ST WILLIAM’S CATHOLIC PRIMARY SCHOOL

Young Street

Bradford

‘Christ at our heart’

School Prospectus

2009 – 2010

Dear Prospective Parent(s)

Thank you for requesting a copy of the school prospectus. We hope that its content answers your questions about the school and is a positive contribution to the process of selecting the most appropriate primary school for your child to attend regardless of whether you are thinking of your child commencing their primary education in the Nursery or in joining the school at one of our other levels in the school e.g. Reception, Year 1, and Year 2 etc.

It is not possible for this prospectus to contain more than just the essentials about our school. For further information please consult our web site. http://www.stwilliamsbradford.org.uk/index.html

Some of our children are from eastern European and other countries where English is not their first language. They, along with all of our children regardless of where they come from in our local catchment area, are most welcome. Pupil vacancies can occur at anytime during the course of a school year. Consequently, we advise parents/guardians to contact us at any time to find out the current situation regarding vacancies.

If after reading this prospectus you have outstanding questions that have not been answered either at all, or only partially, then please telephone, email or write to us with your question for a prompt reply. Alternatively please ask for an appointment to discuss the issue(s) with Mrs Wright, Head Teacher.

Reading this prospectus is a valuable activity. However, we recommend any parent thinking about applying to St William’s School for a place for their child/children in the nursery or in any year either prior to the school year commencing or during it, to contact the Head Teacher to arrange a visit to the school. In this way you will be able to experience the school ‘first hand’ in addition to reading about what we aspire to and provide for our children which will hopefully make our prospectus ‘come alive’.

Yours sincerely,

Revd. Dr. Barry Barton,

Chair, Board of Governors

St William’s School Mission Statement and Motto

School staff, members of the children’s school council, governors, parishioners and the parish priest of St William’s RC Church, Girlington, Bradford within whose parish boundary the School is both located and named after, recently revised its school mission statement. At the same time they produced a new school motto. Both are presented below.

School Mission Statement

St William’s is a Catholic School where we love God and follow the example of Jesus in our prayers, work and play.

We provide a safe and stimulating learning environment where everyone is cherished and respected for who they are.

Everyone is given the opportunity to achieve their full potential and share in each other’s success.

Through our rich and diverse community we provide exciting experiences that develop independent people ready to make right choices and meet the challenges in life.

We reach out to family and parish to help and support us on our journey.

School Motto

The school’s motto is ‘Christ at our heart’.

St William’s Catholic Primary School: Welcome to Prospective Parents/Guardians and Children

Our school is a place where we seek to develop the potential of all people, children and adults. We try to provide an atmosphere of love and security by being positive about everything that is good, providing surroundings that are clean and cared for in which best effort is aspired to and appreciated by all and in which it is safe to laugh or cry, to be upset or consoled.

We look to support our children’s home and parish by developing each person’s potential in a climate of Christian love, understanding and tolerance. In this way our mission statement and motto is expressed daily in all that we do and say.

St William’s Catholic Primary School: Classification

St William’s is a Catholic Voluntary Aided Primary School with a nursery unit. Children are admitted between the ages of 3 and 11. The planned admission limit to the school is 30 to the nursery. Each class can accommodate a maximum of 30 children at a time. This equates to an overall maximum of 240 children.

Providing a first class education for our children is a costly process in terms of human resources as well as infrastructure i.e. modernising and maintaining the buildings. Traditionally Catholic schools received funding to maintain their buildings through the Diocese of Leeds. This money is given by St William’s parishioners in the collection plate in church on Sunday. As the number of people attending church decreased, the amount of money available also declined. Therefore the Voluntary Contribution Scheme was introduced as a way for parents to contribute to the maintenance of the Catholic schools. We ask for a Voluntary Contribution of £15.00 a year towards these costs.

School Building and Grounds

The school was built in 1970. It is surrounded on three sides by playground areas and a large playing field of about 8000 square metres. The school was designed as a semi-open plan school where children were not confined to the same room for the whole day but shared areas with other children. Work is undertaken to maintain and, where possible, improve the school on an ongoing basis.

The end of April 2009 saw completion of ‘Phase 1’ of the four phase school building development programme. This phase consisted of improvements to the infrastructure of the school for the collective benefits of all those who come into contact with our school on either an occasional basis i.e. as a visitor or, on an ongoing basis as a pupil, parent, staff member, school governor, parish priest, teaching and other students on placement etc. The specific improvements span learning and teaching, administration and staff facilities. Specific Phase 1 changes include:

Learning and Teaching

• Redevelopment of reception class to make it more modern and light.

