Prospectus for Manor Park First School

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Admissions Policy

Admission to the School

Our School is situated on the eastern side of Dorchester and serves a defined catchment area in that part of the town for children aged 5 -9 years. Under the terms of the 1986 Education Act we have an open enrolment policy, which means that parents outside the area must apply through the Local Education Authority's Admissions Officer.

The current policy of Dorset Education Committee allows children to be admitted at the beginning of the academic year in which they will reach statutory school age. Thus your child may start school at the beginning of the Autumn Term (September) if he or she reaches 5 during the next 12 months ending on the following 31 August. Children should be registered as soon as possible and not later than 18 months prior to entry.

In common with other First Schools in the Dorchester area, children are admitted part-time (mornings only) for the Autumn Term, commencing full-time attendance after Christmas. If your child is very young you may wish to speak to the Reception Staff or Headteacher about delaying full-time entry.

The school’s admission limit is 75 children each year. To accommodate this, we have 2 mixed age classes, one of Reception and Year 1 and one of Years 3 and 4 children.

The school is committed to ensuring that it provides facilities to assist access for children with disabilities, under its inclusion agenda. The school already has wheelchair access on its level site and would work to ensure that any child with disabilities would not be disadvantaged. This could include arranging specific organisation and facilities in learning areas, deploying appropriate staff and ensuring that equal access is available for school trips, sport and extra curricula activities.

The school’s accessibility plan (required under the Disability Discrimination Act 1995) is available to be seen in the school office. This deals with future policies for increasing access to the school by pupils with disabilities.

Before your child starts

In the summer term preceding their child’s start date, parents are invited to attend an information evening where they will meet the Headteacher, Assistant Headteacher, Reception Staff and representatives of the Governing Body and Parents’ Association. In addition the new intake of children will have opportunities to visit the school and get to know the staff and learning environment of the Foundation Unit. Our staff also make frequent visits to our local pre-schools. This process is designed to ease their transition to school in September and enables us to prepare your child for school routines and find out a little about them.

Looking Ahead - Transfer to the Middle School

Children who reside in the defined catchment area normally transfer to St Osmund's Church of England Middle School; those residing on the western side of Dorchester transfer to Dorchester Middle School. Parents who wish to request an alternative choice may apply for this through the Admissions Officer at County Hall.

The Dorchester School System

Our School is a member of the Dorchester Area Schools Partnership (DASP) in conjunction with all First, Middle, Upper and Special Schools in the Dorchester 'pyramid'. The aims of the partnership include the provision of high quality education for all the children in the Dorchester pyramid enabling them to achieve their full potential as pupils and future citizens; to continue to improve standards and opportunities for pupils; to support the development of our schools as professional learning communities.

We are proud to be a member of DASP which is rightly considered to be at the forefront of innovation on a national level.

Contact with the school

Informal Contact with the Staff

You are welcome to come into school, particularly at the end of the afternoon session, either to have a brief word with a member of staff or to view some work or something of interest which your child wishes to show you. If you have any queries or worries please come and see us. Should you wish to discuss your child's work in more depth, please make an appointment either through the Secretary, or preferably directly with your child’s class teacher.

Contact with the Headteacher

If you feel you need to discuss any problem, or your child's progress, with the Head Teacher please contact the Secretary to arrange an appointment. Should an emergency occur, and immediate contact is essential, the Head or Deputy will do their best to be readily available.

Contacting the School

Secretarial Hours

You can telephone the school on (01305) 268741. There is an answerphone when the office is closed. Or e-mail office@manorpark.dorset.sch.uk

School Uniform

School Uniform List
Our School Colours are Grey and Red
WINTER Grey trousers Red or white short or blouse Grey pinafore dress or skirt	SUMMER Grey trousers or shorts Red or white T shirt An individual dress in school colours Sun Hat
Red sweatshirt / cardigan; grey red or white socks/tights; shoes (trainers are only appropriate for outdoor games sessions) You can buy: Sweatshirts/Cardigans Polo Shirts Sun Hats Book Bags Sold by the PTA every Friday afternoon from 3.00pm in the Staff Room. These will also be on sale during the new parents evening

Children in Year 3 will also need: Swim kit - trunks / one piece costume swimming hat and towel; Track suit for outdoor games activities in the winter. A pair of trainers for field games is also desirable.

