Lynsted and NortonPrimary School

Dear Parent

Thank you for your interest in Lynsted and Norton Primary School.

Choosing a school for your child can appear to be a daunting prospect; we offer the following advice to prospective parents:-

• Visitasmanyschoolsaspossibletogetthefeelofeach;alwaystrytovisitwhenthechildrenarethere.• Talktotheparentsofchildrenalreadyattendingaschool.• Don’tbeafraidtoaskquestions.• ReadOfSTEDinspectionreportsandthelatestSATs(StandardAssessmentTests)andCVA (ContextualValueAdded)results,butremembertheyonlygiveyouapartofthepicture.• Lookattheschoolwebsiteandgetafeelfortheschool.

AtLynstedandNortonSchoolwebelievethatachildcannotreachtheirfullpotentialunlesstheyarecontentandhappyatschool.Weofferatraditional,commonsenseapproachtoeducationwithacommitmenttodeveloping strong working relationships with you as parents.

Lynsted and NortonPrimary School

Inoursmallclasses,eachchildistreatedasanindividual-weaimtosetworkatachallengingbutachievablelevel.

Asastaffwearecommittedtogivingyourchildthebestpossiblestarttotheirschoolcareers.Manyofourstaffmemberssendorhavesenttheirownchildrentothisschool;what’sgoodenoughforyourchildrenisgood enough for ours.

Ouracademicstandardsarehighandweofferawiderangeofextra-curricularactivitiesforthechildren.

Ihopethefollowingschoolprospectusprovesusefultoyou;tofindoutforyourselfpleasecontactourschoolofficetoarrangeavisit.

MrRichardHarrison MrIanFidge

HeadofSchool Principal

We aim to welcome and include all children at our school. We recognise that teachers arelearnersandpupilsarealsoteachers,andthatthroughhardworkweareallabletoachievebeyondexpectation.

The aims of our school

•Forchildrentoenjoyschoolandlearning

•Forchildrentodevelopasenseofmoralresponsibility and self discipline

•Toworkcloselywithchildrenandparentsinpursuit of the highest standards

•Todevelopchildren’sownstrategiesforlearningand improving

•Todeliverabroadandbalancedcurriculumthatreflectstheneedsofourchildren

•Tofurtherdevelopourcloselinkswithourlocalcommunity

VisionandValues

LynstedandNortonPrimarySchoolisasmall,ruralschool.Theschoolwasfoundedin1878.Weareproudtobepartofthe‘VillageAcademy’whichisafederationofschoolsundertheleadershipandguidanceofPrincipalMrIanFidgewithMrRichardHarrisonasHeadofSchool,inchargeofdaytodayrunning.

General Information

The accommodation consists of a school hall whichisusedforassemblies,drama,gymnasticsandsport,andasadininghallatlunchtimes.There are four classrooms in our main building; withtwofurtherclassrooms,learningroomsandofficesintheSchoolHouse.

Outsidewehavealargeschoolfieldandalargetraditional playground. Working together with theon-sitePre-School,Stepping Stones,wehavedevelopedanexcitingnewoutsideclassroomforourReceptionchildren.Weareparticularlyfortunate to be situated in the middle of the countrysidesurroundedbygreenfieldsandorchards.

OrganisationofClasses

The classes in our school are organised as follows: PixieClass (Reception)SpritesClass (Year1)HobbitClass (Year2)ElfClass (Year3)UnicornClass (Year4)DragonClass (Year5&6)

Clubs and wider opportunities

WiderOpportunities

We offer a growing range of clubs and other activities throughout the year. We regularly joinwithourpartnerschoolsfromtheVillageAcademytoshareinsportingandenrichmentactivities.Eachyear,Years4,5and6areinvitedtotheSwattendenCentreinKent,wheretheytake part in team building and other outdoor challenges.ForourGiftedandTalentedchildrentheAcademyprovidesenrichmentactivitiesthroughouttheyear,drawingonthestrengthsand talents of our best teachers.