Disabled Toilets

• Creation of a toilet for the disabled.

Sick Room

• Creation of a room suitable for a child who is unwell.

School Administration

• Creation of meeting room
• Creation of a school reception
• Relocation and upgrading of school office
• Redecoration of head teachers office
• Redecoration of corridors.

Staff Facilities

• New staff room for teaching, non teaching staff and students on placement
• New staff toilets

Dining Hall

In order to improve the dining hall environment existing items will have been replaced. Improvements are:

• New and modern dining room furniture i.e. tables and chairs,
• New crockery and eating utensils.

Details pertaining to development phases between 2010 and 2017 are contained in appendix 1 (page 18)

School Governing Body: Roles, Responsibilities, Membership and Key Responsibilities

The purpose of the body is to monitor the work of St William’s Catholic Primary School and to hold the head teacher to account for the performance of the school.

For information about the roles and responsibilities of the governing body please see appendix 2 (page 19)

The details pertaining to current governor’s key responsibilities are outlined below in Table 1.

Table 1 St William’s Primary School Governing Body Membership and Key Responsibilities (October 2009)

A new Clerk to the Governors is currently being sought by Education Bradford.

The governors employ a large number and range of staff in order to be able to deliver high quality primary education consistent with our mission statement, motto, and the school curriculum aims and objectives. Staffs span the following categories: teachers, administrative, nursery, teaching assistant and support staff.

Tabulated below are for each member of the school staff in post as at October 2009 their designation or work location, name and key responsibility.

Table 2 School Teaching, Administrative, Nursery, Teaching Assistant and Support Staff Designation, Work Location, Name and Key Responsibility (October 2009)

Parental Help

The school is fortunate to have parents who come into school on a regular basis and help in many ways. For example the school ‘Eco Club’ where parents with an interest in gardening offer their knowledge and skills in plant management with the children. Also, some parents help with the running of the nursery library. Parental help is extremely useful and much appreciated. If as a parent you would like to offer your help then please contact Mrs Wright, Head Teacher. If you are unsure about the appropriateness of the help you can offer Mrs Wright is more than happy to discuss your possible contribution with you. Her contact details can be located on page 3 of this prospectus.

Parent’s Council

The Parent’s Council was established in April 2009. Its role, as a body of parents representing families from each of the areas in school, is to:

• Work alongside the school,
• Have a parent’s voice,
• Offer support to the school,
• Give parents a gateway to feel that they are able to approach the school about key issues,
• Discuss and come to an agreement on whole school issues e.g. policies, homework etc.
• Ensure there is a shared vision,
• Encourage greater communication between home and school.

Parents comprising the council for the school year 2009 – 10 identified below.

Table 3 Members of the Parent Council (October 2009)

Admission Arrangements for St Williams Primary School

The process for gaining admission to the School is contained in appendix 3, page 20, of this prospectus. Please contact the head teacher if you have any admission questions.

Religious Education

One of the key reasons why you may be considering St William’s Catholic Primary School for your child / children is its Catholic ethos and its adherence to the rites and practices of the Catholic Church. The School aims to provide an environment that upholds the gospel values of peace, love, justice and reconciliation for all. Our task is to lead the children to a living faith and enable them to come to know Jesus as a living and loving being.

The practice of faith is central to the whole life of the school. Priest, pupils, parents, staff and whenever possible governors gather together to celebrate school Mass and other services and assemblies throughout the year.

Parents may withdraw children from the religious education and collective worship provided. However, as all the teachers are engaged in teaching which involves Catholicity at all times throughout the day, there would be no-one available to supervise a child during periods of withdrawal. Parents would be required to take on that responsibility bearing in mind that there will be both regular timetabled lessons and additional flexible occasions depending upon the Church’s Liturgical Calendar.

We operate the ‘Here I Am’ national syllabus for Catholic schools and we aim to employ a variety of teaching and learning strategies in order to promote spiritual and moral values

Sacramental Preparation: Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist

The school celebrates with, and supports, the home and Parish in the preparation of the children for the sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist. However, it will not take the place of parents, whose privilege it is as the primary educators of their children, to foster the faith life of their child. It is for parents to attend preparation meetings and discussions before their child is presented for the sacraments.

All information concerning First Confession and First Holy Communion/Eucharist will be made available through St William’s Church. All enquiries must be made directly to the Parish Priest, Fr Callaghan, St. William’s Presbytery, 26 Duncombe Street, Bradford.BD8 9AJ (stwilliamsbfd@btinternet.com) 01274 542534.

