WELCOME TO ST. ANDREW’S CHURCH SCHOOL

Thank you for expressing an interest in our school.

St Andrew’s has been serving the community of Rowbarton since 1875. We are proud of the Christian aims and values on which our school is based. In 2013 the Governing Body took the decision to join the group of schools in the Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust and on 1 September we became St Andrew’s Church School. At our school we aim to provide an exciting and engaging education for each and every child. 

We aspire to provide our children with as many different opportunities as possible to learn, develop, contribute and share.  Everything we do is inspired by the words of Jesus in the Bible:

“I have come that they may have life, life in all its fullness” John 10:10

We all collaborate and work hard every day to live our three key values, to:

• Aim high
• Show respect
• Make a difference

Whether learning new skills, being a member of our pupil chaplaincy or taking part in an artistic or sporting event, everyone at St. Andrew’s Church School knows that they have a special place where they belong and that will nurture all their talents.

I became Head Teacher here at St. Andrew’s Church School in March 2021, after previously being the Deputy Head, and was pleased to carry on the good work and high standards of my predecessors. I am very proud to be Head Teacher of our ‘family school at the heart of the community’.

The Governors, Staff, Parents and Children work closely together to make our school a happy, secure and purposeful environment for us all. We work to develop the children’s academic, artistic, creative, physical and personal skills.  All the adults involved in the school work together to create an ethos which gives the children the best opportunities to develop spiritually, morally and culturally. It is important that this continues through your support.  You will find outlined in this prospectus a number of ways that we can work together to ensure the best for your child, but the ideal way to get to know us is to visit and see us in action. 

I look forward to meeting you.

Kaye Frounks

Headteacher

MISSION STATEMENT

As a Church of England School, we aim to work with parents, pupils, staff, governors and the church to provide a safe environment in which each child is valued as an individual made in the image of God, and in which the child can find security, acceptance, reassurance and an opportunity to develop their potential. We aim to create a caring and happy community in which Christian values are upheld.

OUR ETHOS STATEMENT

Recognising its historic foundation, the school will preserve and develop its religious character in accordance with the principles of the Church of England and in partnership with the Church at parish and diocesan level.  

The school aims to serve its community by providing an education of the highest quality within the context of Christian belief and practice. It encourages an understanding of the meaning and significance of faith, and promotes Christian values through the experience it offers to all its pupils.

SUMMARY OF OFSTED REPORT  NOVEMBER 2018 – GOOD

“Pupils are very positive about what the school offers them. Those spoken to could
explain how they were doing their part to ‘aim high, show respect and make a
difference’. Pupils and their parents value the enrichment of the curriculum through
frequent highlights which broaden the topics studied. For example, older pupils cook
and taste wartime food as part of their Second World War topic. A parent typically
expressed confidence in the school saying: ‘This school has been everything we
have wanted from a school. The teachers are amazing. We couldn’t ask for more.’”

CONCLUSIONS OF STATUTORY INSPECTION OF ANGLICAN AND METHODIST SCHOOLS 2019  JUDGEMENT – GOOD

“The leadership of the school is very strong with a palpable and perceptible commitment to the flourishing of each individual in the school community.”

THE LOCAL GOVERNING BOARD (at November 2023)

Trust and Foundation Governors

Mrs Dawn Booth (Chair)

Mr Stephen Kershaw (Vice chair)

Mr Patrick Weld

Mr Andrew Clark

Mr Steve Hubbard

Parent Governors

Vacancy

Vacancy

Ex Officio

Mrs Kaye Frounks

Staff Governors

Miss Sophie Morton

CLERK TO THE GOVERNORS

Mrs Rebecca Lewin

Parent Governor elections for St Andrew’s Church School are held as necessary.  Further information can be obtained from the Clerk to the Governors at the school.

The Local Governing Board is the school’s accountable body.  It is responsible for the conduct of the school and for promoting high standards.  The Local Governing Board aims to ensure that children are attending a successful school which provides them with a good education and supports their well-being.

The full Local Governing Board meet four times during a year to consider a variety of items affecting the school and to receive updates/reports from the

Head Teacher,  and its own committees.

Minutes of meetings can be inspected, on request from the office.

OUR SCHOOL STAFF FOR 2023/2024

 HEAD TEACHER           Mrs Kaye Frounks

DEPUTY HEAD TEACHER          Mrs Cathy Ward

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS COORDINATOR              Mrs Cathy Ward

TEACHING STAFF

Mrs Chloe Thomas                 Teacher – Reception  & EYFS/KS1 Lead Monday to Thursday 

Miss Liz Andrews.                  Teacher - Reception Friday

Miss Hannah Newsham         Teacher 

Mrs Donna Higham                Teacher – Year 2 Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday

Mrs Louise Hampshire           Teacher – Year 2 Thursday & Friday

Miss Sophie Morton               Teacher – Year 3 & KS2 Lead

Mrs Georgina Evans               Teacher - Year 4 

Mr Phil Duncan                       Teacher – Year 5

Miss Maria Sadler.                   Teacher - Year 6 

Mr Steve Gill                            Music Teacher and PPA cover - Mondays

Miss Liz Andrews                    Subject Leader release cover - Thursdays

GENERAL TEACHING ASSISTANTS

Mrs Mary Thomas, Mrs Louise Jarmain, Miss Chloe Frounks, Mrs Carole Billett, Mrs Sally Cullen, Mrs Helen Nation, Mrs Hazel Foster, Mrs Kellie Rawle

FOUNDATION TEACHING ASSISTANTS

Mrs Mary Thomas and Mrs Louise Jarmain (HLTA)

