Striving for Success with Pride and Happiness

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CONTENTS

Introduction -3 Section 1 – KEY FACTS ABOUT THE SCHOOL 4

The Vision, Values & Aims of the School 5-6 Contact Details 7

Staff & Governors 8 General information 9

Section 2 - CARE, WELFARE AND SUPPORT FOR PUPILS 10

Inclusion, safety & attendance 11 Assemblies, Partnership with Parents / Carers 12

Support for Learners Additional Support Needs 13 Special Educational Needs 13-14

Promoting Positive Behaviour 14-15 PSHE 16

Anti-Bullying 17 Parent Concerns 18

Safeguarding 19 Complaints 20

Section 3 - CURRICULUM INFORMATION 21

Foundation Stage- 22 KS1 and 2 23- 28

Section 4 - SCHOOL PROCEDURES AND PRACTICAL

INFORMATION 29 The School Day & School Uniform 30

School Meals 31 Mobile Phones & Communication 32

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INTRODUCTION

Welcome to West Melton Primary School.

The purpose of this prospectus is to provide information about our school for pupils, parents and carers and other members of the community. As you will see the prospectus is divided into sections to help you to find the information you need. Information will also be communicated through emails containing school newsletters, letters and leaflets. The school website also provides useful information. West Melton Primary School aims to be a school where each individual feels valued and supported to achieve his or her potential. We have a highly trained, hardworking and caring staff who enjoy working with our pupils. Pupils in turn generally work and behave well and they contribute a great deal to the positive ethos, which is a key strength of the school. We look forward to working in partnership with parents and carers - a vital ingredient to enable our strive for success, pride and happiness to be effective. The information contained in this prospectus was accurate at the time of publication. If there are any major changes supplementary information and updates will be provided. We hope the information contained in the following pages will answer most questions you may have about the school. However should you require any further information then please contact the school and we will be pleased to help. Whether you are a pupil, a parent or carer we welcome you to the school and hope that your time at West Melton Primary or your partnership and contact with us is positive and rewarding.

Z Norris Head Teacher

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SECTION 1 KEY FACTS

ABOUT THE SCHOOL

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Our Vision Statement

‘Striving for success, with pride and happiness’

Our vision is for our community of learners to be happy, see the value in learning and be proud of their achievements, in order to become lifelong

learners.

In this ever changing and improving world we live in, we want our children to learn a variety of skills and knowledge on their journey to becoming

successful, providing them with more opportunities for the future.

Our mission Statement

West Melton Primary strives for success by:

• Striving for the highest possible standards of achievement and behaviour in a

stimulating environment, providing nurture and support for all abilities.

• Building and developing independence, skills for learning, individual strengths and

talents.

• Equipping children with the resilience and perseverance to become creative and

independent thinkers and to become learners for life within an ever-changing world.

West Melton Primary achieve with pride by:

• Encouraging everyone to do their best.

• Developing a love of learning inspired by quality teaching.

• Valuing and celebrating success.

West Melton Primary achieve with happiness by:

• Creating a happy, secure and stimulating learning environment, using praise and

positivity to develop self-confidence and self-esteem.

• Promoting British values and attitudes of care, tolerance, trust and respect within the

school and wider communities.

• To develop learning activities which stimulate positive models of enquiry, reflection,

challenge and innovation, encouraging a love for learning.

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Our Core Values

• Happiness, family and friendship

• Honesty, trust and communication

• Resilience, pride and achievement

OFSTED

September 2016

Children in the early years get off to a flying start as a result of good teaching they receive in a stimulating learning environment

Staff demonstrate cohesive teamwork and new teachers value the good support that they are now receiving.

“The new headteacher has quickly identified where urgent improvements are required. Leaders promote a strong vision for the school that sets out high expectations of staff and pupils”

“The behaviour of pupils is much improved and learning attitudes are becoming more positive because leaders and staff have clarified expectations.”