Education in Personal Relationships

Education in personal relationships is one of the most important responsibilities of parents, teachers, governors and the parish priest. Successful attainment requires joint commitment and understanding by all participants. We aim to help children understand themselves, so that they develop clear self-images, positive feelings and attitudes towards living and loving.

Taken alongside our religious education programme, sex education is developed within the context of all personal relationships. Children study how the human body develops and discuss how emotional responses change. Throughout all we aim to help the children see God’s love reflected in the personal relationships that they experience in all areas of their life.

Pastoral Care of Children

The ultimate responsibility for the welfare of the children whilst in school lies with the Head Teacher. However, all teachers are responsible for the immediate welfare of the children in their care.

Any issues or concerns regarding a child or school must first be discussed with the class teacher. If the matter is not resolved then an appointment with the Head Teacher needs to be arranged. See page 3 of this prospectus for contact details.

Any child requiring special help e.g. through learning difficulties, attendance, behaviour or welfare is cared for through close links between the school and the special services provided by the Local Education Authority.

In cases of illness or accident parents will be informed by telephone. In the case of serious illness or accident the child will be well looked after and taken to hospital by staff who will remain with him/her until the parent arrives. Four qualified first aider’s are staff members.

The National Curriculum

The National Curriculum attempts to set out the most important knowledge and skills that every child has a right to learn. It is a framework given to teachers by Government as a way to ensure all school children are taught in a way that is balanced and manageable but hard enough to challenge them.

Every Child Matters

‘Every Child Matters: Change for Children’ is a new approach to the well-being of children and young people from birth to age 19. The Government's aim is for every child, whatever their background or their circumstances, to have the support they need to: Be healthy, stay safe, Enjoy and achieve, Make a positive contribution and Achieve economic well-being. St William’s fully complies with this approach.

School Curriculum Aims and Objectives

St William’s is a Catholic Primary School in which each person is an individual with their own God given rights and potential. School aims are:

1   To support the home and Parish in developing that potential to its full extent in a climate of Christian love, understanding and tolerance, so that all may know, through human relationships and experiences, Christ, who is our eternal destiny.

2    To develop awareness of, and respect for, self and others, acquire a set of Christian moral values and the confidence to make, and hold, to Christian moral judgements and develop habits of self-discipline and acceptable behaviour.

3     To help pupils to develop more lively, enquiring minds, the ability to question and argue rationally and to apply themselves to tasks and physical skills.

4     To help pupils to acquire knowledge and skills relevant to adult life and employment in a rapidly changing world.

5     To help pupils to use language and number effectively.

6    To foster respect for religious and moral values and respect of other races, religions and ways of life.

7     To help pupils to understand the world in which they live and the interdependence of individuals, groups and nations.

In the atmosphere of love and security of a Christian community, we aim to provide for children in our care a broad programme of learning that encourages maximum development of each child. We endeavour to provide a curriculum which develops basic skills and knowledge in English, Mathematics, History, Geography, Science, Art and Craft, Music, Drama, Physical Education, Technology and the Catholic Faith, in relation to the child’s own world.  Learning experiences are provided across the curriculum in line with the National Curriculum and Every Child Matters.

School is concerned with the children both as they are now and as they will be in the unknown world of their future. It is our aim to help develop their skills, abilities and talents academically, practically, creatively and physically. Further, to both appreciate and to help them form sound relationships, so that, with a lively, enquiring mind, they will be able to fulfil their potential in a rapidly changing world.

Parents are encouraged to read at home with their children and to encourage them to make use of the library and other reference material related to school topics. We also suggest that parents encourage stimulating, and creative, story making which children can write out and illustrate.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

Our Special educational needs co-ordinator is Miss Clare Gardner (Deputy Head Teacher).

All children are accepted as individuals. We aim to provide specific support to the individual needs of each, whether specially gifted or having difficulties. Children identified as having special educational needs will have arrangements made for them that comply with both school policy and the DSCF code of practice for SEN. This means that parents will be made aware of any concerns about their child at an early stage.

Any child who is placed on the Special needs register will have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) drawn up for them. This will be reviewed regularly. Parents / Guardians will be given a copy and it will be discussed with the individual class teacher(s). In certain cases the school may wish to contact outside agencies for support e.g. an educational psychologist. In these cases provision will always be discussed with parent’s before-hand. Parental consent will be gained before any agencies are contacted. The issuing of a statement of special educational needs for a child is the responsibility of the LEA. This is a result of an application made by the school and in which parents are consulted.

School governors, via policy decisions enactment, have ensured that much of the school has been appropriately adapted for disabled access for pupils and their parents. This upholds the right of disabled people to equal opportunities.

