Welcome to Denham Village Infant School

Denham Village Infant School Prospectus

STAFF AND LOCAL EDUCATION AUTHORITY

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE SCHOOL

STAFF AND LOCAL EDUCATION AUTHORITY

Head Teacher Mrs. P. J. Cameron B.A. Cert. Ed.
Assistant Teacher Miss Jo Daley B.A. (Ed) Hons
Assistant Teacher Miss. Anita Sadique B.A. (Ed) Hons
Supply Teacher Mrs Margaret Stevenson MA Cert.Ed
Supply Teacher Miss Hilary Blakeley B.A. (Ed) Hons
Classroon Assistants Mrs Debbie Witney, Mrs Deana Schuite, Mrs Julia Dearing Mrs D. Gonzalez
School Secretary Mrs K. Ayris Mondays Wednesdays & Fridays 9.00am – 3.00pm

School Bursar Mrs Angela Haward Tuesday, Thursday, .9.00 a.m. - 12 noon 1.00 p.m. - 5.00 p.m.
Lunchtime Supervisors Mrs D. Witney Mrs D Schuite
Caretaker Mrs C. Newell

LOCAL EDUCATION AUTHORITY - BUCKINGHAMSHIRE
Education Department,
County Hall,
Aylesbury,
Bucks HP20 1UZ.

Telephone:
01296 395000

SCHOOL DISTRICT
Wycombe, Chiltern & South Bucks,
Easton Street,
High Wycombe,
Bucks HP11 1NH.

Telephone:
01494 475001

SCHOOL GOVERNORS

Chairman Mr. J. Hollands
Co-opted Governor
Vice Chairman Mrs. S Williams
Parish Council Representative Mr. P Jefferys
Numeracy & Literacy /Parent Governor Mrs C Hooke
Council Governors Mr Bill Lidgate
County Council Co-optee
Mrs. F. Cameron-Wilson
SEN / Parent Governor
Mrs. G. Barney
Parent Governor
Mr. M Engelbretson
Teacher Governor
Miss J Daley

Head Teacher
Mrs. P. J.Cameron

Any Governor can be contacted through the school or by contacting:

Mr John Hollands
71 Denham Green Lane
Denham
Bucks
UB9 5BA

Tel: 01895 833137

WELCOME

Welcome to Denham Village Infant School . This booklet is designed to provide help and information to prospective parents. Should you already have children with us, we hope it will provide a useful update.

Our first aim is to help your child settle into the routine of school life as smoothly and as quickly as possible. The education of your children is a partnership between home, school and the child.

We believe that children learn best if they work hard, gain enjoyment from their work and feel secure in their school life.

We welcome contact with parents during their child’s early years at school and we hope that you will share in all aspects of school life.

ADMISSIONS

The current admission number for the Reception class is 24. The children start school on a mornings-only basis in the academic year in which they are five and receive a nursery education during their first term in school. All children have the opportunity to enter full time education during the spring term.

Prospective parents are welcome to visit. Please telephone the school secretary during her office hours to arrange an appointment.

We invite new children to spend one morning in school in the term before they start part time education. Parents are invited to meet the Headteacher for a short talk before picking up their child.

PHILOSOPHY OF THE SCHOOL

Your child matters to us. We are concerned with each child’s physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual growth, the child’s feelings, attitudes and relationships, character and personality. We set out to provide a secure, happy and caring environment where each child may be helped to develop to the fullest potential. Our school is a caring place where young children are able to grow in self-confidence and to learn good social behaviour. We expect each child to have respect for the rights, opinions and faiths of others and to participate constructively in the life of the school.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE SCHOOL

The Aim of the School

1. To provide a balanced educational programme in a homely, happy atmosphere that will develop security, self-confidence and a positive attitude to learning.

2. To stimulate the child’s interest and imagination, and to fully extend pupils of all abilities.

3. To help the child acquire and develop the basic skills of literacy and numeracy as a basis for learning and to use these skills with pleasure, understanding and confidence.

4. To help the child grow into a friendly, caring individual who enjoys learning.

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The Objectives of the School

The majority of children leaving Denham Village Infant School at seven will transfer to a number of feeder schools in the area having acquired:

· the ability to communicate clearly and confidently in speech and writing and to be able to listen attentively;

· the ability to read fluently, accurately with understanding for both information and pleasure;

· a basic comprehension of numbers and the ability to carry out, with confidence and accuracy, simple calculations and to apply them appropriately to everyday situations;

LITERACY, NUMERACY, SCIENCE

Our curriculum places great emphasis on the core subjects of Literacy, Numeracy, Science and ICT. The other National Curriculum foundation subjects, Geography, History, Art, Music, Physical Education, PHSE and Religious Instruction are introduced along with the core subjects. Religious and moral education plays an important part in school life, and the whole school meets daily for non-denominational assemblies.

