School Brochure 2014

Layton Primary School – Booklet for Parents __________________________________________________________________________________

Layton Primary School Brochure 2014

LAYTON PRIMARY SCHOOL Meyler Avenue, Layton, Blackpool, FY3 7DX Telephone: 01253 392179 Fax: 01253 394192 email: admin@layton.blackpool.sch.uk website: www.layton.blackpool.sch.uk school blogs: laytonblogs.net

Our School Day: Foundation Stage:8.55 a.m. - 11.55 a.m. and 12.55 p.m. – 3.00 p.m.

Key Stage One/Years 1 and 2:8.55 a.m. - 11.55 a.m. and 12.55 p.m. - 3.15 p.m.

Key Stage Two/Years 3, 4, 5 and 6:8.55 a.m. – 12.10 p.m. and 1.10 - 3.15 p.m.

Children may come into school from 8.40 a.m. if they wish to have breakfast.

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Layton Primary School – Booklet for Parents __________________________________________________________________________________

Dear Parents and Carers, A warm welcome to Layton Primary School. All of us here at Layton are looking forward to working with you and your child over the coming years to help them achieve their potential. Choosing a school is often a difficult choice for parents, but I believe you have chosen well.

We wish to enable your child to be the best they can be, whatever their talents, and to develop their skills so they achieve beyond their expectations.

You have chosen a school for your child which places a high value on their achievement and attainment, and has been extremely successful in this regard. We remain one of the most successful schools in England at developing children’s potential; in 2013/2014 we were placed in the highest 250 schools in the country in this regard, and were one of the most improved schools in the country. We will be looking forward to building on this success.

We deliver a bespoke curriculum which is tailored to the needs of the children in our community, complying with all national requirements, but tailored to cater for individual needs. We place a high value on the basic skills of Literacy and Numeracy, as well as the skills of learning itself, in order that our children can continue to learn throughout life, and utilise what they have learned over and over again. Our curriculum builds on those skills year upon year, both in academic skills, and in creative subjects.

We aim to educate our children in partnership with yourselves. Our relationship is vital to securing the best outcomes for your children, and we value it highly. Our aim is, as a community, to “Grow Great Minds Together’.

We look forward to meeting you and your child, and look forward to working with you to succeed in all aspects of school life over the coming years.

Yours sincerely J Clucas Jonathan Clucas Headteacher

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Layton Primary School – Booklet for Parents __________________________________________________________________________________

In April 2013, following their inspection, Ofsted said Layton was a ‘GOOD’ school: •

Progress is good across the school. This includes that of disabled pupils and those with special educational needs, more-able pupils, and the small number of pupils from minority ethnic groups.

•

There is expert teaching and a good balance of teacher-led work and opportunities for choice.

•

Improvements in teaching have ensured that attainment in maths and English is now in line with national averages.

•

High expectations and challenge are apparent in teaching in all year groups.

As a result, pupils do well.

•

Good teaching provides an extensive range of challenging learning opportunities to engage children.

•

Disabled pupils and those with special educational needs benefit from the good quality help provided by teaching assistants who are effectively deployed both within and outside the classroom.

•

Pupils say they enjoy school with one pupil stating, ‘we are one big happy family.’

•

Behaviour in lessons and around school is good overall ... pupils are polite and friendly.

•

The headteacher and the leadership team have driven improvement forward with considerable success.

•

The effective leadership team is well focussed on ensuring that pupils’ achievements are the best they can be.

•

Child Protection and safeguarding have a high priority.

•

Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is promoted effectively across the curriculum.

•

School leaders promote equal opportunities and cooperation strongly. This results in no discrimination.

•

Members of the governing body have a good knowledge of the school’s strengths and improvement priorities.

If you wish to read more, the full report is available at www.ofsted.gov.uk or you can obtain a paper copy from the school office.

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Layton Primary School – Booklet for Parents __________________________________________________________________________________

Children in school say: o Layton Primary School is fabulous because it feels like I’m at home and I’m happy here – Roman. o Layton Primary is brilliant because we are all friends - Halil. o Layton Primary School is a beautiful place because we take incredible care of each other – Blake. o Layton Primary is fantastic because the teachers help us learn – Hannah. o Layton Primary is a very good school because the teachers are super – Isabelle. o Layton Primary is the best because the teachers teach us brilliant lessons – Jocelyn.

LAYTON PRIMARY SCHOOL is a mixed non-denominational Primary School catering for children within the age range 4 years 0 months to 11 years 10 months.

THE AIMS OF THE SCHOOL a) To provide a safe, secure yet stimulating environment for the purpose of promoting all children's learning. b) To provide an atmosphere in which every child will experience mutual respect, consideration and care. c) To provide a wide range of experiences for children through which they will acquire knowledge and develop skills which can be applied both now and in later life; to foster positive attitudes towards work and leisure. d) To provide an education (academic, social, physical and spiritual) suited to the needs of each individual child, in the context of his/her ethnic and linguistic background.

ORGANISATION OF CLASSES There are three classes in each year group in school. We aim for a maximum class size of 30.

