School Prospectus

September 2016

Contents Contents .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1 Head Teachers Welcome ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 The Wi l lows Pr imary School , V is ion and Aims ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

Our Vision ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Our A ims ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

The Wi l lows Pr imary School – Our School Name ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Admiss ions .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Admiss ion to the Nursery .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Parental Vis its . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 School Organisat ion and Pastoral Care .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Governors .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 School Teaching Staff . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Students & Volunteers .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 The School Day ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Nursery: .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Reception: .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 KS1: .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 KS2: .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Curr iculum ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Homework ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Extra-Curr icular Act ivit ies .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 School V is its . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Charging and Remissions .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Home School Partnership/Agreement & Team Around the Chi ld .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Special Educat ional Needs ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Hear ing Impaired Resource Base – Audiology Faci l i ty .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Absence from School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Holiday Dates .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Rewards, Rules and Disc ipl ine .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Health and Safety .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Chi ld Protect ion ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Compla ints Procedure .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Access to Documents .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Communicat ion ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 General Notes .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Cold Weather .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Hot Weather .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Medic ines in School . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Discla imer .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Uniform ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 The Uniform List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Jewel lery .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 Hair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Mobile Phones ... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

School Meals .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Nursery .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Reception and KS1.... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Year 6 Trans it ion... . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Head Teachers Welcome Welcome to The Wi l lows Primary School . It is a p leasure to introduce our school

prospectus, which wi l l give you an ins ight into the l i fe of our school. Inevitably

the prospectus can only provide a g l impse of a l l that The Wi l lows has to offer, so I invite you to make an appointment to v is it us so that you may experience

for yoursel f our unique school .

We are a happy, car ing and fr iendly school where a l l chi ldren are encouraged to

do their best. Al l of our pupi ls are encouraged to develop as indiv iduals so that they can fu l f i l their h ighest possib le potent ia l in al l areas of school l i fe . We aim

to bui ld upon what you have al ready achieved with your chi ld and hope to cont inue to work with you dur ing you r chi ld ’s t ime at The Wil lows. The best

chance of success for each chi ld comes when there is a partnership between home and school and therefore we look forward to working with you to achieve

this.

Mrs S Thursf ie ld

Head Teacher

The Wi l lows Pr imary School

Greatbatch Avenue Penkhul l

Stoke on Trent ST4 7JU

Te lephone: 01782 233280

Fax: 01782 233282

E-Mai l : off ice@wi l lowspr imary.com Website: www.wi l lowsprimary.com

’The Wi l lows Pr imary is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wel fare of

chi ldren and expects a l l staff and volunteers to share in this commitment’

The Willows Primary School, Vision and Aims

Our Vision

The Wi l lows Primary School wi l l be an outstanding school where chi ldren feel

happy and safe. It wi l l be fu l l of fun, smiles and fr iendship. The chi ldren wi l l be motivated and equipped to achieve their personal high aspirat ions.

Our Aims

We a im for our chi ldren to ;

achieve high standards across the curr iculum

acquire knowledge, ski l ls and att i tudes re levant to the changing world in

which they l ive

respect and value themselves, other people and the environment

develop enquir ing minds with mot ivat ion to learn

work independent ly and col laborat ively

take responsibi l i ty for the ir own act ions and make informed choices

have wel l deve loped communicat ion and socia l sk i l l s

have sel f -confidence

recognise themselves as cit izens of the wider world

become creat ive problem solvers who are confident in their own abi l i t ies

… in order to he lp them to reach their ful l potent ia l and become conf ident

as they approach l i fe ’s journey

The Willows Primary School – Our School Name

The Wil lows Primary School was formerly opened in June by 2003 by M r P Wood, Managing Director of Spode. The school took its name from the wor ld

famous “Wi l low Pattern” pottery produced by the Spode Factory in Stoke.

The Wi l lows Pr imary School is a unique bui ld ing having been bui lt on the former Mount Estate – the Spode family home. The Mount is a l i sted bui ld ing and our

new school was des igned to merge with the older bui ld ing and we st i l l use some of the rooms in The Mount today. The school playing f ie lds and yards are the

estate grounds.

The actua l Wi l low pattern design was engraved by Wil l iam Greatbatch, which is now the road in which the school can be found. We have a love ly col lect ion of

Wil low pattern pottery in our main recept ion and we are extremely proud of the histor ical and loca l l inks to our wonderful school .

Admissions

The Admiss ions team provide guidance and informat ion on al l admiss ions and

are avai lab le via Stoke City Counci l on 01782 234598.

