; Appreciation ; Caring ; Co-operation ; Equality ; Excellence ; Friendship ; Gratitude ; Happiness ; Hope ; Humility ;
: Love : Peace : Positivity : Quality : Respect : Responsibility : Simplicity : Thoughtfulness : Tolerance : Trust :
MISSION STATEMENT At Beech Hill Primary School we will; Achieve the highest possible standards of attainment for all our children through: ; Striving for excellence in all we do.
Welcome to Beech Hill Primary School Beech Hill Primary School is a large, vibrant school in the heart of Luton. Beech Hill is a happy, friendly school with a focus on Community. We are the hub site for a large, popular Children’s Centre which supports a growing number of families. We work closely with them to support and improve the life choices of all our community members. Children are at the heart of everything we do. We aim to foster a love of learning which we hope will stay with our children throughout their lives. Our highly committed staff bring, a wealth of experience and expertise to nurture and support each child to achieve their best. We have high expectations of everyone and celebrate success at all levels. Our school is a stimulating, attractive, well resourced environment where children are encouraged to develop independence, initiative, self confidence and a sense of responsibility.
The basic skills are emphasised through a creative curriculum. We have a wide and varied range of after school clubs to supplement and support learning. We value working in partnership with parents, the Teaching School Alliance and everyone who can help us in our drive to achieve excellence. Visitors to our school are very welcome, please make an appointment with the office staff if you would like a tour around our school. We look forward to welcoming you to Beech Hill Primary School and to working with you and your children throughout this stage of their educational journey.
; Recognising and celebrating the achievements of our children and staff. ; Creating a safe, welcoming, caring and stimulating environment for everyone in the school. ; Catering for the needs of all our children and ensuring equal opportunities. ; Understanding, respecting and celebrating our cultural diversity. ; Using positive behavioural approaches supported by clear guidelines to develop and maintain good behaviour. ; Working in partnership with our parents/carers and encouraging parental involvement in the school. ; Seeking links with our local community. ; Ensuring breadth and balance in our curriculum and using cross curricular approaches where appropriate. ; Extending and enriching our curriculum by providing a range of before and after school activities, holiday play schemes and excursions during school time. ; Encouraging regular and punctual attendance.
; Appreciation ; Caring ; Co-operation ; Equality ; Excellence ; Friendship ; Gratitude ; Happiness ; Hope ; Humility ;
GOVERNING BODY
Road Safety
The Governors together with the Headteacher are responsible for:
The majority of children walk to school with their parents. We ask parents to park away from the school gate to ensure that both parents and children can see and be seen and can cross the road safely. We have a School Crossing Patrol Attendant before and after school to assist with road safety.
; Making sure that the Foundation Stage and National Curriculums are taught in the school ; Appointing staff ; Financial Management ; Appraisal of staff ; Discipline
School Times Nursery Class Morning Afternoon
8.30 a.m. – 11.30 a.m. 12.15 p.m. – 3.15 p.m.
Reception Class Morning 8.50 a.m. – 11.45 a.m. Afternoon 12.30 p.m. – 3.00 p.m. Lower Phase – Years 1, 2 and 3 Morning 8.50 a.m. – 12.00 p.m. Afternoon 12.45 p.m. – 3.00 p.m. Upper Phase – Years 4, 5 and 6 Morning 8.50 a.m. – 12.20 p.m. Afternoon 1.00 p.m. – 3.00 p.m. Pupils can enter school from 8.40 a.m.
If you have to bring your child to school by car, please park responsibly, i.e. ensure you will not be causing a problem to pedestrians, residents or other drivers.
The behaviour of pupils is good. Parents agree. Pupils are enthusiastic learners and demonstrate good attitudes to work. Ofsted Inspection Report May 2014
Admission Policy The school allocates pupils to the nursery via its waiting list. Places are allocated in order of position on the waiting list or through referral from Social Care or Health. Luton Borough Council allocates places for children transferring to the Reception Class, on receipt of a completed “Going to School” form. Places are allocated in accordance with the School’s Admission Arrangements. A copy of this policy is available for reading upon request from the School Office.