We give the children every encouragement to enjoy learning and to take pride in their work.

Reading

At Denham Village Infant School reading is of the utmost importance. Our aim is to equip children with the desire as well as the skills to read while instilling a love, appreciation and respect for books. We employ a wide variety of methods appropriate to individual children to enable the development of skills that will make reading a pleasurable activity. Through these acquired reading skills, children develop the ability to read, understand and respond to various types of writing.

Pupils in Year One and Two are encouraged to borrow books from the school library; Year Two pupils also borrow books from the mobile library service, which makes a weekly visit to the school.

We are following the Government’s Renewed Primary Framework with an emphasis on Speaking and Listening and Synthetic Phonics.

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Writing

The children learn to write freely and creatively through careful teaching, encouragement and an exposure to a variety of writing styles. We hope to instil a respect for and a joy in the written word through many different writing experiences.

We teach the children to develop a fluent and legible handwriting style to foster pride in the presentation of their work. (There is a handwriting sheet available to show correct letter formation and starting points.)

Speaking and listening

Speaking and listening are also important skills and all children are encouraged to express themselves clearly and audibly, this is done through drama and discussion.

Mathematics

Our overall aim is that mathematics should provide a challenge and a sense of achievement for all pupils and be an experience from which children derive fun and enjoyment while developing an understanding of Mathematical processes through a wide range of experiences.

The school's scheme of work is in line with the Government's Renewed Primary Framework.

The scheme places emphasis on: -

1. Mental calculations and being able to use and apply knowledge.

2. Number, in which the children develop flexible methods of working orally and mentally with numbers and choose suitable methods of computation using apparatus, where appropriate.

3. Shape, Space and Measures where the children gain a wide range of practical experience using a variety of materials.

The children receive a firm foundation on which to develop ideas and to begin solving problems.

Science

Children develop scientific skills through first hand participation. Scientific opportunities arise through classroom experiences and by exploration of the local environment.

The school’s programme of study follows Science in the National Curriculum that outlines four Attainment Targets.

1. Science Investigations
to develop the skills of observation, prediction and interpretation. The children learn to draw on their knowledge and understanding to explain what they have discovered.

2. Life and Living Processes
to extend pupils’ knowledge of animals and plants in the local environment.

3. Materials and Their Properties
to extend pupils’ knowledge of the properties of materials and of objects made from them and of the way changes affect materials.

4. Physical Processes includes simple work on electricity, forces and motion and light and sound.

We encourage the development of an investigative approach to the problems discovered by an enquiring mind. To help this enquiry the school has a small environmental area to encourage children in first hand observation of nature and wild life throughout the year.

Health Education is also included in science teaching and although there is no formal sex education, we answer questions as and when they occur.

OTHER CURRICULUM AREAS

Information Technology

Children develop Information Technology skills throughout the school in all curriculum areas by using the computer and a variety of software. Information Technology is of particular benefit to those children who have special educational needs, as the use of the computer can often lead to increased motivation and improvements in the accuracy and presentation of work.

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Physical Education

The purpose of physical education is to enable all pupils to work towards becoming independently active. We have a range of facilities, including a well-equipped hall, large paved area and grassed area for outdoor pursuits.

We provide a range of activities, including after school clubs, which enable children to develop personal skills as well as to increase confidence and self-esteem. During the summer term the children learn country dancing and take part in the annual Small Schools Country Dance Festival.

Religious Instruction

It is important for children to develop sound moral values and to realise our inter-dependence with other individuals, groups and nations. We seek to develop in our children an awareness of our multi-cultural society, thus the curriculum includes the study of other religions and cultures. Our assemblies are based on moral issues and use stories from many cultures and religions.

Should parents wish, they do have the right to withdraw their child from collective worshipand religious education.

Art

We offer pupils a range of mediums to develop their skills in working from both imagination and observation. Acquiring a knowledge and understanding of Art involves pupils in looking at different kinds of art and their varying characteristics, from different periods, cultures and traditions.

Technology

We teach the skills needed to embark on simple designing and making activities. Pupils are also involved in activities in which they investigate and evaluate simple products. At all times the children learn the importance of safety and the correct way to handle equipment.

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Music

All children take part in music making activities through singing and the playing of percussion instruments.
The whole school participates in an annual Christmas production and a summer concert at the end of the academic year. Throughout the year there are class assemblies where the children improve their performance skills. Parents are welcome to attend these informal events.

