School Prospectus

On behalf of the Governing Body I would like to reiterate our Headteacher's welcome to new parents and to thank existing parents for their continuing support.

I am sure that you will find this latest edition of the prospectus useful and informative not only now but as the school year progresses.

We are very proud of Royston Primary School. Our staff are highly motivated, caring and professional in all aspects of education and under the leadership of our Headteacher Mrs. M Fretwell, I’m fully convinced our children will receive the help they need to attain their full potential, irrespective of their ability.

All of the Governors actively support the Headteacher and school personnel in achieving the schools aims and objectives whilst constantly seeking to improve standards across the curriculum.

As Governors we all have particular responsibilities and are frequent visitors to the school.

Our children’s education is an essential foundation stone for the rest of their lives. We are committed to providing them with the highest standard of teaching and learning in a safe caring environment in which they will receive a thorough, rounded and totally enjoyable education during these their formative years.

We look forward to achieving this with your assistance and support.

Yours sincerely,

Mr Paul Smedley
Chair of Governors

8.55 am - Doors will be opened if it is wet and children can come into class.

9.00 am - Children will be collected by their class teacher at their own classroom door in the juniors; children in KS1 will be collected from the infant gate.

10.30 am - Playtime. The teacher on duty should make sure they are out on the playground promptly.
Any children who wish to leave the playground must ask the teacher on duty. NO children may be left in the classrooms unsupervised. Teachers wishing children to finish work should be prepared to supervise these children during the break/lunch time.(break may not be the best time).

10.45 am - The whistle is blown to signal end of playtime. To ensure a prompt and calm start to the next session teachers should collect their children from their classroom door.

12.00 - Reception children go to lunch, they will be collected by one of the lunchtime supervisors- children need to have washed their hands and ready to go at 12.00.

12.00 - Junior lunchtime: children who are on dinners will be brought in on a rota basis. All children are expected to play on the playground until called in for their lunch.

12.55pm - KS2 staff will be informed that the junior children will be coming in to start afternoon lessons at 1pm.

1.10pm - KS1 staff will be informed that the infant children will be coming in to star afternoon lessons at 1.15pm.

2.30- 2.45 pm - playtime.

3.25 pm - End of school. KS1 staff to see children out to the waiting parents. All other children walk out of school via the external doors. Children should only use the front door when leaving the school after an ‘after school activity’. This will be the meeting point for parents on these occasions.

Any children not met should return to the school office to wait for their parents.

“We aim to create an atmosphere at Royston Summer Fields that will encourage children to enjoy school”

The school welcomes pupils in the 5-11 age range. Children are admitted to the school at the start of the school year in September.

1. children who have a birthday between 1st Sept & 31st Dec will be admitted on a full time basis at the start of the autumn term.

2. children whose birthday falls between Jan 1st & 31st Aug will be admitted on a full time basis from the start of the spring term, but will attend in the autumn term on a part-time basis.

Government arrangements allow parents the right to apply for a place at any school in Barnsley, or neighbouring authorities, irrespective of their address. All enquiries should be made to the school or the Education Office in Barnsley. To enable us to plan effectively for your child’s education it would be helpful if you could register your child’s name as soon as possible.

Induction

Children who are due to start school are invited in the half term before entry for a series of visits. This helps them to become familiar with the teacher, other children in the school and daily routines. The F2 teacher will make visits to the early year establishment to see the children in familiar setting and to talk with staff there.

Parents are also invited to meetings with the F2 teacher/head prior to pupils attending school.

Royston Summer Fields has children in Reception (Foundation Stage) in their first year at school and two key stages catering for infants (Key Stage 1) 5-7 years of age and juniors (Key Stage 2) 7-11 years.

We place an emphasis on encouraging the older children to take some pastoral responsibility for the younger members of the school community and both key stages work closely together.

During a normal week, the time spent on teaching is within the guidelines recommended by the Department for Education. In addition, time is set aside for registration, a daily assembly and break times.

