Prospectus
School Prospectus
A warm welcome to Stoke Park Junior School! I hope that we will enjoy a long and happy association and be able to work closely together, to enable your child to receive the very best education we can offer. Everyone at Stoke Park Junior School is committed to providing an excellent learning environment within which your child will flourish and achieve his/her very best.
We are determined to achieve excellent standards of teaching and learning and were delighted with the excellent Ofsted Inspection report we received in February, 2003. This was further supported by Ofsted’s report to the Government in February 2004 indicating that we were one of the most effective schools in the country inspected during the previous 12 months.
We are all very proud of our school and much of the success that the school has enjoyed has been as a result of the commitment and dedication of staff, governors, parents and members of the wider community.
This prospectus is designed to tell you all that you need to know about our school and the way it is organised. I believe you will find Stoke Park Junior School to be a happy, caring and challenging environment within which your child will develop excellent relationships with other pupils and staff. Working with you in partnership is vital to your child’s success and my colleagues and I look forward to working closely with you.
L Dewsbury
Stoke Park Junior School shares a spacious and well landscaped campus with Stoke Park Infant School, and lies in the catchment area of Wyvern Technology College. There is considerable contact and close co-operation between the three schools, and a positive working relationship exists between all the Wyvern Pyramid schools. Stoke Park Junior School is a Hampshire County Council controlled school for children aged between 7 and 11 years. Our maximum number on roll is 384.
We are very proud of the excellent facilities we have. There are twelve classrooms with well equipped, easily accessible cloakroom spaces and toilets. There are a number of small study areas which allow group/individual work to take place outside the classroom.
In addition we have:
• a state-of-the-art ICT Suite with thirty-six PCs, all with access to the Internet
• twenty-four other computers located within classrooms and networked to the main Suite with internet access
• a portable laptop suite of computers linked to the network with wireless connection
• a purpose-built SEN Room with six further networked PCs
• interactive whiteboards and projectors in all classrooms and the music/drama room
• an extensive and well-stocked library from which children may borrow fiction and non fiction books using our electronic Junior Micro Librarian library system
• a Music/Drama room
• a large hall, which is used for assemblies, lunch, PE, Drama, etc.
• a wide range of good-quality learning resources in all areas of the curriculum
• a disabled toilet, shower and access facilities
• extensive, attractive schools grounds with a wide range of teaching opportunities, including a pond and environmental area
• access to other facilities in the neighbourhood, including Stoke Park Woods, to enrich our own facilities. Vision “Achieving Excellence”
Our Aims
Our aims for all the children at Stoke Park Junior School are that they:
• have a positive self-image, take pride in themselves and their school and enjoy a sense of belonging
• have high self-esteem, confidence in their own ability and feel that their contributions are valued and respected
• take an active and independent role in their learning
• develop as individuals academically, emotionally, spiritually, socially and culturally, so that they are aware of themselves, their community and the wider world
• enjoy learning, think positively about it and are well-motivated to achieve their best
• develop the necessary social skills to develop and maintain quality relationships with those around them - respect for others, tolerance, acceptance, sensitivity
• exercise high standards of acceptable behaviour at all times
• develop lively, curious and creative minds
• achieve high standards in all curriculum areas
• become literate, numerate and technologically competent
• are able to work co-operatively and collaboratively with others
• are self-challenging and develop as life-long learners
Our Mission
In order to realise the aims of the school it is our
commitment to:
• provide a safe, secure, supportive and caring environment within which children are stimulated and challenged
• provide equality of opportunity for all children through a balanced and broadly based curriculum which takes account of National Curriculum requirements
• recognise all children as individuals, nurturing their unique qualities and responding to their needs
• promote a positive self-image and respect for others in an atmosphere of tolerance and praise
• provide high-quality , inspirational teaching which enthuses and engages children in challenging and well-paced activities that further their skills, knowledge and understanding, and which promotes an enjoyment of learning
• set high expectations;
• foster positive links with the home and community
• enrich and extend the children’s learning through extra-curricular activities, day visits, visitors, residential visits etc.
• deploy effectively the resources of the school to ensure “value for money”
• develop efficient and effective systems to empower everyone working in school to realise their potential
• provide high-quality training and support for staff, and place a high emphasis on their professional development
• nurture a climate of open enquiry, continuous improvement and high educational standards.
School Rules
• FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS
• LISTEN CAREFULLY TO OTHERS AND RESPOND APPROPRIATELY
• MAKE SURE YOUR ACTIONS DO NOT HURT OTHERS
• SPEAK POLITELY
• TREAT ALL PROPERTY WITH CARE
• WALK AT ALL TIMES IN AND AROUND SCHOOL
Communication with the School
Parents and visitors are always welcome in school. Please come to reception so that we know you are in school. It is not usually possible to speak to teachers during the school day, but the Headteacher or the Deputy Headteacher are usually available to speak to you. Appointments can be made to speak to a member of staff by telephoning or calling into reception. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have a concern or a question. We will be glad to help. Similarly, we encourage parents to tell us useful information which will help us support the children. We will contact you if we have a concern, usually by telephone. It is therefore essential that we have up-to-date contact numbers for you in the event of an emergency.
We send a newsletter home every Wednesday on white paper. Copies of these and other useful information can be found in reception.
