Loxwood Primary SchoolLoxwood Primary SchoolLoxwood Primary SchoolLoxwood Primary School

Welcome Thank you for considering Loxwood Primary School for your child.

Choosing a school is one of the most important decisions that you

will make for your child, so it is vital that you feel both happy and

comfortable with your choice.

A village school is an integral part of the community – there has

been one in Loxwood for over one hundred years.

The school has changed during the course of its history in

response to the requirements of society.

Today’s children need a wider learning experience that will give

them a better understanding and appreciation of science,

technology and languages to enable them to become confident

users of computers and better communicators.

However, although it is important to respond to new demands

and challenges, reading, writing and numeracy retain a high

priority at Loxwood. Our most recent review of the curriculum

has included the introduction of a skills based curriculum which

supports the creative learning journey that the children have

embarked upon.

At Loxwood, we provide a stimulating and challenging

curriculum, setting high expectations for academic success and

a happy, caring environment, where children learn to value

themselves and their peers. We place a high priority on

keeping the child to adult ratio as low as possible. This helps

provide an excellent start for your children in a village school

that will equip them for today’s world.

Yours sincerely

T. McMath Headteacher

We are absolutely delighted with the recent

extension to the infant classes, which has allowed us

to completely revamp the whole area. We now have

three excellent classrooms as well as an outside

working area for each class. The children now have

an exciting space that will encourage all aspects of

our creative curriculum and help to encourage a love

of learning.

Our fantastic new infant extension…..Our fantastic new infant extension…..Our fantastic new infant extension…..Our fantastic new infant extension…..

A parents’ comment was: The new classrooms are absolutely fabulous.

It’s a happy

environment for both

pupils and

parents. Ofsted

The Aims of Loxwood School

‘To be the best that we can be’

This is achieved through:

Creating in school a happy and caring environment where everyone feels secure and

respects others, their property, culture and beliefs;

Providing a stimulating environment which enables both children and adults to

discover their talents and achieve their full potential in whichever direction that

might be;

Preparing the children for opportunities, responsibilities and experiences for the

adult world, so that they may ultimately become responsible members of society and

contribute to it in a valuable way;

Fostering independence in order that children may develop lively and enquiring minds;

Creating an atmosphere where all can experience a sense of wonder, recognise,

appreciate and celebrate beauty and creativity;

Teaching children skills and concepts, in a climate which provides them with as many

opportunities as possible to apply them to practical and problem-solving situations;

Ensuring that the children understand the need for a healthy life style acquired

through a sensible diet and continuous physical development;

Making each day interesting and enjoyable and promoting a sense of pride in

belonging to the school;

Forming a partnership with parents so that the education of their children becomes

a shared and enjoyable responsibility;

Ensuring that children understand the purpose of their work and are committed to it.

Ensuring that the children have the foundation skills needed throughout their lives,

to become caring members of society.

School Achievements over the past few years

Dyslexia Aware Award for 2009

National Healthy School Status

The school achieved this status in 2007

West Sussex Healthy School Status, was achieved in December 2008

Investors in Health award achieved 2011

International School Award – Developing Internationalism 2010

Sportsmark – Achieved in 2008

Active Mark – Achieved in 2007

Football

Winners of the Horsham & District 7-a-side trophy 2011

Runners up at the County 7a-side competition 2011

First Aid

School team won the area competition in 2011, resulting in the school representing West Sussex

in the National finals that is held at the Natural History Museum, London.

Road Safety - School team came 1st in the area finals in 2010 and 2011

Travel Mark Award – Level 2 achieved 2010

Donations to charities include:

Operation Christmas Child shoebox appeal, Water Aid, Sport Relief, Poppy Appeal,

Cancer Research, Haiti earthquake appeal, Wishing Well appeal, Fair Trade awareness week

Maths Competition

Heat winner of the West Sussex Maths Competition (19 schools attended)

Buildings

Fundraised for a fantastic new infant extension.

The Curriculum at Loxwood….The Curriculum at Loxwood….The Curriculum at Loxwood….The Curriculum at Loxwood….

At Loxwood the creative curriculum is broad, balanced and matched to the children’s individual

needs. To achieve this, we aim to encourage skills for learning, independence and creativity.