Working alongside some of the teachers are teaching assistants who support the work of the teachers, working with groups of children and giving specific help to children with special needs. All staff attend relevant training courses throughout the year. Training usually relates to subjects, areas and initiatives highlighted in the School Development Plan.

At Royston Summer Fields, we invest in quality Continued Professional Development for all our staff.

Throughout the lunch time break, the children are looked after by mid-day assistants. They are present on the playground and supervise the children whilst they eat their lunch.

School has an excellent kitchen on site, which prepares a selection of healthy meals daily.

For payment contact the school. If you think that your child may be entitled to free school meals, please contact the school.

You may, if you prefer, provide your child with a packed lunch. Please ensure that the lunch box is clearly marked with the child’s name.

Children experiencing learning difficulties, or any child showing special ability, will have an Individual Education Programme, which may include work developed for them in those areas where it is appropriate.

The school has trained and experienced teaching assistants who work with the Special Educational Needs co-ordinator to help oversee our programme for children with special educational needs.

When a child is placed on the SEN register parents will be consulted and invited to school to discuss their child’s programme with their teacher and this will be regularly reviewed.

The school’s policy for SEN and Inclusion is aligned to the National Code of Practice.

At Royston Summer Fields, staff are very aware of and identify children who are gifted and talented.

The pupil could be G&T in any of the areas such as; academic, art, sports or music.

We provide opportunities, extension activities and challenge pupils to enjoy and achieve their potential.

Occasionally the school may seek advice and support from an outside service, such support is available through for example, the Educational Psychologist, Speech and Language, Occupational Therapist and Physiotherapist.

The School Educational Welfare Officer is also available to support children and families when requested.

Medical, dental and eyesight examinations are carried out from time to time by the School Nurse. Parents are notified in advance of any examinations and are welcome to attend.

We aim to create an atmosphere at Royston Summer Fields that encourages children to enjoy school.

We believe that the children’s happiness and welfare at school plays a critical role in their educational development.

We wish our school to play a part in developing children’s self respect and would expect them to show respect and courtesy to all. It is our aim to provide a secure school structure and one that encourages children to develop a self disciplined approach to work and behaviour.

Within school we have a clearly defined behaviour policy, and the school community has developed a code of conduct.

When a child starts school parents will receive a summary of this and a home / school contract to confirm that they will support our overall approach.

“We strive to encourage the development of a sense of responsibility”

Our belief is that self discipline is the most effective form of discipline and we hope to foster this, and consideration for others, through the social education of the children.

The school emphasises approval and adopts a positive approach, preferring to praise good behaviour and minimise situations where bad behaviour results.

Good manners and politeness are expected at all times and to all people.

Our code of behaviour

• treat others how you wish to be treated
• be helpful & responsible
• treat property with respect
• be punctual
• always try your best

Minor breaches of discipline will mean pupils may have to loose a privilege or playtime.

Major incidents will be reported to parents and the assistant heads/ head will arrange a meeting with parents.

We aim to develop strong home/school links so that parents will be informed and consulted, our Home-School Agreement supports this.

School has a Child Protection Policy and a designated Child Protection Officer.

Our first responsibility is to the children in our care and we will always act in their best interests.

Any one employed or working as volunteers at school our CRB checked, a requirement by DfES.

We aim to create a positive, interesting and stimulating environment in which each child is encouraged to develop and mature to achieve their full potential.

All children have equal access to the full school curriculum. Alongside fostering good relationships, we strive to encourage the development of a sense of responsibility, self-discipline and creative, independent thinking.

The Primary Curriculum encourages the development of children intellectually, socially, emotionally, physically and morally, and provides them with the basic skills they need for life and work.