SPECIAL NEEDS SUPPORT TEACHING ASSISTANTS

 Mrs Naomi Housego, Miss Sue Nash, Mrs Kate Mayhew, Mrs Chase Cannings, Mrs Claire Cannings, Mrs Sarah Martin, Mrs Laura Bolt

CARETAKER                            OFFICE STAFF

Mr Steve Green                         Mrs Amy Kershaw

                                                  Mrs Esther Durrant

Mrs Annette Williams – BWMAT Business Manager

LUNCHTIME SUPERVISORS    Mrs Priya Puvanendrarasa and TAs

DAILY ACT OF COLLECTIVE WORSHIP

Collective Worship is denominational and reflects the Christian Foundation and character of the school.  Our worship together may also include stories which detail moral values and Christian values, such as truth, honesty and kindness. Collective Worship are also valuable occasions when the school can come together to share work and experiences and a ‘family’ feeling of support and welcome. St Andrew’s Church School has, by tradition and by choice, close links with St Andrew’s Church.  Each Tuesday the clergy from St Andrew’s Church lead the worship and Festivals such as Christmas, Easter and Harvest are usually held at St Andrew’s Church. Sometimes visitors from the community lead our collective worship. Parents have the right to remove their children from collective worship, please speak to the Head teacher.

STARTING SCHOOL

Children whose fifth birthday falls on or between 1 September and 31 August of that academic year will be able to start school at the beginning of the Autumn term. It may be necessary for children to start on a part-time basis. If appropriate, the part time program can be extended, following discussions between the parents and class teacher. This decision must comply with  the regulations for statutory school attendance. 

It is not compulsory for a child to start school before he/she is five, but he/she must start full time education no later than the beginning of the next full term following his/her fifth birthday.

During the Summer term prior to starting school, the new admissions for September have the opportunity to come into school for a ‘settling in’ session. This is to begin the process of getting to know the environment and the adults who they will be working with.

The children are required to attend school during the first two weeks of term on a part-time basis. During this period the children are required to attend essential transition activities. Home visits and Nursery visits will usually take place in the summer term. These visits support and encourage greater liaison between home and school where both parties can share information about the child, and ensure a smooth transition from nursery.  Children attend school full-time in the third week.  Induction timetables are handed out at the New Parents’ Meeting (held in the summer).

We believe that if we work together with parents we can have a positive impact for your child’s development and learning.

GETTING READY FOR SCHOOL

Many parents are understandably eager to help their child before he or she starts school. Below are a few suggestions:-

Remember that the worst thing you can do is put too much pressure on your child. If he/she sees that you are anxious, he/she will become anxious too.

It would be helpful if before starting school, children could do up their shoes, zip up and undo their coat, be able to cope with buttons, handle a knife and fork and use the toilet properly.

Your child will have a head start if he/she is used to being with other children. Pre-school is a great help.

When your child starts school please take an interest in his/her work. Talk to the teacher about how you can help your child.

ADMISSIONS POLICY

A copy of the school’s latest admission policy can be found on the school website under Statutory Information>Policies>BWMAT Policies

APPEALS

In the event that the school is unable to offer a place for a child, the parent/guardian may appeal against that decision. Information about how you may appeal and a form to be completed may be obtained from the school website under PARENTS>Admissions

ADMISSIONS IN THE NEXT ACADEMIC YEAR

Expected maximum reception pupil admission commencing September 2021 is 34.

PARENTPAY

St Andrew’s is a cashless school and uses an online payment system called ParentPay – a secure and convenient way to pay for school meals, trips and much more. Once your child has started school, you will be given a login for ParentPay and you will then be able to order meals and make payments for trips etc.

THE SCHOOL DAY

School begins at 8.45 am for EY and KS1 and 8.50am for KS2. The school cannot be held responsible for the welfare and safety of children before 8.45 a.m.

Morning playtime            10.30. to 10.50 a.m.

Lunchtime                        12.00 to 1.00 p.m. 

School ends                     3.15 p.m. (EYFS & KS1)

                                         3.20 p.m. (KS2)

ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL

Regular attendance is crucial to children’s educational development and at St Andrew’s we recognise our part in assisting parents to meet their legal obligations.

• If your child is unable to attend school because of ill health or for any other reason, please telephone the school by 9.15 am
• We will report unexplained absences to you. All absences and lateness have to be recorded and accounted for by law.
• Please make sure your child is on time. Try not to have the children waiting in the playgrounds too early, especially in cold or wet weather. Five minutes before school is early enough.  Our entrances are on busy main roads.
• All KS1 children need to be in the care of a responsible adult until school begins in the morning.
• No KS1 child is allowed to go home by themselves.  We need to know who to entrust the child to at the end of the day, so if there is any change from the usual routine, please let the teacher know, either by letter, in person or by phone in an emergency.
• We will always look after children until we see them collected by an adult, but please try to be punctual as children worry when they are late being collected.
• Please make sure your children leave the school premises promptly in the afternoon as no supervision is provided after school hours.
• For the safety of the children, entrances should be kept clear and parents are asked to arrive very close to the end of school time, not to leave their cars unattended for any extended period and, if they have to spend time seeing a teacher, to please find an alternative parking area. Please also be considerate of our neighbours – do not leave engines running for prolonged periods and do not block driveways or the school car park. Thank you for your co-operation.

ABSENCES

If your child is ill you should notify the school as soon as possible and by 9.15am at the latest. Please call the School Office on 01823 275906 and select option 1 to leave an absence message. You must provide a reason for the absence, for example ‘sickness’. It is not adequate to simply say your child is unwell. If you have not notified the school of your child’s absence and your child has not arrived in school, we shall text you and/or ring you to find out why your child is not in school. Failure to do this will result in the absence being reported as unauthorised. The number of unauthorised sessions missed by a pupil will be reported in their annual report. (There are two sessions to each school day).

