Our Prospectus

Welcome to Lomeshaye Junior School Letter from the Head teacher I am delighted to welcome you to Lomeshaye Junior School. This prospectus is designed to provide you with information about the school, which is correct at the time of going to print.

Lomeshaye is a fully inclusive school where everyone is treated with respect and provided with equal opportunities regardless of gender or ethnicity. The staff work tirelessly to ensure we do all that we can to meet your childâ€&#x;s individual learning needs. We care for the whole child at Lomeshaye, looking at their social, emotional and physical needs as well as ensuring that all children have access to a wide and varied range of learning opportunities.

Children need to see their parents and teachers working together. It gives them security and confidence, which they need if they are to develop good attitudes and habits for life long learning. We aim to work in partnership with you in order to ensure that the time your child spends with us will be happy, safe and be both emotionally and academically successful.

I hope you find that our school is welcoming and supportive of your needs as a parent and that your child receives a high standard of personal and academic development.

I look forward to meeting and working together with you, to further develop your child and help them on their journey to success.

Yours sincerely

A. Pleasants

From The Chair of Governors Dear Parents and Friends, It is my pleasure, on behalf of the Governing Body of Lomeshaye Junior School, to welcome you to the school and to this our prospectus, which I hope will provide you with the information you will require.

After reading about the work in the school, please come for a visit and see the school in action, we would be delighted to show you round. You will find a climate of high expectation and care which we believe leads to achievement in all aspects of school life.

We see the education of our children as being a partnership of all concerned with the school and we invite you to join this partnership so that your children will gain most from their years at school.

Yours sincerely, Sheila Wicks (Chair of Governors)

The School Governors Mrs S Wicks (Chair)

L.A. Representative

Mr F Leighton (V.Chair)

Community

Mrs S Safdar Miss S Jones

Staff Governor Teacher Governor

Mrs S Saleem Mr K Mahmood Mrs A Kauser Mr H Wallace Dr Naheed Mrs A Zaman

Parent Representative Community Representative Parent Representative Community Governor Parent Representative Parent Representative

A Pleasants

Head Teacher Governor

C Marshall

Clerk to the Governors

Governors can be contacted via the school office.

Name and Address of the School Lomeshaye Junior School Norfolk Street Nelson Lancashire BB9 7SY Telephone number: 01282 612063 Fax number: 01282 698870 email: head@lomeshaye.lancs.sch.uk website

www.lomeshaye.lancs.sch.uk

Local Area Education Office District 13 Area Education Office The Globe St. James Square Accrington Lancashire BB5 ORE Telephone number: 01254 220716

Change of Address It is very important that you tell us immediately of any change in your address, telephone number or emergency contact. We may need to get in touch with you urgently so please keep us informed.

From the School Council We adore coming to Lomeshaye Junior School!

We all learn a huge amount of subjects (Maths and English, of course … but so much more as well!). We also have a great Creative Curriculum which changes every year. Because we (the pupils) choose the areas we will learn about, it is so much more interesting. This year we have introduced a new Pupil management Team who discuss whether the topics were interesting or not, ask the class to vote and decide what would be better for next year.

Our whole school themes this year have been “Ourselves”, “Diversity” and “Global Awareness”.

Year 6 have enjoyed learning about real life issues relating to the chocolate theme eating their favourite bars and designing new ones, whilst Year 3 have loved studying the theme of “Once upon a time” and making hats for fairytale characters. At the end of our creative theme, we share our learning with other pupils and families. We do this by performing in assemblies and presentations and also displaying our work on the school website.

At lunchtime and after school we have a unique choice of clubs, for instance you can play Football or Cricket and you might sing with Mr Kennedy and Mr Harding or save the planet with the Eco Warriors!

As school council we endeavour to make our school a better place and a safe place. By taking very important decisions, we make our school amazing and fun. We raise a lot of money for different charities by selling cakes and biscuits and dressing up in non-uniform. Also we celebrate important events like St Georges day, Eid and Christmas. Every year, all classes take part in arranging a stall for the summer fair, such as the bouncy castle, food stalls and games.

We also arrange trips for our class or for the whole school and invite visitors who make incredible presentations. Part of our role is to make sure that we make visitors feel welcome and ensure that they are impressed with our sensational school. The Head boy and Head girl have the important job of showing the visitors around. The teachers help us to keep our school buzzing!!

School Council 2013

Mission Statement and Aims of the School Mission Statement.