“Children will be encouraged to apply their learning to real and practical situations”

Age: 4 - 5

Stage: Foundation
Years: Reception
Curriculum: Foundation
Assessments: Foundation Stage profile

Age: 5 - 7

Stage: Key Stage 1
Years: Year 1 & 2
Curriculum: National Curriculum
Assessments: Key Stage 1 Test and Tasks at Year 2

Age: 7 - 11

Stage: Key Stage 2
Years: Year 3, 4, 5, 6
Curriculum: National Curriculum
Assessments: Optional QCA Tests at Years 3, 4 and 5; Key Stage 2 SATs at Year 6

Transfer to High School takes place at the end of the year in which they reach their eleventh birthday.

During your child’s last year at Royston Summer Fields you will receive a form asking you to state a preference for secondary education.

Most children from Royston Summer Fields transfer to Royston High School. Parents’ evenings are arranged at the High Schools and during the summer term year 6 children spend time there. However parents have the option to apply to any secondary school for admission.

The foundation stage happens before the National Curriculum and is a framework for your child’s learning in Reception. It sets out six areas of learning that will be covered in Reception class. These areas are:

Personal, Social and Emotional Development

Developing confidence and independence while learning to concentrate and enjoy sharing as part of a group.

Communication, Language and Literacy

Communicating with one another and developing skills in talking, listening, writing and reading.

Mathematical Development

Using ideas about number, quantity, measurement, shape and space.

Knowledge and Understanding of the World

Investigating and beginning to understand the things, places and people around them.

Physical Development

Improving control and co-ordination of their bodies while learning to move and handle equipment.

Creative Development

Finding ways to communicate by using colour, shape, sound, texture movement and stories.

The curriculum to which every child is entitled is called the National Curriculum and is laid down by statutory orders. It provides a framework which ensures academic development of each child as they move through school.

The Curriculum is divided into “core” subjects:

• English
• Mathematics
• Science
• Information Communications Technology

There are also “foundation” subjects:

• History
• Geography
• Music
• Physical Education
• Art
• Design and Technology
• Religious Education
• Personal, Social, Health Citizenship Education

But in addition, children will develop their understanding in a number of cross-curricular aspects including personal and social education, health education, environmental education, equal opportunities and citizenship. Thus more than one curriculum subject is taught at the same time through the use of topics. In addition we hope to provide a modern foreign language at Royston Summer Fields for all key stage 2 children.

Throughout their time at Royston Summer Fields, children will be encouraged to apply their different learning styles to real and practical situations.

Although some of the time they will experience work in subjects much of this will be integrated into cross-curricular themes and topics. These will be directly linked to the National Curriculum Programmes of Study, and the children will be encouraged to develop good understanding of subject elements within this format.

Alongside this, children will also receive lessons in separate curriculum areas such as literacy, numeracy, music and PE. Teaching methods are flexible in order to accommodate different learning styles that occur in Primary Education. Throughout a typical week your child is likely to experience individual, small group and whole class teaching. Class teachers will teach the whole curriculum to their class

In addition, Royston Summer Fields has a programme for staff training that enhances and supports the work of both teachers and learning support staff.

Speaking and Listening

Speech is the most common form of communication.

Opportunities will be created in school for children to discuss and describe, so that they may develop confidence and coherence.

Listening attentively is a vital skill to language development and children are encouraged to understand that listening is both necessary and courteous.

“All children will bring home books to read and share with parents”

Reading

We feel that the attitude of parents and teachers towards books are key factors in promoting reading skills. Children quickly learn to find enjoyment in reading if they see parents and teachers doing so.

Our task is to equip children with the skill and desire to read. We shall help them to read accurately and to make efficient use of reference books, computers and libraries.

As a parent it is extremely important that you offer your child a quiet time when they can read with you on a regular basis.

It is our wish to present reading in such a way as to instill a love and respect for books and reading that will provide a rich source of pleasure.

Writing

Children will need to write as a means of communication and recording.

