| Aims | Governors | Admissions |
| Timing of the day | Parental involvement | Transport |
| Clothing | Behaviour | Health |
| Community Links | Statement Procedures | Oakleigh Gardens PTA |
Dear Parents
We welcome this opportunity to offer information about Oakleigh Gardens
School. Use the links below to jump to the various sections or just browse down the
information.
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| AIMS OF THE SCHOOL | (top of page) |
| SCHOOL GOVERNORS | (top of page) |
The School Governors meet each term when the Head Teacher presents her report. Matters
of importance with regard to the curriculum, organisation and management of the school,
including staffing, are discussed by the Governors. Special Meetings may be called for
urgent matters or appointments of staff.
The Governors are seen as a key force, linking the school with the community and their
role is vital to the smooth running of the school.
Oakleigh Gardens School Governors are as follows:
Chairman: Mrs. L. Jordison J P LEA Representative
Vice - Chairman: Mrs. J. Green Co-opted Member
Ms. G. Brady Co-opted Member
Mrs. A. Carter LEA Representative
Mrs. A. Dunn Parent Representative
Mrs. E. Grieves Co-opted Member
Mrs. T. Harding Parent Representative
Mrs. H. Kelso Parent Representative
Mrs. J. Taylor Parent Representative
Mrs. M. Imrie Staff Representative
Mrs. M. J. Lockney Head Teacher
Mr. T. Spedding Teacher Representative
Four parent representatives are elected to the Governing Body and they may serve for a
period of up to 4 years. Any parent interested in serving as a School Governor can submit
their name for consideration at the appropriate time. All parents are notified.
The Governors present their Annual Report at the Annual General Meeting of Parents and
Governors for information and further discussion. The meeting takes place at school,
towards the end of the school year and is usually held at 7 pm.
| ADMISSIONS PROCEDURE | (top of page) |
Admissions may be made at any time during the school year. Pupil admission is based on the Statement of Educational Need in accordance with the Code of Practice and the Local Education Authority policy.
Oakleigh Gardens School has recognised accommodation, according to the DFEE,
for 70 pupils with severe learning difficulties between the ages of 2 to 19 years.
Pupils aged 2 to 3 years are usually admitted to school on a part time basis initially.
Pupils may remain at school until the end of the academic year in which they reach 19
years of age with the consent of the LEA and the School Governors provided there are
sufficient school places and it is educationally appropriate.
| TIMING OF THE SCHOOL DAY | (top of page) |
9.15 am. - 12.00 pm. Morning Session
12.00 pm. - 1.00 pm. Lunch
1.00 pm. - 3.30 pm. Afternoon Session
SPECIAL DAYS
THURSDAY - TUCK SHOP. Sweets, crisps etc. are on sale in school on Thursdays only. Pupils are responsible for running the Tuck Shop.
Pupils are not allowed to eat sweets in school - all purchases are sent home.
MONDAY/THURSDAY - SCHOOL LIBRARY. Pupils may select a book to take home. Books must be handled with care and returned to school, as requested, before another is issued.
BIRTHDAYS. If you wish to provide a small amount of food and drink for the class, a short birthday party can be arranged in school time. However, a request must be made to school prior to that date.
| PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT | (top of page) |
VISITS TO SCHOOL. Parents may visit the school whenever they wish. However, if you
require a lengthy chat with the Head Teacher it would be helpful to make an appointment.
If you have a query or problem, it is possible that we know where to direct you for help.
Parents may discuss and consult with the staff on any aspects of the curriculum and the
teaching programme for their child. Please note, parents wishing to see the class teacher,
school nurse or support staff must first have the permission of the Head Teacher. We will
always contact parents immediately if we are concerned about any aspects of their
child’s welfare, progress or behaviour and we hope that parents will let us know of
any problems or anxieties which might affect their child.
Pupil reports and Annual Reviews are written each year and parents are invited into school
to discuss their child’s progress. There are many events in school during the year
including an open evening to which parents are invited by letter.
We also welcome your participation in school life: parental involvement during school
outings and help in school is greatly appreciated. We are most grateful for your support.
COFFEE MORNING. Parents are welcome to come along to the coffee morning session which is held in school every Friday. This is run by parents for parents.
CORRESPONDENCE
All letters must be addressed to the Head Teacher and directed to the office. Notes may be marked "for the attention of the class teacher". Verbal messages should not be given to escorts. Parents have access to the Head Teacher, Deputy Head Teacher and School Nurse at any time by telephone. Class teachers are usually available to answer telephone queries before 9. 15 am, at lunchtimes and after 3. 30pm. At any other time of the day they will be busy with pupils, so please leave a message unless it is urgent.
CURRICULUM COMPLAINTS
In accordance with the 1988 Education Act (section 23), complaints about the curriculum and related matters may be made in the first instance to the Head Teacher.
