Thornton Primary School

Thornton Primary School

Prospectus

2012-2013

September 2012

Dear Parents,

On behalf of the children, Governors and all staff, I am very pleased to welcome you to Thornton Primary School. We look forward to welcoming your child into our school.

Burn Naze Council School was formally opened on the 7th September 1914. It has continued to offer primary education for the past 98 years. In September 2006, Burn Naze Primary School was renamed Thornton Primary School.

Education is a shared experience between the school and the home. We pride ourselves on being a caring school; all the staff work extremely hard and there is a happy atmosphere in all classrooms. We strive for the highest possible standards of behaviour and all round achievement in order to prepare each child for a successful adult life.

We believe your child’s development can only be assured if there is a close co-operation, mutual understanding and trust between home and school. Please do not hesitate to contact school if you have any concern whatsoever.

We hope that this booklet will prove useful and enable you to become involved as an active partner in your child’s education at Thornton Primary School.

Yours sincerely

Mrs Rachel Clements

Headteacher

SCHOOL STAFF

HEADTEACHERMRS R. CLEMENTS

DEPUTY HEAD MISS L. MARTINDALE

TEACHING STAFF:

TIGER CLASS (R/ Y1)MRS S. YOUNG

MONKEY CLASS (Y1/Y2)MR A. BROOKE

ZEBRA CLASS (Y3/Y4)MISS L .MARTINDALE

LION CLASS (Y5/Y6)MISS S. SOLLOWAY

BURSARMRS J. HOWELL

ADMIN ASSISTANTMRS S. HENDRIE

LEARNING MENTORMRS D. SPENCER

TEACHING ASSISTANTSMRS T. BARNES, MRS G. BROCKLEHURST, MISS C. DOLPHIN,MRS J.DUCKWORTH,MRS A. JENKINSON, MRS K. SHAW,MRS D. THOMPSON,MRS V. WHITEOAK, MRS T. WOOD

SITE SUPERVISORMR P. HODGKINSON

SCHOOL CLEANERMRS L. BARTON

SCHOOL KITCHENMRS L BARTON (Cook), MRS S. HARVEY

WELFARE ASSISTANTS:MRS J. DUCKWORTH, MRS C. HEATLEY, MRS S. HISLOP MRS J. TRACEY,

SCHOOL GOVERNORS

The School Governors are a group of people who ensure the smooth and effective running of the school. They meet three times a year as a full governing body and at other times in committees in order to monitor and evaluate provision in such areas as curriculum, finance, staffing, health and safety, etc. They are taken from a cross section of the community. Parent governor representatives are elected by the parents of children at the school, and staff governor representatives are voted for by the other staff. All governors serve a 4 year term of office, and after their four years may be re-elected.

CHAIR OF GOVERNORSMR E. WINSTON (Community Governor)

VICE CHAIRMRS E. COOPER (Parent Governor)

STAFF GOVERNORSMRS R. CLEMENTS (Headteacher)

MISS A. BROOKE (Teacher Representative)

MRS K. SHAW (Non-Teaching Representative)

PARENT GOVERNORSMRS K. POWELL

MR P. SWIFT

VACANCY

LOCAL AUTHORITYGOVERNORSMRS J. HANCOCK

MRS E. SAVILLE

COMMUNITY GOVERNORSMR J. AKIN

MRS M WINSTON

VACANCY

ASSOCIATE GOVERNORSMRS T BAKER

HEALTH AND SAFETY REP:MRS G. BROCKLEHURST

INFORMATION FOR PARENTS

 SCHOOL ADDRESS:

THORNTON PRIMARY SCHOOL

HEYS STREET

THORNTON CELEVELEYS

FY5 4JP

 TEL: 01253 821128

FAX: 01253 821128

WEB

Education Offices

County Hall

PRESTON

PR1 8RJ

 01772 254868 Fax: 01772 261630

Education Offices:

Area Education Office

P.O. Box 607

White Cross Education Centre

Quarry Road

Lancaster

LA1 3SH

 01524 63243

Fax: 01524 581187

The information in this booklet relates to the 2012/13 school year and is accurate at the time of printing – September 2012.

However, it should not be assumed that there will be no change affecting the relevant arrangements in some particular matter either before the start of, or during, the school year in question or in relation to subsequent school years.

SCHOOL HOURS

Key Stage 1 -9:00am to 12:15pm

1:15pm to 3:15pm

Key Stage 2-8:55am to 12:15pm

1:15pm to 3:15 pm

It is expected that children will arrive on the school grounds no sooner than 8:45 am, as before that time there is limited supervision.

Entrances are locked after the start of school. Any pupils arriving after this time have to come into school through the main entrance and the time arrived is recorded alongside the reason for lateness.

OUR CLASSES

Currently, the school is organised into four classes. In July, the structure and groupings for each class are decided on and there may be a change to the number of classes. All classes are mixed age classes. Work is always differentiated and matched according to the children’s ability- we treat every child as an individual. Provision is made for those children with special needs and for those children who are more able. We strive for and expect every child to reach their potential.

All classes receive a substantial amount of support from Teaching Assistants so that children may be given extra individual or small group attention as appropriate.

