Dear Parent It is my pleasure to introduce you to Chawson First School. May I offer a warm welcome to you and your children. We are proud of our school and are confident in presenting this prospectus to you which will provide a useful source of information and be a point of reference during your children’s time with us. The different booklets are designed to give you a flavour of life at our school, together with the underlying beliefs and principles.
When visiting the school, the positive ethos is evident as soon as you arrive. Our school strives towards providing a happy, caring environment where the children feel confident and secure. We offer a broad curriculum enabling children to develop positive self-esteem and to experience success.
We want our children to be purposeful, thoughtful and happy in their work with a keen awareness of the right and responsibilities of themselves and others. Our ambition is for them to be eager to learn, proud of their successes and determined to do their best in whatever they do.
You are welcome to visit by appointment or at one of our open days. If information is required in another format e.g. Braille please let us know.
Thank you for taking an interest in our school. The staff and I look forward to your association with this school and foresee it to be a happy one.
Helen Wallace
Head Teacher
SCHOOL STAFF 2010 - 2011
Headteacher Mrs H Wallace
Deputy Headteacher Mrs J Little
Key Stage 2 Leader Miss S Goodreid
Key Stage 1 Leader Mr G Small
Foundation Stage Leader Mrs Wellstead
Reception Teachers Teaching Assistants
Mrs S Wellstead and Miss K Trevor Mrs T Purser (Nursery Nurse)
Miss H Stelling Mrs D McKee
Mrs R Ardis Mrs D Bradley and Mrs R Martin
Year 1 Teachers Teaching Assistants
Mrs J Thornton Mrs J Lush
Miss M Jones Mrs S Jenkins
Mrs J Parker and Mrs H Jones Miss T Hoban
Year 2 Teachers Teaching Assistants
Mrs L Wood and Miss E Hooper Mrs N Spearing-Brown
Mr G Small Mrs A Nicholson
Mrs A Robertson Mrs J Hall
Year 3 Teachers Teaching Assistants
Mrs N Mill and Mrs D Smith Mrs K Langridge
Miss S Goodreid Mrs J Wood
Miss J Day Mrs J Forte
Year 4 Teachers Teaching Assistants
Mrs G Woodcock Mrs J Groves
Mrs S Webb and Mrs C Wetton Mrs L Sproule
Mr C Kelham Mrs S O’Hara
Support teacher Mrs H Jones
Learning Support Staff Mrs J Drury
Mrs J Green
Mrs P Siddle
Mrs R Martin
Mrs V Simpson
Mrs C Owens
Mrs H Rogers
Mrs N Sambrook
School Administrator Mrs S Brooker
Clerical Assistants Mrs K Beecroft and Ms M Clarke
Lunchtime Co-ordinator Mrs C Owens
Caretaker Mrs J Pinnington
2010 - 2011
WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
CHAWSON COMMUNITY FIRST SCHOOL
HEADTEACHER: HELEN WALLACE BEd (Hons) NPQH
WYCH ROAD
DROITWICH SPA
WORCESTERSHIRE
WR9 8BW
Tel 01905 773264 - Fax 01905 775641
E-mail: office@chawson.worcs.sch.uk
Website: www.chawson.worcs.sch.uk
AGE RANGE – Four to nine years
CURRENTLY 439 CHILDREN ON ROLL
CHAIR OF GOVERNORS – ANDREW FRAPWELL
DIRECTOR OF CHILDRENS SERVICES – GAIL QUINTON
WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
CHILDRENS SERVICES
PO BOX 73
WORCESTER
WR5 2YA
TELEPHONE 01905 763763
HOLIDAY DATES
2010 – 2012
AUTUMN TERM 2010
Commences on
Half term
Ends on
Thursday 2 September 2010
Monday 25 October – Friday 29 October 2010*
Thursday 16 December 2010
SPRING TERM 2011
Commences on
Half term
Ends on
Wednesday 5 January 2011
Monday 21 February – Friday 25 February 2011
Friday 8 April 2011
SUMMER TERM 2011
Commences on
May Day Bank Holiday
Half term
Ends on
Wednesday 27 April 2011
Monday 2 May 2011
Monday 30 May – Friday 3 June 2011*
Friday 22 July 2011
AUTUMN TERM 2011
Commences on
Half term
Ends on
Tuesday 6 September 2011
Monday 24 October – Friday 28 October 2011
Tuesday 20 December 2011
SPRING TERM 2012
Commences on
Half term
Ends on
Wednesday 4 January 2012
Monday 13 February – Friday 17 February 2012
Friday 30 March 2012
SUMMER TERM 2012
Commences on
May Day Bank Holiday
Half term
Ends on
Monday 16 April 2012
Monday 7 May 2012
Monday 4 June – Friday 8 June 2012
Friday 20 July 2012
TEACHER EDUCATION DAYS –
Wednesday 1 September 2010
Monday 1 November 2010*
Friday 17 December 2010
Tuesday 4 January 2011
Tuesday 26 April 2011
Monday 6 June 2011*
SCHOOL GOVERNORS
The school’s governing body meets at least once per term as a whole group and also has regular meetings of its committees. These are:
n EVERY CHILD MATTERS COMMITTEE
n FINANCE COMMITTEE
n PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
The governors welcome parents’ views or comments on any school issue. Any letters to the school governors should be delivered to the school office. Chawson FirstSchool’s governors are:
Every Child Matters Committee
Sue Webber (Chair) Local Authority governor
Julie Thornton Staff governor
Margaret Tanner Local Authority governor
Stephanie Withington Parent governor
Dawn Reohorn Parent governor
Helen Wallace Headteacher
Jeannette Little Associate member
Finance Committee
Emma Tyler (Chair) Parent governor
Andrew Frapwell Community governor
John MacRae Parent governor
Helen Wallace Headteacher
Jeannette Little Associate member
Personnel Committee
Michelle Wood (Chair) Parent governor
Trudy Purser Non teaching staff governor
Chris Barton Local Authority governor
Nicola Ilsley Parent governor
Helen Wallace Headteacher
Jeannette Little Associate member
Chair of governors – Andrew Frapwell
Vice Chair of governors – Michelle Wood
Clerk to the governors – Kay Beecroft
All governors may be contacted via the school office
SCHOOL VALUES
We believe that every child should see his or her learning as interesting, exciting and purposeful.
We believe that every child should experience teaching that focuses on the structured acquisition of skills and knowledge particularly in literacy, numeracy.
We believe that every child should be treated as an individual and encouraged to develop a wide range of interests involving all subjects in the curriculum and beyond.
SCHOOL AIMS
We believe that every child should have the opportunity to develop their full potential. This will be achieved by
n providing an environment which is safe, caring, lively and stimulating.
n stressing that we are all part of a community which is working together and to enable everyone to feel a valued member of that community.
n fostering good relationships with parents so that they feel the education of their children is a partnership between school and home.
n promoting courtesy and respect for others, thus enabling them to show respect for those of different ages and capabilities, race, religion and gender.
n teaching children to take care of their possessions, other people’s property, the school and the wider environment in which they live.
n providing an atmosphere which nurtures children’s natural talents enabling them to be happy, self-motivated and confident.
n ensuring the implementation of delivery, assessment, recording and reporting of the National Curriculum.
n liaising with pre-school providers and middle schools to promote active links.
n building upon a child’s previous experiences as they progress through years of schooling.
n providing each child with a broad and balanced curriculum so they acquire skills, knowledge and positive attitudes appropriate to their individual needs and ability, regardless of race or gender.
n offering pupils as much opportunity as possible to be involved in extra curricular activities as they move through school
BEHAVIOUR AND DISCIPLINE
The children and staff have developed our school rules. They are on displayed around school stating clearly what standards of behaviour are expected to enable every child to feel safe and happy.
Each child’s class teacher is particularly responsible for dealing with any day-to-day issues which might affect a pupil. They are there to confide in, share hopes and fears with, liaise with parents if a child is unwell and to offer comfort should some problem at home, or at school, be upsetting one of their pupils. However, all staff, both teaching and non-teaching, share in the pastoral care of the pupils. We are all there to help in whatever way is most appropriate.
The underlying principle is that all children are individuals who have rights but also responsibilities. Each needs to appreciate that their behaviour has consequences for themselves and also for others,
The principle is supported by an extensive rewards system under which good work, effort and behaviour earn stickers of various sorts. These are collected by the child and contribute towards an individual record of achievement updated on a daily basis. Every week there are special assemblies during which individuals or groups are publicly praised for their contributions and certificates to take home are presented to those who have passed milestones in their sticker collections. In addition examples of particularly good work are shown to encourage others in their efforts to improve on their previous best – success in terms of overcoming difficulties, achieving higher standards or reaching own personal goals is celebrated by all.
These rules have been developed to provide a busy but caring environment protecting the well being of all. On occasions when a child does not act accordingly there are a range of sanctions that can be used. These will vary according to the nature of the misbehaviour and will usually involve loss of privileges. For example, unruly behaviour in the playground will lead to loss of playtime; disruption in the classroom will mean removal and completing the work on their own, unacceptable work will be redone.
BULLYING AND BAD LANGUAGE ARE NOT ALLOWED BY ANYBODY AT ANY TIME
The school has an anti-bullying policy which is strictly enforced and in which steps taken to deal with any alleged incidents are set out. These steps would involve class teacher, key stage co-ordinator, Deputy Headteacher and Headteacher at different levels of the process. In addition parental involvement will be sought if a problem is not resolved by the initial school procedures.
Children are encouraged to ‘tell’ if any sign of bullying (persistent and deliberately hurtful behaviour by a stronger party) appears. Parents are asked to contact the school if they have any concerns – which will be taken seriously and action in proportion to the problem will result.
Parents will be involved at an early stage in potentially serious or protracted incidents and the Headteacher has the right of exclusion although this should be rare and subject to safeguards in its application.
THE CURRICULUM
In all state schools in England and Wales, children follow the National Curriculum which consists of the following subjects for pupils in Key Stages 1 and 2.
Foundation Stage Reception classes
Key Stage 1 Year 1 and Year 2 classes
Key Stage 2 Year 3 and Year 4 classes at Chawson First School and then Years 5 and 6 at Middle School. (Pupils enter Key Stage 3 in Year 7)
Core Subjects: English, Mathematics, Information Technology, Science
Foundation Subjects: History, Geography, Design Technology, Music, Art and Physical Education, Personal Health Social and Citizenship Education and Modern Foreign Languages (French in KS2)
Religious Education is also studied by all in accordance with the County agreed syllabus
The staff have drawn up detailed policies and schemes based upon the National Curriculum documentation. These are revised and updated regularly in the rolling programme included in Chawson First School’s Development Plan.
