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WALMSLEY C.E. SCHOOL
BROCHURE 2014/15
Walmsley CE School Brochure 2014/15
Welcome to Walmsley CE School
We are a Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School
Chair of Governors: Mrs. Pauline Lewis
Headteacher: Mrs. D Carr
Mr. A Catterall
Address: Blackburn Road
Egerton
Bolton BL7 9SA
Telephone:
Fax:
Email:
01204 33 2650
01204 33 2651
This brochure is correct as of October 2014 and the information therein
refers to the 2014/15 school year.
Deputy Headteacher:
Website: www.walmsley.bolton.sch.uk
Walmsley CE School Brochure 2014/15
SCHOOL GOVERNORS
Chair Mrs P Lewis*
Vice Chair
Mrs G Smallwood*
Foundation Governors
Associate Member Mrs L Fletcher*
Diocesan Representative Mr C Jamieson *
LA Governors Cllr A Wilkinson *
Parent Governors
Mrs H Hyland*
Mrs L Healey*
Mrs S Turner*
Staff Governor Miss J Brookes
Non-Teaching Governor Mrs K Greenhalgh
Head Teacher Mrs D Carr*
*Parent or former parent of a child at the school
Mr D Morton*
Mrs L Caton Mrs K Cheetham* Mr A Slack
Walmsley CE School Brochure 2014/15
School Staff
Teaching Staff
Headteacher Mrs D Carr
Deputy Head Teacher Mr A Catterall
Non-Teaching Staff:
School Administrator Mrs A Crowther
School Business Manager Mrs K Greenhalgh
Site Manager Mr D Crouch
Catering Supervisor Mrs P Tiffney
Miss J Brookes Miss K Browning Miss H Charnock Miss T Fairclough Mrs L Hamer Mrs J Haslam Mrs D Hitchen (Part-time) Mrs J Hodgkinson Mrs D Lindley Mr M McGlashan Mrs G Rimmer (Part-time) Mrs R Saxby (Part-time) Miss K Worsley Miss V Weldrake
Walmsley CE School Brochure 2014/15
School Staff
Teaching Assistants Lunchtime Supervisors
Mrs E Davies Miss S Gill Mrs C McLoughlin Mrs J Markland Mrs R Morphet Mrs J Murphy Mrs G Ramsden Mrs A Smith Mrs A Stones Mrs J Terry
Mrs G Buckley Mrs R Cranmer Mrs J Cox Mrs G Gavin Mrs S Howarth Mrs J Kearney Mrs J McManus Mrs J Markland Mrs J Murphy Mrs K Smith
Mrs M Sulley
Walmsley CE School Brochure 2014/15
Our History
The first Walmsley School was built in 1797, at Dimple, and transferred to its present
location in 1839. Initially the school was an all age school, becoming a primary
school during the 1930's with the creation of Turton High School. The name
Walmsley is thought to derive from a family of that name, the area's principal
landowners in the 16th century.
Walmsley School As We Know It The present building was opened in February 1981.
There have been several extensions over the years, with a new kitchen and Year 1 classroom in 2010. The Infant department was refurbished in 2012 and the
Junior side of school in 2011. The Junior cloakroom and toilets were refurbished
in the summer of 2012. Our Fame Academy was added in 2011and this is where music is taught as well as being used by Year 6 as an additional classroom. We have six Junior classrooms plus the conservatory and blue rooms which
provide extra learning space for smaller groups of children. The infant department is
organised with year groups near each other and a central resource area which
provide purposeful play activities linked to the curriculum topic of the moment. The
setting of the school is particularly attractive, as it is surrounded by mature trees and
lawns, and is close to Walmsley Church. The school garden has been developed
during the 2009/2010 school year and a trim trail was added in summer 2012.
The infant and junior yards have had new playground markings during summer 2012.
In autumn 2013 we have had a decking area built to enhance the junior yard and this will also be used as an outdoor classroom as well as being made available to community groups. The school had a new roof fitted in July 2014 and there are plans to extend our car park in autumn 2014.
Walmsley CE School Brochure 2014/15
A Church School
Is a Church School Special?
We like to think so.
We aim to provide an excellent education in an atmosphere which reflects Christian
principles and attitudes; where kindness, tolerance, cheerfulness and respect for
each other are not only developed but expected and respected.
What Is An Aided School?
Schools fall into two main categories, ‘maintained’ (owned and run by the L.A.) or
‘Voluntary’, in the main church schools, were built independently. Many
pioneered education in this country - ours is the second oldest in Bolton. Some
voluntary schools handed the ownership and control to the L.A. becoming Voluntary
Controlled schools. Others preferred, whilst receiving
provision, to continue to own and manage their school - such schools are known as
Voluntary Aided schools. Ours is this type of school.
Aided status maintains the right of parents to have their children educated in a
school where the Christian faith is taught, and its values and standards upheld. A
majority of the Governors are, whilst representative of many professions, practising
Christians appointed by the church. They appoint and employ the staff, and are
responsible for ensuring that the school runs not only on sound educational, but
Christian principles. The school has close connections with Christ Church,
Walmsley. The Governors own the school in trust for that church.
The privilege of Aided status presents the Governors with considerable financial
responsibilities, as they were not only required to provide 10% of the cost of our new
school, but continue to meet 10% of building repairs and maintenance costs. The
Education Reform Act 1988, also requires the Governors, to be responsible for the
financial management of the school's share of the Local Authority budget, covering
staffing, educational provision and the maintenance of the interior of the school.
