Waycroft AcademyPart of the Waycroft Multi Academy Trust

Prospectus

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The Waycroft Multi Academy Trust Curriculum .......... 3

Early Years Foundation Stage ................................. 3

Play to Learn ...................................................... 3

Admiral Nursery .................................................. 3

Year 1–Year 6 ........................................................... 3

Assessment ........................................................ 4

Learning Approaches ......................................... 4

School Life .................................................................... 5

Clubs ....................................................................... 5

Sport ........................................................................ 5

School Council ........................................................ 5

Special Educational Needs ..................................... 5

Inclusion .................................................................. 5

Able Interested and Motivated (AIM) ....................... 5

Behaviour Policy...................................................... 5

Bullying and Unkindness ......................................... 5

House System ......................................................... 6

Open Day ................................................................ 6

General Guidance and Administration ........................ 6

School Meals ........................................................... 6

Pastoral Care ........................................................... 6

Exceptional Leave of Absence ................................ 8

Parents, Staff and Children in Partnership .............. 8

Charging Policy ....................................................... 8

Lost Property ........................................................... 8

Admissions .............................................................. 8

Transition to Secondary School .............................. 8

Volunteer Helpers .................................................... 8

Complaints Procedure............................................. 8

Dear Parents and Carers,

On behalf of everyone in our school community may I welcome you to Waycroft Academy. Our children enjoy learning always trying to do their best; they also feel safe and happy and learn that everyone is important and brings something special to our world. Our pupils know how to look after each other and their environment by making positive lifestyle choices linked to our work on Rights Respecting Schools. Staff and children pride themselves on high standards of work and behaviour. It is rewarding to see the children progress so well in the classroom and on the playground.

Educating the future generation is a privilege which we are keen to share with parents, families and carers. Through strong partnerships and nurturing their individual talents, we can support your child to reach their potential socially and academically. We are all proud of our school and would love the opportunity to share it with you.

If you would like any additional information please contact me via our school office.

Yours sincerely,

Lisa Craig Head of School

The school day:The School DayNursery children: 8.30am to 11.30am and 12.30pm to 3.30pm

Reception children: 8.55am to 3.15pm, doors open 8.45am

KS1 children: 8.55am to 3.15pm, doors open 8.45am

KS2 children: 8.55am to 3.20pm, doors open 8.45am

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The Waycroft Multi Academy Trust CurriculumEarly Years Foundation StageIt is essential that your child finds their first days at Waycroft fun, happy and secure. When our Nursery and Reception pupils first join the school there is a carefully planned programme of induction where the Nursery and Reception staff work closely as a team: together, with you and your child. We understand the early years of parenting can be an anxious time, especially the months before and during your child’s first term at school. Close and open communication at this time is important and as a result your children quickly understand their routines and become settled and independent with new friends.

Nursery and Reception classes are part of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Their curriculum takes place around the following seven areas: Communication and Language, Physical Development, Personal, Social and Emotional Development, Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design. Pupils learn through a mix of teacher-led, supported and independent activities which often take place in outside areas. The love of learning and enjoyment of school displayed by our youngest children is evident and provides firm foundations for their future education.

Play to LearnPrior to children entering Waycroft Nursery they have the opportunity to attend our Play to Learn Club, a small charge is made. Children can join in the September following their second birthday or earlier if there are spaces. They attend, with

a parent/carer, one of four sessions held each week when parents, staff and children are encouraged to play, investigate and talk together within the EYFS guidelines.

Admiral NurseryWaycroft runs a Nursery for two-year-olds. This special setting is for a group of children whose admission is decided by Bristol City Council. If any places become available for additional pupils Waycroft parents will be informed. The Nursery will provide an exciting indoor to outdoor environment with a focus on play.

Year 1–Year 6Children follow a broad and balanced curriculum which follows the 2014 National Curriculum for English, Maths, Science and Computing. As an academy, Waycroft has the freedom to choose its own curriculum therefore History, Geography, Art, Music, Design Technology, PSHE and PE are taught through themes and topics which our pupils find engaging and challenging. There is a major focus on global citizenship. MFL (French) is also taught in Key Stage 2. Computing permeates all subject areas with children developing their skills from the Nursery to Year 6.

Within the curriculum there are opportunities to develop spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding; eco awareness is also high profile.

