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Prospectus

www.buckleburyschool.org.uk

Prospectus Version dated September 2015

MISSION STATEMENT AND GOVERNORS’ AIMS

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

At Bucklebury, learning is at the heart of all school activity. We provide a safe, happy, caring, family environment, where Christian values are promoted, individual needs are met and all successes are celebrated. We believe that it is the role of the school to nurture and to develop the ‘whole child’, by helping our pupils to thrive academically, physically, socially, emotionally and spiritually and to enable them to achieve their full potential. In keeping with our Christian ethos, we foster respect for individuals and their differences, together with responsibility for our surroundings and ourselves. Through this, we uphold British values of democracy, a rule of law, tolerance of other faiths, individual liberty and mutual respect.

OUR GOVERNORS’ AIMS

1. To help pupils acquire lively, enquiring minds and an enthusiasm for learning.

2. To enable children to acquire knowledge and to use it responsibly and effectively.

3. To develop the ability to question and to put forward a viewpoint rationally in all pupils.

4. To lay down the foundations of sound problem solving.

5. To help pupils use language and numbers confidently, and to foster practical skills and abilities.

6. To promote physical skills through exercise and sporting activities, and the ability to look after one’s own health.

7. To enable children to work both as individuals and to co-operate in group activities.

8. To foster a sense of fair play and sportsmanship in all children.

9. To develop an understanding of spiritual and moral values, respecting other cultures and having an awareness and tolerance of differing ways of life.

10.To promote the Christian ethos that every person is precious in the eyes of God.

11.To recognise talents and skills in all people and celebrate achievement.

12.To prepare children for their adult lives, developing a sense of self-respect and the capacity to live as independent, self-motivated adults contributing fully in our society.

SAFEGUARDING

The safety of our children is of paramount importance. All visitors to the school are required to report to Reception on arrival and sign in. Visitors may be asked to show a means of identification. Health and Safety information is also displayed in Reception for visitors to the school.

Prospectus Version dated September 2015 www.buckleburyschool.org.uk

Welcome

Bucklebury C.E. Primary School is set inextensive grounds in the West Berkshirecountryside. The school moved from the oldDomesday village to its present site in 1968.

The main classrooms surround a central Library and cloakroom area, and there is a well-equipped P.E. hall which is also used as our dining room. Over the years, the school building has been extended to provide an additional classroom, ICT suite, enhanced Foundation Stage learning areas and a small teaching room.

Parents and members of the community are all welcomed into the school. They are actively involved in all aspects of school life. This complements the enthusiasm of our professional and dedicated teaching staff.

These combine to make Bucklebury a thriving and friendly Primary School, well-equipped to meet the demands of the National Curriculum and to aid the children in their educational, emotional and social development.


We hope you will find this brochure useful, welcoming and informative. On entry to the school, you will receive more detailed information about the class your child is joining.


Contents

1. Admissions Policy.............................................................................................52. Dividing the School Day....................................................................................63. Kennet and Theale Federation of Rural Schools..............................................74. Charging and Remissions Policy.......................................................................75. Classroom Organisation....................................................................................76. Discipline and Behaviour...................................................................................87. Our Uniform.......................................................................................................98. School Meals...................................................................................................109. Transport.......................................................................................................10110. Illness............................................................................................................10111. Curriculum.....................................................................................................111

11.1 English...................................................................................................12211.2 Mathematics...........................................................................................13311.3 Science..................................................................................................13311.4 Technology............................................................................................14411.5 History and Geography............................................................................1511.6 Art and Design.......................................................................................15511.7 Drama....................................................................................................15511.8 Music......................................................................................................16611.9 Physical Education...................................................................................1611.10 Religious Education.................................................................................1711.11 Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education................................1711.12 Modern Foreign Languages 18

12. Special Needs.................................................................................................1813. Reporting to Parents.......................................................................................1814. Assessment and Record Keeping...................................................................1915. Homework.......................................................................................................1916. Extra Curricular Activities................................................................................1917. Friends of Bucklebury......................................................................................2019. Information From Head to Parents..................................................................2019. Map.................................................................................................................21


1. Admissions PolicyWe are a Church of England Voluntary Controlled School and therefore West Berkshire Council is responsible for admissions to the school.

