THE DUCHY SCHOOL PROSPECTUS2015 - 2016

CONTENTS

Executive Headteacher’s welcome

Vision Statement & School Aims

A. The People1. Teaching Staff2. Non-teaching Staff3. Governors4. Music Teachers5. Pastoral Care6. The Duchy School Parents, Teachers and Friends Association7. Area Education Office

B. The School1. The School Address2. The School Day3. The School Uniform4. Behaviour and Discipline5. Medicine in School6. Sickness and Accidents7. School Meals8. Insurance9. Bicycles and Road Safety10. Personal Property11. School Holidays12. The Creative Arts13. Admissions

C. The Curriculum1. The National Curriculum and The Duchy School2. Co-operation between Schools3. Assessment4. Parental Help In The Classroom

D. Questions Answered

EXECUTIVE HEADTEACHER’S WELCOME

Dear Parents,

I would like to extend a warm welcome to you and hope that you will find this prospectus helpful. Its aim is to introduce you to our school, our staff, governors, and of course, our pupils. You will find information concerning our facilities, our philosophy, curriculum and the variety of extra-curricular activities on offer to the children.

If you visit our school you will become aware of a sense of purposeful calm, of children happy in their work and play. We offer a wide-ranging curriculum with many exciting extra-curricular activities. Whether their interests lie in singing or chess, sport or art, all pupils will find an activity which suits them.

We have an excellent team of teachers and learning support assistants who work very hard to create an atmosphere of purposeful endeavour in a caring environment, so the children receive a wide range of experiences enabling them to become self-motivated and self-disciplined lifelong learners.

We encourage and welcome support from parents and helpers and it is this partnership which helps to create a successful and thriving community.

The children would be delighted to show you what makes The Duchy School such a special place; you are most welcome to come and visit us.

Yours sincerely,

Claire BaillieExecutive Headteacher

The Duchy School, Bradninch

At the Duchy School our vision statement is underpinned by our core values, which are of the greatest importance to us.

Duchy Values

Achievement

Success

Honesty

Trust

Enjoyment

Creativity

Co-operation

Individuality

Friendship

Community

Communication

Independence

Health

Effort

Vision Statement

We constantly strive to promote the overall development of all of our pupils and staff. We want the children to come to school happy and eager to learn in a caring environment, where all members of the school community feel that they can reach their full potential.

We aim to:Create an environment in which all children feel safe and valued;Provide a curriculum which is stimulating and creative and inspires children to want to learn irrespective of their ability;Enable the children to become responsible, independent thinkers and learners;Provide all children with the skills to be able to communicate with others;Provide them with the skills and opportunity to explore different languages and cultures;Enable the children to appreciate the diverse nature of the cultures, abilities and faiths of others, so helping them to show tolerance and understanding;Encourage the children to value others and develop a sense of self-worth;Provide children with the essential skills for life, so that they can make a living in a way that is fulfilling, enjoyable and responsible;Promote the understanding and effective use of technology as a way of inspiring children and enhancing access to the curriculum;Encourage the appreciation of the creative and performing arts;Encourage the children to make the most of the experiences brought into the school from the wider community and to play a positive role in the wider world;Ensure the children lead a healthy life by providing regular physical activities and offering them many sporting opportunities; by teaching them the importance of eating healthily and providing them with healthy meals.

Our tag rugby stars of the future meet with four international players at Exeter Chiefs

THE PEOPLE

Executive Headteacher: Mrs C Baillie BA Dual Hons (Sheffield)

A.1 Teaching StaffMr C Willcocks BSc. Hons (Manchester) (Assistant headteacher)Mrs J Riggs BA. Hons (Plymouth) (Safeguarding officer)Miss J Smith BA Hons (West of England)Mrs A Bourne BA Hons, (Westminster, Oxford)Miss H Mahon BA Hons (Nottingham)Mr R Gilbert BEd. Hons (Plymouth)Mr W Paine BSc Hons (Exeter)Mrs TJ Huntley Bed. Hons (De Montfort)Mrs C Britton BA Hons (Plymouth)

