This is our school prospectus for 2012-2013. If you would like to view it as a pdf, please click here. For more information, do contact our school office.
As the headteacher of All Saints CE VC Primary School it is a real pleasure and privilege to welcome you to our school.
Here at All Saints, a small rural primary school, a love of learning is promoted within a safe and happy environment in which every person matters. Christian values and spirituality are at the heart of all aspects of school life.
We believe that working in partnership with parents, carers, governors, and our local parish community is critical to ensuring our success. A family atmosphere is fostered within which children feel confident to express their individuality, their talents and know that success in any aspect of their lives will be rewarded and celebrated. We are passionate that the school is able to flourish by providing a positive and stimulating learning environment created by caring and dedicated staff, which results in excellent progress for all our learners.
‘Pupils respond well to the calm atmosphere in classrooms resulting in a purposeful quality to learning. This helps foster each pupil’s determination to improve their work and to commit to hard endeavour.’ OFSTED 2009
For new visitors to the website I hope it offers you some insight into our school. Also, do pay us a visit to experience the welcoming ethos of our school. Discover for yourself how our confident and inquisitive children are challenged and nurtured as they develop learning skills, enabling them to achieve their best. Be reassured that your child is very important to us and that, alongside their education, ensuring their welfare and safety is our top priority.
We are a small school with huge ambition for its children. The benefits of small schools, where every adult knows and nurtures your child according to their needs is an important factor to our success. All learning opportunities, whether sporting, academic, musical or creative, are easily available to all children in a small setting. Our children learn to be very busy, very quickly, as they take on many responsibilities from representing the school in sports team to articulating the views of their classes on the School Council. Many tasks and fewer children mean that all our children receive maximum opportunities for personal development, considerably more than a larger school can offer. This really develops our children to become committed learners and confident, responsible citizens – skill that will contribute greatly to their future success. Smaller classes mean we have an excellent adult to child ratio, ensuring that every child really does get the attention they deserve. We pride ourselves on our highly personalised approach to learning to ensure the best possible achievement.
It is our vision that the children who leave All Saints are happy, successful, articulate, aspirational and empathetic young people, eager for the next stage of learning and ready to make a valued contribution to society.
I look forward to meeting you,
Anne Crumpler
“Nurturing hearts; Inspiring minds”
Read about the values and aims of our school
All Saints CE VC Primary School is...
...a place where LEARNING is at the heart of everything and is believed to be a lifelong process.
We learn how to learn and make decisions about our own learning. We develop curiosity, make connections, and feel safe with challenge. We understand the need to achieve well in key skills and are supported towards this whilst developing all our talents within a stimulating curriculum.
...a place where EVERYONE IS SPECIAL and valued as unique human beings.
We seek to be inspired and set ourselves aspiring personal goals which motivate us to learn. We celebrate achievement at every opportunity. This develops self-confidence and the determination to be the best we can be in a bright future.
...a place where SPIRITUALITY IS NURTURED.
We learn within the context of Christian belief and practice in partnership with the Church. We encourage an understanding of the meaning and significance of faith and promote Christian values through our learning experiences.
...a place where positive partnerships create our COMMUNITY.
We value our relationships as key to our success. We develop the values of family friendship with our parents and carers, governors and the local community. The talented and creative staff team ensure that together they provide a safe and welcoming learning environment.
...a place where we learn how to create a just and peaceful SOCIETY based on respect.
We learn the importance of teamwork, how to understand others and how to forgive so that we can build successful relationships. We respect the rights of all to have a point of view and learn a sense of responsibility for our actions. We find out about other cultures and value the differences and learn to respect our world. We begin to understand our global responsibilities.
Contact Information
All Saints CE VC Primary School
Giles Lane
Bishops Caundle
Sherborne
Dorset DT9 5NQ
Tel:01963 23450 Fax: Tel:01963 23450 office@bishopscaundle.dorset.sch.uk
Headteacher: Mrs Anne Crumpler
Chair of Governors: Mr Adrian Harding
Pupil Age Range 4-11 years
Local Authority: Dorset County Council Tel No: 01305 22100
SECTION 1 - ALL ABOUT US
All Saints Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School is located in Bishops Caundle, just off the A3030, midway between Sherborne and Sturminster Newton. As a Church School we are affiliated to Salisbury Diocese but are funded by Dorset County Council. The school serves many surrounding villages and provides a focal point for all members of the local community.