The term will contain a balance of subjects. Each morning will usually contain an hour of Maths and an hour of English.
Chawson First School is developing its own distinctive curriculum developed to meet the needs of our children. Most curriculum areas are taught in a way as to emphasise the cross curricular links. The value of working in groups and talking about our learning is recognised. Children often go on school visits or visitors are invited into school to enhance their experience.
During their first year in Reception, progress will be charted electronically by Foundation Stage Profiles which will be fully explained and discussed with parents at parent evenings and parent workshops.
Teacher assessments of each child’s progress are an ongoing process in every class at Chawson. Pupils transfer to Middle School at the end of Year 4 and undertake Key Stage 2 Statutory Assessment Tests in Year 6 atWitton Middle School or Westacre Middle School.
Each subject area is co-ordinated by at least one member of staff. Curriculum co-ordinators meet with other co-ordinators responsible for the same subject area within the Droitwich Pyramid of Schools. In this manner, First, Middle and High School staff are able to work towards ensuring continuity and progression with the curriculum for pupils from age 5 to 16.
Chawson’s programme of curriculum/staff development includes regular weekly meetings, access to Worcestershire Local Authority’s own Programme of Continuing Professional Development and access to training by other providers. Co-ordinators also develop contacts with local advisory teachers and inspectors, some of whom are invited into school each year to help with key initiatives contained within the Chawson First School Development Plan.
ENGLISH
The ability to read and write underpins the whole curriculum and is given the highest priority. The main method of delivering this in school is via the daily literacy lesson in which children will work as a whole class, in groups and as individuals. They will practise literacy skills at different levels. These will include whole text where understanding is stressed, sentence level where grammar and punctuation feature, and word level where spelling and vocabulary are the focus. The emphasis will change as the children move up the school from the practical reading activities based on letter sounds (phonics) and high frequency words in Reception to extended writing tasks with the oldest. In Reception and moving into Year1 there is an emphasis on Phonics teaching with Jolly Phonics and Letters and Sounds being two main programmes.
At all ages the importance of individual progress is paramount and there is a structured home/school learning programme involving regular reading assignments.
A wide range of resources is in use from the big books and Oxford Reading Tree programme on which the youngest children will embark on their journey to the class collections of fiction and non-fiction as well as more formal text books to extend the oldest and most able.
Regular parents meetings are held to explain how best to help children individually. Subjects cover the whole spectrum from early play to correct letter formation. The aim is to make children fluent readers and writers with the ability to communicate effectively and correctly at all levels they will encounter.
Maths
The children will have a daily maths lesson in which they will work as a whole class, in groups and as individuals. The early emphasis is on counting, understanding and manipulating numbers with time spent ensuring mental skills are fully developed.
Reception children will have many practical activities to strengthen their reasoning, problem-solving and numerical abilities ready to begin the more formal recording processes. As they grow older they will be expected to learn number facts and tables. Also, as they grow older the emphasis will be on using their existing knowledge to tackle new concepts, problems and methods of working with standard procedures being taught to arrive at solutions quickly and accurately.
As well as being grouped within a class children will be “set” within a year group from Year 2. This enables a suitable pace to support and challenge all abilities.
There are many resources to enliven the teaching and learning of maths; practical maths activities are planned for across the school. The aim is to provide children with a confidence and enjoyment in their ability to use mathematical skills and concepts in all the areas they are needed. Both activities in school and homework involve talk learning. Homework often involves children explaining the methods they bare using to family members or playing maths games.
Information and Communication Technology
This area builds on objectives identified by the ICT section of the National Curriculum. The school is exceptionally well placed to achieve this, having a new purpose built computer suite with the latest hardware and software. This facility is used by all children at all ages and makes it possible for a whole class to be taught together when new techniques are being introduced.
All the classrooms have interactive whiteboards which enable teachers to make teaching stimulating and engaging for all. These are networked and linked to the Internet via high speed broadband to provide pupils with the opportunity to consolidate existing skills and extend their knowledge.
Computers will be used to teach essentials such as word processing, data handling, presenting information and communication. They will also be used to support learning in other areas through using, for example, electronic atlases or historical simulations. In addition, children will have practical experience of a range of other equipment such as programmable floor robots.
The aim is to give children the knowledge, skills, attitudes and confidence they will need in a fast changing world.
Science
Teaching and learning activities relate to the programmes of study for Science set out in the National Curriculum.
Children are encouraged to develop the scientific skills of investigation, experimentation, consideration of evidence and evaluation. They will develop these whilst studying the themes of the life processes of plants and animals, materials and their properties and physical processes including electricity, forces, light and sound.
The aim is to encourage an interest in the world around them and ways to find out about it.
History
Our pupils will begin by having their sense of time developed. This will include looking at changes in their family and locality. They will be taught about key events and people in the history of Britain and the wider world. Older pupils will use different sources of information to learn about particular periods in British history, as well as a civilisation from another country. Resources used will include actual and reproduction historical objects as well as visiting workshops and off site educational visits.
The aim is for them to use their interest to find out about how our world evolved.
Geography
The children will be taught to look at their environment, locality, country and world using a range of skills and sources, including first hand observation and maps. They will learn key geographical terms to try and explain the complex factors that link places, and consider the effect people can have on their environment. They will be introduced to natural features and processes.
The aim is to give them a knowledge and appreciation of their world.
Art and Design
The children will have experience of a range of materials, tools, techniques and processes. They will be taught the many elements that contribute to a piece of artwork, and study work by famous artists. They will express and revise their ideas in different ways from observational drawing to computer packages. They will work on their own and with others, whilst learning about art in other times and cultures.
Music
The school follows the National Curriculum supplemented by its own scheme for younger children. Children are given the opportunities to listen to, compose and evaluate a wide selection of music. They will be taught methods of notation and experience making music with a variety of instruments. There are choirs for younger and older children. Children will be able to perform in public, in class sessions, school assemblies and concerts for parents. Groups meet to provide tuition in recorders which may lead on to learning other musical instruments, such as keyboards, guitar and flute. All Year 4 pupils take part, as a class, in learning a different instrument each term. At the end of each term a small concert to celebrate their achievements is held.
The aim is to give children an understanding and appreciation of the contribution music makes to life.
Design and Technology
The programme for this is based on the section for the subject in the National Curriculum.
Children will be taught how to plan, make and evaluate a wide variety of products. They will use a range of different tools suitable for their age, and materials that fit the task.
The aim is to use skills and knowledge to refine and improve their work.
Physical Education
Children are taught to develop skills, actions and ideas whilst enjoying a full range of physical activities. These will include gymnastics, dance and games from an early age. Older children will also take part in team sports, athletics and swimming. After-school clubs give extra scope for those interested, many of whom will represent the school in events. As part of the School Sports Partnership based at Droitwich Spa High School and SportsCollege a wider range of other activities and specialist coaching are provided.
The aim is to encourage participation in the benefits physical exercise can bring.
Religious Education
The school follows the agreed syllabus for Worcestershire schools. The youngest children will explore important events in their own lives and the idea of religious events will be introduced. The principles of Christianity and stories from the Bible will be discussed and understood at increasingly deeper levels. Studies of other faiths will encourage respect for, and understanding of, other religions.
As well as the subjects undertaken, there are a number of other areas that children will encounter as part of their daily school life.
Personal, Social and Health Education
PHSE makes children aware of being healthy in mind and body, with a respect for themselves and the needs of others. It also involves being active contributors to decisions affecting school life via our class and school councils.
Citizenship
Citizenship teaches children how communities need individuals and groups to work for the good of all. Positive contributions by individuals or groups are publicly celebrated and recorded.
Modern Foreign Languages
Children will meet a number of languages as they move through the school. Languages are introduced during register times or as greetings around school. KS2 children have French lessons each week which are primarily based on the spoken language but will involve some written French as the children’s confidence grows. Children often learn French songs or play games in French.
Environmental Education
This subject demonstrates how people can affect their world. The school is able to use its extensive outdoor resources for first hand experience for the children. Younger children will participate in our on-site ‘ForestSchool’, older children in our orienteering and eco-areas.
Collective Worship (Assembly)
Every child attends an assembly every day. These vary over the week but would include class assemblies, ones for different age ranges and the whole school. They will usually be led by the Headteacher or members of the Senior Management Team but a range of visitors from local churches also contribute. The children themselves lead assemblies and parents are invited in to join in them. The themes are based upon Christian principles reflected in the school prayer –
“Please help us to be kind, thoughtful and happy children today and every day”
Parents have the right to make other arrangements for this period and should discuss this with the Headteacher who will try to be as flexible as possible in this, as in other areas.
Sex Education
The Governors of Chawson First School are required to consider this important area of the curriculum annually. They have agreed that formal Sex Education should not form part of the curriculum. Teachers, however, will deal honestly with children’s questions as they arise. In dealing with these matters staff will give due regard to the values of family life.
HOMEWORK
Homework is seen as a valuable opportunity to reinforce and extend the learning the children have undertaken at school. This will vary according to the age of the child but should be of an amount to involve parent and pupil in a regular, purposeful way, not become a cause of conflict. There is a carefully drawn up structure but further advice is available from class teachers and parents’ evenings which the school regularly holds on a range of topics.
Regular letters home will give parents advance notice of what will be covered in each subject area by each year group and any particular events that could be followed up at home.
In Reception, parents will be given guidance at parents’ workshops and Parents’ Evenings early in the year as to how best to help their child with reading books that children will bring home regularly. Every two or three weeks a letter from school detailing all the forthcoming learning experiences planned will be sent home so that parents can follow up these interests.
Year 1 children have a reading card to go with their reading book, a game from their educational games library, a school library book and a particular task most weeks designed to develop key learning skills.
Year 2,3 and 4 children continue with library books and home readers, changed as necessary, accompanied by advice sheets. In addition each alternate weeks Maths and English talk homework tasks will be sent home. Each half term children will have project homework which is linked to the current topic being studied at school. Children will be encouraged to decide for themselves how they wish to present this homework. Parents and children have enjoyed getting involved with these project homework tasks and have produced some fabulous work together.
At times children may take part in school activities such as booster groups, one to one tuition or school choirs which will entail them following up learning in their own time.
