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Brackenfield SchoolBrackenfield SchoolBrackenfield SchoolBrackenfield School

Information Booklet for

Parents

2009/2010

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BRACKENFIELD SCHOOL Bracken Road

Long Eaton Nottingham NG10 4DA

Telephone; (0115) 9733710 Fax; (0115) 9721272

Headteacher: Mr Phil Ormerod e-mail:enquiries@brackenfield.derbyshire.sch.uk

Dear Parents/Guardians We look forward to welcoming your child to Brackenfield School and would like to assure you that we will do our best to make their time in education with us happy, enjoyable and meaningful. Home and school are the two main influences on a child’s development, with attitudes and values in one reflected in the other. We aim to work together with you in an effort to provide continuity in expectations and in management of your child. Information about the school is offered in this brochure. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you should need any further information. Yours Sincerely, Mr Phil Ormerod Headteacher

Parents wishing to visit the school should contact the School Administrator on the above telephone number.

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BRACKENFIELD SCHOOL Useful Names and Addresses HEADTEACHER Mr Phil Ormerod THE SCHOOL Brackenfield School Bracken Road Long Eaton Nottingham NG10 4DA Telephone: (0115) 9733710 Fax: (0115) 9721272 AREA EDUCATION OFFICER Mr. Paul McGann Area Education Office Grosvenor Road Ripley Derbyshire DE5 3JE Telephone: (01773) 744741 CHAIR OF GOVERNORS Mrs M Griffiths c/o Brackenfield School SCHOOL ADMINISTRATOR Mrs. M. Beresford Available: 8.30 a.m. - 4.55 p.m. Office closed: 1.30p.m. - 2.00 p.m. The school’s new website is now active the address is www.brackenfield.derbyshire.sch.uk.

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Most of the information contained in this brochure relates to the academic year 2006/2007. Although correct at the time of publication it should not be assumed that there will be no changes affecting this information during or after publication.

BRACKENFIELD SCHOOL STAFF LIST Headteacher Mr. Phil Ormerod Deputy Headteacher Mr Colin Bickley Assistant Headteacher Mrs Sue Martlew Teachers Mr. Robert Ereminowicz Mrs. Gail Walker Mrs. Julie Saddler-Forman Mrs. Sally Roberts Ms. Ruth Wood Mrs. Shelagh Malik Mrs. Laura Shaw Mr. Allan Whitwell Teaching Assistants Mrs. Ruth Clifford Mrs. Susan Ridge Mrs. Ann Vipond Miss Marie Faulkner Mrs Fiona Travers Miss Gail Tebbutt Miss Lisa Williams Mrs Barbara Burrows Mrs Helen Saunders Mrs Diane Jones Mrs Clare Downing Mrs Pamela Boswell Mrs Wendy Culley Mrs. Val Martin Mr. Chris Chaplin Family Resource Worker Ms Hannah Ratcliffe Music Tutor Mr. Adrian Beale Spch. & Lang. Assistant Mrs. Rose Mansfield Gardening Instructor Mr. Stephen Beresford Golf Instructor Mrs. Eileen Thacker School Administrator Mrs. Maggie Beresford Admin Assistant Mrs. Anne Asher Caretaker Mr. Bob Thompson Mid-Day Supervisors Mrs. Elaine Bills Mrs Joanne Spurr Mrs Kathryn Rowley Mrs. Laraine Billington Mrs. Debbie Thompson Mrs. Anya Rakowicz Dining Room Assistants Miss Jackie Tatler Mrs. Sandra Holloway Cleaners Mrs. Laraine Billington Mr. John Thompson

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BRACKENFIELD SCHOOL

(1) INTRODUCTION

The Special Schools Working Group of the DfES reaffirmed in its report of 2003, the commitment to special schooling within an overarching framework of inclusion. Four key principles are anticipated for future vision.

• To provide high quality education and care for pupils and demonstrate expertise in working with pupils with complex learning needs, behavioral difficulties and with sensory or physical impairments.

