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Welford and Wickham Primary School

Prospectus

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TABLE OF CONTENTS

ABSENCE
ACTIVITIES
ADMISSION ARRANGEMENTS
ADMISSIONS POLICY
AGE RANGE
ART AND CRAFTS
ASSESSMENTS
CLASSROOM ARRANGEMENTS
COMPLAINTS
DISCIPLINE
DOCUMENTATON
ENGLISH
FEDERATION OF VILLAGE SCHOOLS
GEOGRAPHY
GOVERNORS
GOVERNORS' CURRICULUM AIMS
GOVERNORS' CURRICULUM STATEMENT
HEALTH
HISTORY
HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL
HOMEWORK
HOURS
MATHEMATICS
MEALS
MUSIC
NATIONAL CURRICULUM
NUMBERS ON ROLL
PARENT HELP IN SCHOOL
PARENT TEACHER CONTACT
PHILOSOPHY OF THE SCHOOL
PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORT
PROFILES
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
SCIENCE
SEX EDUCATION
SPECIAL NEEDS
STAFF
TECHNOLOGY
TERM DATES
TRANSFER TO SECONDARY SCHOOL
UNIFORM
USEFUL ADDRESSES
WELFORD AND WICKHAM FRIENDS

THE HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL
In 1854 half an acre of land was given by Charles Eyre Esq., J.P. of Welford Park, for the sole use of a school to educate children from the Parish of Welford. Charles Eyre and the Rector, Reverend W. Nicholson, were the main benefactors and had detailed drawings prepared in April 1856.
After more than a century this beautiful village school still stands in an idyllic setting and enjoys the respect and popularity of the local community. It has recently been extended to provide a hall and new infant classroom. There is a large playground, playing field and wildlife area. Our plans for the future are to landscape the grounds around the school and equip School House to serve as a technology/craft area, library and staff quarters, etc.

THE PHILOSOPHY OF THE SCHOOL
The philosophy behind the teaching at Welford and Wickham School is based on Christian values of love and mutual respect. The school provides a warm and happy atmosphere in which traditional values are held dear. Every pupil can learn and develop as a whole person with an open and enquiring mind so that high standards of education may be achieved.
We hope the care and concern shown for our children will instil in them both self respect and a sensitivity for the needs and values of others and of the world around them.

DETAILS

SCHOOL HOURS

• Morning session 08:55 - 12:00
• Mid morning break 10:30 - 10:50
• Lunch time 12:00 - 13:00
• Afternoon session 13:00 - 15:15

Children should arrive at 8:45am in order for school to start at 08:55am. Parents are requested to ensure that their children are delivered to and picked-up from within the school playground.
It is very important that cars are not double-parked in front of the school as this causes a hazard. Please park along the side of the lane away from the school gates.
Approximately 23 hours are spent each week on teaching. This does not include time spent on registration, collective worship and breaks. There will be a collective assembly each day.
AGE RANGE
Welford and Wickham School caters for children in the age range 5 - 11 years. We accept children for full-time education as "Rising Fives" if both parents and teachers agree the child is ready for full-time school.
NUMBERS ON ROLL
We have 36 children on roll at the start of this academic year - 15 Infants and 21 Juniors.
ADMISSION ARRANGEMENTS
We have a special policy for gently introducing children into the school system. Children between 3 and 5 years old may join our infants for an activity day each Thursday. The term before they start full-time school they may also join us for a full day on Thursdays. This gentle introduction is very helpful as it allows children, parents and teachers to get to know each other without stress and strain. Children may start school the term in which their fifth birthday occurs.
ADMISSIONS POLICY

The Standard Number for this school is eight. The Standard Number refers to the number of children who may be admitted to the first year of entry in any academic year.

The Governors admit rising fives. The Governors will adhere to the admissions criteria set out below. Within each of the defined categories, precedence will be given to children of statutory school age.

The Governors will admit children in each school year up to, but not exceeding the school's Standard Number. If the number of requests exceeds the number of places available, the following criteria apply in order of priority:

1. Children whose home address is in the area served by the school.
2. Children who have brothers or sisters attending the school.
3. Children whose parents choose the school on denominational grounds.
4. Children who have strong social or medical grounds for admission.
5. Children who have strong family connections with the school.
6. Children whose parents have any other reason for their choice.

