Aims and Introduction	Admissions	The Governors	Staff
Home School Liaison	School Organisation	The School Day	Educational Aims
Teaching Styles	The Curriculum	Collective Worship	School Uniform
Lunch Arrangements	Absences and Illness	Car Parking	Behaviour and Discipline Policy
Ethos Statement	The Parent Teacher Association	Assessment and Reporting Procedures	Extra Curricular Activities
Healthy Eating	Toys and Personal Possessions	Homework	Disabilities - Pupils
Staff Development	Security	Sex Education Policy	Charging Policy
Legal Matters	Term Dates	Contacts and Support Agencies

• We welcome both you and your child to Silsoe V.C. Lower School.
• Here at Silsoe we aim to help each child to acquire knowledge, skills and attitudes that will enable him or her to live a full, useful and happy life. The child's first experience of school should be as happy and secure as possible and one which gives the child confidence in his or her ability. We endeavour to help the child towards independence and self sufficiency so that he or she may reach their full potential. A socially acceptable code of hehaviour which has regard to the needs of others is encouraged, at all times.
• We hope that the information contained in this web-page will answer most of your queries, but if you have any specific concerns about your child, please do not hesitate to contact the school on 01525 860247. Although the information on this web-site is accurate at the time of publishing, (June 2003), it may be subject to minor changes.
• Copies of dcuments to be made available under the Education (School Curriculum and Related Information) Regulations 1989, are available on request at the school.
• The staff at Silsoe hope that you feel able to come into school at any time to discuss problems or help with activities. We value the close relationship built up between parents and the school for the benefit of the children.

• Recognising its historical foundation, the school will preserve and develop its religious character in partnership with the Church of England at parish and diocesan level.
• The school aims to serve the whole community by providing an education of the highest quality. It aims to promote Christian values and respect for differing values and cultural diversity through the experiences it offers its pupils.

• The Local Education Authority require that the admissions criteria for entry into school are clearly stated and are easy to interpret, promote equal opportunity and that all criteria should be positive statements of eligibility for admission.

• Silsoe V.C. Lower School will endeavour to make every effort to identify prospective pupil to enable more effective forward planning. Parents are encouraged to register thier children as early as possible. However, the length of time that a child's name has been on the waiting list is not part of the admission criteria for entry into school, if the school is over-sbscribed (prohibited under DfES regulations.)

• Silsoe VC Lower School will admit 4 years old pupils in the September after their fourth birthday.
• For those children who will be 5 in the Autumn Term this will be on a fulltime basis.
• For those children whose birthday is in the Spring Term this will be sessional (mornings only) until after the half term break when these children will also be offered fulltime places.
• For those children whose birhtday is in the Summer Term this will also be on a sessional basis (afternoons only) until the half term when they will transfer to mornings only. These children will be offered fulltime places with the commencement of the Spring Term.
• With the commencement of the Spring Term all pupils will be offered fulltime places.
• The school will admit pupils from its catchment are if parents choose to accept the place that has been offered to them. However, parents from outside the catchment area must apply to the LEA for a place. In determining the admission of those pupils, the LEA will need to consider the total number of pupils due to be admitted, and therfore, parents are encouraged to register their children as early as possible.

• The school will admit pupils up to its standard number.

• Once all the catchment children have accepted places offered to them, consideration will then be given to out of catchment children using the following criteria:
•     Medical Reasons
•     Current Sibling
•     Currently attending Silsoe Pre-School
•     Distance from Silsoe Lower School

• It is the policy of Silsoe V.C. Lower School to integrate children with Special Needs into mainstream educational provision, whenever possible. This is reflected in the school's admission arrangements.
• Consideration of applications identified as 'in need' will be made by the Headteacher, Chair and Vice Chair of the Governing Body.

• The duties and functions of Governors are defined in the instrument and articles of government for schools.
• They are nominated or elected representatives of the community who are responsible for the management of the school.
• The Governing Body meets once each term. An annual meeting of parents and governors is held in the summer term. A copy of the agenda and minutes of the last meeting are available for parents to read.

• The Annual General Meeting of the PTA is held each year in the Autumn Term.
• We greatly value the support they give to school and hope that new parents will become involved in the events organised by them.
• For further details please contact Mrs Ellingham via the school.

