Barlby Bridge CP School
We hope this booklet will help you and your child enjoy their stay at our school.
We hope your child has an enjoyable and productive time at Barlby Bridge School - we feel privileged to have a part in their development and learning.
Aims Statement In order to help the children achieve these aims we will:
When the children leave Barlby Bridge CP School our aim is that they should be caring, self disciplined, independent learners who reach their full potential through the development of positive self-esteem and an increasing sense of personal responsibility towards, and as members of, the community.
* Create a happy, safe working environment where children are encouraged and rewarded for their efforts.
* Help the children develop lively, enquiring minds, the ability to question and argue rationally and to apply themselves to tasks and physical skills.
* Provide a rich and exciting, broad and balanced curriculum.
* Develop positive attitudes and help children appreciate the importance of honesty and of consideration and respect for others.
* Develop a mutually supportive partnership between school, home and the community.
* Encourage respect for religious and moral values, regardless of race, sex or ability – providing equal opportunities in all aspects of school life.
* Encourage the children to understand and respect the world in which they live, developing a broader view of the world beyond their immediate environment.
GOVERNORS SEP 2008/2009
HEAD TEACHER Mrs P Dyson CHAIR OF GOVERNORS PARENT GOVENOR Mrs H Williamson VICE-CHAIR CO-OPTED Mr J Coultish LOCAL EDUCATION AUTHORITY (LEA) Mr M Muir CO-OPTED Mrs Y Wetherell PARISH COUNCIL Mr B Marshall TEACHER Mr C Chappell NON-TEACHING STAFF Mrs J Hall PARENT GOVENORS Mrs A Broadhead-Clark Mrs J Ash Mrs K Caunt Mrs Swift CLERK TO GOVENORS Ms P Painter SCHOOL BURSAR Mrs M Pedersen
The Headteacher is responsible for the day to day educational direction of the school, whilst the governors are involved in long term policy decisions.
The Governors have responsibility for the buildings, appointment of staff, organisation and admissions policy and conduct of the school. The governing body is a group of people elected or nominated who have the welfare of the school and its children at heart. The governors accept the North Yorkshire County Council Curriculum Statement.
Governors hold meetings to report to parents annually. Full Governor Meetings are held at least termly.
The Governor Sub-Committees are:
* General Purposes and Finance
* Personnel, Curriculum and Pupil Welfare
Meetings are held on a regular basis.
The Governors are now responsible for the school budget.
The following documents can be inspected in school by prior arrangement with the Headteacher:
* Your own child's personal record
* The National Curriculum reference documents
* School policy documents
* Minutes of Governors meetings
* Annual Statement of the School's Finance and Capitation Expenditure
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HEADTEACHER |
Mrs P Dyson |
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DEPUTY HEADTEACHER |
Mrs S Hay |
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NURSERY TEACHER |
Mrs L Walters |
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RECEPTION/CLASS 1 TEACHER |
Miss M Stones |
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CLASS 2 TEACHER |
Miss J Ellis |
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CLASS 3 TEACHER |
Mrs S Hay |
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Class 4 TEACHERS |
Mrs L Walker Mr C Clark |
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CLASS 5 TEACHER |
Miss W Peart |
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CLASS 6 TEACHER |
Mr C Chappell |
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KEY STAGE 2 TEACHER |
Mrs H Duffield |
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NURSERY NURSE |
Mrs J Stonehouse |
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TEACHING ASSISTANTS |
Mrs J Cockerham Mrs K Lynch-Burns Mrs K Morton Mrs J Hall Mrs J McCormack Mrs S McManaman Mrs M Calvert Mrs L Hewitt Mrs P Bain Mrs S Lawrenson |
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SECRETARY/ BURSAR |
Mrs M Pedersen |
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CARETAKER/CLEANER |
Mrs J Tymon |
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CLEANER |
Mrs M Hobson |
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COOK |
Mrs A Williams |
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KITCHEN ASSISTANT |
Mrs M Precious |
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MIDDAY SUPERVISORS |
Mrs J Tymon Mrs J Hutton Mrs A McEwan Mrs M Calvert Mrs H Glover Miss B Swift |
Children and Young People's Service
ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICERS
Mrs.C. Welbourn, MA.
