Burnley Brow Community Welcome to Burnley Brow Community School

Helen Atkinson-Smith, Experiences Dedicated teachers Get in touch Headteacher, says… We believe that our children need to have Our highly experienced and dedicated You are welcome to visit our fantastic access to many enriching experiences, teaching and support staff work hard to school. I am truly confident you will find I am proud to be Headteacher of this and we aim to provide opportunities for ensure that all children enjoy learning and this a welcoming and supportive school, wonderful school. A school where children children to succeed in many different areas feel valued! with staff that listen, consult and actively are encouraged to think for themselves and of life. Whatever a pupils abilities, we will encourage your involvement. Parent partnership develop important life skills that will help help them achieve their potential. To make an appointment to visit, or to them to prosper in and out of school. Another important part of our school, Safe, healthy and respected simply ask me a question, please email the is you, the parent! And you will see, by school office on [email protected]. It is a priority for us to keep your children reading the many parent and pupil stories sch.uk or call 0161 770 3137. Ofsted say we are a Good school in our last safe and healthy. And, for them to be within this prospectus, that you and inspection, and continue to evolve and able to make informed choices, think for your child are very important to us. We grow to facilitate an exciting and fulfilling themselves and be confident to stand up champion the link between school and learning experience for our children. for what they feel is right. We also follow parent and work very hard to involve you in the Respect Charter, which is a clear moral every step of your child’s time here…and 2 code for rights and responsibilities. increase your child’s enjoyment of learning. Ruby and Mukith love how Burnley Brow Community School offers a great education in an environment which actively encourages family involvement Ruby Khatun and Mukith Ahmed live in Oldham with their four children, Ruma Ahmed, 17 and Sadia Ahmed, 14, Esha Ahmed, eight, in Year 4 at Burnley Brow Community School and Niaz Rizwan Ahmed, three, in Nursery. The perfect choice way to get involved in the things they are learning about.” After Burnley Brow Community School was recommended to Ruby and Mukith, they sent their Ruby adds: “Getting your children to talk at the two eldest daughters there. They were so pleased end of the school day about what they are doing with their experiences, that even though they no at school isn’t always easy, so this is a great way of longer live in catchment, they choose to travel so being more aware.” that Esha and Niaz can still attend. “It’s such a lovely Learning for parents too school, and a warm and cosy nursery. The teaching staff are brilliant! I wouldn’t want them to go Another strength of the school for Ruby is their anywhere else,” says Ruby. ethos on encouraging parents to get involved in courses that compliment family life and the local Like part of the family community. “The courses they offer are excellent The communication received from the teachers is, at making you think about what else is out there for Ruby, a real strength of the school. “They’re very outside of the usual home-life and I like that,” good at noticing if your child isn’t quite themselves says Ruby. “I’ve been participating in the school’s Children say: and they’ll ask you whether everything is alright. ‘Strengthening the Family and Community’ course. They really know your child and care about them,” It’s a brilliant project! It teaches you how to work Esha says: “My favourite says Ruby. “You feel like they are really involving with your children, how to reward them, how to get thing about school is my themselves with the children. They’re like family! more involved with them and it gives you ideas on teachers. They’re so friendly And it’s reassuring to think they would notice if places you can go in the community and how you and I get on really well with something was concerning Esha or Niaz.” can help those local to you.” them!” Involving all the family Ruby adds: “It’s nice to have an opportunity to be a part of their learning environment.” Burnley Brow Community School works hard to involve other family members in the learning A fantastic, family orientated school process and this is something Ruby really likes. Ruby speaks with such enthusiasm about Burnley “There is an extra homework project for the Brow Community School. “It’s a fantastic school! family to get involved with; it’s a nice way to work The warm and friendly nature of the staff really together and to have some input in your children’s motivates and encourages the children. They really “It’s a fantastic school! The warm and friendly nature of the staff learning. Esha’s recent family homework was a are like members of your family and it’s a very family really motivates and encourages the children.” project on the Romans following their school trip oriented school. I can’t imagine my children going on the same topic. It’s not pressured, it’s just a fun anywhere else!” 3 School day

“Lining up to go into class”

