All Saints' Primary School is a controlled (Church of England) Primary (5-11)
co-educational day school where we aim to teach a broad and varied curriculum through which all pupils are able to reach their full potential.
We recognise that it is important for all children to achieve a certain standard in both Literacy and Numeracy if they are to be successful in our present day society, but we recognise that we are also educating children for the future. They will face a rapidly changing world and will need many skills. They will need to be computer literate, they will need to be flexible, they will need to know how to learn, they will need to develop hobbies to aid relaxation, they will need to get on with others and above all they will need the self confidence to achieve whatever they wish to achieve. Through both our core and broader curriculum we try to foster these skills. Decisions are made on an annual basis about which year group will be split and about the criteria for how decisions will be made. We aim, as far as possible, to keep KS1 pupils in single age classes. The split age classes are given priority for Learning Support Assistant time and this year both Key Stage 1 classes have full time support. Our morning sessions are mostly spent on Literacy and Numeracy lessons, where, in line with national guidelines, children are taught new concepts as a class and then split into ability groups so that appropriate follow up tasks can be given. We have a number of Learning Support Assistants who work with groups under the direction of the class teacher. Sometimes they work alongside the class teachers and at other times they withdraw groups. We are small enough to have the flexibility to respond to individual needs and children can be moved between groups as their needs change. For mathematics we use the Abacus mathematics scheme. This is supplemented through a variety of other materials. We use the Oxford Reading Tree Scheme as a core for individual reading with books from other schemes providing extra material to ensure that children gain understanding of text and do not just rush through levels. All children also do group reading with their teacher. This ensures that the teacher is able to monitor progress closely. Our afternoon sessions are spent on the foundation subjects. We aim to give the children as many opportunities as possible for an enriched and extended curriculum. All children have the opportunity to learn a European language from Reception. Having an international dimension to our work and using foreign languages is very much part of our curriculum. We also buy in a specialist musician to run a Y6 percussion group who play in assembly once a week. In order to promote aesthetic education we make full use of local facilities. Children regularly visit Stockport Art Gallery and Bridgewater Hall. We also buy in specialist teachers for one off events.
School starts at 8.55am and finishes at 3.15pm
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
All staff are aware that from time to time some children may have special educational needs. It is our policy to try to identify any problems early and work with parents to give extra support. The structure of the Literacy and Numeracy strategies means that, in the majority of cases, we are able to cater for those needs within the classroom situation. There are, however, some children who may need help which is beyond our resources in school, and in these cases we are able to bring in outside agencies, such as the Learning Support Service, the Educational Psychology Service, the Hearing Impaired Services and many others. They may give advice, resources or become regular visitors to school. In a very small minority of cases it may be necessary to consider transfer to another school which has the appropriate resources. In all cases where a child may have special needs, the parents are consulted on a regular basis. As a small school we are committed to answering the needs of individual children and also give support to gifted and able children.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION / ASSEMBLIES
We are Controlled C.E. School. This means that we are controlled by the LEA but have the Vicar and two parish nominated Governors on our Governing body. We have a happy association with the local parish church. We aim to promote a caring and inclusive ethos in which the children are made aware of the wider community in which they live and of their responsibilities within that community. However we leave specific Christian teaching to the Sunday School. We have a weekly theme for assemblies. Themes may be of a religious or secular nature and we celebrate holidays from a variety of religions. A weekly Jigsaw Club is run at school by members of All Saints’ Church. Last year we held. Harvest and Christmas services at All Saints’ Church. We have a number of volunteers who come from All Saints Church community. We also have a calendar of all religious festivals displayed in the school and we welcome children from other faiths. Each Monday the theme is introduced by the Vicar, Ian Parkinson, or one of his associates. On Wednesday we have a music assembly. Our Friday assemblies alternate between class (when children show their work), Merit (when children receive special merits), and Celebration (when children can bring in certificates they have been awarded for out of school activities). Parents are welcome to join our Friday assemblies. "In assembly you should sit still and listen to what the teacher is saying. Try to join in when the teacher asks you a question. Do not gossip and be silly and try not to make silly noises. Be good all the time. Look at the teacher because she might have something very important to say. Look interested in what she says." Amy Saxon Y6
Parents have the right to withdraw their child/children from assemblies. Should you wish to do so please contact the head teacher. We follow the Stockport Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education. This teaches children about all the main world religions. Festivals of other faiths are also discussed in assemblies.
