IQRA Academy SchoolImprovement Quality Respect Achievement

Improvement Quality Respect Achievement

Welcome to IQRA AcademyForeword: Principal, Mrs S Anwar-Bleem, says…It is with great pride that I welcome you to our thriving and successful academy.

Outstanding and multi-cultural

IQRA Academy is situated in the heart of Manningham, Bradford. Originally built in 1887, IQRA Academy has over time developed from Drummond Road Middle School into this outstanding, multi-cultural school. With currently 615 students on role, we offer nursery places as well as main school places to children from Manningham and the surrounding area.

Curriculum and high standards

We offer a wide range of learning experiences for children of all ages to benefit from. We have high expectations for all students, staff and governors, and our innovative curriculum combined with the hard work of the pupils enables IQRA Academy to gain high SATs levels.

TES national Outstanding School of the Year

We have previously been voted TES national Outstanding School of the Year, and have won many awards throughout the years.

Our Mission Statement

The Governors, parents and staff at IQRA Academy aim to provide an excellent standard of education for all children to enable them to achieve their full potential in a caring, safe and inclusive environment.

Igniting an interest in the world

Our teaching is stimulating and creative, and encourages our children to continue their education outside of school, and become lifelong learners. We want to ignite an interest in the world around them, and for that interest to lead to fulfilling and imaginative lives. Learning should be fun!

Pastoral care

Whilst academic achievements are an important part of life at our school, all our children also have the opportunity to also enjoy a wide variety of sporting and musical opportunities, as well as regular trips and residential visits. Our pastoral care is exceptional, ensuring all children are kept safe and are supported both inside and outside school.

Dedicated staff

I am also very proud of our exceptionally experienced and dedicated staff, who ensure that all our children are well supported to achieve their true potential, and work hard with families to overcome any barriers to learning.

Parent partnership

Another very important part of our school is you, the parent! We champion the link between school and parent and work very hard to involve you in every step of your child’s time here…and increase your child’s enjoyment of learning.

Get in touch

We welcome your thoughts about our school and ask that you come and see us for a visit while our children are present; when you can see us as we really are. That way you will feel for yourself the sense of fun and happiness in our school and know why our children love being here. To make an appointment to visit, or to simply ask us a question, please email office@iqra.bradford.sch.uk.

School AimsAll members of staff in the school are committed to:

• Providing a broad balanced and differentiated curriculum, which meets the learning needs of all pupils with the requirements of the National Curriculum.

• Ensuring continuity and progression in teaching and learning through accurate assessment, recording and reporting.

• Helping all children to achieve their full potential and to reach for the highest possible standards in all they do.

• Building on the knowledge, skills and experiences that our pupils bring to school and prepare them for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.

• Motivating children to develop lively, enquiring minds, the ability to question, reflect and extend their experiences.

• Developing pupils’ self-esteem, having regard for themselves and others.

• All staff in school have responsibility for safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all pupils.

• Working co-operatively with parents to ensure the needs of the individual are met.

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Improvement Quality Respect Achievement

School day: settling in Behaviour and self-developmentRewarding good behaviourOur school has adopted a Positive Behaviour Policy which focuses on rewarding good behaviour. There are agreed rules and sanctions. Parents are expected to uphold the school discipline system which is designed to teach pupils how to take responsibility for their own actions. A Home school agreement is signed when your child starts school. The Children are expected to work hard and behave well. They should be able to take increasing responsibility as they move through school. They will then enjoy carrying out the roles of; school councillor, class monitor, librarian and Playground Pals.

School rules and rewardsOur school rules encourage positive and considerate behaviours and create a safe learning environment for all our pupils. Our reward systems celebrate good work and reinforce good behaviour and they include:

• Verbal praise (use of name, specific praise).

• Tangible rewards (stickers stars etc).

• Certificates.

• Marked work, displays, public acknowledgement and a letter home to parents.

• At the end of the year prizes will be awarded to pupils who have achieved the most. Parents will be encouraged to attend good work assemblies.

SafeguardingWe have robust safeguarding procedures and policies to ensure children are safe and comfortable in school. All staff receive safeguarding training.

Playground Pals

Older pupils have the opportunity to become Playground Pals, who enjoy engaging with the younger children at break and lunch times.

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Our school times are:

NurseryMorning 8.45am – 11.45am; Afternoon 12.30pm – 3.30pm.

ReceptionMorning 9.00am – 11.45am; Afternoon 1.00pm – 3.30pm.

Key Stage One and TwoMorning 9.00 am – 12.00pm; Afternoon 1.00pm to 3.30pm Key Stage 1.

Morning 9.00 am- 12.15pm; Afternoon1.15pm to 3.30pm Key Stage 2.

