FOULSHAM PRIMARY SCHOOL

HEADTEACHER: Mrs Jenny Dowden

CHAIR OF GOVERNORS: Mr Steven Howell

SCHOOL ADDRESS: 5-7 High StreetFoulshamDerehamNorfolk NR2O 5RT

Telephone: 01362 683389Fax: 01362 683320

email: office@foulsham.norfolk.sch.uk

website: www.foulsham.norfolk.sch.uk

LOCAL EDUCATION AUTHORITY: Norfolk County Council,County HallMartineau LaneNorwichNR1 2DLTel: (01603) 222246

The details in this brochure are correct at the time of publication. There may be changes during the year2012/2013.

W E L C O M E

Welcome to Foulsham Primary School from the governors, staff and children. We are a thriving village school serving the families of Foulsham, and nearby Bintree and Themelthorpe, as well as receiving children from beyond these parishes. Parents from farther afield are welcome to inquire about admissions and transport to the school.

We hope that this brochure will provide you with useful information for the academic year 2012/2013. It doesn’t contain everything, but it is designed to give you a flavour of school life.

Our aim is to provide the highest quality of education for your child, and to that end we are going to develop the outdoor play area over the course of the next year. We believe that school and parents must work closely together. We look forward to a long and positive relationship with you and your children.

Visits to the school are welcome at any time. These can be arranged by telephoning the school secretary:

Mrs Karen RodgersTel: 01362 683389Fax: 01362 683320

Please ask for any further information.We look forward to meeting you.

Jenny DowdenHeadteacher

Steven HowellChair of Governors

AIMS AND VALUES OF FOULSHAM PRIMARY SCHOOL

The aim of the school is to:

- provide a broad and balanced education based on the Early Year Foundation and the National Curriculum, irrespective of ability, race, social class, gender or religion.

- raise each child’s achievement through high expectations and good teaching

- support and encourage the whole child, developing a desire to learn and improve

- work in partnership with parents, staff, outside agencies and the wider community.

The values we wish to encourage in the children are a desire to:

- work at their best and to take pride in their achievements.- cooperate together towards common goals.- develop tolerance and understanding for the beliefs, opinions, feelings

and culture of others.- respect their environment and the belongings of other people.

The values that Staff and Governors will apply to the school:

- putting the needs of children first through our planning and provision.- responding with patience to the pastoral needs of children.- acknowledging the responsibility of adults to act as good role models.- demonstrating a positive attitude towards all members of the school.- supporting the professional development of Staff.

Through partnership with children's parents we expect to realise these aims.

FOULSHAM PRIMARY SCHOOLTerm Dates: 2012/2013

Term

Autumn Term Starts 6th September 2012Ends 21st December 2012

Half Term 29th October to2nd November 2012

Spring Term Starts 8th January 2013Ends 28th March 2013

Half Term 18th – 22nd February 2013

Summer Term Starts 15th April 2013Ends 24th July 2013

Half Term 28th – 31st May 2013

Inset Days4th & 5th September 20127th January 201329th March 201327th June 2013

Admissions Policy

Requests for admission should be made to the Local Authority. by the end of March. The school admits children only within the local authority intake limit and priority is given to children living within the catchment area of the school, then to siblings of "out of area" children. Applications from out of catchment are welcome. The current admissions limit per year is 15 pupils.

An appeals procedure is in place for parents whose children are not allocated a place at the school. Parents can contact the Local Authority admissions department on 01603 224383. First admissions to the school, into the Reception year (YR), will occur at the beginning of the Autumn term in September.

First admission times for YR children - LA policy

Children join YR in the September that precedes their fifth birthday.

September - InductionTo help young children make a smooth transition to full time schooling, attendance will begin on September 6th unless alternative arrangements are made with the Headteacher. Children's needs at this age vary considerably and these should be discussed or reviewed with the Headteacher.

Foulsham PlaygroupThe school has a close liaison with the Playgroup in the village, with joint planning of activities and regular sharing of information by staff. Playgroup children visit Class 1, and vice versa, throughout the year.

