Haslington Primary

Haslington Primary School

Haslington Primary School Crewe Road Haslington Crewe CW1 5SL e-mail: admin@haslington.cheshire.sch.uk www.haslington.cheshire.sch.uk Head teacher: Mrs R Barber

Please visit our website for more information

Haslington Primary

Crewe Road ~ Haslington ~ Crewe ~ CW1 5SL Head Teacher: Rachel Barber ~ Deputy Head: Katie Donnelly 01270 581327 [email protected] [email protected]

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to Haslington Primary School. We are proud of our school and what our pupils achieve. We offer a friendly, vibrant environment with an inclusive ethos in which hard work and enjoyment are valued. We place great emphasis on teaching the basic skills and we aim to develop the academic abilities of our pupils to the full. We achieve through an exciting, creative curriculum based on first hand experiences and independent learning which engages the pupils in their learning. As a result, practical, sporting, musical and artistic abilities are all recognised and developed as part of the total potential of the whole child.

We are delighted that you are thinking of joining us. We greatly value the partnership built up between home and school, which is so vital for the education and welfare of young children. By working together, we can ensure that our children learn and grow in an exciting, challenging, happy and caring environment.

This booklet is intended to provide you with some of the information you will require when your child joins our school. It is hard to describe the whole school in a booklet so please contact the school office to arrange a visit.

Our website also is a very useful source of information. You can find all of the statutory policies, holiday dates and other useful information. We are developing it so that it has more information about clubs and homework, as well as a ‘Frequently Asked Questions’ section. The link is: www.haslington.cheshire.sch.uk

Yours sincerely

Rachel Barber

HEAD TEACHER

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AIMS AND ETHOS Vision Statement Haslington Primary school is a place where: every child is safe every person is valued and respected everyone is encouraged to make a positive contribution all efforts and achievements are celebrated we encourage everyone to make healthy life choices

Mission Statement The Governors and Staff of Haslington Primary School strive to provide the best learning opportunities for all within a safe, secure and stimulating environment so that individuals can fulfil their potential – mentally, physically, artistically, morally and spiritually - and be prepared to live as happy and successful citizens of the 21st century.

Aims We aim to: deliver a broad, balanced and differentiated education, based on the National Curriculum, through high quality, stimulating and enjoyable lessons develop articulate, numerate and literate individuals ensure that all children reach their full potential and become confident, disciplined and independent learners able to make informed choices and decisions provide a safe, secure and happy environment that will stimulate, inspire and challenge growing bodies, personalities and intellects provide a positive ethos which promotes Christian principles and fosters qualities of confidence, independence and co-operation so that all children have respect for themselves, others and the world around them ensure equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender, race, religion, academic or physical ability, promoting an ethos of acceptance and understanding of others promote an open, honest and trusting home-school relationship which supports the children’s learning encourage children to have understanding, caring and respect for both the local and rapidly changing wider environment

Objectives We believe we must: foster a love of learning meet individual needs through an inclusive and differentiated curriculum in which barriers to learning are removed value and celebrate hard work, perseverance, success and high standards of behaviour seek out innovative teaching methods, including the use of modern technologies offer opportunities outside the classroom ensure that all staff are motivated and supported and continue to develop their professional expertise ensure that the management of the school looks to make efficient and effective use of all resources and evaluates school performance through a process of monitoring and self-review promote an open and productive relationship between the school and the parents, the community, local businesses and other agencies provide high standard accommodation and resources which enhance children’s learning provide a safe, secure and comfortable atmosphere to meet for the physical, social, spiritual and emotional needs of the children

OFSTED INSPECTION July 2017 The school was inspected by OFSTED and was graded as ‘Good’. 6. Please access the report using this link to the Ofsted website: http://www.ofsted.gov.uk

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THE SCHOOL

Haslington Primary School is a community controlled primary school catering for children aged 4 to 11. It is situated at the heart of the community in the centre of the village of Haslington. Cheshire East is the admissions authority for the school and sets an intake number of 45 pupils per year group.