Hospital and Clinic Appointments When possible, please arrange these appointments after school. Advance notice of an appointment during school hours MUST be given and a copy of the  appointment letter MUST be provided. Pupils can be collected directly from school reception, where they will be signed out and signed back in on return (if relevant).  We are sorry but it is not possible for a child to leave school alone to meet a parent for an appointment.  This also applies for any other purpose.

HOLIDAYS IN TERM TIME

IMPORTANT CHANGES IN ATTENDANCE REGULATIONS

Since 1st September 2013, any holidays taken during term time will NOT be authorised by the school.

This is because the Government has recently changed the law with regard to granting term time leave of absence, replacing the 2006 regulation that allowed schools to grant up to 10 days leave of absence at their discretion.

This means that schools may NOT grant ANY leave of absence during term time unless there are really EXCEPTIONAL circumstances.

Any time away from school can have a significant impact on educational attainment, success in later life and longer term health and well-being. In law, parents and carers are committing an offence if they fail to ensure the regular and punctual attendance of their child at school.

Therefore, any unauthorised absence, such as taking holidays in term time, can result in the issuing of a Fixed Term Penalty Notice by the local Attendance Officer.

A fixed Penalty Notice might also be issued if a child’s attendance falls below 90% and no satisfactory reason or explanation is given.  Somerset County Council will be supporting all schools in ensuring the law is upheld.

A list of holiday dates for the forthcoming academic year is available on our website, under PARENTS>Term Dates and Holidays. Should you need to take your children out of school during term time, please contact the office and complete a Term-time Leave Request form.

YEAR GROUPS

For the purpose of National Curriculum Assessment the children are placed in Year Groups. This can be a little confusing because the youngest children will not be in Year 1 until the start of the academic year in which they will be six years of age. This means that most of the children will have been in school for a year before they become Year 1 pupils.

The classes at St. Andrew’s Church School are:

Fox Class               Year Reception            4 and 5 year olds

Owl Class                  Year 1                      5 and 6 year olds

Hedgehog Class       Year 2                       6 and 7 year olds

Badger Class            Year 3                       7 and  8 year olds

Rabbit Class             Year 4                       8 and 9 year olds

Buzzard Class           Year 5                      9 and 10 year olds

Stag Class                  Year 6                     10 and 11 year olds

OUR APPROACH TO LEARNING

In very broad terms, the primary curriculum is concerned with the development of children intellectually, emotionally, socially, physically and morally so that they may lead full and useful lives now and later. Our basic objective will be to help each child realise his or her maximum potential through the wide and varied experiences that are offered to the children.

Curriculum Context

At St. Andrew’s Church School we are a family school at the heart of the community. We embrace and nurture our families and children who come from a range of backgrounds and experiences.

Curriculum Intent

Our curriculum will excite, engage and challenge all of our children, so that they are fully prepared for life in all its fullness (John 10:10) in the 21st century.

Curriculum Principles

Our curriculum is effective because it:

• Embeds and develops Christian Values
• Promotes our School Values (Aim high, show respect, Make a difference)
• Enriches teaching and learning
• Develops opportunities for all
• Challenges all learners
• Is diverse and stimulating
• Encourages lifelong learning
• Raises aspiration and hope for the future
• Promotes continuous development
• Secures key skills and knowledge
• Develops independence and learning behaviours
• Encourages collaboration and empathy
• Enables the holistic development of the whole child

Curriculum Aims

Through our curriculum our children will:

• Gain skills and knowledge for the 21st century
• Aim high and meet their full potential
• Develop curiosity and a thirst for knowledge
• Have high aspirations for themselves
• Be well-rounded and resilient
• Be able to articulate their learning
• Be able to make links between different topics/subjects
• Make a positive impact on their community and wider society
• Be courageous advocates who make a difference
• Be kind, caring and empathetic
• Live out our Christian values by being respectful, caring and compassionate
• Be happy, safe and healthy
• Find their passions and pursue them

As teachers and governors, we recognise that children learn best through using the full range of their senses and view the world as a whole. Our curriculum, therefore, incorporates a mixture of discrete and integrated approaches. The main elements of Literacy and Numeracy are taught through focused sessions but are linked to other areas of the curriculum, where appropriate. A chosen theme will encourage a variety of learning experiences, often based on traditional subject areas but linked with a common thread.

The balance between thematic and discrete teaching will vary as the needs of the children and the demands of the curriculum change.  For example, children at the beginning of Key Stage 1 might require a higher level of curriculum integration than children approaching the end of Key Stage 2.  Children will experience a variety of teaching methods – class, group and individual.  Professional judgement will be made by the teacher to maintain the necessary balance.

The class teacher will get to know your child very well and will be pleased to involve you in their life at school. Children make progress at their own rates and in their own ways. It is important to value them as individuals and to provide learning opportunities that will build on their strengths and overcome their weaknesses. The curriculum is broad and balanced and provides for the academic, moral, physical, creative and personal and social development of every child. In our school today we recognise that learning consists of:

• Acquiring knowledge
• Understanding ideas
• Perfecting skills
• Developing good attitudes.

In order for this to take place the children must:

• Become involved with things that interest them
• Be active in their learning
• Be encouraged to work with each other
• Make progress and be challenged in each area of learning
• Be encouraged to think and act for themselves and become independent.

