prospectus - defford · 3 at defford-cum-besford ce first school we aim to: create a happy,...

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Welcome to our school prospectus

W e are a small rural school set in the heart of the village of Defford, only 5 minutes drive

from Pershore. As a pre-school and first school we welcome pupils from the age of 3 to

9. Pupils generally transfer to St. Barnabas Middle school, Drakes Broughton at the end

of Year 4 (aged 9). From there, they usually transfer to Pershore High School at the end of Year 7

(aged 12).

As a church school, with a distinctive Christian character and family ethos, we aim to provide an

educational, spiritual and moral framework in which all children can grow, develop and achieve

their full potential. We nurture and support a strong foundation of traditional values, to equip chil-

dren for the challenges of a modern and ever changing world.

Defford First School is at the heart of our local and wider community providing not only an excellent

education in our pre-school and our first school, but also a baby and toddler group, wrap around

childcare and an exciting and vibrant curriculum which puts the needs of individual pupils at the

centre of what we do.

We are proud to be able to enrich all of the pupils school experience by providing a regular Forest

School session to all children from pre-school to Year 4. This enables the children to develop the

skills of tolerance, patience, teamwork, cooperation, resilience, creative thinking and risk taking.

We welcome visits to our school please contact the office to arrange an appointment.

Further information about our school can be found on our website: www.deffordschool.co.uk

WELCOME

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At Defford-cum-Besford CE First School we aim to:

Create a happy, welcoming school

Foster a secure, supportive and caring environment, where mutual respect, tolerance and

understanding is developed

Engage pupils with a lively and balanced curriculum

Develop each individual’s self-confidence and social skills

Enable pupils to acquire knowledge and skills to equip them for lifelong learning

Give children and staff the opportunity to self-evaluate and determine future progress

Support and encourage parents to partner us in the education of their children

Provide whole school activities which cover a range of lively, rich, diverse and creative

experiences for all our children

We believe successful pupils learn best when they can make connections between concepts

and subjects. We provide our pupils with a wide range of experiences, knowledge and skills

which will promote their spiritual, moral, social, cultural, intellectual and physical development.

We strongly believe that each child is a unique individual and we endeavour to develop their

separate talents and abilities. We encourage a respect in all our pupils; respect for

themselves and those around them; respect for other cultures, beliefs and backgrounds. We

celebrate the achievements of our pupils and strive always to raise their self-esteem and

awareness of others.

OUR AIMS

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The school in Defford has been at the heart of its community since

1872. In 1973, a new school was built on the current site and over the

years it has been extended and improved to provide the wonderful

setting we see today.

Outside, we are privileged to have extensive outdoor facilities

including, an environmental study area, a vegetable garden, a large

playing field, an adventure play area, an innovative outdoor learning

zone, hard surface play area and an excellent on-site Forest School

area.

Inside extensive refurbishment and building work has created an inspiring

and bright learning environment in which all children can thrive.

Continuing in the traditional of serving its local

community the school now has its own Governor led

pre-school, managed before and after-school

childcare, and a volunteer led parent, baby and

toddler group.

School Council

It is important that our pupils have a voice in the organisation and

running of the school, and our School Council is active in this. It com-

prises of representatives from every class, including Reception. They help to support many

areas of school life and to shape policies such as the school behaviour policy.

ABOUT US

Defford-cum-Besford CE First School

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The Class Structure

We are committed to small class sizes and our classroom structure is reviewed every year according to

pupil numbers in each year group. We are very pleased to be able to offer 3 classes, which means a

high staff to pupil ratio with every class supported by a Teacher and Teaching Assistant. Our current

class structure is:

The School Day

Childcare is available from 8.00am in the morning and until 5.30pm after school, term time only.

Charges apply for this service apply, please see our website or contact the office for more information.