Cheshire East’s policy is to admit on all annual basis pupils who are starting school that year; pupils a with 5th birthday between 1st September and the following 31st August may all start school on the 1st September. Our pupils all begin full-time from the beginning of term, with lots of transition during the summer term.

Admissions Policy Parents wishing to secure a place for their child in a Reception class must apply to the Local Authority. An on-line application can be made at www.cheshireeast.gov.uk by following the link for School Admissions. Alternatively you can contact the admissions team at: Cheshire East Borough Council, School Admissions, Delamere House (EC), Delamere Street, Crewe, Cheshire, CW1 2LL or by telephoning 0300 123 5012. Children will be allocated the school of their choice, if there are spaces available. If an application is turned down parents can appeal to the Local Authority. In-year Applications are also administered by the Local Authority. Places are allocated according to spaces available.

Indoor Facilities The school is housed in an attractive single storey brick building, the oldest part of which was opened in 1913. There have been several additions: in 1988, 2000 and 2002, to extend and improve the accommodation and facilities. In January 2019, a new front entrance was added to create more space and security for the school, safeguarding our children even more.

Haslington Primary has 10 large, well-equipped classrooms, which are decorated and furnished to a high standard, and several spacious, airy shared areas, where practical activities and small group work can take place. A resource area, comprising a library area and additional teaching spaces, provides the opportunity for the children to undertake independent study and research. Each classroom is equipped with Interactive whiteboards to enhance the teaching and support the children’s learning; pupils also use ipads and laptops. The octagonal school hall is well-presented and is used for assemblies, PE, drama and social events. The school has its own modern kitchen providing healthy and nutritious hot and cold meals daily and a separate dining room. There is ample storage space throughout the school and well-appointed office and administrative areas. Two mobile classrooms are used by the private out-of-school club and local Pre-School which is run by parents.

Outdoor facilities The school has extensive, well-developed outdoor facilities. A large field enables a wide variety of sporting activities to take place and provides a pleasant area for children to play in during the summer months. Large playground areas provide space for sport and play. The younger children in Key Stage 1 have their own attractive play area with a pleasant shaded playground and an attractive woodland walk, while Key Stage 2 children can make use of the shaded tables in the quiet playground. We are lucky enough to have a beautiful pond and boggy area that allow for scientific and environmental studies.

Organisation Haslington Primary is a one and a half form entry which means some classes are mixed age and children are in split year groups. (see organisation below).

The school is organised as follows:

Year Group Ages Key Stage Class Names Reception Ages 4 – 5 Foundation Stage Red Class & Orange Year 1 and 2 Ages 4 – 6 Key Stage 1 Orange, Amber & Yellow Classes Years 3 and 4 Ages 7 – 9 Lower Key Stage 2 Aqua, Jade & Cobalt Classes Years 5 and 6 Ages 9 – 11 Upper Key Stage 2 Magenta, Violet & Indigo

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The School Day

8.50 School opens 9.00 Registration 9.05 Lessons 10.30 Break 10.45 Lessons 12.15 Lunch (Rec 12:00) 1.15 Registration/Lessons (Lower KS2 1pm) 2.15 Break (Lower KS 2 – daily mile) 3.15 School ends

We expect EYFS and KS1 children to be brought to school and collected by an adult. You are asked to wait until the teacher opens the door. EYFS and KS1 children will not be allowed to leave the building if an adult is not there to collect them. The on-site independently run ‘Time-Out’ club offers before and after school care, priced per session. The doors open each morning at 8.50am and the class teacher collects the children as they line up on the playground. Children arriving after the gates have been closed at 8.55am need to report to the Office.

Break times

On fine days the children play outside during break times, on the playgrounds or the field; Reception pupils have their own recreation area. They are supervised at all times by two members of staff. When it is wet, the children remain in the classrooms where they can read, draw or play simple games. They are supervised by staff and by Year 6 helpers.

At lunch time the children are cared for by our midday staff under the direction of the Head Teacher and the senior supervisors, Mrs Merner and Mrs Taylor. Year 6 ‘play leaders’ help supervise the younger children. Lunchtime clubs are offered to children from Year 1 upwards by our Sports Coach and other staff members.

