VOLUNTARY AIDEDEasington Avenue, Wrekenton, Gateshead Tyne and Wear NE9 7LH

Telephone 0191 4878641

CHAIR OF GOVERNORSMrs Mary Gibson, 13 Waldridge Gardens, Wrekenton, Gateshead Tyne and Wear

Telephone 0191 4915887

HEADTEACHERMrs T Musgrove

ESTIMATED NUMBER OF ROLLFor September 2017/2018 – 183

NURSERY PROVISION32 part time places

GATESHEAD LOCAL AUTHORITYGroup Director Learning and Children and Director of Children’s Services

Gateshead Civic Centre, Regent Street, GatesheadTyne and Wear, NE8 1HHTelephone 0191 4333000

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St Oswald’s is a RC voluntary aided school providing for children aged 3 to 11.

ST OSWALD’S RC PRIMARY SCHOOL VISION

We as staff, governors and pupils of St Oswald’s RC Primary School have created a shared vision for our future:

FOR OUR ETHOSWe are committed to making everyone associated with the school feel valued through the living and sharing of Gospel values within our Catholic community.

FOR OUR STAFFWe are committed to:Being mutually supportive and respectful to each other in order to achieve harmony, well being and Christian love

FOR OUR PUPILSWe are committed to:Developing self esteem, a positive self image, pride in their achievements and enabling them to reach their maximum potential, physically, academically, mentally and spiritually.

FOR OUR PARENTSWe are committed to:Fostering a welcoming atmosphere, supportive of parents in the nurture and development of their child’s learning and well being.

FOR OUR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENTWe are committed to:Encouraging each member of staff to pursue their own professional development in order to enrich themselves and the school.

FOR OUR LINKSWe are committed to:Maintaining and developing good relationships with parish, community and other schools.

WE WILL SEE CHRIST IN EVERYONE; WE WILL WELCOME ALL NATIONALITIES, CREEDS AND CULTURES. WE WILL RESPECT THEM ALL WITH THE SAME DEGREE OF SINCERITY.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

St Oswald’s is a school looking to Christ for the basis of its existence. Our intention is to show one another the concern and respect that indicates that we are all sisters and brothers of Christ.

As a school community we are committed to the fundamental truth and worth of Christian values. We believe that these should pervade every part of the curriculum and the way it is delivered.

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St Oswald’s RC Primary SchoolWrekenton, Gateshead

ADMISSION POLICY 2018-19

St Oswald’s was founded by the Catholic Church to provide education for children of Catholic families. The school is conducted by its governing body as part of the Catholic Church in accordance with its trust deed and instrument of government and seeks at all times to be a witness to Jesus Christ. Whenever there are more applications than places available, priority will be given to Catholic children in accordance with the oversubscription criteria listed below.

As a Catholic school, we aim to provide a Catholic education for all our pupils. At a Catholic school, Catholic doctrine and practice permeate every aspect of the school’s activity. It is essential that the Catholic character of the school’s education be fully supported by all families in the school. We, therefore, hope that all parents (see note 11) will give their full, unreserved and positive support for the aims and ethos of the school. This does not affect the right of an applicant who is not Catholic to apply for and be admitted to a place at the school in accordance with the admission arrangements.

The governing body is the admissions authority and has responsibility for admissions to this school. The local authority undertakes the coordination of admission arrangements.

The admission policy criteria will be dealt with on an equal preference basis.

Parishes served by the schoolThe school serves the parish of St Oswald’s RC Church, Wrekenton.

Published Admission NumberThe governing body has set its admission number at 30 pupils to be admitted to the reception class in the school year which begins in September 2018.

Children with an Education, Health and Care plan or a statement of Special Educational NeedChildren who have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan or a statement of Special Educational Need where the school is named as the most appropriate educational setting for the child will be admitted.

Application Procedures and Timetable To apply for a place at this school, the parent must complete a common application form (CAF) available from the local authority in which the child lives. The parent will be advised of the outcome of the application on 16 April 2018, initially by a letter or email from the local authority on behalf of the governing body.

