Our Prospectus 2013/14
Welcome Recognising its historic foundation, the school will preserve and develop its religious character in accordance with the principles of the Church of England and in partnership with the Church at parish and diocesan level. The school aims to serve its community by providing an education of the highest quality within the context of Christian belief and practice. It encourages an understanding of the meaning and significance of faith, and promotes Christian values through the experience it offers its pupils.
‘Enjoyment is the birthright of every child.’
Welcome to St Oswald's Primary School
Our School community places the highest priority on keeping our children safe. School Address:
Telephone: 01244 981040
Grove Road Mollington Chester CH1 6LG Fax: 01244 851643
E. mail: head@stoswald-moll.cheshire.sch.uk admin@stoswald-moll.cheshire.sch.uk Headteacher: Mrs Phillippa S. Rowe Cert.Ed., NPQH Chairman of Governors: Mr David Rowlands. Website: stoswalds.school-portal.co.uk
Welcome to St Oswald's Primary School The school was built in 1996 and opened in January 1997. There are five class areas. One is a closed classroom with a separate entrance, cloakroom and infant toilet area. Four are in a semi-open plan area. Each class has a large carpeted area that also houses a coat peg alcove. Each class bay opens onto a wide vinyl floored area with four sinks and tables for more practical activities. There is a good sized hall that is used for physical education, for which there is a generous range of fixed and portable equipment, other curricular activities such as music, collective worship and for dining. A well-resourced library is situated between the large open area and the classroom. In 2005 an ICT suite was built providing computers which can be used by groups or whole classes. All class areas are well furnished and children have access to computer systems, a range of audiovisual equipment and a learner cooker. All classes have fire doors that also provide direct access to the outside learning environment. KS1 classes have access to a covered, fenced area which is used for outdoor learning activities and play. The school grounds contain a playing field, two hard surfaced areas, a pond and a play-log area. The rest of the grounds have been lawned or planted with trees and shrubs. Mollington Old School Building, which is on our site, houses a Pre-School and a Before & After School Club (Buddies Daycare). In 2008 the school building was further improved with a new entrance, extended office space and disabled access. From 2001 St Oswald’s won a School Achievement Award for the substantial improvement in results achieved by pupils. We gained this award for three consecutive years. The DfES scheme only ran for three years and we won an award each year. In 2009 we were awarded the Financial Management Standard in Schools. We have also gained the National Healthy Schools accreditation in 2009. Our latest Award is the RE Quality Mark which we successfully gained following being asked to take part in the pilot of the award. St Oswald’s is a school to be proud of!
Governors of the School The school benefits from the close involvement and support of its Governing Body. At present there are twelve Governors representing various bodies and interests defined in the Instrument of Government for the school. The composition of the Governing Body is as follows:Foundation a) Appointed by the Parochial Church Council Rev S. Southgate Mrs R. Tootell 31.03.2016 SEND responsibility Mrs D. Horne 06.10.2014 EYFS responsibility Mrs C Surfleet 31.03.2016 Chair - Curriculum b) Appointed by the Diocese Mrs L. Hitchcox Mr T. Foster Mrs A. Tooke
16.05.2016 07.04.2017 Chair - Buildings 16.05.2016
LEA appointed Mr D. Rowlands Chairman
23.09.2013 Chair – Finance/Staffing
Parent - elected Mrs A. Bullough
24.03.2017
Teacher - elected Mr C . Timms
11.09.2015
Staff – elected Mrs E. Rogers
10.11.2014
Headteacher Mrs P.S. Rowe The date a Governor ceases to hold office is given alongside their name unless they are Ex-Officio. The Governors meet formally once a term, as a minimum, with committee meetings and visits to school taking place as required. They delegate the day to day administration of the school to the Headteacher but are responsible for admissions, appointment of staff, the curriculum, the building and matters of finance. The Clerk to the Governors is from the Governance Team, CWAC Schools Service, Stanney Lane, Ellesmere Port. CH65 6QL Tel. 01244 976816
School Staff Headteacher
Mrs P.S. Rowe
Deputy Headteacher
Mr C. Timms
Teachers
Mrs L. Hollins Mrs K. Fritzsche (part-time 0.5) Mrs C. Jones (part-time 0.5) Mrs V. Spence (part-time 0.4) Mrs R. Lewis Mrs R. Craven
Teaching Assistants
Mrs E. Rogers Miss C. Holloway Mrs S. Read Mrs J. Avery Mrs J. Mason Miss J. Axon Mrs K. Hopley
Admin Officer
Mrs J. Johnson
Admin Assistant
Miss A. Cropper
Site Maintenance Officer ‘Stand In’ Caretaker Mid-day Assistants
Miss N. French Mrs G. Jenkins Mrs J. Nicholson Mrs B. Griffiths Mrs C. Greer Mrs M. Farley MDA from S4YC
CBS Staff
Cook-in-Charge Kitchen Assistant School Cleaner
Mr P. Jefferson Mr J. Morris
Mrs A. Hanna Mrs A. Myles Mrs L. Clark
Class Organisation Infants
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Foundation Stage = Reception, Key Stage 1 Juniors
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Key Stage 2
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Year 1, Year 2.
