Lealholm Primary School Lealholm, Whitby, North Yorkshire, YO21 2AG
Welcome to Lealholm Primary School
I do hope you will find this prospectus interesting and helpful. It gives important information about the school and has been set out so that it is easy to read and useful.
Lealholm Primary School is a small and friendly place, with good relationships between staff, parents and the wider community.
Staff and Governors seek to provide pupils with a wide variety of learning opportunities. We have high expectations of the children who attend our school and are rewarded by the good progress they make as they move through the school.
We look forward to welcoming you to our school.
Yours sincerely
Mrs H Ward Headteacher
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Contents
Page 4 About our School Page 5 Our Vision Statement Page 6 Our Oaths Page 7 The Governing Body Page 8 The School Staff Page 9 Admissions Policy Page 10 Parents as Partners Page 10 Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum Page 10 The Foundation Stage Profile Page 11 The Curriculum Page 12 PSHCE – Personal, Social, Health & Citizenship Education Page 13 British Values Page 14 Equal Opportunities Page 15 Religious Education Page 15 Assembly Page 16 Complaints, Comments and Concerns Page 17 Assessment Page 17 The School Day Page 17 Termly and half-termly dates Page 17 Attendance, Leave of Absence Page 19 Internal Organisation Page 19 Homework Page 20 Pastoral Care Page 21 Code of Conduct Page 22 Child Protection Page 23 Special Educational Needs Page 23 Ethos of the School Page 24 Achievement Awards Page 25 Accidents & Illness Page 25 Medical Matters Page 26 School Uniform Page 27 Sun Safety Page 28 PE Page 28 Jewellery Page 29 School Meals Page 29 Fruit and Water in School Page 30 Charges for School Activities Page 30 Personal Insurance Page 31 Friends of Lealholm Primary School Page 31 Consultation with Parents Page 31 Reporting to Parents Page 31 Adult Volunteers in School 3
Page 32 Travelling to and from School Page 33 Transfer to Secondary School Page 34 Freedom of Information Act Page 34 Confidentiality Page 34 Useful Addresses Page 35 and Finally
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About our School
Lealholm Primary School is a small village school which aims to provide an environment which is both welcoming and open. We are part of the Yorkshire Endeavour Academy Trust (YEAT)
The school is situated in the very attractive countryside of the North York Moors National Park, approximately 9 miles from Whitby and has a catchment area that includes Lealholm, Fryup dales and Houlsyke.
The school premises comprise of two permanent classrooms, one for juniors and one for infants. There is also a library, ICT area, office, kitchen for cooking school meals, playground, a large playing field and a school garden. The adjoining school house provides an extra classroom for group work, a music room, toilet and staffroom.
In September 2018 we federated with Castleton and Glaisdale Primary School and we share a Headteacher and Governing Body.
For further information please see websites below: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
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Yorkshire Endeavour Academy Trust (YEAT)
Yorkshire Endeavour Academy Trust Airy Hill School Waterstead Lane Whitby YO21 1PZ
Registered Number: 11024646
Telephone: 01947 602688
Website: www.yeat.co.uk
Yorkshire Endeavour Academy Trust Inclusive, Innovative, Inspirational
VISION
We firmly believe in celebrating and preserving the diversity within our member academies, whilst ensuring that all of our people, pupils, staff, parents and carers have access to the very best opportunities, with real and effective tangible outcomes to enable them to exceed their expectations and fulfil their potential.
AIMS AND VALUES
The Endeavour MAT is a family of primary schools who believe that by learning and growing together we can:
Ensure that all our children, regardless of their starting point, receive an outstanding education that prepares them for the world. Nurture a culture and climate of mutual respect. Be a safe and inclusive place for children. Create opportunities for all our staff to develop and shine.
Whilst collaboration is at the core of our practice we believe that this works best when each school has a unique identity and place at the heart of their community. It is through our differences that we can challenge and support each other to do the best for our children.
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Our Oaths
We have asked parents to suggest experiences that they would like their child to have during their time at Lealhom School. We have also gathered suggestions from pupils, governors and staff, which have been used to create our twelve oaths. Explore the local area Be prepared for life in multicultural Britain Have regular outdoor learning experiences Visit a city Attend at least one extra-curricular club each year Improve their local environment or community Develop resilience Be prepared for the next stage of their journey Develop a love of reading Have a cultural experience Discover the heritage of our local area Be the best they can be.