The Wil lows Primary School has an agreed admission number of s ixty for

Nursery, 90 for Reception, Year1, Year2, Year3, Year 4 and 60 for Years 5 and 6. Parents are asked to contact the school off ice and complete an appropriate

appl icat ion form. We admit pupi ls from 1st September each year. A booklet

produced by the Local Authority – Pr imary School Informat ion for Parents - is avai lab le for parents ’ reference.

The admission pol icy is agreed with the Governing Body and the Local Authori ty.

Where there are larger numbers of pupi ls for the number of places the fo l lowing order of pr ior ity appl ie s:

Pupi ls in care of the Loca l Author ity or provided with accommodation by

the authority as defined by Sect ion 22 of the Chi ldren Act 1989 and

chi ldren who were previous ly looked after but ceased to be so because they were adopted or became subject to a re sidency order or specia l

guardianship order .

Pupi ls l iv ing within the catchment area of the school who have an o lder

brother or s ister in attendance in the school at the t ime of admission.

Other pupi ls l iving within the catchment area.

Pupi ls l iving outs ide the catchment area of the school who have an older

brother or s ister in attendance in the school .

Other pupi ls l iv ing outside the catchment area. I f pr ior it ies have to be

decided with in any of these categories, chi ldren wi l l be placed in order of pr ior i ty us ing d istance from their home to the main gate of the school as

measured by the nearest pract ica l walking route.

NB: The admiss ion pol icy for The Wi l lows Pr imary School gives equal pr ior ity in

Category C to pupi ls in catchment with an older s ibl ing al ready at the school and pupi ls l iv ing outside the catchment area, who have an older sibl ing

attending the hearing unit .

Other guidance is obta inable from the school off ice. Te lephone 01782 233280.

Admission to the Nursery

The Wi l lows Pr imary School provides 15 hours statutory provis ion in nursery . In

addit ion f i fteen addit iona l hours can be provided at a fee of £35.00 per week,

including lunch. Parents can apply onl ine at: www.stoke.gov.uk/admiss ions or may contact the school and complete the admiss ion form. The Loca l Authority

use an equal preference pol icy, ( f i rst preferences are no longer given f i rst pr ior i ty) you could be al located a place at your nearest school i f you nominate

it as a second or th ird preference.

Please note that recept ion c lass admissions are ent i re ly separate from nursery class admiss ions. At tending the nursery class DOES NOT guarantee your chi ld a

place in the recept ion class.

Pupi ls with a statement of specia l educat ional needs wi l l get preference over al l

other appl icants. Where there are more appl icat ions for the nursery than there are p laces the fol lowing prior it ies wi l l be used, in order, to al locate places:

Chi ldren in the care of the local author ity.

Chi ldren who have an elder brother or s ister at the school who wil l st i l l

be attending at the t ime of admission.

Others in pr ior ity order depending on how near the ir home address is to

the main gate of the sett ing as the crow f l ies*

*Nursery places wi l l be g iven f i rst ly to chi ldren l iving in the Ci ty of Stoke on

Trent. Only when these chi ldren have a place wi l l chi ldren l iving outs ide the City of Stoke on Trent be considered.

As nursery educat ion is not compulsory there is no r ight of appeal against the

refusal of a p lace. However, every effort wi l l be made to accommodate the wishes of parents.

Parental Visits

Parents who are considering sending the ir chi ldren to The Wi l lows Primary

School are welcome to contact the school to discuss admission arrangements

and to arrange a vis it to the school. The Wi l lows conducts Pre-Admission Visits in the term before chi ldren start in the Nursery or Recept ion class and chi ldren

and their parents wi l l a lso be invited to vis it the school to meet the teaching staff and vis it their c lassrooms. We hope the chi ldren wi l l get to know other

chi ldren jo ining the c lass and feel happy about their new environment. Parents wi l l have the opportunity to discuss school rout ines and procedures as wel l as

sessions to d iscuss school curr iculum and how they can he lp the ir chi ldren at

home.

Our aim is to bui ld a partnership between home and school for the benef it of

the chi ldren. We wish to g ive you and you chi ld as much informat ion as poss ible about The Wil lows Primary School and the educat ion we a im to provide.

We hope to make each chi ld ’s start in ful l t ime educat ion a happy and

successful one.

School Organisation and Pastoral Care

The Wi l lows Pr imary School is divided into three key stages with c lasses organised into year groups with in each key stage.