Parents and the School
Close relationships and co-operation between home and school are the basis for a happy and secure child. We view education as a partnership, and trust that we can work together with parents for the benefit of the children. We welcome parents and other adults into school to help in classes, in the library, with games, administrative work, practical tasks (e.g. school grounds, pond), drama productions, extra-curricular activities etc. Letters with more information about helping in school are sent out early in the
Autumn Term
We have an extremely active and supportive parent/staff association, Friends of Stoke Park (FOSP), which not only raises money for extra equipment and resources but also provides important links between home, school and the community. Parents are invited into school on a number of occasions to see children taking part in various aspects of school life including special assemblies.
In Year 3 children take part in an assembly to celebrate Christmas, Year 4 children celebrate the Harvest Festival, Year 5 perform an Easter Service and Year 6 reflect on their four years at Stoke Park in their leavers’ assembly.
Parents’ Evenings
We hold parent’s evenings once a term and welcome support of parents’ in helping us detect and overcome any problems that children may be experiencing. If you have any concerns at other times please contact your child’s class teacher through reception to arrange an appointment.
Home School Agreement
In partnership with the other Wyvern Pyramid schools we have developed a Home-School Partnership Agreement, reflecting the various roles and responsibilities of the child, you as parents and the school. We view it as a positive statement of intent to guide our working partnership. We hope very much you will feel able to endorse this Agreement – details of how this will be done will be sent to you during the early part of the Autumn Term.
Homework
We view homework as an important and integral part of learning which provides a framework for practicing, reinforcing and extending on-going school work. Weekly homework ensures that children have an opportunity to develop good study habits at home which help to encourage commitment and reliability. All children are given a Homework Diary at the beginning of each term to help them organize themselves with their homework. Parents are asked to take an active role in ensuring that homework is completed on time and to a satisfactory standard. We ask that you and your child show commitment to completing homework regularly and to the child’s best ability.
There is opportunity for you to communicate any comments for the teacher in the Homework Diary.
Governors
The Governing Body is responsible for the quality of education provided by the school and has a number of legal responsibilities and powers as set out in various Acts of Parliament. Governors are appointed to support the Headteacher and staff in seeking to provide an excellent education for your children. The Governing Body agrees what is taught, supports high standards of behaviour, monitors all aspects of the school’s work, interviews and appoints staff and manages the budget. Many of our Governors have a long and close association with the school. They are proud of the school’s achievements and are committed to ongoing, continuous improvement.
Names of the current Governors are detailed in the appendix.
Pastoral Care of Children
The welfare of all children at Stoke Park is of paramount importance and we strive to provide a safe and secure environment in which they can flourish.
Health and Welfare
If a child becomes very unwell during the school day, we inform parents and ask for the child to be taken home. Our facilities for coping with a sick child are very limited. For this reason, and in case of emergencies, we need a contact number where parents can be reached during school hours.
Medicines in School
Any medicine brought to school must be clearly labeled with the child’s name and class, and accompanied by written and signed instructions from the parent on correct dosage. In addition, a Hampshire County Council form will be sent home for completion and return to the school office. All prescribed medicines are kept in the school office and can only be accepted in school on these conditions.
Inhalers can be kept by children in school for instant use.
Attendance
It is the legal responsibility of parents to ensure their children attend school continuously. Please see appendices for comparative attendance figures.
Absence
If your child is absent from school, please inform the school of the reason by telephone followed by a note on return to school. In the case of dental or medical appointments during school hours, please let us have advance notice and inform us before 10.00am if a school lunch is required that day. No child will be permitted to leave school during school hours unless collected by a parent or guardian.
When collecting a child during the school day parents are asked to report to the school office and sign the pupil out.
Education Welfare Officer
An Education Welfare Officer (EWO) is attached to each group of schools. Our EWO oversees the welfare of pupils at Stoke Park Junior School. The EWO’s concerns include welfare and social difficulties or matters of unexplained nonattendance. Meals and Lunch Time Supervision Lunches are prepared in our own kitchen by HC3S. They conform to very high standards and are excellent value. There is always a choice of main course and dessert. Children pay for the meal daily at a till and this system allows for flexibility for pupils to be able to say daily when registers are taken whether they are having sandwiches or dinners. Children keep the money with them.
If you are receiving Income Support or Income Based Job Seekers’ Allowance your children are entitled to free school meals. If you think that your children are entitled to free meals, please ask in the School Office for an application form. Facilities are available for children to eat their packed lunches in our dining hall.
During the Summer Term when the sun is shining, pupils eat their lunch on our school field.
School Uniform
At Stoke Park Junior School we believe the wearing of a school uniform encourages pride in the school, helps children to feel they belong to the school community and makes them look and feel ready and confident to work. We expect children to wear school uniform and ask all parents to support us in ensuring that children come to school dressed appropriately. School uniform should be selected from the following items:
• Grey school trousers
• Grey skirt or pinafore dress
• White polo shirt with school logo*
• Navy sweatshirt/jumper/cardigan with school logo*
• Black or brown “school” shoes (no open-toedshoes) PE and Sports Clothing
• White T-shirt with school logo*
• Navy shorts
• Plimsolls or trainers
• Tracksuit for cold weather
• Drawstring PE bag*
* All items marked with an asterisk are available from the School Office.
