-1- School prospectus Contents 1. Welcome How this prospectus works The history of St Mary’s Church of England School The aims of the school School amenities Accessibility 2. School organisation Staffing The Governing body The school year The school day 3. Policy Admissions Attendance Supervision before and after school School lunches Uniform 4. Curriculum Overview Special Educational Needs Worship Policies Standard Attainment Tests 5. Parents Parental involvement Information Appendix I Appendix II St Mary’s Church of England Primary School Fowler Road London N1 2EP Telephone number: 020 7359 1870 Fax number: 020 7359 3812 www.stmarys.islington.sch.uk 1. Welcome Welcome to the St Mary’s Church of England Primary School prospectus. The prospectus is for prospective, new or existing parents at St Mary’s. Whichever you are, we hope that you will find the following contents informative and that they will begin to give you an insight into the life of the school, what makes it tick and the part that you can play. How this prospectus works The prospectus is organised to give you a broad understanding of the school in a number of areas: . The background to the school, its aims and admission policies . Information about the staffing . An overview of the core activities of the school in providing for your child’s education . Information on key school policies . Information that you will receive on your child’s progress and achievement . Information about the governors and other school organisations and activities in which you can become involved The history of St Mary’s Church of England School There has been a St Mary’s School since 1710. We have been a primary school since 1944, which was also the year in which the old school buildings on the present site were destroyed. The new building dates from 1966 although improvements continue to this day. In the language of current education legislation, we are a Voluntary Aided school, receiving a delegated budget from the Local Authority administered by CEA @Islington, in partnership with the London Diocesan Board for Schools. - 3 - The aims of the school . Within a Christian framework, to provide a broad, balanced curriculum, incorporating the National Curriculum, which both acknowledges and fosters each child’s intellectual, physical or other abilities, social and moral development. To offer all children, irrespective of race, sex or creed, equal access to educational and social opportunities appropriate to their individual needs. . To help children, through a variety of teaching situations including investigation and co-operation, to become autonomous learners, creative thinkers and responsible individuals so they can achieve the highest possible standards. . To establish effective communication encouraging everybody associated with the school, all staff, pupils, parents/carers, governors and neighbours, to work together for the benefit of the whole school community. . That all individuals within the St. Mary’s School community should be valued and that everyone should be encouraged to identify their own training needs with the aim of improving all aspects of the school. School amenities The school is well equipped with a dedicated computer room with an interactive whiteboard and sufficient laptop computers for teaching a whole class group. The room is arranged with workstations around the perimeter to allow it to double as a music room. Each classroom is also equipped with an interactive whiteboard and a computer to enable the use of Information Technology in the teaching of all subjects. The school has a wireless network enabling the lap tops to be used for teaching and learning in any classroom. The site has a number of external play areas; a dedicated reception class outdoor area, a “soft” play area in the smaller playground, leading to marked out activity areas and a larger playground with nets and marked pitches and an adjacent wood-framed area. The school is arranged around a covered courtyard that provides additional teaching space. The school has a well-stocked library. Accessibility The school is on one level, but as the site slopes towards the entrance there is a lift at the entrance for use by the less mobile enabling all parts of the school premises to be freely accessed by all. - 4 - The school has a school accessibility plan which gives details of the school policy and future planning. The school accessibility committee is responsible for reviewing and revising the plan for future development or need. The full plan is available from the school office. 