Starting in the Early Years In the weeks before a child starts in the Nursery or Reception Classes, parents and children are given opportunities to visit the school and their new class. You are invited to visit the Nursery or Reception Classes in action and speak to staff in relation to any issues you may have concerning your child. You will discuss their interests and abilities with their class teacher. This will enable staff to plan to meet each child’s needs as they enter the school in September. It is important that we work together to help your child settle into school as quickly as possible. Please speak with the Nursery or Reception Class Achievement Managers if you have any concerns.
PLEASE BE PUNCTUAL!
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Attendance Children must attend school regularly. It is your legal responsibility to make sure your child attends school. If your child is off sick you must inform the school by a telephone call before 9.30 a.m. on their first day of absence explaining why they are off. If we are not notified this will appear on your child’s records as an unauthorised absence. Parents are reminded that keeping their children away from school unless it is absolutely necessary is not only against the law, but causes children to fall behind in their learning. Parents are not entitled to remove their child from school during school time to go on extended leave abroad. If you do require additional time for a trip abroad you must book an appointment with the Attendance Officer prior to making any travel plans. However the Governing Body have determined that permission will not be granted for any leave during school time. If you take your child out of school you will face a fine upon your return and if the absence exceeds 20 days your child’s name will be removed from the school roll.
Addresses and Emergency Contact Numbers It is important that we know where to contact you in case of an emergency situation concerning your child. Please let the school know any change of address or telephone numbers immediately.
Security Parents/carers are asked to come into the school through the FRONT door, sign into the visitor book and wear a visitor’s badge. This enables us to check that only authorised people are on site and to protect the well being of both staff and pupils.
Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is enhanced well through lots of opportunities to take responsibility and involvement in a good range of extra activities. Ofsted Inspection Report May 2014
School Meals Many children stay for school lunch and enjoy the meals provided. All meat is halal and a vegetarian option is always available. Beech Hill has been awarded ‘Healthy School’ status and so all meals provided conform with the guidelines for healthy schools. If your child is going to be late due to an appointment and will still require a school lunch, please make sure you inform the office before 10.00 a.m.
Fruit and Vegetable Scheme Under the Government’s School Fruit and Vegetable Scheme, KS1 and Foundation Stage children are entitled to receive a free piece of fruit or vegetable each school day. The aim is for the children to have a positive and enjoyable experience of fruit and vegetables. Pupils in KS2 may bring in a piece of fruit or vegetable to eat at play time.
Milk Following the School Food Plan and as part of the Governments initiative all pupils in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 will be entitled to free school milk. Pupils that are eligible for Free School Meals in Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 are also entitled to free school milk. Children in the rest of the school are also offered milk at a reduced cost. Payment for this is on a half termly basis and cheques must be made payable to Beech Hill Community Primary School. Refunds or credits are not given for absences. Water is available for drinking during the day. Water fountains are located at strategic positions in the school. Each child has their own water bottle to enable them to drink during lessons.
Medicines If your child requires medicine that is prescribed by the doctor during school time you will need to sign a form of indemnity. Parents are asked to bring the medicine to, and collect it from, the office each day. In order to protect your child and others, please do not send medicine into school with your child. We have a School Nurse who is available to talk to you daily about any medical concerns you may have in relation to your child.