School meals

Children choose daily to bring a packed lunch or have a school meal. The meals are prepared by our cook and her team and are healthy and tasty, providing good value for money at £2.20 per day. School meals should be paid for on a Monday morning, when the money for the week should be sent into school in a named envelope. You can help your child choose their meal and your child records their option onto our system called ‘Lunch Hound’.

Healthy Eating and Drinking

The school encourages the children to think about what they eat and tries to promote a healthy diet. Children are encouraged to bring in a water bottle and a healthy snack for their morning break – a piece of fruit or raw vegetable. A selection of healthy snacks is available from the canteen at break time. Please see the website for a current list of choices and prices.

After school club

An independently run after school club, ‘Time Out’, provides excellent wrap around care. Sessions available include a Breakfast Club [from 7.30am], an After School Club [which runs until 6pm] and a School Holiday Club. Further details can be obtained form the School Office or by contacting Mrs Heath on 07704 633 438.

Children with disabilities

We aim to ensure equal opportunities for all, regardless of gender, race, religion, academic or physical ability, promoting an ethos of acceptance and understanding of others. The school is equipped to make provision for children with physical disabilities as there is appropriate access to the school and all its facilities. Audio equipment has been installed to enable children with hearing loss to access the curriculum. 4

THE STAFF

Teaching

Mrs R Barber Head Teacher Mrs Katie Donnelly Deputy Head

Mrs T Bolton/Mrs Carless Red Class Mrs Taylor-Bradbury Orange Class Miss A Jones (Team Leader) Yellow Class

Mrs S Thompson (Team Leader) Aqua Class Mrs L Hemming Jade Class Miss O Charlton Cobalt Class Mr D Ball Magenta Class Miss C Appleby Violet Class Mrs K Donnelly (Deputy Head)/ Mrs A. Fowler Indigo Class

Teaching Assistants

Mrs R Taylor Miss M Felton Mrs C Merner Mrs L Jackson Miss E Hughes Mrs G Charles Mrs M Oliver Mrs F Heeks Mrs Lyon

Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Mrs C Knibbs

Mrs J Elliott School Business Manager Mrs I Laird Administration Assistant Mr S Boulton Site Maintenance Officer Mrs S Taylor Cook in Charge Miss H Gilraine Kitchen Assistant

Midday Assistants

Mrs R Brassington Mrs G Capper Mrs M Hopkins Mrs M Lewis Mrs C Wheeler Mrs L Cooke

Cleaners

Mrs L Boulton Mrs G Capper Mr A Wheeler

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Governors

The Governing Body of Haslington Primary School takes a strategic overview of the running of the school, and works in partnership with the Headteacher who has responsibility for its management. They work closely with the Headteacher and staff to implement the School Strategic Improvement Plan and have a duty to ensure that the school is run efficiently and effectively.

The Governing Body acts as a ‘critical friend’ and supports, challenges and advises the school. They keep standards under constant review to ensure that Haslington’s children are given the best educational opportunities to achieve their potential, feel safe and enjoy their learning. The Governing Body’s aims are to support the school, champion its values and help make it an even better place to learn, aspire and work.

The Full Governing Body meets at least once a term and have legal duties, powers and responsibilities. There are two committees covering Strategic Management and Achievement and include agendas with updates and discussions about the School’s Self Evaluation, priorities identified in the School Strategic Improvement Plan, the curriculum, budgets, policies, staff, recruitment and most importantly pupil progress, attainment and achievement.

The role of the Governing Body is very important, with great responsibility and a considerable work load for the governors.

Governors are appointed to help:  decide what is taught  set standards of behaviour  interview and select staff  decide how the budget is spent

The Governing Body of the school is made up of people from a variety of backgrounds, who are elected, nominated or co-opted, and are representative of parents and teachers, the Local Authority and the local community. They represent a cross section of views and bring different professional skills from outside the world of education. School Governors are:  parents  teachers and non-teaching staff from school  local council representatives  community representatives

Parent Governors:  have a child at the school  are elected by parents of the school  serve for 4 years

If you would like to get in touch with us, or are interested in becoming a school governor, then please contact the school office.

Our Chair of Governors is Mrs Caroline Prince. More details about our Governors can be found on our website.