If the school does not have enough places for all the children in one of the above categories, priority will be given to children who fulfil more than one of the admission criteria. If there are still insufficient places, a final decision will be made on the radial distance from home to school.

Parents of children who are unsuccessful in gaining a place will be informed in writing on the date laid down by the LEA, and will be told of their right to appeal.

Parents who live outside the area normally served by the school are advised to visit their designated area school in the first instance.

Parents who are considering sending their child to this school may visit, by making an appointment to see the Headteacher.
TRANSFER TO SECONDARY SCHOOL
There are a number of Secondary schools to which local children transfer in the September following their 11th birthday. The children make a visit to these schools in their final term and their staff come to visit them here. There is a thorough exchange of information to make the transfer as smooth as possible. Parents and children are, of course, welcome to visit the Secondary school of their choice.
MEALS
School meals offering a varied, balanced and nourishing menu are delivered daily to the school. The staff consider eating together with the children to be an important part of social training as well as a time for enjoyable, informal conversation.
SCHOOL UNIFORM

BOYS:

• Trousers: Navy or charcoal grey
• Shirts: White with navy tie
• Jumpers/Cardigans: Navy with school logo
• Top Coats: Navy

GIRLS:

• Skirts/Pinafores: Navy
• Blouses: White with navy tie
• Jumpers/Cardigans: Navy with school logo
• Top Coats: Navy

In Summer, boys and girls may wear white polo tops.
Girls may wear navy blue and white Gingham checked dresses.
We recommend shoes that are both practical and comfortable, high heels are not allowed.

P.E. Kit
Red T shirts with school logo, navy shorts, (girls may wear navy gym skirts), and black plimsolls. In winter the children will need a navy track suit and black trainers for outdoor games. Kit should be kept in a clearly labelled cloth bag.
N.B. We regularly order jumpers and T shirts, etc. embroidered with our school logo. Please ask to see samples.
*All clothing should be clearly marked with the child's name*
HEALTH
An Admission Form is completed that indicates any medical problems that may affect a child's well being at school. We ask that parents keep us informed of any changes to their address or telephone number so they may be speedily notified in the event of illness or an accident at school.
If a child cannot attend school, a note or a telephone call is required. For hospital/dental appointments or holidays advance notice is required. As we are responsible for the children in our care no child can be sent home alone during school hours. A child will be expected to take part in P.E. unless we are notified to the contrary.
We have regular visits from the school doctor, nurse, educational welfare officer and teaching and support services who are always on hand for discussion and advice. Dental, hearing and vision inspections take place annually.
CLASSROOM ARRANGEMENTS
The school is divided into an Infant and a Junior department. The Infants have a full-time teacher and a classroom assistant. The Juniors are taught by the Headteacher assisted by a part-time teacher and a non-teaching assistant. Our small class sizes allow plenty of time for individual or small group attention. We also encourage our parents to take an active interest in their child's education, spend some time alongside the children in the classroom and share with us any special hobbies and skills they may have.
We like to take our children on trips that allow them to widen their horizons within different environments. We ask parents to make voluntary contributions for such activities.
PARENT HELP IN SCHOOL
We actively encourage parents to help with their children's education. We welcome any contributions, particularly:

• on outings and with swimming lessons;
• in the classroom sharing ideas and skills;
• with shared reading;
• with after school clubs/activities;
• with minor repairs and gardening.