Our Vision Statement
Lealholm School aspires to provide quality learning experiences which will be both challenging and rewarding for all our pupils and which will continue to raise standards in all areas.
We seek to create a welcoming and caring environment that is also lively and stimulating.
We recognise and value the progress and achievements children make.
Children need to be happy and confident and to develop self-discipline in order to achieve their full potential.
The school aims to provide a broad and balanced curriculum, which also promotes the pupil’s spiritual, moral, social and cultural development.
We will also endeavour to provide equality of opportunity in all aspects of our work and to meet the needs of each pupil.
Finally, the staff and governors value the best possible partnership between parents/carers and the wider community and recognise the importance of promoting the support they offer, to the benefit of all our pupils.
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The Governing Body
The Governing Body has a general responsibility for the effective management of the school, acting within the framework set by national legislation and by the policies of the Local Authority.
The present Governing Body is as follows:
Chair of Governors: Mrs J Kevan (Parent Governor) Vice-Chairman: Mrs R Denniff (Parent Govenor
Parent Governors: (elected by parents of pupils registered at the school Mrs R J Kevan Mrs R Denniff Mr N Tindall Vacancy
Headteacher: Mrs H Ward (Lealholm) Mrs K Hird (Castleton & Glaisdale)
Teacher Governor: (elected by teachers at the school) Vacancy
Co-opted Governors Mr D Medcalf Mrs E Sayer Mr R Beadnall Mr M Hollingworth Mr D King Mrs J Sinclair
Clerk to the Governors: Mrs S Markham
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Members of Staff
Headteacher: Mrs H Ward
Junior Teacher: Miss B Parkes
Infant Teacher: Miss D Calver
Science Teacher: Mrs R Scholey
Teaching Assistants: Mrs Z Wood Mrs A Walsh
Clerical Assistant: Mrs L Taylor
Midday Supervisory Mrs A Walsh Assistants: Mrs G Perry
School Cook: Mrs G Atkinson
Cleaner in charge: Mrs S Story
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ADMISSIONS POLICY
We have so much to offer including: Small class sizes Regular outdoor learning opportunities as part of our ‘river schools’ provision A fabulous rural location (yet only a short drive from Whitby) Exciting sport provision including specialist sport, dance and cycling 1:1 ipads for all pupils Excellent links with local schools as part of Yorkshire Endeavour Academy Trust A caring and committed staff team
We are always happy to give guided tours to any parent/carer who is interested in applying for a place. Please contact school to make an appointment.
The Local Authority is in charge of managing the admissions process including all admissions to the school, whether you wish your child to start in September or whether you have moved into the area during the academic year.
To apply for a place at Lealholm School, complete the online form on North Yorkshire County Council’s website https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/school-admissions If you have any questions please telephone the school office 01947 897401.
Induction of new starters We make it high priority to develop early links with pre-school care, working with local pre-school providers to promote continuity and effective communication to ensure children have a positive experience during this transition stage.
Information and booklets about starting school will be sent to parents in the term before admission. An informal meeting for parents of new starters will also be held to share information and discuss any questions or concerns parents may have.
Parents will be requested to complete a school Admission Form for their child giving basic information i.e. emergency contact numbers, health details, etc., when the child starts school. Parents are also asked to inform the class teacher or Headteacher when personal circumstances occur which are likely to affect the child’s behaviour in school.
All information is treated in the strictest confidence.
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Parents as Partners Parents are the child’s first and most enduring educators. Where parents and the school work together, the results will have a positive impact on the child’s learning.
Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum
When children first start school they will have encountered a wide variety of experiences and will have developed a wide range of skills and interests.
It is important that they have a well-planned and resourced curriculum that ensures their progress and gives them the correct ‘start’. This will underpin all future learning.
The foundation curriculum is organised into seven areas of learning and development. Three Prime Areas: Communication and language Physical Development Personal, social and emotional development
Four Specific Areas: Literacy Mathematics Understanding the world Expressive arts and design
These seven areas ensure an appropriate curriculum that is stimulating but ordered, where the opportunities for active learning are purposefully planned.
The foundation curriculum dovetails into the national curriculum.
The Foundation Stage Profile
Throughout the foundation stage, staff will assess each child’s development in relation to the seven areas of learning. These assessments are recorded and form the basis for the annual report to parents in the summer term.
