Limpsfield Church of England Infant School
Achieving together in God’s light
Achieving together in God’s light Welcome Limpsfield Church of England Infant School caters for children between the ages of 4-7. Located in the beautiful and safe setting of Limpsfield Common, managed by the National Trust, we offer an excellent all-round education within a caring and supportive environment. There has been a school on this site since 1832 and within our 21st Century facilities some of the original stone walls have been retained to provide a reminder of those bygone days and traditions. We hope that this prospectus gives you a flavour of our School, but please do take the opportunity to visit, by appointment, and see for yourself the inclusive and caring atmosphere that permeates throughout the School.
Limpsfield Church of England Infant School
Achieving together in God’s light. Ethos and Aims Vision - We are a vibrant school with a Christian ethos flowing throughout the school day. We value the links with St Peter’s Church, our Diocese and the local community. Our central purpose is to provide an excellent all round education and promote an enjoyment of learning. Aims: Faith - We teach the Christian faith whilst encouraging an understanding of other beliefs and cultures. Self Esteem - We foster a sense of self-esteem where each member of the community feels valued and respected and diversity is celebrated. We provide consistent boundaries and teach self responsibility and independence whilst giving children the freedom to express and respect thoughts and feelings. Love of Learning - We nurture a love of learning through teaching a broad and balanced creative curriculum within a stimulating, safe, happy and emotionally secure environment. We recognise the gifts and talents of all children and actively encourage, support and challenge those children in order to help them achieve and be the very best they can be. Community - We encourage all members of the school community to participate fully and to have a voice in the school’s decision making processes. We value the relationship and communication between the school and wider community.
School Links The school has at its core a sound base of Christian values which underpin all that we do. We have close links with St Peter’s Church, Limpsfield and the community it serves. Our school is also a member of the Tandridge Education Partnership and works in partnership with other schools and organisations to ensure that all children in the area get the very best start in life.
Pupils reach consistently high standards by the time they leave the school Ofsted Report, Jan 2007
Introduction to the School Limpsfield School is a voluntary aided, co-educational school supported by the Diocese of Southwark in partnership with the Local Authority. We have a strong Christian ethos which permeates through the school day, with prayers said before lunch and again before leaving at the end of the day. We welcome children of all faiths and it is not essential to be a member of St Peter’s Church to gain admission. We value open communication with parents/carers and encourage them to take an active interest in our school.
Organisation of the School The school has a pupil admission number of 60 per year and classes are arranged into two Reception, two Year 1 and two Year 2 classes. Each class has an equal mix of age, ability and gender.
“The Headteacher is one of those rare individuals who appear to effortlessly balance compassion and authority into an atmosphere of friendship and enquiry where staff and children thrive” (Year 2 parent)
Facilities Inside our character building beats a modern heart. ICT forms an integral part of the daily school experience. The use of laptops starts in Reception and all classrooms are equipped with interactive whiteboards to enhance the teaching and learning experience. A computerised library has been set up to encourage children to develop a love of books and to follow their own interests as well as school topics. Other facilities include a specially designed cooking area with tiles painted by the children themselves. The school has two playgrounds with one set aside for the youngest children. Both are extensively equipped, with the younger children able to enjoy bikes, slides and other specialist apparatus. Both playgrounds are regularly used to support outdoor learning in all areas of the curriculum. One special aspect of the school is its unique position on Limpsfield Common, which we use for playtimes, games, sports and environmental studies, as well as an outdoor classroom. Limpsfield village also offers opportunities for practical studies and fieldwork.
Lessons are challenging and exciting, making sure that all pupils enjoy learning
Ofsted Report, Jan 2007
Early Years Foundation Stage Children start school in the September after their 4th birthday. Some will have had more experience of nursery or pre-school settings than others. The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum is tailored to take account of this and staff are experienced at assessing the needs of each child as they progress. This curriculum provides a framework for children’s learning and continuing assessment. Children learn through a variety of play-based tasks both indoors and outdoors, structured to provide a wide range of learning opportunities. We firmly believe that these lay the foundation for the future, encouraging early independence and positive attitudes towards learning.
