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Nelson Infant School

Northumberland Street Norwich

NR2 4EH

Telephone: 01603 620344 Fax: 01603 620345 E-mail: head@nelson. norfolk.sch.uk Website: http://www.nelson.norfolk.sch.uk

HEADTEACHER: Mr Nigel Wood

CHAIR OF THE GOVERNING BODY: Mrs Shelia Wigg PLEASE NOTE: The information contained in the Brochure is correct, June 2014 Details may alter if circumstances or staff changes

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Dear Parents/Carers We are pleased to welcome you to our school which lies in a friendly and vibrant local community close to the city centre. At Nelson we have a dedicated team of staff who look forward to working with you to ensure the best possible outcomes for your child’s care, learning and development as they take their first steps on their learning journey through school. Our school creates a safe, stimulating and inclusive learning environment that enables all children to make lasting friendships, develop their creativity and imagination and to achieve success. We hope that you find this brochure both useful and informative. If after reading it you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact the school. By working together in partnership we can ensure that your child’s start in school is smooth, enjoyable and rewarding. Yours sincerely, Nigel Wood Sheila Wigg Headteacher Chair of Governors

Nelson Infant School is committed to being a

UNICEF Rights Respecting School Every child has the right:

To be treated with respect and fairness To enjoy learning and to be the best they can be To be safe and healthy To be listened to To help make a positive contribution to our school and community

Our shared values are important to us and help to guide us in all our work:

Respect Friendship Courage Enjoyment Respect Friendship Courage Enjoyment

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MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNING BODY

Community Governors Mr Gerald Bartram Ms Kelly Fulcher

LEA Governors Mrs Andrea Mearing Mr Lee Robinson

Mrs Sheila Wigg (Chair of Governors)

Parent Governors Mrs Elizabeth Cheesbrough (Vice-Chair) Mrs Carly Gerrard

Mr Tim Humphreys Ms Jacqueline Mackay

Mr James Piercy Mr Paul Wickens

Staff Governors Mrs Beverley Cullum

Ms Yvonne Causton Mr Nigel Wood (Headteacher)

Clerk Governors Support Clerking Service

Both the Chair of Governors and the Clerk may be contacted at the school address:

Nelson Infant School Northumberland Street Norwich NR2 4EH

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THE SCHOOL STAFF

Teaching Staff Mr Nigel Wood Headteacher Mrs Rachael Barker Deputy Headteacher Ms Yvonne Causton Miss Kerensa Healy

Miss Susie Lloyd Mrs Elizabeth McCrea/Miss Katrina Ross Ms Kathy Riviere Support Staff Mrs Brenda Moore School Administrator

Mrs Carly Green Clerical Assistant Mrs Alison Turner Swimming Instructor Teaching Assistants/Special Educational Needs Assistants Mrs Mary Cottington Mrs Beverley Cullum Mrs Emma Duell Mrs Gemma Goldspink Miss Zoë Harvey (Mr Andrew Woods- maternity cover) Miss Sally Judd Miss Alex Knight Mrs Donna Moy Mrs Chrystal Nicholls Mrs Tracey Peart Mrs Jayne Watt Mrs Michelle Weston Miss Sophie Wright

Midday Supervisory Assistants Ms Paula Caston Mrs Betty Culyer Mrs Carole Hardy Mrs Jane Muttitt Mrs Priya Ramaswamy Mrs Sue Stevens

Caretaker Mr. Neil Jacques

Our Vision and Values

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We work hard to ensure that the school provides a warm and caring ethos based on a culture of secure, respectful relationships which protect and uphold the rights of all adults and children in school. A golden charter outlines whole school expectations for behaviour and our commitment to the UNICEF Rights Respecting School award RRSA. We celebrate the achievements and successes of all children.

Our school Nelson Infant School is a co-educational County Infant School with an age range of rising 4 to 7 years. Our school is situated halfway down Northumberland Street, on the right hand side when approaching from the Dereham Road. The main entrance is on Northumberland Street, but there is also a gate and small car park by the swimming pool on Nelson Street. The School Administrator’s office is just inside the main entrance Our school, which was built in 1974, is on a spacious site with trees, grassed and landscaped areas, a wildlife garden, tyre park and two playgrounds. There is also a wooden outdoor classroom to enable classes to work outside within the grounds. There are 6 classrooms and each has its own outside door where the children enter and leave, at the beginning and end of each school day. Please come right to the door to meet your child, so that the teacher can ensure every child leaves school with a responsible adult. We are very lucky to have our own indoor swimming pool, which the children use regularly. It is our aim that all children will be able to swim before leaving us. Our ICT suite is used by all classes on a weekly basis.

