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GADE VALLEY JMI & NURSERY SCHOOL

Address: Gadebridge RoadHemel HempsteadHertsHP1 3DT

Telephone: 01442 391324

Email: parents@gadevalley.herts.sch.uk

Website: www.gadevalley.herts.sch.uk

Headteacher:PME Bandle (Mrs)

Chair of Governors: Mr P Besley

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART 1: GENERAL INFORMATION

Brief history of Hemel HempsteadAims of the SchoolEqual OpportunitiesAdmissionsAccess to your child’s school recordsLetters and money in schoolGolden RulesGVSA – Gade Valley School Association

PART 2: SCHOOL LIFE

Organisation The School DayAssemblies / Act of WorshipBehaviour, Discipline and School RulesClassroom HelpersSchool UniformSports and Clubs

PART 3: SCHOOL AND HOME LINKS

Visiting ArrangementsEntry to Foundation Stage – Nursery and ReceptionParent / School ContactParent CouncilThe Inevitable Head LiceChildren’s CentresHow to resolve a problem

PART 4: CARING FOR YOUR CHILD

Caring for your childAbsence from schoolFeeling PoorlyChild Protection ProceduresParking and Road SafetyLunchtimesSchool Dinners

PART 5: THE CURRICULUM

Content and Coverage – Foundation StageKey Stage 1 and Key Stage 2Assessment – Standard Assessment TestsChildren with Special Educational NeedsReligious Education and AssembliesSchool TripsREVISED JAN 13 3

Curriculum EnhancementICTClassroomsBooks

PART 6: OTHER USEFUL INFORMATION

Comparative Graphs SATs Results 2012School Holiday DatesPolicies : Anti BullyingBehaviourStaff list

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PART 1: GENERAL INFORMATION

Brief History of Hemel Hempstead and the School

The school was built in 1962 and was originally a separate junior and infant school. During 1970/71 the School Association raised enough funds to build an outdoor shallow water swimming pool for the school. The pool is still very much in use today and over the last few years has been extensively refurbished. The two schools amalgamated in 1982 and Gade Valley J.M.I. came into existence. The old junior school building became the area’s teachers’ centre before becoming Cavendish School’s 6th form base. With 1997 seeing the arrival of our new Nursery class we are back to the present day.

Gade Valley is a County Primary School. We have a Governing Body made up of parent governors, the head teacher, deputy headteacher, a teacher governor, community governors, and co-opted members. A number of committees made up from the Governing Body meet on a regular basis to discuss such things as finance, curriculum, personnel issues and issues relating to the use of the school premises. All Governors work on a voluntary basis and are central to the life of the School. The day to day running of the school is devolved to the Head, though at all times the Head and other Governors work closely together.

Aims of the School

We aim to enable children and all staff to be actively involved in their own learning leading to greater independence and confidence.

We will endeavour to ensure a learning environment that is stimulating, challenging and supportive.

We aim to educate all members of our school for life so that each individual may contribute positively to any community in which he or she may happen to be.

We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to develop positive self-esteem and to realise that every individual within our community is valued and respected.

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We aim to ensure that every member of every team within the school community has equal access and opportunity to develop not only their full educational potential but their spiritual, moral, social and cultural potential too.

Equal Opportunities

Every child at Gade Valley has the right to equal access to the curriculum and the right to be treated with courtesy, care and respect. We are particularly concerned that everyone, adults and children, understands and respects backgrounds, abilities and cultures that might be different from their own.

Admissions

Gade Valley’s Governing Body has adopted Hertfordshire Education Authority’s admissions process for entry to the school at Nursery/Reception class age. The processes for entry to the school are explained fully in the information packs from County – these packs are available to all parents with children rising to school age.The admissions process has to be followed for Nursery places and a year later for Reception class places. To be given a Nursery place does not mean a Reception place in the same school is automatic.In-year admissions are also managed by the LA.

The County Hall contact telephone number is: 01992 555555.Ask for Admissions.

If your child is given a place at our Nursery or Reception class you will be invited to a meeting for parents in the June before your child join us. In addition you and your child will be invited to spend time in their new classrooms late in the summer or autumn terms.

We are always happy to show round parents who may be considering sending their child to Gade Valley so please contact the school if this is the case.

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Access to your Childs school records

An entitled person (i.e. parent, natural, adoptive or legal guardian) or responsible person (i.e. Governing Body of a child’s next school – not secondary transfer) has the right of access to certain school records.

As parents you may request the above information at any time. The school will comply within the statutory time scale.

If you require a more detailed policy on the Keeping, Disclosure and Transfer of Manual Records this is on our website.

Letters and Money in School

Your child will often have to bring money into school and it is an ideal opportunity to let them become more confident and responsible. Before you leave them just remind them that the money is there and trust them to do the rest! Money is always collected in when the register is called so this serves as a further reminder if needed!

Dinner money is paid in advance and can be paid either by cash or by cheque (made payable to Herts County Council). You can pay weekly or half - termly but it can only be paid in on the first day of the week which is usually a Monday. If you forget just let the office know and pay the two weeks together the next week. We won’t let your child starve!

As money is collected for a variety of reasons e.g. milk, school trips, book club etc. would you please put the money in an envelope and seal it. Label the envelope clearly with your child’s name and the reason for the payment. All items have to be paid for separately so please ensure a separate envelope for each payment. The office has to bank money into several different accounts and this really helps ease some of the burden.

During your child’s time at school they will have the opportunity to do some cooking. A small charge is made to cover the cost of the ingredients but often whatever is cooked will come home to you. Happy Eating!

Golden Rules

GVSA – Gade Valley School Association

The school benefits enormously from a very active school association which supports the school in its aims. It fosters positive relationships REVISED JAN 13 7

Respect yourselfRespect other people

Respect property

between school, home and the wider community so we act as a Learning Partnership.

All parents with pupils at Gade Valley School are automatically members of the Association which has charity status to assist in its fund raising events. The Association supports the school in many ways not just as a fund raising group but also by providing practical voluntary support to benefit the pupils.