Food and Drink

Hot school lunches are available and these are provided by Pershore High School. These are free to all

children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2. Children in Pre-school, Year 3 and Year 4 may also have a hot

school lunch at a cost of £2.30 per day. If preferred, children may bring in a packed lunch. Lunchtime

is a social occasion and we encourage our children to think about the benefits of a balanced and

healthy diet. All children eat together in the school hall and are supervised by our team of lunchtime

supervisors.

For morning break children are allowed to bring in a healthy snack, preferably fruit. Children in Recep-

tion, Year 1 and Year 2 receive free fruit from school, which is

eaten during morning break.

Parents are able to order and pay for a daily 1/3 pint of milk for

their child from Cool Milk by visiting www.coolmilk.com. Children

under 5 receive this milk free.

Children are asked to bring a plastic bottle of water to school. It

has been proven that if children have regular

access to water during the day, they are more able to

concentrate.

Willow Class Pre-School and Reception

Birch Class Year 1 and Year 2

Oak Class Year 3 and Year 4

Start 8:45am Children may arrive in the playground from 8.30 am, when a member of staff

is on duty in the playground.

Lunch 12:20-1:20pm Cooked or packed lunches eaten in the school hall.

Finish 3:00pm Children will be released only to a known adult at the end of the school day.

ORGANISATION

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UNIFORM

Essential Uniform

Girls Boys

Grey skirt, pinafore dress or trousers

Blue blouse or school polo shirt

Navy blue school sweatshirt or cardigan

Black, grey or navy blue shoes

Grey or white socks, black, grey, or navy

blue tights

Grey school trousers

Blue shirt or school polo shirt

Navy blue school sweatshirt

Black, grey or navy blue shoes

Black or grey socks

Optional Uniform

Girls Boys

Blue & white checked or striped dress

for warm weather

Reversible coat with school logo

Tailored grey school shorts

Reversible coat with school logo

Forest School Kit PE Kit

Long trousers (not jeans)

Long sleeved top

Wellington Boots

For cold or wet weather

Layers of warm clothing

Waterproof coat

School PE shirt

Pair of navy shorts

Ankle socks

Pair of pumps and trainers

Navy blue or black joggers and sweatshirt for

cold weather

Names swimming costume and towel (summer

term only)

School Uniform:

Our children are expected to wear the school uniform, to help develop a sense of

pride in being a member of the school community.

All items should be clearly marked with your child’s name. Jewellery should

not be worn at any time, as it is a health and safety risk. Staff cannot be

responsible for watches. Small stud earrings are permitted, but they must

be removed for P.E. lessons and Forest School. Long hair should be tied

back at all times. School uniform and PE kit is available from:

The School Shop in Evesham www.theschoolshopevesham.co.uk.

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Pre-School

Our popular, teacher led Pre-school provides an excellent start to children’s educational experiences and

a high quality learning experience, in a nurturing and stimulating environment. The children

benefit from all of the best that a small rural school has to offer, including a wide range of resources,

forest school, extensive school grounds, committed and highly qualified staff and a caring school

community.

The children follow the seven areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum:

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Communication and Language

Physical Development

Literacy

Mathematics

Understanding of the World

Expressive Art and Design

Children’s progress is closely monitored by their Key worker and overseen by our Early Years teacher,

who carefully plans activities to ensure that children develop as well-rounded and happy individuals,

who are more than ready to start school by the time they reach Reception age.

Our pre-school facility is for children from the age of 3. Up to 15 hours of funding is available per week

and additional hours are available, subject to availability. Sessions run from Monday to Friday, 9 am-12

noon or 9am-3pm, term time only. We also offer before and after school childcare, subject to availability

(additional charges apply).

Childcare

We offer high quality on-site out of hours’ childcare. This is led by an experienced childcare practitioner,

supported by a childcare supervisor, makes full use of the school grounds and facilities to provide a

welcoming environment for the children to relax in. Working closely with parents and school staff, the

childcare supervisor and support assistant work hard to ensure that children receive high quality

childcare.