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School Times

8.45am School gates open 9.00am Registration

10.45 -11.00am Break 12.15 - 1.15pm Lunch 1.15 – 3.00pm Registration followed by Class sessions

3.00pm School closes Assemblies are held daily Mon-Thurs 10.25-10.40 with a weekly Celebration Assembly on Friday 2.30pm. At the beginning of the school day, all pupils go directly to their classes. School gates are opened at 8.45am and you are welcome to come into school with your child and share activities set out by the class teacher. If you would like a brief word with the class teaching assistant about your child this is possible between 8.50am and 9.00am. Registration takes place promptly at 9.00am. If you wish to talk to your child’s teacher please make an appointment either with the teacher directly or through the school office. Please switch mobile phones off while in the school building

Parents/carers are welcome to bring their toddlers into school in the mornings but must ensure that they are kept under control at all times. Please ensure that your child is collected from his/her classroom promptly at the end of the school day, by a responsible adult. If someone different is to pick up your child or you may be delayed we need to be told so that we can ensure the safety of your child. Please note that we are unable to allow a child to be taken home by anyone under 14 years of age and the school needs to be informed in writing if a child is to be collected by anyone under 18 years of age.

Organisation From September 2014 there will be 6 classes of children in the school with two parallel classes in each year group as follows: 2 Reception classes, 2 Year 1 classes and 2 Year 2 classes.

Ofsted

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The school was most recently inspected on 17th and 18th May 2012 and was judged to be Good. Inspectors noted that:

Teaching is good.

Pupils enjoy school and behave well. They have good attitudes to their work and get on noticeably well with their peers.

The rich curriculum, the inclusive, safe and caring environment and a strong focus on pupils’ personal development promote their spiritual, moral and social skills particularly well.

Copies of the full report of the 2012 inspection and letter to pupils are available on request, from the school office.

Admissions By law, children must start statutory education full-time at the beginning of the term following their fifth birthday. All parents/carers of children born between 1st September and 31st August must be offered a full time place from September 2014. You will need to decide which schools you prefer by filling in an application form available from the Local Authority. You can state up to three preferences and all forms must be sent direct to the Authority who co-ordinate the process by 31st December in the year prior to admission. You may also apply on-line by going to www.admissionsonline.norfolk.gov.uk The Authority will tell you if your child has a place at your preferred school in a letter sent towards the end of April, or by email if you applied on-line. We welcome visits, by appointment, to our school prior to making your decision about which is the right school for your child and offer an informal ‘Open morning’ in the autumn term in the year prior to entry.

NORFOLK COUNTY COUNCIL – EDUCATION DEPARTMENT

Oversubscription rules for first admission to community schools If there are more applications for places than there are places available, the Local Authority will give preference to children living nearest the school according to the following criteria in this order of priority:

Children with a statement of Special Educational Needs naming that school

Children in public care who live in the area served by the school

Children who live within the catchment area and have a brother or sister attending the school at the time of their admission

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Children who live within the catchment area and have a brother or sister attending the adjoining junior school at the time of their admission

Children who live within the catchment area and have no brother or sister attending the school or adjoining middle/junior school at the time of their admission

Children who live outside the catchment area and have a brother or sister attending the school at the time of their admission

Children who live outside the catchment area and have a brother or sister attending the adjoining middle/junior school at the time of their admission

Children living outside of the catchment area and have no brother or sister attending the school or adjoining middle/junior school at the time of their admission

If you have any queries about the admissions process please contact Norfolk County Council Children’s Services on 03448008001 In Year Admissions are also coordinated by Norfolk County Council. Please contact them: Admissions Room 7 County Hall Martineau Lane Norwich NR1 2DH Telephone: 0344 800 8001 Fax: 01603 223722 Email: admissions@norfolk.gov.uk You will need to fill in an In Year Primary Application Form

Once an offer of a place has been made, Parents/Carers are invited to a meeting at the school where you will have the opportunity to meet the Headteacher and Reception Teachers (where possible) and discuss how best we can help your child to settle happily into school. We also try to offer children the chance to visit school for part of a day/days during the term before they are due to join our school. Nelson Infant School offers all children the option of attending fulltime from September. If, after discussions with the Headteacher, you decide that your child is not yet ready for a full day in school, they will be able to attend morning sessions from 9.00am-12.10pm during the first half of the autumn term. (In particular circumstances where children have specific needs, and at the discretion of the Headteacher, parents may request a more flexible approach). We believe that it is essential for home and school to work closely together to ensure that your child takes full advantage of their education. So, before children begin school in September we offer the opportunity for you to have a home visit from the class teacher and teaching assistant or you can chose to make an appointment for an extended conversation about your child with the class teacher in school. On admission we need to see a child’s birth certificate so that we can confirm the details on the admission form.

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Please help children to do these things independently before they start school.

Undress and dress themselves – fastening buttons and zips with minimum support

Change from shoes into plimsolls (slip-on type are best) and vice versa

Use a handkerchief/tissue properly

Go to the toilet by themselves, use toilet paper correctly and wash and dry

their own hands

Manage their own midday meal – carry a plate, use a knife, fork and spoon correctly.

