WHITEHILL PRIMARY SCHOOL
HEATON NORRIS,
SK4 1PB.
TEL 0161 480 2142
FAX 0161 612 8980
Welcome to our school………
Dear Parents/Carers,
On behalf of all the staff and governors I would like to welcome you to Whitehill.
Our school is a happy and friendly school, where everyone is valued and encouraged to reach their potential. We create an atmosphere which encourages self confidence and independent learners.
Our school expects high standards of behaviour and attitude to work. We know that as parents you will share our expectations and give your full support.
Partnership with parents is essential, it enables us to achieve the best for your child. At Whitehill we look forward to a happy and successful relationship with you. You are welcome to come into school and discuss any concerns and to celebrate achievements .We want you to take an active role in the education of your child.
I hope you find this brochure informative and helpful.
If you have any concerns or questions please remember we are here to help.
Yours Sincerely
Miss Connell
Headteacher.
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We are a caring and happy school that believes everyone should be valued as an individual. We provide high quality education, promoting independent learning and an enquiring mind.
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Our last inspection was in June 2011. We received a very positive report.
Copies of the report are available in school and can also be found on the Ofsted website.
The inspectors noted that
v Whitehill is a highly inclusive school which values each individual equally.
v Pupils are courteous, inquisitive and welcoming to visitors.
v Adults are very good role models, who have high expectations of pupils.
v Pupils personal development is well supported by the curriculum, which helps promote enjoyment by providing a wide range of enrichment activities.
v Parents are very supportive of the school.
WHO WE ARE ……………
TEACHING STAFF
Headteacher Miss J Connell
Foundation Miss L Diggle
Stage Mrs D Cooper
Year One Miss Howie Miss Laurie
Year Two Miss P Ttikkirou
Year Three Mr A Grinsted
Year Four Mr W Roffey (Deputy Head)
Year Five Mrs L Stevens
Year Six Miss L Grant
0.5 Teacher Mrs E Gregg
0.5 ECAR teacher Mrs H Parks
Admin Officer Mrs C Munton
Clerical assistant Mrs E Scrimgeour
TEACHING ASSISTANTS
Foundation Mrs J Preston
Mrs R Farrell
Mrs P Hazelhurst
Year 1 Mrs C Kelly
Mrs W Brightmore
Year 2 Miss L Hickey
Year 3 Mrs E Boyle/Mrs Kingsford
Year 4 Mrs R Kelly
Year 5 Mrs S Dyer
Year 6 Miss S Stevens
MIDDAY ASSISTANTS
Mrs Tress Mrs Slack Mrs Marks
Mrs Parkins Mrs Shaw Mrs Manners
Miss Horbury Ms Millington Miss Riley
Breakfast club Mrs Parkins
Site Manager Mr G Mahon
Cleaners Mrs Donlan / Mrs Tress
GOVERNORS
Chair Mrs J Wells
Governors Ms C Morris (Vice chair)
Mr G Finch
Miss Hogan
Mrs Hargreaves
Mr J Thompson
Mr D Gibson
LA Councillor T Grundy
Mr Meadows
Teacher Mrs L Stevens
Teaching Assistant Mrs C Kelly
Clerk Mrs P Dunham
VISITING PROFESSIONALS
Learning Support Teachers Mrs M Upton
Education Adviser Mrs J Yates
Educational Psychologist Mr M Powell
Education Welfare Officer Ms A Quinn
School Nurse Mr A Daniel
INTRODUCTION
Whitehill is a Co-educational, County Primary School for 4-11 with a nursery class 3-4 years. Our admission number is 31, which means that we can admit 31 children into our Reception class, each September.
We have a 40 place Nursery and take 20 children in the morning and 20 children in the afternoon. We have a foundation unit which means all the nursery and reception children are together with two teachers and three nursery nurses. There is a separate entrance for our nursery, it has its own fenced secure garden and play area. The nursery children use the school hall and are very much a part of the rest of school. The nursery and reception staff work very closely together with their planning and activities. It is known as the Foundation Stage.
The school opened in 1968 it has a foundation stage unit, six classrooms, a hall (which is used for assemblies, dining, PE/drama/dance lessons) Kitchen and Head teachers room and an office.The blue room is used for small groups of children and one to one work. It also has a computer. We have a library in the entrance of school. Each classroom is self contained with a joining toilets and cloakroom areas.
