ST LAWRENCE LOWER SCHOOL VOLUNTARY AIDED

SCHOOL PROSPECTUS

St Lawrence Lower VA School

Manor Lane

Wymington

Northants

NN10 9LL

Tel: 01933 353530

Fax: 01933 316950

Email

Our school office hours are 8.45 a.m. – 3.30 p.m. Monday to Friday

St Lawrence Voluntary Aided School is a Bedford Borough Education Authority Lower School with a designated Early Years for 3-5 years old (Foundation Stage). The main school provides education for children aged 5-9 years old (Years 1-4).

CONTENTS

Introduction:

  • Welcome to St Lawrence Lower School
  • Vision and Aims
  • History of the School

School Organisation:

  • Staff
  • Admissions
  • School Day

Starting School:

  • Early Years Curriculum

The Curriculum:

  • Subjects
  • School Council
  • Assessment
  • Special Education Needs
  • More Able Children
  • Homework
  • Wider Curriculum
  • Educational Visits
  • Activities in School
  • Home School Links
  • Parent Consultation
  • Home School Agreement

General:

  • Behaviour Policy
  • Attendance Policy
  • St Lawrence Parents and Teachers Association (PTA)
  • Extended Services
  • School Meals
  • School Uniform
  • Term Dates
  • Ofsted
  • Acknowledgements

Welcome to St Lawrence VA Lower School

Dear Parents

Welcome to St Lawrence Voluntary Aided Lower School. We are a Church of England village school, serving the community of Wymington. This prospectus is intended to inform and give you an insight about the life and workings of our school.

Our school is committed to providing education of the highest quality within a happy, secure and Christian environment.

We welcome visitors so they may experience for themselves our school at work and play to see our happy, motivated children and confirm the care and commitment of all the staff.

May we take this opportunity of welcoming you to our school and we look forward to working with you to make your child’s time with us happy and successful.

Mrs G Donald

Head Teacher

Vision and Aims

“Our School is committed to providing education of the highest quality within a happy, secure and Christian environment”

Our Aims: We will;

•Develop children and staff to their full potential

•Achieve high standards across the curriculum

•Create a caring, stimulating and supporting environment

•Nurture a love of learning that helps children to develop lively, imaginative and enquiring minds

•Give pupils an understanding of religious and moral values

•Respect other races, beliefs and ways of life

•Foster positive social skills, self-respect and a caring attitude towards all others in the school and in the wider community

•Work in partnership with parents to create a good learning environment for our children

History of the School

Wymington is a small village in the north of Bedfordshire lying adjacent to the Country boundary, which join the Northamptonshire town of Rushden. There has been a school in the village since 1869, when it was founded by the Rector, The Reverend William Monk. To this day we continue to be a Church of England, voluntary aided School, within the Diocese of St Albans.

In more recent history the School changed from being a primary infant and junior school to a Lower School, providing primary education for children between the ages of 3-9 years old. In July 1989, the School changed its name from Wymington Lower School to St Lawrence VA Lower School, thus more clearly reflecting our status and connections with the Parish of St Lawrence.

Our village Church is one of many called St Lawrence. In 258 AD St Lawrence lived in Rome. The emperor who ruled Rome and its Empire was called Valarian. He was a greedy man. Valarian sent his guard and the Prefect to the Church where Lawrence worked. The Prefect demanded the church’s treasure and riches. Lawrence, who was kind and gentle, was not going to be brow-beaten by these men. He brought out of the Church the group of poor people whom he had been offering food and shelter. The Prefect of the guard was very angry and the Emperor punished him severely. He was put to death in a very cruel way.

School Organisation

The Staff

Mrs G Donald - Head Teacher
Teachers
Mrs P Bavington
Mrs S Britt
Mrs H Lee
Mrs J Morris
Miss P Nudd
Mrs Z Zaman
Inclusion Lead
Mrs L Prior
School Secretary
Mrs L Howells
Bursar
Mrs B Whitford / Support Staff
Mrs T Baker
Mrs R Compton
Mrs M Eremita
Mrs L Ganna-Knight
Mrs C Hallam
Mrs S Judge
Mrs K Kendrick
Mrs T Fensome
Mrs J Nicklin
Mrs N Nevin
Mrs S Parmar
Mrs M Pista
Mrs J Prouse
Mrs S Sayer
Mrs T Shortland
Extended Services Fun4Us
Mrs C Walker – Club Manager
Mrs N Nevin – Club Assistant
Mrs S Parmar – Play Leader
Mrs J Prouse - Play Leader
Kitchen Staff
MissS Lovell
Mrs N Johnson / Caretaker
Mr D Palmer
Cleaner
Miss C Walker
Miss C Merriman

Governors

Mr J Bantin

Mr C Bramley- Robbins

Mrs G Donald

Mrs I Fox

Mrs S Lewis – Chair

Mrs S Merrifield

Miss P Nudd

Dr R Porter

Mr A Short

Mrs M West

Mr A Whitfield

Clerk to the Governors

Mrs L Howells

School Organisation

Early Years – Foundation Stage

At present children from the age of 3-5 can attend our Early Years. Children may start the term after their third birthday in the Nursery on a part time basis in the mornings.