The National Curriculum Programmes of Study are divided into Key Stages: The Foundation Stage (also referred to as Early Years Foundation Stage or EYFS), Key Stage 1 (KS1) and Key Stage 2 (KS2)

THE FOUNDATION STAGE

The Foundation Stage makes a crucial contribution to children’s early development and learning.

We provide children with a rich variety of teaching and learning experiences that are appropriate to their needs. The Foundation Stage is about developing key learning skills such as listening, speaking, concentrating, persistence and learning to work and co-operate with others. The outdoor environment is also a very special part of the Foundation Stage curriculum. As such it is carefully planned for and available each day.

There are three prime areas which make up the Foundation Stage curriculum:-
Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Communication and Language

Physical Development

The four specific areas are:-

Mathematics

Literacy
Understanding of the world
Expressive Arts and Design

The teaching to achieve these early learning goals will be through firsthand experience and structured play. The areas of experience will be linked to the Early Years Curriculum. The teacher and teaching assistant will keep records on children’s experiences and attainments. Assessments of development and learning needs will be ongoing throughout the school year.

During the first half of the autumn term the teacher will carry out a baseline assessment for every child. This will establish where they are in aspects of their learning and development and help future planning. By the end of the year the teacher will have built up an accurate profile of the each child’s development. We encourage children towards reading, communication and mathematical skills from the very beginning. Much of this earlier learning is achieved through carefully structured play. Play is an important way of developing new skills and building up relationships with other children both individually and in groups.

Reading is taught through the ‘The Little Wandle Letters and Sounds’ scheme,  supplemented with a wide range of other books to develop reading for pleasure. Books are organised in a structured, graded way to allow children many opportunities for consolidation of key vocabulary. We encourage parents to work with their child at home by hearing them read on a daily basis. We are always pleased to discuss ways in which parents can help their child at each stage of their reading development.

KEY STAGE 1 (AGES 5-7 YEARS) AND KEY STAGE 2 (AGES 7-11 YEARS)

The core curriculum at Key Stages 1 and 2 comprises:

• English
• Mathematics
• Science

Children also study the subjects below as part of the National Curriculum. These are called foundation subjects.

• Art and Design
• Design Technology (DT)
• History 
• Geography 
•  Music
• Physical Education
• Information Communication Technology (ICT)
• Modern Foreign Languages (MFL)

Children are also taught Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education.

Religious Education.  “The Agreed Syllabus” is taught, which reflects the fact that the religious traditions in Great Britain are in the main Christian, whilst taking account of the teaching and practices of the other principal religions represented in Great Britain.

PROVISION FOR WITHDRAWAL FROM COLLECTIVE WORSHIP AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Under the provisions of the Education reform Act 1988 all parents have a right to withdraw their child from the school’s Daily Act of Collective Worship, or from religious education.

Any parent wishing to withdraw their child from this element of the curriculum should make a written request to the Head Teacher.

Health and Sex Education.  Under the terms of the 1988 Education Reform Act, Health and Sex Education is a compulsory part of every school’s curriculum.  It is given as part of the teaching on Health, Personal and Social Education and in the Science element of the core curriculum.  The content of the Sex Education teaching which is offered to all year groups has been drawn up in accordance with the LEA’s guidelines, and has been approved by the school governors.

Parents do not have the right to withdraw their child from Health and Sex Education except on religious grounds.

HOMEWORK

Children are expected to take reading books home each night to read to parents – who are requested to sign the accompanying `Reading Record Book’ as confirmation that a reading activity has taken place.

Children in Foundation and KS1 have weekly ‘Busy Book’/’Homework Book’ activities.

Older children in Key Stage 1 and all children in Key Stage 2 will be given spelling and times tables tasks on a weekly basis.  KS2 pupils receive weekly homework tasks.

OFF-SITE VISITS

The school offers our children many opportunities for visits and trips off-site. Each class organises outings in connection with schoolwork.  There can be no substitute for first-hand experience as a stimulus to learning. Every year our Year 6 pupils are given the opportunity to attend a residential trip for 4 nights. 

When your child starts school you will be asked to sign a visit consent form (EV6). This collects parental consent for all local or regular trips which happen during school hours.  

From time to time you will receive information about activities and one-off educational visits that your child will be able to attend. These may be trips by coach to places of interest further away from school and thereby involving a cost. For these trips you will be asked to login to your ParentPay account to give consent for that specific trip/activity and to make payment. As a school we are allowed to ask for ‘voluntary contributions’ towards the cost of trips and activities.  However, if the school does not have sufficient funds to supplement trips, they could be cancelled due to lack of funding.

Any parent who is worried about financial contributions is always most welcome to discuss this, in the strictest confidence, with the Head Teacher.  Copies of the school charging policy are available from the office.

The school will ensure that there is an adequate number of adults supervising children on trips. On every occasion that children are taken out of the school grounds, an adult with at least emergency First Aid training and a First Aid Kit will accompany them. Seat belts will be worn by the children when travelling by car or coach. 

CHARGING POLICY

The Education Reform Act 1988 introduced new provisions on charging for school activities. Under the Act, schools are unable to charge for the following:

• Education wholly or mainly during school hours.

• Materials and ingredients for things made in school which pupils or parents do not want to keep.

• Visits in or outside school hours necessary for an examination.

Charges may be made for the following:

• Individual music tuition which is not part of the syllabus for an examination.

• Excursions where a third party is involved (sometimes).

• Board and lodging where a school activity involves a residential element.

• The exact cost of “optional extras” i.e. not connected directly with the National Curriculum.

Some school activities, like swimming, will only be possible if parents make a voluntary contribution, and where this is the case, parents will always be informed at the outset.

