Prospectus

2017-2018

St. John’s CE is a happy, caring school

built on Christian values.

We aim to:

Offer a broad, rich curriculum in an exciting, stimulating, Chris-

tian environment

Develop the skills, attributes and talents needed for life long

learning

Be a welcoming, safe, friendly environment that is fun and

where ideas are valued and celebrated

Ensure that every individual is welcomed and knows that they

matter to the school and God

Prepare our children to play a full, independent and active role

in the local and wider community

Build happy, positive relationships with children, staff, parents,

governors and the community

Be a focal point for the whole community, building strong and

cohesive links with our families, church, local and wider world.

St. John’s CE is a happy, caring school

built on Christian values.

We aim to:

Offer a broad, rich curriculum in an exciting, stimulating,

Christian environment

Develop the skills, attributes and talents needed for life long

learning

Be a welcoming, safe, friendly environment that is fun and

where ideas are valued and celebrated

Ensure that every individual is welcomed and knows that they

matter to the school and God

Prepare our children to play a full, independent and active role

in the local and wider community

Build happy, positive relationships with children, staff, parents,

governors and the community

Be a focal point for the whole community, building strong and

cohesive links with our families, church, local and wider world.

Dear Parents

We hope that you enjoy reading this prospectus and that it answers some of the questions,

which you may have about St John’s Primary School.

Our school is situated in the village of Swindon, but it also serves the villages of Himley and

Smestow. Some parents from Wombourne and nearby Dudley have also chosen to send

their children here. The school is divided into mixed aged classes.

At St John’s we strive to provide high quality education for our pupils. In achieving this we

encourage parents to become involved and committed in their Childs education by

working closely with the staff, in promoting positive attitudes, good behaviour and effective

personal development. We believe that children learn best if they are happy and we aim to

help children to achieve the highest standards in all aspects of school life within a safe and

caring environment.

If after reading the enclosed information you would like to visit our school or know more

about us, please do not hesitate to contact us to make an appointment. Your questions

can then be answered personally and you will be able to see the school at work.

Yours sincerely

Mrs D M Calloway

Headteacher

Play, Pray, Prosper

General Information

Play, Pray, Prosper

General Information

Address: Wombourne Road

Swindon

Dudley

DY3 4NB

Telephone: 01384 273865 Fax: 01384 293190

Email: office@st-johns-swindon.staffs.sch.uk

Website: www.st-johns-swindon.staffs.sch.uk

Teaching Staff:

Mrs Calloway Headteacher

Mrs Jesson (Deputy Head) Class 1 (Reception)

Mrs James Class 2 (Y1 and Y2)

Miss Brennan Class 3 (Y3 and Y4)

Mr Green Class 4 (Y5 and Y6)

Nursery Staff:

Mrs Smith Senior Nursery Nurse

Non-Teaching Staff:

Mrs Supple School Secretary

Mrs Wood Teaching Assistant

Miss Baines Teaching Assistant

Mrs Toy-Meagher Teaching Assistant

Mrs Clark Teaching Assistant

Mrs Jones Teaching Assistant

Mrs McCann Teaching Assistant

Mrs McDonald Teaching Assistant

Mrs Hall Teaching Assistant

Mrs Hartill Catering Supervisor

Mrs Dallow Kitchen Assistant

Mrs Marsh Lunchtime Supervisor

Mrs Crowther Cleaner

Mr Jeffery Handyman

Governors :

Mr I Host Chairperson and Foundation

Mrs D Calloway Headteacher

Mrs L Jesson Teacher Governor

Mr G. Bowen Vice Chair and Co-opted

Mr K Pincher LEA Governor

Mrs E Butcher Parent Governor

Mrs K Johnson Parent Governor

Mrs J Parkes Parent Governor

Rev. C. Host Foundation Governor

We have a very successful Nursery on our school site which children can join from the

term in which they will have their third birthday.

Nursery Staff

Mrs Smith Senior Nursery Nurse

Mrs Wood Teaching Assistant

Mrs Hall Teaching Assistant

Mrs Clark Teaching Assistant

Nursery Opening Times

Monday 9:00 – 12:00 12:00 – 3:00

Tuesday 9:00 – 12:00 12:00 – 3:00

Wednesday 9:00 – 12:00 12:00 – 3:00

Thursday 9:00 --12:00 12:00 – 3:00

Friday 9:00 – 12:00 12:00 – 3:00

Lunchtime

For those parents wishing to access a full day, children are able to bring a packed lunch

with them. Lunchtimes are supervised by our Nursery staff within the nursery environment.

What to Wear

We encourage all children in Nursery to wear a purple polo-shirt and St Johns school

jumper/cardigan (available from Abbiss in Wombourne). Please ensure that all clothing is

clearly labelled.