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THE CURRICULUM

The Early Years [Reception Classes] There are seven areas of learning and development that shape the early years provision. All areas of learning and development are important and inter-connected. Three areas are particularly crucial for igniting children’s curiosity and enthusiasm for learning, and for building their capacity to learn, form relationships and thrive. These three areas, the prime areas, are:  communication and language;  physical development; and  personal, social and emotional development. The school also supports children in four specific areas, through which the three prime areas are strengthened and applied. The specific areas are:  literacy;  mathematics;  understanding the world; and  expressive arts and design.

Communication and language development involves giving children opportunities to experience a rich language environment; to develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves; and to speak and listen in a range of situations. Physical development involves providing opportunities for young children to be active and interactive; and to develop their co-ordination, control, and movement. Children must also be helped to understand the importance of physical activity, and to make healthy choices in relation to food. Personal, social and emotional development involves helping children to develop a positive sense of themselves, and others; to form positive relationships and develop respect for others; to develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings; to understand appropriate behaviour in groups; and to have confidence in their own abilities. Literacy development involves encouraging children to link sounds and letters and to begin to read and write. Children must be given access to a wide range of reading materials (books, poems, and other written materials) to ignite their interest. Mathematics involves providing children with opportunities to develop and improve their skills in counting, understanding and using numbers, calculating simple addition and subtraction problems; and to describe shapes, spaces, and measures. Understanding the world involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the environment. Expressive arts and design involves enabling children to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials, as well as providing opportunities and encouragement for sharing their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of activities in art, music, movement, dance, role-play, and design and technology.

Activities during the day encompass a number of skills and concepts and will not be limited to just one area of learning. In the Reception class the learning is a mix of teacher-led and child-initiated activities; both are vital to a child’s development.

The children in Key Stages 1 and 2 study the National Curriculum ‘core’ subjects of English, maths and science and the ‘foundation’ curriculum of ICT (information and communication technology), DT (design technology), history, geography, art, music and PE (physical education). The National Curriculum programmes of study are followed through planned, structured schemes of work taught either as discrete subjects or linked in a cross-curricular approach.

The cross-curricular themes of PSHCE (personal, social, health and citizenship education) and SEAL (social and emotional aspects of learning) are used to enhance the curriculum and develop pupils as independent, healthy citizens.

KS1 and KS2 Curriculum We have developed a broad and balanced skills based creative curriculum which delivers the statutory National Curriculum. We value basic skills and explicitly teach core skills in English and Maths that the children need to succeed. We use the phonics programme ‘Letters and Sounds’ which is very effective at developing children’s reading and writing.

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However; we value all elements of the curriculum and deliver a varied range of opportunities to enable children to learn in all areas. We plan integrated units of work which allow the children to practise and apply the skills they’ve been taught.

We believe that children should be able to experience many musical opportunities and we provide a programme which includes a Wider Opportunities Vocal programme in Y4 and a Wider Opportunities Brass Band programme in Y5. The Brass band programmes are led by specialist tutors who teach the pupils for an hour a week; pupils are lent an instrument for the year and perform in a range of settings, including Bridgewater Hall in Manchester and also the Cheshire Show at Tatton Park.

We are very proud of our outstanding sporting achievements in a wide range of sports. We have frequently won the Crewe and Nantwich Town Sports Trophy for example, a competition between around forty local schools.

Our curriculum is driven through the Commando Joe values: RESPECT – Resilience, Empathy, Self-awareness, Passion, Excellence, Communication and Teamwork. Our History and Geography, alongside all other subjects link to topics and the children work on problem solving skills to support their overall development to prepare them for jobs/careers that do not exist yet.

Religious Education

Religious Education (RE) is provided in accordance with the Agreed Syllabus for Cheshire schools. Religious, moral and multi-cultural education all play an important part in the life of our school and as such are taught through assemblies, class teaching and situations which arise naturally through the school day.

If parents do not wish their children to take part in RE or assemblies on religious grounds, then arrangements can be made for withdrawal to other suitable activities. Requests should be made to the Head Teacher.