The Association holds its AGM in the autumn so that parents have an opportunity to meet each other and plan together the future fundraising and social events for the children and parents.

Money raised in the past has bought play equipment and the gazebo. Future plans include financing learning areas outside the Year 6 and Year 3 classrooms.

If you would like to come and join us everyone is welcome, many hands make light work and we have a good time. Every event that is organised can only be successful if parents, friends and staff help out.

Come and be part of our Learning Partnership.

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PART 2: SCHOOL LIFE

Organisation

At present we have eight classes. Nursery and Reception make up the Early Years Foundation Stage, Years 1 and 2 make up Key Stage 1 and Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 make up Key Stage 2. Each class has a one year group entry.

Each class has a teacher and is also supported by a Teaching Assistant. Other Assistants support the learning of individuals or groups.

The School Day

Gade Valley’s school day meets the statutory requirements laid down by the Government and is outlined below:

Nursery 8.50am – 11.50am

Reception 8.50am – 12.00, 1.15pm – 3.15pm

KS1 8.45am – 10.45am, 11.05am – 12.001.15pm – 3.15pm, (there is an optional afternoon

break for KS1)KS2 8.45am – 10.45am, 11.05am– 12.15pm

1.15pm – 3.15pm

On the last Friday of each month parents are invited to join our sharing assembly at 9.00am.

You and your child are welcome to arrive at school a little early and you can stay with them until the whistle goes at 8.40am and your child comes into school.

Please ensure your child arrives on time – they become very unsettled if they do not come in with everyone else.

Assemblies / Act of Worship

Assembly takes place in School every day. The format of these assemblies varies slightly each day, but throughout the year conform to a regular pattern.

Class assemblies, to which parents are invited are on Wednesdays and our Parents Sharing assemblies are on the last Friday of each month.

All these dates are on our School Diary which we send to parents each September.

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Behaviour, Discipline and School Rules

We have a comprehensive Behaviour Policy which details how we implement our rules in daily practice.

The Behaviour Policy also contains our Rewards and Sanctions Policy and details how we reward excellent work, effort and behaviour and also the sanctions the school imposes if and when required.

A copy of our Behaviour Policy and Anti-bullying Policy will be given to you when your child starts with Gade Valley.

Bullying is a major concern to both parents and school staff. Any complaint of bullying is taken very seriously by the school, investigated thoroughly and, where required, dealt with firmly in accordance with our Anti-bullying Policy. All complaints of bullying will be logged and monitored closely by the school.

When they come into school the children will be introduced to our golden school rules which are simply:

To show respect for yourself, for each other and each other’s belongings

Obviously we do have more general rules like not running in the school or shouting out but these rules are learned over a period of time. In the classroom teachers will often discuss rules with the children and work with them to draw up their own classroom rules. This helps the children to be actively involved in their own discipline procedures and is very effective.

At Gade Valley we believe in promoting each child’s self esteem as we feel that this underpins so much of their behaviour and their ability to cope with ‘difficult’ situations from friendship problems ( and these can be many and varied!) to more serious issues.

The classteacher and the child will always discuss what has happened and reach an agreement as to what should happen next.

We use an approach to the management of behaviour called ‘Circle Time’. This is used throughout the school to give children the continuity of approach that is so important. During their circle time the children will have the opportunity to discuss any situations or problems that may have arisen and look for mutually agreed solutions. Again, the emphasis is on nurturing each child’s self esteem. Children with good self esteem grow into healthy, well balanced and happy youngsters.

If a child shows persistently difficult behaviour they may lose a privilege or be given a task to do. If the problems continue then our first call will be to you as parents to come and discuss your child’s REVISED JAN 13 10

difficulty with us. With most children who present with difficult behaviour there is nearly always an underlying cause.

We value you spending time listening to your child and you may pick up on a worry at school. If that is the case talk to the class teacher to see if anything is causing a problem. Two way communication is of great importance!

Classroom Helpers

Your school needs you! You may think that you haven’t the right skills to help in school but think again! We are always looking for people to help out with anything ranging from gardening, sewing, model making, playing board games to working in our library. Perhaps you are a good listener? Would you like to read to, read with or hear children read? In the summer we need helpers for swimming.

If you could help in any of the ways listed above then we would love to hear from you. The school always needs the skills you may offer in and around the classrooms. You don’t have to be here for very long - even half an hour regularly once a week would be of great value to us.

If you would like more details then please contact your class teacher or call in at the office for an informal chat.

We will need to ensure you have had a CRB check done or arrange to get it done before you can help.

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School Uniform

Gade Valley does have a school uniform of navy and yellow. As a school we feel that wearing a uniform should be strongly re-enforced and we count on your support in this.

The school office has a good stock of uniform and the School Secretary runs the shop at the following times:

Tuesday 8.45am – 9.15amThursday 3.00pm – 3.30pm

Alternatively uniform can be purchased from local shops in line with the schools requirements set out below.

New parents will be invited to an evening meeting in June and the uniform will be on display then – orders can be placed for September.

Children are expected to be neatly dressed for school. All items of clothing should be marked with the child’s name.

Girls Winter

Navy skirt or trousersNavy or gold sweatshirtNavy or gold polo shirtNavy cardiganNavy tights, navy or white socks

Summer

Blue or yellow checked dressNavy sweatshirt or cardiganWhite socks

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Boys Winter

Navy trousersNavy or gold sweatshirtNavy or gold polo shirt

Summer

Navy shorts if preferred to trousersNavy or gold sweatshirtNavy or gold polo shirt

PE Kit Navy shorts and white t-shirtPlimsolls should be available in school at all timesTracksuits in navy or dark colours, are useful for cold weather

Swimming Kit Towel, swim suit (any design though not bikinis) and cap

Shoes Navy or black – An indoor and outdoor pair are required

Book Bag

Items available in school office – Sweatshirts, cardigans, polo-shirts, PE kit, book bags, swimming caps.

Hair

Hair styles and colour should also be simple and natural. Please do not send your child to school with shaved areas of hair/patterns.

If hair has to be held back from the face, please use a simple, plain hair band.

