Priory Fields School Everyone Achieving Together
“Parents and carers praise the school for its efforts in helping their children to learn and settle in quickly.” OFSTED
The School’s Mission Statement With respect for all and with high aspirations, together we positively contribute to our ever changing community, both now and in preparation for the future.
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for help and advice and involve them in activities. Keep parents well informed about ways in which we teach their children. Seek their help with pupils homework. Try to help and comfort families in times of difficulty. Forge close links with the local community.
The Aims of the School
Starting School in Reception
At Priory Fields School we provide a broad, balanced education for all the children in our care. We aim to create a happy caring and stimulating learning environment, in which all children can grow in self-esteem, will feel secure and confident in their abilities to enable them to fulfil their full potential as members of society and to engage in lifelong learning. In particular we will: -
Before your child is due to start school, please visit us and place your child’s name on the list for future entrants. Visits to the school are welcomed and appointments should be made with the School Office. Infants will have the opportunity to visit the school during the term before they start.
• Emphasise to parents and children the value and importance of a good education. • Make learning fun. • Encourage all children to value themselves and develop their potential to the full. • Value and welcome links with parents. • Give parents access to the school staff
As a school we offer a supportive induction process: • We have a meeting for parents of new pupils in the summer term. It is our policy to admit children the September after their 5th birthday. • We are offering parental choice to whether your child starts on a part time or full time basis. However there is an expectation that
children will be in school full time the term after their 5th birthday. • Teachers will offer to undertake a home visit or school visit to meet children and families before the children start school. • Pupils are admitted to school in accordance with the County Admissions Policy. • The Kent LA Reception Common Application Form (RCAF) is available from the School Office and should be returned before the deadline indicated on the form. Admission Criteria of parental wishes in Priority Order: 1. Looked after children. 2. Current family association (elder brother or sister in school at time of entry). 3. Health reasons (for which a medical certificate may be needed). 4. Nearness of children’s homes and ease of access to school.
Times of School Sessions Foundation/ Key Stage 1 Lower Key Stage 2 Upper Key Stage 2
9.00am – 3.15pm (55 minutes for lunch) 8.50am – 3.15pm (50 minutes for lunch) 8.50am – 3.15pm (50 minutes for lunch)
KS2 children should not arrive at school before 8.40am. From 8.40am children will be supervised in their classrooms. KS1 children should not arrive at school before 8.50am. From 8.50am children will be supervised in their classrooms. It is important that children are not late for school. Late arrival in the classroom can be upsetting for your child; can affect the smooth running of the school and will incur a late mark in the register.
Contact with Parents Education is a partnership between parent and teacher and we provide opportunities for
parents to become involved in their child’s school. Our aim is to generate a sound, friendly and professional relationship in which parents are regularly and warmly invited to parent’s consultations and other meetings to discuss their child’s work and progress. There is an expectation that parents will engage in this. Non-attendance will result in a phone call home, or possibly a home visit. Needless to say, teachers will be pleased to see parents to discuss problems at any other times, but some notice may be required.
Home-School Agreement In common with all schools in the country we have a Home – School Agreement which explains our aims and values and the way we all can help your child in school. We ask you to sign this Agreement to show that you understand and accept it. More specifically we aim to help pupils to develop:• Lively, enquiring minds and the ability to think logically and to express themselves clearly. • An ability to work hard and to succeed at tasks. • An ability to work independently and with other people, and to develop an appreciation of achievement and endeavour. • A sense of awareness and sensitivity to the needs of others. • The knowledge, skills and practical abilities they will need for their next phase of education and for life. By the time the children move on from our school to their secondary school, we expect that most of our children will:• Be able to read fluently and accurately, with understanding and enjoyment. • Speak and write clearly and confidently. • Write legibly and neatly, with good standards of spelling, punctuation and grammar.
• Be able to use mathematical skills and ideas in everyday situations. • Be able to use a range of creative arts and crafts as a means of expression. • Be aware of local geographical and social influences, and other times, places and cultures.