Please let us know if you would like to participate in any way.
DISCIPLINE
The staff recognise and praise good behaviour, as well as dealing with bad behaviour. We encourage children to consider carefully how their behaviour affects others. We discuss with the children, often as a theme during our assembly times, aspects of behaviour we consider desirable to create a safe, happy, caring environment in which to work and play. All children will be involved in the making and keeping of school rules.
HOMEWORK
All children are encouraged to read and share books with their family at home. Infants keep a home/school notebook in which parents and teachers keep a record of work, notes of achievements and details of work to practice. Older children have a more formal homework diary and will be asked to complete work assignments at home either on their own or with help. As the child gets older the amount of homework will be increased in preparation for Secondary school. Enthusiasm is always encouraged.
SPECIAL NEEDS
Most children have 'special needs' at some time during their school life. Our teachers are able to meet the wide range of academic and social needs of most of the children in their class. Those children with either learning difficulties or exceptional abilities will receive additional support. Our policy on this subject is available here.
PARENT TEACHER CONTACT
In the Autumn Term parents of Reception and Year Three children are invited to the school to see their child's work and discuss their progress. If a parent has any queries or worries about a child, arrangements will be made to discuss those concerns without delay.
Individual reports will be sent home towards the end of the Summer Term before the annual parent/teacher interviews.
PROFILES
Each child's progress is recorded in a binder we call a Profile. This shows in detail their progress through the National Curriculum and includes copies of the reports sent to their parents and a resume of their personal and social skills. When a child leaves our school they will take their Profile with them.
SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

Charges

• Voluntary Contributions
  Certain school trips or activities may incur travel costs, fees, admission charges or insurance premiums. To cover these costs the parents will be asked to make voluntary contributions to the school funds, but no child will be excluded if their parents have not made a contribution. However, if insufficient money is collected from the voluntary contributions to cover the costs of the activity or trip it may have to be cancelled for all pupils.
  
• Compulsory Charges
  A compulsory charge can be made in the following circumstances:
  • Board and lodging on residential visits whether they take place in or out of school hours. This charge will be remitted for pupils whose parents receive income support or family credit.
  • Optional extras/activities that take place wholly or mainly outside school hours, but which are not provided as part of the syllabus for a prescribed examination and are not required to fulfil statuary duties relating to the National Curriculum or to Religious Education.
    

Residential visits
We see educational visits as an important part of the curriculum for all children. A residential visit, "Work Week", is arranged each year for the Year 6 children within the West Berkshire Federation of Village Schools.

Consent
Regarding visits away from school, all parents will be asked for written consent in the form of:

I am willing to let my child.........................,

go on the school visit to.............................on.......

Clubs and societies
The choice and duration of our after-school activities depends upon the goodwill of both the teachers and the parents. At various times during the academic year we offer a chess club, a recorder group, piano and guitar tuition, a French club, football coaching and a computer club. We are always looking for more fun and exciting activities, so if you would like to run a club please speak to the Headteacher.

GOVERNORS' STATEMENT ON THE CURRICULUM

The Governors endorse the Berkshire County Council's statement on the curriculum. They debate and agree the separate curriculum statements for areas of learning which encompass the National Curriculum subjects, Religious Education and areas that are concerned with moral values and other aspects of personal and social behaviour.
These subjects are introduced mainly through topics on a cross curricular basis. The Governors appreciate that for effective teaching and learning, a wide variety of teaching styles is essential. To facilitate this children may be taught as a whole class, individually or in groups. Depending on the type of work to be covered these groups may be linked by ability, personality, or other criteria.
GOVERNORS' CURRICULUM AIMS

• To offer a broad, balanced, challenging curriculum that, as well as fulfilling the National Curriculum, develops confidence, aesthetic awareness, sense of fair-play, sound moral values and self esteem.
• To effectively match the learning programme to the needs of each child whether gifted or in need of learning support.
• To provide first hand experiences that encourage the child to question, investigate and seek solutions.
• To impart clear Christian values in an atmosphere that encourages positive attitudes, sensitivity and awareness of others' needs.
• To develop a home/school partnership as a basis for successful education in which the parents share a contract of rights and responsibilities with the school and play a major part as co-educators of their child.
• To develop the child's confidence, self knowledge, skills and attitudes towards learning which will enable him/her to grow towards being a caring, responsible member of the wider community.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
We are a Church of England controlled school and follow a syllabus laid down by the L.E.A. We practise a Christian approach to teaching and try to instil respect for moral values, for others and for oneself. We encourage a sympathetic understanding of other races and religions enabling the children to develop an appreciation of the world around them. Our Rector, Rev. Nigel Sands visits the school, and the children attend some services at the Church. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from Religious Education and Collective Worship either in whole or in part. Alternative arrangements can be discussed with the class teacher.
SEX EDUCATION
Sex education is integrated into the curriculum under personal and social development. The staff respond to any questions, doubts or problems with discretion and sensitivity appropriate to the age of the child. Our policy on this subject is available here.
THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM
The National Curriculum provides clear guidelines for study in the core subjects of English, Maths and Science, and six foundation subjects of Technology, History, Geography, Art and Crafts, Music, and Physical Education. R.E. is a basic curriculum entitlement for all pupils. Learning activities in all subjects are carefully planned to match the needs of each child. Schooling is divided into Key Stages that relate to the age of the child.