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The Curriculum
Children will follow the National Curriculum programmes of study from Year 1 to Year 6. Documents relating to the National Curriculum may be seen at school. The curriculum is based on the belief that besides the basic skills of Reading, Writing, Mathematics and Science there should be opportunities for creative interests in Art, Design and Technology, Music and Drama, along with History, Geography, ICT, MFL and Physical Education.
The curriculum is organised with due regard to ‘The Education Reform Act 1988’ and North Yorkshire County Council’s ‘The School Curriculum 5-16’ and the right of every child to be given a broad, balanced and relevant education, the guidelines of the National Curriculum being adhered to throughout.
Thematic work often involves the whole school and through this work pupils develop their skills and interest in learning. Each subject can become an integral part of thematic topic work.
Often, topic work is backed up by educational visits to places of interest and museums. Visits to the school by experts in their field are also encouraged.
In Mathematics, which has a strong practical basis, especially in the infant and lower junior groups, the work is based on the National Numeracy Strategy, supplemented by other activities which reinforce the basic principles of number work and includes the use of calculators.
A range of computers and relevant software is available for all children. The school is linked to the internet and children are able to use this facility under supervision. Both classrooms have the use of an interactive whiteboard.
Games including football, cricket, rounders, netball and hockey are played by the junior children. Matches are often played on a friendly basis against neighbouring schools. All pupils attend the swimming pool once a fortnight during the summer and autumn terms. Parents usually contribute to the cost.
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The school also organises an annual residential visit for Year 5 and Year 6 pupils at a local Outdoor Education Centre.
There are regular after school sessions for netball, circuits and cricket which usually take place on school premises. Knitting, running and fitness clubs also take place over the lunchtime period.
The County Music Service provides access to tuition from peripatetic teachers in school for Brass, Woodwind, Strings and Keyboards and Guitar.
PSHCE – Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education
PSHCE has become an integral aspect of our teaching and underpins our school
ethos. It focuses on relationships, feelings and developing self-esteem.
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Promoting British values at Lealholm Primary School
We agree with the Department for Education’s five-part definition of British values:
• democracy • the rule of law • individual liberty • mutual respect • tolerance of those of different faiths and beliefs
At the Lealholm School pupils will encounter these principles throughout everyday school life.
Recent projects related to British values:
Value How We Promote it
Democracy Circle time activities ensure that every student in our school has a voice. Through our topics we look at the foundations of democracy. Democracy is also promoted during daily assemblies.
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The Rule of Law High expectations of pupil conduct are reflected in our Behaviour Policy and ‘Golden Rules’ which are displayed in each classroom and used consistently. Ethos in school is one that recognises that behaviour has consequences, negative and positive. Rewards such as Team Points are given to those who exhibit good and kind behaviour and demonstrate our values. In assemblies, PSHCE and RE lessons our pupils are supported to develop a strong and personal sense of morality.
Individual In all parts our curriculum and in day-to-day school life Liberty children are taught about personal responsibility, ambition and choice. We make sure to offer every child a wide range of opportunities by inviting outside experts to help us instruct them in music and sport as well as a range of afterschool clubs. Children are taught about keeping themselves safe, including eSafety, through assemblies, ICT lessons and visits from organisations like Childline and CEOPS.
Mutual Respect We have high expectations of pupil conduct in our school as reflected in the Behaviour Policy
Equal Opportunities
No child should be excluded or disadvantaged because of ethnicity, culture or religion, home language, family background, special educational needs, disability, gender or ability. Your support for your child’s education is crucial to their progress. Please tell us if there are any adjustments we need to make to help support your child, for example: letters in large font, letters in different languages, wheelchair access, explaining things over the phone, a discussion with someone of the same gender. The school has adopted the LA’s Equality Scheme in response to the specific and general duties in the current equality legislation.
Religious Education
The school is a Community School and has no affiliation with any religious denominations.
Provision for R.E. in school is planned in accordance with the requirements of the NYCC agreed syllabus. It is organised thematically with the whole school working on a shared theme, both in class and in Collective Worship for a term or half-term. Themes are chosen to give opportunity for the children
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to develop knowledge and awareness of themselves and their place in society and of their relationship with and respect for others.
to develop an understanding of Christianity.
to develop an awareness of alternatives to Christian belief and practice.
at Key Stage 1 children are introduced to Judaism and at Key Stage 2 they study Judaism and Sikhism.
to develop a sense of awe and wonder at the mystery of the natural world.
to develop their capacity to respond sensitively to human creative gifts and talents and be aware of their use and misuse.
