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BREACHWOOD GREEN
JMI SCHOOL
SCHOOL BROCHURE
Headteacher - Mrs R. Bethel
2016-2017
Breachwood Green JMI School Oxford Road, Breachwood Green, Hertfordshire. SG4 8NP
Phone : 01438 833115 Email : [email protected] Website : www.breachwoodgreen.herts.sch.uk
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Welcome… This Brochure is designed to tell you a little about our school. We hope it will prove helpful in planning your child’s future education.
The information given does not pretend to be all embracing but we hope it will provide a picture which will attract you and create a need to know more.
There can be no substitute for visiting the school, experiencing its activities and ‘feeling’ its ethos and culture. You will be made welcome at any time.
Our commitment
Breachwood Green School is a partnership of pupils, staff, parents and governors. We are committed to providing a challenging curriculum and an environment which encourages high standards in
academic achievement and personal development across a wide range of activities.
Introduction
This is a school where children and their families are warmly welcome.
It is a school that belongs, in a real sense, to the community it serves. Teachers, families and friends work together to bring out the best in the children.
It is a place where children learn about the world and themselves with the guidance and encouragement of dedicated teachers.
It is a place of discovery where children find out how to develop friendships, how to resolve problems and explore relationships in a safe and supportive environment.
It is a place of exploration, where children develop confidence and a desire to know more.
It is a place where consideration for others, kindness and good manners are strongly encouraged. We work together to create a happy school.
Breachwood Green School offers a secure and friendly learning environment for children. The staff recognise that the children’s happiness and attitude to school life is of utmost importance. Happy children make rapid progress!
We use a variety of teaching methods which gives us flexibility to meet individual differences and abilities within National Curriculum Guidelines.
We encourage you to be part of a team working together in a strong, family, caring school, capable of meeting the challenges which face our children now and in the future.
Rosemarie Bethel - Head Teacher
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School Aims The main aim throughout the School is inclusiveness, to provide for the full development of each child according to need, with conscious reference to other members of the school community.
Independence is fostered alongside consideration for others and there is a great emphasis on self-reliance and self-discipline, with an enquiring and systematic approach to all activities.
We value:
Our Village School in the heart of the community and the opportunity it offers to develop confident learners with high levels of self-esteem
Our strong partnership with parents and their day-to-day involvement in school life, enabling them to support their children’s learning and development
Our excellent range of extra-curricular and sporting activities which enrich the education we offer pupils
Our more detailed aims are reflected in our curriculum provision and are as follows:
To help pupils develop lively, enquiring minds, with the ability to question and argue rationally and to apply themselves to tasks and physical skills.
To work in partnership with parents and other community members to foster positive links with the wider and global community
To promote excellence in teaching and learning
To provide an inclusive and safe environment where all children are developed to their full potential and which is stimulating and secure.
To continually support and encourage children, equipping them with the necessary skill for the enjoyment of lifelong learning.
To provide a healthy, happy and safe environment which promotes enjoyment of lifelong learning alongside the development of emotional, social and physical well being
To provide a setting where children’s achievements are celebrated, enabling them to make a positive contribution, achieve their full potential and appreciate achievements and aspirations in others
To encourage children's sensitivity and mutual respect for all people through promoting equal opportunities and tackling discrimination
To develop independence in all aspects of school life enabling them to become responsible citizens
To develop a learning community enabling all staff to have access to training which is appropriate to their professional development as well as the development of the School
To offer a broad, exciting, relevant curriculum which recognises and supports individual learning needs and develops workplace and other skills that will contribute to their future economic well being.
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Our Staff
Headteacher: Mrs R A Bethel
Full-time Teaching Staff: Mrs A Isom
Mr T Clarke
Miss R Mayes
Class 3 - Senior Teacher
Class 2
Class 4 & Special Needs Co-Ordinator (SENCO)
Part-time Teaching Staff:
Mrs A Gumley
Mrs G Fulton
Class 1
Class 1 & Computing
Mrs T Hargadon French
Mrs P Killacky Supply, Y6 Booster, 1:1 Tuition
Mrs B Squires Supply
Mrs K Bennett Music
Mrs J Davis Piano/keyboard
Ms J. Gentry Art
Mr T Cook Guitar(Electric and Classical)
Mrs C Wolfson Djembe Drums
Administrative Staff: Mrs A Fox Mrs V Millington
IT Technician: Mr S Hall
Nursery Assistant: Mrs R Sadlier
General Classroom Assistants: Mrs R Sadlier
Mrs C Wilde
Mrs S Kateley
Mrs J Spain-O’Leary
Mrs V Millington
Mrs S Ritchie
Mrs S Feasey
Mrs A Fox
TBA
Apprentices: Miss Y Wheeler IT (and Music Support)
Miss K Rees Sports
TBA Nursery
Cook Manager: Mrs J Locke
Catering Assistant: Mrs A Mulholland
Midday Supervisory Assistants: Mrs B Galliers
Mrs V Millington
Mrs J Spain-O’Leary
Mrs C Wilde
Mrs S Marlow
TBA
Cleaner in Charge/Caretaker: Mrs D Camp
Cleaner: Mrs B Galliers
Breakfast Club: Mrs C Wilde
Mrs J Locke (Food)
Mrs A Burridge (relief)
Mrs A Fox (relief)
After School Club: Mrs C Wilde Mrs A Burridge (relief) Mrs A Fox (Relief)
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School Governors Appointed by Hertfordshire County Council: Mrs Elisabeth Greet (Chair) - 2014 - 2018 Mrs Sally Gaskell (Early Years responsibilities) - 2014 - 2018 Teacher Governor (elected by teaching staff): Miss Alana McCabe - 2014 – 2018 Mrs Rosemarie Bethel (Headteacher) Parent Governors (elected by parents): Mr Tim Starkey (SEN) - 2014 - 2018 Mr Andrew Bignell - 2014 - 2018 Mr Gerrard Nolan - 2014 - 2018 Community Governors: Mrs Tracey Hargadon - 2014 - 2018 Mr Allan Finlay - 2016 - 2020 Mrs Margaret Ross (SEN & Child Protection) - 2014 - 2018 Clerk to the Governors Mrs Amanda Fox Associate Governors Mrs Susanne Edbrooke (Finance) Mr Timothy Hughes (Finance) Mr David Fox (Premises)
All parents are entitled to see minutes of the School Governing Body meetings. With the exception of the Head Teacher, Governors serve for four years. All School Governors can be contacted via the school office.
Voluntary Help There are always opportunities for parents to support the School. We are delighted to welcome parents and other members of the community who wish to work with children in the classroom and/or share with us a particular expertise. It is hoped that you feel able to work in partnership with the School.
Parental help is frequently sought to provide additional supervision with School visits to enable us to comply with regulations regarding the ratio of adults to children; without this support, trips would not be possible. Parents are also asked to assist with the transport of children to and from off site activities and events
Due to national guidelines on child protection, we ask all adults wishing to offer assistance in School to complete a Disclosure and Barring Service Form. We really do value your contribution.
Complaints Procedure Should there be a need for a parent to complain, the first step is to speak to the class teacher who will, we hope, be able to resolve the situation promptly.
If there is still a problem, parents are encouraged to bring their complaint to the attention of the Headteacher.
If the problem is still not resolved, parents need to write formally to the Chair of Governors. If at this stage there is still dissatisfaction, parents can formally complain to the Hertfordshire Education Board or to Ofsted directly.
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About Our School The School is set in the village of Breachwood Green which is seven miles from Hitchin, five miles from Harpenden and less than two miles from the outskirts of Luton and Luton airport.