Finding out about the schoolOpportunities will be provided for new children and parents to see the school and gain information about it. To register for a place at the school for your child, please contact the secretary. Prospective parents and children are invited to visit the school, to look around and to meet and talk with the Headteacher.

The School

The school is situated in a prominent position in the centre of the village. It is a traditional red brick Victorian building with a large site at the back. This includes a playing field, a wild meadow area and a small woodchipped playing area with climbing equipment. The school playground is also used for games and activities, and the line markings have recently been refurbished. Refurbishment and updating of the whole school premises, including the school house, took place in 1996. The new areas included a technology room, library and music room, staff room, offices, and resource and storage areas. A mobile classroom was added to the school during this period. In 2005 the school garden was remodelled and in 2007 the toilet facilities extended. A room equipped with an interactive whiteboard and ICT facilities was completed in the Autumn of 2003.

School Sessions

Children may arrive at school from 8.40am. Children stay outside in the playground until a bell is rung at 8.50am. They then line up by class and are taken inside by their teachers. The expectation is that all children should be in school and registered by the start of the first session. There is a daily assembly from 9.20 – 9.35am.

On Friday afternoons parents are invited to look at children's work in classrooms and attend assembly if they wish, we also hold this look round and assembly once per term during the morning on a Friday.

The playground is supervised by a member of staff from 8.40am.Please make sure your child gets to school promptly.

The bell will ring at 8.50am

School begins at 9.00am

Playtime 10.35 - 10.50am

Lunch 12.00 - 1.00pm

School finishes at 3.15pm

There is an additional afternoon playtime at 2.30pm for children in Classes 1 and 2. Both playtimes are supervised by teachers and teaching assistants.

The school secretary is available daily between 8.50am and 12.00 midday and between 1.00 and 3.15pm.

Class Organisation

In September 2012 there will be 80 children in our school. They will be taught in four classes:

Class 1 Reception Robins Class

Class 2 Year 1 and Year 2 Goldfinches Class

Class 3 Year 3 and Year 4 Owls Class

Class 4 Year 5 and Year 6 Swallows Class

Teachers plan together to ensure that there is continuity and progression throughout the primary phase.

Classes generally include more than one age group. This is common in small schools.

Class sizes range from 19 to 26 through the school.

The intimate nature of a four class school allows staff to get to know your individual child very well.

The different interests and abilities of individual children are met through careful planning and differentiation.

The standards of younger children are raised by the examples of the older ones.

The older children have to respect and take responsibility for the younger ones.

Children working together learn tolerance and patience. Work is planned and differentiated to match the needs of the child.

Before and after Foulsham

Pre-school children

A strong link exists with the local playgroup through regular contact and shared activities.

Foulsham and Bintree Playgroup - Tel: 07990952487

Children visit the school on at least two mornings before starting. Parents choosing Foulsham Primary for their child have every opportunity to view and discuss the school with staff.

This encourages a smooth transition from playgroup to school.

Pre-school meeting/visit

A meeting for parents with children soon to start at school takes place at the beginning of the Summer Term before Reception admission. The school will contact parents. The children also have a morning session, an afternoon session and a whole day session in class 1 to get the feel of a primary school day. Any parent wishing to have an individual interview is welcome to contact the Headteacher.

After Foulsham...

Our school is a member of the Reepham Federation of Schools. The children are involved in visits, festivals and joint ventures and there are frequent meetings between the teachers of this group. This creates strong links with the local High School.

Reepham High School - Tel. 01603 870328

Curriculum details

The Governors have adopted the Norfolk Curriculum Policy Statement as the policy for the school. This, along with the National Curriculum, provides a framework of requirements within which teachers plan the work of their class.

The school follows the Revised National Frameworks in literacy and numeracy. Science and other noncore subjects are taught through the QCA schemes of work, adapted for the needs of the school.