Assembly
We hold a school assembly each day including a weekly sharing assembly where children show and describe their achievements to the rest of the school. The children may plan the whole assembly themselves from time to time and the areas covered may be based on seasonal activities, current work, bible stories or other relevant source material.
Singing and prayers and a quiet moment for reflection form part of the assembly.
The school assembly aims to help children to come to the threshold of worship through:
bringing them to appreciate a sense of belonging to a caring community;
appreciating, through sharing, the breadth and quality of work achieved in school together with the opportunity to reflect upon experiences;
promoting an awareness of human issues and possible responses to them and
awakening aesthetic awareness and extending emotional feelings.
Parents who wish to exercise their right under Section 25 of the 1944 Education Act to withdraw a child from this part of the curriculum are invited to make arrangements with the Headteacher.
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Complaints, Comments and Concerns
At Lealholm Primary School we endeavour to provide high quality care and education to all our pupils. However, we know that there are occasions when things can go wrong. If you have a complaint or concern we need to know so that we can put it right.
The following procedure is to ensure everyone is treated fairly.
1. Talk to your child’s class teacher about your worries. Most difficulties can easily be resolved when time is taken to discuss a problem. 2. If you are still concerned then please make an appointment to see the Headteacher, who will then try to resolve the problem informally. 3. If you are still not satisfied a written complaint can be sent to the designated governor, Mrs Sue Morgan via the School Secretary. 4. Guidance for parents on raising concerns and complaints can be obtained from school. 5. Information regarding our complaints policy is on the school website
Please note: If you wish to make a complaint which is about the curriculum, religious education or collective worship, this should be made to the Headteacher. This will be dealt with in the way agreed between the LA and the Secretary of State. A copy of this procedure is held in school.
Equally important, if you are pleased about how things are going do let us know. Positive comments are always rewarding.
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Assessment
Assessment procedures to monitor each pupil’s achievements are ongoing and take many forms. A personal record is kept for each pupil and is regularly updated.
Towards the end of the year you will receive a written progress report for your child which you will be invited to discuss at a parents consultation evening.
Statutory assessments for children at the end of Key Stage 1 (Year 2 pupils) and Key Stage 2 (Year 6 pupils) take place annually and the results are sent with the annual written report. Lealholm School is not required to publish these results, when the number of children taking part is fewer than 10.
The School Day
The school day starts at 9 a.m. Children can come into school from 8.50 a.m. In order to promote independence , children should come into the school building on their own.
The school day ends at 3.30 p.m. and the children are supervised leaving the school grounds and onto taxis by a member of staff.
If your child needs to stay late at school for activities or sports matches you will be notified in advance and asked to complete a consent slip.
Morning 8.55 am - Registration 9.05 am – 10.15 am English 10.15 am – 10.30 am Morning Break 10.30 am – 12.00 pm Maths
12.00 pm - 1.00 pm Lunch time
Afternoon 1.00 pm – 1.15 pm Assembly 1.15 pm - 2.30 pm Class time 2.30 pm - 2.45 pm Break 2.45 pm - 3.30 pm Class time
Termly and half-termly dates
A list of holiday dates is issued to every parent as the dates become available. Any amendments will be notified to you as soon as possible.
Leaving school during the school day
If you need to take your child out of school during the day you are asked to make arrangements for their collection with the class teacher. When collecting a child 18 during lunchtime or at playtime please inform the member of staff on duty. If it is necessary to arrange for someone other than a parent to collect your child during school hours then you are asked to contact school to confirm this arrangement and state the name of the person collecting the child.
No child will be allowed to leave the premises unaccompanied during the school day.
Attendance
Regular attendance throughout the school year is most important for continuity and progression of learning. The school monitors attendance closely. Unauthorised absences are always followed up.
Absence due to illness
Whilst we encourage regular attendance, if your child is unwell the best place is home and we would encourage parents to keep their children at home until they are fit and well and able to cope with a full day at school.