A.2 Non-Teaching StaffClassroom Assistants:Mrs L Hawkins Mrs J PhillipsMrs E Ripley Ms S CunninghamMrs F Pook Mrs J ParkhouseMrs C GardinerMrs K Foster

Mrs L GoodlandMrs C Foster

Mealtime Assistants:Mrs L Hawkins Mrs J PhillipsMrs E Ripley Ms S CunninghamMrs F Pook Mrs J ParkhouseMrs C GardinerMrs K Foster

Mrs L GoodlandMrs S Foster

Administrators: Mrs S Stanbury and Mrs E Emery

Librarian: Mrs L Goodland

Caretaker/Cleaners: Mr H Irish and Mr B Harper

Cooks: Mrs D Cook, Mrs S Bentall, Mrs J Anderson

A.3 Governors Mr P Chambers (Chair and Director) Mr J Phillips (Vice-chair)Mrs C Baillie (Headteacher) Mr S ParrattMr S Foster (Parent) Mr S Bell (Parent)

Clerk: Ms L Poole

A.4 Music TeachersThe school is extremely fortunate to have experienced visiting music specialists who can offer the following musical tuition on an individual or group basis:Grace Lai – PianoMatt Parr – Drums

A5. Pastoral CareChildren are supported in class both by their class teacher and a Learning support assistance. Where additional support is needed we have trained ‘Thrive’ practitioners in school who will work sensitively with the children to support their emotional needs.We also have trained ‘Solution Focussed’ practitioners who are able to support pupils in a range of areas.The school has two members of staff responsible for Child Protection Issues. They are the SENCo and the Executive Headteacher. Our child protection policy can be viewed on our website: www.duchy.devon.sch.uk.

A6. The Duchy School Parents, Teachers and Friends AssociationThis association of parents, teachers and friends, exists to support the School in many ways, including financially. It organises events, meetings, trips and fund-raising activities and hopes that all parents will become involved and enjoy it! You can contact the PTFA by emailing duchyptfa@gmail.com.

A7. Devon Education OfficeThis office provides valuable teaching and administrative support. If we are not able to help you on any particular problem, then please contact:

The Education Dept County Hall Topsham RoadExeter, EX2 4QGTel: 01392 382000

THE SCHOOL

B.1 The School AddressThe full name and address of the school is:

The Duchy School,Bowley Meadow,Bradninch EX5 4RFTelephone 01392 881482Email: duchy@thepat.org.uk

B.2 The School DayTaught hours per week excluding Registration and Collective Worship:

The structure of each day is:

FOUNDATION & KEY STAGE ONE KEY STAGE 2Time Time8.50 Start of school 8.50 Start of school9.00 Registration 9.00 Registration9.05 Session 1 9.05 Session 110.10 Assembly 10.10 Assembly10.30 Break 10.30 Break10.40 Session 2 10.40 Session 210.40 Session 3 10.40 Session 312.00 Lunch 12.15 Lunch13.15 Session 4 13.15 Session 414.15 Break 14.30 Session 514.30 Session 5 15.30 School Ends15.30 School Ends

B.3 The School Uniform Pupils are required to wear a school purple sweatshirt or cardigan (can be purchased from Thomas Moore or from the school office), a white polo shirt or button through shirt and grey trousers, skirt or pinafore with black shoes (not trainers). White, grey or black socks or grey tights may be worn.

We do have some items of second-hand clothing. Please ask us to introduce you to the PTFA representative who sells the second hand clothing and the school sweatshirts.

PE Kit The following items of clothing should be kept at school at all times:

Plain purple t-shirt Black shorts White socks (not to be worn during the normal day) 1 pair of trainers (not to be worn during the normal day)

Children in Foundation and Cook Class (Yr 1) will only need to have a pair of trainers and spare socks until the summer term, when they will also need a pair of black shorts and the purple t-shirt.