Teaching occurs in classes, groups and on an individual basis. Your child will experience a broad curriculum through both subject based and cross-curricular approaches. In Class 1 and 2 a topic based approach combines subjects in a way which allows younger children to explore them. In Class 3 and 4, more subjects are taught as individual lessons, although an integrated approach continues to make cross curricular links.

Effective learning occurs when your child is actively involved through lively teaching, interesting challenges and appropriately differentiated tasks. The school has a Teaching and Learning policy to ensure a whole school approach to teaching.

Expectations are high.

The three National Curriculum core subjects of English, Maths and Science are central to your child's learning in the primary school, with ICT running as a strand throughout the curriculum. Children are assessed formally in these areas at the end of year 2 and year 6 (aged 7 and 11). Ongoing termly assessment in reading, writing and maths takes place to ensure that your child is making good progress. The national expectation is that pupils will make at least two national curriculum levels of progress between Year 2 and Year 6. Intervention strategies are employed to help pupils achieve their full potential. Assessment data informs teachers’ planning and teaching so that learners’ needs are met, and children enjoy their education throughout their time at Foulsham.

The Norfolk RE scheme is taught throughout the school.

PlayYour child's first learning is through play. This develops at school and becomes more structured as your child grows. Through it important development occurs in learning and in relationships with others. The outdoor environment is an important factor within this process.

EnglishA daily literacy lesson forms the core of the curriculum. English is the starting point for your child's learning throughout the curriculum. It helps him/her to communicate effectively and learn independently. The English curriculum includes; speaking and listening, reading, writing (including spelling and handwriting), drama and research skills. There is further time set aside for creative and extended writing, and reading, including guided reading in groups with an adult.

MathematicsMaths is taught through the daily maths lesson and the new mathematics framework, which covers counting, securing number facts, handling data, calculating, understanding shapes and investigating relationships. There is an emphasis on learning sound basic arithmetic skills, including tables, which can then be used and applied in solving problems and investigations.

ScienceThe school uses the QCA scheme of work. Children work on practical topic areas with an emphasis on discovery and observation, with opportunities planned for investigative work. Children develop scientific understanding and the ability to interpreting findings and draw conclusions as they get older.

Personal, Social and Health Education/ CitizenshipThe school follows the county guidelines on sex and relationship education. Children are taught about personal care and responsibilities to others, at a level appropriate to their maturity. Circle time in class encourages pupils to think about and discuss issues pertaining to relationships, and events in the world around them. The older children follow a programme of study based on bodily changes while growing up in Year 6.

The Governors and staff hope that parents and staff work together in answering any questions that children raise in these areas. Parents are welcome to view any literature given out in these sessions, and are informed of the content of year 6 lessons.

The QCA scheme for citizenship is taught throughout the school.

A school council consisting of staff and children meets to discuss matters related to school improvement.

History and GeographyIn Class 1 and 2 these subjects are taught as part of a cross curricular topic. Your child will study topics which follow the QCA schemes of work in KS2. Through these, they will build up a greater understanding of the world both past and present, learning about places and people both distant and local. An informed understanding of other cultures is an important feature of your child's primary education.

Art and MusicChildren are given opportunities to use a variety of materials and skills in art, following the QCA scheme. Children are encouraged to express themselves through their work and value the work of others.

Enjoyment of music is the starting point for class singing and music making. Individual instrument lessons are also available at school.

Design and TechnologyChildren will explore designing and making opportunities, following the QCA scheme of work. As well as learning practical skills through making things, children will build up knowledge and understanding of the design process.

I.C.T. - ComputersThe school is well equipped with modern machines to meet the needs of the Information Technology National Curriculum. Children develop skills in word processing, data handling and use a variety of programmes. I.C.T. does not remove the need to learn the basic skills, but is an important communications tool that can add interest and motivate learning in all areas.

