School Prospectus

2006 – 2007

BWRDEISTREF SIROL WRECSAM                                            WREXHAM COUNTY BOROUGH

BYFARWYDDWR GWASANAETHAU                                         EDUCATION AND LEISURE

ADDYSG A HAMDDEN                                                              SERVICES DIRECTORATE

                             BORRAS PARK INFANTS CP SCHOOL

                            BORRAS PARK ROAD

                            WREXHAM  LL12 7TH

                            Tel:         01978 352106

                            Fax:         01978 352106

e-mail:     mailbox@borraspark-inf.wrexham.sch.uk

website:   http://web.borraspark-inf-wrexham.biblio.net/

HEADTEACHER:                                Mrs Sarah Dickson

 ACTING DEPUTY HEADTEACHER:    Mrs Jenny Jones

 CHIEF OFFICER                                Mr Hywyn Williams

LEARNING AND ACHIEVEMENT:     Ty Henblas

                                                          Queen’s Square

                                                          Wrexham

                                                           Tel:    01978 297420

   CHAIR OF GOVERNORS:                  Mrs Anne Evans

                                                          23 Hilltop View Road    

                                                          Wrexham          

                                                          LL12 7SF

 CLERK TO GOVERNING BODY:          Mrs Debra Cleverley

 SCHOOL CLASSIFICATION:            Community School

MISSION STATEMENT

 To develop a school where effective teaching and learning takes place, enabling children to achieve their full potential whilst being helped to become responsible members of society.

SCHOOL ETHOS

 1.                   To create a happy atmosphere in a bright, attractive environment where a child can feel secure to develop in mind and body.

2.                 To impart and generate a thirst for knowledge and lifelong learning in a happy working atmosphere, to inject confidence in the child’s ability according to his/her needs and capability, thereby giving the child a complete education.

3.                 To be concerned with the whole child – his/her physical, mental and spiritual growth, his/her feelings, attitudes and relationships, his/her character and personality.  To be concerned with him/her as an individual, having certain innate tendencies, potentialities and traits, and also to instil in him/her the need to be a member of society having certain rights and tendencies, privileges, duties and responsibility.

4.                 To make the child aware of the wonders of nature and give opportunities to appreciate beauty through art, music, drama, therefore, encouraging the child to express ideas and use imagination.

5.                 To develop awareness of self and sensitivity to others, and develop habits of self-discipline and acceptable behaviour.

6.                 To ensure that each child is given an equal opportunity to develop irrespective of gender, race, religion or culture.

7.                 To allow children with specific needs to fulfil their full potential.

8.                 To give children pride in their heritage and an awareness of Wales , its language and its culture.

9.                 To create the opportunity daily to worship collectively.

10.              To work in partnership with parents, to keep them informed and share information about their child’s progress, way forward and school issues.

11.               Parents are invited to enter into a home/school agreement to emphasise a partnership in their child’s development.

STAFFING

 All staff work closely together as a team.  Staff plan as a whole school to ensure continuity and progression from Early Years to Year 2.

 Teaching Staff

 Support Staff

 Other members of staff

MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNING BODY

L.E.A. Appointed Representatives

          Mr Alan Price – Vice Chair

Mr Les Lever

Vacancy

Parent Governors

            Mrs Pauline Goring

            Mr Gary Ledsham

            Mr Wayne Jones

            Mrs Vivienne Valentine

Community Council Representative

Co-opted Governors

          Mrs Anne Evans - Chair

          Mrs Angela Wilson

          Mrs Sharon Wintin

          Mr Steve Williams

Staff Governor

          Mrs Lynn Pugh

Teacher Governor

          Ms Dawn Watts

Mrs Sarah Dickson – Headteacher

Clerk to Governors

          Mrs Debbie Cleverley

SCHOOL BACKGROUND

Borras Park Infants School is situated on the north eastern edge of Wrexham, surrounded by private housing, close to shops, local amenities, golf club and open countryside.

The school was first opened in September 1971 as a mixed Infant and Junior school with 240 pupils.  It was immediately obvious that the building could not house the growing number of children.  When Borras Park Junior School was opened in 1975 on an adjacent site the schools became two separate independent units.

The school is semi open plan in design, comprising of four teaching areas for Key Stage 1 with shared craft spaces and cloakroom.

Early years children attend a purposely designed Early Years Unit within the main school.

A resourced provision for Hearing Impairment is an integral feature of the building catering for children from the wider area of Wrexham County Borough.

SCHOOL INTAKE

The school provides Early Years and Key Stage 1 education for children aged 3 to 7 and at present has 242 children in all.

ADMISSION POLICY

Below is Wrexham County Council’s policy on admission to nursery education.

“Nursery schooling in both English and Welsh medium schools within the Authority is provided on the basis of 5 x 2.5 hour sessions per week, for each child.

Though every effort will be made to meet parental preference, nursery education is not a statutory provision and parents have no right of appeal under Education Legislation if they are unsuccessful in gaining a nursery place for their child.

The Authority will admit a child to a maintained nursery school in the September following their 3rd birthday.

Admission to a nursery class or unit at a particular infant or primary school does not guarantee admission to that school.”