School Uniform The school has a recognisable uniform. We are proud of our school uniform and all children are expected to wear it. The wearing of school uniform will give everyone a sense of belonging to Priory Fields; a sense of pride in their appearance and will enable parents and teachers to set high expectations and high standards of work and behaviour. Jumpers, sweatshirts, t-shirts and shorts can be purchased from the school with the school logo, but can also be purchased from local outlets without the logo. Children who arrive at school in non-uniform tops will be asked to change into a school top and then asked to change back at the end of the day. It is expected that all children will wear black, school shoes with no coloured decorations or logos. Shoes should be flat; cover the heel and toe and preferably have adequate fasteners to ensure that it does not slip off the foot (e.g. laces, straps etc.). BOYS Fleece Royal blue or yellow jumper or sweatshirt with school motif Grey trousers
White, blue or yellow polo top or shirt School tie (optional) Grey socks Grey school shorts (Summer)
Black school shoes
GIRLS Fleece Royal blue or yellow jumper, cardigan or sweatshirt with school motif Grey pinafore dress, skirt or trousers White, blue or yellow polo top or shirt School tie (optional) White socks Royal blue gingham dress or yellow gingham dress (Summer) Black school shoes
Trainers are not acceptable for everyday wear.
P.E. Clothing Children should have their PE kit in school every day. This should consist of: Plimsolls/ trainers, shorts, t-shirt, tracksuit bottoms (in Winter). P.E. and Games kit should be stored in a suitable bag and clothing clearly marked with your child’s name. P.E. kit should be taken home at the end of each term.
Names on Clothing and Personal Property Please ensure that all items of clothing and footwear worn at school, together with any other personal items, are clearly marked with your child’s name. The school cannot take responsibility for loss or damage to the personal property of children.
School Council The council is made up of one student from each class who is elected on an annual basis. School Councillors take suggestions from their classmates to the meetings where decisions are made. Pupil voice is integral to our decision making within school, e.g. development of the playground, behaviour, attendance issues and trips etc. Each year the school council produce an action plan which they work on throughout the year. The councillors split up into sub teams and work on their specific focus. Groups have consisted of; • Eco group making the school more eco-friendly, recycling batteries minimising waste etc. • Attendance, devising exciting rewards for those whose attendance is good. 100% attendance days. • Outdoor learning, extending learning beyond the classroom; bird feeders and bird boxes, class gardens are just some examples. • Community group; holding events such
as bingo nights, film nights which include having popcorn and afternoon tea for the local community. One charity is chosen by the councillors annually, they raise money throughout the year and they also devise innovative and enjoyable ways of doing this.
Breakfast Club At Priory Fields School we run a very successful breakfast club. We believe that it is important to start the day in a calm and well nourished way and thus the club offers pupils a nutritious breakfast and a variety of activities in which to engage. The club is open from 8am to 8.45am at which time the children can go to their classrooms. Inevitably a cost is incurred but we endeavour to keep this to a minimum. Numbers are limited and places are offered on first come, first served basis. For pupils who are unallocated a place a waiting list is formed. We are always keen for new parents to become involved in the club on a voluntary basis.
After School Clubs Various members of staff offer club activities to groups of children after school and may cover some of the following from time to time: computers, cookery, badminton, netball, football, environment and gardening, rounders, music, drama, chess, dance and homework club. Children are regularly consulted on the types of clubs they would like and where possible, we try to accommodate their suggestions.
Safeguarding Statement At Priory Fields School we strongly recognise the need for vigilant awareness of all safeguarding issues. All staff have appropriate training and induction so that they understand their roles and responsibilities
and are confident about carrying them out. Staff, pupils, parents and governors should feel secure that they could raise any issues or concerns about the safety or welfare of children and know that they will be listened to and taken seriously. This will be achieved by maintaining an ethos of safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people. This is supported by clear behaviour, anti-bullying and safeguarding policies, appropriate induction and training, briefing and discussion of relevant issues and relevant learning in line with current legislation and guidelines.
Website We have a school website www.prioryfields. kent.sch.uk. This site provides the school, parents, pupils and the wider community with information on all aspects of the school. The site contains information on school policies and admissions details. A copy of this prospectus, our school profile and the latest Ofsted report are also available for downloading.
Early Years Foundation Stage Play underpins the Foundation Stage curriculum at Priory Fields School. Through play our children explore and develop learning experiences which help them to make sense of the world. Our environment is organised to allow the children to explore and learn in a positive atmosphere. Children are encouraged to access equipment and resources independently and tidy away after themselves. The children have free flow access to both inside and outside areas during Child Initiated activities. There is a dedicated outside area with areas of shade to which children have direct access from the classroom. The curriculum of the Early Years Foundation Stage (Year R) underpins all future learning by supporting, fostering, promoting and developing children’s:-
• Personal, social and emotional development. • Communication & Language. • Physical development. • Literacy. • Maths. • Understanding of the world. • Expressive arts and design. The ways in which a child engages with other people and their environment – playing and exploring, active learning and thinking critically – underpin learning and development across all areas of development and support children to remain an effective and motivated learner.