The School was built in the 1970s and has been renovated and its layout modified in the intervening years. Within it are four classrooms with accommodation for around 120 children, a hall, kitchen, library, staffroom and offices for administration and Headteacher. Refurbishment of the central learning area, two classrooms and the cloakroom took place during Summer 2012.
The school benefits from extensive grounds including its own playing fields, two all-weather play areas, adventure play equipment, a large pergola area with seating and an outdoor swimming pool. This is in use during the summer term, when the children receive quality daily swimming lessons. A designated environmental area and pond provides an excellent outdoor learning environment, alongside a garden used for growing vegetables.
The nearest provision for pre-school children is at Holwell Nursery which is an independent provider. Their contact number is 01963 23368. Fortnightly pre-school sessions are held at All Saints, along with Family Learning. Weekly Zumba classes also take place at the school. Further information about the community use of our school can be obtained from the school office.
School Organisation
From September 2010 the school has had 3 class groups. Classes in Key Stage 1 are limited to 30 children by government legislation. Throughout the school, staff work in collaborative teams to ensure good communication and shared expertise. Due to unpredictable numbers entering small village schools, in any particular academic year the exact make up of classes may alter to cater for the actual numbers of children in each year group. The average class size in 2012/13 is 25. For details of this academic year please see appendices.
For the academic year 2012-2013 the classes are organised as follows:
Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 |
Reception, |
Ages 4-7 |
Diamond Class |
Key Stage 2 |
Years 3 and 4 |
Ages 7 to 9 |
Ruby Class |
Key Stage 2 |
Years 5 and 6 |
Ages 9 to 11 |
Sapphire Class
|
Admissions to School
We encourage all parents and carers to visit the school to meet our staff and pupils. Parents/carers choosing All Saints for their child’s education need to apply online at www.dorsetforyou.com/schooladmissions or contact Admissions at County Hall on 01305 221060.
Each year Dorset issues a parents’ guide to applying to schools for admission. Copies are available from the school, or from the Directorate of Education at County Hall, Colliton Park, Dorchester, DT1 1XJ.
Dorset makes provision for children to begin full time education at the beginning of the school year (September) after their fourth birthday. A child starting school for the first time is an important time for the family and also for us. We aim to work with our parents and carers to make this time happy and enjoyable. The Foundation Stage teacher visits several local preschool settings throughout the year, and liaises closely with them.
During the Summer Term before your child starts school, a programme of visits is arranged so that the children (and their parents) become more familiar with the environment and routines of the school. The Headteacher and Foundation Stage teacher will offer a Home Visit. We also arrange a ‘new parents’ evening during this term to inform and reassure parents about the admission process.
We often have children joining us during the year. We make every effort to ensure that the transition from a previous school to All Saints is a happy experience.
School Timings
Children are expected to arrive at school between 8.50 and 8.55am.
Children in the Foundation Stage are invited into their classroom from 8:50am with their parents or carers. This provides valuable liaison time with the class teacher.
All other children wait in the playground until the teacher on duty asks them to lead in.
Children who arrive at school by bus will be supervised from the time of their arrival.
The school day starts with ‘Wake and Shake’ followed by registration at 9.05am
The School Day:
Please make every effort to ensure your child is in school on time as children who arrive late will miss registration, ‘Wake and Shake’ and information about the day. If your child is unavoidably late please enter the school via the school office so that the register can be accurately marked.
At the end of the school day a member of staff will bring children in Diamonds class to meet their parents at the front of the school or see them safely onto the bus.
All other children will be dismissed from their classes to meet their parents at the front of the school.
We prefer our pupils to be collected from the school premises by their parents or another known adult at the end of the day. If you have arranged for another adult to collect your child, please confirm these arrangements with the school in advance. Children should be reminded to report to the Secretary’s office or to their teacher if they have not been met at the end of the day. Please notify school if you are delayed as it prevents unnecessary anxiety. A bus register is completed by a member of staff before the bus leaves the premises.
Some older children in Years 5 and 6 may make their own way home; this should only be considered when the parents and the children themselves feel confident about an unsupervised journey and the school has been informed of this in writing.