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Jewellery

The wearing of jewellery of any kind, including earrings and studs, is not permitted, except where ears have been pierced. In this case small gold or silver studs are allowed. They must be taped over for PE lessons and removed for swimming.

Footwear

Please ensure that your child has a change of shoes for indoor and outdoor wear!

A shoe bag or even a plastic carrier bag will help your child keep their shoes tidy and safe. Please make sure the shoes are clearly marked with their name - an unmarked plimsoll can be a nightmare!

Wellies are needed for children in Nursery and Reception classes. They will be outside whatever the weather!

Other classes Year 1 – Year 6 will need trainers for PE.

Nail Polish

This must not be worn in any circumstance.

Sports and Clubs

Gade Valley has a range of clubs covering a variety of sports and other activities. All children are encouraged to take part.

For example we run football and netball clubs and take part in the various Cups and Leagues. We have amongst others an IT club, drama and gardening clubs. In the summer term we offer Rounders and Cricket. Our swimming pool is an asset – we use it each summer and our children view lessons as a highlight of the term!

The Sports Network centred on The Cavendish School provides many opportunities for our children.

The school has a choir and offers instrumental tuition for children at school (which has to be paid for) with a peripatetic music teacher. Our Year 4 class learns to play the fife – the teacher comes from the Herts Music Service.

All we ask of the children who sign up for a club is a real commitment to attend regularly and, where necessary, to practise their developing skills at home.

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PART 3: SCHOOL AND HOME LINKS

Visiting Arrangements

We welcome visits to our school.An appointment to visit should be made in advance by contacting the School Secretary, Mrs Simson on Tel: 01442 391324. Mrs Simson will be happy to make an appointment for you at a time acceptable to both you and the Head teacher Mrs Bandle.

E ntry to Foundation Stage – Nursery and Reception classes

Getting children ready for school

We want your child to settle at school as quickly as they can. We want them to enjoy being here, able to engage in activities with others and to look forward to coming.

To help us achieve this we need your help.

We have found that children settle into school life best when you as parents have helped them to:-

1. Become used to parting from you. A quick goodbye, hug and a kiss! Even if they are a little upset they will usually settle really quickly once you have gone.

2. Be independent eg. able to go to the toilet on their own, put on and take off their own coat and PE kit, manage their own indoor and outdoor shoes – Velcro is wonderful!

3. Be used to helping! Please encourage them to help at home e.g. putting cutlery on the table, putting shopping away etc. etc. Also get them to help tidying up – their own clothes, shoes, coats, toys.

We hope your child will settle well and quickly. Please tell us though if you have concerns.

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Parent / School Contact

One of the busiest times of the day for any teacher is first thing in the morning as the children are arriving. If you need to have a word with your child’s class teacher, after school is always the best time. However sometimes something important has happened and you need a quick word and that is understandable. If you can be brief and return later for a fuller chat that would be very helpful. The Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher are also available most of the time in the mornings if you would prefer a fuller discussion which can then be passed on to the classteacher.

In September we have a “Meet the Teacher” meeting which is exactly what it says. This is an ideal time to ask any questions about how the classroom is set up and run and the activities that take place and to receive useful information about the new class your child is in.

More formal Parents Teacher Consultation days are termly and these will focus more on your child’s progress and development. You will have the opportunity to see their work and again to ask any questions of the classteacher.

In the summer term you will receive your child’s school report covering all areas of the Curriculum. There will be a space for your comments and the opportunity to meet again with your child’s teacher to follow up any issues which may have arisen.

Information about the above events and lots of other events will be sent to you by email. It will also be posted on our website linked to the diary. We also use Groupcall which sends you a text message. This is useful when we need to get information out quickly.

You can contact us by phone or using the following email account – parents@gadevalley.herts.sch.uk

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Teachers also have an email address you can use to communicate directly with them. These are:

Nursery: teachernursery@gadevalley.herts.sch.uk

Reception: teacherreception@gadevalley.herts.sch.uk

Year 1: teacher1@gadevalley.herts.sch.uk

Year 2: teacher2@gadevalley.herts.sch.uk

Year 3: teacher3@gadevalley.herts.sch.uk

Year 4: teacher4@gadevalley.herts.sch.uk

Year 5: teacher5@gadevalley.herts.sch.uk

Year 6: Teacher6@gadevalley.herts.sch.uk

We hope you will look at our web-site. There is a lot of information there – policies, children’s work, school diary of events etc. All of this is available to see at www.gadevalley.herts.sch.uk

Parent Council and School Council

We have a School Council where representatives from the children’s family groups meet with our Deputy Headteacher to discuss issues of importance to our children and organise internal events such as fundraising.

Our Parent Council meets regularly and is chaired by a member of our Governing Body.

Issues which the school and council have worked on together are developing communication between school and parents and re-organising and rewriting school documents such as this prospectus!

The Inevitable Head Lice

Don’t be shocked if your child catches head lice, a lot of them do - and often more than once!

A good preventative measure is to comb your child’s hair at least once a day. Combing has the effect of breaking the legs of the lice and thus preventing them from laying eggs. The egg is the ‘nit’ you hear about. If your child does have head lice we will always let you know straight away so that you can have them treated. Your chemist or Alison Adams our school nurse will be able to advise you. Remember if your child has got them you must treat the whole family.

Alison Adams is always available if you need to consult her. Please ask the school office if you need her contact details.REVISED JAN 13 18

Children’s Centres

We are part of the group served by the Galley Hill Centre -www.hertschildrenscentres.org.uk/galleyhill/

Its manager Terri Burfield will give details of courses, groups and other support she can offer to families.

Do call in or ring to find out what is going on or if you need help.

How to resolve a problem

We make every effort to work harmoniously with you, and we are always pleased to discuss concerns with parents in order to find a resolution. There may be need for on-going meetings to evaluate the situation but parents should speak to the class teacher first.

If further clarification is needed, an appointment should be made with the Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher.

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PART 4: CARING FOR YOUR CHILD

Caring for your child

Your child’s pastoral and welfare care are of great importance to you as a parent and to us, as we look after them on a daily basis.