In addition to uniform, we place great emphasis on children’s overall appearance. For this reason jewellery, make up and other decorations are not allowed in school. Haircuts should also be conservative – nothing less than grade 2 for boys, no fancy cuts, no braids.
Stationery
Although we supply basic stationery to each class, it is a great help to all concerned if children are equipped with their own pens, pencils, rulers, coloured pencils, contained in a named pencil case.
To encourage this, the school runs a stationery shop each week.
Curriculum
All these subjects have policies and guidelines which can be viewed in school.
English
The teaching and learning of literacy skills is of key importance in our school as English underpins all aspects of the curriculum. Careful and thorough planning provides children with a programme of learning in speaking and listening, reading and writing as laid down in the National Literacy Strategy. To ensure that all children’s individual needs are met all literacy lessons are taught in ability sets.
Each class has a well stocked ‘Book Corner’ and the school has an excellent library. The books are carefully chosen for their content and appeal and ensure that Stoke Park has a rich “book culture” which further develops the pupils love of reading.
Mathematics
Our aim is to ensure that our children are confident, both in using mathematics in school and in applying their knowledge to their daily lives. All children are taught in sets for maths to meet their individual needs. We ensure that every child takes part in a daily mathematics lesson in which they spend time on a range of activities and tasks, with lots of opportunity for mental maths and group work. Mathematics is also taught through topics, such as shape and space.
Children need to be able to calculate simple addition, subtraction, division and multiplication sums in their heads and by using written methods.
Science
Our pupils acquire and develop their scientific knowledge, skills and understanding through the teaching of focused units of work. Pupils’ understanding of plant and animal life is furthered through the use of our extensive school grounds We are constantly working to improve and develop the grounds which include a pond, woodland walk and an outside teaching area.
ICT
ICT is a core subject and a good balance between the teaching of ICT skills and the application of ICT across all curriculum subjects is maintained.
Religious Education
Religious education is taught in accordance with the authority’s agreed syllabus called “Living Difference”. This syllabus is available for parents to see. The Headteacher will explain the school’s approach. However, every parent has the right to withdraw their child from religious education. If you wish to do so please notify the Governors in writing. If you wish to discuss this with the Headteacher before making a decision, please contact the school.
Able Children
Able children are given appropriate learning opportunities for them to sustain motivation and interest, and ensure progress is made.
Art
A carefully planned scheme of work in Art ensures that the children not only experience a wide range of skills and concepts but also enjoy themselves. There is plenty of opportunity to work practically and imaginatively with a range of media, study famous artists and create work of their own in similar styles.
Assemblies
Each school day has an assembly which contains an element of collective worship. This is broadly Christian but non-denominational in character. The Governors encourage all children to take part but, if on grounds of conscience, you do not wish your child to attend collective worship, please notify the Governors in writing. If you wish to discuss this with the Headteacher before making a decision, please contact the school.
Assessment
At Stoke Park Junior School the progress of every child is carefully monitored. Teachers continually assess children’s progress. In addition to teacher assessment we regularly test using standardised tests for spelling and reading. We also administer non-statutory tests in English and Mathematics in Years 3, 4 and 5. Children in Year 6 have statutory Standard Assessment Tests (SATs) in English, Mathematics and Science taken in May. We use the results of all our assessments to inform our teaching, set challenging targets for children and monitor the progress being made. Every parent receives an Annual Report of Achievement for their child at the end of the school year. This details attainment and progress in each subject as well as setting targets for future learning.
Class Rotation
In each Year Group children participate in ‘class rotation’ on one afternoon of the week. Children, in their classes, move around from one teacher to another for particular lessons which are taught by specialists. In each year ‘class rotation’ includes, PE, Music and French.
Educational Visits
We encourage all children to participate in educational visits. There are several day visits in each year. There are also residential activities: in Year 4 there is a one night camp on the school grounds in July; in Year 5 there is a one week residential visit to Avon Tyrrell in the New Forest in the Autumn Term; in Year 6 there is a one week residential visit to Normandy in the Summer Term.
Sex Education
Sex education is taught within the ethos of the school and as part of the wider Personal, Social and Health Education programme which deals with the physical, intellectual and emotional growth of the individual child.
Opportunities are made for the following:
• parents are invited to meetings with staff to view resources and find out about the programmes to be taught
• planned involvement of other agencies as an integral part of the programme
• clarification of the position of the school on sensitive issues. If parents should wish to exercise their rights to withdraw their children from sex education, please arrange to discuss this with the Headteacher before making a decision.
Special Educational Needs
All children are entitled to a broad, balanced, relevant, and differentiated curriculum. At Stoke Park Junior School all children are treated as individuals and are valued for their strengths and abilities as part of the school’s inclusive ethos. We aim to enhance every child’s self esteem and ensure that all children have the opportunity to fulfill their potential. In order to fulfill these aims it may be necessary to provide additional support for some children at some time during their four years at Stoke Park. The Special Educational Needs (SEN) policy, available on request, fulfill is the regulations in the Disability Discrimination Act 1997 and the SEN Code of Practice (2001). Early in September we carry out our screening procedures to enable us to identify children who have special educational needs. Parents are then notified by letter and our support programmes begin. Support often takes the form of regular class monitoring and differentiation. It can also involve small group activities and practice by our trained team of Teaching Assistants (TAs) under the direction of the class teacher and/or the Special Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO). The school seeks advice from a range of external services to support our work eg educational psychologist, speech therapist. The degree of support and the nature of the support given is determined by the needs of the child.
