type of school...tag rugby competition run by leamington rugby club. telephone 01926 426020 2010...

www.btschool.co.uk Telephone 01926 426020 2010

“A good school with outstanding features” Ofsted 2009

Bishop’s Tachbrook

Church of England

Primary School

Prospectus



Dear Parents,

Our school aims to encourage respect for Christian, spiritual and moral values, whilst

aiming for academic excellence. Children are at the centre of everything we do and we

want to give them a lively interest in learning which will build their self-esteem and enable

them to achieve their full potential.

As a result of our teaching, excellent pastoral care and opportunities for learning beyond

the classroom, our children develop as individuals and are equipped for life by their

experiences here. We are proud of our results and of the progress made by each individual

child. We carefully and regularly track the progress of each child to make sure they are

supported in their learning to meet their needs. We welcome children from all

backgrounds and cultures and teach children to respect and learn about the diversity of

beliefs and customs both in our local community and in the world beyond.

Investment over recent years means that your child will enjoy learning in comfortable,

well-equipped surroundings. As well as having two ICT suites in the school, all

classrooms now have interactive white boards (kindly paid for by the PTA), so that

teaching and learning can be most effective through the use of new technologies. The

school’s playgrounds and fields are impressive and provide plenty of opportunity for sport

and play. We are planning an exciting programme of re-development to further enhance

the provision for play and learning by improving the school grounds, alongside an

extension to the school building to provide more space for creative and exploratory play in

the Early Years.

We are always pleased to show prospective families around the school. Please come and visit to

see us in action. We look forward to welcoming your family.

Yours sincerely,

Andy Brettell, Head teacher Monica Heath, Chair of Governors



TYPE OF SCHOOL

We are a Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School which maintains strong links

with the local church of St.Chad’s while teaching children to respect the diversity of beliefs in

society.

AIMS OF THE SCHOOL

To encourage individuals to develop a sense of self-esteem,

responsibility, independence and self discipline.

To encourage children to care for each other and their environment and

become responsible members of society.

To foster, within a caring and purposeful atmosphere, a lively interest in

learning that will enable children to develop their full potential.

To provide a range of learning activities which support an appropriate

and balanced approach to the curriculum

To encourage respect for Christian, spiritual and moral values.

To recognise and respect the diversity, opinions, beliefs, customs and

skills of other people.

To work in partnership with parents, governors and the local

community to enhance the life of the school and especially the

educational opportunities for pupils.

Celebrating Harvest at St Chad’s Celebrating Chinese New Year



ADMISSIONS

We accept children at the beginning of the school year in which they have their fifth birthday.

Normally, children move on to secondary school at the beginning of the school year in which they

attain the age of twelve.

The admissions authority for Bishop's Tachbrook School is the local authority. In the event that

applications for entry exceed the number of places available, Warwickshire’s admissions policy gives

priority in the following order:

1. Children living in the school’s priority area who have a brother or sister at the school.

2. Other children living in the school’s priority area.

3. Children from outside the priority area who have a brother or sister at the school.

4. Other children from outside the priority area.

Our standard admission number for each school year is 30.

The School’s Priority Area is the parish of Bishop's Tachbrook.

The school has at present 199 pupils organized into seven classes.

EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY

We believe in equality of opportunity for all children. Gender, race, academic or physical ability

should never be a bar to the pursuance of the whole curriculum. We value all children’s efforts

and encourage them to respect one another’s contributions.

County Music offer instrument lessons at the school.



STAFFING

Key Stage 1 (KS1)

Teacher(s) Teaching Assistant(s) Number of Pupils

Reception Mrs. Jenna Davies Mrs. Dawn Thompson

Mrs. Gillian Robiquet

30

Year 1 Miss Rosemary Gregory Mrs. Sara Blowey

Mrs. Helen Morton-

Abbott

Mrs. Victoria Lewis

30

Year 2 Mrs. Kate Dixon

Mrs. Claire Pepin

Mrs. Lindy Myers

30

Key Stage 2 (KS2)

Teacher(s) Teaching Assistant(s) Number of Pupils

Year 3 Mrs. Helen Power

Miss Lleryn Brocklehurst

Mrs. Lindy Myers 29

Year 4 Mrs. Phyl White

Mrs. Elaine George

30

Year 5 Mrs. Janet Johnson Mrs. Gillian Robiquet 26

Year 6 Miss Gillian Blundell Mrs. Helen Morton-

Abbott

29

In the mornings Key Stage 2 is taught in sets for Literacy and Numeracy. All other subjects

are delivered in the afternoons in year groups.