Sex and Relationships Education The Governing Body has adopted the Cheshire Authority policy on Sex Education, the contents of which have been incorporated into the syllabus. Most sex education is addressed through the science curriculum and in addition to this the nurse visits the Year 5 and Year 6 children to speak to them about their changing bodies at puberty. Parents can view the policy and schemes of work and discuss the content of Sex Education with staff. They have the option to withdraw their children from Sex Education if they inform the school.

Special Needs Education

Children come to school with a variety of special needs which must be provided for so that they can reach their full potential. At Haslington we strive to provide a fully inclusive education in which the barriers to learning are removed and the needs of every child are met. Staff and resources are made available to meet these needs as appropriate. Sometimes the class teacher will liaise with our SENDCO (Special Needs Co-ordinator), Mrs Hemming and provision will be made as part of the general differentiation of teaching and learning that takes place in the classroom. At other times, our teaching assistants are used, under the direction of the teacher and the SENCO, to support the children individually or in small groups. In addition to this, some children are withdrawn from their class to receive support in small groups for literacy and numeracy. Full use is also made of outside agencies such as the Learning Support and Schools Psychological Services. Parents of children with special needs are kept fully informed of the provision made for their child and the progress made. Full details of the school’s SEN policy are available in school. Concerns from parents concerning the SEN provision made by the school should be directed initially to the SENDCO or Head Teacher. All details can be found on our website.

Assessment

The EYFS Profile In the final term of the year in which the child reaches age five the EYFS Profile must be completed for each child. The Profile provides parents and carers, practitioners and teachers with a well-rounded picture of a child’s knowledge, understanding and abilities, their progress against expected levels, and their readiness for Year 1. The Profile must reflect: on-going observation; all relevant records held by the setting; discussions with parents and carers, and any other adults whom the teacher, parent or carer judges can offer a useful contribution.

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Each child’s level of development must be assessed against the early learning goals. Teachers must indicate whether children are meeting expected levels of development, or if they are exceeding expected levels, or not yet reaching expected levels (‘emerging’).

On-going Assessments The school makes use of ongoing formative teacher assessment to ascertain pupils’ knowledge, skills and understanding. Records are kept about children’s attainment, judged against key learning objectives. Assessments are used to measure pupil attainment and progress at regular intervals, most commonly in the key areas of learning; reading, writing, spelling, and maths.

The school carries out its statutory requirements to administer Standard Assessment Tests (SATs) in Years 2 and 6, as the children reach the end of each Key Stage. We also administer the Y1 Phonics check.

Extra-curricular activities

The school is proud of the number and range of extra-curricular activities on offer. There is a wide range of sport offered at various times of the year, including football, netball, cricket, athletics and rugby. Pupils often participate in inter-schools matches and competitions across a wide range of activities in which we have been very successful.

The school also arranges for outside agencies to provide clubs at school. Crewe Alex Soccer Centre run football clubs, Candy Lakin runs a Gymnastics Club, Claire Livesey runs ‘The Hub – Dance in Education’ dance classes, Alan Smith runs a Judo club and we offer a Nantwich Young Actors club.

Staff provide additional club opportunities during lunchtimes and also after school. These vary during the school year and encompass a range of activities.

In addition to Wider Opportunities Music programmes in school [Brass band Y5; Ukulele Y3, Vocal Tuition in Y4], a Peripatetic [mobile] music teacher visits school to teach woodwind, brass and strings. The children play together in a school orchestra and hold regular concerts. We also have a Rock Choir club and a Rock band club who also regularly perform. Please visit the website for a full list of the clubs we offer after school.

Homework Children are encouraged to develop their independent learning and study skills at home. All children, from Reception to Year 6, are encouraged to read at home daily and practise appropriate spellings and tables or number bonds. We rely on the support of our parents to ensure that this valuable work is carried out. Formal homework, Maths tasks, are set on a regular basis from Y1, consolidating, extending and enhancing class work. The children come home with a daily maths book and complete 2-3 questions each night. The children are constantly revisiing and consolidating their learning. Occasionally the children will be asked to carry out a piece of work, or an extended project, in another subject area, usually linked to their current topic.