The school has extensive grounds, which are used for sporting activities. A wildlife area and a tyre park also a team challenge area. We also have a large enclosed playground. Pedestrian access to the school is from
The school has an experienced teaching staff, we also have a large number of Teaching Assistants who work alongside the teachers in the classrooms.
In our school we aim to create and provide;
- A happy and caring atmosphere
- A well organised and aesthetically pleasing environment.
- A well balanced education for every child (engendering of positive attitudes, self reliance, perserverance and an enquiring mind.)
- Good standards thatare realistic, yet demanding. The aim will be to achieve a good match between a child’s potential and performance.
- A broad and balance curriculum so that the children can achieve their potential in all areas of the curriculum. (Maths, Literacy, Science, ICT, also art music drama sport)
- A caring atmosphere will be fostered, self discipline, thoughtfulness, good manners, tolerance and respect for others in the community. These will be encouraged at all times.
- Close links between home and school.
- After school activities.
WHITEHILL PRIMARY SCHOOL-ADMISSION AND PRIORITY AREA.
You are invited to contact the school secretary so we can arrange a time when you can visit the school. You can then see “the school at work “ and ask any questions with the Headteacher.
Stockport L.A. has an admissions policy based on the school’s priority area which include the streets indicated below. (Please also look at the map on the following page) The admissions limit to our Reception class is 31.
Bourne Street
Bourneville Avenue Newark Road odd numbers
Bury Street Oaken Grove
Coronation Street
Frobisher Place The Ferns
Glaswen Grove The Parklands
Hilda Grove
Admissions from children living outside the priority are always welcome- in fact we have a considerable number of children who attend school who live outside the area. However, if the demand for places exceeds our admission limit, children from the priority area are offered places first and then selection is made on a sibling and geographical basis (i.e. distance from home to school.) Children who are four years old before the 31st August will begin in the September. Everyone who has applied will receive a letter from the school. If you are not offered a place you can appeal to the Town hall and details of how to proceed are outlined in the letter you receive. During the term before your child starts, we will contact you to arrange various visits to school and meetings, which will equip you with information and allow you time to get to know the school. We look forward to meeting you and beginning a close parent/school relationship.
NURSERY CLASS
Our Nursery class has a different admission procedure from school. Children who are three years old before the 31st August will start nursery in the September. Admission arrangements for our nursery are controlled by Stockport L.A. and booklets explaining this, together with application forms are available from our office Children are admitted once in September and Easter and attend for twelve months (morning or afternoon) prior to entering school. We have forty part time places in the nursery. Twenty children in the morning and twenty children in the afternoon. If you wish to visit our nursery, please contact the school.
SCHOOL GOVERNING BODY
We have photographs and names of all the Governors in our entrance hall. The Parent governors are likely to be your first point of contact and will be happy to discuss any aspects of school life and organisation with you. They will, if necessary, also raise any issues which concern parents at the actual Governing body meetings. These are held once a term and are attended by Governors who represent parents, teaching and support staff, the LA and the wider school community.
The Governing body is a vital working part of the school structure, where all aspects of school life is discussed and policy decisions are made. The Governing body has agreed that apart from confidential items, that meetings will be “open” so that parents may, if they wish attend these termly meetings but only your representative can speak on your behalf. The minutes of these meetings are always available in the entrance hall. If you require any other information regarding the Governing body, please contact the Headteacher .
THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM
Whitehill’s school curriculum provides opportunities for all the children to learn and achieve. Regular information is sent out to parents about the work the children will be doing that term in school.
The focus of the National Curriculum is to ensure the child develops from an early age the essential literacy and numeracy skills they need to learn; to provide them with a guaranteed, full and rounded entitlement to learning.
The core subjects are English, Maths Science The Foundation subjects are ICT , History Geography Design/technology, PE, Music and Art.
Religious and Moral Education is taught within the frame work of the syllabus agreed by the Education Division and develops the generally accepted Christian attitudes to life and behaviour.