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Contact Details

West Melton Primary School Stokewell Road West Melton Rotherham

S. Yorkshire S63 6NF

Tel: (01709) 760538 Fax: (01709) 760837

Email: office@westmeltonprimary.org Website: www.westmeltonprimary.co.uk

School Leadership

Headteacher: Mrs Zowie Norris

Acting Deputy Headteacher: Mrs Faye Bettison Acting Assistant Headteacher: Mrs Clare Snow

Chair of Governors: Mr Paul Carney Vice-Chair of Governors: Mr Andrew Millard

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Governing Body

Mrs G Haddrell - Clerk Mrs. Z Norris – Head Teacher

Mr. P. Carney- Chair of Governors Mr. A. Millard - Vice Chair of Governors

Mrs H Wydell - Staff Governor Ms. N Machen – Parent Governor Mr. A Calton – Co-opted Governor Dr A. Mellor – Co-opted Governor

Teaching Staff

Miss J Key Foundation Stage Two Mr L Parkinson Foundation Stage One Mrs C Snow Year One Mrs M Foster Year Two Mr S Walker Year Three Mr P Gunning Year Four Mrs J Hanley Year Five Miss K Elliott Year Six

Support Staff Teaching Assistant (F.S/KS1) Teaching Assistant KS2 Mr R Pilley (learning mentor) Mrs C Griffin Miss R Ward Miss S Silverwood Miss E Jones (HLTA) Miss K Corker Mrs S Senior Miss J Scrivens Mrs J Allen Miss V Brooks Mrs D Wattam Mrs H Wydell (HLTA)

Mrs G Haddrell School Business Manager

Mrs C Marshall Admin/Finance support Mr K Williams Caretaker Miss J Lee Cook-in-Charge Mrs L Bullivant SMSA Mrs J Oliver SMSA

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GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT OUR SCHOOL

West Melton Primary School, opened in 1973, is situated in a residential part of Rotherham close to Wath-Upon-Dearne. Our children are accommodated in a single storey building with seven classrooms and one outdoor classroom at the present time. Our large hall provides plenty of space for assemblies, PE lessons and productions. We have our own kitchens and kitchen staff and a separate area for dining. We currently have 174 pupils on roll.

VISITS TO OUR SCHOOL

We encourage prospective parents to visit our school. If you would like to arrange a visit to look around and see the school at work, please contact Mrs Haddrell in the school office to make an appointment. We also arrange a number of events for parents and families throughout the year which we hope you will be able to attend.

ADMISSIONS TO WEST MELTON PRIMARY SCHOOL

In line with Local Authority policy, places at our school are allocated following receipt of parental preferences according to these criteria: Children living in the school’s designated catchment area Children living outside the catchment area who have older siblings already on roll Children who have a specific medical reason confirmed by a medical practitioner

which the Local Authority is satisfied makes attendance at the school essential Children with a compelling social reason which the Local Authority is satisfied

makes attendance at the school essential Further information can be obtained from the Local Authority.

ENTRY TO SCHOOL

Children can take up a part-time place (15hrs per week) in Foundation Stage One at the start of the school year following their 3rd birthday. They transfer full-time into Foundation Stage Two at the beginning of the Autumn term of the academic year in which they have their 5th birthday. More information about our Foundation Stage provision is contained in our booklet ‘Off to a Good Start 2016/2017’ which is available from the school or you can download it from the school website.

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SECTION 2

CARE, WELFARE AND SUPPORT FOR PUPILS

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INCLUSION

At West Melton Primary we are committed to providing a fully accessible environment which values and includes all staff, pupils and parents regardless of their education, physical, sensory, spiritual, social, emotional and cultural needs. We aim to promote positive attitudes in children, staff and parents so that all our children can fulfil their potential regardless of their age, gender, abilities, ethnic origin or cultural background.

SAFETY AT SCHOOL We take your child’s safety very seriously and have a wide range of measures in place. We ask that parents adhere to the procedures for entry into the school premises and buildings. We also have strict procedures to follow regarding child protection, and work closely with Early Help, Social Care and other external agencies to ensure the personal safety and well-being of all our pupils.