• To ensure effective partnership working between special and mainstream schools, the wider community, and health and social services, to meet the needs of children and young people in a holistic way.

• To innovate in curricular development and develop different ways of providing effectively for pupils with a range of SEN, and facilitating their inclusion into the mainstream.

• To have high expectations of all pupils with SEN, to raise levels of attainment and achievement.

(2 ) VISION STATEMENT

EDUCATION (3) SCHOOL AIMS

1) Independence: To support and challenge every pupil in gaining the knowledge skills and attitudes required to achieve the greatest possible independence

2) Inclusion: To provide stimulating, motivating, fun learning styles, opportunities and environments in order to achieve the greatest possible social inclusion. (4) CORE VALUES

The school expects staff and pupils alike to adopt these values in achieving its aims

Everyone Matters

Cooperation Care Commitment Consideration

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(5) THE SCHOOL ALSO VALUES

• Preparing students for an adult life in a multi-cultural society and provide equal opportunity form all, regardless of ability, race, culture and gender.

• Providing a broad balanced differentiated and relevant curriculum to include the National Curriculum, which encourages every student to acquire knowledge skills and understanding relevant to adult life, the world of work and leisure.

• Helping each student to develop to their full potential and yet be sensitive to the needs of others

• Developing self-esteem and a good personal image

• Developing innovative approaches to accelerated learning, multiple intelligences and learning styles

• Helping each student to become a happy caring young person capable of contributing to the community in a positive way.

• The celebration of achievement in promoting a positive culture in school

• The provision of a physical environment and resources of the highest standard

• Recognising that the emotional and physical condition of students has a profound effect on the quality of learning and that time may be required to prepare for learning to take place.

• Involving students in decision making in a structured approach to developing adult attitudes.

• The consistent use of a structured Behaviour Policy with a positive emphasis and clear expectations.

• Embracing opportunities to effectively deliver a curriculum appropriate to individual need

• Involving the student’s families in the life of the school and the meting of student need

• Promoting inclusion into mainstream schools and colleges as a positive and achievable step for many of the students.

• Working with other agencies in order to professionally develop the schools knowledge skills and attitudes in the education of students with behavioural, social and emotional need

• Developing links with the local community to extend educational opportunities

• Liaising with other professionals in order to make transition into adult provision as cohesive as possible.

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BRACKENFIELD SCHOOL

DATA PROTECTION ACT Basic information about pupils is held on computer to assist with the efficient organisation of the school and meeting the educational needs of individual pupils. Security measures are taken to ensure that the information is kept confidential and is only available to authorised staff. It may be used for statistical purposes but this will not enable any individual to be identified. The school and the County Council have registered with the Data Protection Registrar details of persons to whom they may wish to disclose information. By law, under the provisions of the Data Protection Act 1984, information may only be disclosed to other persons in accordance with this registration. The school is registered to disclose personal information to; Family, Relatives, Guardians, Trustees

Past, current or prospective employers

Legal representatives

Doctors, dentists and other health advisors

Department for Education and Employment

Department of Social Security

Local Education Authority and Social Services

It is the policy of the Governors and Derbyshire County Council that such information is confidential and that even where a need to disclose information has been registered, it will only be divulged in exceptional circumstances and will be kept to the minimum necessary to achieve the purpose. This policy is, of course, subject to any law which imposes a duty of disclosure on the Governors or County Council. Pupils use computers in the classroom but do not have any access to personal information records. If you are concerned about any information which may be held on computer please contact the Headteacher in the first instance.

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BRACKENFIELD SCHOOL GENERAL INFORMATION Brackenfield School is an all age (5 - 16 yrs.) Area Special School, which caters for children, and young people who have a Statement of Special Educational Needs, primarily for moderate to severe learning difficulties and behaviour difficulties.