The above represents a brief summary of complex issues, and the school will always guarantee that parents are fully informed of the conditions relating to requests for financial outlay in individual cases.

Where possible, the school will look to support parents who wish to pay for activities via instalments.

AFTER SCHOOL CLUBS

After school clubs run throughout the year and change from term to term. Some are organised and led by staff and some by outside agencies. Some of the clubs currently running are: Football, Netball, Multi skills and Just Dance. Lookout for information on the weekly newsletter for what is coming up and who the club is for.

BREAKFAST CLUB AND AFTER-SCHOOL PROVISION

Our school works closely with Choo Choo’s Nursery and Pre-School. We are pleased to advise that Choo Choo’s @ St Andrew’s is a Breakfast Club run at our school where children can be cared for from 7.30am each morning.

Choo Choo’s also provide after-school care for our children at their premises, close to St. Andrew’s. Further details can be obtained by phoning on 01823 252264 or from their website.

CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS & DISABILITY

We have an inclusive policy towards children with special needs. Inclusion involves the removal of barriers to children accessing the educational provision within the school so that everyone can feel a full and valued member of the school community. The school buildings are mostly suitable for disabled pupils, although due to split levels, children may need to take different routes around the school.

The school sets an extremely high expectation on the importance of pupils showing care and respect for one another. 

There is liaison with preschool agencies to ensure provision for children with special needs is planned well before they start school.  Teachers plan carefully to ensure that all children have an appropriate curriculum, but if a child seems to have a significant learning difficulty that prevents him/her from making expected progress, then we identify the problem and plan extra support for them. If concerns about progress continue, our Special Educational Needs Coordinator can seek advice from a range of educational professionals who support our school, for example; learning support including speech therapy, behaviour support, physical impairment support or our Educational Psychologist. We can also contact the medical profession for speech or occupational therapy. Parents are consulted at all stages.

A copy of the school’s policy for Special Educational Needs is available from the Head Teacher.

IN THE COMMUNITY

Our pupils are involved in and support many charitable fund-raising events throughout the school year, such as Race for Life, Children in Need, Red Nose Day and Save the Children Day to name but a few. 

We have strong links with our local community, particularly with the elderly, members of St Andrew’s Church family and our local pre-school groups.  We enjoy the reminiscences of St Andrew’s ex-pupils and teachers at the Annual Past Pupils’ Reunion Party to which all who have been associated with St Andrew’s are cordially invited.

The school also has strong links with St. Andrew’s Church.  

SCHOOL MEALS

LUNCHES

The school has its own serving kitchen, where our staff distribute hot lunches. Our lunches are provided by St. James Church School. The menu changes termly and is ordered online via ParentPay. All EYFS and Key Stage 1 children are entitled to a free hot meal at lunchtime. Meals for KS2 children are charged at £2.50 per meal. 

Parents/carers who receive any of the following benefits are entitled to claim free school meals:-

Income Support, Employment & Support Allowance (Income related) – not Contribution related, Income-based Job Seekers Allowance, not Contribution based, Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit, Support under Part VI of the Immigration & Asylum Act 1999 or Child Tax Credit, providing you do not also receive Working Tax Credit, with an annual taxable income (as assessed by HMRC) of less than £16,190

Please see the office staff for more information and an application form.

If children prefer to bring a packed lunch to school, they can do so.  We are a nut-free school, so please do not include peanut butter or any other nut products in lunch boxes. We prefer children to bring water to drink, but at the very least drinks should be non-fizzy and MUST be brought in unbreakable containers, clearly named.

SCHOOL MILK

Children under 5 years of age are entitled to receive free school milk each day.  There is a provision for children over 5 years of age to purchase school milk, and details of how to go about arranging this are available from the school office.

SNACKS

All children should bring in a fresh or dried fruit snack to eat during the morning session. This should be placed in a separate named container. It is helpful if the fruit is prepared at home, if necessary (for example peeled or chopped) as we do not have the equipment to do this in class. EYFS and Key Stage 1 children are also provided with free fruit and vegetables each day for the afternoon session.

WELFARE

MEDICAL INFORMATION

Medical information regarding your child is collected via the initial Data Capture form when your child starts school at St. Andrew’s. It is important that these forms are completed and returned to the school. Medical information should always be updated immediately, in writing, should there be any changes to your child’s medical needs or to your situation.

Telephone numbers In case of emergency, it is most important that you provide the school with information as to where you can be contacted during the day. We ask for a minimum of three emergency contacts per child. Please make sure that this information is updated if changes occur, (for example, when you move house, get a new mobile telephone number or if there is a change in emergency contact).

ACCIDENTS

Accidents unfortunately happen from time to time. Cuts, grazes etc are dealt with by the first aider on duty, and parents are notified of these at the end of the school day.  All head injuries are recorded and the class teacher and parents are informed.  If the injury is considered serious, parents will be contacted and a hospital check is then advised. In cases of emergency, medical attention will be sought and you will be contacted immediately.

Illness in school

In cases where we suspect illness, parents are contacted by telephone.  If your child has had sickness or diarrhoea they should not return to school until 48 hrs after the last episode of illness. This policy is in line with public health advice issued to schools.

MEDICINES

We understand that occasionally, children may need to take medicine during the school day, however, where possible, doses of medicine should be given before or after school.  If the medicine needs to be administered more than 3 times per day and is prescribed by a doctor, you will need to complete an ‘Administer Medicine’ form.  These are held in the School Office. We will only be able to administer prescribed medicine, in the original containers with the pharmaceutical label attached.  Parents will need to bring these medicines to the office in the morning and collect them after school; all medicines will need to be signed in and out by a responsible adult.  If you feel your child needs a non prescribed medicine during the day, e.g. paracetamol, ibuprofen, hayfever/allergy relief etc. you are welcome to come in during the school day to administer this.