By creating a happy, safe and caring school environment in which we all cooperate as a team, we aim to enhance the life skills of our pupils, staff and parents in a climate of high expectations, challenge, tolerance and mutual respect, on our journey to success and fulfilment.

Aims of the School.

We aim to: 

Provide a safe, healthy, caring and positive environment in which high self esteem and confidence will flourish.



Promote mutual respect for the values, attitudes, opinions and beliefs of themselves and others.



Enhance and enrich the children‟s experiences by providing a broad, creative curriculum that maximises learning and enjoyment for all.



Enable all pupils in a climate of high expectations and challenge to achieve their full potential both academically and socially.



Foster strong links and good relationships between school, our parents and local and international communities.



Develop eco- awareness, knowledge of global issues and a sense of responsibility for the wider world.



Ensure that children have the skills and knowledge to contribute to a world of technological advances and economic change.

Lomeshaye School Vision Our vision at Lomeshaye has been revised in Sept 2010 following two successful Ofsted inspections, a turnover of staff and following many prolific changes in education. It embraces the principles of 'Every Child Matters' and extended services and will work towards these goals.

Our shared vision will ensure that the pupils, staff and all stakeholders will work in a safe, stimulating, healthy, caring and positive environment in which high self-esteem and confidence will flourish. We believe that all our work and experiences at Lomeshaye are part of a journey that will help us to become successful individuals.

Children will thrive in an atmosphere where high standards of behaviour, social manners, personal and academic achievement, are paramount. All staff will act as excellent role models in helping children to be successful in all areas. We will have a „can do‟ culture in a climate of high expectations and challenge to ensure pupils‟ achieve their full potential both academically and socially.

Mutual respect for the values, attitudes, opinions and beliefs of each other are fundamental to the general ethos and will permeate all aspects of school life.

We are committed to racial harmony, respect and tolerance of gender, religions and cultures, ensuring equal opportunities and inclusion for all children. In order for our children to experience diversity we will foster strong links and good relationships between other schools and local and international communities.

Our creative and extended curriculum which incorporates clubs, trips, partners working in school, sporting events and residential visits, will endeavour to develop children‟s eco- awareness, knowledge of global issues and help to instil a sense of responsibility for the wider world whilst maximising learning and enjoyment for all. Children will be given the opportunity to develop the skills required for the workplace through independent, investigative activities and enterprise themes.

We will try to ensure that our children leave Lomeshaye with a positive disposition for the wider, diverse community and for learning, so that they will become responsible British citizens and life-long learners.

The school will employ innovative and effective approaches to teaching and learning with a clear focus on personalised learning which take into account the individual development of pupils. The range of learning experiences and activities offered will support the full range of pupils‟ individual learning styles.

Careful use of assessment information will ensure appropriate challenge for all pupils including those with additional educational needs and for gifted and talented pupils. Transition arrangements will be well managed and promote the continuity of the learning process. The school leadership team will monitor the quality of teaching and learning to ensure all staff adopt a consistent approach and standards remain high across the school.

We will ensure that all pupils and staff will gain the confidence and ability that is necessary to enable them to deal with future technological innovation and change in the 21st century both for their future economic well-being and their own personal development. The school will be appropriately resourced to facilitate this.

We will have a motivated and skilful workforce that embraces change positively, thus equipping our school for learning in the 21st century. To do this we will develop the potential of all our staff by providing high quality training for teaching and all support staff. We will work collaboratively as a team and have a shared responsibility and accountability for standards and achievement throughout the school. We embrace the principles of distributed leadership and provide opportunities for staff to develop as future leaders.

We fully recognise the crucial contribution parents make to their childâ€&#x;s social, emotional and academic well-being and to this end we will provide many opportunities to impart knowledge and understanding to our parents. A varied programme of events and training will be provided for parents. We are committed to life-long learning for all and will ensure all stakeholders are included in our journey to success.

School Organisation Education is provided for children between the ages of 7 and 11, and the school has approximately 300 pupils on roll. Pupils are admitted on completion of Key Stage One, the majority coming from Whitefield Infant School. We have a standard limit per age group, at present 60 pupils in year 5, 6 and 90 in year 3 and 4.

The school has classes arranged chronologically in mixed ability groups. A wide range of teaching styles and strategies are used according to the needs of the pupils and the subject taught. Class teachers deliver the national curriculum to their own classes, but where possible specialists input is used and this may involve interchange of pupils and/or classes.