The Governors believe this privilege is worth maintaining, and trust that staff, pupils
and parents will accept the responsibility to support and maintain the highest
Christian principles and standards at the school.
support on educational
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Church Services and School Worship We use our church for major celebrations as well as our weekly Eucharist Service on a Thursday morning. The whole school attend along with parents, family and friends.
Our Harvest service generates gifts and contact with the local community
and our Lent services provide a basis for our support of anyone needing our help,
wherever they may be.
Our Sermons service at the end of the school year celebrates our existence as a Church
School. Our packed church on such occasions exemplifies our one whole family
commitment
The children participate daily in a collective act of worship. The whole school
worships together on three days; separate Key Stage 1 and 2 assemblies are held on
the other two days to provide for the different needs of the older and younger
children. Our assemblies are a cheerful and sincere Christian celebration and
involve all of the children in singing, stories and prayers. Parents do have the right
to withdraw their children from acts of worship, but as parents select the school for
its religious affiliation, this has never occurred.
Christ Church Walmsley
School Assembly
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Mission Statement As a school we pledge to:
…be a happy school where pupils are encouraged and
challenged to reach their full academic and social
potential in a creative, friendly and safe Christian
environment
…work as a partnership with pupils, their families, staff
and the wider community to provide an environment of
honesty, responsibility and integrity
. . .give ownership of the opportunities presented to the
school family thus enabling them to reflect on their time
at Walmsley with pride
Walmsley CE School Brochure 2014/15
Admission Policy
We would normally hope to be able to offer a place to anyone wishing their child to attend our school. However, should the number of applicants exceed the number of available places, it would be necessary for the Governors to prioritise applications according to our school’s admission policy. Admission criteria: In a voluntary aided school, the governors are responsible for determining the admission policy and criteria for selection, in consultation with Bolton Local Authority and Manchester Diocesan Board of Education. The admissions number will be 45. The school will admit all children having a statement of special educational needs in whose statement the school is named.
1. Children in public care. Looked after children and previously looked after children who were looked after, but ceased to be so because they were adopted ( or became subject to a residence order or a special guardianship order)
2. Children who regularly attend Christ Church, Walmsley or St Andrew’s, Bromley Cross.
3. Children who regularly attend any Christian church and live within the Egerton, Bromley Cross or Sharples
areas.
4. Children who have a brother or sister currently attending the school.
5. All other children.
Notes: a) To judge between otherwise equal cases after the application of criteria 1-5 or within those categories if necessary, places will be awarded on the basis of geographical proximity to the school. This will be calculated (by the shortest walking route) using the LA computerised measuring system from the front door of the child’s address (including flats) to the main entrance of the school. b) The local authority supplementary form must be completed to confirm criteria 2 and 3. This can be downloaded from the admissions website. c) Regular attendance is normally given to mean a minimum of monthly attendance of the child at church for at least the year prior to 1
st September in the year before admission to the school. Evidence of this regular
attendance must be provided by a member of the clergy or other designated church officer on the form provided. d) Brother or sister includes half brothers and sisters and adopted or fostered children living at the same address. e) Where there are children of multiple births wishing to be admitted and the sibling is the 45
th child the governors
may admit over the infant class size requirement if it is possible to do so. Waiting List: Where we have more applications than places, the admissions criteria will be used. Children who are not admitted will have their name placed on a waiting list. The names on the waiting list will be in the order resulting from the application of the admissions criteria. Since the date of application cannot be a criterion for the order of names on the waiting list, late applicants for the school will be slotted into the order according to the extent to which they meet the criteria. Thus it is possible that a child who moves into the area later to have a higher priority than one who has been on the waiting list for some time. If a place becomes available within the admission number, the child whose name is at the top of the list will be offered a place. This is not dependent on whether an appeal has been submitted. This waiting list will operate until the end of the autumn term only. Appeals: Where the governors are unable to offer a place because the school is oversubscribed, parents have the right to appeal to an independent admission appeal panel, set up under the school Standards and Framework Act, 1998, as amended by the Education Act, 2002. Parents should notify the local authority within 14 days of receiving the letter refusing a place. Parents will have the opportunity to submit their case to the panel in writing and also to attend in order to present their case. You will normally receive 14 days’ notice of the place and time of the hearing. Deferred Admissions: Children will be admitted to the Reception class at the beginning of the Autumn term before their fifth birthday. Parents may request that their school place be deferred until later in the school year and if they do this place will be held for the child. They cannot, however, defer entry beyond the beginning of the term after the child’s fifth birthday, nor beyond the school year for which the original application was accepted. Parents can also request that their child attends on a part-time basis until the child reaches compulsory school age.
Walmsley CE School Brochure 2014/15
School Organisation Walmsley School has 45 children in each year group.
In 2014/2015 the school will have:
6 classes in Key Stage 2 ( junior department)
5 classes in Key Stage 1 (infant department)
In the Key Stage 1, we have 5 full-time teachers and 1 part-time teacher.
Additionally there are 5 teaching assistants
In the Key Stage 2, we have 7 full-time teachers, 2 part-time teachers, 1 special
needs assistant and 4 teaching assistants. The Head Teacher provides curriculum
release time and cover for courses or staff absence.
In 2014/2015 it is expected that there will be 330 pupils attending school
Class Organisation Each child is supported and encouraged in all areas, performing at a level
commensurate with his or her capabilities. Whilst terms Early Years, Key Stage 1 and
Key Stage 2 are used, there are no restrictions placed upon any child's rate of
development, either within a department or class.
