What do people say about our school?
What Parents Tell Us ...
“I found the head and staff extremely supportive and
made the experience both enjoyable and informative
and the start of ‘big school’ was smooth and fun!” (Class
3 parent, July 2012)
“From day one the
warm, welcoming
environment was
obvious.
The buddy system is amazing; having a smiling, familiar face waiting at the
other side of the gate meant my daughter never worried about leaving me. A
fabulous first year at school and I was so pleased that she felt so secure and was
excited to be going to school each day.” (Year R parent July 2012)
“The buddy system has been positive – gave my son the opportunity to get to know
the school and other children and gave much confidence. He has settled in really well
at school, talks all the time about his teachers and friends. Thank-you.” (Year R
parent, Nov 2012)
“Extremely positive, keen and enthusiastic about learning.” (Year R parent, Nov 2012)
What Children Tell Us ...
“Lessons are good, I learn something everyday”.
(Luke, Class 3)
“If I am sad there is always someone there for me”. (Emily, Class 2)
“I really like my teachers because they are kind and keep me safe”
(Rosie, Class 2)
“I have really good friends. Everyone is really happy”. (Joshua, Class 4)
What OFSTED Tell Us ...
‘Pupils’ behaviour is exemplary. The school has high expectations for pupils’ behaviour and this,
coupled with excellent relationships and a very caring learning environment, ensures a very positive
response from all pupils.
There are excellent links with parents and carers, who are very supportive of the school and
appreciate the fact that the children are happy and achieve well.
Pupils across the school achieve well in reading, writing and mathematics given their starting
points.’
(OFSTED Inspection Report 20th May 2013)
Upham Primary School
Church of England (Aided)
Upham Street, Upham, Southampton SO32 1JD
Tel: (01489) 860355 Fax: (01489) 860776 Email: [email protected]
What learning is like at our School
Children learn all day, during lessons, playtimes, lunchtimes, school trips and
assemblies. The social, emotional aspects of learning cannot be separated from the
skills or knowledge a child is learning, how they feel about the learning process is
critical. In order for children to develop key behaviours needed to learn effectively we
have developed our ‘Learning Footsteps’. These statements are designed to help
children understand what is expected and enable discussion and communication about
the learning process to be a constant feature of our teaching. We praise children for the
effort they make to demonstrate these learning behaviours.
“Students who are more confident of their own learning ability learn faster and learn better. They
concentrate more, think harder and find learning more enjoyable. They do better in their tests and
external examinations.”
(Prof Guy Claxton 2010)
Upham Primary School
Church of England (Aided)
Upham Street, Upham, Southampton SO32 1JD
Tel: (01489) 860355 Fax: (01489) 860776 Email: [email protected]
What Our School Curriculum is Like
We are currently reviewing and developing our curriculum to make learning irresistible for children.
We want them to experience learning, to be motivated to find answers and enjoy the process. To
achieve this we have designed contexts that are relevant, thought provoking and engaging. Through
blending the boundaries of the subjects, learning from one subject is carried into another. Here are
some examples:
Class 2 watched eggs hatch
into chicks. They learned
how to grow plants to feed
the chicks, helping them
understand food chains.
Class 3 became
archaeologists
for their own
‘Time Team’.
They discovered
strange,
mysterious
objects and tried
to work out
where they had
come from.
Class 4 joined ‘The
Apprentice’. They
launched their own
businesses to sell
products to the rest of
the school. They had to
share their profits and
successes with Lord
Sugar; some were fired,
some hired!
Class 2 helped Doctor Who
rescue the space time continuum
by using their time machine to
go back in time, find out about
some famous historical figures
and make artefacts which they
gave him.
Class 1 looked after some
guinea pigs. They had to find
out how to care for them and
re-organised their classroom.
Upham Primary School
Church of England (Aided)
Upham Street, Upham, Southampton SO32 1JD
Tel: (01489) 860355 Fax: (01489) 860776 Email: [email protected]
Our Classes
With the exception of year R, children are taught in mixed-age classes throughout the
school, because of our small size. Children therefore spend two years in each class
with a transfer into the next class at the end of Years R, 2 and 4.