The criteria for admission in order of priority are as follows:

1. Children whose home address is in the traditional designated area of the school.

2. Children who have siblings attending the school.

3. Children whose parents choose the school on denominational grounds.

4. Children who have strong medical or social grounds for admission.

5. Children who have strong family connections with the school.

6. Children whose parents choose the school for reasons other than those above.

Children with specific Special Educational Needs and those deemed “at risk” have priority.

Our admission procedure offers a single point of entry in September of the year in which a child will have his/her fifth birthday

Parents still retain the right to defer a school place until their child reaches statutory school age (i.e. after his/her fifth birthday).

Our Infant staff maintain regular contact with our village Playgroup, Pre-School and local Nurseries. We encourage reciprocal visits whenever possible.

STANDARD ADMISSION NUMBER: 18 children per cohort

CAPACITY 126 children


2. The School Day

Although there may be some alterations from time to time, our usual school day is as follows:

08.50 a.m. - 08.55 a.m. Registration08:50 a.m. - 10:20 a.m.10:30 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. Break10:50 a.m. - 12:00 noon12:00 noon - 1:00 p.m. Lunch1:00 p.m. - 3:15 p.m.

Children should arrive at school no earlier than 8.40am, as staff are not legally responsible for them before this time. Pupils arriving any later than 08.55am will be given a late mark in the register. Pupils arriving late should report to Reception. Attendance and punctuality figures are recorded in the end of year reports.

The day ends at 3.15pm.

Children should not use playground equipment outside of the official school day (unless they are involved in supervised school clubs) for Health & Safety reasons


3. Kennet and Theale Federation of Rural Schools

Bucklebury belongs to a group of 12 rural schools whose Headteachers and staff co-operate closely in planning joint activities and events for the children.

The Federation Schools are Aldermaston, Basildon, Beenham, Bradfield, Brimpton, Bucklebury, Englefield, Purley Infants, St. Marks, St. Finians, Sulhamstead & Ufton Nervet and Woolhampton.

In-service needs of staff are occasionally met by joint training days.

4. Charging and Remissions Policy

THE GOVERNORS:

may not charge for any activities that take place in school time, with the exception of individual instrumental music tuition and French club;

may charge for activities provided wholly or mainly outside school hours, as long as these activities are optional extras;

may charge for board and lodging on residential courses;

invite parents and others to make voluntary contributions towards any aspect of the school’s curriculum.

Classroom Organisation

At Bucklebury School the children are organised into five class groups.

EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE

Children aged 4-6 years Reception & Infant1

KEY STAGE 1

Children aged 5-7 years Infant 1 and Infant 2

KEY STAGE 2 7-9 years Junior 1

8-10 years Junior 2

10-11 years Junior 3

Within these groups the children work individually, in small groups and as a class according to the work planned.


This successful approach not only fosters individual learning but also encourages team co-operation.

In addition to the teacher, each class currently has a Teacher Assistant.

Discipline and Behaviour

We are a happy, caring community, and have a high expectation that our children will behave well, be considerate to others and give of their best. Children are rewarded with smiley faces and credits.

Should children misbehave, privileges may be withdrawn or sanctions imposed. If necessary, parents are invited into school to discuss the problem. Details of our Behaviour Management Policy are available in school.

Incidents of bullying are extremely rare in our school and are always treated most seriously if and when they occur. The children are encouraged at all times to talk to staff and tell them of any problems.

The staff are always willing to discuss any aspect of school life with you but appreciate it if you make an appointment or you can give reasonable notice for such a discussion. We welcome the chance to work in partnership with you in all aspects of your child’s education.


Our Uniform

We believe uniform is not only practical, but also gives the children a sense of school identity. Our colours are bottle green, grey and white, and our uniform is as flexible as possible. The school sweatshirts are available for purchase on request from Vanessa Handley Potts our Secretary, as are green P.E. T-shirts and P.E. bags.

GIRLSWhite shirtsGrey skirts, pinafores, trousers or shortsBottle green jumper, cardigan or school sweatshirtGreen/white checked or striped dresses for the summerGrey, white or dark green socks or tights.