Teachers assess each child as they enter Reception class. Continuous assessment
takes place during the first year and all subsequent years in school. The children are
very much individuals and require much individual treatment. Their pre-school
experiences differ, as does their ability to work with other children. They will learn to
read and write at very differing rates, and they will be allowed to develop at a rate
suitable to their individual needs.
Children are taught for most of the time by their class teacher, but occasionally by
teachers who have a special skill to offer. They spend time in their classrooms with
the whole class and in areas with a smaller group depending on the activity being
undertaken. Teaching assistants play a vital role in the teaching of our children and
are used in a variety of different ways to support and enhance the class teaching.
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The National Curriculum
All children are required to be educated according to the requirements of the
National Curriculum, which provides a development framework for the education of
children between the ages of 5 and 16. The National Curriculum is divided up into a
number of Key Stages, and Development Levels.
Early Years
This consists of Nursery and Reception age children. These children follow the
Foundation Stage curriculum.
Key Stage 1
This consists of Year 1 and Year 2 children. They work according to their ability from
working towards Level 1 using the Stepping Stones of the Early Learning Goals in
Reception, and then proceeding to Level 1 to 3, with Level 2 being the expected end
of Key Stage 1 for a child of average ability.
Key Stage 2
Children work according to their ability from Levels 2 to 6, with Level 4 being the
expected end of key stage for a child of average ability.
Primary Schools are required to teach eleven subject areas. These eleven subjects
are split into two categories, Core or Foundation. The greatest time is given to the
teaching of English and Mathematics, an hour to English and an hour to Maths per
day.
The core subjects are English, Maths and Science.
The foundation subjects are History, Geography, Music, Art, Design & Technology,
Physical Education, Religious Education, Modern Foreign Language and Computing.
Children participate in national testing at the end of each key stage. Parents receive
details of their child's performance in these tests. Assessment is an integral part of
school life and all staff use it as a tool to inform us of where a child needs to go next.
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The Early Years-An Overview
The period from the age of three to the end of the Reception year is described as the
Foundation Stage. It is a distinct stage and is important both in its own right and in
preparing children for later schooling. The early learning goals set out what is
expected for most children by the end of the foundation stage. The early learning
goals are divided into 2 areas: Prime and Specific.
Prime:
Physical
Communication and Language
Personal, Social and Emotional
Literacy
Mathematics
Expressive Arts and Design Understanding of the World
The Early Years curriculum is carefully structured. It has provision for the
different starting points from which children develop their learning, building
on what they can already do. It has relevant and appropriate content which
matches the different levels of the children’s needs, and has planned and
purposeful activities which provide opportunities for teaching and learning.
Play is an essential part of the Early Years curriculum. Children are able to
explore, experiment, plan and make decisions for themselves. Throughout
the Foundation Stage, children are given opportunities to play in a
purposeful way, both indoors and outdoors.
Children who have achieved the Early Learning Goals will begin to study the
National Curriculum whenever appropriate.
Our aims during the foundation stage are to support, foster, promote and
develop children’s:
personal, social and emotional wellbeing: in particular by
supporting the transition to and between settings, promoting an inclusive ethos and providing opportunities for each child to become a valued member of that group and community so that a strong self- image and self-esteem are promoted;
positive attitudes and dispositions towards their learning: in
particular an enthusiasm for knowledge and learning, and a confidence in their ability to be successful learners;
Prime:
Specific:
Prime:
Walmsley CE School Brochure 2014/15
social skills: in particular by providing opportunities that enable
them to learn how to cooperate and work harmoniously alongside, and with, each other and to listen to each other.
attention skills and persistence: in particular the capacity to concentrate on their own play or on group tasks.
communicate in a widening range of situations: Children need
the ability to respond to adults and to each other in a number of situations through language and communication: we provide opportunities for all children to practise this in carefully planned activities and thus extend the range of vocabulary and communication skills they use, and very importantly, to listen carefully.
reading and writing: with opportunities for all children to explore, enjoy, learn about, and use words and text in a broad range of contexts and to experience a rich variety of books.
mathematics: with opportunities for all children to develop their
understanding of number, measurement, pattern, shape and space by providing a broad range of contexts in which they can explore, enjoy, learn, practise, and talk about them.
knowledge and understanding of the world: with opportunities
for all children to solve problems, make decisions, experiment, predict, plan and question in a varied range of contexts; and to explore and find out about their environment, and people and places that have significance in their lives both now and in the past.
physical development: with opportunities for all children to
develop and practise their fine and gross motor skills, increase their understanding of how their bodies work and what they need to be healthy and safe.
creative development: with opportunities for all children to explore
and share their thoughts, ideas and feelings through a variety of art, design and technology, music, movement, dance and imaginative and role-play activities.
A Group of Reception Class Children
Walmsley CE School Brochure 2014/15
Core Subjects –An Overview
English
Our aim is to enable the children to develop the ability to be able to:
communicate effectively both in speech and writing
listen and read with understanding and with pleasure
We regard English, to be the most important core subject, as it is a pre-requisite for
success in any academic area. Consequently it is given more lesson time than any
other subject.
Reading, the key to any successful English programme, commences as soon as
possible after entry to school. We use a very thorough, phonic based reading
programme to develop techniques and confidence. Parental co-operation is sought
from the outset, as reading books are sent home regularly. Each child's reading
development is carefully controlled and monitored, until it reaches a desirable level
of fluency, after which the emphasis transfers to more advanced reading techniques,
and the introduction of a wider variety of texts and authors.
Children are encouraged to discuss their work to enable them to formulate, clarify
and express their ideas, and to listen, understand and respond appropriately to
others.