Every item of clothing must be clearly marked with your child’s name Once you see how many things children lose at school you will see why naming everything is so important

The School Day

Arriving at School

The bell rings at 8.50am for the start of the morning session; children should use the entrance door to their classroom Unit. You will have had experience of this at the ‘Getting to Know You’ session in July.

Parents of children in Reception are welcome to come into school with them, particularly during the first two terms. Handwriting activities are prepared for parents to share with their children if they wish to.

Times of Sessions

Key Stage 1 (Early Years and Years 1/2)
Morning	8.50 am	12.10 pm
Afternoon	1.15 pm	3.15 pm
Key Stage 2 (Years 3 and 4)
Morning	8.50 am	12.30 pm
Afternoon	1.30 pm	3.15 pm

Absence from School

When a child is unable to attend school due to illness or medical/dental appointments, please notify the school office by phone, if possible before 9.00am.

Children arriving late are required by law to be marked absent in the register. This is regarded as an unauthorised absence unless you notify the school to say that your child is late. There is a signing in book for parents to record late arrivals. It is kept outside the office at the front school entrance. You should always use the front school entrance when making any visits to the school to comply with the school security system.

If your child needs to attend a clinic appointment during school time, he or she must be collected by an adult. Please inform your child's teacher beforehand and report to the school office when collecting your child. You will need to complete an entry into the ‘departures’ book outside the office.

Parents who are obliged to take their annual holiday in term time may apply to take their children from school for a maximum of ten school days in a calendar year. Please complete a Holiday Form obtainable from the Secretary. Wherever possible, we discourage the practice of taking holidays during term time. The law states that such holidays should only be requested under ‘exceptional circumstances’.

End of afternoon session

Children in the Foundation Unit (Early Years and Year 1) may not leave the Unit until collected by an appropriate adult. If an older child is expecting to be met after school by a parent or parent's representative, and that person has not arrived, the child must return to the classroom and inform the teacher.

Children catching the Service Bus or being collected by taxi or mini-bus at the end of the school day should assemble in the school foyer. There they will be supervised by a member of staff and escorted to the bus.

After School Clubs (childcare)

Please tell us if your child attends an after school club and if this changes, please tell BOTH us and the after school club!

Snacks & Lunchtime

A mid-morning snack of a piece of fresh or dried fruit is encouraged. We ask that this is wrapped in cling film or similar material and kept separate from the child's lunch; it may need naming. Biscuits and crisps are not acceptable. Children in Reception and Years 1 and 2 are given a piece of fruit every day as part of the government’s Fruit & Vegetables Healthy Eating Initiative.

The children are encouraged to drink water throughout the day. They bring in their own water bottles and use the water fountains. Please try to stick to water in the bottles and not a sweetened drink.

Midday packed lunches are eaten in the school hall under the supervision of the Midday Supervisory Assistants. There are no facilities for storing lunch boxes through the morning other than in the Units at room temperature. Please consider sending your child's lunch in a small insulated bag with an ice pack or providing foods which are unlikely to be contaminated. Please also exclude sweets, chocolate and chocolate bars from packed lunches.

Because some children in the school have a severe allergy to nuts, for safety reasons the school is designated a "nut-free" zone. Children should not, therefore, bring nuts of any description, in particular, peanuts or peanut butter. (An allergy can be triggered by just touching hands if the child has held a piece of food containing peanuts).

Remember to put your child’s name on the lunchbox. There are likely to be others with similar boxes. Putting stickers on can help too.

Free packed lunches may be given if you receive Income Support/Family Credit; further details are available from the Secretary.

Going Home for Lunch: Children who go home for lunch should not return until ten minutes before the start of the afternoon session. (i.e. 1.10 or 1.30pm—see session start times).

Organisation within the School

The school is organised into three learning areas, all of which consist of class rooms, quiet and practical learning spaces, cloakrooms and toilets. The learning areas cover Reception and Year 1 in the Foundation Unit, Year 2 and KS2 which comprises Years 3 and 4 in 2 adjoining blocks.

Shared facilities consist of the hall, library/resource area, food technology area, music room, e-learning centre and courtyards.

Co-operative/team teaching enables staff to share teaching skills and resources.

