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Colebrook Infant Academy
www.colebrookinfants.co.uk
Headteacher
Mrs C Hodkinson
[email protected]
Bursar
Mrs L Cox
[email protected]
Towcester Road
Swindon
Wilts
SN3 4AS
Tel: 01793 331960
Fax: 01793 822004
September 2015
Dear Parents,
I would like to welcome you, on behalf of the Governors and Staff, to Colebrook Infant Academy. I hope this
is the beginning of a long and happy association with our school. We promote an active partnership in the
learning process between pupils, parents, staff, governors and groups within the wider community.
Our most recent Ofsted report (January 2014), opens with “children make good progress from the moment
they enter the school.” It was also reported that “the Early Years Foundation Stage provides them with a
good start……….pupils continue to achieve well through Years 1 and 2.”
Copies of this Ofsted report, which judges the school to be good overall, are available to download from
our website. Our end of Key Stage 1 attainment is consistently high across the core subjects of English,
Maths and Science.
We are proud of our inclusive and caring ethos which is often commented upon by visitors and we want
your child to have a happy and unforgettable experience with us.
This brochure will explain some of the curricular and organisational policies of our school. You are most
welcome to visit the school and discuss any queries you may have.
Yours sincerely
Mrs C Hodkinson
Headteacher
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Staffing from January 2015:
Headteacher:
Mrs Christine Hodkinson
Deputy Headteacher:
Mrs Anne-Marie Cleary
Teachers:
Mrs Nicky Daly
Mrs Joanne King
Miss Victoria Mulcock
Miss Catherine Kemble
Mrs Laura Murray
HLTA:
Mrs Debbie Bowles
Teaching Assistants:
Mr Callum Hunt
Mrs Caroline Brown
Mrs Julie Churchill
Mrs Debbie Cottrell
Mrs Karen Hicks
Mrs Jackie MacDonald
Mrs Jane Titchener
Miss Rachel Kilford
Miss Claire Spooncer
Bursar:
Mrs Lisa Cox
Administrative Assistant:
Mrs Kim Cottrell
Caretaker:
Mr Terry Lambert
Cleaner:
Mrs Heather Lambert
M.D.S.As:
Senior MDSA
Mrs Andrea Robinson
Mrs Eileen Deane
Miss Rachel Kilford
Mrs Debra Legg
Mrs Sara Lithgow
Mrs Julie McKinley
Miss Claire Spooncer
Chair of Governors:
Mrs Maggie Watts
Clerk to Governors:
Ms Andrea Smith (c/o school office)
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The Governing Body
Chair:
Vice Chair:
Headteacher:
Community:
Mrs Maggie Watts
Miss Kirsty Britchford
Mrs Christine Hodkinson
Mrs Carol Kimmens
Mrs Hilary Strange
Mrs Maggie Watts
Parent Representatives:
Mrs Claire Rousell
Miss Kirsty Britchford
Mrs Becky Willis
Staff representatives:
Mrs Anne-Marie Cleary
Mrs Chris Hodkinson
Mrs Nicky Daly
Co-opted:
Clerk to Governors:
Mrs Hayley Martin
Ms Andrea Smith
The Friends of Colebrook (PTA)
Chair:
Mrs Joanna Hughes
(c/o school office)
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Admissions
Children usually join the school at the beginning of the school year in which they are five. Our
admissions policy is available from the office and on the school website.
Our Early Years Environment provides the appropriate curriculum and staffing ratio for four year olds
and rising fives. Our school has an admission level (standard number) of 50 pupils for each school year.
The current number on role is 130.
No child will be refused entry to our school on the grounds of any disability. Our equal opportunities
policy is rigorously enforced to ensure that children with disabilities are not treated less favourably than
other children. Our building is accessible to children in wheelchairs, with a planned programme for
future improvements. Individual care plans are written for each pupil with a medical condition, in
partnership with parents and the school nurse.
Parents
At Colebrook Infant Academy we actively work towards an effective partnership with parents in the
interests of the child’s learning and development. Parent meetings are held regularly, to report on
pupils’ progress and to outline expectations and personal targets for the next term. Written reports will
be given and discussed in the summer term.
Good communication is essential in order to achieve the best outcomes for the children. Quick
messages can be taken in the mornings but after school, parents are welcome to 'pop in' to have a chat.
