ST IPPOLYTS CHURCH OF ENGLAND (AIDED) PRIMARY SCHOOL 2019 - 2020
Ashbrook Lane Tel: 01462 432080 St Ippolyts Fax: 01462 438524 Hitchin Web: www.stipps.herts.sch.uk Hertfordshire Email: [email protected] SG4 7PB
Headteacher Mrs R. E. Peddie
Chair of Governors Mrs J. Thake
You are very welcome to visit the school, Please telephone for an appointment.
Contents
Welcome 3
Staffing 2019-2020 4
Governing Body 5
Vision & Values 6
School Inspection 7
Key Information 8
The Early Years 9
Building Learning Power 10
The Curriculum including RE & Worship 11-20
Pupil Premium 21
Inclusion and SEND 22
Behaviour 23
Wraparound Care 24
Community 25
Parent Information 26
Safeguarding 28
School Uniform 29
Term dates 2019 - 2020 31
Admissions Policy 32
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Welcome
On behalf of everyone at St Ippolyts C of E Primary School, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to you and your family. Our brochure aims to give you an insight into the life of our school and illustrate what makes St Ippolyts School special to those who teach, work and learn here.
Founded in 1847, St Ippolyts primary is a voluntary aided Church of England school enjoying strong links with St Ippolyts church and within the diocese of St Albans. Our principal aim is to provide the best possible education for each individual child, underpinned by Christian values.
We believe that each child is unique and we seek to provide academic, emotional, social and spiritual support for each one, working in partnership with parents and families. We want our children to be spirited individuals who embrace challenge, think creatively, value achievement and strive to be the best they can be. We encourage each of our learners to actively contribute to our community and to support others.
At St Ippolyts we strive to provide a broad and stimulating curriculum, full of opportunities to excite and motivate our children. We foster relationships built on mutual respect and care for each other and we are extremely proud of all that goes on here.
If you would like to visit us to see our wonderful children in action, you would be most welcome; please telephone the school office to make an appointment and I would be delighted to show you around.
Headteacher
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Staffing 2019-20 Senior Leadership Headteacher Mrs R.E. Peddie
Foundation & Key Stage One Leader Miss K. Ingle
Assistant Headteacher/ Key Stage Two Leader Mrs G. Stewart
Inclusion Manager Mrs F. Nichols
Teaching Staff Key Stage 2 Class 6 Mrs G Stewart Class 5 Miss K. Abbott Class 4 Mrs S. Igoe & Mrs E. Hoar Class 3 Miss L. Gale PPA Cover Mrs S. Springall Key Stage 1 Class 2 Mrs L. Edwards Class 1 Miss K. Ingle Nursery Nurse Mrs J. Holmes
MFL (French) Teacher Miss H. Twomey
Support Staff Teaching Assistant Mrs V Gemmell Teaching Assistant Mrs. N. Sabri Teaching Assistant Miss J. Pettitt Teaching Assistant Teaching Assistant Mrs S. Lewis Sports Coach Mr C. Jefferies Sports Coach Mr. M. Smith
Office and Administration Staff Finance Secretary Mrs E. Rule Administration Assistant Mrs J. Webb
Kitchen Staff Cook Mrs S. Harrington Smith General Assistant Ms G. Batten
Midday Supervisory Assistants SSA Mrs C. Collins MSA Mrs B. Furr Mrs M. Stokes Miss J. Pettitt Premises Staff Site Manager Mr G. Dickens Cleaner in charge Mrs S. Harrington-Smith
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Governing Body The full Governing Body meets twice per term but much of the work is carried out by committees: Admissions, Finance and Personnel, Teaching, Learning and Curriculum, and Premises.
As a voluntary aided school, we have our own admissions policy and allocate places according to our criteria. This committee also deals with the appeals procedure.
The Finance and Personnel committee are concerned with the setting of the budget and monitoring it throughout the year. It also considers staffing issues and assists in the selection process.
The Teaching, Learning and Curriculum committee deals with all aspects of the curriculum including Special Education Needs and Inclusion matters, monitoring and evaluation.
The Premises committee deals with day to day maintenance, health and safety, and any proposed building, maintenance or refurbishment proposals.
We will continue to communicate with the school community through the newsletter; in the meantime if you have any questions or need to discuss any Governing Body matters, please don’t hesitate to contact us, either via the school or by emailing [email protected] Mrs J. Thake Chair of Governors
Name Type of governor Until Jane Thake, Chair Diocesan Foundation 31.08.22
Helen MacInnes Vice Chair Diocesan Foundation 31.03.20
Revd Ginni Dear Incumbent
Trevor Smith PCC Foundation 07.02.23
Carol Scott PCC Foundation 01.02.20
Jill Eaton PCC Foundation 07.02.23
Liz Luxton Local Authority 01.01.20
Lawrence Foster Parent 01.02.20
Martin Stevenson PCC Foundation 07.02.23
Claire Pearce Parent 01.06.23
Rachel Peddie Headteacher
Gayle Stewart Staff
Clerk to the Governors Tracey Norris
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Vision & Values
St Ippolyts Primary School was founded in 1847 to provide education - "according to the principles and practices of the Church of England". This, as with all Church schools, continued to be part of the nation's maintained system of education and is operated in partnership with the Local Education Authority.
Our principle aim: To provide the best possible education for each child as a unique individual, within the context of a caring, Christian community.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” John13:34
That children should feel happy and secure at school. To assist children to use and extend their natural curiosity to investigate the world around them. To develop high levels of literacy, numeracy and scientific skills and understanding. To promote a wide range of skills and knowledge in Information Communication Technology. To develop children’s skills of seeking knowledge independently. To consider everyone within the school and local community, their property and the school environment. To raise the level of self-esteem of children through positive action and statement and to give all children equal opportunity to fulfil their potential. To develop an understanding of Christianity and have an awareness of moral, cultural and religious diversity. To participate in and enjoy a variety of art forms and human achievements through a creative and inspiring curriculum. To develop physical fitness, agility and co-ordination. That all members of the school community should feel safe in school and free from harassment.
Our Christian values: Respect Forgiveness Love Perseverance Truthfulness Courage Thankfulness Trust Service Compassion Justice Generosity
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School Inspection
OFSTED INSPECTION Our school was last inspected by the Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED) in February 2018. Below is a short extract ~ the full report is available from the school office, or via our school website or the Ofsted website.
Pupils’ attainment at the end of Year 6 continues to be above average in reading, writing and mathematics. Nearly all pupils met or exceeded the expected standard in spelling, grammar and punctuation tests at the end of Year 6 in 2017.
You and your staff place the pupils’ well-being and academic progress at the heart of everything you do. Together, you welcome pupils from a wide range of backgrounds. You do your utmost to meet their diverse needs. As a result of this, they flourish both socially and academically.
