to attend assembly. However, parents can request permission for their child to be excused from attending religious worship and the school will make alternative arrangements for the supervision of the child during the period concerned. Parents do not have to explain or give reasons for this. This complies with the 1944 Education Act and was restated in the 1988 Education Reform Act.

School Security

School security is taken seriously by all Staff and Governors at The Reddings Primary School. All visitors should report to the reception and when admitted, sign the visitor’s book.

We welcome any ideas parents may have for improving school security and the safety of the children. Please inform school staff of any suspicious circumstances you may come across.

School Uniform

The Reddings Primary & Nursery School has a compulsory school uniform. We believe that a uniform promotes a sense of pride and community and promotes equality in terms of appearance.

Boys

• Grey trousers• Black or grey socks• White shirt• School polo shirt (red with logo)• Plain white polo shirt• School sweatshirt (with logo)

Girls

• Grey tunic, skirt or trousers (In the summer, girls may wear red and white gingham dresses)• Grey or white tights or white socks• White blouse• School polo shirt (red with logo)• Plain white polo shirt• School sweatshirt or cardigan (with logo) Optional items available to purchase from the school

• Waterproof jacket (fleece lined)• Book bag• Baseball cap (sun protection)• Black woollen ski hat• P.E. bag • Transparent water bottle

Footwear

At The Reddings we believe that children’s feet are very important and incorrect footwear at an early age can cause long term damage. Shoes must be flat, fully enclose the foot and made of a black, polishable material. They may have a buckle, T-bar, laces or Velcro. A pair of soft soled shoes (plimsolls) are required for indoor use.

At lunchtimes we do permit children to change into a pair of trainers when they are participating in break or lunch time games. At all other times children at The Reddings are expected to wear shoes.

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Art

In order to protect the uniform, it is requested that you provide your child with an art apron (an old long sleeved shirt is usually best).

Physical Education

The children need to have an indoor and an outdoor P.E. kit.

Indoors • Black shorts• Plain white or white school T-shirt (with gold logo)• Plimsolls Outdoors

• Plain black tracksuit bottoms (in winter) or shorts• Plain white or school T-shirt with gold logo• Plain red jumper school sweatshirt• Trainers (velcro or laces)

For safety reasons children are not allowed to wear any jewellery in any P.E. lessons. Children with pierced ears should remove their studs prior to any P.E. lesson. It is suggested that on swimming days these children remove their studs before coming to school. Long hair needs to be tied back for P.E./games lessons.

All children should have a P.E. bag to hold their P.E. and games kit. The P.E. bag and clothes should be clearly labelled with the child’s name.

Jewellery

On grounds of health and safety we do not allow children to wear jewellery in our school. The exceptions to this are a wrist watch, plain gold or silver earring studs in pierced ears, a small object of religious significance such as the Kara or a medical identification chain or band.

Extreme hair cuts/styles

The Reddings does not permit children to have ‘extreme’ hair styles that would serve as a distraction to other children.

School Meals, Milk and Snacks

At The Reddings Primary School we encourage healthy eating and promote healthy lifestyles.

Milk is available daily for children in the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1. Whilst milk is free for Foundation Stage 1 (Nursery) children, there is a charge for milk in Reception and Key Stage 1. Payment for milk is on a termly basis, in advance. There are no refunds for absences.

Foundation and Key Stage 1 pupils are currently provided with free fruit via the National Fruit Scheme.

Key Stage 2 children are encouraged to bring a piece of fruit to enjoy at breaktime. Children are also encouraged to drink water throughout the day. Water bottles are available for purchase through the school. Children are not allowed to bring chocolate, biscuits, crisps or snack bars for breaktime consumption.

At lunchtime, children pay for school meals cooked on the premises or they may bring a packed lunch from home. Children are offered hot and cold dishes, vegetarian dishes, salads and a pudding. Lunch money is payable in advance half termly or weekly and should be bought in at the beginning of the half term or week in an envelope with the child’s name, class and what the money is for, clearly marked on the outside. Cheques should be made payable to Hertfordshire County Council.