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Layton Primary School – Booklet for Parents __________________________________________________________________________________

MEMBERS OF STAFF Headteacher Deputy Headteacher Assistant Headteacher KS1 Assistant Headteacher KS2 Teaching Staff

Teaching Assistants

Mr Jonathan Clucas Mrs Emily White Mrs Katherine Shuttleworth Mrs Claire Jones Mr Adam Ball Mrs Julie Barr Mrs Sharon Bowie Mrs Lucy Carolan Miss Ashleigh Cowgill Miss Natalie Dean Miss Lucy Dyer Mrs Rachel England Mrs Sarah Greer Miss Zoe Hastings Mrs Karli Johnson Mrs Helen Jones Miss Zoe Kennell Mrs Sarah Leighton Miss Karen Manson Mr Mike Moor Mrs Sue Moor Mrs Beth Murray Miss Jennie Newby Mrs Denise Ormond Mrs Shirley Potts Miss Beckie Roberts Mrs Catherine Rollinson Miss Nicole Ronson Mr Anthony Shepherd Miss Natalie Wheatley Miss Natalie Whitehead Mrs Charlotte Wilson

Miss Kim Beatty Mrs Judith Bentley Mrs Sara Blackburn Mrs Jackie Bosson Mrs Heather Buckley Miss Hayley Conway Mrs Deborah Cook Mrs Anna Evans Mrs Angela Garlick Mrs Carol Goodinson Miss Jessica Gray Mrs Gail Hemsworth Miss Sophie McDowell Mrs Claire Jones

Miss Lisa Law Mrs Trish Leary Miss Sarah Lester Mrs Claire Looker Mrs Leanne Maddocks Mrs Joanna Moss Mr Jack Parkinson Mrs Marion Peaker Miss Becky Rogers Mrs Andrea Thompson Miss Diane Tweedale Mrs Michelle Walsh Mrs Kay Webb

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Layton Primary School – Booklet for Parents __________________________________________________________________________________

Learning Mentor/CAF Co-ordinator Family Support Worker School Business Manager Senior Admin Officer Admin Assistants

Premises Manager Cleaner in charge Cleaning Staff

Mrs Lindsay Langfield Miss Lisa Horton Mrs Maggie Barton Mrs Leanne Maddocks Miss Katie Smith Mrs Carol Wellard Mr Lance Stokes Mrs Tracy Noakes Mrs Gillian Hogarth Mrs Michelle Kershaw Miss Carol Mallon Mrs Hazel Simpson

Senior Midday Supervisor Lunchtime Supervisors

Mrs Lisa Barnes Ms Jan Bamforth Mr Peter Barnes Mrs Yvonne Burrows Mrs Zoe Dziegiel Mrs Kath Ellison Mrs Sam Fowler Miss Angela Groves Miss Michelle Hall

Crossing Patrol

Mrs Lynda Goldfinch

Peripatetic Music Teachers

After School Club:

Breakfast Club:

Mrs Lynette Hall Miss Gemma Harvey Miss Jamie McPhee Miss Nicole Porter Ms Yvonne Smith Mrs Joanne Stretton Mrs Diane Wilson

Miss Helen Harrison (strings) Mr Ian Whittaker (brass) Mr Simpson (percussion) Mrs Sophie McDowell Mrs Deborah Cook Mrs Kath Ellison Miss Michelle Hall

Mr Jack Parkinson Mrs Diane Wilson

Mrs Anna Evans Mrs Janette Bamforth Mrs Gillian Hogarth Ms Gaynor Fielding

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Layton Primary School – Booklet for Parents __________________________________________________________________________________

SCHOOL GOVERNORS The school is governed by a group of interested people known as the Governing Body.

The Governing Body is composed of:1. Four representatives appointed by the Blackpool Unitary Authority 2. Six parent governors.

3. Two teacher governors.

4. Headteacher (optional).

5. Four community governors.

6. One non-teaching staff governor All appointments, except the Headteacher, are for a period of four years.

Each meeting is clerked by an official from the Local Authority.

The members of the governing body at present are:Chairman Mr Roy Fisher Vice-Chairman Mr Chris Westhead Cllr Mr Mark Smith Mr Carl Webb Vacancy Mr Martin Mitchell Mr Stephen Shaw Mrs Charlotte Ince Vacancy Vacancy Mr Mica Goldstone Ms Jacqueline Gregson Mr Mike Moor Mrs Claire Jones Mr Jonathan Clucas Mrs Maggie Barton Mr Chris Cocker Mr Bob Cooper

Community Governor Community Governor LA Governor LA Governor LA Governor LA Governor Parent Governor Parent Governor Parent Governor Parent Governor Parent Governor Parent Governor Teacher Governor Teacher Governor Headteacher Non Teaching Governor Community Governor Community Governor

There is one full governors meeting each term. Additional meetings take place e.g. special meetings and committee meetings throughout the year.

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Layton Primary School – Booklet for Parents __________________________________________________________________________________

THE ROLE OF GOVERNORS (Abbreviated extracts from the Draft Articles of Government) 1a.

The Governors, in consultation with the Headteacher, shall be responsible for the general direction of the conduct and curriculum of the school.

b.

Whether or not sex education should be taught must be considered by the governing body and a written statement made.

2.

Governors together with the Head teacher are responsible for the arrangements regarding the appointment of all staff.

3.

Governors are responsible for disciplinary procedures in respect of Headteacher, Teachers and Non-Teaching staff.

4.

Governors are responsible for money provided by the Authority for the running of the school. Governors may delegate this responsibility to the Headteacher.

5.

Governors, in consultation with the Headteacher, must consider representations made to them by:a. persons connected with the community b. Chief Officer of Police.

7.

Governors should inspect and report on the state of repair of the school premises and determine the use of the premises outside of school hours.

8.

Governors shall advise on the adequacy of the school accommodation; on any educational matter not within the sole discretion of the Governors; on any matter referred to them for the observations of the Governors and may make representations and recommendations with regard to any matter affecting the education and welfare of pupils in the school.