History

The overall aim of teaching history is to introduce an enjoyment and an appreciation of the past whilst developing the children’s historical knowledge. The children learn from looking at artefacts, appropriate television programmes, and from visits to the village and further afield as well as from more formal methods of teaching and topic work.

Geography

Geography introduces the study of places and the human and physical forces that shape them. The local area is used as a basis for geographical study, including the school, the village and the river. Children develop geographical skills and concepts through cross-curricular themes and subject-based lessons, through a variety of teaching styles, topic work and appropriate television programmes.

Personal, Health andSocial Education (PHSE)

We place great emphasis on the social and emotional aspects of learning. It is important for children to develop their own personal qualities and to learn to recognise right from wrong, to be able to reason, to take responsibility for their actions and to respect the views of others. We encourage children to do this in an informal way through all aspects of school life.

Special Education

We comply with the County regulations for Special Education Provision but the school has no special facilities for children with learning difficulties. We try to give all children the help they need to enable them to develop steadily and confidently in a style appropriate to the individual.

Healthy Schools

Denham Village Infant School actively seeks to promote and improve the health and well-being of the whole school community through all aspects of school life. We are working as a healthy school to help children do their best and build on their achievements, preparing them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of life.

We have gained Healthy Schools status and have been awarded Activemark.

‘The health and well-being of all members of the school community is central
to the school’s purpose’

ASSESSMENT AND REPORTING

Assessment

Assessment is an on-going process. Our methods of assessing the children are built into all our curriculum plans and are used to determine the next stage of the learning process for each child. Teachers assess the children in three main ways:

· through continual observation of the children and through discussion and target setting with the children themselves;

· through marking of work, and

· through the use of formal assessment e.g. Standardised Reading Tests.

The continual use of these assessment methods ensures that each child has the best programme of study to suit individual needs.

Reporting to Parents
Because we are a small school, we are able to have on-going communication with parents throughout the year, both formally and informally. It is important that once each term parents have the opportunity to discuss aspects of individual pupil's education with the class teacher. Parents may meet with class teachers after school or at formal parent's evenings. The Head Teacher is also available by prior appointment to meet parents and discuss any problems that may have occurred. Parents will receive an annual written report on their child?s progress during the summer term. Back to top

HOMEWORK

All children at Denham Village Infant School have reading homework on a daily basis from Year One onwards. The reading is recorded in a home/school reading book.

In the Reception Class

The children start with shared reading activities on Tuesdays and Thursdays when parents share books with their children. Later the children bring home word sheets that we expect parents to help the children learn. By the end of the year they will begin to take home a reading book, and the children are asked to read a prescribed number of pages.

In Years One and Two

As well as daily reading, early in the week the children are given words and tables to learn which are tested later in the week. Back to top

DISCIPLINE

We expect each child to be kind and considerate. We use praise and rewards to encourage good behaviour so the children learn to adopt a thoughtful mode of self-discipline. Occasionally, if a child does not respond to this form of encouragement, we withdraw a privilege.

The class teacher is responsible for the children in her class so initially any difficulties arising should be referred to her. If persistent behaviour problems occur, we consult the parents and invite them to discuss the matter with the Head Teacher.

We urge parents to respect and reinforce the school rules that are designed for the safety and well being of the children. Back to top

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

Should you have reason to feel unhappy about your child's education, talk to the child's class teacher. The Head Teacher is also available for further discussions. If you are still dissatisfied, the matter can be raised at a Governors' meeting through the parent governor representatives.

The School Rules

· Be Kind

· Be Gentle

· Be Honest

· Work Hard

· Respect all property and equipment

· Listen carefully Back to top

SCHOOL UNIFORM

Winter
Boys Girls
Grey Trousers Grey Skirt
Uniform Red Sweatshirt(on sales in school) Uniform Red Sweatshirt(on sales in school)
Grey Socks Red or Grey Tights orKnee-length Socks
Black or Brown Shoes* (child should be able to fasten unaided)
Warm Overcoat(Children play outside even when it is cold)

Summer

Boys Girls
Short Sleeved T-shirt Red Striped Dress
Grey Short Trousers White Socks
Enclosed Sandals or Shoes* Enclosed Sandles*
P.E. (to be kept in named plimsoll bag) Art
White Top Large Shirt
(Dad's old one is ideal)
Navy Shorts
Plimsolls

*Open-toed sandals and trainers are not suitable for school wear, and are therefore not permitted.

Please make sure all items of clothing are named.