Writing at Key Stage 1 concentrates on the development of fluency and confidence,
and the introduction of essential presentational skills - accurate punctuation, correct
spelling and legible handwriting. Transfer to Key Stage 2 brings a more formalised
approach to spelling, handwriting, grammar, composition and comprehension
development. Children work in ability groups in both Key Stages.
Reading, writing and spelling tests are conducted annually in the Junior department,
and results are available on request. At Infant level, normal home/school tasks
ensure that parents are continuously involved in and aware of reading and writing
progress. Formalised homework is given in all classes.
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Mathematics
Our aim at Key Stage 1 is to help children to:
develop their use and understanding of mathematics
learn to count and prepare for work on place value and with larger
numbers
to develop confident and competent use the four operations of number
in relevant contexts
develop skills in measuring and estimating
recognise simple shapes and patterns
At Key Stage 2 children are introduced to more complex computational procedures
and a wider range of mathematical procedures and skills.
The National Curriculum is used throughout the school, permitting
systematic and continuous development. The programme meets all requirements of
the National Curriculum and emphasises sound understanding of computational
procedures, and their application in everyday life situations.
The children also receive regular practice in tables and mental work.
The school has a considerable range of mathematical equipment to aid practical as
well as theoretical development, including calculators and computers.
Formalised homework is given in all classes.
Science
We aim to provide a range of activities and investigations which will help the children
to
develop their knowledge and discovery of science
foster an awareness of the role and importance of science in everyday life
to provide enjoyment in, and enthusiasm for, scientific discovery
At Key Stage 1 children will investigate the following topics:
Humans, Materials, Day & Night, Forces, Plants, Animals, Transport, Sound
& Music, Food, Change, Minibeasts, Electricity & Magnetism,
A similar range of topics is introduced at the Key Stage 2, building on the knowledge
and experiences gained in the Infants, and introducing more sophisticated analysis
techniques.
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In Year 6, children study a series of mini-topics, thereby enabling them to review at
the age of eleven the many scientific areas undertaken earlier in school. They also
discuss and explore topical and environmental issues.
Formalised homework is given in Year 5 and Year 6.
The school places considerable emphasis on the development of scientific
knowledge through 'hands on' experience, and has acquired, with the support of the
P.T.A., a substantial bank of Scientific resource materials and equipment
Geography
We aim to enable our children to develop:
geographical knowledge and understanding through the study of our
locality
principal features of Britain, Europe and other continents
understanding of climatic and physical variations in our world, and how
the lifestyles of people are affected by them
At Key Stage 1 children will investigate:
the locality of the school, a contrasting locality, the quality of the environment in a
locality
and will be taught to:
observe their surroundings , use an increasing range of geographical terms, record
what they see, follow directions and routes on maps and plans, use maps and
globes to identify major geographical features e.g. seas, rivers, cities etc.
At Key Stage 2 children undertake more in depth studies of places, are introduced to
more detailed and sophisticated maps, and study localities and physical and
environmental features in Britain, Europe and other continents.
History
We aim to encourage the children to develop:
an interest in historical development by studying events, people and
objects in our history
At Key Stage 1 children learn:
to develop a sense of time and to sequence objects and events
about changes that have taken place in the lives of adults around them
the lives of different kinds of famous men and women
past events which have been commemorated by succeeding
generations
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At the Junior stage the children undertake more detailed study of:
social developments and important events in British history
an ancient civilisation
a Non-European society
local history
Art & Design
The children are provided with opportunities and encouraged to develop their
creative, imaginative and practical skills through a varied programme of activities
which will include
drawing and painting
colour matching and mixing
pattern making
modelling and building
designing & making simple products
At Junior level children extend their artistic and creative experiences, and will
use of a much wider variety of artistic techniques
plan, design and evaluate a wider and more complex range of products
In both Key Stages children focus on famous artists and study their work
Music
At all levels our aim is that children should learn to enjoy and appreciate music of all
kinds, by performing & composing, and by listening. We encourage children to
develop their musical talents to their full potential.
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At Key Stage 1 children are encouraged to play and experiment with a wide variety
of instruments, and all Junior children have the opportunity to learn to play the
recorder. Junior children also have the opportunity to learn to play other instruments
as we have teachers from Bolton Music Service who come into school. Currently
BMS provide tuition in piano, woodwind, brass and strings. There is an extra charge
for this tuition that is payable termly.
The school has a choir and an orchestra, both of considerable standing locally. They
perform quite regularly, both in school concerts and functions, and in the wider
community.
Year 6 girls playing the recorder in their music lesson
Year 4 boys having a brass lesson
Junior Children singing in concert at Christ Church, Walmsley,
with the Millennium Chapel Gospel Choir
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Physical Education
All children participate in:
Gymnastics: where they will learn to practice and refine agility and movement
sequences, and use, in accordance with their age and ability, our wide range
of gymnastic apparatus.
Dance: where they will learn to compose and control movement, express
feelings and moods, and respond to music or other stimuli.
Games: where at Key Stage 1 they will develop elementary ball and team
skills, and at Key Stage 2 develop and extend the skills to involvement in
such familiar sports as football, netball, rugby, hockey, cricket, rounders,
tennis and athletics, utilising indoor and outdoor facilities.
School has a large playing field that is often used for PE lessons as well as for
sports days and sports events with other schools.
Swimming tuition is provided for Year 5 children at local leisure centres.
Computing
Each classroom has at least one computer with a wide range of application
programmes along with an interactive whiteboard as part of its normal everyday
equipment. We have a class set of laptop computers which children in both Key
Stages uses each week and which greatly enhance teaching and learning. We also have iPads for use throughout school. Children are introduced on entry to the school, and throughout the Foundation and
Key Stage 1 to computers, calculation, and other technological control devices.