BEHAVIOUR POLICY
We believe that children achieve best in a secure and positive environment and our behaviour policy is based on a system of rewards, withdrawal of privilege and listening to children. It was written in close consultation with parents and children and is revised and refined every year. The latest development has been the introduction of Playground Buddies. These are children who keep an eye open for other children who may be unhappy. The school council were fully involved in the drawing up of the job descriptions and in the short listing of candidates.
ANTI BULLYING POLICY
Like the Behaviour Policy, this was written with full consultation. It is linked to our Behaviour Policy and our main aim is to ensure that the ethos of the school prevents unacceptable behaviour. However, if unacceptable behaviour does occur we stress that the children must tell someone and have set up procedures to allow this to happen. Each September all classes discuss school rules, the Behaviour Policy and issues surrounding bullying. This ensures that children remain aware of school procedures. In addition all classes have a weekly Circle Time discussion. Topics for discussion are divided between teacher led and suggestions from the children.
SEX AND RELATIONSHIPS EDUCATION (SRE)
STE forms an integral part of the general health education programme.The teaching programme is set in a supportive environment, where good relationships and trust have been fostered and where teachers know and understand the children in their care.
Parents will be informed of specific sex education elements in the curriculum. Opportunity is given for them to discuss their child's involvement in these sessions. At present the KS1 work, relevant to this subject, is general with a great deal of work being done about friendships and about relationships and keeping safe. The younger KS2 children follow a similar broad approach but we include more direct teaching referring to their bodies.
The Year 5 and Year 6 children have a more specific sex education relating to puberty and the way their bodies change. One important objective for us is to raise self-esteem and give children the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions. Parents/Carers are 
informed of this prior to the teaching session and they are invited to discuss the format with the class teacher. Parents/carers have the right to withdraw children from these lessons.
HEALTHY SCHOOLS SCHEME
This is a National Award given to schools who can show they have met certain criteria with regard to a wide range of health issues. Anti-bullying initiatives and a good Sex and Relationships policy are part of this. In order to gain the National Award you have to gain recognition for three areas of work from your LEA. We have gained the first two parts of the award.
SCHOOL UNIFORM
Children wear a blue sweatshirt upon which our logo is embroidered. We also have sweat cardigans. Underneath the sweat shirt, the children wear white, yellow or pale blue polo shirts. It is possible to order a polo shirt with logo for summer wear. For summer, the girls may wear yellow or blue checked dresses or dresses such as the type available from the Donnay shop. The boys may wear trouser shorts in the summer, but not sports shorts.
School uniform can be purchased from Davensports in Marple.
Please ensure that your children wear shoes not trainers. Girls should wear “sensible” shoes. As a general rule I tell them that their heels are not allowed to be any higher than mine! Earrings, other than the ‘stud’ type, are unacceptable and all earrings must be removed for P.E. and games activities on safety grounds. When the children have PE lessons, they need to change into T-shirt, shorts and pumps. You may buy simple blue, white or yellow T-shirts from our uniform supplier. Plain black shorts/cycle pants should be worn. Training shoes are not suitable for indoors, but are acceptable for outdoor lessons. This kit should be in school each day – a simple ‘pump bag’ is very useful to keep it in. For outdoor activities the same clothing is required, but spare socks should be worn when the field is used. It is not necessary to have studded boots for the field, although they are useful. In cold weather a track suit or other warm clothing 
may be worn. Lost property is always a time-consuming problem. Please label all articles of clothing so that your child can reclaim any from the ‘Lost Property’ box. I empty this box regularly and unclaimed items are washed and sold!
HOMEWORK
All Saints’ Primary School operates a structured homework scheme which fulfils a number of purposes, among which are:-
- The development of a partnership between home and school to the benefit of the children
- Consolidating and reinforcing school work
- Providing opportunities for rote learning
- Developing the children’s skills in undertaking independent pieces of work
- Building good work habits in preparation for the expectations of future schools and for life.