Year 3, Year 4, Year 5, Year 6.
Whenever possible we try to place children in their year groups and maintain a separate Foundation Stage class. However mixed age group classes are a necessity in a small school. All classes are, therefore, of mixed ability throughout the school.
Registration Groups for 2013/2014 Robins Wrens Sparrows Goldfinches Hummingbirds
Foundation Stage Year 1 & Year 2 Year 2 & Year 3 Years 3, 4 & 5 Year 5 & Year 6
Total number on roll
Numbers in September 2013 20 29 32 32 32
145
Admission Arrangements St. Oswald's School is a Church of England Aided School. This means that members of the Parish Church and the Diocese of Chester have contributed towards the building of the school and continue to pay towards its upkeep. Parents applying for a place do so knowing that the school aims to provide an education based on Christian principles and therefore the Governors hope that all pupils will take part in the Christian worship of the school and will attend religious education lessons. Every child enters school in the Autumn Term of the academic year (1st September to 31st August), in which his/her fifth birthday will occur. From September 2005 there was a new process for applying for school places. Parents are encouraged to apply on-line, though there is still a facility to submit an application form. The Admissions Team can be contacted on 0300 123 7039 or e-mail the Cheshire West and Chester team at admissions@cheshirewestandchester.gov.uk. Further Information and on-line application can be accessed at www.cheshirewestand chester.gov.uk/admissions. Forms should be completed online or returned to School Admissions, Cheshire West and Chester Council, Wyvern House, The Drumber, Winsford, Cheshire, CW7 1AH, not the school, although telling us you have applied would be most helpful. The closing date for application forms for September 2014 is 15 January 2014. If there are more applications than places available, our Planned Admission Number being 20, the Governors will use the criteria of our Admissions Policy. Decisions about admissions are made by the Local Authority.
A summary of our criteria for admissions is as follows:1. Looked after children. 2. Children resident in the parish of St Oswald's, Backford. 3. Children who have a sibling in St Oswald’s School who will be attending St Oswald’s the following year. 4. Children whose families are faithful and regular worshippers in St Oswald’s Parish Church. 5. Children who have special needs on social, medical or religious grounds. 6. Children whose families are faithful and regular worshippers in a neighbouring parish church for whom this is the nearest Church Aided School. 7. Children whose families are faithful and regular worshippers of another Christian denomination, as recognised by Churches Together in Britain and Ireland and for whom this is the closest Church school. 8. Children who live nearest to the school, measured “as the crow flies” using the Ordnance Survey Address-Point seed of the pupil’s house to the GIU Schools Shapefile. A copy of the full Admissions Policy is available on request.
Admission Arrangements Parents who are not offered a place for their child have the right to appeal to an independent appeal committee under the 1980 Education Act. Once a place has been offered and accepted parents and children are invited to attend a meeting in the term before the child starts school. This is an opportunity to meet the Headteacher and Class Teacher and discuss arrangements for entry, uniform, school meals, etc. Children starting school as Foundation Stage pupils are introduced gradually through a series of visits in the term preceding their official starting date. Their attendance for the first weeks of the term is part time, leading up to full time attendance at the beginning of the fourth week of term (at the very latest).
Any new or prospective parent wishing to visit the school should telephone or write to make an appointment. An Open Afternoon is being held on Tues 1 October 2013, 1.30pm onwards.
The Aims of the School St. Oswald’s School aims that all children : Will be cared for in a happy family atmosphere where each member of our school community is known, respected and valued. Are immersed in a school ethos based on core values which develop the whole child as a reflective learner. Will be empowered to be literate and numerate and to recognise and optimise their full potential in all aspects of the curriculum, and know that their efforts and achievements will be celebrated. Are encouraged to be confident and well-balanced, enabling pupils to voice opinions and contribute to school life and life beyond. Value diversity and promote inclusion by understanding their responsibility to others. Are self-disciplined and recognise behaviour for learning. Will ENJOY learning.