Foundation Stage includes Nursery and Reception chi ldren aged 3-5 years

Key Stage One (Infants) inc ludes chi ldren in Year One (age 5 -6 years)and

Year Two (age 6-7 years)

Key Stage Two (Juniors) includes chi ldren in Year Three (age 7 -8 years) ,

Year Four (age 8-9 years) , Year F ive (age 9-10 years) and Year S ix (age 10-11 years)

Chi ldren are taught in mixed abi l i ty c lasses under the di rect ion of the ir class teacher. Teaching staff are supported by teaching assistants part icular ly in

Engl ish and Mathematics . Each year group work c losely together and can be set according to abi l i ty to ensure they are working effect ive ly at the appropriate

level to match the ir need.

Governors

Chair of Governors: Mrs Fiona Weston*

Vice Chair : Mrs Les ley Fairhurs t *

Parents Governors: Mrs Les ley Fairhurst*

Mrs Fiona Weston*

Co-opted Governor: Pastor Daniel Chan

Dr Anita Mangan

Lyn Paxton

John Perry

Local Author ity Governor Dr Mark Parton

Staff Governor: Mrs Sarah Thursfie ld (Head Teacher)

Mrs Char lotte Bel tran (Deputy Head Teacher)

Mrs Jo Davies

Clerk to Governors: LA appointment

Stoke on Trent Ci ty Counci l

C & YPS

Civic Centre

Glebe Street

Stoke on Trent

ST4 1RN

School Teaching Staff

Head Teacher: Mrs S Thursf ie ld

Deputy Head: Mrs C Be ltran

Ass istant Head: Mrs A Bal l

Nursery: Miss W Gibson

Mrs D Wright

Miss L Sutton

Miss M Isaacs

Recept ion: Mrs S Cash

Miss J Tel lwr ight

Mrs A F lanagan

Key Stage One:

Year One: Miss S Russel l

Miss L Picker i l l

Mrs C Everard/Mrs V Stevens

Year Two: Mr T Cadwal lader

Miss S Smalley

Miss A James

Key Stage Two:

Year Three: Mrs A Adl ington

Mrs J Br idgett / Mrs K Capper

Mrs C Baldwin

Year Four: Mrs R Price/Mrs F Bradley

Miss K Addison

Mrs L Durkin

Year F ive: Miss H R ichardson

Mr T Hughes

Year S ix: Mrs J Hal l

Mrs H Pendlebury

SENCO: Mrs G Harr ison

Ass istant SENCO: Mrs P Boit

EAL Support: Mrs S Hughes

Mrs H Takhar

Safeguarding Officer : Mrs J E l l i s

Learning Mentor: Mrs E Taylor

HLTA Mrs J Davies

HLTA Mrs S Hughes

HLTA Mrs H Chorl ton

HLTA Mr D Hal lam

HLTA Mrs R Wi l l iams

Students & Volunteers

Students and volunteers from loca l col leges and univers it ies carry o ut

placements for a variety of t ra ining needs. We also welcome students from loca l high schools into school for work experience .

The School Day

Nursery:

09:05 hrs. Start of the day

14:50 hrs. End of the day

Reception:

09:00 hrs. Start of the day

14:55 hrs. End of the day

KS1:

09:00 hrs. Start of the day

15:00 hrs. End of the day

KS2:

08.55 hrs. Start of the day

15:05 hrs End of the day

Morning Break for 20 minutes

Children are taken to their exit doors by the class teacher and are only

released to known adults , unless written permission has been given by parents/guardians to al low their children to walk home.

Curriculum

The Wi l lows aims to provide chi ldren with :

A curr iculum, which is broad, balanced, relevant and meets the

requirements of the Nationa l Curr iculum

Knowledge, ski l ls and understanding re levant to their present l ives and to

prepare them for the opportunit ies, responsibi l i t ies and experiences of

adult l i fe

Respect for the views of others and thoughtful considerat ion of the ir own

att itude, va lues and bel ie fs

Alert and agi le minds, a sense of curios ity and enjoyment of learning

The abi l i ty to l ive and work in cooperat ion with others

The abi l i ty to quest ion and argue rat iona l ly and to apply the mselves

intel l igent ly to tasks

Qual it ies of creat iv ity, sens it iv ity and imaginat ion

An evolving curr iculum which prepares our chi ldren for opportuni t ies and

chal lenges for l i fe in the 21st century

The National Curr iculum consists of the fo l lowing subjects : Engl ish,

Mathemat ics, Science and Comput ing, (known as ICT), History, Geography, Design Technology, Art, Physica l Educat ion, Music and Languages. These

const i tute the basic educat iona l experiences of a l l chi ldren in our school. Rel ig ious Educat ion and PHSE are a lso taught in addit ion to the subjects of the

Nat ional Curr iculum and are considered an important part of a chi ld ’s educat ion at The Wil lows Primary.