When money is sent to school, it is helpful to send separate envelopes for different items. If sending money for several children in one family, please send it in with one child, but clearly marked with all the children’s names. If a child wishes to change from packed lunches to school meals (or vice versa) the office will need a fortnight’s notice.

Attendance and Absence

All children are required to attend school regularly from the age of five years. By law, parents “… have a duty to ensure that he/she receives full time education” (Education Act 1944). The Education Welfare Officer (EWO) inspects the registers on a regular basis.

If your child is absent for any reason, please telephone the School Office. You must contact the school each day to explain the reasons for absence; otherwise it is recorded as an unauthorised absence. If you get through to the answer phone, please leave a message. If your child is not in school you will receive a phone call or letter from us to find out the reasons for absence. All lateness is recorded and parents should ensure that children are on the school premises by 08.53. If you are unavoidably late, you must bring your child to the School Office to be signed into the late book. Registers are closed at the office at 09.25. If the reason for lateness is not appropriate this will be recorded as an unauthorised absence. It is essential that children are in school on time to begin their work.

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Medical and dental appointments during the school day should be avoided. If this is unavoidable, please let the Head teacher know in advance.

Holidays should not be booked during term time. In exceptional circumstances, the Head Teacher may grant leave on behalf of the Governing Body. Parents/Carers may apply to the Head Teacher for permission to take a child out of school for a holiday on the appropriate form available from the School Office. This must not be for more than ten days in any school year and additional time taken will be recorded as unauthorised. Please see the Appendices for current rates of pupil authorised and unauthorised absence.

Medical Matters

Administration of Medicines

Occasionally a child will need to take prescribed medicines during the school day. In this eventuality the parent is asked to come into school to administer the medicine him/herself. If this is not possible, parents must complete a “Request for the School to Administer Medication” form, available from the School Office. This is then forwarded to the Head Teacher. If the Head Teacher agrees to the request, the medicine may be administered by a member of staff who agrees to do so. No member of staff is obliged to administer medication to a child. Children’s medication should be stored in the First Aid cupboard in the Medical Room or in the refrigerator in the staff room, if necessary.

On-going Medical Conditions

Staff should be made aware of any ongoing medical conditions, such as asthma, when a child enters the school, or when a condition is diagnosed.

Children who need asthma inhalers, etc. must keep their medication in a safe place close at hand at all times. Teachers will remind children to take their inhalers with them whenever they leave the school grounds, for example to go swimming or on a school visit.

Some children in school suffer from allergies which could cause a toxic shock reaction. All members of staff who deal with the child must be aware of this condition and it is the Head Teacher’s responsibility to ensure that sufficient members of staff with EpiPen training are always available. EpiPens are located in the First Aid Box in the Medical Room.

Accidents, First Aid & Illness

Parents are contacted when a child is unwell or has been hurt, especially if they have bumped

their head. Therefore, it is crucial that parents notify the school if their contact details change.

If a child is sent home for medical or other reasons, parents must sign the child out of school,

using the book in the School Office. If parents are unobtainable further medical advice may be obtained.

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• Children should not attend school if they have been sick or had diarrhoea within the last 24 hours• If a child has conjunctivitis they should not be sent to all until all signs of the infection have gone• It is helpful to be notified immediately of contagious diseases like German Measles.• We are always grateful when parents notify us of a case of head lice or worms. We are then able to inform the rest

of the class than an anonymous case has been identified and remind parents to check their own child regularly and treat immediately.

Specialist Medical Staff visit the school to carry out dental, weight and height, hearing and vision checks and parents will be informed if follow-up treatment is required. The school nurse carries out health care checks and works with teachers and parents in promoting Health Education.

The school nurse is available to parents for private discussion after a prior appointment has been booked through the school office.

Child Protection

The Children Act 1989 places a clear responsibility on schools to ensure that they work together with other agencies to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children. We, as a school, recognise the important role we have in early recognition of the signs and symptoms of physical, emotional and sexual abuse or neglect, as well as the appropriate referral processes.