Sport
Our aims are to:
• Provide a rich variety of sporting opportunities.
• Develop healthy, sporting habits in pupils by focusing on the activity and competition.
• Deliver sport as a part of the national curriculum PE programme, but also as extra curricular activities.
We recognise sport as an integral part of the ethos and achievements of the school. Every child takes part in some form of daily physical activity to help deliver our sporting aims. In Year 4 all children are given the opportunity to have swimming lessons. Eight sessions are provided at Fleming Park free of charge to parents. Sports provided in school: include short tennis, athletics, hockey, gymnastics, netball, cricket, crosscountry running, dance, rounders, and football.
Display
The quality of our displays throughout the school not only demonstrate the excellent standards of work produced by pupils but also reflect all aspects of life at Stoke Park. They are well worth looking at when you visit the school!
House System
• On entry to school, pupils are arranged into one of four houses: LONGMEAD, ELKINS, SEDGWICK or ESCOMBE.
• One boy and one girl House Captain are elected for each house from Year 6 and they play a vital role in leading the House Group and helping to organise and run House Competitions.
• House points can be earned in a variety ways: through the use of our marking policy detailed below, for good behaviour and through a range of House Competitions including football, netball, cross country running, Year 5 quiz, and Year 6 rounders.
• Each week the House Cup is presented to the House with the greatest number of House Points for that week.
Marking
Unsatisfactory Written or verbal comment from teacher
Satisfactory with teacher initials
Good G 1 House Point
Very Good VG 2 House Points
Superb S 3 House Points
Outstanding OA 5 House Points
School Council
Our School Council consists of 19 elected members: 12 pupils, one from each class, the Headteacher (Chair), a member of the Admin Team (Secretary), a Governor, a member of the Parents’ Association, a teacher, teaching assistant and lunchtime supervisory assistant. The School Council meets every half-term to discuss important issues relating to all aspects of school life. The School Council provides all pupils with an opportunity to have their views heard and be involved in the school’s decision-making process. Since its introduction a number of excellent developments have taken place including: a new purpose-built quiet area in the playground, decoration of the boys’ and girls’ toilets, a skipping zone, more constructive use of playground equipment and regular cloakroom inspections!
Healthy Schools’ Award
The school initially achieved Healthy School Status in 2002 for its work on the environment, drug education and personal, social and health education. In 2004 the focus areas for revalidation were healthy eating and physical activity. Recent initiatives have included the establishment of a skipping zone, a healthy snack shop selling fruit at break time and the provision of water bottles for every child in the school. For the 2006 revalidation, the focus areas are emotional health and well being and sex and relationships education.
Production
At the end of the Autumn Term the whole school have the opportunity to be involved in our annual production. This proves to be one of the highlights of the year and involves children, staff, parents and many other volunteers. Past performances have included Alice in Wonderland, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, The Wizard of Oz and Bugsy Malone. Many talented actors, singers and dancers have been discovered!
Extra Curricular Activities
The children are able to enjoy many opportunities to take part in extra-curricular activities which run at lunchtimes and after school. The clubs are free of charge and are run by staff in school.
Music
Visiting music staff give children in Years 4, 5 and 6 the opportunity to take lessons in guitar, brass, woodwind, violin, keyboard and percussion. Children in Year 3 are offered the opportunity to learn to play the recorder. Other opportunities which become available, subject to expertise of the staff, include the school choir. We also enjoy visiting musicians and ensembles who play to the children. Many of our more competent musicians are able to take grade exams and perform at various local musical concerts / events including our Summer Music Concert.
The range of clubs on offer include football, netball, athletics, cross-country running, cricket, tennis, arts and crafts, ICT, choir and drama. Children in Year 6 are offered the opportunity to take part in the Cycling Proficiency scheme. Information about clubs is given out at the beginning of each term.
Education Authority
Stoke Park Junior School is maintained by Hampshire Local Education Authority. For administrative purposes the county is divided into seven areas, Stoke Park is in Area 5. Should you wish to contact the Education Authority here are some useful addresses:
School Improvement Manager Headquarters Educational Welfare Officer
New Forest Local Education Office
Winsor Road
Bartley
SOUTHAMPTON
SO40 2HR
Telephone: 023 8081 4047
The County Education Officer
The Education Department
The Castle
WINCHESTER
SO23 8UG
Telephone: 01962 841841
Area Education Office
Clarendon House
Romsey Road
WINCHESTER
SO22 5PW
Telephone: 01962 869611
Transport Expenses
Parents are eligible to transport expenses if they live within the school’s catchment area and live further than two miles from the school. At present, we are not aware of any part of the catchment area lying beyond the two mile limit which would attract free transport. However, if you believe you are entitled to a transport subsidy, please contact the School Office.
Complaints
We shall try never to give you cause for complaint, but nothing in life is ever perfect! If you do have the need to complain, there is an official ‘complaints procedure’. The procedures begin with trying to solve matters, as we would all hope to do so, through the personal attention of the class teacher and/or the Headteacher. The right of access to Governors, LEA and Secretary of State also exist, however, and both a summary and full procedure are available to parents from the school office.
Disclaimer
The information in this prospectus is intended for the parents of children who will be entering school in this year. It was correct at the time of printing but circumstances might create the need for changes.
