2020 – 2021 Prospectus

Great Oaks from Little Acorns Grow…

…making learning fun!

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Welcome to Llangrove CE Academy

Dear Parents, Carers and Friends, Thank you for taking an interest in our school. You are warmly invited to discover more about our school by exploring our website: www.llangrove.hmfa.org.uk or, best of all, by arranging a visit where we will happily show all that Llangrove CE Academy has to offer for your child.

We are very proud of the achievements of our school and pupils and hope that your association with the school is a happy, positive and rewarding experience. We recognise that every child has the potential to succeed. With this in mind, we aim to create a caring and supportive learning environment, with exciting and engaging learning opportunities to suit individual needs. We place a strong emphasis on effective communication and partnerships with parents and hope you will take advantage of our ‘open door’ policy if you have any queries or concerns. We look forward to working closely with you and your family, to ensure that all children continue to achieve the best that they possibly can.

Kind regards, Mr P Box (Executive Head Teacher) and Mrs S Dean (Head of School)

Contents Page Our Ethos Statement 3 Our Aims & Ethos and Our School 4 Admission & Transfer 5 A Partnership with Parents 6 Guarding Children’s Safety in School 7 Attendance 8 Behaviour & School Rules 9 School Organisation, School Clubs, School Uniform 10 School Transport and Care Outside School Hours 11 The Curriculum and Early Years 12 Our Curriculum – Core Subjects 13 - 14 Our Curriculum – Foundation Subjects 15 -16 Religious Education, Gifts & Talents and SEN Provision 17 Assessment and Reporting to Parents 18 Links with the Community, the PTFA and Visitors 19 Learning Beyond our Walls and Access to Documents 20 General Information, Staff and Governors 21 School Term Dates 22 School Location & Map 22

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Our Ethos Statement

Llangrove CE Academy shares a common ethos statement with all Church of England schools in the Hereford Diocese, “Recognising its historic foundation, the school will preserve and develop its religious character in accordance with the principles of the Church of England and in partnership with the Church at parish and Diocesan level. The school aims to serve its community by providing an education of the highest quality within the context of Christian belief and practice. It encourages an understanding of the meaning and significance of faith and promotes Christian values through the experience it offers to all its pupils.”

We are very proud and thrilled this year that Llangrove CE Academy achieved Outstanding in our SIAMS inspection in November 2017. We are extremely proud of the children’s achievements and felt that the report reflected our caring and nurturing school ethos. The full report is available on the school website.

Welcome from Christ Church: “We are pleased to commend our school to you in this foreword. The school has a rural catchment area that encompasses a number of villages, parishes and worship centres. In Llangrove itself, we continue to build on and reinforce the strong links that exist between the school and the church community on every level. The school values the children and their development through education, physical activity and social skills, equipping them to take a positive role in society, as it also values the development of those who guide, lead and teach our children. The education and development of the children is held in a loving, caring Christian environment which has at the core the Christian message, the Christian values and ethos, as well as respecting people of other faiths and those with none. Our role is to be a supporter of the children, parents, the staff, the leadership team and the Governors in spiritual and pastoral matters.“

From the Chair of Governors, Mr Harris : “The village of Llangrove provides an idyllic setting for the learning and development of children, and there has been a church school here since 1875. The school sits within a safe setting, and our excellent staff are committed to the academic, physical, moral, Christian and personal development of all children. In order to meet the needs of all pupils we offer a creative curriculum, individual support and lessons that pupils themselves class as being interesting and fun. Our recent Ofsted report highlighted the outstanding behaviour of our pupils, and their desire to work hard and take pride in their achievements. Co-operation is enhanced through peer support at lunchtime, break time games, imaginative play and adventure in our Forest School areas. We enjoy strong community links and Leapfrogs pre-school group share our site. This ensures that very young children are well prepared for school, and in addition, Leapfrogs also offer extended care and play before and after school. We pride ourselves on the good relationships we have with our parents, and our most recent parent survey confirmed that parents greatly value the work that the school does with their children. Llangrove Parent, Teacher and Friends Association are very active organising additional activities for our pupils. Throughout the year we undertake fundraising activities for national charities. We sincerely encourage you to come and see this lovely, happy school so that you can experience what the pupils and school achieves on a daily basis. As our recent Ofsted report concluded this is a good school, and one we are all justly proud of.”

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Llangrove CE Academy Aims & Ethos

Our aim at Llangrove CE Academy is to give all pupils the opportunity to fulfil their potential by providing encouragement, stimulation and a creative curriculum learning environment. We work together with pupils and parents to ensure that each child leaving our school is as well-equipped as he or she possibly can be to succeed in their teenage and adult lives.

We are a Church of England Aided School and Christian Values provide a framework for the day to day life of the school. We aim to ensure that the school provides purposeful, effective education in a happy and stimulating environment where the children feel secure and comfortable within a caring, family atmosphere. Children are helped and encouraged to make positive contribution to all aspects of school life, to develop individual interest and to recognise the abilities and needs of others as caring citizens within the school and the wider community.

Our School We believe that our environment provides a wonderful stimulus for learning. Our school is set in the heart of the village community of Llangrove and serves a large rural catchment area. We are a small school of just over sixty pupils, grouped in three classes – Acorn, Beech and Oak .