Corporate Director
Northallerton
North Yorkshire
DL7 8AE
Mr J. McNamara
Pupil/Parent Services Officer
Selby Local Education Offices
Second floor
2, Abbey Yard,
Selby
YO5 0PS
SCHOOL HOURS
Main School
8.55am-3.10pm
Nursery
Morning Session 8.55am. - 11.25am.
Afternoon Session 12.40pm - 3.10pm
We feel that they are part of the curriculum and help to set the whole tone of the school.
School starts at 8.55am. Children may come to school ten minutes before school starts. Please do not let them come to school any earlier as teachers are preparing for lessons and there may not be a member of staff around to prevent accidents.
We would request that children are punctual for school. As well as positive social training this allows the whole class to settle down without interruption. We also ask that parents are punctual when collecting their children – 3.10pm. If a problem arises we would appreciate a telephone call so that we can reassure your child and ensure that a member of staff remains on the premises until your child is collected.
Main School
Morning playtime is 10.30am to 10.45am.
Lunch is 12.10am to 1.05pm.
School ends at 3.10pm.
Children going home for lunch leave school at 12.10 and should not return until 12.55.
Assemblies are held each day.
GENERAL CHARACTERISTICS
Barlby Bridge is a Community Primary School catering for children between the ages of 3 and 11.
Despite being surrounded on one side by Selby and on the other by an industrial complex the school retains all the best characteristics of a village community school.
The emphasis in the school is to make learning a pleasure and to this end we have tried to create an atmosphere which is an extension of the home. All parts of the school have comfortable areas where children can feel relaxed and at ease, often surrounded by attractive displays of their work.
The importance attached to the work of the children can be witnessed throughout the school in the care, which is taken to display their work.
We believe strongly that our children deserve a rich curriculum and to that end we invite a range of visiting groups to the school. These have included theatre groups, wild animals, scientists etc. We also organise a range of out of school visits to widen the children's experience.
The school has recently undergone major building work, which has resulted in a new extension to the school. This includes the Nursery and Reception classes as well as a brand new school kitchen. We have also recently improved our 'wild life area' making it an interesting and quiet place for the children to play and learn.
PROGRESS
It is important for parents to remember that their child is an individual and that all children develop at vastly different speeds. It benefits the children greatly if they are encouraged in their efforts both at school and at home. Teachers are responsible for the welfare of the children in their class. We try to nurture a caring attitude.
Parents with any problems concerning their child are encouraged to discuss these with the Class or Headteacher immediately. If there is a problem, the sooner it is sorted out the better. If the teacher or Headteacher is not available then a mutually convenient time will be arranged. We feel that this communication between parent, teacher and child is beneficial for the child. Similarly parents will be informed if problems arise in school.
PARENTS AND SCHOOL
The school fosters close links with parents and the local community. Parents wishing to send their child to the school are encouraged to visit the school, see at first hand the type of activities the children are engaged in and put to the Headteacher any questions they would like to ask.
Children moving from the Nursery to the Reception class will spend half a day with the infants prior to transfer. This is in addition to the close links fostered between the Nursery and Main School. Parents of infant school children are encouraged to bring their children to school each morning. If parents are in school, whatever the purpose, please take the opportunity of looking at the children's’ work which is currently on display.
EMERGENCY CONTACT
For your own child's safety it is vital that the school is kept informed of up to date contact numbers with as many alternatives as possible. Changes of address or circumstances should also be communicated immediately.
SMOKING POLICY
The school has a no-smoking policy.
INSURANCE
The Headteacher would like to draw your attention to the fact that the County Council does not carry Personal Accident Insurance in respect of pupils in their schools. The County Council only insures against injury caused to children as a result of negligence of the Authority, its servants or agents and does not insure to pay compensation following injury suffered by a pupil. It is the responsibility of the parent to arrange and pay premiums for any personal accident insurance they require in respect of any injury caused or suffered by their child.
PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN
If you have a pre-school child you would like to attend Nursery please inform school so that your child’s details can be put on the official waiting list. When a place is available you are invited to come and stay with your child in the Nursery for a short while. At this time the nursery teacher will tell you about the work in the Nursery. It is at this meeting that you will be asked to tell us about your child and family so that we feel we know a little bit about you before your child attends Nursery. Nursery children should be brought and collected by the parents or guardians. If there is any alteration to this arrangement a member of staff must be informed.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR ADMISSION TO THE NURSERY
The Nursery is organised on a part time basis. There is a morning and afternoon session. Generally speaking, the nursery serves the immediate catchment area of the school, Selby and a number of villages covering a wide area of the locality. The children are accepted at the beginning of the term after they are 3 years and 2 months old. At times it may be necessary to vary these arrangements.
NURSERY CURRICULUM
At each session various activities will be prepared for the children. These will include painting, water play, sand play, manipulative play, cooking, eating, singing, dancing, listening to stories, counting games and the use of large apparatus.
Through these activities the children will be learning to develop the patterns of speech so necessary for future language work, basic mathematical concepts such as large/small, long/short, heavy/light etc., appreciation of colour and texture, group work and sharing. The Nursery aims to develop the emotional, mental, social and physical attributes of each child.
MAIN SCHOOL CURRICULUM
The curriculum is laid down Nationally by the Education Act 1988, which covers the area of study and the standards of achievement. The curriculum for the school is based on the new Curriculum 2000 for years 1 to 6 and the Early Learning Goals for Nursery and reception children. The curriculum will embrace the range of subjects laid down by the DfEE. English, Art Mathematics, Science, Technology, Geography, History, Music PE and Personal Social and Emotional development including citizenship are all part of our broad and balanced timetable. Basic skills in English and Mathematics are given strong emphasis. Both being integrated into topics and taught separately.
In line with government recommendations, each day the children spend at least one hour on literacy and numeracy skills.
SEX EDUCATION
Sex Education is not taught as a separate subject in school although related issues may be met in the Science and Health Curriculum. We do deal with sexual matters naturally and sensitively when the need arises. In the final years all the children are told about changes which occur during puberty and aspects of sexuality. The school nurse from Raincliffe Street clinic visits the older children to deal with this subject in a sensitive and informative manner during the Summer term.
Parents are informed when this series of lessons is to occur. They are also invited in to see the video to be shown to the children to ask questions and to express concerns.
The class teacher and the school nurse work as a team when dealing with the children.
All classes, including the Nursery, and the ICT Suite have an interactive white board, which enhances the use of ICT in the classroom teaching and learning. We have recently upgraded the computers in the ICT suite to meet the needs of the 21st century!
ICT
The school has an ICT (Information, Communication, Technology) Suite comprising of 16 computers. This enables the ICT skills to be effectively taught to a whole class. We regularly log on to the internet and send emails. The children also have use of digital cameras and the programmable Roamer.
The combination of the ICT Suite and the Library area within the same room provides an effective research and learning area.
PLANNING, PROGRESSION AND COMMUNICATION.
Staff at Barlby Bridge communicate frequently on matters directly related to the planning of work and the Curriculum 2000. There are regular topic planning meetings where teachers discuss planning and progression. We have a two year cycle of topics, which integrates the Curriculum 2000 work throughout the school. This enhances continuity. Curriculum work not directly related to topics is also thoroughly discussed and planned. Continuity is also enhanced by policy documents, which by prior arrangement are available in the office for parents to examine. These have been discussed and formulated by staff, with adviser support, and passed by our School Governors. The progress of each child is recorded in a personal file.
Regular informal meetings with the Headteacher and staff and two more formal Parents' Meetings are held annually to exchange information and discuss individual development. An annual written report is provided.
The curriculum is arranged with the following points in mind:
* Children develop and learn at different speeds.
* Children must learn to work in groups, as well as individually, as they will later work co-operatively in the larger community.
* First hand experience stimulates children and should be developed whenever appropriate.