If we have concerns about a child we will always contact you and would ask you to do the same if you have concerns. The Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher are always happy to talk over any concerns. It is important that you notify the school of any changes in circumstances that might affect your child. All discussions are confidential and only staff who need to know will be informed.

The staff team regularly discusses concerns there may be about a child and how the child can be supported.

Absence from School

Absence from school is unavoidable at times due to illness or family circumstances. However, for the sake of your child’s continuity of education we ask wherever possible that disruption is kept to a minimum.

We need confirmation in writing that your child’s absence has been authorised.

Please phone or e-mail us (absence@gadevalley.herts.sch.uk) on the first day of absence to tell us your child will not be in school. Otherwise we will contact you to ensure your child is safe.

Leave of absence for holidays has to be requested and permission will only be given in exceptional circumstances by the Governors. For this reason we ask you to contact us before you book a holiday and fill in the form you will be given.

It is for the sake of your child’s education that the school asks wherever possible that you minimise these absences.

Feeling Poorly

Once your child starts school they will come into contact with the usual childhood illnesses and very often before any physical signs appear they will feel unwell and be at their most contagious. Once something starts going around in the classroom it can do so at lightning speed.REVISED JAN 13 20

One rule we do ask you to adhere to is in the case of tummy bugs. If your child has an upset tummy we ask you to please keep them at home for at least 24 hours from the time they were last sick or had diarrhoea. This not only helps to protect the class but also the adults working in it.

Sometimes children bounce into school in the morning but by lunchtime they may be feeling poorly. As you know children can succumb very quickly to the odd virus, etc. If we feel your child is really poorly we will always telephone you.

If you collect them and take them home please sign them out in the folder outside the office. Similarly if you take them to an appointment at the doctors, dentist or hospital.

When you bring them back from the appointment please sign them in. Again the folder is outside the office.

It is very important that we have an up to date contact number for you or your nominated stand-in. You will be given a form which asks for this information when your child starts at Gade Valley. Please make sure that you fill in your numbers on our form and let us know if any of them change.

In an emergency requiring hospital treatment we will always endeavour to contact you but if this is not possible a member of staff will accompany your child to hospital and remain with them until you arrive. We will always err on the side of safety where the children are concerned.

If you child returns to school but needs to be taking a regular dose of medicine, we ask that where possible the dosage is arranged to fit around school hours. Strictly speaking schools can refuse to give medicines to children under the health and safety rules.

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However if it is impossible to give your child the required amount of medicine outside school hours then we do have a form in the office which you must fill in on behalf of the child. We cannot give medicine without this form being filled in and signed.

We have designated members of staff responsible for administering medication.

If your child is taking regular medication for asthma for example, the same form will have to be filled in. During their time in the Foundation and KS1 classes we do ask that the inhaler be left with the teacher.

Child Protection Procedures

Gade Valley follows the statutory guidelines on child protection. The school has a ‘Child Protection’ Policy and this is available on our website to any parent who wishes to read it.

Every adult working with the children in school has access to a copy of this policy and works within the given framework.

Each school has a nominated Child Protection Officer and at Gade Valley this is the Head teacher Mrs PME Bandle and our Deputy Child Protection Officer is Mrs M Geddes.

There may be a time when a child’s welfare will be best served by the school implementing its ‘Child Protection Policy’. In this instance only, the child’s welfare is put above any other concern and treated as confidential. A copy of this policy is held in the school if you wish to see it. This policy is a County document and is required to be in place in all schools.

These procedures are only set in operation when the school has serious concerns about a child’s safety and welfare.

Parking and Road Safety

We hope that you and your child(ren) will be able to walk to school – a great time to talk and keep fit.

As you will find out the road outside school becomes extremely busy and congested at the start of the school day and at 3.15pm.

We are concerned for our children’s safety and yours.

If you do need to drive your child(ren) to and from school please use the car park in front of the Cavendish School Learning Centre (6th Form block!) and walk round to our playground.

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The entrance is a little further up Gadebridge Road at the turn in.

Please do not park on the road or drive onto our school premises.

Lunchtimes

We are lucky enough to be able to offer the choice of school lunches or packed lunches at Gade Valley.

Our kitchen is run by Hertfordshire Catering and each day they prepare a selection of hot meals and a ‘packed lunch’ option for the children. Healthy eating and table manners are life lessons and we take this seriously at school. Letting your child have a school meal is a way of introducing them to social meal times and all the staff try their best to encourage a good standard of table manners!

We would never force a child to eat foods that they dislike but we may encourage them to try a little especially if it is something they haven’t tried before. We would also never rush the children through their food - having a conversational lunch is part of their social education.

If you and /or your child would prefer a packed lunch we do ask that is a healthy, well balanced meal without sweets and chocolate. Drinks should be in an unbreakable container.

During the morning we are still able to offer the children the opportunity to have milk. This is free for Nursery and Reception children up to the term that they are 5 years old but for other children you can order through the office at the beginning of term. A letter giving details of how to order and pay for the milk will be sent out to you.

Fruit is provided through a government scheme for Foundation and KS1 children.

KS2 are allowed to bring in a piece of fruit for their morning break. We do not allow any other kind of snack during school time.

The children need to drink regularly. Please provide a named water bottle – this can remain at school but does need to return home on occasions to be given a good clean!

To help your child enjoy lunchtime and get on well with other children we have a number of systems in place:

1. Play leaders. Children from Year 5 are trained to help younger children. They take out equipment and encourage others to play.

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2. Peer Mediators – Mrs Geddes trains Year 5 and 6 children who then work in pairs.

Other children ask our midday supervisors if they can go to the mediators for help to sort out problems which have arisen.

3. Playground buddies support children at lunchtimes with ideas for games and things to do.

4. Sometimes we use a Buddy system – An older child is paired with a younger one to offer support. For example Year 6 children help our Reception class children to go to the dining room and collect their food in the autumn term.

School Meals

Herts Catering offer a varied and nutritional lunch for our children at a cost of £2.00 per day.