The school comprises of three classrooms grouped around an open practical area; hall, pupil-friendly kitchen, a reference and home-school reading book library, changing rooms and toilets and is extremely well equipped. Our school is completely accessible for the physically disabled including toilet facilities.

The hall is used for PE lessons and other lessons, daily collective worship and school meals. There is mobile staging to assist with music/drama productions.

We have a class set of wireless laptops and I-Pads and our classrooms and the school hall are equipped with interactive white boards and Wi-Fi. The children also have use of a large separate Art and DT practical area. The school is extremely fortunate in having a large playing field, playground, outside classroom, raised beds school garden and an ecological area with pond.

Llangrove is also a member of Activate Education Ltd, a network of Herefordshire Primary schools & academies who design their own programme of Continuing Professional Development for staff using national speakers and consultants to ensure we deliver cutting edge, world class primary education for our children.

“The school is very effective in promoting pupil’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development through an exciting and relevant curriculum.” – Ofsted Report October 2014

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Self-Governing School

On 1st February 2012, Llangrove CE (VA) Primary School became a fully self-governing school under the Academies Act 2012. We are now called Llangrove CE Academy and are part of Hereford Marches Federation of Academies. (www.hmfa.org.uk)

What’s different about academies? Freedoms Academies benefit from greater freedoms to innovate and raise standards. These include: • freedom from local authority control; • the ability to set their own pay and conditions for staff; • freedom around the delivery of the curriculum; and • the ability to change the lengths of terms and school days.

Funding Academies receive the same level of per-pupil funding as they would receive from the local authority as a maintained school, plus additions to cover the services that are no longer provided for them by the local authority. However, academies have greater freedom over how they use their budgets to best benefit their pupils. Academies receive their funding directly from the Education Funding Agency (EFA) rather than from local authorities.

Governance The principles of governance are the same in academies as in maintained schools, but the governing body has greater autonomy. Academies are required to have at least two parent governors.

Admission and Transfer of Children

Our current admission limit is 15 per year group. The governors review the admissions policy annually. Parents or carers are requested to register their children in advance. All new parents or carers are invited to the school for an induction afternoon so that they can see the facilities, feel the atmosphere of the school, meet the Head of School and staff and discuss arrangements. The school also welcomes prospective and current parents to its autumn open days and by appointment throughout the year.

Children beginning school are welcomed into Acorn Class as visitors for half-day sessions in the second half of the Summer term preceding their entry. This helps the children to acclimatise themselves with and become familiar with the routine of the school.

Pupils completing their primary education normally transfer to the John Kyrle High School, Ross-on-Wye, or to Monmouth Comprehensive School. Some parents or carers opt for their children to take the entrance examination for Haberdashers’ Monmouth Girls’ School or Monmouth School for Boys.

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Admission Policy The criteria applied for the admission of children to the school in the event of over-subscription, is in the following order of priority: 1. Pupils with a Statement of Special Education Need which names the school and those pupils in receipt of banded funding where the Local Authority, in consultation with the Governors, believes that the school is the most appropriate to meet the child’s needs. 2. Pupils in the ‘Looked After’ system and children who were looked after, but cease to be because they are adopted and where the approved agencies, in consultation with the Governors, agree that the school is the most appropriate to meet the child’s needs. 3. The school is the one designated for the area in which the child lives. 4. The presence of older brothers or sisters in the school at the time of admission. 5. Special medical or social needs of the pupil. Production of a medical certificate or other appropriate information is required. 6. The location of the home in relation to the school, i.e. children who live nearer to the school will be given priority if the preferences exceed the admission level.

A Partnership with Parents We believe in the importance of strong home/school links and we are committed to fostering excellent relationships with parents and carers. A close partnership between home and school will ensure children have a happy time at Llangrove and that pupils fulfil their full potential. A Home/School Agreement is in place which outlines the role that parents and carers play in their child’s learning and development.

Who to go to... From time to time in any school problems may arise and parents may become worried. Almost always, the first person to speak to is the class teacher. They are the ones who know your children best in school and they are usually best placed to resolve any worries. The children in our three classes are overseen by Mrs Dean our Head of School; Mr Fox, our Deputy Head of School and our HMFA Executive Head Teacher Mr Box.

Our Governing Body Llangrove is fortunate in having a dedicated group of Governors, a combination of appointed and elected members. The foundation governors are appointed by the local church and the Board of Education to preserve and develop the religious character of the schools and to secure compliance with the Trust Deed. They represent the interests of the church, foundation or other organisation connected with the school and should include parents. The foundation governors are a majority on the governing body. Our Chair of Governors is Mr Chris Harris. Please see page 21.

Getting in touch Whenever school is open, the office will be open too. You can e-mail, phone or call in to Reception with questions or concerns and Mrs Deloyde will be very happy to try and help you make the necessary arrangements for you to see whoever you need to see. Email: [email protected] Tel: 01989 770322

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Guarding Children’s Safety in School

Working together Our most serious responsibility is to keep children safe when they are in our care. All visitors including parents must report to the main office before coming into school.

Accidents in School Within our team we have trained first aiders who can treat minor injuries. If we are seriously concerned about your child in any way, we will contact you and may ask you to collect them from school or we will call 999 if immediate medical attention is required. Whenever there is an accident, we consider whether it could have been avoided and whether anything can be done to prevent it happening again.