Sessions are available daily from 8.00am-8.45 am and from 3.00pm-5.30pm, term time only. Breakfast

cereal is available in the morning and snacks are provided during the evening sessions.

For more information about session charges and availability, please contact the office.

ORGANISATION

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The Curriculum

We are very excited about our innovative and creative curriculum that is a

balance of knowledge, skills and understanding. This enables us to cater for

individual needs and a range of different ways

of learning. Different teaching strategies include

whole class teaching, paired or group work, or

one-to-one sessions. Our small class sizes means that staff get to know each

child as an individual, and provide them with learning opportunities best

suited to their needs and interests, building on their strengths and supporting

them to fulfil their potential.

We place a high emphasis on developing the

core academic skills of Maths and English, whilst enabling pupils to develop

and understand connections with other areas of the curriculum through a

broad and balanced learning experience. We pride ourselves in developing key

skills for life such as resilience, risk taking, team work, cooperation,

collaboration and learning from our mistakes. To facilitate this all children from

pre-school to Year 4 have a regular Forest School or outdoor learning session.

We encourage children to understand the importance of the environment and the wonders of the world

around them. All children help to plant and grow fruit, vegetables and plants in

our school vegetable garden.

Throughout the year, the whole school works together on themed days, such as

Geography, Art or Science Days. These allow our pupils the opportunity to mix,

help and learn from, each other. We regularly hold concerts and school

performances to celebrate the children’s talents and develop self-confidence.

Early Years Curriculum

In Reception pupils follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum which covers seven areas upon

which all other learning is based. These are:

Personal, social and emotional development

Communication and language

Maths

Literacy

Understanding of the world

Physical development

Expressive Art and Design

We encourage our children towards reading, communication and

mathematical skills from the moment they enter the school. Much of

this learning is achieved through carefully structured play. Young

children who cannot read or write, often express their ideas and

feelings through play. It is an important way of developing new

skills and building up relationships with other children, both

individually and in groups.

CURRICULUM

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From Year 1 onwards pupils the National Curriculum. This is broken down into the

core and foundation subjects:

Core Subjects: NATIONAL CURRICULUM

(A full summary of what is taught Year by Year can be found on the school website)

English We believe that pupils need a firm foundation in basic skills (phonics, reading, spelling,

punctuation and grammar) from an early age, as well as an encouragement to write

and think creatively. We promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping

pupils with a strong command of the written word, and develop their love of literature

through widespread reading for enjoyment. We promote the artistic practice of drama

to underpin the importance of the spoken language when acquiring knowledge and

skills. High standards of literacy are reinforced and promoted in all subjects.

Mathematics A good grasp of mathematics is essential to everyday life and pupils need the ability to

reason mathematically. We strive to ensure that our children are introduced to the skills

and knowledge that will equip them for life in the modern world. We strongly believe in

the importance of teaching mathematics through active, problem solving lessons and

by using logical processes to make connections in other subject areas of the curriculum.

Science By developing a sense of excitement and curiosity about the world and how it works,

we encourage our pupils to acquire the skills and knowledge they need to enhance

their scientific understanding. We enjoy exploring science through an active problem

solving approach to investigating scientific concepts. Pupils are encouraged to use a

wide range of technology to support their development of skills and knowledge needed

to progress their scientific thinking.

Foundation

Subjects:

Art and Design We embed the teaching of Art throughout our curriculum to help inspire and challenge

pupils with the knowledge and skills needed to experiment, invent and create their own

works of art, craft and design. Their creativity is celebrated through the vibrant use of

display and where possible by exhibiting their work publically.

Computing As well as embedding the use of technology throughout the curriculum, children are

taught computational thinking and the links with subjects such as mathematics, science

and design and technology. We have made significant investment in technology,

including netbooks and iPads. All children can access our fast and reliable wireless

network. Pupils are taught the importance of the safe use of technology and E-Safety

has a high priority within our computing curriculum.