9.

Governors shall provide returns and reports the Authority may require.

10.

Governors report on the school through the School Profile. There is a link on our school website.

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Layton Primary School – Booklet for Parents __________________________________________________________________________________

ADMISSION ARRANGEMENTS In Blackpool, children are admitted from the beginning of the School Year (School Year is 1st September to following 31st August) in which they become 5.

Admission is in accordance with stated parental preference using criteria laid down in the admissions section of Blackpool Borough Council's Booklet For Parents, and according to the school’s admission policy.

ADMISSION ARRANGEMENTS for Foundation Stage pupils with effect from 1st September 2014 Home visits are carried out as part of the induction process.

Week 1

Foundation Stage children do not attend. Home visits will be carried out as part of the induction process during this week.

Week 2

All children attend either in the morning OR in the afternoon

Week 3

All children attend 8.55 am to 1pm and stay for lunch

Week 4

All children attend all day 8.55 am to 3pm.

In consultation with parents some children will remain part-time until they have settled into the life of the school.

MID TERM ADMISSIONS Non-routine admissions are restricted to the beginning of a term, except for instances: where a family has moved to Layton from outside the area, or for any compelling reason which is deemed by the Headteacher to be acceptable.

All non-routine admissions are allocated through Blackpool Borough Council’s admissions department at Progress House.

We have an expectation that all children, especially Year 3 and below, are accompanied both to and from school by a parent or other responsible adult to ensure their safety.

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Layton Primary School – Booklet for Parents __________________________________________________________________________________

Welcome to Our School Family INDUCTION - PARENTS AND CHILDREN (Foundation Stage) Parents of children who have applied for admission to 'Layton' in the September of the academic year in which their child is 5 and who are unfamiliar with the school are invited to view the school at work in the Autumn Term.

Parents who have received an offer of a place for their child (announced late March) will then be invited to a Parents' Induction Evening.

Children will be invited into school on dates during the summer term so that they can meet their teachers and their fellow pupils.

INDUCTION - PARENTS AND CHILDREN (non-routine admissions) Children who join the school mid-term will normally have a brief induction to the school. This will consist of: • • • • •

Information will be given to the parent prior to the child starting school Prior to admission the child’s previous school will be contacted and information exchanged Parent and child will tour the school with a senior member of staff Class Teachers will allocate a ‘friend’ in class to look after the new pupil All children will be made to feel welcome by all members of our school community

HOW WE HELP MEET THE AIMS AND MISSION STATEMENT OF OUR SCHOOL TEACHING

Some ideas about how we organise our teaching:.

• • • •

Children are taught in their own age group.

All classes are mixed-gender and mixed-ability.

Teaching is differentiated and support is given according to the needs and ability of the child Some specialist teaching takes place, notably in music as well as some aspects of PE/Dance/Drama

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Layton Primary School – Booklet for Parents __________________________________________________________________________________

THE CURRICULUM Layton School meets the requirements of the 2014 National Curriculum regarding English, Mathematics, Science, Modern Foreign Language (Spanish from September), Computing and the Foundation Subjects. RE is also taught as a statutory subject following the locally agreed syllabus. Our curriculum is one which is broad and balanced utilising key skills to enable children to apply their learning across a wide range of subjects.

PUPILS' ACCESS TO THE CURRICULUM Pupils have access to the National Curriculum through integrated topic work and cross-curricular themes as well as specific subject lessons. A high standard of achievement is expected in all subjects. It is appreciated, however, that some children experience learning difficulties and, wherever possible, additional support is given. Some children will be identified as having Special Educational Needs (SEN) and, in partnership with parents, will be brought to the attention of our Inclusion Manager.

The school is very active musically and every encouragement is given to children to become instrumentalists and/or to join the school choir.

HEALTH and SEX EDUCATION Governors have approved the implementation of Health and Sex Education. This is not taught as a separate subject but is integrated within the National Curriculum programmes of study.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION is class-based in accordance with the Locally Agreed Syllabus and a corporate act of worship forms an integral part of the daily assembly.

If parents so wish they have the right under section 25 of the Education Act 1944 to withdraw their children from R.E. and collective worship. Requests for exemption should be made, in writing, to the Headteacher.

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Layton Primary School – Booklet for Parents __________________________________________________________________________________

EXTRA – CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES How about joining one or more of these? We have lots to offer!

Here’s a list of just some: •

Orchestra

•

Sports Coaching

•

Sing Out Choir

•

Football – girls and boys

•

Taekwondo

•

Art club

•

Netball Club

•

Sewing Club

•

Blogging Club

EXTENDED SCHOOLS Before school we have a Breakfast Club which runs from 8.00am until the start of school and an After School Club which runs from 3.15 – 5.30 pm. Both clubs are very popular and often have a waiting list. There is always a range of activities on offer and children are provided with a drink and snack.

Current fees are Breakfast Club - £15 per week After School Club - £30 per week Please enquire at the school office if you are interested in placing your child’s name on the waiting list.

IT’S GOOD TO TALK!!

What to do if you want to talk to a teacher about anything Teachers are unable to meet parents during their working day but like to make themselves available at the beginning or end of each day. However, as teachers are regularly involved in meetings, attending courses or involved in extra-curricular activities it is always best to make an appointment either by sending a note to the teacher or by telephoning. Similarly, it is best to make an appointment if you wish to see the Headteacher.