2. School organisation Who’s who at St Mary’s There is a large staff team comprising teachers, teaching assistants, administration officer and premises manager. There are also a number of volunteers who work in the school. All contribute in different ways to providing a safe and supportive environment in which your child can receive a good education. The list of the staff for the current school year is in the appendix. The Governing body Governors are appointed by a number of different routes, to ensure that the governing body is representative of everyone who has an interest in or responsibility toward the school. The governing body is made up of governors appointed by . The Parish Church Council of St Mary’s Church (Two) . The Islington Deanery Synod (Two) . The London Diocesan Board for Schools (Two) . In addition, the Vicar of St Mary’s Church Upper Street is an ex-officio a governor These seven governors are empowered to appoint a further two governors, known as Foundation Governors. . The Local Authority (One) . Parents at the school (Three) . Teachers at the school (One) . Non-teaching members of staff (One) . The Headteacher is also a governor The current list of governors is in the appendix. The School Year The year is split into three terms autumn, spring and summer. Each term ends with a holiday period, and there is a short half term holiday within each term. The children attend for 38 weeks of the year in total. The staff attend for 39 weeks as they have an addition 5 INSET (in service training days) to work. The school year is set each year by the governing body. The dates are published to parents/carers through the monthly school newsletter. - 5- The School Day The day starts at 9am and finishes at 3.30pm for all children. There is a short morning and longer lunch break for all of the pupils, and Key Stage 1 pupils have an additional short afternoon break. 3. Policy The school has a large number of policies to ensure clear guidelines and procedures. Each curriculum area has a policy document which works in conjunction with our Teaching & Learning, Special Educational Needs, Equal Opportunities/racial equality and cultural diversity and Behaviour policies. In addition there are policies related to the management of the school. The Teaching & Learning, attendance and Behaviour policies are available in the foyer for parents/carers to read. Admissions The Governing Body proposes to admit up to 30 pupils into the one class in each year group. It may however, admit fewer pupils if it considers this to be desirable for the health, safety and welfare of the pupils, or if so required by law. Currently schools are required by law to ensure that infant class sizes (that is, Reception, Years 1 & 2) do not exceed 30 pupils per class. The Governing Body has no discretion to exceed this number in response to special circumstances. Applications for admission to the Reception Class from September are made through the Local Authority on forms available from the Laycock Street Building, Laycock Street, London, N1 1TH and when completed be must returned to the same place (the closing date for this is on the form). In addition parent /carers applying to St. Mary’s need to fill in the school registration form which supplies details the school needs to apply the over subscription criteria. These are available from the school office and should be returned to the school. All applications to other year groups, or casual entry to reception (i.e. after September) must be submitted on the School application form available from the school office. Any additional documentation relating to the admission application must be submitted together with the application form. Independent verification may be required of the residential address of a child’s parents or legal guardians. Applications for admission will be considered in accordance with School’s Admissions Policy and Oversubscription Criteria. The full definitions are set out in the appendix. -6- Attendance We expect all the children to attend every school day. Obviously there are occasions when this is not possible, i.e. when a child has an illness or injury that prevents him/her attending school. When this is the case we ask parent/carers to phone us on the first day of absence, then write a letter explaining the reason for absence on the child's return -with a copy of doctor/hospital note where applicable. Our Education Welfare Officer regularly checks registers for attendance. The full version of the school attendance policy is available to read in the foyer. Supervision before and after school There is no supervision in the playground before 9.00 am or after 3.30 p.m. In a case of most exceptional need, children are supervised in the school office, but need to take themselves there for this to happen. Please ensure that your child is safe at all times – an important part of this is for parents themselves to provide a good example of being on time. Punctuality is important. Reception and Key Stage 1 children should be collected from their classrooms at 3.30 p.m. It is very important that we know who is collecting your child, so please tell your child’s class teacher of any changes in your regular arrangements. When you feel that your child is capable of going home on his or her own, please let their class teacher know. Children are never allowed to go home early on their own. If a child is left at school after 4.00 p.m. then the Local Education Authority policy of contacting the Borough Social Services is followed. School lunches A hot school lunch, with vegetarian and cold alternatives, is available in school. Information on the cost of a school lunch is available from the school office. Lunch money must be paid in advance. This can either be by cheque for a month or half term period; or by cash for each week on the Monday morning. With cash, please put all money in an envelope clearly marked with your child's name and year group as it is then less