A mutually convenient time will be arranged as soon as possible, if something needs to be discussed at
greater length.
We ask parents to let us know of changes to arrangements for collection of their child from school by
writing notes on the class contact boards or a phone call to the office. If you are sending someone who
is not known to us, to collect your child, a photo or prior introduction is best.
As Headteacher I am always available to discuss any concerns that you may have. I welcome regular
contact with parents and it is always good to hear positive feedback about activities or events that
children or parents have particularly enjoyed.
Another pair of hands is always a great help and so if you have time to spare, please come and tell us. All
regular helpers in school will be required to have enhanced CRB checks.
School Clothing
We encourage all pupils to wear uniform to school as we believe it fosters an identity and pride in our
school. We ask that the children wear white polo shirts and grey or black trousers, pinafores or skirts.
During the summer girls may wear blue/white checked dresses. All these items can be purchased from
local supermarkets.
Sweatshirts, cardigans, fleeces and fleece-lined shower jackets with the school logo can be directly
ordered online at www.schooltrends.co.uk and these will be delivered to school for your collection.
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Specimen sizes are kept in the school office. Book and dap bags with the school logo can be purchased
from the school office.
For P.E. children will need:
shorts & T-shirt
drawstring bag for storage (PE kit may be left in school)
daps – Summer terms only.
All indoor P.E. is done in bare feet in line with the Local Authority’s guidelines.
For reasons of safety, please do not allow your child to wear jewellery in school. Small studs are
preferable if your child has pierced ears, but all jewellery must be removed for P.E. Watches are the
only other items of jewellery permitted in school. The school will not accept responsibility for any
valuables which the children bring to school, including watches. Please make sure that all clothing,
including daps, is clearly named. This will help your child to develop their independence and will help us
to return items to the correct owners.
Health and Safety
If your child is unwell during the day, we will contact you, or a person designated by you, so that your
child may be taken home. All parents are asked to inform the school immediately of any change of
mobile phone numbers for emergency contact. The school uses a parent text message service to alert
parents to any changes which might occur during the school day (e.g. cancellation of an after school
club, emergency school closures).
We would appreciate being informed as soon as possible of any infectious or contagious illnesses.
Periods of incubation for the more common infections are as follows:
Chicken Pox - 6 days from beginning of rash
German Measles - 4 days from beginning of rash
Measles - 7 days from beginning of rash
Mumps - until swelling has subsided - 7 days minimum
Children must have been clear of any sickness or diarrhoea for 48 hours before returning to school.
If it is necessary for your child to access medication whilst at school (e.g. if your child is asthmatic), one
of our trained First Aiders may be able to do so, provided that written permission has been given, the
medication has been prescribed by a doctor and parental permission is completed.
No vehicles should be driven onto the school premises. The nearby Community Centre car park can be
used for bringing or collecting children, with a gate through to the school. We are very grateful for the
Community Centre facilitating this and we ask that parents are mindful of any functions that might be
held at the Centre during the day. If possible, please park towards the back of the Centre car park.
Children and parents should use the side entrances into school at the beginning and end of the day. The
side entrances are locked at 9.00a.m and remain locked until the end of the day. Entrance to the school
is via the main entrance, in Towcester Road.
Please remember that dogs are not permitted anywhere on the school site, with the exception of guide
dogs.
A copy of the Health and Safety policy is available to parents on request.
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Our first priority is your child’s welfare and therefore there may be occasions when our concern about
your child means that we have to consult other agencies before we contact you. The procedures we
follow have been laid down by the South West Child Protection Procedures www.swcppp.org.uk, and
are in accordance with Swindon Borough Council guidance. If you want to know more about these
procedures, please speak to the Headteacher/Child Protection Coordinator or visit the web site. Copies
our Child Protection Policy are available from the school office or to download from the website.
Colebrook Infant Academy is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and
young people and all post holders are subject to an enhanced criminal records bureau disclosure and
Independent Safeguarding Authority registration. Appointment is subject to satisfactory references,
enhanced CRB and medical clearances and proof of legal working in accordance with the asylum and
immigration act 1996. Senior staff and appropriate Governors have received up-to-date Safer
Recruitment training.