Should you have any queries at all or would like to submit your child's details then please

contact the School Office on 01384 273865.

St. John’s Nursery

School Uniform

Boys – Winter Boys – Summer

White shirt Purple Polo Shirt

Grey trousers Grey shorts / trousers

Green V-neck sweatshirt Black shoes

School tie

Black shoes

Plain grey / black socks

Girls – Winter Girls – Summer

White shirt Purple and white dress

Grey skirt / pinafore or

Grey trousers Grey skirt/ Pinafore

Green V-neck sweatshirt Purple Polo Shirt

School tie Black shoes (flat)

Black shoes (flat) Plain white socks

Plain black/white/grey socks or tights

Summer uniform may be worn from Easter to October.

Girls are able to wear trousers from October half term to the end of the Spring term

Physical Education

Winter Summer

Green shorts/Skort Green shorts/Skort

Green PE Top Green PE Top

Green jogging bottoms Pumps

Pumps

All items including school book bags, pump bags etc. can be obtained from Abbiss, High

Street, Wombourne.

Please ensure that all clothes, pump bags, sandwich boxes and any other belongings are

clearly labelled with your child's name.

It is very important that your child is able to dress and undress him/herself on his/her

admission into school.

Jewellery is not permitted - watches and stud earrings are acceptable. But should be

removed for all PE lessons.

Curriculum

Each half term, children will be taught through an Imaginative Learning Project. Each ILP

has a main curriculum focus (science, history, art etc) and other areas of the curriculum

will be linked to this theme. However, many aspects of Maths will be taught separately in

order to ensure that all objectives are taught thoroughly. Below are the ILPs for each class.

Class 1 (Reception)

Why do you love me so much?

Can we explore it?

Where does snow go?

Why is water wet?

Which is the biggest dinosaur?

Am I the fastest?

How does that building stay up?

Why do leaves go crispy?

Can I have a dog yet?

Why can’t I have chocolate for

breakfast?

Why do spiders eat flies?

What is a shadow?

How many colours in a rainbow?

Are eggs alive?

Class 2 (Years 1 & 2)

Bright Lights, Big City

Dinosaur Planet

Rio De Vida

Wriggle and Crawl

Beat Band Boogie

Paws, Claws and Whiskers

Splendid Skies

Superheroes

Moon Zoom

The Enchanted Woodland

Land Ahoy

Street Detectives

Bounce

Muck, Mess and Mixtures

Towers, Tunnels and Turrets

Class 3 (Years 3 & 4)

Gods and Mortals

Blue Abyss

Tremors

Predator

Bottoms, Burps and Bile

Music Playlist

Scrumdiddlyumptious

I am Warrior

Heroes and Villains

Mighty Metals

Misty Mountain Sierra

1066

Tribal Tales

Urban Pioneers

Potions

Class 4 (Years 5 & 6)

Alchemy Island

Allotment

Beast Creator

Off With Her Head

Peasants, Princes and Pestilence

Pharaohs

Scream Machine

Time Traveller

A Child’s War

Blood Heart

Darwin’s Delights

Frozen Kingdom

Gallery rebels

Hola Mexico!

Revolution

Rules and Behaviour

At St John’s we believe that good behaviour is essential for successful learning and a

happy school. Therefore, children are expected to be polite, well-mannered and

considerate, showing not only respect for their teachers and their fellow pupils, but also

care for the school building and property of others. The highest standard of behaviour is

expected at all times and positive behaviour is recognised by all staff, and is always

promoted. Pupils who behave in an unacceptable manner are reminded of their

responsibilities using a range of sanctions:

· Verbal warning

· Loss of privileges

· Extra work of a useful kind

· Working apart from others

The involvement of parents in discipline is paramount and if a child persistently

misbehaves the parents will be informed and invited into school to discuss the problem

with the Headteacher and staff, with a view to seeking a solution to the problem.

In accordance to the Education Act, 1986, corporal punishment will not be

administered in the county and voluntary controlled schools maintained by

Staffordshire County Council Education Committee.

School Code of Conduct

At St John’s Primary School we are always trying to:

· Give our best in work and play

· Respect all people and their belongings

· Show care and concern for all

· Set a good example to those around us

· Care for our school

Complaints Procedure

If you have any concerns then please speak to your child's class teacher . Should you still

have any concerns, then please report this to the Headteacher. If you are still unhappy

about the outcome of any concerns you may have, then this must be reported to the

Governing Body in writing. A full copy of our Complaints Policy can be found on our

website.

Reward System

In all classes the rewards system operates as a merit system.

Points will be awarded to children for various achievements or for showing

appropriate behaviour, including the following:

Producing a high standard of work

Showing good effort in a particular task

Being thoughtful, caring or helpful

Showing respect

For any other reason for which a teacher feels a reward is justified

Each half term we will have a celebration assembly for those children with Bronze 50,

Silver 100, Gold 150, Platinum 200 and Diamond 250 awards and parents will be invited to

join us in this assembly.