TRANSFER

Transfer At 7 years old, most children transfer to Wensum Junior School. However if you live outside the school’s designated area you will be offered a place for your child at the Junior or Primary School, which serves your area. You are of course, able to request a place for your child at any Junior or Primary School as long as you are prepared to provide transport. Places are allocated by the Local Authority.

The Nelson Pre School

We have a close working relationship with the privately run pre-school, which is housed on our site. The pre-school may be contacted directly by telephone on Norwich 615355.

Curriculum Provision

Learning Outside the Classroom

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Children are naturally curious and the outside environment gives them a perfect opportunity to explore the world around them. Nelson Infant School has beautiful and extensive grounds which we use as much as possible, both within the curriculum and in out of school clubs and activities. The grounds provide a safe and attractive learning resource for learning and play. We provide a range of outdoor learning activities as part of the curriculum. This is valuable in teaching environmental awareness as well as supporting the children’s self confidence, motivation, collaborative and creative skills. The curriculum is also enriched by a range of educational trips and visits.

The Early Years Foundation Stage In the Reception year at Nelson Infant School we recognise that play is central to children’s learning and builds on their existing skills, interests and play activities to enable them to develop a curiosity for learning. Teachers plan using the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum document guided by four important themes:

A Unique Child: (Every child has the right to grow up safe, confident and healthy)

Positive Relationships: (This focuses on respect, and encourages children to feel secure and

independent)

Enabling Environments: (The environment children learn in plays an important part in supporting and extending each child)

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Learning and Development: (Every child develops and learns in different ways and at different rates.)

There are seven areas of learning and development that shape learning experiences in the early years, including three prime areas which are essential to developing children’s capacity to learn and form relationships. These are:

Communication and language Physical development Personal, social and emotional development

There are also four specific area of learning as follows:

Literacy Mathematics Understanding the world Expressive arts and design

These areas of learning are all of equal importance and are delivered through a carefully planned curriculum experience which provides a combination of adult-directed tasks and child initiated activities. Outdoor learning has an important part in the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum. Our Reception classes have access to a secure outdoor area with trees, grass and a garden area as well as a sheltered area of playground. Children enjoy using this outdoor area throughout the year to support all aspects of the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.

Key Stage 1 National Curriculum At Nelson Infant School we provide a carefully planned broad, balanced and stimulating curriculum built upon the 2014 National Curriculum programmes of study and the Norfolk agreed syllabus for Religious Education. We deliver our curriculum through a combination of subject specific teaching and cross curricular thematic learning which is planned to develop continuity and progression across the school. We also provide a range of opportunities to promote children’s social, emotional, cultural, spiritual and moral development. A variety of teaching styles and groupings are used in classrooms with a combination of whole class, group and individual work. We are committed to offering pupils right of access to the curriculum regardless of ability, age, gender, physical ability, capability or characteristics, racial or ethnic group, religious beliefs or social background. Children’s work is closely monitored to inform future planning and their achievements are celebrated. Parents/Carers are invited to discuss their child’s progress with the class teacher at parent/teacher consultation evenings held in the autumn and spring terms. An end of year report to parents is sent out at the end of the summer term.

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Each term teachers send out information about the work to be covered during that term. Weekly plans can also be seen on the notice board in your child’s classroom.

English/Literacy Speaking and Listening We place great importance on the development of speaking and listening skills. We provide a stimulating and secure environment within which every child can find opportunities to discuss, negotiate, and converse with both children and adults. Through drama, circle time and paired talk children learn to develop positive attitudes to each other and high self esteem. They also learn to appreciate the value of good communication skills to use in all areas of the curriculum. Reading ‘Reading opens up a treasure house of wonder and joy for curious young minds’ (National Curriculum 2014) Every child at Nelson Infant School is given the opportunity to enjoy books and to develop an enthusiasm for reading. Our teaching of reading is carefully structured to promote independent reading and allows children to develop skills in word reading and comprehension across the curriculum .The daily teaching of phonics, structured around the ‘Letters and Sounds’ programme, ensures that children are taught the phonological skills for reading new and unfamiliar words. We work in partnership with Parents/Carers to develop children’s enthusiasm for books and reading through book bags and regular story cafes. Children will bring home both fiction and non-fiction books and we hope that you will find time to share these with your child. Writing Our aim is to create confident writers, who enjoy writing and see success. We give children opportunities to use their writing across the curriculum and to develop their skills in a variety of writing genres- such as stories, poetry, reports, letters and posters. These experiences will frequently link to their thematic topic work. Children are helped to develop both their transcription skills (spelling and handwriting) and their composition skills (articulating and structuring ideas). The sequence of teaching allows children to build up their skills and understanding in all aspects of writing allowing them to gradually extend their independent writing skills. Phonics plays an important part in spelling allowing children to represent the sounds they hear in words. By the end of Year 2 children also begin to learn how to plan, revise and improve their writing .