Teachers and other members of the school staff are particularly well placed to observe outward signs of abuse. We have a clear Child Protection Policy, and staff are trained to deal with situations sensitively and appropriately.

If you have any concerns about child in our school, please let the Head Teacher know immediately.

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Accessibility, Inclusion and Equality of Opportunity

We do not discriminate against any member of the school community, on the grounds of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion or sexual orientation. This covers both direct and indirect discrimination. We are equally committed to removing barriers to access to the curriculum, information and the physical environment for members of the school community with disabilities.

If you become aware of any form of discrimination, or any barriers to access, please inform us immediately.

School Rules - Discipline and Behaviour

At The Reddings children follow the Rules for Golden Behaviour:

• Show respect• Be kind and helpful• Be gentle• Be honest• Do your best

The school works collaboratively with parents, so children receive consistent messages about how to behave at home and at school. We try to build a supportive dialogue between the home and the school, and we inform parents immediately if we have concerns about their child’s welfare or behaviour. This is in line with the agreed rewards and sanctions.

We ask Parents to:

• Keep us informed of behaviour difficulties their child may be experiencing at home• Inform us of any trauma which may affect their child’s performance or behaviour, for example illness or a relationship

breakdown within the family• Inform us about their child’s health and specific learning needs, and any way in which this may affect their enjoyment

of learning at school.

Anti-Bullying

Everyone at The Reddings Primary and Nursery School has the right to feel welcome, happy and safe. Bullying of any sort prevents this. It is everyone’s responsibility to address bullying if it happens.

Where bullying exists, the victim must feel confident to activate the anti-bullying systems within the school to end it effectively. It is our aim to challenge attitudes about bullying behaviour, increase understanding and help build an anti-bullying ethos in the school. If you have any concerns about bullying, please let us know immediately.

School Council

The School Council is a democratically elected group of children who represent their peers and enable pupils to become partners in their own education, making a positive contribution to the school environment and ethos.

Our School Council is made up of two representatives from each class throughout the school. The Council also includes two senior Year 6 pupils who are responsible for taking the minutes at the meetings.

The Council meets regularly as an elected body of pupils whose purpose is to represent their classes and to be a forum for active and constructive pupil input into the daily life of the school community.

Communication with Parents

At The Reddings Primary School, we are committed to establishing a strong partnership with our parents. The child, the family and the school sign a “Home-School-Child Agreement”. The aim of this agreement is to clarify the role of the school, parents and pupils in this vital home-school partnership.

Friends of The Reddings Primary School (PTA)

The Friends of The Reddings Primary School is a group of members of the school community who work with the school to raise money and organise social events. All parents of children attending The Reddings are automatically members. Help is appreciated from parents who wish to support their activities.

A committee is elected to run the Friends of The Reddings School on an annual basis. An Annual General Meeting is held each Autumn Term and there are regular meetings throughout the year.

If you would like to become more involved, please contact the School Office.

School-based Complaints Procedure

The school aims to work closely with parents and we hope that parents who have any concerns or anxieties will, in the first instance, raise these with the class teacher or Head Teacher. If you are not sure whom to approach, please ask your child’s class teacher or the School Office. We find that nearly all concerns or potential complaints can be resolved happily through discussion.

A parent who is still not satisfied should write a letter to the Chair of Governors (or any other member of the Governing Body) via the School Office. No Governor should be approached on an issue unless the above steps have already been taken to try to resolve the matter.

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For general complaints and matters related to special educational needs, the Governors have adopted procedures which follow guidelines recommended by Hertfordshire County Council. In addition, there are special arrangements for considering complaints related to the National Curriculum and about Collective Worship in school.

Assessment and National Curriculum Tests

Records & Assessment

Children’s progress is assessed regularly and Curricular Targets are set on a half termly basis for each child, with an English or Mathematics focus. As children progress through the school, they take increasing responsibility for the target-setting process.