School hours Uniform PE kit: Indoor - black shorts, red t shirt, Break-time and drinks pumps. Outdoor (winter) - black jogging Healthy, nutritious, sugar free foods and School A uniform is helpful in establishing good bottoms, red top, trainers. School Gates open at 8.50 am standards of appearance in school, and by drinks are encouraged and promoted at Nursery wearing it children quickly feel part of the Where to buy? break times. Foundation Stage and Lower School children are provided with a free Mornings: 8.50 am–11.20am school community. School uniform lists Uniforms can be brought from Debonair drink of milk and a piece of fruit daily. Afternoons: 12.40pm–3.10pm can be obtained by contacting the school and Tommyfield Market in Oldham. office. Children in Middle and Upper School are Foundation Stage and One School Meals and snacks encouraged to bring in a piece of fruit (Nursery and - Year 1 and Year 2) What to wear? to eat during morning playtimes. Each 9.00am–3.10pm Our school uniform consists of a purple Our 5 star rated kitchen provides a healthy classroom has a water cooler which the Key Stage 2 (Years 3 and 4) school sweatshirt, yellow polo shirt worn choice of hot meals and a salad bar, children can use. 9.00am-3.15 pm with either grey trousers, skirt or a pinafore. prepared daily on the school premises. We Key Stage 2 (Years 5 and 6) Girls may wear tights or grey trousers under serve Halal food and also cater for children 8.50am–3.20pm a skirt or pinafore. Boys and girls must with special dietary requirements. Year 1 and 2 - Lower school, wear black shoes with a gripped sole and All Reception and children Year 3 and 4 - a velcro or lace fasten. The headscarves are receive meals. Children can also 4 Year 5 and 6 - Upper school plain purple or black. bring in a healthy packed lunch. Shamina believes the kindness and the dedication of teaching staff at Burnley Brow Community School is building confidence and character in her two children Shamina Yasmin lives in Oldham with her two daughters, Samya Islam, eight in Year 4 and Samaira Islam, four, in Reception.

No better place An extension of your own family Shamina’s family moved to Oldham when Samya Shamina feels confident that Samya is happy and was in Reception. “Burnley Brow Community School content at school. “It’s such a welcoming and was local so it was convenient for us, but I did my friendly school, a really happy place to be. Samya research on the school and I was thrilled about the has made lots of friends there and I know she positive feedback,” says Shamina. enjoys her time there.” Patience and understanding Even though her youngest daughter is no longer “Samya initially had some confidence issues and at Nursery, Shamina still enjoys chatting to the was concerned about answering questions when Nursery staff. “All of the staff are like an extension of she first started in Reception. I think changing your own family!” schools was overwhelming and she was afraid to Rewarding positive behaviour and give the wrong answers in front of her classmates,” achievements explains Shamina. “Samya was teaching Samaira some addition at A teaching assistant worked more closely with home and Samaira was keen to show her teacher Samya to help her overcome her fears. “This what she had learned. The teacher awarded her Children say: definitely helped her, but Samya doesn’t adapt well ‘Super Learner of the Day’ which was wonderful for Samya says: “My favourite to change, so she reverts slightly at the beginning Samaira!” explains Shamina. “It’s a brilliant way of thing about school of each new school year,” explains Shamina. motivating the children to learn.” is learning. We learn “Throughout, the school has shown patience and something new every day!” understanding. She’s far less reserved now and The children are also recognised for demonstrating willing to participate in role play, which she never a positive attitude. “Each week children are Samaira says: would have done before!” rewarded with certificates and items from the teacher and all“I the love friends my I Reward Box such as pencils and notebooks for have made at school!” Smaller group sizes to build confidence things like listening well and being a good friend. Shamina feels this progression has really been It’s a lovely way to mark their achievements and it helped by the dedicated staff, their friendly nature helps increase their self-esteem.” and the smaller lesson sizes. “I think Samya is more Staff that will get the best from your children comfortable in smaller class sizes. Grouping the children into sets for their lessons has helped her Shamina adds: “Burnley Brow Community School is “Burnley Brow Community School is a wonderful, welcoming to feel more able to contribute to lessons,” says a wonderful, welcoming school! The teachers are school! The teachers are happy to go that extra mile to get the Shamina. happy to go that extra mile to get the best from best from your children.” your children.” 5

