Ryelands prospectus 2015 v5

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Oasis Community Learning Every Person Matters When I was a teenager I used to attend a local church-based youth club at the weekends. There I learnt two important lessons in life. The first was that the 15-year-old girl that I started going there in an attempt to woo into becoming my girlfriend wasn’t the least bit interested. To her I was a non-entity – a mere 14-year-old! But the second was that I am made in the image of God and that as a result, my life, just like each life, has purpose and meaning. In short, I learnt that every person matters.

So it was that I became inspired to create ways to help build communities where everyone – both young and old – had hope, felt they mattered and were given the opportunity to achieve to their full potential. As a result, in 1985 I set up Oasis; a charity which now provides education, housing and healthcare around the world.

Oasis Community Learning, part of what was by then a family of Oasis charities, began its life in 2004 with the goal of developing a number of Academies across the UK. And, just like the rest of Oasis’ work around the world, right at its heart are the same values. Inspired by Christ, we are committed to valuing all, protecting rights to freedom and choice, working against discrimination and exclusion, respecting the beliefs of others and nurturing confident and competent young people.

That’s why Oasis Academy Ryelands purpose is to provide a rich and balanced educational environment – academically, vocationally, socially, morally, spiritually, emotionally and environmentally for all our students.

The Oasis Educational Charter spells all this out in much more detail. You can download this from our website www.oasisacademyryelands.org.

However, it is all summed up like this: We are community - we are relationships We are learning - we are achievement We are unique - we are inclusive We are enjoyment - we are perseverance We are hope - we are future We are Oasis.

That’s why we aim to develop informed and active learners who can explore questions, seek answers and solve problems – students who will care passionately about their neighbour, their community and their planet.

That’s why, through high-quality facilities, outstanding staff and clear leadership, we work to create a positive and affirming environment, encouraging partnerships between students, parents/carers and the wider local community.

That’s why Oasis Academy Ryelands’ goal is to provide a welcoming environment for students of all faiths and none, as well as for their parents and carers.

Steve Chalke MBE Founder of Oasis

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Welcome to Oasis Academy Ryelands Thank you for taking the time to have a look at our Prospectus.

This is designed to give you an overview of Oasis Academy Ryelands so that you have some key facts about the school to get started on.

Once you’ve looked through it, visit our website www.oasisacademyryelands.org which gives additional practical information about the school.

Additionally, we warmly welcome and encourage you to come and visit us for a tour of the school. You can arrange this through our school office on 020 8656 4165 and we will be delighted to see you and to answer any questions you may have.

The relationship that we have with you – the parents and carers of our students – is extremely important to us because it’s only by us working together, as a team, that your children can achieve their social and educational potential, and become good citizens, leading happy and rewarding lives when they leave school. We understand that, as parents and carers, nothing is more important to you than ensuring that your children have the best chance in life so that you can be proud of them. That’s why keeping your children safe and continually stimulated to learn, is our top priority. We all want to be proud of your children.

Your school is part of your community and Oasis Academy Ryelands is, and very much wants to be, part of your community. An outstanding school is one where everybody associated with it works together as an effective team with the aim of helping your children achieve their academic and social potential so that they can have better tomorrows and turn their ambitions and dreams into realities.

You will usually see me at the school gates in the mornings before school starts. If you happen to notice me and would like a quick word or just want to say hello, please don’t hesitate to do so. We are all here not just for our students but for you as well. When it comes to doing the best for your children, I know that you will be there for us and this means a great deal to all our staff.

We all look forward to getting to know you and to working with you. very warm welcome to Oasis Academy Ryelands.

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Best Wishes

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Glenn Lillo, Principal

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About our Academy Oasis Academy Ryelands is situated in South Norwood. Until 1st May 2014 it was called Ryelands Primary School.

The school was built in 1971 and was previously located on Albert Road next to the entrance to South Norwood Country Park. In June 2015 we returned to the original site, in the refurbished Edwardian school building on Oakley Road.