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If the parent is required to provide supplemental evidence to support the application (e.g. a baptismal certificate), this evidence should be provided at the time of application. If not provided, evidence may be sought by the governing body following the closing date for applications. This information must have been correct at the date of closing for applications.

All applications will be considered at the same time and after the closing date for admissions which is 15 January 2018.

Late Applications Late applications will be administered in accordance with the local authority primary coordinated admissions scheme. Parents are encouraged to ensure that their application is received on time.

Admission of Children below Compulsory School Age and Deferred Entry A child is entitled to a full-time place in the September following their fourth birthday. A request may be made for the date at which a child, below compulsory school age, is admitted to the school, to be deferred to later in the school year but not beyond the point at which they reach compulsory school age, or beyond the beginning of the final term of the school year. A child may take up a part-time place until the child reaches compulsory school age. Upon receipt of the offer of a place a parent should notify the school in writing, as soon as possible, that they wish to either defer their child’s entry to the school or take up a part-time place.

Admission of Children outside their Normal Age Group A request may be made for a child to be admitted outside of their normal age group, for example, if the child is gifted and talented or has experienced problems such as ill health.

Any such request should be made in writing to the headteacher of the school. The governing body will make its decision about the request based on the circumstances of each case and in the best interests of the child. In addition to taking into account the views of the headteacher who has statutory responsibility for the internal organisation, management and control of the school, the governing body will take into account the views of the parents and of appropriate medical and education professionals.

Summer Born Children The parents of a summer born child, i.e. a child born between 1 April and 31 August, may request that the child be admitted out of their normal age group, to the reception class in the September following their fifth birthday and that that the child will remain in this cohort as they progress through school.

Parents who want to make this request should make an application for their child’s normal age group at the usual time. The application to the local authority should include this request and in addition it should be made in writing to the headteacher of the school. The local authority will liaise with the governing body who will make

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its decision about the request based on the circumstances of each case and in the best interests of the child. In addition to taking into account the views of the headteacher, who has statutory responsibility for the internal organisation, management and control of the school, the governing body will take into account the views of the parents and of appropriate medical and education professionals.

Parents will be informed of the outcome of the request before primary national offer day.

If the request is agreed by the governing body, the application for the normal age group may be withdrawn before a place is offered. If the request is refused, the parent must decide whether to accept the offer of a place for the normal age group, or to refuse it and make an in year application for admission to year one for the September following the child’s fifth birthday.

Where a parent’s request is agreed, they must make a new application as part of the main admissions round the following year.

One admission authority cannot be required to honour a decision made by another admission authority on admission out of the normal age group. Parents, therefore, should consider whether to request admission out of the normal year group at all their preference schools, rather than just their first preference schools.

Waiting Lists In addition to their right of appeal, applicants will be offered the opportunity to be placed on a waiting list. This waiting list will be maintained in order of the oversubscription criteria set out below and not in the order in which applications are received or added to the list. Waiting lists for admission will operate throughout the school year. The waiting list will be held open until the last day of the summer term. Inclusion on the school’s waiting list does not mean that a place will eventually become available.

Infant Class Size RegulationsInfant classes may not, by law, contain more than 30 pupils with a single qualified teacher (subject to the provisions in the School Admissions Code for ‘excepted children’). Parents do have a right of appeal in accordance with the infant class size regulations if the school is oversubscribed and their child is refused a place.

In-Year Applications An application can be made for a place for a child at any time outside the admission round and the child will be admitted where there are available places. For information on making an in-year application, parents should contact the local authority, Education Support Service, Dryden Centre, Evistones Road, Low Fell, NE9 5UR on 0191 433 8589.

Where there are places available but more applications than places, the published oversubscription criteria will be applied.

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If there are no places available, a request can be made that the child is added to the waiting list (see above).

Right of Appeal Where a parent has been notified that a place is not available for a child, every effort will be made by the local authority to help the parent to find a place in a suitable alternative school. Parents who are refused a place have a statutory right of appeal. Further details of the appeals process are available by writing to the chair of governors at the school address.