Discipline
Within the happy and caring atmosphere of our school, it is our ultimate aim that children should
develop self-discipline, a respect for other people and their property. We have a limited number of
rules, primarily related to safety, but we do expect good manners, kindness and consideration for
others. Our Behaviour Policy emphasises encouraging good behaviour. If there is a concern about a
child's behaviour, we liaise promptly with parents. A copy of the full behaviour policy is available to
parents on request.
Educational Visits
In compliance with the 1988 Education Act, visits organised during the school day are free to all pupils.
We may ask parents for a voluntary contribution towards the cost of the visit. In the past, parents have
been very supportive as they have recognised the great value such experiences have in the children's
education. Pre-visit risk assessments are carried out for visits.
School Organisation
The composition of the classes may vary from year to year, depending on the number of children in
school and their age distribution. The organisation for 2015/2016 is as follows:
Foundation Stage 2: 2 Early Years classes
Key Stage 1: 2 Year 1 classes and 2 Year 2 classes
Each class teacher is responsible for the curricular and pastoral needs of the children in their class. The
children will spend some of their time working as a whole class, but will also be involved in individual,
paired and group activities. Work is matched to the needs of the individual.
The Headteacher has overall responsibility for the day to day running of the school, supported by the
Governors. Any concerns should be raised with, and hopefully resolved by, the class teacher or Head. In
this way we hope that the formal complaints procedure via the Governing Body will never be necessary.
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The Curriculum
The Governors and staff of our school aim to provide a secure foundation for all children’s education,
through learning and development opportunities which are planned around the needs and interests of
each individual child and are assessed and reviewed regularly. As a staff, we have worked co-operatively
to produce policies to support the delivery of a broad, balanced curriculum, specifically relevant to our
school. These are readily available, via the school website, to any interested parent.
In their first year, your child will follow the Foundation Stage curriculum, which comprises 7 areas of
learning and development. There are 3 prime areas:
 Communication and Language
 Physical Development
 Personal, Social and Emotional Development
There are 4 specific areas, through which the prime areas are strengthened and applied:
 Literacy
 Mathematics
 Understanding the World
 Expressive Arts and Design
In Key Stage 1, we follow the New National Curriculum and there is an emphasis on developing basic
English and Mathematic skills, as well as developing knowledge, understanding and skills in Science, ICT
(Information Communication Technology), Art, Design Technology, History, Geography, Music, PE and
Religious Education.
The school is legally required to assess children at the end of the Foundation Stage (Foundation Stage
Profiles). During Year 2, each pupil will take Statutory Assessment Tests (SATs), as part of the Teacher
Assessment requirements for the end of Key Stage 1. Current academic results are below:
Results of Teacher Assessment at the end of Key Stage 1 2015
%
Level 2+
Level 2B +
Level 3+
Key Stage 1
Average Points
Reading
Writing
Maths
Speaking & Listening
Science
Reading
Writing
Maths
Reading
Writing
Maths
Speaking & Listening
Science
Reading
Writing
Maths
84.3
84.3
90.2
82.4
98
76.5
66.7
80.4
31.4
15.7
27.5
25.5
33.3
16.3
15
16.5
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English
Great emphasis is placed on the teaching of reading and writing and developing speaking and listening
skills. English is taught as a cross curricular subject and as a subject in its own right, with every class
having a daily literacy time, which includes the specific teaching of phonics. Children's progress is closely
monitored and individual targets set. We encourage parents to be actively involved in this and to
support their child's reading development in particular. We use the Read, Write Inc. scheme to teach
synthetic phonics.
Mathematics
Every class has a daily Maths time. There is an emphasis on practical activities, particularly in the Early
Years, to enable the children to understand mathematics and experience it in a meaningful way.
Science
Much of this subject is taught discretely with an emphasis on developing skills and systematic scientific
approaches.
Computing
Each class currently has access to multimedia PCs/laptops with internet connection. We have interactive
whiteboards in each classroom, with a wide range of interactive teaching programmes. The school
subscribes to “DB Primary’s” learning platform, which can also be accessed at home.
The remaining subjects are taught through a mixture of individual subject teaching and themed topic
work. We have a whole school topic which changes termly. These topics are planned carefully to
inspire and engage children in their learning.
RE and Collective Worship
As part of their Religious Education, the children will be given opportunities to begin to develop a
knowledge of the Christian faith and one other world faith. The school follows the Local Authority’s RE
Syllabus. Children take part in a daily act of worship, mainly of a broadly Christian character, with weekly
opportunities to celebrate the achievements of every member of the school. Our collective worship
policy is available on the school website.