If you think you may be eligible for Free School Meals please contact the office on 01442 391324 or visit the HCC website www.hertsdirect.org/freeschoolmeals

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PART 5: THE CURRICULUM

As a school we are committed to helping our children develop in all areas of learning – socially, academically, spiritually, emotionally and physically.

We are now a leading school for Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning (SEAL) and we use the SEAL materials in school to help our children develop good self-esteem, cope with change and develop persistence etc.

We have also recognised the importance of learning and thinking, Philosophy for Children (P4C) is embedded across the school and it helps children think, articulate their thoughts, look at issues from different angles and engage in debate.

Outside learning is a focus for us – we have beautiful grounds which include a nature reserve, a meadow area, gazebo and gardens which our children may help to look after.

We are developing gradually additional outside learning spaces which all our children enjoy using.

The Curriculum – content and coverage

Foundation Stage (Nursery and Reception Classes)

Staff who work with your children will focus on the Early Learning Goals. They set out what most children are expected to achieve by the end of the foundation stage. Different curriculum areas are not taught separately. Instead, learning is grouped under six broad areas of learning.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development. Your child will learn to be self-confident, take an interest in things, know what his/her own needs are, tell the difference between right and wrong, and be able to dress and undress.

Communication, language and literacy. Your child will learn to talk confidently and clearly, enjoying stories, songs and poems, hearing and saying sounds, and linking them to the alphabet. They will read and write some familiar words and learn to use a pencil.

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Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy. Your child will develop an understanding of maths through stories, songs, games and imaginative play. They will become comfortable with numbers and with ideas such as 'heavier than' or 'bigger'. They will be aware of shapes and space.

Knowledge and Understanding of the World. Your child will explore and find out about the world around them, asking questions about it. They will build with different materials, know about everyday technology and learn what it is used for. They will find out about past events in their lives and their families' lives. They will find out about different cultures and beliefs.

Physical development. Your child will learn to move confidently, controlling their body and handling equipment.

Creative development. Your child will explore colours and shapes, trying out dance, making things, telling stories and making music.

 None of these areas of learning and development can be delivered in isolation. They are equally important and depend on each other to support a rounded approach to child development. All the areas must be delivered through planned, purposeful play, with a balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities.

 There will be an assessment made at the end of the Foundation Stage called the Foundation Stage Profile. This is a national scheme to enable teachers to record observations and summarise your child's achievements at the end of the Foundation Stage. It will be used to summarise their achievements of the Early Learning Goals within the Foundation Stage and covers all six areas of learning.

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Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2

The National Curriculum gives all children access to a wide education from the earliest age. Once in Key Stage 1 your child will be following schemes of work in the following subjects:

English Physical Education includingMathematics PSHE and SwimmingScience HistoryGeography Religious EducationTechnology and I.T. MusicArt Modern Foreign Language -

French

The school also covers Personal Health and Social Education including Sex Education. As parents you do have the right to withdraw your children (on specific grounds) from either Religious Education and/or Sex Education - we hope you don’t! All aspects of the curriculum are covered with sensitivity and an understanding of your child’s needs. Whenever Sex Education is covered (not in detail until Years 5 and 6), you will be kept fully informed.

Our approaches to teaching the National Curriculum are varied and tailored to the needs of the subject and the children. Sometimes subjects will be taught discretely (i.e. as separate subjects), sometimes we may have a topic which draws together several curriculum areas.

We focus on teaching skills so the children can use them in a variety of different contexts and make connections in their learning.

We also group children in different ways to suit the purpose of the planned activity. This could involve whole class teaching, small group work, collaborative or individual teaching. When we plan our curriculum, giving equal opportunities to all our children is an integral part of our planning. Importantly, we recognise that our children are individuals and we endeavour to teach them as such.

Homework: We do have a School policy on homework. Obviously the amount given depends on the age of your child. Homework is part of the teacher’s planning process and the work is therefore carefully linked to your child’s class work.

REVISED JAN 13 27

Children will sometimes need your help to complete a task – they will always need your support and enthusiasm! We see a significant improvement in children’s progress and learning when they have parental support.

Reading: Reading is a crucial skill to your child’s education. It underpins so much of what your child will have access to. Without sound reading skills, children will have difficulty accessing many areas of the curriculum and they will certainly find life in ‘the world’ difficult. We expect children to read with an adult at home 3 times per week.

It is important for children to learn to love books from the earliest possible age.

The example set at home has much to do with how a child will respond over the years. Reading to your child, with your child, or listening to them read and helping with homework – are some of the greatest educational opportunities you can give them.

Assessment

Standard Assessment Tests – Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 and Foundation Stage

Standard Assessment Tests (or SATs as they are known in school) are taken by our children at the end of KS1 in Year 2 to inform Teacher Assessment and at the end of KS2 in Year 6.

All children are given an assessment mark called Teacher Assessment, or TA. It is recognised that a teacher’s knowledge of her/his class is a crucial part of the overall assessment of a child.

When the SATs results are given to Year 6 parents they will notice two marks – SATs attainment and Teacher Assessment.

The school’s most recent results of Y6 SATs are at the back of the brochure.

Parents of Year 2 and Year 6 are invited to a meeting with the Head and class teacher to discuss any anxieties or queries they may have about the SATs and how we implement them.

REVISED JAN 13 28

You will be invited into school several times during the year to learn about your child’s targets, curriculum, progress and attainment.

In addition you will receive a written annual school report in the summer term.

Children with Special Education Needs

Special education has never been a matter just for special schools. The needs of most pupils with special educational needs (SEN) will be met in mainstream schools.

The Code of Practice (COP) gives schools a framework within which to operate. At Gade Valley we have used this framework to inform our work and teaching within the school.

The COP works through different stages

If a teacher has a concern about a child’s development and/or learning they will highlight that child as one to monitor closely. You as parents will be met and the situation discussed. The school and you may need to provide extra support for your child. If, over a specified period of time, the teacher’s or other responsible adults’ concerns continue or strengthen, we may move him/her on to the next stage.