School Uniform
We believe that school uniform plays a valuable role in contributing to the ethos of our school. The aim of our school uniform is to present a smart appearance that promotes a sense of belonging and pride in our school. We thank parents for supporting our Uniform Policy.
Children should not wear jewellery to school; it may get lost and we cannot accept responsibility. More importantly, it can also be very dangerous when children are at play. The only exception is for children with pierced ears. Under these circumstances plain studs may be worn as long as pupils are able to remove them themselves for PE. The best option is not to wear them on PE days.
Older children in Key Stage 2 may wear watches, which must be removed before PE or swimming lessons, and for which the child remains entirely responsible.
Make-up, including nail polish, is not appropriate in school. Haircuts should be neat and tidy. Extreme haircuts are discouraged.
A full school clothing list is enclosed in the appendices. Many of the items are available through the School Office; we try to keep most items in stock but parents may have to order clothing at certain times of the year. Order forms are available from the School Office.
Please name the clothes your child wears to school. The school cannot be held responsible for any personal items lost or damaged on school premises. We will, however, endeavour to prevent loss or accidents occurring. Lost property is stored for a short period of time in the main cloakroom.
School Meals - We believe in keeping healthy!
The school is committed to the Healthy Schools agenda and achieved an enhanced status by achieving the Healthy Schools Plus Award in 2012.
Hot School Meals are provided at the school by Cygnet Catering. Further details of these including cost are included in the appendices.
Children not opting for hot school meals will need to bring a packed lunch to school. We ask that parents provide a sensible and balanced content to their child’s lunch. No sweets should be included. Lunches should be packed in a secure container, clearly named.
Children are not permitted to drink from bottles without a sporting top – if this is the case they will be given a beaker to drink from. Water is always available in the dinner hall. Fizzy drinks, cans and glass bottles are not allowed.
If you think you may be eligible for Free School Meals, please ask for an application form from the School Office. Any enquiry will be treated in the strictest confidence. Should you be eligible for this service but not wish to take advantage of it, we still need to know. Again, we do assure you that this information is strictly confidential.
Children in Diamond Class are provided with a free piece of fruit each day at morning break and older children are encouraged to bring a snack of fruit or vegetables to eat at this time. Milk is also available to purchase (provided free to 4 year olds).
Travel to and from school
As a Healthy School we subscribe to the Dorset policy of encouraging children to walk to school where appropriate. However, because of the school’s location, wide catchment area, and lack of marked and controlled or supervised pedestrian crossings on the adjacent main road, we realise that this may be impractical for children living outside Bishops Caundle.
Dedicated school transport provided by the County may be available to children living in the catchment area, but outside Bishops Caundle, who are offered a place at All Saints. The bus arrives at school by 8:45am and leaves immediately at the end of the school day. It is free to children aged under 8 if their journey by the nearest available walking route is greater than 2 miles, or to the over 8s if they live more than 3 miles away, again measured by the nearest available walking route. Charges may be levied for travel on these buses for children aged 9 and over if their journey is between 2 and 3 miles. The School Office or Transport Department at County Hall (01305 224544) can provide parents with more information on the availability and charges for transport.
The School Office must be informed if there are permanent or temporary changes to bus travel arrangements. Members of school staff supervise the children following arrival to school in the morning and onto the bus at the end of the day. The children must use seat belts on the bus if they are provided.
Attendance and Absence
We believe that excellent attendance will lead to the best possible achievement for our pupils. Please read our supplementary document entitled ‘Attendance and Achievement’.
Our attendance policy sets clear guidelines on the two categories of absence, namely authorised and unauthorised. Authorised absence is approved by the Headteacher and includes time away from school with an appropriate reason for absence such as illness. Unauthorised absence occurs when a parent/carer gives an invalid reason or no reason at all for the child’s non-attendance. All non-authorised absences are recorded on your child’s report, therefore reasons for absences are vital.
There is no obligation for the Headteacher to approve holidays during term time and these will only be authorised in exceptional circumstances. We especially ask parents to please avoid holidays when National Curriculum Tests are taking place. We will advise you of these dates well in advance.
If your child’s attendance drops to 90% or below you will be informed at Parent Consultation meetings and by letter. If poor attendance persists you will be contacted by a member of the Early Intervention team who may visit you at home.