Breachwood Green JMI School provides education from Foundation Stage reception (4 - 5 years) through to eleven year-old children, incorporating Key Stage 1 at 6 to 7 years and Key Stage 2 at 7 to 11 years.
Our children reside in the village of Breachwood Green, the surrounding hamlets, villages and the outskirts of Luton. The current roll is 112 and it is anticipated that this will fall in September 2016 due to a large cohort moving on to secondary school.
The school has 4 classrooms, an ICT Suite, a Library and a Sports/Dining Hall set in a charming Victorian building with more recent extensions.
School dinners are cooked on site by Herts Catering Ltd.
The playground, which includes a netball court and activity markings, is to the front of the School and a grassed area with play equipment, picnic tables, mature trees and hedgerows is to the rear. The School uses the village recreation ground for football, athletics etc.
The School is well equipped for the effective delivery of the Early Years Foundation Stage and The National Curriculum. It is our intention that all children will benefit from and become familiar with modern technology.
Organisation
The organisation of classes within the School depends upon the size of year groups and may vary from year to year in order to deliver effectively the National Curriculum. Often it is necessary to change the mix of year groups in order to avoid some classes being very large whilst others are small.
The School is organised into 4 classes.
Class 1: Reception (Foundation Stage)
and Summer born Year 1 (4 – 6 years)
Class 2: Autumn and Spring born Year 1
and Year 2 (6 – 7 years)
Class 3: Years 3 and 4 (7 - 9 years)
Class 4: Years 5 and 6 (9 - 11 years)
The School Day The day starts at 8.55am. Children are expected to be in the playground at least 5 minutes, but no earlier than 10 minutes, before school starts as supervision cannot be guaranteed before this time. However, Breakfast Club provision is provided from 8am - for which there is an additional charge.
Morning break from 10.45–11.00am during which children may purchase toast for 20p (10p for Reception class). It is helpful if this money comes in a named envelope on a Monday morning and is given to the class Teaching Assistant.
Lunch is from 12.00 to 1.05pm.
School finishes at 3:20pm. it is your responsibility as a parent to ensure your child goes home safely. After School Club provision is available until 6pm - for which there is an additional charge.
For more information on Breakfast Club and After School Club see Page 19
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Admissions We aim to make children joining Breachwood Green feel comfortable as soon as possible. Our staff visit local pre-school groups and nurseries to meet the children and discuss their individual needs with key members of staff from their current setting and parents prior to them starting school so that we can anticipate the needs of everyone and aim for a smooth transition
Parents of new pupils
Breachwood Green offers a warm welcome to parents who would like to look round the School before making their choice. Arrangements for visits can be made by telephoning 01438 833115.
A special evening meeting is held early each July for parents of new children entering School the following September. At this meeting further information is given, details are discussed, questions will be answered and basic school uniform may be purchased.
Shortly before joining us children are invited, with their parents, to visit the School for part of the morning session and for a free lunch to help them settle into their new school and make new friends.
Admission for ‘Other 4s’/Reception/Foundation Stage Class
Children under 5 are known as ‘Other 4s’ until the term of their 5th birthday, when they become Reception Infants and are known as The Early Years Foundation Stage.
Application forms are available from the Hertfordshire Education Board Admissions website
http://www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/services/edlearn/admissions/
Information from Luton Borough Council Admissions is available at their website
https://www.luton.gov.uk/Education_and_learning/Schools_and_colleges/School%20admissions/Pages/default.aspx
Paper copies can be forwarded on to parents on request.
Admission forms for September 2017 will be processed during the Autumn Term of 2016. The form asks parents to state the school they would like their child to attend. Three additional choices are called for. Parents are encouraged to complete these forms online and send them directly to the Local Authority Admissions Team.
Places are awarded by the Hertfordshire Local Education Board Admissions Team on behalf of the School. Our admissions number for any year group is 15. Parents who live in Luton or Bedfordshire need to follow the admissions guidance for that authority but can put Breachwood Green School as one of their choices on these forms. Parents who live outside Hertfordshire are also strongly encouraged to apply online to their own Education Authority.
If interest in the School exceeds capacity, places are awarded according to the Admissions criteria in the Hertfordshire Local Authority rules. Parents are informed of the decision by the Local Authority admissions team.
Parents of children not given places have the right to appeal to an Independent Appeals Panel and can also ask to be included on the School’s ‘Continued Interest List’ should a place become available in the future. Please remember to log your interest termly with the Local Authority Admissions team. If they do not hear from you, your name will be deleted from the Continued Interest List.
Admission to the School for pupils other than Reception
Parents of older children who are interested in a place, or were unsuccessful in the initial admissions procedure, are advised to discuss the possibility of available places with the Headteacher and encouraged to be included on the school’s Continued Interest List which is held electronically by the Hertfordshire Schools Admissions Team.
Parents of children not given places can appeal to the Hertfordshire Education Board’s Admissions Officer and can ask to be included (or remain) on the School’s ‘Continued Interest List’ should a place become available in the future. This must be done via the Local Authority admissions team who do this centrally. If a place becomes available and there is more than one name on the ‘Continued Interest List’, the Local Authority Admissions Rules will be re-applied to all on the list and places will be given accordingly.
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Attendance / Absence If children arrive later than 8.55am or 1.05pm, they are recorded as ‘late’. If they arrive after 9.15am or 1.25pm without authorisation, they are recorded as ‘unauthorised absent’ which will be shown on the School’s Annual Record of Achievement.
All absences, for whatever reason, should be explained in writing. It is a legal requirement that schools keep detailed records of absences and these have to be carefully monitored by staff and are checked by the Education Welfare Officers. Absence data is returned to the Local Authority each term.
Parents must notify the School on the first day of a child’s absence and follow this with an explanation note when the child returns to School
Absence Data from 01/09/2015 to 30/06/2016
Parents are informed well in advance of term dates and should make every possible effort to arrange holidays and other activities around them.
Where possible, all doctor/dental appointments should be made outside school hours. Allowance will, however, be made for urgent attention or treatment.
The Governors are concerned that the number of requests for children to take time out of School for holidays and short breaks has been increasing. The curriculum provides a full learning programme which is followed by all children form Nursery to Year 6 and any child missing a part of this could be put at a disadvantage.
There is no automatic right to take children out of school during term time. Therefore, in line with other primary schools in North Hertfordshire, all absence, unless from illness, has been recorded as ‘unauthorised’ and will continue to do so. There will be no exceptions to this apart from the existence of extreme circumstances triggering compassionate consideration.
Requests for absences during term-time must be submitted in writing at least three weeks before the holiday and must be authorised by the Head Teacher.
The School cannot take responsibility for the education missed by the children concerned.
Group Total No of
Pupils Presents
Approved Educational
Activity
Authorised
Absences Unauthorised
Absences Possible
Attendance %
Attendance
1 19 6520 19 188 8 6735 97.1
2 24 8141 24 193 52 8410 97.1
3 35 11724 79 318 78 12222 96.6
4 35 10654 663 310 48 11678 96.9
Totals 113 37039 785 1009 186 39045 96.9
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Collecting your Child from School Parents must fill in a form if anyone other than themselves is collecting their child for whatever reason. If there is a family emergency that prevents you from meeting your child, please telephone the School as soon as possible. If longer than 5 minutes the children will be sent to After School Club and parents will be charged for a whole session.
Children are instructed to report back into School if the person they are expecting to meet them is not at the gate. KS1 children will view the gate from the corridor outside Class 1 and Class 2 and will be released when the collecting adult has been identified.