• The staff of the school actively encourage the development of a true partnership between themselves and parents. It is the policy of the school to inform and consult with parents about all issues concerning the behaviour or academic performance of each child. Formal consultation evenings are held twice a year but the Headteacher may propose less formal meetings whenever the need arises.
• The wider issues linked to whole school curriculum provision or major school development are addressed through regular newsletters and information evenings.
• Parents who are concerned about any aspect of school life should call in to discuss the matter. If staff are not immediately available an appointment can be made.
• Please discuss matters with us - we welcome your views.

School Organisation

• Silsoe Church of England Voluntary Controlled Lower School is a co-educational primary school for children from 4 to 9 years.
• The school offers 5 modern, well equipped and resources teaching areas. The children benefit from a large well equipped hall which is used daily for assembly and PE. We have recently transformed our TV room into a multi-media facility enabling all pupils access to modern ICT equipment.
• In addition, the school, in partnership with Silsoe Pre-School has purchased a temporary classroom which is home to our Before and After School Care Club as well as the Pre-School.
• There are 130 pupils on the school roll.
• The children are organised into five teaching groups as follows :

• After school activities usually end at 4.15pm.
• The total teaching time for Acorn / Willow / Maple Class is 22 hours 30 minutes and for Palm and Oak Class is 23 hours 45 minutes.

Educational Aims

• Offering relevant first hand experience as a springboard to learning.
• Offering breadth and balance in the curriculum as outlined in the National Curriculum Programmes of Study.
• Ensuring that all the adults in the school have high expectations of children's work and behaviour.
• Continuous monitoring of standards of attainment of both the individual and the group. The highest standards are expected at all times.
• Fostering each child's ability to work both independently as as part of a team.
• Encouraging positive and tolerant attitudes towards others both in school and in the community.
• Encouraging children to take increasing responsibility for their own work and behaviour.
• Working with parents for the benefit of the child.

 

Teaching Styles

• Teaching methods vary depending upon the activity being undertaken. Individual, group and class teaching will be used throughout the school. For example, some aspects of Mathematics will be taught as class lessons, others which involve practical work of computation will be taught to smaller groups or individuals.

• The 1988 Education Reform Act introduced the National Curriculum which all our children follow. A new revised National Curriculum was established in 2000 which provides the core on which our schemes of work are based.
• The Act identifies 4 Key Stages of compulsory schooling. Prior to starting school children are said to be in the Foundation Stage. This stage is completed during the child's first year at school.
• Children in year 1 and 2 are working at Key Stage 1, children in years 3 and 4 are beginning Key Stage 2 which will be continued at Middle School.
• The National Curriculum Core Subjects are English, Maths and Science. The foundation subjects are Technology, Geography, History, Music, Art and Design, PE and ICT. In addition the school follows the Bedfordshire Agreed Syllabus for RE.
• Each subject has a number of Attainment Targets. Each Attainment Target has 10 levels of achievement. The following levels are taught at each Key Stage :
• Key Stage 1    Levels 1 - 3
• Key Stage 2    Levels 2 - 6
• Children move onto the next level when they are ready to do so, whatever their age.
• Many of the curriculum areas will overlap because they are taught in an integrated way often through topics. We believe that children learn most effectively when they are being appropriately challenged and are able to enjoy their work. Emphasis is placed on matching the work to the individual's ability.

English

• High priority is given to speaking, listening, reading and writing skills throughout the school. The school follows and endorses the National Literacy Strategy ensuring that a daily lesson takes place for all classes. The Ginn 360 Reading Scheme provides a core which is supplemented by a wide variety of colour-coded books, both fiction and non-fiction. Children are encouraged always to seek meaning in the text and to understand through a range of apporaches how language works. Reading and writing are closely linked, with attention being aid to the development of legible handwriting and a sound understanding of the basic spelling patterns.
• The school uses a structured spelling programme and the children will regularly bring home spelling lists to learn as they progress through the school.
• Children are encouraged to write for a variety of purposes and differing audiences.
• They will listen to a wide range of stories and gain experience of poetry and drama.
• The school is fortunate to have a well stocked library which is used during the school day, and also a lending library for home reading.