Our aims are directed towards preparing each pupil for life beyond the school. They are concerned with developing the highest standards to which each pupil can aspire through the provision of quality learning
Working in Partnership The five key outcomes * Be healthy * Stay safe * Enjoy and achieve * Make a positive contribution * Achieve economic well being
Our Curriculum All children are taught the National Curriculum which ensures a broad and balanced education for all pupils from 5 - 16 years of age. The National Curriculum comprises ENGLISH, MATHEMATICS, SCIENCE, HISTORY, GEOGRAPHY, INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY, DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY, MUSIC, ART & DESIGN, and PHYSICAL EDUCATION, PERSONAL, SOCIAL, HEALTH & CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION AND RELIGIOUS EDUCATION, of course, are also valuable parts of our curriculum. Children are also introduced to a Modern Language (French). Through our curriculum we aim to teach each child to: 1 a. b. c. d. e.
read fluently and accurately, with understanding, feeling and enjoyment; develop a clear style of handwriting and a competent use of spelling and punctuation; communicate clearly and with confidence in speech and writing; listen attentively and with understanding; learn how to acquire information from different sources and be able to record this information in the most appropriate way.
2 a. encourage a love and understanding of mathematical process and thereby use computational skills with speed and accuracy; b. understand and apply mathematical skills. 3 a. understand the scientific process and master a wide range of scientific ideas and skills; b. investigate solutions, interpret evidence, analyse and solve problems; 4
develop a historical and geographical awareness that will lead to the acquiring of knowledge.
5 a. encourage an awareness of the importance of technology in modern society; b. be competent in the handling of computers. 6 a. broaden their aesthetic experiences through music, art, dance and drama; b. develop an awareness of their own physical development related to health and skills to be acquired; c. appreciate the importance of taking care of the environment.
Our Curriculum At all times we consider each child as an individual in their own right considering their strengths and weaknesses. Children with special needs are given as much extra help as possible within the constraints of our teaching resources. Parents are always consulted about such needs, especially where further specialist help is required. The Headteacher has the overall responsibility for coordinating Special Educational Needs and for providing liaison with any outside agencies. The school also has a Governor whose special responsibility is for special needs. Our SEND Policy may be discussed with the Headteacher, the SEND Co-ordinator or SEND Governor. The school day is organised in a flexible way around a timetable of shared facilities. For the most part children work with their class teachers but some specialist teaching may be carried out by other teachers. The planning and delivery of the curriculum is complex with some subjects being taught separately and others being taught as part of skills based integrated studies. At Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1, there is emphasis on an integrated curriculum. Key Stage 2 sees more divergence into separate subject teaching particularly in numeracy, literacy, science, music and religious education. History, geography, technology and art may continue to be planned and taught through themed topic work. Cross curricular links are made wherever possible. As some classes have mixed age groups a variety of teaching styles are appropriate and whole class, group and individual tuition are used. Children may work in different classes to their registration class to enable us to teach according to their needs. Physical Education, requiring separate facilities, is usually planned and taught as timetabled class lessons.
Creative Curriculum
Each term the children engage with a topic based theme. Areas of the curriculum will link into these themes, wherever possible. Termly Curriculum Letters are shared with our families through our Virtual Learning Platform.
Outdoor Learning Outdoor Learning can provide a dramatic contrast to the indoor classroom. Direct experience outdoors is more motivating and can have a greater impact on children’s learning. Through skilled teaching, interpretation of facilitation, outdoor experiences readily become a stimulating source of fascination, personal growth and breakthroughs in learning. Outdoor Learning includes outdoor play in Foundation Stage, school grounds projects, Environmental education for sustainability and provide an opportunity to enhance all other areas of the curriculum.
Religious Education and Worship Religious Education is given in accordance with the Diocese of Chester Religious Education Guidelines, the Cheshire R.E. Agreed Syllabus and the Education Reform Act l988. As a parent you have the right to withdraw your child from such instruction and from the daily act of worship. However, we consider it reasonable to assume that parents who send their children to St. Oswald's are sympathetic to the Christian character of the school. St. Oswald's, as a Church of England Aided School, has strong links with the Parish Church, St Oswald’s at Backford. We welcome the Vicar into school to lead us in Collective Worship. We arrange festival services throughout the year and parents/carers are invited to attend and share these.
Homework We believe that parental interest and commitment to their child's learning is essential. At KS1, our policy is to send books home to be read and enjoyed. Accompanying the book is "My Reading Diary". This is not only a record of books read but also a means for you and your child's teacher to comment on your child's reading. We consider this to be the major and most significant homework activity. At KS2, our policy to send books home to be read and enjoyed continues. These books may be fiction or non-fiction and associated written work, such as book reviews, may be sent home to be completed. As the children get older we increase the amount and variety of homework, e.g. research preparing for topic work, reinforcement and/or extension work of mathematical skills, handwriting practice and re-writing of creative work. Queries about homework should be made, in the first instance, to your child's Class Teacher.