* Children should be encouraged to develop organisational skills and to think for themselves.
Recent visitors have included representatives from various charities who came in to tell us about their work, visiting musicians, theatre groups, dance troupes Road Safety Officers and members of the local community.
We welcome these visitors and see them as a valuable additional resource.
PASTORAL CARE
Teachers are always happy to discuss the welfare of the children in their care. The Headteacher leaves it to parents to decide whether they first approach the class teacher or herself regarding any medical, emotional or social problems concerning the child. What is important is that the communication is made as soon as possible so that the situation can be resolved.
The school also has a Parent Support Advisor - Ms Nikki Simpson. Nikki can be contacted through school and is available to discuss any issues of concern with parents. Nikki will try to support through signposting to agencies or services that may help.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
Religious Education, which is a statutory requirement of the 1988 Education Act, shares common ground with other elements in contributing to the personal, moral and social development of children.
Although teaching and assemblies are mainly Christian and moral in background, care is taken to introduce children to other religions to give the children a sense of belonging to a caring community and to promote an awareness of human issues. Equal opportunities for all is promoted within the school.
Assemblies are not entirely concerned with religion. In these gatherings we talk about events past, present and yet to come. We discuss problems and how to overcome them. The children tell each other news and happenings of particular importance to them and indeed often take a lead in the assembly through their class teacher. Assemblies are a sharing time, which help to reinforce the aims of the school.
Parents do have the right to withdraw their child from Religious Education or Collective Worship in school. They may do so by informing the Headteacher in writing of this decision.
SWIMMING
All children in Key Stage 2 (Classes 4, 5 and 6) are taken to Abbey Leisure Centre. It is hoped that all children will learn to swim before they leave us. This activity is at present funded by the generous help of FoBBS (Friends of Barlby Bridge School) which pays for the hire of the pool, and two qualified instructors.
BEHAVIOUR IN SCHOOL
We try to foster a caring and responsible attitude in the children together with a high regard for honesty. We encourage them to be well mannered and self-disciplined. Behaviour and the way we treat others are a common topic of conversation both in class and at assemblies. The emphasis is, as far as possible, on "why" we should behave in a particular way. The school promotes strongly a positive approach to discipline, there are many strategies in place to encourage and support the children.
The children are awarded both Golden Tickets and Right Choice tokens for good behaviour and good manners, which are put in a draw each week with the opportunity to win prizes.
If children require disciplining, despite positive encouragement, the following is an outline of the procedures adopted:
*Class teacher and/or senior staff reprimand the child and explain what they have done wrong and why that particular behaviour is not allowed.
*Each class has a green/amber/red card system. If the unacceptable behaviour continues the chikld changes their green card to amber.
* If the inappropriate behaviour still continues the amber card changes to a red card.
* A red card is an indication that the child has received a playtime detention. This is recorded in the playtime detention book.
* If a child’s name appears in the playtime detention book 3 times within a half term the child’s parents are notified of our concerns.
We are pleased to say that this rarely happens.
* In extreme cases of inappropriate behaviour, outside agencies will be contacted and strategies put in place to monitor the child’s behaviour.
* In EXTREME cases of misbehaviour, when ALL other sanctions have failed, we would exercise our right to exclude a child.
We firmly believe that responsibility for correcting poor behaviour should be accepted by the child in conjunction with parents and school. With parent support most behaviour problems are quickly resolved. The team approach can only be of benefit to the child concerned.
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All class teachers are responsible for the discipline within their own class. However, the school has adopted standard procedures to encourage a positive work ethos within the classrooms.
Reward stickers, team points and playground points are used effectively to encourage the children’s good behaviour and positive attitude throughout the school. In addition the children’s efforts within the classroom and their good manners and consideration for others are celebrated at our weekly Praise Assembly. In addition the children’s work and achievements are also shared with parents during our Friday “Show-me” assembly.
We pride ourselves on the positive and friendly ethos throughout the school
The children have access to the School Library, which includes a range of non-fiction books. The library is incorporated within the ICT Suite attractively decorated with painted murals.