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Spelling The children at Nelson Infant school are taught to apply their knowledge of spelling patterns, common words and phonic skills with confidence in their writing. They are encouraged to use dictionaries and to learn spellings on a regular basis to apply in their written work.

Mathematics

Mathematics is essential to every day life and provides a foundation for understanding the world. Our aims for our maths teaching are: to help children develop an awareness of mathematics as a powerful tool for

communication and exploration of the world

to help children develop mathematical skills and reasoning for problem-solving

to give children skills, confidence and mental fluency with number operations to encourage imagination, initiative and flexibility of mind in mathematics to encourage the children to work in a systematic way, to reflect on what an

activity involves and determine the appropriate strategy needed for a task It is important for children to develop their oral and mental mathematics skills and to be able to explain their thinking. They are also encouraged to look for, solve and enjoy number situations which are encountered in every day life. The children will use a range of practical apparatus to help them explore patterns and solve problems. The daily teaching of maths is supported and enriched by meaningful and relevant cross curricular activities.

Science

Our aims are:

to help the children develop the skills and knowledge and understanding that allows them to explore the world around them

to help the children develop an understanding of the procedures of scientific exploration and investigation.

Children will be encouraged to achieve these aims through exploring, investigation and communicating their ideas and scientific findings. The children will be working across the main national curriculum programmes of study as follows: animals/living things and habitats; plants; seasonal changes and everyday materials Throughout the school, we will be helping the children to develop scientific skills relevant to everyday life e.g. observing, classifying, measuring, estimating,

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predicting and investigating. Science is taught as part of the cross curricular thematic studies. Children will be encouraged to develop an awareness and understanding of the safety and care procedures, which need to be followed when carrying out scientific activities. There is a wildlife garden with a pond in the school grounds. Teachers plan for activities and observations in the garden which will enrich the children’s learning experiences. Computing High quality computing education equips pupils to use computational thinking and creativity to understand and change the world. It has deep links with mathematics, science and design technology. Children need to learn about logical reasoning, simple programs on digital devices such as programmable toys and the uses of IT both within and beyond the school. We have a school network, which allows the children to access a wide range of software and the internet. Children are taught about safety as part of computing and ICT. Children use computers within the classroom for research, word processing and linked curriculum resources/activities. All children use the computer suite on a weekly basis as well as having access to computers in their classrooms. Each classroom also has an interactive whiteboard which is used to enhance learning in a variety of subjects. The school has a website which is updated regularly with school letters, important dates etc. This can be viewed at www.nelson.norfolk.sch.uk History and Geography Our aim in teaching history is to enable children to develop a sense of time and an understanding of the past. In Geography our aim is to help the children make sense of their immediate surroundings and the wider world. In both subjects we aim to foster children’s curiosity and to develop their thinking skills. Both subjects are taught through a creative curriculum, based upon topics such as ‘Houses and Homes’ and ‘Castles’. Learning is based upon direct experience and practical activities. Full use is made of the children’s immediate environment, such as the extensive school grounds and trips to museums. In particular, each class participates in Forest Schools Activities, when children take part in activities outdoors, on a weekly basis. Wherever possible, we make use of real objects and photographs in history and geography. In the Early Years Foundation Stage history and geography are taught within the framework of Understanding the World. Children will be encouraged to talk about where they live, their environment, their families and about past and present events in their own lives. Physical Education

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All children are involved in a wide range of physical activities which include dance, gymnastics and athletics/games. Activities are planned to meet children’s individual needs and to maximise their potential. All children have access to the hall for lessons with large and small apparatus, floor exercises, dance, games, movement and drama. Children are able to improve their co-ordination skills and are encouraged to move confidently with increasing control and awareness of space and safety. PE also contributes towards development of problem solving skills, team work and individual excellence. The children work in bare feet for indoor work, but need plimsolls or trainers for outdoor games. Swimming

We have a swimming pool on site and all our children have regular swimming lessons throughout the year. Their achievements are celebrated through certificates and awards and parents/carers are invited to come to the assembly when these are presented. It is the Local Authority’s Policy that earrings are not worn during PE because of the safety aspect. Please ensure that your child’s earrings are removed on PE and swimming days. Dance and Drama

These areas provide opportunity for self-expression. They enable children to communicate through gesture, non-verbal and verbal interactions. Through these areas of the curriculum, children will be encouraged to develop imagination, perception, feeling, sensitivity and physical skills.