It would be appreciated if parents could inform the school by telephone, if, for any reason, a pupil is absent, on the first day of absence. Calls need to be made before 9.00 am. Leave of Absence
On 1st September 2013 The Government implemented amendments to the regulations for school attendance. Therefore Head teachers will only be able to grant leave of absence in exceptional circumstances - this will not include family holidays. If unauthorised attendance falls below 90%, the LA will issue a penalty notice.
Attendance Certificates Children are awarded certificates for 100% attendance at the end of each term.
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Internal Organisation
The school is organised in two main classes.
Key Stage Two; children aged from 7 - 11 are taught by Miss B Parkes, whilst Miss Calvert is responsible for the Key Stage One and Foundation children aged 4 – 7.
The national description for year groups is as follows:-
National Curriculum School Year Group Number of Key Stage pupils at the end of academic year.
Foundation Reception R 6 Year 1 Y1 2 1 Year 2 Y2 2
2 Year 3 Y3 5 Year 4 Y4 3 Year 5 Y5 2 Year 6 Y6 4
Homework
Children are not set formal homework but are encouraged to take home reading books on a regular basis. A small amount of homework is given to children each week, e.g. spelling lists or multiplication tables. They may also be asked to follow up on research work they are doing in school. We ask for your support in all these areas. The school has a Homework policy and a Home and School Agreement. Copies of both are at the back of this prospectus. We hope you as parents will be able to support in both these areas.
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Pastoral Care
The school, being small, is run on the lines of a large family. The older children are actively encouraged to develop their sense of responsibility towards the younger pupils and to the school as a community.
The Headteacher and other members of staff are available at all times to help solve children’s problems of whatever kind.
If a parent has a concern for the well-being of their child they should discuss the matter with the class teacher and/or the headteacher at the earliest opportunity. Parents are also asked to inform the class teacher or headteacher when personal circumstances occur which are likely to affect the child’s behaviour in school. They can be assured that such information will be treated with the strictest confidence.
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Code of Conduct Good behaviour involves the combined and informed efforts of both home and school. In school staff stand ‘in loco parentis’ in matters of behaviour and try to act wisely.
A Code of Conduct has been agreed by both staff and pupils and is displayed in the school. (A copy of this is included in the prospectus).
When standards of behaviour are found to be unacceptable parents are informed and asked to support the school in achieving an improvement.
Lealholm Primary School
Code of Conduct
We agree to …
* Come to school ready for a day’s work
* Play together. Work together
* Keep the school clean and tidy
* Stay within the school grounds
* Talk to somebody if we are unsure or unhappy
Finally … RESPECT THIS CODE OF CONDUCT (We decided this code ourselves after we had a special assembly)
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Child Protection
Lealholm School is committed to ensuring the welfare and safety of all children in school. All North Yorkshire schools, including Lealholm School, follow the North Yorkshire Area Child Protection procedures and the LA procedures. The school will, in most circumstances, endeavour to discuss all concerns with parents about their child/ren. However, there may be exceptional circumstances when the school will discuss concerns with Social Care and/or the Police without parental knowledge (in accordance with Child Protection procedures). The school will, of course, always aim to maintain a positive relationship with all parents.
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Special Education Needs
We are an inclusive school. We liaise closely with the Local Education Authority to provide an inclusive environment for all children including those with disabilities. Children are grouped according to Key Stage in two classes which are taught, for most of the time, by the class teacher. Children’s work and behaviour is under constant review by the class teacher and any concerns are discussed with the headteacher and brought to the notice of parents. The work of each child is reviewed regularly by the staff. Where there is felt to be cause for concern, arrangements are made to discuss the situation with parents.
From time to time children may need some extra help with their work. As in all other areas of school life, parents will be kept very closely informed as to their child’s progress.
Staff will regularly monitor the progress of all children with S.E.N.D and plan appropriate programmes of support for these pupils.
In the first instance the class teacher will give your child the opportunity to practise skills in order to catch up with their peers; this could be working for a few minutes each morning with the teaching assistant. If your child still needs extra support then he/she will follow a programme of structured activities working with the teacher/teaching assistant; this will be time limited. On some occasions it may be beneficial to seek the advice of outside agencies; parental consent is always agreed prior to referral.
We will always seek advice from all necessary professionals, including the L.A. Outreach Service, to help a child in his/her development and work closely with parents at all times.