Activities are planned to encourage the children to be independent thinkers who can approach

a task with confidence, using a variety of strategies.

The curriculum is divided into the Six Areas of Learning being; Understanding the Arts; English,

Communication and Language; Historical, Geographical and Social Understanding; Physical

Development, Health and Wellbeing; Mathematical Understanding; Scientific and Technological

Understanding. These areas of learning, which incorporate the National Curriculum Core and

Foundation subjects, include a wide range of subjects which are listed in the following

paragraphs.

The Learning Journey

Where the content of various subjects clearly overlap, those subjects are linked together.

For example, the theme ‘Castles’ links with Literacy and traditional stories, DT for making

castles and drawbridges, and science for materials and their properties. This approach

enables the children to have a context for their learning.

We actively encourage the children to have ownership of the learning objectives for the

term, and they are involved in the planning of the theme with their class teacher.

The Curriculum at Loxwood has been carefully structured to provide continuity and

Progression, as well as offering challenges appropriate to children of all abilities. Should you

have any Questions regarding the Curriculum provision, please contact the Headteacher.

Teaching Styles

We use a variety of teaching styles and strategies, ranging from work with the whole class,

to work with individual children. We encourage independent, skills-based and independent

learning which allows for personal development. Children also frequently work together on

tasks to help them to acquire the co-operative skills which are particularly relevant to adult

life.

The curriculum is planned using ‘I can’ statements, the language of which is there to give

confidence and understanding regarding the learning objectives for that lesson. These are

discussed with the class at the beginning of each new session to ensure the children have

a clear understanding of what is required of them. In order to fully accommodate the

requirements of the National Curriculum, it is occasionally necessary to teach a specific

subject if it does not link with the theme.

The Curriculum continued….The Curriculum continued….The Curriculum continued….The Curriculum continued….

Language, literature and Communication

Language is one of the most important parts of our curriculum.

Our children develop the skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening through

purposeful activities planned within our cross-curricular learning journey.

Literacy and language teaching are taught within the context of the theme, giving the

children the opportunity to express themselves in a rich variety of styles and mediums.

The infant department uses a phonic approach based on ‘Read, Write Inc’. The ‘Jolly

Phonics’ scheme which we also use, further supports our phonic teaching.

In all the children learn they are making use of at least one of these basic communication

skills. Through the use of good literature we encourage a love of poetry, stories and

creative writing which fosters self expression through drama and discussion.

Languages are taught in both KS1 and KS2. Children may be

introduced to various languages through games, songs and simple

activities with the emphasis on learning through enjoyment.

Mathematics

Math’s teaching in our primary school covers: -

The progressive acquisition of mathematical skills

Practice in mental arithmetic

Practical application of skills learnt

Problem-solving and investigations

We feel very strongly that children should have a sound

understanding of mathematical concepts. It is a great temptation to measure progress

only by the number of calculations ‘ticked’ per page. Calculation skills are necessary and

very important, but so is the application of those skills to practical problem-solving

and mathematical investigation. Children do need time and the opportunity to participate

actively in mathematical projects, so as to appreciate the relevance and importance of

mathematics in their everyday lives.

Creative DevelopmentCreative DevelopmentCreative DevelopmentCreative Development

Art, craft music dance and drama make an important

contribution toward developing a full and creative curriculum

for the children

Music

Music is a particular strength of daily life at Loxwood School with all

children being actively encouraged to become involved with school

music events. The emphasis is very much on the enjoyment of

music for all and the sharing of this enjoyment with others.

Music is taught as part of the national curriculum but there is a

wide range of extra curricular opportunities available to children

which include the learning of a range of instruments – currently

recorder, flute, piano, saxophone, guitar, brass, voice, clarinet,

violin and djembe (for which an additional charge may be made).

We also have a very active junior choir and busy junior orchestra.

All children are encouraged to play an instrument in school which may include ocarinas in the

infant classes; recorders in lower junior classes and orchestra in upper juniors. Children

have the opportunity to perform at school assemblies, parent assemblies, church services,

termly concerts, school productions, carol singing, & music festivals. In 2011 the junior choir

attended the O2 arena for a national concert for schools. Wherever possible

the love of music is extended and linked to other curriculum areas such as

English, French, RE, PSHCE and history.