AND ON A MORE FORMAL NOTE There are specific times in the year when we REPORT TO PARENTS

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Layton Primary School – Booklet for Parents __________________________________________________________________________________

•

•

Two Consultation Events with Parents are held in October and March. The consultation in October is informal and is a chance to meet your child’s class teacher and have a look at the work the children have been doing whereas the consultation in March is more formal and individual appointments are offered to parents/carers to discuss progress with the class teacher and as appropriate, with the Inclusion Manager.

An “End-of-Year” written report for each child is issued in July

If you wish to come in to school to discuss your child's progress at any other time of the year please make an appointment to do so at the school office.

COMMUNICATION School Website We constantly update our school website – www.layton.blackpool.sch.uk which gives details on school information such as term dates and school policies. Parents have open access to see the latest news and events, photo galleries and further pupil achievements. This can be accessed via the class blogs at www.laytonblogs.net Furthermore, should you have any suggestions please email communications@layton.blackpool.sch.uk Parents can also stay in touch with class teachers via email. All year groups have an email account; Foundation@layton.blackpool.sch.uk Year1@layton.blackpool.sch.uk Year2@layton.blackpool.sch.uk Year3@layton.blackpool.sch.uk Year4@layton.blackpool.sch.uk Year5@layton.blackpool.sch.uk Year6@layton.blackpool.sch.uk BLOGGING All classes have their own class blog, giving you an insight into what children are doing in class. Children in Year 6 regularly quadblog with 2 schools in the USA and a school in Liverpool. Please visit laytonblogs.net to see more.

NEWSLETTER A weekly newsletter is produced every Friday. This may be emailed to parents/carers electronically. Please sign up for this facility at http://eepurl.com/hZAiY. The newsletter will keep you informed of all school events, dates and the weekly school meal menu. The newsletter is available on the school office blog and by paper copy from the school office.

TEXTING FACILITY We communicate with parents on a regular basis via our texting facility. It is very important that you update your contact details, especially your mobile phone number on a regular basis.

SCHOOL COUNCIL

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Layton Primary School – Booklet for Parents __________________________________________________________________________________

Do your children have a say in how the school is run? Every child can have their opinions heard. We are Layton School Council and we meet every 2 weeks. Our main job is to make the school a better place. We listen to everyone’s ideas and work with Mr Clucas to make changes, helping to create a happy school environment.

This year we have: • trained peer mentors • appointed litter pickers • designed our new play equipment Please encourage your child to get involved. The school council looks forward to welcoming the new foundation stage children.

We are proud of Layton School and want to show where we belong SCHOOL UNIFORM We are proud of our school uniform and the standard of dress within the school – our pupils are smart in more ways than one! We encourage attention to hair, nails, shoes and cleanliness in general – smart looking people are smart workers!

Items of school uniform are available from most major supermarkets e.g. Tesco and Asda and, as the colours are popular, also from local stores, e.g. Ragamuffins in Layton.

Trousers - long, short Shirt or polo shirt Pullover - V neck Tie Socks

Grey Light Blue Royal Blue Grey and Royal Blue Grey

Skirt/pinafore dress Blouse Cardigan Dress (for summer)

Grey Light Blue Royal Blue Blue and White

For P.E indoors:Plimsolls - slip on Shorts T-Shirt Leotard (optional)

Black Royal Blue or Black Light Blue or White Black

For games (outdoors):Trainers Tracksuit (no football kits to be worn)

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Layton Primary School – Booklet for Parents __________________________________________________________________________________

"Sensible" (as opposed to "fashionable") shoes, black or brown, with low heels are preferred. It must be pointed out that footwear held on the feet by a single strap across the front, or high-heeled footwear, can be dangerous in school.

HELP US TO HELP YOU! PLEASE MARK EVERY ITEM OF CLOTHING WITH YOUR CHILD'S NAME: BOTH SHOES, BOTH P.E. PUMPS, BOTH TRAINERS. ALSO MARK NEW CLOTHING AS IT IS REPLACED, ESPECIALLY COATS.

Some more tips on uniform P.E. Each child needs a named draw-string bag, shorts, T-shirt (and a leotard if desired), black elastic-sided pumps. P.E. pumps should be kept exclusively for school use so that they remain clean and do not soil mats and scratch equipment. Trainers are only used for outdoor games lessons. They should not, however, be used to replace shoes for general school wear.

Children always need to have their P.E. kit on games day in case games take place indoors. For outdoor activities, all need trainers and track suits (or warm clothing).

Football Older children may need football boots and shin pads for soccer. A pair of old shoes/boots – (not their school shoes) may be worn if football boots are not available. You will be informed if your child needs these items.

Swimming In Years 4 and 5 swimming lessons are taken at Moor Park Baths to meet the needs of the National Curriculum. Swimming trunks for boys and a full swim suit for girls as well as a swimming hat are needed.

Earrings Children are strongly discouraged from wearing earrings and studs or sleepers in pierced ears for reasons of safety at any time in school. On days when PE, Games or Swimming take place, in accordance with Local Authority policy, children will be required to leave earrings etc at home. If children are wearing a small stud on PE days, they will be expected to remove it themselves or make it safe by covering it using a plaster brought from home. All children will be expected to take part in PE lessons. Parents/carers will be responsible if an accident/injury occurs to a child wearing earrings for PE/games.

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Layton Primary School – Booklet for Parents __________________________________________________________________________________

SCHOOL ASSESSMENT The school is required by law to assess children in National Curriculum Subjects in Years 2 and 6.