Medicine in School The school will assist pupils who need medication during school hours, particularly where this will help a child maintain regular attendance. Parents or carers will need to complete a form at the school office for this assistance to take place. However, the following points should be noted: • Where medicine needs to be administered three times per day, this should be done out of school hours where possible. • In the instance where medicine needs to be administered more frequently, it will only be undertaken upon receipt of a written request from the parent, which must also indicate the prescribed dose. The school must be satisfied that the medicine or tablets/capsules have been prescribed by a doctor.  All medicine should be handed into the school office where it should be signed in and signed out, but no member of staff can be directed to administer medicine. Parents/carers are requested to inform the Head teachers or Deputy Head teacher of any relevant medical history that may affect the child’s general development or performance in school. If a child becomes ill or has an accident at school, parents/carers will be contacted so that arrangements can be made for getting the child home or for seeking medical attention, should this be necessary.

School Premises, Security and Safety The premises sub-committee of the governing body meets regularly to discuss on-going maintenance, repairs and development of the school building. Health & Safety Audits of the School building and grounds are carried out on a regular basis.

In line with Council policy and in the interests of pupil safety, we ask people to refrain from bringing dogs onto the school site. The school also operates a non-smoking policy. For child protection and fire safety purposes, the school has a visitors’ book, situated at the school entrance to record all those people visiting the site.

In order that parents can easily be contacted, we request that they inform the school office if telephone contact numbers or address details change. We would also request that the class teacher or Mrs Deloyde be informed if the arrangements for collection of pupils will be different from the usual stated routine.

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Pastoral Care & Child Protection Members of staff are responsible for the well-being of the child during the school day, as the parent or carer is at all other times. Our designated Child Protection Officer and Pastoral and Safeguarding Manager is Mrs Jan McColl and Mrs Karen Millington is our Education Welfare Officer. Within school Mrs Dean is our Safeguarding Lead. Regular discussions between all staff and parents or carers are encouraged, to ensure as full and accurate a picture as possible of all aspects of the children’s pastoral care.

Equal Opportunities Statement Llangrove CE Academy follows an Equal Opportunities policy that is in line with the 1976 Race Relations Act; this also includes Equality Schemes in relation to Gender, Disability and Race.’ We promote the principles of fairness and justice for all through the education we provide and we ensure that all pupils have equal access to the full range of educational opportunities that we provide. The school is fully accessible for pupils with disabilities. The school has produced an accessibility plan, this details the arrangements made to ensure equal access to the premises and the curriculum for all children.

Attendance Children of statutory school age are required by law to attend school regularly and at the times stated. Statutory school age means from the first day of the term after the child’s fifth birthday, until the child leaves at age sixteen.

Class registers are completed twice daily by 9:00 am and again at 1:10 pm and are a record of attendance and absence.

Any absence must be accounted for by a phone call to the school by 9.15am. If the child is to be away for more than a few days, or has an infectious illness, a message informing the school is appreciated. If a child is absent from school and no phone call or written information has been provided, the child will be marked as an unauthorised absence.

No child may be released from school during the school day unless a request has been made by the parent or carer – this is for the child’s safety.

If a parent wishes a child to be excused from swimming, games or any other physical activity, for medical or other reasons, a letter requesting this should be sent to the school.

Parents have no automatic right for their children to be absent from school during term time. It can be very disruptive to the individual and to other class members if a child is away during term time, particularly in such a small school. Parents contemplating absences during school time should first discuss the implications with the Head of School of class teacher before making any commitments, especially if the absence is of a lengthy duration. All applications must be made in writing to Mr Box by the parent/carer not less than 6 weeks before the planned absence is due to begin. Absences during term time will only be approved under very exceptional circumstances. Parents should ensure that they do not withdraw their children from school during the KS1 and KS2 SATs and Year 1 Phonics Screening check period.

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Behaviour

Within its Christian foundation the school has a strong commitment to promoting good behaviour through positive strategies, high expectations and a programme of Values for Life Education.  We have high expectations of behaviour around the academy.  We are kind, fair and consistent in our expectations of and responses to children.  We develop the children’s moral and spiritual education in assemblies based on values themes.  Teaching is well planned and interesting, providing children with challenging but achievable tasks.

School rules have been developed with the children. They are based on the principles of consideration and respect for self and others. The aim is for pupils to achieve self-discipline and develop their own sense of responsibility. We use a ‘Good to Be Green’ behaviour scheme and pupils are regularly rewarded in a variety of ways for demonstrating outstanding behaviour.

“Pupil’s behaviour is exemplary. They show a deep interest in learning and behave extremely well around the school.”

– Ofsted, October 2014

In the very few instances when pupils make choices that are not in line with our expectations, the consequences of their actions are clearly outlined to them. We take swift action to deal with any incidents of bullying and the children and parents or carers are encouraged to discuss any problems at an early stage. In extreme cases of behavioural concern, parents or carers will be contacted and the matter will be dealt with by the Head of School and Executive Head Teachers in partnership with them. The Executive Head Teachers, in consultation with the Governing Body, can exclude children from school.

“Due to the exceptionally high levels of responsibility that pupils take for their own behaviour, sanctions are very rarely needed.” – Ofsted, October 2014

School Rules School rules are to ensure the safety of the child and that every child has a fair opportunity to study.

Pupils should: - Demonstrate sensitivity to the needs of others, irrespective of their differing abilities, their physical strength or characteristics, their gender, race or age.

Set a good example to others by demonstrating good behaviour, learning to resolve conflicts by peaceful means, without resorting to physical or verbal abuse, or foul language.