Children’s Learning

School Work

All children attending the school are actively encouraged to fully participate in all aspects of every lesson. Parents are encouraged to ask their child on a regular basis what it is that they are learning and why they are learning it. Parents are also encouraged to contact the class teacher over any concerns they have in respect of their child’s learning.

Homework

All children in school will at some time be given school related work to carry out at home. The task given will be selected by the teacher and will be commensurate with the ability of the pupils and should not generally exceed 30 minutes. All parents/guardians are encouraged to actively support their children in the undertaking of allocated homework.

Class Organisation and Learning

St William’s is a semi-open plan school and is organised into four units. Within each unit there are two age groups and children are taught in mixed ability classes. Children’s learning is under the direction of one teacher although children may have the benefit of meeting more than one teacher in a day. Children will be taught sometimes as a whole class, sometimes within a group and sometimes individually.

Lateness

It is important that children are brought to school on time in order that they gain the maximum benefit of the school day. Registers close at 9.15am.  If a child arrives late he/she will be given a late mark up to 9.15am.  After 9.15am the child will be marked absent.

Absence

Regular and punctual attendance is an essential element in a child’s progress at school. If a child is absent, parents are asked to inform the school either by telephone or by letter.

Children will not be allowed to leave school for an appointment unless a known adult collects them. Prior notice of an appointment is required so that absences may be authorised. Only the Head Teacher or Deputy Head Teacher will authorise absence.

The school’s current attendance is improving. So please ensure that your child comes to school. The school opens at 8.45am teaching begins at 8.55am.

Attendance Data

As a result of Government legislation the Governing Body is now required to publish statistics concerning ‘unauthorised absences’. An ‘unauthorised absence’ is any absence which has not been notified by the parent and approved by the Head Teacher.

Governors emphasise the importance of attending on a regular basis. Parents are reminded of the need to notify school in writing in advance of children’s legitimate absences, so that the absence from school can be authorised and will not count as a truancy figure. Holiday absence in term time is NOT an entitlement. Authorisation is given only at the discretion of the Governors through the Head teacher. Governors are very concerned at the rising trend of withdrawing children from school to go on holiday and request that parents think seriously of the consequences for children of unnecessary absence.

Learning, Success and Holidays

Adequate holiday time is built into the school year in such a way as it complements and supports pupil learning and success. However, over the past two years, an increasing number of families are taking family holidays in school time. This will have an adverse effect on the children’s education especially if it happens each year. It is especially dangerous if the holiday is taken in September or October, as this is when children are establishing new relationships with other children and especially their teacher. Please think very carefully about taking children out of school during term time.

Promoting and Maintaining Good Behaviour

Governors, staff and parents/guardians and children at St Williams collectively feel that successful school discipline is based on mutual respect and the development of a secure relationship between children, teachers, parents and governors. We try to teach that Christ is present in our school in all that is involved in the commandment “love one another as I have loved you.” This is reflected in our new school motto recently chosen by parents, children, staff, school governors, parish priest and parishioners of St William’s Church.

For the well being of the children, values imparted at home and at school need to be the same, but where a difference occurs school will stand firm on the values of the Gospel. A positive approach to behaviour and attitude is promoted. Rules are simple, straightforward and non-discriminatory and help pupils to develop an understanding of right and wrong. Children are expected to behave in a manner that reflects care and consideration for others. In this way we hope to build a happy and secure school community. If a child’s behaviour is considered unacceptable, parents will be informed and invited to discuss the matter with the Head Teacher.

Bullying will not be accepted.  Where it does occur, parents will be informed so that they can work together with staff to resolve the problem. A copy of the school’s anti-bullying policy is available upon request.

Music

Since 2007 governors have continued to allocate funds in order to ‘buy in’ the services of a specialist music teacher from the Bradford Music Service. All children now have the extra benefit of a specialist music teacher each week. Additionally about twenty-five children in years 3, 4, 5 and 6 attend instrumental music lessons spanning violin, clarinet, guitar and flute.

Access to Records

Parents of children registered at the school may see their own child’s records by arrangement with the Head Teacher.

Parents Evenings

During the course of the year, times are set aside so that parents have the opportunity to discuss their own child’s work with their teachers and to view the school as a whole.

The Home – School Partnership

As parents/guardians your aspiration is for your child to be happy both at school and at home and to do well. Staff and governors jointly share that objective with you. A close partnership between home and school is essential and will give your child the best possible chance of success. We all, school and home, have an essential part to play and, if we understand and accept our different rights and responsibilities, the partnership should benefit us all.

To strengthen this special partnership we have recently made a new appointment to the school staff of a parental involvement worker. This person will help to raise standards of pupil achievement by working closely with parents across a range of issues including pupil attendance and punctuality etc.