• The school implements a daily Numeracy lesson throughout the school which provides a core of mathematical experience which is underpinned by much practical and mental work. Topic work, investigative activities and problem solving exercies provide opportunites for children to apply their mathematical knowledge in real contexts in order to deepen thier understanding and their thinking. Children are encouraged to apply their mathematical understanding, often in homework activities working with their parents.

• We follow the National Curriculum Programmes of Study, thus ensuring that each child has a wide range of experience, based on practical first hand activities.
• We aim to promote a Scientific apporach to problem solving, encouraging children to pose and answer their own questions and to communicate and record their findings in a variety of ways.
• The developing school environment provides the opportunity for valuable fieldwork, which greatly enhances classroom work.

• Children are encouraged to develop an understanding of the importance of planning as well as finishing products. Skills required for different materials are introduced.

• All pupils study History as outlined in the National Curriculum. Pupils are introduced to History starting from their own experience and building to an understanding of change and continuity within their locality, their country and other parts of the world.
• They develop an understanding of how the past is different from the present. They use an inquiring approach as they begin to use different sources of information ranging from fieldwork and information technology to investigate past events, peoples and cultures.

• All pupils study Geography as outlined in the National Curriculum. They start from the school and its immediate environment and progress to study their locality, and contrasting localities in the UK and the wider world. Pupils find out about the environment and the people who live there. There is a strong emphasis on fieldwork and pupils carry out geographical enquiry inside and outside the classroom. They are taught to use geographical skills and resources such as maps, atlases, aerial photographs and information and communication technology.

• Computers are in use throughout the school and are used as well established tools to enhance learning across the whole curriculum. Children are encouraged to develop an understanding of the importance and applications of I.T. in the world around them.
• Children are introduced to the Internet under adult supervision, visiting websites designed to enhance the curriculum.

• All strands of PE (games, dance, swimming etc) are taught in 6 week blocks. Children are encouraged to improve personal performance as well as work as part of a team.

• It is the policy of this school to provide a wide range of artistic experience to pupils of all ages. In addition to normal instruction in the arts the children will have opportunities to see live dramatic productions, listen to performances from musical ensembles, hear poetry readings and participae in a range of traditional seasonal activities such as Maypole Dancing.

• Music of all kinds is listened to and frequently commented on. Children learn to sing songs and compose simple rhythms. The music curriculum is enriched further by visiting musicians and theatre groups.

• In accordance with the 1988 Education Act Silsoe Lower School provides R.E. for all pupils. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from R.E. We use the Bedfordshire locally agreed syllabus for the teaching of R.E. which offers our pupils a general education in religion. This helps them to understand their own position and appreciate and value the views, culture and traditions of others.

• Silsoe was originally founded as a Church of England school but now has Voluntary Controlled (V.C.) status. This means that whilst the religious character of the school remain Church of England, the education provision and daily management issues are now the responsibility of the Governing Body and LEA.

• The government has identified 5 major cross-curricular themes:

• These themes recur throughout the curriculum, and form the basis of many of our assemblies.

• The 1988 Education Reform Act states that a daily act of collective worship of a broadly Christian nature must take place. Assembly is structured in such a way as to include a hymn and a prayer / quiet time to allow opportunity for reflection.
• Assembly themes are chosen to make a link between the children's lives and spiritual truths.
• The children are offered clear guidance on social and moral issues. Parents have the right to withdraw children from Collective Worship. In such instances, their reason for withdrawal should be submitted to the Headteacher in writing, from which time the child / children will be supervised in the library for a period of quiet contemplation.

Reverend Holroyd leads assemblies on alternate Monday mornings and we encourage visitors to lead assemblies giving the children broad, balanced experiences. Assessment and Reporting Procedures

Continuous assessment is carried out by the teachers and this is standardised within the school through the use of agreen assessment activities. National Standard Assessment Tasks (SATs) are undertaken by children in Year 2, and national end of year tests are used at the end of Years 3 and 4.

• A Consultation Evening will be held each Autumn and Spring Term, to give parents the opportunity to discuss their child's progress with the teacher.
• During the course of the Summer Term all pupils with be issued with an annual school report identifying areas of achievement and future targets. In addition an interim report is issued during the Spring Term.

