Dent C of E Primary School Dent

At the close of the last school year there were 32 pupils on roll. Attendance averaged 96.63%. The law now requires that the school be notified of any absence from school. A note or telephone call will cover parents’ legal responsibility to inform the school of reasons for absence. All leave for holidays is discretionary, not an automatic entitlement. Holidays in term time must be authorised by the Head Teacher. Parents are asked to complete the appropriate form available from school. Absence of 10 days or more will not be authorised unless there is a very exceptional reason. The parent responsible for the child must make the request on behalf of an estranged partner if they consent to the holiday, even if they are not going on it themselves (e.g. a holiday with grandparents). It is not seen as appropriate to grant each parent a separate holiday.

No leave will be authorised during May due to assessments being carried out.

A letter or telephone call to notify the school of any illness is necessary, as unauthorised absences are notifiable to Educational Welfare and the L.A. Your child is given a late mark if reporting to school after registration at 9.00 a.m. Governors are pleased to report an excellent school attendance record.

The school operates a policy of calling parents/carers if a child does not attend school and the school has not been notified. This is to ensure that no child is absent without parents knowledge as part of our safeguarding policy.

Homework

We recognise that the purposes and extent of homework changes as children get older. For children in Key Stage 1, the focus will be on developing a partnership with parents utilising opportunities for learning at home. Short activities, word games, learning spellings, practising number bonds and enjoying reading together will be the nature of the homework. Great emphasis will be given to the importance of parents reading with their children, since children need regular opportunities to practise reading and to listen to others reading to them. Overall the time spent on homework in KS1 will be about 1 hour per week.

In Key Stage 2 the main purpose of homework is to provide opportunities for children to develop the skills of independent learning and to further consolidate the work carried out in school. Homework will include: spelling, reading and reading comprehension, research related to different curriculum areas, mental maths and times tables. It may also include science work.

In Y6 the children will be asked to complete practice papers and tasks related to the end of year National Curriculum Tests (SATs).

In Y3/4 time spent on homework will be approximately 1.5 hours per week

In Y5/6 time spent on homework will be approximately 2 hours per week

The school homework policy is available on request. Please share any concerns or queries you may have with the class teacher.

School Rules

At our small village school we keep our rules to a minimum. These are based on respect and understanding of others and for the wellbeing of all our school community.

Children are expected to behave sensibly, with consideration for others and their property.

During lunch the children are encouraged to use good table manners and to help younger children.

Parents are reminded that children can use the school playing field, with the Governors’ consent, after school hours. This permission is granted on the understanding that the premises and staff will be respected by users. If problems occur then parents will be contacted by phone and letter.

Positive Behaviour and Discipline

We encourage good behaviour, politeness and good relationships between children and their peers, as well as with adults. Unacceptable behaviour is not tolerated and is dealt with in a sensitive manner. Any concern is first dealt with by the class teacher and, if necessary, reported to the Head Teacher. If the need arises, parents will be informed and invited to come into school to discuss the issue. The school has a behaviour policy, which is issued to all new parents. Children and parents are asked to sign our Home-School agreement.

A code of conduct is drawn up in September with the new class teacher and pupils are encouraged to maintain high standards of behaviour. A reward system recognises this achievement.

We reward the pupils with Golden Time for keeping our school rules. The children are asked to sign up to these, when they join the school as part of the home-school contract. Children who repeatedly break the rules or who are found to be bullying other pupils will be recorded in the warning book kept by the Headteacher.

Bullying

We have a policy of zero tolerance to bullying at Dent C of E School. Children are encouraged to report any instances of bullying of themselves or others, to school staff. All claims will be taken seriously, investigated and parents informed as necessary, in order to eliminate this behaviour at its earliest stage.

Rewards

A point system is used to recognise the children’s effort and good behaviour. Awards are given to the ‘Achiever of the Week’ – those children with the highest number of points. Staff monitor this and ensure that all children in our school receive a reward each term.

Golden time of 25 mins weekly is a reward for good behaviour and keeping the school rules.

Stickers, certificates and other rewards are given to individuals for effort and particular achievements related to the curriculum. Each class has its own reward system for keeping our school rules and for effort and attainment.

At the end of the school year ‘special ‘awards are given for attendance, being kind an considerate, achievement and effort.

School Uniform

The school has an agreed uniform. Sweatshirts and cardigans with the school logo are available from the office. Please check for current prices. Book bags are also available and are recommended for all children in school.

All clothing should be clearly marked with the child’s name. Jewellery is not allowed except for watches and earrings (studs only) should be covered or removed for P.E. bags for P.E. should be the drawstring kind that are easy to hang on the pegs provided.

Large bags/backpacks are difficult to hang on pegs and are not encouraged.

Food

The school has a food policy that includes packed lunches. As part of achieving healthy Schools status we feel that it is important to encourage a balanced diet.

Snacks

Children under five are given milk free of charge and KS1 children are supplied with a piece of fruit each day. KS2 have a ‘Fruity Friday’ tuck shop each week, run by the School Council.

