pauntley school prospectus
DESCRIPTION
Pauntley CE Primary School's prospectus for parentsTRANSCRIPT
Pauntley Church of England Primary School
Pool Hill
Gloucestershire
GL18 1LL
01531 820 053
www.pauntleyschool.com
A message from our Headteacher 4
Our Mission and values 5
Being a church school 7
Our curriculum 9
Personalised provision 11
Opportunities for all 13
Our school day 15
Parents and carers 17
Keeping us safe 19
Our communities 21
School uniform 23
The Team 25
Further information 27
Contact details 28
Gary LawHeadteacher
Dear Parents and Carers,
Welcome to Pauntley, I am really pleased that you are
considering joining us and I hope that this prospectus will
give you all the answers you need.
At Pauntley, we pride ourselves on the quality of learning and
the strong family feeling and welcoming atmosphere. The
children, staff and supporters of Pauntley all feel they are part
of this unique community and respect each other and the
contributions they make.
Have a look through our prospectus and if you have any
further questions or would like to come for a look round,
please give me a call or send an email.
I look forward to meeting you and your family.
Our Core ValuesFriendship
Respect
Trust
Loyalty
Courage
Our School RulesRespect each other and ourselves
Always use kind thoughts and words
Try the very best you can
Look after the things we use
Be prepared and ready to learn
Our core values help us achieve a Christian ethos within our school.
These values are reflected within our curriculum, so that they become part of everyday life.
Our HistoryThe parish of Pauntley and Pool Hill has had its own primary
school since 1870. We are one of the oldest schools in
Gloucestershire and proud to be supported by the Diocese of
Gloucester. We have always provided good quality education to
the children of Pauntley and surrounding areas and open our
arms to any family who wishes to join us.
After the Education Act 1944 was brought in,
the Church of England voluntarily handed over
control of our school along with many others,
to the Local Authority and we have remained a
‘Voluntary Controlled’ school ever since.
We have a strong Christian ethos based on the
values of the Church and the needs of the
communities we live in.
What makes us special?Our local church of Saint John the Evangelist has a thriving
congregation who are always keen to include and join in with
supporting our children’s lives to help them grow spiritually and
socially.
In school, members of the Church community hold weekly
collective worships. Children, parents, families and
friends always enjoy the Christingle, Easter,
Carol Service and Harvest Festivals at the church.
We have two Foundation Governors who are appointed
by the Diocese of Gloucester to represent the Church
and ensure we have the support and guidance we
need to continue to develop and build a
strong and sustainable school.
How it is organisedWe provide a tailor made curriculum that focuses on developing the skills
needed to become independent learners. We strive to teach our children
how to learn so that they can continue to succeed in adult life. We have
multi-age classes and use teachers and Teaching Assistants to tailor the
learning to all the pupils needs. Pupils get to know the teachers well, as
they remain in the same class for 3 or 4 years.
To engage the children’s interest and give purpose to our learning, we
use themes to bring all our lessons together. Each theme has a strong
science, geography or history focus and then we link all our reading,
writing and creative arts to the theme.
To maintain our high academic standards, we always provide literacy and
mathematics lessons in the mornings then mix in the other subjects in the
afternoons to provide the children with all the opportunities they need to
develop in all aspects of their learning.
Literacy and mathematics
Literacy and mathematics underpin all of our curriculum and the skills,
knowledge and concepts they learn support all the other learning in
school.
Science
To support the children's understanding of the world around them,
science is taught throughout the year. We focus on investigation and
enquiry, enabling the children to test their own ideas and draw
appropriate conclusions.
History and Geography
Humanities play an important role in creating themes for our learning. We
learn about the history and geography of local, national and international lands and cultures and compare them with our own.
Religious Education
Using the Gloucestershire RE Agreed Syllabus, we learn about the major
religions that influence our county. Christianity is predominant, however we also
build our understanding and respect for other religions including Hinduism,
Islam and Judaism.
Information and Communication Technology
To meet the needs of an ever evolving technological world, we embed the
learning and application of technology in to our lessons. Children have access to
laptops and a range of gadgets such as controllable vehicles, interactive
whiteboards, temperature probes and digital cameras to support the learning,
especially in science. We use online websites for research and home learning,
and other facilities such as Skype to talk to children from different countries.
Physical Education
Where possible, through a number of partnerships throughout Gloucestershire,
we offer specialist trainers for our PE lessons. We cover most sports, dance,
gymnastics, swimming and athletics. Sports Days are held every year and we
compete with schools at local and county events.