Admissions

Pupils are selected for Brackenfield School through the Special Needs Statementing Procedure. All pupils at Brackenfield have a Statement of Special Educational Needs. The Local Education Authority make an approach to the school and acts upon recommendations from a team of professionals including the School Medical Officer, Educational Psychology and Teachers. Prospective parents and their children are invited to visit the school to decide whether or not they wish to be considered for a place. Should Brackenfield be an appropriate placement, admission normally takes place at the beginning of a term. In exceptional circumstances pupils may be admitted at other times during the term. The number of pupils on roll at school does vary, however at any one time there are between 56 and 70 pupils in school. The maximum number of pupils in any one class is 14, however classes for younger children, and groups for more practical lessons, are usually smaller. The school is organised into two departments, primary and secondary. The Primary Department

This department caters for children between the ages of 5 and 11 years. There are at present 2 classes each having a class teacher and following a primary school timetable format. The classes are taught mainly by one teacher in each classroom plus at least one Teaching Assistant. This ensures that pupils who require individual assistance with work always have an adult available.

The Secondary Department

All children over the age of 11 years work in the secondary department. The classes in this area of the school are taught by a number of subject specialist teachers in a number of different teaching areas, rather like in a comprehensive school. There is also Teaching Assistant support in secondary classes. At Brackenfield School we provide the pupils with an individualised approach to learning in an environment which encourages them to be both happy and confident. We aim to

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foster feelings of success and well being, placing emphasis on developing positive relationships with both staff and other pupils. School Times

9.00 am. - 12.15 pm. (break ..10.45 - 11.00)

1.15 pm. – 3.20 pm.

CURRICULUM MATTERS

Our school is organised into classes grouped according to age and National Curriculum year groups. We know that we undertake the education of our children in partnership with parents and that to be successful we must work together. We therefore welcome co-operative ventures with parents and encourage active involvement of parents/carers.

The National Curriculum is the major part of the broader curriculum offered in school. The curriculum is under constant review as National and County initiatives are taken into account. The National Curriculum determines what will be taught and learned through the Programmes of Study. It also ensures that schools will be aware of what knowledge, skills and understanding children should have attained at certain stages, through its Attainment Targets, and that work will be measured by assessment and testing procedures including the Standard Assessment Tests and Tasks if applicable.

At Brackenfield School we place emphasis on English, Mathematics, Science and I.C.T which together form the core of the National Curriculum. The foundation subjects…History, Geography, Art, Music, PE, Information Technology and Design and Technology are also taught. In the Primary Department these subjects are sometimes taught within topic work but in the Secondary Department they are taught in individual subject areas.

In addition to these subjects we offer pupils a wide experience of practical subjects and life skills. Pupils in the upper school have the opportunity to participate in the Peak Award Scheme as an extension of the curriculum.

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The National Curriculum subjects are…

Core Subjects

Mathematics English Science

Foundation Subjects

History Geography Art PE Music Design & Technology

Information Technology RE MFL Citizenship PSHE

In addition schools must also provide Daily Collective Worship

KEY STAGES

Key Stage 1……from 5 – 7 years. Key Stage 2……from 7 – 11 years Key Stage 3……from 11 – 14 years Key Stage 4……from 14 – 16 years All children are taught the National Curriculum subjects. These subjects are approached through programmes which respond to the needs of the individual child. Small classes mean that each child receives a good deal of individual attention to help them over difficult stages in learning. At Key Stages 1 and 2, pupils are taught a primary school curriculum within a class group of no more than 10 pupils. Pupils are grouped in classes according to their key stage. We offer full access to the National Curriculum in addition to religious education and personal and social education. The curriculum is taught both in whole class and small groups with support for individual pupils. The emphasis in the primary age range is on the development of literacy and numeracy skills. At Key Stages 3 and 4, pupils are taught a secondary curriculum following the National Curriculum. Pupils are taught by a number of different specialist teachers, in different rooms, in groupings of no more than 15 pupils. The emphasis in the curriculum is again very much on acquiring basic skills in literacy and numeracy, however subjects such as History, Geography, Science, French, Design Technology and Information Technology are taught as separate subjects. At key stage 4 all pupils have the opportunity to undertake formally accredited courses leading to external qualifications. In addition there are vocational opportunities both delivered at school and as part of college links courses.