SPECIAL NEEDS
We consider that all children have educational needs but some (up to 20% nationally at some time) may have special needs. Provision for these children is made by following the Revised Code of Practice which specifies a succession of measures to help.
The first level is ‘School Action’. This is where children’s needs are catered for via good class teaching that takes account of all abilities (also known as Wave 1) and support in small groups often with the class teaching assistant (also known as Wave 2).
The next level is ‘School Action Plus’. This is where children’s needs are catered for by the school’s Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) in conjunction with outside agencies such as Worcestershire Access and Inclusion Service advising and devising an Individual Education Plan (IEP) of individual support (also known as Wave 3).
A small minority (2 – 5%) may need to be formally assessed by an educational psychologist to see if they should be given a Statement of Special Educational Needs which would detail the specialist provision needed.
At all levels the participation and agreement of parents is a fundamental principle.
At Chawson First School the staff recognise a whole school responsibility for meeting the individual needs of pupils.
There are two designated Special Needs Co-ordinators on the teaching staff and a governor with a particular brief for these children.
Class teachers may, from time to time, use the staff representatives from these outside agencies as sources of more general advice to support their planning for their pupils.
GIFTED AND TALENTED
There is a designated teacher for children who have been identified as gifted or talented which would also include the more able pupils. There is a register kept and monitoring to check these children’s needs are being met. Teachers differentiate activities within lessons to ensure their needs are met. Activities organised by the pyramid schools often involve our more able children in a wide range of experiences.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Pupils are offered a wide range of opportunities to join clubs which meet either at lunchtime or after school. Some of these take place regularly throughout the school year whilst others eg sporting activities or competitions might be seasonal. Children might find an interest or sport that becomes a life-long involvement. Current activities include:
n choir
n football
n cricket
n art club
n gymnastics
n environmental/gardening club
n rugby
n tennis
n science
n story club
n table tennis
n French
n Science
Our children are enthusiastic participants in local school events such as football, rugby and cricket tournaments, dance and music festivals.
Suggestions for future developments and offers of assistance would be welcomed as we are always aiming to extend the range of activities available for all Reception, Key Stage One and Two.
CHARGES FOR SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Where activities form part of the normal school curriculum parents are under no obligation to make any payment. However voluntary contributions are invited to support a number of activities which enrich children’s school life, for example, educational visits as part of their work in school, visiting theatre groups and musicians etc. If parents have any difficulty contributing towards an activity please contact the Headteacher in confidence.
Please refer to the full Charging and Remission Policy.
The after school activities organised by outside bodies based in one of the school halls will have their own policies.
Wrap-around care, provided by outside bodies, have their own charging policies.
ADMISSIONS
Children are normally admitted to the self contained Reception unit at the beginning of the school year in which they become 5 ie they are 4 years old by 31 August. The children are placed in 3 classes according to age with a balance for gender.
The Worcestershire County Council Information for Parents booklet, available from the Admissions Office (tel 01905 766576) or directly from the school office (tel 01905 773264) gives details of the applications process.
Parents will need to complete form PA1, again available from school, as soon as possible but by the closing date in January before a September admission. Advice on this is gladly given by the headteacher or school secretary.
Every year, currently in November and January, there are Open Afternoons and Evenings for parents to meet the staff and see the facilities for themselves, but visits outside this are willingly arranged. We hope you will choose to let your child join our happy but purposeful school.
A pre-starting programme of visits for children and parents together with a structured induction period makes the transition to school a smooth process. The children move up to full time after a part time settling in process; in-school full time child care is also available during this time.
LEAVERS
Pupils transfer to their next school at the end of Year 4 (in September after their ninth birthday). The local middle schools are Witton and Westacre.
Chawson First School is a feeder school for Witton Middle school, which is on an adjoining site.
Children who attend Chawson First will have a higher priority for places at Witton under admission criteria set out in the Information for Parents booklet which will be sent to parents by the Local Authority (Worcestershire County Council).
Links to the middle school, including pre-transfer visits and joint curriculum projects, exist to facilitate a smooth transfer of pupils and their records
THE ORGANISATION
In addition to the classteachers, there are three Key Stage Coordinators for Foundation (Reception), Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2 ie up to 7 years old) and Key Stage 2 (Years 3 and 4 ie up to 9 years old). With the Deputy Headteacher and Headteacher this provides a well structured basis to monitor all children’s progress effectively. This is underpinned by weekly meetings at class, year group, key stage and whole school level.
Within each class the children will be taught by a variety of formal and informal methods; individually, in a group or as a whole class dependent on the task or subject. In addition, the older pupils will be ‘set’ in Maths, to enable teaching and learning to be more sharply focused on ability and needs.
The school closely follows the demands of the National Curriculum for Years 1 to 4 and the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework for Reception.
To support children, teaching assistants in each room provide extra help for groups and individuals. In Reception this includes a Nursery Nurse while other years have assistants trained to deliver specific programmes particularly in key areas under the overall supervision of the classteacher. Qualified assistants working together are able to lead in particular areas.
The staff have an extensive programme of in-school and external training to ensure they remain up to date and enthusiastic about the provision the children enjoy.
THE BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
Chawson First School has many first rate facilities. Indoors there are fifteen spacious well resourced classrooms, a library, computer suite, group teaching areas, mini libraries, a medical room, music room and two halls, both of which are fully equipped for physical activities.
Each of the younger age classes has its own brightly decorated toilet facilities.
Outdoors there are three playgrounds with outdoor play equipment, covered shelters, an environmental studies area, a sports field, a Forest School, an outdoor education site and many areas used for teaching.
The amount of available space means there is room for everyone although, to enhance this, break times are staggered to ensure that all the children can enjoy their choice of activities.
THE SCHOOL DAY
Hours
Foundation and Key Stage 1
Morning session 8.40 – 11.45am
Afternoon session 1.00 – 3.10pm
All classes have a morning and afternoon break
Teaching time (excluding breaks, snack time, registration and assembly) 21 hours
Key Stage 2
Morning session 8.40 – 12 noon
Afternoon session 1.00 – 3.10pm
All classes have a morning and afternoon break
Teaching time (excluding breaks, snack time, registration and assembly) 23.5 hours
Reception and Year 1 pupils can be accompanied to their playground at the rear of the site via the side path from the Wych Road entrance from where they will have direct access through their own classroom doors where the teacher will meet them at the start of the day. The access gate will be locked up during the day.
Years 2, 3 and 4 pupils should be taken on to the front playground where a teacher will be on duty. They will be taken in by their teacher at the start of the day and returned via the same entrance (these entrances are only able to be opened from inside during the day).
If your child is late (registers are called about 5 – 10 minutes after the start of each session) for any reason, you should take them to the school office from where they will be taken to their classroom. If you are unexpectedly late in collection then we will make arrangements for your child to be looked after in the classroom or entrance area according to age. Please inform the school as soon as possible if you are late and make alternative arrangements for your child to be picked up where necessary.
For added security there is a coded, remote entry system in operation and CCTV cameras cover all outside areas of the school at all times. Playgrounds are fenced off and gates are locked during the school day.
Breaktimes, Snacks and Drinks
As well as mid-morning playtime, which is often a chance to use up some physical energy with friends in the supervised outside play areas, all children can have snacks and drinks at an adjoining time.
After advice from the school health service, we have been given a Healthy Schools Award as the children have fruit or raw vegetables,such as carrots to eat during this time. This can be fresh, such as apples, bananas etc. or dried e.g. raisins. At this time all children can also have individual milk cartons, delivered fresh everyday to school and payable via school a half term in advance. Milk is free to all children up to the end of the half term before their fifth birthday. Water is available all day from drinking fountains.
The school is also a member of the School Fruit Scheme under which FREE fresh fruit is distributed daily to all children in Key Stage 1 (4-7 year olds) unless their parents request otherwise. All children are encouraged to keep water bottles to drink from at any time.
Lunchtime
Each class has a lunchtime supervisor under the overall direction of a lunchtime co-ordinator.
A full hot-meals service is provided with separate serving points for older and younger pupils. There is a choice of cooked main dishes and puddings. Parents can pay weekly in advance or on individual days – it is appreciated if all payments can be made at the beginning of the school week.
Children can bring packed lunches if preferred – these should not contain sweets, nuts, hot or fizzy drinks or anything in glass containers.
If you think your child is eligible for free school meals e.g. if you are claiming income support, please contact the school office for a form.
During lunchtime, children are also able to play a wide range of playground games with equipment supplied.
SCHOOL UNIFORM
We have found that parents are appreciative and supportive of our school uniform, which gives a good impression, promotes pride in appearance, (and by association, in self and work,) and makes life easier sometimes!
The list below is given as a guideline so that parents can choose for themselves the particular items and where to get them. Most children will be happy wearing a polo shirt and school sweatshirt.
Jumpers Shirts
Royal blue pullover Pale blue polo shirt
Chawson sweatshirt/cardigan Pale blue shirt/blouse
Royal blue cardigan
Trousers Dresses
Grey shorts Grey pinafore dress
Grey long trousers Grey skirt
Blue and white striped/gingham dress
Ties Shoes
Chawson First School tie Black, brown or navy blue shoes (no trainers
(not worn by many children) or boots
PE Kit Socks/tights
Black shorts Grey, white, black or navy blue
White t-shirt
Pumps Reception Children to bring wellingtons
Trainers for outdoors on the field
Spare pair of white socks
Pump bag
We strongly recommend that all Reception class children wear a polo shirt in preference to a stiff collared shirt.
We follow the Worcestershire County Council Health and Safety Guidelines which advise that jewellery should not be worn during PE lessons. We rely upon your co-operation in not allowing children to bring valuable items such as expensive watches or fashion accessories into school. Children are expected to look after their possessions themselves.
Our philosophy here is that our children are valued for who they are not what they have got, although there may be times when they will be asked to bring items in for a particular purpose.
Our further advice is “if they can lose it – label it”. You can use a marker pen or sew nametapes on all items. Lost items can sometimes be found in our lost property baskets in each cloakroom.
Recycled school uniform is available in regular sales organised by parents. The school office has a small stock of items with the school logo on to be purchased.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Illness
If your child is unable to attend school please phone the school on the day to leave a message. Please send in a letter, when your child returns to school, detailing why they needed to be absent. . If your child becomes unwell during the day we will contact you or whoever you nominate. There is a medical room and qualified first aiders are on hand, but the best place for an ‘off-colour’ child is at home in familiar surroundings – you will be asked to supply a list of contacts before your child starts with us. If we are in any doubt e.g. a head bump, we will phone and/or send a note detailing the injury.