In addition we now have Duchy School sport hoodies which may be ordered at the school office.

B.4 Behaviour and DisciplineRespect for other people and their property, sensible and thoughtful behaviour and good manners are thought to be very important and form the basis of a policy document on behaviour and discipline, drawn up by the Governors and which is available for inspection. This policy document and the school rules are designed to ensure the safety and well-being of all pupils while at school. If you wish to read either of these please ask at the school office for a copy or view it at www.duchy.devon.sch.uk We encourage parents at all times to support the school in matters of behaviour and discipline and it is our policy to keep parents well informed as to the behaviour of their children.

B.5 Medicine in SchoolTeaching and non-teaching staff are not obliged to administer medicines to children at school, but we do help where we can, provided the relevant permission form has been completed. Copies of this form and others are available from the school office or on the school website: www.duchy.devon.sch.uk/docs.php.

Parents may arrange to visit the school at regular intervals to administer treatment, should the need arise.

B.6 Sickness and AccidentsIt is always a difficult decision whether or not to send a child to school when they have a minor illness like a cold or tummy upset. However, we would advise you to err on the side of caution as this sort of illness can spread rapidly in the confines of a school and working in a busy classroom can be stressful for a sick child.

Every care is taken of children who become ill during the course of a school day, but it is generally better for them to go home as soon as convenient. Please ensure that we have a contact telephone number in case of emergency.

Minor accidents can be dealt with at school but in cases where any doubt exists (particularly head injuries); a child may need to be taken to hospital for treatment. In any such case parents will, of course, be notified as soon as possible.

B.7 School MealsThe meals are cooked in our own kitchen. We run a ticket payment system for school meals and these are on sale from reception at the end of each day. Prices and menus are communicated to parents. A weekly menu is on display at school for you to see. Children in the Foundation, Year 1 and Year 2 classes are now entitled to free school meals each day.

Lunch break is from 1200-1315 for KS1 and 1215-1315 for KS2. Pupils going home for lunch should aim to return to school by 1300.

B.8 InsuranceWe are asked by the Education Authority to make sure that everyone is clear about their position regarding insurance cover, should an accident occur. It is summarised as follows:"Pupils are insured against injuries caused by building defects etc. and accidents which occur as a result of negligence by a member of the Authority's teaching or non teaching staff.Pupils attending the Authority's schools are not insured against personal injury or accident while on education premises or taking part in recognised activities outside school.The Council expects all pupils to accept full responsibility for their personal possessions, including money, and to take out insurance themselves to cover any risk."

B.9 Bicycles and Road SafetyAs most of the roads around the school are busy we are conscious of road safety. However children are encouraged to walk or come to school on bicycles providing parents ride with them or have given the school written permission for the child to ride on their own .We recognise that we have an important role to play in our pupils' attitudes to road safety, and a varied programme of activities is undertaken. As part of this, the police have trained some parents to lead Safe Cycling courses and those pupils taking part may, of course, bring their bikes to school on those occasions.

B.10 Personal PropertyWe do not encourage children to bring personal items in to school. It is always helpful to have all items of clothing clearly named. This is to assist us in locating missing items and also to act as a deterrent to theft. We ask you to help us by training your children to be responsible for their own property. Rucksacks are not acceptable for school use. One or more drawstring bags may be used. The only jewellery allowed in school is a watch, stud earrings and a cross and chain.

B.11 School HolidaysOur holidays are in line with the other schools in the Primary Academies Trust and link in closely with Cullompton Community College and all the schools in the same catchment areas. These dates are communicated to parents at regular intervals and in advance of each academic year. Our website includes information on the current dates.B.12 The Creative ArtsWe are fortunate to have access to specialists in both music and the creative arts. The children really enjoy their singing and they have the opportunity to try out a range of instruments and percussion across the school. There are performances in which all children participate throughout the year. Please see our school website for more details.

B.13 Admissions

CURRENT ADMISSIONS CRITERIA

Admissions to the school are controlled by the Local Authority(see www.devon.gov.uk/admissions_transfers).