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The school recognises that some pupils have such difficulties that it may be appropriate for them to work outside their key stage or build more slowly on knowledge previously learned. Each afternoon secondary age pupils will be involved in a vertically grouped Carousel curriculum that enables us to devote significant amounts of time to specific subject areas and offer further curriculum enrichment.

EXTERNAL ACCREDITATION As a school we feel that it is very important for the achievements of pupils to be formally recognised externally. At Key Stage 4, Brackenfield School offers a range of courses to pupils which lead to approved qualifications. All pupils have access to courses which currently include the following;

• Entry Level (AQA) in Science, Mathematics and English. Design & Technology, R.E. and P.E.

• Entry Level (OCR) Information Technology.

• GCSE Art & Design.

• The school accredits vocational courses through NPTC Entry Level and the Asdan Certificate of Personal Effectiveness.

CURRICULUM AIMS

Our expectation is that Brackenfield pupils will: � Develop lively and inquiring minds and the ability to question, to argue rationally and

to apply themselves to tasks. � Develop self awareness, a sense of self respect, the capacity to live full lives as

independent, self motivated adults with the will to contribute to the welfare of others and society.

� Develop co-operative and interpersonal skills by learning to share common objectives through working in groups.

� Appreciate human achievement and to experience a sense of personal achievement.

� Develop a caring and responsible attitude to the environment. � Acquire and understanding of the social, economic and political order of the world. All pupils regardless of their age, sex, ability or background are entitled to and are offered a comparable range of educational opportunities. In order to achieve this the curriculum is designed to have breadth, balance, relevance, differentiation, progression and continuity.

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RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Brackenfield School is non-denominational and has no affiliation to any particular religious organisation. Religious Education is taught in accordance with the Derbyshire Education Authority’s New Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education. The syllabus reflects the fact that the religious traditions of Great Britain, are in the main, Christian, whilst taking into account the teaching and practices of other principle religions represented in this country today. Assemblies which incorporate an act of worship, reflect religious and moral values which have a broad Christian basis. Leaders from local religious organisations join us from time to time for collective worship. Parents who wish their child to withdraw from worship or Religious Education are asked to contact the Headteacher.

THE ARTS The school is active in promoting the arts and has a policy of helping pupils to access arts events. There is a range of cultural experiences on offer to pupils. These include:

� Visits to local art galleries � Visits to drama productions at local venues, particularly those that relate to the

curriculum such as Shakespeare productions. � Visits to see pantomimes � Visits to local cinemas � Annual school productions of plays and festivals. � Participation in the local Long Eaton Festival In addition to the above events, there is an active collaboration between the school and other schools on the campus to promote arts events.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION AND SWIMMING All children are expected to take part in PE activities. The school offers a range of sporting and physical activities, such as movement and gymnastics, as outlined in the National Curriculum. Pupils are asked to bring shorts, sports shirt or T-shirt, indoor or outdoor footwear as appropriate and a towel. Items should be clearly marked with the pupil’s name and kept in a bag. The school has a small hall for indoor activities and a playing field.

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Primary aged pupils are currently able to take advantage of the swimming facilities at West Park Leisure Centre. Swimming sessions are compulsory for lower school pupils. Parents need to send in written confirmation if they wish to withdraw their child from the swimming session for any reason. Secondary pupils have weekly supervised sessions at the West Park Leisure Centre where they are able to pursue a wide variety of physical activities and presently use physical education facilities at Wilsthorpe and Breedon Golf Course. In addition to PE and games lessons on the normal timetable, the school organises coaching courses delivered by outside organisations. These include cricket skills coaching from Derbyshire County Cricket Club, soccer coaching provided by local authority coaches who specialise in pupils with special needs. The school also competes in the annual cross-country championship for Derbyshire special schools. From time to time the school fields a soccer team which competes against other Derbyshire special schools such as Ashgate Croft and The Delves. As a school we are part of the local Special Schools Sports Association and enjoy the support and involvement of the local Sports Development Officer. It is hoped in the near future to add more sports to the list of those currently on offer.