Much of the work is aimed at developing confident usage and an appreciation of the
opportunities which technology provides.
The school's programme permits the development and acquisition of an increasingly
complex range of skills in areas such as word processing, data handling, simulation,
information management and coding.
Religious Education
Religious Education is an essential part of our curriculum, and we endeavour:
to engender an understanding of Christian principles and values.
encourage children to develop an appreciation of the needs of others.
develop a knowledge of our faith, Bible, Christians past and present, and their
relevance and application to everyday life.
A religious assembly is held daily. We maintain our close links with Christ Church;
during the year services for parents and children are held in church, and the clergy
play an active part in our religious development.
It is assumed that as parents have chosen to send their children to this school for a
Christian education, they will wish their children to participate in religious worship
and lessons. Parents who wish to exercise their right of withdrawal under Section 25
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of the 1944 Education Act, should consult the Headteacher, before completing a
formal application for a place at the school.
P.S.H.E., including Sex Education
Each class has a timetabled Personal, Social and Health Education lesson each
week. Through the study of other cultures and religions, we foster the interest,
appreciation, and celebration of people who are different than ourselves. We
Continually acknowledge and celebrate the world’s diversity. Our PSHE lessons
also give us unlimited opportunities to explore the development of positive
relationships and care for others.
Throughout the school the children's attention is drawn to the fact that they need to
care about their body, hygiene, their personal feelings and need to respect those of
others.
Science programmes require the children to talk naturally about the bodies of
humans and animals, including reference to reproduction and body organs.
Human reproduction is a scheduled part of the Year 6 curriculum, and we
endeavour to treat it as something quite natural. Good quality films are used to
introduce the topic and to stimulate discussion. Parents are involved throughout, are
allowed to advance view the DVD’s, and may if they wish view and discuss them
with their children at home. We also provide some basic First Aid training for our
Year 6 children.
We accord parents the right to withdraw children from these lessons.
Our older children are given further responsibilities as Peer Mediators, Playground
Pals and support for the younger children and Infant staff.
Modern Foreign Languages
All children in Key Stage 2 learn French with the focus being on the spoken
language. We are very lucky to have our own MFL teacher, Mrs Hitchen.
Children are pleased to participate in our annual French Themed Day which
consists of a day full of French activities including food tasting, singing and writing
to pen pals. We have an annual activity weekend in France planned for the summer term
for children in Years 5 and 6 which is an amazing and enriching experience.
Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)
Walmsley School believes that every child is special, should be valued irrespective
of abilities or individual differences and encouraged to develop to their full potential
and contribute to the life of the school. It is inevitable in any community or school to
find those who may require special help or attention to achieve their potential. The
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school has clear policies on early identification of such children, and the provision of
necessary additional support.
The school operates support within each year group. Children who need extra
support receive their teaching in smaller groups, from both teaching staff and
teaching assistants. These groups can and do, change year on year. The aim of the
support is to enable each child to hopefully make the expected grades by the age of
eleven.
Examinations
Children in Key Stage 2 are examined annually in Mathematics and
English. The examinations are of a similar nature to the National Curriculum Tests
and enable us to monitor the levels the children are reaching between the National
Tests at 7 and 11 years. Parents are informed of developments.
Reading tests are also conducted on an annual basis.
The National Curriculum requires National tests at the age of 7 and 11. Tests for 7-
year olds commenced in 1991. However since 2005 teacher assessment at Key
Stage 1 is the level of which parents will be notified. Tests for 11-year olds
commenced in 1995. The results of these tests are to be found at the rear of the
handbook.
Homework
Homework is formally set for all children who attend Walmsley School.
Children are also regularly required to take reading materials home for further
practice and development as well as complete or prepare work, learn spellings;
tables etc and are encouraged to develop their work at home.
Parental support, especially in reading development, is recognised as being of great
value.
Charging for Activities
The school does arrange a number of activities which go beyond the scope of
normal provision, e.g. visits, for which it is reasonable that a charge be made.
Parents are informed in advance of such activities, and have the right to determine
their child's involvement. Every attempt is made to ensure that both the frequency
and cost of any such activities is reasonable enough to permit the involvement of all
children.
Year 1 children having fun at Smithills Farm
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Parental Support
Developing Relationships
It is important, for everybody that positive relationships develop between the school
and its staff and parents. It is so important for you to feel that you can trust us to care
for your child, and for us to know that we have your trust. Parents are welcome at
the school, indeed many help during the course of the day as parental volunteers,
working with the children or helping with displays etc. Such support is invaluable,
so if you have some time to spare... please let us know.
No child will pass through the school without its parents being worried about
something. Concerns can normally be resolved by a chat with the teacher. Staff will
readily make themselves available at the beginning or end of the day to speak with
parents. If a problem arises at home, which may affect a child's education or
happiness, we would prefer to know about it and to give support. Similarly, a teacher
may wish to discuss a problem with parents, and seek their support. Hopefully the
principle of a caring school runs through all that we do.
Parent Teacher Association
The school has a fantastic PTA which raises huge amounts for school funds by
organising fun activities for the school family. We have the Christmas and Summer
Fairs, Easter Egg Bingo, Ladies Pamper Evenings to name just a few. All parents
are automatically members, and receive details of activities.
Reporting
Formal Reporting
All parents:
receive an annual written report on the progress of their child/children.
are invited to discuss progress with the class teacher(s) during the Spring
Term. There is a Parent’s Information Evening held in the October of each
year and a Parent’s Evening held in the January.