Show good manners and respect for all people in school and consideration for others when moving around.

Show respect for other people, their work and property.

Work productively and acknowledge through their behaviour the right of each individual to do the same.

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School Organisation The school is divided into three un-streamed classes:  Acorn Class (Class 1) Reception and Year 1 are taught by Miss Hannah Gee  Beech Class (Class 2) Year 2 and Year 3 are taught by Mrs Sarah Dean  Oak Class (Class 3) Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6 are taught by Mr Ed Fox

Daily Routine  There is a teacher on duty from 8.40 a.m.  School commences at 8.55 am  Collective Worship is from 9.00 am - 9.20 am or 2:50 – 3:10pm  Morning break is 11:00 am - 11.15 am  Lunch is at 12.10 (Acorn & Beech Class) and 12.15 pm (Oak Class). Lunch finishes at 1.10 pm  School finishes at 3.10 pm (Acorn Class) & 3.15 pm (Beech & Oak Class)

Break times Acorn and Beech Class have a morning and afternoon break time. KS1 (YR, 1 & 2) children have free fruit. The only snacks allowed in school must be a healthy option. A daily Tuck Shop is run by the Y5 & Y6 pupils selling healthy snack options purchased by Mrs Howie (TA). Children are encouraged to have a drink at break times. Parents are able to purchase daily milk for their child using the Cool Milk scheme.

Lunchtime Lunchtime is a very important part of our school day and we take great pride in ensuring that children have a nutritious meal during the lunch break. Children can order a hot lunch or bring a packed lunch. Lunch orders are made through Parent Pay. Our hot lunches are cooked freshly everyday by HMFA Enterprises and are served to our children in our dining hall. Lunches are eaten in the hall under the supervision of our lunchtime supervisors.

Children whose parents are in receipt of Income Support or Job Seekers Allowance - Income Based - are entitled to free school meals, applications for which should be made to the County Education Officer. Forms are available upon request from the school office.

School Clubs Our extra-curricular clubs, operated by school staff run from 3.15 - 4.15 pm. A variety of different clubs are offered to all children throughout the year. A letter is sent out at the beginning of each half term, providing details of these clubs which have included; Gardening, Art Club, Film Club, Games Club, Drama, Cookery and a range of Sports Clubs. Music lessons are also available with Mr Jones, our Peripatetic teacher, on Wednesday afternoons.

School Uniform The school expects all children to wear school uniform and for our families to fully support us in ensuring children come to school suitably dressed. We believe the wearing of a school uniform gives pupils a real pride in being part of our school, and an ethos of ‘Dress Smart Think Smart’. Embroidered School Uniform with the school logo can be purchased on-line at School Trends: www.schooltrends.co.uk or at My Clothing: www.myclothing.com

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Our uniform includes:  Grey trousers or shorts, white polo shirt, red sweatshirt or jumper. Black or grey or white socks.  Grey pinafore dress, skirt or trousers or red and white gingham dress, white polo shirt and red sweatshirt, jumper or cardigan. Black, grey or white socks or red, grey or black tights  PE Uniform - red shadow stripe shorts (School Trends only), white t-shirt, plimsolls and trainers. Plain/unbranded jog-pants and a long-sleeved sweatshirt should also be provided for outdoor sports.  Black school shoes (not extreme fashion shoes, open toed sandals or sports trainers) Please ensure all clothing and personal property is clearly marked with your child’s name.

For safety reasons no jewellery should be worn to school, with the exception of small plain studs for children with pierced ears (one in each ear only) hooped earrings are NOT permitted. Earrings must be removed or covered for all PE sessions so it is preferable if children's ears are not pierced during the academic year. Make-up or nail varnish should not be worn in school and hair should be tied back, we hope you will support us in this.

School Transport School transport is provided by the LA under the terms of the relevant Act. The Vacant Seats Payment Scheme is available for those not entitled to free transport; details and application forms may be obtained from the school office. In the interests of safety, parents of pupils who normally use school transport are requested to inform the school if for any reason their children are not to travel home on the school bus. Parents who collect their children from school are also requested to notify a member of staff if they are to be picked up by someone else.

Parents bringing their children to school by car are asked to park at the Village Hall to avoid congestion on the road, which can pose serious safety issues. Similarly, parents are requested not to drive their cars into the school grounds or park in front of the main school gates.

Care Outside School Hours & Llangrove Leapfrogs Care is available before and after school during term time by Llangrove Leapfrogs, an Ofsted registered full day care pre-school and childcare service with a dedicated classroom and outdoor area. A wide range of indoor activities are available and they make use of the school grounds as well as the village hall play park, the church grounds and village. Children take part in activities inside and can also use the outside play area, weather permitting. In addition, breakfast and a snack tea are provided if required. Children join the other pupils in the playground from 8.40 am.

Care is provided at a Breakfast Club before school from 7.45 am. They also provide care for children after school each day from 3.15 pm to 6.00 pm.