A warm welcome to Stoke Park Junior School! I hope that we will enjoy a long and happy association and be able to work closely together, to enable your child to receive the very best education we can offer. Everyone at Stoke Park Junior School is committed to providing an excellent learning environment within which your child will flourish and achieve his/her very best.
We are determined to achieve excellent standards of teaching and learning and were delighted with the excellent Ofsted Inspection report we received in February, 2003. This was further supported by Ofsted’s report to the Government in February 2004 indicating that we were one of the most effective schools in the country inspected during the previous 12 months.
We are all very proud of our school and much of the success that the school has enjoyed has been as a result of the commitment and dedication of staff, governors, parents and members of the wider community.
This prospectus is designed to tell you all that you need to know about our school and the way it is organised. I believe you will find Stoke Park Junior School to be a happy, caring and challenging environment within which your child will develop excellent relationships with other pupils and staff. Working with you in partnership is vital to your child’s success and my colleagues and I look forward to working closely with you.
L Dewsbury
Stoke Park Junior School shares a spacious and well landscaped campus with Stoke Park Infant School, and lies in the catchment area of Wyvern Technology College. There is considerable contact and close co-operation between the three schools, and a positive working relationship exists between all the Wyvern Pyramid schools. Stoke Park Junior School is a Hampshire County Council controlled school for children aged between 7 and 11 years. Our maximum number on roll is 384.
We are very proud of the excellent facilities we have. There are twelve classrooms with well equipped, easily accessible cloakroom spaces and toilets. There are a number of small study areas which allow group/individual work to take place outside the classroom.
In addition we have:
• a state-of-the-art ICT Suite with thirty-six PCs, all with access to the Internet
• twenty-four other computers located within classrooms and networked to the main Suite with internet access
• a portable laptop suite of computers linked to the network with wireless connection
• a purpose-built SEN Room with six further networked PCs
• interactive whiteboards and projectors in all classrooms and the music/drama room
• an extensive and well-stocked library from which children may borrow fiction and non fiction books using our electronic Junior Micro Librarian library system
• a Music/Drama room
• a large hall, which is used for assemblies, lunch, PE, Drama, etc.
• a wide range of good-quality learning resources in all areas of the curriculum
• a disabled toilet, shower and access facilities
• extensive, attractive schools grounds with a wide range of teaching opportunities, including a pond and environmental area
• access to other facilities in the neighbourhood, including Stoke Park Woods, to enrich our own facilities. Vision “Achieving Excellence”
Our Aims
Our aims for all the children at Stoke Park Junior School are that they:
• have a positive self-image, take pride in themselves and their school and enjoy a sense of belonging
• have high self-esteem, confidence in their own ability and feel that their contributions are valued and respected
• take an active and independent role in their learning
• develop as individuals academically, emotionally, spiritually, socially and culturally, so that they are aware of themselves, their community and the wider world
• enjoy learning, think positively about it and are well-motivated to achieve their best
• develop the necessary social skills to develop and maintain quality relationships with those around them - respect for others, tolerance, acceptance, sensitivity
• exercise high standards of acceptable behaviour at all times
• develop lively, curious and creative minds
• achieve high standards in all curriculum areas
• become literate, numerate and technologically competent
• are able to work co-operatively and collaboratively with others
• are self-challenging and develop as life-long learners
Our Mission
In order to realise the aims of the school it is our
commitment to:
• provide a safe, secure, supportive and caring environment within which children are stimulated and challenged
• provide equality of opportunity for all children through a balanced and broadly based curriculum which takes account of National Curriculum requirements
• recognise all children as individuals, nurturing their unique qualities and responding to their needs
• promote a positive self-image and respect for others in an atmosphere of tolerance and praise
• provide high-quality , inspirational teaching which enthuses and engages children in challenging and well-paced activities that further their skills, knowledge and understanding, and which promotes an enjoyment of learning
• set high expectations;
• foster positive links with the home and community
• enrich and extend the children’s learning through extra-curricular activities, day visits, visitors, residential visits etc.
• deploy effectively the resources of the school to ensure “value for money”
• develop efficient and effective systems to empower everyone working in school to realise their potential
• provide high-quality training and support for staff, and place a high emphasis on their professional development
• nurture a climate of open enquiry, continuous improvement and high educational standards.
School Rules
• FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS
• LISTEN CAREFULLY TO OTHERS AND RESPOND APPROPRIATELY
• MAKE SURE YOUR ACTIONS DO NOT HURT OTHERS
• SPEAK POLITELY
• TREAT ALL PROPERTY WITH CARE
• WALK AT ALL TIMES IN AND AROUND SCHOOL
Communication with the School
Parents and visitors are always welcome in school. Please come to reception so that we know you are in school. It is not usually possible to speak to teachers during the school day, but the Headteacher or the Deputy Headteacher are usually available to speak to you. Appointments can be made to speak to a member of staff by telephoning or calling into reception. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have a concern or a question. We will be glad to help. Similarly, we encourage parents to tell us useful information which will help us support the children. We will contact you if we have a concern, usually by telephone. It is therefore essential that we have up-to-date contact numbers for you in the event of an emergency.
We send a newsletter home every Wednesday on white paper. Copies of these and other useful information can be found in reception.