Design Technology This subject area helps children to understand the technical world in which we

live. All aspects of technology are directly linked to topic work. It includes the

making of experimental models, designed and built using a variety of

manipulative skills, materials, appropriate tools and methods. This enhances

the children’s ability to identify, examine and solve technological problems.

Art

Although art can often be linked to other subjects, it is important that

children appreciate and value art for its own sake. The children are provided

with a wide range of media to use for activities including painting, printing,

drawing, collage, embroidery, clay work and the making of models, which are

designed and built using a variety of materials. Handmade books also form

a major activity. Children are encouraged through close observation,

to gain confidence in their own innate ability and to express themselves using

the techniques of famous artists.

‘The curriculum is

enriched by an

excellent range of

activities including

specialist

teaching in music‘

Ofsted

A Caring Approach….A Caring Approach….A Caring Approach….A Caring Approach….

Spiritual Development

We have strong links with our local Parish Church, although

Loxwood is not a Church of England school. The Rector takes

assembly every fortnight and is also an active member of the

School’s Governing Body.

The Church and school work together to provide a shared code of

conduct and morality. We foster a spirit of caring and sharing and emphasise responsibility.

RE is taught in conformity with the ‘Agreed Syllabus of Religious Education’ published by the

West Sussex Education Committee. Under the terms of the Education Reform Act (1988),

parents may withdraw their children from school assembly, collective worship and Religious

Education lessons. The Headteacher should be contacted if parents wish their children to be

withdrawn.

A sensitive approach

Those taking assembly will handle ‘worship’ in a way appropriate to the age and

aptitudes of the children present and not as might be fitting for adults in voluntary

attendance at a Church, who freely choose a greater or lesser degree of accepted ritual.

Values

Our overriding aim is to encourage children to search for a

system of values and a sense of purpose to their lives, in the

context of a Christian and caring environment.

PSHCE & Citizenship

Personal, social, health education and citizenship is an integral part of learning in the school.

This approach also forms part of SEAL which is Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning.

Pupils are encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities, contributing fully to the life of

their school and community. They discuss many social, moral, spiritual and cultural issues and

their responsibilities as members of the local community. To encourage social and personal skills

a School Council is elected annually. They meet half termly to discuss and raise issues of interest

on behalf of the all the children. This has been extremely successful for both staff and pupils.

Ofsted stated that

the children have a

good spiritual,

moral social and

cultural

development. They

are friendly and

kind

History and Geography

History and geography often form part of a theme or

topic, but are taught as single subjects where

appropriate. Experiences such as theatre visits,

trips and guest speakers enable the pupils to develop

a sense of self and place, based on the local environment and those aspects of change, which

are familiar to them.

Children learn through different topics how our environment shapes our lives and that how

we live now is related to how other people live, and used to live.

We recognise the importance of utilising primary sources of evidence such as pictures,

artefacts, oral evidence, simple maps and surveys conducted by the pupils.

ICT

ICT (Information and Communication Technology) supports all areas of the curriculum in

school and helps to prepare the children for a rapidly changing world by allowing them access

to a variety of technology.

In school children have access to networked laptops, Interactive Whiteboards, digital

cameras, programmable toys, a variety of interactive software and the Internet.

Children are encouraged to use computers in a safe and responsible way throughout their

time at Loxwood School. By the time they leave they will have developed their skills in a

number of areas including: word processing; desktop publishing, data-handling; graphics and

painting; control modelling and data-logging.

In addition to specific ICT teaching the children use laptops to help with their presentation

and research in all topics.

Science

The children are encouraged to acquire basic

scientific skills, understand simple experimental

principles and to develop enquiring minds.

Among the skills fostered in science lessons are

measurement, observation, theory testing,

recording and extrapolation.

For example:-

How much sugar will dissolve in water?

How much salt and how much sand will also dissolve in

water?

How can you recover solid salt from a solution?

How much salt is in the sea, etc…

The emphasis is on investigation and exploration.

Science is fun, and we wish to remove mystery and

instill a sense of wonder and enthusiasm.

In the modern world science with the other

disciplines is emphasised.

Sex Education

In the infant and lower junior classes the children observe the reproduction

process by looking at the natural world – watching tadpoles grow, incubating eggs,

visiting farms etc.