Art, Design and Technology
Being able to express ourselves through creative arts, design and technology is
fundamental for all children to develop in to well rounded adults. We aim to
embed relevant and varied experiences so that the children can extend the
talents and gifts that makes them individuals.
Modern Foreign Languages
We deliver French lessons to our children in both Key Stage One and Two, so
they have a good understanding ready for secondary school.
Music
We have a specialist teacher who delivers both classroom based lessons and
individual tuition.
Every child is special
At Pauntley CE Primary we believe every child is special and we
spend a lot of time ensuring that we cater for all their needs.
Children with Special Educational Needs
For a child who needs additional support and guidance we put
together a Individual Education Plan and work with parents and
sometimes outside agencies to meet the child’s needs. If your
child has Special Educational Needs or Disabilities, it means that
they need specific support to ensure they make the most of our
curriculum. We use all the support and guidance from the Local
Authority to cater for any needs that your child may present. By
working closely with you, other professionals and the local
authority, we can ensure that your child develops a good
education throughout their primary years.
Gifted and Talented Children
We also support children who have a particular talent or gift
either academically or in other aspects of the child’s life. Teachers
actively look to identify those talents and gifts then build in
opportunities to extend and develop them in whichever way we
can.
Who should I turn to?
For both special educational needs and children with a gift or
talent, we have a dedicated member of staff who will seek to
provide the right opportunities so that your child will reach their
full potential. They will work with you and guide your child in the
right direction. For more information please contact us.
Rewards
Our children love to know when they are doing well and what to
do to improve, which is why we have lots of rewards for
succeeding. All members of staff can give credit or golden
points, privilege cards and Superstar certificates, and the
Headteacher also awards Pauntley Hero status to those children
who have gone above and beyond in some aspect of their
school life.
Sanctions
It is important that children know when their behaviour is wrong
and how to put things right, which is why we have simple but
effective sanctions when a child misbehaves. Children are given a
warning and a reminder of why the behaviour is wrong and if
they continue they take ‘time-out’ to reflect on this. If the
behaviour continues they see the Headteacher.
Respecting Others
Pauntley is keen to encourage our children to become well
rounded members of society. We learn about the importance of
treating others with respect and dignity regardless of gender,
race or ability. Through Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship
Education, we learn about and from a range of different
circumstances and how we are special too.
Clubs
Throughout the year we offer a range of clubs either after school
or during lunchtime. Our children have enjoyed playing football,
arts and crafts, glee club and nature club. We try to offer clubs
that we know the children either would like to try or enjoy doing.
Around our School
The school offers all our children a playground, adventure play
area, gazebo, outdoor arena, a workroom, Foundation Stage
outdoor area, bespoke classrooms and playing field, nature area
including a pond, raised bedding and orchard.
School Youth Parliament
We have a School Youth Parliament made up of five ministers
who run and lead different projects throughout the year. All the
children can be involved in whichever projects they feel are
important and it gives them the opportunity to have a real say in
how the school develops.
Monday to Friday
School starts at 9am with Collective Worship led by teachers,
Governors and the children. This is a chance to reflect and focus on
the day ahead and get ready for learning.
Lessons start promptly at 9.25am with the core subjects of
mathematics and literacy being taught in the mornings with playtime
at 10.45am.
Lunch is at 12.15pm for 55 minutes The children bring in a healthy
packed lunch. The children begin their meal collectively with grace
and afterwards have time to play or participate in a range of sporting
events.
In the afternoon, the other subjects are taught all linking to the termly
theme that the whole school focus on. There is more information
about our curriculum in this prospectus.
School officially closes at 3.15pm but often there are after-school
clubs available for your child to participate in or you can book a
place by contacting the office or speaking to your child’s class
teacher.
Daily Timetable8.45am Doors open
9am Collective Worship
9.25am Lessons start
10.45am Playtime
11am Lessons continue
12.15pm Lunchtime
1.10pm Afternoon lessons start
(2.30-2.45pm Afternoon play for May Hill Class)
3.15pm Lessons end
Pick up time unless attending an after-school club
Attendance
Pupil attendance at Pauntley is very high, with few absences.
However, we are aware that sometimes it is not possible for your
child to attend. Authorised absences include illness, medical
appointments and religious observations, any other absences
need to be authorised by the School beforehand. If your child
needs to stay away from school, please let us know before or on
the morning of the first day of absence. For more information
about attendance and absence, including the procedures if your
child has an unauthorised absence, please ask for a copy of our
Attendance Policy.