There are two Parents’ Consultation evenings every year, when parents are encouraged to come into school to discuss their child’s progress and targets with the class teacher.

Formal reports are produced in the Autumn and Spring Terms. These assess the current attainment and application. A more detailed report is written in the Summer Term which includes the progress made throughout the year in all Curriculum areas. All records are open to parental inspection.

National Curriculum Tests

These practical, oral and written tests are undertaken by Year 6, as directed by the Government. Children in Year 6 will sit written papers in English, Mathematics and Science during one week in May. These are administered to the year group as a whole. Some children may work in small groups with their class teacher on tasks at lower levels.

Children in Year 2 are required to undertake a range of formal assessments as directed by the class teacher. Levels for each child are determined by Teacher Assessment. Levels of pupil attainment in Year 2 and Year 6 are then reported to parents at the end of the Summer Term. For the results of Assessments for the last academic year, please see the appendices.

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Homework

At The Reddings, we recognise that the partnership between home and school is vital in helping each child to reach his or her full potential We aim to provide homework that contributes to positive attitudes to learning, encouraging both enjoyment and independence, building confidence and enthusiasm for life-long learning. We welcome the opportunity it presents for parents to become more involved in their child’s learning. The Reddings uses the DfES Guidelines for the amount of homework to be set, using the following amounts of time:

We believe that the partnership between home and school will help children improve their performance and raise standards.

Children respond well to encouragement and support when undertaking homework tasks. We ask parents and Carers to find time, materials and a quiet space for their child to work in.

We know that after school children need time to read, play games, to enjoy sport and follow their interests. We value these highly and homework should not prevent a child from participating in these kinds of activities.

Parents who are concerned that their child is getting overwhelmed or distressed by homework should let the class teacher know immediately.

Sex, Relationships and Drug Education

Sex, Relationships and Drug Education is part of the curriculum from the Foundation Stage to Year 6.

In Sex and Relationships Education, the youngest children begin by thinking about families and simple differences between boys and girls. Children in Years 6 consider changes at puberty. They also learn about the birth of a baby and sexual intercourse within the context of an adult, loving relationship.

In Drug Education, children are encouraged to develop their self-esteem and confidence, which they need to respond safely and responsibly to situations. Younger children learn about medicines and home safety, whilst children in Years 5 and 6 learn skills to deal with drug-related situations and dealing with peer pressure.

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Year Group Suggested Time Allocation

Reception (Foundation Stage 2) 1/2 hour per week

Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2) 1 hour per week

Key Stage 2 (Years 3 and 4) 1 - 2 hours per week

Key Stage 2 (Years 5 and 6) 2 hours per week

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Children’s questions are answered sensitively, honestly and in as much detail as is appropriate to the age and stage of development of the individual.

Parents have the right to withdraw their child from the parts of Sex and Relationships Education which are not covered by the National Curriculum for Science. Any parent wishing to do so should make an appointment to see their child’s class teacher and inform the Head Teacher in writing.

Special Educational Needs (SEN) / Inclusion (INCo)

If a child is identified as having difficulties with learning, the school follows the procedure laid down in the Code of Practice for Special Educational Needs and the school’s own SEN / Inclusions Policy. A member of staff is designated co-ordinator of Inclusion (INCo) who monitors the school’s policy, provision and practice.

Gifted & Talented Provision

At The Reddings Primary School we believe in treating all pupils as individuals and so catering for their individual needs. This includes those 5 - 10% of pupils of higher ability who we refer to as “Gifted” and “Talented”.

We aim to meet the needs of gifted and talented children by enriching and extending the curriculum appropriately, and accelerating children in exceptional circumstances.

Extra-Curricular Opportunities

At The Reddings we provide a range of extra-curricular activities throughout the year. The staff at The Reddings provide the majority of these activities and we change the provision on a Termly basis. Our extra activities range from sports to music to circus skills to a gardening club. We encourage parents to become actively involved with the extra-curricular activities so if you would like to support a club or would like to run an activity, please contact the School Office.