The teaching staff consists of head teacher, deputy head teacher, assistant head teacher, ten class teachers and an SEN Teacher. The support staff in the school are made up of teaching assistants who have a variety of skills and attributes, working with pupils with special educational needs, EAL pupils, targeted groups delivering intervention work and general classroom support.

The classroom staff are very ably supported by a dedicated team of school business manager, clerical assistant, attendance officer, parental involvement officer, learning mentor, welfare assistants, site supervisor, cleaners, cook and kitchen staff.

A Punjabi /Urdu speaking member of staff is readily available to talk to parents or to speak to them on the telephone (01282 612063). Bilingual staff are on duty before and after school to help parents. Bilingual staff are also available at meetings between parents and teachers whenever necessary.

The school has a pleasant, airy building which has undergone recent refurbishment to provide each class with a newly decorated, carpeted and furnished room, which includes an interactive whiteboard.

Our facilities are 10 classrooms, a Library and English Resources Centre, a Computer Suite, a hall/gymnasium, a group teaching/music area, separate changing rooms for boys and girls, a playground with play equipment, seating, quiet areas and small garden area. Many varied parent courses are offered for your lifelong learning which are held in school or at local venues. The school also has a modernised, fully equipped, teaching kitchen where meals are cooked for pupils who stay for a midday meal.

Over the next few years the school will undergo extensive refurbishment to accommodate our expanding pupil numbers which will rise to 360 by 2015.

The School Day

8.45 am – 9.00 am Pupils enter school/Registration 9.00 am – 9.30 am 1st Session (Friday assembly 9.05) 9.30 am – 10.40 am 2nd Session 10.40 am – 10.55 am Assembly (Monday, Wednesday) 10.55 am – 11.10 am Morning Break 11.10 am – 12.15 pm 3rd Session 12.15 pm – 1.10 pm Lunchtime 1.10 pm – 2.10 pm 4th Session (Inc. Registration) 2.10 pm – 3.15 pm 5th Session (Friday 3.20pm) 3.15 pm – 5.00 pm After School Clubs On Tuesday & Thursday assemblies are class based and vary in time.

At 8.45 am the pupils begin entering the school to begin the early bird activity.

All pupils are expected to be settled in school by 8.55 am. After lunch, at 1.10pm the afternoon session begins.

A crossing patrol operates twice a day at the junction of Carr Road and Norfolk Street.

Children and Parents are encouraged to walk to school.

We participate in WOW (Walk Once a Week) every Thursday; pupils are issued with a hi-vizability jacket to help keep them safe as they walk to school. Also in the month of May we hold a walk to school week and October a walk to school month.

Teaching Staff Name

Responsibilities

A Pleasants

Headteacher

S Jones

Deputy Headteacher

A Smith

Assistant Headteacher

K Cooper

Full Time Teacher/Science

M Farrer

Full Time Teacher

H Holden

Full Time Teacher/SENCO

L Kelly

Full Time Teacher/Eco Warrior Co-ordinator Part-Time Teacher/RE Coordinator/School Council Co-ordinator Full Time Teacher/ICT/DT & Art Coordinator/Community Cohesion with Global Awareness

S Malik E Payne

R Shaw

Full Time Teacher

A Spokes

Full Time Teacher/Numeracy Coordinator/Transition Manager

L Pinder

Full Time Teacher/NQT

H Wallace

Full Time Teacher/PSHE/PE Co-ordinator

K Heseldon

Full Time Teacher/NQT

K Briggs

Full Time Teacher/NQT

L Newhouse

Part-time Maths Tutor

Administration Staff Name A Embley

J Wilkinson S Braithwaite

Responsibilities School Business Manager, Finance, Health & Safety, Administration, Personnel, EVC Attendance Officer and School Clerical Assistant School Clerical Assistant Learning Support Staff

Name R Asghar F Aslam J Harvey J Holland S Lawless V Hough C Porter S Ahmed S Safdar S Saghir M Ahssan S Shah S Sultana K Walmsley A Casey C Bairstow M Circua

Responsibilities Bilingual Teaching Assistant Bilingual Teaching Assistant ICT Technician/Teaching Assistant/Library Assistant Teaching Assistant/Learning Mentor Teaching Assistant Teaching Assistant Teaching Assistant/PE Coach Teaching Assistant/Bilingual Teaching Assistant Parental Involvement Officer Bilingual Teaching Assistant Teaching Assistant/Bilingual Bilingual Teaching Assistant Bilingual Teaching Assistant Teaching Assistant Teaching Assistant/Art Teacher Yr 3/4 Teaching Assistant Bilingual Teaching Assistant Site Staff