ATTENDANCE MATTERS

We believe that maximum attendance contributes to maximum achievement. We record and check all absences and late arrivals, and our Attendance Officer will investigate if we feel there may be a problem. If your child is unable to attend school, you must inform us immediately of the reason for absence and when we can expect them to return. If we are not informed of a legitimate reason for absence, it will be recorded as unauthorised. As in all Rotherham primary schools, holidays will never be authorised for any pupils during the first two weeks of the Autumn term, or for Y6 pupils during SATs week.

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ASSEMBLIES Weekly assemblies are held in the hall at 8.50am for all year groups on Monday, by the local Church Wardens on Thursdays and whole school celebrations on Friday. Class assemblies are also held each half term and they usually focus on a particular theme or topic. These may be school matters, community, national or international issues. In addition, end of month celebration assemblies are also held. Parents of the children nominated for a certificate will be invited to attend.

PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS / CARERS The school believes strongly in the benefit of working in partnership with parents / carers. We aim to have a confident and trusting relationship with families. The importance of this cannot be overestimated. A shared responsibility with parents/carers will enable pupils to be best supported and more likely to achieve their potential while at school. The school will keep parents/carers informed about matters relating to the progress of their son or daughter by providing pupil reports and through the opportunity to attend parents meetings. Reports and parents meetings provide information from and contact with subject teaching staff. In addition there may be the need for further contacts regarding support for individual pupils. Parents/carers are welcome to contact the school at any time either to provide information or to seek information on any matter relating to their daughter or son’s progress or welfare at school. It is very important that the school is aware of any circumstances that may affect a pupil’s well- being and progress. The need for confidentiality and sensitivity in the use of personal information will be respected.

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CONTACT INFORMATION It is essential that the school has up to date information regarding parent/carer contacts. This is used if we need to contact home during the school day, which might be for an urgent medical issue. It is also essential that we have accurate contact information to use if we have to close the school due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Please keep the office updated of any changes to home or mobile phone numbers.

SUPPORT FOR LEARNERS ADDITIONAL SUPPORT NEEDS

Many children will face barriers to their learning at some time in their school career. These may be short or longer term and for a variety of different reasons. If a pupil is identified as requiring additional support then pupils, parents and staff are involved in helping identify specific needs and what intervention support strategies are appropriate and developing support plans as appropriate. Some of the professionals we work in partnership with within Education and Children’s Services include LSS (Learning support Service), Early Help workers, Educational Psychology Services, family support workers, social workers. In addition to NHS (including school nurses, school doctors), we also have a speech and language therapist who works in school once each week and a counsellor who works in school twice a week to provide nurture support and 1 to 1 mental health support. Our close link with P.C.S.O Gray also offers vital support for children and the community. Similar processes may also be put into place for pupils who have been assessed as being able or gifted as these children might also need additional support to reach their full potential.

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SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

Many children have special needs within an area of the curriculum at some time in their school career, and we therefore try to cater for the learning and developmental needs of all our pupils. However, some children have particular difficulties in learning and/or behaviour, and require additional help and support to achieve their potential. These children are identified as soon as possible by class teachers and given extra help in class by teachers and support staff. The majority of children with Special Educational Needs are taught within mainstream classrooms. Advice is also sought from the school’s Special Educational Needs co-ordinator Mrs M Foster and outside agencies such as the Learning Support Service, Behaviour Support Service and Educational Psychology Service when required. Parents are kept fully informed about their children’s needs and progress, and are invited to attend regular review and planning meetings at school. We have a disabled bathroom facility designed for non-ambulant users which includes a fully automated hoist and a physiotherapy bed. All Teaching Assistants are trained in using the equipment in this room.

PROMOTING POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR The aim of West Melton Primary School is to provide a friendly and supportive school community within which everyone feels comfortable and secure. A well-ordered school environment both in classrooms and other parts of the school is key to achieving this aim. All members of the school community, pupils, staff and parents /carers, have a responsibility to contribute to maintaining good standards of behaviour in the school. The school aims to promote and encourage positive behaviour whilst also dealing firmly with any instances of unacceptable behaviour. We believe that this strategy is vital in creating a positive school ethos and ensuring that there is a supportive environment for learning in the school. WHOLE SCHOOL REWARD SYSTEM: ‘DOJOS’ & ‘SHOP TREATS’ As well as the use of praise, awards and certificates in assemblies we also use a consistent approach for rewarding and encouraging good behaviour, attitude and effort and manners based on the collection of ‘dojos’ This is on-line reward system that instantly informs parents about rewards that their child may receive on a daily basis. These can be cashed in weekly for prizes or saved to spend on bigger treats – eg Y6 trip. Once children are awarded a Dojo, it can never be deducted . Please ensure that your email address is passed on to teachers so that you receive these updates and get the chance to see any work/learning your child does.