They are registered with Ofsted and Herefordshire County Council and all staff are fully DBS checked. If you would like to know what your child would be doing on a particular day, please ask their supervisors as they try to respond favourably to the ideas and wishes of the youngsters attending the session. Tea can be provided for your child, if required. For more information please see www.llangroveleapfrogs.org.uk. Mobile Telephone: 07919 901 126

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The Curriculum At Llangrove, we aim to provide children with a rich, broad and exciting curriculum that promotes high standards and lays the foundations for life. Our curriculum is based on the National Curriculum 2014 and is designed to develop the fundamental skills, which children need to succeed. The children play an active role in planning the topics and activities that make up our curriculum. The children’s ideas and wishes then form the basis of a broad, balanced and relevant skills based education, providing a wide range of experiences to meet their personalised needs. The core subjects and foundation subjects are taught through a cross- curricular approach where it enhances learning or as discrete subjects. Our curriculum is further enriched by themed ‘Acorn Days’ days or weeks, in which the children work collaboratively on a whole school topic. Opportunities are also provided for the children to work collaboratively with children from others schools within the HMFA. The curriculum for Reception pupils is based on the Early Years Foundation Stage.

“Pupils say that teachers make learning fun.” – Ofsted, October 2014

“Pupils are fully involved in their learning by raising spiritual, moral, social and cultural questions for investigation. The ownership this gives them motivates a thirst for learning and results in their high achievement.” ~ SIAMS, 2017

Early Years Our aim for the children in the Early Years Foundation Stage at Llangrove CE Academy is that they should have the opportunities and experiences that allow them to become independent, confident and enthusiastic learners.

A Unique Child Through assessment and observation, we are able to identify each individual child’s interests, strengths and needs. This allows us to ensure that our curriculum and planning meet the needs of all the children in our setting. We use annotated photographs to create a ‘Learning Journey / Pupil Profile’ (using Tapestry) for each child in reception that maps their progress and development.

Positive Relationships We enable children to become aware of themselves as a part of the wider school community by helping them to feel confident and secure within the Early Years setting and with the adults and children around them. We encourage the children to develop a clear understanding of how actions and behaviour impact on other people and the importance of respecting one another. A strong partnership between home and school is essential to support and foster children’s growing confidence in a new environment.

Enabling Environments We have a spacious and varied environment in our Early Years setting. As well as our classroom, we have a shared area for painting, craft and messy activities; as well as an inviting outside space. The children have access to resources that can be used both inside and out and have ample opportunity to enjoy learning and exploring in all weathers.

Learning Developments Our practical and challenging curriculum supports children as they develop and learn in their own way. We provide opportunities for children to take risks in a safe environment and to widen their interests and skills in preparation for the rest of their time at Llangrove. We have strong links with Llangrove Leapfrogs and other local pre-school nurseries which helps to inform our understanding of the children’s individual characteristics and preferences and ensures a smooth transition for the children. “Children in Reception settle in quickly and happily when they start school. As a result of good teaching, they make good progress and are well prepared for starting Year 1.” – Ofsted, October 2014

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Our Curriculum – Core Subjects

English At the heart of every life experience, children need to be able to communicate effectively and creatively with the world at large through spoken and written language. Here at Llangrove CE Academy, we encourage every child to enjoy and appreciate the rich variety of literature so that they can respond with knowledge and enthusiasm.

In speaking and listening, we do this by: • encouraging all children to express their opinions, articulate feelings and respond appropriately to a range of situations; • enabling pupils to participate in different groupings to present ideas with confidence, valuing the views of others.

In reading, we do this by: • teaching phonics to appreciate the awareness of the link between sounds and letters - using ORT Floppy Phonics in Reception & Year 1. This is built on from Y2 onwards; • giving every child their own personal reading record and books to take home to read with parents and carers which challenge and engage pupils to develop their own love of learning; • providing a range of reading opportunities to help children to understand the choices of vocabulary and structures that authors use, including Talk4Reading, Book Talk and Reading Factory. In writing, we do this by:  being a Talk for Writing school, all children learn to write through Talk for Writing. Talk for Writing was developed by the author Pie Corbett. It is a fun, creative yet also rigorous approach to develop writers; • providing inspiring activities to motivate children so that they see themselves as ‘writers’;  focussing on the essential skills of grammar, punctuation and spelling (SPaG) alongside developing the powers of imagination and inventiveness;  setting high expectations that all our children will take pride in their work, having a fluent handwriting style (using PenPals handwriting scheme).

Mathematics Mathematics teaches us how to make sense of the world around us through developing a child’s ability to calculate, to reason and to solve problems. It enables children to understand and appreciate relationships and pattern in both number and space in their everyday lives. We are passionate and committed to ensuring that all children engage in and enjoy the subject of mathematics. Lessons are inspirational and relevant, enabling children to succeed in making and using those vital links between mathematics and everyday life.

Our aims in teaching mathematics are that all children will: • Enjoy the subject and study it with confidence and a sense of achievement; • Reach their potential in numeracy and a range of other mathematical skills;

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• Apply these skills with confidence and understanding when solving problems, developing and using reasoning skills; • Develop thinking and reasoning skills by communicating mathematical ideas to a partner or group; • Receive opportunities to work systematically, creatively, independently and in depth; and • Be thoroughly prepared for the continued study of the subject at their senior school.

The school uses a variety of teaching and learning styles in mathematics lessons. Our principal aim is to develop children’s knowledge, skills and understanding in mathematics. We do this through a daily lesson that has a high proportion of whole-class and group teaching, where possible, making links across the curriculum. During these lessons we encourage the pupils to question as well as solve mathematical problems. They have the opportunity to use a wide range of resources ranging from practical apparatus and ICT to support their work and enhance their learning. Our resources for mathematics are used throughout the key stages. An example includes Numicon, a maths teaching programme that uses a series of structured images to represent numbers which children enjoy using as it plays to their strong sense of pattern.