Literacy Numeracy

Set 1 Mrs. Janet Johnson Mrs. Janet Johnson

Set 2 Mrs. Claire Woolley Mrs. Claire Woolley

Set 3 Miss Gillian Blundell Miss Gillian Blundell

Set 4 Mrs. Power and Miss

Brocklehurst

Mrs. Power and Miss

Brocklehurst

Sets 2-4 also have some Teaching Assistant support each morning.

Our School Bursar Mrs. Sheila Wyatt manages the office with Mrs. Sara Blowey and Mrs. Laura

Wetherhill, who work part time as administrative assistants.



THE SCHOOL DAY

We expect our children to arrive between 8.45 am and 8.55 am. Registration is at 8.55am and

lessons begin at 9.00 am

Morning Session

Infants (KS1) 8.55am - Noon

Juniors (KS2) 8.55am - 12.30 pm

In the mornings Key Stage 2 split into sets after registration for Literacy and Numeracy. There is a

break in the morning for all children from 10.30-11 am, including 15 minutes of “Fit for Learning”.

Afternoon Session

Infants (KS1) 1.15pm - 3.15pm

Juniors (KS2) 1.30pm - 3.15pm

The infants have an afternoon break from 2.15-2.30 p.m.

Pupil-teacher contact time, excluding assemblies, for juniors is 24hours 35 minutes and for infants

is 22 hours 5 minutes.

The Early Years Music Lessons Playing in Year 1

LUNCHTIMES

Our Catering Supervisor is Mrs. Sharlene Hayward. School meals are cooked on the premises and

much thought is put in to finding healthy and attractive choices for the children. We also provide a

healthy eating snack-bar for juniors which provides sandwiches, baguettes and jacket potatoes.

Children are welcome to bring in packed lunches and water is always available.

School meals cost £1..70 per day. We ask that dinner-money for the week is sent in on the first day

of that week. Payment may be accepted by cheque payable to the school weekly, half-termly or termly

in advance. Please let us know if your child is coming late but will require a school lunch. If you are

receiving Income Support or Income Based Job Seekers’ Allowance your child(ren) may be eligible for

free meals. Mrs. Wyatt, Mrs. Blowey or Mrs. Wetherhill will be happy to give confidential help. We

ask that you give at least a week’s notice if you wish to change your child(ren)’s arrangements.



Assessment

Our children take SATS tests at 7 and 11 years old, in line with Government requirements for the

National Curriculum. The results of these tests will be shared with parents soon after the tests, and

will be available in school upon request. We are making use of the optional tests for 8, 9 and 10 year

olds which enable us to plot progress. The progress of children from Reception, to the 7 year old and 11

year old tests is carefully monitored through individual tracking grids to ensure children are

meeting expectations.

All classes have weekly spelling, tables and other tests in the core subjects and results are used to

monitor a child's progress. This information informs the targets we set for each individual child.

Our school SATS results are shown below:

Key Stage 1 (Year 2)

Level 2 +

School 2009

Level 2+

National 2008

Level 2A/3

School 2009

Level 2A/3

National 2008

Reading 93% 84% 64% 61%

Writing 93% 80% 46% 43%

Maths 93 % 90% 50% 50%

In KS1 Level 2B is classed as average, level 2A/3 is above average attainment.

Key Stage 2 (Year 6)

Level 4

School 2007

Level 4

National 2006

Level 5

School 2007

Level 5

National 2006

English 88% 80% 52% 29%

Maths 88% 79% 68% 35%

Science 96% 88% 60% 43%

In Ks2, Level 4 is classed as average; level 5 is significantly above average age-related attainment.