Design and

Technology

Pupils are able to design and make products that solve real and relevant problems and

draw on skills and knowledge to create, refine and evaluate their designs.

Geography Our curriculum design helps to inspire a curiosity and fascination about the world,

enabling pupils to learn about diverse places, people, resources and natural and human

environments. Pupils are given many opportunities to develop their fieldwork and

geographical skills, including visiting and exploring places of particular interest.

CURRICULUM

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Foundation Subjects: NATIONAL CURRICULUM

(A full summary of what is taught Year by Year can be found on the school website)

History Through our rich and diverse curriculum we enable pupils develop the knowledge and

skills needed to understand how the past in Britain and the wider world has helped to

shape the diversity of society. They are encouraged and inspired to learn more about

the past and to think critically about the evidence and information given to them. We

enable children to make sense of abstract ideas by re-enacting and re-living history or

by visiting castles, museums and other sites of historical interest

Foreign Language (KS2) In Key Stage 2 (Year 3 and 4) children are taught French as an introduction to another

language. As well as learning to speak, listen to and respond to simple words and

phrases they learn more about the customs and cultures of another country.

Music We aim to inspire pupils to develop a love of music and nurture their talents as

musicians, by given them a range of opportunities to learn a musical instrument or

explore how music is created. In addition we have specialist Guitar and Piano teachers,

who provide 1:1 tuition (charges apply). Pupils are given regular opportunities to per-

form in a variety of situations, helping to develop their self-confidence and sense of

achievement.

Physical Education We aim to provide a wide range of sporting opportunities to inspire pupils to succeed

and excel in competitive sport and other physically demanding activities, enabling them

to be physically confident in their health and fitness. The DfE Sports Premium Grant

has enabled us to provide professional coaching for rugby, football, tennis, dance and

circuit training. The whole school have swimming tuition during the summer term at

Pershore Leisure Centre.

Religious Education and

Values Education

RE teaching throughout the school relates to the children’s experiences and also

broadens their awareness of their own religious cultures and the cultures and beliefs of

others. It is an important part of our school ethos that our pupils should gain an

awareness of what it is to live in a multicultural society, such as modern day Britain.

Our vicar, regularly visits school and we go to church at least once a term for an Act of

Worship. We promote fundamental British values and have a programme of Values

Education, that supports the children to reflect on a different value each half term,

such as kindness, compassion, perseverance and how these can impact, not only their

own lives, but make a difference to others.

Personal, Social, Health

and Economic Education

Throughout their time in school pupils are encouraged to share their thoughts and

opinions and to listen to and appreciate those of others, even when they disagree with

them! Our School Council is a voice for the pupils to share their opinions in the wider

school context and help to support change. Pupils elect their representative onto the

school council, giving them the chance to experience democracy in action! Our weekly

Family Assembly, to which parents and friends are invited, gives the children the

opportunity to share their achievements with a wider audience and take pride in

receiving Headteacher awards and Housepoint certificates.

CURRICULUM

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Curriculum Enrichment

Forest School and Outdoor Learning

We recognise that all children are unique and individual and have many talents that

may not be academic. We believe in a curriculum that goes beyond the four walls of

the classroom and Forest School exemplifies this approach. We have our own

dedicated Forest School site and trained Forest School leaders. All pupils

make regular visits to our Forest School. This offers the children a valuable

opportunity to learn about the natural environment, how to handle risks and

to use their own initiative to solve problems and co-operate with others.

Extra-Curricular Activities

We provide a wide range of extra-curricular activities

to enhance our curriculum. These include clubs such as Football, Tag Rugby,

Tennis, Circuit Training, Bell-boating, Art, Choir, Drama, and Dance. Some of

these clubs are run or assisted by parents and external volunteers. We are

always grateful for offers of help in this area. In addition we

have peripatetic music tuition for guitar and piano (charges

apply).

Trips

Educational visits enrich and reinforce what the children are

learning in school and are also an important part of our

curriculum. These visits might take the form of trips to

museums, churches, art galleries, theatre or places

of historical interest. Children in Key Stage 2 have

the opportunity to take part in a

residential trip.