Key Stage 1 Years 1 and 2, (5 to 7 year olds)
Key Stage 2 Years 3 to 6, (7 to 11 year olds)
Key Stage 3 Years 7 to 10, (11 to 14 year olds)

At the end of each Key Stage pupils will undertake Standard Assessment Tasks (SATS) to assess their progress.
ENGLISH
Skills are developed through the interaction of talking, writing, reading and experience.

Speaking and Listening
We aim to help children to speak with confidence, clarity and fluency in a variety of situations, and to listen with attention and understanding. These skills are developed through activities such as reading to an audience, drama, puppetry, poetry and explaining ideas and feelings within the classroom situation.

Reading
We aim to provide purposeful and enjoyable activities to help children to become independent, fluent, committed readers and to increase their range and quality of comprehension. We encourage children to share their enjoyment of books with parents and friends.

Writing
Children are encouraged to write for a range of purposes including letters, accounts of visits and experiences, stories, poems, recipes and lists. As children become more confident and practised in expressing their thoughts in writing we help them to write clearly, accurately and appropriately for the audience and purpose. The children learn joined-handwriting as and when they are ready.
MATHEMATICS
Through practical activities we aim to help our children acquire the skills and understanding in number, measure, shape, algebra and data handling. We show the children how to use these mathematical skills as tools in everyday situations. We encourage them to work both independently and co-operatively in the investigation and solving of problems.
SCIENCE
We encourage the children to develop the intellectual and practical skills of observing, comparing, predicting, estimating and measuring, testing, communicating and interpreting information that allow them to explore and investigate the world of science. We hope to develop a fuller understanding of scientific phenomena, the nature of the theories explaining these, and the procedures of scientific investigation.
TECHNOLOGY
Technology requires pupils to apply knowledge and skills to solve practical problems. This subject is divided into two areas:

• Design and Technology:
  Children develop a practical understanding of Design and Technology by creating devices to do a given job and then testing the results.
• Information Technology:
  The impact of Information Technology on the lives of individuals and on the economy continues to grow. It is our intention to keep abreast of the advances in this area and prepare the children to meet the needs of the future.
  At the moment there are two multi-media computers in the school one of which allows Internet access. These are used by children in a variety of cross-curricular contexts.

HISTORY
Through studying History we endeavour to foster co-operation, empathy, an appreciation of responsibility towards the future, tolerance and mutual understanding, and an appreciation of global heritage and traditions.
This subject is experienced through class topics often requiring visits and outings.
GEOGRAPHY
Through class topics the children study places, the human and physical processes that shape them, and the people who live in them.
We hope to establish links with schools in other countries to enable us to compare our local environment with that of contrasting localities.
ART AND CRAFTS
The children use materials that are carefully chosen to enable them to express themselves in a variety of ways. Their work is displayed throughout the school giving them a sense of ownership and pride.
An adult's old, long-sleeved cotton (boilable) shirt will be required for art classes.
MUSIC
Music is an important part of the life of the school. The children enjoy singing nursery rhymes, songs and hymns. They also enjoy listening to music and using percussion instruments. Children who wish can learn to play the recorder and piano. The Juniors can also have guitar, violin or brass music tuition.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SPORT
Physical skills of co-ordination, control and mobility are developed by the use of small and large apparatus, and through dance.
Out of doors we are fortunate to have a large field for athletics, team games and orienteering. The children play traditional team sports such as football, netball, rounders and cricket. Once a year the children take part in a federation tournament invoving some or all of these sports. Additional coaching for football, by a qualified coach, usually takes place in the Autumn term as an after-school activity. There is a charge for this coaching. Cross country running training is held in the Spring term in preperation for the Newbury schools competition.
Swimming takes place in the Spring term at Northcroft Leisure Centre.