PALS and School Council
We have implemented a playtime scheme which we call PALS (Playtime and Lunchtime Squad). This is a group of older children who support the younger children on the playground. The PALS can be identified easily as they wear special baseball caps.
We also have a School Council with pupil representatives from each class. The Council is democratic in that the members vote on issues that have been raised by the children. The Council meets throughout the year.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Class teachers keep a constant check on children's progress - in particular in basic English and Mathematical skills.
A number of children experience short term learning or behavioural difficulties. Usually these problems can be overcome by co-operation between the child, teacher and parent. Sometimes it is necessary to contact specialist agencies to establish the appropriate course of action. Parents will always be consulted if this is being considered. Regular monitoring meetings are held to identify action to be taken and progress being made.
The school's Special Educational Needs Coordinator is Mrs Hay.
The school has an 'Excellent' Quality Mark issued by the LEA for it's SEN provision.
CHILD PROTECTION
The school adheres to the North Yorkshire guidelines on Child Protection. If the school has concerns regarding a child's welfare these will be discussed with the parent/carers whenever possible. If necessary, in the interests of the child's safety and welfare, a referral may be made to Children and Young Peoples Service (formerly Social Services).
SCHOOL UNIFORM
Girls
Plain Black/Navy/ Dark Grey skirt, trousers or pinafore dress.
Red or White blouse or polo type T-shirt.
Red sweatshirt, cardigan or jumper.
A red/white check/stripe dress may be worn during the summer months.
Boys
Plain Black/Navy/Dark Grey trousers or shorts.
Red or White shirt or polo type T-shirt.
Red sweatshirt or jumper.
Red sweatshirts/cardigans and red, and white, polo shirts and hats, with the school logo on them, are available from school. Please label all items of clothing with your child's name.
Please provide your child with a sensible pair of shoes. Children should not wear shoes with heels as they may damage the school floors and often lead to ankle injuries. These should be black, navy or a similar dark colour.
PE CLOTHING
Pupils need, for reasons of safety and hygiene, to change for physical education, which is part of the National Curriculum.
Indoor
Plimsolls, shorts and T-shirt or leotard.
Plimsolls and socks are removed for certain indoor PE activities for safety reasons.
Outdoor
Trainers/football boots, shorts or games skirt, sports top.
In winter, long sleeved tops and tracksuits would also be sensible. A plastic bag (or equivalent) is useful for muddy shoes.
A drawstring bag is the best for PE kit, with all items clearly labelled with the child’s name.
JEWELLERY
The wearing of jewellery (except watches) and any form of cosmetics in school is not allowed. No responsibility can be accepted for the loss or safety of any personal possessions brought into school and these are best kept at home. Children become upset if personal items are damaged or lost. We do, however, allow those children with pierced ears to wear studs (not sleepers) but these must be removed for physical education and swimming. This is for reasons of safety both for themselves and for others.
HOMEWORK POLICY STATEMENT
Homework should develop an effective partnership between school and parents/guardians. It should consolidate and reinforce skills and understanding - particularly in Literacy and Numeracy, and should extend and compliment school learning.
Homework should exploit the different resources for learning which are available at home. It should encourage pupils, as they get older, to develop the confidence and self discipline needed to study on their own and prepare them for future education.
The homework should be manageable and not consist of finishing off work that is uncompleted from the school day only.
The DFES offers the following guidelines.
Years 1 and 2 - 1 hour per week. Reading, spelling, literacy and numeracy work.
Years 3 and 4 - 1.5 hours per week. As with the above but with additional assignments in other subjects sometimes.
Years 5 and 6 - 30 minutes per day. Regular weekly schedules with continued emphasis on literacy and numeracy but also ranging widely over the curriculum.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
There is a range of out of school activities available. These vary according to the time of year and the interest shown by the children. After school clubs at present include, recorders,circuit training, choir, netball, CC4G, board games, fit and funky, gardening and football. Year 5 and 6 children are also given the opportunity to take part in the bi-annual residential visit.
The peripatetic music teachers visit the school to teach violin,brass intruments, guitar and keyboard.