The September following their fourth birthday, children can attend full time in Reception – Early Years.

Main School – Key Stage 1

Key Stage 1 – Years 1 and 2 are currently taught in two separate classes. Sometimes, if numbers are lower for example, it may be necessary to teach these two year groups together.

In the September following their fifth birthday, children move from Early Years to main school, Year 1.

Key Stage 2

In September following their seventh birthday, children move to Key Stage 2 – Years 3 and 4. This is currently taught in two separate classes.

School Admission

Our Early Years caters for children aged between 3 and 5 years old, Nursery and Reception, prior to moving into Year 1, the September following their fifth birthday.

Places are allocated on the following criteria:

(i)To all “looked after” children or children who were previously “looked after” but immediately after being “looked after” became subject to an adoption or special guardianship order – see definition.

(ii)Children who live within the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Lawrence Wymington who will have sibling in the school at the time of admission (siblings as defined by the LA in the booklet ‘Starting School’). The website is helpful in verifying parish of residence.

(iii)Other children who live within the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Lawrence Wymington.

(iv)Other children who have siblings in the school at the time of admission (siblings as defined by the LA in the booklet – see definition.

(v)Children living outside the area as defined in (ii) and (iii), one or more of whose parents/guardians, at the time of application, have attended a Christian Church at least once a month for the six months preceding the date of the submission of application to the school. Christian Churches relates to Churches Together in Britain and Ireland and/or the Evangelical Alliance. The signature of the priest or minister is required on the relevant section on the LA application form.

(vi)Children who attend St Lawrence Lower School Nursery

(vii)On very exceptional medical grounds – see definition

(viii)Any other children
In the case of older children who apply to join the school, admission will be on the basis of places being available in the relevant class. If more applications for places are received than places available then the above criteria will apply. Requests for admission into other year groups should be made on the In-Year application form and in accordance with the Local Authority’s co-ordinated scheme for In-Year admissions. The form is available from the school or Local Authority and can also be downloaded from the Local Authority website. The local authority will coordinate this ‘in year admission’ process.

If applying these criteria results in there being more children with an equal right to admission to the school than the number of available places, the tie break will be the distance the pupil lives from the school measured in a straight line using the Local Authority’s computerised mapping system, with those living closer to the school receiving the higher priority. The distance will be measured from the address point of the pupil’s home to the door the children enter the school by on Church Lane. Priority will not be given within each criterion to children who meet the other criteria.

In our Early Years Nursery children may start the term after their 3rd birthday if there are available places. A Nursery Admission form is available from the School Office and should be returned to the School Office.

Admission forms for the Main School may also be collected from the School Office but should be returned to School Admissions. Bedford Borough Council do encourage parents to apply on line at

Transfer

In the September following their 9th birthday children transfer to Middle School and at thirteen to Upper School, in Bedfordshire. Parents are invited to Middle School open sessions during their child’s last year at St Lawrence Lower School. There is close liaison between all schools in North Bedfordshire.

School Day

Early Years – Nursery

Morning 08.50 – 11.50

Optional Lunchtime Club 11.50 – 13.00

Reception

Children attend all day from 08.50 – 15.15

Main School

The school day is divided into the following sessions:

Morning

08.50 – 12.00

Afternoon

13.15 – 15.15 – Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2)

13.00 – 15.20 – Key Stage 2 (Years 3 and 4)

Arrival and Departure

For Early Years: Nursery and Reception children and older siblings, the children should arrive and leave by Church Lane playground. Parents/guardians, or other responsible adults must bring your child to school and fetch your child from school. If for any reason you are unable to collect, please inform us of who is to collect your child and please write on the back cover in the Home/School Liaison book. When children arrive they must be left with a member of staff and at the end of each session or day are returned to you by a member of staff.

Years 1-4 children may arrive on Manor Lane playground from 08.45. The school bell is rung at 08.50. Registration takes place at the beginning of morning and afternoon school. Please ensure your child is on time. If your child is late they should enter through the main doors (Manor Lane playground) and be signed in the Green Signing In/Out Book. Parents are advised not to send their child to school too early in the morning, as no responsibility will be taken for the children on the school premises before 08.50, unless they are attending the Breakfast Club.

If children are to be collected and returned to school during the course of the day, please always report to the main office, via Manor Lane, so children can be signed in and out of the Green Book. Prior notification of appointments is very much appreciated in the Home/School Liaison book.

Safety Rules

Parents bringing children to school by car are asked, for safety reasons, not to drive onto the school premises. Please park safely on the neighbouring roads around the school, observing the road markings and restrictions. Please help us to maintain good relations with our neighbours and the Parish Council by parking courteously, not blocking driveways. We would also ask that parents do not use the cemetery car park when dropping children off and picking up.