; Appreciation ; Caring ; Co-operation ; Equality ; Excellence ; Friendship ; Gratitude ; Happiness ; Hope ; Humility ;
Clothing Please make sure that your child is dressed in correct school uniform. Children should have sensible shoes that they can walk and run in without any discomfort. Platform and high-heeled shoes are not permitted. During the winter months children will need a warm coat, hat and gloves. Boys Uniform
Girls Uniform
PE Kit
Grey trousers
Grey skirt/ pinafore / trousers
White T-shirt
White polo shirt
White polo shirt
Shorts/tracksuit
Royal Blue Jumper
Royal Blue Jumper/cardigan
Plimsolls/trainers
Black shoes
Black shoes
Girls are permitted to wear a royal blue Shalwar Kameez and a royal blue headscarf. Long hair must be tied back with a blue hairband. All school uniform with the school emblem stitched on them is available from Bushra Fashions on Dunstable Road opposite the school. You will be asked to purchase a book bag, as your child will be given books to take home and read with you. A gym bag, which is kept at school, will also be required for PE kit which should come in every Monday, remain in school all week and go home on Fridays for washing. Please make sure that all clothing is labelled clearly with your child’s name and class.
Each child has a locker to store bags and coats. Please do not send large bags into school as they will not fit in the lockers. No jewellery is to be worn at school. If your child has pierced ears, small studs can be worn. Hooped earrings are not acceptable as the earlobe can easily be ripped during a fall. Earrings must not be worn on days that your child has PE. Any child wearing earrings on a PE day will have to wear tape over the earrings for PE lessons. Any watches or other jewellery must be removed. The school will not accept responsibility for loss of any jewellery worn to school. If your child mislays school clothing a lost property box is located in school. Your child or a Family Worker will be able to show you where it is kept.
Good teaching is enabling current pupils in all year groups to make good progress in reading, writing and mathematics. Pupils are achieving well. Ofsted Inspection Report May 2014
Educational Events Educational visits are organised for each class and are related to children’s learning. All visits are free in line with our Charging Policy. A copy of the Charging Policy is available for reading from the School Office.
After School Clubs There are a wide variety of After School Clubs on offer to the children. Some that have been run recently include: ; Book Club ; Cricket ; Film ; Football ; ; Fun and Games ; Homework ; ICT ; ; Netball ; Reading ;
Parental Involvement We feel that it is important that parents are involved in their child’s education. There are times during the year when we may ask you to support a variety of events, for example, assemblies, parent consultation days, open days, celebrations, fundraising events etc. It is also very important that you become involved by hearing your child read every day and by helping them with their homework. As a community school we offer a number of daytime learning activities for adults and families. These include classes about how to help your child with literacy or numeracy, English language classes, toy library, stay and play, etc. These are held in our Children’s Centre.
Starting at our school We have an induction procedure for all new children starting at Beech Hill. This involves a guided tour of the school, the allocation of a class buddy and a meeting with the child’s new teacher.
: Love : Peace : Positivity : Quality : Respect : Responsibility : Simplicity : Thoughtfulness : Tolerance : Trust :
THE CURRICULUM Nursery and Foundation Stage At Beech Hill we aim to create a safe, happy and stimulating environment which reflects the children’s various backgrounds and interests. The curriculum is accessible to all children including those who may have special educational needs and those for whom English is an additional language. By capitalising on a child’s need for play, the Nursery and Foundation Stage provides a broad and balanced curriculum in both an indoor and outdoor environment that supports the child’s all round development. Full details of the curriculum for each year group can be found on the school’s website.
On starting in Reception, children’s attainment is often well below that which is expected nationally, and many have very limited communication skills. Good progress in the Early Years Foundation Stage enables children to achieve national expectations by the end of Reception. From their different starting points children make good and often rapid progress in this key stage. Ofsted Inspection Report May 2014
THE NURSERY & FOUNDATION STAGE CURRICULUM Communication and language development involves giving children opportunities to experience a rich language environment; to develop their confidence and skills in expressing themselves; and to speak and listen in a range of situations. Physical development involves providing opportunities for young children to be active and interactive; and to develop their co-ordination, control and movement. Children must also be helped to understand the importance of physical activity, and to make healthy choices in relation to food. Personal, social and emotional development involves helping children to develop a positive sense of themselves, and others; to form positive relationships and develop respect for others; to develop social skills and learn how to manage their feelings; to understand appropriate behaviour in groups; and to have confidence in their own abilities. Literacy development involves encouraging children to link sounds and letters and to begin to read and write. Children must be given access to a wide range of reading materials (books, poems and other written materials) to ignite their interest. Mathematics involves providing children with opportunities to develop and improve their skills in counting, understanding and using numbers; calculating simple addition and subtraction problems; and to describe shapes, space and measures.