Class 1
Year R
Ages 4/5
Class 2
Year 1
Year 2
Ages 5/6
Ages 6/7
Class 3
Year 3
Year4
Ages 7/8
Ages 8/9
Class 4
Year 5
Year 6
Ages 9/10
Ages 10/11
Classes 2, 3 and 4 follow a two-year curriculum so that children do not repeat the same
learning. Within the class, learning is targeted at the ability level for each child so that
everyone receives just the right amount of challenge. On some occasions the year
groups may be taught separately.
Upham Primary School
Church of England (Aided)
Upham Street, Upham, Southampton SO32 1JD
Tel: (01489) 860355 Fax: (01489) 860776 Email: [email protected]
Our School Details
Upham is a Church of England Voluntary Aided School for boys and girls from four to
eleven years of age. As a Church of England school we have very close links with the village
church, The Blessed Mary, Upham, and the Diocese of Portsmouth.
The headquarters of the Children’s Services Department is in Winchester and enquiries there
should be directed to Hampshire County Council, Children’s Services Department, The
Castle, Winchester, SO23 8UG. Telephone: Winchester (01962) 841841.
Diocesan Board
The Schools Officer
First Floor
Peninsular House
Wharf Road
Portsmouth
PO2 8TA
School Address
Upham C.E. (Aided) Primary School
Upham
Nr Southampton
Hants
SO32 1JD
Tel: 01489 860355 Fax: 01489 860776
e-mail: [email protected]
Telephone:
Omega Schools
We have close links with a group of local, rural schools. These schools are similarly sized
and by working together over common issues we are able to achieve more than we would in
isolation. We also cooperate to arrange activities for the children such as sporting
competitions.
Wyvern Pyramid
We are part of the Wyvern Cluster of Schools and many of our children transfer to Wyvern
Technology College at the end of Year 6. This cluster of schools work together to support our
communities and prepare children for their transition to secondary school.
Upham Primary School
Church of England (Aided)
Upham Street, Upham, Southampton SO32 1JD
Tel: (01489) 860355 Fax: (01489) 860776 Email: [email protected]
Our Governors
Chair
Ms Gwyn Little
Tel: 01489 860258
Vice Chair
Mrs Cynthia Kimble
Foundation Governors
Revd. James Hunt
Mrs Tammy Taylor
Mr Gary Brown
Mrs Vicky Gardner
Mrs Judith Carrie
Parent Governor
Mrs Laura Millen
Teacher Governor
Mrs Faye Hodgson
Diocesan Governor
Clerk to Governors
Mrs Jane Lowe
Tel: 01489 860355
Email: [email protected]
Our Governors are all volunteers who give up a huge amount of time to support the
work of the school. They ensure the work of the school and Headteacher is properly
scrutinised so that the school continues to offer an outstanding Education.
The whole governing body meet every half term. Two sub-committees, Curriculum
and Resources, also meet every half term to explore the work of the school in detail.
Other committees, such as admissions, are called as required. The work of the
governing body is shared with parents through a termly Governor newsletter, produced
by our Parent Governor.
Upham Primary School
Church of England (Aided)
Upham Street, Upham, Southampton SO32 1JD
Tel: (01489) 860355 Fax: (01489) 860776 Email: [email protected]
Our Staff
Headteacher & SENCo
Mr D. Woolley
Class 1 Teacher
Class 1 Learning Support Assistant
Mrs J. Sothcott
Mrs S. Nettle
Class 2 Teacher & Lead Teacher
Class 2 Learning Support Assistant
Mrs F. Hodgson
Miss K. Miller
Mrs V. Prow
Class 3 Teacher (3 Days)
Class 3 Teacher (2 Days)
Class 3 Learning Support Assistant
Mrs J. Ricketts
Mrs L. Flanagan
Mrs S. Steele
Class 4 Teacher & Senior Teacher (4 Days) Mrs S. Bird
Class 4 Teacher (1 Day)
Mrs L. Flanagan
Class 4 Learning Support Assistant
Mrs M. Munday
Music
Mr D. Burgess
Senior Administration Officer
Mrs J. Lowe
Administrative Assistant
Vacancy
Caretaker and Cleaner
Mr D. Buckley
Senior Lunchtime Supervisor
Mrs M. Munday
Lunchtime Supervisory Assistants
Mrs J. Lowe
Mrs S. Saunders
Mrs S. Somerville
Cook in Charge
Mrs L. Treacher
Cook’s Assistant
Mrs J. Robertson
Peripatetic Music Tuition
Mrs M. Shepherd - Woodwind
Mrs J. Ingledew – Violin
Mr M. Lake – Guitar
French (Advanced Skills Teacher)
Mrs J. Biddle (Wyvern)
Upham Primary School
Church of England (Aided)
Upham Street, Upham, Southampton SO32 1JD
Tel: (01489) 860355 Fax: (01489) 860776 Email: [email protected]
Applying for a Place at Upham Primary
Admission of Pupils to School
Parents and children are invited to visit the school during the school day prior to making a
formal application. This will include the opportunity to discuss their request with the
Headteacher.