Clubs

Manyofourstaffandparentsvolunteertheirtimetoprovideclubs,bothatlunchtime,andafterschool. The range on offer includes:

Football CreativeclubTeam games ICT and computingNetball SewingMusicclub PuzzleclubReadingCafe Guitarclub

EarlyBirdsandLateStay

Inresponsetorequestsfromourparentswehavebeguntoextendtheschooldaybyintroducingan“EarlyBird”clubatthestartofthedayfrom8am,anda“Latestay”until4.15pm,where children can use our IT resources or be supportedtodotheirhomework.BoththeseclubsrunfromMondaytoFriday,andcarryasmall cost per session to parents.

We aim to meet the needs of all pupils in the school by providing a broad and balanced curriculumwhereallchildrencanexperiencesuccessandbuildontheirstrengths.

The National Curriculum gives us the framework for what is to be taught and it is within this framework that we organise our own curriculum.

WerealisetheprimeimportanceofEnglishandMathswithintheprimaryschool,andtheyaretaughtineveryclasseachday,butwealsofeelthat children need a more rounded education. AtLynstedandNortonwethereforeplacealotof emphasis on other curriculum areas including Science,ICT,Sport,ArtandMusic.

We set targets for the children and the school inEnglishandMathsandreviewprogressonatermly basis. We regularly set challenging targets forourschool,andhavethesameapproachandexpectationofourpupils.

TheCurriculumSubjects

English

Children are encouraged to develop a broad rangeofskillsinspeakingandlistening,readingandwriting.ChildrenparticipateinadailyEnglishlessoninYears1to6andinawiderangeoflanguageactivitiesinYearR.

Readingisafundamentalskillandweencourageparentstojoinintheexcitementoftheirchildrenlearningtoread.Wedon’tuseasinglereadingscheme,butrathermatchchildrentobooksthatwillbestdeveloptheirskillsandinterest.Everyclass has its own book corner with a variety of books suited to that particular age group.

The Curriculum

Writing skills are a key priority within the school. We emphasise presentation and handwriting. Children are taught cursive script from the end ofReception,firstusingapencilandprogressingtofountainorhandwritingpens.Allclassesundertakeextendedwritingsessionswithactivitiesrangingfrompoetry,creativewriting,persuasive letter writing and factual work.

Speaking and Listening skills are developed across the whole curriculum; classes regularly put on shows or productions to encourage confidenceandself-expression.

Mathematics

We place a strong focus on mathematical achievement within our school and have a daily Mathslesson.WeencouragethechildrentoapplywhattheyhavelearntintheirMathslessonsin practical ways.

OurwholeemphasiswithinMathslessonsistoencouragegreatermentaldexteritywith

numbers. We believe that children should know their times tables and so you may hear them being chanted when you visit the school.

Science

InScienceweaimtodevelopchildren’snaturalcuriosity about the world around them. We trytopromotescientificthinking,observation,hypothesising and the design of fair and controlledexperiments.Weteachchildrentodraw meaningful conclusions through reasoning andtheevaluationofevidence,andtobecomeeffectivecommunicatorsofscientificideas,factsand data.

Information&CommunicationTechnology

We recognise the importance of Information Technologyandaimtodeveloptheconfidenceand competence of all pupils. We have a wide range of software and we regularly upgrade computerequipment.Childreninallclasseshavecontrolled internet access.

The main part of our computer teaching takes place in the classrooms using laptops as part of the wireless network that runs across the school; the children save their own work and manage their own desktop as part of the learning process.

ReligiousEducation

We aim to promote the moral and spiritual growth of our children in terms of developing awareness of themselves and consideration of others.

R.E.istaughtaccordingtotheKentagreedsyllabus,whichdevelopsknowledgeofChristianity whilst raising awareness of other religions.Inaccordancewithcountypolicy,parents do have the right to withdraw their childrenfromRElessons,althoughwewouldhope that parents would discuss the matter with theHeadofschoolbeforetakingsuchastep.