Our Values Every child matters We identify and develop the gifts, talents and interests of all our pupils. Our curriculum and extended opportunities enable all pupils to engage in their education. They enjoy learning and achieve success. We help them learn how to be healthy and stay safe. They make positive contributions to their Academy, their community and the wider world.

They develop spiritual, social, physical, emotional and economic well-being. We value the achievements of every individual.

Education for all All members of our community are learners. Our students are educated for life. Our staff are developed through teamwork, training and the opportunities that an innovative environment brings. We contribute to lifelong education for the whole community.

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“It takes a whole village to educate a child�

This African saying reflects the importance of the whole community in educating our children. We employ first-class staff. Support goes beyond the classroom and beyond the Academy gate. Parents, carers and families of our students are expected to be involved in their education.

Caring for one another We recognise the richness that spiritual and cultural diversity brings to our community. We respect the beliefs and practices of other faiths and provide a welcoming environment for students of all faiths and those with none.

We recognise that we are stronger together and value collaboration. We develop an understanding and tolerance of each other through knowledge, mutual respect, believing the best of each other and forgiveness. Individual rights are respected and choice is exercised within a culture of self-discipline.

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Our aims – developed in consultation with the School Parliament: • Provide a safe, stimulating and enriching environment for our students to thrive emotionally, socially and educationally.

• Develop independent learners who are increasingly enthusiastic in progressing their own learning and interests.

• Ensure that our students enjoy coming to school, are happy and actively contribute towards making the school buzz with purposeful learning.

• For adults in school to constantly strive to improve their practice so that can children achieve their very best.

• To involve and interact our local community.

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Learning and Teaching At Ryelands we teach an exciting and creative curriculum that takes account of the latest research on how our children think and learn. We encourage our learners to achieve their very best and to ensure they develop their skills and talents in all aspects of intellectual, social and physical development.

The Academy is divided into the following stages: • Early Years and Foundation Stage – Nursery and Reception (3-5 years) • Key Stage 1 – Years 1 (5-6 years) and 2 (6-7 years) • Key Stage 2 – Years 3, 4, 5 and 6 (7-11 years) Early Years and Foundation Stage There are four principles which underpin our Early Years and Foundation Stage curriculum: • A unique child – every child is a competent learner from birth who can be resilient, capable, confident and self-assured.

• Positive relationships – so that children feel safe and cared for.

• Enabling environments – we provide a rich and varied environment which supports children’s learning and development. It gives them the confidence to explore and learn in secure and safe yet challenging, indoor and outdoor space.

• Learning and development – children develop and learn in different ways and at different rates. In their play children learn at their highest levels. We provide wide-ranging and varied interests that engage and involve children for sustained periods.

Key Stages 1 and 2 In Year 1 children move to the primary curriculum which will include the core areas of learning and experience which are essential to the child’s development and are

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defined within the National Curriculum. The learning environment is also carefully planned to support the learning and teaching in the core curriculum areas so that children can become independent and motivated learners who fulfil their true potential.

The core areas are: • English Language and Literacy – speaking, listening, reading and writing play an important part in the learning process and are outlined in the National Curriculum and Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum.

• Speaking and listening – we encourage learners to express themselves effectively and confidently for different purposes and audiences and to listen and respond to each other.

• Reading – we teach reading skills daily and provide opportunities to read in all areas of the curriculum. We have a systematic approach to teaching reading skills and we engender a lifelong love of reading. The school is well equipped with a variety of interactive books, audio books and pictures to encourage learners to look, listen, talk and read.

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Learning and Teaching continued • Writing – learners are encouraged to write for a variety of purposes and are taught the skills needed to become confident writers.

• Mathematics – learners develop their numeracy, problem solving and reasoning skills through a range of practical activities and challenges.

• Science – learners have opportunities to explore and learn about their world. They learn to hypothesise, test their predictions and draw conclusions.

• Information and Communication Technology – learners are equipped with the necessary skills and confidence to successfully function in the changing world of technology.

• Religious Education – we believe that all learners should develop mutual respect and understanding of many different beliefs and cultures. You will have the right to withdraw your child from RE and Collective Worship by written request.