The performance of each child is closely monitored and recorded as it progresses
through the National Curriculum and the school. This information is available, on
request, to parents.
Informal Reporting
The formal reporting procedures provide a necessary mechanism to ensure contact between
school and parents. It is not uncommon for parents to feel that contact with the school
should only be made when things go wrong. At Walmsley School however, we encourage a
regular dialogue between staff and parents and view it as an important support tool, as a
means of praising, helping and supporting your child, Parents are welcome to discuss any
matter at any time. Most parents are aware of the ongoing development of their child simply
because they will be involved in the learning procedure.
Walmsley CE School Brochure 2014/15
The School Curriculum
The 1988 Education Reform Act states that all schools must set up a procedure for
dealing with complaints about the curriculum of the school. You have the right to ask
or complain about the following matters concerning the curriculum of the school:
The parts of the 1988 Education Reform Act dealing with the curriculum
The way the National Curriculum is being taught
The teaching of Religious Education
Whether your child is being taught all of the National Curriculum
If our policy on charging is being carried out in relation to the National
Curriculum
Whether you are allowed access to the documents listed in the next section
The Headteacher will discuss your concerns with you and your child's teacher.
If you are still concerned, you should put your concerns in writing and send them to
the Headteacher. She would pass the matter to the relevant committee of the
Governing Body, who would finally deal with the matter.
However as far as we are concerned, if you are worried about any aspect of
your child's learning or development, please talk to us!
What you have the right to see
You have the right to see a copy of the following documents
The curricular aims of the school
The part of the 1988 Act relating to the National Curriculum
Any OFSTED/HMI report which refers to the school
Schemes of Work at present used in the school
Any syllabuses followed
The Governors' Complaints Procedure
The Governors' Charging Policy
The times of the school day
Annual Report to Parents
Parents are issued with a report from the Governing Body dealing with various
aspects of their work and that of the school
Attendance Record
You are required to be informed of:
your child's personal attendance record (this will be included with your child's
annual report)
the school's overall attendance record
Walmsley CE School Brochure 2014/15
National Curriculum Test Results
The school's results & available comparisons are contained in this brochure.
Parents of children taking the tests are informed immediately of their child's personal
results.
These are your legal rights and we are required to inform you of them.
As far as we are concerned you are not just parents but partners in our school.
If you want to know anything or see anything, just ask.
Year 1 girls on a woodland walk
Walmsley CE School Brochure 2014/15
Good Behaviour-Golden Time
Golden time is a special time when the classes in the Infants mix with each other
and so do the Junior classes. The children visit other classrooms for different
activities. This forms part of our PSHE curriculum and children are expected to care
for each other and follow set rules. We have some ‘Golden Rules’ for the classroom,
dining hall and playground. These are general rules for life and we would like you to
share them with your child at home. We also have a ‘Golden Area’ where the rules
are pinned up. This area will also be used to display artwork and writing covering
themes such as success, celebrating differences, children of the world, caring for
others, looking after the environment, charity, etc. Here are the three sets of rules.
Playground Golden Rules
Do be gentle-Do not hurt anybody
Do be kind and helpful- Do not hurt other people’s feelings
Do play well with others-Do not spoil other’s games
Do care for your playground-Do not spoil or damage anything
Do listen to people-Do not interrupt
Do be honest-Do not cover up the truth
Do keep to the playground safety rules-Do not break the playground safety rules.
Golden Rules
Do be gentle-Do not hurt anybody
Do be kind and helpful- Do not hurt other people’s feelings
Do work hard-Do not waste other people’s time
Do look after property-Do not waste or damage things
Do listen to people-Do not interrupt
Do be honest-Do not cover up the truth
Lunchtime Rules
We line up quietly
We finish what we are eating before we speak
We remember to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’
We put our rubbish away
We put our hands up to ask to leave the hall
We talk quietly to the person next to us
Walmsley CE School Brochure 2014/15
Extra Activities Extra Curricular Activities
The school has teams for all major sporting activities, and matches are arranged
against other schools. Sporting events such as gymnastic days, football skills and
judo take place during the year. There are opportunities for children to participate in
a wide range of sports activities as we have coaches visit school to run clubs. The
clubs that currently operate are: football, multi-sports and Musicaliti. The following clubs are run by school staff either after school or at lunchtimes: boardgames, cross country, art, choir, blogging, sports, computer, French, orchestra, boys reading, knitting and science.
Charitable Activities
These take place during the course of the year, and especially during Lent, when
parents and the whole parish support the children in charitable events. During Lent
2 0 1 3 we raised £2484 which was distributed between Diabetes Uk, Comic Relief and
HCPT (The Handicapped Children’s Pilgrimage Trust).
Music
School has a thriving musical life. We have Christmas, Easter and end of year
musical celebrations which all children participate in. Our choir and orchestra have
had the privilege of performing with The Millennium Chapel Gospel Choir, Smithills
Band and Bolton School choir at The Bridgewater Hall as well taking part in
performances at The Victoria Hall.
Other Activities
Places of interest in the Bolton area and beyond, are occasionally visited during the
year to enrich curricular activities. This year we have been to Smithills Farm,
Skipton Castle, to the Panto to see Aladdin, Alton Towers and Tatton Park to name a
few. We regularly have drama or musical groups visit the school.