BOYSWhite shirts or polo shirtsGrey shorts or trousersBottle green jumpers or school sweatshirtsGrey or white socks

BOYS AND GIRLSSensible dark shoes for general wearWellingtonsTrainers

P.E. - FOR BOYS AND GIRLSBucklebury green T shirtBlack shorts (not cycle shorts please)Plain black ‘skorts’ may also be wornTrainers Football boots and shin pads (autumn and spring term)Tracksuit suitable for school use, for outdoor activities onlyP.E. bag with drawstringSocks


Lost clothing is costly and also impacts on the school day as time is wasted matching clothing to its owner. Therefore, please ensure that all items are clearly named.

For reasons of safety and security, no jewellery is to be worn - only stud earrings if absolutely necessary. Any earrings not removed will be covered with tape during P.E. lessons. Children’s hair must be tied back at all times. Hair gel and nail varnish is not permitted, except on special occasions, e.g. non-uniform days, or school discos.

8. School Meals

School meals are prepared in our own kitchen, with a choice of meals available daily, including a vegetarian option. Menus are given out in advance so that parents and children can decide what meal is required. The cost of a school meal is £2.15.

It is helpful if payment is made on the Monday of each week, together with the choices for the week. These should be sent into school in a named envelope and given to the class teacher at registration. It is also possible to order meals online.

Children may bring their own packed lunch if they wish. However, sweets, fizzy drinks, nuts or nut products are not allowed.

FREE SCHOOL MEALS

Free school meals are provided for all infant children.

9. Transport

Although ‘catchment’ areas have disappeared with parents being given the right to choose a school, certain children who live in the designated area decided by the Local Authority will be given free transport to school. This is dependent upon distance.

Children under eight years old, who live more than two miles from school in the original catchment area are offered a free, LA. funded taxi service to school.

Please request a school transport form from the Headteacher if you think you may be eligible.

10. Illness

If your child is ill or absent for any reason, please inform the school by telephone as soon as possible. If we have no information about an absent child, it is school policy to telephone parents to ascertain the reason.

Strictly speaking if children are taking antibiotic medicines or something similar, they should not be in school until fully recovered. Parents may, however, approach the Headteacher to request that a child be given such medicine at school if the child is clearly feeling better.


Medicines will be stored in the Main Office and dispensed by a member of staff when supported by a signed Medication Form.

ASTHMA Asthmatic children may find it necessary to occasionally use an inhaler. Whilst children are encouraged to be responsible for their own treatments, their inhalers are kept securely in the Main Office. The inhalers are kept within easy reach and with open access for these children.Please ensure the LABELLED inhaler and medication details are updated when necessary.

ALLERGIES Some children suffer from severe allergic reactions and require an Epipen, Jextpen or Annapen to be kept in school. All members of staff receive annual training in the administering of these pens. Please ensure the LABELLED treatment pens are updated regularly. Parents and carers are responsible for ensuring that medicines in school are within date.

INJURY Parents/Guardians will be informed immediately of any serious illness or injury to their child. It is essential that parents keep the school informed of any changes in address, daytime contact telephone number, or changes in family circumstances.

11. Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to meet the requirements of the new National Curriculum (September 2014). The Governors have an agreed Statement of Policy for the Curriculum. All policy statements are available in school on request.

The National Curriculum requires that we teach the following subjects:

English Art and DesignMaths DramaScience MusicGeography Physical Education (P.E.)History Religious Education (R.E.)Modern Foreign Languages (Key Stage 2)Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education (P.S.H.C.E.)Computing


As well as teaching subjects on a more specialised basis, e.g. English and Maths, we adopt a project-based approach to cover broad areas of study. Topic webs are published every term for information.

11.1 English

The National Curriculum divides English into the Key areas of:Speaking and ListeningReadingWriting, which includes Spelling and Handwriting.

Speaking and Listening

Children are given many opportunities to express themselves through discussions, reporting and drama, in the classroom, assemblies and in performances. From this they learn to organise their thoughts and to express themselves logically. They also learn to listen to one another and feel that their response is valued.

Reading

At Bucklebury, learning to read is seen as a gradual process, involving a series of pre-reading activities, which eventually lead to confident and fluent reading. Reading is very successfully taught here through a systematic process of initial whole word recognition and linked phonic awareness. We draw from a number of highly regarded Reading schemes, for example:

Oxford Reading Tree

Lighthouse

Sails

Songbirds


We encourage parents and children to share books at all stages in their school life, and to join the local library, thereby fostering a wider appreciation of language.

Writing

Once the children have mastered the physical skills of letter formation and the understanding of the concept of words, they are encouraged to write independently and purposefully, in differing styles for differing audiences. A cursive style of handwriting is taught from the outset.