We celebrate good attendance by awarding children certificates for attendance of 97+% and 100% every term.
Medical Matters
All members of staff receive basic first aid training. Mrs Angela Green has a further qualification and is our designated First Aider.
School Medicals - During their first year at school, children will have vision and hearing tests, as well as a full medical examination to which parents are invited.
Medical needs - We are not permitted to give medicines in school except in exceptional circumstances. Only medicine prescribed by a doctor will be administered, with written parental consent. All pupils with long term medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes or epilepsy will be treated in school under the terms of a care plan written in consultation with parents and the appropriate medical professional.
When it is agreed that medicines are essential for the child, then a medical consent form must be completed by the parent. By this parents agree that a member of staff can administer the medicine. The medical forms are available from the school office.
Staff members are not required to administer medicines and all who do so are volunteers.
Asthma - The school maintains a register of asthma sufferers. If your child needs an inhaler please ensure that there is always one available in school, clearly labelled with the child’s name. Staff will look after inhalers for the younger children (KS1) but older children (7 years +) should normally be able to manage their own inhalers.
SECTION 2 - OUR CURRICULUM
When planning our curriculum we recognise that each child is an individual entitled to equal regard and opportunity. We believe in unlocking the potential in each child by providing opportunities that encourage them to take increasing responsibility for his/her own learning.
The whole curriculum serves to prepare our children for lifelong learning by enabling them to acquire knowledge and skills. It also allows them to follow lines of enquiry in their learning through ‘themes’, which integrate a number of subjects. In this way children are given the opportunity to produce original ideas, use their imagination, speculate and think about the future, develop awareness of aesthetic and spiritual qualities, and experiment with ideas and risk being wrong.
We also believe that children should be confident, articulate, literate and numerate as well as proficient in the use of ICT. There is a daily emphasis on the development of the basic skills children need in order to be able to study independently and produce outcomes of a high standard.
The children are grouped in mixed age and mixed ability classes. However, learning opportunities are carefully planned to provide the appropriate level of challenge for the various needs and abilities in eachclass.
The core subjects at the heart of our curriculum are:
These are learnt along with History, Geography, Design Technology, Art, Music and Physical Education, which are called foundation subjects.
In a primary school the children are organised into three Key Stages:
The Early Years Foundation Stage
Key Stage One - Pupils in Years One and Two
Key Stage Two - Pupils in Years Three, Four, Five and Six
Initially children in the Reception Year follow the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. The three prime areas are:
The other four specific areas, through which the three prime areas are strengthened and applied, are:
• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the world
• Expressive arts and design
The National Curriculum is delivered from Year 1.
English
Essential to all learning is the ability to read, write and communicate clearly. At All Saints the development of these skills is planned into all areas of the curriculum, providing opportunities for practice in meaningful contexts with a real purpose and audience. Children are given every positive encouragement to become enthusiastic and independent readers and writers.
In the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1, children follow the ‘Letters and Sounds’ synthetic phonics programme, and further exploration of spelling rules and patterns continues in Key Stage 2.
Good speaking and listening skills are encouraged through planned opportunities such as role play and drama, high quality discussion and encouraging questioning and the expression of opinions.
There is always a daily focus on English skills. Our vibrant school library has an up to date selection of fiction, non-fiction and reference material. We encourage a love of books and actively encourage parental involvement in developing a child’s independent reading through the Home Reading Reward Scheme. This is introduced in Year 1 and continues to Year 6 where children aim for a book award each term. There is always at least one extracurricular opportunity that will enhance English skills, for example – Drama, Story Club or News Team.
Mathematics
In the teaching of Mathematics our aims are:
Pupils develop their mathematical understanding through practical activity, exploration and discussion. They develop a range of mental skills and problem solving strategies leading to agreed written calculation methods according to the school’s calculation policy. A wide range of resources supports our Maths curriculum throughout the school.
Science
First hand practical experience is paramount in Science as is the teaching of scientific key skills. Children are encouraged to be independent and collaborative scientific investigators through their involvement in exciting practical investigations. They are encouraged to be creative by designing their own experiments.