Your child will also study the following Foundation subjects: • • • • • • • •

History Music Geography Physical Education Art Modern Foreign Languages Design Technology Personal, Social and Health Education and Citizenship.

We teach these through a topic based curriculum that encompasses the National Curriculum. We provide high levels of enjoyment and creativity so that children are inspired to learn.

Special Educational Needs

Often these needs can be met by pupils having access to a variety of different activities to suit their learning as well as additional support from their teacher. Sometimes extra external support can be arranged by our Inclusion Manager, such as an Educational Psychologist or support teacher. If we are still not meeting a child’s needs, we will ask for a full assessment by the Local Authority. Parental/ carer involvement and permission will be sought at every stage of the process.

English as an Additional Language At Oasis we aim to recognise and respond to the fact that many of our pupils use two languages in their everyday lives. We welcome all new arrivals into our Academy and offer them support to adjust and acquire English. For pupils identified as needing additional support to develop their language acquisition, they receive individual or group tuition from our EAL teacher.

Many children at some stage of their learning have special educational needs which may include further developing their gifts, talents, learning, emotions or behaviour.

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A Skills Based Curriculum Every day the amount of knowledge in the world grows.

At Oasis Academy Ryelands we believe that it is important to teach children skills to be able to find out and use the knowledge that they need, when they need it. Our teaching is focused on developing children’s generic learning and thinking skills as well as subject specific skills.

We prioritise developing the key skills identified in the National Curriculum as follows: Communication This includes the skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing and using them across the curriculum and in everyday situations.

Application of numbers This includes developing mental and written calculation skills, using data, interpreting measurements and being able to use these skills in different subjects and everyday situations.

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Information and Communication Technology As computers become increasingly more important in all aspect of life, learners needs to be able to choose ICT tools to find, analyse, interpret, evaluate and present information. They need to be able to decide when and how to use ICT. The Academy has excellent computer facilities.

Learning to Learn This is a process of discovery about learning. It involves a set of principles and skills which, if understood and used, helps learners learn more effectively and become learners for life.

Academy Day Session

Time

Breakfast Club

from 7:50 am

Registration

8:50 am

Assembly

9:00 – 9:20 am

Session 1

9:20-10:50 am

Break

10:50 - 11:10 am 11:10-12:00 am R

Session 2

Problem Solving We embed problem solving in all areas of the curriculum to help children develop skills and strategies linked to them.

11:10-12:15 pm Y1&2 11:10-12:30 pm Y3,4,5,6 12:00 - 1:30 pm R

Lunch

12:15- 1:30 pm Y1&2 12:30-1:30 pm Y3,4,5,6

Registration

1:30-1:35 pm

Session 3

1:35-3:30 pm

After School Enrichment Activities

3:30-4:30 pm

After school Club - Holiplay

3:30-6:00 pm

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Mid-morning snack Milk is provided free for the Nursery and Reception children up to the age of 5 and any children who are entitled to Free School Meals. The Academy Office have forms to complete if you wish to pay.

Fruit is provided up to Y2 as a mid-morning snack.

Older children may bring a piece of fruit for break.

Lunchtimes

A full extended Academy

Academy lunches must be paid for via Parentpay, either online or at a Paypoint. Barcoded letters are available from the school office. Please contact the Academy office if you wish to set up an account or for further information.

All Oasis Academies offer opportunities for extended learning beyond the core Academy day at the Academy and in the Hub. The extended learning programmes are extensive and provide a wide range of learning activities across the phases of the Academy. Please contact the Academy office if you would like your child to attend Breakfast Club and for details of our After School Club run

by Holiplay.

Free meals are available to all Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 children and those families in receipt of Child Tax Credit, Job Seekers’ Allowance or Income Support.

Please complete the relevant form available from the Academy office.

Alternatively, your child may wish to have packed lunch.

Lunches must be healthy, with a balanced selection of food, including fruit and vegetables and water. Sweets, nuts and fizzy drinks are not permitted.