The hours spent on teaching during the normal school week including Religious Education but excluding the daily act of worship, registration, lunchtimes and playtimes are;
Infants (Early years and KS1) 22 hours 30 minutes
Juniors (KS2) 23 hours 30 minutes
Sex and relationships Education
In principle the Governors agreed that sex education should be taught .It takes place within a broad health education programme. A policy is available on request. For younger children for example it takes place within work on animals and their young. A more formal approach is included in the work of key stage two .The more formal sex education in the upper key stages are done sensitively and parents are informed of these sessions and permission is sought prior to the children participating.
Nursery and Reception children’s learning is based on early learning goals. They are organised into six areas of learning;
Personal, social and emotional development
Language and Literacy
Problem solving, reasoning and numeracy
Knowledge and understanding of the world
Physical development
Creative development.
When they are at the Foundation Stage All the children will experience a range of teaching and learning styles in a range of learning environments.
First hand experience is offered where possible and during a school year children will go out on visits. We also have theatre and drama groups to visit school to bring new experiences to the children.
DAILY ACT OF WORSHIP (ASSEMBLY)
An assembly is held each day in which all the children are involved.
We have a “Praise Assembly” each Monday where parents are invited to join us. Each week we celebrate good work, attitudes or manners. The children involved receive a certificate.
The Christian Festivals are recognised (Harvest Christmas Easter.) The assemblies are broadly Christian and non-denominational. The children are encouraged to be aware that we do live in a multicultural society.
We have visitors to school from the local church and also charities who talk about caring and tolerance for others.
We have class Assemblies in the Summer Term.
Parents are invited to celebrate their child’s involvement.
Each week we also have a Birthday Assembly again parents are welcome to join us.
Parents have the right under the Education Reform Act to withdraw their children from the daily act of worship and Religious Education.
ASSESSMENT AND TARGET SETTING
Assessment of children’s progress is an ongoing process. Teachers build assessment procedures into their planning and at certain times of the year will also use additional test material such as national QCA tests. All the children will be working on their own targets in their work throughout the year. At the end of a Key Stage when the children are seven and eleven they will be involved in National Standard Assessments Tasks (SATs)
The government has published national targets in English and Maths for children aged eleven. The schools own targets for this age group are widely discussed with Parents, Governors and our Educational Adviser.
SPECIAL NEEDS
The object of our school policy for Special Educational Needs (SEN) is to ensure that all children benefit as fully as possible from their education. All children will have access to the National Curriculum and follow the principles of the Teaching and Learning Policy. Children with special needs are taught within this policy and their needs are addressed individually.
The special needs co-ordinator (SENCo) is Mrs Cooper she works alongside the teachers supporting the writing of a child’s individual education plan (IEP) and she also liases with parents and outside agencies who may be involved i.e. (Educational Psychologists, Behaviour support teachers, Speech Therapists)
Throughout any of the procedures parents are kept fully informed and regular review meetings are held to discuss progress.
There are three stages in place
- School Action The children’s needs are met from resources in school.
- School Action Plus The school may feel that outside involvement is necessary for further progress to be made, this may include involvement from the Educational Psychologist. The child may need extra support in the classroom with a Teaching Assistant or intervention programmes
- Statement Statements are given to children whose needs are significantly greater than other children.
BEHAVIOUR
Good behaviour is expected throughout school and necessary for effective teaching and learning to take place. Our behaviour management is based upon self-discipline, courtesy and respect for others.
We have a set of School Rules in the classrooms and playground rules. The children follow the rules and are rewarded for doing so with individual rewards or class event If a child chooses to break the rules there are consequences (see behaviour policy).
The children can also gain merits for good work or behaviour. They work towards awards, Bronze, Silver and Gold. They receive a certificate and a prize.
Where the child’s behaviour is unacceptable we talk to the child and they may lose something they enjoy i.e. part of their playtime, a favourite activity. If behaviour causes serious concerns Parents/Carers will be involved regarding necessary action. A child with behavioural problems may be put on the special needs register and outside agencies may be contacted for advice and support.
Children are only excluded from school in extreme circumstances, where the health and safety of the child or other children are at risk. Government guidelines would be followed.
The schools behaviour policy is available in school.