All staff liaise constantly to ensure continuity and as smooth a progression as possible as your child moves through the school.

Parental Involvement

Both the staff and children value and appreciate practical help from parents and friends during school sessions. Please tell the Headteacher or class teacher if you can give some of your time. If you make a regular commitment to the school, you will be required to undergo the CRB police clearance procedure as we all do. Please contact the School office for more information.

Craft skills; cooking; covering work cards; mounting pictures; making costumes.; listening to children read; playing word, number and sound games; shopping play; changing library books;

colour coding books; repairing books and equipment; preparing materials; duplicating and photocopying; supervision on visits; swimming; computers; golden time activities.

From time to time help is also required on a practical level e.g. building, carpentry, decorating. Volunteer gardeners are especially welcome. Keep an eye on our newsletter if you would like to be involved.

Parents' Evenings are held each term. They take various forms, but will always include opportunities for parents to discuss their child's progress with staff. Towards the end of the Summer term a written report is issued for each child with copies being retained by the parents and the school. We also take every opportunity to welcome you into the school through performances, termly open afternoons and special events.

Bad Weather Conditions - Emergency Procedure

When there has been a fall of snow overnight, or if roads are covered in black ice:

PLEASE DO NOT LEAVE YOUR CHILD AT SCHOOL UNTIL YOU HAVE PERSONALLY CHECKED THAT HIS / HER TEACHER HAS ARRIVED.

Only children whose teachers are present, or are expected to be present, will be kept in school.

If snow falls during the day the school will remain open as usual until 3.15pm. Parents wishing to collect children before this time may do so. NB: While snow lasts, please check EACH DAY that your child's class is being catered for.

Occasionally, but rarely, a closure may occur without prior warning to parents e.g. when there is exceptionally heavy snow. Every effort will be made to have a message relayed over:

Closure details are broadcast immediately after the news summaries which are relayed on the hour and half hour.

Note – This procedure applies at all times of the year if there is an emergency which means that the school must be closed for reasons of safety or comfort (e.g. burst water pipes, gas leak etc.)

School Policies

The school cannot take responsibility for personal possessions or expensive toys. Therefore, it is better if children do not bring these items to school. For safety reasons it is requested that jewellery should not be worn. Children with pierced ears should wear studs and these should be removed, whenever possible, for PE and games.

Should a pupil misbehave, punishment may include extra appropriate work or missing a play- time. Persistent misbehaviour will result in the parents being asked to assist the school with a daily Home -School Report Book.

We have reviewed our Home-School Agreement through working closely with our pyramid schools in order to achieve a consistent approach. The outcome has been a new, more proactive document which can be used by parents, children and the school to focus on our respective roles. The agreement is given out to new parents on joining the school community.

Child Protection /Safeguarding Children

The School is committed to helping parents/carers understand its responsibility for the welfare of all pupils.

Our first priority is your child’s welfare and we will usually discuss any concerns we might have about your child with you. There may be occasions, however, when we have to provide information to, or consult with, other agencies such as Social Care and Health before we contact you. Our responsibility to do so is determined by Bournemouth, Dorset and Pole Inter-Agency Child Protection Procedures. If you want to know more about these procedures, please speak to the Designated Person for Child Protection, the Headteacher, or the Deputy Headteacher in her absence.

Formal Complaints Procedure

If you become concerned in any way about your child’s education it is important that you tell us. In the first instance please feel free to discuss them with your child’s teacher or make an appointment with the Headteacher. It is helpful if you can give a brief outline of your concerns when you make the appointment, in order that any relevant material may be prepared.

If you continue to be concerned and neither staff nor governors are able to help, there is a procedure to follow, the details of which can be obtained from The Education Office, County Hall, Dorchester, Dorset.

Safety, Security and the Environment

The school takes safety and security very seriously and we aim to reduce risks as much as possible. Our children's and our school's security depends on us all and we ask for everyone's co-operation. The governors’ Community Committee meets regularly to discuss Health and safety issues and the staff contribute through their weekly Business Meetings. All visitors must enter school through the main entrance and report to the Secretary. Visitors remaining on the school premises will be asked to sign in at the Secretary's office and will be issued with a badge to be worn at all times whilst in school. Parents collecting or visiting children are usually escorted to their child's class or their child is collected and brought to the reception foyer.