SAFETY IN PE ACTIVITIES

Children who wear any type of jewellery and especially earrings must remove such jewellery before taking part in any PE activities or swimming. This is in accordance with the Derbyshire Education Committee policy. If it is impractical to remove earrings for a valid reason then they must be securely and completely covered over, back and front, by sticking plaster. The school is not responsible for covering earrings with sticking plaster. It is our duty to point out that there have been accidents involving earrings, which have resulted in injuries. The school does not accept any responsibility for injury or damage resulting from the wearing of earrings.

PERSONAL, HEALTH AND SOCIAL EDUCATION At Brackenfield School we recognise that for pupils with Special Educational Needs, Personal and Social Education assumes a high priority. The school has, within its curriculum, lessons set aside for Personal, Health and Social Education. These lessons, within the primary department, focus on such issues as personal independence skills, personal hygiene, self awareness and awareness of others, caring for others and relationships. In addition to taught lessons, there is a constant emphasis on areas such as toileting, cleanliness, dressing and undressing, eating in a group situation, taking turns, daily routines and so on. In the secondary department there are also specific lessons devoted to Personal, Health and Social Education. In these lessons the emphasis tends to be on such issues as co-operation with others, raising

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self esteem, problem solving, recognising personal skills and qualities, planning for the future, sex education, preparing for life beyond school and so on. Within the curriculum there are also lessons dedicated to Food Technology which not only encompass cooking but also such important issues as food hygiene and preparation, washing and ironing clothing, healthy eating and using everyday appliances. There is also, outside the classroom situation, an emphasis on improving social skills, group co-operation, abiding by rules and conformity. Pupils at Brackenfield regularly take part in projects for the benefit of the community such as the planting of bulbs on grass verges, donation of food parcels to Day Centre for the homeless and taking part in the Beautiful Erewash competition.

CAREERS EDUCATION AND GUIDANCE All pupils aged between 14 and 16 years receive careers education and guidance. Careers education appears as a lesson on the timetable when pupils have the opportunity to learn about the world beyond school. They are taught about the various options open to them after the age of 16 years including Further Education courses at local colleges, opportunities for other forms of training and the world of work. All the various options are studied in detail both in the classroom and through organised visits to careers events and places of work. All pupils and their parents have the opportunity to consult Connexions. A representative visits school on at least two occasions during a pupil’s final two years at school. Each pupil has personal interviews at which individual Action Plans are drawn up. Parents are encouraged to be present at these interviews. However, if parents are not able to be present, the Connexions Officer regularly attends parents’ consultation evenings and is also available for individual appointments. Year 11 pupils spend one day per week at college and one day per week on work experience at placements arranged by school.

WORK EXPERIENCE

All pupils in their final year at school have the opportunity to undertake a period of work experience during the school year. In so far as is practicable, the wishes of the pupil are taken into account and every effort is made to secure a suitable placement. Work experience is planned beforehand and pupils are asked to keep a log of what they do at work. On return to school they are expected to reflect on their experiences to help plan for their future on leaving school. It is hoped that parents may be able to assist in finding suitable placements for work experience and if possible help with any necessary transport implications.

It is our aim that every pupil leaving Brackenfield School has a suitable training placement, college course or job to go to.

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SEX EDUCATION We believe that parents should be the key figures in helping their children cope with growing awareness of sexual matters. Our role in school is to complement the parental role therefore sex education is taught as part of our Personal, Health and Social Education programme in accordance with Derbyshire guidelines, National Curriculum and the Governors’ policy statement. The school nurse provides a sympathetic and confidential ‘drop in’ session on a regular basis. Pupils who wish to discuss personal problems are welcomed. On application to the School Office, parents may see copies of the National Curriculum documents, schemes of work, school policy documents and other central government and local authority education publications.