Absence
Our registers are regularly checked by the Educational Welfare Officer who will follow up any irregular attendance patterns to see if there is any problem. The Headteacher is able to authorise absence for some particular purposes which may include an annual holiday of not more than ten school days, for which an advance application form is available in the school office, although periods of absence inevitably affect a child’s progress.
Medicines
If your child needs any medication to be administered in school please discuss this with office staff or the headteacher. Staff will endeavour to give children medicine which needs to be taken four times a day. Long term needs, e.g. asthma inhalers can be accommodated; parents will be asked to complete a health care plan with the headteacher to ensure the school is fully aware of your child’s needs.
School Health Service
The school nurse will undertake routine health checks about which you will be fully informed in advance. Our school nurse is a regular visitor and parents can request an appointment for advice.
Family Support
The Early Intervention Family Support Service is an excellent service available to parents through discussion with the headteacher.
Appointments
You can arrange to collect/deliver your child for any medical appointments at an agreed time via the school office.
No Smoking Policy
Like all Worcestershire County Council establishments, the school buildings and children’s play areas are no smoking zones.
Access
There is a pedestrian access to the school via Wych Road or Scholars Walk. You are asked not to bring dogs into the playgrounds. On site parking is limited and restricted to staff and official visitors. Out of school hours, e.g. evening functions, the playgrounds are available for parking.
Visitors
All visitors during the day are only admitted via the security doors at the main entrance and issued with a visitor’s badge if they need to go beyond the entrance area. Any adults unsupervised with the children will have to undergo police clearance via the Local Authority.
PARENTS
We see parents as partners with us in their child’s education and try to have an open, honest and constructive relationship based upon our common goal of acting in the child’s best interests. Parents are welcome to approach the school at any stage of the school year with queries relating to their child.
Class teachers are usually available just before school starts or at the end of the day. The start of school day is a time for urgent information, e.g. if the child might be upset. Other discussions e.g. follow ups to progress reported at parents’ consultation evenings, may be more conveniently slotted in after school.
Please send any information for a class teacher at any other times during the school session via the office.
Parents will be formally invited into school regularly to meet the class teacher so that they are kept informed regarding their child’s progress.
In the Autumn term, parents are invited to meet the new class teacher at ‘coffee and chat’ sessions. During the Autumn term and again in the Spring term there will be opportunities to check upon progress. In the Summer term parents are invited to discuss the end of year report if they wish.
Sometimes parents and their child’s teacher will arrange to monitor some aspect of a pupil’s progress through a series of visits, notes or telephone calls. The important factor is that pupils should know that staff and parents are working together to achieve the best for the child. The school recognises the contribution which parents make to their child’s education and undertakes to work closely with families to achieve the best possible outcome for each pupil.
During the Summer term, there will be the annual Open Evening when parents and grandparents, friends and neighbours will be invited to browse through the school to see the children’s work on display and to examine some of our equipment. This enables families to obtain a wider view of school beyond their own child’s classroom. There will also be a range of information and working sessions during the year to provide opportunity for parents to find out more about what and how their child is learning.
VOLUNTARY HELPERS AND OTHER ADULTS
Chawson First School has a strong band of helpers in school. Such assistance is invaluable. A number of the School Governors are regular visitors and help in classrooms. Chawson also benefits from help given by families and friends. If you are interested please contact the Headteacher in the first instance – all offers of help are gratefully received. These volunteers are used in all areas but particularly in giving extra individual attention, e.g. by reading with the child.
In addition, the school is in a “full partnership” with the University of Worcester to provide detailed and structured programmes for students training to be teachers.
Each year students from Droitwich High School and other local sixth forms/collages visit Chawson First Schoolas part of their work experience. Other visitors include post-graduate students wishing to experience ‘first school life’ and nursery nurse students on placements to give experience of classroom routines.
CHAWSON FIRST SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
As parent of a pupil in school you are automatically a member of the Association. The committee meets about once a month and plans a lively and varied programme of events. It is due to the success of the Association and the support which you, as parents give, that the school has benefited in so many ways over the years. In recent years, they have purchased outdoor equipment, video cameras and staging units. The Association regularly subsidises educational visits, Christmas parties and Christmas entertainment.
NEWSLETTERS
To keep all parents and other parties up to date and informed about the many aspects of life in a thriving school there is a weekly newsletter. This is not only a diary of events and announcements but also a chance to air a range of issues. There are also regular newsletters from Chawson First School Association and the Governing Body
COMMUNITY LINKS
Chawson First School is situated geographically in the heart of a community and every effort is made to promote links between local people, organisations and the school.
The school premises are available for hire to maximise the use of the facilities outside the school sessions. Any funds raised from hiring are used to provide additional resources for the pupils. Groups whose activities will be of interest and benefit to the local community as well as Chawson First School pupils and parents include:
v Step aerobic classes (adult)
v High impact aerobic classes (adult)
v Ballet classes (pupil)
v Weightwatchers (adult)
v Tae Kwon Do (pupil and adult)
v Dancing (adult)
Chawson’s pupils have usually experienced some type of pre-school provision such as nursery school, playgroup, kindergarten or day care. At present thirteen organisations are involved. The recently developed Early Years Partnership involving all Droitwich First Schools and pre-school providers meet at Chawson to ensure that the existing links are built upon.
Chawson First School is part of the Droitwich Pyramid of Schools comprising ten First Schools, two middle schools and Droitwich High School. Staff are involved in regular ‘pyramid liaison’ meetings which enable subject co-ordinators to meet regularly to ensure continuity and progression as children move through the educational system. Likewise headteachers meet regularly to maintain existing and promote further links.
There are occasions when the school receives support from a local organisation or business in the form of sponsorship, donations of goods or time. Likewise the pupils and staff at Chawson First School give help to others through special events such as Harvest Festival and Christingle, which raise money for local and national charities.
The schools most noticeable community link is the close relationships which exist with Kids First, who provide on-site child care starting at 7.30am with a breakfast club and finishing at 6.00pm – all year round including holidays. The school also has close links with Safe Hands who pick up children from our site at the end of each day.
Sporting links such as the popular regular visits of coaches from Kidderminster Harriers, Droitwich RUFC and Droitwich Cricket Club are developed whenever the opportunity arises. We also participate in several sports days developed in conjunction with the High School to use other resources more widely.
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COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
1. In the first instance complaints should be referred to the headteacher.
2. The chair of the governing body should be the first person to approach only in cases which could involve disciplinary or legal action against the headteacher.
3. Governors approached by a complainant should refer him or her to the headteacher or chairman as in (1) or (2) above.
4. If discussions with the complainant and headteacher are unsatisfactory, the complainant should be told of his or her legal right to make a formal complaint and how it should be made.
5. Formal complaints to the governing body should be made to the chair who should take care that no governor can be accused of prejudice by ensuring that:
v An individual governor does not deal with the complaint
v The complainant is quickly referred to the headteacher (if procedures at this level have not yet been exhausted) or to the relevant committee
v The governing body should set up a complaint committee when required which should consist of three untainted governors (see Notes of Guidance – Committees July 1998)
v The complaint is not reported to the whole governing body until it is resolved and then not in detail
v All parties to the complaint are given a fair hearing
v The decision of the committee is given in writing to the complainant
v The complainant is told of any right of appeal if the decision is given against him or her.
6. Governors taking up a complaint on behalf of an individual or group should not take part in any formal hearing of a complaint or appeal against a decision made by the complaints committee.
7. Individual complaints should not be raised at a full meeting of the governing body, unless the meeting is part of the complaints procedure.
8. If, after making representations to the governing body, complaints are still not satisfied they should make representations to the Local Authority (Worcestershire County Council).
This page is included as a legal requirement, but we would hope that the informal daily contact we welcome between parent and teacher and our other school procedures would resolve most situations before this is used.
CHAWSON FIRST SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
As a parent of a pupil in school you are automatically a member of the Association. The committee meets about once a month and plans a lively and varied programme of events. It is due to the success of the Association and the support which families and friends give, that the school has benefited in so many ways over the years. In recent years, they have purchased video cameras, stage units, outdoor resources and playground equipment. The Association regularly subsidises library books, educational visits, Christmas parties and leavers presents.
Further to such material benefits, Chawson First School Association helps the school to create and maintain community links. Events such as the Christmas and Summer Fayres have become annual events enjoyed by all.
Together with the Christmas and Summer fayres, their annual calendar has included children’s discos, cookery demonstrations, Fireworks Night, barn dances, quiz evenings and even ice skating in the hall!
Elections of officers and committee members are held at the Annual General Meeting in the Autumn term each year. Dates of activities, meeting etc are circulated through regular newsletters and are displayed on the Chawson First School Association noticeboard.
THE CHAWSON FIRST SCHOOL ASSOCIATION 2010 – 2011 COMMITTEE
President Helen Wallace
Chair Amanda Daniels
Vice Chair Alison Chorley
Treasurer Lisa Bates
Secretary Julia Jones
Teacher representatives Head and Deputy plus two other staff members on a termly rota
Chawson First School – Calendar of Events 2010 – 2011
September 2010
February 2011
Wednesday 1
Thursday 2
Monday 13
Tuesday 14
Wednesday 15
Monday 20
Tuesday 21
Wednesday 22
Monday 27
Wednesday 29
TE Day
Term starts
Y3 Coffee & Chat 2.30 – 3.00pm
4K Swimming starts
Y4 Coffee & chat 2:30 – 3:00pm
Y2 Coffee & chat 2.30 – 3.00pm
Governors AGM – 5.30 pm
Life Education Centre Y3 and Y4
Y1 Coffee & chat 2.30-3.00pm
Y4 Parents’ Information Evening 6.00pm
Life Education Centre Y3 and Y4
CFSA AGM – 7.30pm
Parent Helpers Meeting 2:30pm
YR Half timetable and lunch 8.40am-1.00pm
Y1 Parents’ Information Evening – 6pm
Parents’ Forum Meeting 6.30pm
Wednesday 2
Wednesday 9
Wednesday 16
Thursday 17
Monday 21-Friday 25
Monday 28
Class Assembly 3SG – 9.00am
Y1 Gym Festival Droitwich Leisure Centre – 9.30am-11.30am
Class Assembly 2WH – 9.00am
YR to Y4 Parents’ Evening 3.30-8.30pm
When visiting the school, the positive ethos is evident as soon as you arrive. Our school strives towards providing a happy, caring environment where the children feel confident and secure. We offer a broad curriculum enabling children to develop positive self-esteem and to experience success.