UniformThe wearing of uniform is an essential part of being a pupil at IQRA Academy. The Governors have made school uniform compulsory. We want children to understand the importance of wearing appropriate clothing and taking pride in their appearance, whilst developing a sense of belonging to our Academy. Please see http://www.iqraprimary.co.uk/school-uniform/

Uniform can be purchased from Natasha’s Smart School Wear 12 New John St, Bradford, BD1 2QZ and The Uniform Shop 54 Darley St, Bradford BD1 3HN.

School meals and snacksOur school actively promotes healthy eating and children have the choice of either a hot nutritious meal which is cooked on site or of bringing a healthy packed lunch into school.

Home Dinners

Children going home at lunchtime can be collected from and returned to the school office at:

• Key Stage One: 12.00 noon to return at 12.55pm.

• Key Stage Two: 12.15pm to return to school at 1.10pm.

Free school meals

All children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 are entitled to a free school meal. For older children, the family must be in receipt of certain benefits.

Break-time and drinks

All Foundation Stage and Key Stage One classes have a morning break time snack of fresh fruit or vegetables. Older pupils are allowed to bring fruit for a snack. Sweets, crisps and chewing gum are not allowed. We encourage children to drink water regularly during the day. All of our under-fives are entitled to free milk which is organised by the school.

Milk is also available to all children who are entitled to Free School Meals and is available for the other pupils to buy.

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Curriculum: relevant and balancedA love of learningAt IQRA we provide a broad, balanced, relevant and differentiated curriculum. Our aim is to ensure that children:

• Become confident and independent learners.

• Have an enquiring mind.

• Develop thinking skills.

• Develop a love for learning.

• Are able to make a positive contribution to society.

• Develop skills in Literacy, Numeracy, Communication and ICT to prepare them for making informed choices about their future.

Inspiring our pupilsWe believe that if we inspire all our pupils we can ensure that they can follow their dreams and create a better future for themselves and the world. The curriculum is divided into three stages:

1. Early Years Foundation Stage: from ages 0-5

2. Key Stage 1: from ages 5-7

3. Key Stage 2: from ages 7-11

Early YearsThe Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum is based on the Government’s Early Learning Goals with seven areas of learning:

* Personal, Social and Emotional Development

* Communication and Language

* Physical Development

* Literacy

* Mathematics

* Understanding the World

* Expressive Arts and Design

Key Stages 1-2Areas of the curriculum are:

* Mathematics

* Literacy

* Science

* Information and Design Technology

* History

* Geography

* Art

* Music

* Physical Education

* Religious Education

* Health

* Citizenship

* Personal and Social Education

Religious EducationThis is part of school curriculum where we seek to expand the moral and spiritual development of the child. The school follows the Bradford agreed RE syllabus. It will endeavour to meet the needs of our multi-cultural society through a wide range of topics. These will embrace religious beliefs and traditions 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.

HomeworkChildren are frequently given tasks to complete at home. They are encouraged to take books home to read regularly, to learn multiplication tables and to practice writing and spellings. Children may also be given tasks such as information gathering or collecting items of current interest.

SATS

Year 2 and Year 6 pupils will be asked to do homework in preparation for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 SATs respectively. A homework timetable is available from the school.

Moving on to Secondary SchoolYou will need to start thinking about which schools you may be interested in while your child is in Year 5. This is when the choice adviser visits local primary schools to make parents more aware of the whole process. The City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council (CBMDC) sends out the application forms and guide for parents to the school.

Our feeder schools

You can find the main feeder schools for IQRA on the school website using the links ‘News’ then ‘Useful links’ and then click on ‘Bradford School Online’. This will take you directly to their Bradford Schools website for further information.

Transition

When our pupils move to local Secondary Schools we make the process as smooth as possible. We work closely with local schools and support families through the application process. Children make visits to their new schools during the summer term. In addition to this the staff are always available to listen to any concerns.

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Enriched curriculum: trips and visits Curriculum EnrichmentTripsOur curriculum is designed so that children will enjoy and engage in a variety of exciting learning opportunities. Visits are planned to be a vital part of our creative curriculum as they provide real hands-on experiences for all of our pupils. Some examples of the regular trips we go on are:

* Merton Park.

* Eden Camp.

* Yorkshire Wildlife Park.

* Knowsley Safari Park.

* Magna Museum.

* Eureka (Nursery & Reception).

* St Leonards Farm (Nursery & Reception).

* Various residential trips.

We also have two school mini buses and our Nursery and Reception use these on a weekly basis to visit the local woodland (Odgen Water, Lister Park, Heaton Woods) as part of their learning.

Residential trips and visitorsOlder children have the opportunity to go on a residential trip to Scarborough during the school year. These experiences can help to develop qualities of self-reliance and tolerance of others. Children also learn independence and develop confidence.