The table below lists all the school's current forms of assessment:

YEAR

ASSESSMENT

PROVIDED BY

Foundation Stage

Foundation Stage Profile

School

Year 1

Phonics Test

NC

Year 2

KS1 SATs: English, Maths

NC/school

Year 3

Year 3 optional SATs

School

Year 4

Year 4 optional SATs

School

Year 5

Year 5 optional SATs

School

Year 6

KS2 SATs: English, Maths,

NC/school

Key NC = National Curriculum (Government) KS1 = Key Stage 1 (Infant)

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Layton Primary School – Booklet for Parents __________________________________________________________________________________

KS2 = Key Stage 2 (Junior) SATs = Standard Assessment Tests

NATIONAL CURRICULUM ASSESSMENTS AT THE END OF KEY STAGE 1 2013

Reading

Writing

Maths

L2+ (%)

L3 (%)

Layton School

93

19

National

89

29

Layton School

84

16

National

85

15

Layton School

96

19

National

91

23

NATIONAL CURRICULUM ASSESSMENTS AT THE END OF KEY STAGE 2 2013

Reading

Writing

English Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling

L4+ (%)

L5 (%)

Layton School

92

63

National

86

44

Layton School

92

33

National

83

30

Layton School

78

51

National

74

47

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Layton Primary School – Booklet for Parents __________________________________________________________________________________

Maths

Layton School

95

47

National

85

41

The link to schools Performance Tables is at www.education.gov.uk

To make sure our pupils have a safe and secure place in which to learn there have to be: SCHOOL RULES • Exist for the well-being of all children • Emphasis is placed upon good manners and consideration for others and their property.

• Aggressive acts and any form of bullying are not tolerated.

• The climbing of walls, railings, trees and embankments is, for reasons of safety, prohibited.

• Jewellery - Children are asked not to bring jewellery to school.

Jewellery includes chains, bracelets and rings. Children are strongly discouraged from wearing earrings and studs or sleepers in pierced ears for reasons of safety.

• Long hair – children with long hair must keep it tied back at all times.

Sweets are discouraged to encourage healthy appetites and to help prevent tooth decay.

Pupils are informed of school rules in assembly and these would normally be made known to parents, where necessary, through newsletters.

Inclement Weather Procedures Occasionally, during periods of extreme weather conditions, school may have to be closed following advice from the Local Authority. Parents and carers will be given as much notice as possible of this. School will notify Radio Wave and will inform parents and carers via our text messaging service.

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Layton Primary School – Booklet for Parents __________________________________________________________________________________

GENERAL INFORMATION PAYMENTS TO SCHOOL All payments to school (for school meals, trips, music tuition etc) are made by our web based payment service – Parentpay. Your family will be issued with a secure online account which may be accessed with a unique user ID and password. Once accessed, you have the option to change these to something you will easily remember. Parentpay enables you to view all services available to your child along with the relevant costs and details.

For those families who wish to pay using cash can pay in local PayPoint stores. You will be issued with an individually printed letter with a barcode.

School Meals From September 2014 children in Foundation Stage, Year 1 and Year 2 will be provided with a school meal at no cost to yourself. If you think you may be eligible for free school meals via the Benefits System, we would urge you still to apply as a substantial amount of the budget school receives is based on the percentage of children who are eligible for free school meals. Please call in to the school office for advice if you are unsure.

All meals are prepared on site following the government’s healthy eating guidelines.

The weekly menu is on the newsletter. The cost of school meals is currently £2/day (£10/week). This applies to children in Year 3 and above.

It is really important that 2 weeks notice is given when changing from school dinners to packed lunch or to a home dinner. However, should circumstances suddenly change and payment of dinner money become temporarily difficult please do bring the problem to the attention of the Headteacher. School does not allow any debts to accumulate beyond two weeks. You will be informed by text and letter if this happens.

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Layton Primary School – Booklet for Parents __________________________________________________________________________________

Packed Lunches A named box and a plastic, not glass, drinks container with a tried and tested leakfree seal is required. We encourage our pupils to have healthy lifestyles. Therefore packed lunches should not contain sweets or chocolate bars and drinks should be ‘still’ not fizzy’.

N.B. Reading books or library books should be carried to and from school in a named plastic bag, separate from food and drink. (The first plastic bag is normally provided by the teacher.)

Breakfast/School Milk At present children are provided with a breakfast every morning subsidised by Blackpool Council. The Council believe that children learn better if they have had a healthy breakfast at the start of the day. All children are provided with water, fruit and a carbohydrate option e.g. fruit bread, bagel or pancake. All children are also provided with a carton of milk. Drinking water is available for children who do not drink milk.

Lunchtime Games We are fortunate in having a large games field. Unfortunately, it gets muddy in winter. However, junior children may be allowed to play on the field at lunchtimes if they bring a named bag containing over clothes e.g. tracksuit and old shoes/boots which will be kept exclusively for lunchtime use.

EQUIPMENT ALL items of clothing should be name-labelled. When children change for P.E. they do not remember which their own items are. Please label BOTH socks, BOTH P.E. shoes etc.

P.E. - SCHOOL POLICY is that all children should take part in PE unless physically unable to do so. To children PE is one of the most enjoyable of the compulsory National Curriculum subjects. Occasionally, however, children arrive without their kit.

School policy is to enable all children to take part as follows:Infants without kit simply wear their knickers and vest Juniors are provided with kit from the spare kit box.

NB - don't worry about replacing undersized pumps. Advice from the PE Advisory Service is that it is better for children to do PE barefooted as this improves their balance and grip. Therefore, pumps are not required for indoor PE. A reminder that children wearing ear studs should remove them BEFORE coming to school on their PE/games/swimming days.

