|
General Information
The school is in the village of Meldreth village on an attractive site. There are two classrooms in the original building, opened in 1910, and four others in a more modern building, built in the sixties and extended a few years ago. There is a hall, used for assemblies, drama, gymnastics and other PE activities. The hall also serves as our dining room, where meals cooked in our own kitchen are served, or children can eat their packed lunches. The school also has a small kitchen for the children's use and a spacious library area. There are two hard surfaced playground areas and an all-weather surfaced area for the Reception class; a large playing field and an enclosed wildlife area. An adventure playground has been provided by the Parents’ Association and the school has its own swimming pool.
Meldreth is a Community School which educates children from 4 to 11 (Reception, Years 1,2,3,4,5 and 6), the present number of pupils on our roll is 151. We have six classes, the composition of which can vary from year to year. The current arrangement is for children in Key Stage 2 (Years 3 to 6) to be in three classes. This means that all pupils will spend two years in one of the three classes. This school year, all our Y6 children are in one class. All Y3 children are in Amethyst class, along with the youngest Y4 children. Diamond class is made up of of Y5 with a small number of Y4 children. Class sizes in the Juniors are usually between 28 and 32 pupils. infants are taught in three single-year group classes, Reception, Y1 and Y2. Infant classes are not allowed to exceed 30 pupils. Further information about this is included in the Governors Annual Report to Parents. The school’s latest OFSTED inspection report can be accessed from http://www.ofsted.gov.uk or from the school office. The DfES school performance tables can be accessed from www.dfes.gov.uk/performancetables
ADMISSIONS
All children are entitled to full time education from the beginning of the academic year in which they reach their fifth birthday. Parents can apply for a place directly to their catchment area school. The catchment area for Meldreth is Meldreth village. A booklet for parents is available from the school or from the Admissions Office 01223 717772. The Admissions booklet is also available on http://www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/education/parents/admission
Criteria for admissions
1. Children with a statement of special educational needs which names the school or for whom this is the only school that can meet their long-term medical needs.
2. Children living in the catchment area with a sibling at the school at the time of admission.
3. Children living in the catchment area.
4. Children living outside the catchment area who have a sibling at the school at the time of admission.
5. Children living outside the catchment area who have been unable to gain a place at their catchment area school because of oversubscription.
6. Children living outside the catchment area.
In cases of equal merit, priority will go first to children who are looked after and then to children living nearest the school.
Admission to classes other than Reception class
Our Published Admission Number is 25. This means that normally no more than 25 pupils per year group will be admitted. When parents approach the school to enquire whether places are available for children other than those coming into Reception, we can offer places where the year group numbers less than 25, providing there are no pupils on the reserve list at Shire Hall.
If we are unable to offer a place, parents are advised to contact the Admissions Office (01223 717772), who will then try to find them a place elsewhere. Parents can make an appeal for a place to be made available at Meldreth and Admissions will advise on this process.
STARTING SCHOOL
In September children are admitted part time at first to help the settling in process. Prior to the admission of your child in September, parents are invited to a meeting in the summer term where arrangements for this will be explained.
When children begin school, we expect children to be able to undress and dress themselves for PE lessons and ask parents and carers to provide velcro fastenings for shoes, unless the child can manage laces or buckles independently. Children need to be able to go to the toilet by themselves and know that they must wash their hands afterwards. Experience of playing co-operatively, sharing toys and equipment and sitting quietly listening to a story is also important.
Many parents ask what they can do to prepare their child for school. Sharing stories, singing nursery rhymes, talking and listening, imaginative play, naming colours and shapes and noticing numbers, signs and print while out and about are all very useful. Counting steps, helping to count out knives and forks and other everyday experiences of counting can be fun and develop early number skills. Jigsaws, colouring, construction toys and sorting beads or coins are the best preparation for writing where fine movements are required. Encourage your child to hold their pencil or crayon correctly; we find that when children arrive at school already having learned to hold a pencil in an awkward grip it can be very hard for them to correct this, even at such an early stage.
The first weeks in school are very important and we want all our Reception children to have a happy and secure start to school. The induction programme aims to settle children into school routines and expectations as smoothly as possible. Details are given at a meeting for parents in the summer term preceding entry.
SCHOOL HOURS
School starts at 8:50 am and finishes at 3:00 pm for Reception and Key Stage 1 and 3:10 p.m. for Key Stage 2. Lunch time is from 12 noon until 1:00 pm. The school door is opened at 8.40 and children go to their classrooms and prepare for the day. Children arriving after registration is closed at 8:55 am are registered as late. Without a written explanation, this is recorded as an unauthorised absence. Children arriving late must be signed in by an adult, with a satisfactory explanation recorded. Arriving late is both disruptive for the class and unsettling for your child, so please make sure that children arrive on time.