Arrangements for pupils with disabilities are provided through ramps, shower facilities, toilets.  Every area of the school is available to disabled children in wheelchairs.

ADMISSION TO STATUTORY EDUCATION

Below is Wrexham County Council’s Policy on admission to statutory education.

“Admission to Reception

The Authority will admit a child to a maintained primary/infant school in the September following their 4^th birthday.”

Parents may apply to the head teacher of a primary/infants school for a place at Reception for their child(ren).

It must be noted that parents who select a school other than the nearest suitable primary school, will be fully responsible for transporting their children to and from school.

If the Authority is unable to allocate a place at the school for which the parent has expressed a preference, the parent will be offered a place for their child at an alternative school.  The parent may then accept the alternative placement or make representation to the Authority in terms of their preferred school.  If still dissatisfied, parents may give notice of their wish to appeal against the Authority’s decision to refuse to offer a place at the preferred school.  Further details regarding this process will be made available to parents within a reasonable timescale.

The appeal (which shall be sent to the Director of Education and Leisure Services) must be in writing giving the reasons for instigating the process.  In the case of an appeal, the Authority will initiate the statutory appeals procedure.

The parent, who may be accompanied by a friend, will be given an opportunity to present their case to an independent Appeal Panel.  The decision of the Appeal Panel will be binding to all parties.

Hearing Impaired Unit

Children are admitted to the Hearing Impaired Unit on a statement of special needs education or for further assessment.

Early Education

The school has an established early education setting, taking children in the term after their 3^rd birthday.  Places are available in the Spring term for those children who achieve their 3^rd birthday between 1^st September and 31^st December and also in the summer term for those children who achieve their 3^rd birthday between 1^st January and 31^st March.  A maximum of 24 places are available in total.  All applications are dealt with by Wrexham County Council.

Admission Arrangements

An initial meeting with parents is held in June/July prior to admission in September to discuss arrangements and to meet the teachers. 

Organisation

Children are organised in mixed ability classes referred to as Units.  Children may be taught in groups, individually, pairs or whole class, according to the activity.

Early Years Unit

This Unit comprises of Nursery and Reception age children.  The Reception children attend full time and Nursery children attend either for 5 mornings or 5 afternoons.

The Welsh office have ruled that class sizes be limited to 30 children.  The school has a planned admission number of 60 children.

Key Stage 1

After 2 years the children move into Key Stage 1, consisting of Year 1 and Year 2.

For the next two years children will study National Curriculum and Religious Education.

In Key Stage 1 children are taught in single age classes of mixed ability.

Following Government guidelines, no classes will have more than 30 children.

Hearing Impaired Unit

Children based in the Hearing Impaired Unit spend part of the day in the Unit and also integrate into mainstream classes as appropriate to their needs.

Transfer From Year Group To Year Group

Children are taken to see their new classrooms and to meet their new teachers on a number of occasions before transfer.

Transfer To Junior School

Most of the children transfer to Borras Park Junior School .  Staff are aware of the traumas some children experience at the thought of going to another school and every step is taken to make the transition as smooth as possible.

1.                   For the last half term (Whit onwards) children visit the Junior School one day each week for collective worship

2.                  Children are taken on a tour of the Junior School and to see new classrooms.

3.                  Lower Junior teachers visit Year 2 children.

4.                  Year 2 children are invited to special events in Junior School , e.g. Christmas Concert, etc.

5.                  Staff of Year 2 and Year 3 discuss transfer of records and discuss individual children’s needs.

6.                  Staff meet Junior School staff to discuss curricular continuity.

7.                  Headteacher of Junior School invites parents to discuss transfer and to be shown around the school.

Transport

Parents wishing to send their child from outside the area are responsible for the cost of the journey to and from school.

CAR PARKING

The car park between the Junior School and Infants is NOT available for parking between 8.30 a.m. and 3.30 p.m.  Yellow lines are painted on the roadway indicating a no parking area.  We ask for your co-operation in not obstructing this busy road.

Vehicles must not be brought onto site when dropping children off or picking children up, unless the child is ill and it is outside normal collection time.  We have a designated disabled parking spot - please do not park in this space unless you are a badge holder. 

Taxis bringing children to the Hearing Impaired Unit should park in the car park next to the school.  The children are escorted to school via the pedestrian link gate or along the path at the back of the school.

*          If you are walking to school you are requested not to bring your child through any car park.

HOURS OF ATTENDANCE

Children and parents should arrive no more than 10 minutes before school starts.  Parents are asked to wait outside the classrooms.  Children enter school through the door of their own classroom.

We expect each child to be brought to school by an adult and to be safely handed over to the teacher’s care.  Similarly an adult should collect each child at the end of the school day.

If you are unable to collect your child it is important to let us know of any alternative arrangements.  We will not allow a child to leave if we are unfamiliar with the person collecting that child.  Children will not be released to older school age siblings unless specific written permission is supplied by the parent/guardian.

Normal school hours:                   9.00 a.m. – 11.35 a.m.

                                                      12.25 p.m. – 3.00 p.m.

Class contact time per day:        4 hours 30 minutes.

Class contact time per week:     22 hours 30 minutes.