Music

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We believe that music should be available to and have relevance for all pupils. Our aims are:

to help children become musically aware and appreciative through active

involvement in listening, composing and performing

to develop musical perception and skills that will serve as a basis for enjoyable activity during school years and adult life

to stimulate a child’s creative instincts and critical responses to music

These aims will be achieved by encouraging children to listen, perform and compose as part of their cross-curricular thematic work and coverage of National Curriculum requirements. There are regular opportunities to sing in daily assemblies and within the thematic studies. Children may join the recorder group and choir if they wish. Our school choir performs annually at the Norfolk County Music Festival. Both the choir and recorder group perform at assemblies during the year. Art Children will be encouraged to develop an awareness of art forms of all kinds and to develop the ability to think creatively and with confidence. They will use the approaches of other artists imaginatively in their own work with regard to diverse, contemporary and historical cultures. Opportunities within thematic work will be made for children to draw (using various types of pencils, crayons and pens), paint (using a variety of brushes, paints and mixing activities), construct models and make prints (both using a wide range of material) and sew. They will be encouraged to use materials and tools in a creative way. Consideration of the appropriateness of design, content, colour, texture, line, pattern and form will be developed as children mature. In addition to teacher planned activities, much of the art work in the Early Years is child initiated and children are encouraged to choose resources independently.

Design and Technology Children will be involved in designing and making things as part of their thematic topic learning. For example, they might be asked to design and make a bridge or moveable toy which links to their cross curricular work. There will be a great deal of problem solving connected with this

As part of this work children will learn new skills and techniques and have a range of purposeful opportunities to apply these to their problem solving situations. In the Early Years children also develop their skills and understanding of structures through the use of different construction kits and practical equipment.

. Religious Education

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Religious Education is taught in accordance with the 1988 Education Reform Act and the Norfolk Agreed Syllabus 2012; a copy of our policy may be viewed at the school on request.

The children are introduced to a variety of faiths, although Christianity is the faith most frequently learnt about. An Act of collective worship of a broadly Christian nature, takes place in the school hall daily. Some are led by the Headteacher, Deputy Head or teachers; some by classes and some by visiting speakers. There are occasions when other faiths are the focus during collective worship (e.g. festivals) Parents/carers wishing to withdraw their child from Religious Education or the devotional parts of the daily assembly are invited to discuss the matter with the Headteacher so that arrangements can be made for them to be provided with appropriate activities and supervised by a member of staff.

Personal, Social and Health Education The PSHE curriculum at Nelson Infant School is aimed at developing children’s self-esteem, and sense of themselves as individuals and as part of our school and wider community. We use the SEAL (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning) framework which supports children in developing their social, emotional and behavioural skills. Children participate in regular circle time sessions where a range of themes are tackled, including; ‘Getting on and falling out’, ‘Good to be me’ and ‘Changes’.

Sex Education

The governors have agreed that there should be no formal sex education in this school. There are times however, when children will learn about family groups, including new babies. Should children raise questions; these will be answered in general terms, with sensitivity, honesty and due regard to the religious and cultural background of the children. We will, of course, inform parents if children have raised questions of a sensitive nature. Our Sex and Relationship Education Policy is available in the school office for any parent/carer who would like to read it. Looked After Children A Personal Education Plan is drawn up for any looked after child in consultation with other professionals and parents and/or carers as appropriate. Citizenship and Community cohesion

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Citizenship helps children to develop as members of school, local, regional, national and global communities. Children at Nelson Infant School are encouraged to develop positive attitudes and life skills for their futures, and to think and talk about relationship and community issues. They learn about the UN Rights of the Child and the importance of rights respecting behaviour.

Special Educational Needs and Disabilities We believe that every young person is entitled to equality of opportunity to develop socially, to learn and to enjoy community life.

We are an inclusive school and strive to support all children in their social/emotional, learning or behavioural development. Parents are always involved in this process and their contribution, co-operation and support are an essential part of the partnership. There may, however, be occasions where more expert guidance is required than can be offered within the school. Discussions will be held with parents and guidance sought from the School Support Team. This will enable us to access advice from the speech therapist, Learning and Behavioural Support teachers and the Educational Psychologist as well as the school nurse and doctor. We also employ a pastoral support teacher and a PSA parent support adviser to help support children and their families. Children with learning or behavioural difficulties will have a child friendly Individual Education Plan drawn up and we will work in partnership with parents to support their needs. The provision for children with special educational needs is monitored by the SENDCO coordinator, Ms Kathy Riviere. We provide an enriched learning programme which excites and challenges all groups of children, helping them to develop to their full potential. Looked After Children A Personal Education Plan is drawn up for any looked after child in consultation with other professionals and parents and/or carers as appropriate. Gifted and Talented We ensure through our planning of the curriculum, that extension and enrichment activities are available to enhance the educational experience for the most able pupils at our school.

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For your information, 2B is regarded as the expected ‘average’ achievement.

