MINETJUNIORSCHOOL SEPT 2012 – JULY 2013
AVONDALE DRIVE
HAYES
MIDDLESEX
UB3 3NR
Telephone number 01895 671973
Fax number020 8573 6647
HEADTEACHER:Mr. S.P. Foot
(Tuesday-Friday)
HEADTEACHER:Ms. J. E. Dunworth
(Monday)
CHAIR OF GOVERNORS:Cllr. Roy Hill
EDUCATION OFFICE:London Borough of Hillingdon
Education Department
Civic Centre
UXBRIDGE.
Middlesex
UB8 1UW
Telephone number: 01895 250111
GOVERNING BODY
Co-opted Representatives: Mrs J Ogunyami
Mrs G Foot
Mr D Otieno-Ndale
Mrs S Elliott
Mr H. Ali Khan
LEA Representatives Cllr R Hill
Ms Vinu Prabakher
Vacancy
Parent Representative: Mrs Abdi
Mr Siddique
Vacancy
Teacher Representatives: Ms J Dunworth
Non Teaching Rep: Mr K Giebeler
Headteacher: Mr S P Foot
Governing Body meeting minutes can be viewed at the school. Reasonable notice is required.
Parents can, if they wish, attend Governing Body meetings as observers. Please inform the Chair of Governors in advance if you wish to attend.
This list is accurate as at June 2012.
SCHOOL VISION
“Enjoy, Achieve and Value All”
Based on 4C’s ~ Co-operation, Consideration, Courtesy and Care
AIM
At MinetJuniorSchool we aim to develop a positive and responsible attitude in all that we do at school. We always show respect and consideration for each other and for our environment.
Children Learn What They Live
If a child lives with criticism
She learns to condemn.
If a child lives with hostility,
He learns to fight.
If a child lives with ridicule,
She learns to be shy.
He learns to feel guilty.
If a child lives with tolerance
She learns to be patient.
If a child lives with praise, He learns to appreciate.
If a child lives with fairness,
She learns justice.
If a child lives with security,
He learns to have faith.
If a child lives with approval,
She learns to like herself.
If a child lives with acceptance and friendship
He learns to find love in the world.
We believe that a positive ethos is a vital ingredient in a successful school. We aim to praise good work and behaviour wherever possible. We also ensure that every child is given the opportunity to succeed.
A BRIEF HISTORY OF MINETJUNIORSCHOOL
The school was officially opened in 1956, the staff and children having been gradually transferred from the old Townfield site. The school roll was to rise to over five hundred children in the 1970's and has been healthy ever since. At present July 2010 the roll is 438, with 24 teachers.
The main block of the school contains ten classrooms, an ICT suite, a staff room, a medical room and administrative rooms. An additional teaching area was added to the school in the form of a two storey terrapin building. This currently houses three classes upstairs and one downstairs. The remaining two classes are used by the infant school. This building was refurbished in December 1991 and was re-roofed in 2001. Over the last three years space within the main building has been adapted to incorporate two smaller teaching units and an extra room built on the front entrance of the school. A purpose built hall is used for PE, assemblies, school meals and school productions. It has a stage and special lighting was installed for this in 1988. The double mobile houses 2 Year 5 classes. From September 1998 the school became a 4 form entry i.e. 16 classes, each class being of mixed ability. The school has a lift in the main building to make us fully accessible. A new building was constructed in the middle of the main playground in 2008. It houses a new Library, Meetings Room, Staff Work Area and Kitchen (+ outdoor classroom).
Community groups use the hall on occasions for meetings during some evenings and at the weekends.
Apart from these changes, the school is basically as it was in shape and design 54 years ago. Many of the children attending the school today are the sons and daughters of previous pupils, a factor, which makes Minet Junior truly a community school. The school has over 50languages and we are proud of the diversity of our ethnic groups, religions and cultures. The composition of our staff reflects this diversity.
ADMISSIONS
The school caters for children between the ages of seven and eleven years. Children admitted to Year 3 should have attained the age of seven on or after September 1st. The main September intake each year comes from MinetInfant School and opportunities are provided for these children and their parents to visit the juniors and meet as many of the staff as possible. Any parent or prospective parent wishing to see around the school should contact the school secretary who will then make the necessary arrangements.
SCHOOL TIMES
Morning school starts at 08.50
Morning Break10.15 – 10.30(Mon, Wed, Frid ) 10.00 – 10.15 (Tues, Thurs)
Lunch Break12.00 – 12.55
Afternoon school starts at13.00
School ends at15.05
Children should be in the playground by 08.45 a.m. but should not be there before 8.30 a.m. Responsibility for the children prior to this time remains with the parents or carers. Similarly, responsibility for the children after the last session ceases to be the school’s fifteen minutes from the end unless there is voluntary attendance at a club of match.