“We think Limpsfield School is outstanding and we are delighted with the progress our son has made since starting in September. We like and agree with the discipline ethos of the school and, in this day and age, it is refreshing to see that children are taught right from wrong and that unacceptable behaviour is not tolerated� (Parent of Year R child)
We recognise that starting school can be daunting for some children - and their parents/carers. We run a programme of visits to the school during the summer term preceding their start, and once they begin, liaise with parents/carers to ensure the children settle quickly into the full life of school. Our youngest children enjoy the great advantage of a separate playground equipped with an excellent range of equipment. From here they are introduced to the big playground with support from the teaching staff.
Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2) The National Curriculum provides a framework for the development of the skills, knowledge and understanding that underpins future learning. Lessons are organised around halftermly topics into which all subjects are integrated. Religious Education is a separate subject and has its own scheme of work provided by the Diocese of Southwark. Parents/carers have a right to withdraw their child from Religious Education if they choose.
“The learning platform is a fantastic resource and makes a real difference. The homework page has been very helpful for understanding the types of things the children will need to understand.� (Parent of Year R child)
Teaching and Learning Teachers adopt a variety of strategies when planning each lesson, and after introducing a new topic may then divide the class into small groups according to ability or other criteria linked to the learning. We use a wide variety of high quality resources to enhance children’s learning. All classes benefit from having a highly trained Teaching Assistant in the mornings with the Reception Classes having Teaching Assistant support in the afternoons too. Extra Teaching Assistant support is also available for children with additional needs.
“My child is happy, confident and engaged in school life.�
(Parent of Year 1 child)
Collective Worship We hold an act of worship in assembly each morning when the school comes together as a community to share common interests. Sometimes a class will lead assembly sharing something of interest that they have been learning about. As a Church School our Christian and moral beliefs are intrinsic within the ethos of the school. Children are encouraged to show care and consideration and to think and help others less fortunate than themselves. The Rector of the Parish visits the school regularly and parents are invited to share in school services held at St Peter’s Church in Limpsfield.
“A lovely school and the children are very fortunate to start their academic life there.�
(Year 2 parent)
Special Needs Our Special Educational Needs Policy is in keeping with the school’s aims. Providing equal opportunities for all children, the school ensures that everyone enjoys a broad and balanced curriculum. We aim to identify children with special educational needs as early as possible but remain vigilant should problems manifest themselves later. We follow a specific Code of Practice for children with special needs and liaise with outside agencies where necessary for advice and support. We believe that parents/carers cooperation is vital so a partnership with parents/carers is implicit in our philosophy.
“Limpsfield School is a happy, nurturing place with a strong moral code. We couldn’t be happier – after six years at the school we cannot fault it.” (Year 2 parent)
Pastoral Care Pastoral care for the children is primarily the responsibility of the class teacher although the Headteacher is always happy to see parents/carers if required. We have a strong sense of the “family of Limpsfield School” where all staff get to know all children and share responsibility for their wellbeing. We see behaviour and discipline as a whole school responsibility and not just a class based one. The school has an Equality Policy which is available on request from the school office.
Discipline and Behaviour We believe that good discipline is essential to effective learning and have a clear behaviour policy. These playground rules were devised by the children of the School Council • Please use the equipment properly. • If you don’t like the way that someone is playing then say “STOP”. • If someone tells you to “STOP!” then you must stop what you are doing. • If you need help then ask a grown-up. • Remember to be kind to each other. • Don’t play rough games which might hurt people. • Ask people on the Friendship Bench to play with you. • Please play quiet and gentle games under the gazebo • Always do what the grown-ups ask you to do • Please help people if they fall over • Let people join in your games Special effort, success, kindness and good manners are rewarded with praise and encouragement. Unacceptable behaviour is dealt with quickly, firmly and with understanding. We have a clear anti-bullying policy and any incident, or indeed potential problem, is taken extremely seriously.
“I am very impressed with the effort and work that has gone in to help my son settle and learn.”
(Year R parent)
Working with, and for others At Limpsfield School we encourage children to think about themselves as part of the community. Children are made aware of how they can help others, both locally and across the world. For instance, every year all Year 2 children work together to stage a “Dilip Day”, making games and running stalls to raise money to support a child in India. Other charities such as Children in Need, Red Nose day and the Royal British Legion also receive our support. Team work is also encouraged and children learn about the impact their behaviour has on others.