Year 1 art work



EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

We are a Centre for the Children’s University of Warwickshire.

We run a variety of extra curricular clubs at lunchtime or after school which are validated and

count towards a nationally recognized award. Each club runs for a minimum of 8 hours after

which children receive a Children’s University certificate. When children have attended 3

different modules they are awarded a Bronze medal. After 6 modules (48 hours extra curricular

clubs or activities), children receive a Silver medal and children who receive Gold (72 hours)

attend a graduation ceremony at Warwick University.

We find that the more children feel successful in activities beyond the curriculum, the more they

are able to approach their school work with confidence.

Over the past year we have offered football, netball, tag-rugby, hockey and striking sports clubs, as

well as a tree club, a recorder club, a Boys into Books club, Street Dance, a playground design club,

an ocarina club, a choir and a chamber choir.

The Tree Club receive their certificates The choir perform in the community.

We also enter the area and district athletic competitions each year and are involved in an annual

tag rugby competition run by Leamington Rugby Club.



THE CURRICULUM

As a staff we plan to ensure:

that the curriculum engages children by its creativity

that the curriculum is tailored to the needs of each child, helping them reach their potential

that the curriculum is broad, balanced and structured

that each child is prepared for tackling problems

that each child is prepared for secondary school

that the school delivers the requirements of the National Curriculum

We teach the three Core subjects of Literacy, Numeracy and Science alongside the Foundation

subjects of History, Geography, Art, Music, Religious Education and PE/Games. Spanish is

taught throughout Ks2 and Year 6 are supported in their Spanish by a visiting teacher from

Aylesford School. ICT (Information and Communication Technology) is delivered in every subject

and we are fortunate to have a dedicated, modern ICT suite housing 16 computers. In every

classroom there is an interactive whiteboard.

PSHE & Citizenship

The school believes that personal, social and health education plays a vital role in preparing

children for adult life. Sex education is a vital part of this programme, which aims to support

and promote attitudes, practices and understanding, conducive to good health. In the infant

classes, PSHE is taught so each child can develop in confidence, grow and learn.

In the junior classes there is a steady progression toward the understanding of relationships, of the

effects of drugs and alcohol, of the working of their bodies and the ways in which they can take

responsibility for their own health and relationships. Specific sex education is planned in Year 6

but parents are informed before it takes place and have an opportunity to view material.

Year 6 growing crystals in Science Year 4 studying History through Art.



Collective Worship

We have strong links with the parish church and worship at St Chad’s through the school year. Our

collective worship in school relates to the children’s experience and is of a broadly Christian character,

focusing on Christian Values:

We teach children the importance and relevance of these Christian values:

Honesty

Responsibility

Trust

Compassion

Thankfulness

Hope

Forgiveness

Tolerance

Kindness

Peace

Respect

Justice

We are also teaching about other religions and their celebrations so that children learn to respect the

diversity, opinions, beliefs and customs of other people.

Celebrating Eid Worship at Harvest Christmas at Coventry Cathedral

R.E.

Our Religious Education is taught in classes weekly and follows the Warwickshire syllabus



ABSENCE

Please inform the school by 9.00 am if your child is absent.

If your child is taken ill in school we will attempt to contact you, or a relative or friend named by you,

so that your child may return home.

Please help us to keep your contact details up to date by informing us of any changes, even if of a

temporary nature. Always give a land-line if possible.

If a child has sickness or diarrhoea they should remain away from school for 48 hours after the last

episode to prevent spreading the bug around.

If you are due to meet your child and you are delayed for any reason, a telephone call will help us to

ensure your child is looked after.

HOLIDAYS IN TERM TIME

There is no entitlement to annual term-time holidays. Holidays are not an automatic right during term time and we are strenuously trying to

improve our attendance figures.

The Governors and the School are keen to minimize the number of school days children miss

in line with the law on school attendance. Apart from the injustice generated, we try to

develop a sense of loyalty and responsibility. Unnecessary absence during term time can

have a very damaging impact on a child's achievement. If a child misses two weeks per year during their school career this is equivalent to two complete terms

during their education!