The Co-ordinator for SEND is Mrs H Ward and the Governor for SEND is Mrs R Denniff.
Ethos of the School
It is the aim of the Governing Body and the staff of the school, in active partnership with the children, parents, representatives of the community and the officers of the County Council, to enable the children to develop their full intellectual, spiritual, physical, emotional and social potential.
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Achievement Awards
As a staff we are very keen to praise pupils who are achieving their best not only academically but in their behaviour and attitude. To reward good work, reading and behaviour we have put into practice a scheme where pupils will be awarded ‘team points’. Each week the pupils will add up their individual points and the junior and infant from each of our four teams with the most points will be awarded the team merit badge to wear for one week. All children we read five times during the week will be placed in a draw to win one of a selection of books.
It is important that these badges are returned every Friday, so that the next person to be awarded the badge can wear it.
The scheme will be closely monitored by staff to ensure every pupil has the opportunity to be awarded the merit badge for their team.
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Accidents and Illness
All staff have regular First Aid training by NYCC and minor accidents are dealt with at school.
All accidents are recorded in our Accident Book
Where there is concern for a pupil either due to illness or a more serious accident every attempt is made to contact parents, but the school will act ‘in loco parentis’ and arrange medical treatment if necessary
It is very important that we know of any medical conditions and their treatment
If your child suffers from asthma, they need to have an inhaler in school, with their name on it, at all times
Medicines in School
Medication can only be administered in school when it is essential and where not to do so would be detrimental to a child’s health or their attendance. Children with essential medical needs have their own health care plans which are agreed with parents, health experts and staff. These are reviewed regularly.
Where a child needs a short course of medicine of four times a day, parents need to complete a written request form before the school can administer the medication and contact school to say their child is bringing medicine to school. Staff can only administer medicines with a current prescription. The medication form is available to download from the school website www.lealholm.n-yorks.sch.uk
It is essential that the school is given an emergency contact number to reach parents during the working day, and that this is kept up to date.
Sex and Relationship Education
Sex and relationship education is the lifelong learning about physical, moral social and emotional development which will enable children to develop a sense of personal worth, acquire knowledge and understanding and make healthy and responsible choices which will contribute to their well-being.
It is our aim to help children:
Develop respect for themselves and others Acquire knowledge about how their bodies change and develop 26
Learn the value of respect, love and care Understand the importance of a healthy lifestyle Recognise safe and unsafe situations
Specific sex education is not provided. However the Year 6 children have the opportunity to watch a video and listen to a talk about puberty, Year 5 and Year 6 girls also have a talk about menstruation.
School Health Services
The School Nurse is equivalent to a Sister grade in hospital and is experienced in dealing with children on all aspects of their development. She is available throughout the child’s time at school for any concerns which may arise.
Children in their first year at school will be offered a health assessment if necessary with the School Nurse to which parents will be invited. They will also be offered hearing and possible vision tests.
School Uniform
Lealholm School has a uniform which all children are expected to wear. It consists of:
royal blue sweatshirt with school logo blue/white polo shirt girls: navy or grey skirt/black or grey trousers (not denim) boys: grey/black trousers (not denim) Sensible flat heeled footwear, black/navy.
In addition, children are encouraged to wear a summer uniform of: blue and white dresses plain navy, black or grey shorts low heeled sandals 27
All items of clothing must be clearly marked with the child’s name.
We hold a small stock of school sweatshirts and cardigans in school. Sweatshirts £11.00 and cardigans £12.00 orders can be made through Mrs Taylor. A few second- hand sweatshirts, which children have outgrown, are held in school and can be obtained for a donation to the Friends of Lealholm School funds.
School uniform is also available to order from Laughing Whale Print and Embroider. Orders can be place online at: www.laughingwhaleschools.co.uk
An apron or an old shirt to be worn for painting is useful and can be kept in school. Coats should have a strong loop for hanging. Please label all clothing clearly.
Sun Safety
We are very aware that children’s skin burns easily and encourage all children to wear sun hats/ caps in the summer months. Please ensure that you apply sun cream to your child/ children, before they come to school. We recommend using a Factor 50 sun cream .
P E Clothing and Footwear
Children are expected to wear the following for all PE sessions.
Slip-on plimsolls or trainers White t–shirt Navy/black shorts During the winter months children can wear tracksuits
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All clothes need to be stored in a named drawstring bag and kept in school.
