ST LAWRENCE LOWER SCHOOL VOLUNTARY AIDED

SCHOOL PROSPECTUS

St Lawrence Lower VA SchoolManor LaneWymingtonNorthantsNN10 9LLTel: 01933 353530Fax: 01933 316950Email stlawrence@deal.bedfordshire.gov.ukwww.st-lawrenceschool.co.uk

Our school office hours are 8.45 a.m. – 3.30 p.m. Monday to Friday

St Lawrence Voluntary Aided School is a Bedford Borough Education Authority Lower School with a designated Early Years for 3-5 years old (Foundation Stage). The main school provides education for children aged 5-9 years old (Years 1-4).

CONTENTS

Introduction:

Welcome to St Lawrence Lower School Vision and Aims History of the School

School Organisation:

Staff Admissions School Day

Starting School:

Early Years Curriculum

The Curriculum:

Subjects School Council Assessment Special Education Needs More Able Children Homework Wider Curriculum Educational Visits Activities in School Home School Links Parent Consultation Home School Agreement

General:

Behaviour Policy Attendance Policy St Lawrence Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) Extended Services School Meals School Uniform Term Dates Ofsted Acknowledgements

Welcome to St Lawrence VA Lower School

Dear Parents

Welcome to St Lawrence Voluntary Aided Lower School. We are a Church of England village school, serving the community of Wymington. This prospectus is intended to inform and give you an insight about the life and workings of our school.

Our school is committed to providing education of the highest quality within a happy, secure and Christian environment.

We welcome visitors so they may experience for themselves our school at work and play to see our happy, motivated children and confirm the care and commitment of all the staff.

May we take this opportunity of welcoming you to our school and we look forward to working with you to make your child’s time with us happy and successful.

Mrs G DonaldHead Teacher

Vision and Aims

“Our School is committed to providing education of the highest quality within a happy, secure and Christian environment”

Our Aims: We will;

• Develop children and staff to their full potential

• Achieve high standards across the curriculum

• Create a caring, stimulating and supporting environment

• Nurture a love of learning that helps children to develop lively, imaginative and enquiring minds

• Give pupils an understanding of religious and moral values

• Respect other races, beliefs and ways of life

• Foster positive social skills, self-respect and a caring attitude towards all others in the school and in the wider community

• Work in partnership with parents to create a good learning environment for our children

History of the School

Wymington is a small village in the north of Bedfordshire lying adjacent to the Country boundary, which join the Northamptonshire town of Rushden. There has been a school in the village since 1869, when it was founded by the Rector, The Reverend William Monk. To this day we continue to be a Church of England, voluntary aided School, within the Diocese of St Albans.

In more recent history the School changed from being a primary infant and junior school to a Lower School, providing primary education for children between the ages of 3-9 years old. In July 1989, the School changed its name from Wymington Lower School to St Lawrence VA Lower School, thus more clearly reflecting our status and connections with the Parish of St Lawrence.

Our village Church is one of many called St Lawrence. In 258 AD St Lawrence lived in Rome. The emperor who ruled Rome and its Empire was called Valarian. He was a greedy man. Valarian sent his guard and the Prefect to the Church where Lawrence worked. The Prefect demanded the church’s treasure and riches. Lawrence, who was kind and gentle, was not going to be brow-beaten by these men. He brought out of the Church the group of poor people whom he had been offering food and shelter. The Prefect of the guard was very angry and the Emperor punished him severely. He was put to death in a very cruel way.

School Organisation

The Staff

Mrs G Donald - Head Teacher

Teachers

Mrs P BavingtonMrs S BrittMrs H LeeMrs J MorrisMiss P NuddMrs Z Zaman

School Secretary

Mrs L Howells

Bursar

Mrs B Whitford

Support Staff

Mrs T BakerMrs S CrudenMrs R ComptonMrs M EremitaMrs N FewsterMrs C HallamMrs T FensomeMrs K KendrickMrs J NicklinMrs N NevinMrs S ParmarMrs J ProuseMrs S SayerMrs T Shortland

Extended Services Fun4Us

Mrs C Walker – Club ManagerMrs N Nevin – Club AssistantMrs S Parmar – Play LeaderMrs J Prouse - Play Leader