Wherever possible, we encourage the children to use and apply their learning in everyday situations, in role play areas and weighing, measuring skills in cooking and across the curriculum. We provide suitable learning opportunities for all children by matching the challenge of the task to the ability of the child. We achieve this through a range of strategies – in some lessons through differentiated group work and in other lessons by organising the children to work in pairs on open-ended problems or games or with appropriate adult support.

Science As a church school, we encourage our pupils to be enquiring and curious about the wonderful world in which they live, and our work in Science gives pupils of all abilities the opportunity to investigate how and why things happen. From an early age, pupils are encouraged to make predictions and test their ideas using practical experiments. They consider how to make their tests fair and learn to make accurate measurements using a wide variety of tools and equipment, such as thermometers and Newton meters.

As children progress through the school, they are expected to plan their own investigations to answer intriguing questions such as ‘Does the tallest person have the largest feet?’ or ‘Which rock would make the strongest castle?’ Children learn how simple scientific concepts explain everyday phenomena and the importance of science in everyday life.

Computing Our Computing curriculum prepares pupils for a world in which technology is used to communicate, control and create. Pupils are taught many different skills, such the programming the movement of a Beebot in Reception or sharing of information by creating blogs and animations in later years. A wide range of equipment is available, from the interactive whiteboards in every classroom and networked laptops. The children have full access to a class set of I-Pads and laptops. E-safety skills for safe use of social media, such as blogging and messaging, are taught and all pupils are expected to follow the school's own rules for using the internet. Computing skills are used to develop and extend learning across the curriculum.

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Our Curriculum - Foundation Subjects

Art & Design Whilst skills and techniques are taught specifically, art is integrated across the curriculum and is reflected in many subjects. Children have the opportunity to experience the key elements including colour, shape, texture, pattern and line, in both 2D and 3D form with reference to past and present day artists as well as engaging with practitioners through HMFA schools’ shared workshops. Children are encouraged to develop individuality and critical awareness through their artwork which is displayed around the school as part of creating a stimulating learning environment. Our artwork is also often shared with the village community as part of the local church and village hall festivals.

Design Technology Through Design and Technology, our children are encouraged to identify, examine and solve practical problems and to make existing situations better. Children are encouraged to be inventive, using a range of materials and tools, thus developing, modifying and evaluating their ideas through a series of projects.

Geography Living in a globalised world, an understanding of human and physical processes is vital in comprehending complex and interdependent systems. Beginning at a local scale we explore the immediate area and county. We also discover the different parts of the British Isles and compare contrasting localities; deserts and polar regions, cities and country. Physical features that our pupils learn about include rivers, mountain to sea, volcanoes and earthquakes. Mapping skills are taught progressing to a clear overview of Ordnance Survey mapping symbols and grid references, including using an online resource to support the application of skills taught.

History Understanding the roots of our nation and the broader origins of Western civilisation is covered in detail throughout the school. With our ancient nation's many millennia of history we are unable to address every era but work to our strengths covering many key periods in detail. Beginning in Key Stage 1, we address the understanding of change through time, how the past is different to the present, before moving onto deeper knowledge of periods in History and skills throughout Key Stage 2.

Music Musical opportunities are encouraged from an early age and talents are nurtured through the cross- curricular activities and a range of opportunities for the children to share their talents, from church services to singing in Young Voices in Birmingham. Music tuition is also provided by peripatetic teachers on instruments such as flute, clarinet, piano and drums.

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Modern Foreign Languages We provide children with a good start in acquiring a modern foreign language. Our main focus is on French and children will have lots of opportunities in class to develop their spoken, written and listening skills. The children also learn vocabulary from other languages as part of our cross-curricular topics.

PE and Sport At Llangrove we offer a dynamic, varied and stimulating program of activity to ensure that children progress physically through an inspirational and unique PE curriculum. We encourage all children to develop their understanding of the way in which they can use equipment and apparatus safely yet imaginatively to achieve their personal goals. All children have the opportunity to enjoy being physically active, maintain a healthy lifestyle and increase their self-esteem. All children are taught by our own PE specialist teacher Mrs Townson, using the large outside space or school hall. Opportunities for the children to enjoy the competitive element of PE are provided throughout the year including at the HMFA netball, gymnastics and athletics inter-school tournaments. Swimming lessons for all children in both KS1 and KS2 take place in the summer term at Monmouth Sports Complex. The children not only learn essential swimming skills during these sessions but lifesaving skills and learn to become more independent and develop necessary personal skills. Children also have the opportunity to further these skills at after school sports clubs.

PSHE & Citizenship PSHE plays an integral part in school life. We aim to promote healthy, independent and responsible members of society. We encourage all our pupils to play a positive role in contributing to school life and the wider community through our school council, fundraising events and involvement in community activities. We encourage ownership and responsibility by providing the children with purposeful roles within the school. Pupils in Year 5 and Year 6 are responsible for running the daily break time Tuckshop and looking after playground equipment for their peers.