The school, parents/guardians of our children and each child make an ongoing commitment to the home school partnership by signing the home school agreement. The agreement makes clear the roles and responsibilities of all three parties. Appendix 4, page 22, contains the home school policy.

Extra Curricular Activities

For specific information in respect of extra-curricular activities please consult appendix 5, page 24.

A wide range of extra-curricular activities are offered by the school in order to produce the widest set of learning opportunities for all our children. These include:

Educational Visits

Residential Visits

Drama

Charitable Works

Sport

Charging Policy

School Day, School Hours and Teaching Hours

School Day:                 8.55 am – 3.15 pm

School Hours:          School doors open at 8.45 am

KS1      8.55am - 12.00noon              1.00pm - 3.15pm.

KS2      8.55am - 12.00noon               1.00pm - 3.15pm.

Children may come into school from 8.50 am. We strongly encourage that full use of this facility should be made so that the school day can begin promptly.

No supervision of children is available before 8.45 am.

It is important that children are brought to school on time and collected promptly.

It is also important that staff are available to give children their attention in the morning. Consequently, we ask parents who wish to see a teacher make an appointment with the office. See page 4 of this prospectus for contact details.

Teaching Hours:

5 year old children – 7 year old children            21 hours 55 minutes per week

8 year old children – 11 year old children          23 hours 35 minutes per week

(Registration, assembly and worship do not count for teaching hours under the 1988 Education Reform Act. DES CIRC 7/90)

Dates of School Term 2009 – 2010

The commencement and finishing dates for terms and half terms are contained in appendix 6, page 26.

General School Matters

For specific information in respect of general school matters please consult the appendix 7. Specific information is provided on the following issues:

Children, Medical Conditions and Medicines

Medicine(s) in School

Road Safety

Breakfast Club: Open from 8.00am daily

School Meals and Packed Lunch

Lunchtime Activities

Playtime and Fruit Only Policy

Dinner Money Payment

Milk Money Payment

School Uniform

Footwear

Physical Education (PE) Clothes

Jewellery

Parent, Teacher and Friends Association

Complaints Procedure

Availability of Documentation

Personal Property

Transport.

School Performance

KS2 SATs RESULTS

A full record of the SATs results will, as usual, be published by the Department of Education within the next month or two.

St William’s Results:

Key Stage 2 Tests – Results June 2009

Key Stage 1 – Teacher Assessments June 2008

Teacher Assessment

If you wish to find out more information on SATs results, you can access them on the Internet on www.dfee.gov.uk or from your local library.

Transfer to Secondary School from St Williams Primary School

All pupils will be required to fill in the application form that school will send out in the Autumn Term of the year prior to transfer e.g. in autumn 2009 for a September 2010 start in the Secondary School. The completed application form must be returned to the LEA address by the date specified.

Disclaimer:

This document relates to the school year 2009/10 commencing September 2009. It is reviewed and updated on an annual basis by governors and is correct at the time of publication.

The results for June 2009 when published will be included in subsequent versions of this prospectus.

It is the intention to continually improve the relevance of the content of this prospectus. Consequently please let Mrs Wright, Head Teacher, knows of any suggestions in order to bring about incremental improvement.

Appendix 1

Details pertaining to intended development phases between 2010 and 2017

Development Phases 2-4

The three remaining phases of the building development programme and their related timescales are:

• Stage 2, remodelling of key stage 1 teaching and learning facilities commencing 2010 and ready for occupancy in 2011,
• Stage 3, remodelling of lower key stage 2 teaching and learning facilities commencing 2013 and ready for occupancy in 2014
• Stage 4, remodelling of upper key stage 2 teaching and learning facilities commencing 2016 and ready for occupancy in 2017

Please note that realisation of any of the above stages is depending on securing adequate funding from appropriate funding sources.

Appendix 2

Roles and responsibilities of Governors: St Williams Catholic Primary School

Governors Roles

Governors are jointly responsible for the conduct of St Williams RC School by ensuring the best possible primary Catholic education is provided for the pupils attending our school. This means ensuring that school is run according to its Instrument of Government and the Diocesan Trust Deed, that its religious character is preserved and developed and that our pupils obtain high standards of academic achievement.

The governing body is a corporate entity and acts as a group. Each member has a right to participate in all aspects of school governance. Although governors are appointed or elected by different groups, they are not delegates and their central concern is the welfare of St William’s School. However, foundation governors have specific responsibilities to diocesan trustees.

To facilitate excellent governance governors are advised to work with the local authority i.e. Education Bradford and to undertake training with them where the training is relevant to St Williams School.