PhysicalEducation

We aim to ensure that all children take part in andenjoyappropriatesportingactivities,bothas part of the curriculum provision and in the many after school clubs that are provided. We encourage the children to both compete with themselves and each other and to co-operate aspartofateam.OurannualSportsDayhasatraditional,competitivenaturetogetherwithaseriesofactivitiesthatallchildrencanenjoy.

We employ a sports specialist to help us provide lessonsforthechildrenandtoofferexpertiseinawider variety of pursuits.

We offer a wide range of after-school sporting activities and participate in many local competitions.

The Creative Curriculum

We teach a key skills-based curriculum where subjectssuchasHistory,Geography,Art,DesignandTechnology,Musicandsomepartsofothersubjectsaretaught,mostlythroughtopicsandthe

progressive learning of skills across Key Stages 1and2.Webelievethatthisenablesteachersto follow the interests of children in a more enjoyableandsuccessfulway.

Art

Children’sunderstandingandenjoymentofArtisdevelopedthroughtheopportunitytoexpresstheirownideasandfeelingsandbyexploringthework of other artists. We use a wide range of mediaandtechniquestoencourageourchildrento develop this vital area of the curriculum.

Design and Technology

OuraiminteachingDesignandTechnologyisthatallchildrenwilldeveloptheknowledge,skillsandunderstandingnecessarytodesign,makeandevaluateproductsfitforapurpose.Childrenare given opportunities to work with a wide range of materials and components to develop anunderstandingofcontrolsystems,energyandstructures.

The Curriculum

ModernLanguages

Ourschoolhasastrongtraditionofteachingalanguagethroughouttheschool.ThemajorityofourforeignlanguagelessonsareinFrench.WealsohaveteacherswhoarefluentinanumberofotherlanguagessuchasDutchandItalian,whichaddstothevarietyofexperiencesweareable to offer. Children are encouraged to use their newfound knowledge in conversation or to answertheregister,forexample.

Music

Children are encouraged to appreciate a wide varietyofsoundsandmusic-choral,orchestral,modern,classicalandworldmusic.Theymakemusicwith a range of musical instruments. Children are alsotaughtmanysongsandhymnsandexperiencethe pleasure of singing together. Throughout their time at school the children have the opportunity to learn a range of instruments.

AdditionalEducationNeeds

Manychildrenduringtheirschoollifeencounterdifficultieseitherofageneralnatureorwithoneormorespecificareasofthecurriculum.Weaimto identify these children as early as we can and provide support to assist them in overcoming barriers to success.

Wheretherearedifficultiesorconcerns,achildisincludedonourSpecialNeedsRegisterandgivenhelpatanappropriatelevel.Youwillbeaskedtodiscussthesedifficultiesregularlywiththechild’steacher,ourSpecialNeedsco-ordinatorand/orwiththeHeadofSchool.Sometimesyouasaparentmayfeelyourchildisexperiencingparticulardifficulties,ifso,pleaseletusknow.

MoreAbleChildren

We also feel that more able children need additional challenges to fully realise their potential.Additionalsupportisgiventoextendthose children who are doing particularly well in their class work or who have scored well in their termly assessments. We also run special

‘enrichmentdays’wherechildrentakepartinactivities based around their gift or talent.

Personal,HealthandSocialEducation

In all aspects of school life we aim to promote the personal and social development of children. We believe we are proactive rather than reactive and aim to teach children strategies and boundariestobehaviour.Specifictimesarealsoset aside for class and group activities and games where children can develop an understanding of how to look after themselves and learn basic life and interpersonal skills.

SexEducation

We feel that it is important that children grow uptobeconfidentaboutthemselvesandaboutchangestheymayexperience,notonlyintheirbodies,butalsointheirfeelingsandrelationships.The class teacher supported by video material and visits from a school nurse sympathetically addressesthisinYear5andYear6.