Open Afternoons/Evenings Parents' Evenings are held regularly during the school year, normally once a term. We hold a Parents Information Evening in the Autumn Term and other Parents Evenings are usually run on an appointment system. On these evenings it may be possible to have only five or ten minutes of the teacher's time, so if there is more that you would wish to know about your child's progress, or if there is a specific problem, then please contact your child's Class Teacher. Likewise, we will contact you if there are matters we wish to discuss with you. Informal ‘Drop-in’ times, 3.15 to 3.45pm, will also be arranged during the term. These are usually held on alternate Tuesdays and Thursdays each half term. Children are encouraged to bring their parents in to show them their work, displays etc.
Health/Sex and Relationships/Drugs Education The Governors believe that parents are the key figures in helping their children to cope with the physical and emotional aspects of growing up and preparing them for challenges and responsibilities which sexual maturity brings, but are aware of the need for schools to complement and support the role of parents. We believe that Sex and Relationships Education should be part of a Health Education curriculum for all pupils in the school, likewise with drugs education.
Sex and Relationships Education will be presented within the context of family life, of loving relationships, of respect for self and others - in short, within a moral Christian framework. In the normal course of events children's questions will be dealt with sensitively as they arise, taking care to match any information given to the maturity of the pupils concerned. More specific sessions for Year 6, will be led by the Headteacher / Class Teacher, with support from the School Health Team. Parents will be given the opportunity to know the content of these lessons if they so wish. School Health Team - 01244 362082
Children’s Records/Testing Standardised Tests and Assessments are conducted, in accordance with Department for Education and Cheshire West and Chester Education Authority guidelines, with all children in Foundation Stage, nearing the end of Key Stage l (Year 2) and Key Stage 2 (Year 6). A Phonics Test is also undertaken by children in Year 1. Assessment of each child's individual development is carried out continuously and records of progress are kept by the Class Teacher. Copies of a child's annual written report are also kept in school.
Ofsted Inspections A School Inspection was carried out by Ofsted, in November 2010, who stated:
“This is a good school, where leaders and managers are effective, and there is a clear, shared vision for the future. Outstanding care, guidance and support ensure that pupils feel safe and have an excellent understanding of healthy lifestyles. By the end of Year 6 pupils’ attainment is above average in English and Mathematics due to good/outstanding teaching.”
Due to being a Church Aided School, a further statutory Inspection was carried out by the National Society of Anglican Schools in December 2010. This Inspection judged the School to be Outstanding in every way.
“Christian values are embedded in the life of the school. The positive relationships which exist within the school give rise to confident, secure pupils. Pupils feel safe at school, feel valued and cared for and know they will be treated fairly.” The Reports are available on request. The Ofsted Inspection report can be found on the Ofsted website, www.ofsted.gov.uk.
Educational Visits/Residentials The school hopes to maintain a full programme of visits which support, compliment and enrich the curriculum of the classroom. Our comprehensive Policy follows DE & LA guidance particularly in respect of Health & Safety. The success of such visits depends upon the willingness of parental support. Visits wholly in school time are financed by voluntary contributions and no child will be excluded from a visit because of a parent's inability to contribute. In practice, however, parents should be aware that where insufficient contributions and funds are not available, the visit may have to be cancelled. For visits that are residential in nature the school can charge the full cost of "board and lodging". If the visits are to a Local Authority Outdoor Education Centre these charges may in certain circumstances be remitted. ( Details are in our Charging & Remissions Policy ). We aim to give all children the possibility of a residential education visit during their career at St Oswald's. Such visits are planned within the school curriculum e.g. studying another locality. We use the Cheshire Outdoor Education Centres and a PGL Centre.
Extra Curricular Activities We offer the children a wide range of extra curricular activities. These include ‘Creative Nature’, football, cricket, drama, tag rugby, netball, multi-sports, Craft Club, 1st Aid and recorders. Costs may be incurred particularly if outside organisations run the clubs. There is also some group music tuition for Guitar, and individual woodwind and piano lessons - these do incur individual fees. Groups of children have joined with Chester Primary schools in choral music events.