School Action (SA)

The SEN Co-ordinator will review all the information available and the child will be helped in ways other than normal classroom practice. An Individual Education Plan will be drawn up for your child and put into action. The effectiveness of this IEP will be reviewed twice yearly. However, if we feel that more help is required, we may move your child to School Action Plus.

School Action Plus (SA+)

At this stage the school is saying that more intensive action with specialist support is required. The child may need to be seen by an outside agency e.g. Educational Psychologist for the school to get a clearer picture of the nature of the underlying difficulty. From this assessment a new IEP will be drawn up and implemented. After termly reviews the child will revert to School Action or stay at SA+ for longer.

REVISED JAN 13 29

Religious Education and Assemblies

Religious Education

Religious Education is taught throughout the school and follows Hertfordshire’s Agreed Syllabus.

During your child’s time at Gade Valley they will learn about the world’s major religions, in particular:

ChristianityHinduismBuddhismIslamSikhismJudaism

As parents, if you have a strong belief in your own way of life, you do have the right of withdrawal from these sessions. However, the teaching of Religious Education at Gade Valley is not about indoctrination in any way but it is an important part of educating your child for life.

School Trips

To help our children learn we organise trips most terms.

A trip to St Albans helps in learning about the Romans; the Imperial War Museum contributes to Y6’s learning etc. etc.

Sometimes we visit places by coach have specialist people come into school to work with children or we may use our local area.

You will be informed by email for these outings. There may be a charge for these outings and we will need your permission to take your child out of school.

Years 5 and 6 go on a residential trip in the summer term – Year 5 to Cuffley camp in Herts and Year 6 to the Kingswood Centre on the Isle of Wight.

All sorts of activities are planned – team opportunities, learning new skills and enjoying new opportunities. The children love both trips!

If you have problems paying for any of these activities please come into school to see us – we can help. We want all our children to be able to participate in these opportunities.

Curriculum Enhancement

REVISED JAN 13 30

The Governing Body’s aim is to ensure that all pupils have access to all areas of the life of the school, regardless of the parents’ ability to pay.

The members of our governing body have therefore adopted the Charging and Remissions Policy of Hertfordshire County Council.

When activities are organised by the school during school hours involving the need for payment, voluntary contributions will be sought from parents to cover the cost of these activities. No child is excluded from participating in the activities because of non-payment of the contribution, but it is possible these activities may not take place if the level of funding is insufficient.

The Head teacher and Governors will consider cases of genuine need seeking help with these charges and will remit those they feel are necessary from the school’s budget. However difficult it is please contact us if you need help with any payments.

All year groups have trips out of school to enhance the curriculum and their learning. Some may be local – walking around the local area, science work in the park, going to the shops and others are to places further afield e.g. Hatfield House (Tudors), Imperial War Museum, Boxmoor Trust etc.

ICT

Gade Valley has a well equipped IT suite beside our library area. The computers all well-used by all our children.

There are also classroom computers some of which are networked to the suite. All classrooms have an interactive whiteboard and we use visualisers widely. The latter allow teachers to use IT to show children books, how to use a protractor, do a calculation, re-draft writing etc. by projecting the image into a screen.

All staff follow our e-safety policy rigorously. They teach our children how to use the internet safely and monitor their use of it.

REVISED JAN 13 31

Classrooms

Our school is an attractive place to be. We all work hard to keep it looking good – teachers and children produce lovely displays of their work.

Our classrooms have learning areas within them e.g. a role-play area which could be a garden centre, Anderson air-raid shelter, Greek temple etc., Mathematics area, Writing and Reading areas.

Learning may also be done outside – Foundation Stage and KS1 use their garden areas. KS2 use our grounds too and we are developing paved areas outside to enhance their learning in outdoor places.

Books

We encourage all our children to read at home and so they will often have a book from their classroom or the library in their book bags.

Please read with them – ten minutes or so three times each week is so valuable - look at pictures, talk about the book – whatever is suitable for your children’s stage of development.

It is important that all our books are looked after and returned to us so others can enjoy them too.

REVISED JAN 13 32

PART 6: USEFUL INFORMATION

Comparative graphs

SATs Results 2012

Key Stage 2

EnglishSATs

ReadingSATs

WritingSATs

Maths SATs

Level 4+

76% 97% 93% 93%

L5 24% 33% 33% 23%

SATsLevel 4+ in EN and MA 932NC levels progress in EN (KS2) 932NC levels progress in MA (KS2)

80

Numbers are % (1 child = 3.4%)TAss – Teacher AssessmentsEN – EnglishMA – MathsSC – Science

REVISED JAN 13 33

School Holiday Dates

2011 / 2012 2012/2013

Autumn term 2011 Autumn term 2012

Term begins 2nd September Term begins 3rd SeptemberHalf term 24th to 28th October Half term 29th October to

2nd NovemberTerm ends 16th December Term ends 21st December

Spring term 2012 Spring term 2013

Term ends 3rd January Term begins 7th JanuaryHalf term 13th to 17th February Half term 18th to 22nd FebruaryTerm ends 30th March Term ends 28th March

Summer term 2012 Summer term 2013

Term begins 16th April Term begins 15th AprilHalf term 4th June to 08th June Half term 28th May to 31st MayMay Bank Holiday 07th May May Bank Holiday 6th MayTerm ends 23rd July Term ends 24th July

REVISED JAN 13 34

Policies and Information

Please look on our website for all our school policies. Hard copies can be obtained from the office via Mrs Calverley.

GADE VALLEY SCHOOL ANTI-BULLYING POLICY

1. Our approach

The DFE identifies three characteristics that are included in most definitions of bullying:

The behaviour is intended to cause distress The behaviour is repeated There is an imbalance of power between the perpetrator/s of

bullying and the targets.

This may involve: name-calling, taunting, mocking and making offensive

comments. Offensive graffiti Excluding another/others from a group Gossiping or spreading hurtful rumours Physically hurting another Taking belongings Cyberbullying

In short, any behaviour which leaves an individual regularly feeling worthless, unhappy and fearful.