Your pupils are brilliant ambassadors for the school. Their conduct at playtime and lunchtime is exemplary. They are polite and courteous to visitors. Pupils show good concern for each other and have a good understanding of why rules are important.
The school teaches important personal qualities through its ‘values education’. Staff model tolerance, respect and kindness in their interactions with each other and the pupils. Consequently, you are producing well-rounded and confident pupils who are well prepared for later life.
Pupils very keenly take responsibility, for example by being buddies or play leaders or by leading acts of worship. The school council gives pupils a good voice in the life of the school and introduces them to the concept of democracy. Pupils are pleased that their views are listened to and acted upon.
Pupils greatly enjoy school.
STATUTORY INSPECTION OF ANGLICAN & METHODIST SCHOOLS (SIAMS) Because St Ippolyts is a Voluntary Aided Church of England primary school, we are also inspected by the Diocese. This is known as a SIAMS Report and inspects our Church School Ethos, Collective Worship RE and Leadership and Management. The report is available to read on the school website.
In February 2015, St Ippolyts was judged to be outstanding in all categories. The school’s distinctively Christian family atmosphere has a significant impact on pupils’ high achievement and progress. There is a strong link between the newly introduced Christian Values Education Programme and pupils’ attendance and exemplary behaviour. The inclusive, holistic and high quality teaching, which is supported by Christian values, enables all pupils to achieve to the best of their abilities The high quality displays reflect the value put on the pupils and create an inspirational learning environment in which pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development can flourish.
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Key Information
School Organisation The school Published Admission Number (PAN) is 20 children per year group. How the classes are organised changes from time to time depending on pupil numbers in the school. The children for 2019- 2020 are organised in six classes as follows:
Class 1 - Reception Class 2 - Years 1/2 Class 3 - Year 2/3 Class 4 - Years 3/4 Class 5 - Year 4/5 Class 6 - Year 6
Times of Sessions Morning 8.45 am - 12.00 noon Morning Break 10.30 am - 10.45 am Afternoon 1.00 pm - 3.15 pm 2.00 pm - 2.15 pm Afternoon Break EYFS & Key Stage 1 only
Parents are asked not to send their children to school too early in the morning. No responsibility can be taken for children’s activities on the school premises before 8.45 am.
The staff are not available to see parents before school unless in an emergency. In the case of Class 1 children, in order to settle them into the routine of school life, parents may bring children into the cloakroom area and classroom. If parents wish to see teachers or their children's work, they are welcome to do so after school by prior appointment with the class teacher.
Changes in School Arrangements Of necessity, changes happen from time to time in the staffing, organisation and arrangement of activities. The information in this brochure sets out the arrangements as they are at present. Parents are kept informed of changes in the form of newsletters, parents' meetings and through our text messaging service
Milk Milk is available for all pupils and bills are sent out in advance of the start of each term. Free milk is available for children in receipt of Free School Meals.
School Meals Children are positively encouraged to stay at school for dinner, where they have a wide choice of excellent hot meals. Children in Early Years and Key Stage One are entitled to free school meals as part of the Universal Free School Meals initiative. Prices as from September 2019 will be £2.60 per day for Key Stage Two pupils. Parents may pay for school meals, in advance, termly, half termly or weekly (each Monday). Notice of half a term must be given for changing to packed lunches.
Children who bring packed lunches to school eat together in the Hall with those having a school meal. Sandwiches should be packed in a rigid container with a secure lid. Glass bottles, thermos flasks and drinks of any kind are not allowed. A cup and water are provided. Children may bring a named plastic bottle of plain water only to drink during the day which is kept in the classroom.
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The Early Years The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is based on four overarching principles –
A Unique Child – Every child is constantly learning from birth and can be resilient, capable, confident and self assured. Positive Relationships – Enabling children to be strong and independent from a base of secure relationships. Enabling Environments – The environment plays an essential role in children’s learning and development, particularly when there is a strong relationship between practitioners and parents and/or carers. Learning and Developing – Children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates.
In the EYFS there are seven areas of learning and development including three ‘prime’ areas and four 'specific' areas.
Prime areas are: Communication and Language Physical development Personal, social and emotional development Specific areas are: Literacy Mathematics Understanding of the world Expressive arts and design
Also central to the EYFS is the different ways in which children learn effectively. Therefore the following characteristics are essential to the curriculum we provide. Playing and Exploring – children are enabled to investigate, experience and ‘have a go’ in a safe, supportive environment. Active Learning – children are able to concentrate and keep on trying if they encounter difficulties and enjoy achievements. Creating and Thinking Critically – children develop their own ideas, make links between ideas and develop strategies for doing things.
We aim to provide a broad and balanced curriculum within a safe and stimulating environment. This provides the foundation upon which future learning will rest. We recognise and value the need for a close home-school partnership and together work towards developing the full potential of each child.
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Building Learning Power All learning at St Ippolyts School is based around the principles of Professor Guy Claxton’s ‘Building Learning Power’ approach.
Building Learning Power (BLP) is exactly what it suggests. It is about helping children become better learners, both in school and out. It is about creating a climate that cultivates habits and attitudes that enable young people to face difficulty and uncertainty calmly, confidently and creatively.
Pupils who are more confident of their own learning ability, learn faster and learn better. They concentrate more, think harder and find learning more enjoyable. Being a good real-life learner means knowing what is worth learning, what you are good (or not so good) at learning, who can help, how to face confusion without getting upset and what is the best learning tool for the job at hand.
At St Ippolyts School we believe in giving our children these skills, teaching how to learn alongside the necessary academic, physical and social skills. The principles of BLP underpin all our learning activities, enabling children to become confident and independent.
The four Learning Powers are Resilience Resourcefulness Reflectiveness Reciprocity (which we call ‘Relationships’)
Information leaflets on each of the learning powers are available to download from the school website.
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The Curriculum
English
Speaking & Listening
A tremendous amount of learning goes on through talk. Children are encouraged to speak and listen in pairs, as part of a group, to the class and whole school. They are given opportunities to express their viewpoint and their opinions are valued. They are also taught the skills to listen carefully with much importance being placed on their ability to be a proactive group member, expressing their ideas in addition to listening to those of others.
Reading
Reading should be a pleasurable experience for all children. The early stages of learning to read are crucially important and children need to be supported at school and home alike. Your child will be encouraged to bring books home and we expect that they will be heard by an adult for at least a few minutes a day. It is also important that children are read to and talk about what they are reading. We believe it is vital that children enjoy reading a wide range of material, for instance story books from the local library, magazines and comics, labels and packaging, websites and so on.
The teaching of reading skills is an integral part of every lesson in school and children develop their reading ability in a wide range of contexts through all curriculum areas. Adults in school will develop children’s reading skills through ‘Guided Group Reading’ sessions and there may be times when they are heard on an individual basis, as appropriate for their age and stage of development.