Any un-named property found in school is stored in the foyer outside the school office. If a found item is named we will do our best to return it to your child. School does not take responsibility for items lost in school.

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Layton Primary School – Booklet for Parents __________________________________________________________________________________

AUTHORISED ABSENCE – Appointments Medical, Dental, Other It is school policy that no child be allowed to leave school premises unless accompanied by a parent or guardian. It is appreciated that, at times, it may be inconvenient to come to school to pick up your child. However, by adhering to this simple rule, we hope to ensure that no harm comes to any child who has to attend an appointment.

UNAUTHORISED ABSENCE - TRUANCY The government requires schools to publish levels of truancy (unauthorised absence).

The school has to IDENTIFY every kind of absence.

The following absences are not regarded as truancy:a. illness b. unavoidable medical appointments c. religious observance d. other unavoidable cause PLEASE NOTE 1. Holidays Taking a holiday during term time means that children miss important learning activities and it is often very difficult to catch up on the work later.

It is only in very exceptional circumstances that a holiday in term time will be authorised.

2. Lateness Arrival after morning and afternoon registrations is unauthorised absence (truancy). This means a child can be regarded as absent for the whole of the morning or afternoon session if he/she arrives late. Any children who arrive late must be signed in the late book in the school admin office and obtain a late slip to be given to their class teacher.

The school strongly encourages children to be present throughout the whole of the school year. We also stress the importance of being punctual. Any disruption to a child's education, caused by holidays, or lateness, can seriously hinder a child's progress. (Work not covered is indicated in the child's exercise book or work file.)

All children from the age of five are continually assessed in ten National Curriculum subjects plus R.E. plus Health/Sex Education.

ABSENCE - PROCEDURE It is important we know where children are. Therefore, in case of absence...

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Layton Primary School – Booklet for Parents __________________________________________________________________________________

1. Telephone the school office before 9.15 a.m. on the first day of absence. There is a facility to leave a phone message. If you have not let school know why your child is absent you will receive a phone call from the school’s learning mentor who is responsible for attendance.

2. Upon your child's return to school present the teacher with a note explaining the absence.

3. In the case of unexplained absences the school will make further enquiries by follow up letters.

It is in everyone's interest, the child's as well as the school's, to keep unauthorised absence (truancy) to a minimum.

Parents will be informed personally of their child's level of attendance via their end of year report.

ATTENDANCE RATE 2013/14 Layton School’s attendance target is 95%+. The school’s actual attendance for the period 1st September 2013 to 6th June 2014 was 95.8%.

The school's rate of unauthorised absence (truancy) during the same period was: 1.5%.

It is essential for ALL children to attend school in order for them to access opportunities for learning which will help them become successful citizens of the future. THANK YOU TO ALL PARENTS for supporting school in this way.

ATTENDANCE INCENTIVES At Layton we like to encourage and reward good attendance. To this end, we have introduced attendance incentives. For each week that your child has 100% attendance their name will be entered into a draw. Every half term a name will be drawn out from each year group and a family prize given such as cinema vouchers, a Sunday lunch hamper or Sandcastle vouchers. The more weeks your child has with 100% attendance, the greater their chance of winning a prize. This has proved very popular with the children and has helped to raise attendance.

MEDICINES Staff are advised by their professional associations that it is unwise to administer medicines. Therefore, when a child needs to take medicine e.g. an antibiotic, parents are requested either to keep the child at home until the course has been completed or, if well enough, to allow the child to return to school and at a prearranged time to come into school to administer the medicine personally. If your child does need to take medication during the school day a pro-forma must be filled in the school office. Please refer to ‘The Managing Medicines in Schools and Early Years Settings Policy’ on the school website for further information.

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Layton Primary School – Booklet for Parents __________________________________________________________________________________

ASTHMATICS Parents of children suffering from asthma are required to:consult the school office for a pro-forma detailing a. what inhaler is being used b. how often it needs to be used c. procedure to follow in the case of your child having a bad attack.

This form will be kept in the school office and a copy passed to your child’s class teacher.

You will appreciate that some inhalers contain a steroid so their use needs to be carefully monitored.

INHALERS should be clearly marked with: 1.

2.

child's name dosage

PLEASE NOTE Children will normally be responsible for their own equipment. It is the responsibility of the parent/carer to ensure medicines such as inhalers and epipens are in date and therefore effective for use.

Other information you need to know so we can work together to make this good, caring school even better USE OF REASONABLE FORCE If staff become aware of, or have a need to become involved in, situations where a child may be at risk of hurting themselves or others, or if the behaviour of a child seriously disrupts good order in the school or causes damage to property, staff may need to take steps to intervene physically. In such circumstances staff will follow the school’s policy for dealing with these situations. Any parent wishing to view this policy may do so on request.

LUNCHTIME BEHAVIOUR Children are constantly reminded that Lunchtime Supervisors must be accorded the respect that is shown to teachers. Persistent failure to respond to Lunchtime Supervisors’ instructions or failure to behave in an acceptable manner could result in exclusion. Please, do not be alarmed. A formal warning letter will be given before any exclusion takes place.

PASTORAL CARE

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Layton Primary School – Booklet for Parents __________________________________________________________________________________

The well-being of each child is the school's first concern. In practice this is primarily the concern of the child's own teacher.

Every child is informed that, if in need, they should first approach their class teacher or approach another member of staff e.g. the learning mentor or key worker with whom they feel 'comfortable'.