We want our children to be purposeful, thoughtful and happy in their work with a keen awareness of the right and responsibilities of themselves and others. Our ambition is for them to be eager to learn, proud of their successes and determined to do their best in whatever they do.
You are welcome to visit by appointment or at one of our open days. If information is required in another format e.g. Braille please let us know.
Thank you for taking an interest in our school. The staff and I look forward to your association with this school and foresee it to be a happy one.
Helen Wallace
Head Teacher
SCHOOL STAFF 2010 - 2011
Headteacher Mrs H Wallace
Deputy Headteacher Mrs J Little
Key Stage 2 Leader Miss S Goodreid
Key Stage 1 Leader Mr G Small
Foundation Stage Leader Mrs Wellstead
Reception Teachers Teaching Assistants
Mrs S Wellstead and Miss K Trevor Mrs T Purser (Nursery Nurse)
Miss H Stelling Mrs D McKee
Mrs R Ardis Mrs D Bradley and Mrs R Martin
Year 1 Teachers Teaching Assistants
Mrs J Thornton Mrs J Lush
Miss M Jones Mrs S Jenkins
Mrs J Parker and Mrs H Jones Miss T Hoban
Year 2 Teachers Teaching Assistants
Mrs L Wood and Miss E Hooper Mrs N Spearing-Brown
Mr G Small Mrs A Nicholson
Mrs A Robertson Mrs J Hall
Year 3 Teachers Teaching Assistants
Mrs N Mill and Mrs D Smith Mrs K Langridge
Miss S Goodreid Mrs J Wood
Miss J Day Mrs J Forte
Year 4 Teachers Teaching Assistants
Mrs G Woodcock Mrs J Groves
Mrs S Webb and Mrs C Wetton Mrs L Sproule
Mr C Kelham Mrs S O’Hara
Support teacher Mrs H Jones
Learning Support Staff Mrs J Drury
Mrs J Green
Mrs P Siddle
Mrs R Martin
Mrs V Simpson
Mrs C Owens
Mrs H Rogers
Mrs N Sambrook
School Administrator Mrs S Brooker
Clerical Assistants Mrs K Beecroft and Ms M Clarke
Lunchtime Co-ordinator Mrs C Owens
Caretaker Mrs J Pinnington
2010 - 2011
WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
CHAWSON COMMUNITY FIRST SCHOOL
HEADTEACHER: HELEN WALLACE BEd (Hons) NPQH
WYCH ROAD
DROITWICH SPA
WORCESTERSHIRE
WR9 8BW
Tel 01905 773264 - Fax 01905 775641
E-mail: office@chawson.worcs.sch.uk
Website: www.chawson.worcs.sch.uk
AGE RANGE – Four to nine years
CURRENTLY 439 CHILDREN ON ROLL
CHAIR OF GOVERNORS – ANDREW FRAPWELL
DIRECTOR OF CHILDRENS SERVICES – GAIL QUINTON
WORCESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL
CHILDRENS SERVICES
PO BOX 73
WORCESTER
WR5 2YA
TELEPHONE 01905 763763
HOLIDAY DATES
2010 – 2012
AUTUMN TERM 2010
Commences on
Half term
Ends on
Thursday 2 September 2010
Monday 25 October – Friday 29 October 2010*
Thursday 16 December 2010
SPRING TERM 2011
Commences on
Half term
Ends on
Wednesday 5 January 2011
Monday 21 February – Friday 25 February 2011
Friday 8 April 2011
SUMMER TERM 2011
Commences on
May Day Bank Holiday
Half term
Ends on
Wednesday 27 April 2011
Monday 2 May 2011
Monday 30 May – Friday 3 June 2011*
Friday 22 July 2011
AUTUMN TERM 2011
Commences on
Half term
Ends on
Tuesday 6 September 2011
Monday 24 October – Friday 28 October 2011
Tuesday 20 December 2011
SPRING TERM 2012
Commences on
Half term
Ends on
Wednesday 4 January 2012
Monday 13 February – Friday 17 February 2012
Friday 30 March 2012
SUMMER TERM 2012
Commences on
May Day Bank Holiday
Half term
Ends on
Monday 16 April 2012
Monday 7 May 2012
Monday 4 June – Friday 8 June 2012
Friday 20 July 2012
TEACHER EDUCATION DAYS –
Wednesday 1 September 2010
Monday 1 November 2010*
Friday 17 December 2010
Tuesday 4 January 2011
Tuesday 26 April 2011
Monday 6 June 2011*
SCHOOL GOVERNORS
The school’s governing body meets at least once per term as a whole group and also has regular meetings of its committees. These are:
n EVERY CHILD MATTERS COMMITTEE
n FINANCE COMMITTEE
n PERSONNEL COMMITTEE
The governors welcome parents’ views or comments on any school issue. Any letters to the school governors should be delivered to the school office. Chawson FirstSchool’s governors are:
Every Child Matters Committee
Sue Webber (Chair) Local Authority governor
Julie Thornton Staff governor
Margaret Tanner Local Authority governor
Stephanie Withington Parent governor
Dawn Reohorn Parent governor
Helen Wallace Headteacher
Jeannette Little Associate member
Finance Committee
Emma Tyler (Chair) Parent governor
Andrew Frapwell Community governor
John MacRae Parent governor
Helen Wallace Headteacher
Jeannette Little Associate member
Personnel Committee
Michelle Wood (Chair) Parent governor
Trudy Purser Non teaching staff governor
Chris Barton Local Authority governor
Nicola Ilsley Parent governor
Helen Wallace Headteacher
Jeannette Little Associate member
Chair of governors – Andrew Frapwell
Vice Chair of governors – Michelle Wood
Clerk to the governors – Kay Beecroft
All governors may be contacted via the school office
SCHOOL VALUES
We believe that every child should see his or her learning as interesting, exciting and purposeful.
We believe that every child should experience teaching that focuses on the structured acquisition of skills and knowledge particularly in literacy, numeracy.
We believe that every child should be treated as an individual and encouraged to develop a wide range of interests involving all subjects in the curriculum and beyond.
SCHOOL AIMS
We believe that every child should have the opportunity to develop their full potential. This will be achieved by
n providing an environment which is safe, caring, lively and stimulating.
n stressing that we are all part of a community which is working together and to enable everyone to feel a valued member of that community.
n fostering good relationships with parents so that they feel the education of their children is a partnership between school and home.
n promoting courtesy and respect for others, thus enabling them to show respect for those of different ages and capabilities, race, religion and gender.
n teaching children to take care of their possessions, other people’s property, the school and the wider environment in which they live.
n providing an atmosphere which nurtures children’s natural talents enabling them to be happy, self-motivated and confident.
n ensuring the implementation of delivery, assessment, recording and reporting of the National Curriculum.
n liaising with pre-school providers and middle schools to promote active links.
n building upon a child’s previous experiences as they progress through years of schooling.
n providing each child with a broad and balanced curriculum so they acquire skills, knowledge and positive attitudes appropriate to their individual needs and ability, regardless of race or gender.
n offering pupils as much opportunity as possible to be involved in extra curricular activities as they move through school
BEHAVIOUR AND DISCIPLINE
The children and staff have developed our school rules. They are on displayed around school stating clearly what standards of behaviour are expected to enable every child to feel safe and happy.
Each child’s class teacher is particularly responsible for dealing with any day-to-day issues which might affect a pupil. They are there to confide in, share hopes and fears with, liaise with parents if a child is unwell and to offer comfort should some problem at home, or at school, be upsetting one of their pupils. However, all staff, both teaching and non-teaching, share in the pastoral care of the pupils. We are all there to help in whatever way is most appropriate.
The underlying principle is that all children are individuals who have rights but also responsibilities. Each needs to appreciate that their behaviour has consequences for themselves and also for others,
The principle is supported by an extensive rewards system under which good work, effort and behaviour earn stickers of various sorts. These are collected by the child and contribute towards an individual record of achievement updated on a daily basis. Every week there are special assemblies during which individuals or groups are publicly praised for their contributions and certificates to take home are presented to those who have passed milestones in their sticker collections. In addition examples of particularly good work are shown to encourage others in their efforts to improve on their previous best – success in terms of overcoming difficulties, achieving higher standards or reaching own personal goals is celebrated by all.
These rules have been developed to provide a busy but caring environment protecting the well being of all. On occasions when a child does not act accordingly there are a range of sanctions that can be used. These will vary according to the nature of the misbehaviour and will usually involve loss of privileges. For example, unruly behaviour in the playground will lead to loss of playtime; disruption in the classroom will mean removal and completing the work on their own, unacceptable work will be redone.
BULLYING AND BAD LANGUAGE ARE NOT ALLOWED BY ANYBODY AT ANY TIME
The school has an anti-bullying policy which is strictly enforced and in which steps taken to deal with any alleged incidents are set out. These steps would involve class teacher, key stage co-ordinator, Deputy Headteacher and Headteacher at different levels of the process. In addition parental involvement will be sought if a problem is not resolved by the initial school procedures.
Children are encouraged to ‘tell’ if any sign of bullying (persistent and deliberately hurtful behaviour by a stronger party) appears. Parents are asked to contact the school if they have any concerns – which will be taken seriously and action in proportion to the problem will result.
Parents will be involved at an early stage in potentially serious or protracted incidents and the Headteacher has the right of exclusion although this should be rare and subject to safeguards in its application.
THE CURRICULUM
In all state schools in England and Wales, children follow the National Curriculum which consists of the following subjects for pupils in Key Stages 1 and 2.
Foundation Stage Reception classes
Key Stage 1 Year 1 and Year 2 classes
Key Stage 2 Year 3 and Year 4 classes at Chawson First School and then Years 5 and 6 at Middle School. (Pupils enter Key Stage 3 in Year 7)
Core Subjects: English, Mathematics, Information Technology, Science
Foundation Subjects: History, Geography, Design Technology, Music, Art and Physical Education, Personal Health Social and Citizenship Education and Modern Foreign Languages (French in KS2)
Religious Education is also studied by all in accordance with the County agreed syllabus
The staff have drawn up detailed policies and schemes based upon the National Curriculum documentation. These are revised and updated regularly in the rolling programme included in Chawson First School’s Development Plan.