SPECIAL NEEDS All pupils at Brackenfield School have Special Educational Needs. As such there will be an Annual Review of each pupil’s needs to which parents, carers and all interested professionals will be invited. Parents and pupils will have an opportunity at the Annual Review meeting to make their observations and wishes for the future known. At this meeting the objectives for each child, as detailed on the Statement of Special Needs will be discussed and updated where applicable. Parents have a right to be actively involved in their child’s education and are encouraged to share their knowledge, views and experience with the school not only at the Annual Review but at any other time. We welcome the support and involvement of parents. In addition, all children have a Personal Learning Plan which sets out, amongst other things, the SMART targets for their educational and social progress. As a school we liaise closely with other schools to ensure continuity and progression. We also make full use of the Authority’s Educational Psychology Service, the Advisory Service and other Local Authority Departments with an interest in Special educational Needs.

SCHOOL DAY

The school spends 22.5 hours per week on teaching, which breaks down into 4.5 hours per day. There is one break of 15 minutes in the morning, and a lunchtime break of 1 hour. The lower school has an additional short break in the afternoons.

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INCLUSION Brackenfield is committed to the policy of social and educational inclusion wherever desirable. Pupils at Brackenfield School who might thrive in mainstream will be encouraged to pursue a programme of supported integration in to local schools either on a part time or full time basis.

DISCIPLINE and BEHAVIOUR It is an aim of the school to provide pupils with a stimulating, safe and happy environment, whilst encouraging them to behave in a sensible and acceptable manner. A Behaviour Management Policy operates within the school. The day to day matters of discipline are dealt with by the classroom staff and the Deputy Headteacher. The Headteacher deals with more serious matters of discipline. The behaviour of pupils within the school is generally of a good standard. School rules are relevant and kept to the minimum. Disciplinary measures against pupils aim to be constructive and it is the policy of the school to exclude pupils only as a last resort. We do operate a detention system, usually on Thursdays, from 3.30 – 4.30pm. Pupils will be put into detention for poor or aggressive behaviour or refusing to work in class. Parents will be notified by letter at least 24 hours in advance of the detention and are expected to make arrangements for their child to be collected at 4.30pm.

The school has a positive behaviour policy, which seeks to encourage good behaviour by reinforcing acceptable behaviour based on self-respect, respect for other people and respect for other people’s property. Good manners and orderly conduct, both in school and in the playgrounds, have a high priority. Poor behaviour is challenged and strategies are put in to place to address this.

JEWELLERY Jewellery, other than a wristwatch, is not to be worn.

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PERSONAL POSSESSIONS As a general rule pupils should not bring expensive personal items into school. If it is essential that pupils bring in valuable possessions, they should hand them to the office immediately on arrival. No responsibility can be taken for personal items which have not been handed to staff. Parents should note that mobile telephones, MP3 players or electronic games should not be brought to school by pupils. If any of the above are brought into school they will be confiscated and only returned to a parent/carer.

SMOKING Smoking is definitely not permitted in school or in the school grounds. Staff also observe this rule. Pupils are not allowed to bring into school, cigarettes, lighters or matches. If pupils are caught in possession of these articles then they will be at risk of a fixed term exclusion. THIS RULE IS FOR THE PROTECTION OF EVERYONE IN THE SCHOOL. We ask for parents’ support in this matter.

SAFEGUARDING

Brackenfield School fully recognises its responsibilities for child protection and safeguarding.