At our school we believe that everyone should be able to learn in an environment free from bullying of any kind. We believe everyone should feel supported and safe. We are totally committed to ensuring that we eliminate any bullying in our school. We do this by educating children about what bullying is, the effects of it and how to prevent it from happening in the first place. Bullying behaviour is often linked to ‘difference’ and so we strive at our school to celebrate difference and respect one another. This document is part of a portfolio of policies that ensure that we;

Safeguard pupils Promote wellbeing Promote equality between different groups Promote community cohesion

Our school is committed to working with staff, Governors, pupils and parents and carers to create and maintain a school community where bullying is not tolerated. The school anti-bullying policy has been developed with due regard to our duties and obligations under existing legislation and public sector duties for the wellbeing of all our pupils and we will take all steps to ensure their safety.

2. Roles and responsibilities across the schoolREVISED JAN 13 35

Mrs Michele Geddes is the named member of staff on the Senior Leadership Team responsible for anti-bullying.

Mr Jon Chapman is the named Governor for anti-bullying.

THE HEADTEACHER AND SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM has a responsibility to promote the school ethos of inclusion and to promote wellbeing and safeguarding. They also have a responsibility to report incidents of bullying and to monitor and review the implementation and impact of this policy.

ALL teaching and support staff have a responsibility to contribute to building and maintaining a school ethos which is welcoming, supportive and inclusive.

PUPILS have responsibility for reporting any incidents of bullying experienced or witnessed and to actively promote a no-bullying environment.

PARENTS have a responsibility to support our work on preventing and dealing with bullying and safeguarding.

3. Preventing and responding to Bullying

Our anti-bullying ethos is reinforced throughout the school community through the curriculum (SEAL, PSHE and Citizenship) and through various peer support programmes such as peer mediation and playground buddies. We undertake training when necessary and work hard to maintain a good partnership with parents.All reports of bullying are taken seriously and investigated. People who have been bullied are given the opportunity to talk and steps will be taken to ensure that their self-esteem and confidence is restored. People who have bullied are also supported and taught to understand alternative courses of action and the fact that behaviour needs to change. Parents are informed. Action is taken in accordance with our behaviour policy.We make sure that children can access various support groups if they need to eg HABI.

4. Recording and reporting bullying

When someone has reported an incident of bullying they are assured that they have done the right thing and that action will be taken. Each class has a worry box to support children who may find it difficult to report bullying.

Class teachers with support from the whole staff team monitor children who have been bullied carefully to ensure that it does not continue. These children may be placed on our provision map to show that we are monitoring and supporting them very closely.REVISED JAN 13 36

Bullying and racist incidents are recorded on the forms recommended by the ‘Preventing and Responding to bullying’ guidance. Information is shared amongst the SLT and with other members of staff when necessary. The named Governor for anti-bullying is responsible for reporting incidents of bullying to the Governing Body.

Any really serious incidents of bullying may result in the school contacting the Local Authority advisor.

Bullying and racist incident data is submitted termly via the SOLERO system.

5. Stakeholder feedback

We seek to involve all parents and members of the school community in the implementation and review of this policy. Parents will receive it each year and will be asked to make any comments or suggestions regarding it should they wish to do so. Staff and Governors will review it annually.Children are frequently asked for their views through circle time, questionnaires and learning walks and in school council meetings. All of this helps to inform our policy.

REVISED JAN 13 37

6. Impact assessment

We ask the children their views of the actions we take to prevent and respond to bullying. We also take part in various questionnaires eg the Hertfordshire anti-bullying survey and the Health Related Behaviour Questionnaire to help us assess the impact of the work we are doing.

M.G July 2010Reviewed September 2012Date for review: September 2013.

…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Please complete and return to school.

I have read the school’s anti-bullying policy.

Signed …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Name of child/ren at the school ……………………………………………………………………………

I wish to make the following comments and/or suggestions:

REVISED JAN 13 38

GADE VALLEY JMI & N SCHOOL

BEHAVIOUR POLICY

How we behave at Gade Valley School

At our school we have three golden rules. These are:

1. Respect yourself.

2. Respect others.

3. Respect property.

Respect yourself

This means being kind to yourself.If we need help we ask for it instead of getting worried and struggling.It means never giving up and always wanting to be the very best so that we can learn well and be safe and happy.

Respect others

This means that we treat others as we would like to be treated ourselves. We are kind, helpful and polite.We listen to each other and remember that we all need to work together as a team.

Respect property

This means being proud and taking care of our school, the grounds, our classrooms and everything in them.

We know that everyone in our school wants to be happy and do their best.This is how, at Gade Valley School, we reward those of us who behave well:

1. Certificates

There are three types of certificates to collect and you get these by collecting stickers.

6 excellent stickers for excellent BEHAVIOUR = ONE BEHAVIOUR CERTIFICATE6 excellent stickers for excellent EFFORT = ONE EFFORT CERTIFICATE

6 excellent stickers for excellent WORK = ONE WORK CERTIFICATEREVISED JAN 13 39

Any adult in the school can reward you with a sticker if they see you behaving well, making a real effort or doing some excellent work.This can happen at any time and in any area of the school.

The certificates are presented in parent sharing assemblies.

When you have one of each type of certificate your name will be put in the Gade Valley book of excellence which is proudly displayed in the main entrance to the school.

Most of us behave really well all of the time and adults in the school know this and will make sure that you are rewarded fairly.

2. Golden Time

Every child begins each week with thirty minutes of Golden Time which they will have each Friday afternoon.

Golden Time is when you are allowed to choose a really fun activity to do eg football, netball, painting, dancing, drama, ICT, going outside, dressing up, playing with friends, junk modelling etc.

All classes have Golden Time at the same time each week and the different activities are set up in different areas of the school so children get to mix up with friends across the school.

3. Star of the Week

Each week someone who has been fantastic in each class and still has all of their golden time is chosen to be the Star of the Week by their class teacher.

This child is given a Star of the Week certificate on the Friday and a special badge to wear all week.

REVISED JAN 13 40

Older children help their teachers decide who, in their class, should be named as the Star of the Week.

On Friday, in assembly, the star of the week in each class will be asked to stand up so that everyone can see you and give you a great big clap.