Parents and carers play an important role at Pauntley. We work
closely together to ensure that the children's time at school is
safe, enjoyable and successful. We warmly welcome parents to
come in to listen to the children read, help with trips or special
activities, or simply to help set up and clear away after arts and
craft afternoons.
Friends of Pauntley CE Primary School
The Friends organise lots of fundraising events throughout the
year to pay for additional learning experiences. This has included
going to the pantomime, trips, parties, sports equipment and
hiring specialist to lead workshops. We are very proud of The
Friends who raise many hundreds of pounds each year by
holding fayres, an Autumn Ball, discos, bingo and other events
for both adults and children to enjoy. All parents and carers are
welcome to join.
Governors
We have a Governing Body of volunteers who run and manage
the school. They meet regularly to discuss the finances,
maintenance of the school, wellbeing of staff and pupils, the
achievement and standards of the children and to ensure that
the school continues to grow. There are different types of
governors, including Parent Governors who represent parents of
the children in the school. If you would like to know more about
the Governing Body, please contact the school.
Keeping in touch
It is vital that we keep in touch with each other. We feel the best
way is to chat with you regularly. Teachers are always around
before and after school if you need to pop in.
We also send out regular newsletter , emails and text reminders
so that you are always up to date with what’s going on. Our
website has additional support including links to other sites,
homework ideas, copies of current letters and more information
about the school.
Parent’s Consultation Evenings and Open Evenings
Twice a year, we have consultation evenings for parents so that
we can talk together about the progress and attainment your
child is making in class.
Feedback to parents
Each year, the class teacher will write a formal report on how far
your child has progressed in all areas of the curriculum. They will
also give your child personal targets that you can support them
with. We also have whole school targets for literacy and
mathematics.
Health and Safety
We have a very pro-active approach to health and safety. It is
not a barrier to stop us learning but more a tool to ensure that
we can learn more in a safe environment. We have secure child
protection procedures, healthy schools status and adhere to
County guidelines when risk assessing activities or going on trip
and events.
Visitors and Volunteers in School
All visitors and volunteers to the school need to report to the
school office; sign the visitors’ book and collect an ID Badge to
wear whilst visiting. We have a traffic light ID Badge system for
visitors and volunteers to ensure everyone is safe when working
with our children. The colour of the ID badge depends on the
frequency of visits and if you have a cleared Criminal Records
Bureau (CRB) check.
Green ID Badge Holders are employed adults who have a
cleared CRB check and are aware of the school’s emergency
procedures.
Yellow ID Badge Holders have a cleared CRB check but are
volunteers or visitors to the school. They can work with the
children in small groups or individually.
Red ID Badge Holders do not have a cleared CRB but are
deemed safe to be in school. This may include the electrician or
a sales representative. Red Badge holders are welcome but will
not be allowed on their own with our children. This ensures that
the children and the adults remain safe.
Emergency Closure
We will endeavour to keep school open throughout the year, however
sometimes it is necessary to close the school unexpectedly. Such events
may include severe weather, problems with heating or major repair
work to the school building. The main consideration is always the safety
of everyone who uses the school.
If the school is closed unexpectedly, you will be contacted directly via
text, phone, email or announcements on our website, Gloucestershire
County Council website, BBC Radio Gloucestershire and Heart FM.
Please do not phone Shire Hall for information on an individual school.
We will also aim to arrange for someone in the village to be available to
inform families, should they turn up to school.
First Aid
All our staff will deal with the everyday bumps and grazes in line with
our First Aid policy. If your child has a more serious accident or bumps
their head, we will contact you as soon as possible.
Safeguarding
We take the protection of all our children very seriously. All our staff are
child protection trained and we have a vigorous vetting procedure to
ensure the well being of all our children.
Out and About in Pauntley
Pauntley provides us with lots of opportunities and facilities
including using the village hall for PE lessons, performances and
fundraisers. We visit other local facilities or local farms to learn
more about the world and we use the church for special
occasions.
There are other community groups in Pauntley who always
support the school and our children. The school has received
donations from beer festivals, and other events held locally.
We hold a fortnightly toddler sessions for any younger children
in and around the Pauntley area.
Secondary Schools
It is important to us that we build strong links with local
secondary schools so that when our children move on, they feel
confident and secure. Many of our pupils move on to Newent
Community School when they reach 11 years old.