CONTACT NUMBERS

On entering school you are asked to complete an admission form giving details of your child and including telephone contact numbers and emergency contact numbers.  It is vital that you inform us immediately of any changes in these details so that our records are accurate.

Absences

Please let us know if your child is unable to attend school for any reason, either via a telephone call, e-mail or a note to the class teacher.  If you fail to inform us of the reason for absence an “unauthorised absence” may be registered.

Please let us know in advance if you need to take your child out of school during normal school hours by sending a note or seeing the class teacher.  You can then call at the school office at the pre-arranged time to collect your child.

All children who arrive late must be signed in at the office, and similarly children who are collected early must be signed out.  No child will be allowed to leave the premises during school time unaccompanied.

Children must never be collected from the playground at playtime or lunchtime without first contacting the Headteacher or midday supervisor. 

School is only able to authorise 10 days for term-time holiday.  Any further holidays will be recorded as an unauthorised absence.

Attendance Figures

The average attendance figure for pupils attending Borras Park Infants School for year ending July 2004 were:              

Curriculum

Early Years

The children are introduced to school through the Early Years Unit where the emphasis is on learning through play or active learning.

“Play is a fundamental part of every child’s nature.  Children who know how to play and have opportunity, they thrive, do well in life and are well-rounded individuals.  Play is the parent of creativity, co-cooperativeness and leadership.  Children whose play is denied or restricted fail to thrive.  Their spirit dies, their potential is denied …… they may even perish physically.”

Patrick Bateson, Provost Kings College , Cambridge

“The right to play is a basic heritage”

(proclaimed by the United Nations).

“What children learn does not follow as an automatic result from what is taught. Rather, it is a large part due to the children’s own doing as a consequence of their activities and our resources”

Loris Malaguzzi – The Hundred Languages of Children –Ablex 1996

Desirable Outcomes

Children in the Early Years Unit follow a curriculum designed to allow the holistic development of the young child under 5.  This curriculum acknowledges that young children vary in the rate and timing of their growth and development and is underpinned by the principle of appropriateness, i.e. age appropriate and development appropriate activities do not always match.

The curriculum sets out areas of learning and experiences and desirable outcomes within them.  These areas of learning are integrated and overlapping and provision in the Unit is aimed at achieving the desirable outcomes.

The areas of learning include:

            Language, literacy and communication skills

            Personal and social development

            Mathematical development

            Knowledge and understanding of the world

            Physical development

            Creative development

Spiritual and moral development and Curriculum Cymreig are also included.

Key Stage 1 Curriculum

English

Language, literacy and communication skills are fundamental to a child’s education and future life skills.  We provide rich and varied experiences through our literature based topics in Early Years and Key Stage 1.  Our topics are carefully chosen to be stimulating and interesting for boys and girls and to provide cross-curricular opportunities, e.g. Early Years – Elmer the Patchwork Elephant, Key Stage 1 – Wind in the Willows, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.

In Early Years children are provided with experiences which enable them to develop their listening skills and to become confident and fluent speakers.  The children are encouraged to discuss their play and to express opinions and make choices.  Correct book behaviour and early reading skills are nurtured as children develop an enjoyment of books on their way to becoming confident and fluent readers.  Basic writing experiences are provided at every opportunity and children begin to understand that written symbols have sound and meaning.  From the very beginning a child’s mark-making efforts are valued and encouraged, thus developing a confidence and enthusiasm to write.

In Key Stage 1 children continue to develop their oracy, reading and writing skills.  Children are taught to listen and respond appropriately and effectively to a range of stimuli, speaking audibly, with clear pronunciation and appropriate intonation.  They develop confidence in their ability to adapt their talk to their listeners and extend their vocabulary through activities that encourage their interest in words.  Reading skills are further developed using a range of methods and the children are also taught effective techniques for using sources of information available to them and making sense of what they read.  Children are given opportunities to develop as independent writers both creatively and factually using conventional spelling, punctuation, grammatical organisation, and handwriting which is legible.

Role Play is an important cross curricular element within the school.  It provides opportunities to develop oracy, reading and writing skills as well as stimulating imagination and encouraging collaborative play.  Role Play areas linked to current topics are established in each classroom and the children are involved in planning and equipping these areas.  Artefacts within the areas are changed regularly to stimulate and maintain interest and extend the play.

Our school has a Shared Reading programme which relies on a partnership between home and school to develop a child’s love of reading and practice reading skills.  We also have a flourishing Storysack library which nurtures a child’s love of books and helps to develop literacy skills.  Storysacks are centred around a child’s storybook and contain a related non-fiction book, an audio cassette, artefacts to use in retelling the story, a language game, and a parent prompt card providing extension activities.  Parents are asked to attend a workshop before joining the Storysack library.

Our Storysacks are checked and made by parent helpers and the wider community.  More volunteers are always welcome.

Maths

Maths is a subject area which has been given a high priority within the school.  It is delivered in an engaging and interactive way. 

Maths is seen as a form of communication and the achievement of the following aims will provide the children with the necessary processes involved, by which to interpret it.

In school we aim to instil:

¨       A positive attitude to Maths as an interesting and attractive subject.

¨       An ability to think clearly and logically, with confidence and independence.

¨       An understanding of maths by questioning and finding out, developing lively enquiring minds along the way.