Visitors

We have a range of visitors who come into school. These visitors provide a range of curriculum expertise and opportunities for pupils to learn through workshops, music, drama and much more.

Ongoing assessmentsTeachers make ongoing assessments of all children in order to help them better plan the next unit of work. Children are assessed at the end of the Early Years Foundation Stage (Reception class) against the Early Learning Goals. At the end of Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2, children are assessed in the core subjects by their teachers, and at the end of Key Stage 2, by Standard Assessment tests (SATs) against the requirements in the National Curriculum. At the end of the academic year, parents of these children will receive information on their child’s progress as well as school results.

School reportsDuring the school year, three parent evenings are arranged to enable parents to discuss their child’s progress. In the Autumn Term and Spring Term an informal consultation evening is arranged to enable teachers to discuss individual children’s work and behaviour. In the Summer Term a written report is sent to parents and they are then invited to school to discuss the report. All teachers are happy to discuss a child’s progress at any time but it is usual to make an appointment with the teacher concerned.

Access to pupil records

Parents have the right of access to their child’s educational records and parents can make arrangements with the Principal to see these records.

AttendanceAttendance is vitally important as every school day counts. Your child’s attendance will be closely monitored and staff will undertake home visits where necessary.

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Sport and musicSportIQRA Academy values the importance of Physical Education and exercise very highly, with enjoyment in learning being our key aim and aspiration. We aim to incorporate breadth and balance within the PE curriculum and in this school. Pupils enjoy a wide variety of sporting activities, games and clubs in many different sports.

Clubs and competitions

Children develop the sporting skills that they need now and for the future, in their statutory two hours per week within school or out of school hours in clubs and against other local schools in competitions. We use our Sports Premium funding to enhance curricular and extracurricular opportunities. Amongst other things we have invested substantially in:

* MUGA-a multi use games area pitch.

* An archery range.

* The supply and installation of outdoor fitness equipment i.e; Air Stoller, Combi-Rider, Tai Chi Spinners, Rider.

* The development of a netball court.

* Soft play surface and fencing area off.

MusicChildren can study music as part of the normal school curriculum. We have a varied and exciting music curriculum where the children have the opportunity to create and perform music.

Instruments

We have a selection of percussion and tuned instruments which the children can use in activities such as composing, instrumental work, singing and listening.

Singing

All children enjoy a regular singing session where traditional and new songs are learnt and enjoyed by all.

Inclusion: meeting additional needs DiversityAt IQRA Academy School we are proud of our diverse community and are committed to eliminating all forms of discrimination and racism. Our school roll includes children with Special Educational Needs.

Special Educational NeedsThe SEND Policy for IQRA Academy is focused on enabling all children to realise their full potential through providing equal access to a broad and balanced curriculum.

Aims

* A child with SEND will have their individual needs identified early and provision made accordingly.

* The views of the child will be sought and taken into account.

* Parents have a vital role to play in supporting their child’s education and appropriate home-school links will be developed.

* A child with SEND will be offered full inclusion which ensures access to a broad and balanced curriculum

The school has a fully trained SENCo who looks after the needs of pupils on the SEND register. Lead professionals also support school in meeting the needs of these pupils.

Access

The school is fully compliant with Disability Discrimination Act and ensures pupil, staff and visitors have access to all areas within school.

Gifted and talented childrenWe recognise that all children are individuals with their own specific needs, gifts and talents. Children who are identified as being exceptionally able or talented, are monitored and provided with stimulating and enriching lessons appropriate to their needs.

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FacilitiesImproving the school experienceAt IQRA we are very fortunate to have some excellent facilities to benefit the children, and further support their learning and school experience.

We have a high quality learning environment which is vibrant and engaging. Pupils work is celebrate in displays throughout the school.

Parent PayWe have implemented ParentPay which is a simple, safe and convenient online payment system, allowing parents to pay quickly and securely for school meals, school milk, trips and activities.

Keeping in touchCommunication is vital, we will do this by text messages, parent consultation evenings, open days, newsletters.

Clubs Wide rangeThere are a wide variety of lunchtime and afterschool clubs for children to enjoy. Recent examples include:

* Extra PE.

* ICT Club.

* Maths Club.

* Drama Club.

* Music Club.

* Art Club.

* Cub Scouts.

* Chess Club.

* Archery Club.

School CouncilThe school council is a great opportunity for your child to get involved in the way our Academy is run. A boy and girl are elected from each Key Stage 2 class to take part in small pupil led projects, for example, young enterprise companies. There is a Chair, Vice-Chair, Secretary and Treasurer.

Monthly meeting

The children have weekly/monthly meetings to discuss relevant matters.