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READING REWARDS

To encourage parental support at home with reading if pupils learning logs are signed, they will receive a merit. If learning logs are signed at least 3 times a week, pupils will receive a variety of prizes every five weeks.

CERTIFICATES A weekly special mentions assembly is dedicated for the praise and recognition of children who have made particularly noteworthy progress for one of the 5R’s. Parents are personally invited to attend monthly special assemblies and witness the presentation of certificates Student of the month and citizen of the month certificates are presented during these assemblies.

SANCTIONS In the use of sanctions, pupils learn from experience to expect fair and consistently applied punishments which differentiate between serious and minor offences. Sanctions are applied consistently by all staff, but with the provision for flexibility to take account of individual circumstances. Parents will be informed by teachers or SLT about any behavior concerns.

SCHOOL COUNCIL We consider pupil voices and opinions to be very important and a powerful tool to making the right decisions for their education. Each year children are elected by class members to form our school council. They work effectively throughout the year representing the school at different events/celebrations and collecting thoughts/information from the pupils in order to change/improve school. They have the important task of interviewing staff members and are active in raising money for different charities.

RIGHTS RESPECTING SCHOOL We are proud to be a Level 1 Rights respecting school and are currently working hard to achieve level 2 status. All our children learn and know their rights. We have a group of pupils from Y1-Y6 who are elected by their class members to become Rights Respecting Role Models. These pupils meet fortnightly to plan projects to promote children’s rights – for example, the UNICEF sing for Syria and Day for Change projects, and ensure that all children and adults in school receive and respect their rights. We have charters in each class produced by the children where rights are identified and pupils and adults have listed ways that they will respect these rights.

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PERSONAL, SOCIAL & HEALTH EDUCATION (PSHE);

CITIZENSHIP West Melton Primary is a ‘Healthy School’. We have achieved the National Healthy Schools Award and the Rotherham Advanced Standards. We believe that it is vital that children learn about themselves as developing individuals and as members of their local community. In our PSHE and Citizenship lessons, we teach children how to keep themselves safe and healthy and how to behave appropriately in different situations. They learn about their own and others’ feelings and are encouraged to become aware of the needs and rights of children and older people. We follow the guidance given in the DCSF materials provided for addressing Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning. As members of their class and school community, all pupils learn social skills such as how to share, take turns, help others, resolve simple arguments and resist bullying. They also begin to take an active part in the life of the school and its neighbourhood through becoming monitors and school helpers. Children are rewarded for being Good Citizens at our monthly Special Mentions assembly.

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ANTI-BULLYING

Bullying of any kind is not acceptable at West Melton Primary School. Bullying can be complex and may take a wide range of different forms. These include physical, mental and emotional bullying. Classic examples of bullying include name calling, physical aggression, intimidation or cyber bullying. It is important to remember that bullying is an unacceptable feature of human behaviour that exists in society in general not only in schools. The information below provides advice and guidance for parents/carers who may be worried about bullying. To Parents/ Carers How do I tell if my child is being bullied? Behaviour which is out of character, unexplained illnesses and reluctance to go to school may be signs of bullying. If you are at all worried speak to your child or contact your child’s guidance teacher as soon as possible. What if I think my child is being bullied? Try to speak to your child about it. If this does not work speak to your child’s guidance teacher. Sometimes it is easier for a child to talk about these things when they are in school. What can I do if I know my child is being bullied? Speak to your child’s guidance teacher or a member of the senior leadership team. Alternatively your daughter / son could approach a member of staff if she/he feels happy about doing this. What action will the school take? The school’s main concern is to make sure a child who may have been bullied feels safe and secure immediately. The way in which individual cases are handled will depend on circumstances. To begin with your child will be reassured by their guidance teacher and /or a member of the senior leadership team. This will be done in a supportive and confidential way. Any further steps in investigating the matter will normally only be taken with your child’s consent. Normally the alleged bully(ies) will then be spoken to. A range of possible outcomes may follow this. Restorative work may be undertaken led by the Pupil Welfare team which will address the impact of any alleged bullying and develop ways forward for all involved. The aim of any investigation will always be to produce an appropriate resolution which is fair to all concerned. Following any investigation the situation will be monitored and reviewed as necessary by guidance staff.