All jewellery, including earrings is forbidden. If worn it is confiscated and kept in the head teacher's office for safekeeping, to be collected at the end of the end of the school day. Back to top

THE SCHOOL DAY

Times of the School Day

Rising 5s 8.55 - 12.00
All full-time children 8.55 - 3.00
Lunch time 12.12 - 1.15

Before School

The children should wait in the playground with their parents until 8.55am. On wet mornings children may be taken straight to their own classrooms from 8.50am

There is a morning club available from 8.30am for the children of working parents and a small charge of £1 per morning is asked from participating children.

After School

At 3.00 p.m. children are escorted to the playground area by the class teacher, where they should be met by the parent or named minder. As a measure of safety and security, the class teacher should be informed, in advance, if someone else is collecting a child.

Lunches

Children eat lunches in the dining room during winter or outside during the summer, weather permitting.

A packed lunch should be provided in a small container, and should consist of:

· A sandwich
· A piece of fruit or a yoghurt (with a spoon),
· A bag of crisps or a biscuit bar (e.g. a Kit-Kat, but not a chocolate bar)
· A drink (with a straw). Cartons with straws are fine. Back to top

ILLNESS AT SCHOOL

Although we do the best we can, there is no medical room for sick children to rest in school. In cases where we suspect illness, parents are contacted by telephone. It is important that we have a contact number for every child. Back to top

MEDICINES

Parents who wish prescribed medicines to be administered to their children must sign the medicine book and give medicines to the School Welfare Assistant with clear instructions. Parents are asked to come into school at the end of the day to collect medicines. Back to top

ABSENCES

Parents should telephone the School Secretary if their child is absent from school and send a note of explanation on their return. The Educational Authority investigates any unauthorised absences - that is those where no reason is given for a child being away. If parents wish to withdraw children from school during term time, prior written notification is required. Back to top

HOLIDAYS WITHIN TERM TIME

The Education (pupils' attendance Records) Regulations 1991 states, Schools should be sparing in the exercise of their discretion to grant leave of absence. Correspondingly parents should be encouraged to avoid, so far as possible, arranging medical and similar appointments for their children during school hours. On the particular matter of pupil holidays taken during term time, parents must secure permission before any holiday is taken (which should be restricted to two weeks per calendar year.) The Head Teacher, on behalf of the governing body, may only grant time in excess of this in exceptional circumstances. Back to top

HEALTH AND SAFETY

We ask parents to observe certain safety rules when bringing and collecting children from school.

1. Please supervise your children while on the premises. Do not allow them to walk where you cannot see them or let them climb or sit on the walls and playground equipment.

2. We are a non smoking school. Parents are asked to respect this and only smoke outside the school gates.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

We rely on parents to come into school to help in practical ways, for example by assisting in the classroom, by making and mending apparatus, or by working with groups of children engaged in activities such as reading, cooking, sewing and craftwork. The support of parents is a great strength of the school. As parents and teachers our purpose is the same - we aim to do the best for the children in our care. We rely on the enthusiasm and support of the parents to organise fundraising activities on behalf of the school.

We inform parents of relevant information and events in periodic newsletters that are numbered in sequence. A calendar of events is distributed once a term and information can also be found on our school website.

EDUCATIONAL VISITS

When your child starts school, we ask you to sign a form giving permission for local visits to the park, the shops, local farm etc. On other trips further afield, we will always seek your permission on a separate form, and we will ask for a voluntary contribution towards the cost of coach travel or admission fees to places of interest. Back to top

CHARGING POLICY

1. Any parent who finds difficulty in paying monies should come into school and see the Head Teacher when, in most cases, special arrangements can be made.

2. We may request voluntary contributions from parents towards the cost of ingredients for cooking, and the cost of materials for sewing and special activities.

3. We may seek to cover the cost of activities that need transport. If we receive insufficient contributions we may have to cancel the activity.

4. Occasionally we may have to ask for voluntary contributions when we make special visits that involve admission costs, for example to a pantomime, zoo, museum etc.

5. We will seek voluntary contributions in respect of lost, damaged or defaced school books, including library books.

6. We will ask parents to contribute towards the cost of repairs to school property if their child is found to be causing deliberate damage.

7. We have jumpers printed with the name of the school. Although under no obligation to buy, parents will be offered jumpers and will be asked to pay for them on collection.

8. A photographer visits the School each year for individual and whole school photographs. Parents are under no obligation to purchase the photographs. The cost will be stated on a slip provided by the photographer. Back to top

CONCLUSION

We provide a friendly atmosphere where learning can flourish. We have small classes that enable us to know each child and to help all our children to be self-confident and to acquire the knowledge and skills, which will enable them to cope with all the activities offered in their next school. Back to top