Parents and the School
Close relationships and co-operation between home and school are the basis for a happy and secure child. We view education as a partnership, and trust that we can work together with parents for the benefit of the children. We welcome parents and other adults into school to help in classes, in the library, with games, administrative work, practical tasks (e.g. school grounds, pond), drama productions, extra-curricular activities etc. Letters with more information about helping in school are sent out early in the
Autumn Term
We have an extremely active and supportive parent/staff association, Friends of Stoke Park (FOSP), which not only raises money for extra equipment and resources but also provides important links between home, school and the community. Parents are invited into school on a number of occasions to see children taking part in various aspects of school life including special assemblies.
In Year 3 children take part in an assembly to celebrate Christmas, Year 4 children celebrate the Harvest Festival, Year 5 perform an Easter Service and Year 6 reflect on their four years at Stoke Park in their leavers’ assembly.
Parents’ Evenings
We hold parent’s evenings once a term and welcome support of parents’ in helping us detect and overcome any problems that children may be experiencing. If you have any concerns at other times please contact your child’s class teacher through reception to arrange an appointment.
Home School Agreement
In partnership with the other Wyvern Pyramid schools we have developed a Home-School Partnership Agreement, reflecting the various roles and responsibilities of the child, you as parents and the school. We view it as a positive statement of intent to guide our working partnership. We hope very much you will feel able to endorse this Agreement – details of how this will be done will be sent to you during the early part of the Autumn Term.
Homework
We view homework as an important and integral part of learning which provides a framework for practicing, reinforcing and extending on-going school work. Weekly homework ensures that children have an opportunity to develop good study habits at home which help to encourage commitment and reliability. All children are given a Homework Diary at the beginning of each term to help them organize themselves with their homework. Parents are asked to take an active role in ensuring that homework is completed on time and to a satisfactory standard. We ask that you and your child show commitment to completing homework regularly and to the child’s best ability.
There is opportunity for you to communicate any comments for the teacher in the Homework Diary.
Governors
The Governing Body is responsible for the quality of education provided by the school and has a number of legal responsibilities and powers as set out in various Acts of Parliament. Governors are appointed to support the Headteacher and staff in seeking to provide an excellent education for your children. The Governing Body agrees what is taught, supports high standards of behaviour, monitors all aspects of the school’s work, interviews and appoints staff and manages the budget. Many of our Governors have a long and close association with the school. They are proud of the school’s achievements and are committed to ongoing, continuous improvement.
Names of the current Governors are detailed in the appendix.
Pastoral Care of Children
The welfare of all children at Stoke Park is of paramount importance and we strive to provide a safe and secure environment in which they can flourish.
Health and Welfare
If a child becomes very unwell during the school day, we inform parents and ask for the child to be taken home. Our facilities for coping with a sick child are very limited. For this reason, and in case of emergencies, we need a contact number where parents can be reached during school hours.
Medicines in School
Any medicine brought to school must be clearly labeled with the child’s name and class, and accompanied by written and signed instructions from the parent on correct dosage. In addition, a Hampshire County Council form will be sent home for completion and return to the school office. All prescribed medicines are kept in the school office and can only be accepted in school on these conditions.
Inhalers can be kept by children in school for instant use.
Attendance
It is the legal responsibility of parents to ensure their children attend school continuously. Please see appendices for comparative attendance figures.
Absence
If your child is absent from school, please inform the school of the reason by telephone followed by a note on return to school. In the case of dental or medical appointments during school hours, please let us have advance notice and inform us before 10.00am if a school lunch is required that day. No child will be permitted to leave school during school hours unless collected by a parent or guardian.
When collecting a child during the school day parents are asked to report to the school office and sign the pupil out.
Education Welfare Officer
An Education Welfare Officer (EWO) is attached to each group of schools. Our EWO oversees the welfare of pupils at Stoke Park Junior School. The EWO’s concerns include welfare and social difficulties or matters of unexplained nonattendance. Meals and Lunch Time Supervision Lunches are prepared in our own kitchen by HC3S. They conform to very high standards and are excellent value. There is always a choice of main course and dessert. Children pay for the meal daily at a till and this system allows for flexibility for pupils to be able to say daily when registers are taken whether they are having sandwiches or dinners. Children keep the money with them.
If you are receiving Income Support or Income Based Job Seekers’ Allowance your children are entitled to free school meals. If you think that your children are entitled to free meals, please ask in the School Office for an application form. Facilities are available for children to eat their packed lunches in our dining hall.
During the Summer Term when the sun is shining, pupils eat their lunch on our school field.
School Uniform
At Stoke Park Junior School we believe the wearing of a school uniform encourages pride in the school, helps children to feel they belong to the school community and makes them look and feel ready and confident to work. We expect children to wear school uniform and ask all parents to support us in ensuring that children come to school dressed appropriately. School uniform should be selected from the following items:
• Grey school trousers
• Grey skirt or pinafore dress
• White polo shirt with school logo*
• Navy sweatshirt/jumper/cardigan with school logo*
• Black or brown “school” shoes (no open-toedshoes) PE and Sports Clothing
• White T-shirt with school logo*
• Navy shorts
• Plimsolls or trainers
• Tracksuit for cold weather
• Drawstring PE bag*
* All items marked with an asterisk are available from the School Office.
In addition to uniform, we place great emphasis on children’s overall appearance. For this reason jewellery, make up and other decorations are not allowed in school. Haircuts should also be conservative – nothing less than grade 2 for boys, no fancy cuts, no braids.