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PARENTAL CONCERNS

We understand that parents may have concerns about their child or children from time to time. We are accustomed to supporting parental concerns regarding issues such as friendships, eating habits, behaviour, health issues (including toileting), homework, learning difficulties etc. Where parents have concerns regarding their child, the guidance teacher should be contacted in the first instance, as he/she will be the person in school who knows your child best. Quite often your concern can be addressed quickly and easily via a phone call. At times, another professional colleague may be called upon to support you with concerns e.g. school nurse or additional support needs teacher. You will always be consulted prior to any information being shared with other professionals. You can contact your child’s guidance teacher either by putting your concern in writing or by telephoning the school and arranging an appointment time to talk to him/her. The school will make every effort to respond to your concern as soon as practically possible, and certainly within 5 working days. If you feel that the guidance teacher has been unable to support you in dealing with your concern, you should contact the appropriate depute head or the head teacher for further advice.

Whilst we understand that there may be times where parents may be upset or angry regarding their concerns, please be reminded that we expect all staff to be treated respectfully and have a parent code of conduct policy that states any aggressive, intimidating and humiliating behaviour towards any member of the school community, are considered serious and unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

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SAFEGUARDING

At West Melton primary School we strive to safeguard and promote the welfare of all of our children. We all have a statutory duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children, and at our school we take this responsibility seriously. If you have any concerns about a child or young person in our school, you must share this information immediately with one of our senior Leaders.. Do not think that your worry is insignificant if it is about hygiene, appearance or behaviour – we would rather you told us as we would rather know about something that appears small than miss a worrying situation. The people you should talk to in school are: Designated Safeguarding Lead: Mrs Zowie Norris Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads: Mrs Faye Bettison & Mrs Clare Snow Chair of Governing Body: Mr Paul Carney

COLLECTING YOUR CHILD

All Foundation Stage and Key Stage One pupils must be collected and signed out from school by a responsible adult (i.e. over 16yrs. old). Key Stage Two pupils are allowed to leave independently at home-time if a parental consent form is signed first. These can be collected from the office. During the school day, no children are allowed to leave the premises unless collected by an adult.

MEDICINES IN SCHOOL If your child is well enough to come to school but needs to take medication during the school day, we ask that you make sure the medicine is clearly labelled with your child’s name and the required dosage, and that you hand it in to the school office at the start of the day and collect it at home time. You will need to sign a form giving school permission to administer the medication on your behalf. Only prescribed medicines which require four doses per day can be administered in school. Analgesic medicines (e.g.Calpol) and antihistamines (allergy relief) cannot be administered in school. Inhalers for asthma need to be clearly labelled with your child’s name, class and dosage. It is your responsibility to ensure that these are kept up-to-date. Please make sure that any existing medical conditions are recorded on the admission form, and that we are kept informed of any conditions which occur at a later time.

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SCHOOL HEALTH SERVICE The School Health Service provides hearing, sight, weight and height checks to all children starting school, and a medical examination and assessment to a sample of children in their first year at school. Sight and hearing checks can also be provided at any time at the request of parents, teachers or other professionals, and referrals to other services can also be made.