SCHOOL MEALS
Children may have a school meal, a packed lunch or go home for lunch on a weekly basis. It helps if you let us know of any changes to your usual arrangements in advance. Please note that we cannot provide lunch where this has not been paid for in advance, unless a claim for free school meals has been made. Please send money for meals to school on Monday mornings only, in an envelope with the name of the child written clearly on the outside. It is a great help to us if you could send the correct amount. Payment can be made weekly or half termly by cheque made payable to Cambridgeshire County Council. Applications for free school meals can be obtained from the office, in confidence. Once filled in forms should be returned to the address on the form, not the school.
Children who have a school dinner need to be able to use a knife and fork independently – if there are likely to be any difficulties for your child please let us know so that we can plan how our lunchtime staff can best help.
Children having a packed lunch should be able to deal with any packaging independently. Containers should be clearly named. Please do not send fizzy drinks, cans or glass bottles. A straw or plastic cup can be useful. Please do not include novelty foods which can be tricky to open and messy to eat.
SCHOOL MEDICALS
The "School Doctor” is Consultant Paediatrician, Dr Debbie King. The Community Nursing Team for Children and Families is led by Mrs Sue Clarke, 35 Orchard Road, Melbourn (01763 261775). The Educational Welfare Officer is Mr Andrew Oaty, (01223 566756). All these people work with the school and parents to meet the health and welfare needs of children in school.
ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL
If your child is absent from school, please inform us by letter or telephone as all absences not explained in this way are deemed as unauthorised. If your child is taken ill at school we will notify you. It would help us very much to have a second person to contact if a parent cannot be available. Please ensure that a responsible adult collects the child, as a signature is required in a book kept in the office. All children taken out of school during the school day need to be signed out in this way. Similarly, if they arrive after registration or return after a medical appointment for instance, please sign them in. Children are often very keen to return to school quickly after an illness, but please make sure they are completely recovered before you let them return. As a general rule it is best to keep your child at home for 24 hours after the last sign of illness, especially for cases of sickness and diarrhoea.
HOLIDAYS DURING TERM
A holiday taken during term time can significantly disrupt your child's learning and overall enjoyment of school. Therefore, we ask that all holidays are taken during the school holiday periods. In exceptional circumastances the Head may authorise a child's absence from school. Parents are asked to put their request in writing at least two weeks before the holiday is booked. Each case will be consdiered on an individual basis and take into account the child's attendance record.
MEDICINES IN SCHOOL
If your child has to take medicine during school time, please complete an administration form and leave with the office staff. We do try to be accommodating but if at all possible you should come in to administer the medicine yourself. We do not administer eye, ear or nasal drops or skin creams.
REQUEST FOR WITHDRAWAL FROM LESSONS
If a child is unfit to take part in games, swimming, PE etc, please inform the class teacher in writing.
BEHAVIOUR, DISCIPLINE AND ANTI-BULLYING POLICY
We have high expectations for pupil’s behaviour and believe in working with parents to promote positive behaviour in school and in the community. We believe in encouraging self discipline and hope that children become aware of the needs of other people through the promotion of our aims, our code of conduct and general routines. More explicit support comes through our Personal, Social and Health Education and Citizenship curriculum. We are proud of our children’s good behaviour and where there are lapses, the children are encouraged to learn alternative, more appropriate ways of behaving. Our ethos emphasises inclusion and helping children learn in a supportive environment. We believe that every child has the right to feel safe, happy and secure..
This positive approach is supported by sanctions so that children learn that their behaviour has consequences. Sanctions range from reminders and reprimands to losing privileges and free time. Where inappropriate behaviour is repeated or serious then parents will be invited to discuss the next steps to be taken. Good behaviour is rewarded in a variety of ways including tokens which classes collect in order to earn a whole class reward such as extra playtime.
When bullying is reported, action is taken promptly. Staff are also watchful for any behaviour that indicates bullying. We take reports seriously and encourage the children to tell an adult - this may be at odds with advice children hear outside school not to “tell tales”. It can be very difficult to deal with bullying satisfactorily if it isn’t reported. We urge parents not to try to deal with an incident involving another child by directly tackling the other child’s parents, but to work with us in trying to resolve issues. All parties involved are supported and encouraged to talk about their role in the bullying situation and helped to improve relationships. The full policy is available for inspection in school.
SAFETY OUTSIDE SCHOOL
Parking is available across the road at the Village Hall for parents and carers bringing children to school or collecting them by car. There are parking restrictions outside the school. Please do not park near barriers, near corners or driveways where access and visibility could be obstructed.
While waiting to collect children at the end of the day, please wait on the paved areas and try to leave space on the footpath for pushchairs and wheelchairs to pass. Once the children leave through the front door the school is no longer responsible for their safety. We try to help parents and carers by escorting the younger children to the exit and make sure they meet up with whoever is collecting them. Please keep your younger children and pre-school children close to you while waiting for older children. Children must not play ball games or run around on the grass or flowerbeds at the front of the school, neither should they go near the car park or bicycle sheds.