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Equal Opportunities All children have the right to equal opportunities regardless of their background, race, or class, their gender, special educational needs or disability. At Nelson Infant School we provide a broad and balanced curriculum for all our pupils. The achievement of all groups of learners is monitored termly to ensure that all children are making expected or good progress in their learning. In this way teachers are alert to any child who be at risk of falling behind. The school has Equality & Community Cohesion and Disability Discrimination policies and these can be seen in the school office. School Council Our school has a School Council which meets every half term and is made up of 2 children, known as class reps, who are elected from each Key Stage 1 class. Two children from each Reception class join the school council in the summer term. The school council help to organise stalls at fetes, a teddy bears picnic etc to support a child in Sierra Leone through actionaid. School and Class Councils also provide an opportunity for children to contribute to school self evaluation and improvement such as healthy playtimes.

School Clubs

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We provide a range of extra curricular or after school clubs for children as part of our curriculum enrichment opportunities. These include

choir recorders country dance cookery Multi skills

Educational Visits All classes go on educational visits each year. These are organised to enrich all the areas of the curriculum and may involve visits to sites of special interest, heritage sites and places of worship. The locality around the school is also used for the study of the local environment. Full details are sent home before each visit and it is essential that consent slips are signed and returned to the school. Examples of places that children from this school have visited are:

Gressenhall Rural Life Museum Hickling Broad Norwich Castle Museum Strangers Hall Time and Tide Museum Cromer Pier and Museum

Sometimes the school plans visits from a theatre company or people from the local community to enhance the children’s education. This year the whole school visited the Playhouse Theatre to see a production of the well known book ‘Stickman’.Children in Year 2 have also been working on arts education project with Garlic Theatre group. Charging Policy

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Voluntary contributions will be requested for certain activities but no child will be left out of any activity on the grounds of failure to make such contributions. However, it will be pointed out that if insufficient parents choose to make such contributions on a voluntary basis, the activity itself may not take place. The school has a formal link with a local charity which gives some financial support to enable children whose parents/carers are not in a position to make voluntary contributions to take part in educational visits. Refunds Policy

When a parent/carer has made a voluntary contribution to an educational visit, if the cost is subsequently found to be less than anticipated a refund would be made if the refund would be £1 or more. Any refunds will be made by cheque. If a child is unwell on the day of the visit, a refund will be made of any cost not incurred by the school e.g. the cost of admission if the school does not have to pay. If the school has to pay no refund will be offered. The cost of the coach is not refundable. The policy will be regularly reviewed and Governors welcome any constructive views from parents/carers. Health Care Children with Asthma

If your child suffers from asthma it is essential that there is an inhaler in school and that you have signed a copy of the asthma care plan so that we can administer an inhaler as necessary or in an emergency. The care plan can be obtained from the school office.

Medical/Dental

The school nurse will examine your child during his/her first year at school. You will be notified of the time and date by letter and you are welcome to attend. Any problems will be discussed with you and referred to the school medical officer. The school nurse continues to visit periodically to check sight and hearing – you will only be notified if your child has a problem. The school dentist inspects the children’s teeth once a year. You will be informed of any problems that might be found. If you would like to discuss these health checks, your child’s teacher or the Headteacher will be pleased to do so.

First Aid

Children who have minor accidents in school receive immediate treatment. There are members of staff who have a Paediatric Emergency First Aid for children and babies and First Aid at Work certificates.

In more serious cases or if a child is unwell, parents/carers will be contacted so it is essential that we have a telephone number, where we can reach you or another responsible adult. (In an emergency, if it is not possible to contact a parent/carer or other responsible adult, the Headteacher will act on the advice of the Medical officer consulted.)

Medicines

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Children who suffer from asthma and require the use of inhalers may keep these with them in their classroom. Parents/carers need to discuss the use of the inhaler with both the class teacher and the person responsible for administration of medicines, ensure that the inhaler is named and you must sign a medical form (available from the office).

Should your child require medication during the day, it can only be administered by the school at lunchtime and the medicine must be prescribed by a doctor. A medicine form must be completed (available from the office). If you have any queries, please discuss them with the Headteacher who will endeavour to help. Attendance It is vital that we have parents’ daytime telephone number, and be kept informed of any changes, in case a child is taken ill or has an accident at school. If a child is taken out of school for any reason or arrives late, a responsible adult must sign the register outside the office.

If your child is unwell you should contact the school by 12 noon on the first day of their absence, as we need to keep a record of reasons for absence. If you do not contact us we try to make contact with you by telephone on the first day of absence, if we are unable to do so then we send a letter first class on the second day of absence. Should a child still be absent after five days without the school being notified of the reason a second letter is sent and if no reply received the school has a duty to inform the Attendance Support Officer of the absence. In order to promote good attendance, classes which achieve the attendance target each week are given a certificate during Friday’s assembly and every child who achieves the attendance target receives a silver certificate and if a child has achieved 100% attendance they will receive a gold certificate at the end of that term. At the beginning of each term you will receive a copy of your child’s attendance for the previous term. If your child’s attendance falls below the school’s target for the academic year it will be printed on red paper. The school’s attendance target for the academic year 2014/15 is 95% or better. NB: If your child has 90% attendance over the whole 11 years at school they will have missed over one year’s education

Please note From September 2013 Headteachers are no longer able to authorise holidays during term time. Leave of absence may only be granted in exceptional circumstances.