ADMISSION TO THE SCHOOL

Many primary schools in Lancashire can accept all who wish to attend, but if the school is oversubscribed, the following criteria is used:

1. Children in public care at the time when preferences are expressed and who are still in public care at the time of their admission to school

2. Children for whom the Local Authority accepts that there are exceptional medical social or welfare reasons which are directly relevant to the school concerned

3. Children with older brothers and sisters attending the school when the younger child will start

4. Remaining places are allocated according to where a child lives. Those living nearest to the preferred school by a walking route recognised by the Local Authority will have priority.

Further information about school admissions can be found at

Our admission number for the academic year 2012/2013 is 25.

PRE-SCHOOL CONTACT

Any parents considering applying for their child to be admitted to Thornton Primary are encouraged to visit the school either during a working day or after school whichever is more convenient. It would be appreciated if you could ring the school to arrange a mutually convenient appointment.

Once an official letter has been sent indicating allocation of a place, all “new” parents are invited to an induction evening in the term before their child begins school to learn more details of the school’s organisation. The school also arranges for the children to visit the school on three separate occasions during the same Summer Term. Each child has the opportunity of meeting his, or her, teacher and see how the other children work in their class bases. Parents may also request a home visit prior to their child starting school. During the children’s pre-visit, parents are invited to attend information sessions to ensure they are fully prepared for their child to start school.

Thornton’s Mission Statement, which was drawn up by the Staff and Governors underpins every aspect of each pupil’s academic, spiritual, moral, cultural and social development. It also provides the basis each year for the School Development Plan.

“We will teach each child as an individual in a caring, safe environment. All children will be challenged to fulfil their potential and prepare them for the future.”

We aim:-

1. To deliver a broad and balanced curriculum matched to individual needs and supported by a wealth of first hand teaching experiences.
2. To provide a learning environment that is stimulating and challenging, yet is safe, happy and secure.
3. To develop positive attitudes to learning
4. To encourage independent learning skills.
5. To make learning an enjoyable experience.
6. To develop socially, spiritually and morally and to gain an understanding of other beliefs and cultures.
7. To become a valued member of the school and the community.
8. To encourage children to gain high standards.

SCHOOL RULES

A Code of Conduct has been drawn up and this is displayed around the school and frequently referred to:

LISTEN AND DO

to help you learn well

ALWAYS BE KIND

and people will like you

LOOK AFTER OUR SCHOOL

so that we can all be proud of it

BE SMART

to show how good you can look

BE IN THE RIGHT PLACE AT THE RIGHT TIME

so that you don’t miss anything

ALWAYS WALK QUIETLY

to keep us all calm and safe

IF WE ALL KEEP THESE RULES OUR SCHOOL

WILL BE A SAFE AND HAPPY PLACE

We place a high regard on good behaviour in order that all children can learn effectively and reach their full potential. We expect children to work hard, listen attentively and behave in an orderly manner. We also feel it important that they respect each other’s personal well being, property and views and begin to take responsibility for their own actions.

All the staff, both teaching and non-teaching, are of the opinion that we can help the children to achieve our expectations by adopting a positive approach to good behaviour. The starting point for this is the work that is provided for each child, our objective being to ensure that our school curriculum is interesting, challenging and stimulating. It is hoped that this will induce a desire to learn and, with teacher guidance, encourage them to take pride in all their work. In every aspect of our work, both during the working day and in extra-curricular activities, we take every opportunity to encourage respect between all members of the school. We reward examples of good behaviour and self-discipline, as well as good school work, in many ways:

i)By awarding house points to children who have demonstrated care for others, a good standard of work or a high standard of behaviour.

ii)By recognising good behaviour at lunchtime through “Lunchtime Star” awards. The children who receive these are placed in a draw and 5 are invited to the top table to share their lunch with a senior member of staff, usually the Head teacher.

iii)By giving out a ‘Superstar’ badge for a member of each class who has demonstrated a good standard of work, has tried exceptionally hard or displayed consideration to others.

v)By a simple word of praise or encouragement.

vi) All children work towards bronze, silver and gold awards by earning stickers for good behaviour and consideration. Their names will be displayed in school and on the newsletter.

The children have the opportunity to record their own successes in their Records of Achievement.

Unfortunately there are times when it is necessary to punish a child who has fallen short of the expectations we set for behaviour. Punishments reflect the level of wrongdoing as well as the age of the child. In some cases a simple reprimand will do whilst in others a loss of free time may be regarded as more appropriate. Occasionally it may be necessary to contact parents/guardians.

In the event of misconduct of a more serious nature the school reserves the right to temporarily or permanently exclude children. In such cases parents/guardians have the right of appeal.

The school has adopted a ‘No Blame’ approach in its ‘Anti-bullying Policy’ but any physical violence is regarded as misconduct of a serious nature.

The law requires regular attendance at school. An Attendance Officer is attached to Thornton and can be contacted through school. Our learning mentor, Mrs Spencer also monitors attendance on a regular basis and will work with parents on issues related to attendance and punctuality.