Religious Education: RE must be taught in all schools. At Waycroft it is taught in accordance with Bristol’s agreed syllabus. Assemblies and collective worship cover a range of pertinent topics within a Christian tradition. Parents have a right to withdraw their child from assemblies or from Religious Education lessons.

Personal Social Health & Relationship education (PSHE): This is taught regularly, covering a range of topics including sex education, drugs awareness, health and safety

striving to be and do our best in our daily lives, aiming at reaching personal targets, with determination and effort

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eThis year I am a school councillor. I help think of ideas to make Waycroft even better. Pupil

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and citizenship. Parents wishing to view the material used should contact the Head of School.

Library: Waycroft has a well-equipped library which promotes a love of reading and therefore raises reading achievement. Children visit during lessons and in their own time. Our Librarian organises special events, reading challenges, book fairs and author visits.

Further details of the Waycroft curriculum can be found on the school’s website.

AssessmentThe Curriculum is continually assessed through observation, discussion, marking and periodic testing. This ensures any identified gaps in a child’s understanding can be addressed and future lessons are relevant and challenging. There are also statutory assessments at the end of each Key Stage, SATs in Y2 and Y6 as well as phonics tests for Y1. These and other assessment results are reported to parents annually as a part of each child’s individual end-of-year report. In addition children receive an interim report at the end of each Autumn Term. Teachers will also carry out a baseline assessment when children enter Reception, which focusses on observing the children involved in normal school day activities.

Learning Approaches Teachers from the Multi Academy Trust schools work together, planning work and meeting with senior leaders to discuss progress to ensure we offer all pupils the same quality of education and opportunities.

The curriculum is delivered using class, group and one-to-one teaching, whichever the teacher feels is appropriate with pupils of all ages being encouraged to learn independently. Some work is topic based, and some taught as individual subjects. Mornings are usually used for Maths and English focussing on number work, problem solving, reading, writing, spelling and communication.

All lessons reference Guy Claxton’s Building Learning Power (BLP) to teach children the skills they need to be successful learners. Children are awarded BLP stickers when they display particularly good learning behaviours.

In every lesson teachers outline with children what must and could be achieved, whilst identifying challenges using Blooms taxonomy to develop higher order thinking. Differentiated planning is always in place for ‘out-of-step’ children who receive Teaching Assistant support usually alongside their peers in the classroom.

Waycroft children participate fully in the life of the school and join in a range of additional activities as well as attending residential camps in Years 2, 4 and 6. The experience of ‘living and learning together’ alongside friends away from home is invaluable.

Every aspect of the day is seen as a learning opportunity: the social occasion for family and friends at Breakfast Club; the food from around the world at lunch and the musician of the week featured in assembly. The detail is important and enjoyed.

School LifeClubsThere is a wide variety of extra-curricular clubs available at Waycroft with children encouraged to extend and broaden their horizons. The activities available provide sporting, creative and social opportunities. A list of activities will be published at the beginning of each term. For those clubs needing additional coaching staff or resources a small charge may be made.

SportSport is high profile. Pupils have two PE lessons a week and there are opportunities to represent the school in inter-school fixtures which usually take place after school. Children are encouraged to: • always accept the referee’s decision• treat opponents with respectSporting achievements are celebrated alongside academic and social excellence in Friday achievement assemblies.

School Councilincluding our Rights Respecting and ECO TeamsChildren may stand for election to their School Council. Elected councillors and members of our Rights Respecting and ECO Teams meet regularly to help shape school policy by helping adults see the school through the eyes of their pupils.

Special Educational NeedsChildren with additional needs receive special help. All children have access to the same curriculum and generally remain with their own peer group. Where necessary children receive one-to-one or small-group tuition. A copy of the SEN Policy is available upon request.

InclusionWaycroft is committed to providing an appropriate and high quality education for all. Within this ethos pupils develop an understanding of every individual’s strengths and

weaknesses. We have a clear programme of intervention and support to meet the needs of each individual child.

Able Interested and Motivated (AIM)At Waycroft we challenge all children, including the very able. Families help teachers identify children with special talents. This process does not only apply to children with academic ability. Our AIM register includes children with creative arts and/or sporting ability. Small groups of AIM pupils have opportunities to attend special events; Waycroft also hosts AIM workshops when children with similar talents from local schools can learn together.