Jewellery
For health and safety reasons children are requested not to wear jewellery. Those children with pierced ears must wear studs to avoid accidents. In line with NYCC Health and Safety guidelines children with pierced ears must remove their studs for PE, games and swimming.
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School Meals
The school is committed to promoting healthy eating as part of our PSHE programme. All children are encouraged to have a school lunch. The menus are planned and cooked to provide healthy and well balanced meals at lunch time. If your child chooses to bring a packed lunch we encourage parents to include healthy choices including fresh fruit and vegetable and avoid high fat and high salt content food. Please do not send sweets, chocolate bars, glass bottles or fizzy drinks.
School meals are prepared on site and all children sit together in the junior classroom. Parent’s attention is drawn to the fact that refrigerated storage is not available for packed lunches.
All children in KS1 are entitled to a Universal Free School Meal. KS2 school meals must be paid for in advance. Dinner money and milk money is payable online through our parent portal “My Child at School” (MCAS). The current cost is £2.50 per day per child (£12.50 per week) Payment can be weekly, half termly or termly.
The school and your child may also benefit from additional funding from the government known as the Pupil Premium Grant, if your child is entitled to a “statutory free school meal.” The government introduced the Pupil Premium to help children from low income families reach their full potential and to achieve higher academic grades at school. If you think your child qualifies, and to allow us to claim the funding, please ask the school office for a Free School Meal (FMB2) Form for completion. Children who receive free school meals are not distinguished in any way from those who pay.
Water in School
Children are encouraged to bring a named plastic water bottle to school. There has been much research promoting the importance of drinking plenty of water throughout the school day, therefore every child has supervised access to our chilled water dispenser water throughout the school day. In addition to the many health benefits, the evidence also indicates that there is a strong link between drinking water and increased concentration in children.
Fruit and Vegetables
All children in the infant class receive a piece of fruit/vegetable through the National Fruit and Vegetable Scheme.
Milk
We offering lower fat milk to all pupils during the school day. For those children who would like to take up this offer there is a charge of £1 per week (20p per day).
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Charges for School Activities
The Governing Body of Lealholm School has adopted the L.A.’s policy as set out in the statement of North Yorkshire County Council Education Department.
The Headteacher reserves the right to seek voluntary contributions from parents. These contributions might be in connection with any activity (in or out of school hours) but a parent’s inability or unwillingness to pay will not prevent a child from taking part in the activity.
The Headteacher also reserves the right to ask a parent to pay for any damage caused wilfully by a pupil.
If you feel your child maybe entitled to help with the cost of a Residential Visit please ask for an application from the school office.
This charging policy is the response of the Governing Body to the duty placed on them by the Education Reform Act 1988 and took effect from 1st April, 1989.
Personal Insurance
During their time in the care of the school, all the children are covered by the County Council’s insurance for injuries resulting from negligence on the part of the County Council or its employees.
Individual pupils are not insured by the school against personal injury or for the loss or damage to personal property.
Valuable items should not be brought to school and all items of clothing should be named.
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Friends of Lealholm Primary School
The school has an active and supportive Parents Association.
From the point of view of the school it is the relationships fostered between the parents, staff and children which are of major importance. However, the association’s most practical function is to raise money to buy equipment for the good of all children in school.
Consultation with Parents
Parents are invited into school during each term to look at their child’s work and discuss his/her progress with the class teacher. However, parents are welcome in school at any time if they feel they would like to talk about their child or a method of working or just something nice. Obviously, it may be sensible to telephone before you visit to ensure a member of staff is free to talk to you, but please remember that we are also available before and after school hours.
Reporting to Parents
Parents will receive written reports of their child’s progress in July of each year. Reports will be sent home prior to the summer term Consultation Evenings so that parents have an opportunity to discuss them with their children prior to talking with the teacher. Adult Volunteers in School
The children in school benefit from the involvement of parents and friends of the school who spend time in school on a regular basis helping with a range of activities. We are most grateful to them. Current activities include hearing children read, afternoon craft and cooking sessions and accompanying school visits. If you are able to help in any way please speak to a member of staff. 32
The Use of Private Cars for School Activities
There are occasions when the school needs to transport a small group of children for a sporting fixture or a school visit and asks for help with transport from parents with cars. Parents willing to help need to check their insurance cover by, writing to their insurance companies asking for written confirmation that their policy covers them for transporting children for school activities. We also ask all families to sign and send back to school our consent form allowing their children to travel with other parents.