4. Happy Faces

Teachers show you that they are pleased with yourbehaviour by writing your name under a smiley face picture on the whiteboard in the classroom.

We know that most of the time everyone at Gade Valley School will follow the golden rules, be happy, work hard and do their best.

But sometimes this does not happen. We know that adults in the school and parents need to work together to make things better and so this is how we deal with bad behaviour:

1. Talking

If you are behaving badly your teacher or another adult will talk with you and explain why what you are doing needs to stop.

Teachers also use circle time to talk about behaviour problems when they need to.

There are also peer mediators who you can talk to if you have a problem at lunchtime.

2. Sad faces

If talking hasn’t worked, your teacher may write your name under a sad face on the whiteboard. This may mean that you are moved to work somewhere else in the room to make sure you and others can work well and get on with learning.It may mean that you miss playtime to catch up on your work.

REVISED JAN 13 41

3. Golden Time

If this doesn’t work you may lose 5 minutes of your Golden Time.You will keep losing 5 minute chunks of your Golden Time if your behaviour doesn’t get better. This means that you won’t be able to join in with the fun on Friday. You will have to catch up on work instead.You can get back your Golden Time in 5 minute chunks if you start to behave better.

4. Yellow and Red Cards

If you do something that is dangerous or if you hurt someone an adult may have to give you a yellow card.If a yellow card is given a letter will go home to parents and your name will be recorded. You will either miss a playtime and/or be asked to work outside of the classroom.The Yellow card lasts for 6 weeks so if you are good for those 6 weeks your name will be cleared.

If you do something dangerous or hurt someone again in the 6 weeks you may be given another yellow card.

This will last for 6 weeks too so if you are good for these 6 weeks your name will be cleared. Again, a letter will go home to parents and you will miss playtime and/or be asked to work outside of the classroom.

If a third yellow card is given then you will spend half a day or a whole day working outside of the classroom.

If you do something dangerous or hurt someone for a 4th time you will be given a red card.

If this happens you will not be allowed to work at all in your classroom.You will not be allowed to have playtimes with the other children.There will be a meeting with the Headteacher and your parents and a special plan will need to be written so that you can learn to be good again.

If you are given a second or third red card then the Headteacher will have to exclude you. This means that you will not be allowed to come to Gade Valley School for a while.

This behaviour policy was written by a working party made up of a teacher, some parents, a Governor, a teaching assistant and mid-day supervisor and some children in May and June 2010.

REVISED JAN 13 42

We are very proud of it.

So that we can all work together as a team to make our school happy and safe we would like you to read it carefully and sign the slip below.Please then return the slip to school. This will show that you agree to the policy and will follow it.

………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

Read by parent/s…………………………………………………………………………………………………(please sign)

Read by child…………………………………………………………………………………………………………(please sign or make a mark)

Read by class teacher…………………………………………………………………………………….(please sign)

Date…………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….

Comments:

REVISED JAN 13 43

Staff List

Headteacher: Mrs Patricia BandleDeputy Headteacher: Mrs Michele GeddesFinance & Office Manager: Mrs Brenda SimsonAdmin Secretary: Mrs Jennifer Calverley Admin Assistant: Mrs Cathy JarminSLT: Mrs Jenny Berry

Teachers:

Mrs Jacky Atkins (SENC0) Miss Annie KavanaghMrs Jenny Berry Mrs Lydia Matthews Mrs Joanna Blofeld Mrs Joanne NyeMrs Irene Cooper Mrs Lucy OakleyMrs Emma Hernon Mrs Annette SimonsMrs Amanda Hobbs Mrs Eloise Swain

Teaching Assistants, Nursery Nurse

Mrs Sandra Burrowes Mrs Lynette WalkerMrs Cathy Jarmin Mrs Kathryn PlimsaulMrs Deborah Skinner Mrs Clare HaleMrs Ann Dilley Mrs Sue Coleman

Learning Support Assistants

Mrs Allison BordoleyMrs Sue ColemanMrs Valerie Reeve

Caretaker: Mr Dave Atkins

Senior SA Mrs Cathy Jarmin

MSAs Mrs Kathryn PlimsaulMiss Kaye GurneyMrs Lynette WalkerMiss Joanne WadsworthMrs Tracey CartwrightMrs Suzanne Stanyon

REVISED JAN 13 44

Our Governor’s:

Mr Peter Besley Chair of Governor’s

Mr Jon Chapman Deputy Chair of Governor’sParent Governor

Mrs Jenny Berry Staff Governor

Mrs Brenda Simson Staff Governor

Mr Phil Pennington Community Governor

Mrs Anne Rimer Community Governor

Mr Tony Stanford Community Governor

Mrs Tina Howard LEA Governor

Mr Roger Taylor LEA Governor

Mrs Lisa Lloyd Parent Governor

Mr Matthew Fairbrother Parent Governor

If you wish to contact any of our governors their email address is

www.governors@gadevalley.herts.sch.uk

REVISED JAN 13 45

GADE VALLEY JMI & N SCHOOL

Pupil premium grant expenditure: Report to parents 2012/2013

Overview of the school

Number of pupils and pupil premium grant (PPG) received

Total number of pupils on roll 207

Total number of pupils eligible for PPG 24 pupils (eligible for free school meals – FSM)

Amount of PPG received per roll £600

Total amount of PPG received £21600.This amount is greater than we might have expected since for this year the calculation was based on the number of pupils receiving FSM at anytime during the last six years. Several of these have now left.

Nature of support 2012/2013

Educational enrichment tripsSmall group / individual interventions with Learning Support Assistants or SEN teacher.Extra curricular activities e.g. Game-On, Wider Opportunities – Music, Swimming1:1 Teaching in English or Mathematics.Teacher Assistants.

Curriculum focus of PPG spending 2012/2013

Supporting children in mathematics, English and wider curriculum opportunities.REVISED JAN 13 46

Measuring the impact of PPG spending

The school will evaluate the impact at the end of each term. Evaluation will focus on academic progress and attainment and how self-confidence develops as a consequence of the interventions.

REVISED JAN 13 47