We thrive on working with other schools and organisations to
ensure that we can offer the best possible opportunities for our
children through their time with us. We have strong partnerships
with the following:
• Ashleworth CE Primary School is our partnership school. We
share resources, spend time together to build friendships and go
on trips and other activities. We also share the same
Headteacher!
•Tewkesbury District Partnership enables us to work with 39
other schools to provide quality professional development for
our staff and extend the range of learning opportunities for our
children.
•The Leadon Cluster supports all the small schools in the area
so that we may ensure that village schools can continue to
provide education in their local areas.
•Newent Community School, as our local secondary school,
provide special teachers and the use of their facilities to support
our learning throughout the year.
•Other Local Primary Schools work closely together to offer
different experiences to our pupils sharing the skills that each
primary school can offer.
School Uniform
Our uniform is in the school colours of red and white. We
believe the uniform is important as it unites us as one
group and gives the children a sense of belonging and
trust.
Boys need a white or red polo shirt or white shirt, red
sweatshirt, grey or black trousers or shorts and sensible
shoes in grey or black.
Girls dress in a grey or black pinafore dress, skirt, shorts
or trousers, white or red polo shirt or blouse, red
sweatshirt or cardigan and sensible shoes in grey or
black. In the summer, the girls may prefer a red and white
checked dress.
A few extra things!
On sunny days, the children will also need a sun hat and
sunscreen (which needs to be applied at home) and on
cold days please send in warm outdoor clothing so they
can still go out to play.
PE Kit
For PE, all the children need a red t-shirt, black shorts
and daps or trainers. If it is cold weather then a tracksuit
may be needed.
Other Activities
The children will be doing lots of different things
throughout the year that may need certain clothing, this
might include swimming, welly walks, trips and plays.
Safety tips
To keep everyone safe in school and on the playground,
we believe it is important that jewellery is kept to a
minimum. If your child has earrings, only studs are
allowed in school and they need to be taken out for PE.
Older children can wear a watch to school. Bracelets
and necklaces however are not allowed unless for
religious reasons.
For more information about where to get our uniform,
please contact the school.
Teaching Staff
Gary Law Executive Headteacher
Branwen Tyler Deputy Headteacher
Reception and Key Stage 1 Teacher
Special Needs Co-ordinator
Rachel Greaves Key Stage 2 Teacher
Nia Bennett Music Teacher
Gill Taylor PE Teacher
Support Staff
Jenny Connelly Teaching Assistant
Joanna Raun Teaching Assistant
Lunchtime Supervisor
Carolyn Bennett Teaching Assistant
Lunchtime Supervisor
Jane Wilder School Administrator
Paula Jenkins Assistant School Administrator
Lunchtime Supervisor
Christina Smith Cleaner in Charge
The Governing Body
Sean Hamill Community Governor and Chair
Karen Boydell Parent Governor and Vice Chair
Tony Lomas Foundation Governor and Vice Chair
Rick Axon Parent Governor
Vanessa Skene Authority Governor
Sally Gosling Community Governor
Clare Shepherd Community Governor
Branwen Tyler Staff Governor
Gary Law Executive Headteacher
Friends of Pauntley School Committee
Cathy Goodway Chairperson
Maria Freeman Treasurer
Helen Axon Secretary
Other relevant documents
There are lots of policies and guidance that our school follows
and you are more than welcome to read them at any time but
the most relevant to new families would be:
• Welcome to Pauntley School – a handbook to new families
• Home School Agreement
• Our most recent OFSTED inspection report
• Our most recent SIAS inspection report
• Behaviour Policy
You can always visit our website at www.pauntleyschool.com
Admissions Policy
Pauntley CE Primary School is part of Gloucestershire
Education Authority. The Local Authority is therefore
responsible for admission criteria. These criteria are set out in
‘Gloucestershire County Council Education Department
Schools Admission Arrangements’ which can be downloaded
from their website, or ask at school for a copy.
We can take up to seven children each year so it is important
that you name us as your ‘first choice’ when completing the
form.
There is more information about admissions on the
Gloucestershire website, but generally, places are prioritized
for:
1. Looked after children
2. Siblings
3. Medical grounds
4. Geographical proximity to the school.
If you need advice or someone to talk this process over with,
please pop in to school for chat.
www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/schooladmissions
Pauntley Church of England Primary School
Pool Hill
Gloucestershire
GL18 1LL
01531 820 053
www.pauntleyschool.com