Children may bring to school fruit, salad and other vegetables.

Sweets should not be brought to school.

Water

All children should have their own labelled water bottle, initially provided by the school. Children are encouraged to drink water regularly through the day. A water fountain is also available.

School policy at lunchtime is for school dinner children to drink water only – this may be flavoured with fruit slices.

Health & Safety

We make sure, as part of our planning in each subject, that every possible risk is considered and assessed. Risk assessment procedures are reviewed each year, with a termly check of the school site and buildings by the Governors’ Resources Committee. Any risk found is reported to the Head Teacher, who takes the appropriate action to ‘make safe’ the situation.

Any accidents that children or staff have are recorded in the appropriate ‘Accidents & Emergency Record Book’ situated in the school office. Parents of the children will be notified if there is cause for concern. Further action may be a recommended visit to the Doctor’s surgery for a check up. The school has a First Aid Policy and trained first aiders.

Health & Safety in P.E.

The wearing of jewellery, necklaces, bracelets and watches are not permitted during any P.E. session. In the case of earrings, we have been advised by the Education Authority that where pupils are undertaking contact sports, they should not be worn. There may also be a risk of injury to pupils during non-structured playground activities and games. Studs are allowed. Safety tape will be placed over earrings if they cannot be removed.

School Records and Parent Consultation

During the year parents will be given the opportunity to meet either their child’s teacher to discuss their progress or to view their work. Parents will receive a copy of their child’s annual report during the summer term. All parents have the right to view their child’s records and other relevant documents by arrangement with the Head Teacher.

Charging Policy

From time to time voluntary contributions from parents will be sought for school visits and swimming, although no pupil will be denied participation should a contribution not be made. If at any time any parent has a problem with contributions they should contact the Head Teacher. A charge is made for music lessons which fall outside the music curriculum. See charging policy from the school office for further details.

Visitors to the School

Visitors are always welcomed into our school subject to safeguarding checks. We look forward to regular visits from police and fire Officers, and also medical and dental practitioners. Experts in various fields, such as history, science and other curriculum areas are invited to school whenever suitable.

Parents and other members of the community are encouraged to work with the teaching staff in the classroom on a regular basis. Many help with the library, school plays and specific projects as required. We ask all regular volunteers to have a CRB check. This will be organised through the school.

Road Safety

For safety reasons, the Governors wish to point out that when visiting or transporting children to and from school, vehicles should not be parked in front of the school, this is reserved at all times for school vehicles only. The school gate in Flintergill is a safe place to bring children to school and collect them afterwards.

The school needs to be informed in writing about alternative day to day arrangements made as to the transport of children to or collection from school.

Children receive road safety training as part of their P.S.H.E curriculum.

School Security

Governors review school security on a regular basis. External doors are secured during school hours to prevent unauthorised external access, whilst retaining exits for safety purposes. A registered contractor carries out regular inspections of the alarm systems. An automatic door entry system has been installed, giving staff the ability to open the front door without the need to leave the classroom. Governors welcome views from parents concerning school security, so please let us know your feelings.

Pupils with disabilities

At Dent we welcome applications from all children, particularly those with disabilities and other special needs. The Governors would like to put on record that we shall take whatever action is appropriate to accommodate special needs pupils, both physically – wheelchair ramps, toilets etc – as well as providing personal teaching and welfare support. The site itself has two access ramps (plus raised areas to classroom doors), one toilet for the disabled and a portable wheelchair lift. The school has accessibility plan linked to the School Development Plan.

Insurance

Some parents wrongly assume that, if a child is injured in school, the County Council is held responsible, regardless of the circumstances, and that its insurance will automatically apply. This is not so - The County Council's responsibilities are strictly limited to cases where there is negligence by them or their staff. Accidents can happen in school, on the sports field, or during school visits, when neither the County Council nor its staff are at fault and, therefore, are not responsible. The provision of personal accident insurance is considered to be the responsibility of parents. Parents who are interested in this form of insurance can contact their local insurance broker, but they may be interested to know that the National Federation of Parent-Teacher Associations has arranged a suitable policy. It provides for substantial compensation in the event of a disabling injury, regardless of how or where caused.

Medicine

The school has a medicine policy which is available to all parents. In summary, medicine can only be administered by the school after the completion of a permission form and the agreement of the member of staff supervising it.

Volunteers

We welcome volunteers and recognise the positive role they play in school. The school has a number of volunteers working within the school at various times of the day. School policy is to only allow volunteers unsupervised access with the children after a CRB (Criminal Record Bureau) level 2 or 3 check. Additional volunteers must be with an adult who has a CRB check.

School/Home Communications

We have continued to collate and distribute a termly “Fountain” newspaper, which is very popular, and full of the activities the children have been undertaking each term.

The school has a home/school agreement which is included in this booklet. We ask parents to sign and return this at the point of admission to the school.

The school sends out monthly newsletters which inform parents of events and dates.

A class newsletter is sent home at least three times per year to inform parents of class routines and curriculum content for each term. Three Parent-Teacher meetings are held during the year.