Spelling and Handwriting

Children are encouraged to learn their spellings by the LOOK/COVER/WRITE/CHECK method. Junior children are encourage to use a handwriting pen once their style of writing is consistently neat and joined up.

11.2 Mathematics

With an emphasis on mental calculation and oral work, every effort is made to enable children to become confident in their handling of number so that gradually they are able to choose appropriate methods for solving problems and tackling maths investigations.

Practical work provides an understanding of computational skills.

Appropriate computer software is regularly integrated into the learning system to support understanding of concepts.

11.3. Science

At Bucklebury, we aim to teach scientific concepts through a balance of knowledge, prediction, investigation and evaluation. The children are taught the value of practical activities, establishing the importance for fair testing to prove scientific principles.

The National Curriculum is followed through both a discrete and topic-based approach integrating science in a meaningful way.


Sex and Relationship Education (S.R.E.)

This is incorporated within our PHSE ‘Jigsaw’ scheme. In this way this sensitive subject is introduced and discussed in context. Parents are informed in advance of these programmes of work and are welcome to come into school to discuss the scheme with staff.

Our aim is to ensure that the children have had the opportunity to discuss and understand this subject sympathetically to meet their adolescence with confidence.

All materials used have been ratified by the Governing Body and are considered the most suitable for our children.

11.4 Technology

Computing

From Foundation Stage year onwards, children have regular access to our computer network and computer suite. This happens through both timetabled sessions and more informal opportunities. The school also has sixteen ‘Learn pads.’

A range of software is used both to teach the necessary computer skills and to support the curriculum.

The network offers suitable Internet access and e-mail facilities to each child, once parental consent has been given.

Design and Technology

Through their project work, our children are given the opportunity to observe every day articles and artefacts, investigating how energy, mechanisms and materials may be combined to produce a desired result. Design and Make activities give the children experience of practical work. Food technology is also an aspect of this subject.


11.5 History and Geography

These are at present taught successfully through the thematic approaches in our project cycle. Through this we aim to raise the awareness of young children to different times, places and customs as well as different attitudes, values and beliefs.

11.6 Art and Design

Art is integrated in all curricular areas. Specific skills are taught using a wide variety of materials.

All children are able to experience the elements of Art, which include colour, shape, texture, pattern and line in both 2D and 3D form. They are encouraged to develop individuality and critical awareness.

It is hoped that the children will develop an appreciation and some understanding of the works of recognised artists, sculptors and architects.

Creating a stimulating learning environment through display is important in our school.

11.7 Drama

Drama skills are encouraged from the earliest years by providing regular opportunities for movement and body language, gradually involving speech and dramatisation of ideas and stories.

Children of all ages are involved in the presentation of stories and assembly themes throughout the year, with an exciting end of term production.


11.8 Music

This is an important aspect of our school life, and the children are encouraged to enjoy all aspects of music. They are given the opportunity to listen, and appreciate many styles of music. Children also have the chance to present their own music making throughout the school year. Peripatetic music teachers from the West Berkshire Maestros visit the school, providing private tuition for a variety of instruments.

11.9 Physical Education

We provide opportunities for children to develop in physical fitness, sporting skills and team commitment. All children benefit from the challenge, enjoyment and confidence that physical activities bring. Creative movement and drama are also important aspects of the P.E. curriculum.

The hall is well equipped with a good variety of gymnastic apparatus and there is a large amount of small games equipment for indoor/outdoor use.

The extensive school grounds provide the facilities for netball, rounders, football, hockey, tag rugby, athletics and team games. Children in Year 5 also have the opportunity to play tennis.

The need for every child to be able to swim before leaving primary school is fully recognised. Children in Year 3 are offered the opportunity of swimming


lessons at a local pool. Lessons are led by our own qualified teachers as well as a swimming coach at the pool.

Badminton is offered outside school hours and a private Judo Club is available too. A privately funded Multisports Club also runs, offering opportunities for children.

Children are encouraged to take part in many sporting competitions and tournaments, both in and out of school hours.

Friendly matches are played against teams from our Federation partners.

11.10 Religious Education

Religious Education is currently taught according to the West Berkshire Agreed Syllabus. The children explore aspects of Christian beliefs and way of life, and have an introduction to other major cultures, discussing moral and spiritual matters in class.