MulticulturalEducation

We believe it is essential that children should develop an understanding of a variety of cultures. This is woven through many aspects of school life - Geography,HistoryR.E,assemblies,Music,literatureandArt.

SchoolVisits

During the course of the year various visits will be arranged for the children. These will involve excursionstoplacesofinterestandvisitstotheschool by a variety of performers and artists. The purpose of these visits is to broaden the children’seducativeexperiences.

Under current legislation we cannot charge parentsforthesevisits.Wedo,however,askforvoluntary contributions towards their cost and rely on the support of all the parents in order to ensurewecanaffordtoorganisethesevisits.Allchildrenareexpectedtoparticipateinorganisedvisits.

Collective Worship

Atourschoolwehaveanassembly,or act of collective worship every day.Onceaweekthisistakenbythe local vicar and each term closes withaserviceinChurch,towhichparents are invited. Whilst parents have the right to withdraw their childfromcollectiveworship,wehope that they will discuss any concernswiththeHeadofSchoolbeforeexercisingthisright.

Homework

We strongly believe in the value of parents supportingchildren’slearningandencourageyou to help your child with their homework. The amount and type of homework your child will receive will vary depending on what they are studying and which year group they are in.

However,aswealsovaluetheextraactivitiesthatchildrenbecomeinvolvedwithoutsideschool,wedo not over burden children with unnecessary homework.

Initiallyhomeworktendstobereading,spellings,movingthroughtimestablesandfindingthingsout. This will then move to more formal tasks as your child progresses through the school. They will also be encouraged to regularly visit our onlinelearningresources,suchasBugClubandMathletics,whichhavebeensuchahitwithourchildren.

The CurriculumThe Curriculum

ExtraCurricularActivities

The School Council

OurSchoolCounciliselectedbythepupilsfromevery year group; it meets regularly to discuss matters of interest to the children. The council has a budget allocated to help fund any ideas or projects.

Charging for school activities

There are certain activities organised by the school,aspartofthecurriculum,forwhichwe may ask parents to make a monetary contribution. These include such things as swimming,residentialanddaytrips,visitingauthors,poetsanddramagroups.Pleasenotethatwhenrequestsformoneyaremadeinrespect of such activities:-

•Theyareseenasvoluntarycontributions;

•Itisprobablethatwithoutsuchvoluntarycontributions,theactivitieswouldnotbeabletotake place;

•Nochildwillbedeniedaplaceontheirclassactivity if a parent is not able to make a voluntary contribution.

Parentswhohaveconcernsregardingthefinancialaspectofanyeducationalorextra-curriculareventshouldcontacttheHeadofSchoolinconfidence.

Children’sSafety

AsaschoolweactivelyfollowallNationalandLocal guidelines in regard to the safe recruitment ofstaff,childprotectionandinternetsafety.

Behaviour

Children come to school to learn and develop as individuals; any behaviour by another that stops this happening is unacceptable.

Goodbehaviourisexpectedfromallthechildreninourschool.Care,consideration,politeness,co-operation,toleranceandmutualrespectarethequalitiesthatweseektoencourageanddevelop.Ourschoolrulesaresimpleandclearandallchildrenareexpectedtocomplywiththem.

OurSchoolRules

1.Bekindtoeachother

2.Doyourbest

3.Lookaftertheenvironment

We believe that children need to take responsibilityfortheiractions.Ourdisciplinepolicyreflectsthis,placingalargeemphasisonrewarding appropriate work and behaviour. Wherever possible we will involve parents in the rewardprocessbysendinghomecertificatesorpostcards and telephoning home to let them know when their child has been particularly successful. Ourstaffhavearangeofstrategiestosupportand encourage good behaviour across the school.Ourhousesystemhelpschildrenbuildateamspirit,particularlyastheyareabletoearn house points for good behaviour and a positive attitude to their learning. We also award

Pastoral Care

weeklyattendancecertificatesforclasseffort,aswellasindividualcertificatesinourcelebrationassemblies.Ourfinalawardsceremonyisamajoreventonourschoolcalendar,wherearangeofawards and trophies can be won.