Our pupils are given opportunities in PSHE /SEAL (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning) lessons and assemblies to develop confidence, self-motivation and an understanding of their rights and responsibilities within our diverse society. PSHE is taught throughout the school in a range of contexts. Children learn through designated PSHE sessions, including circle time and worship when a variety of issues are explored and discussed. Cross-curricular opportunities for personal and social development are also planned. Across the school, positive attitudes and values are developed in day-to-day interactions and activities. PSHE teaching and activities are planned with due regard to children's age and stage of development.

“The school’s deep commitment in developing pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is reflected in their clear understanding of what is right and wrong and their appreciation of the school’s value of showing respect for all people.” – Ofsted 2014

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Religious Education The school follows the Herefordshire County Agreed Syllabus for RE which provides a locally determined framework for teaching religious education from Reception to Year 6. We offer an interesting insight into some of the main religions of this country, particularly Christianity, along with Judaism, Islam, Sikhism, Buddhism and Hinduism. We aim to help children to understand personal or family beliefs, along with traditional religious values in order to respect the beliefs and practices of others. Children are given the opportunity to learn about stories, festivals and events that underlie many of the regular cultural and religious celebrations that occur during the year. During their time at Llangrove CE Academy, the children are encouraged to compare religious practices and beliefs, put forward their own ideas and develop positive attitudes to others. “Gifted and inspiring leaders have implemented an exciting curriculum that gives high profile to matters of faith and religion” ~ SIAMS, October 2017

Daily collective worship takes place in the hall or classrooms, during which religious, moral education and British Values as well as an opportunity for reflection is undertaken. Special collective worships celebrate Christian festivals such as Harvest and assemblies for parents are held each month to celebrate pupils’ achievement.

The aims of our School Collective Worship Policy are:  To enhance the spiritual development of children  To foster reflection, meditation, prayer and silence  To create an atmosphere in which God is both normal and natural  To experience ceremony in Christian festivals and to recognise the beliefs and cultures of others  To enable pupils to reflect on their experience of life  To value and respect the search for a faith to live by  To celebrate achievements of members of the school

Parents have a legal right to withdraw their child from collective worship assemblies and/or Religious Education lessons. Parents who wish to do so should discuss the matter with the Executive Head teacher.

Forest Schools The philosophy of Forest Schools is to encourage and inspire individuals of any age through positive outdoor experiences. Our Forest School sessions are led by Mrs Howie and take place on Mondays. By participating in engaging, motivating and achievable tasks and activities in our woodland environment each child has an opportunity to learn about the natural environment; use full sized tools e.g. to whittle sticks; play in the mud-kitchen; develop their self-esteem and become self- motivated as they use their own initiative to solve problems and co-operate with others.

Gifts & Talents At Llangrove CE Academy we encourage children to develop their talents in many different areas. Firstly, in the classroom children are encouraged to reach their potential in all areas of the curriculum. Teachers have very high expectations and extend the most able children by good differentiation and celebrate their talents. Every term we hold Pupil Progress meetings for each class where we discuss the needs of all children including those who need to be stretched and encourage in a particular area. The provision for able children is reflected in the planning and teaching of the curriculum and learning is challenging and stimulating.

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Special Educational Needs Provision The class teacher, through regular screening and assessment, identifies children with additional learning needs. Most children are catered for within the classroom by extra teaching input, teaching assistant support or small group work. After discussion with the child’s parents, the child may be placed at School Action level of the school’s Special Needs Register. An Individual Provision Map (IPM) is written by the class teacher in liaison with the SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) Mrs Beecham, setting appropriate targets for progress and achievement. The SENCO has a wide range of assessment resources available for use in school. The IPM is reviewed each term and targets are updated. If it is felt that the child is not making the anticipated progress despite the school support, additional assessments may be carried out by the SENCO or referrals may be made to specialist agencies, e.g. Speech and Language Team.

Assessment At Llangrove CE Academy we are committed to ensuring that every child fulfils their potential. In order to ensure that this happens, end of year targets are set (above the national expectation for the age of the child) for every child in each of the core subjects (reading, writing and maths). Assessments in the classroom are both summative and formative (for example ‘cold and hot’ tasks each half-term). Formative assessment takes place on a day-to-day basis by class teachers and helps them to plan what needs to be incorporated in their teaching to move the children forward. Their teaching and planning also reflects the individual children’s assessment for learning (AfL) responses. ‘Next Steps’ are shared with the children through verbal feed-back and marking and with parents through reports and during parents’ consultations.

Teachers assess the children against the National Curriculum age related expectations and in Y1, Y3, Y4 and Y5. Our tracking system and pupil progress meetings ensure that children are on track and informs our teachers and dedicated SENCo of any extra support a child may need whether academic or pastoral. We pride ourselves on our holistic approach.

At the end of Year 2 and Year 6, all children are assessed using Standard Assessment Tasks (SATS). Pupils take the Phonics Screening Check at the end of Year 1. All these assessments are shared with parents and carers.

Reporting to Parents We are a small school and as such informal parent-teacher interaction can be maintained easily on a daily basis if necessary. Parents and carers are welcome to come into school to discuss matters relating to their children or the life of the school. If possible, an appointment should be made with the Executive Head Teacher, Head of School or teachers are able to see parents or carers before or after school. Parents/Carers’ consultations are held in the Autumn and Summer terms to discuss the children’s progress. Written reports are issued to parents and carers each term.

“Every child knows he or she matters here”

Diocese Inspection Report

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Links with the Community The school continues to maintain strong links with the local community, including the school hall being available for lettings to groups within the community.