Parents have the right to withdraw their children from Religious Education and Collective Worship if they wish. They will be provided with appropriate activities, under supervision.

11.11 Personal, Social and Health Education

Within PSHE, children are offered the knowledge, skills and understanding they need to lead confident, healthy independent lives and to become informed, active and responsible citizens. From “Circle Time”, class councils, School Council and talks from outside agencies, the children reflect on their own experiences and understand how they are developing personally and socially as they move towards adulthood.


11.12 Modern Foreign Languages

In accordance with the National Curriculum, junior children study Oracy, Literacy, Intercultural understanding, Knowledge about Language and Language Learning Strategies. Infants learn simple phrases, songs and also learn about aspects of different countries. There is a private lunchtime French club for children in Year 1 upwards.

12. Special Educational Needs and Disability

Governors and staff recognise that there will be children who have special needs. Such children may have a physical disability, cognitive or sensory impairment, or be extremely able children for whom extra provision will be required. Acting upon the Headteacher’s advice, the Governors will ensure that all appropriate resources are made available to fulfil the needs of these children and to meet the requirements of the Code of Practice. The school has adopted the recommendations for the identification and assessment of children with Special Needs and Disability, as laid down in the Code of Practice.

13. Reporting to Parents

An Annual Report is sent to parents during the summer term, detailing their child’s performance and progress. In addition, parents receive a mid-year review in February of progress and attainment.

Consultation Evenings are held termly, when parents are invited to discuss their child’s work and the report with their teacher. We also hold regular Parents Welcome times providing parents with the opportunity to look at work and the displays in school with their children.

We encourage parents to come in to talk to the staff if ever they feel there is a need, rather than wait for these more formal occasions. Staff are always willing to talk to parents, although after school times are usually more appropriate.


14. Assessment and Record Keeping

The children’s work is regularly assessed, to monitor and evaluate their progress. In line with the requirements of the National Curriculum the children complete Standard Assessment Tests (SATs) at the end of Year 2 and Year 6. We also administer termly reading, spelling and maths assessments at the start of the autumn, spring and summer terms.

15. Homework

We believe that homework is a valuable means of linking home and school activities. From the first days at school, the children are encouraged to share their reading books with their parents.

Homework extends to other aspects of the curriculum as the children grow older. This may then include areas such as tasks in Maths and English, learning tables, spellings, handwriting practice, learning poetry or researching for a personal project, as the teachers consider appropriate.

The amount and frequency of homework increases gradually. Our Homework guidelines are available on request.

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16. Extra-curricular Activities

We offer a range of well-supported extra-curricular activities, run by school staff, volunteer parents and professional organisations.

At present the following activities are offered:

SPORT MUSIC OTHERSNetball Recorders FrenchBadminton Guitar* Dance Fusion*Football* Choir Country dancingJudo*Gymnastics*

Code club

* These are provided by outside agencies and therefore providers have a private arrangement with parents and carers.


17. Friends of Bucklebury

Every parent is automatically a member of our FoBs and those who would like to take an active role by joining the committee are enthusiastically welcomed. The A.G.M. of the F.O.Bs. is held every autumn and the committee have several social functions every year to raise much-needed extra funds for the school. Such activities have included a Christmas Bazaar, a Children’s Party and a Summer Fete. The F.O.Bs also run other popular events such as a quiz, children’s disco and cake stalls in school. Other organisations within the village take part occasionally, supporting these most enjoyable occasions.

In the last 2/3 years the F.O.Bs. have continued to support the school by providing computers, musical instruments, P.E. equipment and funding environmental projects around the school grounds.

There is also a 200 Club Lottery which offers a £100 prize each month for someone in the neighbourhood. The draw is limited to 200 people so the chances of winning are very attractive! All parents and relatives are invited to join the scheme. Further information is available through the school office.

18. Information from Head to Parents

Documents related to the curriculum at the school, including schemes of work, policy statements, the school prospectus, the OFSTED report about the school, DFE circulars and copies of the Statutory Instruments are all available on request. Please see the Headteacher if you wish to read any of these. Many are also available on the school website.


20. Map

Blacklands RoadUpper BuckleburyReadingBerkshire RG7 6QPTel: 01635 862965Email: [email protected]

Website: www.buckleburyschool.org.uk


mailto:[email protected]