For this reason, parents who continue to take their child on a term time holiday despite

authorisation having been refused may, under some circumstances, incur a fixed penalty fine

issued by the local authority.

Science investigation on which materials are impermeable.



CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS

In November, 2006 we gained dyslexia friendly status. This is recognition of the fact that we

endeavour to find a preferred method of learning for each child. Our co-ordinator for children with

special educational needs (SENCO) is Claire Pepin. She is assisted by Elaine George (a senior

teaching assistant) who helps to ensure that our plans are put into practice in the classroom.

All staff work within the SEN Code of Practice, which identifies three levels of support: School Action,

School Action Plus and children with a statement for SEN.

At School Action level, children are supported by staff within school whilst pupils at School Action

Plus or a statement receive additional support, often from outside agencies.

Our school has two staff trained in the Social Use of Language Programme which teaches children

social skills such as listening, looking and the awareness of self and others.

We recognise that gifted children also have special needs and we identify those children that may

need particular challenges in their work.

ARRANGEMENTS FOR CHILDREN WITH PHYSICAL DIFFICULTIES

We are committed to offering pupils equal access. Pupils with a disability are encouraged to

participate in everyday activities with other pupils. We have four ramps which give wheelchair access to

the Hall, the main Junior access and a Junior classroom. There is also a ramp allowing access to the

Early Years. Both Junior toilets have been adapted to accommodate a wheelchair. There is also easy

access to the playground for a wheelchair.

"As parents of a child with SEN we know how hard it is to choose the right school and we feel relieved that Bishops Tachbrook School

provides a safe, friendly and inclusive environment for our child.

The SEN staff are absolutely fantastic and everybody (parents, staff and outside agencies) work

together to provide the right learning environment for SEN children, which

is a huge relief to us."

Steve & Amanda Smith, parents



CHARGING

Wherever possible we believe that activities in school should be provided free of charge. There are,

however, certain experiences that we would like to provide to enhance the education of our children

which could not be undertaken without voluntary contributions, for example swimming and visits to

places of interest. We try to keep in mind the financial pressures parents are under and restrict

ventures accordingly. We also ask for money to cover the cost of ingredients when pupils are cooking.

In line with schools throughout the County we offer extra music teaching and charge for group and

individual tuition.

HOMEWORK

We like to encourage links between home and school. All children have a home-school diary in which

we would like you to add your comments and observations about your child’s achievements at home

and school.

All children are given homework activities which relate to work they are doing at school. This may be

reading, writing, finding out information for a topic or making something. Parents are asked to

support and encourage children with their homework. We also know that the children who develop a

reading habit and spend a little regular time each day reading are most likely to keep the reading

habit and continue to learn through their reading.

Key Stage One pupils performing at Christmas.



COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

As a school we believe in encouraging parents to discuss all matters, curricular or otherwise, with the

child’s teacher in order to develop a happy, caring atmosphere.

1 When you have a problem it should be raised promptly with your child’s class teacher. If it cannot be

resolved immediately a meeting should be arranged for a fuller discussion.

2 If a satisfactory solution has not been found an appointment should be made to see the Headteacher who

may refer the matter to the governors if it cannot be resolved. .

DISCIPLINE

Just as the school staff endeavour to value the children in their charge, we expect the children to value their

environment and the relationships they form in school. We emphasise respect for one another, tolerance of one

another’s point of view, the School’s Christian values (and encourage practices which promote safety).

We believe in partnership between home and school. If we have any concern about your child we will not hesitate

to talk to you. If we are not able to contact you by telephone or in person, we will write inviting you to a meeting

with the class teacher and possibly the Headteacher. The purpose would be to share thoughts and discuss

strategies which could be put into practice to resolve concerns. Lapses in behaviour are often cries for help.

Together we may be able to respond.

