*  C U R R I C U L U M  *

AIMS  OF  THE  SCHOOL

At Farnham Primary we aim to help each child to develop academically, socially, morally, physically, aesthetically and emotionally.  In order to facilitate this development we try to promote self respect, confidence and enthusiasm in each child.  We set appropriate standards of work, behaviour and hygiene and encourage children to take a pride in and appreciate their environment.  An essential part of this is the promotion of respect for the rich variety of races, cultures and religions within our community.  To this end we celebrate the major religious festivals in school such as Easter, Christmas, Eid and Divali.  The support of all parents in this is essential and we encourage you to come into school, see what we are doing and become involved so that together we can help your child to develop his/her full potential.

CURRICULUM

The curriculum is designed to meet the needs of each child.  The school is taking part in the National Numeracy and Literacy strategies and these are given high priority, particularly during the morning sessions.  These subjects are taught to mixed ability groups, with extra support provided for children with special needs or language development needs.  Some other subjects such as Geography, History, Science and RE are taught through a topic approach where children work together to develop and widen their experiences of themselves and of the environment.  We have excellent Information Technology facilities.  Children are taught to use a computer in the ICT room and have the opportunity to develop that use in the classrooms.  We have a good tradition of music and provide good facilities for PE.  Overall our approach is an investigative one, where children are taught to question and to think.  Educational visits are arranged throughout the child’s life in the school and we hope that parents will support these activities.

The full curriculum statement and schemes of work are available for inspection in school.

SPECIAL  EDUCATIONAL  NEEDS

We endeavour to provide early identification of children with SEN and to match need with the appropriate provisions, to involve parents at all stages of the identification and assessment procedures and to encourage help at home, to provide equality of opportunity and ensure that all children reach the highest standard of achievements.  The full SEN policy is available for inspection in school.  The policy is guided by the SEN Code of Practice.  The school also meets the requirements of the SEN Disability Act with full access available for all users.

RELIGIOUS  EDUCATION

This is part of the school curriculum where we seek to expand the moral and spiritual development of the child.  The school follows the Bradford Agreed RE Syllabus and endeavours to meet the needs of our multi-cultural society through a wide range of topics which embrace religions of other cultures.

We aim to instil in every child a sense of self-respect and respect for the opinions, beliefs and way of life of others.  Parents have the right to withdraw their children from religious education and must write a letter requesting exemption, to the Headteacher.

SEX AND RELATIONSHIPS

Sex education is not a discrete part of our curriculum, but is part of our PSHE and Science programmes and where it is approached, we will stress the caring and loving aspects and aim to promote a sense of responsibility.  Parents have the right to request that their children are excused from these lessons.  A letter must be written to the Headteacher requesting the exemption.

Acts of worship take place in compliance with the 1988 Education Act, but Farnham has a determination from the Standing Advisory Council for RE to waive the requirement that acts of school worship must be ‘wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character’.

In RE - The 1944 Education Act gives parents the right to request that their children are excused from acts of worship on the grounds of conscience.  If this is the case then a letter requesting exemption should be sent to the Headteacher, after discussing the matter, in order to make an informed decision.

For details of Bradford Agreed Syllabus for RE please contact the Interfaith Education Centre or the Headteacher.

EXTRA  CURRICULAR  ACTIVITIES

The school organises a variety of extra activities.  At the moment we offer the following activities:- ICT, Craft, Dance, Indoor and Outdoor Games, Choir and Homework.

VIDEO/PHOTOGRAPHY

Occasionally your child may be involved in events being filmed or photographed.

If you wish to object to your child being videoed/photographed, please contact the school within 20 days of the event, or as soon as possible if you are totally opposed to your child being videoed/photographed.

SPORTING  AIMS

We aim to help children to develop physically and to look after their bodies.  Children have regular PE lessons during which they learn a wide range of physical skills including games.  It is important that all children participate fully in these sessions.  To do so they need to be adequately equipped.  Please see the section on School Uniform.

EDUCATIONAL  VISITS

We organise educational visits during the year.  Sometimes these will be during the school day and involve no cost to parents, others may involve a coach journey or entrance fees.  We ask all parents to make an annual contribution towards the cost of visits/events during the year.