; Appreciation ; Caring ; Co-operation ; Equality ; Excellence ; Friendship ; Gratitude ; Happiness ; Hope ; Humility ;
Understanding the world involves guiding children to make sense of their physical world and their community through opportunities to explore, observe and find out about people, places, technology and the environment. Expressive arts and design involves enabling children to explore and play with a wide range of media and materials, as well as providing opportunities and encouragement for sharing their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of activities in art, music, movement, dance, role-play and design and technology.
CURRICULUM FOR KEY STAGE 1 AND 2 English English is a vital way of communicating in school, in public life and internationally. In studying English pupils develop skills in speaking and listening, reading and writing. It enables them to express themselves creatively and imaginatively and to communicate with others effectively. We use a book based curriculum to plan and deliver broad and balanced English lessons (see our website for more details.) We place a strong emphasis on developing speaking and listening skills throughout the curriculum in the belief that until pupils can verbally express themselves they are not able to write down their thoughts. Writing, usually in the form of ‘mark making’, starts as soon as children enter the Foundation Stage culminating in extended pieces of writing by Year 6. We use a variety
of phonic strategies including Jolly Phonics (mainly in Foundation Stage) and THRASS throughout the school. Reading and writing skills are not only taught explicitly in English lessons but also through cross curricular sessions.
‘Lessons are fun and we learn at the same time.’ Pupil
Mathematics Mathematics is important in everyday life, science and technology, decision making and many forms of employment. We follow the Rising Stars framework for Mathematics. Pupils develop a good knowledge of number, shape and data handling and many take part in additional Mathematics work eg booster sessions before school and Maths Mania which is an after school club.
Parents think highly of the school and appreciate all that the school offers. Staff enjoy working at the school, and serve the pupils and their families well. Ofsted Inspection Report May 2014
Science
PE
At Beech Hill we use the Rising Stars framework called ‘Switch on Science’ to enhance learning across both key stages with the aim of ensuring continuity and progression. Because science links direct practical experiences with ideas, it can engage learners at many levels. We, therefore, have a strong emphasis on teaching scientific enquiry as well as the other areas of study such as Plants, Animals, Light, Sound, etc.
Each child is taught PE for a minimum of 2 hours per week through a varied curriculum which includes the use of large and small apparatus, dance and games. In addition, Key Stage 2 pupils have swimming lessons at a local pool. Specialist coaches are also used to teach specific skills.
Computing
Art and Design stimulates creativity and imagination. It provides visual, tactile and sensory experiences and a unique way of understanding and responding to the world. Children study a broad range of Art techniques and processes. They use a variety of mediums at both Key Stages including clay, textiles, printing, drawing and painting. Pupils study artists’ work as well as a variety of sources to inspire their own work.
Pupils use computing tools to find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information responsibly and creatively. The school has laptops and iPads which are assigned to Year groups as well as digital cameras, visualisers and recording equipment. Every class has an interactive SMART board which connects to the internet. Computing is used as a cross curricular tool as well as skills being taught in dedicated computing lessons.
Art and Design
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Music
History
Music is an important part of our curriculum at Beech Hill as it helps develop pupils’ ability to listen carefully and appreciate creativity. Children are given the opportunity to develop an understanding of music through activities which include performing, composing, listening and appraising. They develop an understanding of how sound is produced and can be controlled in various ways.
History fires pupils’ curiosity about the past in Britain and the wider world. They consider how the past influences the present, study famous events and learn how to research information from a variety of sources. Educational visits and visitors support the understanding of History. Pupils study a wide range of topics eg the Romans, the Egyptians and the Second World War.