SCHOOL INTEGRATED DEVELOPMENT PLAN

We have a development plan which details the targets the school has set for the next three years. Within it is

contained the financial, curricular, resourcing and staffing plans and the way we intend to improve and

maintain the building.

MEDICINES

For legal reasons, staff are not allowed to administer medicines. However, if a doctor prescribes tablets

or medicines which have to be taken during the day, we will endeavour to facilitate this. All

medicines will be stored safely in school and we will allow parents to come into school to ensure the

correct dosage is taken. When parents and school agree that it is practicable, we will allow children to

self-administer. When this process is agreed, a form must be filled in at the office.



CHILD PROTECTION

Our first concern is your child's welfare and therefore there may be occasions when we have to consult

other agencies even before we contact you. Should this be necessary we want to reassure you that any

concerns we have about your child will then be fully discussed with you after we have talked to the

other agency. The procedures we follow have been laid down by the Warwickshire Area Child

Protection Committee. If you wish to know more about this procedure please speak to the Headteacher.

SCHOOL TRANSPORT

Pupils who live on Warwick Gates within the school catchment area are able to use the school bus, free

of charge, which runs between the school and designated stops on Warwick Gates. This greatly

reduces the number of cars needing to park outside the school. Further details are available from the

Transport Section, County Education Office (01926 410410).

LOCAL VISITS

From time to time pupils may make local visits as part of their curriculum work, (for example to the

park, the church or within the village). Any such visits will be carefully planned and supervised by

the appropriate ratio of teachers and other adults Parents will be asked to sign a permission form at

the start of the year to allow their child to go with their teacher on small local visits such as these.

There will also be trips from time to time which involve using buses or going further afield. In these

cases we will of course seek your permission in writing.

Walking to Church, History work following village walk, A Class visit.



PARENTS

We have many parents, former parents and friends who help in school. Parents are often invited

to assist with class activities, such as reading, swimming, design technology projects and

school trips. We are always glad to welcome new helpers. To ensure children’s safety, all helpers

and volunteers are required to apply for CRB certificates. Details and application forms are

available at the office.

There are two main parents’ evenings arranged in school each year. Parents are, however, welcome

at any time. Please do not feel you have to have a concern to come in, we really do enjoy meeting

satisfied customers! Obviously, a pre-arranged appointment helps us to meet your needs more

easily.

The PTA

The PTA is a real strength of the school. We are fortunate to have a very good group of dedicated

parents who assist at school functions, run a huge variety of fund-raising activities, create a

lot of fun and in the process raise a tremendous amount for the school. Last year the PTA

funded the purchase and installation of Smart Boards and projectors in every class. This year

the PTA are raising money for our Playground appeal for new equipment and play areas to

benefit every child in school.

Father Christmas arrives in style at the PTA Fayre.



PRE-SCHOOL NURSERY GROUP

Bishop's Tachbrook Nursery Group is housed in a classroom at the school. It accepts children

from the age of 2 years and 9 months and the Nursery Team led by Mrs. Zita Lowe. Nursery

pupils share activities across the Foundation Stage and work with staff from Reception. This

greatly increases their confidence when they move into school. Our Nursery participates in

school concerts and other events, Our very close links with the Nursery and the “Open Door”

sessions twice a week help the Nursery age children prepare for school and get to know the staff.

Hard at work

Just working it out by myself



OUT OF SCHOOL CARE CLUB

BREAKFAST CLUB

We have run a very successful Breakfast Club. Children are able to arrive at school at 7.45 a.m. and

remain to pursue activities until school starts at 8.45a.m. The club is run by Sharlene Hayward. All

children arriving before 8.30 am are given a healthy breakfast, usually toast or cereal. Further

details can be obtained from school or on 07880 802941. The activities and friendships of the Club

can be, and are, enjoyed by all children, although working parents find it especially beneficial.

AFTER SCHOOL CARE

We also have an established Out of School Care Club which operates from 3.15pm until 5.45pm.

daily. The cost is £5.00 for the first session from 3.15pm to 4.30pm, £2.00 for the next half-hour and

£1.50 for the last session which is from 5pm to 5.45pm. There are discounts for families.