Home Learning
We view learning at home as an important part of our children’s education. It develops skills of
independent learning and curiosity, and contributes significantly to our children’s rate of progress.
Homework extends learning beyond the classroom and helps to develop research skills. We welcome
parents taking an active role in the homework set, particularly in developing and practising reading
skills. Home learning does not necessarily mean written work. It is any task that a child is asked to
complete at home, which will reinforce and/or extend what is learned in school. Each child has a WOW
book to take home to record any events shared within the family setting, encouraging free writing.
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PSHE - Personal, Social and Health Education
This is the basic framework through which the school provides active learning and practical
development in the key skills of communication, working with others and developing children’s
individual personal skills as they grow and develop. Citizenship and sex education are included in this
work.
The staff and Governors have agreed a sex education policy - questions raised by children are answered
honestly and appropriately.
Additional Educational Needs
Teachers are constantly assessing the needs of children within their class and providing for these needs.
When particular needs require greater support than can be provided by the class teacher alone,
Individual Educational Plans will be drawn up in consultation with the school's special needs
co-ordinator and parents. Support from external agencies may also be sought, again in full consultation
with parents. We also identify our gifted and talented pupils, with similar support also available.
Colebrook Infant Academy has Basic Skills status and has achieved the Healthy Schools award. We have
also been awarded the Young Carers Award this year.
Food and Drink
All children may have a clearly labelled plastic water bottle with them during lesson times - research
shows the importance of the relationship between the continual access to water and maximising
learning potential. These bottles must be washed and filled at home, please.
Milk is available at morning break. It is currently free to children under 5 but from their fifth birthday
there is a small charge. We have an agreement with “Cool Milk”, who operate this system for us.
We will register your child for their free school milk on your behalf, once your child turns five you will
then be offered the opportunity to apply online to pay a subsidised rate for your child to continue to
receive milk.
We are happy for all children to bring fresh fruit or vegetables to eat at morning break. To encourage
healthy eating, we do not allow children to bring sweets, crisps or biscuits to eat at morning break. We
take part in the 5 a day Fruit and Vegetable Scheme for Infant Schools and your child will also receive a
free piece of fruit each day, except for the first day back after each holiday.
All children are provided with a free hot cooked lunch which is high quality and includes a main course
and dessert. We would encourage parents to take advantage of the cooked lunch. We do find that it
improves children’s concentration and learning in the afternoons.
Alternatively, children may bring a packed lunch. Lunches should be packed in a clearly named plastic
container, with its contents giving your child as much independence as possible. If you send yoghurt etc.
you should also include a spoon. Please include a flask or bottle (not glass) containing water. This should
be in addition to any water bottle your child may use in the classroom. Fizzy drinks are not permitted they often spill over when opened and are very filling.
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Extended School and Extra-curricular Activities
A range of clubs are available at different times in the school year and range from:
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Art
Chess
Dance
French
Gardening
Key Stage 1 choir
Recorder
Sport Skills
Parental permission is always necessary. Outside providers all have enhanced DBS checks. There is a
termly cost for outside providers. Clubs are offered to different year groups as appropriate.
Breakfast Club
A Breakfast Club is operated from the Junior school and takes children (by prior arrangement) from
7.45 am until 8.35 and then escorts the younger children to the Infant School. If you would like details
please ask at the school office for further information.
Attendance
Regular school attendance is an important part of giving your child the best possible start in their school
life. We have a joint attendance policy with all the schools in our catchment area, in line with
government guidelines. Headteachers are no longer allowed to authorise holidays in term time. Other
exceptional requests for absences during term time should be made in writing to the Headteacher. Any
absence from school during term time can affect your child's progress and attainment.
If your child is away from school due to illness, please let us know by telephone on the first day of
absence. An answer phone will pick up your message if no one is available to come to the phone. We
also require prior notice if your child will not be at school due to a medical appointment. Any absences
where we have not received notification from the parent explaining why the child was not at school
have to be recorded as unauthorised. The Local Authority and Government collate absence data from
schools.
School Term & Holidays 2015/2016
A calendar of this school year is included at the back of the prospectus. There will be the usual 5 TD Days
taken during the year for staff training.
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