Our School Library
To extend children’s reading opportunities we have a well stocked school library with a hundreds of books available for loan in a wide range of genre, both fiction and non-fiction. Children use the library for researching topics and can choose books to share at home with parents.
Our school library also houses our Guided Group Reading stock; sets of books used in class for the teaching of specific, targeted reading skills.
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Writing
Children are encouraged to write for themselves from the start of school; it becomes a vital part of their communication skills. Children write for many purposes and in virtually all areas of the curriculum. There are many opportunities for creative writing in the forms of poetry and narrative in addition to learning about and writing in a wide range of non-fiction texts, including recounts, reports, explanation and instructional writing.
The expectation is not that children are expected to write during every literacy lesson, but that there are a series of lessons involving reading, speaking and listening which build up to a final piece of good quality writing.
We believe that through this approach the children are provided with the opportunity to practice their skills and be confident about how to approach the genre in question, allowing them to eventually produce a piece of work of which they are proud.
We use a wide range of cross curricular opportunities to enhance children’s writing experiences to ensure they learn to write for an extensive variety of purposes and audiences.
As children progress, they learn to spell more difficult words through a range of approaches, starting with phonological awareness in the early years. They learn how sounds are blended to create words and how sentences and paragraphs are put together. As their writing develops they will be expected to draft and edit their writing and are taught to use a dictionary and thesaurus to widen their vocabulary.
Your child’s teacher will talk with you about your child’s progress in all elements of English. Each child will have individual targets which will be shared with you at Parent Consultation Evenings. We believe it is important that children are involved in setting their own targets for development so that they know how to improve their work in order to progress.
Mathematics
Mathematics requires an understanding of the number system, different methods of calculating answers using the four operations used in problem solving, measures, 2D and 3D shape and handling data in a variety of different ways and contexts.
We endeavour to make sure children are developing this proficiency by guiding and teaching them at an appropriate level for their ability and that children are given support where necessary.
Maths is taught daily at St. Ippolyts and will cover oral and mental work, where a key emphasis is put on using correct mathematical vocabulary and the ability to explain processes, as well as rapid recall skills, written work and the use of ICT where appropriate.
Our children use a wide variety of strategies to solve calculations, aiming to be able to use a variety of the most efficient methods by the time they leave St. Ippolyts at the end of Key Stage 2. All children are encouraged to take an active part in lessons by contributing to discussions and demonstrating methods to their peers or an adult.
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Science As a core subject science is an important part of the school timetable. We aim to promote excellent scientific understanding and thinking through a variety of engaging activities.
Scientific enquiry is a key element of science and the children are encouraged to develop these skills such as:
Designing and completing investigations Choosing relevant equipment and using it correctly Planning and predicting Making observations Interpreting result and findings Concluding their findings Use of scientific vocabulary to explain key ideas
Computing ICT includes learning to use a variety of technical equipment such as tape recorders, CDs, televisions, computers and a range of digital tools such as cameras, microscopes, BeeBot and camcorders. The new National Curriculum which commenced September 2014 now includes basic programming skills.
We use a multi-point laptop trolley for whole class ICT lessons enabling all pupils to participate together. All pupils have their own individual user accounts, allowing them to access their work from any location in the school.
In addition, every classroom has a number of class laptops or desktop computers which are used to support all areas of the curriculum. Interactive whiteboards are in place across the school.
Design Technology (D.T.) Children work to develop skills in designing and making a variety of objects and artefacts. They are taught to understand health and safety procedures needed during this work and will be introduced to a range of materials, structures, products, mechanisms and ways of controlling these.
The work covered in class seeks to introduce and develop some of the progressive skills also necessary for problem solving.
These are: Investigative skills Focused practical tasks Design and make assignments. Consideration of quality at all stages will be featured; planning and evaluating the final design is very much part of this investigative work.
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Food Technology
Thanks to a generous charity donation we also have a children’s kitchen to greatly enhance the technology curriculum that St Ippolyts has to offer.
Children of all ages use the kitchen for food preparation and cookery sessions throughout the year, providing valuable opportunities to learn about food hygiene, healthy eating and balanced diets.
The kitchen is also used to provide a very popular after school cookery club.
All our staff have been trained in food safety and hygiene.
Art
Art is a high profile part of the curriculum at St Ippolyts, both as a discreet skills- based subject and a creative medium for cross curricular learning.
We aim to foster children’s potential in art through a progression of investigation and study in line and pattern. They also look at the work of a wide range of traditional and contemporary artists and crafts people and learn to work expressively through a wide range of media.
Art is also used to enliven and enrich other curricular areas such as History, Geography, RE and English. We hold annual ‘Arts Days’ on a given theme and draw upon the arts of a wide range of in international cultures and artistic techniques.
Modern Foreign Language (M.F.L)
All children in Classes 3 - 5 learn French; this is delivered weekly by a specialist language teacher and reinforced by class teachers.
Sustainability
At St Ippolyts we are committed to providing children with skills for life, including those for sustainable living. We have recently completed work on our school vegetable garden. It consists of a potting shed, greenhouses, a rain collection system and five raised beds, one for each class, which the children will be able to grow a range of vegetables in throughout the year.
Our aim is for children to experience the full cycle of 'seed to table' by growing and harvesting their own produce and then, using our lovely children's kitchen, cooking and eating it too.
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Physical Education (P.E.)
At St Ippolyts we are committed to actively encourage healthy lifestyles. PE lessons will include:
games skills; gymnastics using both floor and apparatus; movement; dance - variety of types; swimming; inter school rallies; sports day
The school are active members of Stevenage Sporting Futures and this enables all children to participate in a wide range of competitive sports during their time in school. Children will have the opportunity to learn the skills to aid them in a variety of sports, including netball, football, hockey, rounders and cricket.
St Ippolyts is part of Stevenage Sporting Futures and as such we benefit from a wide range of additional sporting opportunities and coaching expertise. For example, specialist dance teachers and sports coaches have all delivered regular sessions. We also have the opportunity for children to take part in large inter-school events such as Mini-Olympics days. We also employ a Sports Apprentice who works with all children across the school in PE and Sports
All children are required to have appropriate P.E. kit and footwear in school at all times. For safety reasons children must not wear any jewellery during PE lessons. Earrings which cannot be removed must be covered by micro-pore tape provided by parents. (See School Uniform list).
Swimming
All children in classes 3, 4, 5 and 6 attend swimming lessons at the Hitchin indoor pool once per week for one term per year. Parents are asked for a donation towards the cost of this to cover entry to the pool, lessons and coach fare.
Children take a number of proficiency awards; these are organised by the County and there is no charge.
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Humanities: History and Geography
Our History and Geography teaching takes the form of termly ‘topics’. We endeavour to weave these into our whole school curriculum planning so that there is progression through the school and pupils can build on existing knowledge to extend and widen their skills, concepts, attitudes and understanding.