Name D Nuttall S Watson E Watson

Responsibilities Site Manager Manual Worker Manual Worker

Welfare Staff Name J Wilkinson S Saghir N Akhtar S Ali J Cook S Lawless V Hough S Watson A Casey C Porter

Responsibilities Senior Mid-day Supervisor Senior Mid-day Supervisor Play / Dining Supervision Play / Dining Supervision Play / Dining Supervision Play / Dining Supervision Play / Dining Supervision Play / Dining Supervision Play / Dining Supervision Play / Dining Supervision

CHILDREN Uniform Items of uniform are available at school. Please call at the office to place your order. Payment is required with your order.

All pupils are expected to wear the correct uniform with the embroidered school logo at all times of the school day during term time. The school colours are red sweatshirt/cardigan, gold polo shirt and dark grey or black trousers for years 3 to 5 and purple sweatshirts/cardigans, jade polo shirts and dark grey or black trousers for year 6.

Day wear for girls and boys Gold polo shirt for year 3 to 5, jade polo shirt for year 6.

Dark grey or black school trousers, or pinafore dress or skirt all school Red sweatshirt (with the schoolâ€&#x;s logo) or cardigan years 3 to 5, purple for year 6 Pyjamas or tights in the school colours Socks in the school colours Plain red, white or black headscarf Footwear must be waterproof and suitable for use - black shoes - no canvas or plastic trainers or boots to be worn in school Pupils are expected to keep their uniform clothes clean and neat.

During winter or wet weather all pupils should have a warm, waterproof coat.

Jewellery The wearing of jewellery is limited to small stud earrings for those pupils who have had their ears pieced. These will be removed for P.E., Games and Swimming.

P.E. Kit Red shorts and white T-shirt or blouse. Pupils may wear black/navy blue tracksuit bottoms or leggings.

Games Kit Red shorts, a suitable white T shirt, navy blue/black tracksuit bottoms or leggings, socks (other than normal school wear) pumps or trainers.

Swimming All year 4 and 5 pupils require swimming kit and towels. Pupils with long hair are required to wear a cap which is available to purchase in school. Long sleeved leotards and footless tights are optional.

Please make sure that all clothes and kit are named.

Health Several members of staff have been trained in first aid and if a pupil is injured they will be treated in school. If the injury is serious, the pupilâ€&#x;s parents will be informed. To make sure the school can contact parents without delay, parents should inform the school of any changes to address or telephone numbers as soon as possible.

If a pupil requires medication or health care during the school day, this should be discussed with the head teacher.

The school nurse visits the school regularly, assists with Health Education and also conducts sight and general medical tests. Any parents wishing to speak to the school nurse should contact the school office.

Medicine Teachers in school cannot administer medicines. Children who need to be given regularly prescribed medicines must receive them at home or you must come into school to administer the medicine yourself.

Please make sure we have your contact mobile phone numbers so as we can contact you at all times in case of emergencies.

Play Equipment Our playground equipment is for use by Lomeshaye Junior School pupils only during the school day, at break time and dinner times whilst they are supervised by members of staff. All classes have a rota for the use of the equipment.

For health and safety reasons you must ensure that you refrain from allowing any other children to use the equipment at any other times such as before or after school.

School Meals & Snacks, etc.

School meals are cooked on the premises and offer at least two choices to each child. Vegetarian and / or Halal meals are always on offer, and all the meals provide a healthy balanced diet. We have not served meat products of any kind in school since October 2012. School meals cost £2.10 per day = £10.50 a week payable in advance at the school office. If parents wish, pupils may bring in their own „packed lunch‟ to eat at lunchtime. Pupils who normally stay at school for a school meal or for a „packed lunch‟ will not be allowed out of school without formal notification from their parents to either the class teacher or the school office. Your child can only change their meal arrangement at the end of a half term period by prior arrangement with the school office staff.

Children are allowed to bring fruit into school to eat at break time but they are not allowed to bring sweets, chewing gum, crisps or any other chocolate snacks, other than fresh fruit, into school. Fresh fruit is on sale each break time at a cost of 20p

Children who go home for their lunch must return to school at 1.05 pm, ready to start afternoon school at 1.10pm.