Pastoral Care and Discipline We believe that we have a shared responsibility with parents for discipline. Our Code of Conduct was formulated as the basis of a positive learning policy. One of our primary aims is to provide a stable, caring community for the welfare of all of our children. For their benefit there must be some rules that are seen to be firm, fair and adhered to. It is normal practice in this school to educate the children into observing these rules through encouragement, understanding and a system of positive rewards. These positive rewards range from a simple word of praise, a comment/stamp in a book, awarding of team points, wishing stones, raffle tickets, badges, and certificates. However, clearly there are consequences that are applied when rules are broken. These will range from words of caution, withdrawing playtimes, completing/re-doing work to putting on report. We will consult parents, at any stage, if their child's behaviour is causing concern. As a matter of course we will inform parents of repeated offences, either by telephone or in writing. We trust we have your support in upholding our school values and Positive Behaviour and Discipline Policy. After consultation with staff and parents the Governors have agreed a Home-School Partnership Agreement. The Agreement reflects the school aims, ethos and code of conduct: The School As part of the Home-School Partnership Agreement, the school will: Care for your child’s safety and happiness; Ensure that your child achieves his/her full potential and is a valued member of the school community; Encourage your child to do his/her best at all times; Inform you if there is a problem with attendance, punctuality or behaviour, in line with our policies; Inform you of your child’s progress through Parent Consultation meetings and Annual Reports; Be available, in so far as is reasonably practicable, should you have any concerns or information which you wish to share with us; Keep you informed about general school matters and school activities; Be open and welcoming to all members of the school community and offer appropriate opportunities for you to become involved in the daily life of the school.
Headteacher’s Signature: _______________________
Date: _____________________
Pastoral Care and Discipline Parents/Carers As part of the Home-School Partnership Agreement, I/we shall try to: See that my child attends school regularly, on time and with the correct equipment and kit; Inform the school, as soon as is reasonably practicable, of any concerns or problems that might affect my child’s work or behaviour; Support the school’s Mission Statement and Aims, as well as the school’s policies and guidelines on behaviour; Support my child with homework tasks, including reading, and other opportunities for home - learning; Attend any meetings regarding the education and welfare of my child; Show an active interest in my child’s life at school and encourage him/her to do his/her best at all times and achieve his/her true potential.
Signature(s): _________________________________
Date: _____________________
Pupil As part of the Home-School Partnership Agreement, I will try to: Be ready for school on time and ready to take an active part in lessons; Take good care of the school environment and equipment; Be helpful, kind and supportive to the other children and any adults who work with me; Be friendly with everyone; Tell my teacher if something is worrying me or upsetting me; Do my homework on time; Be polite to everyone.
Signature (if appropriate considering age): ______________
Date: ________________
Code of conduct CODE OF CONDUCT CARING FOR EACH OTHER 1. All members of St Oswald's C.E.A. Primary School are valued equally. Whether child or adult, black or white, However they speak. boy or girl. Whatever they look like, house they live in, God they pray to
Wherever they were born.
2. When talking to each other, we should show respect for each other as individuals. Racist and sexist comments, name calling and bad language are unacceptable, as is unkind teasing. Bullying will not be tolerated. 3. Violent behaviour is unacceptable at all times. 4. We should show respect for each other's property and that of our community inside and outside of the school.
OUR SCHOOL IS A PLACE OF LEARNING 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6.
Be on time for school and for lessons. Respect those who are learning with you. Listen to other people when you are asked to do so and follow instructions carefully. Make sure you always work to the best of your ability. Trust others as you would wish to be trusted yourself. Keep quiet working areas really quiet.
KEEPING OUR SCHOOL SAFE AND HEALTHY 1. Things which are dangerous are not permitted in school. 2. Always walk inside school and hold doors open if anyone is following you. 3. Respect the trees and green areas. 4. Take care of the buildings, the classrooms, the shared areas and toilets. 5. Always leave an area tidy after you have used it. Pick up and put away anything you find out of place. 6. Do not drop litter.
GOLDEN RULES Golden Rules are written by each class at the beginning of the new school year and these are displayed in all classrooms, for reference.
The school day
FS & KS1 - 9 a.m. - 12 noon KS2 - 9 a.m. - 12.15p.m
1.00 p.m. - 3.15 p.m 1.00 p.m. - 3.15 p.m.
26.25 hours a week 28.75 hours a week
Foundation and Key Stage 1 spend 21.25 hours a week in classroom learning; Key Stage 2, 23.75 hours a week. The remaining 5 hours are spent in registration, assemblies and breaks. (FS and KS1 have 15 minute break each afternoon, KS2 work right through.) We expect children to be on time; registration takes place at 9.00am and 1.00pm. Please do not arrive before 8.50 a.m. as there is no supervision of pupils before the pupil doors are opened. Whilst we hope that parents will collect their children promptly at the end of the school day it should be impressed upon the children that they must report to a member of staff if they have not been collected. The child should know of any alterations to their normal travel arrangements.