Kitchen Staff

Mrs K FallaizeMrs N Johnson

Caretaker

Mr G Thornley

Cleaner

Miss C WalkerMr J Merriman

GovernorsMr J BantinMr C Bramley- RobbinsMrs G DonaldMrs I FoxMrs L JonesMrs H LeeMrs S Lewis – ChairMiss P NuddDr R PorterMr A ShortMrs M WestMr A Whitfield

Clerk to the Governors

Mrs B Whitford

School Organisation

Early Years – Foundation Stage

At present children from the age of 3-5 can attend our Early Years. Children may start the term after their third birthday in the Nursery on a part time basis in the mornings.

The September following their fourth birthday, children can attend full time in Reception – Early Years.

Main School – Key Stage 1

Key Stage 1 – Years 1 and 2 are currently taught in two separate classes. Sometimes, if numbers are lower for example, it may be necessary to teach these two year groups together.

In the September following their fifth birthday, children move from Early Years to main school, Year 1.

Key Stage 2

In September following their seventh birthday, children move to Key Stage 2 – Years 3 and 4. This is currently taught in two separate classes.

School Admission

Our Early Years caters for children aged between 3 and 5 years old, Nursery and Reception, prior to moving into Year 1, the September following their fifth birthday.

Places are allocated on the following criteria:

(i) To all “looked after” children or children who were previously “looked after” but immediately after being “looked after” became subject to an adoption or special guardianship order – see definition.

(ii) Children who live within the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Lawrence Wymington who will have sibling in the school at the time of admission (siblings as defined by the LA in the booklet ‘Starting School’). The website www.achurchnearyou.com is helpful in verifying parish of residence.

(iii) Other children who live within the Ecclesiastical Parish of St Lawrence Wymington.

(iv) Other children who have siblings in the school at the time of admission (siblings as defined by the LA in the booklet – see definition.

(v) Children living outside the area as defined in (ii) and (iii), one or more of whose parents/guardians, at the time of application, have attended a Christian Church at least once a month for the six months preceding the date of the submission of application to the school. Christian Churches relates to Churches Together in Britain and Ireland and/or the Evangelical Alliance. The signature of the priest or minister is required on the relevant section on the LA application form.

(vi) Children who attend St Lawrence Lower School Nursery

(vii) On very exceptional medical grounds – see definition

(viii) Any other childrenIn the case of older children who apply to join the school, admission will be on the basis of places being available in the relevant class. If more applications for places are received than places available then the above criteria will apply. Requests for admission into other year groups should be made on the In-Year application form and in accordance with the Local Authority’s co-ordinated scheme for In-Year admissions. The form is available from the school or Local Authority and can also be downloaded from the Local Authority website. The local authority will coordinate this ‘in year admission’ process.

If applying these criteria results in there being more children with an equal right to admission to the school than the number of available places, the tie break will be the distance the pupil lives from the school measured in a straight line using the Local Authority’s computerised mapping system, with those living closer to the school receiving the higher priority. The distance will be measured from the address point of the pupil’s home to the door the children enter the school by on Church Lane. Priority will not be given within each criterion to children who meet the other criteria.

In our Early Years Nursery children may start the term after their 3rd birthday if there are available places. A Nursery Admission form is available from the School Office and should be returned to the School Office.

Admission forms for the Main School may also be collected from the School Office but should be returned to School Admissions. Bedford Borough Council do encourage parents to apply on line at www.bedford.gov.uk/onlineadmissions

Transfer

In the September following their 9th birthday children transfer to Middle School and at thirteen to Upper School, in Bedfordshire. Parents are invited to Middle School open sessions during their child’s last year at St Lawrence Lower School. There is close liaison between all schools in North Bedfordshire.

School Day

Early Years – Nursery

Morning 08.50 – 11.50Optional Lunchtime Club 11.50 – 13.00

Reception

Children attend all day from 08.50 – 15.15

Main School

The school day is divided into the following sessions:

Morning08.50 – 12.00

Afternoon13.15 – 15.15 – Key Stage 1 (Years 1 and 2)13.00 – 15.20 – Key Stage 2 (Years 3 and 4)

Arrival and Departure

For Early Years: Nursery and Reception children and older siblings, the children should arrive and leave by Church Lane playground. Parents/guardians, or other responsible adults must bring your child to school and fetch your child from school. If for any reason you are unable to collect, please inform us of who is to collect your child and please write on the back cover in the Home/School Liaison book. When children arrive they must be left with a member of staff and at the end of each session or day are returned to you by a member of staff.