Our task at Royston Summer Fields is to help children write fluently for a wide variety of audiences. The children at Royston Summer Fields will develop their skills in writing creatively and informatively across all areas of the curriculum.

It is also important for children to develop a clear handwriting style, which reflects pride in the presentation of the written word.

“We aim to increase children’s awareness of their immediate surroundings”

Our aim in the teaching of mathematics is to ensure that children show breadth and depth in their understanding of mathematical concepts and vocabulary.

We want them to be able to do this confidently in both their mental and written work.

Children will do number work every day and will be expected to learn their tables and number bonds.

They will also experience the wider application of mathematics through investigation into a variety of topics..

Science and technology activity is one of the ways we relate to our surroundings and everyday happenings.

In science children ask questions about the real world and find answers from their investigations and observations.

From the foundation stage children will be extending their knowledge of the world around them through science based topics. In design technology they are encouraged to plan, make and evaluate a range of design briefs.

Every classroom has a computer station and children are encouraged to use computers as a tool that will support their work across all curriculum areas

The school also has a computer suite, Laptops and Interactive white boards in classrooms; indeed one of the school’s aspirations is to integrate ICT into most aspects of the curriculum

At Key Stage 1 we aim to increase children’s awareness of their immediate surroundings. At this stage, subjects will often be covered as a class or year group topic.

At Key Stage 2, the studies will reach to the wider world and further into specific detailed history and geography.

As always, emphasis is placed on the development of investigational and enquiry skills. Work is often enhanced by visits away from school.

Our school’s religious education policy has been drawn up in accordance with the County’s agreed syllabus.

Assemblies will also include music, singing, stories based on morals, PSHCE, other religions and cultures. Assemblies are taken by the Headteacher, staff and visitors or by the children themselves.

It is important that our children gain an awareness and understanding through both class work and school assemblies.

The school places emphasis on the importance of children having a sense of responsibility and consideration for others.

Through a varied programme of games, gymnastics, swimming (KS2) and dance, we aim to develop each child’s co-ordination and creativity and promote their enjoyment of physical activity.

There are many opportunities to experience small apparatus skills and team games.

The school also organises a number of after school clubs and sporting teams for the older children in a range of sporting activities.

Health education is taught through a range of topics and is often linked to aspects of science. Within this, the school has a programme of health and sex relationships education (Y5/6) which has been approved by the governing body.

As infants the emphasis is on healthy eating and living as well as looking after their body. For the older children as well as healthy eating and living, children will be introduced to changes in their bodies as they become an adult.

Parents are informed before we begin our sex education programme to discuss the content, how they can help at home and to view the resources used.

The children are taught music as a class. In the early years, emphasis is placed on developing an enjoyment and appreciation of many types of music. Composition and performance of music encourages confidence and success for all children.

There are opportunities for all year groups throughout the year to develop skills surrounding performance. Alongside the development of music, children experience work in dance which further extends their ability to interpret music through movement.

Our school is committed to ensuring that pupils have the chance to fulfil their potential, irrespective of their sex, race, religious beliefs, ability or any kind of disability.

In order to achieve this, we expect everyone involved in the school to treat all members of our ‘community’ with respect for their needs and beliefs

The school has robust systems for assessment in place to monitor progress, set targets, and diagnose any weakness and to give teachers and parents an indicator for a child’s future work.

Records of all children’s attainments are kept. These are to inform teachers and parents of the children’s progress as well as providing an important source for pupils to assess their own achievements.

During the summer term, the children from year 2 to year 6 undertake either a statutory attainment test or an optional attainment test. These supplement regular teacher assessment. Every child who is at the end of Key Stage 1 (infants) and Key Stage 2 (juniors) is assessed or tested in English, Mathematics and Science.

The results of these assessments are communicated to parents at the end of the summer term in a written report.

All children will bring home books to read and share with parents.

For the younger children, they will also have a reading record book for you to write comments and communicate with school staff on progress.