As members of the governing body they provide the strategic direction to St William’s School by:

• Setting its aims and objectives,
• Establishing policies and related achievement targets,
• Monitoring, evaluating and reviewing school progress.

Governors Responsibilities

In respect of conduct school governors are responsible for:

• Ensuring that the school is run according to the Diocese of Leeds Trust Deed and the School’s instrument of government,
• Confirming that its Catholic character is preserved and developed,
• Ensuring that the school constantly bears witness to the faith in every aspect of its life,
• Promoting high standards of educational achievement.

Governors, as members of the governing body of St William’s RC voluntary aided school are employers of all school staff with the legal and ethical responsibilities of good employers. (Diocese of Leeds Governors’ Handbook September 2008)

The School is always keen to encourage parental involvement in the strategic and organisational management of the School. So, if you are interested in becoming a governor then please contact the Head Teacher or Chair of Governors for further information and/or an exploratory meeting.

Appendix 3

Admission Arrangements for St Williams Primary School

Application Procedures and Timetable:

Applicants are advised that in successfully processing applications the governing body needs BOTH the forms described below to be completed and received at the correct addresses. Failure to provide a Common Preference Form (CPF) would mean that the application is not valid and failure to provide a Supplementary Information Form (SIF) would mean that the application is placed in the last criteria.

Applications must be submitted by January 2010 to the school St. William’s on the Supplementary Information Form attached to this policy. A standard application form, known as the Common Preference Form must also be completed and also returned to St. William’s by January 2010.

Parents or carers will be advised of the outcome of their applications by April 2010. Unsuccessful applicants will be given reasons related to the oversubscription criteria listed above and advised of their right to an independent appeal panel.

Oversubscription Criteria:

When there are more applications than the number of places available places are offered in the following order of priority:

The attendance of a brother or sister at the school at the time when the younger child starts school will increase the priority of an application within each category.

    1  Looked after children from Catholic Families.

    2  Baptised Catholic children who live in the defined area. 

        (Supported by a Baptismal certificate).

    3  Other baptised Catholic children. (Supported by a 

        Baptismal certificate).

    4  Other looked after children.

    5  Children of other Christian denominations, or of other

        Faiths, whose parents or carers are in sympathy with the

        aims and ethos of the school and whose application is

        supported in writing by a minister of religion or an

        appropriate religious leader.

    6  Other children.

Catechumens and members of an Eastern Christian Church are to be given priority next after baptised Catholics in each of the above categories (see notes).

Where the offer of places to all the applicants in any of the categories listed above would lead to over-subscription the following terms will be applied.

Tie Break

Where the offer of places to all the applicants in any of the categories listed above would still lead to oversubscription, the available places will be offered to those living nearest to the school.  ‘straight line distance’ will be used as the measure (see notes).

Waiting Lists

As well as their right of appeal, unsuccessful applicants can apply to be placed on a waiting list. This list will follow the order of the oversubscription criteria set out above. Names are normally taken off the list after six months.

Pupils with a Statement of Special Educational Needs:

The admission of pupils with a Statement of Special Educational Needs is dealt with by a completely separate procedure. This procedure is set out in the 1996 Education Act.  Details of this separate procedure are set out in the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice.

Notes (these notes form part of the over-subscription criteria):

Catholic means a member of a church in communion with the See of Rome. A certificate of baptism in a Catholic church, or a certificate of reception into the full communion of the Catholic Church, will normally evidence this. This includes the Eastern Catholic Churches.

Catechumens are those children who have given an explicit desire to be baptised into the Roman Catholic Church and who are currently preparing to receive the same by regular participation in Sunday worship and a recognised programme of preparation. A letter from the Catholic priest preparing the child is required.

Eastern Christian Church includes Orthodox Churches and proof is normally a certificate of baptism or reception from the authorities of that Church.

Looked After Child has the same meaning as in section 22 of the Children Act 1989, and means any child in the care of a local authority or provided with accommodation by them (e.g. children with foster parents).

Brothers or Sisters includes children with brothers and sisters (including step-brothers or sisters residing at the same address) of statutory school age, living at the same address, in attendance at the same school, or a school on the same site, on the date of admission.

Defined area a map of St. William’s parish boundaries is available for inspection in school.

Twins or Triplets where a family of twins or triplets request admission and there is only one school place available, it will be left to the family to decide whether or not they wish to take up the place for one of the children, and appeal for the second or third child in the same year group, or to decline the place.

Home address the place where you permanently reside.

Straight Line Distance will be measured from the main entrance of the school to the home.