Years 1-4 children may arrive on Manor Lane playground from 08.45. The school bell is rung at 08.50. Registration takes place at the beginning of morning and afternoon school. Please ensure your child is on time. If your child is late they should enter through the main doors (Manor Lane playground) and be signed in the Green Signing In/Out Book. Parents are advised not to send their child to school too early in the morning, as no responsibility will be taken for the children on the school premises before 08.50, unless they are attending the Breakfast Club.

If children are to be collected and returned to school during the course of the day, please always report to the main office, via Manor Lane, so children can be signed in and out of the Green Book. Prior notification of appointments is very much appreciated in the Home/School Liaison book.

Safety Rules

Parents bringing children to school by car are asked, for safety reasons, not to drive onto the school premises. Please park safely on the neighbouring roads around the school, observing the road markings and restrictions. Please help us to maintain good relations with our neighbours and the Parish Council by parking courteously, not blocking driveways. We would also ask that parents do not use the cemetery car park when dropping children off and picking up.

Dogs

Dogs, with the exception of guide dogs, are not permitted on the school grounds.

Play Equipment

The outdoor play equipment is not to be used outside of school hours. It is only in use during school session times when supervised by a member of staff.

Starting School

Starting Early Years is an exciting time for your child and you. Your child will be meeting new people, making new friends, leaving home for longer periods of time and becoming more independent.

We plan to make this transition as easy and gentle as possible. Our Early Years is a warm, friendly place with dedicated, experienced and well trained staff. All staff strive to ensure that school is a place where your child will enjoy learning.

We believe that children who are happy are better able to learn, so we place a great emphasis on creating a happy environment where children will be willing and eager to learn. We also believe that where parents and school are closely involved and working together in the interests of the children, children’s development will be enhanced. We hope that you will join us in this and ensure that your child has the best start we can provide.

Early Years Curriculum

Throughout the school week, the children are provided with a range of activities through a wide range of learning experiences. The underlying ethos is that children learn best through play and exploration and practical experiences. The children are encouraged through the day to develop independence and social skills as they interact with one another.

The Early Years children follow The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. The main themes and commitments of the Early Years Foundation Stage are outlined below:

A Unique Child

Child Development – recognising all children develop individually Inclusive Practice – no child or family is discriminated against Keeping Safe with a child’s physical and psychological well-being protected by adults Health and well-being

Positive Relationships

Respecting each other Parents as partners to support children’s learning Supporting Learning with knowledgeable adults A key person for working with a small number of children

Enabling Environments

Observation, Assessment and Planning to ensure schedules flow with the child’s needs

Supporting every child through challenging but achievable activities The Learning Environment to be rich and varied The wider context

Learning and Development

Play and Exploration – as in play children learn at their highest level Active Learning as children learn best through physical and mental challenges Creativity and Critical Thinking Seven Areas of Learning and Development

Early Years Assessment

Staff place a strong emphasis on meeting children’s individual needs. We are constantly monitoring children’s progress and recording their achievements. Parents are invited to meet the Early Years staff once a term to share their child’s progress and achievements. A written report is sent to parents at the end of the Reception year. Parents will have an opportunity to discuss the report at Parent Consultation sessions.

Behaviour Policy

The school follows a positive approach to Behaviour Management using assertive discipline which is encouraged through praise and encouragement. Good achievements in work and behaviours are recognised in the following ways:

Praise from Early Years staff Sharing success with other staff and children – Celebration Assemblies Sharing success with parents

If children display unacceptable behaviour it is dealt with in the following ways:

By encouraging, modelling good behaviour Reminders of appropriate behaviour and tasks A reprimand explaining what is wrong with behaviour By removing from an activity, for “time-out” to think about actions for a short period Informing parents And in extreme incidents involving the Head Teacher

The Curriculum

At St Lawrence VA Lower School, our curriculum is delivered through a range of organisational strategies. Teachers use group and whole class teaching as appropriate to the task.