Children will also have spellings, time-tables and as they move up through the school more “traditional” homework tasks.

Class teachers will also occasionally ask the older children to undertake some research or investigational work directly related to the work in their class.

The range of clubs will change during the year and from year to year according to the teachers’ and children’s interests. To mention a few: football, netball, cricket, tag rugby, art, board games, drama.

If your child wants to take part in any extra-curricular activity you will need to complete a permission form.

Summer Fields has a successful school council. Its members consist of staff and children, the children are elected from every year group from year 2 to year 6. They meet regularly and the council gives the children an official channel through which to discuss matters that affect the development of the school and their education.

The council is responsible for and recently has made decisions on playtimes, play equipment and playground markings. School has playground buddies and Fit bods.

If your child is absent from school, please ensure that the school is informed on the first day of absence and thereafter keep the school informed of their progress should the illness prove to be extended. This will avoid children being recorded as having an unauthorised absence.

If it is essential for your child to attend the doctor or dentist during the school day, please inform us beforehand; you must then report to the school office to collect your child.

If you wish your child to miss swimming or PE for medical reasons a letter will be required. In the case of a lengthy absence your child’s class teacher will be happy to organise some work for them to complete.

The school would appreciate if you did not take your child away on holiday during term time as this causes disruption to the child’s school education and attendance. It is not appropriate for the class teacher to set work for holiday absence.

Teachers are unable to administer medicines such as antibiotics and creams. However, parents are welcome to visit school during the day to ensure their child receives medicine.

The school admin officer can administer a medicine.

Again a form is available from the school office for you to complete.

Meals are cooked on the premises and served cafeteria style in the school hall. The school kitchen staff prepare meals which are nutritious, balanced and healthy.

There is a wide choice of options including fresh salads and fruit. Alternatively, children may bring a packed lunch which we would ask to be healthy – no fizzy drinks or sweets are permitted in packed lunches or for snacks.

At lunch time, our midday assistants supervise the children. Children are also allowed to bring a healthy snack for their break time (infant aged children are provided with fruit or a vegetable snack). The school also serves fruit and milk as mid morning snack.

Parents are asked to send their children to school in uniform and provide kit for physical education. This ensures they are appropriately dressed for their learning activities and it helps to create a sense of community for our school.

Uniform is available from the school office.

To ensure children’s safety they should not wear any jewellery. The only exception to this are pierced ears, where one set of ear studs may be worn and a watch.

BOYS

Red sweater/sweatshirt

Grey shorts/trousers

White shirts/T-shirts

GIRLS

Red cardigan/sweater/sweatshirt

Grey shirts/pinafores

White blouse/tops

In the summer the children usually wear clothes more suited to the warmer weather- these should be kept to the red/white colours- girls wearing red/white print dresses.

There is no compulsory dress for PE activities but a change of clothes i.e. shorts & T-shirt is necessary. As the school is carpeted throughout the teaching areas, children are required to wear a pair of indoor shoes in order to protect the floor coverings.

Most children wear either slippers or pumps. These should be a good fit and enclose the foot completely for safety.

It is extremely difficult to trace the owners of lost, unmarked clothing. We would be grateful if all clothing and personal items could be clearly named. Lost property is kept in a box.

A no-smoking policy is in operation at all times on all areas of our school premises, during school and during any out of school activities.

No dogs are allowed on the school premises, unless they are specific working dogs, eg: police dogs or dogs for the blind.

We encourage and value parental involvement in school. Parents and friends can help in a variety of ways, including cooking, art and design activities and gardening. We are always looking for support of this nature and welcome any specialist skills that you may like to share with the children. Please contact us if you would like to play a part in supporting the school. We are grateful for any support parents are able to give.

“Partnership between home and school in your child’s education is vital”

In October, parents are invited to school to meet their child’s teacher informally and learn about the work and projects the children will be covering during the year. In the spring term, there will be an opportunity for every parent to have an appointment to discuss their child’s progress and set targets for the rest of the year.