In Science pupils observe, explore and ask questions about living things, materials and phenomena. They work together to collect evidence to help them answer questions and to link this to scientific ideas. They evaluate evidence and consider whether tests or comparisons are fair. They use reference materials to find out more about scientific ideas. They share their ideas and communicate them using scientific language, drawings, charts and tables.
The KS1 and KS2 science curriculum consists of:
Information and Communication Technology
ICT prepares children for using technology in our rapidly changing world. Children use ICT tools to find, explore, analyse and present information. Each classroom is equipped with at least four PCs with supervised filtered access to the internet. In addition we have 15 Laptops available. All classrooms have interactive whiteboards, visualisers and access to an Intel microscope. Younger children use programmable toys.
Religious Education
All Saints is a Church of England school and its vision is based on a foundation of Christian values, which provide the basis of the spiritual, social, intellectual, emotional and moral development of our children. It is important that children learn to choose, develop and deepen their own positive values and consider the implications of their choices in relation to themselves, the communities of which they are a part and society at large. Our aims are to provide the children with a depth of understanding of our Christian faith and an awareness, knowledge and respect for other religions and their cultures.
Collective Worship
We have a short daily act of worship. We see this as central to the life of our school. As a Church school we aim to nurture Christian values to enable our pupils to flourish as individuals and to ensure that they relate sensitively to the beliefs, feelings and sensibilities of others. Relevant issues, founded on a range of Christian Values and themes form a basis for most worship. The clergy and church representatives regularly lead worship and we also hold services in our Parish Churches. Celebration assemblies are held on Fridays. Parents are regularly invited to share in our worship and in celebrating the children’s learning.
Parents have the right to ask that their children be excused either wholly or partly from RE lessons and/or collective worship. We would hope that our way of working avoids such action, but if you do wish to withdraw your child please come in and discuss the matter with the Headteacher.
Physical Education
Our school enjoys an excellent reputation for its sporting achievements and was successfully awarded the Active Mark in 2008 for exceptional delivery within the PE and Sport Strategy.
The emphasis throughout our PE curriculum is on participation and enjoyment for all whilst learning and developing skills; for example, we start each day with a whole school ‘Wake and Shake’. Through physical activities we aim for the children to develop self-discipline, sportsmanship, personal health and stamina. We have an excellent sports field, which we use for PE and Games lessons whenever the weather and playing conditions allow. As a small school most of our children get the chance to take part in competitive athletics, netball, tag rugby, rounders, cricket and football matches in North Dorset and Sherborne Area competitions. The school benefits from specialist coaching and all classes use our own swimming pool extensively in the summer term. During the year, clubs are offered in football, cricket, rounders, netball and dance. Sports Day is held in the Summer Term and all parents/carers are invited to attend.
Outdoor Education
We are committed to the value of learning outside the classroom. We have extensive and beautiful grounds including a designated area for exploring wildlife and a pond. We strive to provide learning opportunities beyond the classroom through visits (all year groups) and residential trips in Years 5 and 6. Children have the opportunity for two residential visits, where they undertake outdoor and adventurous activities and the challenge of being away from home. These visits take place with three other cluster schools so the children can make friends with their future peer groups at The Gryphon School. There are many benefits including developing team spirit, personal challenge and becoming independent and so we encourage all children to take part.
History and Geography
In History, children develop a thorough understanding and appreciation of the past. They study history through visits, visitors, artefacts, video, research, drama, and photographs. Through geographical enquiry, the children will learn about the physical processes and human activities that shape their immediate surroundings and the broader world. As a Rights Respecting School we aim to raise children’s awareness of their roles and responsibilities in relation to their environment, and to help them develop a sense of identity through learning about the United Kingdom and its relationship with Europe and the rest of the world. We currently have links with schools in Uganda and America.
Art, Design and Technology
Art is highly valued at our school. It allows children the opportunity to create using their imagination as well as to practise and improve skills. Children develop their understanding and expertise in printmaking, drawing, collage, 3D work, textile and painting through a range of cross-curricular projects. We regularly have an artist working in school as part of the ‘Take One Picture’ Art Project engaged in along with our Cluster Schools. Children regularly have the opportunity to cook in our school kitchen and carry out Design Technology projects linked to topics.