The school curriculum aims to:

• Children and staff to develop their full potential• Achieve high standards across the curriculum• Create a caring, stimulating and supporting environment• Nurture a love of learning that helps children to develop lively, imaginative and

enquiring minds• Give pupils an understanding of religious and moral values• To respect other races, beliefs and ways of life• Foster positive social skills, self-respect and a caring attitude towards all

others in the school and in the wider community

The National Curriculum comprises the following subjects:

The Core Subjects – English, Mathematics, Science, Information and Communication Technology

The Foundation Subjects – History, Geography, Design Technology, Music, Art and Physical Education

All children are taught Religious Education in accordance with the Bedfordshire Agreed Syllabus.

At St Lawrence, full coverage of the National Curriculum is achieved in a two year cycle for both Key Stage 1 (ages 5-6) and Key Stage 2 (7+).

School policies, schemes of work and other relevant documents may be viewed by arrangement with the Head Teacher. Staff work collaboratively to review, revise and refine policies and practices. Training is an on-going process for all members of staff.

English

English work is approached through the following main areas: Communication, Reading and Writing. The daily Literacy lessons focussed on phonics provide children with the opportunity to develop their reading skills. Writing is taught through Creative Curriculum topics and specific lessons.

Communication

All children are actively encouraged to listen carefully and speak clearly. Children are given many opportunities to develop their communication skills: imaginative play, talking about their work, sharing ideas, following simple instructions and asking questions. Skills are then developed through drama, role-play, sharing assemblies, discussion and presentation of work.

Reading

We aim to enable the children to become enthusiastic, responsive and knowledge readers. Reading is taught using an understanding of phonics (letters and sounds – the Sounds-Write Scheme) and a “look and say” approach as teaching strategies. A rich variety of published reading schemes are colour coded to an appropriate reading level, enabling the children to gain confidence through a variety of reading books at each level.

We believe a close partnership with parents will enhance a child’s learning and enjoyment. Learning to read is vitally important, particularly in the early stages. Your child will bring books home and we hope you will find time to hear them read, read to them, discuss their book and talk about what they are reading.

Communication with parents is encouraged through the Reading Record.

Library

Each class has a collection of fiction books and we have a central library of non-fiction books used by all classes. Children are encouraged to take library books home as appropriate and also to use the local library.

Writing

Children’s writing skills are encouraged and developed through a range of writing tasks. To begin with, children write about things relevant to themselves, their own world and experiences. This is initially approached through emergent writing, copy writing and word processing. As children develop they are encouraged to write in different ways for a range of purposes e.g. letters, invitations, plays, stories and poems. Children are taught cursive joined handwriting from the earliest possible stages.

Mathematics

We aim to develop a positive attitude towards mathematics and to develop the children’s mathematical knowledge and skills. In accordance with the National Strategy, the daily teaching of mathematics includes opportunities for:

Discussion between teacher and children, and the children themselves Appropriate practical work Interactive teaching including oral work with groups and the whole class Practice of basic skills Problem solving including the application of mathematics to everyday situations Investigational work Mathematics across the curriculum

Science

Children are encouraged to acquire the skills of observing, measuring and comparing whilst developing the ability to raise questions and find the answers to them by investigation. As

children progress, the emphasis continues to be given to exploration and investigation. From their observations children are encouraged to question, to propose enquiries, devise experiments, to find patterns, to reason systematically, and to communicate their findings. Much of the science teaching and learning is practically based.

Our science curriculum is enhanced with the school’s outdoor environmental area and participating in STEM workshops.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

The school has excellent resources available for all children. We have a comprehensive computer network system and a set of iPads. All machines are multi-media and directly connected to the internet. In addition, each class has an interactive whiteboard and access to PCs, encouraging ICT as an integral part of learning. The children make use of a comprehensive range of software and hardware, including digital cameras and digiblues. Children gain experience of word processing, graphic design, data handling, computer simulations, desk top publishing and research using the internet. Visit our school website www.st-lawrenceschool.co.uk

Design and Technology

Design and Technology encourages children to recognise and explore people’s needs and wants. Children are encouraged to find solutions to practical problems by creating relevant designs and then testing their ideas by making models. Children become familiar with materials such as wood, plastic, clay and fabric. The correct use of tools and the importance of safety are emphasised.