** Breakfast Club: 7.30 a.m. ~ 8.20 a.m. **For JuniorSchool Pupils Only**
HOME-SCHOOL CONTRACTS
In line with Government Guidelines the school has now developed such contracts to promote a greater working partnership between teachers and parents to provide the best for children in our care.
SCHOOL RULES
- Walk about school in a sensible manner
- Keep away from prohibited areas
- Dangerous objects are forbidden
- Do not bring any items of value to school without permission. The school will not be responsible for any losses.
- Do not bring sweets to school
- Fruit may be eaten at morning break
- Clothing or equipment brought to school should be clearly marked with the owner's name.
- Items of jewellery should not be worn for safety reasons. This should especially apply to finger rings and earrings. In the latter case only one sleeper or stud should be worn on each ear and only on the ear lobe, these must be removed for PE and Games. If this cannot be done parents must provide adhesive plaster to cover up the earrings.
- No other piercing and no nail varnish or tattoos.
- Hair should not be coloured bright or have markings i.e. patterns into shaved heads.
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CONSULTATION WITH STAFF
Parents are always most welcome at school. When you come along, would you in the interests of safety and security firstly go to the school office so that the staff concerned can then account for your presence on the premises.
Brief discussions on minor matters can take place with members of staff either before the start of school in the morning or when it has closed in the afternoon. Longer interviews should be arranged with the Head, Co- head teacher or Class teacher in advance.
Open afternoons are held each term for parental consultations. Those in the autumn and spring are formal in nature, the one in the summer is informal, giving you the opportunity to speak to the teachers as is appropriate. During the Autumn term an informal meeting is held with each year group to explain aspects of the Curriculum and school procedures. Information is also given out during that term dealing with Yr. 6 transfer to Secondary School.
If you believe your child is having serious problems at school, the first approach should be to the class teacher. Thereafter, it may be suitable to contact either the Year Leader, the Co- Headteacher/Deputy or the Head. The Co- Headteacher/Deputy is Ms. Dunworth. She is Head teacher on a Monday and Deputy for the rest of the week, as Mr Foot does not work on a Monday.
Please remember that the staff at the school have many commitments that cannot readily be dropped. If you decide to come to the school ‘on spec’, it may not always be possible for someone to see you at that time.
CHILD PROTECTION
It may be helpful for parents to be aware that the Local Authority requires all Headteachers to report any obvious or suspected case of child abuse. This may be a non- accidental injury, physical neglect, emotional abuse and/or sexual abuse. The designated teachers for Child Protection are Mr Foot, Ms Dunworth and Mrs Calveley (SENCO).
Schools are encouraged to take the attitude that where there are grounds for suspicion it is better to be safe than sorry. The procedure is intended to protect children who may be at risk.
This does mean that the Headteachers or Designated Teacher may upset some parents by reporting a case, which on investigation proves unfounded. In such circumstances it is hoped that parents will appreciate the sensitive nature of the Headteachers and Designated Teacher’s role. The Headteachers and the staff of the school endeavour to act in the best interest of the child and take this responsibility very seriously.
THE CURRICULUM
The following subjects make up the curriculum:
Mathematics Art CraftICTMusic Design and Technology
English Religious EducationGeographySwimming, French,
Science, Physical Education,History, Personal, Social and Health Education & Citizenship
The school's curriculum is linked to the National Curriculum, with due regard given to the guidelines published by the Local Education Authority.The school is a nationally accredited HealthySchool and holds a Basic Skills Accreditation.
In both Language and Mathematics we ‘set’ the children in attainment groups. The work in mathematics is planned to enable the children to acquire the necessary basic number skills, solve everyday problems and to think for themselves. The school still follows the Primary Literacy and Numeracy Strategies.English language is common to every subject and it is essential that every child is able to use it correctly and efficiently. A structured reading scheme is in use. A love of books and literature is actively encouraged, particularly within the Literacy Hour. As well as individual reading, group reading also takes place during this hour.Reading is a key priority for the school.
Information, Communication & Technology (ICT) will be found across the whole curriculum and will help the child to acquire confidence in using computers. Not only should they be better equipped to face the future, they should also be able to evaluate the potential as well as the limitations of this technology. Each class has a weekly lesson in our ICT suite.
The school is fully networked and the use of the Internet is incorporated into IT teaching. Our E-safety Agreement exists to ensure that both parents and children understand the correct use of the Internet i.e. children can access only appropriate material. ( Appendix 1)
We also have Fronter (MLE) where pupils can log into a secure area in school and at home and access a wealth of resources.
Religious Education, whilst largely concerned with Christian beliefs, covers all of the main religions of the world and takes great account of other customs and traditions. In this way we hope that all the children will develop tolerance, understanding and awareness of the cultural richness of today's world. This subject is linked to an agreed syllabus, backed up with legislation on national expectations. Assemblies for the whole school are held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.