At this age, questions relating to sex are likely to come from individuals and each

teacher would treat such enquiries according to the maturity of the child

concerned. Once a child reaches Year 4, 5 & 6, more specific information is given

in our topic on ‘growth’, which is provided by the NHS Health Trust. A video of

this is offered for parents to view prior to their children beginning the topic. For

more details, please do not hesitate to contact the Headteacher, and ask for a

copy of the school’s Sex Education Policy .

Additional Educational Needs...Additional Educational Needs...Additional Educational Needs...Additional Educational Needs...

Additional Educational Needs

All children are valued, respected and welcomed at

Loxwood, whatever their additional educational

need. We will support their learning and ensure

that they are fully included in all school

activities. We aim to provide education which is

sensitive to the individual needs of and is

accessible to each and all of our pupils.

At Loxwood it is important that we monitor every child’s

progress to ensure that they are achieving the very best

they can. Some children have difficulties and it is vital

that we identify these and address each

child’s individual needs and difficulties.

The school’s Additional Needs

Co-ordinator will liaise with both the class

teacher and the parents to ensure that the

child’s needs are met.

Gifted, Able and Talented

At any time our school will have a number of able or gifted

pupils. We recognise academic, practical, artistic and

creative talent and aim to enhance these gifts in those

pupils.

‘The Additional Needs

Coordinator provides

excellent support for

pupils whose circumstances

may make them vulnerable

and for their families, as

well as for those pupils at

risk of underachieving’.

Ofsted

‘I love coming to

this room, its fun

and exciting. The

big cushions are

great! A quote from a child in Year 3

Sporting & Extra Curricular ActivitiesSporting & Extra Curricular ActivitiesSporting & Extra Curricular ActivitiesSporting & Extra Curricular Activities Physical Education & Games

Individual skills are encouraged to help with body awareness, agility,

co-ordination and basic skills when on or using, the apparatus.

The school has a large hall, which is well equipped for PE and

apparatus work.

The playground and large field are used to play cricket, football,

hockey, netball, rounders, tag rugby and short tennis to name

but a few! A variety of team games are played on the field, plus

athletics in the summer, culminating in sports day in July.

Sportsmanship is fundamental. We like children to play hard to

win and to learn to lose gracefully.

The children also receive swimming and water skills lessons at Billingshurst swimming pool.

Voluntary contributions are sought from parents to offset the costs of this activity.

There is an achievement scheme in which the children are able to earn certificates and badges

for distance and skills.

Extra Curricular Activities

The children are encouraged to participate in after school clubs where

they learn fundamental skills and will have the

opportunity to play against children from other

schools.

The variety of clubs is seasonal and includes;-

Art

Cookery

Cricket, football, netball

Drama

First Aid

Gardening

Cricket

Cheerleading

All clubs are available to both boys and girls in the juniors. There are a limited number for the

infant children. To help set up and fund these activities, parents are asked for voluntary

donations during the academic year.

Our Early Years Department “The Young

Explorers” is a fun, creative and stimulating place

to be. We learn through play and

activities that are based around the children’s own interests. As well as a newly

built classroom, as of 2012, we are lucky enough to have an undercover well

resourced outdoor area, our own playground and our very own vegetable patch.

We believe that playing and learning outside is as enjoyable, exciting and

valuable as playing and learning inside!

Our aims are:

Wherever possible, to plan activities for learning from

first hand experience.

To develop confidence and independence.

To follow the guidance laid out in the Early Years

Foundation Stage. (leading to National Curriculum

requirements)

To foster a feeling of belonging to a class group,

leading to a sense of unity within the whole school.

Even the youngest children should feel part of the school community.

We value communication between parents and school as essential. It is vital

that we work together to ensure your child has a fantastic, happy and

successful time at Loxwood school. This begins in

the foundation stage with a home visit, nursery visit

and several story sessions that both children and

parents are invited to attend.

At Loxwood School we strive to give all children a

happy and settled start to their school life and

welcome you to make and appointment to come and

see us at work first hand.

The Foundation StageThe Foundation StageThe Foundation StageThe Foundation Stage

Presentation of work & creating a sense of pridePresentation of work & creating a sense of pridePresentation of work & creating a sense of pridePresentation of work & creating a sense of pride

Attractive displays of children’s work and artifacts

contribute to the positive climate for learning.