Fair Access Protocol The school is committed to taking its fair share of children who are vulnerable and/or hard to place, as set out in locally agreed protocols. Accordingly, outside the normal admission round the governing body is empowered to give absolute priority to a child where admission is requested under any local protocol that has been agreed by the governing body for the current school year. The governing body has this power, even when admitting the child would mean exceeding the published admission number.

Nursery For children attending the school’s nursery, application to the reception class of the school should be made in the normal way, to the local authority. Attendance at the school’s nursery does not guarantee that a place will be offered at the school.

False EvidenceThe governing body reserves the right to withdraw the offer of a place where false evidence is received.

OVERSUBSCRIPTION CRITERIA Where there are more applications for places than the number of places available, places will be offered according to the following order of priority.

First priority in each category will be given to children who will have an older sibling attending the school in September 2018.

1. Looked after and previously looked after children (see notes 2&3)

2. Catholic children who are resident in the parish of St Oswald’s RC Church, Wrekenton (see note 4)

3. Other Catholic children (see note 4)

4. Catechumens and members of an Eastern Christian Church (see notes 5&6)

5. Children of other Christian denominations (see note 7)

6. Children of other faiths (see note 8)

7. Any other children

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Tie BreakerWhere there are places available for some, but not all applicants within a particular criterion priority will be given to children living closest to the school determined by the shortest distance. Distance will be measured as the crow flies in a straight line from the centre of the home residence to the main entrance of the school, (using the Local Authority’s computerised measuring system).

In the event of distances being the same for two or more children where this would determine the last place to be allocated, random allocation will be carried out in a public place and supervised by a person independent of the school.

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NOTES AND DEFINITIONS

1. An Education, Health and Care Plan is a plan made by the local authority under section 37 of the Children and Families Act 2014, specifying the special educational provision required for a child. A Statement of Special Educational Needs is a statement made by the local authority under section 324 of the Education Act 1996, specifying the special educational provision for a child.

2. A looked after child is a child who is (a) in the care of a local authority or (b) being provided with accommodation by a local authority in the exercise of their social services functions (see the definition in section 22 (1) of the Children Act 1989):

An adoption order is an order under section 46 of the Adoption and Children Act 2002.

A child arrangements order is an order outlining the arrangements as to the person with whom the child will live under the provisions of section 14 of the Children and Families Act 2014.

A special guardianship order is an order appointing one or more individuals to be a child’s special guardian or guardians.

3. A previously looked after child is a child who immediately moved on from that status after becoming subject to an adoption, child arrangement order or special guardianship order.

4. Catholic means a member of a Church in full communion with the See of Rome. This includes the Eastern Catholic Churches. This will be evidenced by a certificate of baptism in a Catholic Church or a certificate of reception into the full communion of the Catholic Church. Those who have difficulty obtaining written evidence of baptism or reception should contact their parish priest who, after consulting with the Diocese, will decide how the question of baptism or reception is to be resolved and how written evidence is to be produced in accordance with the law of the Church.

5. Catechumen means a member of the catechumenate of a Catholic Church and is a person who is receiving instruction in preparation for baptism. This must be evidenced by a certificate of reception into the order of catechumens.

6. Eastern Christian Church includes Orthodox Churches, and must be evidenced by a certificate of baptism or reception from the authorities of that Church. Those who have difficulty obtaining written evidence of baptism or reception should contact the Diocese who will decide how the question of

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baptism or reception is to be resolved and how written evidence is to be produced in accordance with the law of the Church.

7. Children of other Christian denominations means children who are members of a Church or religious community that practises Trinitarian baptism recognised by the Catholic Church. Applicants must provide a baptismal certificate or where child baptism is not practised, a letter confirming their church membership from their minister or faith leader.

8. Children of other faiths means children who are members of a religious community that does not fall within the definitions above. Applicants must provide a letter of support to confirm their faith membership from their minister or faith leader.