Games and P.E.Children enjoy a wide range of PE activities allowing for personal improvement, competition and enjoyment. The QCA scheme of work includes swimming, football, netball, athletics, cricket, rugby, rounders, gymnastics, dance and outdoor activities. The school offers a range of games facilities including, the school hall with climbing frame, playground (including netball court), small field with adventure playground equipment and large playing field with goal posts. The older children are involved in playing competitive matches (football, cricket, netball) with other primary schools.

Year 6 pupils have a residential trip each summer which involves outdoor and PE team building activities.

SwimmingFrom Year 3 onwards your child will visit Dereham Swimming Pool once a week during the Autumn Term for swimming tuition.

Religious EducationThe Norfolk agreed syllabus is taught in the school. The Christian tradition is explored in assemblies, and there are links with local Baptist and Church of England congregations. In the classroom Christianity takes its place as one of the major world faiths studied by your child throughout primary education. Children are encouraged to reflect on spiritual aspects of human experience in a way appropriate for their age and maturity. Any parent wishing to remove their child from an RE lesson or from the daily act of worship in assembly may contact the Headteacher to discuss alternative arrangements.

FrenchFrench for everyday conversation is taught in class 3 and class 4 by the Headteacher.

Special Educational NeedsWe are proud of our special educational needs provision at Foulsham. The school SEN policy is available for any parent to read. The school’s designated Special Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) is Mrs Dowden. Your child's individual needs are carefully monitored by the teachers and support staff throughout their time at school. Through this, we identify any learning difficulties, health problems or extraordinary talents. Parents are consulted and support for your child is then provided and later reviewed. Children with SEN have a termly Individual Education Plan (IEP) containing targets for progress that are shared between pupil, teacher and parent. If it is necessary, specialist support may be organised.

HomeworkAt Foulsham we believe that at primary age a child who has put in a demanding day should not be overburdened after school with hours of homework. However we do expect children to read a book at home each day, and on top of this the learning of spellings and times tables may be set by the class teacher. As your child progresses towards year 6, homework may involve research skills or the finishing of an exercise started in class. A homework policy outlining expectations is available for parents.

Extra Curricular ActivitiesThe school currently offers the following activities outside of lesson time:

Street Dance Club ( a small charge is payable) Netball Club (throughout the year in 5 week tranches) Drama Club. Gardening Club Art Club Tuition in guitars, keyboards and violins (a fee is charged for these

instruments)

Other extra curricular activities throughout the year have included a Circusology Workshop, cooking weeks, multi sports and cricket. We hope to continue with these acitivites this year and also include more.

BehaviourAt Foulsham we maintain a high standard of behaviour through positive encouragement and the following of clear school rules and procedures laid down in the behaviour management policy.

The school rules are based on the precepts of the Every Child Matters agenda.

Each class takes ownership of a code of conduct and expectations drawn up with their teachers.

We aim for children to behave thoughtfully towards others and for the good of the whole school community, to have good manners and to develop a degree of self reliance. Older children take on monitoring duties around the school. School Council is involved in the drafting of new rules or guidelines. When any serious matter arises, parents are informed by the Headteacher.

Assessment and TestingSchool based, county and national tests, as well as teacher assessments, are used on a regular basis to assess progress in the core subjects (Maths, English, Science).

Results are available for parents, and are recorded in red assessment files, which move up through the school with the child, tracking their achievement and performance. The school’s performance is measured by a ‘value added’ index, which reflects how much each individual pupil moves forward during their years at Foulsham.

Assessment of children's learning informs the planning and delivery of lessons, and enable teachers to set targets for children to work towards, thus raising standards. Children will be involved in the process of assessment whenever possible. This involvement will depend upon the child's level of development. A formal assessment is made of pupils’ maths, reading and writing achievement at the end of each term by teachers based on work in class, or tests in the summer term. The school is developing a similar approach in science. Parents will be involved in the process of assessment through regular meetings with teachers. There are two parents’ evenings in the winter and spring terms, followed by a final report at the end of the summer term. Parents may then discuss the report with teachers if they wish before the long break. Test results are only one way in which we can assess children’s achievements. By looking at children’s achievements in all areas, throughout the year, we get a broader picture. Teachers, parents, children and governors are involved in this process. Through this we can work to improve the quality of children’s learning. All incoming reception children have a Foundation Stage Profile. Children are formally assessed in SAT tests at the end of Key Stage 1 aged 7 and Key stage 2 aged 11. 7 year olds are expected to achieve level 2b in English and Maths. 11 year olds are expected to achieve level 4 in English, Maths and Science.