Through display we aim to:

• Create an environment where children want

to learn.

• Demonstrate to children that their work is of value

to themselves and others.

• Communicate to everybody involved with the school

what we are doing.

• Share experiences.

• Give children the opportunity to look, touch and

enjoy their world.

• Encourage children to develop a sense of pride

in what they do and to achieve the best possible

results.

HomeworkHomeworkHomeworkHomework

Homework

Work done at home is an important extension of what the children are doing in school.

Every child is likely to have some homework, although the regularity, the nature of the

task and time they would be expected to devote to it, vary with the individual child

and their maturity.

Why are children given homework?

To develop good working habits and self-discipline

To consolidate or finish work begun in school

To use materials and sources of information not available in the classroom

To involve parents in their children’s work.

What tasks are your children given for homework?

Relaying messages and bringing back the appropriate responses.

Tables, spellings or poetry to learn.

Reading and handwriting practice.

The transfer of rough work into neat work.

Finding things or information which relate to their theme.

A mini or holiday project and Mathematics assignments.

How can parents help?

Talking about and showing an interest in what your child is doing at school, looking at

Homework and giving yourself the time to listen to their replies, sharing in a search for

information and objects if this is appropriate. Providing a suitable place to work guiding,

encouraging and suggesting, but never doing the homework yourself.

What if something goes wrong?

Although the children are responsible for completing and returning homework on time, do not

let your child continue with a task which is obviously upsetting both of you; nothing will be

gained. Write the teacher a short note at the bottom of the homework explaining the

difficulty. It is important to remember that pressurising a child will only make him or her

anxious. Homework is important but must never be misery. The school has a Home School

Agreement (HSA) and homework policy which helps parents, children and the school to

understand and work towards the best education for each child. The HSA is a contract

between all parties which should be signed.

The Loxwood Way for the children

“The Courtesy and Respect System to be used throughout the School Community”.

• Always speak very politely

• Say “Hello” and “Goodbye”, using people’s names while looking at them

• Don’t talk horribly behind people’s backs

• Always find good things to say about people

• Always tell the truth!

• If you have a problem talk in private to someone

• Say sorry if you upset someone

• Don’t blame anyone, but own up if you have made a mistake

The Loxwood Way for adults

• Speak very politely using a person’s name – ‘please’ and ‘thank you’ as a minimum

• Greet and say goodbye to everyone by name, with eye contact and a touch, appropriate to

the situation

• When you talk about a person who is not present, speak as if they are listening to your

conversation.

• Use the person’s name in each sentence in which you refer to them,

(rather than “He” or “She”)

• Always find positive things to say

• Always tell the truth!

• If you have a problem with something someone has said or done, take time to think about

why they could have said or done it, and talk about it with them and in private

• Apologise and make amends if someone is upset by your actions

• Employ a no blame culture where possible, as a minimum blame a system and not a person

The Loxwood School The Loxwood School The Loxwood School The Loxwood School Association (LSA)Association (LSA)Association (LSA)Association (LSA)

We have a very active and successful Parents

Association. Parents are welcome to join the

committee or assist in the planning or running, of the

various functions that the LSA hold throughout the

year.

Most of the events are about raising money (some less

than others!). But attend any event and you could be

forgiven for thinking making money is not the real

reason we all enjoy ourselves too much!

Every class has a PTA representative, who organises

class social events, which you are more than

welcome to attend. It’s a great way to meet other

parents in a social environment.

Some of our regular events are:

Summer fair – a wide range of stalls, children’s

sports and arena displays

Bike fun day – a bike ride for all the family & BBQ

Christmas dance – with live music or disco

Christmas bazaar

Quiz nights

Dances

Sing-a-long events

The PTA organise some fantastic events, it’s a great way to get to know people!

Safeguarding At Loxwood, we are strongly committed to safeguarding and the well-being of all our children.

We have clear procedures and policies with regard to child protection and safeguarding of

children. All staff, governors, coaches, music teacher and volunteers are appropriately

checked prior to working at Loxwood. The Headteacher , our designated person in charge of

child protection regularly carries out training to update everyone regarding this important issue.