Stationery
Although we supply basic stationery to each class, it is a great help to all concerned if children are equipped with their own pens, pencils, rulers, coloured pencils, contained in a named pencil case.
To encourage this, the school runs a stationery shop each week.
Curriculum
All these subjects have policies and guidelines which can be viewed in school.
English
The teaching and learning of literacy skills is of key importance in our school as English underpins all aspects of the curriculum. Careful and thorough planning provides children with a programme of learning in speaking and listening, reading and writing as laid down in the National Literacy Strategy. To ensure that all children’s individual needs are met all literacy lessons are taught in ability sets.
Each class has a well stocked ‘Book Corner’ and the school has an excellent library. The books are carefully chosen for their content and appeal and ensure that Stoke Park has a rich “book culture” which further develops the pupils love of reading.
Mathematics
Our aim is to ensure that our children are confident, both in using mathematics in school and in applying their knowledge to their daily lives. All children are taught in sets for maths to meet their individual needs. We ensure that every child takes part in a daily mathematics lesson in which they spend time on a range of activities and tasks, with lots of opportunity for mental maths and group work. Mathematics is also taught through topics, such as shape and space.
Children need to be able to calculate simple addition, subtraction, division and multiplication sums in their heads and by using written methods.
Science
Our pupils acquire and develop their scientific knowledge, skills and understanding through the teaching of focused units of work. Pupils’ understanding of plant and animal life is furthered through the use of our extensive school grounds We are constantly working to improve and develop the grounds which include a pond, woodland walk and an outside teaching area.
ICT
ICT is a core subject and a good balance between the teaching of ICT skills and the application of ICT across all curriculum subjects is maintained.
Religious Education
Religious education is taught in accordance with the authority’s agreed syllabus called “Living Difference”. This syllabus is available for parents to see. The Headteacher will explain the school’s approach. However, every parent has the right to withdraw their child from religious education. If you wish to do so please notify the Governors in writing. If you wish to discuss this with the Headteacher before making a decision, please contact the school.
Able Children
Able children are given appropriate learning opportunities for them to sustain motivation and interest, and ensure progress is made.
Art
A carefully planned scheme of work in Art ensures that the children not only experience a wide range of skills and concepts but also enjoy themselves. There is plenty of opportunity to work practically and imaginatively with a range of media, study famous artists and create work of their own in similar styles.
Assemblies
Each school day has an assembly which contains an element of collective worship. This is broadly Christian but non-denominational in character. The Governors encourage all children to take part but, if on grounds of conscience, you do not wish your child to attend collective worship, please notify the Governors in writing. If you wish to discuss this with the Headteacher before making a decision, please contact the school.
Assessment
At Stoke Park Junior School the progress of every child is carefully monitored. Teachers continually assess children’s progress. In addition to teacher assessment we regularly test using standardised tests for spelling and reading. We also administer non-statutory tests in English and Mathematics in Years 3, 4 and 5. Children in Year 6 have statutory Standard Assessment Tests (SATs) in English, Mathematics and Science taken in May. We use the results of all our assessments to inform our teaching, set challenging targets for children and monitor the progress being made. Every parent receives an Annual Report of Achievement for their child at the end of the school year. This details attainment and progress in each subject as well as setting targets for future learning.
Class Rotation
In each Year Group children participate in ‘class rotation’ on one afternoon of the week. Children, in their classes, move around from one teacher to another for particular lessons which are taught by specialists. In each year ‘class rotation’ includes, PE, Music and French.
Educational Visits
We encourage all children to participate in educational visits. There are several day visits in each year. There are also residential activities: in Year 4 there is a one night camp on the school grounds in July; in Year 5 there is a one week residential visit to Avon Tyrrell in the New Forest in the Autumn Term; in Year 6 there is a one week residential visit to Normandy in the Summer Term.
Sex Education
Sex education is taught within the ethos of the school and as part of the wider Personal, Social and Health Education programme which deals with the physical, intellectual and emotional growth of the individual child.
Opportunities are made for the following:
• parents are invited to meetings with staff to view resources and find out about the programmes to be taught
• planned involvement of other agencies as an integral part of the programme
• clarification of the position of the school on sensitive issues. If parents should wish to exercise their rights to withdraw their children from sex education, please arrange to discuss this with the Headteacher before making a decision.
Special Educational Needs
All children are entitled to a broad, balanced, relevant, and differentiated curriculum. At Stoke Park Junior School all children are treated as individuals and are valued for their strengths and abilities as part of the school’s inclusive ethos. We aim to enhance every child’s self esteem and ensure that all children have the opportunity to fulfill their potential. In order to fulfill these aims it may be necessary to provide additional support for some children at some time during their four years at Stoke Park. The Special Educational Needs (SEN) policy, available on request, fulfill is the regulations in the Disability Discrimination Act 1997 and the SEN Code of Practice (2001). Early in September we carry out our screening procedures to enable us to identify children who have special educational needs. Parents are then notified by letter and our support programmes begin. Support often takes the form of regular class monitoring and differentiation. It can also involve small group activities and practice by our trained team of Teaching Assistants (TAs) under the direction of the class teacher and/or the Special Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO). The school seeks advice from a range of external services to support our work eg educational psychologist, speech therapist. The degree of support and the nature of the support given is determined by the needs of the child.