Behaviour PolicyBehaviour management is based on the UNICEF’s ‘Rights Respecting School Award’. We have a strong belief that children should know their rights as agreed by the UK Government in the United Nations Convention for the Rights of the Child. With this comes the understanding that children need to respect the rights of other children in school, in their community and around the world. In school all children are treated equally with the same age appropriate sanctions and rewards. Swearing, acts of racism or aggressive behaviour are not tolerated, if it does occur appropriate action will be taken immediately and if necessary parents will be informed and a meeting arranged so that home and school can work together and agree a strategy for improving behaviour.

Weekly behaviour records are kept and children who behave well are then entered into a regular Chance Card Draw.

Bullying and UnkindnessWe try to keep bullying and unkindness out of Waycroft. Children are encouraged to talk about their concerns. Teaching and non-teaching staff will listen, and, where necessary, report problems to the Head of School. Parents should also inform their child’s class teacher or Head of School of any concerns so that issues can be investigated and appropriate action taken.

Every aspect of provision, including teaching, the curriculum and care, support and guidance is outstanding.

Ofsted

The staff seem to know all the children so well. Parent

We were concerned at first about the size of Waycroft. It is big but has a really friendly atmosphere. Parent

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We encourage the following strategies when dealing with someone attempting to bully:• if approached by a bully walk away• tell an adult straight away if you are bullied • always try to be with a friend• REMEMBER it is the bully who has the problem

NOT the bullied.• Inform an adult at school as soon as you canThe pupils have created leaflets to share with peers to give further guidance. These are available on our website and in school.

House SystemAll Waycroft pupils belong to one of four ‘Houses’. Their house name will be embroidered on their school sweatshirt. When they are awarded a House Point it is recorded on their own individual record as well as their House’s collective total, it leads to certificates and a class trophy. This encourages both individual effort and cooperative teamwork.

Each House has a Captain and Vice-Captain elected by the children. House Points are not awarded lightly, we do not reward mediocrity. Children also compete for inter-house sports trophies.

Open DayOpen day is held annually, the school invites parents, carers and friends to come and see the children at work and join in the lessons being taught. The date for Open Day is published at the beginning of the academic year.

General Guidance and Administration Waycroft always encourages respect for people and property; we therefore have a few basic rules:• children should never leave cash in coat pockets,

it should be handed in straight away in a labelled envelope

• cash for breakfast club or tuck should be kept to a minimum and be kept in a named purse/wallet

• no toys should be brought to school• only fruit may be eaten at morning play except for

medical reasons• mobile phones may only be brought to school

once written consent has been given and must be handed to the School Office on a daily basis

• cycle helmets must be worn if a child cycles to school.

To run our school efficiently we ask that parents/carers help us by observing the following:• money owed to the school is paid by deadlines set• all visitors must report to the office to obtain a

visitors pass, sign in and sign out• children collected other than at the end of the

school day must be signed out• please read and respond if necessary to all letters

and newsletters • please visit the website regularly to remain informed

regarding news, celebrations and policies

School MealsWaycroft runs its own, high quality meal service and encourages healthy eating. Our daily breakfast club serves a selection of options to children and families. Our meals are very popular, varied and provide excellent value for money. Menus are available on the website and are in line with the School Food Standards. Meals MUST be paid for in advance and parents are responsible for ensuring their child’s meal account is always in credit using ParentPay.

If your child brings a packed lunch please ensure that they use a labelled lunchbox and that only plastic containers are used for drinks. No fizzy drinks, sweets or chocolate bars please. We ask parents to think about the nutritional value of home prepared packed lunches. Diet does impact on a child’s ability to learn.

Pastoral CareThe happiness, health and well-being of all the children is our highest priority, and the most important building block for our pupils’ progress. Your child’s class teacher and teaching assistants who work with the class will build close, caring

building a peaceful and better world through solidarity, team spirit, joy and optimism. To overcome political, economic, gender, racial or religious differences and forge friendships

friendshipWe moved house so our children could go to Waycroft.

Parent

When I visited the school I was impressed with the way children collaborate so well together. Director

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and professional relationships with the children in their class. They are the first port of call if you have any concerns or information we should know; something which could seem trivial to an adult can impact greatly on a child’s feelings and behaviours. Pastoral care needs will be assessed and met on an individual basis with additional support provided when necessary. One of the best ways to ensure pupils feel secure and happy at school is to ensure their attendance is as good as it can be and they arrive at school on time.