At Minet Junior Sex Education forms only one part of our personal, social and health education programme. The Governing body have decided that sex education should take the form of a "spiral Curriculum" to allow the subject to be developed over a period of time to build on the children’s levels of understanding. We also see that the parents have a crucial role to play in the child's development and this subject should be a shared experience between home and school. The above criteria may change if the governing body decides to alter its policy.
Since September 1994, parents have had the right to withdraw their children from any sex education provided it is not part of the National Curriculum. (If you have any concerns please discuss with your child’s class teacher). Reasonable notice of such an intention is required in order to aid organization and planning.
The school has developed a Drugs Awareness Policy in collaboration with the LEA/Governors and Parents.
Religious education and those elements of sex education not included in National Curriculum science are the only parts of the curriculum from which a parent may request withdrawal of a child. If you wish to carry this out please inform the Head, Co- Head/Deputy, Year Leader or the RE. Co-ordinator.
From May 2000 this role has been held by Miss. Dring. If you do withdraw your child from religious activities, please arrange for an alternative activity for your child while these take place. The child can then rejoin the class or assembly once the activity is over. If you withdraw your child from part or all of any sex education, alternative arrangements will be made for them.
Please note: With the exception of the above, the curriculum is compulsory, including physical education, games and swimming. There is no right of parental withdrawal as a consequence. Physical Education contributes to the health, bodily development and fitness of each child through regular, planned and purposeful activities.
Science is aimed at encouraging a child's natural curiosity, interest in the environment and the stimulation of questioning and reasoned approaches to problem solving.
French has been taught throughout the school since 2008. Each class is taught by a specialist teacher for half an hour each week. Work is then continued by the class teacher.
History and Geography is focused on the teaching of key skills often combined and approached via a topic which is based on a particular theme. Art and craft is approached in the same way.
Design and Technology will involve the children in planning, designing and testing models, usually through problem solving exercises, linked with other curricular areas when appropriate.
Art and Craft provides the children with opportunities to explore the nature and characteristics of a wide range of materials.
Music lessons help to encourage enjoyment of music, giving them opportunities to make music for themselves. Specialist violin lessons are offered to select children from Year 4 on Wednesday mornings.
All children take part in singing practice for half an hour every week.
Due to the lack of space in the hall it is not possible to invite parents to some functions or activities that take place during the school day. Health and safety considerations are paramount on these occasions.
On entry to the school each child is issued with a ruler and a reading record. Those lost or broken can be purchased from the school at the current price.
The children should be encouraged to obtain their own coloured pencils, pencil sharpeners, felt pens and mathematical instruments.
HOMEWORK
Homework is seen as a key part of children’s learning and the school follows Government guidelines. Children are given Mathematics and Literacy homework every week. Parents are also asked to aid the school in this process by supporting reading each evening and helping with the learning of mathematical tables. A revised policy has been in place since October 2008. Study support is available for pupils to raise standards and the school does provide 1-1 tutoring for selected pupils
EDUCATIONAL TRIPS
The Governing Body has a policy covering these events. Trips that are linked with work done as part of the curriculum have become an established part of school life but in so far as the law does not permit us to make a compulsory charge for them, other than board and lodging, no future school trips will be able to take place, unless sufficient voluntary payments are made to cover the cost. The named Educational Visits Organiser (EVO) is Ms Dunworth.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
The school offers a range of after school clubs, such as Rugby, Football Athletics, Netball, Cricket, Speed Stacks, Sewing, Street Dance, More Able, Tuition and Study Support. We recognise our diverse population and are offering more clubs to include all children.
CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
A child may need to be referred to the Educational Psychologist for educational or behavioural problems. This might either be at the parents' request from the outset or deemed necessary on an exploratory basis by the head. For any action to be instigated thereafter it is necessary for the parents to give their permission.
A child of exceptional ability would be able to extend work undertaken via the levels of the National Curriculum.
Mrs Calveley is our SENCO and Mr Hill is the Special Needs Link Governor. (Chair of Governors)
RECORD KEEPING & ASSESSMENT
Record keeping and assessment are a continuous process in the school. This is backed up by annual testing.Year 6 are required to take Standard Assessment tasks (SATs) in English and Maths in May.Years 3, 4 and 5 take similar tests in Language and Maths developed by QCA.
Each term teachers hold progress meetings with SMT to discuss the progress of every pupil.
Parents and children have access at reasonable notice to all records kept on their children. Children must apply to the school in writing to access their own records.
If you have any concerns about any part of the National Curriculum not being delivered to your child, you have the right of complaint under the terms of the Educational Reform Act. The Local Education Authority has established a formal procedure for the consideration of complaints. Your first point of contact is the Headteacher.
BEHAVIOUR
At Minet we primarily aim to develop self-control and self-discipline in our children. Children are encouraged to take responsibility for their own behaviour.
Our behaviour policy is centred on the "4 C’s":
CONTROL of self
CARE for each other and the school environment