Regular fire drills take place to ensure that staff and children become familiar with emergency routines.

A one-way system operates, entering via Barnes Way and leaving via Mellstock Avenue.

For everyone's safety parents are asked to park their cars in either of the two central car parks and not in the lay-bys or staff car park (nearest the school). We know that parking spaces are at a premium, but please do not park on the grass verges or anywhere that makes it difficult for the school buses to pass you.

To protect everyone's health please do not leave your engine running while waiting. The public service bus parks in the bus lay-by in front of the school to pick up passengers at the end of afternoon school. Please keep this clear.

It is important that we set young children a good, safe example. Therefore please avoid walking on the roadway: use the path alongside the car parks. If bikes or scooters are used to travel to school, please dismount as soon as you get to the school gates.

Children are instructed in road safety during their time in school, but please impress on your child the importance of observing the GREEN CROSS CODE at all times.

In the interests of safety and hygiene no dogs are allowed within the school grounds.

Medical Matters

The School Nurse operates a termly ’drop-in’ session which is advertised through the school newsletter. This provides an opportunity for you to share any ongoing concerns you may have.

Children receive a medical check by the school medical officer during their first year at school, usually during their second term. Parents are always notified in advance that a medical examination is to take place, and are invited to be present.

New entrants have their hearing tested by the school nurse who visits the school regularly for this purpose. The school will inform you if any hearing difficulties are detected, and also if a further appointment at the clinic is necessary.

The speech therapist makes an occasional visit to the school. Children with speech problems may be referred to the speech therapist.

You are requested to check your child's hair WEEKLY and to inform the school if head lice are found. Check your child's hair when wet—head lice are difficult to spot in dry hair. If any are found treat only with the special lotion currently recommended by Dorset Health Commission.

The Commission operates a policy of recommending the use of different brands in rotation to prevent lice from becoming resistant to a particular insecticide. The current lotion can be obtained on prescription from your Doctor or from your local Chemist. NB: Head lice shampoo is not recommended by Dorset Health Commission.

· To safeguard against accidents arising from the transport. Storage and administration of medicines.

· To remind parents that it is their responsibility to ensure correct administration of medicines.

· To avoid unnecessary exclusion of any child who is fit for school but who is completing a course of treatment.

· To help those children with longer term disorders (e.g. asthma) to take appropriate medicines so they can take as full a part as possible in all school activities.

· When children are unwell, or have an infectious illness they should not attend school.

· Whenever possible, children who have recovered, but are
completing a course of treatment, should return to school.

· Every effort should be made for medicines to be administered at home and not at school.

For instance, a course of antibiotics which is to be taken 3 times a day can usually be given to the child:

If it is essential for a child to receive medication during the school day the parent should bring the appropriate medicine to school at a suitable time (e.g. lunch time) and administer it to the child in the school office. After the dose has been administered the parent must take any remaining medication with them when they leave the school premises.

On occasions when it is impossible for a parent to visit the school to administer a medicine you can request that the medicine is administered to their child by a member of the school staff during the school day.

The parent must first deliver a written request to the Headteacher by completing a standard request form which is available at the school office. Each request will be carefully considered.

If the school agrees then only the smallest practicable amount of the medicine should be brought to school by the parents, not the child, and should be delivered personally to the Secretary or a Teaching Assistant in the school office.

When parents deliver the medicines they must also sign the Medicines Register in the school office to show that it is their decision to leave the medicine in school for it to be administered to their child by a member of staff.

· the name of the medication, the prescribed dose and the time of administration.

With certain long-term illnesses e.g. asthma, it is important that children have their treatment at agreed times through the day, or available for use as needed.

Parents are requested to complete a health form giving details of any long term illness at the time of admission. Please make sure that this form is kept updated if your child’s health changes.

Inhalers should be clearly marked with your child's name and retained by them so they have direct access in accordance with the school Asthma Policy; please ask if you wish to see this.

Charges and Remissions Policy

In accordance with the principles and legislation of the Education Reform Act 1988, the Governors and Staff are in total accord with the basic philosophy of free education for all pupils. Nonetheless we recognise the valuable contribution made to our children's development by educational visits (some of which may be residential), specialist sports coaching, visiting theatre companies etc., some of which incur exceptional costs.