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURES

Where a concern remains unresolved in the eyes of parents, parents have the right to make a formal complaint. This complaint can be put in writing, e-mail or communicated verbally to the Head Teacher and/or Chair of Governors. The school will make every effort to respond to and resolve your complaint as soon as practically possible, within 5 working days. Where complaints remain unresolved by the school, these will be escalated to stage 2 (investigation stage) of the complaints process. In these circumstances a member of the SLT will investigate the complaint and make a response to the complaint. Where complainants continue to be dissatisfied with a stage 2 response, complaints can be referred to the Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO). The LADO can be contacted on 01709 823914 or via MASH on 01709 336080. www.rotherhamscbproceduresonline.com/index.htm

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SECTION 3 CURRICULUM

INFORMATION

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THE CURRICULUM FOUNDATION STAGE

Children in our Foundation Stage follow the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum which covers six areas of learning:

Personal, social and emotional development Communication, language and literacy Mathematical development Knowledge and understanding of the world Physical development Creative development

We firmly believe in the value of play-based learning and practical activity as children begin to develop the social and academic skills upon which all future learning builds. Please see our booklet ‘Off to a Good Start for more information about our Foundation Stage provision.

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KEY STAGE ONE AND TWO Our curriculum topic plan is in line with the requirements of the New Primary Curriculum. Our exciting cross-curricular topics ensure coverage of the required elements of:

Literacy Numeracy Science Information and Communication Technology Geography History Art Music Physical Education Design and Technology Personal, Health and Social Education Primary Languages (Spanish & German)

Literacy and Numeracy are also taught as discrete daily lessons, with cross-curricular

opportunities used to enable children to put the skills learnt into practice.

Literacy Our aim is to ensure all children have developed excellent and essential Literacy skills before they move onto secondary education. The Literacy Curriculum is used throughout school to support the teaching of speaking and listening, reading and writing. Speaking and Listening Our children enjoy listening to stories and poems, saying rhymes and participating in drama and role-play, all of which help to develop their speaking and listening skills. It helps them to become confident, fluent and articulate, and more able to verbally express themselves. It also helps children to become interested in and able to pay attention to other people’s thoughts and feelings and to value everyone’s opinions.

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Reading We aim to introduce our children to many types of literature, including fiction, non-fiction and poetry, and they are encouraged to read widely and independently. They are provided with a range of opportunities both in Guided and Reciprocal Reading lessons and other areas of the curriculum to enable them to become fluent, enthusiastic readers, and to develop their interpretation and comprehension skills. We place great emphasis on the teaching of early reading skills, and follow the ‘Read Write Inc ‘phonics programme. Writing We want children to enjoy writing and want to write at all stages of their education. Therefore we value all children’s attempts at writing as they pass through the many necessary stages before they become fluent, confident writers. We teach Literacy in Pie Corbet style, where children talk, map out and act out their learning before writing it down. Children learn the structure and language of a good quality piece of writing first, before transferring the skills in their independent work. They are provided with a range of opportunities both in modelled and Guided Writing lessons and other areas of the curriculum to enable them to become familiar with different types of writing and to practice their writing skills. We teach a cursive handwriting style throughout school to help the children to develop clear, consistent letter formation and make the connections between letter shapes, patterns and sounds.

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Numeracy Crucial basic skills are taught and assessed on a daily basis and during Big Maths sessions. Numeracy is taught throughout school via a daily mathematics lesson. Children are given many opportunities to learn a range of mathematical skills through stimulating practical activities. In these, they are encouraged to apply their mathematical knowledge in investigational work and problem-solving activities. They are able to work both in groups and individually using a variety of resources. We are currently using the Pearson/abacus scheme of work. We want children to be confident in using numbers and to be able to calculate accurately and efficiently. Children need to develop a sense of the size of numbers and where it fits into the number system. They also need to know by heart number facts such as number bonds, multiplication tables, doubles and halves. Throughout school, children are encouraged to learn these facts to calculate answers mentally. Pupils are also taught to use the appropriate strategies to calculate, both mentally and with pencil and paper, the answers to a range of mathematical puzzles and number problems, and to recognise when it is appropriate to use a calculator. They are taught to explain their methods and reasoning and to use the correct mathematical vocabulary. In addition to number work, children in all year groups are also taught to recognise shapes and their properties, suggest and use suitable units for measuring and to explain and make predictions from the information contained in graphs, diagrams, charts and tables. They are also encouraged, when appropriate, to use these skills in other areas of the curriculum, for example in recording data in Science activities.