HELPING IN SCHOOL
Parents and grandparents are welcome into school as helpers, either on a regular basis or for a “one-off” such as a trip or helping with a specialist topic. You may be asked to undertake a variety of tasks, including listening to readers, supporting number work, making equipment, helping with craft/needlework, assisting with cooking, and more. We also have a number of ‘friends of the school’ who regularly come into school to help. We are also building up a team of helpers from the All Saints Church community. All tasks are performed under the general supervision of the staff. We have a lively School Association who arrange social and fund raising functions for children and adults. We have an annual, highly successful Summer Fair as well as a variety of entertaining events during the year e.g. Quiz nights, fashion shows and auctions. Enthusiastic and willing 'new faces' are always welcome. In 2002 the School Association gave us £3000 towards the ICT suite. This enabled us to bid for match funding and we received a grant of £7500. Last year they gave school £3500 so we could match bid for money towards the KS2 toilet refurbishments. They have also purchased a number of smaller items such as playground equipment and markings, Christmas presents for KS1 children, book bags for all new children and the KS2 Christmas Disco.
LUNCHTIME
Children have the option of having a school lunch or bringing sandwiches. At the present time no child goes home at lunchtime but if, after consideration with parents, it is felt to be necessary for a child to go home, this can be arranged. Payment for school meals for the week is made on a Monday morning. Late dinner money causes problems, so please try to send it on Monday. Cheques are preferred, payable to SMBC. Prices are noted on the Annual Holiday List, attached. Free school meals: Only children from families in receipt of Income Support/Income Based Jobseekers Allowance are eligible for free school meals. Application
forms and further information are available Mrs. Brennan in the School Office. We have a team of Midday staff led by Samantha Burney, who is one of our parents. The majority of our midday staff have children at the school.. We have a rota with some mums working every day and others working two or three days a week. We find this is highly successful and promotes our “family” atmosphere.
HEALTH AND WELFARE
All children of reception age undergo a medical examination with the School Doctor. A parent is expected to attend. All Reception children are screened for hearing, speech and eyesight problems, and referrals for treatment are made where necessary. The School Dentist attends annually to inspect the teeth of all the children. The School Nurse is a regular visitor to the school to undertake routine hygiene checks. Parents are informed when these visits will take place and permissions form sent out as necessary.
If there are any medical problems of which we should be aware please contact the Headteacher. Children who are taken ill, or are involved in accidents are attended to by our welfare assistants. A number of our staff including our Senior Midday Assistant, the school Administrator, the Caretaker and the Headteacher all hold First Aid at Work Certificates. We regularly send new members of staff on training. Parents are contacted when necessary, in order that children may be taken home, or to the doctoror hospital for further treatment. Accidents are recorded in an Accident Book.
If parents cannot be contacted, the school authorities will exercise their rights implicit in being 'in loco parentis' and will make all necessary arrangements for the well-being of the child, including giving consent for emergency surgery, should the medical authorities deem this to be necessary. A note is sent home with any child whose head is 'bumped'. If it is necessary to keep your child at home due to illness please contact school to let us know. If you are unable to do this, please send a note with your child when he/she returns. If your child is absent for more than a few days without your having contacted the school then the EWO may call. Our EWO is Mrs Diana Key. She is based at Marple Hall School, and is one of the links between home, school and the local education authority. Her job is to ensure that all children attend regularly, and to give advice and help with some problems that may arise in school. He works closely with the school and may, in certain cases, advise parents to seek specialist professional help. He can help and advise parents in a number of ways so please ask if you ever need to contact him.
PLEASE DO LET US KNOW ABOUT ANY CHANGE IN HOME CIRCUMSTANCES THAT MAY AFFECT YOUR CHILD. CHILDREN DO NOT LEARN IF THEY ARE WORRIED OR UNHAPPY AND WE NEED TO KNOW SO THAT WE CAN GIVE APPROPRIATE SUPPORT.
CHILD ABUSE
Schools have an important part to play in the detection and prevention of child abuse. Parents should be aware, therefore, that where it appears to a member of the school staff that a child has been abused, the school is REQUIRED to report the matter to the Social Services Division IMMEDIATELY. Consequently, in such situations, it is likely that a social worker will contact the parents, NOT the school.
This requirement forms part of the local authority's procedures for dealing with child abuse and is not a matter for the discretion of individual Headteachers or members of school staff.
Each Year group has a clearly laid down weekly programme which parents are informed of in writing at the start of the school year. As with all teaching and learning, it is important to ensure progression in pace, depth and amount of support. At Key Stage 1 we would want to involve parents on a day-to-day basis in their children’s progress so that they become partners in a shared experience. By the end of Key Stage 2, the focus will have shifted, and we would want children to have developed the skill of working independently. The parents’ role will have become that of offering support for independent work, and ensuring that the child has somewhere suitable to work, providing motivation and encouragement, and finally, checking the standard of the finished work with the child, making sure that it is delivered to school on time.