Special Education Needs

and Disabilities

At St John’s we believe each child is special and will have a variety of needs throughout

their school life. At times, a child may have difficulty learning and may need extra

support.

If we feel your child is having problems then you will be contacted by the class teacher

and will be informed of the areas of concern. We will then endeavour to put in place the

support needed to ensure your child continues to make progress. This may mean working

in smaller groups with a higher teacher focus or putting in place an Independent

Education Plan, for which parental authorisation is required. This plan means targets will

be set for your child and close monitoring will take place to ensure these targets are met.

At all times, parents will be informed and encouraged to help at home.

The Education Programme outlines any difficulties a child may have and aims to solve

these. These are reviewed regularly, ensuring any changes in need are taken in to

account and acted upon.

At St John’s we aim to provide children with special needs with a secure environment

where they are not made to feel ‘different’. Through the guidance and support of the

parents, the class teacher and the Special Needs Co-ordinator we will work together to

support your child in overcoming these difficulties.

At all stages of special needs parents are informed and encouraged to assist their child at

home with small, helpful tasks which will bring their learning forward.

We will be happy to discuss any concerns you have regarding your child and Special

Educational Needs.

St John’s is a Dyslexia Friendly school.

Parent Helpers

You as parents and grandparents can provide a valuable service to the pupils in our

school. There is a wide variety of ways in which help can be given in curricular and

non-curricular activities, for example:

· Maintaining equipment and resources

· Cooking

· Handicrafts

· Maintaining the library

· Photocopying

· Mounting work for display

· Making resources

· Supervising groups / helping individuals

· Listening to readers

If you are interested in taking such an active involvement in the school, then the following

conditions must be met. These conditions have a bearing on the safety of both our pupils

and yourselves:

1. You must be prepared to undergo a criminal records check. This is solely to ensure that

nobody who is known to be a threat to children works in our school.

2. Confidentiality.

3. You may not physically discipline or threaten to discipline any child in the school.

4. You refer any problems you encounter with children directly to their class teacher, who

will take the appropriate action.

5. You abide by the aims of the school and its behaviour.

Admissions

Admissions

In each academic year it is intended that the number of pupils to be admitted into the

Reception group at the normal age of entry will not exceed 15.

We have one intake per year in September following your child’s fourth birthday.

St. John’s School Nursery takes children in the term of their third birthday. Parents who are

considering sending their child to the school should contact the Headteacher who will be

pleased to explain admission arrangements and invite them to visit the school. Admission

requests must be made to the Education Authority.

Admissions Policy

If the number of pupils seeking admission to the school exceeds the number of places

available, then the following order of priority will be used:

a) Pupils living within the catchment area

b) Pupils who would, in the first year to which the application relates, have an elder

brother or sister in attendance at the school

c) Pupils who satisfy both the following tests

They are distinguished from the great majority of other applicants

either on medical grounds which are supported by a medical report,

obtained by parents, specifying the medical advantage of the child

attending the preferred school compared with the normal catchment area

school or by other exceptional circumstances material to the choice of

school (i.e. the circumstances of the child, not the

economic or social circumstances of the school)

and

They would suffer hardship if they were unable to attend the school.

d) Other pupils arranged in order of priority according to how near their home

addresses are to the school, measurements being by the nearest walking route.

Health and Welfare

Procedures for Absences

If your child is absent from school, please telephone the school office as soon as possible.

A text message will be sent requesting you to contact the office on the first day of

absence if you do not contact us.

Medicines

Medication can be administered in school with written permission from the parent or

guardian of the child. Inhalers will be kept in the classroom where children can use them as

needed. Please supply the school with details of dosage and maximum daily allowance

for inhalers.

Illness in School

If your child falls ill in school you will be contacted by the school secretary or teaching

assistant when arrangements can be made to take your child home. Please ensure that all

emergency contact numbers are up-to-date at all times and that your mobile phones are

on.

Medical Appointments

Medical appointments should not be made during the school day.

Holidays

Holidays during term time are not permitted.

Jewellery, Watches and Valuables

The school is unable to take responsibility for any items of value. It is, therefore, advisable to

leave such items at home. For safety reasons stud earrings only should be worn and will

have to be removed before P.E.

St John’s School Parents’ Association

Parent Teachers Association

As a parent, you are automatically a member of the association. Any help you are willing

to give is always welcome. This may just be to pass on any ideas you may have for

fund-raising events, or to help when it comes to serving tea and coffee at some of our

events.

In the past, events have included Summer and Christmas Fairs, Quiz evenings, discos for

the children and Breakfast with Santa.