School Leavers
45 children left Walmsley School in summer 2013
Of these: 24 went to Turton High School
15 went to Canon Slade School
4 went to Bolton School 1 went to Thornleigh 1 went to France to live
Walmsley CE School Brochure 2014/15
School Uniform
The school has a uniform which is expected to be worn
BOYS UNIFORM COLOURS GIRLS
School tie
(optional)
blue with red and white
stripes
School tie
(optional)
Shorts /Long
trousers
grey Skirt, pinafore dress or
trousers
V-neck, crew neck
sweatshirt or
jumper
royal blue Cardigan, crew neck / V-
neck sweatshirt or jumper
Shirt or polo shirt white Blouse or polo shirt
blue checked Optional dress
Shoes (not trainers) Black or brown Shoes (not trainers)
For formal occasions such as Choir and Orchestral performances in Church or the
Victoria Hall, we always expect school uniform to be worn. Uniform cardigans,
sweatshirts, polo shirts, all bearing our school badge may be purchased from school.
We have a uniform supplier who is in school from 8.30am on a Friday morning.
These are all also available from Harrisons at Astley Bridge. Supermarkets, Marks
and Spencer etc stock grey trousers, skirts, plain polo shirts and summer dresses.
Physical Education
All children have a P.E. uniform consisting of blue shorts and white T-shirt. All
children require a pair of plimsolls (preferably with an elasticised top). Junior children
also require trainers and a tracksuit for games sessions. All items of clothing,
including footwear, should be labelled. Plimsolls, together with sports clothing,
should be kept in a bag at school. Marks & Spencer online supply PE kit with our logo on.
Lost Property
Children can be extremely careless with clothing, which on the whole is extremely
expensive. Any unnamed article is placed in a lost property box. Parents are
welcome to check its contents. Please however reduce the 'risks' by ensuring
that every garment or piece of footwear bears your child's name.
Walmsley CE School Brochure 2014/15
DATES AND TIMES
Morning
School opens at 8.45am when children may come in to class and start a pre-set activity. All children must be in class by the start of registration at 8.55am. Lunchtime is from 12.00 noon-1.00 pm
Afternoon
1 .0 0 pm to 3.30 pm
There are two playtimes, one in the morning and one in the afternoon.
We encourage our children to drink water throughout the day and we ask that
all children be provided with a named water bottle. They are able to refill these
as required during the day.
The School Year 2014/15
2014
Autumn Term
Commences : Tuesday 2 nd September
Half Term : Friday 24 th October to Friday 31st October
End of Term : Friday 19 th December (2pm)
2015
Spring Term
Commences : Tuesday 6 th January
Half Term : Monday 16 th February to Friday 20th February
End of Term : Friday 27 th
March (2pm)
Summer Term
Commences : Monday 13th April
Half Term : Monday 25th
May to Friday 29th May
End of Term : Friday 17th July (2pm)
The Governors have occasional days to allocate and these will be on the holiday list which we send out at the
beginning of the new school year or are available on the website:www.walmsley.bolton.sch.uk
Monday 4th May-Bank HolidayMonday 2nd June-Occasional Day nnnn
Walmsley CE School Brochure 2014/15
CARING FOR OUR PUPILS
Medical
Nurses from the Local Health Service regularly visit the school, undertaking sight,
hearing and other tests, and are available to perform health checks on request.
Parents are informed about any matter requiring attention, and will be given support
and advice.
Medical Information
If a pupil has a serious or recurring medical problem, it is advisable for a note to be
made on the child's records. There is a section on the admission form for the
insertion of necessary information, which will of course be confidential.
Illness at School
There is no comfortable, quiet place in school for a sick child to rest. Should your
child be unwell, we would contact you, or your nominated contact person to allow
more appropriate arrangements to be made. The school has facilities to deal with
minor playtime cuts and grazes, and we would naturally cater for any child hurt in
this way.
Please keep your child at home for 24 hours after having had sickness or diarrhoea
Medicines
Teachers are not permitted to administer medicines, nor are medicines, tablets etc.
allowed in classrooms for obvious safety reasons. Whilst usually it is preferable for a
child in need of medicines to be at home, as they are susceptible to other illnesses, it
is appreciated that some medications run a course which is longer than the child's
illness. In such cases, parents may visit school to give medicines at prescribed
times or with a letter of consent a member of the senior management team will
administer the medicine.
Items, such as asthma inhalers, which are required to be used on a regular basis,
are of course permitted but must be clearly marked. Asthma inhalers are kept in
classrooms in the green boxes.
Walmsley CE School Brochure 2014/15
Telephone Numbers
It is vital that we have up to date telephone numbers. Please keep school advised of
current numbers: home, mobile (especially if you want to receive texts) and work.
Absences
If your child is absent from school, we must be notified by 9.30am on the first day of
absence. Please keep us informed as to the duration of any absence. If we do not
hear from you, school will contact you to ensure that you are aware of your child’s
absence.
Lates
School starts at 8.55am promptly. Please ensure that your children arrive at school
on time as late arrivals disrupt the morning routine. Any children who do arrive late
must come in through the main entrance and ensure that they are signed in before
going down to class.
Holidays
From September 2013 holidays in term time will NOT be authorised. We have never authorised holiday absence for children in Year 6 or for any child during SATs week in May, but have been flexible regarding holidays at other times. However the new regulations from 1 September mean that there will be no authorised holidays. If parents do decide to take their children out of school regardless of these regulations, there is a form that is available from the school office and can be downloaded from the school website which must be completed to inform us of the dates your child will be absent from school. The process is that the days of absence will be marked as ‘unauthorised’ in the attendance register. More than 15 sessions of unauthorised absence (1 day = two sessions) will result in a warning letter being issued to parents. Unauthorised absences include lates, so as always punctuality is very important. Full details of penalty notices and possible fines are on the school website.