Dogs

Dogs, with the exception of guide dogs, are not permitted on the school grounds.

Play Equipment

The outdoor play equipment is not to be used outside of school hours. It is only in use during school session times when supervised by a member of staff.

Starting School

Starting Early Years is an exciting time for your child and you. Your child will be meeting new people, making new friends, leaving home for longer periods of time and becoming more independent.

We plan to make this transition as easy and gentle as possible. Our Early Years is a warm, friendly place with dedicated, experienced and well trained staff. All staff strive to ensure that school is a place where your child will enjoy learning.

We believe that children who are happy are better able to learn, so we place a great emphasis on creating a happy environment where children will be willing and eager to learn. We also believe that where parents and school are closely involved and working together in the interests of the children, children’s development will be enhanced. We hope that you will join us in this and ensure that your child has the best start we can provide.

Early Years Curriculum

Throughout the school week, the children are provided with a range of activities through a wide range of learning experiences. The underlying ethos is that children learn best through play and exploration and practical experiences. The children are encouraged through the day to develop independence and social skills as they interact with one another.

The Early Years children follow The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. The main themes and commitments of the Early Years Foundation Stage are outlined below:

A Unique Child

  • Child Development – recognising all children develop individually
  • Inclusive Practice – no child or family is discriminated against
  • Keeping Safe with a child’s physical and psychological well-being protected by adults
  • Health and well-being

Positive Relationships

  • Respecting each other
  • Parents as partners to support children’s learning
  • Supporting Learning with knowledgeable adults
  • A key person for working with a small number of children

Enabling Environments

  • Observation, Assessment and Planning to ensure schedules flow with the child’s needs
  • Supporting every child through challenging but achievable activities
  • The Learning Environment to be rich and varied
  • The wider context

Learning and Development

  • Play and Exploration – as in play children learn at their highest level
  • Active Learning as children learn best through physical and mental challenges
  • Creativity and Critical Thinking
  • Seven Areas of Learning and Development

Early Years Assessment

Staff place a strong emphasis on meeting children’s individual needs. We are constantly monitoring children’s progress and recording their achievements. Parents are invited to meet the Early Years staff once a term to share their child’s progress and achievements. A written report is sent to parents at the end of the Reception year. Parents will have an opportunity to discuss the report at Parent Consultation sessions.

Behaviour Policy

The school follows a positive approach to Behaviour Management using assertive discipline which is encouraged through praise and encouragement. Good achievements in work and behaviours are recognised in the following ways:

  • Praise from Early Years staff
  • Sharing success with other staff and children – Celebration Assemblies
  • Sharing success with parents

If children display unacceptable behaviour it is dealt with in the following ways:

  • By encouraging, modelling good behaviour
  • Reminders of appropriate behaviour and tasks
  • A reprimand explaining what is wrong with behaviour
  • By removing from an activity, for “time-out” to think about actions for a short period
  • Informing parents
  • And in extreme incidents involving the Head Teacher

The Curriculum

At St Lawrence VA Lower School, our curriculum is delivered through a range of organisational strategies. Teachers use group and whole class teaching as appropriate to the task.

The school curriculum aims to:

•Children and staff to develop their full potential

•Achieve high standards across the curriculum

•Create a caring, stimulating and supporting environment

•Nurture a love of learning that helps children to develop lively, imaginative and enquiring minds

•Give pupils an understanding of religious and moral values

•To respect other races, beliefs and ways of life

•Foster positive social skills, self-respect and a caring attitude towards all others in the school and in the wider community

The National Curriculum comprises the following subjects:

The Core Subjects – English, Mathematics, Science, Information and Communication Technology

The Foundation Subjects – History, Geography, Design Technology, Music, Art and Physical Education

All children are taught Religious Education in accordance with the Bedfordshire Agreed Syllabus.

At St Lawrence, full coverage of the National Curriculum is achieved in a two year cycle for both Key Stage 1 (ages 5-6) and Key Stage 2 (7+).

School policies, schemes of work and other relevant documents may be viewed by arrangement with the Head Teacher. Staff work collaboratively to review, revise and refine policies and practices. Training is an on-going process for all members of staff.

English

English work is approached through the following main areas: Communication, Reading and Writing. The daily Literacy lessons focussed on phonics provide children with the opportunity to develop their reading skills. Writing is taught through Creative Curriculum topics and specific lessons.

Communication

All children are actively encouraged to listen carefully and speak clearly. Children are given many opportunities to develop their communication skills: imaginative play, talking about their work, sharing ideas, following simple instructions and asking questions. Skills are then developed through drama, role-play, sharing assemblies, discussion and presentation of work.

Reading

We aim to enable the children to become enthusiastic, responsive and knowledge readers. Reading is taught using an understanding of phonics (letters and sounds – the Sounds-Write Scheme) and a “look and say” approach as teaching strategies. A rich variety of published reading schemes are colour coded to an appropriate reading level, enabling the children to gain confidence through a variety of reading books at each level.