If a visit is expected to return outside the normal school hours or involves a cost we will always ask for your written permission.  If the visit takes place entirely inside the school day and does not involve any cost we will send you details of the visit for your information and so that you can ask the children about their visit when they return.  The full Educational Visits Policy can be inspected in school.

EQUAL  OPPORTUNITIES

Farnham Primary School is a place where all people are valued as individuals regardless of age, gender, race, creed, social background or ability.

Whilst we appreciate the diversity within our school community we recognise that conflict can occur.  When it does we aim to deal effectively and sympathetically with situations as they arise.  See complaints procedure below.

ACCESS  TO  RECORDS

We keep individual records on all children giving personal details, achievements and academic progress.  You may see your own child's record at any reasonable time.  Just have a word with his/her class teacher.

CURRICULAR  INFORMATION

Meetings are held for the parents of all year groups during the autumn term to explain the school curriculum and how parents can help their child’s learning.

Children are tested in May of years 2 and 6.  Parents will be informed before the tests take place.  Results will be included in each child’s report at the end of year 2.  Children in Years 3, 4 and 5 take optional SAT’s in May.  Results are reported in the end of year report.

We aim to provide a happy and stimulating environment where children can feel secure, work hard and where they will be helped to progress as much as possible and to behave well towards each other.  Tests only measure one aspect of this, so a visit will allow you to judge our strengths for yourselves.

HOMEWORK

All children are expected to read at home with an adult each day for up to 20 minutes.  In addition, children will bring home other English and Maths activities such as spellings and times tables which will need to be worked through with an adult.  We hope that all parents will support their children in homework activities.  Homework will be set on Wednesdays for collection the following Monday.

COMPLAINTS  PROCEDURE

The LEA document detailing the complaints procedure about curriculum, collective worship and related matters is available for inspection in the school office.  All complaints should be discussed informally with the Headteacher in the first instance.  Most difficulties can be resolved at this stage.  On the rare occasions where a satisfactory solution cannot be found, stages 2 and 3 of the procedure may be followed, which involve formal complaints to the Governors or the LEA.

PASTORAL  CARE

In the first instance the welfare and general progress of each pupil is the responsibility of the class teacher, but the Headteacher is always available and willing to help with any problem.  The school is visited regularly by the school doctor, nurse and dentist who monitor the health of each child.  Medicals are carried out in school by arrangement with parents.  Parents will always be informed and have the opportunity to attend.

SCHOOL  RULES  AND  BEHAVIOUR

Pupils are expected to:-

We aim to encourage good behaviour by a system of rewards while at the same time discouraging inappropriate behaviour through sanctions which range from reminders, detentions, and reprimands to individual behaviour programmes.  In extreme circumstances a child may be debarred from lunches or excluded.  Parents will always be involved in such instances.  Full details can be found in the school behaviour policy which is available for inspection.

Our behaviour policy is also aimed at preventing bullying and racism.  We would appreciate your support in helping to keep our school a safe and happy place.

If you ever suspect that your child is being bullied either at school or on the way to and from school please let the head teacher know immediately so that the appropriate action can be taken.

SWEETS  AND  TOYS  SHOULD  NOT  BE  BROUGHT  TO  SCHOOL

Parents should report to the Headteacher before removing their children from school during the school day.  Children may not go home unaccompanied during the day, under any circumstances.

Any child found bringing illegal substances to school will be suspended and the matter investigated.  The police will always be informed.

Children who stay to dinner are not allowed to leave the school premises during the dinner break unless a written request is received from their parents, and only then if accompanied.

CHILD  PROTECTION

In the case of suspected child abuse, we are obliged to inform Social Services.  Child protection procedures are clearly defined by the LEA and must be followed in all suspected cases.

It is essential therefore that you let the school know if your child has suffered any accidental injuries that could be misinterpreted as non-accidental.

The school policy on Child Protection is available for parents to view at the office.

• STANDARDS  OF  SERVICE  TO  THE  COMMUNITY
•  
• We aim to meet the following standards:-
• All staff will be polite and courteous to parents, pupils and each other at all times.
• Telephone queries will be dealt with courteously and quickly.
• We will investigate all complaints within 2 working days and get back to the complainant within 5 working days.
• Lessons will start and finish punctually and class rooms will be open at the stated times.
• Your child will be allowed to take reading books home each evening as long as they are returned the next morning.
• We will send newsletters on a regular basis keeping you informed of items of general interest.
• Parents' will have the opportunity to discuss their child’s progress at least twice per year and at a variety of times.
• The school environment will be kept attractive and tidy.
• Entrances to the school will be clean, tidy and welcoming.