Bullying

We consider bullying to be repeated behaviour thatmakesothersfeeluncomfortable,threatenedordistressed.Thiscanbephysical,verbaloremotional. Whilst occurrences in our school are extremelyraretheyaredealtwithfirmly,quicklyandsensitively.Theexactresponsewould,ofcourse,dependonthenatureofthebullyinghowever in all circumstances parents of the childrenconcernedwouldbenotifiedandthesituation carefully monitored.

Attendance

Ourpupilstakeprideinourgoodattendancerecord. Children will be more willing to attend schoolwheretheyenjoylessonsandfeelsafe,another good reason for making our lessons as rich and meaningful as possible. We also want to ensurethatchildrenaresafe,andthatthereisagood reason for them missing school.

If a child regularly complains of feeling unwell and notwantingtocometoschool,otherworriesmay be the cause. Please discuss these with us as a matter of urgency.

Holidaysduringtermtime

It is of course preferable not to interrupt your child’seducation.However,sometimesthisisunavoidable. Should this be the case we would requirealetterrequestingleaveofabsence.

The safety and well being of the children in our care is and remains our paramount concern at all times.

School Uniform

We encourage our children to take a pride in theirappearanceandrequireallchildrentowearschooluniform,whichis:

• Greenfleece–outdoorwearonly• Greensweatshirts• Greencardigans• Whiteorgreenshirts• Darkgreytrousers/shorts/skirts• Green/whitesummerdress• Greenbookbags ForreasonsofhealthandhygieneitisessentialthatachangeofclothesisavailableforP.E.Thisshould be:

• Teamcolouredshirt(withoutprintingor logos)• Blackshorts• Blackornavyjoggingbottoms• Green/blackjumperorfleece• Plimsolls/barefoot(indoorwork)• Trainers(outdoors).PEkitneedstobeinschoolthroughouttheweek.

Parents are asked to ensure that their children wear sensible shoes or sandals to school and not fashion shoes/boots or trainers. Children should notcometoschoolinmake-up,nailvarnishorjewellery.Earstudsbutnotearringsmaybeworn.Forsafetyreasonsweaskthatlongerhair should be tied back neatly for any physical activity and ear studs removed. Nail varnish will be removed. Parents are asked to mark all items of clothing and other property clearly with the name of the owner.

SchoolMeals

We can provide hot meals at a cost and conform to healthy school meal guidelines. School lunches should be paid for in advance or on the day by cash or online. Please see our website for furtherinformation.Facilitiesarealsoprovidedfor children to eat a packed lunch. We encourage parents to ensure that packed lunches are healthy

andwholesome.Moreinformationisavailablefromtheschoolofficeandonourwebsite.

Snacks

Children may bring fruit for break times. We do not allow children to bring sweets or crisps into school.

Forchildrenwhobringlunchtoschool,wedoencourage them as well as parents to make healthychoicesandprovideabalanceddiet,although we are all human and understand the attractionofanoccasionaltreat.Ourdedicatedteachingassistantshelpmonitorthequalityofchildren’slunchesandencouragethemnottowaste.

FreeSchoolMeals

FromSeptember2014,allchildreninYearR,1and2willbeentitledtoafreeschoolmealaspartoftheGovernment’sinitiative.

If you feel your child is eligible for free school mealsthenpleaseaskusforaform.Allenquiresaretreatedinconfidence.Thecriteriaforfreeschoolmealsareexplainedfullyontheapplicationform,butifyouareinreceiptofIncome Support your child may be entitled.

MedicalConditions&Medicines

If your child suffers from any medical conditions orallergiespleaseinformtheschoolofficeassoon as possible. Staff do not normally administer medicines,butifitisunavoidablepleasecontacttheschooloffice.