Cultural Events

Throughout the year the school may organise days or weeks that are devoted to extending the children’s appreciation of particular subject areas. The programme may include offsite visits, visits from theatre companies, resident artists, musicians, scientists, sportsmen, environmentalists, as well as a range of hands on activities for the children.

School Visits

As part of the curriculum, we plan to offer children opportunities to participate in activities in and out of school. Sometimes there are opportunities to take children out on day excursions, perhaps to visit the local area for History or Geography and residential journeys may also be arranged.

Whenever day or residential educational visits are planned, parents are informed in writing and their permission is sought for their child to participate. However, on occasions, the school may take the children off site for brief sessions in the local community, and this may happen at short notice. When children are admitted to the school, parents sign an agreement authorising this type of visit. We invite Parents/Carers to make a voluntary contribution to meet the costs of school visits. If an activity or trip cannot be funded by such contributions, then it may have to be cancelled.

Extended School Services

At The Reddings Primary School, we are working to provide a range of services and activities beyond the school day to help meet the needs of pupils and their families and the wider community. We provide a Breakfast Club for our pupils in Foundation Stage 2 (Reception) to Year 6 and “Munchers” lunch club for our Foundation Stage 1 (Nursery) children. The Reddings is also linking with a local Primary School to provide an after-school club. We are looking to develop opportunities for Family Learning and access to our sports and ICT facilities in the near future.

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The Foundation Stage Curriculum

The Nursery and Reception children follow the Foundation Stage Curriculum, through six areas of learning, working towards the Early Learning goals that are set for children to achieve by the end of the Foundation Stage. The Curriculum is designed to provide the children with a wide range of experiences and aims to assist them to develop their full potential. Sessions include whole-class teaching, child-initiated play, small group work, physical activities and adult-directed tasks.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Successful Personal, Social and Emotional development is critical for very young children in all aspects of their lives and gives them the best opportunity for success in all other areas of learning. Our Foundation Stage Unit provides the experiences and support to enable children to develop a positive sense of themselves. They are encouraged to respect each others needs and views and are taught skills of taking turns, sharing and understanding codes of behaviour.

Communication, Language and Literacy

This area of learning includes Communication, Speaking and Listening in different situations and for different purposes, being read a wide range of stories and poems and Reading simple texts. Children are given stimuli to enable them to use pictures, symbols and words to communicate meaning and encouraged to attempt writing for different purposes.

Mathematical Development

This area of learning includes counting, sorting, matching, seeking patterns, making connections, recognising relationships and working with numbers, shapes, space and measures. Mathematical understanding is developed through stories, songs, games and imaginative play, so that children enjoy using and experimenting with numbers, including numbers to 10 and beyond.

Knowledge and Understanding of the World

In this area of learning, children are developing the crucial knowledge, skills and understanding that help them to make sense of the world. This forms the foundations for later work in Science, Design and Technology, History, Geography and Information & Communication Technology.

Physical Development

Physical development in the Foundation Stage is about improving skills of coordination, control, manipulation and movement. Physical development has two other very important aspects. It helps children gain confidence in what they can do and enables them to feel the positive benefits of being healthy and active. Effective physical development helps children develop a positive sense of well-being.

Creative Development

Creativity is fundamental to successful learning. Being creative enables children to make connections between one area of learning and another and to extend their understanding. This area of learning includes Art, Music, Dance, role play and imaginative play.

Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 Curriculum

English

The National Strategy provides the structure and content for the teaching of English. We recognise that Literacy is an integral part of all other curriculum areas and we continue to enhance the children’s language development throughout the school day.

Each day, the children have a dedicated Literacy lesson, where they are taught the key skills of Speaking and Listening, Reading, Writing, Grammar, Spelling and Handwriting. There are also dedicated sessions to enhance Reading and Writing skills.

Mathematics

The National Strategy provides the structure and content of the teaching of Mathematics. A great emphasis is placed on Mental and Oral Mathematics where children are encouraged to explain their methods of calculating answers. Children are shown different methods of calculating mentally, and understanding of these methods is established before they move on to written calculations.