· Board and lodging for all residential visits which take place within school hours.

· All optional extras such as excursions, specialist sports coaching, etc. which take place wholly or mainly outside school hours.

· The cost of materials or ingredients for items made or produced and retained in Design and Technology Lessons.

· The cost of damage to or loss of school property, where this is the result of a pupil's negligence or misbehaviour.

No child will be excluded from any activity offered in school hours because of parents' inability or unwillingness to pay. However we will generally need to invite voluntary contributions to cover all or part of the cost. There is no obligation to contribute, but if there are insufficient contributions to cover the cost, we reserve the right to cancel the proposed activity. Any monies collected would then be returned.

In cases when family hardship makes voluntary contribution difficult, parents can apply for part or full remission of the charge by contacting the Headteacher. All applications are treated confidentially.

The Library and Resources

*Story books. These are colour graded according to the level of reading ability. All our children make weekly visits to the school library, encouraging them to become regular readers and to share books with their parents at home.

*the reference section. This is used extensively for topic work by the older children. All children receive training to develop library skills and an understanding of the index so that they may use the Library competently and confidently.

The school maintains a policy of regularly updating and replacing library books to ensure as wide and exciting selection as possible. Lost books will be charged for.

Each teaching Unit is provided with a variety of resources appropriate for the children's needs. In addition a wide range of general resources, for many areas of the curriculum, are available in the library, studio area and e-learning centre.

We have a network of computers, offering the latest in Information and Communication Technology. Your child will be given training and encouragement to use these facilities. It is possible to connect to the Internet, opening up wide possibilities for obtaining information world-wide. We have taken steps through our Internet Service Provider to filter material to ensure its suitability.

Clubs for children in years two, three and four are held during the midday break and after school.

Children in their first year in school will follow The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum. This curriculum continues from their various Nursery and Pre School settings, and aims to help young children achieve the five Every Child Matters outcomes of staying safe, being healthy, enjoying and achieving, making a positive contribution and achieving economic well-being.

They will be taught key learning skills, such as speaking and listening, concentration, persistence and co-operation, in order that they may become independent learners. The curriculum consists of 6 areas of learning:

Learning is cross curricular and multi-sensory and the children work towards Early Learning Goals in each area. At the end of the reception year all children are assessed against the Foundation Stage profile and parents receive a report on their progress.

The Curriculum

At Manor Park, all learning is underpinned with the principles of Assessment for Learning. Teachers at Manor Park First School are passionate about these principles. We believe that this approach enables children to take ownership of their learning and gives children the opportunity to be reflective and formative in their assessment of children and lesson planning. Learning intentions are readily shared with the children so that they understand the importance of challenges set. Success criteria are written for and with the children. These ‘steps to success’ enable the children to work towards learning success. Children’s learning is ‘distance marked’ using AFL principles and children are given the opportunity of making improvements in their learning after distance marking has taken place.

English is a core subject, uniting the important skills of Speaking and Listening, Reading and Writing. At Manor Park First School these skills are consistently embedded and applied across the wider curriculum. We teach children the Literacy skills needed in order to become successful communicators and learners now, and to enable them to move on successfully to the next stage, ultimately becoming life-long learners. Pupils are able to write for a wide range of purposes, including the communication of their ideas, views and feelings. They are enabled to express themselves creatively and imaginatively as they become enthusiastic and critical readers of stories, poetry and drama. Phonics is taught following the ‘letters and sounds’ document; supported by ‘Fast Phonics First’. We approach the teaching of handwriting through the ‘Pen Pals’ scheme.

Our aim is to provide a broad and balanced mathematical education, based upon the objectives in the National Numeracy Strategy.

Numeracy is a proficiency which involves confidence and competence with numbers and measures. We also give the children the opportunity to understand and use a wide range of mathematical vocabulary in a variety of contexts, both within a daily mathematics lesson, and across other areas of the curriculum.

The development of formal methods of recording and performing calculations involving the four operations of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division follows from a firm grounding in learning, understanding and using a range of mental calculation strategies. Initially the main emphasis is upon the development of skills of mental calculation.

Learning is reinforced in a variety of ways including working in groups, with a partner or individually. Children move progressively from informal to more formal methods of recording when they are capable of understanding the underlying mathematical processes.