Illness

If your child is unwell we will make every effort tocontactyou.Thisofcourserequiresustohaveup to date telephone or mobile phone numbers.

Accidents

There are always staff at school who have had firstaidtrainingtogiveappropriatetreatmentfor

minor accidents. In the case of a more serious accident every effort will be made to contact you assoonaspossible.Everyparentwillbeaskedtosign a permission form for medical assistance to begiveninthecaseofanextremeemergencyifwe are unable to contact you.

HeadLice

Youwillbetoldifsymptomsofheadlicearefound on your child or any member of the class. Please let us know if you have treated your child so that we can advise others. This is done asa‘blanketletter’sothatnoindividualfeelsuncomfortable.

JewelleryandValuables

Wewouldrequestthatchildrendonotwearanyjewellerytoschool,thosewithpiercedears

Pastoral Care

shouldonlywearstuds.HoweveronthosedayswhenyourchildhasPElessonsnojewelleryatall should be worn. Children should not bring any valuableitemstoschool,aswearenotabletotake any responsibility should such items be lost or damaged.

Communication

Allpersonalproperty,includingclothing,shouldbeclearlymarkedwiththeowner’sname.AtthestartandendofmostschooldaystheteachersandHeadofSchoolwillcomeoutontotheplaygroundwiththechildren,thisgivesusan ideal opportunity to address any matters of concernortopassoncongratulationsquicklyandeasily.MoreformalappointmentswithboththeHeadofSchool,thePrincipalandclassteacherscanbemadethroughtheschooloffice.

Home/schoolagreement

We have a home / school agreement that outlinesinbroadtermstheexpectationsandresponsibilitiesofparents,childrenandtheschool.

ParentsandFriendsAssociation

ThePFAisextremelyactiveinorganisingsocialandfundraisingactivities.Highlightshaveincludedaleaversswimmingparty,ahugelysuccessfulsummerfete,eggrollingandahostofotherevents.Theyalsorunaweeklysweetshop,whichhas been very popular with the children and the parents. We would encourage all parents to try to attend some of the organising meetings for thevariousevents.ThePFAhashelpedsubsidisemanyactivitiesincludingswimminglessons,andhave also purchased a new sports kit and IT equipmentfortheschool.

Parent / Teacher Consultations

We offer a parent/ teacher consultation every termtoenableyoutodiscussyourchild’sprogress and any concerns you may have. Throughout the year we also hold a number of “openafternoons”atwhichyourchildcanshowyouallthewonderfulworkthey’vedone.Onceayear,anannualreportisproducedwhichcontainsallofyourchild’stestscoresandsetsouttargetsforthenextyear.ChildrenalsohavetargetsinEnglishandMathswhicharereviewedonatermly basis.

Complaints Procedure

Parents are encouraged to contact the class teacherinthefirstinstanceshouldtheywishtodiscussanyconcerns;theHeadofSchoolisalwaysavailable,normallybyappointmentinthefirstinstance,todiscussanymattersrelatingtothe school. If a parent feels that their concern has

Home/SchoolLinks

notbeendealtwithsatisfactorily,parentscanthencontactthePrincipaloftheVillageAcademy,viatheClerkofDirectors.Ifyouremaindissatisfiedwiththedecision,thentheBoardofDirectorscanbecontactedviatheClerk,afterwhichyouwould have the legal right to contact the local EducationAuthorityorindeedtheSecretaryofStateforEducation.

Parental help in school We welcome all parents or grandparents who wouldliketohelpintheschool,pleasecontactyourchild’sclassteacherifyouhaveanysparetime. In keeping with our Child Protection policiesregularvisitorswouldbesubjecttoanEnhancedDisclosureCheck.