The term will contain a balance of subjects. Each morning will usually contain an hour of Maths and an hour of English.
Chawson First School is developing its own distinctive curriculum developed to meet the needs of our children. Most curriculum areas are taught in a way as to emphasise the cross curricular links. The value of working in groups and talking about our learning is recognised. Children often go on school visits or visitors are invited into school to enhance their experience.
During their first year in Reception, progress will be charted electronically by Foundation Stage Profiles which will be fully explained and discussed with parents at parent evenings and parent workshops.
Teacher assessments of each child’s progress are an ongoing process in every class at Chawson. Pupils transfer to Middle School at the end of Year 4 and undertake Key Stage 2 Statutory Assessment Tests in Year 6 atWitton Middle School or Westacre Middle School.
Each subject area is co-ordinated by at least one member of staff. Curriculum co-ordinators meet with other co-ordinators responsible for the same subject area within the Droitwich Pyramid of Schools. In this manner, First, Middle and High School staff are able to work towards ensuring continuity and progression with the curriculum for pupils from age 5 to 16.
Chawson’s programme of curriculum/staff development includes regular weekly meetings, access to Worcestershire Local Authority’s own Programme of Continuing Professional Development and access to training by other providers. Co-ordinators also develop contacts with local advisory teachers and inspectors, some of whom are invited into school each year to help with key initiatives contained within the Chawson First School Development Plan.
ENGLISH
The ability to read and write underpins the whole curriculum and is given the highest priority. The main method of delivering this in school is via the daily literacy lesson in which children will work as a whole class, in groups and as individuals. They will practise literacy skills at different levels. These will include whole text where understanding is stressed, sentence level where grammar and punctuation feature, and word level where spelling and vocabulary are the focus. The emphasis will change as the children move up the school from the practical reading activities based on letter sounds (phonics) and high frequency words in Reception to extended writing tasks with the oldest. In Reception and moving into Year1 there is an emphasis on Phonics teaching with Jolly Phonics and Letters and Sounds being two main programmes.
At all ages the importance of individual progress is paramount and there is a structured home/school learning programme involving regular reading assignments.
A wide range of resources is in use from the big books and Oxford Reading Tree programme on which the youngest children will embark on their journey to the class collections of fiction and non-fiction as well as more formal text books to extend the oldest and most able.
Regular parents meetings are held to explain how best to help children individually. Subjects cover the whole spectrum from early play to correct letter formation. The aim is to make children fluent readers and writers with the ability to communicate effectively and correctly at all levels they will encounter.
Maths
The children will have a daily maths lesson in which they will work as a whole class, in groups and as individuals. The early emphasis is on counting, understanding and manipulating numbers with time spent ensuring mental skills are fully developed.
Reception children will have many practical activities to strengthen their reasoning, problem-solving and numerical abilities ready to begin the more formal recording processes. As they grow older they will be expected to learn number facts and tables. Also, as they grow older the emphasis will be on using their existing knowledge to tackle new concepts, problems and methods of working with standard procedures being taught to arrive at solutions quickly and accurately.
As well as being grouped within a class children will be “set” within a year group from Year 2. This enables a suitable pace to support and challenge all abilities.
There are many resources to enliven the teaching and learning of maths; practical maths activities are planned for across the school. The aim is to provide children with a confidence and enjoyment in their ability to use mathematical skills and concepts in all the areas they are needed. Both activities in school and homework involve talk learning. Homework often involves children explaining the methods they bare using to family members or playing maths games.
Information and Communication Technology
This area builds on objectives identified by the ICT section of the National Curriculum. The school is exceptionally well placed to achieve this, having a new purpose built computer suite with the latest hardware and software. This facility is used by all children at all ages and makes it possible for a whole class to be taught together when new techniques are being introduced.
All the classrooms have interactive whiteboards which enable teachers to make teaching stimulating and engaging for all. These are networked and linked to the Internet via high speed broadband to provide pupils with the opportunity to consolidate existing skills and extend their knowledge.
Computers will be used to teach essentials such as word processing, data handling, presenting information and communication. They will also be used to support learning in other areas through using, for example, electronic atlases or historical simulations. In addition, children will have practical experience of a range of other equipment such as programmable floor robots.
The aim is to give children the knowledge, skills, attitudes and confidence they will need in a fast changing world.
Science
Teaching and learning activities relate to the programmes of study for Science set out in the National Curriculum.
Children are encouraged to develop the scientific skills of investigation, experimentation, consideration of evidence and evaluation. They will develop these whilst studying the themes of the life processes of plants and animals, materials and their properties and physical processes including electricity, forces, light and sound.
The aim is to encourage an interest in the world around them and ways to find out about it.
History
Our pupils will begin by having their sense of time developed. This will include looking at changes in their family and locality. They will be taught about key events and people in the history of Britain and the wider world. Older pupils will use different sources of information to learn about particular periods in British history, as well as a civilisation from another country. Resources used will include actual and reproduction historical objects as well as visiting workshops and off site educational visits.
The aim is for them to use their interest to find out about how our world evolved.
Geography
The children will be taught to look at their environment, locality, country and world using a range of skills and sources, including first hand observation and maps. They will learn key geographical terms to try and explain the complex factors that link places, and consider the effect people can have on their environment. They will be introduced to natural features and processes.
The aim is to give them a knowledge and appreciation of their world.
Art and Design
The children will have experience of a range of materials, tools, techniques and processes. They will be taught the many elements that contribute to a piece of artwork, and study work by famous artists. They will express and revise their ideas in different ways from observational drawing to computer packages. They will work on their own and with others, whilst learning about art in other times and cultures.
Music
The school follows the National Curriculum supplemented by its own scheme for younger children. Children are given the opportunities to listen to, compose and evaluate a wide selection of music. They will be taught methods of notation and experience making music with a variety of instruments. There are choirs for younger and older children. Children will be able to perform in public, in class sessions, school assemblies and concerts for parents. Groups meet to provide tuition in recorders which may lead on to learning other musical instruments, such as keyboards, guitar and flute. All Year 4 pupils take part, as a class, in learning a different instrument each term. At the end of each term a small concert to celebrate their achievements is held.
The aim is to give children an understanding and appreciation of the contribution music makes to life.
Design and Technology
The programme for this is based on the section for the subject in the National Curriculum.
Children will be taught how to plan, make and evaluate a wide variety of products. They will use a range of different tools suitable for their age, and materials that fit the task.
The aim is to use skills and knowledge to refine and improve their work.
Physical Education
Children are taught to develop skills, actions and ideas whilst enjoying a full range of physical activities. These will include gymnastics, dance and games from an early age. Older children will also take part in team sports, athletics and swimming. After-school clubs give extra scope for those interested, many of whom will represent the school in events. As part of the School Sports Partnership based at Droitwich Spa High School and SportsCollege a wider range of other activities and specialist coaching are provided.
The aim is to encourage participation in the benefits physical exercise can bring.
Religious Education
The school follows the agreed syllabus for Worcestershire schools. The youngest children will explore important events in their own lives and the idea of religious events will be introduced. The principles of Christianity and stories from the Bible will be discussed and understood at increasingly deeper levels. Studies of other faiths will encourage respect for, and understanding of, other religions.
As well as the subjects undertaken, there are a number of other areas that children will encounter as part of their daily school life.
Personal, Social and Health Education
PHSE makes children aware of being healthy in mind and body, with a respect for themselves and the needs of others. It also involves being active contributors to decisions affecting school life via our class and school councils.
Citizenship
Citizenship teaches children how communities need individuals and groups to work for the good of all. Positive contributions by individuals or groups are publicly celebrated and recorded.
Modern Foreign Languages
Children will meet a number of languages as they move through the school. Languages are introduced during register times or as greetings around school. KS2 children have French lessons each week which are primarily based on the spoken language but will involve some written French as the children’s confidence grows. Children often learn French songs or play games in French.
Environmental Education
This subject demonstrates how people can affect their world. The school is able to use its extensive outdoor resources for first hand experience for the children. Younger children will participate in our on-site ‘ForestSchool’, older children in our orienteering and eco-areas.
Collective Worship (Assembly)
Every child attends an assembly every day. These vary over the week but would include class assemblies, ones for different age ranges and the whole school. They will usually be led by the Headteacher or members of the Senior Management Team but a range of visitors from local churches also contribute. The children themselves lead assemblies and parents are invited in to join in them. The themes are based upon Christian principles reflected in the school prayer –
“Please help us to be kind, thoughtful and happy children today and every day”
Parents have the right to make other arrangements for this period and should discuss this with the Headteacher who will try to be as flexible as possible in this, as in other areas.
Sex Education
The Governors of Chawson First School are required to consider this important area of the curriculum annually. They have agreed that formal Sex Education should not form part of the curriculum. Teachers, however, will deal honestly with children’s questions as they arise. In dealing with these matters staff will give due regard to the values of family life.
HOMEWORK
Homework is seen as a valuable opportunity to reinforce and extend the learning the children have undertaken at school. This will vary according to the age of the child but should be of an amount to involve parent and pupil in a regular, purposeful way, not become a cause of conflict. There is a carefully drawn up structure but further advice is available from class teachers and parents’ evenings which the school regularly holds on a range of topics.
Regular letters home will give parents advance notice of what will be covered in each subject area by each year group and any particular events that could be followed up at home.
In Reception, parents will be given guidance at parents’ workshops and Parents’ Evenings early in the year as to how best to help their child with reading books that children will bring home regularly. Every two or three weeks a letter from school detailing all the forthcoming learning experiences planned will be sent home so that parents can follow up these interests.
Year 1 children have a reading card to go with their reading book, a game from their educational games library, a school library book and a particular task most weeks designed to develop key learning skills.
Year 2,3 and 4 children continue with library books and home readers, changed as necessary, accompanied by advice sheets. In addition each alternate weeks Maths and English talk homework tasks will be sent home. Each half term children will have project homework which is linked to the current topic being studied at school. Children will be encouraged to decide for themselves how they wish to present this homework. Parents and children have enjoyed getting involved with these project homework tasks and have produced some fabulous work together.
At times children may take part in school activities such as booster groups, one to one tuition or school choirs which will entail them following up learning in their own time.
SPECIAL NEEDS
We consider that all children have educational needs but some (up to 20% nationally at some time) may have special needs. Provision for these children is made by following the Revised Code of Practice which specifies a succession of measures to help.