If you would like your child to come to our school you must apply for a place by the deadline
of midnight on Tuesday 15 January as stated by the Local Authority by completing both
the CR2 form (Online) and the Upham Supplementary Information Form (Paper Copy) if you
are applying on Faith grounds.
All parents will be sent a response (by email or first class post) from the local authority
telling them the name of the infant/primary/junior school at which their child has been
allocated a place, school will not be able to inform parents of the outcome of their
application.
Places will not automatically be held at Upham School even if it is your child’s designated
school unless you apply within the deadline.
Once places have been confirmed by Hampshire County Council the parents of all of the
children are invited to attend an evening meeting when school procedures and routines are
explained and any questions answered by the school staff.
Both parents and children are invited to take part in an induction programme which takes
place during the summer term before the children are due to start school in September. This
gives us the opportunity to build confidence in the children to start school and start the
teacher: child relationship. They will be invited into class where they will become familiar
with school and have lots of fun, helping them to see school as a positive place to be. In July
parents and children are invited to a teddy bears picnic, hosted by the current Year R children
and parents which gives parents a chance to get to know each other.
During this transition period and when children start in September, we assign each child an
older ‘buddy’. This older child will greet them at the gate and take them into class. The
younger children learn quickly that this friendly face is someone they can rely on which helps
them feel confident and secure in their new environment.
Upham Primary School
Church of England (Aided)
Upham Street, Upham, Southampton SO32 1JD
Tel: (01489) 860355 Fax: (01489) 860776 Email: [email protected]
Lunchtime and School Meals
Almost all the children stay for our dinners which are cooked on the premises. This is provided by
Hampshire County Council Caterers (HC3). The menu is designed to contain no processed foods and
no additives and to use organic meat as well as fresh fruit and vegetables. A meat and vegetarian
option is available daily. Dietary needs can be catered for, parents are asked to put a request into
writing to the cook, Mrs Treatcher, who will then discuss the child’s particular requirements further
with the parents. The current cost per meal is £2.00 which can be paid weekly, or for the whole term,
whatever is more convenient for parents.. All money should be in a labelled purse or envelope and
handed to the class teacher at the beginning of the day.
We do our best to make the midday meal a relaxed social occasion. There is a choice of menu but if
children dislike a particular dish, they may be gently encouraged to try a little but are never made to
eat anything they do not want. In practice there is little waste, but if it should be felt that a child is
not eating an adequate meal the parents would be informed. The Headteacher and Cook-Supervisor
are happy for parents to call at dinner time and see the meals being served and they are always
pleased to answer any particular dietary queries parents may have.
Many children prefer to bring a packed lunch for lunch. Highly flavoured snacks, crisps, etc. and
sugary snacks or drinks are discouraged in lunch boxes because we aim to encourage healthy eating
and healthy lifestyles.
Some children may be eligible for Free School Meals. The fact that any child is having free school
meals is, of course, kept strictly confidential by the school staff and the children cannot be identified
by their classmates. Additional information on entitlement to free school meals may be obtained
from the Local Education Office.
Lunchtime is a social occasion and we encourage this by ensuring all of the children eat together. The
younger children start their lunch at 12.00am and are joined by the older children at 12.15pm.