Curriculum

“Wow wall”

Innovative curriculum Wow wall Reception Key Stages 1-2 We are very proud of our unique, innovative The children make fantastic displays The Early Years Foundation Stage Areas of the curriculum are: showing what they have decided to look Curriculum is based on seven areas of and challenging curriculum which reflects • Mathematics at for each theme on a ‘wonder wall’, and learning: the interests and heritage of all our children. • Literacy show the results on a ‘wow wall’. Termly curriculum themes • Personal, Social and Emotional • Science Development • Information and Design Technology We study a new theme each half term. Key Stages • Communication and Language • History The children plan what they want to The curriculum is divided into three stages: • Geography • Physical Development discover about each theme, investigate the • Art themes…and pass their new knowledge • Early Years Foundation Stage: • Literacy from ages 0-5 • Music on to others, which reinforces what they • Mathematics • have learnt. • Key Stage 1: from ages 5-7 • Understanding the World • Religious Education • Health • Key Stage 2: from ages 7-11 • Expressive Arts and Design • Citizenship • Personal and Social Education 6 • Modern Foreign Language A great education and a nurturing environment - Amena and Mohammed Miah couldn’t ask for more than they have found at Burnley Brow Community School Amena Begum and Mohammed Miah live in Oldham with their children, Aktana seven in , Mohammed Akib, six, in Year 2 and Afsana, three, in nursery. When it came to choosing a school for their aim is to strengthen families. They cover a variety children, Burnley Brow Community School was top of topics like how to maintain your anger when choice for Amena and Mohammed Miah. Amena your child isn’t behaving and how to manage their and her siblings attended school locally, so Amena behaviour when they feel angry or when they was very aware of the good reputation it had don’t listen.” The school offers these classes to all parents and Amena thinks they’re a great addition. An easy transition She adds: “The classes help with developing a Amena has found that all three of her children have consistent approach and help you understand managed the transition from home life to school things from the child’s perspective. I’ve learned a lot life with ease. “It took Aktana maybe a week to so far!” feel comfortable going into school, Akib two days There are lots of other classes available too. ‘They and Afsana was perfectly happy at nursery by her offer lots of opportunities for parents to get more second day there,” says Amena. “The teachers at involved with the school and with your child’s Burnley Brow are all so polite and friendly that I’m education,” explains Amena. “They have English sure this helped them to settle so quickly.” classes, art classes which your children can attend Rewarding for good behaviour too and computer classes - they’re all great ways of ensuring family participation and support.” Knowing her children are rewarded for behaving well and for working hard is another positive No regrets Children say: for Amena. “I really like how the children’s Amena has also been thrilled with the additional achievements are recognised. I think it’s really Aktana says: “My favourite thing about school is the support offered to Aktana to help with some important for their self-esteem and for helping fact we get to go swimming. It’s exciting having a language difficulties she’s been having whilst she’s their confidence to grow. Akib was thrilled when he trip to the pool and the lessons are fun!” waiting for speech therapy. “The staff are always received a ‘Star of the Week’ certificate for listening Akib says: caring and approachable. They’ve been brilliant at “I love all the outdoor play at Burnley and behaving well in class,” says Amena. “They’ve all Brow Community School. The playground is really helping Aktana and have offered her some useful come home with stickers for doing something well. big and means we have lots of space for running strategies and techniques to help her remember It’s being recognised in that way that makes them around and playing games!” certain words,” says Amena. feel like they’ve really achieved something.” Amena adds: “We have no regrets in choosing Strengthening families Burnley Brow Community School. All of our children “Having some consistency between behaviour at are progressing well and it’s clear to us they are home and school is aided by the Parenting Classes happy and settled there. It offers a nurturing and “It offers a nurturing and supportive environment for learning.” offered to all parents,” explains Amena. “I’ve really supportive environment for learning. We really can’t enjoyed the seven weeks I’ve attended so far. Their fault it!” 7 Extended curriculum: trips and visits