History

In History we aim to develop an interest and curiosity about the past, a sense of their own and others’ cultural roots and inheritance, an understanding of the present in the light of the past, a sense of time and place, an understanding of points of views and interpretation. Much of the work is of a practical nature involving research. It is supported by visitors to school and outings from school. Parents are encouraged to contribute to resources/displays/knowledge during the course of topics.

Geography

Geography helps the pupils to understand the place where they live and its place in the wider world. It involves aspects of human, physical and environmental geography and

includes map work. We use the school grounds and locality, and also school visits further afield when appropriate.

Music

Children participate in listening to music, singing, playing of percussion instruments, interpreting music in movement, and gaining knowledge of a wide range of musical instruments. The reading and writing of simple music using both non-standard and standard notation is developed as appropriate. Specialist tuition is offered for violin and piano. This is available on a fee paying basis to children mainly from Years 3 and 4 for Violin and Years 1-4 for piano. The school also participates in the National Sing-Up Programme.

Art

Children have the opportunity to develop their abilities in areas of the art curriculum, drawing, painting, printing, textiles, collage and sculpture. The school is well equipped to teach all the necessary creative skills and has a range of very good resources. To enhance children’s knowledge and understanding of art, the school has a collection of pictures, posters and information media.

Physical Education

The school has very good resources for the teaching of PE and Games, including a large playing field, hard playground surfaces, a trim trail and a large well-equipped hall. Children receive a range of lessons, apparatus work, movement and creative dance and games skills. Children work within their own capabilities, with opportunity and encouragement to extend their personal skills. Key Stage 2 children (Years 3 and 4) have a 10 week block of swimming lessons at Splash in Rushden.

Extra-curricular sports activities are offered at various times, these have included Street Dance, Netball and Football, fee paying, organised by Premier Sport.

Religious Education

Topics may be planned on the festivals and customs associated with the Christian religion and also other major religions. This is taught in accordance with the Bedfordshire agreed syllabus.

Collective Worship

As a Church school we recognise and value the importance of school assembly as the main focus for the school community. It provides the opportunity to promote the school’s ethos of caring for the individual in our family which is St Lawrence VA Lower School. As a Values school our assemblies have a values focus, enabling our children to develop as good learners and citizens.

We hold daily whole school assemblies which are led by staff, Church Wardens from St Lawrence Church and local clergy. Each class also holds a “Showing Assembly” in which parents are invited to join. Our Friday sharing and celebrating assembly are a special event where achievements and birthdays are shared.

At the end of each term the school holds a Christmas, Easter and Leavers Service at St Lawrence Church, which parents are invited to join. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from collective act of worship and religious education lessons if they wish.

Personal, Social and Health Education and Citizenship (PSHEC)

PSHEC helps to give the children knowledge, skills and understanding they need to lead confident, healthy and independent lives and to become informed, active and responsible citizens. Children are encouraged to take part in a wide range of activities and experiences across and beyond the curriculum, contributing fully to the life of the school and community. In doing so they learn to recognise their own worth, work well with others and become increasingly responsible for their own learning.

We have a sex and relationship education policy that we follow. If you would like to view the policy, please ask at Reception.

School Council

St Lawrence has a pupil school council which promotes citizenship for all children. The children are elected onto the school council by their class mates. Regular meetings are held, which are chaired and minuted by the children. Some of the activities the school council have undertaken are: conducting a pupil survey to find out what the children would like on the school wish list, organising sponsored events for charity, a variety of sales for fund raising and implementation “eco warriors”!

Assessment

Assessment forms part of the continuous learning process for all children. The monitoring and recording of achievement is seen as essential to the preparation for the next stages of learning. Children are continually being assessed and work is differentiated to meet children’s needs. Standard Assessment Tasks take place during Year 2. Parents receive the individual results of the Teacher Assessment.