Children sit in mixed ages so that younger children are able to learn good table manners from the
older children.
Healthy Snacks
Your child may bring water in a plastic drinking bottle to keep in their classroom and the children are
encouraged to drink regularly throughout the day.
All children in Class 1 and 2 are entitled to a free piece of fruit or vegetable each school day. The
children are offered the fruit just before the mid morning break which encourages a calm, social time.
The scheme is part of the national 5 A DAY programme. Research has shown that on average
children in England eat only two portions a day. The fruit and vegetables are delivered to school
three times a week to ensure freshness and choices on offer are bananas, pears, apples and easy-peel
citrus such as satsumas, carrots, tomatoes and strawberries are also included.
Upham Primary School
Church of England (Aided)
Upham Street, Upham, Southampton SO32 1JD
Tel: (01489) 860355 Fax: (01489) 860776 Email: [email protected]
Staying Healthy and Safe
Medical
If your child has a medical condition we will ensure changes to provision or routines are made in
order to accommodate this need. Staff are trained in specific areas if required, for example the use of
Epipens for emergency treatment of anaphylactic shock. However, it should be remembered that
whilst we have trained first aid staff we are not medical practitioners so some procedures may not be
appropriate. If your child has a medical need please discuss this with the Headteacher or classteacher
or ask for a copy of our medicine policy.
Many children may require ongoing medication to be used/ available, such as inhalers, or may need
medication for short-term treatment. In these cases:
 Any medicine or tablets etc, must be given to a teacher or to the school secretary to be
administered. The dosage and the name of the child should be clearly written on the label and
entered on the medicines file which is kept at reception.
 Inhalers A letter from parents with full medical directions is required and those children using
inhalers need to be fully competent in their use.
 It is the parents’ responsibility to ensure that any medication we have in school is in date.
Illness
Should a child become unwell at school parents will be requested to come and collect him/her. If the
school is unable to contact the parents we will contact the emergency number supplied by parents for
this purpose.
When a child is absent, parents are asked to send a brief note or telephone giving the reason on
his/her return to school. If it is known that a child is to be absent, it is most helpful for the school to
be informed before 9.15 am (the catering staff can then adjust the number of lunches which they
prepare). If we do not receive notification of an absence we will phone home by 10am on the day to
ensure the child is safe at home.
Accidents
School staff regularly check the building and grounds for wear and tear, damage or any other
potential problems. However, inevitably children have accidents as part of their normal activity. First
aid is provided by first-aid trained staff. A minor scratch may just require a plaster but more serious
injuries or concerns will always be made aware to parents. All serious accidents will be brought to
the attention of the Headteacher and the parents contacted. Should both parents be unavailable and
the child need hospital treatment the Headteacher will assume responsibility and telephone for an
ambulance or take the child. Meanwhile, attempts to contact the child's parents will continue.
School Security
We aim to make the school a safe place with a relaxed learning atmosphere. Please ensure that you
use the main entrance when visiting the school outside of normal arrival and departure times and
follow the signing in procedure. Any visitors on site will wear visitor badges so that the children can
be confident that they are permitted on site.
Upham Primary School
Church of England (Aided)
Upham Street, Upham, Southampton SO32 1JD
Tel: (01489) 860355 Fax: (01489) 860776 Email: [email protected]
Including and Supporting Children with Individual Needs
Special Educational Needs (SEN) and Disability Arrangements
It is the Governors’ responsibility to ensure that all children who have LDD receive the provision
they require, consistent with the availability of resources. To this end there is a designated governor,
currently Ms Judith Carrie, who has the responsibility of liaising with the SEN coordinator (SENCo),
about the number of children requiring help and the resources the school can provide for them. We
have a policy for the Education and Care of children with SEN, a copy can be provided if requested
from the office.
The school has an LDD Policy which helps the staff identify special needs at an early stage. Special
needs are defined under categories: physical or sensory, emotional and behavioural, or learning
difficulties. Each child identified has a Personal Education Plan prepared by their class teacher, in
consultation with the SENCo which is shared with the children and their parents.
Class teachers will do their utmost to plan relevant teaching and learning programmes and monitor
the progress of children experiencing learning difficulties. Children with special needs may receive
additional outside support where appropriate.