The children are actively involved in fundraising for the wider community; examples of charities supported are: Macmillan Cancer Care; Poppy Appeal; Barnardos; Acorns Hospice; Christmas Shoebox appeal; Children in Need/Comic relief/Sports Relief days.

The school liaises closely with secondary schools both in Ross and Monmouth and Year 6 pupils take part in transition visits. We also have close links with Llangrove Leapfrogs, the local pre-school playgroup, who are based on the school premises.

Llangrove CE Academy PTFA Llangrove Academy has a proactive PTFA which is extremely well supported by hardworking, energetic committee members and generous parents, governors and friends.

The PTFA willingly help at events and support our activities throughout the year; this reflects the friendly and inclusive ethos of our school, they raise around £2,500 annually to fund school activities and equipment. The PTFA also provides valuable social opportunities for those in our school community to meet and have fun. Everyone is welcome to participate (all school families are automatically members) and creative minds are welcomed to dream up new fundraising ideas and to help decide how best to spend the money the PTFA makes. Regular posters and flyers and updates on the school website and school App enables the PTFA to keep in touch with all those involved with the school. Recent projects which have been funded by the PTFA include subsidising transport for trips and swimming lessons, providing class dictionaries and thesauruses, trips to Christmas pantomime costs and Christmas party gifts.

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Visitors We welcome offers of help from parents or carers and friends who have special interests which would appeal to the children. Volunteers may help in a variety of ways, such as reading, Art and DT work and cooking. It is a governors’ policy following statutory guidance that all people working with children are checked using rigorous Safeguarding Children and Child Protection procedures.

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Learning Beyond Our Walls

We feel that it is important that children are involved in a variety of activities both in and out of school. Our curriculum at Llangrove CE Academy includes a wealth of opportunities to visit exciting places. We create learning experiences on these trips which children will never forget. Trips enjoyed by pupils include science sessions at Lewstone Farm; class trips to Caerleon Roman Museum; as well as whole school trips to Slimbridge, Cotswold Wildlife Park, Weston-Super-Mare and Newent Bird of Prey Centre.

A number of educational visits are arranged during the course of the academic year, when it may be necessary to meet the cost of transport, entrance fees, etc. Under the provisions of the Education Reform Act 1996, no charges may be made for any education provided during school hours. However, should they wish their child to participate; parents may be asked to make voluntary contributions. There is no obligation to contribute and no pupil will be omitted from such a visit, although the governors reserve the right to cancel any activity if the cost cannot be met by voluntary contributions.

School residential field-trips or activity holidays The opportunity for our pupils to take part in residential trips is offered in both Year 5 and Year 6, in two different locations. In 2019 Year 5 spent two days in Birmingham and Year 6 had a week of adventure at Oaker Wood Adventure Centre. Parents will be charged the cost of these extra-curricular activities. The governors will allow a remission of these charges if families are receiving Income Support. In other cases of hardship the governors have the discretion to apply a sliding-scale of charges. To apply for help in paying these costs, please contact the Head teacher and our business manager Mrs Deloyde. This information will be treated confidentially.

Access to Documents Parents seeking access to these documents are requested to contact the Executive Head Teacher and Head of School to give a reasonable period of notice. Arrangements can then be made for the documents to be viewed at school at a mutually convenient time. Available information include:  School Prospectus  Minutes of governors’ meetings  Special Needs Policy  Pupil Premium statements  HMI, Ofsted and SIAS reports about the school  The Herefordshire Diocese Agreed Syllabus for RE  Strategic Planning for Maths, English, RE and Assessment

Links to many of these documents can be found on our school website http://llangrove.hmfa.org.uk

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General Information & Staff

School Address: Llangrove CE Academy Llangrove Ross-on-Wye Herefordshire HR9 6EZ

School Telephone Number: 01989 770322

School Email: [email protected]

Website addresses: www.llangrove.hmfa.org.uk

Executive Headteacher: Mr Peter Box

Head of School: Mrs Sarah Dean

Staff: Miss H Gee (Acorn Class Teacher) Mrs S Dean (Beech Class Teacher & Head of School) Mr E Fox (Oak Class Teacher & Deputy Head of School) Mrs R Townson (PE Teacher & Acorn Class Teaching Assistant) Mrs A Goodwin (Acorn Class Teaching Assistant & SEN Support) Mrs E Weyman (Acorn Class Teaching Assistant & SEN Support Mrs J Howie (Beech Teaching Assistant & Forest School Lead) Miss F Marchetto (Oak Class Teaching Assistant & SEN Support) Mrs C Gee (Oak Class Teaching Assistant & SEN Support) Mrs J Deloyde (School Business Manager) Mrs G James (Lunchtime Supervisor) Miss A Pye (Lunchtime Supervisor) Mrs G Haggett (Caretaker & Cleaner) Mrs L Hunt (Lunchtime Supervisor) Mrs D Bradley (Cleaner) School Governors Chair of Governors: Mr C Harris

Governors: Mrs J Shannon (Llangrove PCC) Mrs P Boulton (Llangrove PCC) Rev. B Benson (Parochial Church Council) Mrs J Deloyde (Finance Director) Mrs S Dean (Staff Governor & Head of School) Mr M Feirn (Llangarron PCC) Mr G Sinkowski (Parent/ Carer representative)

Clerk to Governors: Mr S Morehead

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Term Dates for the School Year 2020-2021

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