CHANGE OF ADDRESS
Parents are asked to inform the school immediately of any change of address and/or telephone number.
SCHOOL MEALS
Lunch is prepared on the school premises.
The cost of a meal is £1.20 per day/ £6 per week. Dinner money should be given to escorts in the envelope provided, with your child’s name written on it, each Monday.
Escorts should not be asked to be responsible for loose money. Information and application forms for free school meals are available from school or from the Education Welfare Section of the Education Department, Town Hall and Civic Offices, South Shields.
| TRANSPORT | (top of page) |
Transport to school is provided by the Local Education Authority (LEA). All pupils are transported free of charge and escorts are provided if necessary. Transport varies according to the annual tender: it may be coach, mini - bus or taxi .
It is important that parents do not delay the transport by being late. The transport has a busy schedule and will not wait at pick up points.
No pupil will be allowed to leave the school transport unescorted unless parents have
given written notice that their child can negotiate the distance in safety,
If you are unable to collect your child please telephone school or notify the escorts. In
the interests of safety, pupils will not be passed over to "strangers" by the
escorts.
N.B. A small number of pupils may need special transport. The LEA will decide which is the appropriate transport for individual pupils. Parents of very young or multiply disabled pupils may be requested to act as their child's escort in the first instance. Escorts are provided if the parents are not available.
It is the responsibility of parents to notify the transport offices if their child is to be absent and transport is not needed that day/week. Telephone numbers will be given.
| CLOTHING | (top of page) |
It will greatly assist staff clothing is clearly marked with your child’s name:
you will appreciate that many track suits and sweatshirts look alike.
Some pupils may be eligible for a clothing grant. Details can be obtained from school.
Sweatshirts and polo shirts with the school logo can be ordered through school. Details
can be obtained from school.
PE KIT
Pupils should have PE shorts and T-shirts which may be left in school.
Pupils also need plimsolls for PE except for those pupils who have orthopaedic footwear.
JEWELLERY
Pupils are not encouraged to wear jewellery but may wear a watch, one pair of stud
earrings and any item relating to the pupil’s religion.
In the interests of safety, other items of jewellery are not to be worn in school.
PERSONAL BELONGINGS
All personal belongings should be clearly marked with the owner’s name.
Valuable items such as electronic games, mobile telephones, radios and cassette players
should not be brought into school.
Parents should be aware that the school will not accept liability for the loss or damage
of personal property.
HOMEWORK
Homework will be set on a regular basis. This supports and extends our pupils’
learning. Bags/folders are provided for carrying books and materials.
Please ensure that your child takes care of school equipment.
| BEHAVIOUR AND DISCIPLINE | (top of page) |
At Oakleigh Gardens School we expect high standards of behaviour at all times. We take
a positive approach to discipline and encourage our pupils to develop self-discipline and
to show care and consideration for people and property.
We expect our pupils to be courteous and considerate and to bring nothing into school
which could be harmful to themselves or others. Good behaviour is rewarded with praise,
stickers and, at times, trophies or gifts/prizes.
Pupils who are exhibit challenging behaviours may need to be withdrawn from class and brought to the Head Teacher or the Deputy Head Teacher. In extreme instances, parents may be contacted and the pupil excluded for the remainder of the day.
ANTI -BULLYING POLICY
Oakleigh Gardens School is totally opposed to bullying in any of its forms and it will not be tolerated in school.
We are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for our pupils so that they can learn in a relaxed and secure atmosphere. If you are worried that your child is bullying or being bullied in school, please do not hesitate to contact us.
| HEALTH | (top of page) |
MEDICATION: all medication must be given to the escorts who will convey it to the School Nurse. A record is kept of all medicines received and administered. Please note, the School Nurse will give prescribed medicines only.
All medicine packages must be supplied with their original labels clearly marked with
the name of the pupil, name of the drug and correct dosage. Any changes directed by the
doctor should be notified to the school nurse in writing. If your child has regular
medication, it would assist our medical team to have this information, even if he/she does
not receive the dosage in school.
No medication of any type can be given without parental consent.
Protection against the sun is essential. Please send Sun Screen to school marked with your child’s name. Parental consent will be required for the application of this.
THE SCHOOL DOCTOR: routine medicals are on-going throughout the year.
Dr. Brewster endeavours to be in school alternate Thursday mornings. Appointments are
given and each pupil is seen at least once a school year.
Parents may request an interview with the doctor should a problem or query arise, but it
would be helpful to have prior notice so that appointments may be adjusted.
VISITING CONSULTANTS: school based clinics are held at regular intervals for those pupils who have been referred for additional help. Parents are notified by the hospital of appointment dates and times.
SICKNESS: pupils who are ill must not be sent to school. Colds and infections spread rapidly among all pupils and staff. If an absence is likely to be more than two days please notify the school by telephone. For school record purposes, please let us have your telephone number and if possible a second number. Pupils who become ill at school may need to be returned home or to a relative in your absence.