9. Home address is the primary parental address which will be used in applying the admission criteria. This means that, when stating the choice of school, the parental address at the time of application should be given. The address of childminders or other family members who may share in the care of the child must not be used as the home address. Documentary evidence may be requested.

10. Brother or sister means a child who lives as a brother or sister in the same house, including natural brothers or sisters, adopted brothers or sisters, stepbrothers or sisters, foster brothers or sisters, or the child of a parent’s partner where the child for whom the school place is sought is living in the same family unit at the same address as that sibling. It also includes natural brothers or sisters where the child for whom the school place is sought is not living in the same family unit at the same address as that sibling.

11. Parent means all natural parents, any person who is not a parent but has parental responsibility for the child, or who has care of the child (having care of a child means that the child lives with and is looked after by that person).

This policy should be read in conjunction with the local authority’s admission guidance for parents.

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SCHOOL DRESS

All children Reception to Y6 need:- Red polo shirt, bright red jumper, sweat-shirt or cardigan, grey skirt, pinafore or black/grey trousers. A red striped or checked dress (summer). Footwear will be plain black flat shoes. Socks or tights must be worn.

PE KIT: sandshoes without laces Plain black shorts, not cycling shorts, as these are dangerous on equipment white t-shirts Swimming costumes and towels will be needed in the juniors for swimming

lessons.

Jewellery and Headwear On health and safety grounds, we do not allow children to wear jewellery to school (except for a simple watch when they can tell the time).

HairstylesWe are proud of our smart uniform and the image that this presents within school and beyond the school community. The school’s expectations for hair styles are equally as high as they contribute to this positive image. Our school does not permit children to have haircuts that could serve as a distraction to other children. Hairstyles should be appropriate for school. Extreme hairstyles, including markings in hair, shaved heads, or hair colour are not permitted.

NailsNail varnish or gel/acrylic nails should not be worn for school.

Make-upMake up is not permitted in school.

SCHOOL MEALSFor children in KS2 dinner money should be brought in for on a Monday morning in a container/envelope with your child’s name on it. Children in Reception and KS1 are entitled to universal free meal every day. If you are in receipt of benefits please ensure you apply for benefit based free meals as this will help the school to get other funding. The forms can be obtained from the local rent office or call the Benefits Section at the Civic Centre on 0191 4333729.

CHARGES AND REMISSIONThere are a number of occasions when in order to fulfil the requirements of the National Curriculum teachers will want to take children on environmental visits, the school will not exclude children who have not made the voluntary contribution,

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however such visits would not be able to take place unless parents are willing to contribute to the cost.

CHILD PROTECTION/SAFEGUARDINGThe school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment.

SECURITYChildren are asked to arrive no earlier than 8.50a.m. Parents and children will wait in the front yard until the bell rings at 8.55am. No one should enter the school without first having received a visitor’s badge from the school office. Anyone doing so will be asked to leave or collect a visitor’s badge.

THE SCHOOL DAY

NurseryMonday 9.00am – 3.15pmTuesday 9.00am – 3.15pmWednesday 9.00am – 11.30am

ReceptionMorning session: 8.55am – 11.45amMorning break: 10:25am – 10:40amAfternoon session: 1.00pm – 3.15pm

Key Stage 1 and 2Morning session: 8.55a.m – 12 noonMorning break 10.25a.m – 10.40a.mAfternoon session 1.05p.m – 3.15p.m

Parents are advised that children should not be in the playground before 8.50a.m unless the children come to the Breakfast Club or Library Club.

BREAKFAST CLUBBreakfast Club is open from Monday to Friday and starts at 7.50am. Further details can be obtained from the school office – 4878641.

YEAR GROUPS 2017/2018Reception 23Year 1 29Year 2 28Year 3 28Year 4 25Year 5 28Year 6 22

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WHO WILL BE CARING FOR YOUR CHILD?The staff of St Oswald’s is made up of a number of professional people who are able to offer a variety of valuable expertise all of which contribute to the well-being and development of your child.

The teaching staff consists of a head teacher and nine other teachers. All teachers have responsibility for their own class in particular but also share responsibility for the ethos of the school. Every teacher has a curriculum area for which they are responsible, there are additional posts held by certain teachers.