No child is allowed to leave the School premises during School sessions unless collected by either a parent or named adult who MUST report to the School Office via the main entrance before collecting a child. Prior notice must be given in writing if your child is to be collected during School sessions except in the case of an emergency.
The School Year School Terms are determined by the Local Authority with, usually, one additional day’s holiday (Occasional Day) approved by the Governors. The dates are published on the School website.
Five INSET (staff In-service Training) days are additional holidays for children and are decided in advance where possible so as not to inconvenience parents too much.
The dates for the School Year 2016-2017 are:
Autumn Term Start - 1st Sept 2016 Half Term - 24-28th Oct 2016 Finishes - 21st Dec 2016
Inset Days - Thurs 1st Sept and Friday 2nd Sept. School will start on Monday 5th Sept 2016
Spring Term Start - 5th Jan 2017 Half Term - 13-17th Feb 2017 Finishes - 31st Mar 2017
Inset Days - Thurs 5th Jan and Fri 6th Jan 2017. School will start on Monday 9th January 2017
Summer Term Start - 18th Apr 2017 Half Term - 29th May-2nd Jun 2017 Finishes - 24th July 2017
Inset Days - Tues 18th April 2017. School will start on Wednesday 19th April 2017
School PTFA Parents’ Teachers’ and Friends’ Association All parents are automatically members and are encouraged to join the PTFA working committee.
The PTFA has its own bank account and over the years has contributed enormously to the School, providing money for a wide variety of extra equipment which would not have been possible out of general funds.
Many aspects of our work in school have been supported by the PTFA funds. Regular meetings are held for the purpose of organisation. The PTFA’s main aims are to:
arrange events for social and fund-raiding purposes
decide policy regarding expenditure of money raised by the group
provide practical help within the school
For more information about the PTFA and current committee members please see our website
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Travel Arrangements Those who live near are encouraged to walk and special ‘Walk to School’ weeks are arranged to support this. Parents with under school-age children are asked to take extra care to ensure their safety by not allowing them to run into the playground or into the road. When escorting young children around the school please supervise them closely in order to avoid damage to children’s work, equipment and displays.
Parents who bring and collect children in private vehicles are asked to observe the Highway Code and show consideration to residents when parking at the busy times before and after school.
There is no public car park and spaces on the road are limited. If you need to deliver and collect by car, please show consideration for the local residents by not parking across their driveways.
It has been arranged that parents may park in the Village Hall and Red Lion car parks to ease congestion at busy times enabling parents and children to walk the short distance to school.
We run an unofficial one way system. Parents are encouraged to drive down Oxford Road from the Red Lion, turn right at the island at bottom of Oxford Road into Pasture Lane, then first right back to the Red Lion and Chapel Road.
Please do not park in Pasture Lane or on or near the grass triangle at the bottom of Oxford Road as this obstructs large vehicles such as refuse lorries, buses and coaches which, in turn, affects the flow of traffic. Oxford Road is part of the main bus route and therefore this needs to be considered at all times.
Cycling to and from school without supervision is not actively encouraged. The view of the County Road Safety Department is that children under 10 years of age (Year 6) must be escorted by an adult when riding a bike to or from school. Please make sure that your children understand that before they enter the school premises they must get off their bikes and wheel them to the allocated area. On leaving school they must walk their bikes off the premises. The same applies to roller skates/blades, scooters etc.
Parents who use these methods to walk children to school need to ensure that scooters etc. are stored safely in the cycle pods to the rear of the School and are taken home every night. Children riding bicycles do need to wear cycling helmets and if unescorted need to have passed their cycling proficiency standards.
It is the responsibility of parents to arrange for their children to travel to and from school by the best method.
Provision of Transport by Parents
Many of our activities both in and out of school time depend upon the generous provision of transport by parents.
Those offering transport are asked to complete a form confirming that their vehicle has seat belts for all the places offered, is taxed and roadworthy, and is adequately insured.
Please check with your insurance company. In some policies extra cover is already included or can be provided free of charge.
Parents who offer to help transport children to activities will be requested to provide evidence of suitable insurance and up to date tax and MOT certificates.
There are new regulations regarding the use of booster seats. We do have some spare in School but ask parents to provide their child with a booster seat if they know that they need one and are relying on others to transport their children.
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School Clothing School Uniform
Unless outlined in their Special Education Needs or Religious Beliefs children attending Breachwood Green should wear clothing in the school colours of blues and grey. It is important that children are dressed in clothes that they can easily manage themselves
Trousers: Grey/Black traditional school wear
Pinafore Dress/Skirt Grey traditional school wear
Summer Dress: Blue and white check or striped
Shirt/Polo Shirt: Plain white or light blue (worn tucked in)
Cardigan or Jumper: Navy Blue – with school logo
Sweat Shirt: Navy Blue – with school logo
Socks: Plain white, grey, navy blue or black
Tights: Grey, white or navy
Footwear (outdoor) Black shoes no trainers. In wet weather, wellingtons or other waterproof boots. No fashion trainers/fashion boots e.g Uggs. (Must be below the ankle and no platform soles). Reception children need Outdoor (Wellington) boots
Footwear (inside school) Black Plimsolls or trainers (not outdoor used)
Breachwood Green caps available or hats in schools colours only.
Good quality second-hand uniform is also available at very reasonable rate currently £1 per garment.
In summer months - Parents are to provide and apply sun block/cream before school. Child to be responsible during school for applying more if needed.
PE Kit (in a named soft material PE Bag)
T-shirt: White – school logo
Shorts: Navy, black (plain colours only)
Plimsolls / Trainers: In school colours blue, white or black.
Tape for earrings
Classes 2 3 & 4 Trainers, Tracksuit (for colder months), spare socks
Spare kit will be needed for cross country and football (to be left at school)
All PE kit should be sensible and allow freedom of movement – no beachwear, Bermuda styles or ‘loud’ logos. When other equipment or clothing is required for PE or clubs the teaching staff will provide as much notice possible with which items are needed. One piece Swimming costume for girls only.
Items that carry the school logo are available to order from the school and a price guideline is available in the office or on the website.
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School Uniform Policy We ask all parents who send their children to our school to support the school uniform policy. We believe that parents have a duty to send their children to school correctly dressed and ready for their daily schoolwork. One of the responsibilities of parents is to ensure that their child has the correct uniform, and that it is labelled, clean and in good repair. PLEASE RE-LABEL REGULARLY.
If any parent would like the school to modify the uniform policy, they should make representation, in the first instance, to the head teacher. The school welcomes children from all backgrounds and all faith communities. If there are serious reasons for special dispensation, for example on religious or disability criteria the school will look sympathetically at any such requests.
There may be special days when children are encouraged to bring things into school in connection with their work. Please make sure that these articles are also named.
A great deal of teaching time is often wasted looking for lost items or sorting out problems caused by bringing unnecessary, un-named, personal property to school.
Jewellery On health and safety grounds we do not allow children to wear jewellery in our school. The exceptions to this rule are small plain ear-ring studs in pierced ears, and a watch. Children will be asked to remove items for PE, Games and other such lessons/times that the teacher deems appropriate. The permitted small single ear-ring studs will need to be taped – parents are to provide their child with tape and instruct them on how to use and apply. Watches must be clearly named.
Personal Property Simply – responsibility cannot be taken for any games or other property brought unnecessarily into school. There may be special days when children are encouraged to bring ‘items’ into school in connection with their work. It is the parent’s responsibility to permit these items to be taken and ensure such items are labelled clearly with their child's name. Staff will not be held responsible for missing equipment
Haircuts The school does not permit children to have 'extreme' haircuts or styles that could serve as a distraction to other children. This involves colouring, shaved areas (no shorter than a grade 2) and general tidiness.