We enliven the curriculum through a wide range of hands-on and ‘real- life’ activities, such as handling historical artefacts or carrying out practical environmental activities in Geography.
In addition children have the opportunity to participate in regular trips and themed days to bring topics alive, for example, ‘Vikings Day’, being WWII Evacuees at Duxford and taking part in a Tudor re-enactment at Kentwell Manor.
Personal, Social and Health Education and Citizenship (PSHE&C)
PSHE&C is both taught explicitly and delivered through links with a wide variety of curriculum areas such as Geography, Religious Education, PE, Science, DT and ICT. Equally, high quality PSH&C is embedded in the daily life of the school, where we put excellent relationships and a happy environment at the forefront of our school ethos.
At St Ippolyts we provide a caring community in which children can learn to respect themselves and others and take responsibility for their own actions. Every child is valued and is in turn expected to value and show respect for the school environment and the wider community. (see School Code of Conduct). We place pupil’s spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development at the centre of all we do.
Ensuring that our pupils stay happy, safe and healthy are a core priority of PSHE&C. Internet, Road, Firework, Sun, Water, Personal and Kitchen Safety are all topics covered when appropriate in the school year. Children in Years 2, 5 and 6 take part in age appropriate Sex and Relationship Education.
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Religious Education
St. Ippolyts is a Church of England Voluntary Aided School.
As a Church School we have a duty and responsibility to educate children in an understanding of the Christian faith and its values. The teaching of Religious Education is based on the Governors' policy for RE which is available in school for parents to read. Religious Education is a core subject.
Part of our Christian commitment is that we promote a respect for and an understanding of the major religions in the world. The curriculum includes teaching children about a variety of different faiths, alongside a strong emphasis on Christianity.
Children are encouraged to think about their own beliefs and use this knowledge to help interpret the similarities and differences between different faiths. Our aim is for all children are able to understand why people have different faiths and to show respect and empathy for them.
As part of our RE topics on world faiths we aim to expose children to a range of ‘real’ experiences where possible, for example visits to places of worship such as Stevenage Mosque and Hitchin Gurdwara. We are well placed for children to experience a Christian Church; we visit St Ippolyts Church regularly to allow the children to compare and contrast between places of worship.
Religious Education activities in school are cross curricular, incorporating many opportunities for children to articulate their thoughts through art, sculpture, music, drama and other creative media. Children are supported to develop into independent thinkers who can express themselves and their beliefs clearly.
Periodically, we follow a whole school theme known as ‘The Big Question’, an open ended task aimed at encouraging children to think about life. Examples of ‘big questions’ could be: ‘If you were God, which prayers would you answer and why?’
Older pupils are encouraged to think about deeper global issues such as poverty, division of the world’s wealth, the role of charities and the impact of conflict.
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Collective Worship (‘Assemblies’) Various kinds of Christian collective worship take place each day, as a whole school, sometimes in different age groups, and occasionally as an individual class. Visitors are also invited to some of our worship including members of the clergy. The Vicar of St Ippolyts Church, is a regular face in school; she often leads Collective Worship with the whole school community where children can experience key elements of the Anglican faith. Class Assemblies are held throughout the year and parents are invited to attend.
The Church is used for special services at Harvest, Christmas, Easter and the end of the school year for our Year 6 ‘Leavers’, to which parents and families are invited to join us. The children use the Church regularly through their RE studies and are involved in Church events such as the Crib Festival at Christmas and the Remembrance Service in November.
“The impact of collective worship on the school community is outstanding. Worship is inclusive; it is enjoyed and appreciated by all and has a range of approaches which inspire and motivate pupils. Excellent use is made of technology to create an atmosphere for prayer and reflection in which pupils’ spiritual development is paramount” SIAMS Inspection Report February 2015
Parents have a legal right to withdraw their children from collective worship or RE. Please consult the Headteacher about this.
Values Education
At St. Ippolyts we always pride ourselves on our caring Christian ethos which runs alongside our curriculum and is part of everything we do here.
Explicit Values Education is embedded into daily life at St Ippolyts School. Each half term we focus on a different Christian Value which forms the theme for our Collective Worship programme, linked to specific Bible teachings.
This is followed up in class discussions and a weekly award badge given to children who have demonstrated the value in some way. Our aim is for children to understand and be able to identify and articulate the importance of values in their own lives, now and in the future.
Respect Forgiveness Love Perseverance Truthfulness Courage
Thankfulness Trust Service Compassion Justice Generosity
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Young Worship
Pupils in Years 5 and 6 have the opportunity to join our ‘Young Worship’ group. The pupils take the Values theme for that half term and use it to plan and independently lead a whole school Collective Worship on a regular basis.
Young Worship is an opportunity for children to express their beliefs through their own interpretation of faith. Collective Worship led by the Young Worship group typically incorporates drama, music, storytelling, dance and multimedia.
Music
Music is an important feature of school life at St Ippolyts. All teachers provide weekly whole class music lessons which cover listening to, composing and performing a huge variety of musical styles and elements. Children throughout the school are encouraged to take part in various extra – curricular musical activities.
The school also benefits from peripatetic instrumental teachers. Tuition is offered in recorder, violin, keyboards and brass from the Hertfordshire Music Service (fee payable). Tuition can be offered on an individual basis or group approach.
Children from Year 4 and up have the opportunity to join our high profile school choir. As well as performing at school events and services, children also take part in musical activities in the wider community such as Hitchin Festival and at bigger venues such as the Royal Albert Hall and the O2 Arena.
Drama Valuable drama and role play opportunities for all children are built into our curriculum in a range of areas such as English, RE, PSHE, and History. We pride ourselves on our ability to instil confidence in our pupils for speaking aloud in front of an audience through drama opportunities, speaking in assemblies and preparing presentations for the class.
One of the highlights of the school year is the Summer Production in which all children from Years 3-6 participate.
Recent productions include ‘Alice in Wonderland’, ‘The Evacuees’, ‘Wind in the Willows’ and ‘Cinderella Rockerfella’.
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Home Learning
At the beginning of each half term, children will bring home a grid. The coloured boxes be filled in with a range of activities to choose from. Some of the activities will be research based, or they might be creative or practical. Over the half term, children will be expected to choose and complete a set number of the activities from the grid, but they can choose which activity they would like to do and when to do it.
There is no ‘due in date’ for this work – so long as the right number have been completed and submitted by the end of the half term. For Classes 2-6, there is also a piece of weekly homework and spellings to learn. Pupils also have online access to ‘Times Tables Rockstars’. Year 6 pupils have access to online revision tool, ‘SAM Learning’. .