Exceptional Leave of AbsenceCurriculum time lost can severely influence a child’s progress at school. Leave of absence will only ever be granted by the Executive Headteacher or the Head of School in exceptional circumstances following the completion of the school’s Exceptional Leave of Absence Form available from the school office. Government legislation makes it clear that term time holidays should not be taken and are rarely seen as an exceptional circumstance. Taking unauthorised absence can lead to a fixed penalty notice.

Parents, Staff and Children in PartnershipThis partnership is summarised in the school’s Home/School Agreements. We ask that children and parents read this document carefully before signing. It is an important part of our ethos and can be used to support the school, our pupils and parents/carers.

We aim to keep all families well informed but if you are unsure please ask. Staff are always happy to talk to parents, a problem addressed in the early stages can often be resolved quickly and we always like to share any celebrations.

Successful partnerships are based on clearly understood joint expectations, some of which are:• courtesy, common sense and consideration• behaviour that is a credit to Waycroft • good listening skills when others are talking,

showing respect for other people’s points of view• support for all school policies.

More specific information regarding different year groups will be communicated by your child’s teacher each year during induction meetings held in Term 6.

Charging PolicySome school activities will only be possible if parents make a voluntary contribution, where this is the case parents will be informed at the outset. If there are not enough contributions received an activity will be cancelled. The school’s Charging Policy may be seen on request. Your child’s School Office is happy to receive payment for the residential camps in Years 2, 4 and 6 in instalments over a period of months using ParentPay or by cheque, please note deposits are non-refundable.

Lost PropertyPlease ensure items of clothing are clearly marked; ‘lost’ items will be kept for a limited period. At the end of each term cloakrooms will be cleared and items of unclaimed property displayed outside the School Office.

AdmissionsWaycroft Nursery admits pupils in the September following their third birthday. If you are interested in a place please inform a member of the office team who will take your details. Further information is available in the Nursery Admissions Policy available from the office or on the website. The Nursery operates a ‘staggered’, small group entry system at the beginning of the Autumn Term so staff can get to know the children.

Children are admitted to Reception during the academic year in which they become five. Children begin on a part time basis. However, children attend ‘full-time’ by the end of the third week in the Autumn Term. There are induction visits during the Summer Term prior to the children starting school. Close links are maintained with parents to ensure a happy start for every child.

We encourage new or prospective pupils and parents to visit, see us at work and be shown around the school. If you wish to visit please book an appointment.

Admissions in year or for any other year group are managed by Bristol Admissions who can be contacted as follows: Tel. 0117 903 7694 school.admissions@bristol.gov.uk https://www.bristol.gov.uk/schools-learning-early-years/school-admissions

Transition to Secondary SchoolWaycroft is sent details regarding secondary transfer which will be posted on the school noticeboards. We also send a letter to all parents and carers every September outlining what they will need to do. It will detail the Bristol City Council website and how they apply online. Applications must be made by late October; parents are informed of the school their child has been allocated at the beginning of March. We advise parents to attend open evenings of their preferred choices before completing their application form.

We work closely with the chosen schools to make the transition to secondary school as smooth as possible. Staff from most schools visit us and the children take part in a variety of activities to help prepare them for the transition.

Volunteer HelpersWe warmly welcome volunteer helpers who are able to offer classroom support. For more information about becoming a volunteer helper please contact the School Office. You will be required to have DBS (Data Barring Service) clearance which can be obtained through the school.

Complaints ProcedureComplaints, in the first instance, should be made to a member of staff. It is hoped that in most cases these will be resolved at this informal level. However, if attempts fail, there is an agreed complaints procedure that will be followed, a copy of which is available upon request. The Chair of your child’s Local Governing Body (LGB) can be contacted via your child’s School Office.

I love the lessons and the clubs I go to.I don’t want to leave at the end of Year 6

Pupil

for oneself, for one another, for rules and for the environment; local and global

respect

Information in this prospectus is correct at the time of publication, but arrangements can alter. When this happens we’ll do all we can to keep you informed. Further information can be found at www.waycroftacademy.com

If a Prospectus or one of our websites fails to give you the information you need please contact your child’s school. More information is available upon request.

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Waycroft MAT, Selden Road, Stockwood, Bristol. BS14 8PS • 0117 377 2198 info@waycroftacademy.com

Thanks to Studio Square for taking the majority of the photographs.

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