Science Essential learning in Science is incorporated in our cross-curricular topics or taught discretely as appropriate. We believe that science helps children to understand more about the world around them and encourages them to wonder and ask questions about aspects which they do not understand. When teaching science, we aim to give children the experience of a wide range of practical activities as well as develop the necessary skills and knowledge. Where possible, we try to provide first hand experiences through educational visits and/or visitors, and we aim to raise awareness of the importance of science in everyday life.

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Information & Communication Technology (ICT) ICT is taught both as discrete subject by our ICT subject leader, focusing on the ‘computing’ part of the new curriculum and also used as a learning tool in all areas of the curriculum. Each classroom is equipped with an interactive plasma screen, and a number of PCs and laptops. We have a networked system which links all our computers and all classes have full access to the internet. We also have a class set of laptops and android tablets that are timetabled to be used on a daily basis. Visualizers are used in all classes for the teaching/modelling of specific subjects such as handwriting and also used to celebrate and improve children’s work. A range of ICT equipment is used for children to programme to explore movement and direction. ICT skills are taught progressively throughout school in discrete lessons as well as through cross-curricular topic work.

History and Geography History- and Geography- based topics are used to teach children about the world in the past and the present. Through History, we aim to enable pupils to understand how the world has developed and changed over the ages and to give them a sense of chronology by teaching them about significant events and people in the past. Through Geography, we aim to enable children to compare and contrast their own environment with others, and to understand how places change over time and how people impact on their surroundings. In both areas, children are also taught to use the correct vocabulary and to use a variety of sources to gather information. Where possible, we also try to provide first hand experiences through the handling of artefacts and through educational visits and/or visitors.

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Creative Arts We consider the Creative Arts to be an important part of school life and essential to the development of the whole child. Involvement in the Creative Arts increases children’s confidence, self-esteem and communication skills as well as providing a means for artistic and creative expression. Music is taught throughout school via a range of activities and cross-curricular links are made where appropriate. KS2 children are given whole-class instrument tuition every week through the Government’s ‘Wider Opportunities’ scheme and are taught by specialist music teachers.. We introduce the children to a variety of musical styles and traditions through listening activities which include visits by professional musicians.

All children are given the opportunity to perform in special assemblies and productions, and there is a school choir which is open to any child in KS2. The choir takes part in the annual ‘Young Voices’ concert at Sheffield Hallam Arena, the ‘One Voice’ concert at the New York Stadium in Rotherham and many other events.

Art is also taught throughout school via a range of activities. Children are given experience in using a variety of media including paint, pastel, clay, fabrics and sewing, with cross-curricular links being made where appropriate. They study the work of famous artists and imitate their styles. They are taught to value the work of others and are encouraged to make observations and comment on their own and others’ work. We take part in the annual ‘Picture This’ art project organised by the Local Authority, and showcase work by the children at the annual public exhibition. Drama is included within our Literacy teaching, developing children’s speaking and listening skills and supporting their understanding of a range of texts. We also stage annual drama productions and have participated in the Shakespeare festival over the last three years.

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Dance features strongly in our PE curriculum; we always perform in the annual Movement Evening at Wath Comprehensive School. A Dance Club is open to any child in KS2. Physical Education (PE) We have three Secondary P.E specialist teachers who work alongside teaching staff on a weekly basis, in order to deliver effective Physical education and Health and wellbeing lessons.. Our PE curriculum includes basic movement, dance, gymnastics, games and athletics, with opportunities for children to use a range of large and small apparatus and equipment and to work individually, with partners or in teams. Children in Y5 have swimming lessons, during the autumn term. Lessons in PE aim to promote a healthy attitude towards exercise and physical well-being for all children, as well as develop their physical skills and agility. All children are expected to participate in PE lessons unless excused for medical reasons. Staff and pupils take part in the ‘daily mile’ project with the aim and daily commitment to improve fitness, stamina and wellbeing for all. Our pupils also have regular opportunities to take part on a variety of extra-curricular sports activities organised by the School Sports Partnership which we are part of. A range of lunchtime and after school clubs such as Football, cross country and Gymnastics are also provided for pupils throughout the school year. We have just recently received Gold in Sportsmark for all the fantastic opportunities we provide.