Extra Curricular Activities and After School Clubs These activities will vary from season to season and with the interests and expertise of the staff involved. We aim to provide a mixture of activities for children in Years 1-6; typical clubs include Football, Netball, Hockey, Cricket, Art, Cookery, Computing, Multi-sports, Science and Music Fun. After school clubs are provided voluntarily by our teaching staff and are not a child care facility; parents must be available to collect their children in the event of unforeseen cancellations. Some clubs may incur a small charge to cover materials, such as Cookery Club.
School Visits At St Ippolyts we place high importance on enabling children to participate in a wide range of learning opportunities out of the classroom. Many educational trips and visits are organised during the school year to enliven the curriculum and enrich children’s learning.
Examples of recent day trips and visits to enhance the curriculum include:
Roman Verulamium, St Albans Welwyn Roman Baths Kentwell Manor: Tudor re-enactment Hitchin British Schools – Victorian school day St Albans Abbey Sikh Gurdwara Natural History Museum The National Gallery Theatre visits Stevenage Mosque Hatfield House Duxford: WWII Evacuees The Living Rainforest
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Residential School Journey (Years 5 and 6)
Children in Years 5 & 6 participate in our annual school journey spending several nights away at a PGL outdoor adventure centre. These trips are an excellent way for children to develop independence and confidence, as well as experiencing a wide range of outdoor pursuits and team building exercises. Currently we go to Osmington Bay in Weymouth or Bawdsey Manor in Suffolk.
Typical activities include:
climbing abseiling raft-building fencing quad-biking zip wire canoeing survival skills dry slope skiing dragon-boating mountain biking swimming
Charging and the Pupil Premium
We request contributions from parents to cover the costs of educational visits, swimming, special events etc. Where insufficient contributions are received, trips and events may be cancelled. . In addition we will charge for items such as: individual or group music tuition cookery, pottery, science/technology models etc, when the finished item is taken home board and lodging outside school time (eg school journey).
There may be assistance available to families experiencing financial difficulties; parents are asked to contact the school at the earliest possibility to discuss this.
In addition to school funding received from Hertfordshire County Council, our school is able to claim a grant from Government each year called the Pupil Premium for children whose parents or carers receive any of the benefits below:
Income Support Income Based Jobseeker’s Allowance Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit element) or (Income Related) Employment Support Allowance Child Tax Credit
Pupils who are registered as eligible for Pupil Premium can also access other fee remissions such as music lessons, reduced trip costs and other grants; it is definitely worth your while to register your entitlement if applicable.
The information you supply will be treated in the strictest of confidence.
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Inclusion and Special Educational Needs
At St Ippolyts we are committed to offering a high quality inclusive curriculum to ensure that all children regardless of any barriers to learning can achieve their full potential.
We recognise that all children are unique and from time to time may have particular needs (such as learning, physical or emotional difficulties), which may impact on their learning and development. We aim to be proactive in our approach and to identify these needs as early as possible, so that appropriate provisions can be made for our pupils. We endeavour to personalise pupils’ learning by adapting lessons and teaching to ensure that all children will be fully engaged, can participate and achieve their individual goals. Teaching Assistants help pupils in the classroom and our Special Educational Needs Teaching Assistant may withdraw pupils to work on focussed programmes of support, which are agreed and monitored by the Inclusion Coordinator and Class Teacher.
At times it is necessary to devise a Pupil Support Plan (PSP) for a pupil, which will detail very specific, personal targets for that child. The PSP is written collaboratively by the Inclusion Coordinator, class teacher, teaching assistant, any involved outside agencies, the parents and the pupil as appropriate. It details the targets, strategies and the provisions to be put in place to help the child achieve their goals and it is reviewed by all parties termly.
The school works closely with various outside agencies in order to fully meet all pupils’ needs, such as our designated NHS Speech and Language Therapist, staff from the Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD) Base at The Leys Primary school and our Educational Psychologist. In addition, we liaise as necessary with other professionals such as Specialist Teachers for Autism or Visual Impairment, depending on the needs of our pupils at any one time. These professionals visit the school regularly and may observe or assess individual children and then work alongside school staff and families to develop personalised learning programmes. This may include advice on PSP targets and additional small group, or individual support from our Special Educational Needs teaching assistant or Inclusion Coordinator.
We have close links with our school Family Support Workers and they provide support for children and families who may be experiencing a range of challenges such as emotional and behavioural difficulties, bereavement and financial problems. They may work with pupils and families in school and in the family home.
Our school has a purpose built ‘Quiet Room’ which is used for one to one and small group teaching. This well-equipped base for our inclusion work provides a bright and airy teaching space in the heart of the school building in which children love learning.
If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s particular needs, please speak to your child’s class teacher or the Inclusion Manager.
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Behaviour
We expect excellent behaviour from all children in school at all times.
We achieve this through a variety of behaviour management strategies, by making boundaries very clear and having high expectations.
Older pupils are expected to be role models for younger children. When children first start school in Reception, they are assigned a Year 6 ‘Buddy’ to help them settle into the routines and expectations of the school, particularly at play and lunch times.
There is a strong focus on rewarding and praising good behaviour when children are nominated badges for Values, Effort and Achievement. Additionally, teachers run rewards systems in their classes appropriate to the children’s ages.
If we are concerned about repeated behavioural difficulties, we will contact parents at an early stage to discuss how families and school can work together to bring about improvements.
Our school Code of Conduct encompasses the agreed expectations of behaviour for all children and adults in school.
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Wraparound Care
We offer an early morning 'drop off' facility for childcare before school starts. The club is open daily in term time from 8am for current pupils of St Ippolyts School only.
Children have access to a wide range of activities at Early Bird Club such as craft activities, table tennis, board games and sports activities. The club is led by school staff who are all fully checked and have first aid and safeguarding training.
Early Bird Club is not a breakfast club, so food is not provided. However drinks are available and included in the cost (milk/juice/water). The club costs £3.50 per child per day, with a discount for children booked in for the full week: 5 mornings are charged at £15.00.
Booking in advance is essential to secure a place via School Gateway.
After school childcare For after school childcare, many of our pupils access ‘Brighter Days After School Club’ which is based at nearby Wymondley School. Transport is provided.
For more details: www.brighterdayskidsclub.co.uk email: [email protected] phone: 07542 199299
Alternatively, some families use local childminders and we are happy to put your details in our weekly newsletter to assist you. Please speak to the school office about this.
Hitchin Partnership St Ippolyts School is part of the ‘Hitchin Partnership’. The Hitchin Partnership comprises of 26 schools situated in Hitchin and the surrounding villages. Since its conception in September 2011 it has employed a team to support the development of the parent support & specialist services which also includes extra-curricular projects. The focus is on our community and the ability to be reactive to the needs of our families and students. The Hitchin Partnership provides information to parents about school holiday childcare and activities available in the local area. For more details see www.hitchinpartnership.org.
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Community
Through our ethos and curriculum, children learn to be active participants in their communities: the school community, the local community and the global community.