HEALTH AND SAFETY/MEDICINES
Medicines or tablets will not be administered to children by school staff. If parents feel their child needs to take medicines during the day they may come to school to administer the medicine themselves.
This ruling does not include asthmatics, who will naturally continue to have the necessary inhalers with them in school
County Policy states, that only plasters, sterile dressings and bandages are to be kept in school first aid boxes. No antiseptic creams may be used, or tablets or medication given. If a child has a minor cut or graze it will be cleaned with water and, if appropriate, covered. Cold packs will be applied to bumps as necessary.
If a child bumps their head, and we are at all concerned,the parents will be notified and given the opportunity of collecting their child or requesting that the school staff monitor the child in school. If injuries are more serious medical help will be sought. Every effort will be made to contact parents/guardians. Up to date emergency numbers are vital.
TRANSFER AT 11
It is hoped that your child will have an enjoyable and productive time at Barlby Bridge Community Primary School.
At the age of eleven, children transfer to Secondary Education. Parents will be notified via Area Office and the High Schools themselves of the dates of Open Evening visits so that they can make an informed selection.
The school has close links, and extended liaison, between ourselves and local primary and secondary schools.
We hope that your child has a happy and stimulating time at our school. With your support and assistance we can give your child the best preparation for his/her future adult life. Please do not hesitate to contact the Headteacher if you have any problems or queries.
SCHOOL MEALS
Dinners are available at school for those wishing to have them. The cost at the present time is £1.80 per meal. Dinner money, for the week, is collected on MONDAYS ONLY unless your child is absent on this day. Vegetarian or diabetic meals may be provided on request. Facilities are available for packed lunches. The school meals menu is displayed in the school.
As we are unable to provide cool areas for storing lunch boxes parents are advised to pack foods, which will not deteriorate by being left for 3 hours in normal school temperatures i.e. 62 degrees. Children may bring a drink for their lunch if they wish provided that these are not in glass bottles and are not fizzy. We ask all children to take empty drinks containers home with them.
LUNCHTIME
Lunch time in the school hall is seen as a social time when children can talk and socialise with their friends.
School cannot accept responsibility for food lost, damaged or mislaid. In such circumstances a meal will be provided for which the parent will have to pay.
The majority of lunch-time supervision is undertaken by Supervisory Assistants. They have a difficult and complex job. Failure to comply with the Supervisory Assistants requests and unacceptable behaviour within the lunch hour could result in exclusion from school during the midday break in the interests and for the safety of other children.
GOOD EATING HABITS
In an attempt to promote good eating habits playtime snacks are restricted to fruit and vegetables. Sweets, crisps and biscuits are excluded at break time. This does not affect packed lunches which is the parent’s choice but, we would appreciate parental co-operation in encouraging healthy eating and would ask that sweets are not included in packed lunches. The only exception to the general rule is for diabetic children.
Children in Nursery, Classes 1, 2 and 3 receive free fruit/vegetables every break time.
The children are positively encouraged to drink water throughout the day. The children are asked to provide their own plastic drinks bottle. Friends of Barlby Bridge School have provided two water coolers in the school so that the children can have easy access to fresh, cool water.
To enable Parents and Friends to take a fuller part in the school, teachers often seek their support with school and class activities. FoBBS is a very active group which supports the school in many formal and social ways. We are extremely grateful for their support. All parents are very welcome to attend the meetings and help with the events. The meeting dates are displayed on the doors and windows around school and on the FoBBS section of the notice board for parents, situated outside the Nursery.
Chairperson - Mrs H. Williamson
SCHOOL POLICIES REGARDING THE EDUCATION REFORM ACT 1988
ADMISSIONS POLICY
The children from the immediate catchment area have first priority over the allocation of full time places at Barlby Bridge. If a parent from outside this catchment area expresses a preference for Barlby Bridge instead of the school, which is regarded as the usual school for their child, the request will be considered after places, have been allocated to pupils living in the area served by the school. However, children with Special Educational Needs may also be offered places as a priority.