Alternatively the child may seek support from the Senior Leadership Team or Headteacher.

Personal Contact Although Layton School is a large school we believe in treating all children as individuals. If you have any concerns, please see your child’s class teacher in the first instance. If you then wish to speak to a member of the senior leadership team please make an appointment to do so at the school office.

ANTI- BULLYING POLICY STATEMENT The school unreservedly condemns bullying in all its forms.

A child receiving harassment of any kind should immediately bring the matter to the attention of the class teacher (via the Duty Teacher at breaktime or via a lunchtime supervisor at lunchtimes).

Alternatively, a child can see their year group team leader, a member of the senior leadership team or the Headteacher who will investigate the matter before coming to a judgement. Parents are contacted in all cases.

CHILD PROTECTION Because of day-to-day contact with children, schools are particularly well placed to observe outward signs of abuse, changes in behaviour or failure to develop. Parents should be aware, therefore, that where it appears to a member of the school staff that a child may have been abused or neglected, the school is required, as part of the Blackpool Safeguarding of Children Procedures, to report their concern to the Social Services Department immediately.

The school has a child protection team led by Mrs Katherine Shuttleworth and Mrs Lindsay Langfield. If she is not available the deputy co-ordinators are Mr Jonathan Clucas or Mrs Emily White.

The school’s Child Protection Policy is available on the school website. A paper copy may be requested from the school office

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Layton Primary School – Booklet for Parents __________________________________________________________________________________

1:1 CONTACT OF STAFF WITH PUPILS INCLUDING TRANSPORT OF CHILDREN POLICY Wherever possible it is school policy that staff should avoid 1:1 contact with children in a 'closed' situation both for the safety of the child and the protection of the adult.

Any member of staff transporting a child in their own car (to sporting events etc) will be insured for this purpose and will be accompanied by another adult.

WORKING TOGETHER FOR THE FUTURE OF OUR CHILDREN! We need your support to help us give your child the best education opportunities we can.

PARENTAL SUPPORT The importance of parents demonstrating positive attitudes of support towards the school cannot be overstated. The quality of a child's commitment to school is largely determined by a parent's own attitude to the school and to its teachers. ** Please support the teacher in front of your child - even if you feel the teacher, or headteacher, might be in the wrong. Then come into school to voice your grievance when we shall do our best to resolve the difficulty. In this way your child will see that we are both pulling in the same direction - for his/her own good - and your child will be unable to "divide and rule".

EDUCATION FOR ALL IN A PLURALIST SOCIETY - Policy Statement As stated in the Swan Report 1985, ALL children need an anti-racist education.

Racism is a feature of British society which affects us all. If children are not given a positive anti-racist education they will grow up sub-consciously absorbing racist attitudes.

Any racist incidents are reported to the Local Authority.

At Layton School the aim is to make our school a safe and welcoming place for all our pupils where they can achieve the level of success and self-respect to which they are entitled whilst retaining their cultural identity. We aim to develop an environment

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Layton Primary School – Booklet for Parents __________________________________________________________________________________

in which racist assumptions, attitudes and behaviour are challenged and to provide a curriculum which emphasises the positive aspects of all cultures.

In current and future curriculum review, care will be taken to ensure that subject content and materials are in keeping with these aims.

EQUALITY OF OPPORTUNITY - Policy Statement We operate Blackpool Borough Council's Code of Practice. It is the policy of the school to ensure that all its pupils receive the best education the school can provide.

Class Teachers are responsible for the educational. social, spiritual and emotional development of the pupils in their care. They seek to ensure that equality of access is provided at all times to all children without cultural, ethnic or gender bias: • •

boys and girls are expected to follow the same curriculum and to participate together in extra-curricular activities when organising the content of schemes of work within the curriculum, staff take into account the diversity of pupils' cultural experience

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Layton Primary School – Booklet for Parents __________________________________________________________________________________

• • • • •

pupils are encouraged to explore and share ideas, opinions and interests which derive from their particular cultural experiences and backgrounds the content of work offered in the school is provided from a wide range of sources and is selected so that it engages pupils' feelings as well as giving them information and teaching them new skills the curriculum aims to create an understanding of, and interest in, different environments, societies, systems and cultures across time and space pupils are taught to recognise that each society has its own values, traditions and customs which they should consider in the context of that society as well as of their own it is important for our pupils to develop an understanding and appreciation of the various communities and social groups that make up contemporary Lancashire, the United Kingdom and European Union. Our work in geography, history, RE and health education is particularly important in achieving this aim.

POLICY ON CHARGES AND REMISSIONS Introduction The governing body recognises the valuable contribution that the wide range of additional activities, including clubs, trips and residential experiences can make towards pupils' personal and social education. The governing body aims to promote and provide such activities as part of a broad and balanced curriculum for the pupils of the school.

Charges The governing body reserves the right to make a charge in the following circumstances for activities organised by the school:Activities within school hours - Residential Visits The board and lodging element of residential activities deemed to take place within school hours.

Activities totally outside school hours The full cost to each pupil of activities deemed to be optional extras taking place out of school hours.

Individual Instrumental Tuition The cost to the pupil for providing individual and/or small group instrumental tuition.

For 20014/15 the charge is £25 for Autumn Term, £20 for Spring term and £20 for Summer Term, (£55 if paid annually i.e. one payment at the beginning of the Autumn Term) reviewable annually. This tuition is heavily subsidised by the school.