CYCLES IN SCHOOL
We encourage children living some distance from school to cycle. Please make sure children have secure locks for their bicycles which can be left in the cycle racks at the owner’s risk. Cyclists should dismount and walk through the car park to the cycle racks.
SCHOOL UNIFORM
Although uniform is not compulsory the majority of children do wear it. We believe it fosters a sense of belonging to the community of the school.
The school colour is dark green. Sweatshirts and cardigans are dark green with the school logo embroidered on them; trousers and skirts are grey or black and blouses and shirts white, dark green or grey. Summer dresses are green and white checks or stripes. Uniform is available from Uniform Solutions at Fowlmere, who will collect orders and deliver goods via the school office as an alternative to visiting the shop. From time to time a Nearly New sale is organised by the PTA.
A set of special tee shirts in mint green with the school logo is kept in school and loaned to children representing the school in special events or performances.
Nail varnish, rings, bracelets and necklaces are not allowed. If children have pierced ears, only flat studs should be worn. Further information about this is in the section on Physical Education. Shoes should have fastenings rather than slip-on and be flat heeled. These are not uniform specifications but requirements for health and safety. Hair ornaments should be minimal and preferably in school colours.
A named apron or old shirt is necessary for use in Art lessons to protect clothing. If an adult shirt is used, the sleeves need to be shortened.
EDUCATIONAL VISITS / VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS
Various visits may be made during the school year and there will usually be residential opportunities for Class 6 and possibly other classes. These visits extend and enrich the curriculum and are valuable learning and social experiences for the children. We urge you to allow your children to participate.
Under the Education Reform Act, the children may be charged for board and lodging but other expenses will be met by voluntary contributions, except of course in cases of hardship. If parents are not prepared to make such voluntary contributions, the trip or visit may not be able to go ahead. Please contact the Headteacher if payment is a problem. Confidentiality is assured and we may be able to help.
HOMEWORK
All the children are given homework of some sort. As well as specific homework tasks, children are encouraged to take books home to share with parents. We find that parental support and encouragement in reading is important right through primary school, both reading aloud together and discussing books. Your child’s teacher will explain how the home/school reading programme is managed. This varies as children progress through the school. Details of what homework each class can expect to have are included in the letters class teachers send out at the beginning of each term.
REPORTS AND CONSULTATIONS
Reports will be issued at the end of the Summer Term for all children and an opportunity to discuss its contents will be arranged at your request. Consultation evenings are held during the Autumn and Spring terms. However, if you have any worries please don’t wait for a formal consultation time but make an appointment to see the teacher. Please avoid “dropping in” at the start of the school day, when teachers need to be supervising the children and preparing for lessons. We like the children to show you their work after school from time to time, but please check with the teacher first that it is convenient.
PARENTS
Parents are very welcome in school. Many help on a regular basis and we are very grateful for this support. A pamphlet for parent helpers is available and we ask them to sign in at the office when they arrive. Criminal Records Bureau checks are made on helping parents.
We believe in consulting with and listening to parents. From time to time your opinions are sought via the weekly newsletter or at evening meetings on particular issues, but please do come and share your thoughts and ideas with us informally as well.
ASSESSMENT
Children are being continuously monitored and assessed throughout the school, in order to plan how best to meet their needs. A Foundation Stage Profile is compiled for each pupil during the Reception year and this, with subsequent assessments, help us track the progress of individuals and address any concerns as early as possible. Information is shared with parents at consultation evenings and written reports are issued at the end of the Summer Term.
National Curriculum Tests (SATs) will be administered during the years in which children become 7 and 11 and the results included in the end of year reports. Interim tests help to inform Teacher Assessment and take place during the first half of each summer term for the other year groups.
TRANSFER TO SECONDARY SCHOOL
The Village College at Melbourn is the secondary school for this catchment area, and the majority of children attending Meldreth Primary School transfer there. Information regarding transfer procedures is sent to parents from the Local Authority at the end of Year 6. Every effort is made to ensure a smooth transition and liaison is well established between Melbourn Village College and the primary schools.
COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
Under the provisions of the 1988 Education Reform Act schools are required to inform parents of the procedure for dealing with complaints about the school curriculum. A leaflet is available in school and a copy of the school’s complaints policy is available on request. Members of the public, parents/carers and pupils/students may legitimately express dissatisfaction about aspects of our work. The reason for a staged framework for dealing with complaints is to try to avoid an early and unnecessary escalation of the problem.
1. Informal stage, e.g. discussion between parents and teacher or Headteacher.
2. Formal complaint to the headteacher, Chair of Governors or LEA
3. Appeal
We believe that most complaints can be resolved satisfactorily by informal discussion either over the telephone or through a meeting involving the key people involved. Where a complaint results in disciplinary proceedings against a member of staff, those proceedings remain confidential.
STAFF WHO ARE ALSO PARENTS OF CHILDREN ATTENDING THE SCHOOL
A protocol for professional conduct dealing with some of the particular issues that may arise in this situation has been drawn up by staff and governors. This is available on request.
|