School Community
Elected representatives for all classes make up our School Council. The School Council meets regularly with the Headteacher and a Governor, to discuss current issues concerning the school. Suggestions and ideas put forward by School Council are adopted where appropriate. Through Circle Time and PSHE&C all pupils learn that their views and opinions are important and will be valued.
Local Community
Pupils have the opportunity to participate in community events such as inter-school matches, tournaments, Hitchin Music Festival and Church activities. Through our Harvest collection, food donations are made to a local homeless charity each year and the school also supports the Garden House Hospice in Letchworth Garden City. We enjoy links with local Nursing Homes; the school choir attends to sing carols at Christmas and residents are invited into school to watch children’s performances. As a Church school we have very close links with the local vicar who also sits on our Governing Body. We regularly draw upon the expertise of the local community to support our curriculum, for example the local Police and Fire Service. Our chosen local charity is the Hitchin Food Bank.
Global Community & Charity support
We endeavour to help children identify their place and role in the wider world through understanding their rights and responsibilities. Our curriculum delivers a global dimension through Geography, RE and the Expressive Arts, for example ‘Africa Week’ and ‘World Awareness Day’, focussing on the distribution of global wealth and Fair Trade issues.
St Ippolyts is committed to charitable giving through a wide range of fund raising opportunities such as the sponsored ‘Walk for Water’, Bring and Buy sales, Christmas Shoebox Appeals and regular participation in Comic Relief, Sport Relief and Children in Need.
Our school has also sponsored a Guide Dog Puppy.
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School & Parents
Home/School Partnership
Parents are kept informed on a regular basis about their children's progress in a number of ways. Personal meetings between parents and class teachers are arranged twice a year, one in October and one in the spring term. The two-way exchange of information that takes place is invaluable. In addition, ‘Open Sessions’ are held in the autumn and spring terms where parents and families can attend to look around the school and view children’s work.
One detailed written report on each child's progress is issued to parents in the Summer Term. In addition to these regular contacts, individual parents are contacted if we feel that there is any cause for concern about their child. Furthermore, parents are welcome to speak to class teachers informally after school by appointment.
Emergency Procedures
It is sometimes necessary to contact parents during the day if their child has an accident at school or is taken ill. For this reason we keep a file in the office containing details of where parents work or may be contacted during the day should the need arise. Additionally, we operate a texting service. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT that parents keep us up to date with this information. When any changes occur in details of home address, telephone number, place of work, family doctor, please inform us without delay. If a child has an accident at school which requires hospital attention, every effort will be made to contact a parent so that he/she can accompany the child to the casualty department of the Lister Hospital, either by private car or ambulance. If a parent could not be contacted, or if the emergency demanded particular haste, the child would be accompanied by a member of staff. Emergencies arise only rarely, but when they do occur, it is essential that we are able to contact you immediately.
Classroom Helpers
At St Ippolyts we believe that the involvement of parents in children's education is vital and we encourage active participation in many ways.
Some parents come into school to help with a variety of tasks such as ICT, cooking, Art and reading, and usually work with small groups in specific classes. Other parents help when the children are taken on visits outside school.
Volunteers must be DBS checked before being able to help in school.
GDPR
The school is GDPR compliant and full details of policies and procedures are on the school website.
Car Parking
Please do not park for any reason on the yellow lines outside the school gate, or reverse into the school entrance. For some functions after school, eg parents' evening, PTA, etc, please park on the playground.
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Parent Teacher Association
We have a very dedicated and active PTA which provides funds for the purchase of a range of equipment for use in school. Typical activities include Summer and Christmas Fairs, Children’s Disco, Treasure Hunt and a summer Camp Out weekend. This valuable fundraising relies solely on parent volunteers. Even if you cannot commit to a regular slot, please do consider volunteering to help occasionally, we would be very grateful. New parents would be especially welcome to join.
Absences and Attendance
We operate a ‘first day response’ system for absences from school. If a child is ill it is important that parents telephone school before 9.30am. This should be followed up with a written note on the child’s return. A note should also be sent if you wish your child to be excused on medical grounds from games, PE or swimming. Parents are also expected, where possible, to arrange medical appointments, dance/music exams and other visits out of school time.
The DFE guidance on authorisation of absence is specific "School Attendance: Policy and Practice on Categorisation of Absence "(1994) states "Only the school ... can approve absence, not parents. The fact that a parent has offered a note or other notification (telephone call or personal contact) in relation to a particular absence does not, of itself, oblige the school to accept it if the school does not accept the explanation offered as a valid reason for absence”.
Children are rewarded for excellent attendance with our ‘100% Attendance Award’. These are presented each term with a special award for anyone who achieves 100% attendance over the whole year.
Holidays
With effect from September 2013 the government has abolished the right of headteachers to authorise absence specifically for holidays of up to 10 days per year if special circumstances exist. Instead, headteachers will only be allowed to grant leave of absence for any reason if they are satisfied exceptional circumstances exist.
The effect of this change means that the government expects it to be extremely unusual for leave of absence, including for holidays in term time, to be permitted by schools. Both the school and the Local Authority take the issue of school attendance very seriously and parents should be aware that where leave of absence is taken during term time without permission they may be issued with Education Penalty Notice fines by the Local Authority.
We therefore strongly urge you to avoid taking your children out of school for holiday purposes.
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Medicines & Tablets It is not part of the duties of the staff at school to be responsible for administering these to children. The exception to this guidance is asthma inhalers and epipens. Parents can call into school at lunchtime to give their children medication if necessary. Please speak to the Inclusion Manager if you have any further queries.
Complaints Procedure We are proud of the way the partnership between parents and teachers at our school has developed and the way in which difficulties can be resolved quickly. In our experience, all problems can be dealt with through good contacts with the school. However, there are formal procedures that parents can utilise should they be dissatisfied with the outcome of any problem. There is a document in school that describes how a complaint can be dealt with. This document is available for inspection in school at any time and is available on the school website.
Communication Parents will receive regular communication from the school in the form of weekly newsletters, Curriculum Information Leaflets and through our text messaging service. Our school website is also updated at least weekly with copies of newsletters and documentation sent home. The website also has photographs of activities and events in school.
Safeguarding
At St Ippolyts we are committed to the safeguarding of all children and young people.
We work in partnership with parents and families to support children in every way possible. In line with Government and Hertfordshire policy, we will make a referral if we believe there is a possibility that a child may be suffering from abuse or neglect.
The Designated Senior Person (DSP) for Child Protection at St Ippolyts School is Mrs R. Peddie The Deputy DSPs are Mrs G. Stewart and Mrs F. Nichols The Designated Governor for Safeguarding is Mrs H. MacInnes
If you have any concerns regarding the safety or welfare of a child please let any of the above named persons know as soon as possible. As part of our Safeguarding of Children Procedures, all regular volunteers must have DBS clearance.