All Saints' Primary School is a controlled (Church of England) Primary (5-11)
co-educational day school where we aim to teach a broad and varied curriculum through which all pupils are able to reach their full potential.
We recognise that it is important for all children to achieve a certain standard in both Literacy and Numeracy if they are to be successful in our present day society, but we recognise that we are also educating children for the future. They will face a rapidly changing world and will need many skills. They will need to be computer literate, they will need to be flexible, they will need to know how to learn, they will need to develop hobbies to aid relaxation, they will need to get on with others and above all they will need the self confidence to achieve whatever they wish to achieve. Through both our core and broader curriculum we try to foster these skills. Decisions are made on an annual basis about which year group will be split and about the criteria for how decisions will be made. We aim, as far as possible, to keep KS1 pupils in single age classes. The split age classes are given priority for Learning Support Assistant time and this year both Key Stage 1 classes have full time support. Our morning sessions are mostly spent on Literacy and Numeracy lessons, where, in line with national guidelines, children are taught new concepts as a class and then split into ability groups so that appropriate follow up tasks can be given. We have a number of Learning Support Assistants who work with groups under the direction of the class teacher. Sometimes they work alongside the class teachers and at other times they withdraw groups. We are small enough to have the flexibility to respond to individual needs and children can be moved between groups as their needs change. For mathematics we use the Abacus mathematics scheme. This is supplemented through a variety of other materials. We use the Oxford Reading Tree Scheme as a core for individual reading with books from other schemes providing extra material to ensure that children gain understanding of text and do not just rush through levels. All children also do group reading with their teacher. This ensures that the teacher is able to monitor progress closely. Our afternoon sessions are spent on the foundation subjects. We aim to give the children as many opportunities as possible for an enriched and extended curriculum. All children have the opportunity to learn a European language from Reception. Having an international dimension to our work and using foreign languages is very much part of our curriculum. We also buy in a specialist musician to run a Y6 percussion group who play in assembly once a week. In order to promote aesthetic education we make full use of local facilities. Children regularly visit Stockport Art Gallery and Bridgewater Hall. We also buy in specialist teachers for one off events.
School starts at 8.55am and finishes at 3.15pm
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
All staff are aware that from time to time some children may have special educational needs. It is our policy to try to identify any problems early and work with parents to give extra support. The structure of the Literacy and Numeracy strategies means that, in the majority of cases, we are able to cater for those needs within the classroom situation. There are, however, some children who may need help which is beyond our resources in school, and in these cases we are able to bring in outside agencies, such as the Learning Support Service, the Educational Psychology Service, the Hearing Impaired Services and many others. They may give advice, resources or become regular visitors to school. In a very small minority of cases it may be necessary to consider transfer to another school which has the appropriate resources. In all cases where a child may have special needs, the parents are consulted on a regular basis. As a small school we are committed to answering the needs of individual children and also give support to gifted and able children.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION / ASSEMBLIES
We are Controlled C.E. School. This means that we are controlled by the LEA but have the Vicar and two parish nominated Governors on our Governing body. We have a happy association with the local parish church. We aim to promote a caring and inclusive ethos in which the children are made aware of the wider community in which they live and of their responsibilities within that community. However we leave specific Christian teaching to the Sunday School. We have a weekly theme for assemblies. Themes may be of a religious or secular nature and we celebrate holidays from a variety of religions. A weekly Jigsaw Club is run at school by members of All Saints’ Church. Last year we held. Harvest and Christmas services at All Saints’ Church. We have a number of volunteers who come from All Saints Church community. We also have a calendar of all religious festivals displayed in the school and we welcome children from other faiths. Each Monday the theme is introduced by the Vicar, Ian Parkinson, or one of his associates. On Wednesday we have a music assembly. Our Friday assemblies alternate between class (when children show their work), Merit (when children receive special merits), and Celebration (when children can bring in certificates they have been awarded for out of school activities). Parents are welcome to join our Friday assemblies. "In assembly you should sit still and listen to what the teacher is saying. Try to join in when the teacher asks you a question. Do not gossip and be silly and try not to make silly noises. Be good all the time. Look at the teacher because she might have something very important to say. Look interested in what she says." Amy Saxon Y6
Parents have the right to withdraw their child/children from assemblies. Should you wish to do so please contact the head teacher. We follow the Stockport Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education. This teaches children about all the main world religions. Festivals of other faiths are also discussed in assemblies.