MEDICAL CHECKS

The School Health Adviser will visit the school to assess children’s sight and periodic checks of height/weight are carried out in line with national expectations. If treatment is required parents will be informed subsequently.

Hearing Test

During the second year at school a special hearing test is carried out to make sure your child is not suffering from a hearing loss.  The test only measures how good the hearing is, and cannot tell the cause, if any hearing loss is found.  More often than not, loss of hearing found at the test is caused by a cold.  To make sure that nothing more serious is the cause, you will usually be advised to take your child to a hearing clinic and another test may be carried out the following year.  Please assume the test is satisfactory if you are not contacted.

Eye Test Vision tests are done at school during the Reception year and Year 6 by the School Nurse, who will advise you if referral is necessary.  Letters will be sent to parents with the appropriate consent forms prior to the tests being carried out. Pupils in Year 6 will be tested for colour blindness.

Dental Inspection  Children are not screened regularly in primary school.  Parents are advised to make private arrangements for treatment if it is thought necessary.

INHALERS FOR ASTHMA

Inhalers are kept in a central place in each classroom. It is important that inhalers are named and an inhaler is left in school. In order for your child to keep an inhaler in school, please see the school office for a medical form. Please check that the office has a current record of the dose and times that your child needs to take his/her inhaler.

HEAD-LICE

Head-lice are frequently a problem in all schools. It is the responsibility of every parent to check their child’s hair regularly. If you discover that your child has head-lice, wash your child’s hair in the normal way and use plenty of conditioner to ’wet comb’ through the hair with a fine tooth comb to remove any lice. This routine must be repeated every 3 days for at least 2 weeks in order that any lice emerging from eggs are removed before they can spread. You may consult a pharmacist for advice as to the best way to treat head-lice for the whole family. Please remember to inform the school so that other parents in your child’s class can be reminded to check their child’s hair as well. If head-lice are observed in a child’s hair the school will try and contact parents so that treatment can be carried out before others become affected.

There is also a website you can visit: http://www.nhs.uk/conditions/head-lice/Pages/Introduction.aspx

SEVERE WEATHER

In cases of severe weather, it may be necessary to close school.

If the school is forced to close due to very severe weather, all parents should receive a text by 8.00am.  If you feel that the conditions are very bad and you have not received a text then please check the school website www.standrewsbwmat.org for a ‘Closure Alert’.

The school will remain open at all times and children will be expected to attend school UNLESS –

1. a) You have previously been notified of school closure
2. b) You have received a text informing you of school closure
3. c) Closure information has been posted on our school website
4. d) Children live too far and conditions are too bad even to attempt a journey

PLEASE DO NOT PHONE THE SCHOOL.

After a period of closure, the Head will send a further text message to all parents to advise them of the school’s reopening.  A message will also be posted on our school website.

Should conditions deteriorate dramatically during the day, children will not be sent home unless accompanied by a parent or adult nominated by a parent.

It is unlikely that a prediction will be made about the day following a day of closure due to severe weather.  Every effort will be made to keep the school open and parents should ensure that children attend.

SAFETY IN SCHOOL

The purpose of our school policy is to give guidance in order to ensure the personal security of children, visitors and staff in school, and the security of the building and its contents both during school and out of school hours.

Fire  

Fire regulations are displayed in each work area.  Fire drill is held regularly

SECURITY

Access to the school by parents and visitors during school sessions must be made via the school office which has a push button coded security system and visitors are required to sign in via our school online system (iPad), to wear security badges and to hand-in mobile phones on entry to the school. All external doors are locked during session times. Staff wear security badges.

MOBILE-FREE ZONE

Our school operates a ‘No mobile phones’ policy. Visitors to the school site are asked to hand in their mobile phone to be kept in a secure locker in the school office. Parents on the school site during drop off and pick up times should refrain from using their mobile phones, unless it is an emergency.

CHILD PROTECTION

Parents should be aware that the school is required by law to take any reasonable action to ensure the safety of its pupils.  In cases where the school has reason to be concerned that a child may be subject to ill-treatment, neglect or other forms of abuse, the school have no alternative but to follow Somerset Child Protection procedures and inform Social Services of their concern.

BEHAVIOUR AND DISCIPLINE AT ST ANDREW’S CHURCH SCHOOL

At St. Andrew’s Church School, we have high expectations of the children’s behaviour. We expect our pupils to behave at all times in a manner consistent with our school aims.

The main focus of our behaviour management is to praise positive actions by catching the children doing the right thing and rewarding and celebrating their good behaviour.  Rewards take the form of verbal praise, stickers, team points, reward time, class treats, certificates, a note to parents and assembly celebrations.  Every child is eligible for up to 30 minutes of ‘Golden Time’ each week. This is a time when the children may choose from a variety of activities negotiated with their class teacher

Each class teacher will work with pupils to create a Class Charter. This will outline the sorts of behaviours they want to see in their room that will help to develop respect, tolerance, self-control and a sense of responsibility in the class and which will allow everyone to be able to learn, be safe and be happy.

Our policy is to provide a consistent and positive framework, which outlines how we should all act towards each other. (A copy of our graduated code of conduct is available from the school or on our school website).

SANCTIONS

Most examples of misbehaviour can be dealt with by the supervising adult at the time.

If necessary, a variety of sanctions may be used including time outs or even a temporary suspension from school.

As with all schools there are sanctions available for dealing with extreme or dangerous instances of misbehaviour up to and including permanent exclusion.