At Key Stage 2 children who have a particular enthusiasm to extend their musical experiences can learn to play a musical instrument and are taught by specialist peripatetic teachers.
Geography The teaching of Geography provides pupils with opportunities to develop an interest, curiosity and respect for people and places. They also develop a sense of identity within their community and a sense of place in the world. Pupils learn to question the world around them and have an informed concern about the environment and the future of the human habitat.
Design and Technology In Design Technology children follow a skills based curriculum which ensures progression across the key stages. The pupils study mechanisms, structures and control. Knowledge and skills are developed through investigating and participating in focused practical tasks. Emphasis is placed on children designing, making, evaluating and modifying their own products.
Religious Education RE is taught throughout the school using the Bedfordshire Agreed Syllabus. Children learn about their own and other religions through: ; hearing stories ; discussion ; examining artefacts
are considering this please arrange to meet with the Headteacher. However, it is important to note that we are learning about other religions in RE, but are not engaging in any kind of religious act. Our assemblies are always of a multi faith approach. A copy of the Collective Worship Policy is available upon request from the School Office.
Personal Social Health Education (PSHE) We believe that spiritual, moral, social and cultural education is fundamental to children’s development. In PSHE we help children learn how to think for themselves, take responsibility, and reflect on their views and actions. They learn how to understand others and how they think, develop the ability to use setbacks as an opportunity to learn, build up their self esteem, become more assertive and set themselves realistic but challenging objectives and goals. We are a Values school and our values are: ; Appreciation ; Caring ; Co-operation ; ; Equality ; Excellence ; Friendship ; Gratitude ; ; Happiness ; Hope ; Humility ; Love ; Peace ; ; Positivity ; Respect ; Responsibility ; Simplicity ; ; Thoughtfulness ; Tolerance ; Trust ;
; watching videos ; taking part in and watching special assemblies ; excursions to churches, temples, mosques and other religious buildings Please note that parents/carers have the right to withdraw children from collective worship. If parents
; Appreciation ; Caring ; Co-operation ; Equality ; Excellence ; Friendship ; Gratitude ; Happiness ; Hope ; Humility ;
Parents/carers have a right to see the materials the school uses for the teaching of sensitive areas of the curriculum such as sex education or drug awareness. If parents/carers are not happy with our materials or approach they can withdraw their child from that session. Parents/carers can also request to see the school’s PSHE, Sex Education and Confidentiality statements.
The school has an attractive learning environment. Pupils take great pride in its appearance and their work. Ofsted Inspection Report May 2014
Homework Learning Logs are provided for weekly homework. Children can answer the open ended questions through a variety of ways including writing, research, ICT and Art.
SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) Beech Hill is a fully inclusive school and we welcome children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. We endeavour to ensure equality for all our pupils – whatever their needs. The school has an Assistant Headteacher who oversees the provision for children who have an identified special need. Special needs children are identified as soon as possible and appropriate provision made for them. In most cases the needs of children will be met by the class teacher and support staff. In some cases the child’s needs will be met by writing a child friendly Individual Education Plan (IEP). If we write such a plan for your
child it will be discussed with you and we will ask for your help in achieving the plan’s objectives. For some children we might write an Individual Behaviour Plan (IBP) or a Pastoral Support Plan (PSP) depending on their needs. Again, you would be consulted on these plans. All plans to meet individual needs are regularly reviewed and new plans written on the basis of the reviews. Plans and records are maintained on the school’s SEND database. All records kept on children are available for parents/carers to examine. Sometimes the school will ask for outside agencies to support us. Meetings will be organised with them and you will be fully consulted. In certain cases the school might seek to obtain an Education Health Care Plan for your child so that he/ she can obtain more specified support. This will be done in consultation and in agreement with you. The school might arrange for your child to receive extra help and in such cases they could be withdrawn from class to work on an individual basis or as part of a small group. Parents/carers can ask to see the school’s Inclusion Policy and School Local Offer for SEN Pupils, Accessibility Plan, Confidentiality Policy and Safeguarding Policy. The school has close links with the Parent Carer Forum. If you would like more information on this please speak to a member of our Inclusion Team. Coffee mornings are held every half term to maintain and develop our parental communication.