Security The safety and security of our children is of paramount importance to us and we have

procedures in place to ensure this. At Loxwood, we have created a friendly and approachable

environment where everyone feels welcome. The school however, must be secure and we ask

that all visitors must report to reception on arrival, where they will be issued with a badge and

asked to sign the ‘visitors’ book.

Health and Safety

We take all issues of Health and Safety very seriously and insist that all measures are taken to

abide by County directives.

Uniform As it is always necessary to buy clothing suitable for school, we have a school uniform. This also

helps to create an identity for the school of which the children can be proud. Any style of top

coat may be worn. The sweatshirt, cardigans, reversible jackets, fleeces, polo and t-shirts,

jogger trousers, sun caps and winter hats can be purchased from the school. Other items are

available from local department stores. Baggy fashion or Bermuda beach shorts are not suitable

for PE. They could get caught on the apparatus and cause an unnecessary accident.

The Governors and Headteacher encourage parents to provide uniform and equipment; this is

especially important when children attend school organised events away from school premises,

where the wearing of uniform assists in the exercising of close control and care of the children.

PE kit Although it is really the children’s responsibility to make sure that they have kit in school at all

times, parents are asked to assist with this. All items should be named and in a PE bag.

Junior age children have the option to play football in games lessons. Should they choose to

play, they will need football boots, shin pads and football kit, which is only to be worn for after

school clubs. Hockey is also available and for protection, shin pads will also be required.

Footwear Sensible, dark coloured low-heeled shoes are encouraged. Trainers are required for PE

lessons for juniors, and plimsolls for infants. Obviously trainers get quite wet and muddy if the

children are having PE outdoors and they therefore need to change their shoes after the lesson.

For safety reasons, trainers for PE should have rubber soles. Plastic slips on the

apparatus and is too rigid. Baseball type trainers (with over ankle support) restrict full

movements of the ankle and are not suitable.

Travelling to and from school

For those parents who need to transport their children to school by car, please note that

parking is somewhat restricted close to the entrance. Please do not park on the bends or

verges adjacent to or opposite the entrance or in such a way as to block a child’s

vision. It is better to park a short distance from the school in one of the surrounding

roads and walk, than to contribute to congestion and possible danger at the school

entrance. The School Travel Plan, which is in place, encourages and finds ways to reduce

congestion and promote a healthier lifestyle for all. During the year, we have a ‘walking bus’

that brings children into school daily. Please contact the school office for further details.

Mid-morning break

To promote a healthy diet we encourage the junior children to bring in fruit or vegetables

for their mid morning break, whereas the infants have fresh fruit or vegetables which is

provided free of charge by the National scheme ‘Fruit & Vegetables for Schools’. Sweets,

chewing gum and fizzy drinks are not permitted. Please do not use glass containers for

safety reasons.

Children are also encouraged to bring in water containers for use in the classroom. We feel

that drinking water during the day is essential for a healthy lifestyle and concentration.

School Meals

Hot meals are available to children at a cost of £2.10 and must be

ordered a full week in advance. Parents can place orders by phoning

0845 603 7998 or on-line at www.mealselector.co.uk.

If you do not wish your child to have a hot meal, you should provide

them with a packed lunch and drink. Please place it in a named lunch

box/bag and drinks should be kept in non-breakable containers

If you are eligible for free school meals, please speak to the school

office for further advice and assistance.

Admissions

Loxwood School caters for children in the school

catchment area. Admissions to the school are made by

the Headteacher on behalf of the Governing Body and

in accordance with LA guidelines. At present, children

are admitted to school in September either on a full

time or part time basis, depending upon their

birthday. However, if parents so wish, they may delay

their child’s entry until the term before their fifth

birthday. Parents are encouraged to apply to register their

children with the Headteacher as early as possible. An information pack will be available

just before your child commences school. It is never too soon to approach the school as it

helps us to plan ahead. Arrangements are made for a number of familiarisation visits to the

‘Young Explorers’ class and the teacher will also visit you in your home. This helps with the

transition into school life. Parents also have the opportunity to visit and observe the school

at work and discuss their children’s needs with the staff and Headteacher.

I love the school dinners, especially the roasts!

‘Parents & carers appreciate the exceptional care in planning the induction process when their children start school’. Ofsted

School OrganisationSchool OrganisationSchool OrganisationSchool Organisation

Daily Routines

8.30am Children should arrive at school no earlier than this time. They should

go to the playground. The bell will ring at 8.45am, after which they

line up and walk to their classroom. A member of staff will be on duty.