Music
The children develop their appreciation for music through singing, performing, composing and listening. All Year 3 and 4 children learn a woodwind instrument taught by a specialist from the Dorset Music Service. Individual or group tuition can be organised with peripatetic music teachers for (currently) the piano and flute, however we are looking to extend this. We often invite music specialists into school to enrich our learning. Children may join the School Choir and attend a Recorder Club as extracurricular opportunities.
French
French is currently taught to children in Key Stage 2 who learn conversational language as well as being introduced to many areas of French culture and everyday life.
We are a UNICEF Rights Respecting school!
The Rights Respecting Schools Award (RRSA) recognises achievement in putting the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC) at the heart of a school’s planning, policies, practice and ethos. Our school not only teaches about children’s rights but also models rights and respect in all its relationships: between teachers, adults and pupils. Alongside this ethos runs our Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship curriculum (PSHCE); both of these promote positive wellbeing and help develop children who are respectful, know themselves well and are able to contribute more fully to the world in which they belong. Global Citizenship is at the heart of our school and our relationships. It runs as an important theme through many areas of the curriculum and is actively promoted through a range of activities, opportunities and responsibilities at the school. Class and School Councils develop pupil voice and active involvement in school improvements.
School Council
At All Saints we believe in Pupil Voice. We want to hear what our children have to say and give them a chance to make a difference. The School Council is made up annually of elected members from Year 2 to Year 6. These children meet with the Deputy Headteacher every week. Through Class Councils the ideas, thoughts, and feedback from the children throughout the school are brought to the meeting where a wide range of issues about how to make our school the best it can be.
We are a Healthy school!
All Saints is proud to be recognised as a Healthy School and to hold the enhanced Healthy Schools Plus Award. Children are encouraged to adopt healthy lifestyles in a variety of ways including participation in sport, eating healthy meals and fruit at break times and developing their emotional health so that they are happy and enjoy themselves. Children learn how to assert themselves against negative influences and pressures, as well as how to recognise and avoid addictive or harmful substances, thereby keeping themselves safe and healthy.
Children in Year 6 will receive a sex and relationships education programme supported by the school nurse. Parents/carers are informed about these lessons prior to any material being shown and have the right to withdraw their child from them.
We are an Eco-friendly school!
The school places a high value on sustainability and educating our pupils towards creating a “greener future”. We consider and act upon all issues relating to saving the planet. We have a ‘green energy for schools’ award for generating electricity using our own wind turbine. Our eco-team is represented by a range of pupils, who meet regularly to discuss whole school initiatives and are the driving force behind ensuring we all think about our responsibilities towards the planet. We achieved the Eco-School Silver Award in 2010.
Added extras!
Many pupils enjoy enriching activities at lunchtime and at the end of the school day. Staff members organise clubs, which include Netball, Drama, Wildlife, Choir, Recorders, Home Learning and News Team.
Other activities are run by outside agencies – currently Football and Martial Arts. Children may commit to an activity on a half-termly basis for which Parents’/Carers’ written permission is required.
Equal Opportunities and Accessibility for all
Our school aims to be an inclusive school. This means we value the unique contributions of all children and aim at all times to provide effectively for their learning needs and styles.
Every child is different, and we view difference as an opportunity for adults and children alike to learn more about themselves.
We assess every child’s level of attainment and special needs as soon as they are admitted to our school. Children with special educational needs are identified by staff, their needs are discussed with parents/carers and an individual learning programme is set up for them. Where it is appropriate, extra help is organised as flexibly as possible. This may be in the form of support within the classroom, withdrawal from class to work in a small group or individually, or a combination of approaches. If needed, specific learning resources and materials will be used and adaptations made to the learning environment.
The school has a qualified Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator and a policy for supporting children with special needs, which is revised annually. This policy is available at the school office or on our website.
The school liaises with outside specialist agencies such as Educational Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists and Behaviour Specialists. This ensures children who require extra support with their education for whatever reason including a learning difficulty, disability or health needs are provided for.
We aim for all members of our school community to have access to all aspects of school life, as far as is reasonable and practicable. Our Accessibility plan is available from the school office or on the website.
Equality for all is central to the ethos and core values at All Saints and we respect the human rights of all members of our school community.
Our Single Equality Policy and Equality Objectives are published on our website. They are also available from the school office.