We have 8 Level 3 teaching assistants, 6 of whom are assigned to children with specific needs and two HLTAs; they all hold appropriate first aid qualifications. All teaching assistants help the teachers with non-teaching duties, in particular those teachers involved with early years. The teaching assistants assist in a number of ways with the smooth running of the school. We also employ a PE apprentice, this person will work as a teaching assistant but will also have a lot of involvement in the PE provision within school.

There is an Administration Manager and an Administrative Assistant; these two people contribute greatly to the smooth running of the school and are responsible for administering medication to pupils. There are seven supervisory assistants who are responsible for the general supervision of the children during the lunch time session. There is a cook in charge of a number of kitchen staff; this team provide the school with nourishing, varied and appetising menus throughout the school year. The Site Manager is responsible for the cleanliness of the school yards and of designated school areas as well and Health and Safety; other areas are the responsibility of contract cleaners who work for the LA.

ILLNESS DURING THE DAYIf your child is ill during the school day, we will attempt to contact you immediately. It is important that we are left with at least one other contact number besides your own, so that we can make arrangements for your child’s care, with someone that both you and your child know and trust.

No child can be allowed home unaccompanied through the school day if they are ill. If you have arranged for someone else to collect your child, you must inform the school before hand so that we can be sure that your child is safe.

SCHOOL CURRICULUMAIMSTo ensure pupils receive their entitlement to a broad balanced and differentiated curriculum the school carries out its obligation to include in its curriculum all the requirements of the National Curriculum. This consists of core subjects. Maths, Science, English and ICT, plus six foundation subjects which are Geography, History, Art, PE, Design and Technology and Music. RE also a core subject has a special place on the school curriculum.

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PASTORAL CARE/CITIZENSHIPThis is an important aspect of our school life; our groups deal with issues such as bullying, relationships, staying safe, self-esteem and the environment throughout the school year.The healthy school and Healthy Teeth projects are being included/incorporated.

REThe school follows the ‘Come & See’ religious education programme. This programme recognises the importance of the links forged between school, home and church, in the context of prayer and worship, the scheme deals with a number of themes which have relevance to the way we express our Christianity in our day to day living. Mass/liturgies are celebrated most Friday mornings in individual classes during term time, parishioners and parents are welcome at these masses. The children are responsible for the organisation of their class mass. At the beginning of term and the end of term the whole school comes together to celebrate the liturgy of the Eucharist.

There are daily collective worships in classes and a collective worship gathering each week involving the whole school community. Also collective worship at the end of each Come & See unit as a celebration of the work they do.

For children preparing to make their First Holy Communion and confession a preparation scheme is used. This scheme involves the whole parish, the school and the home working together to support the child on his/her journey towards the most important of sacraments. First Holy Communion takes place in Year 4.

Governors are required to remind parents of their rights of withdrawal of their children from religious education. However parents are also reminded that the school exists to give a Catholic education to its pupils and therefore they are expected to be in sympathy with its aims.

The Wednesday Word leaflet is sent home on a weekly basis which details the Gospel for the forthcoming Sunday.

ENGLISHREADING:Reading must be viewed as one of the greatest skills given to human beings, therefore a careful nurturing of a love for books is paramount importance. It is important that children do not become alienated from the reading process by an anxiety about book levels or by a spirit of competition, children relax into reading, they learn to read firstly by recognising it to be a source of joy and information. Jolly Phonic and the Oxford Reading Tree scheme is used in the early years and Oxford Reading Tree are used through KS1 & KS2. There is a wealth of other texts including Kaleidoscope Books which are to be found in all the classrooms. Guided reading

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takes place every day, these sessions offer small groups of children the opportunity, within a supportive teaching framework, to explore unfamiliar but accessible texts.

Children take their reading book home daily and read at home, this is so they can be encouraged to enjoy the reading experience with their families. Some parents and governors support reading by hearing children read, in school, on a weekly basis.