8.45am Bell Rung. All children into school.

10.20am Morning break for the infant children (A healthy snack is provided)

10.40am Morning break for the junior children. (Please bring a healthy snack to eat)

12 noon - 1pm Infant lunch time break

12.15 - 1.15pm Junior lunch time break

2.20pm Infant afternoon break

2.45pm Infants return to class

3.05pm End of school day for the infants

3.15pm End of school day for the juniors

School hours

The total teaching time in a week (minus Collective Worship, registration and break) is:

Key Stage 1 23 hours

Key Stage 2 24 hours 25 minutes

Health and Welfare... Health and Welfare... Health and Welfare... Health and Welfare...

Absence

The Education Regulations 1991 (Pupils Attendance Records), requires schools to give details

of absences on an individual basis (on your child’s report) and at school level in the school

prospectus. If your child is absent from the school for any reason it is important to contact

the school by 9.30 am either by telephone or letter, otherwise, your child will be recorded as

having an unauthorised absence

The governors have agreed a school policy that states that ‘if parents remove their

children during the first or last week of the academic year, this absence will be classified as

unauthorised’.

Parents should carefully consider the implications of taking their child out of school during

term time. If it is absolutely imperative, you are asked to request permission from the

Headteacher, by completing a ‘Request for Approved Absence’ form. A maximum of 10 school

days may be approved. For the academic year 2010/11 there were 32 unauthorised

absences.

Illness

If your child is ill, we will look after him or her, within the

limited school facilities for doing so. We normally contact

you (or the person you have nominated), so it is most

important to keep us informed of change of address, work and

home telephone numbers. In the case of an emergency,

we use either the Loxwood doctor or the casualty department of

a local hospital.

Medicines

The school is unable to administer medicines, but if your child has a particular medical problem

or the dosage is more than three times daily, please contact the headteacher so that suitable

arrangements can be made

Events

You are invited to attend our family assembly, which is held at 2.45pm every Friday, as well as

Harvest Festival, Christmas Service and school performances.

‘Each child is known

& valued. Pupils

receive excellent

care and support’. Ofsted

School Uniform

Girls

School Polo shirt* £ 5.50

Sweatshirt* £ 9.25

Cardigan (to order) £11.00

Book bag* £ 4.00

Grey skirt, white polo shirt , white socks or green tights and for the summer, a green and

white dress. These clothes are available from local department stores.

PE Kit

School T-shirt* £ 5.50

School Jogger trousers* £10.00

PE Bag* £ 4.75

Dark coloured shorts, black slip-on plimsolls for infants & trainers for juniors.

Boys

School Polo shirt* £ 5.50

Sweatshirt* £ 9.25

Book bag* £ 4.00

Grey trousers or shorts, white polo shirt and grey socks.

PE Kit

School T-shirt* £ 5.50

School jogger trousers* £10.00

PE Bag* £ 4.75

Dark coloured shorts, black Slip-on plimsolls for infants & trainers for

juniors.

Please note that the Young Explorers (Yr R) are asked to come to school in the green

joggers and sweatshirts due to the activities required by their specific

curriculum.

* Are available form the school office.

We also sell:

Winter hats and sun caps at £4.00

Reversible jackets £18.50 (to order).

The School GovernorsThe School GovernorsThe School GovernorsThe School Governors The Governors’ aims are that the school is run in the interests of the community it serves,

through a close working partnership with the Headteacher and the Local Education Authority,

while leaving the day-to-day management of the school to the Head and his staff.

The important changes that have taken place in education over the past few years, namely

the introduction of the National Curriculum and its continual updating together with Local

Management of Schools (LMS), mean that it is vital that the Governors plan resources –

both staff and materials, to ensure that the highest possible standard of education is

available to all children. Proper management of the National Curriculum will produce

well-balanced children ready to live a full and happy life – a principal aim of all who become

Governors.

The statutory functions of Governing Bodies have increased over the years, becoming more

focused with the 1988 Education Reform Act. Their main responsibilities include making

decisions about the aims, general conduct and ethos of the school, Curriculum policy,

Safeguarding, School budget, Appointment of staff, Discipline policy, Communication with

parents, Annual report, Care and the maintenance of buildings & control of their use.