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Layton Primary School – Booklet for Parents __________________________________________________________________________________

School Books (and equipment) - Charging Policy It is school policy that children should be strongly encouraged to take books home.

The average cost of a reading book is £5. Unfortunately, it can happen that a book is lost, or is damaged so severely that another child would not wish to use it. In these cases we shall regretfully have to ask for the cost of the book's replacement £6. Should the book be damaged in such a way that it has lost its value but, in the opinion of the teacher is repairable and reusable, then we should ask for half the cost of its replacement - £3.

General The governing body may, from time to time, amend the categories of activity for which a charge may be made. Nothing in this policy statement precludes the governing body from inviting parents to make a voluntary contribution towards the cost of school trips.

LINKS WITH COMMUNITY Strong links are maintained with the local community in a variety of ways:The Police, Road Safety, Ambulance, Fire, Medical, Dental, Veterinary and Social Services, Religious bodies and Charity agencies, are encouraged to visit the school.

Likewise, representatives of local commerce and industry are invited to visit us. We also seek to visit them.

Work Experience opportunities are made available to Blackpool and Fylde College and local High School pupils. We encourage student placements and have links with the University of Cumbria Also, the school encourages parental (and grandparental) involvement in children's learning.

We also have links with St Mark’s Church and our Annual Carol Service is held there. Our Sing Out Choir and the school orchestra regularly perform in community events.

STATEMENT OF ROAD SAFETY POLICY Statistical evidence has consistently and clearly shown the vulnerability of the young and inexperienced road user. Road safety education is a learning process that involves developing a range of skills and knowledge that will enable children to become aware of, and competent in, the traffic environment.

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Layton Primary School – Booklet for Parents __________________________________________________________________________________

The school will actively support the development of positive attitudes towards road usage. This will be achieved through the integration of appropriate road safety themes and topics into the curriculum. In addition efforts will be made to work in partnership with parents in order to further encourage safe practices on or near the road, through the provision of relevant publicity materials and information.

Children are at risk from road accidents at the beginning and end of the school day.

We ask parents and carers to use Lynwood Avenue if on foot and to use Meyler Avenue when dropping off and collecting children by car. The school car park is not open to parents.

INSURANCE Blackpool Borough Council’s insurance in relation to children and parents are as follows: i)

Blackpool Borough Council’s liability insurance arrangements provide protection for the Borough Council in respect of claims for compensation made by any person suffering bodily injury or damage to property due to some act or error of Blackpool Borough Council.

These arrangements are in respect of the Borough Council’s legal liabilities only and it should be noted that the Borough Council does not automatically accept liability for any injury or damage which may occur as it would have to be proved that the Borough Council was legally responsible for the injury or damage suffered, i.e. it was at fault.

ii)

Where an injury or damage to property arises due to some act of neglect of a Third Party (i.e. some person or organisation other than the Borough Council) any resultant claim for compensation would have to be directed towards the Third Party and not the Borough Council.

iii)

If a person suffers bodily injury where no one is at fault there would be no legal grounds for pursuing a claim for compensation against either the Borough Council or a Third Party. However, this is a risk which can be covered by a Personal Accident insurance policy which provides limited benefits in respect of injuries suffered by the insured person, regardless of any legal liability. Parents could arrange such cover on a general ‘all risks’ basis applicable throughout the year or specifically for a particular event (e.g. school visit or holiday). It is understood that the National Confederation of Parent Teacher Associations has such insurance available; in any event, advice should

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Layton Primary School – Booklet for Parents __________________________________________________________________________________

be obtained from an Insurance Broker or Insurance Company.

PUBLIC ACCESS TO DOCUMENTS (ERA) The following documents are available at the office:a. The LA statement of Curriculum Policy b. Statutory Orders regarding the National Curriculum including curriculum and administrative memoranda c. Published OFSTED reports referring to the school d i. Schemes of work used by teachers ii. Medium and short term curriculum plans e. The LA agreed R.E. syllabus f. Blackpool Borough’s policy for the consideration of complaints in school curriculum and related matters see Section 23 of the Education Reform Act 1988 (See Circular1/89) DATA PROTECTION ACT Layton Primary School processes any information you provide in accordance with the Data Protection Act 1998. The information will only be held and processed for the purpose of administering our business as an educational establishment and other compatible purposes such as reporting to official local and national education or other professional bodies.

SCHOOL TERMS AND HOLIDAYS – 2014/15 Autumn Term 2014 Staff Training Monday 1st September Staff Training Tuesday 2nd September Re-open Wednesday 3rd September Close after school Friday 24th October Re-open Monday 3rd November Close after school Friday 19 th December at 1.30 pm Spring Term 2015 Staff Training Monday 5th January Re-open Tuesday 6th January Close after school Friday 13 th February Staff Training Monday 23th February Re-open Tuesday 24th February Close after school Friday 27 th March at 1.30 pm Summer Term 2015 School re-opens Bank Holiday

Monday 13th April Monday 4th May

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Layton Primary School – Booklet for Parents __________________________________________________________________________________

Close after school Friday 22nd May Re-open Monday 1st June School closes Friday 17th July at 1.30 pm Staff Training Monday 20th July School is closed to children on the 5 staff training days.

Please note that school will close at 1.30 pm at the end of every term i.e. Christmas, Easter and Summer and will close at 3.15 at the end of every half term.

The information in this booklet relates to the school year 20013/14 and was correct in relation to that year upon June 12 th 2014. However, it should not be assumed that there will be no change affecting the relevant arrangements in some particular manner either before the start of, or during, the school year in question or in relation to subsequent school years.

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