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Partnership - with Parents and Carers We recognise that the education of your child is a shared venture - shared between you, the parents/carers, and us, the staff of the Academy. We each have our part to play and we welcome your support and involvement.

Parental/carer involvement is an essential part of a child’s progress and development and we view the relationship between teachers, parents/carers and children as a triangle where each plays an equally important role in the child’s educational progress.

Communication is all important, so we ensure that there are many opportunities for dialogue with parents/carers. This section explains some of the ways that this dialogue takes place.

Induction for Nursery Class: The children are invited to attend a stay and play session with their parents/carers. This enables a smooth start for the children. Home visits are available upon request.

Children settle in at their own pace.

Induction for Reception Classes: Parents/carers of children new to the school are invited to spend a morning in the Reception Class to ensure a smooth start. Nursery children who are transferring spend some time in Reception during the summer term. The vast majority settle in quickly in the first week. If necessary, children can settle at a slower pace and build up from part time.

Parental/carer consultations: Each September there are discussions with the class teacher regarding your child’s progress and to set targets for the school year. In March, these targets are reviewed together. In July a report is sent home and an opportunity to discuss the report with the class teacher is provided.

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If parents/carers have particular enquiries, they are encouraged to talk to the teacher, Phase Leader, Deputy Principal or the Principal by making an appointment.

There are showcase events throughout the year when pupils show their work to their family.

Reading record: Pupils have a reading journal through which the parent/ carer or teacher can communicate on a daily basis. It is also used to keep a record of books the child has read and where children too, can add their comments. Children are expected to read every day. There are regular workshops to explain how to support reading development and enjoyment.

Homework: Children’s education is, of course, not restricted to the Academy. Children are given homework which suits their age and ability. We expect children to develop their responsibility for homework so that they are used to organising themselves in preparation for secondary school.

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Newsletters and questionnaires:

Educational trips out of the Academy:

We communicate weekly with parents/carers through a weekly newsletter. Each Year Group sends a termly letter to explain what the children will be studying. The Academy also issue periodic questionnaires to parents/carers for invaluable feedback to help staff and Academy Councillors make decisions and shape the future of the Academy.

We make full use of our magnificent location by South Norwood Country Park. Many trips outside the Academy are arranged each year and parents/carers may be asked to contribute to the cost. In cases of hardship, parents/ carers can contact the Academy office in confidence to see whether support may be available.

Pupil Parliament:

Parents/carers in the Academy:

This is a chance for the Academy to hear the voice of the children. The group is made up of two elected representatives from Years 2-6. They meet with staff regularly to make suggestions about the day-to-day running of the Academy. They decide on and help to organise fundraising projects such as Comic Relief.

Parents/carers can help the Academy in a multitude of ways: sharing books with children, supporting lessons in craft or cooking and helping on Academy trips etc. If you have a talent and some time to share it, please let us know.

Children are selected at random to participate in focused discussions around particular subjects throughout the year.

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Website: There is an Academy website where further information about the Academy is available www.oasisacademyryelands.org

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Learning - Pastoral care We believe that children learn best when they are well and happy. If there are circumstances which are worrying you or affecting your child’s well-being please, talk to us in confidence. If your child has had an injury or an emotional upset, please explain the situation to the class teacher and/or Principal in order for them to receive the appropriate form of support.

If we cannot help you ourselves we will put you in touch with someone who can.

Keeping Safe We have regular visits from: Road Safety teams, Railway Safety, Police and Fire Brigade who teach the children how to keep themselves safe by assessing risk.

Medicines There are occasions when children are prescribed medicines such as antibiotics even though the doctor regards them as fit to attend school. The Academy would prefer NOT to become involved in the administration of such medicines. Medicines which need to be taken three or four times a day can easily be administered from home: • • • •

Once before school Once immediately after school Once before tea Once before bedtime

What happens if my child becomes ill during the day?

One of our first aiders will administer first aid and a member of the office will call and ask you to collect your child. If hospital treatment is required, we need parental/ carer consent. It is therefore essential that we have both your home and work telephone numbers, so that contact can be made in an emergency.