It is hoped that teachers and parents will be able to prevent such extreme action being taken. Communication between teachers and parents / parents and teachers is most important.

BULLYING  

If you think that your child is being bullied at school please contact us as quickly as possible.

It is MOST IMPORTANT that you contact your child’s class teacher or the Head Teacher so that the matter can be given immediate attention.  Please do not take matters into your own hands.

The school will take the matter very seriously and will gather information from all those involved before making judgement. You will be informed immediately of the result of the inquiry and of the steps that are to be taken to ensure that bullying stops.

HELPING TO AVOID BEING BULLIED

Discourage your child from using bullying behaviour at home or anywhere else.

Show him/her how to resolve difficult situations without being violent or aggressive.

The comment by a parent ‘If he hits you, you hit him back’ only makes the situation worse for everyone involved.  It is much better to encourage your child to walk away and tell a supervisor and/or his or her teacher. It should be remembered that this will require more courage and maturity than if he or she reacts violently in difficult situations.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

The rationale behind our school uniform policy is to encourage all children to look smart and to take pride in belonging to our ‘Family school at the heart of the community’. It promotes equality and respect.

All children at St Andrew’s Church School are expected to wear correct school uniform.

St. Andrew’s Church School Uniform

Navy sweatshirt or cardigan with logo*

Plain white shirt, blouse or polo shirt

Grey trousers, shorts, skirt or pinafore (must be tailored – no leggings, tracksuit bottoms, jeans/denims or ‘fashion’ trousers)

Grey or navy socks or tights (no trainer socks)

Black school shoes (leather or leather-style – no suede, trainers or boots)

Warm weather (Optional for Summer term & first half of Autumn term only)

Navy & white gingham dress

Grey shorts

Plain white shirt, blouse or polo shirt

White socks

PE Uniform

Navy & gold PE top with logo*

Navy PE shorts (no ‘cycling’ style shorts)

Navy or white sport socks

Black, navy or white trainers

For colder weather: Plain, unbranded navy jogging bottoms (no leggings) and plain, unbranded navy sweatshirt/fleece.

(For after-school clubs, held on site, pupils may wear their own sports clothing but for all tournaments and off-site events, pupils will be expected to wear their school logo PE kit.)

Rucksack, PE Bag and Coats

Pupil choice

Items marked with * are available at Taunton Uniform Shop on East Reach but all others should be easily sourced in numerous other outlets. Please note navy & gold PE socks, navy PE shorts with school logo, navy sports fleeces with school logo, PE bags with school logo and rucksacks with school logo are all also available from Taunton Uniforms, but are optional items.

ALL CLOTHING MUST BE CLEARLY MARKED WITH THE PUPIL’S NAME. 

No responsibility will be accepted by the school for items which are not clearly named.

Items found will be retained in the Lost Property box outside Huntspill Class, for a reasonable period of time or until claimed.

Hair below shoulder-length MUST be tied back. Hair ties and accessories should be small, discreet and in navy or white. Extreme hairstyles such as shaven heads, tramlines, shaven patterns or hair colours outside those regarded as natural are not acceptable. Jewellery (other than one small, plain stud per ear), make up, nail varnish and temporary tattoos are not permitted.

NO HOODIES – Hoodies are not permitted to be worn at all in school, either for indoor or outdoor wear

Children wearing non-uniform footwear, will be given a pair of school daps to wear for the day and will receive their own shoes back at the end of the day.

Pupils will be asked to remove any make-up, nail varnish or non-uniform hair accessories worn to school.

Parents of pupils not wearing correct uniform will be requested to attend a meeting with Mr. Atkins to discuss the matter.

Please see our St. Andrew’s Church School Uniform Facebook page, where parents are able to buy and sell second-hand uniform, thereby re-using clothing, reducing costs and recycling.

Thank you for your understanding, support and co-operation.

THE SCHOOL AND THE PARENTS

Our work in giving each child a broad education as part of a long preparation for adult life cannot be isolated from the child’s major influences in the home.  Our relationship with you will help us to know and understand your children better and will help you to understand what we are trying to achieve.  Your faith in the school and the judgement of the teachers is vital to each child’s education, and this will be strengthened if you know our aims and can identify with them.  School and home need to have a close partnership if the child is to see that we are working together for his/her benefit.  Success will be greatest when parent, child and teacher are seen to be working together as a team.

We, therefore, welcome and encourage parents to take a full and active part in the school and in their child’s education.  This can be done casually, by chatting with and getting to know the teachers, by helping in the classrooms where appropriate, by helping on trips and outings, by offering skills and expertise, by joining in and supporting the activities of the PTFA and if possible by joining the PTFA Committee. Parents wishing to volunteer their time to help out at school or on school trips will be required to fill out a Volunteer Application form and undergo a DBS check. Please see a member of the School Office team. Contacts that you may have in work or social life which can help us to obtain cheap or free items for school are also always appreciated.

THE DISCLOSURE PROCEDURE

Legislation for the protection of children has meant that all people working with children – employed or as volunteers – must have a criminal background check via the Disclosure Procedure.  The Disclosure and Barring Service covers this process.  Any parents wishing to help in a classroom, or with a school activity, should contact the school office where advice will be given with regard to applying for clearance.

PARENTS, TEACHERS AND FRIENDS’ ASSOCIATION

The school boasts an active PTFA which has helped to greatly improve the educational facilities over recent years.  All parents are welcome to meetings.  The Annual General Meeting takes place early in the Autumn Term and a Committee is elected.  We are indebted to parents for their fund-raising activities and for the opportunities they provide for the social events.