Long hair should be tied back with plain ribbon/hair bands, preferably in school colours, and no large bobbles, clips or beads should be worn.
Footwear The school wants all children to grow into healthy adults. We believe that it is dangerous for children to wear shoes that have platform soles or high heels, so we do not allow children to wear such shoes at Breachwood Green School. For sporting activities we urge that appropriate footwear is worn and not ‘fashion’ items. Ugg Style boots are not appropriate as they are not waterproof and are considered fashion items.
School Bags and Water Bottles Book bags must be used for reading books, library books and reading records. All communication to parents will also be placed in the book bags. The book bag must have the school logo on it.
PE bags must be a soft material bag which is named. Any other bags needed should be small and compact as storage in school is limited.
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School Meals We encourage our children to participate in school dinners. We offer a cafeteria service provided by Hertfordshire Catering Ltd. who offer a good choice of a hot main meal or a selection of salads. There are a variety of desserts from which to choose and a drink is offered. Children are encouraged to choose wisely.
Hertfordshire Catering Ltd use a rotated, three week, healthy eating menu. Parents are provided with a new menu at the beginning of each term. Copies of the menus are on display in the School dining room and on the school website. As part of the Government initiative all Foundation Stage and KS1 children are provided with a free school meal.
Children are, alternatively, allowed to bring their own packed lunch and non-fizzy drink in a suitable named container - not a can or glass bottle. The cook can provide a healthy packed lunch as an alternative to school dinner on a daily basis or when a packed lunch is required due to sporting events or school trips.
Mealtime supervisors and teachers help each day to maintain the smooth organisation and friendly, family atmosphere. Parents are welcome to visit School at mealtime through prior arrangement. New parents receive a complimentary meal on their child’s induction day.
Popular ‘fun’ meals are usually served on Fridays and are available to all children, and a traditional roast dinner is served on Wednesdays.
Daily price from September 2016: £2.35 for KS2 children.
Money for meals is paid either weekly on Monday mornings or by cheque (made payable to Hertfordshire Catering Ltd) termly or half-termly. The School Secretary notifies all parents of the amount required. Credits are given in the case of absence. All money and cheques must be presented in a special yellow School envelope with the contents and the child’s name and class clearly marked.
We do ask for at least 2 weeks’ notice in writing of any change in meal arrangements (i.e. from school meals to packed lunch or vice versa) in order to facilitate Cook’s food ordering.
Parents who are entitled to free meals for their children should apply online at : www.hertsdirect.org/freeschoolmeals
The School office can help you to access the website. The arrangements in School are such that no child knows of another’s position regarding payment.
Milk Since September 2007 government nutritional guidelines for food and drink served in schools stipulate that milk given to children over 5 years of age has to be semi-skimmed.
The Government aim is to tackle obesity in children and see this as an important change. By swapping to semi skimmed milk, the children will not lose out on their calcium intake as calcium levels are very slightly higher in semi skimmed milk than whole milk. The majority of the vitamins and minerals remain the same; it is simply the fat content that is reduced.
Milk is a vital contributory factor to the growth of good strong bones and teeth and therefore it is important to a growing child. A 189ml carton of milk provides half the daily requirement of calcium of a 6 year old child. (The Dairy Council). Milk can be ordered for all children in the school.
School Milk Prices
The price for milk is set by the School Meals and Milk Finance section of The Herts Finance Team
Prices for milk in the Autumn term 2016 will be £16.06
This includes pupils in reception who are 4 for the whole of the term.
Children entitled to free school meals are also entitled to free school milk.
Milk must be ordered and paid for a term in advance at the end of the previous term. Please send separate cheques for milk and dinners both made out to Hertfordshire County Council and place in separate special school envelopes.
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Medicines and Medical Matters The School Policy regarding the administration of medication follows the Local Authority rules.
As a general rule, it is unnecessary for children to receive medicines in School and, where children attending school are receiving medication, the prescribing doctor usually makes every effort to ensure that the dosage can be given by parents at home.
In cases of long-term illness where medication is required to be administered during the school day, Parents or a responsible adult (notified to the school beforehand) are encouraged to come into school to administer medication
Where it is impossible for a parent or notified responsible adult to come into school to administer the medication, the School can act in loco parentis. In such cases, parents are requested to complete a parental agreement for the school to administer medicine. We cannot be held responsible for missed doses, and encourage the child to remind school staff when they need to take their medication.
Any medication brought into school, including personal inhalers, must be clearly labelled with the child’s name and recommended dosage. The medication must be handed in at the office by an adult and not left in a child ’s bag. They must be collected by a responsible adult from the office at the end of the school day.
When any medication, inhalers etc., have been administered in school, a form will be sent home to inform parents of times and quantities given. Parents are requested to sign an acknowledgement and return it to the school office the next day.
Obviously, if your child is on strong medication, he or she should be kept at home until the illness has subsided.
Any asthmatic child who has been prescribed an inhaler should keep an inhaler in school at all times. This should be clearly labelled with the child’s name and instructions for use and will be kept in the School Office.
Further information can be found in the School’s Policy for Medicines which is available on request.
Children suffering from sickness or diarrhoea must stay away until they have been clear of the symptoms for at least 24 hours. If your child is in School, it is expected that they well enough to take part in all School activities that day.
Please notify the School if your child has head lice. This does need to be treated rigorously but is not a reason for keeping your child at home.
Illnesses / Accidents during School Please make sure that you update the School regularly with any changes to contact phone numbers and adults to contact in an emergency. If your child is unwell, we will monitor the situation and contact you if the child’s condition is a cause for concern. If a child bangs their head during the School day (even if this is slight), a letter will be sent home. Other incidental accidents will be treated with first aid. Obviously, if the accident is more serious parents will be contacted.
Healthy Schools Research shows that water plays an important part in helping children to concentrate in school and improves learning. It is important that the brain is hydrated and to this end we allow children to have their own Breachwood Green drinking bottles available on their desks at all times.
Children in Foundation to Year 2 receive a piece of fruit each day subsidised by the Government. KS2 children are encouraged to bring in their own fruit to eat as a snack at an agreed time.
Breachwood Green School achieved Healthy School status in 2008. We believe that all children should be encouraged to understand not only the physical benefits of a healthy lifestyle but also the social and personal rewards of working as part of a team and exceeding their expectations.
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School Curriculum
Curriculum Entitlement The curriculum of the School is the Foundation Stage Early Learning Goals and the National Curriculum.
Religious Education is taught as laid down by law and monitored by the Office for Standards in Education and the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority.
The Foundation Stage Early Learning goals are for Nursery aged and reception children. The goals are set to help the children gain confidence and skills in key areas and to enable them to access the National Curriculum in Year 1 (age 6).
The National Curriculum core-subjects for primary schools are English, Mathematics, Science, Computing and Religious Education.
Most of the English curriculum is delivered daily and cross curricularly and includes a fortnightly writing session known as Big Writing. Maths is delivered also on a daily basis.
The non-core foundation subjects are Design Technology, Art, Physical Education, Music, History, Geography, PSHE (Personal, Social, Health Education) and a Modern Foreign Language (French). P4C (Philosophy for Children) is used to support areas of the curriculum.
Often, though not always, these subjects are taught through a topic or theme encompassing several subject areas or as part of English or Maths.