The first level is ‘School Action’. This is where children’s needs are catered for via good class teaching that takes account of all abilities (also known as Wave 1) and support in small groups often with the class teaching assistant (also known as Wave 2).
The next level is ‘School Action Plus’. This is where children’s needs are catered for by the school’s Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) in conjunction with outside agencies such as Worcestershire Access and Inclusion Service advising and devising an Individual Education Plan (IEP) of individual support (also known as Wave 3).
A small minority (2 – 5%) may need to be formally assessed by an educational psychologist to see if they should be given a Statement of Special Educational Needs which would detail the specialist provision needed.
At all levels the participation and agreement of parents is a fundamental principle.
At Chawson First School the staff recognise a whole school responsibility for meeting the individual needs of pupils.
There are two designated Special Needs Co-ordinators on the teaching staff and a governor with a particular brief for these children.
Class teachers may, from time to time, use the staff representatives from these outside agencies as sources of more general advice to support their planning for their pupils.
GIFTED AND TALENTED
There is a designated teacher for children who have been identified as gifted or talented which would also include the more able pupils. There is a register kept and monitoring to check these children’s needs are being met. Teachers differentiate activities within lessons to ensure their needs are met. Activities organised by the pyramid schools often involve our more able children in a wide range of experiences.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Pupils are offered a wide range of opportunities to join clubs which meet either at lunchtime or after school. Some of these take place regularly throughout the school year whilst others eg sporting activities or competitions might be seasonal. Children might find an interest or sport that becomes a life-long involvement. Current activities include:
n choir
n football
n cricket
n art club
n gymnastics
n environmental/gardening club
n rugby
n tennis
n science
n story club
n table tennis
n French
n Science
Our children are enthusiastic participants in local school events such as football, rugby and cricket tournaments, dance and music festivals.
Suggestions for future developments and offers of assistance would be welcomed as we are always aiming to extend the range of activities available for all Reception, Key Stage One and Two.
CHARGES FOR SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
Where activities form part of the normal school curriculum parents are under no obligation to make any payment. However voluntary contributions are invited to support a number of activities which enrich children’s school life, for example, educational visits as part of their work in school, visiting theatre groups and musicians etc. If parents have any difficulty contributing towards an activity please contact the Headteacher in confidence.
Please refer to the full Charging and Remission Policy.
The after school activities organised by outside bodies based in one of the school halls will have their own policies.
Wrap-around care, provided by outside bodies, have their own charging policies.
ADMISSIONS
Children are normally admitted to the self contained Reception unit at the beginning of the school year in which they become 5 ie they are 4 years old by 31 August. The children are placed in 3 classes according to age with a balance for gender.
The Worcestershire County Council Information for Parents booklet, available from the Admissions Office (tel 01905 766576) or directly from the school office (tel 01905 773264) gives details of the applications process.
Parents will need to complete form PA1, again available from school, as soon as possible but by the closing date in January before a September admission. Advice on this is gladly given by the headteacher or school secretary.
Every year, currently in November and January, there are Open Afternoons and Evenings for parents to meet the staff and see the facilities for themselves, but visits outside this are willingly arranged. We hope you will choose to let your child join our happy but purposeful school.
A pre-starting programme of visits for children and parents together with a structured induction period makes the transition to school a smooth process. The children move up to full time after a part time settling in process; in-school full time child care is also available during this time.
LEAVERS
Pupils transfer to their next school at the end of Year 4 (in September after their ninth birthday). The local middle schools are Witton and Westacre.
Chawson First School is a feeder school for Witton Middle school, which is on an adjoining site.
Children who attend Chawson First will have a higher priority for places at Witton under admission criteria set out in the Information for Parents booklet which will be sent to parents by the Local Authority (Worcestershire County Council).
Links to the middle school, including pre-transfer visits and joint curriculum projects, exist to facilitate a smooth transfer of pupils and their records
THE ORGANISATION
In addition to the classteachers, there are three Key Stage Coordinators for Foundation (Reception), Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2 ie up to 7 years old) and Key Stage 2 (Years 3 and 4 ie up to 9 years old). With the Deputy Headteacher and Headteacher this provides a well structured basis to monitor all children’s progress effectively. This is underpinned by weekly meetings at class, year group, key stage and whole school level.
Within each class the children will be taught by a variety of formal and informal methods; individually, in a group or as a whole class dependent on the task or subject. In addition, the older pupils will be ‘set’ in Maths, to enable teaching and learning to be more sharply focused on ability and needs.
The school closely follows the demands of the National Curriculum for Years 1 to 4 and the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework for Reception.
To support children, teaching assistants in each room provide extra help for groups and individuals. In Reception this includes a Nursery Nurse while other years have assistants trained to deliver specific programmes particularly in key areas under the overall supervision of the classteacher. Qualified assistants working together are able to lead in particular areas.
The staff have an extensive programme of in-school and external training to ensure they remain up to date and enthusiastic about the provision the children enjoy.
THE BUILDINGS AND GROUNDS
Chawson First School has many first rate facilities. Indoors there are fifteen spacious well resourced classrooms, a library, computer suite, group teaching areas, mini libraries, a medical room, music room and two halls, both of which are fully equipped for physical activities.
Each of the younger age classes has its own brightly decorated toilet facilities.
Outdoors there are three playgrounds with outdoor play equipment, covered shelters, an environmental studies area, a sports field, a Forest School, an outdoor education site and many areas used for teaching.
The amount of available space means there is room for everyone although, to enhance this, break times are staggered to ensure that all the children can enjoy their choice of activities.
THE SCHOOL DAY
Hours
Foundation and Key Stage 1
Morning session 8.40 – 11.45am
Afternoon session 1.00 – 3.10pm
All classes have a morning and afternoon break
Teaching time (excluding breaks, snack time, registration and assembly) 21 hours
Key Stage 2
Morning session 8.40 – 12 noon
Afternoon session 1.00 – 3.10pm
All classes have a morning and afternoon break
Teaching time (excluding breaks, snack time, registration and assembly) 23.5 hours
Reception and Year 1 pupils can be accompanied to their playground at the rear of the site via the side path from the Wych Road entrance from where they will have direct access through their own classroom doors where the teacher will meet them at the start of the day. The access gate will be locked up during the day.
Years 2, 3 and 4 pupils should be taken on to the front playground where a teacher will be on duty. They will be taken in by their teacher at the start of the day and returned via the same entrance (these entrances are only able to be opened from inside during the day).
If your child is late (registers are called about 5 – 10 minutes after the start of each session) for any reason, you should take them to the school office from where they will be taken to their classroom. If you are unexpectedly late in collection then we will make arrangements for your child to be looked after in the classroom or entrance area according to age. Please inform the school as soon as possible if you are late and make alternative arrangements for your child to be picked up where necessary.
For added security there is a coded, remote entry system in operation and CCTV cameras cover all outside areas of the school at all times. Playgrounds are fenced off and gates are locked during the school day.
Breaktimes, Snacks and Drinks
As well as mid-morning playtime, which is often a chance to use up some physical energy with friends in the supervised outside play areas, all children can have snacks and drinks at an adjoining time.
After advice from the school health service, we have been given a Healthy Schools Award as the children have fruit or raw vegetables,such as carrots to eat during this time. This can be fresh, such as apples, bananas etc. or dried e.g. raisins. At this time all children can also have individual milk cartons, delivered fresh everyday to school and payable via school a half term in advance. Milk is free to all children up to the end of the half term before their fifth birthday. Water is available all day from drinking fountains.
The school is also a member of the School Fruit Scheme under which FREE fresh fruit is distributed daily to all children in Key Stage 1 (4-7 year olds) unless their parents request otherwise. All children are encouraged to keep water bottles to drink from at any time.
Lunchtime
Each class has a lunchtime supervisor under the overall direction of a lunchtime co-ordinator.
A full hot-meals service is provided with separate serving points for older and younger pupils. There is a choice of cooked main dishes and puddings. Parents can pay weekly in advance or on individual days – it is appreciated if all payments can be made at the beginning of the school week.
Children can bring packed lunches if preferred – these should not contain sweets, nuts, hot or fizzy drinks or anything in glass containers.
If you think your child is eligible for free school meals e.g. if you are claiming income support, please contact the school office for a form.
During lunchtime, children are also able to play a wide range of playground games with equipment supplied.
SCHOOL UNIFORM
We have found that parents are appreciative and supportive of our school uniform, which gives a good impression, promotes pride in appearance, (and by association, in self and work,) and makes life easier sometimes!
The list below is given as a guideline so that parents can choose for themselves the particular items and where to get them. Most children will be happy wearing a polo shirt and school sweatshirt.
Jumpers Shirts
Royal blue pullover Pale blue polo shirt
Chawson sweatshirt/cardigan Pale blue shirt/blouse
Royal blue cardigan
Trousers Dresses
Grey shorts Grey pinafore dress
Grey long trousers Grey skirt
Blue and white striped/gingham dress
Ties Shoes
Chawson First School tie Black, brown or navy blue shoes (no trainers
(not worn by many children) or boots
PE Kit Socks/tights
Black shorts Grey, white, black or navy blue
White t-shirt
Pumps Reception Children to bring wellingtons
Trainers for outdoors on the field
Spare pair of white socks
Pump bag
We strongly recommend that all Reception class children wear a polo shirt in preference to a stiff collared shirt.
We follow the Worcestershire County Council Health and Safety Guidelines which advise that jewellery should not be worn during PE lessons. We rely upon your co-operation in not allowing children to bring valuable items such as expensive watches or fashion accessories into school. Children are expected to look after their possessions themselves.
Our philosophy here is that our children are valued for who they are not what they have got, although there may be times when they will be asked to bring items in for a particular purpose.
Our further advice is “if they can lose it – label it”. You can use a marker pen or sew nametapes on all items. Lost items can sometimes be found in our lost property baskets in each cloakroom.
Recycled school uniform is available in regular sales organised by parents. The school office has a small stock of items with the school logo on to be purchased.
HEALTH AND SAFETY
Illness
If your child is unable to attend school please phone the school on the day to leave a message. Please send in a letter, when your child returns to school, detailing why they needed to be absent. . If your child becomes unwell during the day we will contact you or whoever you nominate. There is a medical room and qualified first aiders are on hand, but the best place for an ‘off-colour’ child is at home in familiar surroundings – you will be asked to supply a list of contacts before your child starts with us. If we are in any doubt e.g. a head bump, we will phone and/or send a note detailing the injury.