School Uniform

• The wearing of a school uniform is encouraged at Silsoe School. School colours are grey and maroon and most items can be purchased from departmental stores. However, a local shop, Kick Off Sports, 46 High Street, Flitwick, stocks all our uniform and sports requirements. Silsoe School ties are available from school. School sweatshirts are available from the PTA as alternatives to cardigans and jumpers. Trainers should not be worn as general school footwear.

• As all cloakroom areas are small, large sports bags cannot be accommodated and we therefore ask that all children be provided with a named draw-string bag for their PE clothing.
• Track suits may be worn for outdoor activities in the winter months.
• Please make sure that every item of clothing is clearly marked.
• Named items are never lost !

• School meals cost £1.30 per day. Dinner money can be paid in advance each week, half term or each term. Money should be sent in a clearly labelled envelope and cheques should be made payable to Compass Services Limited. If you think your child is eligible to free school meals please contact Mrs Kerr in the school office.
• Packed lunches may be brought into school. Drinks should be either in cartons or flasks. Lunch boxes should be compact and clearly names.
• Children may  go home for lunch. Advance notice of 1 week of any changes to your child's lunchtime arrangement would be appreciated.
• The school has bought a number of outdoor games which are reserved for use at lunchtime play. In addition a relatively high level of supervision is maintained with five midday supervisors on duty in the playground. These measures have been established in an effort to ensure positive patterns of behaviour throughout the lunchtime period.

• A number of additional activities are organised by parents and staff at lunchtimes and after school. In most cases these activities are provided for the older children only.
• The school is indebted to parents and staff who give their time so freely.
• Clubs currently available are as follows:

• If your child is not able to attend school due to illness you should contact school as soon as possible either by telephone or letter. If medicine needs to be administered in school parents must sign an Indemnity Form available from the office.
• Steady progress in school depends upon maintaining a routine and we hope parents will support us by keeping disruptions in attendance to a minimum. However, if you need to take a family holiday during term time you must apply to the school for an authorisation of absence. A holiday form is available for this purpose from the main office. It should be noted that the school is not able to authorise more that two weeks of absence per year for this purpose, or more than one period of holiday even when the total time is less than two weeks.

• If your child becomes ill at school every effort will be made to contact you. For this reason it is essential that addresses and telephone numbers of yourself and a neighbour, who could be contacted in an emergency, are kept up to date.
• Bedfordshire County Council has published the following information which may be of use to you.

• At school we encourage healthy eating.
• Some children may require mid morning snacks. A piece of fruit should be sufficient. Sweets, chocolate and chewing gum should not be brought into school.

• Children should not bring toys to school, except if they are to be part of classroom work. Distress is often caused if items are lost or damaged.
• For reasons of safety we ask that children do not wear jewellery to school. If a child has pierced ears small studs may be worn, but these should be removed prior to the commencement of P.E. lessons for reasons of safety. The school cannot accept responsibility for any loss or damamge to any form of jewellery including watches, that are brought into school.

• In compliance with our philosophy of working in partnership with parents, children are expected to complete homework tasks. Children will be given tasks in Literacy and Numeracy to compliment their lessons. These activities are intended to be fun, encouraging parents to be involved in the tasks set.
• We would encourage all children to read at home on a dialy basis. Home /  School commentary can be carried on between the parent and the teacher through the child's reading record.
• Occasionally children may be asked to complete a piece of unfinished work at home, or collect information for use in lessons.
• From the age of 7 years children are often asked to take home spellings or tables to learn.

• You will appreciate that careless parking near a school can endanger children and cause great inconvenience to local residents. Please help us to keep the children safe by parking away from the yellow zig-zag lines and by not parking opposite the school entrance. Unfortunately, it is not possible for parents to bring their cars on to school premises.
• Please do not block the driveways of nearby houses.
• Your co-operation in this matter is appreciated.

• All entrances in the main building have ramped access for wheelchairs. The school is also equipped with toilet facilities fo pupils for use a wheelchair.