Absences If you keep your child at home because he/she is unwell you should ring the school and leave a message for the class teacher stating briefly what is wrong and how long you expect him/her to be away. Alternatively, you must send a note on your child's return explaining the illness. Similarly any other absences must be explained. Unexplained absences may result in a telephone call from school to ascertain the whereabouts of the pupil. Late arrivals are also noted. It is the Headteacher who authorises absence normally for Illness, Medical/Dental appointments or for exceptional circumstances. It is not advisable for children to miss school, especially for holidays. Holidays are recorded as unauthorised absence. You should notify school in writing prior to the holiday; request forms are available from the Office. Unexplained absences have to be marked as unauthorised in the school registers and the statistics are published. Our Educational Welfare Officer visits school termly checking registers and discussing any attendance and punctuality concerns with the Headteacher.
Supervision During the school day all reasonable steps are taken to ensure the safety and welfare of our children. At playtimes two members of staff are on duty and at lunchtimes three Mid-day Assistants and one member of staff are on duty.
Complaints Procedure If a parent is concerned about anything to do with the education that we are providing they should, in the first instance, discuss the matter with their child’s Class Teacher. Where a parent feels that a situation has not been resolved through contact with the Class Teacher, or that their concern is of a sufficiently serious nature, they should make an appointment to discuss it with the Headteacher. Only if an informal complaint fails to resolve the matter should a formal complaint be made. The complaint should be in writing and be sent to the Chair of Governors. A complaints form is available within the Complaints Policy, available from the School Office.
Safety and Security At the beginning and the end of the school day children and parents should use the pedestrian gates to enter the grounds. Please do not use the car park gate, unless it is necessary for you to use our Disabled Parking Bay. The old Mollington school gate is for access to the Before & After School Club and the Pre-School. It will be locked during school playtimes but is not locked at the beginning and end of the school day. Children should not use the playground areas/field before or after school. All classes enter school from the playground. All children will be dismissed through the fire doors on the sides of the school. Please supervise your children as you make your way to your cars. If you need to come in to school during the school day you may use the car park or the dropping-off bay.
All parents/visitors should use the front Main Entrance, follow ‘signing in’ procedures before being admitted. Car parking is a problem so please consider the safety of all our children when parking at school. School staff only may use the car park, unless disabled access is required. Use the dropping-off bay without blocking the through route. Please do not park cars on the bend of Grove Road opposite our drop-off bay. Parking there, not only blocks residents' access, but also obscures the view and puts our children in danger. Please do not use the grass verges.
Health This Authority arranges for children to be medically examined when they first start school, and parents are invited to attend this examination. During their school life children have routine sight and hearing tests and any problems will be referred for further investigations. There are also routine dental examinations and if any treatment is necessary you will receive a note asking you to take your child to your own dentist or to the school dental clinic. Medicines are not normally allowed in school but if there are any special circumstances please see the Headteacher or Mrs Johnson or Mrs Rogers. An inhaler is the only medication that a child may bring in to school. However, it must be accompanied by written instructions on usage and may be left with the Class Teacher. We have four members of staff who are fully qualified first aiders who can deal with minor accidents and emergencies.
Lunchtimes School Dinners are available at ÂŁ2.15 per day, payable in advance. Cheques are payable to CHESHIRE WEST AND CHESTER COUNCIL. Monies to be sent in first thing Monday mornings please, in a named envelope, and handed to the Class Teacher. The healthy multi-choice menu offered each day is sent home for the parents to discuss the food choices and make selections. Children are served with a protein, carbohydrate and vegetable for their main course, puddings, yoghurts, fresh fruit for dessert. Children are encouraged to eat or at least try their meal. Packed Lunches may be brought in but we have no catering equipment that may be used with them so please provide everything your child needs to eat their meal. A cup or a straw for drinks please, as we do not consider drinking from cans, bottles or flasks good table manners. Please do not include sweets, chocolate or fizzy drinks. The meal must be in a named box, preferably unbreakable with a secure lid especially for drinks. Please remember the boxes cannot be stored in cold conditions and some foods may be at risk by the time they are eaten. Also, hot drinks and soups should not be brought in. Thermos flasks and hot liquids are dangerous. All waste is left in the box so you can see what your child has eaten. Home Lunches. Children who go home for lunch should be collected by an adult and should not return to school before 12.50. If your child does not normally go home and you wish them to do so on a particular day please send in a written request. Snacks. All KS1 pupils have free pieces of fruit each morning break as part of the National School Fruit Scheme. Foundation Stage children also have milk. KS2 pupils may bring a snack for morning break. We would recommend a piece of fruit or a drink, but no sweets please. Toast (20p), half bagel (25p) and Juice (45p) can be bought from our school kitchen.