SPEAKING AND LISTENINGThe development of good oral skills goes hand in hand with the development of self confidence. Children are given the opportunity to both speak and listen to other members of the school community.Children extend their language skills by having the opportunity to present and take part in school assemblies. It is through effective communication that human beings are able to solve problems and come to a deeper understanding of humanity therefore the skills is not under estimated in our approach to the curriculum.

WRITINGWriting is a process which takes many years to refine; it involves a vast range of skills which are acquired at different stages of development. The single most influential factor in acquiring writing skills is motivation. Children need to write for a purpose, for an attentive audience, they need to be given the opportunity to draft and re-draft their work so that the finished product is a reflection of the skills of good grammar, spelling and presentation.

English is an area of the curriculum which cross-connects with every other curriculum subject. There are times when certain grammatical skills will be taught separately but because of the very cross-curricular nature of language these are constantly being reinforced in a purposeful context.

We have at least one lessons per week focussing on extended writing, this is where the children use the skills they have been taught that week and in previous lessons.

MATHSMathematics is delivered using the statutory programme of study at Key Stage 1 and 2. Mathematics lends itself to both cross-curricular and single subject approach. Children are encouraged to see the existence of mathematical problems around them, so that the skills acquired in the classroom are put into practical use in a broader context.

SCIENCEScience is pursued throughout the primary school. It involves an element of practical investigation that children find compelling and exciting. Science is the development of such skills as detailed investigation, fair testing and accurate recording of data. Within a cross curricular context it provides many subjects with a practical dimension which gives children a sense of satisfaction in having discovered a little bit more

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about their world through direct observation and contact. We have achieved the Silver Primary Science Quality Mark Award, this will further raise the profile of Science in school. We will be carrying out home/school/family activities, as part of this we are hoping to develop an outdoor education area to enhance investigations and experiments.

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGYTechnology is an exciting and creative area of the curriculum and can be truly cross-curricular in nature. It entails a process of detailed planning, making or doing and then reviewing. Technology provides children with the opportunity to express their own limitless imaginations and create their own artefacts within an educational structure.

HISTORYFrom KS1 through to the end of KS2 our children are taught a wide range of periods in History. We use these to set some of our topics for our creative curriculum. Some of our topics include the Greeks, Romans, World War II and local history. There are numerous places for historical visits which offer the children a colourful and lively approach to history.Our own locality offers a wealth of historical experiences and opportunities including Beamish Open Air Museum, Bede’s World and Segedunum, Alnwick Castle etc.

GEOGRAPHYNot only does National Curriculum Geography look at the way in which the earth is structured, it provides the opportunity to look at and compare European and Third World countries. This can be linked with such concepts as trade and industry in a global context. Using maps, atlases and the internet we can compare various different geographical landscapes.

ARTNational Curriculum art provides children with the opportunity to look at the work of the world’s most gifted artists, it also allows for the use of a range of different materials. Children are encouraged to see the inspiration supplied by their own environment and express this in an artistic way.

MUSICSinging, appreciating music and music making are all features of music in school. We have to encourage children to recognise that they do not have to have an exceptional ability to be able to sing, make and enjoy music. In Year 3 and Year 4 whole class ukelele and recorder lessons take place weekly, as well as guitar tuition for those who choose it. Year 5 are taught how to compose music on our Ipads. PE AND SPORTING AIMS

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Physical education starts with physical confidence, a child needs to feel that whatever they undertake is within their capabilities and is safe to do. Physical education is about developing awareness in the child of the wonder of movement, grace, speed and skill. Education should exclude the negative aspects of sport.In St Oswald’s we aim to celebrate sport through sports day, fun events, dance and gymnastics displays and games skills. Sport is essentially an enjoyable activity from which children learn a multitude of skills which include many very important social skills. Sport facilities are a field, tarmac and hall.

The school is affiliated with the Gateshead SSCO and children, throughout both key stages, take part in a variety of sporting competitions and festivals throughout the year.