BEHAVIOUR POLICY
We believe that children achieve best in a secure and positive environment and our behaviour policy is based on a system of rewards, withdrawal of privilege and listening to children. It was written in close consultation with parents and children and is revised and refined every year. The latest development has been the introduction of Playground Buddies. These are children who keep an eye open for other children who may be unhappy. The school council were fully involved in the drawing up of the job descriptions and in the short listing of candidates.
ANTI BULLYING POLICY
Like the Behaviour Policy, this was written with full consultation. It is linked to our Behaviour Policy and our main aim is to ensure that the ethos of the school prevents unacceptable behaviour. However, if unacceptable behaviour does occur we stress that the children must tell someone and have set up procedures to allow this to happen. Each September all classes discuss school rules, the Behaviour Policy and issues surrounding bullying. This ensures that children remain aware of school procedures. In addition all classes have a weekly Circle Time discussion. Topics for discussion are divided between teacher led and suggestions from the children.
SEX AND RELATIONSHIPS EDUCATION (SRE)
STE forms an integral part of the general health education programme.The teaching programme is set in a supportive environment, where good relationships and trust have been fostered and where teachers know and understand the children in their care.
Parents will be informed of specific sex education elements in the curriculum. Opportunity is given for them to discuss their child's involvement in these sessions. At present the KS1 work, relevant to this subject, is general with a great deal of work being done about friendships and about relationships and keeping safe. The younger KS2 children follow a similar broad approach but we include more direct teaching referring to their bodies.
The Year 5 and Year 6 children have a more specific sex education relating to puberty and the way their bodies change. One important objective for us is to raise self-esteem and give children the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions. Parents/Carers are informed of this prior to the teaching session and they are invited to discuss the format with the class teacher. Parents/carers have the right to withdraw children from these lessons.
HEALTHY SCHOOLS SCHEME
This is a National Award given to schools who can show they have met certain criteria with regard to a wide range of health issues. Anti-bullying initiatives and a good Sex and Relationships policy are part of this. In order to gain the National Award you have to gain recognition for three areas of work from your LEA. We have gained the first two parts of the award.
SCHOOL UNIFORM
Children wear a blue sweatshirt upon which our logo is embroidered. We also have sweat cardigans. Underneath the sweat shirt, the children wear white, yellow or pale blue polo shirts. It is possible to order a polo shirt with logo for summer wear. For summer, the girls may wear yellow or blue checked dresses or dresses such as the type available from the Donnay shop. The boys may wear trouser shorts in the summer, but not sports shorts.
School uniform can be purchased from Davensports in Marple.
Please ensure that your children wear shoes not trainers. Girls should wear “sensible” shoes. As a general rule I tell them that their heels are not allowed to be any higher than mine! Earrings, other than the ‘stud’ type, are unacceptable and all earrings must be removed for P.E. and games activities on safety grounds. When the children have PE lessons, they need to change into T-shirt, shorts and pumps. You may buy simple blue, white or yellow T-shirts from our uniform supplier. Plain black shorts/cycle pants should be worn. Training shoes are not suitable for indoors, but are acceptable for outdoor lessons. This kit should be in school each day – a simple ‘pump bag’ is very useful to keep it in. For outdoor activities the same clothing is required, but spare socks should be worn when the field is used. It is not necessary to have studded boots for the field, although they are useful. In cold weather a track suit or other warm clothing may be worn. Lost property is always a time-consuming problem. Please label all articles of clothing so that your child can reclaim any from the ‘Lost Property’ box. I empty this box regularly and unclaimed items are washed and sold!
HOMEWORK
All Saints’ Primary School operates a structured homework scheme which fulfils a number of purposes, among which are:-
- The development of a partnership between home and school to the benefit of the children
- Consolidating and reinforcing school work
- Providing opportunities for rote learning
- Developing the children’s skills in undertaking independent pieces of work
- Building good work habits in preparation for the expectations of future schools and for life.