A summary of the last Ofsted report in July 2011 is available from the office, it is a summary of the post-Ofsted plan drawn up the governing body. The inspection team judged the school to be satisfactory, with a satisfactory capacity for improvement based on its knowledge of its own data.

Parental Involvement

Friends of Foulsham SchoolWe are fortunate to have a very active group. They organise social and fund raising events and help the school in many other ways. Any parent/carer is welcome to attend their meetings and we hope you will join in the activities. Details are published in a regular newsletter. Contact the school for further information.

Helping at SchoolThis might involve listening to reading, helping small groups of children with craft activities, helping children use the library, helping with educational visits. Your child’s class teacher will keep you informed. Parents wishing to work in school will need a Criminal Records Bureau check.

Communication with schoolThere are regular opportunities for parents to talk to teachers at parents' evenings. There are parents’ evenings in the winter and spring terms. In July a report goes home to parents with a reply slip. Parents may make an appointment to discuss the report with staff if they wish.

Members of the Governing body are present at most events and will be in the playground once a moth to gather you views.

Events and information are published in the school newsletters and sent home by letter. You can make an appointment with the class teacher to speak after school at any reasonable time.

The Headteacher will always make time to see you, but it may sometimes be necessary to make an appointment. Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesday mornings are often good times for a formal discussion.

Lunchtime arrangements

School MealsThese are served at school from 12 –1 p.m. and cost £2.10 per day. Children need to bring money for meals on Monday morning. If you are receiving Income Support or Income-Based Job Seekers Allowance, your child may be entitled to free school meals. The school secretary will advise you. Supervision is by midday meals supervisors.

Packed lunchesThese need to be in a suitable container with a lid. Drinks should be in a plastic packed lunch flask. Children are encouraged to bring a balanced lunch to school that does not include sweets or fizzy drinks.

MilkMilk is available free of charge to Reception and Year 1. This is available to children at 11.00 am.

Children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 also receive a portion of fruit or vegetables in the morning as part of the government initiative to encourage healthy eating. This is free of charge.

Payment policyYour child's schooling is provided free of charge. The school benefits enormously from the voluntary contributions (time and money) made by parents. For certain school activities, a specific voluntary contribution is requested. Some examples are day visits to places of interest, residential visits and some visits to school by artists, actors or musicians. The Friends of the School often contribute funds towards these activities. While no individual child is precluded from a trip for not donating voluntarily towards the cost, the trip may not take place if insufficient funds are available. A charge is made for musical instrument tuition. At present, children may learn the following instruments; guitar, keyboard, piano, violin, and keyboards. If you are interested in obtaining tuition for your child, please ask in the office.

Your child's progress at schoolParents are welcome to arrange a time after school to see examples of their children's work and to discuss any matter with the class teacher. Classrooms are open on most Friday afternoons between 2.30pm and 2.40pm. for parents to view work. Friday afternoon assembly is open to parents and celebrates work of quality produced in or out of class throughout the school that week.

There are two formal parents' evenings per year in the Autumn and Spring Terms.

At the end of the school year your children will receive a full, written report describing their achievements and progress. For children in Years 2 and 6 this will contain the levels of attainment (SATs results) reached in the National Curriculum.

Dress and appearance

School uniformThe school has a uniform, which each child is encouraged to wear.In winter a green sweatshirt, jumper or cardigan grey skirt or trousersIn summer grey skirt or shorts or green check or striped dressItems of uniform including the embroidered logo can be ordered through the School Office from Birds of Dereham, or you can visit the shop yourself.