Care & Control of Pupils

If staff become aware of, or have a need to become involved in, situations where a child may be at risk of hurting themselves or others, or if the behaviour of a child seriously disrupts good order in the school or causes damage to property, staff may need to take steps to intervene physically. In such circumstances staff will follow the school’s policy for dealing with such situations. Any parent wishing to view this policy may do so on request.

The children are required to wear a uniform based on the school colours of yellow and blue. Most of the basic items are available from the large chain stores or catalogues. Sweatshirts, fleeces, polo shirts and ‘T’ shirts embellished with the school logo can be purchased at a reasonable price from school. Please contact Mrs K Shaw for an order form or pick one up from the school foyer.

Uniform

• Yellow or navy polo shirt
• School sweatshirt or navy cardigan/jumper
• Navy or dark grey school trousers/shorts
• Navy or dark grey skirt
• White, navy, grey or black socks or tights
• Black, navy or brown school shoes – sensible, low heeled shoes which your child can manage – velcro is better than laces for infants.
• In summer, girls may wear a blue or yellow summer dress.

Baseball hats with the school logo may be worn to prevent sunstroke.

TRAINERS ARE NOT REGARDED AS APPROPRIATE FOOTWEAR.

P.E. KIT

Yellow School ‘T’ shirt

Navy blue shorts

Thin-soled black plimsolls (essential!)

Trainers for outdoor games only.

A named PE bag

During cold weather the children may wear a tracksuit.

School jerseys, shorts etc. will be made available to children representing the school in matches.

SWIMMING

Trunks (not shorts)/one piece costume

A swimming cap is required for long hair

Towel

It is essential that ALL clothing is appropriately named with your child’s name.

Make-up, jewellery (apart from stud earrings), nail varnish and hair gel are not allowed to be worn for school. Please save extreme hairstyles (patterns cut into hair, Mohicans etc) for the school holidays.

Our aim is to give all children a broad, balanced curriculum that is matched to the individual’s needs and maximises each child’s ability and potential. It is important that each child finds learning an exciting challenge.

All year groups will receive education in the following subjects:-

English

Mathematics

Science

Information and Communication Technology

Geography

History

P.E

Design and Technology

Music

Art

Religious Education

Personal, Social and Health Education/ Citizenship

The teaching of these subjects will be guided by the National Curriculum.

Foundation Stage Curriculum

Children in the Reception year will follow the new Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. This is organised into 7 Areas of Learning and Development

Prime Areas

Communication and language

Physical Development

Personal, social and emotional development

Specific Areas

Literacy

Mathematics

Understanding the world

Expressive arts and design

The curriculum however, will not necessarily be divided into discrete lessons but rather delivered in an integrated way. For example, a child playing in a shop will be developing language, mathematical, physical and social skills through the same activity. The curriculum is very practical with children encouraged to learn by finding things out. The classroom also has access to a secure outdoor classroom.

Key Stage One and Key Stage 2 Curriculum

Key Stage One refers to years 1 and 2 and Key Stage 2 refers to Years 3, 4, 5 and 6. As a core part of the curriculum, children take part in daily literacy and numeracy lessons. Phonics is also taught daily in Key Stage 1. The children will participate in whole class, group and individual activities, delivered at the appropriate level for each child.

The children also study a range of subjects comprising of Science, history, Geography, P.E, Design and technology, Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE), Music, Art and RE. These are mostly taught through a cross curricular topic approach with certain elements taught as discrete subjects.

Pupils will study a range of topics each year. Literacy and Numeracy skills will be reinforced through all these topics.

French will also be taught in Key Stage 2.

The children will also be given the opportunity to participate in a range of extra- curricular activities including team sports as well as artistic activities.

Further information about the curriculum is available on request.

Internet Safety

The school has an ICT suite with additional laptop computers. There are also interactive whiteboards in all classrooms. We are very aware that all of our pupils are now living in a digital age where ICT skills are essential and that the Internet offers many learning opportunities. However we want our pupils to use these safely. School has an Internet safety policy for acceptable use of email and the Internet to which we ask pupils to agree, to try to minimise risk of children accessing inappropriate material. We also use Lancashire blocking and filtering facilities.

Religious Education

Religious Education encourages children to understand the nature of religion, discover their unique individuality and appreciation of the nature of Christinity and other religions in order to show empathy and understanding towards others. Teaching is non- denominational and is in accordance with the Lancashire Agreed Syllabus of Religious Education.

Each day there is an act of worship. Matters of a moral nature that affects the school, local community, nation or the world are developed.

Parents or guardians may withdraw their children from all or part of the Religious Education and worship provided as long as the request is made in writing.

Sex Education

It is the school’s policy that sex education should be an integral part of the whole school curriculum and form part of a theme on health education that emphasises personal development and growth. Loving relationships and the need to care for one another within the family are a main feature.

The 1993 Education Act gives the parents the right to withdraw their children from any or all parts, of the school’s programme on sex education other than those elements that are covered under the National Curriculum science orders. Application to take this step should be made by letter.

A copy of the school’s policy and the resources used in sex education are readily available for inspection. Parents will be informed in advance each year when an aspect of the sex education programme is being taught.