Standard Assessment Tasks (End of Key Stage 1)

Percentage at each levelW 1 2 2C 2B 2A 3 Or

AboveDisapplied Children

Absent Children

Speaking & Listening 0 0 33 67 0 0Reading 0 6 0 22 17 56 0 0Writing 0 11 17 28 28 17 0 0Maths 0 6 0 22 50 22 0 0Science 0 6 56 39 0 0

Level 2 represents achievement at the nationally expected standard for 7 year oldsLevel 3 represents achievement at the nationally expected standard for 9 year olds.

On transfer to Middle School, records are passed on just before the end of Year 4. These records will be passed on to the receiving school.

Special Educational Needs

St Lawrence VA Lower School has a comprehensive policy on Special Educational Needs in line with the Government’s Code of Practice. Each child’s progress is closely monitored throughout school. Children experiencing difficulties are identified as early as possible. We support their learning, and work with parents to ensure their confidence and progress is maintained. Annual and termly targets are set and reviewed with parents termly with parents’ full knowledge and consent, we are able to seek the advice and expertise of other appropriate professional agencies. Further assessment and testing can take place and an individual programme of work can be organised for a child. Children may be supported within class or withdrawn to work individually or in small groups.

More Able Children

We recognise more able children also have special education needs. Our curriculum plans encompass more challenging and problem solving tasks, as appropriate. This enables the children to realise their full potential. Children may be supported in class or withdrawn to work individually or in small groups.

Homework

We ask parents to support the work the children do in school. All children are encouraged to share reading and library books with parents on a daily basis. To support the work of the Creative Curriculum, children will bring a Take Home Task every 3 weeks. These tasks may vary sometimes encouraging children to find out information, research, design or make something.

The Wider Curriculum

The Governors and Staff are committed to providing and maintaining a broad and challenging range of opportunities and activities. We strongly believe that, in addition to the fundamental requirements of the National Curriculum, children should be taught and offered a wide range of skills and experiences that will provide interest and expertise throughout their lives.

Educational Visits

All children benefit from and enjoy regular educational visits and journeys. These visits reinforce and develop aspects of the curriculum and are an important part of school life. Visits range from a walk to our local church, St Lawrence, to the excitement of visiting Duxford War Museum, Science Museum in London and whole school visit to the Theatre in Wellingborough at Christmas.

The children enjoy many visits into the local and wider community to enrich the curriculum. They also benefit from visitors who come to school to share their expertise.

Activities in School

Throughout the year there is an extensive range of clubs and activities in which children may participate. The clubs are organised at lunch times and after school. Parents are notified when clubs are running. At present the following clubs are available:

Football, Gymnastics, Choir, Computer (Take Home Task focus)

Home School Links

We welcome parents involvement and hope that you will be able to contribute to the life of our school. Parents, Governors and friends within the community are actively encouraged to come and help in school, both in and out of the classroom. This may include hearing children read, supporting creative activities etc. Other parents help us by making or doing things at home. We are always pleased to hear from new volunteers who would like to share their expertise with children, or talk about special interests. (All volunteers have full DBS clearance). All offers of help are greatly appreciated.

Please speak to a member of staff if you would like to help.

Parent Consultation

Each term the staff provide parents with a brief written summary of the work to be undertaken in each Key Stage and suggestions for how parents may help their child with school work.

Individual appointments to discuss your child’s progress are offered each term. Parents are invited to a variety of informative meetings throughout the year.

An annual written progress report is provided in the Summer Term.

We encourage parents to see teachers when a query or problem arises. Appointments can be made with teachers before or after school by mutual agreement. Similarly, we will contact parents if we have a concern.

Home School Agreement

On entry to Reception all parents are asked to sign a Home School Agreement. This is a statement explaining the school’s aims and values, its responsibilities towards its pupils, the responsibility of the pupils’ parents and what school generally expects of its children. Each child has a Home School Liaison Book where all correspondence is attached. We ask that you read and initial all letters. Parents are also invited to use the book as a channel of communication. Children bring the books home daily and must also be returned to school on a daily basis.