The Association has bought many items for the school, like new sports wear and

equipment, computer equipment and books to name just a few.

Everyone is welcome to the Annual General Meeting, which is normally held in late

September.

If you would like to be involved in the PTA please contact a member of the

committee or please see Mrs Calloway in school.

Homework

Homework

At St John’s we have a homework policy that aims to support the work children have been

completing in class.

Homework is set regularly so that children and parents can organise their routine. Class

teachers will allow more than one evening for tasks to be completed so that children can

still attend out of school clubs such as Brownies and Cubs. However, if your child has not

completed work due to wasting his / her time, it will be sent as homework for completion

that night.

Your child's Home-School Contact book contains a homework timetable.

Children are encouraged to read everyday and parents should record their reading in the

Home School Contact Book.

Please notify your child’s teacher if homework has not been completed due to unforeseen

circumstances-we do understand and will provide additional time for it to be completed.

Parent Consultations

Parent’s Evenings

Parents are always welcome in school to discuss matters of concern, regarding their

child’s welfare or progress at school, at anytime they arise. However, in order that a

mutually convenient time can be arranged the school office will be happy to make an

appointment for you to see the Headteacher or other staff members.

Autumn Term

During the first half of the term an open evening is held. Parents and teachers can

exchange views on how your child has settled in and to set targets for future

development. An appointment will be made for you to see your class teacher.

Spring Term

During the second half of the Spring term a further open evening is held for parents to see

books and progress made and to discuss your child’s attainment with the class teacher.

An appointment will be made for you to see your class teacher.

Summer Term

At the end of each academic year each pupil will receive a written report. If you have

any queries regarding the report you may wish to make an appointment to see your

child's class teacher.

Parent Consultations

Term Dates 2017-18

Term dates are set on the basis of 195 days and INSET days should be

allocated from within the agreed dates.

Spring Term 2018: WEDNESDAY 3

RD JANUARY 2018 - SCHOOL AND NURSERY CLOSED

FRIDAY 16

TH FEBRUARY 2018 - SCHOOL OPEN / NURSERY CLOSED

HALF TERM HOLIDAY 2018: Monday 19

th February – Friday 23

rd February

EASTER HOLIDAY 2018: Friday 30

th March – Wednesday 11

th April

THURSDAY 12

TH ARPIL 2018 - SCHOOL AND NURSERY CLOSED

FRIDAY 13

TH APRIL 2018- SCHOOL AND NURSERY CLOSED

Easter Sunday 2018: Sunday 1

st April

Summer Term 2018:

May Day 2018: Monday 7th May

HALF TERM HOLIDAY 2018: Monday 28

th May – Friday 1

st June

SUMMER HOLIDAY 2018: Monday 23

rd July – Friday 31

st August

Please note: schools have different inset dates.

NURSERY OPEN AND CLOSED DAYS DO NOT ALWAYS COINCIDE WITH SCHOOL OPEN AND

CLOSED DAYS, SO PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU KEEP THESE DATES SOMEWHERE SAFE

The School Day

The School Day

School Sessions

Morning Session 8.55am to 12.15pm

Afternoon Session 1.15pm to 3.15pm

Children should be punctual. It is important for children to start school at the same time

each day. Children are marked late if they arrive after the register has been taken.

The school day begins at 8.55am. However, children are encouraged not to arrive before

8.45am, when the school gates are opened. Unfortunately, we can not take responsibility

for children until the gates are opened.

Children enter the classroom as soon as they arrive at school and begin SODA (Start of the

Day Activities). These can be key maths skills, phonics or handwriting activities. This is

followed by ‘Wake Up, Shake Up’ which prepares children for the rest of the day.

Breakfast and After School Club

We have a Breakfast Club which runs from 7.45am, Monday to Friday at a cost of £3.50

per session and an After School Club which runs straight after school up to 5.00pm,

Monday to Friday at a cost of £5.50 per session.

School Meal Arrangements

School Dinners

Cooked meals are prepared in the school’s own kitchen and are of a high standard. The

cook ensures that children have a well balanced diet. There are facilities for children who

choose to have a packed lunch instead. These children also eat their meal in the Hall.

Children should bring their dinner money, £2.25 per day, on Monday morning, even if they

are only staying for a limited number of days. Money should be sent in an envelope,

clearly marked with your child’s name.

If your child has any special dietary requirements, please do not hesitate to mention it,

either to the Headteacher or the Class Teacher, and every effort will be made to

accommodate their needs.

Free School Meals Entitlement

All children in Key Stage 1 (Reception-Year 2) are now entitled to a free school meal.

Families on Income Support and those claiming Income-based Job Seekers

Allowance are entitled to free school meals for their children. Please ask for the relevant

forms at the school office.

Families claiming Contribution Job Seekers Allowance and Family Credit are not entitled to

free school meals.