School Attendance for 2012/13

The number of pupils on roll for the school year 2012/13 was 173

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School attendance was 94.6% National attendance was 95.2%

School Behaviour and Discipline We expect all our children to behave in a responsible manner to others, showing consideration, courtesy and respect for people and property. We encourage the children to develop self-discipline as part of our rights respecting ethos. It is school policy to encourage a calm and caring atmosphere. Fighting or rough play is not allowed in school. If a child should lose his or her temper and hurt someone else the other child is required to go and tell a member of staff so that the problem can be talked through. Hitting back is not an option that meets with approval within this school. A child will be encouraged to understand that he/she is responsible for their own actions and the consequences. On a day-to-day basis minor incidents will be dealt with in school but, where appropriate, parents/carers will be informed and involved in resolving problems. If a child appears to be finding it difficult to meet the standards of behaviour expected, parents will be contacted. It is hoped that staff, parents and child will be able to resolve the difficulties together.

School Uniform

PLEASE: ensure that all clothing is permanently marked with the child’s name for easy identification. School uniform is not compulsory but we encourage it to foster a sense of community. Most children like to wear the school colours of navy blue and grey. Usually this takes the form of a navy blue jumper, school sweatshirt or fleece and grey skirt/pinafore or trousers. A white or blue blouse/shirt/polo-top is usually worn. Jeans, cycle shorts, and trainers are not suitable school wear. Please note, that for reasons of health and safety, skimpy tops that leave shoulders and midriffs bare are not suitable items of school clothing for classroom or PE, nor are high heels which make it difficult for children to run and play. Long hair should be tied back and colouring/bleaching of hair or shaving of styles into hair are not appropriate for children in the Early Years.

Sweatshirts, cardigans and fleeces can be obtained from

the Schoolwear Centre 67 Ber Street Norwich NR1 3AD.

Book bags, PE bags, and swimming hats are sold at the school office. PE Kit

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You should provide your child with PE shoes (plimsolls or trainer), shorts, T-shirt, or leotard for girls. T-shirts should cover shoulders and tuck into shorts please. Please remember that these need to be marked with your child’s name.

In the interests of safety, long hair must be tied back. Swimming One piece swimming costume/ trunks

(NB not shorts as these inhibit boys when learning to swim) Swimming hat Towel Please remember to mark these with your child’s name. Jewellery For reasons of Health and Safety, the wearing of jewellery, other than a watch, in school is not appropriate. However, if a child has pierced ears he or she may wear flat studs, but the Governing Body has agreed, in line with Norfolk County policy, that for reasons of health and safety all earrings must be removed for P.E. and swimming lessons. Mobile Phones The Governing Body does not allow children to have mobile phones in classrooms or on the playground. Cycling to School Racks are provided for the storage of bicycles/scooters during the school day. The school accepts no responsibility for the safe storage of these items. Cycling is not permitted on school grounds before/after school. Health and Hygiene If a child wets him/herself in school we will try to provide a change of clothes. Please wash and return any clothes borrowed, as spare clothing is in short supply. If a child soils him/herself we will contact home immediately and ask someone to come and clean the child either in school or at home. If the child is not ill they may return to class once clean and comfortable. If a child is physically sick in school, we will contact home immediately and discuss the situation with the parent/carer.

School Meals

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We are fortunate to have our meals cooked on site by NORSE catering. From September 2014 all children in Reception and KS1 are entitled to a free hot dinner prepared in the school kitchen. There is a vegetarian option each day and children can choose fruit as an alternative to the pudding.

Parents are also welcome to provide a packed lunch from home should they wish.

Nelson Infant School is a ‘Healthy School’ so we ask that children bring a ‘healthy lunchbox’ into school. One chocolate covered biscuit e.g. penguin and/or one packet of crisps are perfectly acceptable but whole chocolate bars and/or sweets are not. If you include a drink, please ensure that it is not in a glass bottle or a fizzy drink. Please do not put hot food (e.g. soup) into your child’s lunchbox. Children who have a packed lunch can buy juice for 20p at lunchtime. They need to bring in 20p in a named purse or envelope.

If you receive Income Support, Income-based Job Seekers Allowance or Child Tax Credit please collect a form from the Headteacher or the School office to apply for free meals. It is important that parents claim their entitlement as this helps the school to receive additional pupil premium funding to enhance our curriculum provision for children entitled to free school meals.

If you take your child home for lunch you will need to sign him/her out at the school office at 12.15pm AND sign him/her back into school at 1.15pm so that we have a record that your child has returned

Healthy Snacks

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Our school participates in the free fruit for schools scheme, which provides all children with a piece of fruit at playtime. The fruit varies from day to day. Drinking Water

We encourage children to drink small amounts of water throughout the day as this practice has been proved to lead to improved learning and health. (Please note that for reasons of dental health juice, squash etc may only be drunk at lunchtimes) If you would like your child to bring water into school please provide water in a NAMED bottle with a SPORTS TYPE TOP, which can be purchased from the school office.