Information and openness

We aim to give full information about the school through the newsletters, homework diaries, reports and open evenings.  Parents are always welcome into their children’s classes at the end of the school day, to look at the work that they have been doing or to talk to the teacher.

Documents

All documents will be tested for helpfulness, readability and will be regularly reviewed.  All information will be readily available in the office and advertised on the parents' notice board.  All new parents will be given copies of the information.  We will monitor the effectiveness of communications.  All suggestions for improvements will be valued and acted upon where feasible.  We will respond to all suggestions whether or not they are taken up.  We will provide as many of our publications as practicable in community languages.

THE COMMUNITY

The school recognises that it is part of the wider community and endeavours whenever possible to play a meaningful role in that community.  We have links with the McMillan Children’s Centre, NSPCC and the Primary Care Trust.  We operate a full service provision programme to support life-long learning and improve provision for health care and sporting opportunities.  In partnership with Grange Road Primary and The Council for Mosques we are continuing to develop a range of services for the community. 

*  A D M I N I S T R A T I O N  *

SCHOOL TIMES

In the morning children should line up in the playground when the bell rings.  Their teachers will accompany them into their classes.  Parents are welcome into classes at the end of the school day, after 3.15 pm.  Any child not collected by 3.20 pm will be brought back into school to wait safely by the office for collection.  Any parent who is unavoidably delayed in collecting their children should let the school know as soon as possible so that we can prevent the child from worrying needlessly.

Times:                 Nursery              8.50 am – 11.20 am             12.45 pm – 3.15 pm

                            School                 8.50 am – 12.20 pm                1.15 pm – 3.15 pm

These are the times that children are expected to be working.  They will be called in from 8.50 am and may not appear at the school door until a few minutes after 3.15 pm.

CLASS ARRANGEMENTS

The class arrangements will be as follows:-

Reception class will include all new children aged five on or before 31st August after their admission to school.

All classes will be of mixed ability.  Class sizes are no more than 30 throughout the school.  Teaching assistants are used in all classes to support teaching and learning of all pupils in groups, individually or whole class.

LUNCHTIME  ARRANGEMENTS

Children may have a school dinner, bring sandwiches or go home for lunch.  Children may only change from dinners to sandwiches and vice versa at the beginning of each term.

School dinners

Payment should be sent on the first school day of the week in an envelope marked with the child's name and class. 

We will only allow 1 weeks debt for school dinners. As a result you must either pay the required amount or send your child with a packed lunch.  Alternatively they will have to go home for dinners.

If you receive Income Support you may be entitled to free school meals or a clothing grant.  Please contact:- The Council Benefits Service at Kensington Family Centre from 9.00 am - 12 noon every Monday to Friday or 2nd Floor, Britannia House, Hall Ings, Bradford.

Sandwiches

All sandwiches should be brought in a plastic box clearly marked with your child's name and class.  All waste paper and food should be taken home in the box.  Please do not send drinks in glass or breakable plastic containers nor cans, owing to the risk of injury.  Water is available for pupils who bring sandwiches as well as for those who take a school lunch.

Children going home at lunch time

Children should go home at 12.20 noon and return by 1.10 pm (no earlier please).

ATTENDANCE

If any child is absent, school should be informed of the reason by letter or telephone.  Permission for leave of absence other than for medical reasons should be sought in advance from the Headteacher.  Should your child have to keep a medical appointment in school time he or she must be collected from school by a parent after the Headteacher has been informed.  The school is obliged to publish absenteeism rates each year.  Absences about which we have no information counts as truancy in the government statistics.  Children arriving more than 10 minutes late are marked absent.  Please help us to give your child the best possible education by making sure that he/she attends regularly and on time.  The Educational Welfare Officer is a regular visitor to school and can be available by appointment.

Absence from school without a reason is always followed up by a telephone call from our team of Learning Mentors.  This is to discuss the reasons for absence but also to confirm that your child is at home safe rather than truanting or delayed for another reason.