Key Stage 1 & Key Stage 2 All children of statutory school age at Priory Fields follow the National Curriculum in Mathematics, English, Science, Computing (ICT), Art, Music, Physical Education (PE), History, Geography and Design Technology. In addition to this, they follow the Kent Agreed Syllabus in Religious Education (RE). In addition to the National Curriculum, the school delivers an enriched crosscurricular approach to Social and Health Education, Moral, Spiritual, Personal, Environmental Education, Equal Opportunities and Multi-cultural Education. We aim to offer a creative curriculum with rich, exciting programmes of learning, including regular enrichment weeks, where we focus on one particular area for all our teaching and learning activities. A variety of activities will be planned for the children including visitors to the school, and educational visits by the children within the locality and beyond.
Children with Additional Educational Needs
There is a whole school policy for Additional Educational Needs (AEN). Regular assessment and testing procedures throughout the school are used to identify children who have learning difficulties particularly in the areas of English and Mathematics. The children’s behaviour is also monitored. Where a child shows that he or she has a special educational need, a step-by-step or “graduated approach” is used to give help following the Code of Practice published by the government (2014). The child will receive additional or different help as appropriate, which will be detailed on a provision map. This could be different styles of teaching, some help from an extra adult, perhaps in a small group or use of particular equipment. The child’s difficulties are targeted and progress at each stage is monitored termly with the parents being informed that:a. the child has been identified as having some special need. b. that a review of progress is to be held in line with our parent consultations. In addition the school accesses teachers in the Learning and Behaviour Support Services who provide elements of specific expertise. If any parent wishes to view the complete special needs policy it is available at the school.
English Priory Fields School aims to provide an environment where children can learn to communicate efficiently, effectively and with enjoyment through spoken, printed and written English. The English Curriculum involves a range of elements which include speaking, listening, reading and writing. At Priory Fields we regard the development of these skills as essential to enable pupils to access the broader curriculum. Great emphasis is, therefore, placed on encouraging pupils to use language effectively and creatively from an early age. Reading skills begin to develop before a child starts school. These skills are
further developed through listening to stories, sharing books and developing a love of literature. We have many books available in classrooms and all children are able to use the school’s library. Regular phonics lessons are taught across the school to ensure that children have a good progression in phonics, using the same approach. These lessons enable the children to develop in all areas of English, including reading and spelling. Handwriting and spelling are taught systematically throughout the school; we teach a joined, cursive style of handwriting.
Mathematics Priory Fields School aims to develop children’s mathematical skills and the ability and confidence to use them in problem solving and everyday situations. Whole-class teaching is regarded as very important and much emphasis is given to oral and mental work. Children are taught addition, subtraction, multiplication and division combined with a quick recall of number bonds and tables. The broad range of mathematical topics includes number, statistics, geometry and investigative and reasoning skills. A wide range of equipment is available so that children experience the valuable practical and oral work necessary for the understanding of mathematical concepts, which are then consolidated by written activities. We work closely with parents to keep them well informed and explain what children should know at different ages and how parents can help their children at home.
Creative Curriculum We have developed a creative curriculum which motivates and inspires our children. It encompasses science, computing, art, design
and technology, geography, history and music. It is innovative, rich and varied. The curriculum is enhanced even more through visits and visitors, journeys and special focus enrichment weeks. Children are taught through a topic-based approach and each theme is launched with an enriched start. These may be special trips, activities, a guest speaker or story teller, which helps the children understand the topic better and inspire them to find out more. We build on children’s natural curiosity of the world around them by encouraging them to think and question for themselves. As well as acquiring knowledge, the children develop enquiring minds, a keen interest in the world around them and a systematic way of thinking and learning. Children question their understanding through whole school investigations. Topic related trips in the local area increase their awareness and appreciation of the place in which they live. The children will be competent at using a range of technology such as; computers, iPads and individual laptops as well as digital cameras, beebots, digital books, webcams and visualisers. We will develop pupils’ confidence and competence. We understand the impact computing will have on children’s lives both now and in the future. It is important to Priory Fields School that children follow, and parents support, our e-safety guidance.
Priory Fields School Everyone Achieving Together Astor Avenue, Dover, Kent CT17 0FS Phone: 01304 211543 FAX: 01304 21154 Email Headteacher: headteacher@prioryfields.kent.sch.uk Office: admin@prioryfields.kent.sch.uk www.prioryfields.kent.sch.uk
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