The Nat iona l Curr iculum subjects are taught with a creat ive, sk i l ls based

approach, where the a im is to integrate the subjects into one theme.

The chi ldren in the Reception class wi l l be fol lowing the Ear ly Years Foundat ion

Stage. This wi l l be based on the three prime areas of learning – Communicat ion and Language, Phys ical Development and Personal , Socia l and Emotional

Development – and the four speci f ic areas of learning: Engl ish, Mathematics,

Understanding the World and Expressive Arts and Design.

Homework

It is hoped that parents wi l l encourage and assist the ir chi ld ’s progress by ta lking with them about their work and showing an interest in school act iv it ies

and events. Chi ldren rea l ly benefit from this support and encouragement throughout the ir educat ion. Homework act ivit ies develop independent learning

and organisat iona l sk i l ls which the ch i ldren wi l l need as they progres s through

the school and on to high school . We hope to keep parents informed about the curr icular work covered by the chi ldren through our newsletters etc. Chi ldren

across the school engage in fortn ight ly topic based, Maths or Engl ish homework. Furthermore, a l l chi ldren are encouraged to read on a dai ly basis

throughout each week. Towards the end of Key Stage Two, homework

expectat ions increase to help prepare chi ldren for the ir t rans i t ion to high school.

Extra-Curricular Activities

At The Wi l lows Primary School we encourage chi ldren to take advantage of the many extra-curr icular act iv it ies ava i lable dur ing the year.

We place great importance on support ing the interests and talents of a l l our

pupi ls. We aim to provide addit iona l opportunit ies to enable chi ldren to bui ld on their ski l ls through a var iety of extra -curr icular act ivit ies which take place

either at luncht ime or before/after school. These act ivit ies are mainly avai lable to older pupi ls in Key Stage One and Two.

We have an excel lent reputat ion for sport ing act ivit ies at The Wil lows; including

footbal l , netbal l , athlet ics, swimming, cross -country, rounders, tab le-tennis and cr icket. Chi ldren are encouraged to try their best and have a go. We also

select teams to represent the school in team sports leagues and competit ions across the City where we have often had great success winning trophies etc.

Chi ldren also enjoy various Music and Arts extra -curr icular act iv it ies inc luding recorder groups, orchestra, school choir , dancing projects, s igning choirs etc.

School Visits

At The Wi l lows Primary School we aim to enhance the learning environment and develop the curr iculum. We try to g ive al l our chi ldren the opportunity to take

part in qual ity school vis its to a variety o f sett ings. We also arrange for several groups to vis it our school to provide valuable exper iences c lose ly l inked to the

chi ldren’s work. Most classes have educat iona l v is its dur ing the course of the

year and parents are ful ly informed with speci f ic deta i ls . Chi ldren in Year Five have the opportuni ty to vis it an outdoor resident ia l educat ion centre , staying

for a week together, exper iencing high qual ity enjoyable act iv i t ies, c l imbing,

or ienteer ing, map ski l ls, sai l ing etc. For the past number of years, pupi ls in Year 6 have made a resident ia l vis it to a d i f ferent country.

Safety is paramount when considering a school v is i t and staff wi l l complete r isk assessments pr ior to any vis it . The Head Teacher and School Bus iness Manager

have to confirm each vis it pr ior to its departure.

Charging and Remissions

We bel ieve that a l l chi ldren have the r ight to free educat ion. However, some

very worthwhile and educat iona l act ivit ies cannot take place without f inancia l

ass istance from parents. We aim to take the chi ldre n to places of interest l inked to curr icular topics. Obvious ly these extra act iv it ies cannot be funded

from the school budgets. A parental contr ibut ion may be requested to ensure that the chi ldren can take fu l l advantage of these worthwhile v is its .

Parents are not obl iged to pay in every c ircumstance . However, i f suff ic ient funds are not ra ised, then these act ivit ies may not take and parents wi l l be

advised accord ingly. We great ly appreciate the parental support for the

chi ldren.

Writ ten parenta l consent is a lways sought pr ior to chi ldren being taken out of

school for a vis it outside the immediate loca l environment .

Home School Partnership/Agreement & Team Around the Child

The Wi l lows Primary School has a lways enjoyed superb support from our

parents. The success of the chi ldren’s educat ion is a result of this st rong and effect ive partnership between home and school . The Head Teacher and staff

are always wi l l ing to meet parents at convenient t imes to discuss pupi l concerns/progress. Parents are asked to a rrange a suitable appointment with

school. Please contact the school off ice i f you require any further help .