DINNER TIME ARRANGEMENTS
The children eat their meal in the hall. The Infant children come into the hall at 12.15 pm and the juniors follow once all the infants have been served lunch. A cooked meal is prepared on the premises, the menu changes daily and there is a varied choice. Some children bring a packed lunch to school. (No glass bottles are allowed or cans) All our children stay to lunch but, if parents wish, they may go home for their dinner. Dinner money is payable on a Monday morning. If you wish to change from sandwiches to dinners or visa versa school needs a weeks notice. If you are eligible for free school meals, application forms are available from School or Fred Perry House
SNACKS
For morning playtime we sell toast /raisins/ cereals/ pick and mix fruit and fruit juices. We try to discourage sweets and encourage fruit or items from our tuck shop. On a Friday we have bread and cheese and fruit cups .There is fruit available in the hall for all the children. We have drinking water available in the classrooms.
HEALTH CHECKS
All the Reception children will have a dental and vision examination soon after arriving. If treatment is required parents are informed and given a choice of treatment by the school clinic or by their own dentist or optician. Later in school, checks are carried out by the school nurse.
MEDICINES IN SCHOOL
Wherever possible medicines should be administered at home. Medicine can only be given in school if
- It has been prescribed by a doctor.
- The medicine is clearly labelled with the child’s name and correct dosage.
- Sign the medical register
We have a special table in the dining hall the children are chosen by the midday assistants to sit at the table with a friend. They are chosen for good manners or being especially good in the hall or playground.
At lunchtime we have outdoor equipment to play with bats and balls,hoops ,football, The playground has an activity cube for KS2 (timetable each lunchtime) basketball and a climbing wall these are to encourage active play.We have quiet seating areas too. Some of our year six children are ” Playground Buddies” they ensure that children feeling upset or have no-one to play with are helped to find a friend or to play a game. Our buddies are very proud of their badges and orange jackets .
SCHOOL UNIFORM
It is our aim to encourage all our children to be proud of their school and to identify positively with it. School uniform helps each child to feel part of the school family.
GIRLS
Royal blue or white polo shirt (with school logo)
Royal blue sweatshirt (with school logo)
Grey skirt or pinafore
Blue/white check dress
Sensible flat shoes
BOYS
Royal blue or white polo (with school logo)
Royal blue sweatshirt (with school logo)
Grey trousers
Sensible flat shoes.
Children are not allowed to wear jewellery in school this is for safety reasons. A watch or items that are needed for religious or medical reasons are allowed.
For P.E. / dance / drama children need a pair of shorts and a T-shirt
(Girls may prefer a leotard) and a pair of pumps
children need trainers and jogging pants for outdoor games
All the junior children visit the swimming baths for a term each year they then need a towel and costume/trunks (shorts are not allowed at the pool)
PLEASE MARK YOUR CHILDRENS CLOTHES WITH THEIR NAME.
Sweatshirts and polo shirts can be ordered from the school office.
We also have reading bags and pump bags with the school logo on sale in school.
ACCIDENTS
Minor cuts and grazes will be treated in school. If a child has a bump to the head a letter will be sent home notifying you.
More serious accidents will be referred to the hospital .The school will always try to contact a parent/carer or emergency contact person. PLEASE ensure your contact form is up to date and gives
- Your work number if there is one
- Up to date emergency contact numbers/persons.
ABSENCES FROM SCHOOL
Attendance and punctuality are very important and are carefully monitored. Please notify school if your child is ill by letter or telephone. They will then be given an authorised absence. If this information is not received then an unauthorised mark is given. Schools Education Welfare Officer monitors school and look at attendance.
A holiday form is available at the office if you need to go away during term time. However legislation states that you are not allowed more than two weeks out of any school year.
SAFETY
Children are not allowed to leave the premises unless they are collected by an adult or have brought a letter from their parents. Infant children are only allowed to leave with a parent or responsible adult. This rule is strictly adhered to for obvious reasons.
School based on LEA advice, ensures that there is appropriate supervision in all academic, play and extra curricular activities both within school and on educational visits.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVIES
We are committed to providing after school activities to further develop children’s experiences.
Different clubs are held throughout the year.
The following activities are available
Art / cookery / singing /gymnastics / netball / football / hockey/ gardening / keep fit./street dancing
Year six have the opportunity to go on a residential weekend in the Summer Term.
They go to Windmarleigh Hall, which is an activity, centre offering a number of activities from archery to climbing a great team building opportunity.