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School Uniform ‘Winter uniform’ - Autumn and spring terms, September - Easter
navy blue skirt/pinafore dress navy blue tailored trousers: No leggings or joggers white blouse/shirt school tie navy blue cardigan/jumper – V necked, no sweatshirts white or navy socks white or navy tights navy or black sensible shoes (not trainers) Or grey trousers (long or short) white shirt (long or short sleeved) school tie navy V-neck jumper, no sweatshirts grey socks black sensible shoes (notably well supporting/sturdy shoes) NOT Trainers
‘Summer uniform’ - Summer term, Easter to July
white and blue checked dress (pale blue, not navy) culottes style permitted white socks sun hat Or grey shorts white shirt school tie navy V-neck jumper, no sweatshirts grey socks sun hat
PE and Sports For reasons of general health, hygiene and safety, children should always have appropriate kit to change into for PE and games lessons. In accordance with HCC guidelines all children work in bare feet for PE lessons indoors. navy blue shorts white T-shirt plimsolls/trainers Navy blue tracksuit / joggers / hoodie for outdoor PE in autumn/spring terms
Long hair must be tied back for PE lessons and jewellery must not be worn. If earrings cannot be removed parents are asked to provide their child with micropore tape to cover them with. It is essential that ALL ITEMS ARE NAMED. If wellington boots are worn to school in winter, please provide a change of shoes to be available in school. Jewellery, make-up, extreme hair styles, nail varnish or fake tattoos are not permitted at any time. Children may wear a sensible watch.
Other: Ties are available from the school office: Infants (Years R, 1 & 2) have elasticated ties Juniors (Years 3,4,5,6) have traditional ties
School fleeces with logos are optional for outdoor wear but are not an alternative to school jumpers.
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How are the classes organised at St Ippolyts Primary School?
A child’s time at primary school is divided into 7 year groups: Reception, Year 1, Year 2, Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6. At St Ippolyts School we have 6 classes. Some classes are straight years groups and some are mixed. All children will spend two years in a class at some point during their time in school. This varies year on year depending on pupil intake. Our PAN (Published Admission Number) is 20, although some year groups currently have 30 pupils.
Just a few of the ways your child’s time at St Ippolyts School could be divided:
Reception Year 1 Year 2 Year 3 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6
Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Class 4 Class 5 Class 6
Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Class 4 Class 5 Class 6
Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Class 4 Class 5 Class 6
Class 1 Class 2 Class 3 Class 4 Class 5 Class 6
How does the school decide which class a child goes in? Where year groups are split between two classes (eg: Year 1, Year 2 and Year 5), children are allocated to a class by balancing a range of factors which include: Age Maturity, confidence and independence Personal, social and emotional development Academic ability and learning skills Friendship groups and relationships Behaviour and attitudes to learning The school Senior Leadership and class teachers spend a lot of time discussing each individual child and choosing the most appropriate setting for the next stage of their learning. In school we do not talk in terms of children ‘going up’ or ‘staying down’ as this is not the case. It is really helpful if parents avoid this wording too.
When do parents find out which class their child will be in next? Parents are notified of which class their child will be in next along with their child’s annual report in the summer term.
Will my child repeat the same work if they stay in the same class? No. They will receive the same curriculum and learning opportunities as the children in the next class. For example, Year 1 children will receive Year 1 learning regardless of which class they are in. There are also many opportunities for the year groups which are split to work together as a whole. For example, trips, visitors, workshops etc.
What are the benefits of split year group classes? There are many benefits of having split classes as we do. It gives us the flexibility to ensure that children receive the right educational approach for their stage of development. For children who are the youngest in a year group (summer birthdays), they have the opportunity to be ‘the oldest’ in a class and enjoy all the responsibilities of being a role model for younger pupils. In our experience this is a vital step in developing children’s self-confidence, personal, social and academic skills. It also allows us to take into account lots of different factors (above) rather than just age as would be the case in a bigger school where children move on every year.
If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to ask.
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Term dates 2019 -2020
AUTUMN TERM 2019
2nd September INSET Day, no school for children 3rd September Term Begins for children
28th Oct – 1st Nov Half term week 19th December END OF TERM 2pm
SPRING TERM 2020 6th January INSET Day, no school for children th 7 January Term Begins 17th – 21st Feb Half term week rd 3 April END OF TERM 2pm
SUMMER TERM 2020 20th April INSET Day, no school for children
st 21 April Term Begins 25th – 29th May Half term week
th 16 July END OF TERM for children 2pm 17th July INSET Day, no school for children
th 20 July INSET Day, no school for children 21st July Occasional Day, school closed
School year comprised of:
190 school days, 5 INSET (Training) Days and 1 Occasional day
IMPORTANT NOTE: ALL CHILDREN ARE REQUIRED TO BE IN SCHOOL UNTIL 2PM ON 16TH JULY 2020. No absence will be authorised at the end of the summer term.
Very occasionally, term dates and INSET days may need to be changed. We will notify parents well in advance should this be the case.
Holidays should not be taken during term time; such absences will not be authorised. This includes days ‘tagged on’ to the beginning and end of school terms; these absences will also not be authorised
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St Ippolyts CE (Aided) Primary School Headteacher: Mrs RE Peddie
POLICY FOR ADMISSIONS 2020 - 2021
The Governors are able to admit up to the Published Admission Number (PAN) of 20 children to the reception class in each academic year. In the event of over-subscription, places will be allocated strictly in accordance with the priority order below.
The Local Authority (LA), Hertfordshire, operates an agreed co-ordinated admissions scheme in line with government legislation. The LA will coordinate the process on behalf of the school according to the scheme published each year. The Governing Body, as the Admission Authority, will allocate the available places in line with this policy.
The closing date for admission applications to be received by the LA is 15th January 2020. Information on completing the online application and notification dates of admission decisions are published in the LA admissions literature, available from the LA website.
All applications must be made on the home LA common application form. Parents/carers are requested to complete our Supplementary Information Form (SIF) and return it to the school office by 15th January 2020. If a Supplementary Information Form is not completed the Governing Body will apply their Admission Arrangements using the information submitted on the Common Application Form only, which may result in your application being given a lower priority.
The school provides for the admission of all successful applicants who have reached their 4th birthday by the beginning of September. However, please note the following: a) Parents offered a place may defer the date of their child’s admission until later in the year, or until the child reaches compulsory school age. Summer born children may only have admission deferred until the start of the summer term. b) Parents can request part-time attendance until the child reaches compulsory school age.
Where a parent of a ‘summer-born’ child (1 April – 31 August) wishes their child to start school in the autumn term following their fifth birthday, the Governors will consider the request. If parents do not take up the offered place before the start of the summer term of the school year of entry, then they would have to re-apply for a place in Year 1.