• Staff Development is an essential part of the life of the school. All staff are involved in regular appraisal mettings, which together with the School Development Plan identify future training needs. Teachers and learning support staff, will, from time to time, be required to attend training courses during term time.
• During the course of the year the school will be closed on a number of days for whole school training. Advance notice will be given to parents of when these training days will occur.
• Weekly staff meetings are held and are used to develop a whole school agreement of the teaching strategies used in individual subjects.
• All staff attend county courses, cluster group courses and liason meetings with middle schools. Full use is made of the County Advisory Service.

• Following a security audit carried out by consultants from County Hall, the school has established a number of procedures designed to promote the safety of the pupils
• Front and rear entrances will be locked during unsupervised periods.
• Intruder and entrance alarms are fitted.
• The temporary classroom is fitted with a 'panic' button.
• All visitors must sign in and wear and visitors badge.

• We aim to encourage children to develop self discipline by taking increasing responsibility for their own actions. We use every day incidents to promote and extend each child's responsibility towards other people and property.
• Courtesy and politeness are expected at all times. When the need arises children are reminded of their responsibilities and issues are discussed. Children are 'talked through' acceptable solutions to their problems.
• The school's policy in full with practical implications, is available from the Headteacher.

• We would like to bring to your attention to the following Standard Statement

• Where a pupil in injured or their personal property damaged by an accident caused by the County Council, its employees or any volunatry helper, a legal claim for damages can be made against the County Council. The County Council has insurance cover to meet such proven claims.
• If the accident was not caused by the County Council, its employees or voluntary helpers, then they cannot be compensated by the County Council. You may, however, be able to make a claim on a third party such as a motorist if involved in the accident.
• The County Council does not provide Personal Accident Insurance Cover to pupils (except those attending the Blue Peris Mountain Centre) and you may wish to consider providing Personal Accident Cover for your child. If you do so the school will have the details of a scheme recommended by the National Federation of Parent - Teacher Associations. Cover can also be provided by insurance companies.
• If you child is goin on a school trip or outing then the above advise is the same but the school may have provided additional insurance cover for accidents and perhaps loss of luggage or money. The school will advise you in detail of the cover provided and if you are not satified you can provide additional cover for your child.
• Any parents using their own transport to carry pupils to and from school activities must be covered by FULLY COMPREHENSIVE INSURANCE COVER. They should sign a form at school before carrying children.

• Tuesday 3rd September 2002 - Wednesday 18th December 2002
• (Half Term Week Commencing 21st October 2002)

• Monday 6th January 2003 - Friday 4th April 2003
• (Half Term Week Commencing 17th February)

• Wednesday 23rd April 2003 - Wednesday 23rd July 2003
• (Half Term Week Commencing 26th May 2003)

• May Bank Holiday - Monday 5th May 2003

• Silsoe Lower School seeks to provide its pupils with a full range of first range of first hand experiences. From time to time therefore parents will be asked to make voluntary contributions to the cost of these activities. However, no child will be excluded on the basis of failing to contribute.

• We believe that it is important to support a child's growing awareness of growth and gender in a frank and honest fashion, but that information should be given in relevant situations, and within the context of family relationships.
• Most of the tuition provided will be as part of termly topics, and as such will be one aspect of the wide range of related subjects drawn upon to extend skills and knowledge.
• The list below identifies the progression teaching over the four year period covered by lower schools.


Key Stage One (5 to 7 years)
 

Topic - Beginnings . . .	Plants and Seeds Baby Animals External Body Parts (head, body, leg, arm finger, toe, eye, nose, mouth, elbow knee) Male / Female Animals
Topic - Families . . .	Relationships External Body Parts
Topic - Changes . . .	Growth (baby to old age) Personal Time Line Life Cycles
Topic - Our World . . .	Pets Classification / Mammals etc

Key Stage Two (7 to 9 years)
 

Topic - People . . .	Growth of all living things Changes as we age
Topic - Our World	Life Cycles
Topic - Houses, Home . . .	Family Life and Places of Worship

Complaints Procedure

If the matter cannot be resolved with the classteacher:
 

Stage One	Discuss the complaint with the Headteacher If you are still dissatisfied
Stage Two	Formal referral, in writing to the Governors If the complaint has still not been resolved
Stage Three	Formal referral in writing to the LEA

We hope that the partnership built up between us will enable us to resolve worries and problems at a very early stage in the procedure.
Please come and tell us of your concerns as early as possible, however trivial they may seem.

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