Trips and Visits Communicating Parent classes Leaflets, newsletters and reports To extend the curriculum, and make with parents We provide classes for our parents to help We send termly leaflets to parents, them support their children’s learning, and detailing the forthcoming curriculum and learning even more fun, we offer many trips Each half term our pupils and parents work and activities, including: learn new skills themselves. Classes we unit information. We also send regular on a family homework project together. We provide include: newsletters to parents to let them know • Blackpool Zoo are very proud to display the completed what is happening in school…and send • parenting • Eureka work in school. termly academic reports detailing a child’s • Liverpool Maritime Museum • computing progress in class. • first aid • visits to local farms Parentmail • Poole’s Cavern • exercise • themed weeks including ‘Down on the • Homework Club We contact parents via Parentmail text, as Farm’, ‘Hopes and Dreams’, ‘Resourceful • Bike Skills Club well as by telephone and letters. Thinkers’ and ‘Dragons Den’ • sewing 8 • residential trip in year 6 Rabia feels Burnley Brow Community School offers dedicated teaching staff who are enthusiastic about each child achieving the best they can Shamsul Islam Chowdhury and Rabia Begum live in Oldham with their three children, Sumayah Chowdhury, 14, Fozyah Chowdhury, 11 and Minhajul Islam Chowdhury, seven in Year three. High expectations for learning “The staff will always make themselves available to speak to you if you need to discuss anything with Shamsul and Rabia chose Burnley Brow Community them. They are welcoming with both children and School for their children for a number of reasons. parents and work hard to recognise the children as It was their catchment school but they were also individuals.” aware of it’s positive reputation for having a high expectation on learning. Shamsul and Rabia found Rewarding good behaviour that both Sumayah and Fozyah progressed well Rabia is also impressed with how the school there and were always happy at school, so they reinforces good behaviour and academic found no reason to send Minhajul anywhere else. achievements. “‘At the end of each week there is “I really like how Burnley Brow Community School a special time allocated to rewarding the children offers bilingual learning,” says Rabia. “I think this for being sensible, well behaved and kind to one has really helped Minhajul with any language another, which I think, is a really good idea” explains barriers and is something which is really helping his Rabia. “Minhajul was delighted when he came understanding and learning progression.” home with a toy as his prize for his behaviour. It’s a nice way to reward children for working hard and a Enthusiastic and caring teaching staff great way of recognising their achievements.” Rabia has been involved with the school as a parent Happy and content governor since 2009. She enjoys the opportunity this provides to liaise with other parents, teaching “As parents we are very happy with Burnley Brow staff and the Head Teacher. “I was keen to get Community School and we know Minhajul is very involved as a parent governor at Burnley Brow content there. The girls thoroughly enjoyed their Children say: Community School. I think the role provides a great time there too! Minhajul leaves early for school opportunity to learn more about how the school every day - I think that says a lot about how much It’s clear that Minhajul runs and it allows me to play a more active part in he enjoys it!” enjoys going to Burnley my children’s education,” says Rabia. Brow Community School: “I like everything about “I’ve been impressed with how enthusiastic the school! It’s a happy place to teaching staff are about ensuring the children meet be!” their targets,” adds Rabia. “I feel the teaching staff work “I feel the teaching staff work really hard to push the children to really hard to push the children to reach their potential reach their potential across the curriculum.” across the curriculum. They seem to really care about how each child is progressing,” explains Rabia. 9