The curriculum is inclusive and is designed to accommodate the full range of ability, taking into consideration individual rates of progress. Individual pupil-targets are set in all curriculum areas and assessed at the end of each term. For Special Educational Needs (SEN) targets are set on a termly basis through IEP (Individual Education Programmes) and are set in consultation with parents, staff, and children and outside agencies.
Children with individual care plans, will follow the standard curriculum, but will receive extra support according to the identified need.
There are specific schemes for the teaching of core subjects. A broad scheme allows for more able children to develop fully and the basic National Curriculum is followed by all with aims geared to individual ability and age.
The staff are engaged in regular curriculum meetings and it is expected that constant development will take place in the light of new experience and legislation.
Curriculum Documents & Policy Statements There are written policies on all aspects of the School Curriculum and most other topics relating to the School. These are regularly updated in accordance with the School Development Plan and are accessible from the School office on request.
The School Development Plan The School Development Plan is a ‘rolling programme’ covering 5 years of school activities and is reviewed every term.
Multi-Cultural Education There is assistance from the Local Authority for children and parents for whom English is a second language. Documents are available for parents, printed in the languages commonly found in Hertfordshire.
The general curriculum of the School includes an awareness of the multi-cultural nature of the society in which we live. Children are encouraged in their attitudes of mutual knowledge, understanding and tolerance which can help to make such a multi-cultural society a fair, tolerant and successful one reflecting British Values
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Music All pupils are regularly involved with some type of music, whether it be traditional or creative. Children also have the opportunity to learn to play the recorder and ocarina through extra-curricular activities.
Piano, keyboard and guitar lessons are currently available to children. These lessons are conducted by specialist teachers and are an ‘extra’ provision. Tuition in other instruments can be provided if there is the interest and commitment.
Years 3-6 also receive Djembe Drumming free of charge through the Hertfordshire Music Service First Access Scheme.
Parents are requested to make a financial contribution towards tuition, hire, repair of instruments and specific music books. There are set fees for music tuition laid down by the Local Authority and these are usually paid termly in advance.
Parents are informed of the cost prior to taking up this option and are required to give half a term’s notice when considering closing a contract. The Local Authority does offer financial assistance towards payment of these fees where there is genuine hardship or where families are in receipt of benefit. Application forms for this purpose can be obtained online at www.hertsdirect.org/scholearn/canhelp.
It is essential that children practise their instruments regularly at home between their weekly lessons, otherwise very little progress will be made. We rely on parents to encourage their children to practise for a short while each day. We do permit children to practise their instruments for short periods during the morning break and lunch-time.
Religious Education The Local Authority has produced guidelines which form the basis for religious education in its schools.
In general, the School seeks to offer children the opportunity to consider for themselves the various philosophies which exist, without any particular denominational affiliation.
A daily assembly is held which is, according to the Local Authority Guidelines, an act of Collective Worship. This activity may be at any time during the school day and in whatever grouping the School wishes.
It is in line with predominately Christian but non-denominational guidelines, although awareness of other religions and religious traditions and their contribution to human culture is considered to be very important.
From time to time, parents will also be invited to join the school for a ‘special’ assembly or celebration.
Parents have the right to withdraw children from Religious Education but, because of the general policy of the School, matters of religious importance may well present themselves incidentally. Should this occur, in a case of strong feeling all sensitivities will be respected. Parents are requested to inform the Headteacher of any particular wish they may have.
Sex Education We seek to develop a healthy attitude in all children to good health, personal hygiene and maturation. Sex education takes the form of a broad awareness of living things and the care of them during the early years of infant and junior education.
In the last two years (5 and 6), children are introduced to the facts of human reproduction. Parents have the opportunity to view teaching resources prior to work on menstruation and reproduction.
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Sport The children are encouraged to take part in all aspects of PE.
Indoor PE activities take place in the School Hall which is equipped with a wide range of apparatus.
The children have been very successful in competitions with other schools and the School is linked to Roundwood Park Secondary School through the Sports Partnership Scheme and the North Herts Sports Partnership. The School readily participates in sporting events throughout the year.
We reached county championships in football, tag rugby and golf in 2015. We were awarded Hertfordshire Primary School of the year for the third time in January 2015.
Our swimming teams qualified for the National Finals in Sheffield representing Hertfordshire in 2012, 2013 and 2014 where we represented the East of England.
Agencies offering expertise for sports including archery and fencing have been invited by the School to organise sessions for children and staff. There are also opportunities to participate in 10-pin bowling and other more unusual sports during class activity days.
Swimming takes place for children in Class 3 only (Years 3 and 4) during the Autumn Term. We use the facilities of St Francis Girls’ School in Letchworth which provides a safe environment for our children to swim and achieve standards of 25 metres by the time they reach the end of Key Stage 2.
Parents with children who do not reach this standard by the end of Year 4 are advised to enrol their child in a swimming club. Children’s swimming achievements outside school are recorded and celebrated in the weekly school newsletter. Children who have not achieved 25 metres by Year 5 are given the opportunity of a “top up” swimming programme provided by the school.
School Sports Premium As a school, we are entitled to the sum of approximately £8263 plus £5 per eligible pupil. The School Sport Premium Funding is a way of aiding the provision of Physical Education, healthy active lifestyles and competitive school sport for primary school children. At Breachwood, we are exploring the best ways of spending this money within the guidelines issued - this includes:
Hiring specialist PE teachers or qualified sports coaches to work with primary teachers when teaching PE
Supporting and engaging the least active children
Paying for professional development opportunities for teachers in PE and sport
Providing cover to release primary teachers for professional development in PE and sport
Pooling the additional funding with that of other local school
Running sports competitions or increasing pupils participation in the school games
Allowing children to participate at the highest possible level
Buying training materials or resources for PE and sport
Funding extended school sports clubs
Ensuring inclusiveness You are able to find out more about the sporting opportunities our children undertake by going to the following websites: www.yourschoolgames.co.uk www.activestalbans.com. There is also more information available via the school website and the school office.
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Breakfast Club / After School Club We run a Breakfast Club and After School Club for children to assist parents with their child care needs.
The Breakfast Club is run by School staff from 8am-8.55am and costs £3 per session.
After School care facilities are available through our After School Club. Three sessions are offered at £3.00 per session: 3.20-4.20pm and 4.20-5.20pm and 5.20 up to 6.00pm by prior arrangement at an additional cost of £3.00.
There are concessions for families and for those who attend breakfast club. Both Breakfast Club and After School Club can be accessed on an adhoc basis by informing the school when needed.
Extra-Curricular Activities
The School offers additional opportunities for children with some extra-curricular activities such as outings, day trips, residential school journeys, museum and library visits. The pupils take part in sporting opportunities with other Hertfordshire schools.
Children in upper Key Stage 2 (Class 4) will have the opportunity to participate in a residential school journey.
We visit hotels on the Isle of Wight and Llandudno in North Wales in alternate years and stay away from home for 4 nights.
Children are encouraged to extend their experiences by attending a variety of clubs in additional to the school’s breakfast and after school clubs. Since these are organised voluntarily by teachers and parents according to their own enthusiasms, it may be that they will differ in nature from time to time. Some clubs are run by external agencies and parents pay for their children to take part.
The School enters local sporting tournaments, sometimes on Saturdays, and plays games regularly against other schools. Should a child be selected, he/she is expected to offer allegiance to the School, maintain good behaviour and spirit and give preference to his or her school when considering other activities. Parents are asked to support the School in this matter.
Children will be informed about the days and times of after-school activities and may stay only with parental permission.