Money or other property in School

Children should only bring money into school when necessary, e.g. dinner money, school trips, Bookshop etc, this should be in a sealed envelope clearly stating name of child, class, amount and what the money is for on the outside of the envelope.

If other money is brought into school it will be kept for safe keeping by the class teacher and returned to parents.

School Council Every child has the opportunity to express their opinions about issues related to school in general through the medium of the school council. Each class has its own council representatives that run meetings and prepares items for the main agenda, which is brought to be discussed at the full School Council meeting.

Eco Warriors Your child also has the opportunity to become a member of Eco Warriors. Their objective is to encourage the school to become an environmentally friendly and sustainable establishment. The team gather ideas from all pupils and carry out various tasks and activities to reduce our carbon footprint. Ragbag initiative, donate unwanted items of clothing must be clean and useable condition. Bring to school in a carrier bag and leave with Mrs Kelly.

Pupil Management Team We have a pupil management team comprising of 2 class members plus the head boy and head girl who meet regularly with Mr Smith to discuss and evaluate the current curriculum. This team also contribute ideas from their class mates on how to develop the curriculum for the future.

Investors In Pupils We have been very successful in achieving the Investors in Pupils award.

Investors In Pupils helps children to find out about our school, the jobs of everyone in it and that the school has a budget. Your child will be supported in setting targets for the class and for themselves whilst recognising the importance of the roles and responsibilities of everyone involved in their education, and how they as pupils can make a difference.

All children are encouraged to take responsibility within school. Pupil voice is also encouraged. Each class nominates two children to represent them on the school council to ensure that their opinions are heard. We also have teams of Eco-warriors, prefects and class monitors. Pupils are also involved in selling fruit and stationary which develops their skill in managing a budget.

School Prefects All year 6 pupils have the opportunity to complete an application process to be successful in gaining a position as a school prefect. A Head Boy and Head Girl are chosen termly. They lead the Pupil Management Team who draw representatives from all above teams.

Behaviour and Code of Conduct

The school follows the Restorative Approaches to Behaviour Management.

Our aim is to make the school and each classroom, a place where pupils find enjoyment. We aim to foster a society which is ordered and disciplined yet founded on kindness, firmness and understanding. To this end a behaviour and Discipline Policy has been introduced and these rules and codes of conduct are copied below.

Our Caring Rule Treat all people with respect, and look after property and equipment.

Our Speaking/Listening Rule Speak politely, and listen to what others have to say.

Our Moving Rule Move calmly and sensibly around the school.

Our Learning Rule Allow everyone to learn without interruption.

Extended School Activities There is a wide range of after school activities available for children to become involved in, football, cricket, netball, ICT club, cooking, dancing and many more.

An internet cafĂŠ is available at lunchtime for pupils to develop their computer skills Watch out for the different events advertised on the plasma screen in the main entrance and the school hall.

Safeguarding All of the staff and governors at Lomeshaye Junior School share an objective to help keep children safe by providing a safe environment in which they can play and learn and by identifying children who are suffering or likely to suffer from significant harm. We are committed to taking the appropriate action to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our pupils at home and in the education setting and contribute to an effective partnership working with all those involved in providing services for our children.

CURRICULUM The Creative Curriculum

At Lomeshaye we are very proud of our creative curriculum, ensuring that our pupils have real life experiences through numerous visitors to school and educational visits linked closely to curriculum objectives. This is an important part of your childâ€&#x;s education.

Our curriculum is planned through a range of themes, which link subject areas together to develop key skills. Pupils are involved in the planning and evaluation of each theme. Themes can change to reflect the needs of the pupils and to reflect events that are happening in the local and wider community. For example, this year we have studied Ourselves, Diversity Take One Picture and Global Awareness as whole school themes. Future themes are planned according to world events and pupil choice.

We strive to develop your child intellectually, physically and socially by applying high standards to learning and teaching. We try hard to create an ethos and environment where they can grow in self-confidence, develop high self-esteem and have respect for everyone they come into contact with.

English The school has adopted the Revised Literacy Framework and many pupils are offered intervention programmes to ensure they understand particular aspects of English.

Language development has a high priority across the curriculum and every opportunity is used to reinforce good standards of written and spoken English.

Children are encouraged to read extensively in school and at home. Each child has a reading record book, to record any reading which has taken place at home with a reading partner (parent, grandparent, sister, brother, aunt) Talk homework is set regularly to develop pupilsâ€&#x; speaking and listening skills.