Visitors

To provide a rich experience for our pupils we encourage different people to

be involved with the school day, from parents, Governors, members of our local

community, church and students. We have frequent ‘expert’ visitors from a diversity of

backgrounds including the Community Support Police Officer, firefighters, the school

nurse, story-tellers and artists.

ENRICHMENT

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Homework

A variety of homework types are used, depending on the age and ability of the children, ranging from

reading, learning spellings and multiplication tables to topic based activities. In setting homework, we

aim to:

Promote positive attitudes to work and school

Raise the achievement of all our pupils

Consolidate and reinforce skills and understanding taught in lessons

Encourage and develop independent learning

Increase self-discipline

Develop the home/school partnership

Assessment and Reporting

Every child’s progress is constantly monitored to ensure that the appropriate level of progress is made

and targets are set and reviewed by teachers at least termly. At the end of Year 1 pupils will take part

in a Phonics Assessment Test to assess their early decoding skills in reading. At the age of 7 in Year

2, pupils will participate in Standardised Assessment Tasks (SATs) which supports the teacher’s

assessment of the level your child is working towards in the National Curriculum subjects. These

assessments normally take place in May and June.

Parents Evening and Reports to Parents

Throughout the year parents have regular opportunities to meet with teachers and get a written

report on their child’s progress at the end of the academic year.

Attendance

At Defford-cum-Besford CE First School we encourage parents to recognise that regular and punctual

attendance in school is essential to enable pupils to make good progress. We follow Worcestershire

County Council’s guidelines on leave of absence in term time and a full copy of the school’s policy on

attendance can be found on our website.

Autumn Term Formal parents evening to meet your child’s teacher and discuss

how they are settling and their targets for the year.

Spring Term Review of general progress against targets set.

Summer Term Written school report.

ASSESSMENT AND HOMELINKS

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Defford-cum-Besford CE First School and Pre-School aims to be an inclusive

school, where all children are welcome and look forward to their school

day. Every child is different and we view these differences as opportunities

for the children to learn more about themselves.

Equal Opportunities

We promote positive attitudes in children, staff, governors and parents so that children can fulfil their

potential and make choices, unhampered by expectations based on gender or role stereotyping. We

wish to fulfil the aims of the school regardless of age, gender, ability (both academic and physical),

ethnic origin or background of the child.

Special Educational Needs and Disability

The school supports pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND). This is done in

part through our SENDCO who works in close conjunction with all teachers, teaching assistants,

external specialist services and parents to provide valued support for pupils with additional needs.

Teachers differentiate the work given to children to support and extend their learning. Detailed

record keeping and individual provision plans provide essential support for the child, parents and

external agencies. All parents are kept informed of their child’s progress through regular review

meetings.

If a child in our school has a disability, they will be treated no less favourably than any other child. In

order to encourage effective partnership between home and school we ask parents to:

Inform the school at the earliest opportunity if their child has a disability and the exact nature of it.

Provide information for planning for the child to be a full member of the school community.

Acknowledge that one of the factors that the Headteacher must consider is the effect of the proposed changes on all members of the school community.

Recognise the importance of home and school working together for the child.

More information can be found on the school website about our Local Offer, which details the support

that the school and local authority offer and of our SEND and Inclusion Policy.

More Able, Gifted and Talented

We track pupils progress carefully and work closely with parents to identify pupils talents, both inside

and outside of school. Where a child is gifted and talented, either within an area of the curriculum or

in an outside interest, we seek out ways to nurture that talent and enrich and extend opportunities.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES AND INCLUSION

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The health and welfare of your child is our first priority. However, we do ask your support in

the following ways:

Contact information: We ask you to complete a contact sheet giving addresses and contact numbers for

yourself and at least one other person we can contact in cases of emergency. We require this

information to be up to date at all times.