Transfer to Secondary School from St Williams Primary School

All pupils will be required to fill in the application form that school will send out in the Autumn Term of the year prior to transfer e.g. in autumn 2009 for a September 2010 start in the Secondary School. The completed application form must be returned to the LEA address by the date specified.

Appendix 4

Home School Policy

St William’s Catholic Primary School

Home

As a parent / guardian partner I/we will:

• Support the Catholic values of the school community.
• Encourage my child to show kindness and respect to others and support the school’s behaviour policy.
• Ensure that my child attends school regularly, on time, suitably equipped and prepared for the school day so that s/he is ready to do his/her best and enjoy school.
• Take an interest in my child’s education, support homework, attend parents’ evenings and inform the school of any concerns regarding my child’s work or welfare.
• Adhere to the school’s uniform policy and ensure that all my child’s personal items are clearly labelled.
• Respect and value each other as teachers and parents, understanding the different roles that each fulfils.

Signature/s of parent(s) guardian(s)

Pupil

As a pupil partner I will:

• Come closer to God by celebrating his love.
• Work hard in class and complete my homework.
• Respect others, take care of school property and follow the school rules.
• Think for myself and take responsibility for my actions.
• Remember what I need to bring for my different school activities.
• Respect and value each other as pupils and teachers, understanding the different roles that each fulfils.

Signature of pupil

School

As a school partner we will:

• Provide a friendly welcome to you in an attractive, safe and ordered learning environment.
• Provide opportunities for you to celebrate our Catholic faith, develop an understanding of other faiths and deepen a personal relationship with God.
• Treat you with respect and value you for who you are, recognising your unique talents and abilities.
• Provide a broad, balanced and rich curriculum that you will enjoy, meeting your needs and enabling you to reach your full potential.
• Give your parents/guardians information about your progress and opportunities to communicate with the Head Teacher and teaching staff to inform them of any concerns regarding your work, behaviour or health.
• Support parents who seek to become involved in the daily life of the school.
• Respect and value each other as parents and teachers, understanding the different roles that each fulfils.

Signature of teacher

Appendix 5

Extra Curricular Activities

A wide range of extra-curricular activities are offered by the school in order to produce the widest set of learning opportunities for all our children. These include:

Educational Visits

Where relevant and possible, school educational visits are arranged to support the children’s curriculum studies.

Residential Visits

Year 6 pupils enjoy a five-day residential visit to Ingleborough Hall linked to their curriculum studies.

Drama

The school enjoys the benefit of visiting theatre companies that help to broaden and complement the school based activities. The school also produces an annual pantomime involving pupils from Years 5 and 6.

Charitable Works

The school is involved in several fund raising events throughout the year where children are encouraged to consider the needs and circumstances of others. Our main charity is Catholic Care. This charity acts to support those in need of its services, especially the weak and vulnerable. It also acts as an advocate for those unable to represent themselves. Various activities are undertaken throughout Lent to raise funds. In 2008 the school raised £ 1,157 for the ‘Good Shepherd appeal that was donated to Catholic Care. We also contributed, at Christmass, to the Shoebox Appeal, for poor and needy people in Romania and other Eastern European countries.

Sport

The school provides sports training during lunch times in the development of rugby, football, netball and rounder’s skills. The school takes part in inter school matches. We also take advantage of the expertise of outside agencies whenever possible. This year we have had specialist sports teachers from Yorkshire Martyrs working in school each week mainly with year 5 & 6 children. Year 4 pupils have the opportunity to undertake weekly ice hockey sessions. Year 5 children partake in weekly swimming lessons.

The provision of extracurricular activities is seen as vital in widening the curriculum to take into account the talents of all children and to enable as many as possible to achieve in areas outside the classroom.

Charging Policy

No charges are made to parents for any aspect of the National Curriculum offered to our pupils. There are, however, occasions when voluntary contributions will be required for activities involving educational visits of curriculum enrichment outside school.

If parents experience problems with personally funding voluntary contributions please do not hesitate to contact the Head Teacher so that they can be quickly resolved. Full confidentiality is assured.

Purposes:

1   To enable fund raising to take place (for charities and for special projects) within the context of school life and the principles of the Education Reform Act.

2   To finance partially, or in full, enrichment activities and materials which are considered to be of real educational value and appropriate to the need of our pupils, but are beyond the range of the school budget.

3   To provide enrichment activities out of school hours by engaging the services of performers, tutors etc at fees lower than the parents would otherwise have to pay.

Broad Guidelines:

1.    Charges will only be made in line with the stipulations of the Education Reform Act 1988, regarding educational outings, residential visits, materials, equipment, activities etc.