Medical Appointments
If advance notice of the appointment is given, pupils may be collected from the
school office. It is not possible, for security reasons, to permit a child to leave school
early to meet a parent at another location. An Exit Permit must be collected from the
office to cover the period of the appointment.
Messages
The school administrator is normally available to receive telephone messages
between 8.00 am and 12.00 noon and between 1.00pm. and 4.00pm. Please note
that teachers are not permitted to leave classrooms to respond to telephone calls.
Messages can be taken and staff will endeavour to return calls after school.
Walmsley CE School Brochure 2014/15
Cars
Undue movement of cars in our restricted access area puts our children at risk. Only
in an emergency should parents drive into the school grounds. Please, please,
please do not drive into the area outside the gates to drop children off it is extremely
dangerous. To keep our children safe we have gates on the entrance to school.
These are locked from 8.30 am – 9.10 am and from 3.15 pm until 3.40 pm. They are
locked for safety reasons during the above times and there are no exceptions.
School Meals
Most children enjoy our delicious healthy school meals which provide an excellent
self-service lunch time meal with 2 or 3 choices of main meals and desserts.
Alternatively children may bring a packed lunch. Changes in school meals
arrangements may be made at half-termly intervals. Dinner money is payable in
advance on Monday morning or at the beginning of each half term. Children are
issued with personalised dinner bills each half term. The LA provides information
on Free School Meals.
Safeguarding
Our safeguarding policy states that anyone entering school must sign in and be
issued with a visitors badge after having their photographic ID checked. All parent
helpers are subject to enhanced DBS checks.
One of our top priorities in school which is constantly monitored and evaluated is the welfare, well-being and safeguarding of our pupils. We have a number of policies, procedures and practices, all of a high standard, to ensure that this is the case including: Child Protection, Anti-Bullying, Inclusion, Equal Opportunities, Race Equality, Health and Safety, Attendance, Discipline and Behaviour, Physical Restraint Policies and Complaints Procedures. These are reviewed annually by our Governing Body and all staff are aware of the need for up most vigilance in abiding by these. Parents are encouraged to discuss ANY concerns regarding the health, safety, protection and development of their child with the Class Teacher or the Head Teacher who is the school Safeguarding Officer.
Walmsley CE School Brochure 2014/15
Starting School
Starting school is a very exciting and momentous occasion. However it can be a
very worrying time, especially for the parent. Many of the early problems are
usually of a practical, rather than educational nature.
We arrange for parents to attend an introductory meeting, and for the children to
spend part of a day in school prior to commencement. We also issue you with a
special sheet, which remains confidential, on which we ask you to give the kind of
information that only you as parents know about your child, and which we hope you
will share with us. The sooner we understand your child, as a personality, the
sooner we can commence working effectively with him/her.
Please help us to make your child's entry into school as smooth and happy an
experience as is possible. It would be extremely helpful if your child could do the
following things:
Have shoes without laces
Dress and undress
Remove outdoor clothing and hang them on a peg
Use a knife and fork
Use the toilet properly and perform other reasonable hygienic requirements
i.e. blow nose
Wash and dry hands and face efficiently
Tidy up after using toys, apparatus, books
We hope that everything goes smoothly, but, if you are worried about something,
tell us; if you require information, ask; otherwise we won't know, and this may risk
what is of paramount importance,
your child's
happiness
Walmsley CE School Brochure 2014/15
COMPARATIVE REPORT
These tables show the percentage of Year 6 pupils achieving each level in 2013, compared to national end of Key Stage 2 Teacher Assessment Levels and Test Results for 2012. The number of eligible children is: 46 Figures may not total 100 per cent because of rounding.
TEACHER ASSESSMENTS
Percentage at each level
W 1 2 3 4 5 6
Pupils disapplied
Pupils absent
English School 0 0 0 0 39 59 2 0 0
National 1 1 3 11 49 35 1 0 0
Mathematics School 0 0 0 4 48 41 7 0 0
National 1 1 3 11 45 36 4 0 0
Science School 0 0 0 2 46 52 0 0 0
National 1 0 2 11 50 36 0 0 0
TEST RESULTS
Percentage at each level
Below Level 3**
3 4 5 6 Pupils
not entered#
Pupils absent
Grammar Punctuation & Spelling*
School 0 22 37 39 0 0 2
National - - - - - - -
Reading School 0 2 41 54 0 0 2
National 6 7 38 48 0 0 0
Mathematics School 0 7 48 37 7 0 2
National 4 11 45 36 3 0 0
W represents pupils who are working towards Level 1, but have not yet achieved the standards needed for Level 1.
* The result awarded in this test is indicative of a pupil working at the level reported rather than a true National Curriculum level as for other tests.
** This result represents children who were not entered for the tests because they were working below Level 3 in English or Mathematics, children awarded a compensatory level from the tests, and children entered for but not achieving a level from the tests.
# Pupils working at the levels of the tests, but unable to access them.
Walmsley CE School Brochure 2014/15
The figures in the table below show pupils’ attendance at Walmsley School
94
96
Walmsley CE School Brochure 2014/15
Attendance
Comparison with National Averages
over a two year period in comparison with the national averages.
Walmsley School Attendance Information
2011/12
Attendance Rate % Attendance Rate %
Walmsley School 97
National (primary) 95
Where attendance falls below 95 percent for the school, an analysis of the
patterns of absence and their effect on attainment needs to be undertaken.
This analysis may show whether poor attendance or punctuality affect
particular groups of pupils.
2012/2013