¨       An appreciation of the nature of number and space.

¨       An appreciation of pattern and the ability to identify relationships.

¨       An understanding of skills and knowledge.

¨       An awareness that Maths is all around us and not simply in the classroom.

¨       A quick recall of facts in mental number.

¨       An ability to preserve and sustain work in Maths, over a period of time.

¨       The ability to express ideas fluently and use the language of Maths.

Our school’s policy supports these aims.

A positive attitude towards Maths is fostered by effective teaching through exploration, discovery and play.  Appropriate emphasis is placed on the investigative approach, where children learn by ‘doing’ – it is every child’s entitlement to be taught Maths in ways appropriate to his/her abilities.  (National Curriculum 2000)

Mental maths is also a regular, daily feature of the learning – children are encouraged to ask and answer questions related to maths, to engage in lively discussion and to build on knowledge which will serve them well, now and in the future.

“Mathematics is a powerful tool with great relevance to the real world.  For this to be appreciated by pupils they must have direct experience of using mathematics in a wide range of contexts throughout the curriculum.”

MATHS IS FUN

I.C.T.      (Information Technology)

I.C.T. permeates most curriculum areas and as such it is our aim to teach our children to use technology confidently and purposefully to communicate and handle information and to support their problem solving, recording and expressive work.

We provide for full coverage of the National Curriculum Programmes of Study for I.T. in contexts across the whole curriculum, and progression in each aspect is promoted from one year group to the next.

Within our planning we ensure that all pupils have equal access to computers including those children with special educational needs.

Our children have hands-on use of technology which will have long-term impact on their learning and skill context, perspective and application for the use of the technology and communications skills across the curriculum.

These new basic technological and communication competencies will be as important in the next decade as the traditional literacy and numeracy skills.

“At Borras we prepare today’s children for tomorrow’s world.”

All Key Stage 1 classes have three P.C.s each and Early Years have four.  An interactive whiteboard is situated in each year group and each class has e-mail and internet access.  Use of e-mail and the internet is stipulated in the national curriculum and therefore it is essential that parents sign the internet permission form.  School also has two office P.C.s and a laptop.  The resourced Hearing Impaired Unit has two P.C.s and an Acorn.

Science

Science permeates almost every aspect of daily life.  The National Curriculum document states:

“The abilities to communicate, to relate science to everyday life and to explore are essential elements of an initial experience of science.”

In school, science will be developed through cross-curricular topics.  Throughout their study of science the children will develop fundamental skills of observation and communication.  Apart from scientific concepts the children will be encouraged to develop a collaborative approach to learning which will in turn stimulate language development.  Care will be taken to ensure equal opportunity for boys and girls.  Above all, we hope that the children will develop a positive attitude to science and be both interested in, and have respect for, the world in which they live.

History and Geography

Much of the learning of Geography for pupils in the early years should be based on direct experience and practical activities, achieved as far as possible through exploration of their immediate environment.

The History curriculum must include chronological balance and diversity and must include a range of different types of human experience in time and place.

Art

As children are consumers of art in its various forms we aim to give the children opportunities to express themselves creatively, mainly through a thematic approach, on a cross-curricular basis.

Children appreciate the work of great artists and learn skills to further their own creative development. Creativity stimulates imagination and encourages children to become independent thinkers.

Children’s work is displayed throughout the school and provides a stimulating learning environment whilst valuing all children’s effort.

Design Technology

Design Technology is about practical problem solving, getting the children involved and interacting as a group, to discover, plan, build, to complete the process and to evaluate their finished product constructively.

“The inclusion of Design and Technology in the National Curriculum is a recognition that the capability to investigate, design, make and appraise is as important as the acquisition of knowledge.”  

P.E.

The children take part in a variety of P.E. activities during the week.  These include athletics, games, gymnastics and dance.  These can take place both inside and outside, weather permitting.  (See class teachers for P.E. timetable.)

Welsh

Welsh is taught as part of the National Curriculum.  The use of incidental Welsh is encouraged in the everyday life of the school.

A Special St. David ’s Concert is held to celebrate St. David’s Day.

Forest School

A forest school has been developed on the school site, enabling our children to access an alternative curriculum in the outdoors.  The forest school can improve self-esteem, independence, confidence, social communication and team skills.  Key skills such as motor skills and manual dexterity are developed.  Overall behaviour, motivation and attitude to learning are improved, as well as health and well-being.  The children are encouraged to use their senses, creativity and imagination.  Forest school nurtures an understanding and caring attitude towards the environment and the natural world. 

Accompanying the forest school we have also established allotments for the children to grow fruit, flowers and vegetables.  This will encourage the children to eat fruit and vegetables that they have grown and have an understanding of the importance of recycling and composting.

Music

Music plays an important part in our school life, enjoyment and participation being the most important factors.  We have a wide selection of percussion instruments and our Year 2 children are introduced to the recorder.

R.E. and Collective Worship

An act of collective worship occurs on a daily basis for all children.  This is broadly Christian in nature.  The assemblies are led by the Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher or another member of staff.  On one day each week visiting clergy from churches and chapels in the Wrexham area take service.  Also one day each week a class leads the service linked to their topic and other PSHE/RE related themes.