KEEPING YOU INFORMED

At all times parents are welcome to make an appointment to discuss their child’s progress with the class teacher, but Parents’ Evenings during the school year are also provided as follows:

Autumn Term

Appointments are arranged for parents to meet with their child’s class teacher to see how they are settling into their new class.

Spring Term

There is an opportunity for you to make an appointment with your child’s class teacher for an in-depth consultation about your child’s progress.

Prior to Parents’ Evenings, we hold open classrooms  for parents to visit classrooms and see children’s work. There is also an opportunity to attend Key Stage Sharing Assemblies.

Summer Term

Accurate and concise records will be kept of all children’s achievements and parents will be given a written report of the child’s progress towards the end of the summer term.

A separate report identifying children’s level of attainment as a result of teacher assessment and statutory tasks and tests will be sent to parents of children in years 2 and 6.

An opportunity will be given for all parents to discuss this report with their child’s class teacher, if they so wish.

WEEKLY NEWSLETTERS   

During term time, newsletters are sent out every Friday via email.  These give information and dates of forthcoming events.  Newsletters are numbered and back copies’ can be obtained if for some reason you have missed one.

TEXT MESSAGING

In order that we can communicate with parents on a number of subjects – reminders of events, cancellation of clubs, emergency closure of the school – a text messaging service is used.

A message will be sent to the pupil’s designated ‘contact number 1’ mobile phone number via our online system, Scholarpack.  Apart from the contact telephone number and the pupil’s first name, no other personal data will be retained by the texting company.  If you require further information on this service, please contact the school office.

PERSONAL APPOINTMENTS

Should there be any matter that you wish to discuss with us, please contact us to make an appointment.  This will help to give us the time you need and reduce the likelihood of interruptions.

If you try to see a teacher before school starts you may find that time is short, as most teachers are setting up activities for the day’s work.  The best time to make an appointment is for after school.

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

We hope that any complaints that parents may have can be resolved by the school. Therefore any complaints, in the first instance, should normally be made to the class teacher or, in more serious cases, the head teacher. It is hoped that in most cases complaints will be dealt with at this informal level. However, if attempts to solve serious complaints at a local level fail, there is an agreed complaint procedure that should be followed.

If the complaint cannot be resolved at local level then the parent should submit his/her complaint in writing to the Chair of Governors who will acknowledge receipt of the complaint and will arrange for an investigation to take place.

We hope that any complaints can be resolved by the parent concerned discussing the matter with an appropriate member of staff.

SCHOOL POLICY ON PHOTOGRAPHING OF CHILDREN

During the course of the school year, we may sometimes wish to take photographs or video of children within school or on school trips, either for our own records or for inclusion in our promotional material such as the school website/Twitter feed. The school invites an external photographer to the school each year to take official school photographs and the school may also invite the local newspaper to the school to take photographs for publication.

To comply with the Data Protection Act 1998, we need to ask for your consent before the school or the media record any images of your child.  Parents are asked to complete an Image Consent giving approval or otherwise.  Please ask at the school office if you have not signed such a document or if you subsequently change your mind about any of the aspects of the form.

SECURITY OF INFORMATION

The School complies with the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1998 relating to information handling and privacy.  We achieve this through our Information Security and Data Protection Policies supported by proper working practices and procedures.  Copies of the policies are available from the school.

FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT & DATA PROTECTION ACT

The Freedom of Information Act and the Data Protection Act requires publicly funded bodies, including schools, to be clear about the information they publish, use and store. We have introduced a scheme, details of which we publish regularly, setting out the information and where to find it.  Please contact the school office or visit the school website for details.  Our Privacy Notice is available on request from the office, or from the school website.

AVAILABILITY OF INFORMATION

The DFE regulations require the school to make certain items of information available at the school to parents and the public.

The school holds information on the following:
Any statutory instruments (including those for the National Curriculum subjects), circulars and administrative memoranda relating to powers and duties under the “Curriculum” Section of the Education Reform Act.

Any published Ofsted/ M.M.I.Reports which refer explicitly to the school.

Any scheme of work currently used by the teachers in the school.

The school also holds copies of the prospectus, and of the Governing Body’s annual reports to parents, which are available, free to parents on request at school.

DATA PROTECTION

We, St. Andrew’s Church School are the Data Controller for the purposes of the Data Protection Act. We collect information from you and may receive information about you from your previous school and the Learning Records Service. We hold this personal data and use it to:

• Support teaching and learning;

• Monitor and report on progress;

• Provide appropriate pastoral care, and

• Assess how well your school is doing.

This information includes contact details, national curriculum assessment results, attendance information and personal characteristics such as ethnic group, special educational needs and any relevant medical information. If you are enrolling for post 14 qualifications we will be provided with your unique learner number by the Learning Records Service and may also obtain from them details of any learning or qualifications you have undertaken. 

We will not give information about you to anyone outside the school without your consent unless the law and our rules allow us to.

We are required by law to pass some of your information to the Local Authority and the Department for Education (DfE)  

If you want to see a copy of the information we hold and share about you then please contact the Head teacher. 

If you require more information about how the Local Authority (LA) and/or DfE store please contact these institutions directly at the following addresses:

• CYPD Information Officer, Children and Young People’s Directorate, Somerset County Council, County Hall, Taunton TA1 4DY

Email: educfoi@somerset.gov.uk

Tel: 01823 355959

• Public Communications Unit
  Department for Education
  Sanctuary Buildings
  Great Smith Street
  London
  SW1P 3BT

Website: www.education.gov.uk
email: info@education.gsi.gov.uk
Telephone: 0870 000 2288