The Governing Body has resolved to adopt the LA’s Policy Statement on the Secular

Curriculum (including sex education) and the LA’s Policy Statement on Religious Education.

The Governing Body has resolved that Sex Education should continue to be included in the

Curriculum, through a programme of lessons undertaken by older junior children following

consultation with parents.

Governors’ Policy on Discipline Under the Articles of Government, the headteacher is responsible to the Governors for

discipline within the school and must act in accordance with this Statement; he will have

the full support of the Governors in so doing.

The Governors believe that a happy and well-ordered school is essential to enable pupils,

staff and the community to derive the maximum benefit and to achieve the aims and

objectives of the curriculum. Within and towards that concept, the Governors expect a

high standard of personal behaviour, proper regard for authority and self-discipline to be

actively promoted and maintained. They attach particular importance to the qualities of

honesty, kindness, politeness, thought for others and respect for property, and expect

offensive or abusive speech or behaviour to be positively discouraged.

Concerns and Complaints Informal complaints or matters of concern should be raised by parents with the class

teacher, headteacher or both. If the parent is not satisfied as a result of this process, he

or she may then register a formal complaint with the Area Education Officer. They will

either attempt to resolve the matter themselves, or pass it to the Governing Body, another

Senior Education Officer or, in matters relating to RE or Worship, to the West Sussex

SACRE (Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education). Please never hesitate to consult

your child’s teacher if you have any concerns.

Educational visit’s and charging...Educational visit’s and charging...Educational visit’s and charging...Educational visit’s and charging...

Educational visits

Educational visits and activities form an important basis for

the broader study of many curriculum subjects.

Recent visits have been:

Amberley Chalk Pits, The Weald & Downland Museum, Arundel

Castle, Fishers Farm Park, British Museum, National Gallery, Sayers

Croft Education Centre, Wey and Arun Canal, Petworth House and a

residential week on the Isle of Wight have enabled the children at

Loxwood School to gain first hand experience of historical,

geographical and environmental issues and their impact on the world

in which we live today. Apart from anything else, educational visits

are fun! The school depends on parental contributions to enable

these visits to take place. Should this create any problems, please

contact the Headteacher.

Charging

Specific points to note in regard to charging for these activities are as follows:

1. Apart from board and lodging, no charges are made in cases where an activity is provided:-

To fulfill any requirements specified in the syllabus for a prescribed public examination or

specifically to fulfill statutory duties relating to the National Curriculum, imposed by Section 10

of the 1988 act; or specifically to fulfill statutory duties relating to Religious Education imposed

by Section 10 (1) (b).Charges for board and lodging will be supported for parents in receipt of

income support or family credit.

2.There will be no charge for class or group tuition during school hours, but charging will

3. continue to apply for individual instrumental tuition or after school activities that are run by

outside agencies

Charging in kind

Parents will not normally be charged or required to supply ingredients or materials, although

voluntary contributions may be invited.

Definition of Optional Extras

Optional extras are activities which take place wholly or mainly out of school hours. School

hours do not include the midday break. A non-residential activity shall be deemed to take

place out of school hours, if 50% or more of the whole time spent on the activity occurs out of

school hours. In the case of a residential activity, if the number of school sessions is less

than 50% of the number of half days taken up by the activity, the activity is deemed to have

taken place out of school hours.

It’s always a pleasure to accompany children on school outings as they are so well behaved’.

Activities for which charging is not permissible.

While charges cannot be levied for activities not covered by the policy outlined

above, parents may be invited in writing to make a voluntary contribution.

Optional Extras

Participation in any optional extra will be met on the basis of parental choice

and a willingness to meet such charges as are made. Any charges made will not

exceed the cost of the provision of the optional extra.

The cost may include an appropriate element for:

A pupil’s travel costs.

A pupil’s board and lodging costs.

Materials, books, instruments & other equipment.

Non-teaching staff costs.

Teaching staff costs, including the costs of travel and board and lodging,

where a teacher or instructor has been engaged specifically for the purpose of

providing an activity.

The total cost will be divided equally by the number of individual pupils

participating in the activity.

I was really excited

about our trip to

Drusilla’s Park.

I loved the animals.