We aim to lay firm foundations in mathematics and to build on these in a systematic manner, learning to apply them to a range of problems arising out of real-life situations. We hope that our pupils will experience the fascination that working with numbers can bring.

· Materials and their properties e.g. the specific uses of materials and separating different sized solids

· Physical processes e.g. how to make simple electrical circuits and looking at push and pull forces

As they gain knowledge, they are encouraged to develop an awareness of the importance of science in everyday life. We teach the investigative skills fundamental to practical work in this subject. Pupils work co-operatively in groups and are encouraged to discuss their ideas with each other as well as adults. Children’s confidence to question, to choose equipment and to record findings is also nurtured.

History and geography give the children the opportunity to investigate and explore their environment and to develop their skills of enquiry, learning about the lives and events affecting people in the past.

Through geography the children will develop their communication skills, asking questions about their environment, talking about their ideas and using a range of resources, including books, maps, CD Roms and the internet to source information.

The children at KS1 investigate the school environment; learn about India and how traffic affects their school. They will improve and hone their skills doing a study of rivers in KS2, studying ‘What’s in the news’, and consider ways in which they can improve the immediate environment in and around Manor Park.

As history detectives they will learn to interpret and develop an understanding about the chronology of the past and to develop questioning skills which will enable them to evaluate evidence.

Through stories, books, the use of CD Roms and the internet, the children in KS1 begin to learn about the past, looking at their families, finding out about toys and the history of London. In KS2 they develop their skills of enquiry by using books, artefacts, CD Roms, the internet, videos, museum visits and eye witness accounts. They study the Greeks, Invaders and Settlers, children in WW2 and an aspect of local history.

Their learning is enriched and stimulated by a variety of visits, by visitors to school leading thematic days and the opportunity to share and explore their learning in dance and drama performances.

PE and exercise are an important and enjoyable part of the curriculum at Manor Park. Children of all abilities take part and have fun in a wide range of team and individual physical activities. Teachers ensure that all pupils acquire a variety of basic skills in games, gymnastics, athletics, swimming, dance and outdoor education.

We provide opportunities for pupils to become aware of their own fitness through our morning aerobic sessions and ‘fit breaks’. Our children develop a physical, intellectual, emotional and social awareness whilst engaging in the challenges of PE.

The annual Sports Day enables teams of pupils to compete in a non-threatening way, using the skills practised throughout the year, encouraged by their parents and peers. We also compete in a variety of festivals with our partnership schools, and enjoy the expertise of visiting sports coaches. Throughout the year there are after school sports sessions including football, cricket, rugby, rounders and multi-skills clubs.

We have a fully equipped ICT suite, containing 30 up-to-date machines, with filtered internet access through the South West Grid for Learning. In addition to this, many of our shared areas and classrooms contain smaller ‘hubs’ for using computers. Every classroom al IT suite

so has an interactive whiteboard and we have many ’peripheral’ devices, such as microphones and digital cameras. E-safety is important for everyone, therefore all learners in the school sign up to a responsible internet use agreement and appropriate information is communicated.

Information and Communication technology provides us with countless opportunities to support and enhance teaching and learning across the whole curriculum. This includes: the use of the internet for research; Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Photostory for presenting information; a variety of software packages and simulations; and control programmes to support in particular design and technology and numeracy.

The children all have at least one session per week in the ICT Suite, but there are other opportunities for using computers. The interactive whiteboards are used across all subjects and in many ways. The children find the multi-sensory approach stimulating and exciting. ICT can also be very useful for assessment purposes. Through recording themselves and others using digital cameras, the children can assess themselves and each other more effectively.

We aim to provide a rich and varied creative, aesthetic and physical education, enabling each child to interpret and express their own perception of the world through various media by developing intellectual, sensory, practical, physical, social and communication skills. Creative, aesthetic and physical education celebrates the achievements of the individual, building confidence and independence. It develops and fosters consultation, partnership and co-operation to enhance learning experiences and make the most of resources. We offer the chance for children to learn a wide range of musical instruments such as

keyboard ~ recorder ~ guitar ~ violin ~ drums - playing both individually and in groups

· Design and Technology prepares pupils for a world of rapidly changing technology.

· The subject calls for pupils to become problem solvers as both individuals and members of a team.