OurFamilyLiaisonOfficer

AtLynstedandNorton,werecognisehowimportant it is that children are given emotional supportaswellasacademicstimulation.Forsomechildrenthedifficultiestheyfacebothinand out of the classroom can stand in the way of theirlearning,whatwecalla“barriertolearning”.Alongwitharangeofotherinterventions,ourwonderfulFamilyLiaisonOfficer(FLO),MrsZoeWorkman,isonhandtosupportchildrenand families when and where they need it most. Appointmentscanbemadethroughtheschooloffice,orinformallyontheschoolplaygroundatthe beginning or the end of the day.

At Lynsted and Norton Primary School we see education very much as a partnership between home and school, we therefore welcome any comments or suggestions from our parents regarding any aspect of school life.

Admissions

Admissions

In common with all schools in Kent our admissionscriteriaareasfollows,inpriorityorder: -

•ChildreninthecareofKentCountyCouncil.•Currentfamilyassociation•HealthandSpecialAccessreasons•Proximityofchildren’shomestoschool(measuredinastraightlinefromhousetoschool.).Mustbeinresidencewithintheparishesof Lynsted and Norton.

When to apply

Applicationsforreceptionplacescanbemadeonline. Legally a child reaches compulsory school ageinthetermfollowingtheirfifthbirthday;County Policy is to encourage parents to enrol theirchildreninReceptionclassesbeforethisdeadline.

TheApplicationprocessgenerallybeginsinNovember.Moreinformationisavailableatwww.kent.gov.uk/ola.

Details of how to apply for a place are available fromtheschoolofficeatalltimes,althoughforeach year allocations of places are made towards thebeginningofMarchforchildrenstartingschool in the following September.

Visitingtheschool

We strongly advise all parents to visit the school beforeapplying.Youarewelcometovisitatanytime,althoughshouldyouwishtodiscussmatterswiththeHeadofSchool/ExecutiveHead,anappointment,madebytelephoningtheschooloffice,wouldbeneeded.

Onceaplacehasbeenofferedandacceptedyou and your child will be invited to visit the schoolonseveraloccasions,bothinschooltimeandafterschool,tohelpintegrateyourchildandensurethattheirfirstdaygoessmoothly.

Starting school

AtLynstedandNortonSchoolwewanttheadmission of all children to be as smooth and happyaspossible.WeenjoystronglinkswithStepping Stones pre-school and liaise closely with all our local nurseries and pre-schools.

Thedailytimetableisamixtureofactivitiesdesigned to develop skills and encourage social interaction. The classroom is organised for the children in such a way as to develop independence and the learning environment is both in and outside the classroom.

Wearrangethree‘Induction’sessionsduringtheSummerTerm,wherethechildrenandparentsoftheSeptemberintakeareinvitedtojoinusandlearnabouttheFoundationStage.Duringthesesessionstheteacherwillexplainaboutlearningthroughplay,theEarlyLearningGoalsandworkingtowardsthereadinessforYear1.Parentsareprovidedwitha‘StartingSchool’bookletthat introduces the school and gives them the information they need prior to their child starting school.

InSeptemberallFoundationchildrenattendschoolmorningsonlyforthefirsttwoweeksandparents are offered home visits in the afternoons. These are usually half an hour in duration and allow parents and teacher to talk about the children. During the third week children stay for lunch and most of them will stay all day from the beginning of the fourth week.

Changing schools

If you wish to apply for a place for an older child at Lynsted and Norton Primary School the criteria set out above still apply. Places will be offered provided the admission does not involve usexceedingourstandardnumberperyeargroup.ContacttheHeadofSchoolforfurtherinformation.

Transfer at 11

Children leaving Lynsted and Norton to move to Secondary education go to a variety of schools. Intheirfinalyearatprimaryschoolpupilscan,ifparentswish,undertaketheselectiontestforaGrammarschoolplace(alsoknowas11+,PESEorKentTest).

Manyofthesecondaryschoolsinourareahavetheirownentrancetestsorhavespecificcriteriaforadmission,detailsofwhichcanbe obtained directly from the schools concerned.