In both R.E. and assemblies we try to give children a sense of belonging, learning to care and respect for each other.  We celebrate festivals, both Christian and multi-cultural, and achievements.

We teach children Bible stories and those of other beliefs.

Personal, Social and Health Education  (including Sex Education)

Our policy on sex and health education is seen as part of the children’s personal and social education. 

Children are encouraged to develop their own self esteem to show self discipline and decision making skills so that they grow into independent, caring adults.

Any questions asked are answered naturally and to a depth considered suitable by the teacher at that time.

If a child displays sexual awareness that is causing concern within the school situation the parents of the child will be asked to come into school to discuss the way forward.  The Governing Body of this school feels that at Infant level the parents/family are the most appropriate people to deal with this.  However, if the parents find this difficult the school nurse will be available to help.

Children With Special Educational Needs

Children with special needs are catered for in a variety of ways appropriate to the child’s individual educational or social requirement.  The progress of all such children is carefully monitored and regularly reviewed by the special needs team of special needs co-ordinator headteacher, unit teacher, class teacher, pupil support officer and educational psychologist as required.

There is a Special Educational Needs Policy documenting the provision in full.

Hearing Impaired Unit

The Hearing Impaired Unit is an integral part of the school and caters for children with varying degrees of hearing loss from the wider areas of Wrexham and the surrounding district.  It is staffed by a qualified teacher of the deaf and a qualified nursery nurse for the deaf, also an ancillary support worker.

The children are integrated into their year group classes as appropriate, but all basic skills are taught within the Unit.

Each child is provided with his/her individual aid and radio microphones when needed.  The children are visited by a hearing aid technician from the local hospital and a speech therapist regularly.

Educational Visits

Children may occasionally leave the school on educational visits.  Parents will be given details in advance and asked to sign a consent form.  The visits are chosen to fit the topic studied.  Further details will be given to parents nearer the time of each visit.

All visits are fully insured.  Parents are sometimes asked to accompany the class to provide extra supervisory help, but these parents must be CRB checked – forms are available from the office.

Charging and Remissions Policy

Voluntary contributions are invited for visits/activities which take place mainly in school hours.  No child may be excluded because of inability to pay, but the school is entitled to cancel the visit/activity if the level of contributions does not meet its budgetary requirements.

No charge can be made for, or in connection with, admission to school.

The cost of breakages, lost or destroyed school property must be paid for.

No overnight school excursions are taken out of school time in the infants school so remissions for residential activities do not apply.

Assessment And Recording

Teachers keep careful records of each child’s progress and report to parents termly.  Parents receive a written report in July each year containing details of the curriculum, opportunities the children have been engaged in and comments of their progress and the way forward.

Parents are invited to discuss the child’s report with the class teacher.

An entry assessment is made of the child on admission to the Early years Unit.  This is followed by a statutory baseline assessment carried out in the first half term of full time school.  This assessment indicates the child’s individual needs and points the way forward in their development.  Parents are invited to school to discuss the outcome.

SATS are no longer administered for Key Stage 1 in Wales .  However, teacher assessments will be carried out in the Summer Term prior to transfer to Key Stage 2.

Borras Park Infants School SATS Results for 2005

                                                                        D         W        L1        L2        L3

English

                        School                                     0          0          2         64        34

                        National                                 0          4          13        63        20

Reading

School                                     0          0          7         53        40

                        National                                 0          3          11         63        23                               

Speaking and Listening

School                                     0          0          2         60        38

National                                 0          4          14        55        26                   

Writing

             National                                 0            5          14        69        11        

Maths

School                                     0          0          9         60        31       

                        National                                 0          2          11         63        24                   

Science

School                                     0          0          0         53        47       

National                                 0          2          10        65        23                   

D – Disapplied under sections of Education Act 1996.

W – Working towards level 1.

PASTORAL ORGANISATION

Communication Between School And Parents

We welcome parents in school and place importance on regular discussion.  Please make an appointment to see your child’s teacher if you want to talk at any length.

The school has an open door policy and the Headteacher will see you any time, although it is better to make an appointment to save your time.

We welcome open discussion and feel that a problem discussed at an early stage is beneficial to all.  

Open Evenings

The school has an open-door policy and parents are welcomed into school to talk with staff, although it may be advisable to arrange a mutually convenient time.  More formal open evenings are held each term.  In the Autumn Term all Early Years Reception parents will be invited to an appointment with the class teachers to discuss statutory Baseline Assessments.  Nursery parents will have the opportunity to discuss how their child has settled into school.  Year 1 and Year 2 teachers will be pleased to meet any parents who have particular issues of concern.  In the Spring Term, Year 1 teachers meet all parents from their classes whilst Early Years and Year 2 teachers discuss issues of concern with some parents.  In the Summer Term all Year 2 parents are invited to discuss end of Key Stage teacher assessments.  A full written report is provided for every child and Early Years and Year 1 teachers will be available to discuss any issues that may arise from these reports.

Message Boxes

If you have a message for your child’s class teacher, please leave this in the message box which is outside class each morning.  This is preferable to telling the teacher personally as the teacher is then free to oversee the children coming into school, which is her priority.  It also means that there is a record of the message and we are not relying on remembering it – as you will appreciate, there are often many messages given.  If you prefer, you can give the message at the office.