likely to get lost – small envelopes for this purpose can be obtained from the school office. If your family receives Income Support or Family Credit you will be eligible for free school meals. The school is able to authorise this if the necessary evidence is produced, please talk to the administration officer to arrange a time to do this. The authorisation for free school meals needs to be renewed annually. Failure to do this will mean payment for school lunches is required. - 7 - If you do not wish your child to have a school meal, please send in a packed lunch. Please try to ensure a balanced diet (no fizzy or sugary drinks, chocolate or sweets). Please make sure that you provide at least two weeks written notice through the school office if you wish to change from school meal to packed lunch. You may continue to be charged if we do not receive this notice, as we continue to have to bear the cost of meals supplied, whether they are taken or not. Uniform St. Mary’s uniform provides uniformity of colours but also a degree of choice. The school sells sweat shirts and polo shirts in royal blue which have the school motif embroidered on them. If these are not worn, then any plain (i.e. without motif or pattern) royal or navy blue sweatshirt, sweater or cardigan can be worn, plain royal blue or white polo shirts or T shirts, navy or black shorts, trousers, tracksuit trousers (not jeans or leathers), skirt or pinafore slip and blue and white checked dresses. Sensible shoes must be worn (i.e. shoes that have a good grip sole and low heels that the child can get on and off for PE). Boots and flip-flops are not suitable. BEHAVIOUR Our behaviour policy is based on the following: THE GOLDEN RULES: . Do be gentle . (Do not hurt anybody) . Do be kind and helpful . (Do not hurt people’s feelings) . Do work hard . (Do not waste your or other people’s time) . Do look after property . (Do not waste or damage things) . Do listen to people . (Do not interrupt) . Do be honest . (Do not cover up the truth) These six rules give the children a clear framework for behaviour. The whole school policy positively reinforces the rules and has a system of reminders and sanctions for those who break them. - 8- 4. Curriculum Overview The curriculum at St. Mary’s is planned to cover and enhance all aspects of the National Curriculum. Our school has been determined to maintain breadth in the curriculum for every pupil. After completing the daily numeracy and literacy lessons plus coverage of the other core subjects, timetabling ensures that every foundation subject has equal emphasis. The Foundation subjects are taught according to our schemes of work arranged around a topic plan. All classes study a different topic each term. A cross-curricular approach is used in planning every topic to enhance, reinforce and apply skills across the curriculum. Our schemes of work ensure a balance in every subject over the year. In addition to classroom based learning the school uses out of school activities to extend the experience and learning opportunities for the pupils. Good and careful planning results in good teaching and learning. This is described more fully in our Teaching and Learning policy. We aim to provide a broad range of attractive materials for literacy at every level and although we do not use a single reading scheme, books are levelled and children follow a structured programme. In line with the Numeracy Strategy we have established a daily mathematics lesson across the school. In Mathematics we have a multi-scheme approach, using a wide range of materials to provide differentiation and progression. The National Curriculum for Science is broad. The school has a scheme of work to ensure coverage of all areas, combining practical work with theory. R.E. is an area where our children learn about Christianity and other major world faiths. We learn about people’s lives, customs and values, in order to foster respect for all people and our world. In our Reception Class we follow the Foundation Stage Curriculum working towards the Early Learning Goals. Children are expected to learn through play and take part in adult-directed activities as they learn to communicate, read, write and gain mathematical experience. Sex education is taught formally in Year Six. We always answer all children’s questions honestly as and when they arise. It forms part of our policy on Personal, Health and Social Education, which includes discussions about drugs, HIV and other issues. Parents are informed when this topic is planned so they can discuss the same issues at home. -9- Each academic year our school improvement plan focuses on different areas of the school’s development. This is organised so that over a three-year period all areas are considered for development. Special Educational Needs All children should have access to the National Curriculum at their own level. We aim to see that this can take place through careful assessment and monitoring, so that: i. Children with learning or physical difficulties are supported, so that they and others around them can develop socially, emotionally and intellectually. ii. Children are not excluded (on a regular basis) from any area of school life e.g. the dining hall, the playground, physical education or