School Council and Other Roles Classes each select a pupil to represent them on the School Council that meets monthly to raise and discuss issues and concerns which the children think important. Children’s ideas are acted upon whenever possible.

Two Year 6 children act as the school’s E-Safety Officers and raise awareness of issues through discussion and competitions.

Visits and Visitors We aim to enhance the curriculum by inviting visitors in to school to talk to and work with the children and by taking the children out on educational visits. The village clergy regularly lead our school assemblies and good use is made of visiting theatre and music groups. Each year educational visits are arranged for all year groups. The children in Year 6 spend an exciting and enjoyable week on a residential educational activity visit at Manor Adventure in Shropshire in the summer term.

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EQUIPMENT

School Uniform

School Uniform

Our uniform is:  Dark blue sweatshirt or cardigan (with or without logo)  Grey (not black): trousers/shorts(no culottes)/skirts/pinafores  White: polo shirts/shirts/blouses (with or without logo)  Light Blue/white check dresses  Grey socks/grey tights when wearing grey uniform  White ankle/white knee length socks with summer dresses  Black school shoes (no trainers please)  Plain black boots may be worn in EYFS [mid-calf height, not knee high]  Sandals can be worn but these need to have some toe protection and a strap around the heel.

All uniform can be worn at any time throughout the year.

You can purchase your uniform direct from ‘Badged’ located in Sandbach – 01270 747525.

PE Uniform A PE bag clearly labelled with your child’s name should be kept at the school all week and taken home when necessary to wash. It should contain:  House team colour T shirt – (the name of the team will be provided by school)  Plimsoll shoes or trainers (for games)  Dark coloured shorts (navy blue/black)  Dark coloured, plain tracksuit bottoms may be worn for outside PE in cold weather (navy blue/black)

Jewellery Jewellery is not to be worn, in the interests of safety and security, except for stud earrings and watches that must be removed for PE.

Hair Long hair should be tied back at all times for health and safety considerations, and must be tied back during PE lessons. Extravagant hair styles are discouraged, ensuring that the children look smart in full uniform and appropriate hairstyles – we want high standards her at Haslington.

Personal Property The school cannot be held responsible for the loss or damage to items of personal property brought onto the premises. Please ensure that your child develops the habit of looking after their own belongings. Children should not carry large amounts of money in school. ALL items of clothing, lunchboxes must be labelled.

Mobile Phones Mobile phones are not permitted in school and if brought to school should be handed to the class teacher.

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PASTORAL CARE AND DISCIPLINE

We aim to create an atmosphere in school which is ordered and disciplined, yet founded on kindness, firmness and understanding. We expect our children to behave in a way that will bring credit upon themselves, their family, our school and our community. Therefore, the school rules aim to encourage self-discipline and common sense in order to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone. The rules are discussed frequently with children in the classrooms and during assembly. A high standard of behaviour is expected at all times.

We believe in a system of positive behaviour management and use a well-structured and understood system of rewards and sanctions.

Our Expectations:

The children will be expected to keep the school’s few rules at all times.

 We are gentle – we don’t hurt others  We are kind and helpful – we don’t hurt anybody’s feelings  We listen – we don’t interrupt  We are honest – we don’t cover up the truth  We work hard – we don’t waste our time or others’ time  We look after the things around us – we don’t waste or damage things

The behaviour rules around school are based around the theme RESPECT and the children are graded for their efforts on their end of year report: 1, 2, 3. Number 1 is the expected behaviour by all children.

We ask for parents’ co-operation in supporting us with behaviour, expectations and decisions made in school.

Rewards

All children are in ‘House’ teams and will be given a token (green, red, blue or yellow) for excellent behaviour, attitude and work. Children who work hard throughout the week, are given special ‘golden’ time at the end of each week. The team with the most ‘House’ Points at the end of each term have a special treat given by the Senior Management Team.

Children are acknowledged for their achievements throughout the week and given a special certificate during the celebration assembly. There is also a weekly Headteacher’s award and achievements outside of school are also celebrated and recognised in school.