Behaviour Policy

The school places great emphasis and importance on good behaviour, discipline, along with consideration and respect for others, their property and the school environment. The school follows a positive approach – “Assertive Discipline” encouraging children to develop self-discipline and mutual respect for others. Good work and behaviour is rewarded in the following way:

Praise from school staffSharing success with other staff and childrenSharing success with parentsMarbles in the jar culminating in whole class choice reward

If children display unacceptable behaviour it is dealt with in the following ways, including: the School Procedure of 2 warnings:

1st Time Calmly and quietly explain why behaviour is unacceptable and suggest alternatives

2nd Time Explain again your concerns and issue a “Time Out” warning

Step 3 By removing from activity, for “time-out” to think about actions for a short period of time

Step 4 Time out” in another classStep 5 Inform and involve the Head Teacher or Senior TeacherStep 6 Internal Exclusion: a parent may be required to supervise their child until they

are ready to appropriately re-join their peersStep 7 Exclusion (fixed term): child is denied attendance at school for a given term

Time Out: Depending on the nature of the behaviour, this can involve them holding your hand or standing/sitting alone to review his/her behaviour.

Children are encouraged to reflect on their behaviour. Assemblies and Class Circle times are used for promoting moral values and mutual respect. Parents are always informed if a pupil’s behaviour causes concern so that we can work together to help the pupil.

St Lawrence Parents and Teachers Association (PTA)

There is a very active and supportive Parents and Teachers Association which raises funds, as well as promising a warm, friendly atmosphere for families. Various events are organised and very well supported, such as the Christmas and Summer Fayres, discos, and bingo evenings. We also sell a selection of new and second hand school uniform. Many items in and around school have been purchased by the Association.

We are always grateful for the support that parents, families and friends give to all our events.

In September, we hold an Annual General Meeting to review the previous year and to elect new Committee members. All parents are welcome to attend this meeting.

Fun4Us

The school is delighted to work in partnership with our extended services – Fun4Us, led by Mrs Caroline Walker.

Fun4Us provides a range of childcare packages to suit most family’s needs, including breakfast club, optional nursery lunch club and after school club.

You are most welcome to visit Fun4Us during the opening hours. Please telephone to arrange a visit on 07879 571230.

School Meals

Children have the option of a cooked school dinner or a packed lunch. With effect from September 2014 all KS1 children (Reception and Years 1 & 2) will be entitled to a free school meal. If parents prefer their child to have a packed lunch, you will need to notify the school office.

For KS2 children (Years 3 & 4) school dinners can be paid for daily or in advance, weekly, half-termly or termly. Meals cost £2.15 per day. Cheques should be made payable to Caterlink Limited. A menu is posted in the School Hall and on the School Website.

Packed lunches should be as nutritionally balanced as possible. Lunch boxes should be clearly named.

School Uniform

Our school uniform is grey trousers, skirt or pinafore with a sky blue polo shirt and royal blue sweatshirt or cardigan. Parents are able to order school uniform on-line via a link on the school website or by visiting www.schooltrendsonline.com.

PE Kit comprises black shorts, yellow t-shirt and plimsoles.

THE SCHOOL TERMS

School Year2015 / 2016

Autumn Term2015

Starts: Monday 7th September 2015Ends: Friday 18th December 2015

Half Term: Closes Friday 23rd October 2015Opens Tuesday 3rd November 2015

Spring Term 2016

Starts: Tuesday 5th January 2016Ends: Friday 24th March 2016

Half Term: Closes Friday 12th February 2016Opens Monday 22ndFebruary 2016

School Closed: Training Day: Monday 4th January 2016

Easter: Closes Thursday 24th March 2016Opens Tuesday 12th April 2016

School Closed: Training Day: Monday 11th April 2016

Summer Term2016

Starts: Tuesday 12th April 2016Ends: Friday 22nd July 2016

Half Term: Closes Friday 27th May 2016Opens Monday 6th June 2016

May Bank Holiday School Closed: Monday 2nd May 2016

Ofsted

An Ofsted Inspection was carried out on 25th September 2012 and St Lawrence was the first school within the Local Authority to undergo the new Ofsted framework inspection, achieving an overall result of “Good”. A copy of the full report can be found on the school’s website.

Acknowledgements

“Thank you to everyone at St Lawrence for a great day. I loved everything about your school, the only one I know which gratifies all the senses. The enthusiasm was tangible. Please pass on my thanks, admirations and good wishes to everyone”

Julia Jarman – Children’s Author23.10.12