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Section 4 – SCHOOL PROCEDURES

AND PRACTICAL

INFORMATION

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THE SCHOOL DAY

The times of the school day are: Foundation Stage One – 8.30 – 11.30pm & 12pm-3pm Foundation Stage Two, Key Stage One & Two – 8.45am –3.05pm All doors open from 8.30pm for pupils to start their learning early. Each day there is a 15 minute morning break and a one hour lunch break. As in all Rotherham primary schools, holidays will never be authorised for any pupils during the first two weeks of the Autumn term, or for Y6 pupils during SATs week.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

All children are expected to wear school uniform at West Melton Primary school. The school uniform is:

• Purple jumper or cardigan with or without the logo • Black trousers, shorts or skirts • White shirt • Purple checked dresses may be worn in warm weather • Black sensible shoes.

Uniform can be ordered on line/by phone from Pinders at pindersschoolwear.co.uk Tel: 0114 2513275

Pupils are expected to be cleanly and tidily dressed and should note that certain items of clothing are unacceptable. These include denim jeans , jeggings and leggins, tracksuits and T-shirts or sweatshirts decorated with slogans, offensive wording or designs. Hats should not be worn inside the school building.

West Melton Primary Prospectus 2018-19 Page 31

SCHOOL MEALS School meals follow the ‘Healthy Lunch’ menus provided by the Local Authority. The menus contain a variety of hot food options, as well as a daily chilled choice. They are prepared on the premises and served cafeteria-style in the dining area. School Meals cost £2.05 per day (£10.25 per week). This should be sent into school every Monday in a sealed envelope clearly labelled with your child’s name, class, and the amount of money enclosed. Cheques should be made payable to West Melton Primary School and must show the cheque guarantee number and your child’s name and address on the back. All children in Foundation Stage 2 (Reception) Year 1 and Year 2 are now eligible for a Universal Free School Meal. If you think that you may be eligible for Free School Meals as you are in receipt of certain benefits or on a low income, please collect an application form from the school office; this should then be sent direct to the Local Authority Benefits Office. Parents may also provide a packed lunch for their children. We ask that this also promotes healthy eating; chocolate, sweets and pop should not be included. Packed lunches should be sent to school in a lunch box labelled with your child’s name and class. They are stored in our fridge until needed. Children may change between school meals and packed lunches but we ask that changes are made on a weekly basis rather than daily. Schools Meals Supervisory Assistants help the children in the dining area and look after them outside during the lunch-break.

SNACKS AND DRINKS

Fresh drinking water is always available from our water cooler in the corridor. All classrooms have a water jug and cups for use during lessons, and children may also bring their own plastic drinks bottle to use. Foundation Stage and Key Stage One children are provided with free fresh fruit every morning. They are also provided with a healthy afternoon snack for a small charge of 50p per week. Children under 5 years of age are provided with free milk every day. Milk is available for other children at a cost of 16p per day. This must be ordered and paid for at the start of each half term. We also have a Tuck Shop open daily during morning breaks. Children can buy a variety of healthy snacks. No items of food cost more than 20p. Children may also bring healthy snacks from home.

West Melton Primary Prospectus 2018-19 Page 32

MOBILE PHONES Pupils in Y6 may bring a mobile phone to school at their own risk but once in the school building mobile phones must be turned off and kept in the school office. If a mobile phone rings in class or is taken out in class the member of staff in charge will ask the pupil to hand over the phone. It will then be passed on to a member of the senior leadership team. In the event of an emergency during the school day parents/carers and pupils may contact each other through the school office.

COMMUNICATION We are keen to maintain excellent and open communication links with parents and have a number of ways in which we do this. The school website aims to provide easy access to a wide range of information about the school and is regularly updated with new information and current news about the school. The website contains the most recent version of this Prospectus.

Parents also receive many letters – which can also be found on the website too. Text message reminders are also sent.