Sanctions

Children are expected to behave well and are gently encouraged to follow the rules, given lots of praise. These sanctions can vary and include working alone, working in another classroom, talking to the head teacher or phoning parents at home for example. These are used sensitively and flexibly so that sanctions reflect the age of the child, previous behaviour and the nature of the poor behaviour for example.

Here at Haslington we have a ‘Reflection Room’ – where children who have hurt others or misbehaved are sent to at lunchtime. A member of staff sits with the child or children and discusses the impact this behaviour has had on others and if there are better ways to deal with the situation. Sometimes, the children are helped with a problem and through discussions, the children know they are supported and it helps them to deal with their feelings or anxieties.

Children who do not respond to the school’s rewards and sanctions are dealt with using an appropriate behaviour plan devised by the class teacher in consultation with the Head teacher and the parents.

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PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

The successful education of our pupils depends upon a close partnership between home and school. Parents are welcomed into school to visit, help, discuss problems and participate in school life. Many parents do come in and assist us and we rely heavily on parental help for out-of-school visits and other activities.

There are numerous special occasions during the school year when parents are invited into school, for example our annual sports’ days, Christmas concerts, class assemblies, class workshops and parents’ evenings. Targets are shared with the parents during these parents’ evenings.

Parents are kept informed about school events through a Half Term school newsletter from the Head Teacher. Other messages and changes are communicated via our DOJO system with attachments to support parents. The website is updated with newsletters, diary dates and the class pages help you to know what’s going on in each class. At the end of each term, an overview is shared with parents and the planned work for the coming term. These contain photographs and help you feel part of your child’s education.

Parent views about the school are welcomed and questionnaires are sent home each spring to elicit parental opinion and help us to make improvements and be the best we can be. Parents are asked to keep the School Office notified of any change of address, phone number or contact details, as it is essential that we are able to contact someone in the an emergency.

Parent Voice Group We are restarting our Parent Voice group which will meet every half term. Members are parents who have pupils covering all ages. Parents who wish to contribute to school improvement are welcome to join the group. Minutes are posted on the school website, so others can see what has been discussed in the meetings.

Friends of Haslington School

We have a very active and successful Parent Teacher Association, the Friends of Haslington School (FOHS). Its dual purpose is to organise fund raising events and activities and promote and develop the community spirit. All parents of children in the school are deemed to be members of this Association and parents are encouraged to participate in the numerous events organised each year. An AGM is held annually in the autumn term with monthly committee meetings thereafter. A wide range of social and fund raising activities take place, such as quiz nights, fashion shows and dances, with the Summer Fair being the biggest event of the year. Recent acquisitions by school, made possible by the generosity of the Association include an ipad trolley, complete with 15 ipads, musical instruments and playground equipment.

Home/School Agreement

A Home/School Agreement sets out the rights and responsibilities of the school, the pupil and the parents. It covers the school’s broad aims and ethos with reference in particular to discipline and behaviour, uniform, homework and punctuality. We ask all families with children registered at Haslington to read, discuss and sign the document.

Meeting with Teachers

There will be 2 opportunities to formally meet with teachers over the year, in the Autumn and Spring. A formal report is sent out at the end of the year about your child’s progress and achievements. At other times during the year parents are welcome to make an appointment to see their child’s teacher to discuss any concerns. Teachers meet and greet the children each day and any concerns can be discussed and meetings arranged if needed.

Procedures for Absence

Schools are required to distinguish between pupils’ authorised and unauthorised absences on their attendance registers. It is therefore important that the following procedures are followed:

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If a child is absent because of illness, a telephone message should be left with the School Office on the first day of absence so that a note can be put in the register. Alternatively, a note can be sent into school on the day of the child’s return, addressed to the class teacher. The notes will be kept for inspection by the Education Welfare Officer. When a child has a dental, doctors or hospital appointment, a note should be sent to school, and the child must be collected and signed out of school by a responsible adult. If a child is absent and we do not know why, we will ring home to check the reason for the absence. This is to safeguard the child and we have a legal obligation and duty of care to do so. Requests for absence for holidays during term time should be addressed to the Head teacher on an official form. We follow the national guidance for authorising holidays, so these will only be authorised in circumstances deemed exceptional by the Head Teacher and Governors. Parents whose children have more than 10 unauthorised absences [one week of absence] may be issued with a Fixed Penalty Notice by the local authority. Please contact school, or see the website, for more information about holiday absence. Please understand that the school has to do this and is audited to make sure we are compliant.