From the 18th September 2006, new regulations for the use of the correct car seats came into force. If children are being transported in private cars we ask parents to send in their child’s booster seat. Two school booster seats are also available. This will be updated when new regulations are confirmed.
Travelling to and from School
It is the responsibility of the parent of a pupil to see that she/he attends school. However, some assistance with transport to school is provided by the Authority to pupils in certain categories:
Pupils Under 5
Please check with NYCC Passenger Transport [email protected] if your child may travel in spare places on existing hired transport. Any place offered by NYCC Passenger Transport can be withdrawn if it is needed for an ‘entitled’ pupil.
Pupils 5-8
For primary pupils attending maintained schools, free transport is provided where the walking distance, measured by the nearest available route, is two miles or more from either: the school designated by the LA as the normal school serving the child’s habitual place of residence; or the parents’ preference of school, if that school is nearer to the child’s habitual place of residence than the normal school.
Issue of Passes and Permits
Your local Education Office will determine eligibility for transport in line with authority policy and process the matter through the Passenger Transport Group 33 within the Environmental Directorate at County Hall, to ensure suitable travel arrangements.
For pupils changing schools passes and permits are normally given out before the end of the summer term.
If you have not received a pass or permit two weeks before the start of term, or if you have any other queries, please email Passenger Transport at Northallerton [email protected] or visit the website www.northyorks.gov.uk
When you receive the permit for your child’s school transport you will also receive a list of conditions for its use, your attention being drawn to supervision and behaviour of the children
Collecting by Car
Parents are asked to park in the car park below the school to leave space at the front of the school for the two school buses to park. Parents are also requested to collect their children from the school gate, particularly if they are infant children. A member of staff is always on duty to ensure all children leave school safely. If someone else is picking your child up at home time, please inform the school.
Transport arrangements during bad weather
Very occasionally the school may need to send children home early. This is usually due to bad weather conditions.
Our first priority is to ensure all pupils and members of staff get home safely.
Contact will be made with all parents. If we cannot make contact the child will stay at school until they can be collected.
Parents are reminded to ensure school has day time emergency contact numbers and that this is kept up to date.
Transfer to Secondary School
Normally all our children transfer along with other children from similar schools in the valley to Caedmon College Whitby or Eskdale School.
Liaison with the secondary schools is cordial and good. Visits for both staff and children take place during the summer term between the schools so as to enable transfer to take place as smoothly as possible. 34
Information of parents is available on the website: northyorks.gov.uk/admissions which contains detailed relevant information to help parents make choices about the preferred secondary school for their child.
Freedom of Information Act 2000
In accordance with the aims of the act, Lealholm School has adopted a Publication Scheme which outlines the information available and how to request information. Please contact the school if you would like a copy of the scheme.
If you would like this information in large print or another language, please ask us.
Confidentiality
All information relating to pupils and family circumstances is treated with the strictest confidentiality.
Useful Addresses
Lealholm Primary School, Lealholm, Whitby, North Yorkshire YO21 2AG Tel: 01947 897401
Schools email: [email protected] Schools Web Site: www.lealholm.n-yorks.sch.uk
Children & Young People’s Services, County Hall, Northallerton, North Yorkshire DL7 8AE Tel: 01609 780780
Area Education Office, Ainsty Road, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG1 4XU Tel: 0845 0349 467
School Nurse: Mrs Kay Foster Goldsborough, c/o Community Health, Whitby Hospital, Whitby, North Yorkshire Tel: 01947 824245
School Medical Officer: Dr. Dutt, Whitby Hospital, Spring Hill, Whitby North Yorkshire Tel: 01947 604851
School Passenger Transport [email protected] Northallerton
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and FINALLY
Although the particulars in this booklet were correct in relation to the school year at the date given below, it should not be assumed that there will be no change affecting the relevant arrangement or some matter particularised:-
a) before the start of, or during the school year in question; or b) in relation to subsequent school years.
The information in this document is applicable for children who are to enter this school in this academic year. Changes in respect of any matter mentioned in the preceding paragraphs will be brought to the attention of parents whose children start after this date.
Additional information can be supplied at any time. Parents are always welcome in school.
Please keep this to look at in future.