In extreme circumstances, we can administer medicines.

Please see a member of office staff.

Children who need medicine as part of a chronic condition, such as asthma, attend the office for their medicine as necessary. The School Nurse will complete a care plan for such children.

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Behaviour All members of the Academy community are expected to behave towards one another in a polite, caring and respectful manner, showing consideration for one another’s feelings. The Golden Rules ensure that we continue to maintain high standards of behaviour.

• • • • •

We treat others with respect at all times We are kind and helpful We are honest We work hard and always try our best We always treat property with respect

Our emphasis is on rewarding positive behaviour. However, an important aspect of our partnership with parents/carers is informing them if their child’s behaviour is unacceptable and sharing responsibility for that behaviour. We also have a policy on all forms of bullying, so that any incidents are dealt with immediately.

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Child Protection and Pupil Welfare

Complaints policy

Our child protection programme supports each child’s development in ways which foster security, confidence and independence. The Academy has a duty of care and the right to take reasonable action to ensure the welfare and safety of its pupils. If a member of staff has cause to be concerned that a child may be subject to ill treatment, neglect or any other form of abuse, the Academy will follow child protection procedures and inform social services of its concern.

If a parent/carer wishes to make a complaint about their child’s welfare or education at the Academy, they should do so by following the procedure given in the Academy’s Parental Complaints Policy. A copy of this can be obtained by contacting the Academy office or looking on the website: www.oasisacademyryelands.org.

School policies are available on request from the Academy Office.

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Absence and Lateness What if my child is absent from school?

What if my child is late for Academy learning?

We are a non-selective Academy open to pupils of all religious faiths and those of no faith.

It is very important that all children attend school regularly, but if your child is unwell he/she should not be sent to the Academy. If you are unsure as to whether or not your child is ill, it’s always best to send them to school and let us know to keep an eye on them. We will contact you if they need to go home.

It is very important that all children are in the Academy on time. A child will be recorded as late if they arrive in the classroom 5 minutes after the start of the session.

Students are admitted to the Reception year and allocated places in accordance with Croydon’s Admissions Policy.

For further information on this please click on the following website: www.croydon.gov.uk

You are expected to inform the Academy of an absence as soon as possible on the first day of absence so that an authorised absence can be recorded.

Authorised absences are acceptable reasons for absence and cover things like sickness, hospital appointments, religious holidays, funerals etc. All appointments should, where possible, be arranged for after the Academy day.

Unauthorised absences are absences where no acceptable reason is given and includes things like shopping, going to the airport, a relative visiting, going for a haircut, parent/carer unwell, holidays, dentist appointments etc.

Under no circumstances may children leave school by themselves during Academy hours. Parents/carers who collect children to go to the doctor, dentist etc., must first report to the Academy office and the child will be collected from the classroom.

Both the Academy and the Education Welfare Officer (EWO) monitor the attendance of each child. The EWO visits weekly and contacts families where children are absent and the Academy has not been given a reason or where there is a pattern of absenteeism from the Academy and the child’s attendance is below 90%.

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Admissions

It is equally as important that children should be picked up from the Academy promptly. If for any reason you are going to be late, please contact the Academy so we know what is happening. It can be very distressing for the child if we do not know anything. All children who are picked up late will be brought to the front entrance hall.

What happens if we have to go away in Academy time?

The law requires that once a child is on the Academy’s register, they should be sent to the Academy every day that it is open. There is no right to time off for holidays and these will not be authorised.

If parents/carers are considering a holiday during term time, for whatever reason, this must be discussed with the Principal well before any bookings are made. A leave of absence form must be filled in and signed by the Principal.

The holiday will be reported as unauthorised absence and a fine will be issued. If a child goes missing we will inform Croydon Council as part of our safeguarding procedures.

If you are seeking a place for your child in another year group or for a Reception place post-September, you will need to complete the in-year admission form and return it to Croydon Council (Department for Children and Young People and Learners, Primary Admissions, Taberner House, Park Lane, Croydon CR9 1TP)

Nursery Admissions Please contact the school directly for Nursery admissions.