Newsletters

Newsletters are sent regularly via the children.  We aim to give you as much information about school events and activities as possible.  If your child is absent the teacher will keep a copy for you.

A diary of events is usually given at the beginning of term, but reminders will be sent nearer to the event.

School e-mail

The school can be contacted by e-mail (eg to notify the school of the absence of a child).  If you would like to receive letters via e-mail, please let us know and we will add you to our mailing list.  The school address is: mailbox@borraspark-inf.wrexham.sch.uk

Parents In School

Any parent or other adult who has time to spare, either regularly or occasionally, are most welcome to help in many varied ways in school life.  If you feel you could help, please see your child’s teacher or Headteacher.  Statutory police checks must be undertaken prior to working in the school.

Parents are also welcome to help run the Storysack library.  We always need help to check in the sacks on a Wednesday, to develop new sacks and to continue maintaining those already completed.

Regular coffee mornings take place in the school hall every Thursday from 9.00 – 10.30 a.m.  These provide an opportunity for parents to meet together for a chat.  Toys are available to amuse toddlers.

School Publicity

On occasions, the school may be featured in the local press perhaps to celebrate an individual pupil’s success or to highlight a school achievement.  You will be asked to complete a permission form for your child’s photograph to be taken and details released to the press. 

Discipline

The school practices an Assertive Discipline Policy.

Each class establishes its own rules, rewards and sanctions.

Children are encouraged to exert self discipline and show respect towards each other.

We expect children to be well behaved and courteous, being aware of established classroom rules.

Rewards include praise, stickers, etc and sanctions include discussion, positive re-inforcement and time out for short periods.

If bad behaviour persists parents will be invited to discuss the way forward with the class teacher/Headteacher.

No pupil will be detained after school hours.  Corporal punishment is not administered in school.

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

Introduction

Often parents and other members of the public would like schools to know their views.  Sometimes there are meetings when it is possible.  On other occasions a personal comment is more appropriate.  Communication, written or spoken, is valued as part of the partnership between home and school.  Co-operation between parents, staff and Governors leads to a shared sense of purpose and a good atmosphere in school.  This “Advice to Parents” aims to answer some of your questions about complaints.

Should I pay a compliment?

Certainly.  Those at the school are always pleased to learn that things have gone well and are appreciated.

Should I tell them my concerns?

Definitely.  All members of staff want to know as soon as possible if something concerns you or your child.  They can then investigate and give you a response.  If need be, they can also take steps to remedy a situation.  Misunderstanding can be cleared up.  An apology can be given if something is found to be wrong.  Everyone benefits from the speedy resolution of difficulties and from suggestions for improvements.

Should I complain?

Yes – if you believe that something is seriously wrong.  Your view can then be considered and an investigation can establish whether there is something wrong which needs to be corrected.  The school’s response will be based on the Governors’ agreed policy and will seek to be fair to all concerned.  Writing down your complaint helps to clarify exactly what you are complaining about.  If a Governor, Headteacher or any member of staff receives an anonymous complaint then the Headteacher, in consultation with the Chair of Governors, will decide what action to take.

Whom do I contact?

That depends on the particular situation.  If you have a general concern, often the teacher is able to deal with the matter.  If you have a complaint, contact the Headteacher.  Mutual courtesy is to be expected and ensures that things go smoothly.  There should always be discussion in the hope of solving difficulties informally.  If you have a particular concern, which directly affects the Headteacher, a discussion with the Headteacher is most probably the best way to resolve the matter.  However, if you feel that such an approach would be difficult owing to the nature of the concern, then go to the Chair of Governors.  Certain specific complaints (e.g. about admissions to school) are dealt with separately.  Staff at the school or the Service Support Officer, on 01978 297482, can advise you where to direct your complaint.

What if the matter is unresolved?

It will be necessary to write to the school and inform them about this.  In response the school may invite you to a meeting to talk it over with the Headteacher.  The school may arrange for a suitable mediator to be present.  After trying all other ways, you may decide to make a formal complaint to the Governing Body.

What is a complaint?

It is an expression of serious dissatisfaction.  This could be about an event which has happened, failed to happen, or the way in which something was handled.

Who will deal with my complaint?

At first, the Headteacher will respond, and others may assist.  If you proceed further with your complaint, a committee of Governors (not previously involved with the case) will listen carefully to both sides before leading an independent discussion.

How do I make a formal complaint to the Governing Body?

You submit a copy of your complaint in writing to the Headteacher or Chair of Governors, including a request for a formal hearing.  You cannot introduce new or different complaints at this stage.  You will receive an acknowledgement within five school days.  A meeting will follow, with all the relevant paperwork having been circulated at least five school days in advance to everyone involved.  You (accompanied by a friend if you wish) and the Headteacher (also accompanied by a friend or professional representative) will be invited to speak to the committee and to ask and answer questions.  The committee normally allows witnesses to attend part of the meeting.  The Governing Body may decide not to consider a complaint about something which occurred more than six months previously.

What happens next?

You will be informed in writing of the committee’s decision.  If you are not happy with this decision you can ask for an independent panel, appointed by the local authority, to look at all the paperwork involved to see if the decision reached was fair.