Parents often vis it school on a voluntary basis to assist in classrooms and parents are very welcome, we encourage this cooperat ion and support .

As wel l as the Class Teachers we have Mrs Jo Burgess, our Pupi l support Off icer, and Mrs Jayne El l i s our Safeguarding Officer, who can support parents

and chi ldren throughout the school year. Contact and appointments can be arranged by phoning the school off ice; Te l: 233280.

We also have access to the loca l author ity Educat ion Welfare Service whose

off icers regular ly vis it school to monitor attendance . Parents who may require access to th is service please contact the school off ice; Tel: 233280.

Our school fol lows requests from the Loca l Author ity to record and forward a l l incidents of racism occurr ing on the school premises. Any incidents involv ing

threatening behaviour or aggression towards members of staff are formal ly

recorded and kept on record.

Our pr ior i ty at school is to ensure the safety and wel lbeing of each chi ld. We

hold termly confident ia l meetings to discuss with external agencies, and cal l upon their expert ise and support to ensure we can he lp individua l chi ldren and

the ir famil ies.

Special Educational Needs

All chi ldren are specia l with each having needs of the ir own. Some chi ldren wi l l ,

of course, have speci f ic or general learning di f f icult ies. We foster an atmosphere in which individua l di f ferences are respected. I f you are worr ied

about your chi ld ’s progress you should ta lk to his/her teacher. If your chi ld

needs more he lp we wil l d iscuss with you how this may be organised. Likewise,

i f we have concerns we wil l contact you and explore making appropriate provis ion. Mrs G Harr ison and Mrs P Bo it are our SENCO team.

Hearing Impaired Resource Base – Audiology Facil ity

The Wil lows Primary School enjoys provis ion for up to twenty -f ive pr imary aged

pupi ls with hearing impairment from across Stoke -on-Trent and Staffordshire.

We are a ful ly inclus ive school and the resource base is an integral part of the

new school. We have wonderful fac i l i t ies at The Wi l lows with two wel l -equipped resource base rooms and a separate audiology room and meeting

room. Al l our new c lassrooms and main hal l are equipped with sound-f ie ld system to ass ist a l l staff and pupi ls.

Admiss ion to the learning resource base depends on the provis ion recommended

in the chi ld ’s EHC negot iated with the loca l authori ty. Where a place at The Wil lows Pr imary School is recommended, provis ion is made for chi ldren to

integrate ful ly into the mainstream school with their peers.

The chi ldren are supported and ful ly supervised by qual i f ied Teachers of the

Deaf and our qual i f ied support assistants working across the school . Chi ldren

are also supported during breaks and luncht imes. Chi ldren are encouraged to integrate into a mainstream class wherever poss ib le. The level of integrat ion

depends on the chi ldren’s indiv idual leve l of need and abi l i t ies. The school provides signing ski l ls for staff and parents as wel l as pupi ls so communicat ion

is excel lent for a l l .

The Hearing Resource Base is an excel lent high qua l ity faci l i ty provid ing superb

faci l i t ies for parenta l meetings, hospi ta l c l inics, early year ’s l inks and

associated services. We are ex tremely proud of this marve l lous faci l i ty and the work we can achieve in this inclus ive school . Chi ldren with hearing impairment

on leaving this faci l i ty wi l l often transfer with the ir peers to Thist ley Hough High School where a new resource base has also been s ituated.

Absence from School

When a chi ld is absent from school , parents/guard ians should contact school by telephone by 9.30 am and send a wr itten note to school on return. Hol idays are

not permit ted to be taken dur ing term t ime and if chi ldren are absent for this reason, the absence wi l l not be author ised by school . Absences disrupt the

cont inuity of learning.

However, should a family choose to take a hol iday dur ing term t ime then a hol iday form is ava i lable from the school off ice and should be com pleted prior

to any t ime off from school. Parents/carers are reminded that any absence for family hol idays and other events during term t ime wi l l be recorded as

unauthor ised.

Holiday Dates

Deta i ls of hol idays for the coming year can be found on the school website

www.wil lowsprimary.com

Rewards, Rules and Discipl ine

Our school teaches our chi ldren to understand the need for cons iderate and co -operat ive behaviour towards al l members of the school community. The school

operates a posit ive behaviour pol icy and good behaviour is rewarded in a

number of ways inc luding our Celebrat ion Assembly on Monday at 11:50am for KS2 and on Fr iday 9:10am for Reception and KS1. Parents of weekly pr ize

winners are not i f ied by a member of staff from school and are personal ly

invi ted to attend.