Open door policy Inclusion: a curriculum for all

Special Educational Needs Modifying the curriculum school and in taking part in all aspects of Cultural diversity the curriculum and school life. We are fully committed to providing all of We may modify the curriculum where We feel that it is important for children to our children with a broad, balanced and needed to ensure that all child can Gifted and talented be aware, and understand, other cultures. relevant curriculum. We aim to include all access education. Where appropriate a Such variety within school brings great pupils regardless of ability, by removing or referral to an external agency may be children enrichment to the teaching and learning alleviating any possible barriers to learning arranged. Children may be added to the We recognise that all children are that takes place. and providing a range of teaching and Special Education Needs Register, and an individuals with their own specific learning styles. Above all, we want to raise Education and Health care plans written to needs, gifts and talents. Children who the self-esteem of all our children and give help them reach their potential. are identified as being exceptionally able them the skills to enjoy life in and out of Access or talented are monitored and provided school. with stimulating and enriching lessons Children with special needs are fully appropriate to their needs. 10 supported in accessing all parts of the Aminur and Rubena believe the support Burnley Brow Community School offers is fantastic at meeting individual needs of children and their parents Aminur Rahman and Rubena Begum live in Oldham with their children Jannatun Amin (Jannat), seven in Year 3 and Mohammad Alimur, five, in Reception. A welcoming environment found the staff to be understanding and supportive Choosing Burnley Brow Community School for their of Alimur’s behaviour and the emotions this children was an easy choice for Aminur and Rubena. produces for me and for him,” explains Rubena. “I The school was local to them and they had received feel I can share my concerns with the staff and their lots of strong recommendations from family, friends approachability has delighted me.” and local people. “I heard everyone talking about Rubena adds: “Alimur can’t talk very well and has Burnley Brow so we went along to see it. It felt very some attachment issues. The school provides one friendly and right for our family,” says Rubena. to one work through SEN teaching assistants; they Excellent support for parents are giving Alimur some brilliant support. To help him communicate, they use cards with pictures which Rubena was impressed with the facilities and has really helped him to feel he can express himself.” opportunities for both children and their parents. “My first language is Bengali and the school offers A flexible approach to meeting needs courses to help develop my English language, Alimur also experiences some issues with eating as which is fantastic,” says Rubena. “The lessons are a result of his autism. “He doesn’t like to eat around during school hours, which is helpful. They’re other people and will only let me help him,” explains really helping me to communicate better with the Rubena. “The school has been fantastic in allowing teachers and they’ve been a good way of meeting me to go into school at lunch times to help Alimur other parents too.” eat. I think all of the support the school has put in “They have a homework club too. Parents can go place has really allowed him to feel settled and has along and the teacher will explain what is expected eased the transition from nursery to Reception.” from the homework tasks,” explains Rubena. “They Aminur and Rubena are very happy with the have staff who can interpret into Bengali for progress both children are making at Burnley Brow me, which means I can fully understand what is Community School. “Jannat is in Year three now expected from Jannat with her homework and can and is progressing academically very well. She’s help her at home.” very happy there! She gets on brilliantly with the Practical and emotional support for special teachers and has made some good friends.” Rubena has also enjoyed participating in the parenting classes offered by staff at Burnley Brow Primary School and has found educational needs Best interests at heart they have helped her to deal with her children’s behaviour in a Alimur has some special educational needs due Rubena adds: “I cannot fault the support on offer consistent way. to Autism. Rubena has found the staff at Burnley for everyone at Burnley Brow Community School. Brow Nursery and Burnley Brow Community School It’s a really good school with very friendly and incredibly supportive. “From starting nursery at approachable staff who have the best interests of 11 Burnley Brow when he was three, I have always each child at heart.” Clubs

There are a wide variety of clubs that children can join, during class, lunchtime and after school. We plan our activities to make sure that all of our children, including those with special needs, are able to participate. Options often include: • Cooking Club • Cricket Club • Drama Club • Film Club • Football Club • Games Club • Gardening Club • Handwriting Club • Internet Club • Knitting Club • Music Club • Netball Club • Paper craft Club • Piano Club • Reading Club • Robotics Club • Street Dance Club • Yoga BB Rocks FM We have our own radio station. Our DJs, from Years 4 and 5, broadcast live to the school twice a day. They produce their own scripts, announce birthdays and school news and celebrate our ‘stars of the week’.