Appointments: Where possible we encourage you to arrange routine appointments out of school hours. If

your child has a dental or medical appointment during school hours, please give us as much advance notice

as you can.

Illness: If your child is absent from school, please inform the school. If you need to leave a message on

the answer phone, please state your child’s name, their class and the reason for absence. Please allow 48

hours to elapse before sending your child back to school following bouts of vomiting or diarrhoea.

Well-being: Please ensure that the school knows of any specific matters relating to your child’s health or

emotional well-being, which may include changes in the family situation. All such issues will be treated in

confidence but will help us to give your child the support they need to thrive at school.

Absence: The Department for Education (DfE) and Worcestershire County Council (WCC) policy is that

family holidays should not be taken in school term time. The Governors support this decision. Where such

requests are made, for the leave to be granted, the Headteacher should decide if there are exceptional

circumstances. Each case will be considered individually and on its own merits. Unauthorised or unexplained

absences of 5 days or more will be referred the Education Investigation Service (EIS) at Worcestershire

County Council and be subject to a fine of £60 per child, per parent.

Medicines

Whenever possible, we would be grateful if medication could be fitted in around the school day. We are

only able to administer prescribed medication in school, if a dose is required during the school day, (i.e. 4

times a day) then we ask you to do the following:

Complete a medical consent form and give the medication to a first aid trained member of staff, clearly labelled

with your child’s name and dosage instructions.

Never send medication in an unmarked envelope or container.

Children with asthma are able to have unlimited access to their inhalers. Please ensure that inhalers/medication

are clearly labelled with your child’s name.

It is a parent’s responsibility to ensure that all medication held in school for their child is up to date.

Accidents in School

Minor bumps and bruises will be dealt with in school. A number of the staff are trained first aiders and will

deal appropriately with any accidents. In the case of more serious accidents, parents will be notified as

soon as possible and appropriate help sought.

WELFARE

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HOW YOU CAN HELP

Volunteer Helpers

We encourage parents, friends and members of the local community to become actively involved in

school life as everyone benefits from the links being made. If you have any time to spare then here are

some of the many ways you can help in school:

Listening to readers

Playing maths games

Helping out on school trips

Being an extra pair of hands for Art and DT

Helping at an extra-curricular club

Fundraising

Forest School and environmental learning

(Please note that regular helpers will be required to undertake Disclosure and Barring

Service (DBS) checks as part of our safeguarding policy)

Friends’ Association (FA)

All parents and staff are automatically ‘Friends’ of the school. The FA

exists to foster and enhance good relations between home and school.

As well as providing excellent social occasions throughout the year, the

FA committee raises essential funds to buy ‘nice to have’ extras that the school budget cannot stretch

to. Help is always welcome, and those interested are encouraged to contact the Chairperson or

Secretary through the school office. Please support the events that the FA organises throughout the

year.

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COMMUNICATION

Communication

At Defford we understand the importance of clear communication and making sure all involved with

the school are kept informed and up to date. We do this in a number of ways:

Newsletters We send a weekly news bulletin to parents and a copy of this can be found on the

school website. The aim of the bulletin is to keep all up to date with events, dates, reminders and

inform you of what has been going on in school over the course of the week.

Termly Topic Letters You will receive information of work planned for your child’s class and

this may include details of ways in which you can support your child’s learning at home.

Email Service We aim to keep you up to date and informed by sending regular emails. Where

possible all letters will be sent home via email.

Texting Service We have the facility to send out texts to registered mobiles.

Family Assembly Parents are welcome to attend Friday assemblies, at which children share the

work they have done during the week and celebrate successes. These start at 8.50 am.

The School Website Comprehensive and up to date information about the school can be found

on our website at www.deffordschool.co.uk.

Twitter We send regular tweets to promote and inform our followers about school events.

Parent Consultation Evenings These take place in the Autumn Term and Spring Term and are

your opportunity to discuss your child’s progress with their class teacher. Informal appointments

can be made throughout the year.