The school operates on a pol icy of encouraging chi ldren to develop sel f -contro l,

sel f -respect and the abi l i ty to cons ider the views and needs of others. This is achieved by a system of example and praise and reward. Unacceptable

behaviour is very rare in the school which funct ions as a fr iendly, wel l ordered

but industr ious community. However, the most order ly school requires some basic rules and these are communicated to the chi ldren on a regular basis. Each

class agrees on its own set of cl ass ru les, the Class Charter .

If occasiona l ly, chi ldren cannot co -operate, sanct ions are taken, usual ly wit h

the withdrawal of pr ivi leges and with in the framework of our Behavioura l pol icy.

We be l ieve in working in co -operat ion with parents. Class teachers and the

Head teacher are a lways ava i lable to d iscuss concerns with parents. I t is

important to discuss concerns as soon as possible and at the most mutual ly convenient t ime. Therefore please contact school i f such a concern ar ises as

soon as feas ible and we wil l endeavour to so lve any problems swift ly and amicably, formal complaints can be dea lt with by us ing our complaints pol icy.

Our Behaviour Pol icy and Ant i -Bul lying Pol icy out l ine a range of sanct ions which

are used, where necessary, to re inforce sensi ble conduct. Copies of these pol ic ies are avai lab le for parents from the school off ice and on our website .

Health and Safety

Child Protection

At The Wi l lows Pr imary School , a l l staff are encouraged to ensure the good heal th and wel lbe ing of a l l our chi ldren and to report to the Head Teacher – Mrs

S Thursfie ld, designated Chi ld Protect ion Off icer, any issues of abuse which may

become apparent at school . Mrs Thursf ie ld and her col leagues wi l l invest igate and may need to refer these concerns to the rel evant authorit ies through our

chi ld protect ion procedures. Our Safeguarding Pol icy is ava i lable on our website and from the off ice.

Complaints Procedure

It is hoped that any concerns or problems can be resolved amicably through discussions with the c lass teache r senior co l leagues or the Head Teacher as and

when they may ar ise. We take compla ints ser iously and wil l make every effort to invest igate properly.

The Head Teacher is wi l l ing to meet parents at mutua l ly convenient t imes to

discuss compla ints should they ar ise. Should the matter not be resolved you can request a copy of our Compla ints Pol icy and fo l low the framework therein. A ful l

copy of our procedure is avai lable on our website and a lso from the school off ice.

Access to Documents

Copies of a l l documents to which parents have access may be obta ined upon

request to the Head Teacher or school off ice.

Communication

We send regular newsletters to parents to keep them i nformed of school events,

tr ips and awards, as wel l as curr iculum year group let ters desig ned to support the chi ldren and their work dur ing the terms. We encourage parents to d iscuss

curr iculum topics with the chi ldren and to encourage work at home. Al l of this

information can be found on the school ’s websi te.

During the school year there are Open Evenings when parents are invited to

make an appointment to meet c lass teachers to discuss the chi ldren’s progress. The chi ldren’s work wi l l a lso be ava i lable for parents to see in the classroom.

Teaching staff wi l l out l ine pupi l ’ s st rengths and wea knesses and achievable

targets for the future and can be d iscussed. Wr itten reports are given to parents at the end of the school year when you wi l l a lso be informed of

atta inment levels achieved at the end of Key Stage One and Key Stage Two. Requests for informat ion must be made in writ ing and wil l receive a response

within 14 working days ( th is does NOT include school hol iday t ime) with an explanat ion out l ining i f the request has been successful or not . In some

instances the Head Teacher may make a charge to cover the cost of

administrat ion.

General Notes

Please note the measures below control Health and Safety in our school . Your cooperat ion in these matters is v ita l for the whole school community and we

thank you for your understanding. The fol lowing genera l Hea lth and Safety

notes apply in al l cases:

a) We have a no smoking pol icy within the school and with in the school

grounds

b) Dogs are not al lowed within the school grounds (with the except ion of

guide dogs for the bl ind)

c) All school tr ips are fu l ly r isk a ssessed and documents recorded with the

LA – th ird party providers are obl iged to provide ful l safeguarding

disclosures and insurance detai ls as necessary

d) Pupi ls are not released at the end of the school day unless school is

aware of the responsible adult col lect ing the chi ld or wr itten permiss ion has been g iven by parents/guardians a l l owing their chi ld to walk home.

e) Our staff have r ight to be treated with courtesy and respect . Any

instances of ant isoc ia l or threatening behaviour wi l l be reported to the pol ice and the school reserves the r ight to d isbar individuals from our

site

Our Health and Safety pol icy is avai lable on the school website or via the school

off ice.