Please note that admission to the Nursery does not guarantee a place in Reception. The Common Application Form will need to be completed.

How places will be allocated Where the number of applications for admission is greater than the published admission number, applications will be considered against the criteria set out below. After the admission of pupils with statements of Special Educational Needs where the Academy is named on the statement, the criteria will be applied in the order in which they are set out below: 1. Children in public care; 2. Admission of pupils whose siblings currently attend the Academy and who will continue to do so on the date of admission. The term “sibling” means a full, half, adopted or fostered brother or sister, or other child living permanently within the same household.

The Academy reserves the right to ask for proof of relationship; 3. Children for whom the Academy is appropriate on genuine medical or social grounds. Such applications will be decided by the Academy Council or nominated panel. (Applications on medical grounds will only be considered under this criterion if they are supported by an attached written statement from a doctor.

This must demonstrate that there is a very specific connection between the child’s medical need and the Academy requested).

4. Admission of pupils on the basis of proximity to the Academy using straight line measurement from the main entrance of the Academy to the main entrance to the child’s home.

5. The distance used to determine how close the child lives to the Academy will be the direct line measurement from the front door of the permanent home address to the main entrance to the Academy site. The child’s permanent home address is where he or she normally lives and sleeps and goes to school from. Proof of residence can be requested at any time throughout the admissions process. If false or misleading information is used to gain entry to the Academy, the offer of a place will be withdrawn.

If there are more applicants than there are places remaining within a particular category and where there is no difference in distance from home to school for two or more children, random allocation will be used to allocate the final available place(s) and to establish priority on the waiting list.

Please note There is an appeals process and all Oasis Academies follow the nationally agreed guidance for admissions appeal.

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Uniform We require all pupils to wear uniform without exception. A uniform helps to give unity and identification to an Academy; it can make less obvious the different financial circumstances of parents/carers and is a protection for both parents/carers and pupils from the temptations of temporary extremes of fashion.

We are grateful to parents/carers for their full support in seeing that high standards are maintained in the wearing of uniform, tidiness and cleanliness.

Sports kit

We assume all parents/carers will ensure their son or daughter dresses according to the uniform list. The Academy will maintain a small stock of clean spare uniform for pupils to wear.

Dark blue shorts

Academy blue sweatshirt

Plain white socks

White polo shirt

Plimsolls / trainers

Charcoal grey trousers/ skirt/ shorts or a navy skirt

Details about how to obtain sweatshirts, polo shirts, shorts and bags with the Academy logo can be obtained from the Academy office.

Summer blue chequered dress Academy fleece Black, grey or white socks or tights Sensible black shoes that support the foot, not boots.

Academy book bag

All hijabs should be plain black, white, grey or navy.

White round-necked t-shirt

Academy sweatshirt Grey jogging bottoms (optional)

Jewellery is not permitted, except for children with pierced ears, who may wear studs on those days when they do not have swimming or PE. Earrings must be removed for PE lessons. If a child’s ears have very recently been pierced they may wear their studs provided that they are covered with tape by parents/carers, before they come to the Academy. Once the lesson is over they may remove the tape. A normal watch may be worn once a child is able to use it correctly. This must be removed for PE lessons.

Children with long hair should tie it up. This is essential for PE lessons. Extreme hairstyles should be avoided for both girls and boys.

Please do not allow your child to wear make-up or nail varnish.

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How to contact us: Prinicpal: Mr Glenn Lillo If you have a query regarding Oasis Academy Ryelands Primary please contact the Academy office on 020 8656 4165 or office@oasisryelands.org

Oasis Academy Ryelands Oakley Road South Norwood London SE25 4XG

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If you wish to know more about Oasis Community Learning – part of the Oasis group of charities, please contact: 75 Westminster Bridge Road, London SE1 7HS www.oasisuk.org/education Registered number: 5398529.

Oasis Academy Ryelands Oakley Road, South Norwood London SE25 4XG Tel: 020 8656 4165 www.oasisacademyryelands.org