HELPING IN SCHOOL
Parents and grandparents are welcome into school as helpers, either on a regular basis or for a “one-off” such as a trip or helping with a specialist topic. You may be asked to undertake a variety of tasks, including listening to readers, supporting number work, making equipment, helping with craft/needlework, assisting with cooking, and more. We also have a number of ‘friends of the school’ who regularly come into school to help. We are also building up a team of helpers from the All Saints Church community. All tasks are performed under the general supervision of the staff. We have a lively School Association who arrange social and fund raising functions for children and adults. We have an annual, highly successful Summer Fair as well as a variety of entertaining events during the year e.g. Quiz nights, fashion shows and auctions. Enthusiastic and willing 'new faces' are always welcome. In 2002 the School Association gave us £3000 towards the ICT suite. This enabled us to bid for match funding and we received a grant of £7500. Last year they gave school £3500 so we could match bid for money towards the KS2 toilet refurbishments. They have also purchased a number of smaller items such as playground equipment and markings, Christmas presents for KS1 children, book bags for all new children and the KS2 Christmas Disco.
LUNCHTIME
Children have the option of having a school lunch or bringing sandwiches. At the present time no child goes home at lunchtime but if, after consideration with parents, it is felt to be necessary for a child to go home, this can be arranged. Payment for school meals for the week is made on a Monday morning. Late dinner money causes problems, so please try to send it on Monday. Cheques are preferred, payable to SMBC. Prices are noted on the Annual Holiday List, attached. Free school meals: Only children from families in receipt of Income Support/Income Based Jobseekers Allowance are eligible for free school meals. Application forms and further information are available Mrs. Brennan in the School Office. We have a team of Midday staff led by Samantha Burney, who is one of our parents. The majority of our midday staff have children at the school.. We have a rota with some mums working every day and others working two or three days a week. We find this is highly successful and promotes our “family” atmosphere.
HEALTH AND WELFARE
All children of reception age undergo a medical examination with the School Doctor. A parent is expected to attend. All Reception children are screened for hearing, speech and eyesight problems, and referrals for treatment are made where necessary. The School Dentist attends annually to inspect the teeth of all the children. The School Nurse is a regular visitor to the school to undertake routine hygiene checks. Parents are informed when these visits will take place and permissions form sent out as necessary.
If there are any medical problems of which we should be aware please contact the Headteacher. Children who are taken ill, or are involved in accidents are attended to by our welfare assistants. A number of our staff including our Senior Midday Assistant, the school Administrator, the Caretaker and the Headteacher all hold First Aid at Work Certificates. We regularly send new members of staff on training. Parents are contacted when necessary, in order that children may be taken home, or to the doctoror hospital for further treatment. Accidents are recorded in an Accident Book.
If parents cannot be contacted, the school authorities will exercise their rights implicit in being 'in loco parentis' and will make all necessary arrangements for the well-being of the child, including giving consent for emergency surgery, should the medical authorities deem this to be necessary. A note is sent home with any child whose head is 'bumped'. If it is necessary to keep your child at home due to illness please contact school to let us know. If you are unable to do this, please send a note with your child when he/she returns. If your child is absent for more than a few days without your having contacted the school then the EWO may call. Our EWO is Mrs Diana Key. She is based at Marple Hall School, and is one of the links between home, school and the local education authority. Her job is to ensure that all children attend regularly, and to give advice and help with some problems that may arise in school. He works closely with the school and may, in certain cases, advise parents to seek specialist professional help. He can help and advise parents in a number of ways so please ask if you ever need to contact him.
PLEASE DO LET US KNOW ABOUT ANY CHANGE IN HOME CIRCUMSTANCES THAT MAY AFFECT YOUR CHILD. CHILDREN DO NOT LEARN IF THEY ARE WORRIED OR UNHAPPY AND WE NEED TO KNOW SO THAT WE CAN GIVE APPROPRIATE SUPPORT.
CHILD ABUSE
Schools have an important part to play in the detection and prevention of child abuse. Parents should be aware, therefore, that where it appears to a member of the school staff that a child has been abused, the school is REQUIRED to report the matter to the Social Services Division IMMEDIATELY. Consequently, in such situations, it is likely that a social worker will contact the parents, NOT the school.
This requirement forms part of the local authority's procedures for dealing with child abuse and is not a matter for the discretion of individual Headteachers or members of school staff.
Each Year group has a clearly laid down weekly programme which parents are informed of in writing at the start of the school year. As with all teaching and learning, it is important to ensure progression in pace, depth and amount of support. At Key Stage 1 we would want to involve parents on a day-to-day basis in their children’s progress so that they become partners in a shared experience. By the end of Key Stage 2, the focus will have shifted, and we would want children to have developed the skill of working independently. The parents’ role will have become that of offering support for independent work, and ensuring that the child has somewhere suitable to work, providing motivation and encouragement, and finally, checking the standard of the finished work with the child, making sure that it is delivered to school on time.