Priority is given to:

1. Children living in the school’s designated area with a sibling who will be attending the school (or the linked primary-phase school) at the time of admission.

2. Other children living in the school’s designated area.

3. Children living outside the school’s designated area, but with a sibling who will be attending the school at the time of admission.

4. Other children living outside the school’s designated area.

N.B. (i) If it is necessary to distinguish between children in a particular category, priority

will be determined on the basis of distance between home and school along the shortest available walking route (i.e. the shorter the distance, the higher the priority) except that in the case of children of below statutory school age in priority categories l and 2 only, priority will be determined by date of birth (i.e. the earlier the date, the higher the priority).

(ii) Infants will have the right of admission to the linked Junior School, and first School pupils to the linked Middle School.

(iii) Priority may be given to the admission of a child for whom a particular medical or social justification is demonstrated.

(iv) Priority may be given to a child who is to be admitted to a designated SEN Support Centre at the school in question.

(v) The admission arrangements may be modified to meet the particular requirements of a trust deed.

All Children are welcome at The Duchy School. Should a child with any disability wish to apply, then we will discuss whether there is suitable access and facilities to accommodate the child. The Duchy School is well provided with facilities for the disabled including toilet and shower facilities. Access for wheelchairs is good. As with any special need, it is most desirable for the school and home to support each other closely to ensure the best provision.

If you should wish to visit the school prior to applying for a place, then please do contact the school office on 01392 881482 and we can arrange an appointment for you. We have Open Days for prospective parents into the Foundation Class.

THE CURRICULUM

C.1 The National Curriculum and The Duchy SchoolThe curriculum at The Duchy School enables all pupils to be engaged and to reach their own individual potential. The National Curriuculum underpins all aspects of our curriculum in Key Stages One and Two and in the Foundation Class they follow the Early Years Curriculum. More details can be seen at:www.duchy.devon.sch.uk/curriculum.php

In addition, The Duchy School has its own policy documents devised and monitored by the staff and governing body for RE, Health Education (including Sex Education), Special Needs and Religious Education. In the case of RE, Collective Worship and Sex Education parents have the right to withdraw their child from the lessons. The school or parents may provide supervision and alternative activities during these sessions.

Sex Education is taught via the Science and Health Education Curriculum and is covered at various levels in normal class lessons. A wide variety of teaching methods are employed during these sessions including videos, discussions, project work and talks from the school nurse. Parents are welcome to be involved in these sessions and are notified in writing when sensitive topics are being covered.

Detailed curriculum plans can be viewed on our website (www.duchy.devon.sch.uk). At Key Stage Two the majority of subjects other than English and Mathematics are taught through a thematic aproach.

A wide variety of teaching styles is employed to ensure that the multi-year classroom accommodates all abilities.

C.2 Co-operation Between SchoolsAs a member of the Primary Academies Trust, we have close links with seven other primary schools in Devon. The Trust was formed in September 2013 and includes Hemyock, Wilcombe Primary School, Sampford Peverell C of E Primary School, Sidbury C of E Primary School, Woodwater Academy, Orchard Vale Community School and South Brent Primary School. We have a “schools within school” philosophy that ensures we all work very closely together in ensuring the achievement of the highest standards in all eight schools whilst maintaining the individuality and autonomy of the individual schools. Our Trust provides excellent opportunities for teachers and other staff to develop their professional expertise which directly impacts on the quality of teaching and learning for the children. Staff are able to share their best practice within a professional learning community developing an exciting and innovative curriculum for all our children.

Being part of the PAT further increases our capacity to share best practise, specialisms and work in a collaborative way to provide high quality learning for all our children.

C.3 AssessmentTeachers monitor children constantly, keeping a daily record in the form of simple notes. The child's records are regularly updated. This includes copies of their annual report, attainment levels within the National Curriculum, samples of work with teachers' notes and National Curriculum test results. These tests are taken at the ages of 7 and 11. At The Duchy School we aim to make assessment a positive teaching tool to support the teachers’ planning of lessons.