For extra support we are able to enlist the help of outside specialists. Educational psychologists,
hearing impairment advisor, speech and occupational therapists have all visited the school on
occasions.
At some time in their school career many children may need support for short or a longer time with
varying difficulties. Some of these children may need extra help for a short while, while others may
have longer-term needs for extra support. Learning support staff are employed in each class; they
work with individuals and also with small groups to ensure that the needs of all children are met.
Additional numeracy and literacy support is offered to small groups of children outside of designated
hours (where statements of educational need are in place) to compliment work done in class and at
home.
The needs of able and talented children are recognised and a wide range of strategies are used to
challenge these children.
Equal Opportunities
The school is committed to providing equal opportunities for all pupils, parents (and carers) and staff
regardless of culture, religion, race, gender, social and economic background, sexual orientation and
mental or physical development. The school has a Single Equality Scheme in place to meet the Single
Equality 2008 Legislation. Where a disability causes difficulty, we will make reasonable adjustments
to cater for the effects of that disability. All areas of the building are easily accessible from exterior
doors and we have a disabled W.C.
Upham Primary School
Church of England (Aided)
Upham Street, Upham, Southampton SO32 1JD
Tel: (01489) 860355 Fax: (01489) 860776 Email: [email protected]
Christian Worship and Religious Education
There will be a daily act of collective worship either as a whole school or in classes. Assemblies will
be Christian, and based upon learning from that religious ideal. There will be an observance of the
main Christian festivals and co-operation with the Church locally. At points through the year we hold
services at the village church, The Blessed Mary, Upham, which parents and families are invited to
participate in. Opportunity will be given to foster growth in Christian life. Although the school is a
Church of England foundation, teaching will extend sympathetically to all Christian traditions, and
familiarity with other World Religions will be encouraged.
Religious Education forms part of the integrated programmes of study within every class room and
follows the Hampshire Guidelines which are non-denominational in character.
Parents are, however, entitled to withdraw their children from all or part of, Religious Education and
Collective Worship if they so wish by informing the Headteacher in writing. We ensure Christian
values underpin the learning in collective worships but also ensure that children of no faith or nonChristian faiths are fully included and feel part of our school community.
The traditional Christian values of love, concern for others and a response to the needs of the world
will be encouraged both in the classroom, and as part of the everyday ethos of the school. Children
will be encouraged to learn about their responsibility towards the environment which they have
inherited.
An Easter Poem,
Written by Class 3 children
Upham Primary School
Church of England (Aided)
Upham Street, Upham, Southampton SO32 1JD
Tel: (01489) 860355 Fax: (01489) 860776 Email: [email protected]
Subject – Specific Information
Relationships and Sex Education
At Key Stage 1 we would not wish to see sex education taught formally or in isolation but there will
be times when it occurs naturally within the school curriculum or when children ask questions which
should be answered truthfully and appropriately, depending on the child's stage of development.
In Years 5 and 6, towards the end of Key Stage 2, relationships and sex education will be provided to
prepare pupils to cope with the physical and emotional challenges of growing up and to give them an
elementary understanding of human reproduction. The facts will be presented in an objective,
balanced and sensitive manner by staff who have interest, confidence and expertise. Care will be
taken to ensure that sex education be matched to the maturity of the pupils involved and that
questions are answered sensitively. Teaching materials will be of high quality and there will be an
opportunity for parents to review these in school prior to their use in the classroom. Parents have the
right to ask for their child to be excluded from these lessons.
Games
Through our games programme we aim to encourage the personal development of each child as an
individual and as a member of society. Concepts such as team spirit, good sportsmanship, self
discipline and dedication can all be learned through team games.
Clubs are held after school or during lunchtime for netball, football, tennis, rugby, cricket and dance,
regular fixtures are arranged with other local schools. We also run cricket coaching sessions and
these are provided by an experienced coach.
Music
Music is an extremely important part of school life. All children have class music sessions each week
with our specialist music teacher Mr Burgess. These sessions give children opportunities to sing, to
experiment and produce their own compositions with a range of instruments and to listen to a wide
range of music. In addition to this, children in Class 3 participate in the Hampshire Music
‘Listen2Me’ scheme where they all learn an instrument together as a class every term. This gives
children a good understanding of a range of instruments and can make an informed choice if they
wish to continue to learn this instrument.