Sport
Our aims are to:
• Provide a rich variety of sporting opportunities.
• Develop healthy, sporting habits in pupils by focusing on the activity and competition.
• Deliver sport as a part of the national curriculum PE programme, but also as extra curricular activities.
We recognise sport as an integral part of the ethos and achievements of the school. Every child takes part in some form of daily physical activity to help deliver our sporting aims. In Year 4 all children are given the opportunity to have swimming lessons. Eight sessions are provided at Fleming Park free of charge to parents. Sports provided in school: include short tennis, athletics, hockey, gymnastics, netball, cricket, crosscountry running, dance, rounders, and football.
Display
The quality of our displays throughout the school not only demonstrate the excellent standards of work produced by pupils but also reflect all aspects of life at Stoke Park. They are well worth looking at when you visit the school!
House System
• On entry to school, pupils are arranged into one of four houses: LONGMEAD, ELKINS, SEDGWICK or ESCOMBE.
• One boy and one girl House Captain are elected for each house from Year 6 and they play a vital role in leading the House Group and helping to organise and run House Competitions.
• House points can be earned in a variety ways: through the use of our marking policy detailed below, for good behaviour and through a range of House Competitions including football, netball, cross country running, Year 5 quiz, and Year 6 rounders.
• Each week the House Cup is presented to the House with the greatest number of House Points for that week.
Marking
Unsatisfactory Written or verbal comment from teacher
Satisfactory with teacher initials
Good G 1 House Point
Very Good VG 2 House Points
Superb S 3 House Points
Outstanding OA 5 House Points
School Council
Our School Council consists of 19 elected members: 12 pupils, one from each class, the Headteacher (Chair), a member of the Admin Team (Secretary), a Governor, a member of the Parents’ Association, a teacher, teaching assistant and lunchtime supervisory assistant. The School Council meets every half-term to discuss important issues relating to all aspects of school life. The School Council provides all pupils with an opportunity to have their views heard and be involved in the school’s decision-making process. Since its introduction a number of excellent developments have taken place including: a new purpose-built quiet area in the playground, decoration of the boys’ and girls’ toilets, a skipping zone, more constructive use of playground equipment and regular cloakroom inspections!
Healthy Schools’ Award
The school initially achieved Healthy School Status in 2002 for its work on the environment, drug education and personal, social and health education. In 2004 the focus areas for revalidation were healthy eating and physical activity. Recent initiatives have included the establishment of a skipping zone, a healthy snack shop selling fruit at break time and the provision of water bottles for every child in the school. For the 2006 revalidation, the focus areas are emotional health and well being and sex and relationships education.
Production
At the end of the Autumn Term the whole school have the opportunity to be involved in our annual production. This proves to be one of the highlights of the year and involves children, staff, parents and many other volunteers. Past performances have included Alice in Wonderland, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, The Wizard of Oz and Bugsy Malone. Many talented actors, singers and dancers have been discovered!
Extra Curricular Activities
The children are able to enjoy many opportunities to take part in extra-curricular activities which run at lunchtimes and after school. The clubs are free of charge and are run by staff in school.
Music
Visiting music staff give children in Years 4, 5 and 6 the opportunity to take lessons in guitar, brass, woodwind, violin, keyboard and percussion. Children in Year 3 are offered the opportunity to learn to play the recorder. Other opportunities which become available, subject to expertise of the staff, include the school choir. We also enjoy visiting musicians and ensembles who play to the children. Many of our more competent musicians are able to take grade exams and perform at various local musical concerts / events including our Summer Music Concert.
The range of clubs on offer include football, netball, athletics, cross-country running, cricket, tennis, arts and crafts, ICT, choir and drama. Children in Year 6 are offered the opportunity to take part in the Cycling Proficiency scheme. Information about clubs is given out at the beginning of each term.
Education Authority
Stoke Park Junior School is maintained by Hampshire Local Education Authority. For administrative purposes the county is divided into seven areas, Stoke Park is in Area 5. Should you wish to contact the Education Authority here are some useful addresses:
School Improvement Manager Headquarters Educational Welfare Officer
New Forest Local Education Office
Winsor Road
Bartley
SOUTHAMPTON
SO40 2HR
Telephone: 023 8081 4047
The County Education Officer
The Education Department
The Castle
WINCHESTER
SO23 8UG
Telephone: 01962 841841
Area Education Office
Clarendon House
Romsey Road
WINCHESTER
SO22 5PW
Telephone: 01962 869611
Transport Expenses
Parents are eligible to transport expenses if they live within the school’s catchment area and live further than two miles from the school. At present, we are not aware of any part of the catchment area lying beyond the two mile limit which would attract free transport. However, if you believe you are entitled to a transport subsidy, please contact the School Office.
Complaints
We shall try never to give you cause for complaint, but nothing in life is ever perfect! If you do have the need to complain, there is an official ‘complaints procedure’. The procedures begin with trying to solve matters, as we would all hope to do so, through the personal attention of the class teacher and/or the Headteacher. The right of access to Governors, LEA and Secretary of State also exist, however, and both a summary and full procedure are available to parents from the school office.
Disclaimer
The information in this prospectus is intended for the parents of children who will be entering school in this year. It was correct at the time of printing but circumstances might create the need for changes.
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