Parents should make an appointment to see the Headteacher to discuss the possibility of their children being allocated a place at the school at the earliest opportunity. Once the decision has been made, a preference form must then be completed and returned to Selby Area Education Office.
The Governors and Head of this school have decided that due to the fact that we have a Nursery Unit in the school and most of our children attend this unit, for at least a year before starting full time education, that we adopt the following procedures. Parents of reception class children usually decide that their children begin school in the September of the academic year of their fifth birthday. If parents wish to delay their child's start in the Reception class this needs to be arranged with the Headteacher.
CHARGES FOR SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
The Governing Body recognises the valuable contribution that a wide range of additional activities, including educational visits, residential experiences and clubs can make towards pupils’ personal and social education. The Governing Body and the teachers aim to promote and provide such activities both as part of a broad and balanced curriculum for the pupils of the school and as additional optional activities.
It is the policy of the Governing Body to make a voluntary charge for the activities which take place during the school’s normal hours. If insufficient voluntary contributions are received and funds are unavailable from elsewhere, then regrettably, many of these activities will not go ahead. We feel that the activities are exciting opportunities, which will benefit all the children both educationally and socially. We are confident that you will support these activities.
Where the parents of a pupil are in receipt of income support or family credit and the cost of these activities might cause hardship, thus making it difficult for the pupils to take part in a particular activity, the Governors invite these parents to apply in confidence to the Headteacher for full or part remission of charges.
Under the Education Reform Act 1988, the school is entitled to charge for any activity, which takes place outside the school’s normal session. This would include residential visits.
BREAKAGES AND FIRES
The Governing Body reserve the right to ask parents to pay for the cost of replacing items of school property which are broken, damaged, defaced or lost, where it is the result of a pupil’s poor or careless behaviour.
COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
The Governing Body and Teaching Staff at Barlby Bridge pride themselves on the excellent relationship, which exists between the teachers and parents at the school. With the open access that all parents have to the class teachers and Headteacher each day, problems are quickly cleared up.
We are however required under Section 23 Of the Education Reform Act 1988 to set up a complaints procedure and to make it known to all parents in the school prospectus.
The guidelines for dealing with any problems that might arise in school are as follows:
1. Speak to the pupil’s class teacher and/or the Headteacher.
2. If it is a matter which you feel is more appropriately dealt with by the Headteacher arrange for an appointment through the school secretary.
3. If in the unusual event that you feel dissatisfied by the outcome of the meeting with the Headteacher, you then have the right to bring the matter to the attention of the school’s Governors, who have a sub-committee which deals with any problems relating to the curriculum and the management of the school.
If the complainant is still dissatisfied with the outcome, after having consulted with the school’s Governors, the parent has the opportunity to involve the Local Education Authority. The Headteacher will be able to inform parents of the procedures, names and addresses of the relevant officers of the authority to contact.
HELPING YOUR CHILD TO LEARN
Many parents ask if their child should be taught letter names or sounds when referring to the letters of the alphabet. At Barlby Bridge School we feel it is important to be aware of both, the name remains constant but the sound varies with its context.
Children are made aware of the pleasure to be gained from books and reading. Stories, poems and rhymes read to them by the teacher or parent will help to lay down a firm foundation of enjoyment in listening and reading skills.
Parents will be encouraged to read with their children, discussing pictures and story-line, with the main emphasis being on enjoyment and understanding rather than success in the mechanics of reading. The children have individual reading record booklets, which follow them throughout their time at the school. Parents are invited to add comments in these.
Children will be encouraged to take home reading and class library books regularly, the main aim being to extend their reading experiences and to share them with an adult. It is hoped that parents will be able to support us in this venture.
Points to Remember
Your child will feel successful if he/she is encouraged to share his/her experiences and rewarded with praise for his/her efforts.
Reading with your child - Pointers for parents:
* Choose a time that is good for both of you. A little often is better than large amounts infrequently.
* Avoid distractions (no television).
* Sit together so that you can both comfortably see the book.
* Talk about the story and pictures. Ask about what has happened and what might happen.
*