· Knowledge and understanding of Design and Technology is developed through investigation and evaluation of products, product analysis, focussed practical tasks and Design and Make assignments.

· At Manor Park all children have the opportunity to work with mechanisms, food technology, textiles and structures, each year group covering one area of technology each term.

Religious Education is closely aligned with a child’s individual experiences and development during the first school years. We aim to build on the children’s own sense of wonder and questioning nature so that a secure foundation can be laid for future learning.

Manor Park follows the ‘agreed syllabus for RE-Research’. Detailed planning gives the children varied and exciting opportunities which develop increasing self awareness, respect for others, open mindedness and a sense of appreciation and wonder.

Planning in Key Stage 1 has an emphasis on Christian values (non-denominational) allowing time to explore, question, reflect and evaluate. The children also study aspects of Judaism.

Planning in Key Stage 2 also demonstrates our commitment to teaching Christian beliefs and practises. A project on Hinduism is introduced at this stage.

RE contributes to the children’s spiritual development. Opportunities to reflect and be still are planned into learning sessions during the term. These are also enhanced by the use of unit reflection chairs through the school with children taking increasing ownership.

As a Church of England school we maintain very close links with St George’s Church, Fordington. As a school we celebrate all the major Christian festivals with the children attending church at Christmas, Easter and leavers’ service. We also visit the church as part of a Key Stage 1 project.

Clubs for children in years two, three and four are held during the mid-day break and after school. These can be quite diverse ranging from cookery, choir and art to rugby and football. The provision of clubs varies according to the time of year and available staff. Parents are regularly informed of what is on offer.

In addition some children are invited to attend special clubs before school. These sessions are offered to meet quite specific needs which could cover, for example, access to the ICT suite or occupational therapy.

We aim to complement parents and families in the social and personal development of the children. The school holds the Healthy Schools’ award.

Health Education is concerned with total well-being and is closely related to personal experience and to the development of the whole child. By developing perceptions of self-worth, improving self-knowledge and self-esteem we hope to promote positive attitudes towards health. By giving a sense of responsibility in respect of individual, family and community health we hope to develop an awareness for the welfare of self and others. This includes resisting pressures from peers and advertising which may be damaging to health.

Sex Education By developing body awareness with the use of acceptable vocabulary we aim to encourage sensible attitudes to natural bodily functions. We aim to stress the value of caring home backgrounds, family life and a proper concern for all things. By studying the life cycle of animals and plants, children will be able to see and appreciate growth and reproduction in nature which will help to create an atmosphere conducive to answering any questions which may arise about human reproduction.

Citizenship is concerned with developing a set of moral values acceptable by school and society. This is carried out by our system of Golden Time and through our DASP citizenship caterpillars. Pupils’ views and opinions are valued and help towards decision making in some areas of school life. The voice of the children is the School Council. Day to day school life runs along democratic lines.

The School Council

The School Council consists of elected representatives from each class in Years 2 to 4. Reception children are given the opportunity to observe the work of the school council.

A link teacher helps the School Council liaise with the school community and the Governing Body of the school. Governors also meet with the School Council to hear their views, particularly regarding improvements to the school environment.

Children in Years 2 and 4 may apply for the position of Playground Friend. Each half term interviews are held and Playground Friends appointed to assist in playground supervision and organising games etc.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Manor Park is an inclusive school where pupils are taught a broad and balanced curriculum. Our aim is to provide effective learning opportunities for all pupils. When children are identified as having a learning difficulty they are monitored closely by their classroom teacher. Special educational provision is matched to the child’s needs, and they will receive extra support. Specialist advice may also be sought from Speech and Language Therapists, the Educational Psychologist, Occupational/Physiotherapists. We also receive outreach support from Specialist Schools. Parents are consulted about each course of action and Individual Educational Plans are discussed regularly.

At Manor Park we like to make support sessions fun and offer a range of activities such as Toast and Talk, our Sparkle Group, Word Shark Club, Rise and Shine. We have a team of highly trained Teaching Assistants who provide support and deliver different intervention programmes. We regularly review our practise and do our best for your children. We have good links with the SEN departments of the middle schools, and are able to plan for a smooth transition at the end of Year 4.