Please remember

This whole process exists so that the views of others can be heard.  You have rights.  Pupils have rights.  Staff and Governors have rights.  The aim is that the complaint should be properly and fairly dealt with.  Communications with school are frequent and are welcome.  The later stages of the complaints procedure are used rarely but remain part of the process.  Services are improved by a positive response to complaints and concerns.

It is sincerely anticipated that parents will be satisfied after speaking to the Headteacher.  After all, we should all be working as a team and pulling in the same direction.

School Photographs

Individual and family photographs are taken in the Autumn term and class photographs are taken in the Summer term.

Equal Opportunities

Our school aims to provide an environment where all children are treated equally irrespective of race, culture, gender or ability.

The curriculum is organised so that all children can take full advantage of every facility within the school.  Children are supported according to their needs and abilities.

All individuals are different and have different needs.

SAFETY IN SCHOOL

Fire Safety

Fire drills are held regularly both in school and for Out of School Clubs.

First Aid

All members of staff, including teachers and support staff, midday supervisors, caretaker, cleaning staff, kitchen staff and secretary, hold the first aid certificate “Emergency Aid in School”.  Certificates are updated every 3 years. 

School Security

The main entrance is controlled by coded access and visitors must ring a bell to be admitted by an adult.  Children are instructed not to open external doors themselves but will inform a member of staff.  All external doors open outwards and cannot be entered from outside due to security locking.  All visitors to school are required to sign the visitors book on arrival.

Health and Safety

All staff, including playscheme supervisors, cleaning staff, teaching staff are responsible for ensuring Health and Safety procedures are in place and adhered to.

Child Protection

The Welsh Office guidance makes it clear that schools have an important role to play in the protection of children from abuse.  This is confirmed in Wrexham County Borough Council Policy which sets out procedures to be followed by all staff.  The school therefore has a duty to refer any concerns about the well-being of pupils to the Social Services Department and the school medical officer for further advice.

Health And Welfare

Wrexham has a comprehensive School Health Service.  The aim of this service is to promote the health of your child in the widest sense and to identify any health problems that may develop.

The primary contact with the School Health Service is through the school sister and/or the school doctor, both of whom have specialised training in educational medicine, community paediatrics and child health.  Each school has a named school doctor and sister.  These specialists are able to liaise directly with all other areas of the Health Services and other agencies should the need arise.

If your child is a school entrant, you will be given a leaflet outlining the full scope and involvement of the School Health Service.  These leaflets are available for older children from the school sister on request.

Your child will not be examined by the school doctor without your permission except in a medical emergency.

All medicals are strictly confidential and your consent will be sought before discussing any issue with the school teaching staff.  Obviously, it would be in your child’s best interest for the teaching staff to be aware of any medical condition that may affect his/her progress in the classroom.

Parents’ attendance at school medicals is highly valued.  You will receive, in advance, a written invitation and a consent form for you to sign.

When your child begins full time education the school sister will check his/her vision, hearing and growth.  After this, you will be given the opportunity to attend a special medical examination with the school doctor.  Children will be selected on the basis of a questionnaire filled in by you in conjunction with existing health records.  This examination will take in the general health of the child, the child’s ability to co-operate, the child’s gross and fine motor skills, the child’s speech and language development, the child’s general development and progress.  You will have the opportunity to discuss such matters with the school doctor and any other areas of your child’s development which you may wish to raise such as bed-wetting, eating or behaviour problems.  If your child has not had a pre-school booster, it can be given at this time if you so wish.

Thereafter, the school sister visits regularly to do routine sight tests, to check the children’s general health and growth, to promote healthy lifestyle and to liaise with school staff regarding any health problems.

If you have any concerns with any of your older children, do please feel free to approach the school sister to discuss them.

Dental surveys may be carried out in school.  The school dentist does not administer treatment in school buy may recommend a visit either to the school dental clinic or the child’s own dentist.  You will be informed of forthcoming surveys and may decline if you wish.

Children who have speech problems may be referred to the speech therapy clinic with the consent of the parent.

Any child with emotional or educational problems may be referred to the Educational Psychologist after discussion with parents.

The school is able to refer to an Educational Welfare Officer if the need arises.  The Welfare Officer is based at Rhosnesni High School .

Parents are reminded that dogs are not allowed on school premises for obvious health reasons.

Incubation and Exclusion Periods of the Commoner Infectious Diseases

Department of Public Health Medicine

·         The diagnosing doctor has a legal duty to notify these diseases to the Consultant in Public Health Medicine on suspicion.

When the cause is unknown, any child with a rash, diarrhoea or who is generally unwell should be excluded until medical advice has been obtained, or until the child has recovered.  Family or other contacts should not be excluded as a routine.

In cases of confirmed Chickenpox, Fifth Disease and Rubella it is important that the Headteacher is made aware so that women of child-bearing age can be informed.

Headteachers should notify the Consultant in Public Health Medicine or the relevant Consultant Community Paediatrician of any outbreak of disease from whom further advice may be obtained.

Department of Public Health Medicine:  Mold 01352 700227, ext 4141.