All children are given a drink at the beginning of club and toast, toppings and fruit, are offered at

4.30pm.

HOLIDAY TIMES

Out of School Club also operates at half terms and through many holiday periods.

Further details can be obtained from school or on 07880 802 941 during club hours.

Year 6 children inside their Design for a Geodesic dome



Name Committee

Local Authority Monica Heath (Chairperson) Resources

Local Authority Philip Holding Resources

Foundation Stella Joseph Performance &

Standards

Foundation Vacancy (Church Inter-regnum)

Foundation Vera Leeke Performance &

Standards (Chair)

Community Carol Gabbitas (Vice Chairperson) Resources (Chair)

Community Michelle Robertson Performance &

Standards

Parent Elizabeth Heigl Resources

Parent Jayne-Anne Jolley Performance &

Standards

Parent Richard Minty Performance &

Standards

Parent Richard Lonsdale Resources

Parent Amanda Smith Performance &

Standards

Teacher Sally Hewitt

Non-Teacher Lindy Myers

Headteacher Andy Brettell

Clerk (Local Authority appointment)



SCHOOL UNIFORM - worn as appropriate to season/weather

PLEASE PUT YOUR CHILD'S NAME IN EVERY ARTICLE OF CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR.

Mid-grey Skirt

Mid-grey Short/Long trousers

White/Green Polo Shirt with school logo

Mid-green/White Checked/Striped dress

Bottle Green Sweatshirt or cardigan with school logo.

White/Grey Socks

Green/Grey Tights

Black Sturdy shoes (not boots or sandals) with flat heels.

Painting overall An old shirt

Younger children's uniform should be appropriate to their age - shoes they can do up themselves,

such as Velcro fastenings.

P.E. Kit - in named drawstring bag White Shorts

White T-shirt with logo

Black Track suit bottoms (not dance trousers)

Green Reversible school zipped fleece

Black Pumps.

(Trainers can also be brought into KS2 for Sports but black pumps are still needed throughout.)

SUMMER

Baseball caps with school logo are available.

Please apply SPF 30+Sun protection at home in hot weather.

JEWELLERY, HAIR and NAIL VARNISH

For safety reasons children are not allowed to wear any jewellery. No earrings should be worn. If

you wish your child to have pierced ears it would help us if this could be done at the beginning of

the summer holidays. Children with long hair should have it tied back. Nail varnish is not

acceptable for children at school.

Uniform with the School badge on it can be purchased from:

Main Stockist: Chez Rama,

18 - 22 Clemens Street, Leamington Spa 01926 450 231

10% discount when spending £50 or more



SECONDARY SCHOOLS

We have strong links with several local secondary schools. All our neighbouring schools hold

meetings for prospective parents and details of these can be obtained from us near to the beginning

of each school year.

Most children in our priority area transfer to the following schools:

Aylesford School, Warwick

Myton School, Warwick

Campion School, Leamington Spa

Trinity R.C. School, Leamington Spa

SCHOOL 11+ ENTRY TO GRAMMAR SCHOOL

Some of our pupils sit the Warwickshire selective Grammar School tests in October for entry to: KES Grammar School for Boys, Stratford

Stratford Grammar School for Girls, Shottery

Lawrence Sherriff School, Rugby

Alcester Grammar School, Alcester.

In 2010, 3 of our 26 Year 6 pupils gained places at these Grammar schools.

Other Fee Paying schools which can be considered include:

Warwick School for Boys (some pupils can obtain scholarships)

King's High School for Girls, Warwick (some pupils can obtain scholarships)

Year 6 pupils having a Science lesson at Myton

SCHOOL TRANSFER SUPPORT SERVICE

If you want further information about secondary schools, just contact the Warwickshire

School Transfer Support Service on 01926 742211

PARENT SUPPORT

We have an excellent Parent Support service who can be contacted on 01926 746 968. Our

Support worker Fiona Wiggins is available to help with all aspects of parenting.

type of school...tag rugby competition run by leamington rugby club. telephone 01926 426020 2010...

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