P.E/Sports Kit Swimming kitPlimsolls One piece costumeWhite T-shirt TowelDark blue shortsTrainers/jogging gear (Classes3&4)

Shoes rather than trainers are recommended, platform shoes or heels are unsuitable for school.On sunny days during the summer, we like children to wear a hat.All clothing should be clearly named.Jewellery should not be brought into school, for health and safety reasons. One pair of Ear studs are the only exception to this rule, and these should be removed for PE on LEA health and safety advice.Cosmetics should not be worn.Lost property is collected and available to parents, in a marked crate in the hall cupboard.

Is there anything I should tell the school about?

AbsenceIf your child is absent from school, the class teacher must be informed by letter or telephone, preferably before 9.00am. on the day in question. If your child does not come to school and no reason for absence has been given, the school secretary will call to ascertain the child’s whereabouts.

HolidaysIf it is necessary to take your child out of school during the school term, you will need to obtain permission from the Headteacher and fill in a form which can be obtained from the secretary. Each request for holiday absence in term time will be considered individually. The school supports the LEA in discouraging absence in term time unless absolutely necessary. A holiday greater than ten school days has to be recorded as unauthorised absence.

Emergency contactIf your child is hurt at school, the Headteacher will endeavour to get in touch with the parents concerned but if this is not possible he will act on the advice of the First-Aider concerned. There are trained first-aiders on the staff. Parents are asked to provide two emergency contact numbers.

MedicinesIf your child needs medication at school you will need (for safety reasons) to bring it to school and fill in a form which can also be obtained from the secretary. Staff are not generally expected to administer medicines. The school’s designated first aider is:

Mrs Kim Pearson

Health and welfare arrangements at the school

Pastoral CareThe class teacher has responsibility for the well-being of your child during the school day. All staff, teaching and support, have an important part to play in caring for your child.

School Health ServiceDuring your child's first year, medical examinations are undertaken. These are followed by visits from the school nurse for hearing and vision tests. Parents will be informed about these. Additional help and testing is carried out if a parent or teacher is worried about a child's health at school. The school nurse can be contacted through the school.

Child ProtectionThe designated teacher for child protection is the Headteacher and she co-ordinates any action concerning the safety and well-being of your child. LA support services are available in these instances, and in any case where abuse is suspected the school will contact social services. We hope that parents will understand the school’s responsibility for the safety of its pupils in this sensitive area.

Complaints ProcedureFirst, have a word with the class teacher and share your worry. We will always do our best to sort things out with you. For more general issues contact the Headteacher who is always happy to discuss your concerns. In addition there is a formal, county wide complaints procedure for use if a problem remains unresolved. Details are available from the school office.

TransportFree transport is available for children who meet the local authority criteria. Paid transport may also be available. Please contact the Secretary for further information.

Foulsham Primary School Staff 2011/12Mrs J Dowden HeadteacherMr D Buddle Teacher Class 4 Mrs V Brittain Teacher Class 3Mrs C Pitt Teacher Class 2Mrs E Bourner & Mrs V Watts Teacher Class 1

Mrs K Pearson Classroom Assistant and Cover SupervisorMrs S Tye Classroom Assistant and Cover SupervisorMrs J Freezer Midday/Classroom Assistant and Cover SupervisorMrs T Bond Classroom AssistantMrs S Pell Classroom AssistantMrs M Weston Classroom AssistantMrs K Rodgers SecretaryMrs T Trinder CaretakerMrs C Dent Dining Room & Midday AssistantMrs J Wilkinson Dining Room & Midday Assistant

GOVERNORS

Mr Steven Howell (Chair Person)Ms Joyce Taylor (Vice Chair)Miss Kate Hayes - CommunityMr James Joyce - CommunityMr Jan Patrick - ParentMrs K Bowles – ParentMr Stuart Pell – ParentMr Andrew Hendry - ParentMrs Vicky Brittain TeachingMrs Sonya Tye Non TeachingMrs Sheila Hoyle Clerk to the Governors