Our policy, which is reviewed and approved by the governing body annually, applies to all staff, governors and volunteers working in the school. The school follows the procedures set out by the Derbyshire Safeguarding Children Board in the Derby and Derbyshire Safeguarding Procedures (www.derbyshirescb.org.uk) and take account of guidance issued by the Department for Children, Schools and Families (in particular Safeguarding Children and Safer Recruitment in Education 2007). The Headteacher is currently the designated person for Safeguarding supported by a safeguarding team of The Family resource Worker to school and the School Counsellor The full policy is available on request from school or by accessing the schools policy section at www.brackenfield.derbyshire.sch.uk

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FIRST AID AND MEDICATION We have several qualified First Aiders on the staff, and any pupil who has had a minor accident will be seen initially by a First Aider. Parents will be informed by telephone or in the School Diary. Any pupil who requires medication at school on a regular basis should bring the medication and a completed ‘Parental Consent for Medicines to be Administered at School’ form to the school office. Please note that school is not allowed to dispense tablets for headaches etc. that have not been prescribed by the doctor.

ABSENCES Letters requesting Leave of Absence should be sent directly to the Headteacher. When a pupil returns to school after an illness an explanatory letter should be sent to the Headteacher.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES At the present time the school staff offers a number of extra curricular activities, mainly at lunchtimes. These include;

• Gardening club

• Craft Club

• Reading Club

• ECO Group

• School Council

• Singing

• Percussion

• Brass Tuition Charges for school events: Parents and carers are asked to make a voluntary contribution towards the cost of educational and other school events in line with the policy of the local authority.

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KEEPING IN TOUCH WITH EACH OTHER It is the school’s policy to keep parents and the wider community informed of important developments in school. However, because the school has a large catchment area it is often difficult for parents to keep in touch with their child’s progress in school.

Pupils in the lower school have a home/school diary, which is sent home each night. Pupils in upper school who prefer to communicate regularly with school can also be provided with a home/school diary. The Headteacher produces a weekly newsround for day to day administration information. Please feel free to contact school by phone, letter or e-mail, whenever you have a concern about your child.

FORMAL

• School reports will be sent to parents on their child’s progress.

• Continuous assessment; because staff have a continuous assessment procedure in operation, it is possible to give parents accurate reports on their children at all times.

• Appointments between parents and staff are encouraged to discuss progress. • Parents’ consultation evenings are arranged annually.

• All parents and carers are invited to the Annual Review of their child’s statement. • Once a year parents are invited to hear and discuss an Annual Report prepared by

the School Governors.

INFORMAL

• The school organises fund-raising events which give parents the opportunity to meet staff at school and to chat about their child’s progress. Social events for parents and carers also take place throughout the school year.

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USEFUL INFORMATION FOR THE FIRST DAY AT SCHOOL Transport

The Local Authority provides pupils under the age of 8 years with free school transport if they live between 2 and 3 miles from school. Pupils over the age of 8 years are provided with free transport by the Local Authority if they live more than 3 miles from school. Children are picked up by bus or taxi at a point close to their homes. It is the parents’ responsibility to inform taxis if their child is not attending school on any particular day. Any complaint about transport should be made directly to Matlock (tel. 01629 580000 ext. 6726) and any changes required should also be requested to Matlock, School meals These are provided at school. The cost is £9 per week for primary age children and £10.25 per week for secondary age children. Cheques should be made payable to ‘Derbyshire County Council’. Dinner money is collected on Monday morning. Facilities are provided for children who wish to bring their own sandwiches..

School Uniform

We recognise that it is not always easy for parents to provide their child with a special school uniform. With this in mind we have agreed the following with the Governors of the school: For Boys: For Girls: Grey or black trousers Grey Skirt, pinafore dress, grey or black

trousers or Red Gingham Dress White or grey shirt/polo shirt White Blouse or White or Red Polo shirt Red or Grey V-neck sweater/sweatshirt Red cardigan, V neck sweater or plain red

sweatshirt Pupils in Upper School can choose to wear either a red, grey, or navy blue

sweatshirt/sweater. Pupils in year 11 will wear a negotiated version of the school uniform.