“My daughter has loved her time at Limpsfield and we as parents particularly feel that the level of communication is excellent, both in terms of our daughter’s progress and also details of the school as a whole.” (Year 2 parent)
The School Council We believe that it is important to give children a ‘voice’ in some of the decisions that are made in school. Representatives are chosen from all year groups to join the School Council and are encouraged to talk to their class before voting about such things as new equipment, playground games, and fund raising methods to support national or local causes.
Homework Children are encouraged to read at home which we believe is relaxing and enjoyable for the children - and fun for parents/carers. Numeracy homework is set in Years 1 and 2 and children may be asked to collect information through their own research. A curriculum information sheet is issued half-termly outlining topics to be covered and giving parents/carers suggestions for helping their child.
Reports on Progress Consultation evenings are held each term for parents/carers to visit the school and discuss their child’s progress with the class teacher. A written progress report is also sent out annually to all parents/carers. “I was really impressed with the caring, happy and welcoming atmosphere of the school. The children all seemed to be enjoying their learning experience and to be very positive and enthusiastic, especially with their singing and practising for the St Peter’s Day service. I really liked the beautiful setting of your school in such a large green area and also the old building steeped in history. I was also very impressed with your approach to learning in which children learn through their experiences and will gain a lot from exploring outside and role-play. Your staff and also the parent helpers all seemed extremely enthusiastic. I very much hope that my children will be able to attend when the time comes” (Prospective parent)
Music, Dance and other Activities All children have the opportunity to learn country dancing and are encouraged to perform at local events like the Summer Fair. Choir, recorder, basketball, football, maypole dancing and gardening clubs are run for Year 2 children who wish to join. All children have the opportunity to play musical instruments through Surrey Arts. We have an Earlybird club operating on a daily basis before school from 8am offering a variety of sports and encouraging our children to lead a healthy lifestyle. There is a daily after-school sport or music club to enrich the children’s education.
The Home School Partnership Parents/carers are encouraged to involve themselves in school life in a variety of ways. Volunteering to help with classroom activities, or on school outings is always warmly welcomed, as is help and support for the various events and activities that take place throughout the year. There are also opportunities to be involved on the Parent Council and, at a more strategic level, as a parent governor. Enhanced CRB checks are carried out on all adults helping in school.
Limpsfield School Association The aims of the Association are: • To foster community interest and support the school • To raise funds for amenities and improvements Membership is automatic for all parents/carers with children at the school. The Association organises a mix of social and fund raising events and supports projects agreed with the school.
“We would like to express our sincerest gratitude to all the staff at Limpsfield for making it the fantastic school that it is.”
(Year 1 parent)
Child Protection Limpsfield School operates the Child Protection Policy recommended by Surrey Local Authority. It is normal that any concerns are addressed first to the parents/carers, but on rare occasions it may be more appropriate to contact other agencies first. The first point of contact is Mrs Baird, Headteacher and Child Protection Liaison Officer at the school. Mrs. Osborn, Chairman of Governors, can also be contacted through the School Office.
Open Mornings and Starting Arrangements Visiting the School We host an Open Morning for prospective parents/carers each term, but if this is not convenient we are always happy to show parents/carers round the school by appointment. Registration of Interest Form By completing the enclosed registration of interest form you will automatically receive details of how to apply for an admission pack in the September prior to your child starting school. Starting Arrangements Children are admitted into the Reception Class in the September after their 4th birthday. Children are admitted in a phased intake over the first two weeks of term. All children in Year R have the opportunity to stay all day, however should you feel your child would benefit from a shorter day, a “mornings only option” can be discussed with your child’s teacher. Children are invited to visit the school for a series of story times in the term before they start school, culminating in a longer visit to their classroom while parents/carers have an informal meeting with the Headteacher. There will be an opportunity for parents/carers to arrange an optional home visit. This enables your child’s teacher to visit you and your child in the home environment and to discuss any questions you may have around school life.
The School Routine The School Day Morning Session: 8:50am - 12.10pm Afternoon Session: 1.30pm - 3.15pm (3.10pm for Reception Classes) Morning Break: 10.40am - 10.55am Lunchtime: 12.10 – 1.25pm School meals are available for all children, though parents/ carers can provide packed lunches if preferred. Children are taught for 21 hours 40 minutes per week, excluding regular breaks and assembly times.