Special programmes to encourage reluctant readers are delivered in school by trained staff. Several reading challenges take place throughout the year.

All classes have intensive guided reading sessions twice weekly, usually staffed by 3 teachers and TAâ€&#x;s.

English as an Additional Language On entry to school pupils will be identified who have a low level of language acquisition and they will be placed on the EAL register. Special intervention strategies will be used to develop their spoken language, some small group work or one to one tuition. Bilingual classroom assistants ensure pupils have full access to the curriculum.

Maths Discrete Maths lessons are taught according to the Revised Numeracy Framework. Practical aspects are encouraged so as children can develop the ability to relate mathematics to real life situations. We encourage pupils to practise maths at home including times tables, measuring, number bonds and mental arithmetic strategies. Maths club is offered after school each week to foster childrenâ€&#x;s enjoyment and enthusiasm for the subject and to extend their knowledge.

Science Science teaching is based on practical investigations and also the discrete teaching of science skills and knowledge. Pupils are encouraged to discuss scientific issues and develop questioning skills in order that they may begin to understand how science affects their lives. We follow a scheme of work which covers all current national curriculum requirements for the teaching of science.

English, Maths and Science are also taught within the Creative Curriculum and skills are embedded where appropriate.

Information and Communication Technology The school has an ICT suite with an interactive whiteboard. In addition each classroom is fitted with at least three computers and an interactive whiteboard laptops and IPads are also used in class. Programs and digital hardware are used across the curriculum for research, the development of IT skills and graphic design and as a tool to process work.

Religious Education and Collective Worship As required by the Education Reform Act, Religious Education must be included in the curriculum. The Lancashire Syllabus forms the basis of the work covered in this subject. We strive to make pupils aware of the different faiths and cultures of the world and to encourage the tolerance, respect and understanding necessary in a modern, multicultural democracy.

Assemblies take place daily as required by law, and are an important part in the development of the school community. They cover issues related to the Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural aspect of society, citizenship, the celebration of different festivals and current affairs. Pupils play an active part where possible. Parents are welcome to attend the Friday morning Celebration Assembly.

Although parents have the right to withdraw their children from religious worship, it is hoped that all the pupils will take part in the daily acts of collective worship, as a determination has been granted to the school by SACRE, lifting the requirement for broadly Christian worship. No parents have chosen to withdraw their children since this form of Collective Worship was introduced.

Swimming, Games & Physical Education At present, all pupils have two sessions of P.E., Swimming or Games per week.

Year 4 and 5 pupils have one swimming session per week. Swimming is organised in separate groups for boys and girls. Only female instructors are in attendance for the girlsâ€&#x; sessions, and the girls are permitted to swim in suitable costumes.

Pupils are not permitted to wear any kind of jewellery during any of these sessions. Separate changing facilities are provided for girls and boys within school for P.E. and Games.

Outdoor and Adventure activities are organised for Year 5/6 pupils during the Autumn Term, when a group of pupils have the opportunity to go to a residential activity centre. Year 3 & 4 also have an Adventure Activity.

Music In addition to the music lessons provided to pupils as part of the National Curriculum entitlement. All pupils in Year 5 & 6 are taught to play the keyboard by a specialist teachers on the WOPS (Wider Opportunities) programme.

Pupils in Year 3 & 4 have the opportunity to learn to play the recorder and ocarina.

Sex and Relationship Education.

Sex education is part of the general Personal, Social and Health Education programme. It is felt that there is a need as the children get older in Year 6 to introduce them to matters related to growing up and that boys and girls should be given this opportunity separately. Parents are informed of these occasions and invited accordingly. A structured approach to sex education lower down the school is not considered necessary beyond the science orders of the National Curriculum. All matters related to sex education will be dealt with as and when they arise in a sensitive way.

Special Educational Needs and Equal Opportunities.

Every effort is made to identify, as early as possible, any pupil who may have a special physical, learning or social need. Special Support staff are assigned to pupils to give extra help so as they may gain maximum benefits from the educational process they will experience. We are committed to being a fully inclusive school where everyone will meet their full potential. Outside agencies are used to help us provide this and we always ensure parents are kept fully informed.

We aim to provide equal opportunities for all our children, regardless of gender, ethnicity or disability. We try to avoid typecasting and presenting the children with stereotypic models.