Pupils say, “We don’t def ine people by race in this school.” Ofsted Inspection Report May 2104
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Safeguarding Children We aim to protect all the children within our school so they can develop and learn in an environment that is safe and caring. The school works together with other agencies: ; to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children; ; to ensure that all children have equal rights to protection; ; to develop a school ethos that makes children feel secure. We aim to give pupils strategies regarding their safety; ensuring we deal with any concerns or suspected cases of child abuse in a swift and appropriate manner. We have a Designated Teacher at Beech Hill who takes the lead on all safeguarding issues. The school operates safe recruitment procedures by ensuring that appropriate checks are carried out on new staff, volunteers and parents who work with children.
English as an Additional Language (EAL) Many of the children at our school speak two or three different languages. We celebrate this achievement and value all the languages spoken in our school. The medium of study is, however, English and so it is important all our children can speak, read and write English to the highest possible standards. Sometimes children will receive additional help within their classroom or on an individual basis or perhaps in a small
group. At other times they might be withdrawn from class for a short period of time. The key principle is that they are given regular help to develop their English speaking skills.
Pupil Voice At Beech Hill all children have the opportunity to play an active role in decisions that affect their learning and wellbeing. Everyone is important and we are always looking for new and exciting ideas that can improve the running of our school and how we learn. There are a number of opportunities in which children can give their ideas and opinions; these include School Council, Eco Club and Teaching Partners. All of these roles encourage pupil voice, developing children’s social and citizenship skills. The School Council is formed of an elected body of children, who represent all the views of the other children. Ideas from each class are gathered through class meetings and a number of fund raising events are held to contribute to good causes. There is an Eco Club at the school who have achieved the Green Flag Eco award. This demonstrates the school’s commitment to ‘green issues’. Children are encouraged to look after their environment, improve recycling skills and develop sustainability. Children have the opportunity to give their views, from a learner’s perspective, to improve lessons through a Teaching Partner approach. Children provide information about what helps them to learn best and what we can do to improve their experiences.
Procedure and Complaints As required under the Education Reform Act 1988, the authority has a procedure whereby complaints about
the curriculum and collective worship may be dealt with. Should parents find it necessary to consider making a complaint, they should bring the matter to the attention of the Headteacher in the first instance.
Availability of Public Documents As required under the Education Reform Act 1988, certain documents that relate to the school must be made available (at the school) to Parents who express a wish to see them. A list of these documents is available and is revised as new ones are published. The list currently includes: ; All the schemes of work and syllabuses in use ; Any recent OFSTED report about the school ; The Authority’s complaint procedure ; The schools Behaviour Policy ; The schools Charges and Remission of Charges Policy ; The schools Children’s Safeguarding Policy ; The schools Educational Visits Policy ; The schools Health and Safety Policy ; The schools Special Educational Needs and Disability Policy ; The schools Teaching and Learning Policy Parents wishing to see any of these documents should contact the Headteacher. Policies are also available on our website: www.beechhillprimary.com
And Finally: Thank you for choosing Beech Hill. We hope that you and your family will be happy during your time with us!
; Appreciation ; Caring ; Co-operation ; Equality ; Excellence ; Friendship ; Gratitude ; Happiness ; Hope ; Humility ;
: Love : Peace : Positivity : Quality : Respect : Responsibility : Simplicity : Thoughtfulness : Tolerance : Trust :
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Dunstable Road, Luton, Bedfordshire, LU4 8BW Telephone: 01582 429434 Fax: 01582 487680 Email: Beechhill.Primary.admin@luton.gov.uk Website: www.beechhillprimary.com
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