The children are being continually assessed by their teachers throughout their school life. In Reception this assessment is consistent with the Foundation Profiling. Towards the end of Year 2, this ongoing teacher assessment can be ’backed up’ by more formal testing. Parents will be informed of the curriculum attainment level their child has achieved in numeracy, science, reading and writing.

We are currently involved in the government initiative ‘Assessing Pupil Progress’ which places emphasis on on-going detailed assessment rather than ‘one off’ testing. We liaise closely with our middle schools in ensuring that our individual pupil assessment is as accurate as possible when our children transfer at the end of Year 4

School Staff—September 2008

Teacher Support Staff

Administration Staff

Term and Holiday Dates 2009

Staff Development Days (School Closed for Staff Training) 2nd /3rd September 2010

Manor Minors After School and Holiday Club

The club opened in early 1999 and has become very successful. We are situated in the refurbished school bungalow in the school grounds. We are OFSTED registered to provide childcare for up to 26 children aged between 5 and 12. The club is open before school, after school, and during the school holidays. For the autumn term only it is open during the afternoons for reception children.

The club provides a happy and safe environment with creative, challenging and worthwhile activities, which are appropriate for the children attending.

All our staff have or are working towards qualifications in childcare and/or playwork. We are always pleased to talk to volunteer helpers or anyone interested in joining our bank of relief staff. For more details ask at the club or at the school office.

If you would like to see the club in operation, call in after school and see the Supervisor, Tracey Stringer.

In addition, the school bungalow accommodates a pre school setting ‘First Steps’ with which the school liaises closely.

Authorised and Unauthorised Absences

Authorised absences may be due to illness, medical treatment, court appearance, external examinations, exceptional family circumstances, holidays etc. Absences can only be regarded as 'authorised' if the school has been notified of the reason by the parent or the guardian - usually by letter or telephone.

With regard to holiday absence, although children are allowed up to 2 weeks holiday during term time in any one academic year, this requires governors' approval, or a consent form signed by the Headteacher (as the governors' representative) in order for the absence to be 'authorised'. The governors understand the advantages of taking a holiday during term time, but urge parents to take their holiday outside term time whenever possible.

The Parent Teacher Association

As always the governors are greatly indebted to the PTA for everything they have done to enhance school life in the last year. Their fund-raising together with a range of social activities has been tremendous fun for everyone who has been involved or attended any of the events.

As a parent of a child at the school, you are automatically a member of the PTA. If you feel able to offer help and ideas for fund-raising, this will be very welcome.

Please come and support the PTA’s activities this year. Some are money raising—some are just fun! Further details of the latest events are given in school newsletters and posted on the notice board outside the school office.

Manor Park First School is a member of the West Dorset School partnership, a group of 68 primary, middle and secondary schools, working together to develop PE and sport opportunities for all young people. The West Dorset School Sport Partnership is based at its hubsite, the Wey Valley School and Sports College.

· Increased attainment and achievement in and through PE, out of school hours learning and sport

· Increased participation in community sport, and improved quality of community life

The WDSSP comprises a partnership development manager (PDM); 9 school sport co-ordinators (SSCO’s); 57 primary and special school link teachers (PLT’s)

Our Partnership Development Manager is Dale Rhodes, based at the Wey Valley School and Sports College. Dale manages the partnership and is responsible for developing strategic links with key partners in sport and the wider community. The nine SSCo’s are based in secondary and middle schools, and they concentrate on improving school sport opportunities, including out of hours school learning, competitive school sport and club links, across a family of schools. The SSCO for our school is Andrea Williams who is based at Dorchester Middle a member of the DASP pyramid. Our primary link teacher, whose aim is to improve the quantity and quality of PE and sport in our own school is Mrs Robbie Noy.

The Governors

The Governors are the group responsible for the running of the school although the day to day responsibility is delegated to the Headteacher.

There are 17 governors including the Headteacher. The full Governing Body meets twice each term. Copies of minutes of their meetings are available for inspection. The school’s latest Ofsted inspection, which took place in March 2006, can be viewed on http://www.ofsted.gov.uk.

If you wish to speak with a Governor on any School matter, you are most welcome to do so. If you wish the governors as a whole to consider a matter, please write to the Clerk to the Governors, Mrs K Critchel, via the School Office.

~ Manor Park First School Prospectus ~