All items should be marked with the child’s name, we will not accept any responsibility for lost and un-named clothing.

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COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

Where a parent or guardian has a complaint within the duties set out in a statement of the Local education Authority or the governing body of a county, voluntary or maintained special school, that complaint should be initially addressed to the head of the school and attempts should be made to resolve the issue informally at the earliest opportunity. All such complaints shall receive from the Headteacher a copy of the Local Education Authority Statement together with a form for registering a complaint with the Local Education Authority if local attempts to resolve the difficulty prove unsuccessful. The form gives the name of the Area Education Officer who will deal with the complaint. Within a period of 7 working days, following the receipt of a complaint, the Area Education Officer shall inform the complainant, the Chair of Governors, the Clerk to the Governors and the Head of the School whether the complaint is relevant within the scope of Section 23 of the Education Reform Act and, if so, whether it is to be considered an urgent complaint. Complaints will be considered urgent if the matter referred to in the complaint would be likely to result in the immediate and continued educational disadvantage of one or more pupils. The Schools’ Governing Body have a formal complaints procedure, copies of which can be obtained from the school office. By placing your child at Brackenfield you understand and agree to support the discipline, jewellery and dress codes contained in this handbook.

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APPENDIX 1

ENTRY LEVEL CERTIFICATE RESULTS 2009 ACCREDITED BY AQA/OCR MATHEMATICS Number of Pupils Achieved Level 1 Achieved Level 2 Achieved Level 3 4 1 3

SCIENCE Number of Pupils Achieved Level 1 Achieved Level 2 Achieved Level 3 4 1 3

ENGLISH Number of Pupils Achieved Level 1 Achieved Level 2 Achieved Level 3 4 3 1

D&T: RESISTANT MATERIALS Number of Pupils Achieved Level 1 Achieved Level 2 Achieved Level 3 5 5

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Number of Pupils Achieved Level 1 Achieved Level 2 Achieved Level 3 5 4 1

OCR BASIC SKILLS CERTIFICATE – I.T. Number of Pupils Achieved Pass

5 5

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GCSE RESULTS

ART & DESIGN (UNENDORSED) Number of Pupils Achieved Level D Achieved Level E 2 2

MATHEMATICS Number of Pupils Achieved Level F 1 1

THE DESTINATIONS OF SCHOOL LEAVERS 2009 The pupils who left Brackenfield School in Summer 2009 took up opportunities as follows;

No. of Pupils Further Education In Employment Not Known 5 5

THE RATES OF AUTHORISED AND UNAUTHORISED ABSENCES SCHOOL YEAR 2008/2009 % Attendance % Authorised

Absence % Unauthorised Absence

91.99 5.91 2.10

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APPENDIX 2

BRACKENFIELD SCHOOL HOLIDAY DATES 2009/10

HOLIDAY FIRST DAY OF HOLIDAY RETURN TO SCHOOL

INSET DAY Friday 23 October 2009 HALF-TERM Monday 26 October 2009 Monday 2 November 2009 INSET DAY Monday 21 December 2009 CHRISTMAS Tuesday 22 December 2009 Monday 4 January 2010 HALF-TERM Monday 15 February 2010 Monday 22 February 2010 EASTER Friday 2 April 2010 Monday 19 April 2010 MAY DAY Monday 3 May 2010 Tuesday 4 May 2010 INSET DAY Friday 28 May 2009 HALF-TERM Monday 31 May 2010 Monday 7 June 2010 INSET DAY Friday 23 July 2009 SUMMER Monday 26 July 2010 INSET DAY Monday 6 September 2010 TUESDAY 7 SEPTEMBER 2010

We will notify you of any other In-Service Training Days when they are known to us.

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Copies of the following documents can be seen by parents and are held in the school office: 1. DfES statutory guidance on the National Curriculum 2. Syllabuses and schemes of work in use at the school 3. School policies on Special Needs, Racial Equality, Bullying etc. 4. Rights and responsibilities of the Governing Body