Absence
Our registers are regularly checked by the Educational Welfare Officer who will follow up any irregular attendance patterns to see if there is any problem. The Headteacher is able to authorise absence for some particular purposes which may include an annual holiday of not more than ten school days, for which an advance application form is available in the school office, although periods of absence inevitably affect a child’s progress.
Medicines
If your child needs any medication to be administered in school please discuss this with office staff or the headteacher. Staff will endeavour to give children medicine which needs to be taken four times a day. Long term needs, e.g. asthma inhalers can be accommodated; parents will be asked to complete a health care plan with the headteacher to ensure the school is fully aware of your child’s needs.
School Health Service
The school nurse will undertake routine health checks about which you will be fully informed in advance. Our school nurse is a regular visitor and parents can request an appointment for advice.
Family Support
The Early Intervention Family Support Service is an excellent service available to parents through discussion with the headteacher.
Appointments
You can arrange to collect/deliver your child for any medical appointments at an agreed time via the school office.
No Smoking Policy
Like all Worcestershire County Council establishments, the school buildings and children’s play areas are no smoking zones.
Access
There is a pedestrian access to the school via Wych Road or Scholars Walk. You are asked not to bring dogs into the playgrounds. On site parking is limited and restricted to staff and official visitors. Out of school hours, e.g. evening functions, the playgrounds are available for parking.
Visitors
All visitors during the day are only admitted via the security doors at the main entrance and issued with a visitor’s badge if they need to go beyond the entrance area. Any adults unsupervised with the children will have to undergo police clearance via the Local Authority.
PARENTS
We see parents as partners with us in their child’s education and try to have an open, honest and constructive relationship based upon our common goal of acting in the child’s best interests. Parents are welcome to approach the school at any stage of the school year with queries relating to their child.
Class teachers are usually available just before school starts or at the end of the day. The start of school day is a time for urgent information, e.g. if the child might be upset. Other discussions e.g. follow ups to progress reported at parents’ consultation evenings, may be more conveniently slotted in after school.
Please send any information for a class teacher at any other times during the school session via the office.
Parents will be formally invited into school regularly to meet the class teacher so that they are kept informed regarding their child’s progress.
In the Autumn term, parents are invited to meet the new class teacher at ‘coffee and chat’ sessions. During the Autumn term and again in the Spring term there will be opportunities to check upon progress. In the Summer term parents are invited to discuss the end of year report if they wish.
Sometimes parents and their child’s teacher will arrange to monitor some aspect of a pupil’s progress through a series of visits, notes or telephone calls. The important factor is that pupils should know that staff and parents are working together to achieve the best for the child. The school recognises the contribution which parents make to their child’s education and undertakes to work closely with families to achieve the best possible outcome for each pupil.
During the Summer term, there will be the annual Open Evening when parents and grandparents, friends and neighbours will be invited to browse through the school to see the children’s work on display and to examine some of our equipment. This enables families to obtain a wider view of school beyond their own child’s classroom. There will also be a range of information and working sessions during the year to provide opportunity for parents to find out more about what and how their child is learning.
VOLUNTARY HELPERS AND OTHER ADULTS
Chawson First School has a strong band of helpers in school. Such assistance is invaluable. A number of the School Governors are regular visitors and help in classrooms. Chawson also benefits from help given by families and friends. If you are interested please contact the Headteacher in the first instance – all offers of help are gratefully received. These volunteers are used in all areas but particularly in giving extra individual attention, e.g. by reading with the child.
In addition, the school is in a “full partnership” with the University of Worcester to provide detailed and structured programmes for students training to be teachers.
Each year students from Droitwich High School and other local sixth forms/collages visit Chawson First Schoolas part of their work experience. Other visitors include post-graduate students wishing to experience ‘first school life’ and nursery nurse students on placements to give experience of classroom routines.
CHAWSON FIRST SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
As parent of a pupil in school you are automatically a member of the Association. The committee meets about once a month and plans a lively and varied programme of events. It is due to the success of the Association and the support which you, as parents give, that the school has benefited in so many ways over the years. In recent years, they have purchased outdoor equipment, video cameras and staging units. The Association regularly subsidises educational visits, Christmas parties and Christmas entertainment.
NEWSLETTERS
To keep all parents and other parties up to date and informed about the many aspects of life in a thriving school there is a weekly newsletter. This is not only a diary of events and announcements but also a chance to air a range of issues. There are also regular newsletters from Chawson First School Association and the Governing Body
COMMUNITY LINKS
Chawson First School is situated geographically in the heart of a community and every effort is made to promote links between local people, organisations and the school.
The school premises are available for hire to maximise the use of the facilities outside the school sessions. Any funds raised from hiring are used to provide additional resources for the pupils. Groups whose activities will be of interest and benefit to the local community as well as Chawson First School pupils and parents include:
v Step aerobic classes (adult)
v High impact aerobic classes (adult)
v Ballet classes (pupil)
v Weightwatchers (adult)
v Tae Kwon Do (pupil and adult)
v Dancing (adult)
Chawson’s pupils have usually experienced some type of pre-school provision such as nursery school, playgroup, kindergarten or day care. At present thirteen organisations are involved. The recently developed Early Years Partnership involving all Droitwich First Schools and pre-school providers meet at Chawson to ensure that the existing links are built upon.
Chawson First School is part of the Droitwich Pyramid of Schools comprising ten First Schools, two middle schools and Droitwich High School. Staff are involved in regular ‘pyramid liaison’ meetings which enable subject co-ordinators to meet regularly to ensure continuity and progression as children move through the educational system. Likewise headteachers meet regularly to maintain existing and promote further links.
There are occasions when the school receives support from a local organisation or business in the form of sponsorship, donations of goods or time. Likewise the pupils and staff at Chawson First School give help to others through special events such as Harvest Festival and Christingle, which raise money for local and national charities.
The schools most noticeable community link is the close relationships which exist with Kids First, who provide on-site child care starting at 7.30am with a breakfast club and finishing at 6.00pm – all year round including holidays. The school also has close links with Safe Hands who pick up children from our site at the end of each day.
Sporting links such as the popular regular visits of coaches from Kidderminster Harriers, Droitwich RUFC and Droitwich Cricket Club are developed whenever the opportunity arises. We also participate in several sports days developed in conjunction with the High School to use other resources more widely.
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COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
1. In the first instance complaints should be referred to the headteacher.
2. The chair of the governing body should be the first person to approach only in cases which could involve disciplinary or legal action against the headteacher.
3. Governors approached by a complainant should refer him or her to the headteacher or chairman as in (1) or (2) above.
4. If discussions with the complainant and headteacher are unsatisfactory, the complainant should be told of his or her legal right to make a formal complaint and how it should be made.
5. Formal complaints to the governing body should be made to the chair who should take care that no governor can be accused of prejudice by ensuring that:
v An individual governor does not deal with the complaint
v The complainant is quickly referred to the headteacher (if procedures at this level have not yet been exhausted) or to the relevant committee
v The governing body should set up a complaint committee when required which should consist of three untainted governors (see Notes of Guidance – Committees July 1998)
v The complaint is not reported to the whole governing body until it is resolved and then not in detail
v All parties to the complaint are given a fair hearing
v The decision of the committee is given in writing to the complainant
v The complainant is told of any right of appeal if the decision is given against him or her.
6. Governors taking up a complaint on behalf of an individual or group should not take part in any formal hearing of a complaint or appeal against a decision made by the complaints committee.
7. Individual complaints should not be raised at a full meeting of the governing body, unless the meeting is part of the complaints procedure.
8. If, after making representations to the governing body, complaints are still not satisfied they should make representations to the Local Authority (Worcestershire County Council).
This page is included as a legal requirement, but we would hope that the informal daily contact we welcome between parent and teacher and our other school procedures would resolve most situations before this is used.
CHAWSON FIRST SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
As a parent of a pupil in school you are automatically a member of the Association. The committee meets about once a month and plans a lively and varied programme of events. It is due to the success of the Association and the support which families and friends give, that the school has benefited in so many ways over the years. In recent years, they have purchased video cameras, stage units, outdoor resources and playground equipment. The Association regularly subsidises library books, educational visits, Christmas parties and leavers presents.
Further to such material benefits, Chawson First School Association helps the school to create and maintain community links. Events such as the Christmas and Summer Fayres have become annual events enjoyed by all.
Together with the Christmas and Summer fayres, their annual calendar has included children’s discos, cookery demonstrations, Fireworks Night, barn dances, quiz evenings and even ice skating in the hall!
Elections of officers and committee members are held at the Annual General Meeting in the Autumn term each year. Dates of activities, meeting etc are circulated through regular newsletters and are displayed on the Chawson First School Association noticeboard.
THE CHAWSON FIRST SCHOOL ASSOCIATION 2010 – 2011 COMMITTEE
President Helen Wallace
Chair Amanda Daniels
Vice Chair Alison Chorley
Treasurer Lisa Bates
Secretary Julia Jones
Teacher representatives Head and Deputy plus two other staff members on a termly rota
Chawson First School – Calendar of Events 2010 – 2011
September 2010
February 2011
Wednesday 1
Thursday 2
Monday 13
Tuesday 14
Wednesday 15
Monday 20
Tuesday 21
Wednesday 22
Monday 27
Wednesday 29
TE Day
Term starts
Y3 Coffee & Chat 2.30 – 3.00pm
4K Swimming starts
Y4 Coffee & chat 2:30 – 3:00pm
Y2 Coffee & chat 2.30 – 3.00pm
Governors AGM – 5.30 pm
Life Education Centre Y3 and Y4
Y1 Coffee & chat 2.30-3.00pm
Y4 Parents’ Information Evening 6.00pm
Life Education Centre Y3 and Y4
CFSA AGM – 7.30pm
Parent Helpers Meeting 2:30pm
YR Half timetable and lunch 8.40am-1.00pm
Y1 Parents’ Information Evening – 6pm
Parents’ Forum Meeting 6.30pm
Wednesday 2
Wednesday 9
Wednesday 16
Thursday 17
Monday 21-Friday 25
Monday 28
Class Assembly 3SG – 9.00am
Y1 Gym Festival Droitwich Leisure Centre – 9.30am-11.30am
Class Assembly 2WH – 9.00am
YR to Y4 Parents’ Evening 3.30-8.30pm