We also offer instrumental tuition in recorder, violin, clarinet, flute and guitar for those children who
choose to learn them. The children are taught individually or in small groups by our own music
teachers.
Upham Primary School
Church of England (Aided)
Upham Street, Upham, Southampton SO32 1JD
Tel: (01489) 860355 Fax: (01489) 860776 Email: [email protected]
Attendance
Parents, schools and LEAs share legal responsibilities in respect of school attendance.
Parents of children of compulsory school age must ensure that they receive an efficient
and suitable full time education. Registers will be taken at the beginning of each
morning and afternoon session. These will be closed at 9.05 am and 1.20 pm. Any
child arriving after the close of the register without prior notification will be marked
late.
Absence is counted as authorised if the school has been informed that the absence due
to an acceptable reason e.g. sickness, medical treatment.
Attendance 2012/2013
Total Attendance: 96.6%
Authorised absence was 3.4%
Unauthorised absence was 0.1%
Upham Primary School
Church of England (Aided)
Upham Street, Upham, Southampton SO32 1JD
Tel: (01489) 860355 Fax: (01489) 860776 Email: [email protected]
Friends of Upham School
Friends of Upham School (FUS)
The school enjoys strong support from parents and the village as a whole. All parents
are automatically members of FUS, our very active PTA group. FUS organise a wide
range of different activities throughout the year, some in school, some outside of
school, some for the children, some as social occasions for parents. Many parents
enjoy being involved in the organisation of these events.
The events FUS organise provide extra opportunities and experiences for the children,
encourage parents, staff, governors and villagers to work together as well as raising
extra funds for the school. Previous projects that FUS had raised money for include:




New play trail
Play equipment for use at playtimes
Cameras for each class
Furniture for our new library
Gardening FUS
A sub – group of the PTA who are particularly interested in gardening meet through
the autumn, spring and summer to maintain the flower beds and create new planting
areas. Anyone is welcome to participate and a horticultural knowledge is not required,
only enthusiasm! Previous projects include:





Sensory garden in quiet area
Wildflower meadow
Mass spring bulb planting
New woodland footpath under apple trees
Herb beds
Upham Primary School
Church of England (Aided)
Upham Street, Upham, Southampton SO32 1JD
Tel: (01489) 860355 Fax: (01489) 860776 Email: [email protected]
Our School Uniform
The school has a very straightforward uniform. Our original 19th Century Trust Deeds on which the
school was founded by The Church of England states that the uniform is not compulsory, though all
of our parents are happy to uphold it. Our school is highly regarded by the community and we are
proud of the identity our uniform provides.
Boys
Medium grey trousers
Burgundy sweatshirt
White shirt (T-shirt or Polo shirt)
Suitable footwear
Girls
Medium grey skirt or tunic
A summer dress of simple style in pink gingham
Burgundy sweatshirt
White blouse (T-shirt, or Polo-shirt)
Suitable footwear
During the evening meeting our new Year R parents are invited to in July, we will provide details of
our uniform suppliers.
In wet weather parents are asked to see that their child has alternative footwear to change into. This
avoids a child having to be in damp footwear and prevents damage to carpeting.
Games Kit
Children work on large apparatus in bare feet in accordance with County policy but for other physical
activities all children require trainers (preferably slip-on type) and a pair of shorts and a T-shirt.
A bag is needed in which to keep the above items. Please help us to find the owners of lost property
by labelling clothing and PE kit.
Jewellery should not be worn particularly earrings as these are potentially hazardous; studs are
allowed. The school cannot accept responsibility for the loss or damage of valuables.
Personal Hygiene (Years 5 & 6)
Children are encouraged to use deodorants or anti-perspirants in either stick, roll-on or gel form.
Aerosols of any description are not permitted.
Upham Primary School
Church of England (Aided)
Upham Street, Upham, Southampton SO32 1JD
Tel: (01489) 860355 Fax: (01489) 860776 Email: [email protected]