COMPUTINGComputing is a core subject of the curriculum with four aspects of study; finding out, developing ideas and making things happen, exchanging and sharing information, reviewing, modifying and evaluating work as it progresses. Children will develop the Computing skills as they work with a range of information, explore a variety of ICT tools and investigate and compare different uses of ICT. These will include word processing, data handling, assembling text and pictures, finding information using CD-ROMS, reference materials and the Internet, e-mail to share information. Computing will continue to make an important contribution to Literacy and Numeracy. We now have a purpose built ICT suite and a class set of Ipads.

MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGEAll children in KS2 have the opportunity to learn a foreign language. We have a specialist teacher who comes into school once a week and each class in KS2 receives 40 minutes tuition.There is access to MFL in the ICT suite via interactive games.

SEX EDUCATIONRelationships and sex education are taught throughout the school through our health topics. It is dealt with much more specifically in Year 6 to prepare our children for leaving and starting comprehensive school.

Parents have the right to remove their children from sex education except that part which forms part of the National Curriculum Science.

IDENTIFICATION OF NEEDSTeachers are constantly assessing and recording the work of their pupils and decisions regarding differentiation are based upon these observations. Classroom organisation and strategies will depend upon a whole range of associated factors, such as the age group of the children and the subject. The way in which the class teacher has elected to teach the content in a particular lesson will depend upon a variety of factors.

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SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDSAll class teachers differentiate work within the class so that children are given work adjusted to their ability; however, there are some children who will need extra help from HLTA or specialist input from the support services at the LA. After assessments, children who require extra support work in a group with Teaching Assistants on a daily basis.

The school has a Special Needs policy in line with the Code of Practice, this policy is available to any parent wishing to view this document. Our practice reflects all those requirements laid out in the Special Educational Needs code of practice.

DISABILITY PROVISIONThe governors of the school are committed to a policy of maximum inclusion of all children with special educational needs. There are access ramps into all areas of the school. We also have disabled toilets located on the KS2 corridor, the nursery and Reception classes. The steps leading into the building have been high-lighted to assist the visually impaired.Our accessibility plan is available in school.

GIFTED AND TALENTEDThe school has a policy for gifted and talented pupils.

HOMEWORKHomework set by the teacher can be for a number of reasons, including preparation and research at the library for topic work. Work not completed in class because a child has been inattentive may also be sent home and revision work is done at home in the upper juniors.Most of the formal academic work undertaken by Primary School children takes place in school, however, parents are asked to support the school if their children are requested to complete work at home.Teachers are not obliged to provide homework for children who are taken out of school for holidays.Reading books are sent home every night for the children to enjoy with their families, all children are provided with a reading record.

DISCIPLINEGood discipline should be reasonable and just, with clear rules which are understood by all. It should be administered with an understanding that each child is an individual and will respond to being treated as such. Discipline should eventually lead to self discipline in children, it is not a series of punishments to be handed out for various misdemeanours, it is gradual socialisation of a child into society which values and protects its children. If home and school support each other in this process, the child will recognise structure and security and a sharing of responsibility. If your child is experiencing difficulties then we will contact you and arrange a meeting where we will discuss ways in which we can solve the problem. Behaviour policy is available from the headteacher.

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EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIESThere are a number of activities available after school, these include Gymnastics (Autumn and Spring Terms), Summer Sports (Summer Term), Musical Theatre, Relaxing Colouring, Glee Club, Irish Dancing and Booster classes for Y6 also take place near the KS2 SATs.

ASSESSMENTAssessments are carried out routinely in school. They consist of continuous teacher assessment (daily/weekly) to inform teaching and planning – along with more formative assessments at the end of units or at the end of the term.

PARENTAL COMMUNICATIONRegular monthly newsletters are posted on the school website. Marvellous Me is used to send positive notifications to parents on a daily basis.Parents are invited to two open nights per year. Reception ‘Stay and Play’ session each Wednesday morning from 9.00am – 10.00am.Three open mornings take place (one per term) for Maths and English and one other subject (to be agreed on by teacher and pupils) Year 1 – Year 6 parents.Our website www.stoswaldsrcprimary.org is updated regularly.Parents are invited to complete a parental questionnaire once per year.