Parents’ Forum This provide s the opportunity for parents to become more involved with their

child’s education.

Parent Questionnaires Both the Headteacher and Governors seek feedback from parents

throughout the year and may periodically conduct surveys.

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POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Policies and Procedures

For the smooth running of the school we constantly review all of our policies, procedures and

practices. Relevant policies are published in full on the school website, other policies can be viewed on

request to the school office.

Behaviour Policy Rules are kept to a minimum, but a high standard of self-discipline and courtesy,

both in and out of school, is encouraged. We look at the children’s behaviour from a positive angle,

encouraging good manners and attitudes by praise and example. House points and stickers are given

for individual effort, improvement and achievement for both work and behaviour. Acting ‘in loco

parentis’, we practise firmness when required, as well as consistency and reasonable forgiveness!

Support from home in any action taken by the school for poor behaviour can only benefit the child.

Parents will be consulted in cases of consistently poor behaviour.

Safeguarding Defford-cum-Besford CE First School is fully committed to safeguarding all of its pupils

and, to that end, is fully compliant with all national and local authority legislation in this area. We

expect everyone who is employed by, or volunteers at, the school to undergo an enhanced Disclosure

and Barring Service (DBS) clearance. Training is undertaken by all staff. The Designated Senior Mem-

ber of Staff in Charge of Safeguarding is the Headteacher, Andrea Bailey, and the Deputy Member of

Staff is our Higher Level Teaching Assistant, Vicki Whitehead. Our Nominated Governor is Nicky

Szabranski who is also trained in this area. Our Safeguarding Policy is available to view on the school

website.

Sex Education It is the Governors’ policy to integrate sex education through the science and PSHE

programmes of study, which is part of the National Curriculum. Information will be handled with care

and sensitivity matching the maturity of the child.

Charging Policy In accordance with the Education Reform Act 1988 the Governors have set a policy

asking for voluntary contributions for extra-curricular activities, tuition (e.g. swimming) or educational

visits which incur costs outside the normal budget. Although there is no obligation to contribute

towards educational visits, where there are insufficient funds the activity will be cancelled. Parents will

be asked to contribute towards the cost of replacing lost items or items broken or damaged deliberate-

ly by their child.

Payments Money should only be sent into school for a specific purpose such as payment for swim-

ming, school visits etc. Cheques should be made payable to Worcestershire County Council, unless oth-

erwise stated. Any cash should be sent in a securely sealed envelope that is clearly labelled with the

child’s name and purpose of the payment clearly stated.

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POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Complaints Procedure

At Defford-cum-Besford CE First School we hope that any difficulties can, in the first instance, be

resolved through informal discussion with the class teacher or Headteacher. In the event that a parent

or community member has a complaint against the school or member of staff, the following procedure

will be followed:

If the matter is still not resolved you may wish to put your complaint to the appropriate body, either

the Local Authority or the Secretary of State for Education and Skills, depending on the nature of the

complaint. The School records all formal complaints.

Data Protection

Documents relating to the running of the school are available to parents on request after proper notice

has been given. This is in line with the Freedom of Information Act 2005.

Stage 1

Informal

If you are unhappy about any aspect of your child's education we

ask that you firstly talk to the class teacher and/or the

Headteacher so that we can do our best to resolve difficulties to

everyone's satisfaction. You may also wish to raise your concern

in an informal way with a parent governor.

Stage 2

Formal

If you feel that your concern needs to be dealt with more

formally, any parent may make a written complaint to the Chair

of Governors. The letter should state the nature of the complaint,

the steps taken to resolve it and the action you would like to see

taken to remedy your concerns.

Stage 3

Formal

Should there be any difficulty in resolving the complaint a panel

of Governors will meet to consider it and make a prompt and

final decision.