Cold Weather

Whenever possible , The Wil lows Primary School wi l l remain open. However, we

have to consider the safety of a l l our chi ldren and staff, some of whom travel a great d istance into school each day. The school recognises the need to be able

to offer safe access to and from the school premise in t imes of extreme or extra ord inary weather condit ions. The school does NOT undertake to c lear al l areas

of snow and or ice but wi l l ensure suitab le pathways for access in and out for

people on foot and in vehicles. As such pupi ls, staff and vis itors MUST make reasonable adjustments to their movements around the school s ite and take

reasonable precaut ions especia l ly with regard to wearing suitable clothing and footwear. There can be NO expectat ion that the school s ite wi l l operate in

condit ions of snow and or ice in the same way as i t would in t imes of f ine

weather.

Hot Weather

In periods of extreme heat p lease ensure your chi ld br ings / or is wear ing sun protect ion and has a hat / cap to wear at break t imes. It would be very useful i f

your chi ld a lso has a water bott le with their name on that we can f i l l in school .

Medicines in School

Parents may vis i t school , by arrangement, to administer medicines where

absolute ly necessary. We do not encourage chi ldren to br ing their own medic ine into school . Only ‘ four t imes a day’ prescr ipt ions wi l l be administered in school .

Please contact the school off ice to discuss the speci f ic instances of medic ine administrat ion should you need. Parents should not a l low the ir chi ld to br ing

medicines into school without pr ior agreement.

In relat ion to advice on the Medic ines A ct 1968, anyone may administer a

prescr ibed medicine, with consent , to a th ird party, so long as it is in

accordance with the prescr ibers instruct ions. This ind icates that a medicine may only be prescr ibed, label led and suppl ied and that no one other than the

prescr iber may vary the dose and direct ions for administ rat ion.

If pr ior agreement is given, a permiss ion form (obtainable from the school

off ice) must be signed by the parent/carer and medic ines should not be

administered unless this form has been s i gned. This form wil l a lso confi rm the dose that is to be g iven but this should not exceed the dose stated on the

medicine. A record of medicine that has been administered wi l l be shown on the form and a copy of this form wi l l be g iven to the parent/carer a t the end of the

school day or on complet ion of the course of medicat ion where more appropriate .

Disclaimer

Parents are asked to note that neither the LA nor Governors accept l iabi l i ty for loss of or damage to personal property whi lst on or le ft at the school or school

s ite .

Uniform

The pupi ls at The Wil lows Primary School a l l wear school uni form . The school uni form logo is based on the wi l low tree; th is appears on the school polo shirts

as wel l . Uniform bear ing the School logo can be ordered from the school off ice.

All items of school wear should be clearly tagged with your child ’s name.

The Uniform List

Foundation Stage

All Year Round Option Summer Option

Boys Girls Boys Girls

School Jumper or

Card igan - School Logo & Blue

School Jumper or

Card igan - School Logo & Blue

School Jumper or

Card igan - School Logo & Blue

School Jumper or

Card igan - School Logo &

Blue

Grey Trousers Grey ski rt or

Trousers Grey Shorts

Royal blue gingham dress

School Polo Shirts

- School Logo Red

School Polo Shirts

- School Logo Red

School Polo Shirts

- School Logo Red White socks

Grey or Black Socks Grey or Black Socks

Year 1 and Above

All Year Round Option Summer Option

Boys Girls Boys Girls

School Jumper or

Card igan - School

Logo & Blue

School Jumper or

Card igan - School

Logo & Blue

School Jumper or

Card igan - School

Logo & Blue

School Jumper or

Card igan - School

Logo & Blue

Grey Trousers Grey ski rt or Trousers or Grey

pinafore

Grey shorts Royal blue gingham dress

White Shirt White Shirt White short s leeved shirt

White socks

Cl ip on School Tie Cl ip on School Tie Cl ip on School Tie

Grey Socks Grey Socks

Wil lows w inter coats , f leeces and roya l b lue hoodys are avai lable to purchase i f

des ired.