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Improvement Quality Respect Achievement

Admissions Getting involvedAdmissions to the NurseryIQRA Academy has a Nursery and can offer places to 52 children: 26 in the morning and 26 in the afternoon. Before children are admitted in to the Nursery (usually when they are three years old) the child and parents are invited for a visit. Booklets and information are given out on that day. All children should be fully toilet trained, be able to use cutlery and dress and undress themselves. Nursery staff will make home visits as appropriate. Each term there is an event/open day when parents and friends can spend time in the Nursery with the staff and children.

Admission into ReceptionChildren are admitted into Reception in the September following their fourth birthday. Parents can request that the date their child is admitted to the school is deferred until later in the school year or until the term in which the child reaches compulsory school age. Parents can also request that their child takes up the place part-time until the child reaches compulsory school age. Admissions to Reception are allocated by the LEA.

Admissions to Years One, Two, Three, Four, Five and Six

The school has a planned admission limit agreed with the council. A class will be regarded as full when it reaches 30. Any parents requesting places in years 1 to 6 must put their request to the LEA. All ‘In Year’ admissions to our school will be managed by the LEA.

Pupils with a Statement of Special Educational Needs

The admission of pupils with a statement of special educational needs is dealt with by a separate procedure. Such children will be admitted to the school named on the statement without reference to the oversubscription criteria.

ApplicationsTo apply for your child’s Reception school place at IQRA Academy you will need to follow Bradford Council’s procedures for admission. The closing date for September applications is in mid January of that year. Full details are available on their website and you can apply online.

In Year Applications and admission into other year groupsFor admission to any year (except Nursery) at any time, an application must be made on the LA’s ‘in year common application form’. Any offer of a place will be made by the Local Authority on behalf of the Governing Body.

Bradford Council School Admissions

Contact details:

* Tel: 01274 439200

* Email: schooladmissions@bradford.gov.uk

* Web: https://bso.bradford.gov.uk

* Write to us:

City of Bradford MDC

Department of Children’s Services

Margaret McMillan Tower

Princes Way

Bradford

BD1 1NN

Parents Action Group (PAG)IQRA’s Parent’s Action Group is a voluntary group and of which ALL parents and carers of children attending IQRA Academy (nursery and primary) are entitled to attend meetings, voice their opinions and make suggestions for improvements etc. The PAG plays an extremely important role in the life of the school and assists it in a number of ways:

• Communication with parents.

• Links with the wider community.

• Recruit parent volunteers.

• Parents sharing good practice.

• Knowledge of local funding schemes.

Getting involved

The group always welcomes and encourages new members to ensure there is a breadth of representative opinions from all year groups and also to capitalise on the talents, skill sets and experience of our parents.

Contact us

Telephone: 01274 773350

Fax: 01274 773351

Email: office@iqra.bradford.sch.uk

Or alternatively drop us a note through the parents’ suggestion box located in the main reception office.

Voluntary helpersParents are always welcome as helpers in school and nursery; we value all involvement of families. It is important for parents and teachers to be seen as working together and respecting the work each does for the benefit of the children. We never refuse an offer of help. You may wish to help in class mounting work, on trips, fund raising etc.

Governance of the AcademyWe have a full and active Governing Body, which includes parent governors as well as representatives from staff, the local authority and the local community. The governing body has a range of duties and powers and a general responsibility for the conduct of the school with a view to promoting high standards of educational achievement including setting targets for pupil achievement, managing the school’s finances, making sure the curriculum is balanced and broadly based, appointing staff and reviewing staff performance and pay.

Vacancies for Parent Governors are advertised as they arise.

Do you want to be a Governor?

Our Parent Governors give parents a voice in decision making. They are elected by parents through a ballot. If you are interested in becoming a Governor, please contact the school office.

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IQRA AcademyDrummond RoadBradfordBD8 8DA

Tel: 01274 773350Fax: 01274 773351Email: office@iqra.bradford.sch.ukWeb: www.iqraprimary.co.uk

Our Recipe for SuccessIngredients615 boys and girls aged 3 – 11 (mixed bag)

40 (at least) dedicated teachers, teaching assistants, cover supervisors and learning leaders

1 determined and resilient Head Teacher

1 firm and supportive layer of Managers

1 jolly team of cooks and lunchtime supervisors

1 kind and caring Administrator – well lined

A generous dollop of Caretaker and Cleaning Staff

A large handful of practical activities

Lashings of hard work and fun (equal portions)

A generous sprinkling of Governors, Supportive Parents and Volunteers help (don’t skimp here – this ingredient is vital!)

Season with happiness, safety and security in equal measures.

MethodMix children and staff thoroughly until absorbed.

Gently fold in, do not be afraid to add a scoop of those children who require extra help.

Carefully mix making sure not to crush in the process.

Divide and ease into classes and groups, add teachers and assistants as needed.

Blend and leave in a warm place to rise.

Bake on top shelf (or as high as you can get) and prepare for consumption by the wider world.

Serve dredged with confidence!