Lateness Parents who bring their children into school late (i.e. after the doors are closed at 9.00am) must sign their child into school on the electronic register. Children arriving after 9.30am will be marked as having an unauthorised absence for the morning session unless a satisfactory reason is given.

Charging policy Our school endorses the statement on charges for school activities issued by Cheshire Authority that education provided in the school should be free and that no pupil’s education should be affected by parents’ unwillingness or inability to contribute towards the cost of the pupil’s education. However, when educational visits to enrich the curriculum are planned, voluntary contributions to cover the expenditure are sought. Where voluntary contributions from parents are insufficient to make the activity viable, the event is cancelled. The costs of board and lodging on residential visits must be met by parents, unless the child is in receipt of pupil premium funding. Any parent experiencing financial difficulty in respect of visits is invited to contact the Head Teacher for a confidential discussion.

Complaints procedure Although it is our aim to promote an open, honest and trusting home-school relationship which supports the children’s learning, there may be the occasional time when a parent feels unhappy about the arrangements that have been made for their child’s education. Complaints are usually settled quickly and informally at school level. However, the school has a complaints procedure for those parents who wish to pursue a complaint through more formal channels. A copy of the complaints procedure is available from the school, or from the website.

Health & Safety Security All school staff are cleared by the Disclosure and Barring Service.

Visitors to the school are directed to the main entrance where a locked door controls access to the main building. All visitors must sign the Visitors’ Book and a ‘Visitor’s Badge’ is issued to authorised personnel who need to be in the building. All staff and pupils are encouraged to report unfamiliar people seen in school to a senior member of staff.

When children are required to leave the school during the day due to illness or other reasons, the adult collecting the child must sign the pupil out of school. Children are not allowed to leave the premises alone during the day.

Medicines Parents are discouraged from sending in medicines, but, if necessary, anti-biotics that have been prescribed by a doctor can be left at the School Office and will be administered by a First Aider at lunch time, provided written instructions are provided by the parent and a Medical Consent Form has been completed. All medication must have the child’s name clearly written on the packet/bottle. A log is kept of all medicines administered.

It is essential that we know about all children’s allergies so that appropriate prevention and treatment can be taken. Children with asthma will have access to their inhalers at all times.

First Aid The school has a number of staff members with first aid training. First aid boxes are well- equipped and checked regularly. If the children bump their head a note will be sent home. All

13 accidents resulting in injury are recorded. A decision to contact parents about incidents or injuries is made by the adult dealing with the situation.

Traffic congestion Crewe Road is a busy main road and it gets very congested in the morning before school; we ask parents, if at all possible, for both health and safety concerns, to walk their children to school rather than use a car. There is a crossing outside school and the Head Teacher meets and greets the children and parents most mornings. If there is no alternative to using a car, please be a courteous and responsible driver. Do not park in the school grounds or on the zigzag lines outside and avoid blocking the driveways of houses nearby. The Fox are more than happy for you to use their car park.

Head Lice Head lice are common in schools everywhere as they spread easily from child to child; they are not a sign of poor hygiene. Since lice eggs have an incubation period of two weeks, it takes great diligence to get rid of them. We strongly encourage a regular regime of head lice precautions; this involves combing your child’s hair with a very fine tooth comb daily, typically during bath time. Please notify your child’s teacher if you find your child has head lice, as this may help us spot other children who may need treatment. We insist that children with long hair wear it up in a bobble to protect them as much as possible from getting head lice or transferring them.

School Nurse The school nurse visits regularly and monitors the children’s development. She holds regular drop-in sessions and you can make an appointment to see her, if you wish to discuss any health concerns about your child, by phoning 01606 544 062.

Smoking The school and its grounds are no smoking areas and we would appreciate your co-operation in maintaining this policy.

Dogs No dogs, other than Guide Dogs, are allowed into the school or its grounds for health and safety reasons and again, we would appreciate your co-operation in maintaining this policy.

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