Celebrating success through praise and reward
Our collective worship every Friday celebrates excellence in our school. Four children from each class are awarded certificates for their positive contribution to All Saints. These are displayed along with their photographs on the Celebration Board in the front entrance.
The school also operates a reward system where children collect stickers on an Achievement Card. When they have achieved a 100 star stickers parents/carers are invited to a special assembly where the children are awarded a school badge.
All children have Achievement Folders where all evidence of success is kept.
We operate a Home Reading Reward Scheme to encourage independent reading. The children collect rewards weekly during the term for reading at home and receive a book prize at the end of term.
SECTION 3 – SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP
All Saints Governors
Our governors support the pursuit of the best possible education for your child. To this end, they become actively involved in supporting the Headteacher in providing effective learning experiences for the pupils.
The Headteacher and Chair of governors meet frequently and other governors visit regularly to liaise with staff members and to get to know our school.
The governors come from a variety of backgrounds offering many different skills. Governors’ meetings are held at least once a term, and subcommittees meet regularly to discuss specific issues.
Parents can become Governors through the election procedure, which is a statutory requirement. If you wish to contact the governors or would like to find out about becoming a governor please ask at the School Office for further details.
Sherborne Pyramid
All Saints Primary is part of the Sherborne Pyramid of schools that consists of eight local primary schools and The Gryphon School in Sherborne, which is the secondary provider. The primary children generally transfer to this school at the end of Year 6.
We also belong to the Sherborne Small Schools’ Cluster, together with the four small local village primary schools – Buckland Newton Primary School, St Mary’s Primary, Bradford Abbas, Thornford Primary School and Trent Young’s Endowed School.
We work closely with our partner schools sharing expertise to enhance the learning for our children. Children benefit from a range of shared projects including an outdoor education programme, which involves day excursions for Years 2, 3 and 4 and residential visits for Years 5 and 6. We also regularly share music, art and drama projects culminating in performances and exhibitions.
There are excellent transition arrangements and opportunities for children moving on to The Gryphon School, Sherborne.
Partnership with parents
We try to keep you informed of general day-to-day school events through our weekly reminder poster and school newsletters, which are sent out regularly. Please provide your email address if you wish to receive these electronically. These are also available from the home page on our school website.
Curriculum Leaflets for all classes are sent out at the beginning of every new term giving curriculum details for the term.
We hold welcome ‘Meet and Greet’ sessions at the start of the Autumn Term, for parents / carers to find out general information about your child’s school day and how systems operate in different classes.
Parents are invited to share in the children’s learning once a term at a ‘Celebration of Learning’ assembly presented by the class.
Parent/Carer consultation evenings take place in both the Autumn and Spring Terms for which appointments are arranged. Parents are welcome to make appointments to see their class teacher at other times if they have any worries or concerns.
You will receive an Annual Report for your child towards the end of the Summer Term; there is an opportunity to discuss this report should you wish to do so.
Our Headteacher and Deputy Head are happy to see parents at most times; please call at the School Office to arrange an appointment.
We welcome our parents helping in school. Both staff and children benefit immensely from this involvement and it strengthens the partnership between us. Please ask at the School Office for information on how to apply.
All Saints School Association (ASSA) is our very active association of parents and staff which makes a positive contribution to the school and its environment. Everyone is welcome to join.
ASSA hold ‘Cafes’ at the end of each half term and we encourage all members of our community to meet together for tea, cake and a chat!
Home/School Agreement
All Saints has a Home/School Agreement which is issued to parents and carers of all children attending the school. The Agreement covers the responsibilities of the school, parents/carers and their children in respect of school expectations. Parents and children are invited to sign their copy. The Headteacher is happy to discuss any aspect of this.
Pupil reports and progress reviews
Children’s progress is assessed regularly throughout their school career from the Foundation Stage to Year 6. This information allows us to ensure that the right provision is put in place so that every child can achieve. We report progress to parents three times a year at Parent/Carer consultations, and through a detailed written report sent home annually at the end of the summer term. However, we are always available to discuss any concerns you may have at any time.
It is a legal requirement for schools to assess children formally at the end of the Foundation Stage, at the end of Key Stage 1 and at the end of Key Stage 2. The results of teacher assessments or tests for 11 year olds are reported to the Department of Education and parents are informed.