After school sports clubs may be provided by outside agencies for which there will be separate fees
School Clubs These may take place at lunchtime or after school and at present include:
Netball
Football
Board Games
Lacrosse
Homework
Gymnastics
Gardening
Choir
Ocarina
Dance
Homework
Cross Country
Computer
Recorder
Archery
Fencing
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School Equal Opportunities
British Values
The Department for Education state that there is a need “to create and enforce a clear and rigorous expectation on all schools to promote the fundamental British values of democracy, the rule of law, individual liberty and mutual respect and tolerance of those with different faiths and beliefs.”
The government set out its definition of British values in the 2011 Prevent Strategy and these values were reiterated by the Prime Minister in 2014.
Actively promoting the key values means challenging behaviour or opinions in school that are contrary to fundamental British values. At Breachwood Green JMI School these values are reinforced regularly and in the following ways.
Democracy Democracy is embedded at the school. We ensure that all pupils within the school have a voice that is listened to. We demonstrate how democracy works by providing democratic process when voting for School Council leaders. Every child is a member of a School Council Group.
Pupils are always listened to by adults and are taught to listen carefully and with concern for each other, respecting the right of every individual to have their opinions and voices heard. Pupils also have the opportunity to air their opinions and ideas through School Council.
The elections of the School Council leaders, scribes and House and Sports Captains are based on pupil votes, reflecting our British electoral system and demonstrating democracy in action. Pupils are also elected to be members of the school PTFA and Eco Schools committee.
The School Council meets on a monthly basis with a clear agenda identifying AOB for them to discuss items outside of the agenda. We invite parents and carers for their views and they are encouraged to complete an annual Governors questionnaire. All staff are involved in key decisions.
The Rule of Law Pupils should understand that while different people may hold different views about what is right and wrong all people living in Britain are subject to the rules of civil and criminal law. The importance of laws whether they are those that govern the class, the school or the country, are consistently reinforced.
Our school has ‘Golden Rules’, which are deeply embedded in our work every day. Each class also discusses and sets its own rules that are clearly understood by all and seen to be necessary to ensure that every class member is able to learn in a safe and ordered environment.
Our pupils are taught the value and reasons behind laws, that they govern and protect us, the responsibilities that this involves and the consequences when laws are broken these are reinforced in the PHSE curriculum, Circle Times and Assemblies.
The children are also actively invited to decide upon the sanctions used when class rules are broken. Law and rules are a key topic covered in Y5/Y6 through exploring how laws have been written and the process of law enforcement. Pupils will be made aware of the difference between the law of the land and religious law.
Individual Liberty Within school, pupils are actively encouraged to make choices, knowing that they are in a safe and supportive environment. As a school we educate and provide boundaries for our pupils to make choices safely, through the provision of a safe environment and an empowering education.
Our pupils are encouraged to know, understand and exercise their rights and personal freedoms and are advised how to exercise these safely; examples of this can be clearly seen in our e-safety and P.S.H.E. lessons and through speaking and listening activities such as debates.
Our children in year 6 choose to run clubs for younger children during their lunch breaks encouraging free choice and understanding of the needs of others. The children are also given the freedom to decide which extra- curricular activities they attend. In addition, children are taught to exercise rights and freedom safely through e-safety and PHSE lessons. With freedom comes responsibility.
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Mutual Respect and Tolerance of Those with Different Faiths and Beliefs The pupils and adults in school know and understand that it is expected and imperative that respect is shown to everyone, whatever differences we may have and to everything, however big or small.
The core value of Respect at Breachwood Green JMI School underpins our work every day both in and out of the classroom. The children learn that we live in a country which is full of diversity.
They are taught to respect and celebrate these differences, whatever they are. RE lessons, assemblies and work in curriculum areas highlight the differences and similarities between cultures, faiths and beliefs from around the world. Charity events are held termly at Breachwood Green JMI School with proceeds given to a charity chosen by the children through their school council meetings at the beginning of the academic year.
They are frequently encouraged to consider people who are less fortunate than themselves. This is also underpinned by our Policies, class and school rules and our home school agreement. We will actively challenge pupils, staff or parents who express opinions contrary to fundamental British values, including extremist views
Our core value of Respect ensures tolerance of those who have different faiths and beliefs.
Breachwood Green JMI School enhances pupils understanding of different faiths and beliefs through religious education studies; P.S.H.E. work; visits to other schools in different settings; welcoming visitors from other schools with a range of cultures and backgrounds and enjoying a depth of study during themed weeks.
We also encourage members of different faiths and religions to come in and share their knowledge either through assemblies or class visits .The curriculum is enhanced through real life experiences, immersion activities or themed weeks of different cultures such as French Day, Brazil Week etc.
We use teaching resources from a wide variety of sources to help pupils understand a range of faiths and cultures. Children are encouraged to participate in different cultures through art, role play, DT, sport and speaking and listening activities, experiencing different cultures and practices.
Children with Special Educational Needs If it is considered that a child has a special educational need, this will be fully discussed with parents in line with the Special Needs Code of Practice. The School’s Policy on special needs closely follows the Government’s Code of Practice and is in line with Hertfordshire Education Board procedures. We are an inclusive school where every child matters.
Equally, parents may wish to draw attention of such a need to the School. The matter will then be investigated, if necessary, with an outside agency and provision will be made within the School’s resources if appropriate.
Sometimes these resources can be augmented by the Hertfordshire Education Board. Teacher and welfare assistance is also provided to support children with special educational needs within the School. Wheelchair users can access all classrooms via external ramps. There is a chair lift to the library, a toilet for disabled people, internal ramps to address the differing floor levels and an electronic door to Class 4.
Miss Mayes shares the Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) role with Mrs Bethel. Mr Starkey and Mrs Ross share the Governor responsibility for Special Educational Needs.
Children with Special Educational Needs are given an Individual Education Plan (IEP) or a Pupil Care Plan.This document is discussed with the parents and child concerned to best support the child with their targets for improvements and development.
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Pastoral Care
Moral and Social Education The School accepts responsibility for playing its part in children’s moral and social development. Children are encouraged to think about each other’s comfort and well-being, respect property and ownership and to develop an attitude of respect and care towards all other children and adults.
All staff, whatever their work, are asked to help create an atmosphere of friendliness and respect and every opportunity is taken to promote a friendly, family atmosphere of thoughtful and purposeful behaviour, in which children can grow and learn effectively.
The children are encouraged to develop good work habits combined with self-discipline. We believe that, through good conduct and hard work, moral and social education is closely linked with academic progress.
Children are encouraged to assist in the running of the School by undertaking a variety of tasks. The aim of this is to give them a sense of communal responsibility.
Pupil voice is important and all children form the School Council in 10 family groups led by year 6 who report back to Mrs Bethel on the first available Wednesday of each month.
Personal, Social, Health and Economic Education (PSHEE) This subject is taught on its own and cross-curricularly. We believe that for children to be able to learn effectively they need to be happy, be confident, understand themselves, understand their feelings, and know how to get on with each other, make friends and be economically aware of the world they live in.
Equal Opportunities The School is aware that images which young children form of themselves are influenced from the earliest years by the models presented by other people, in and out of school.
We are making a concerted effort to ensure that negative or demoralising stereotypes are not reinforced in pupils’ reading books, text books, by illustrations or by display materials in school.
We encourage high aspirations in pupils of all abilities, aptitudes and backgrounds. The School aims to offer an inclusive education which enables pupils to have equal access to, and equal opportunities in, all areas of the broad based curriculum, regardless of needs, aptitude, ability, gender or ethnic background.