Formal Complaints Procedure

If you become concerned in any way about your child's education, it is important that you tell us about this. As a first step, you should discuss your concerns with your child's teacher. If you are still concerned after talking with the teacher, you should arrange to meet the Head Teacher*. Obviously, as staff, we shall do all we can to resolve your concerns and to ensure that you are happy with your child's education. There may be some occasions when parents wish to make a formal complaint and special formal arrangements exist for dealing with complaints of this kind or any complaint that has not been dealt with satisfactorily at the informal stage. Copies of this policy outlining these arrangements are available from the school. Advice on how to pursue a formal complaint is also available from:

Schools Section,

Education Department,

5, Portland Square,

Carlisle CA1 IPU

(Telephone: Carlisle 23456 ext. 2530)

* If the complaint is against the Head-teacher you should contact the Chair of Governors.

ADMISSIONS POLICY 2010-2011

Catchment area

The school’s catchment area covers the whole of Dentdale, from Dent Head to Dent Foot.

The Governors will also admit children from outside the catchment, subject to the availability of places in the relevant year group. Enquiries about places are most welcome.

Admissions Policy

The school’s admission number is 8.

This is the maximum number of children to be admitted to the Reception class each September. It is also the maximum to be admitted to the other year groups in school. The Governing Body operates a system of equal preferences under which they consider all preferences equally. Children with a statement of special educational needs, which names Dent C of E VA Primary School, have a statutory entitlement to a place under section 324 of the Education Act 1996 and will be admitted.

Where there are more applicants than places available, places will be allocated to Dent C of E Voluntary Aided School on the basis of the following criteria in order of priority.

1. Children looked after (i.e. in public care) giving priority, if necessary, to the youngest child(ren). (See note 1and 2 below below).

2. Children living in the catchment area who have brothers and sisters in the school at the time of their admission. (See note 2 below).

3. Children from within the catchment area with a parent who attends a C of E Church. (See note 3 below).

4. Other children living in the catchment area giving priority to those living closest to the school measured by the shortest walking route by road.

5. Children living outside the catchment area who have brothers and sisters in the school at the time of their admission. (See note 2 below).

6. Children from outside the catchment area with a parent who attends a C of E Church. (See note 3 below).

7. Children living outside the catchment area, giving priority to those who live closest to the school (nearest entrance to the school), measured in a straight line on the map.

The Right of Appeal

Where the Governors are unable to offer a place at Dent School because the school is over subscribed, parents have the right to appeal to an independent admission appeals panel. Parents should notify the Clerk to the Governors at the school within 14 days of receiving the letter refusing a place. Parents/Carers will have the opportunity to submit their case to the panel in writing and also to attend in order to present their case. Normally parents/carers will receive 14 days’ notice of the place and time of the hearing.

Admission arrangements

Dent School admits children to the Reception class at the beginning of the school year in which they become five years old.

All the children start in September on a part time basis (mornings only) until half term. After that they become full time (mornings and afternoons).

Casual Admissions

Admissions can be made into all of the year groups during the year, if there are places available.

Parents from inside or outside of the catchment area are very welcome to visit the school and discuss entry with the Head Teacher (please phone and make an appointment).

All admissions are subject to the Admissions Policy.

Deferred admission

If the child is due to start school in the reception class during the next academic year, it is important that an application is made for a place for September. If a child has not reached statutory school age and a place has been allocated in Reception and their parent/carer wishes to delay their entry, the place will be held open. The place must be taken up when the child reaches statutory school age or the start of the Summer Term at the latest.

Waiting List

Where there are more applications for Reception than places, the admissions criteria will be used and the Governing body will review each case. Children who are not admitted will have their name placed on a waiting list. The names on this waiting list will be in the order resulting from the application of the admissions criteria. Since the date of application cannot be a criterion for the order of names on the waiting list, late applications for the school will be slotted into the order according to the extent to which they meet the criteria. Thus it is possible that a child who moves into the area later to have a higher priority than one who has been on the waiting list for some time.

Notes

A child looked after, ie. in public care, is defined in the new Schools Admissions Code as a child who is looked after by a local authority within the meaning of section 22 of the Children Act 1989.

If it is necessary to prioritise in categories 2 or 5, priority will be given to those children with the youngest siblings. Brothers and sisters are those living at the same address and includes step and foster children. Where two people, both of whom live at separate addresses, hold parental responsibility, the address used in the allocation of child benefit will be the admission address.

In circumstances where there is an application for more than one child in the family, and it is not possible to offer a place to all the children concerned, it will be up to the parents/carers to decide whether they wish to accept the place(s) offered.

If it is necessary to prioritise in categories 3 or 6 the measurement criteria in categories 4 and 7 respectively will be used. To be considered under category 3 or 6 parents must provide written proof from their priest/vicar (or other appropriate person) with their application that they regularly* attend a C of E Church and have done so for at least two years before the closing date for preference forms. It may relate to more than one church.

* Regular attendance is deemed to be someone who usually attends a monthly church service or is regularly involved in a weekday church activity including an element of worship.