Consultant Community Paediatricians:  Wrexham 01978 356551, Rhyl 01745 343188, Caernarfon 01286 684014.

If your child is accidentally injured or becomes ill in school we will make every effort to contact you.Parents are contacted immediately following any “head bumps” and are invited to check the child themselves.

If we fail to contact a parent and feel that the child needs further attention we will call for an ambulance.

Head Lice

Please check your child’s hair regularly and treat any head lice before your child returns to school.  Please inform us so that we can notify other parents of any outbreak.  Please note – it is advisable to treat the whole family.  The lotion should be kept cool.

Medicines In School

If your child is sick and unable to attend school, no extra work will be given during the first week of absence but the class teacher will be pleased to organise work for them during the second week or longer.

If your child returns to school and is still on medication, parents are asked to administer the medicine themselves at lunchtime.  Children who need regular treatment daily may leave their inhalers, epi-pens, etc, clearly labelled, in the secretary’s office.

No Smoking Policy

The school adheres to a no smoking policy and would ask all visitors and parents to respect this by not smoking within the school perimeter.

Jewellery And Personal Belongings

Children should not wear any jewellery in school because of the danger of accidents which may be caused to themselves or others in physical and practical areas of the curriculum.

There can be no guarantee for the safe keeping of any valuable personal belongings in school.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

We have a school uniform and would encourage all parents to dress their children in it:

Girl’s Uniform

            Grey pinafore dress or skirt

                                    Yellow polo shirt

Gold sweatshirt

            Yellow and white check dress (Summer)

            Yellow or white cardigan (Summer)

            Grey trousers

            White or grey socks/tights

            Shoes or sandals

Boy’s Uniform

            Grey trousers/shorts

            Yellow polo shirt

            Gold sweatshirt

P.E.

                        Black shorts

                                    Yellow T-shirt

                                    Pumps (not trainers)

                                    Socks

                                    Pump bag

School uniform is obtainable from RAM Leisure & Workwear Ltd, Unit 23, Whitegate Industrial Estate, Wrexham , LL13 8UG .

Lost Property

Please ensure that each item of clothing is clearly marked with your child’s name.  Any clothing not marked will be placed in a “lost property” box situated in the school hall.

School Meals

School meals are cooked on the premises and cost £1.58 per meal.  Dinner money is normally paid on a Monday morning for the week.  Please send money in a container or envelope clearly marked with your child’s name.  Cheques paying for school meals should be made payable to WREXHAM COUNTY BOROUGH COUNCIL (“WCBC”).  If your child wants a meal mid week only, please send money on a Monday and state clearly which days lunch will be required.  Any credits or monies owing will be carried over to the following week.

Please notify us if your child has special dietary requirements.

Free Meals

Free meals forms are available at school for anyone on income support or job seekers allowance.  

Packed Lunches

Please send your child’s lunch in a plastic container and not in a holdall as we have storage problems.

Please do not use breakable containers or put hot drinks into the containers.

Lunchtime Arrangements

After eating their lunch the children go on three yards to play, in their Year groups.  On wet days the children go back to their classroom.  Midday supervisory assistants look after the children throughout the lunchtime period.

The supervisors are encouraged to play games, read stories and generally to get involved with the children.

All of the supervisors must complete a First Aid Course.

Mid-Morning Break

Parents are asked to send £1 in a named container on Monday to cover the cost of snacks, which will vary daily.  We encourage the children to eat healthy snacks, eg fruit, yoghurt, cheese etc.

HOLIDAY DATES

2006-2007

Out of School Provision

We run a Playscheme for children of primary school age, 3 – 11 years old, daily from 8.00 – 9.00 am and 3.00 – 5.30 pm during school term and from 8.30 am – 5.30 pm during school holiday time (closed for Bank Holidays and Christmas Holiday).

A wrap around Nursery provision is registered for children aged 3-4 from 12.25 am – 3.00 pm during term time.

The children follow a variety of activities – drawing, jigsaws, painting, construction, T.V., video, dressing up, computer, snooker, etc, or the children can sit in a quiet area and wind down after a busy day.  During fine weather the children are encouraged to play outdoors.

During Summer holidays we have held first aid lessons, a circus school, talks by police, a visit by fire service and football club.

Please make sure that you book your child for the sessions you need, in order to ensure that a place is available.

Further details can be obtained from the Playscheme Manager, Mrs Sharon Wintin.

Access To Information

The following documents are available for inspection by parents by appointment:

1.              The statutory Instruments/circulars and memoranda about the National Curriculum issued by the Department of Education and Science/Welsh Office.

2.             The statements of curriculum policy approved by the Governing Body of the school.

3.             Schemes of Work based on the National Curriculum and used in conjunction with the Curricular Policies.

4.             The L.E.A.s agreed Syllabus for Religious Education.

5.             Reports of Her Majesty’s Inspectors which refer to the school.

6.             A copy of the L.E.A.s arrangements for complaints about the school curriculum available from Ty Henblas, Queens Square , Wrexham.

7.             Copies of the Governing Body’s annual report to parents.

8.             Minutes of the Meetings of School’s Governing Body.

Conclusion

I hope this school brochure has given you a little insight into our school life.  If there are any areas we have not covered or you wish for more information please do not hesitate to contact me.