Bullying and harassment of any description will not be tolerated and incidents will be dealt with immediately. We look for parental support in this matter.
Behaviour and Discipline Children are expected to behave well in and out of the classroom. Young children do play physically and it is expected that, occasionally, they will hurt each other. This should never be deliberate.
Bad behaviour concerning possessions, language, rudeness and bullying are not tolerated.
These matters will be dealt with immediately. Punishment usually takes the form of imposing sanctions e. g. missing playtime or a special activity. Children are encouraged to think about the effect of their actions on others. Genuine apologies are encouraged.
Parents are requested to support the School in matters of behaviour and discipline. If we felt that a child was really badly behaved, we would consult the parents and rely on their co-operation.
Extended Services We are part of the Hitchin Schools Consortium which is based at The Kabin at Wilshere Dacre School. A network of extended schools opportunities are available through this link including parent support, outside agencies, health police, social services, schools, etc.
Out of school opportunities are available through community cohesion to enable parents and families to obtain the additional support for themselves and their children through advice, training, physical and educational activities within this community area, often at no cost. There is an Extended Services information board in the School entrance.
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Pastoral Care (continued)
Child Protection Procedures and Family Support Services The School’s policy has been formulated on the advice given by the Hertfordshire Child Protection team, the DFES guidance Working Together to Safeguard Children (1989) and Hertfordshire Child Protection Procedures 2007. All schools are required to follow the procedures in place for responding to situations in which they believe that a child has been abused or is at risk of abuse.
Schools are expected to consult with the Child and Family Support Services if there is a possibility that a child is suffering from abuse or neglect. As a result, if concerns are raised within the School or a child or parent reports a situation involving possible abuse, we would not be able to guarantee confidentiality. It would have to be referred to the Child and Family Support Services.
All parents need to understand that schools have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children who are their pupils, that this responsibility necessitates a child protection policy and procedures, and that a school may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies when there are concerns about a child’s welfare.
A referral to Family Support Services is not intended as an accusation of any particular action or against any person. It is the reporting of concerns which have come to the School’s attention. This is in line with Hertfordshire Child Protection procedures.
Breachwood Green School has a Child Protection Policy and a copy of the Hertfordshire Child Protection procedures, both of which are available for parents/carers to see.
The designated teacher for child protection is Mrs Bethel. She will be happy to discuss any questions or concerns that parents/carers may have about child protection practice.
Children’s Reports and Progress All parents wish to see their children make good progress in every aspect of development, social, physical and academic. This is our wish also. Parents, children and staff all contribute to the reporting process and positive comments from all parties are respected and encouraged.
So that we can monitor progress, children are assessed on a regular basis, including termly reading and spelling tests. Standard Attainment Tests (SATs) are administered to children in Years 6 at the end of Key Stage 2 of the National Curriculum. Children in Key Stage 1 (Year 2 age 7) are assessed by the class teacher throughout their summer term and these results are monitored externally. Results are given to the parents of children taking part with their Annual Record of Achievement.
Baseline Assessments are made on reception children during their first term of entry and a separate report on their progress through the Foundation Stage curriculum is provided with their Annual Record of Achievement. A National Assessment for reading phonics was given to Year 1 children for the first time in 2012 and now continues each year, usually administered in June.
Regular opportunities are given for parents and teachers to meet and discuss progress and work. A written report in the form of an Annual Record of Achievement is sent home before the Summer Parents’ Open Evening.
In addition, every child has an ‘Award Book’ in which stickers are awarded for notable achievements in social, physical and academic areas, these include out of school achievements.
The children keep this book throughout their time at this School and have a valuable personal record of their primary school achievements when they leave. Children are also encouraged to write their own assessment of their progress at the end of each term.
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Homework Each class sets its own homework timetable. All children are expected to learn groups of words in connection with their spelling programme and in Years 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 children are encouraged to do extra tasks at home in readiness for SATs and secondary school homework demands. All classes are expected to complete with an adult “Talk Homework” to support their Big Writing on a fortnightly basis.
From time to time however, children may be asked to perform varying tasks in connection with their school work and there may also be times when a teacher instructs a child to do a particular exercise at home. At these times, we ask for parental co-operation.
Also, if a child asks if they may continue working at home because of a special enthusiasm, then he or she should be encouraged to do so.
We like to encourage children to develop a love for books. We encourage them to read at home as much as possible. Throughout the stages of reading development, parental support is of crucial importance. Please ‘share’ books and stories with your children without forcing books upon them.
Each child has a book bag which includes the child’s reading book, a share book and a book for parents to write book titles and positive, encouraging comments on the books shared together at home. These are to be returned to school each day.
Pupil Premium
What is the Pupil Premium? Schools receive a payment, or Pupil Premium, for each child who is registered for free school meals (FSM), children of service families and those who have been in continuous care for six months or more: £1320 per pupil for 2015-2016. From April 2012 the Pupil Premium was extended to include children who would have been eligible for FSM at any point in the last six years.
How should the Pupil premium be used? “Schools, head teachers and teachers will decide how to use the Pupil Premium allocation, as they are best placed to assess what additional provision should be made for individual pupils. It is for schools to decide how the Pupil Premium, allocated to schools per FSM pupil, is spent, since they are best placed to assess what additional provision should be made for the individual pupils within their responsibility.”
What does this mean for Breachwood Green School JMI School?
Approximately 8% of pupils in our school are receiving free school meals or have received free school meals in one or more of the previous 6 years (Ever 6), or are a child looked after, or a child from a service personnel family. Breachwood Green JMI School received £7,624 for the 2015/2016 financial year.
How is this money being spent? At Breachwood Green JMI School we have used this money to improve provision for these vulnerable children, to enable any appropriate needs to be met and to provide every opportunity for each child to participate fully in all aspects of school life and to achieve their full potential. The funding has enabled:
Increased Teaching Assistant Support.
Increased resources, including study books and those resources which give access to the wider curriculum including ICT
Waves 2 and 3 intervention targeted at specific needs
Access to a Family Support Worker
Contributions to After School Clubs
Contributions towards school visits that enable full participation by vulnerable groups
Free school uniform
Free fruit/toast/milk
Financial support to ensure inclusivity
What impact does this have? The aim is to enable these children to achieve or exceed age related expected progress in their learning and participate in the fullest range of school activities, including those outside of the school day
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Targets and Standard Attainment Tests Results Targets of attainment are set at the beginning of each year for each year group. These are moderated by a member of the Local Authority. We are required to submit targets for Years 1 and 5. Staff work on base line assessments (where they are now academically) in September and set targets (where they could be plus a challenge) for the end of the year. These are reviewed at the end of each term when new targets may have to be realised.
The Headteacher uses this information to predict potential levels of SATs at the end of KS1 and KS2. The targets are discussed along with elements that may affect results e.g. new children entering school; children leaving; children with English as a second language or children with SEN (Special Educational Needs)
Our targets are usually considered to be high but we aim to meet these challenges. As you may be aware there is a large SEN representation in our school. Overall school performance is measured regardless of this important fact.
For 2015, at the end of Year 2, KS1 level 2 and above and at the end of Year 6, KS2 level 4 and above are considered to be the national targets (the norm).
Results for 2016 will reflect the new curriculum assessment criteria so comparisons will not be possible.
Awards & Achievements 2015-2016
Comet Sports Awards 2015 Cross Country Event 3rd Place
Herts Disability Games
Gold, Silver and Bronze Medals
Herts Schools
Battle of the Brains 3rd Place
Rural Schools Athletics
Champions
North Herts Indoor Sports
Winners
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Breachwood Green 2015 Results Foundation Stage The end of year results for EYFS are positive and reflect the generally high ability of this particular cohort.