Parent Teacher Association The Association was formed to strengthen the links between home and school. As a registered charity it raises funds to help provide "extra items" for the school that would not normally be available. The association is affiliated to the National Confederation of Parent-Teacher Associations. All parents and staff are automatically members and it is hoped that they will wish to support and participate in the activities of the Association. Regular meetings to plan social and fund raising events are open to all. Chair – Paula Marshall and Michelle Naylor Secretary – Samantha Morris Treasurer – Andrea Bullough On a more informal level a number of parents and other members of the community help in school with a variety of activities involving the children. This help is welcomed and appreciated by the staff who would be pleased to receive any further offers of help. In consultation with parents and Governors a school uniform was introduced when the school opened and has proved very popular.
School Uniform GIRLS
Grey skirt/pinafore/trousers BOYS Grey trousers/shorts White blouse White shirt Green & gold tie Green & gold tie Bottle green cardigan or School Sweatshirt or Bottle green pullover
Summer Green gingham/striped dresses
White shirt/polo shirt
School ties are available in school. Sweatshirts, cardigans and polo shirts printed with the school badge can be ordered directly from the Forrester Sports website— www.forrestersports.co.uk or through school. An optional outdoor P.E Kit (hoodie and joggers) is also available. To avoid confusion over mislaid articles, all belongings need to be carefully LABELLED. School uniform means many grey trousers or white blouses are bought at the same shop and it is impossible for the teacher to sort out whom the clothes belong to if they are not labelled. This is vitally important where school sweatshirts, ties, etc. are concerned.
All children need kit to change into for PE (Physical Education). A draw-string bag which will hang on a peg containing:pumps or trainers (not the heavy boot-type and slip-on ones for young children) shorts and a tee-shirt – black or white if possible Most indoor lessons are done in bare feet, especially apparatus work. P.E. kit should be kept in school from Monday to Friday. Long hair must be tied back for all PE lessons. Jewellery can present problems of safety especially during P.E. lessons and whilst the children are at play. We therefore discourage the wearing of all items of jewellery, except wrist watches and we will not take responsibility for the loss or damage of such items at school. If children have pierced ears they must only wear small studs to school. In line with LEA safety advice all earrings must be removed for P.E. as they can be dangerous, both to the child and other children in the class. Children will be asked to remove any jewellery before P.E. lessons. Please teach your child to remove their own earrings before P.E lessons or alternatively leave them out for the days when P.E. lessons occur or provide plasters to cover them over. N.B. Earrings must be removed for swimming.
NOTICE Parents are asked to note that Cheshire West and Chester Education Authority will not accept any liability for damage to, or loss of, any personal property and does not provide insurance cover for personal possessions. Children are, therefore, encouraged not to bring personal belongings in to school. Any possessions left on the premises are at your own risk.
Holiday List 2013-14 HOLIDAY PERIOD
DATE OF CLOSING
AUTUMN HALF TERM 2013
FRI 18 OCTOBER
TUES 29 OCTOBER
CHRISTMAS 2013/14
WED18 DECEMBER
TUES 07 JANUARY 2014
SPRING HALF TERM 2014
FRI 14 FEBRUARY
MON 24 FEBRUARY
EASTER 2014
FRI 04 APRIL
TUES 22 APRIL
MAY DAY 2014
FRI 02 MAY
TUES 06 MAY
SUMMER HALF TERM 2014
FRI 23 MAY
TUES 03 JUNE
SUMMER 2014
THURS 24 JULY
DATE OF RE-OPENING
INSET Days – 2 Sept, 28 Oct, 19 Dec, 06 Jan, 02 June
St Oswald’s Church, Backford We invite you to join us in our Sunday services: 8.00am Holy Communion 11.15am Communion / Mattins / Family Service 6.30pm Evensong / Communion The Family Service is on the 3rd Sunday of each month and is more geared towards children. Beacons, for children aged 4 years and over, meet in the Village Hall at 11.15a.m. on the 2nd and 4th Sundays. Baptisms may take place during a service or at 1pm on a Sunday afternoon. Please contact Stephen at least a month in advance. For details of all Church and Parish events – please see the monthly Parish Magazine available at Church or by subscription (£5 a year).