The National Strategy features a daily maths lesson, which incorporates an oral and mental starter, direct teaching to the whole class, followed by individual group work and the plenary.

Science

Children’s work in Science helps them to understand the world around them. Much of the knowledge which children need to acquire is gained through a process of raising questions, designing and carrying out investigations and interpreting and explaining their results. Children are encouraged to develop the scientific vocabulary needed to discuss their ideas. They learn to record their scientific work in a variety of ways, for example; drawings, diagrams, written accounts, tables, charts and graphs. They learn to work with due care and attention to safety, both co-operatively with their peers and independently.

Information & Communication Technology

The Reddings Primary School is extremely well-equipped with the latest technology to enhance Learning and Teaching. Each classroom is equipped with an interactive whiteboard, CD/DVD/VCR player and internet access. In addition to the main workstations in each classroom, the school has an ICT Suite which is fitted with air-conditioning. All whiteboard and terminals are linked to the school network, Internet and laser printing facilities.

We teach children specific ICT skills including using word processing, data handling and control/modelling packages which are then used in other areas of the curriculum.

Religious Education

In the teaching of Religious Education, we aim to develop the children’s knowledge and understanding of the six major religions of the world: Christianity, Judaism, Sikhism, Hinduism and Buddhism. The children are given opportunities to further their understanding of beliefs, values and traditions of individuals and the wider world.

We aim to enhance their spiritual, moral, cultural and social development through a programme that is reinforced throughout the whole school curriculum.

History and Geography

In History, children study the major periods of British History from the Romans to the Victorians, Ancient Civilisations and local History. In their studies, children are encouraged to consider historical evidence and to make comparisons between the past and present, thereby developing their skills as Historians.

In Geography, children learn about their local area, the UK and the wider world. They also learn about physical features, for example, rivers and mountains. Throughout their studies they are encouraged to develop an appreciation, understanding and respect for the life-styles and cultures of other peoples and to acquire a feeling of responsibility for the care of our planet.

Art, Design and Design Technology

Through Art and Design, children are given the opportunity to develop their imagination and creativity. From Year 1, careful observation is developed and specific techniques are taught. These may include, collage, painting, drawing and printing. The children are encouraged to develop an understanding of the work of Artists and Designers. They may compare ideas; methods and approaches used in different styles and traditions and apply that knowledge to their own work. The aim is for children to develop an aesthetic response to their environment and to develop their artistic skills and gain the confidence to express their ideas and imagination.

The emphasis in Design and Technology is practical. Children evaluate the designs of a variety of objects and develop their own designs. They are taught to use a range of techniques, skills and tools safely, which they then use to construct their designs. Children are encouraged to evaluate their work.

Music

Children’s understanding and enjoyment of music is developed through activities that include performing and composing, and listening and appraising. All children participate in a weekly singing session and have a further lesson to enrich their musical skills. The Reddings enjoys a full music programme of activities throughout the year.

Physical Education

The Reddings is committed to providing ‘High Quality’ PE for all the children in the school. The school is part of the SSCO partnership which supports us in our continual development of PE. The partnership also provides specialist sports coaches to enhance our extra curricular activities at lunchtime and after school. Through the partnership The Reddings has attended a range of sports festivals for pupils in both Key Stages.

The PE Curriculum includes: Dance, Gymnastics, Swimming and a range of Games that develop batting and fielding, attacking and defending and using nets and walls.

Personal, Social, Health Education & Citizenship

The PSHE & Citizenship curriculum aims to help children to develop into active and responsible citizens of the future. They learn about health issues, practice their decision making skills and develop respect for themselves and others. There are many opportunities for children to participate in decision making; one of these is through the School Council.

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Primary and Nursery School

Hertfordshire County Council The Reddings Primary and Nursery SchoolBennetts End RoadHemel HempsteadHertfordshire HP3 8DX Telephone: 01442 406500 Fax: 01442 406501 Email: admin@reddings.herts.sch.ukPrimary and Nursery School