Homework & Home Reading Programme The school has developed a programme of homework for all pupils. Time for homework varies from 20 minutes per night in year 3 to 40 minutes in year 5 & 6. Year 6 pupils will be expected to do additional work in preparation for the

SATs tests in May, and pupils who have missed work or who need extra support will be expected to do additional homework with parental support whenever necessary. Children are expected to read for a minimum of 15 minutes per night to an adult or older sibling. Homework clubs operate at lunchtimes to enable pupils to experience a quiet, supportive environment in which to complete their work.

1) 2) 3) 4) 5)

Home Reading Scheme – An established Home Reading Scheme is available for all pupils.

Library – Books from the library will be available for pupils to take home.

Research and Preparation – For themed work and/or individual subject.

Set Work – Learning mathematics tables, etc.

Spellings – Following the new Spelling Policy & Guidelines

PARENTS Links with the Home

Open Door Policy Whilst parents are welcome, and encouraged, to come into school at any time to see how their child is doing in class, and to chat to the teachers, it is very important for the children’s safety that all visitors, including parents, call at the office before entering school.

If you have concerns regarding your child or any other matter, please see the class teacher as soon as possible, as many problems arise from misunderstandings. Please make sure that the teacher will be free to see you by contacting the office first to make an appointment.

Bilingual members of staff are available before school to answer parents‟ questions and to liaise between parents and teachers.

Parental Involvement We are very proud of our work with parents and have been able to offer many courses and workshops over the years. A we have building work completed we will continue to offer various classes to enhance lifelong learning such as Family Learning – ESOL, Sewing, Cook and Taste, Exercise, First Aid, ICT and Parenting Classes - The Incredible years. Please contact Mrs Safdar if you are interested in joining one of our classes. We hope that as many parents as possible will become involved in these activities. We have a steering group which aims to enhance the learning of children through creativity and understanding. Parents are welcome to join.

We also welcome parents into school to help in the classroom, with Reading, Maths or as general help. If you think you can help in any way, and have the time to spare, please come in. Parents are also very welcome to our Class Assemblies and Celebration Assembly at 9.05 am every Friday.

Life Long Learning Parents are invited to take part in a variety of training course which take place throughout the year in school or at local venues. Our records show that the pupils of parents who take part in this training grow in confidence and self esteem as well as academically.

Parent Champions Parent Champions are a group of mums who are willing to do various tasks in school but in particular to help pupils with their reading and maths. To achieve this they have been trained to deliver the „Better Reading Partner‟ programme.

They have also developed reading and maths family packs which are loaned to our year 3 pupils

PALS The PALS (Parents at Lomeshaye) group meet for coffee mornings to swap recipes and learn new cookery and healthy eating skills as well as plan how they can contribute to different school activities; Summer Fair, Sports Day, Fashion Show etc.

Dads & Lads Group This year our Dads & Lads Group have met regularly to take part in cooking, sport and craft activities.

If you wish to get involved in any of these groups please contact Mrs Safdar, Parental Involvement Office on 01282 612063.

Lateness and Absences

Pupils who are regularly late will have to make up the lost time at break or after school.

The school is required to maintain an attendance record of all pupils. All pupil absences must be accounted for and a parent or guardian should contact the school on the first morning of absence either by telephone or note explaining the reason for absence before 9.15 am. If we have not heard from you before this time, a text message will be sent to your mobile telephone asking you to contact the school regarding your child. If we still have had no contact with you our Attendance Officer will make a home visit to see you.

All pupils should have medical or dental appointments before or after school hours or in the school holidays.

In exceptional circumstances the appointment card should be brought in to the class teacher or the office to ensure prior arrangements for their absence is noted.

You will be kept informed about your child‟s level of attendance. You will receive either a green, yellow or red letter which indicates the level of attendance.

Green – Your child‟s attendance is 95% and above Yellow – Your child‟s attendance is between 90% - 94.9% and needs to improve Red – Your child‟s attendance is below 90% which is very serious as they will most probably be making little or no progress at school as their absence is a barrier to their learning. If there are no signs of improvement Parents will receive a request to attend a meeting with the Attendance Officer to set targets for improvement. These will be monitored on a regular basis.

Extended Leave WARNING - Fixed Penalty Notices are in operation in this school!

New Government regulations from September 2013 state no extended leave will be authorised for any pupil. All extended leave applications will be rejected, however, if you still choose to take your child away for more than 5 unauthorised school days, the school can request fixed penalty notice proceedings, as this becomes a matter for Lancashire Authorities to deal with.