At the end of the summer term you will receive a written report on your child’s progress including statements relating to the National Curriculum and there will be an opportunity to discuss this report with the class teacher.

Should your child’s teacher be concerned about your child’s educational or social development we will contact you. In return we hope that you will contact the class teacher, assistant head teachers or headteacher if you or your child has any concerns. But please do not confine your visits only to times of concern. If for example, your child has produced a piece of work of which they are proud, please come in and share it with them. We like the positives.

Please look out for any newsletter your child brings home to keep you well informed about what is happening at school.

Parents who are separated have a statutory right to information about their child’s education. This can be achieved if both parents’ addresses are known to the school office. Please tell us and we will do our best to send on any relevant information. Partnership between home and school in your child’s education is vital and there is no doubt that when a good relationship prevails, progress is more smoothly and quickly achieved.

And finally, becoming a parent governor is a rewarding way to get involved with school. We welcome governors from all backgrounds so if you are interested in playing a part in the strategic running of the school, please contact the headteacher or chair of governors. We are also keen to attract more governors from the wider community and again the headteacher or chair of governors would be pleased to speak to anyone you know who is interested in such a role.

The school has a friends association and all parents with children at the school are deemed to be members. Your support both at meetings and events is greatly appreciated. Any help you can offer the PTA would be most welcome. They organise successful social and fundraising events and activities such as Christmas and Summer Fairs, Discos, Sponsors and Raffle prizes. We hope that new parents will actively support us, which important link between home and school.

During the year we hope to invite visitors, for example musicians, writers and theatre groups, to school to share their experience with us.

“Older children will have the opportunity to take part in a residential visit”

Children will also have the opportunity to take part in trips during the year and will regularly visit their immediate local environment. The older children will have the opportunity to take part in a residential visit.

All of these trips and visitors enhance extension of the work that takes place in the classroom and will involve both preparation and follow-up work. On occasion we will ask for voluntary contributions towards the cost of our visits and visitors. Some activities such as residential visits and trips are only possible if parents make a voluntary contribution.

We have recently devised a travel initiative. Whenever possible we would encourage you and your child to walk to school. Car congestion at the beginning and end of the day is unsafe and like all schools traffic is a problem.

We would ask parents who use a car to park away from the entrance to Haigh Croft and walk using the pathway to the school entrance. Children are reminded about road safety regularly including safe road crossing.

The Governing Body consists of Staff, Parents and Local Authority Governors. The Governing Body has increased responsibilities in challenging and supporting the headteacher and the work of the school. Governors meet regularly to review the progress of the school.

The school is not just about academic achievement, and at Summer Fields we do our best to ensure that children are encouraged to develop and excel at whatever they do best.

At Summer Fields we promote healthy eating and physical and is working emotional well-being.

The school has the silver National Healthy School Award, and will look to achieving gold in the near future.

Any complaints/concerns should first be discussed with class teachers informally. If further advice is sought then the two assistant heads should be approached.

Most complaints can be resolved easily within school by the teacher and assistant heads. If you feel it is necessary to seek further advice because the nature of the complaint is more serious, then a more formal approach will be required.

The first point of contact is the head teacher by telephone or writing. Child Protection Procedures In accordance with the Children’s Act (1989) and LA agreed policies, the school has a legal responsibility to share all relevant information with all agencies on matters regarding suspected/actual abuse whether emotional, physical, sexual or neglect.

These agencies are:- police, social/medical services and educational welfare. The school has a designated protection officer and a governor responsible for child protection.

Please address all correspondence to :-

Mrs MD Fretwell
Head Teacher
Summer Fields Primary School
Haigh Croft
Royston
Barnsley
S71 4SF
Tel: 01226 722480

Director of Education
Education Office
Berneslai Close
Barnsley
S76 2HS
Tel: 01226 773500