Home/School Communication

If at any time you have any concerns about your child, no matter how small, please contact your child’s teacher or the Headteacher. An appointment can be made if you wish to speak to a member of staff for longer than a few minutes. First thing in the morning is not a good time for an in depth discussion with the class teacher. An appointment after school is much better.

Parents/Carers are invited to discuss their child’s progress with class teachers at parent/carer evenings usually held during the autumn term, to discuss how they are settling into their new classes, the Spring term to discuss academic progress and in the summer term to discuss written reports. The Headteacher is also available during these evenings should parents wish to see him. Records of Achievement are sent home in the summer term.

We welcome Parent/Carer helpers into the school on a regular basis to work with children under the guidance and supervision of teachers. This helps to give the children confidence in working with other adults and means that the children can work in small groups discussing their work and learning new skills.

At present, parents/carers are involved in a wide range of activities, which include working with the computer, language activities, reading, number games, art and craft sewing and cooking. If you would like to be involved, please contact your child’s teacher or the Headteacher. You do not need to have any particular skill – an extra adult in school is always welcome. The school is committed to safeguarding children so all volunteers are required to undergo an enhanced DBS check before they can help on a regular basis. During the school year, various assemblies, concerts etc are held at the school to which parents/carers are invited. We do hope that you will be able to support your child at these events. Opportunities are made for parents/carers and other interested people to visit the school and see the range of activities that the children are working on.

Newsletters are sent home as and when appropriate and put onto our website www.nelson.norfolk.sch.uk . Please check your child’s book bag regularly as newsletters and other information are sent home with the children Home/School Agreement

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We ask all parents/carers to sign our home/school agreement which we hope will strengthen the partnership between school, children and parents/carers so that we can ensure that your child has the best possible educational experience at Nelson Infant School. Please return the signed Agreement with your child’s admission form etc. We will give you a photocopy to keep.

Complaints Process

The staff and Governors hope that you will be happy with your child’s education and experiences at our school. However, if you are unhappy with any aspect of school life, please make an appointment to discuss any problems as soon as they arise with your child’s teacher.

We hope that this discussion will be enough to resolve any problem but if you are still unhappy and wish to take the matter further, you should make an appointment to see the Headteacher.

If the complaint cannot be resolved you will be given a copy of the Complaints procedure and asked to write to the Headteacher stating that you are making a formal complaint. If the matter is still unresolved you should write to the Chair of Governors. The Chair will discuss the issue with the Headteacher and if appropriate arrange for a meeting between the complainant, Headteacher and Chair of Governors. If the matter is still unresolved then a Governors’ Panel will meet to discuss the issue. The Panel’s decision is final. However, if you do not think that the school’s complaints procedure was followed properly then you should write to the Director of Children’s Services. Safeguarding and Child Protection

All staff have a duty to promote and safeguard the care and well being of all children .Because of the day-to-day contact with children, schools are particularly well placed to observe outward signs of abuse, changes in behaviour, or failure to develop. Parents should be aware, therefore, that where it appears to a member of the school staff that a child may be at risk of harm or abuse, the school is required as part of the Local Authority Child Protection Procedures to report their concern immediately.

FRIENDS of Nelson Infant School

We are fortunate to have a thriving and successful FRIENDS group who help to organise a range of social and fund raising events for the school. All monies raised help to enrich the provision for the children. We hope that you will want to be involved in some of the activities organised. All parents are welcome to attend the FRIENDS committee meets every half term to plan and organise events. Activities include:

o Christmas Fair o Easter egg raffle o School discos o Summer Fete

The ‘FRIENDS’ is affiliated to the Parent/Teacher Association – UK (PTA-UK)

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Charities

As a school we encourage children to raise funds for various charities, which include: Jeans for Genes Children in Need Buckingham Emergency Food Appeal St Martin’s Housing Leeway Action Aid Unicef

The Governing Body

The Governing Body has many responsibilities as the school is locally managed. The full governing body meets regularly, at least four times a year and there are also statutory committees, which individual governors belong to depending on their interests or expertise. The standing committees which meet every half term are: People, Buildings and Money chaired by Mrs Sheila Wigg Strategic / Curriculum chaired by Mrs Liz Cheesbrough

Each year the Governors have to set the school budget in consultation with the school’s finance officer which is then submitted to the Local Authority for approval. Minutes of governors meetings are available in the school office.

From time to time vacancies arise for Parent Governors and we are always keen to hear from any parent/person with parental responsibility who wishes to stand for election. Becoming a parent governor gives a real opportunity to support your child’s school and become more involved in his/her education. Training courses and support are always available to help with the governor’s role.

We hope that you have found the information in this brochure useful. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to ring the school.