Guidance on extended holidays abroad

Pupils attend school for a maximum of 190 days each academic year.  Full attendance is vital for your child’s educational progress.  Education Bradford expects all parents/guardians to ensure that their children attend school whenever possible.  Absences due to holidays, taken during term time, could hinder academic attainment.  Education Bradford policy allows for a maximum of 10 days extended leave of absence only in exceptional circumstances.

Failure to return your child on the agreed date could result in a Fixed Penalty Fine of £50 (per parents, per child) being issued by Education Bradford.

• Parents must ask the Headteacher for permission to take their children out of school in term time.
• You must complete a form from school and discuss the dates of departure and return with the Headteacher.
• On return to school please report to the office with your child.  Do not simply leave them in the playground.

CHANGE  OF  ADDRESS  AND  MOBILE  TELEPHONE NUMBERS

Parents are requested to inform school in writing of any change of home address (please include postal code) and telephone numbers or any change of place of work, again with telephone numbers, so that in the case of any emergency speedy contact between the school and parents can be achieved.

If your child is unwell or injured at school we will always attempt to contact you so that you can collect him/her.  Where hospital treatment is considered necessary, and we are unable to contact you, we will take the child straight to hospital and contact you as soon as possible.

SCHOOL  UNIFORM  (INCLUDING  PE  CLOTHING)

All children should wear school uniform at all times.  Clothing grants may be available for families on low incomes, even if you are not entitled to free school meals.  Details are available from Education Welfare, Britannia House, Bradford.

Uniform is compulsory.  Parents must purchase sweatshirts with the school logo from the school office

Nursery  -  Boys & Girls

Jogging bottoms                                                               £5.00

White polo shirt with logo (nursery & reception only)         £6.50

Round neck sweatshirt                                                     £7.00

Black shoes

Years 1 – 6  -  Boys                                       Years 1 – 6  -  Girls

White polo shirt                                                White polo shirt

Round neck sweatshirt with logo - £7.00           Round neck sweatshirt with logo - £7.00

Grey trousers                                                   Grey skirt or pinafore dress or grey shalwar kameea

Black shoes                                                     Black shoes

Existing uniforms will continue to be sold until stock runs out and your child can continue to wear their current uniform until they grow out of it.  If your child does not have an official Farnham sweatshirt with the school logo you must purchase one from the school office for September 2007. 

In Reception and Year 1 children often do PE in vest and pants.  By Year 2 every child needs a pair of pumps (the slip on type are best), a white T-shirt, a pair of black shorts, leggings or PE skirt.  Children may wear a tracksuit and trainers for outdoor games or similar.  These should be in a pump bag.

It is essential that all school clothing, PE clothing, pump bags and footwear are marked with your child’s name.

ADMISSIONS

Aims

• To bring all children into school in a gradual and supportive manner so that it becomes an enjoyable experience.
• To work with parents in the integration process so that strong links are developed.
• To involve parents in their children's education from the start of school.

Nursery

In February letters will be sent asking parents of children on our waiting list if they still require a place at the school.  Families offered a place will receive a home visit to complete the admission form.  There will then be a follow up visit from a member of the nursery staff.

Children will be admitted during the September term, as we only have one intake per year. 

Reception – Admission Policy

Farnham follows the LEA Admissions Policy.

In November letters will be sent from the LEA to parents of children in our Nursery and any others on a waiting list to check that they still require a place in school. 

Pupil access

Children will be admitted gradually in the September term, specific details will be explained nearer the time. 

• All parents will be invited to a meeting in July at which we will tell them about the reception classes and the school and answer any questions.
• Parents will be asked to sign a home/school agreement promising to support their children's learning in school and uphold the rules.
• In order to help children to settle easily, the first weeks in school will be part time only.  Most children will be attending full time within 3 weeks, at which time they are able to stay for a school dinner.  Occasionally some children may need longer to settle in.

Other children wishing to start school at other times may do so provided there is room in their year.  In this case they will start on the first suitable date, usually the first day of a new term.