12 Rohima and Emran believe Burnley Brow Community School nursery is a safe, healthy and comfortable environment with staff you can trust implicitly Rohima and Emran Haque live in Oldham with their son, Ayaan, three. Ayaan attends nursery at Burnley Brow Community School. A very good Ofsted Report “After seeing another child get upset, Ayaan experienced a two week period where he got When it came to choosing a pre-school himself so worked up about being left that he environment for Ayaan, Rohima and Emran did lots would be sick,” explains Rohima. “The staff were of research about their local schools. The Ofsted fantastic and never made me feel like it was a Report for Burnely Brow Community School really problem. They did everything to make both Ayaan shone for Rohima and Emran and they were thrilled and I feel reassured and comfortable. Knowing he to find it was also their catchment school. was receiving a cuddle and some reassurance after A good feeling I had gone was wonderful - they were giving him exactly what I would have done.” Rohima attended an open day and immediately felt she had made the right decision. “I got a really good Personal touches feeling about it. I instantly felt that I connected with “I especially like that the nursery has a member of the teachers. Even though there were lots of other staff waiting to greet the children every morning, parents in the room, they took time to listen to my and then another to take their coats and welcome concerns and to make me feel comfortable,” says them into the nursery. It’s the personal touches that Rohima. make all the difference, like the individual greetings Children say: A smooth transition and the way the staff compliment the children. It Ayaan says: “The best thing certainly eases any anxieties you may have about “I was worried he would have some attachment about nursery is all of the leaving your child in a new setting,” says Rohima. issues, but the staff have been so lovely, that it’s outdoor toys. I love the really been a much smoother transition than I Great communication and feedback bikes best!” expected,” says Rohima. Rohima particularly likes the verbal feedback she Reassurance for parents receives after each of Ayaan’s sessions and feels the weekly newsletter compliments this well. “It’s great Rohima feels Ayaan’s willingness to be left has been to hear in advance how your child will spend the mainly thanks to the reassurance given by the following week. The newsletter outlines the themes warm and welcoming staff. “As a first time mum, they will be learning and any special days there and especially as Ayaan was only three in late might be, like charity days or non-uniform days summer, I was anxious about how well he would “Knowing he was receiving a cuddle and some reassurance and it helps you to feel part of their experience and cope being away from me, but the staff at the after I had gone was wonderful - they were giving him exactly involved in their week,” says Rohima.” nursery have been wonderful in reassuring both of what I would have done” us,” says Rohima. 13 Admissions

Parents who are thinking of applying for a place at our school are invited to visit and look around at any time. Children start in the autumn term of the academic year in which they will have their fifth birthday. Applications Oldham Local Authority deals with all admissions to our school for reception classes and above and can be contacted at: Tel: 0161 770 4213 Email: www.oldhamprimaryadmissions.co.uk Web: www.oldhamprimaryadmissions.co.uk

Governorship The Governing Body consists of representatives of parents, teachers and the Local Education Authority. They work closely with the staff and Senior Leadership Team to support the school and plan its strategic developments. Do you want to be a Governor? If you want to be a school governor, please contact the school office.

14 School Aims

Friends of Burnley Brow Friend of Burnley Brow is a group of parents who help with cooking at school events like the summer fair. If you would like to help, please contact the school office.

Be Safe and Healthy: We aim for our learners to Enjoy and Achieve: We aim for learning to be Aspire and Contribute: We aim for our children to be able to reflect on their own and others’ views, to cooperative, life enhancing and enjoyable. Our learners develop a self- identity and to be able to empathize and understand their rights and responsibilities and to develop key skills which prepare them for life and contribute effectively to the wider multi-cultural society. be able to make informed choices. We aim to equip the personal skills needed for living and learning Our learners recognise their responsibility for the children with the courage and confidence to stand in successful relationships. We promote enquiry, environment and their role as global citizens. We aim to up for what they feel is right and to give and receive independence and challenge leading to pupils’ sense develop emotionally intelligent learners who reflect on respect. Our Respect Charter is a clear moral code for of self- worth and fulfilment. Our school is a reflective their own and others experiences, aspire to be the best behaviour. We work to enhance the self- esteem of all community which recognises achievement and they can be and to be catalysts for change. who are involved with our school. continuous development. 15 How to find us

A627 A663 Broadway

A627 Burnley Lane

Chadderton Way

A663

A627 Burnley Lane

Eustace St

Broadway BRIGHT HORIZONS (Training &Education Centre) Chadderton Way

Holly Grove MANOR MILL A627 Burnely Brow Community School Victoria Street Victoria St Chadderton A663 Oldham OL9 0BY ASDA Oldham Way Phone Holly Grove 0161 770 3137

E-mail You can contact us on [email protected] TOWN HALL

Burnely Brow Community School Victoria Street, Chadderton, Oldham, OL9 0BY Phone: 0161 770 3137 E-mail: You can contact us on [email protected]

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