school visits, because of their needs. iii. Children's views are sought and valued and they are involved in planning and reviewing their support. iv. Parents/carers of these children are fully informed and consulted and efforts are made to involve them positively in the programme developed. v. All staff seek to develop understanding of all aspects of equal opportunities in the school throughout this process. The full Special Needs policy is available on request If you have any concerns about your child please come to talk about them with either your child’s class teacher, the Inclusion coordinator, or the head teacher. Worship An act of collective worship takes place every day. These are planned according to weekly or termly topics and aim to be both interesting and thought provoking. Prayer and music play an integral part in our worship. We hope that by providing a daily opportunity for worship that children will realise the importance of regular contact with God. A member of our local clergy team regularly leads worship in school (usually on Thursdays) and we have a number of friends of the school who also lead assemblies from time to time. At times in the year classes will prepare a class assembly, which parents and carers are invited to attend. We take children to St. Mary’s church in Upper Street, St. James’ in Prebend Street and St. Stephen’s in Canonbury Road. We plan special services on important occasions in the church year. We hope that by familiarising the children with the building itself, children who might not otherwise go to church, and also those who do, will remember it as a safe and friendly place, where good things can be celebrated and problems shared. -10 - Parents and carers are always welcome to join us in church and for class assemblies. Statutory Assessment Tests (SATs) SATs are taken in Year 6 and Year 2. These tests are set by the Department for Education. The children are supported through preparing for and taking the SATs tests in year 2 and year 6. The tests are levelled on the assumption that "the average child" in Year 6 will achieve level 4 and "the average child" in "Year 2" will achieve level 2. The individual children’s results are reported to parents/carers and results are published in the following school year. All children in Reception are assessed using the foundation profile at the end of the foundation year. This is a national assessment procedure based on the foundation stage curriculum. 5. Parents Parental involvement Every aspect of our school is improved when parents/ carers give their support. As well as helping their own children, some parents and carers have time to come into school during the day to do all sorts of things from cooking, decorating and helping children to use computers, to story telling and helping during Literacy Hours and the daily mathematics lesson. If you can help in some way please let us know. We may be able to provide training where you think this would help. We have a School Association of which all parents carers and friends are automatically members. We would encourage everybody to attend the meetings -look out for notices showing when they are to be held, and also for information in our school newsletter. Its aims include raising funds for the school and providing extra means of communication between home and school. Successful fund raising has happened every year and from this £50 is given to every class each term. You can find out from your child’s teacher how they and their class are spending this money. An Annual General Meeting for the Association is arranged to elect the officers: Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary. Many other parents are regularly involved in planning and running events and you would be very welcome to join them. The Governors have introduced a Home School Contract, which you will be asked to sign when your child is admitted. -11 - Our children benefit enormously from your continued support and involvement. Thank you. Information School Newsletter A school newsletter is published on the first Thursday in every month (or the nearest to it if this date is a holiday). The newsletter provides a mixture of news, reviews and updates on the school. It is important that parents/carers read this and other letters, as these are our main forms of communication from school to home. The newsletter is produced on mauve paper. Reporting on Children’s Progress Reports are sent home at the end of the Summer Term and parents are invited into school to discuss them. Parents are also invited to talk to their child’s class teacher in the Autumn Term at the Parent Conference Evening. Weekly parent time is available with each class teacher. Please check at school on which day your child’s teacher is available. Homework Homework comes home in a variety of forms through the school e.g. STAR folders (Sit Together And Read), IMPACT folders (Improving Maths Parents And Children Together), maths games and homework books. We encourage parents to take an interest in all aspects of their child’s education including homework. Some homework e.g. IMPACT & STAR needs an active role to be played by parents/carers. We would always ask that parents/carers sign the homework book/diary. -12 - APPENDIX I DIOCESE OF