Vicar – The Rev Stephen Southgate The Vicarage, Grove Road, Mollington, Chester CH1 6LG
Tel. 01244 851071
Mollington Old School Building The Trustees of the building have leased it for use by the Buddies Daycare and the Mollington Pre-School
Buddies Daycare Before and After School Club Before School 8am till 9am After School 3.15pm till 6pm Cost - £4 : Breakfast (£4.50 from 1/01/11) £9 : After School (£9.50 from 1/01/11) For more information call into the Old School during the above hours for an information pack, or ring Jo : 07976 455562
Mollington Pre-School Every morning, Monday to Friday. For more information call into the Old School Building or ring, 01244 853812
Information Relating to Academic Year 2012-2013
LINKS WITH HIGH SCHOOLS St Oswald’s is a “partner primary” with Upton-by-Chester County High School. Liaison meetings take place and we have also forged links with The Bishops’ High School. Staff from the High Schools are regular visitors to our school and the Headteacher attends liaison meetings at each High School. Year 6 Transfers - July 2013 Upton-by-Chester County High School Bishops’ High School Christleton High School Whitby High School Kings School West Kirby Grammar School Wirral Grammar School
9 5 2 1 1 1 1
School Attendance SCHOOL ATTENDANCE - September 2012 to July 2013 Number of authorised absences Number of unauthorised absences
2.4% 0.9%
Further information The information so far relates to the School Year 2013/14, correct at the time of publication. Letters of Information are regularly sent home with the children. The Headteacher will be pleased to give any further information about the school. Please telephone or write to make an appointment. General information about local schools, including High Schools, is available from School Admissions Cheshire West and Chester Council, Wyvern House, The Drumber, Winsford, Cheshire CW7 1AH Telephone Number 0300 123 7039
National Curriculum Standard Test Results 2012 Year 2 children are assessed by their class teachers in English, Mathematics and Science with some test papers being used to help in this Teacher Assessment. The table shows a summary of the National Curriculum assessment results in the school (2012) and nationally (2011) at the end of Key Stage 1, as a percentage of those eligible for assessment. The number of children eligible is :24
RESULTS OF TEACHER ASSESSMENT Percentage at each level W Boys
Speaking & Listening
Girls
All
Boys
Girls
1
2C
2B
2A
3
4
Disapplied Children
Absent Children
School
0
0
-
0
-
0
0
0
0
National
3
13
.
66
.
18
0
0
0
School
0
0
-
0
-
0
0
0
0
National
1
8
.
66
.
25
0
0
0
School
0
0
-
0
-
0
0
0
0
National
2
11
.
66
.
21
0
0
0
School
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
National
3
15
13
24
23
22
0
0
0
School
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
National
2
9
10
22
26
30
0
0
0
School
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
National
3
12
12
23
25
26
0
0
0
School
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
National
5
19
23
28
16
9
0
0
0
School
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
National
2
11
17
29
24
17
0
0
0
School
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
National
4
15
20
29
20
13
0
0
0
School
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
National
2
9
15
26
24
23
0
0
0
School
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
National
1
7
16
28
29
18
0
0
0
School
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
National
2
8
15
27
27
20
0
0
0
School
0
0
-
0
-
0
0
0
-
National
2
11
.
66
.
21
0
0
School
0
0
-
0
-
0
0
0
National
1
8
.
71
.
19
x
0
School
0
0
-
0
-
0
0
0
-
National
2
10
.
68
.
20
0
0
.
Reading All
Boys
Girls Writing All
Boys
Girls Mathematics All
Boys
Science
Girls
All
-
W represents children who are working towards level 1, but have not yet achieved the standards needed for level 1. U represents children for whom it is not possible to determine a level.
National Curriculum Standard Test Results 2012 Year 6 children take tests in Reading, Writing, Spelling and Mathematics. They are also assessed by their Class Teacher in English, Mathematics and Science. The percentage of pupils gaining will be reported as follows:English Mathematics Science (TA) Level 4 or above 85.7 % 76% 80%
Level 5
47.6%
38%
40%
COMPARATIVE REPORT These tables show the percentage of year 6 pupils achieving each level in 2012 compared to national end of key stage 2 teacher assessment levels and test results for 2011. The number of eligible children is:- 22 TEACHER ASSESSMENTS Percentage at each level W
1
2
3
4
5
6
Pupils disapplied
Pupils absent
School
0
0
0
0
41
32
27
0
0
National
1
1
3
14
49
32
0
0
0
School
0
0
0
0
41
59
0
0
0
National
1
1
3
14
47
34
1
0
0
School
0
0
0
0
41
59
0
0
0
National
1
0
2
12
50
35
0
0
0
English
Mathematics
Science
TEST RESULTS Percentage at each level Below level 2*
2
3
4
5
6
Pupils not entered#
Pupils absent
School
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
National
5
1
12
52
29
-
0
1
School
0
0
0
32
68
0
0
0
National
8
-
8
41
42
-
0
0
School
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
National
5
-
20
55
20
-
0
0
School
0
0
5
64
18
14
0
0
National
4
1
14
45
35
-
0
0
English
Reading
Writing
Mathematics
Thank you for your interest in St Oswald’s Primary School. We hope this prospectus covers all the information you require. If you need any further information please do not hesitate to contact the school.
St Oswald’s Primary School Grove Road Mollington Chester CH1 6LG Telephone: 01244 981040 E. mail: head@stoswald-moll.cheshire.sch.uk Website: stoswalds.school-portal.co.uk