SECONDARY TRANSFER
At 11+ our children transfer to secondary school. Strong links have been forged with
However, the Headteacher and Year six teacher liaise with all the schools that the Year six children join. In the past few years the children from Whitehill have transferred to the following schools.
Priestnall
St Anne’s
Werneth
COMPLAINTS
We believe that it is important to work closely in partnership with parents/carers to ensure that your children are happy and fulfil their potential. We have an “open door” policy so that the Headteacher and staff can be approached informally. If you have any concerns or complaints please see your child’s class teacher. If you are not satisfied with the outcome you should contact the Headteacher.
- Serious complaints should be addressed to the Headteacher. The complaint will be investigated and a meeting will be arranged to resolve the problem. All complaints will be dealt with as quickly as possible.
- If you feel the complaint has not been dealt with satisfactorily by the Headteacher you have the right to complain to the Governing Body (via the Chair of Governors)
- Complaints may also be made to the L..A. by contacting the Education Officer (School’s Management) at Education Division, Town Hall,
CARING FOR OUR CHILDREN
Each child is a valued member of our school. We want our children to be self confident, happy willing to learn. We also want our children to have respect for their friends, staff, parents and the school and its environment. All children are encouraged to have respect for their bodies and be responsible for them. Schools have an important part to play in the detection and prevention of child abuse. The requirements that the Children’s Act (1988) place on the schools are summarised in this L..A. guidance;” Because of day to day contact with children, schools are particularly well placed to observe outward signs of abuse, changes in behaviour or failure to develop. Parents should be aware therefore, that where it appears to a member of staff that a child may have been abused, the school is required, as part of the Stockport Child Protection Procedures, to report their concern to the Social Services Department immediately, often without contacting the parents first“
Our designated child protection person is the Headteacher.
CHARGING POLICY
All the children at Whitehill will have the opportunities to make educational visits throughout their stay. The Governing body recognises the valuable contribution that a wide range of additional activities including clubs, trips and residential experiences can make towards pupil’s personal and social education. However many visits require a voluntary contribution from parents.
The Governing body reserves the right to charge in the following circumstances for activities organised by school.
- Activities that take place inside school hours or as part of the National Curriculum will be completely dependent on voluntary contributions and this will be stated to parents. Such contributions will determine whether an activity is viable.
- Trips may be cancelled if insufficient support is received. This applies to all activities (both charged and those where voluntary contributions are sought).
- The Governors will request parents to pay for the cost of replacement or repair of equipment or of the premises broken or damaged deliberately by pupils either during or out of school hours.
- The cost of any board and lodgings in any residential visit in school time or in any visit that takes place as part of the National Curriculum.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
Parental involvement is welcomed and valued in school. If you are able to spare some time please contact the Headteacher.
We ask all our new parents/carers to sign our home school agreement when their children start at our school. This agreement is explained at the meetings held for our new parents or with the Headteacher if your child joins at a different time in the school year. The agreement outlines the responsibilities of teachers, parents /carers and children.
We strongly recommend you attend our information evenings; here you have the opportunities to see what your children are doing in school. Also you will receive regular newsletters and curriculum information. Parents of year six and year two are invited to SATs information meetings.
We hold individual parent interviews twice a year, these are held in the Autumn and Spring terms the teacher will discuss your child’s targets and ask you to sign the report and you will be given a copy. The children also receive a written report in the Summer term. If you have any concerns about your child during the year you can contact the class teacher, any day after school to speak to them. The Headteacher is also available.
We enjoy having your company at our class, praise and birthday assemblies and other special times such as Harvest and Christmas time.
FRIENDS OF WHITEHILL
We have a group of parents and grandparents who meet each term to plan fundraising events ,they are an invaluable to school and help with fairs, school discos, jumble sales .they are always looking for new people to join.
HOMEWORK
The aim of homework is to reinforce and supplement the work, which goes on in school. The amount of homework varies with the age and ability of the child. All the children are asked to share or read a book daily. Older children may be asked to do their own research on a topic that they are studying in class. Homework is not always paper and pencil work, for example a child may be asked to find out how many electrical appliances they have in their house. We ask you to support and encourage your child to complete homework tasks on time.
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