COMPLAINTS PROCEDUREThe complaints procedure is intended to deal with curriculum and general related matters and is a 4 stage process, although it is not expected that the 4 stages will be required. The four stages are as follows.

Stage 1 Concerns raised by parents should be discussed with those directly concerned with the issue i.e. the teacher and/or the headteacher

Stage 2 If the matter is not fully resolved it may be referred to the governing body in writing (or a sub group of the governing body) for their consideration

Stage 3 If the complainant is still dissatisfied then the matter will be referred to the LEA designated officer who will refer the matter finally to a panel of LEA members

Stage 4 In the final instance the complaint will be referred to the Secretary of State for her/his consideration

DOCUMENTATIONStatutory instruments can be reviewed at parental request but are also available to view on the school website www.stoswaldsrcprimary.org

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ATTENDANCEBelow are percentages of authorised and unauthorised absences for academic year from September 2016 – June 2017

Attendance 95.8%Authorised absence 2.74%Unauthorised absence 1.38%

CURRICULUM REGULATIONSParents have a right to view copies of the LA’s statement setting out their policy on the curriculum. Documents can be obtained from the Dryden Professional Development Centre, Evistones Road, Gateshead NE9 5UR Telephone Number 0191 4338500.

SATs REGULATIONSThe number of children in the final year of KS1 was 28 and in KS2 there were 23 children. The results are attached to this document.

CATHOLIC SECONDARY EDUCATIONOur local Catholic Secondary School is Cardinal Hume, Secondary School, Wrekenton. The children leaving St Oswald’s are expected to attend the local Catholic Comprehensive School recommended by the Diocesan School Commission.

Please noteInformation in this document covers 2016/2017 academic year. Whilst every attempt has been made to give accurate information some changes may occur.

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2017 / 2018 HOLIDAYS AND TERM DATES

TERMS SCHOOL OPENS SCHOOL CLOSES

Autumn Monday 4th September 2017 Friday 22nd Dec 2017Spring Monday 8th January 2018 Thursday 29th March 2018Summer Monday 16th April 2018 Friday 20th July 2018

HALF TERM HOLIDAYS (SCHOOL CLOSED)

Autumn Monday 23rd October 17 Friday 27th Oct 17Spring Monday 12th Feb 18 Friday 16th Feb 18Summer Monday 28th May 18 Friday 1st June 18

INSET/ PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DAYS – PUPILS ON HOLIDAY (Subject to change)

Autumn Monday 4th September 2017Spring Monday 8th January 2018Spring Monday 12th February 2018

Tuesday 13th February 2018

BANK HOLIDAYS/OCCASIONAL DAYS

Friday 8th December 2017 – Occasional DayFriday 30th March 2018 – Good FridayMonday 2nd April 2018 – Easter MondayMonday 7th May 2018 – May DayMonday 28th May 2018 – Spring Bank Holiday

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SCHOOL RESULTS

Year 2 - SATs

This table show the number of eligible year 2 children achieving each level in the school in 2017.

The number of children in year 2 = 28

Teacher Assessment – Year 2 2017Number of children at each levelPKF WTS EXS GDS %

achieved

Reading 1 5 14 8 79%Writing 1 8 15 4 68%Mathematics 1 6 15 6 75%

PKF – Foundations for the expected standardWTS – Working towards the expected standardEXS – Working at the expected standardGDS – Working at greater depth within the expected standard

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Year 6 SATs and Teacher Assessments

These tables show the percentage of eligible year 6 children achieving each level in the school in 2017.

The number of children in year 6 = 23

Figures may not total 100 per cent because of rounding

Teacher AssessmentPercentage at each level

HNM EXS+ GDSReading 13% 87%Writing 13% (WTS) 87% 13%Mathematics 17% 83%Science 4% 96%

TEST RESULTSPercentage at each level

Standard Not Met Standard AchievedSPAG 22% 78%Reading 30% 70%Writing 13% 87%Mathematics 22% 78%

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