Health, Medical and Accidents Surrey County Council arranges regular dental, vision and hearing checks for all children. Your child will have a medical during Reception Year and you will be notified of the time so that you can attend. Prescribed medicines only are allowed to be given at school. These are kept secure in the School Office.
“We are very happy with the school and would highly recommend it. I only wish my son could stay there until 11.”
(Year R parent)
Ofsted Report, 2007 In the latest Ofsted Inspection Limpsfield School was judged to be “outstanding” in all six categories that feature in the inspection: • Achievement and Standards, • Personal Development and Well-being, • Teaching and Learning, • Curriculum and other activities, • Care, Guidance and Support, • Leadership and Management. The overall summary is included in the back of the Prospectus, but can also be accessed on the Ofsted website www.Ofsted.gov.uk Please also see the insert relating to the Ofsted interim assessment dated 12th July 2010.
Diocesan Report, 2007 In the most recent Diocesan inspection the school was judged to be outstanding in all four areas inspected. The report concluded:
The distinctiveness and effectiveness of Limpsfield as a Church of England School are outstanding.
Diocesan Report
The full report is available on the National Society website www.natsoc.org.uk
Some Y2 children’s thoughts on what they like about Limpsfield School “I like PE, and Assembly and school outings and working on the laptops and playing with my friends” “Thank you for being my Headteacher. I have really enjoyed football on the common, recorder, being on the School Council, the playground and the interactive whiteboards” “I like playing football on the common with my friends.” “I remember when I first did my really big sum and got it right!” “I enjoy meeting new people who come to the school and give talks.” “I love my teacher because she teaches me well.” “I like it when the children from St Peter’s, Walworth visit us.” “I like going on outings like Bay Pond and Bodiam.” “I think that my favourite trips were Bodiam Castle and the Hindu Temple” “I like doing plays. There are lots of plays. Sometimes the Rainbow Theatre comes and we join in” “Limpsfield is great!” And a comment from a child new to Reception on staying at school for the whole day “I love Mrs. Beach’s cooking. I eat it all up cos she does lots of veg-a-bles. Veg-a-bles are my favourite!”
Comments from Leavers’ Parents “Limpsfield has been a great start for both my children. The teaching staff are enthusiastic, helpful and approachable. The children are keen learners, polite, well mannered coupled with enthusiasm for all aspects of the school. I do not think they could have had a better start to their education” “I have spent most of my ‘parenting’ life at Limpsfield and I have loved every minute of it. The friendship and support I have received from the staff, and all the other parents I have made friendships with, have helped me through the highs and lows of life and I will sorely miss it” (Written after the last of three children left) “My children have thrived at Limpsfield. I can’t praise the teaching staff enough. They are caring and nurturing and my children left confident and ready to face the rest of their school life. Thank you” “What a wonderful start to school life!” “It was a good school and it’s got even better – it’s vibrant now”
“Limpsfield is a very special school with caring teachers and other staff who offer a high level of pastoral care as well as a high level of teaching.”
(Parent of Year 2 and Year R children)
The Limpsfield School Learning Platform Limpsfield School uses an Internet Learning Platform (Fronter) to communicate with parents. Fronter is used effectively to share information such as newsletters, messages from school, diary dates, examples of children’s work and ideas for ways in which you can support your child’s learning at home. The use of this learning platform is gradually increasing, supporting more and more aspects of the curriculum and providing a wealth of information for parents. Fronter is accessed regularly by the majority of Limpsfield School parents and their children. “Limpsfield CE Infant School is a great example of a school
with the arts and creativity at the heart of learning. The arts are effectively used throughout the curriculum and in extra-curricular activities to engage pupils, enhance learning, inspire teachers and involve the local community. The school management clearly values the arts highly and makes great use of the excellent creative skills and enthusiasm of teachers, TAs and governors. The school optimizes use of its rural setting and has a proactive outreach programme with other schools. The schools ethos is a child-focused one which actively encourages creative exploration, celebration and sharing by the whole school community.” Artsmark Assessment
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Limpsfield Church of England Infant School Westerham Road, Oxted, Surrey, RH8 0EA Tel: 01883 723183 Fax: 01883 723183 E-mail: info@limpsfield.surrey.sch.uk
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