And Finally………

We are really proud of all the children in our school and would be delighted to be able to showyoutheirwonderfulworkandexcellentbehaviour.

Glossary

Duringyourchild’stimeatschool,youmayseeabbreviationsandacronymsused.We’velistedthesebelow to help you: AT AttainmentTarget(inNationalCurriculum)ASD AutismspectrumdisordersADD AttentiondeficitdisorderADHDAttentiondeficithyperactivitydisorder

BA BachelorofArtsBSP BehaviourSupportPlanBSS BehaviourSupportService

CAF CommonApplicationFormCAF CommonAssessmentFrameworkCAT CognitiveAbilityTestCP Child protectionCPD Continuing Professional DevelopmentCRB CriminalRecordsBureau DCPO DesignatedChildProtectionOfficerDfE DepartmentforEducationDOB DateofBirth EAL EnglishasanAdditionalLanguageEBD EmotionalandBehaviouralDifficultyeCAF ElectronicCommonAssessmentFrameworkEFL EnglishasaForeignLanguageEP EducationalPsychologistEWO EducationWelfareOfficerEYFSP EarlyYearsFoundationStageProgrammeEXH ExecutiveHeadTeacher

FEX FixedTermExclusionsfromschoolFFT FischerFamilyTrust(acharitythatprovidesestimatesofpupilperformance)FLO FamilyLiaisonOfficerFS FoundationStageFSM FreeSchoolMealsFSP FoundationStageProfile

G&T GiftedandTalented

H&S HealthandSafetyHMI HerMajesty’sInspector(ate)HOSs HeadsofSchoolsHT Headteacher

IWB InteractiveWhiteBoardIEP IndividualEducationPlanINSET In-serviceEducationandTrainingIT Information Technology KS Key StageKS1 KeyStage1Years1-2(5-7yearolds)KS2 KeyStage2Years3-6(8-11yearolds)KS3 KeyStage3Years7-9(12-14yearolds)

LA LocalAuthorityLAC LookedAfterChildrenLEA LocalEducationAuthority

Design and Photography by Deborah Harris

LIFT LocalInclusionForumTeamLLDD LearnerwithLearningDifficultiesorDisabilitiesLLE LocalLeaderofEducation MFL ModernForeignLanguagesMLD ModerateLearningDifficulty NC National CurriculumNCY NationalCurriculumYearNoR NumberonRollNPQH NationalProfessionalQualificationforHeadshipNQT NewlyQualifiedTeacher OFSTEDOfficeforStandardsinEducation PAN PlannedAdmissionNumberPE PhysicalEducationPEPs PersonalEducationPlansPGCE PostgraduateCertificateofEducationPRU PupilReferralUnitPSHE Personal,SocialandHealthEducationPSHE+CPersonal,Social,HealthandCitizenshipEducationPTA ParentTeacherAssociationPTR PupilTeacherRatio

QTS QualifiedTeacherStatus

R(yr) Reception(Year1etc)RE ReligiousEducation SATs StandardAssessmentTask/TestSCR SingleCentralRecordSDP School Development PlanSEF Schoolself-evaluationformissuedbyOfstedSEN SpecialEducationalNeedsSENCOSpecialEducationalNeedsCoordinatorSLD SevereLearningDifficultySLT Senior Leadership TeamSMSC SpiritualMoralSocialCulturalSMT SeniorManagementTeamSoW Scheme of WorkSpLD SpecificLearningDifficultySUREStart Agovernmentprogrammebringingtogether,earlyeducation,childcare,healthandfamilysupport agencies VA VoluntaryAidedVC VoluntaryControlledVRQ VerbalReasoningQuotient Y1 Year1,(Y2-Year2etc.)

part of

Lynsted and Norton Primary SchoolLynstedLane,LynstedSittingbourneKentME90RLTelephone:01795521362Email:headteacher@lynsted-norton.kent.sch.ukwww.lynsted-norton.kent.sch.uk

www.thevillageacademy.co.uk