HEALTH  AND  SAFETY

This policy applies to all people in school including parents and visitors.  The 1974 Health & Safety Act states the legal duties of all people in the school to behave safely towards themselves, towards other people, and to co-operate with the employers (the governors) in carrying out their legal duties.  Breaches of this law could lead to a fine or imprisonment.  The main points affecting parents are as follows:-

• Staff are not allowed to administer medicines.
• Only essential medicines (including suncream) should be brought to school and are allowed only in the office in minimum quantities.
• Prams should not be brought into school.
• Parents should not congregate in corridors or anywhere where they may block a fire exit (library, doorways etc).
• Animals must not be brought on to the school premises.
• Children should not wear ear rings, studs, chains or any other items of jewellery, nor should potentially dangerous items which could cause injury, be brought to school.

The full policy is available for inspection in school.

Please ensure that when parking your car, local driveways are not obstructed.  At no time should there be any stopping on them to set down or pick up children.  Please do not drive cars onto the school premises.

HEALTHY  SCHOOLS

Farnham Primary follows the guidelines provided by the National Healthy Schools Standard.  We are proud to have received the Drugswatch Charter and the Healthy Schools Award, and provide a clean safe environment with initiatives such as fresh drinking water and healthy snacks available for all pupils.

PARENTS’  EVENING

The school holds 2 Parents’ Evenings in the first and second terms to discuss your child’s progress and targets.  Parents also have the opportunity to make an appointment with their child’s teacher to discuss their end of year report if they wish.

DOCUMENTS / POLICIES

Parents are welcome to request documents/policies for study and/or discussion.  The school will provide access with reasonable notice if appropriate.

DISCLAIMER

While the details in this book were correct at the time of publication, this does not guarantee that there will be no changes before the end of the period to which it refers.

* HOLIDAY  SCHEDULE  2007/2008 *

School will close for Eid (subject to change due to timing of Eid)

Eid dates currently scheduled for:            Friday                 12th October 2007

                                                             Thursday            20th December 2007

                                                             Friday                 21st December 2007

* THE  GOVERNING  BODY *

*  S T A F F  L I S T  *

Mr Richard Edwards                         Headteacher

Mrs Judith Tarbet                             Deputy Headteacher/CPD/School Management/KS1

Mr Sam Poulton                                Deputy Headteacher/Assessment/KS2

Ms Dorrie Brown                              Assistant Headteacher/Literacy/EAL

Mrs Margaret Weighman               Assistant Headteacher/FS/KS1/Science

Teaching Groups                                                                             Responsibility

Mrs Jasbir Makh  ................................... 6JM  ............................. Numeracy Manager (TLR)

Ms Dorrie Brown  ................................... 6DB  ............................. Assistant Head

Mr Sam Poulton  ..................................... Yr 6  .............................. Deputy Head

Mrs Eithne Dodwell  .............................. 5ED  ............................. Geography

Mrs Noorina Rashid  ............................. 5NR  ............................. Science

Mr Simon Tatham  .................................. Yr 5  .............................. PE /G&T

Ms Eileen Schofield  .............................. 4ES  .............................. Library

Mrs Leanne Towers  .............................. 4LT  .............................. PSHCE

Ms Jenny Lanigan  ................................ Yr 4  .............................. Inclusion Manager (TLR)

Miss Louise Thornton  ......................... 3LT  .............................. PE

Miss Gillian Naylor  ............................... 3GN  ............................. Literacy

Mrs Julie Heaton  ................................... Yr 3  .............................. ICT (TLR)

Miss Asia Aslam  ................................... 2AA (Blue)  ................ DT

Miss C Le Grand  .................................... 2CG (Purple)  .............. Art

Mrs Judith Tarbet  ................................. Yr 2  .............................. Deputy Head

Mrs Rashda Zafar  ................................. 1RZ (Yellow)  .............. RE

Mrs Sharon Key  .................................... 1SK (Green)  ............... Literacy

Mrs Julie George  ................................... Yr 1  .............................. History

Mrs Rachel Petch   ................................. RRP (Red)  .................. Music

Mrs Margaret Weighman   ................... RMW (Orange)  ......... Assistant Head

Mrs Laura Cockroft  ............................... Nursery  ...................... Nursery

Ms Susie Yates   .....................................   .....................................  EAL + ECAR.

Mr Aftab Qureshi  .................................. Yr groups  ................... ICT