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Admissions to the First School

At Defford-cum-Besford CE First School we follow Worcestershire County Council’s admissions policy

and the Local Authority (LA) is responsible for co-ordinating all school admissions in the area. An

information pack for Parents on Admissions and Transfers is available online at:

www.worcestershire.gov.uk/schooladmissions and a copy is available to view in school, the

local library and at the Worcestershire Hub. The Information for Parents book contains full details on

the application and allocation process, including the oversubscription admission criteria for each school.

You are advised to read the book prior to making an application. We encourage parents who are

considering Defford-cum-Besford CE First School to contact the school for an appointment with the

Headteacher, or attend one of our Open Days to view the school in action.

How to apply for a place in the normal round of admissions 2016/17

The parents of ALL pupils resident in Worcestershire, seeking a place at any First School must

complete a Worcestershire LA Common Application Form (CA1) by 15th January 2016. Applications can

be made online at www.worcestershire.gov.uk/school admissions

Alternatively, Application Forms are available from the School, Local Worcestershire Hub or by request

on Tel: 01905 822700

The parents of pupils resident outside Worcestershire must complete an application form provided by

the ‘home’ LA. (i.e. the LA relevant to the Child's home address). The home LA will ensure that the

application details are passed onto Worcestershire LA for consideration.

When are decisions made?

For pupils resident in Worcestershire, the offer letters will be sent by the Pupil Admissions and

Transfers Section on 16th April 2015, direct to parents. The offer letter will include an acceptance/

decline slip which must be returned by the date specified in the offer letter.

Where it may not be possible to offer a place, the nearest school with available places will be offered.

For pupils not resident in Worcestershire, letters are sent direct to parents by the home LA.

For late applications please contact the school or LA for further advice.

Travelling to and from School

Walking Many of our pupils are lucky enough to walk to school. To encourage road safety awareness our Year 3

and 4 pupils complete ‘Step Out’ training, whilst the rest of the school have road safety talks.

Car To help alleviate congestion in Hill View, we ask you to park at the Village Hall Car Park and walk up to

school from there. For safety reasons, parents must not park on the yellow zigzag lines outside school

under any circumstances.

School Bus A school bus is provided for pupils who live in Strensham. Further information on eligibility can be found

on Worcestershire County Council’s website, School and College Transport page.

Cycling If cycling to school pupils must dismount their bicycle at the school gate and be accompanied by a

responsible adult to safely store their bicycle at the rear of the school. All our Year 4 pupils complete the

Cycling Proficiency training in the Spring Term.

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In-year Admissions, e.g. changing school or moving into the area

The procedure for in-year admissions for Worcestershire residents is as follows:

1. Parent/Carer to obtain an application form (CA1), if a resident in Worcestershire, from any of the

following sources;

Child’s current school (if in Worcestershire)

School being applied for (if in Worcestershire)

Worcestershire Hub Centre (Tel 01905 822700)

Download form from website (www.worcestershire.gov.uk)

2. Parent/Carer to complete the application form and ensure form is counter-signed by current

Headteacher (if already attending a Worcestershire School).

3. The parent should then forward the form onto their home LA admissions team to be processed.

4. The home LA will co-ordinate with any relevant admission authorities on behalf of the parent to

determine the highest ranked offer that can be made.

5. The home LA will write to parents, on behalf of the relevant admissions authority, normally within 10

school days of the form being received to notify of the decision. Where it is not possible to offer a

place, parents will be notified of the right of an appeal, on behalf of the relevant admissions authority

and in most cases, an alternative school will be offered.

6. If there are insufficient places for all applications received at a time, then priority will be decided in

accordance with the published admissions criteria for the school.

7. The parents of pupils resident outside Worcestershire must complete an application form provided

by the home LA, who will ensure that the application details are passed onto Worcestershire LA for

consideration. The home LA will notify the decision – see paragraph 4 above.

Admission to Pre-School

Admission to our pre-school is made directly through the school and admissions forms can be found on

the Pre-School page of the school website. They should be completed and returned to the school

office.

ADMISSIONS

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Hill View | Defford | Worcestershire |