Scores are high compared to Hertfordshire which is recognised as being a high achieving authority with results expected to be higher than National. It is difficult to make a comparison with the previous year’s results as they were following a different curriculum and judgements were made accordingly. There is an expectation that the Exceeded group will go on to achieve the higher grades at KS1 and KS2.
School Hertfordshire National
Expected Exceeding Expected Exceeding Expected Exceeding
Personal Social and Emotional
Self-confidence and awareness 100 41.2 89.3 21.6 88.7 18.6
Managing Feelings/Behaviour 100 52.9 87.4 19.4 87.4 16.8
Making Relationships 100 23.5 89.2 19.0 89.0 16.6
All areas of PSE 100 23.5 84.2 12.9 83.7 10.1
Literacy
Reading 94.1 29.4 79.9 23.5 76.1 20.3
Writing 76.5 11.8 73.7 16.3 70.8 12.6
All areas within Literacy 76.5 11.8 73.3 15.1 70.1 11.5
Mathematics
Number 76.5 23.5 80.2 19.4 77.4 15.8
Shape Space and Measures 94.1 35.3 83.0 18.6 80.8 14.4
All areas within Maths 76.5 11.8 73.3 15.1 70.1 11.5
Understanding of the World
People and Communities 94.1 41.2 86.0 17.4 85.0 13.4
The World 100 29.4 86.4 19.1 85.0 14.9
Technology 100 41.2 91.1 14.2 91.7 13.3
All areas within UTW 94.1 23.5 83.6 9.6 82.1 6.7
Communication / Language
Listening and Attention 94.1 29.4 87.0 26.5 85.6 23.0
Understanding 100 35.3 87.3 27.2 85.3 23.0
Speaking 100 23.5 86.6 23.5 84.1 19.0
All areas within Communication 94.1 11.8 82.9 18.7 80.3 14.2
Physical Development
Moving and Handling 100 35.3 90.2 22.9 89.7 19.3
Health and Self-care 100 58.8 92.0 24.8 91.2 20.2
All areas of Physical Development 100 29.4 88.2 18.1 87.2 13.5
Expressive Arts and Design
Exploring using Maths and Mats 94.1 35.3 88.9 18.3 87.8 15.5
Being Imaginative 94.1 35.3 88.2 17.0 87.2 14.2
All areas of Expressive Arts 94.1 17.6 86.4 14.0 85.3 11.2
Good level of development 76.5 69.0 66.3
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Breachwood Green 2015 Results KS1 Phonic Screening 81% of our Year 1 children reached the required standard which is higher than the national average of 77% and the Hertfordshire average of 79% . Being a small school our percentage per pupil is high.
KS1 SAT’S Results
The expected standard is level 2 at the end of KS1. All tests are marked by the class teacher and work was moderated by County this year.
KS2 SAT’S Results The expected level at the end of KS2 is Level 4
School Hertfordshire National
Reading 2+ 94.1 92 90
Reading 2B+ 82.3 85 82
Reading 3+ 36 39 32
Writing 2+ 94.1 90 88
Writing 2B+ 82.3 76 72
Writing 3+ 23.5 24 18
Maths 2+ 94.1 94 93
Maths 2B+ 76.5 84 82
Maths 3+ 41.2 32 26
Science 2+ 100 94 91
Science 3+ 41.2 27 23
School Hertfordshire National
Reading/Writing/Maths 4+ 85 83 80
Reading/Writing/Maths 4B+ 70 73 69
Reading/Writing/Maths 5+ 25 29 24
Read 2 levels progress 75 91.3 90.9
Writing 2 levels progress 95 94.4 94
Maths 2 levels progress 85 89.2 89.6
Reading level 4+ 90 92 89
Reading level 4B+ 75 84 80
Reading level 5+ 45 56 48
Writing level 4+ 90 90 87
Writing level 5+ 45 42 36
Maths level 4+ 95 89 78
Maths level 4B+ 85 80 77
Maths level 5+ 45 47 41
Science level 4 100 92 89
Grammar, Punctuation, Spelling 4+ 80 84 80
Grammar, Punctuation, Spelling 5+ 65 61 55
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Miscellaneous Charging & Remissions Policy
From time to time, the School organises day trips, residential trips etc., all of which need financing, usually beyond the immediate resources of the school.
It is not possible by law to charge parents, however, in order for these activities to take place we may have to ask parents for a voluntary contribution towards the cost of such events in order to assist us with the financing. Parents in receipt of state benefits or those who have difficulty meeting the voluntary contribution are encouraged to speak to the Headteacher about accessing help or staggering payments.
No child will be excluded from an available event, but should insufficient parents feel able to contribute, then the event may have to be cancelled.
Charities We attempt to encourage children to support, in a variety of ways, a number of local and national appeals. These are often chosen by the children through their School Council meetings.
Secondary Transfer Pupils in Year 6 transfer to secondary schools of their parental choice, in the past these have included:
Hitchin Boys’ School
Hitchin Girls’ School
The Priory School, Hitchin
Sir John Lawes’ School, Harpenden
Roundwood Park School, Harpenden
St George’s School, Harpenden
Putteridge School, Stopsley, Luton
Barnfield Academy, Luton
Stopsley High School, Stopsley, Luton
Ashcroft High School, Luton
Princess Helena College, Preston
St Christopher School, Letchworth
John Henry Newman Catholic School, Stevenage
Cardinal Newman Catholic School, Luton
Aylesbury Grammar
Beechwood Park School, Markyate
Kingshott School, Hitchin
J F Kennedy Catholic School, Hemel Hempstead
Full details of secondary school provision are provided by Hertfordshire Education Board in the Autumn term prior to transfer.
The Local Authority’s allocation decision depends on strict admission rules criteria. There is no guarantee that parents will get a preferred school or free transport. We are in the priority area for Harpenden and the single gender schools in Hitchin, Hitchin Boys and Hitchin Girls. However, the nearest school to which Hertfordshire will provide free transport is Ashcroft High School in Luton.
Parents have a right to appeal against a decision made by the Education Board if their child is not admitted to a preferred school and can make representation at an appeals hearing. All appeals are considered by independent appeals panels.
Home - School Partnership This agreement encapsulates our belief that parents are a child’s first and most important educators. It is designed to help achieve the highest possible standards of achievement through close communication and effective partnership with parents.
The whole agreement is available to download on our website.
Privacy Notice Our Privacy Policy is available to download on our website.
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2015 - 2016 Final Budget
Budget Area Budget
2015/2016
Actual Spend 2015/2016
Staff & Related 460153.00 457592.92
Premises 69158.00 40324.34
Depts and Learning Resources 15149.00 20967.77
ICT 11067.00 12421.26
Admin & Professional Services 38335.00 35373.13
Enterprise & Specialist Schools 420.00 870.93
Catering 26203.00 35527.17
Direct Revenue Financing 0.00 0.00
Extended Schools/CCs 0.00 0.00
Capital Expenditure 8941.00 0.00
Total Expenditure 629426.00 603077.52
Revenue Income 582253.00 585887.40
Catering Income 0.00 14049.05
Trips and Visits Income 0.00 8133.00
Extended Schools/CCs 0.00 0.00
Capital Income 5260.00 5260.00
Total Income 587513.00 613329.45
Balance B/F Carry Forward
Revenue Balances 58185.38 63177.31
Capital Balance 3680.69 8940.69
Ext Schools Balances 0.00 0.00
61866.07 72118.00
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School Plan