LONDON/LONDON BOROUGH OF ISLINGTON St. Mary’s C. of E. Primary School, Fowler Road, Islington, London N1 2EP ADMISSIONS POLICY FOR THE 2009/2010 SCHOOL YEAR St Mary’s C. of E. Primary School serves the following three Parishes in the Church of England Deanery of Islington: St Mary’s, Upper Street; St Stephen’s, Canonbury; and St James’s, Prebend Street. Should there be more applications than places available, pupils will be admitted to St Mary’s School in line with the priority order in the Oversubscription Criteria listed below. The Governing Body proposes to admit up to 30 pupils into the one class in each year group and will make sure that the number of pupils admitted to each year group will match DCSF and LEA recommendations Schools are required by law to make sure that infant class sizes (Reception, Year 1 and Year 2) do not exceed 30 pupils per class. The Governing Body cannot decide to have more than this number. Applications must be made on the Islington Common Admissions Form. This form is available from the CEA Education Department at Laycock Street, Islington N1 1TH. Also, parents/carers must fill in a School Supplementary Form to make sure that the School has the necessary information to apply the oversubscription criteria (see below). The School will distribute the Supplementary Forms, which must be returned to the School Office. Applications for admission to all year groups will be considered in line with this Admissions Policy and Oversubscription Criteria. OVERSUBSCRIPTION CRITERIA 1. Looked after children.* 2. Children who, at the time of their proposed admission, will have at least one sibling** attending the School 3. Children whose parents/legal guardian(s) are regular and committed members*** of any of the following three Islington Deanery Churches: St Mary’s, Upper Street; St Stephen’s, Canonbury; and St James’s, Prebend Street. 4. All other applications. Tie-breaker In the event of there being insufficient vacancies to admit all applicants in any of the categories detailed above, priority will be given to children whose parents’/legal guardians’ residential address is the shortest distance from the School’s main gates in Fowler Road, London N1 2EP when measured in a straight line****. DEFINITIONS For the purposes of this Admissions Policy and Oversubscription Criteria: *“Looked after children” are children in the care of the Local Authority. **“Siblings” are any whole or half brother or sister either by blood or by adoption, and any step or foster brother or sister who lives with the child for whom the application is made ***“Regular and Committed Members” are parents/legal guardians who attend Church at least once each month. The school will provide a form for the local Vicar, Priest or Minister to confirm this information in writing. ****“Measured in a straight line” - Distances to St Mary’s School are measured in a straight line from the parents’/legal guardians’ principal residential address to the School’s main gates in Fowler Rd, London, N1 2EP. WAITING LIST In the case of there being no place available at St. Mary’s School, parents/legal guardians are invited to have their application placed on the School’s waiting list. In the event of a place arising in any year group the oversubscription criteria will be applied in order to determine the offer of the place. Periodically, those who have an application on the waiting list will be contacted and asked to confirm if they wish it to remain on the waiting list. If confirmation is not received by a given date the application will be removed from the waiting list. -13 - In the event of there being insufficient vacancies to admit all applicants in any of the categories detailed above, priority will be given to children whose parents’/legal guardians’ residential address is the shortest distance from the School’s main gates in Fowler Road, London N1 2EP when measured in a straight line****. DEFINITIONS For the purposes of this Admissions Policy and Oversubscription Criteria: *“Looked after children” are children in the care of the Local Authority. **“Siblings” are any whole or half brother or sister either by blood or by adoption, and any step or foster brother or sister who lives with the child for whom the application is made ***“Regular and Committed Members” are parents/legal guardians who attend Church at least once each month. The school will provide a form for the local Vicar, Priest or Minister to confirm this information in writing. ****“Measured in a straight line” -Distances to St Mary’s School are measured in a straight line from the parents’/legal guardians’ principal residential address to the School’s main gates in Fowler Rd, London, N1 2EP. WAITING LIST In the case of there being no place available at St. Mary’s School, parents/legal guardians are invited to have their application placed on the School’s waiting list. In the event of a place arising in any year group the oversubscription criteria will be applied in order to determine the offer of the place. Periodically, those who have an application on the waiting list will be contacted and asked to confirm if they wish it to remain on the waiting list. If confirmation is not received by a given date the application will be removed from the waiting list. -14 -