Jewellery

The school pol icy is for no jewel lery to be worn. Watches may be worn by junior chi ldren but must be suitab le - not a toy. Chi ldren who have p ierced ears are

not al lowed to wear earr ings in school. In the interests of both hygiene and of

safety we would prefer i t i f chi ldren did not have their ears p ierced. I f you insist on pierc ing ears could you please do it at the beginning of the summer

PE Kit Swimming Kit

Boys Girls Boys Girls

Blue Tee Shir t with School Logo or pla in

Blue Tee Shir t

Shorts – Navy

Blue Tee Shir t with

School Logo or pla in

Blue Tee Shir t

Swimming trunks

One piece costume

Shorts - Navy Shorts – Navy

Swimming Cap Swimming Cap

Socks

Socks Towel Towel

Pul l on b lack pumps

Pul l on b lack pumps

A PE Bag – to leave

in school on pegs –

clear ly named is essent ia l .

A PE Bag – to leave

in school on pegs –

clear ly named is essent ia l .

Swimming Caps

Are Ava i lable from the Off ice

Swimming Caps

Are Ava i lable from the Off ice

hol idays so that i t does not prevent them from taking part in P.E. and swimming

which are essent ia l parts of the Nat ional Curr iculum.

We try to be sensit ive regarding rel igious bel iefs . Therefore i f a chi ld wears

jewel lery for th is reason and you are concerned about school staff asking for i t to be removed, p lease check with the Head Teacher.

Hair

Pupi ls are not al lowed to have fashion hairstyles which include shaving, traml ines, s ing le fashion braids and streaked or co loured ha ir .

Hair longer than shoulder length should be t ied up and ha ir should be kept out of the face by cl ips/headbands etc. Long hair should be t ied up / kept out of

the face with a cl ip or ha irband.

Mobile Phones

Pupi ls are not al lowed mobi le phones on s ite. The school wi l l hold a l l phones

unt i l the end of the school day . No mobi le phones are a l lowed in the nursery.

School Meals

Excel lent school meals are prepared and served from the school k itchen each

day and chi ldren are encouraged to eat heal th i ly with a var iety of choices avai lab le on the menu each day. Chi ldren take their meals as a year group

during the lunch break and great ly benef it f rom the high qual ity of these meals.

Chi ldren in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are ent it led to Universa l Free School

Meals. When chi ldren move to Year 3 and above, payment is required for meals.

Payment is made onl ine V ia Squid. Charges are current ly £2.35 per meal - £11.75 per week. At specia l t imes during the year the school cook prepares

specia l menus; e.g. Chr istmas, Easter etc. The chi ldren real ly enjoy the many competit ions and fun act iv it ies organised by the s chool meals staff. A copy of a

typ ical menu is ava i lable from the school off ice.

Chi ldren may bring sandwiches for lunch i f their parents wish. Please ensure

that these are in a plast ic container/box with the chi ld ’s name on. P lease do

not send drinks in g lass bott les or cans, we do encourage healthy packed lunches which include only one smal l snack item. Fizzy dr inks are not a l lowed .

Thank you.

Requests for changes between school meals and sandwiches can only be made at the beginning of term or half term.

Nursery

Fresh frui t and mi lk is avai lab le to Nursery chi ldren free of charge each day.

Reception and KS1

Fresh fruit is avai lable to Recept ion and KS1 chi ldren free of charge each day.

Chi ldren under the age of 5 years are also able to have free milk.

Mi lk is a lso avai lab le to Reception chi ldren when they reach 5 years, which has to be ordered direct ly from the da iry by the parent. Chi ldren also have access

to water . Both are consumed dur ing morning break.

Year 6 Transition

At the age of e leven, at the end of Year Six, the chi ldren transfer to High

School. Our chi ldren transfer to a wide var iety of high schools including Thist ley Hough Academy, Newcast le -under-Lyme School , St. Joseph’s Col lege ,

Clayton High School , St John Fisher Cathol ic Col lege and Trentham High School .

At the beginning of their f inal year at The Wil lows, parents and chi ldren wi l l

receive a secondary schools appl icat ion pack giv ing information on how to apply to these schools. Parents are encouraged to make personal vis its to these

schools pr ior to complet ing request forms.

We enjoy a very pos i t ive relat ionship with al l the high school part ies and are

keen to ensure that a l l our chi ldren transfer with conf idence through c lose

l ia ison of information and vis its to prepare the next key stage. Teaching staff l ia ise with high school col leagues and transfer indiv idual records when

requested. The chi ldren have ’ taster high school ’ days towards the end of the summer term when they spend the day v is i t ing their selected school , meeting

staff and gett ing to know the school .

We also benefit from many var ied l inks with our high schools: - arts l inks,

academic c lubs, sport ing l inks, assemblies etc.