KEY STAGE ASSESSMENTS 1995/96

To protect the confidentiality of the small number of pupils eligible for assessment we are publishing only the percentage of those pupils in our school who have reached or exceeded the level expected at the end of Key Stage One.

INCIDENCE OF ABSENCE 1995/96

• Half days missed through authorised absence - 6.2%
• Half days missed through un-authorised absence - 0%

THE SCHOOL STAFF

THE GOVERNORS
The nine Governors at Welford and Wickham School are chosen in a variety of ways. Two governors are appointed by the County Council, and the Parish Council appoints one. Two governors are chosen by the Church, and the Headteacher of Welford and Wickham School is an Ex officio. In addition to this there are two elected parent governors and a teacher governor. Governors are appointed for a period of four years.

WEST BERKSHIRE FEDERATION OF VILLAGE SCHOOLS
Welford and Wickham School is a member of a group of six small schools that have formed themselves into the West Berkshire Federation of Village Schools. The Federation enables us to share curricular expertise and to be able to offer our children a wide variety of educational links that include, among others, field trips and excellent musical workshops.

ANOTHER SPECIAL ROLE FOR THE SCHOOL
Our school has another special role to play as a focal point for the local community and in bringing together people of all ages. This is accomplished mainly through a school magazine produced by the children once a term.
We invite local groups and individuals to combine with us in staging our Village Christmas Concert and we arrange family Outings and Tea Parties for our senior citizen friends so that young and old can enjoy happy times together.
Because we care for our community it cares for us. We greatly appreciate and value the generous support it always gives us.
"WELFORD AND WICKHAM FRIENDS"
The aims of this association are:

• To involve the local community in befriending and supporting our village school.
• To raise money to provide extra resources for the benefit of the pupils.

Anyone interested in the welfare of the school may be a "friend".

DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE TO PARENTS AND MEMBERS OF THE PUBLIC

As required under the 1988 Education Reform Act the following documents are available for inspection at the school.

• School prospectus
• Governors' statement of curriculum policy
• LEA statement of curriculum policy
• All statutory instruments, including statutory orders for National Curriculum subjects, DES circulars, and Administrative Memoranda relating to powers and duties under Chapter 1 of the Education Reform Act.
• A copy of the LEA arrangements for the consideration of complaints about the curriculum
• All published HMI (Her Majesty's Inspectors) reports which refer to the school. The school was last inspected in 1996.
• Any schemes of work currently used by teachers in the school
• LEA's agreed R.E. syllabus
• Admissions policy
• Special Needs policy
• Sex Education policy
• School Health and Safety policy
• LEA's Health and Safety policy
• School Development Plan
• Governors' annual report to parents
• Attendance records
• Premises hiring policy
• Smoke-free school policy

Parents and others wishing to obtain copies of Crown copyright material should apply to the Department of Education and Science (free publications) or to HMSO (priced publications).
COMPLAINTS
The 1988 Education Act requires that procedures are established for parent's complaints about the curriculum or any related matter to be considered. In the first instance such complaints should be raised informally with the class teacher and then the Headteacher. If this does not result in a satisfactory outcome then the matter may be taken further either through the Chairman of the Governors, or through a representative of the LEA. Details of the procedure involved are available from the school.

SCHOOL TERM DATES 1997/98

Autumn Term 1997
3 September - 19 December
Half Term: 27 October - 31 October
In-service training days: 2 September, 24 October

Spring Term 1998
6 January - 3 April
Half Term: 16 February - 20 February
In-service training days: 5 January, 23 February

Summer Term 1998
21 April - 22 July
Half Term: 25 May - 29 May
In-service training days: 20 April

All bank holidays are also taken as School holidays

During the year there are five days allocated for in-service training for staff. Children are not required to attend school on those days.
USEFUL ADDRESSES

Prospective parents and pupils are very welcome to make arrangements to visit us during school hours to see the school at work and to meet our staff and children. We have a lovely book of photographs telling the story of our school.
Please speak to the school secretary to make an appointment.

Please feel free to copy or use any part of this document for the non-commercial purpose of developing a school prospectus.

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