If a child is taken out of school with no notice, a fixed penalty notice will be issued immediately on the child‟s return to school. If two week‟s notice or more is given, the school will apply for you (the parents) to be issued with a warning letter informing you that if you still take your child/children without permission you will be fined. At present the cost of a fine is £120 per parent per child, so two children would cost two parents £480.

After the agreed date of return, if child/children do not return to school and can not be located, if appropriate, the school may contact CME (Children Missing Education) which could lead to removal from school roll.

Any pupils returning after this time must re-apply for a position at the school.

Parents must be interviewed by the Head teacher only if the application for extended leave is in extreme circumstances. No holidays will be considered.

100% Club If your child attends school every day they become a member of “The 100% Club”. This means they have the opportunity to win   

A Brand new bicycle and Helmet Cameras Radio/CD Player and many other amazing prizes

As there can be only one winner for the main prize all children with 100% will have a treat at the end of the term and the class with the best attendance each term will have a treat of their choice.

At the end of each term a bunch of flowers will be presented to the parent of a child who has had 100% attendance. (All 100% attendance pupils names are displayed on the Attendance Tree and one child is chosen at random).

Parents’ Evenings and Reports to Parents There are two Parents‟ Evenings each year, one in the Autumn Term and one during the Spring Term, to which all parents are invited.

Parents can meet with their child‟s class teacher to discuss the progress made in school and/or receive a presentation from the class teachers on the curriculum and how to help your child at home.

Parents will receive a full individual report in the summer term that summarises the complete school year. Bilingual members of staff will be available to help at meetings and specific time will be allotted so as the end of year report can be read and discussed with support staff.

If any parents are unable to attend, the class teacher will make alternative arrangements, either after school or at lunchtime on another day.

Home School Agreement All our parents are asked to sign a Home School Agreement, which highlights the ways in which parents and teachers can work together to support the children.

Parking The school has difficulties as regards parking. Large lorries use the same access road and therefore at the beginning of school, and in particular at the end of school, there is major congestion outside the school. For the safety of all the pupils we urge you to park away from the school or better still walk your child to school. Our Walk to School day is Thursday.

You are risking a fixed penalty fine or worse still, the safety of all pupils if you park on the yellow zigzag lines.

Complaints Procedure Most potential complaints can be resolved at an early stage by discussion with the teacher or head teacher. If anything, no matter how trivial, is troubling you or your child, we need to know about it so that we can deal with the concerns and ensure that you and your child are confident and happy in their education at Lomeshaye. Formal complaints should, in the first instance, be addressed to the head teacher or where appropriate to the Chair of Governors.

Charging Policy For certain types of educational activities during the school day (eg. class visits, outings, etc.) parents will be asked for „voluntary contributionsâ€&#x; in advance. If we do not receive enough contributions to cover the costs of the activity or event, it may be cancelled. If for any reason parents feel they are unable to contribute towards the cost, it is important that they speak to either the class teacher concerned, or the head teacher.

Parents have always supported the school in these matters thus enabling worthwhile outings and visits to take place. Pupils in receipt of free school meals will have visits subsidised through use of Pupil Premium funding.

Home / School Journal Your child will be given a journal at the beginning of every term. The purpose of this journal is to develop clear lines of communication between home and school. It enables you, as a parent, to keep a record of the performance and behaviour of your child and we ask you to check and sign the journal weekly.

The following guidelines have been drawn up to help you as parents make your contribution to the success of the journal.

The journal is to be used in the following way:    

HOMEWORK – Pupils will enter their homework in the appropriate section.

ATTENDANCE – Pupils colour each day they attend.

ANYTHING TO SAY – Comments about the child can be made by the teacher and the parent. The reason for a child‟s absence can be entered by parents. Parents and class teachers should sign the journals weekly.

TARGET SHEET – Teacher enters the child‟s targets in Literacy and Numeracy. These will be assessed and achievement dated. Please help your child to work towards meeting their target.

MY AWARDS PAGE – Pupils collect their stickers, and when they reach 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 they will be awarded a Special Head teachers Certificate in assembly and a small prize as an incentive.

School Policies The school has many policies to include health and safety, equal opportunities, single racial equalities and many risk assessments which are available for parents on request.

Please enquire at the school office if you wish to see a policy or risk assessment.