C.4 Parental Help in the classroomParents are most welcome to come and help in the school and there are a wide variety of ways in which you can be of use. All volunteer help must now be CRB checked before they can help in school on a regular basis.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

There are some questions which are asked by most prospective parents. Much of the information can be found elsewhere in the brochure but this is a "quick reference" which we hope will be of help.

1. When can my child start at The Duchy School? Children can start school in the September following their fourth birthday. We encourage children to start at the beginning of the academic year in September. There is an initial short settling in period when the children come for the morning only, but after this most children will be in full-time. Children must be in school full-time by the beginning of the term following their fifth birthday.For more information please see:www.duchy.devon.sch.uk/admin/filemanager/userfiles/Admin/Admissions/admissions-firststep.pdf

2. How are the classes structured?We currently have 6 classes:

FoundationCook Class (Year One)Raleigh Class (Year Two)Drake Class (Year Three)Acland Class (Year Four)Reynolds Class (Year Five)Brunel Class (Year Six)

In these classes the children are taught according to their ability. Teachers plan their lessons to take account of the differing levels of attainment in the class and children will be grouped according to this ability and not their age. This gives us the facility to challenge the more able pupils and support those with special educational needs.

3. How long is the school day?Children may arrive at school from 8.40 am when a member of staff will be in the playground. Children should be in the classroom by 8.50 am. Lunch time begins at 12.15 pm (12.00 pm for KS1) and ends at 1.15 pm. School finishes at 3.30 pm. (See B2).

4. What happens if my child is ill?If she/he is too ill to attend school, all you need to do is ring, email us at duchy@thepat.org.uk or send a message to explain the reason for their absence. If your child is ill whilst at school, we do everything possible to care for him/her and contact you immediately. (See B5 & B6).

5. What happens at lunch time?The school can provide a hot meal or you can provide a packed lunch. Children in Foundation and Years 1 and 2 are now able to have a hot free school meal every day.

6. Do you offer a wide range of sporting activities?We have our own field, all weather sports surface and hall for games, PE and dance. We use the playground for other activities. We aim to provide as full a range as possible of sporting opportunities in PE time and through extra-curricular activities. These include football, basketball, netball, rounders, athletics and hockey. Teams from school take part in competitions against other schools in the area and in tournaments. The staff have been taking qualifications through the TOP SPORTS scheme and we have a PE specialist on the staff. Our links with both local clubs such as Cricket and Tennis as well as the Cubs and Beavers ensure that the school’s excellent sporting facilities give the children at the school maximum opportunity for sport.

7. What arrangements are made for a child with Special Needs?If you are aware of any special needs, whether the needs are medical or educational, it is essential that you notify us at the start of your child's time with us. We have a Special Needs policy and operate the Code of Practice (available for inspection and information). We endeavour to provide an Individual Educational Programme for all children who need it and have access to the County Support Team when necessary. Each member of staff is aware of the need to provide appropriate work for each child in each lesson and at times small groups or individuals may be withdrawn for individual help. If we are concerned about your child, you will be the first to know and will, of course, be involved in every step of the assessment procedure. If you are concerned, we hope that we will be first to know. Our special needs policy is designed to cater for the less able, the more able and children with special behavioural needs.

8. Are there any additional school activities?At present there are many clubs which take place at various times across the year. These include our sports clubs: netball, rounders, athletics, tag rugby, hockey and football. Other clubs include: singing/dancing, chess, sewing, orienteering, touch typing and coding. We also offer a homework club.Instrumental tuition can be arranged with specialist teachers so do please ask if you are interested.

9. What standards of education do you set for children?Our size and commitment to working in partnership with our families enables us to get to know our children very well. Consequently, we soon become acutely aware of the individual needs of each child and can enable each one to maximise their potential. Work in the classroom is always differentiated to accommodate the various ages and abilities.