However If parents wish such a child to be educated “out-of year group” i.e. in the Reception Year rather than Y1 they may request this and should discuss it with the school as soon as possible. Such applications will be considered by the governors on a case by case basis. Each case will be judged on its individual merits but to admit out of year group would require exceptional and extenuating circumstances and professional evidence explaining why the child’s needs cannot be met in the chronological year group.
All such parents should apply for their child’s normal age group at the usual time and may submit a request for admission out of the normal age group at the same time.
The governors will respond to this request prior to the offer of a place being made. If the request is agreed to the application can be withdrawn for that year before the place is offered.
If the request is refused, parents may decide whether or not to accept the offer of a place for the normal age group, or refuse it and make an in-year application for admission into Y1 for the September following the child’s fifth birthday.
Where a parent’s request has been agreed, they must make a new application as part of the main admissions round the following year. Parents do not have the right of appeal against a decision not to place the child in a year group outside their normal age group. By agreement, and in co-operation with the Local Authority, the governors will apply their admissions policy criteria to all applications.
The school does not have any specific units or facilities for pupils with particular special needs and there are no specific facilities for pupils with physical disabilities. The school is on a sloping site. The classrooms are on more than one level but there are ramps for access.
Children who have a Statement of Special Educational Needs or Education, Health and Care plan which names the school will be admitted to the school.
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CATEGORIES FOR ADMISSION
Category 1 Children in public care (children looked after) and children who were looked after, but ceased to be so because they were adopted (or became subject to a child arrangement order or special guardianship order). See Note 1
Category 2 Children living in AREA A on the map available from the school.
Category 3 Younger siblings permanently residing in the same household as children already on the school roll at the time of entry. See Note 2
Category 4
i. Children of regular worshipper(s) of the Church of England living in AREA B, whose parents/guardians are regular worshippers of St. Ippolyts Parish Church. See Note 3
ii. Children of regular worshipper(s) of the Church of England living in AREA B, whose parents/guardians are regular worshippers of another Anglican Church. See Note 3
iii. Children of regular worshipper(s) of the Church of England and who are regular worshippers of St. Ippolyts Parish Church, but who live outside the parish. See Note 3
iv. Children of parent(s) or guardian(s) living in AREA B, who are regular worshipper(s) of another Christian denomination. See Note 3
Category 5 Children of any other parent(s) or guardian(s) living in AREA B.
Category 6 Children of regular worshippers of the Church of England who are regular worshippers of other CE churches outside the Parish and who live outside the Parish. See Note 3
Category 7 Children of parent(s) or guardian(s) outside the Parish, who are regular worshippers of another Christian denomination. See Note 3
Category 8 Children of parent(s) or guardian(s) who live outside the Parish.
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Continuing Interest List In the event of more applications than available places the governors will maintain a continuing interest list (waiting list). Parents are requested to inform the governors if they wish their child’s name to be removed from the Continuing Interest List. The Governors will maintain the list until the end of the academic year.
Fair Access protocol The governors cooperate with the LA’s Fair Access protocol for children who are hard to place. These children will be admitted above those on the Continuing Interest list.
Twins/Multiple Births Every effort will be made to accommodate twins and other “multiple birth” applications. Where the 20th child admitted to the class is a twin or multiple birth, the other twin or sibling will be admitted as an exception to the infant class size rule.
‘In year’ applications Parents seeking an in year school place should contact the school directly for further information. The governing body remains responsible for the allocation of all places in accordance with the school’s published admission rules. Places available will be allocated according to the categories for admission.
Appeals Parents who have not been allocated a place for their child have the right of appeal to an independent panel. At transfer time parents wishing to appeal who applied online should log into their online application and click the link ‘register an appeal’. Parents who did not apply online should contact the Customer Service Centre on 0300 123 4043 to request an appeal pack.
For in-year applications parents wishing to appeal should contact the school directly in the first instance.
NOTES NOTE 1: A “child looked after” is a child who is a) in the care of a local authority, or b) being provided with accommodation by a local authority in the exercise of their social services functions (section 22(1) of The Children Act 1989)
Adopted – under the terms of the Adoption and Children Act 2002 (section 46) or for children adopted before 2005 under terms of the Adoption Act 1976.
Child Arrangement Order – under the provisions of section 14 of the Children and Families Act 2014 residence orders were replaced by child arrangement orders. The Children Act 1989, section 8 defines a residence order as an order settling the arrangements to be made as to the person with whom the child is to live
Special guardianship order – under 14A of The Children Act 1989, an order appointing one or more individuals to be a child’s special guardian or guardians
Children in the process of being placed for adoption are classified by law as children looked after providing there is a Placement Order and the application would be prioritised under category 1.
Children who were not “looked after” immediately before being adopted, or made the subject of a residence order or special guardianship order, will not be prioritised under category 1.
NOTE 2: The governors have the same understanding of the term ‘sibling’ as that used by the LA which defines as sibling as the “sister, brother, half brother or sister, adopted brother or sister, child of the parent/carer or partner or a child looked after or previously looked after, and in every case living permanently in a placement within the home as part of the family household from Monday to Friday at the time of application”. For the purposes of this policy home address means the permanent address of the parents or carers with parental responsibility with whom the child normally lives. Where a child spends time with parents at more than one address the address applied will be that where the child spends the majority of the school week including
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NOTE 3: A regular worshipper of a Church is defined as someone who attends the Church at least once every calendar month and has done for the previous 12 months. There must be a note (NOT email) to confirm this level of attendance to accompany the application, which must be signed by the priest or minister of the church concerned. The governors define a ‘Christian’ Church to be one which is a member of Churches Together in England or the Evangelical Alliance.
NOTE 4: Where the application of the above criteria results in a situation where there are more children with an equal right to admission to the school than the number of available places, the tie-break will be distance from the school, measured using the computerised, ‘straight line’, mapping system operated by the LA as described in their admissions literature and website. Where this distance measurement results in more than one child having an identical claim to the last available place as a result of living in flats, priority will be given to the lowest house number.
NOTE 5: Please note that a repeat application within the same academic year will not be considered by the Governors unless there has been a significant change in circumstances.
NOTE 6: At the point of admission the family must still be residing in the category in which the place was offered.
NOTE 7: Please note that evidence of permanent residency at the quoted address may be sought.
PROCEDURES
Hertfordshire applications using the Common Application Form can be made online via www.hertsdirect.org/admissions .
Supplementary Information Forms can be obtained from the school office at any time or online at Herts Direct.
Parents who are considering applying for a place for their child are invited to contact the Headteacher, by telephone, to make an appointment to see the school.
Children are invited to make introductory visits to the school during the term before entrance.
The Governors anticipate that parents given a place for their child under the Church membership category will still satisfy the requirements of that category at the time of admission.
Parents are reminded that there are occasionally slight changes to admissions policies and should make sure they have the most recent edition
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ST IPPOLYTS CE (AIDED) PRIMARY SCHOOL AREA MAP FOR ADMISSIONS
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