Home Learning
At All Saints we believe that there are clear benefits to Home Learning. Firstly it offers the ideal opportunity for children to share their learning with their parents/carers. The children who are the most successful are always those for whom parental involvement is high and encouragement from home matches the support and learning taking place at school.
In addition to reading, home learning tasks will generally be set once a week and will be written in your child’s Home Learning/Reading Diary. (Please use this to communicate with the class teacher.) Precise details of home learning will be given at annual ‘Meet and Greet’ sessions by each class teacher.
Home learning tasks should not be onerous, nor should they cause conflict at home. We believe in setting challenging and engaging activities that will consolidate class based learning. There is an opportunity for children to complete home learning tasks set during one lunchtime, when there will be a teacher available and computers.
All children take home their reading books and parents/carers are encouraged to listen to, and support their children with their daily reading practice. Children from Year 1 take part in the Reading Reward Scheme, for which a book prize is awarded each term. Every child has a personalised Reading Log and parents, children and teachers all contribute to this record.
SECTION 4 – SOME KEY POLICIES
Discipline and Behaviour
For children to learn well they need to be in a calm and safe environment and we aim for each member of staff and each child to teach and model good behaviour. Through our Class and Lunchtime Charters based on clear rights and responsibilities and the teaching of positive behaviour strategies, we expect our children to become self-disciplined, to understand the consequences of all their actions and choices and to consistently make the right decisions. We encourage children to talk and share their concerns and we listen. We have clear sanctions but we expect to use them infrequently and instead focus on praise. We are very proud of the behaviour in our school and the caring attitude children have towards adults, peers and the wider community. The school does not tolerate any form of bullying and any instances of this will be dealt with swiftly and seriously. Parents are asked to report any suspected bullying initially to the child’s class teacher.
The school’s Discipline and Behaviour Policy, incorporating our Anti Bullying Policy (available on the website or from the school office) is reviewed annually, involving staff members, pupils from School Council, a parent and a governor.
Charging Policy
All education during school hours is free with the exception of individual or group music tuition. However, there are some activities that offer outstanding learning opportunities that cannot be provided without requesting a financial contribution. These will include:
When organising such school trips or visits the school invites parents to contribute towards the cost. All contributions are voluntary. If sufficient voluntary contributions are not received a trip may be cancelled. If a trip goes ahead, it may include children whose parents/carers have not paid any contribution - we do not treat these children any differently. Families who receive certain state benefits may receive a reduction or not need to pay any charges. Please advise the Headteacher if these circumstances apply. Details of which benefits result in exemption from the charges can be obtained from the School Office.
If a parent/carer wishes their child to take part in a school trip or event, but is unwilling or unable to make a voluntary contribution, we do allow the child to participate fully in the trip or activity. In this case the school pays additional costs in order to support the visit.
Swimming - Lessons take place in school time and are part of the National Curriculum. However, the school receives no direct funding to maintain its own swimming pool. ASSA supports this through fundraising, but in addition we ask for a voluntary contribution towards the cost of this activity.
All children study music as part of the normal school curriculum. We do not charge for this. However, there is a charge for individual or group music tuition when this is not part of the National Curriculum.
Child Protection
The school takes its child protection and safeguarding responsibilities very seriously.
All members of staff are regularly trained in safeguarding issues. The designated senior person for child protection is Mrs Anne Crumpler. The deputy designated person is Miss A Schafheitle.
Parents/carers should know that the law requires all school staff to pass on information that gives rise to a concern about a child’s welfare, including risk from neglect, physical, emotional or sexual abuse. The staff will seek, in general, to discuss any concerns with the parent/carer, and where possible inform them of the referral to Social Care. However, this will only be done where it is believed that such a discussion will not place the child at increased risk of significant harm.
Occasionally, concerns are passed on that are later shown to be unfounded. Parents/carers will appreciate that the designated person for child protection was carrying out their responsibilities in accordance with the law and acting in the best interests of all children. The school’s Child Protection Policy is available on the school website or from the school office.
And finally…
We are very proud of All Saints and this information can only give you a flavour of our thriving school community. For more information please visit our school website at:
www.bishopscaundle.dorset.sch.uk.
Best of all we would love for you to come and visit us – please contact the school office on 01963 23450 or by email at office@bishopscaundle.dorset.sch.uk.