Over recent years our Key Stage Two SATs results have been excellent, placing us well above the national expectations. When our pupils go on to Senior School they have a record of doing exceptionally well.

In addition to this, children are used to taking part in all kinds of activities - dance, music, public speaking, acting and games. Although we are geographically somewhat sheltered, our population is wide and varied and we strive to prepare children for life in a way that is socially and morally aware. At School we place self-discipline and consideration for others high on our agenda and we hope that children at our school will leave us with a rounded education, with high self-esteem, with an understanding of the world and its different faiths and with the determination to do well.

10. Do the children have homework?Yes. It is set by the class teacher on a regular basis and you will be informed of the appropriate amount as your child moves up the school. Reading aloud to an adult, learning spellings, Maths tasks and tables are just some of the homework activities which we currently set. However we rely on parents to support us in ensuring that it is done and we do not wish to be in the position where homework becomes a difficult issue. Should this happen then we will ask you to discuss the situation and reach a suitable agreement on the way forward. At times we may ask you to help your child with an aspect of their work which is causing them concern. Here the class teacher will work alongside you and your child to ensure the best provision.

11. How can I keep in touch with my child's progress?The most effective way is to come in and talk to your child’s teacher. Do look at your child's work every so often. We hold termly Parents’ Evenings, but teachers are always happy to arrange more meetings.

12. What can I do if my child is unhappy at school?At the first sign of any distress, please email or come and talk to us. We will do our best to help and will keep in touch with you with regular reports. It is often little things which can cause problems and we can try to do something about them.

13. How can I contact my child's teacher?For urgent matters please contact the school office first thing in the morning and the school administrator will find the class teacher. For all other matters, the teachers are available at the end of each day.You can also leave a message on the school answer phone at any time or email on duchy@thepat.org.uk and we shall, of course, get back to you as soon as possible.

14. How can I contact the Executive Headteacher?Mrs Baillie will always try to see parents at the earliest possible opportunity. You can contact her by calling in to the school office or by emailing on duchy@thepat.org.uk She will then either call you back or arrange a suitable time to meet.

15. How can I make my views known to the Governors?You can email the Clerk to Governors on : duchyclerk@thepat.org.uk. Details of the Governors can also be found on the school website.

16. How involved is the Church in the school?We have close links with all of the local churches.Our daily acts of collective worship (assemblies) focus both on Christianity and other religions and also deal with both world and local issues. We aim to lead by example and to encourage children to have a firm foundation upon which they can make their own decisions in later life. You are also most welcome to join us any morning as we worship. Parents may withdraw their child from Collective Worship and should speak to the Headteacher if there is any concern.

17. How can I prepare my child for school?Joining a playgroup is a good idea. There is an excellent one in the town which the Duchy staff regularly visit. There is a link to the Pre-school on our website. Bring your child to visit for an afternoon or join in one of the Playgroup or Pre-school visits which happen each term. In addition you can invite our Foundation teacher to make a home visit prior to your child starting she will be most pleased to give you guidance on suitable preparation activities.

18. Where can my child go after The Duchy School?Due to our geographical position, our pupils tend to move on to either Cullompton Community College, Uffculme School or Clyst Vale Community College. All of these have their merits and we encourage parents to visit them all before making a decision. You need to choose the school that will suit your child. There are also private schools in Tiverton and Exeter which a small number of our children attend.

19. How can I support the school?We have a supportive Parent, Teachers and Friends Association (PTFA) that spends a great deal of time on social activities and fund raising. They would be happy to welcome you - and your energy! We encourage all parents to spend time helping in the classroom, working alongside the children, supporting the teacher. Offers of practical help, painting, woodworking etc. are also most welcome.

20. How can I get an unbiased view of the school?Ask at the school office to see our most recent Ofsted Inspection Report or find it on our web site: www.duchy.devon.sch.uk/ofsted.php. We are very proud of the positive light in which it paints our school. Read a few of our policies, they will give you a feel of the values and ethos which pervades our school.