ACCIDENTS: pupils are supervised at all times. Minor bumps, bruises etc. are treated by the school nurse and recorded. A note of explanation is sent to the parent.
HYGIENE REQUESTS: at regular intervals we will request parents to supply a box of paper handkerchiefs and a tube of toothpaste. For those pupils needing disposable nappies, changes of underwear or sanitary towels, parents must provide an adequate supply at all times.
SCHOOL DENTIST: routine dental inspections are carried out once a year.
COMMUNITY NURSING TEAM: if you need extra help or advice in the home please ask the Doctor to refer you to the Community Nursing Team.
SMOKING POLICY
Smoking is strictly forbidden. Governors, Staff, Parents and Visitors are requested to
refrain from smoking in all areas of the school.
| COMMUNITY LINKS | (top of page) |
Our pupils make many visits within the local area and beyond. They have links with other schools and Senior pupils visit Colleges of Further Education on a regular basis. Sixth form students have Work Experience placements within the community. Such experiences are vital in order to widen their appreciation of different people and their environment and to assist in preparing them for life after school.
Community links are seen as a two way process. Many groups and individuals visit our school throughout the year. As Oakleigh Gardens School is regarded as a training establishment for professional students, each year there are likely to be Student Teachers, Nursery Nurses, Psychologists, Social Workers and Health Service Personnel, including Trainee Doctors, coming into school for short periods.
A small number of Comprehensive Year 11/12 pupils also visit school for special studies or, on request, for one week’s Work Experience linking with the Careers’ Service.
We are also involved with the Youth Training Scheme (YTS). These student placements are carefully monitored throughout the year and cause no disruption to the teaching programmes.
We believe the school and our pupils benefit from the close contact with Colleges of Further Education and other professionals who are working in the field of continued medical and educational research.
CHARGES FOR ACTIVITIES
The Governors support the policy that, within the resources available, educational activities should be free and to that end will use available funds to the full.
Parents may be requested to make nominal voluntary contributions towards certain activities. No child has been excluded from any activity through failure to make such a contribution and it is anticipated that this will continue to be so in the near future.
In the case of materials for food technology and design technology, if parents wish to own the finished product then the materials must be paid for or provided.
Traditionally, parents have supported our various activities and we will greatly appreciate your help with regard to fund - raising.
ORGANISATION OF SCHOOL GROUPS
The majority of pupils move through the school departments according to age. The class teacher will be responsible for planning individual education programmes (IEPs). In addition, pupils may be withdrawn from class into smaller teaching situations for specialist teaching or special tuition.
CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT (CPD)
In consultation with the School Governors, staff CPD planning endeavours to respond to current legislation, pupil needs and professional development. In order to further develop their expertise, Teachers and Support Staff access training through appropriate national, regional, LEA and school based training for CPD.
| STATEMENTING PROCEDURES | (top of page) |
All pupils at Oakleigh Gardens School are subject to Statements of Special Educational Need which are prepared by the LEA in consultation with parents, Educational Psychologists and other professionals. The Statements are reviewed annually and circulated to parents who are invited to attend the Annual Review meeting alongside teaching staff and other professionals involved with their children.
TESTS, TASKS and TEACHER ASSESSMENT
Currently, all pupils are disapplied from End of Key Stage Tests, Tasks and Teacher Assessment and the need to study a Modern Foreign Language. This is under review on a regular basis according to the educational needs of our pupils.
PUPIL ATTENDANCE
Attendance figures for 1999/2000 were as follows:
Attendance 92 1% Authorised Absence 7.9% Unauthorised Absence 0%
- PUPIL EXCLUSIONS
Pupil exclusions for 1999/2000 were as follows:
Exclusions 0
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS: THE LOCAL AUTHORITY POSITION.
The Education Act, which provides the identification and assessment of children with special educational needs and for the determination of the educational provision to meet those needs, came fully into operation on 1st April, 1983. Where a child's needs are deemed to be severe or complex, then the Local Education Authority is required to assume statutory responsibility for implementing procedures. However, there are a significant number of other children whose needs can be met from within the resources normally available to schools and it is the responsibility of individual schools to identify such children and make appropriate arrangements to ensure that their needs are met and kept under review.
CURRENCY OF INFORMATION
The information contained here relates to the school year commencing September 2000. This information was accurate at the time of publication but it must not be assumed that no changes will occur before the start or during the school year, or the subsequent years. Such changes could occur as a result of variation in Government Policy or LEA Policy.
| OAKLEIGH GARDENS PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION | (top of page) |
If your child attends Oakleigh Gardens School, you are automatically a member of the PTA No fee is charged, however, we do seek your support in attending functions and fund-raising.
PTA ACCOUNT