2.     No charge will be imposed for materials, which are part of the regular school stock. Such materials are the property of the school and will remain the property of the school when used.  However, items made from these materials can, at the teacher’s discretion, be sold to raise money for charity events or special projects.

3.     Special materials and equipment for a specific topic or activity may be sold to the pupils before use (e.g. recorder music books), or after use (e.g. cookery ingredients),       provided the parents have agreed in advance.

4.      In cases of financial hardship the cost of these items will be paid for from school funds

Appendix 6

Dates of School Term 2009 – 2010

Holiday Schedule

In addition to the key school opening and closing dates given above the school is closed on a number of staff training (INSET DAYS) and when children will not be in school. There are also a number of occasional days when the children are also not in school. The holiday schedule for 2009/10 and the specific INSET DAYS and occasional days for 2009/10 are available from April 2009 directly from the school office. For the contact details of the School Office please see page 3 of this prospectus.

                                     Appendix 7

General School Matters

Children, Medical Conditions and Medicines

It is vital that the Head Teacher knows of any child’s medical condition. Consequently, it is parent’s/guardian’s personal responsibility to inform the school of the child’s medical condition and medical management. This includes any changes to the condition severity and treatment medicines or other forms of treatment. Once in possession of this information we shall make whatever provision we can in school for children who have a genuine medical concern.

Medicine(s) in School

In the interest of health and safety we cannot administer medicines at school. It is therefore the parent’s/guardian’s responsibility to make appropriate arrangements for administration. This is done by informing the school, ideally in writing, both when administration will be taking place and by whom they will be administered.

In the best interests of both staff and children please do not send children to school if they are unwell and/or ill.

Road Safety

The road outside the school is extremely dangerous for the children and parents trying to cross the road as well as ‘dropping off’ or ‘picking up’ their child(ren). Consequently, parents/guardians are asked NOT to park cars on the yellow lines or in the school car park at any time - especially not when collecting or bringing children to school. This is a very risky practice and dangerous for other children.

The car park must not be used as access to the school at any time - not by children or adults. We are very anxious to prevent accidents and ask for your co-operation.

Breakfast Club

The School operates a breakfast club. The charge is £1.50 per day and includes 50p for a set breakfast. The set breakfast includes a choice of cereals, a slice of toast (with or without jam) and a choice of hot or cold drink. Extras to the set breakfast can be purchased. The breakfast club opens at 8 am. No advance booking is required.

School Meals and Packed Lunch

Children may have a school meal that is cooked on the premises and is served hot. For those children who prefer a salad is also available. Whether hot or cold both options are designed to be healthy. As an alternative to a school meal children can bring a packed lunch. Ideally this should be as healthy as possible. Arrangements can be made for children who have special dietary needs. Halal meat and vegetarian meals are provided. Where children carry a packed lunch, please provide a SMALL bag or container.

There are a variety of lunchtime activities available to Key Stage 2 children during lunchtimes including: choir, netball, football and rounder’s practices. Mrs Clarke and Mrs Mistry provide craft activities for Year 6 children. Many of our Teaching Assistants work at lunchtime to provide a wide range of play activities.

Playtime and Fruit Only Policy

The Governors set up a ‘fruit only’ policy at morning break. The children in Foundation and Key Stage 1 receive a free piece of fruit everyday as part of the Government’s Fruit and Veg Scheme.

Dinner Money Payment

Please send dinner money for the week on a Monday morning. The school kitchen is currently responsible for the collection of money.

Children not having a lunch at school must not leave the premises without the permission of the Head Teacher.

Milk Money Payment

If parents choose for their children to have milk we ask that the money is paid in the first week of each new term. Children in Nursery and Reception are entitled to free milk daily.

School Uniform

All pupils from nursery upwards wear school uniform. Sweatshirts are ordered at the end of each term.

Sweatshirt:                  Maroon with school logo and motto (available in school)

Trousers:                     Grey

Shirt/Blouse:             Light blue

Pinafore/skirt:           Grey

Dress:                       Pink

All children are expected to be adequately and appropriately dressed for school.

Jeans are considered unsuitable for wear in school.

Footwear

All children must have shoes to change into indoors and must change their footwear each time they come in or go out of the building. These indoor shoes may be pumps or other shoes as you choose. These help keep the building clean and avoid damage to classroom carpets. Please ensure your child has sensible footwear for school.

Physical Education (PE) Clothes

All children MUST have PE clothes and a pump bag. White T shirts and black shorts will be needed on all PE occasions. PE activities should ideally be carried out in pumps. When buying pumps please ensure that they have non-slip soles. Trainers will be allowed when doing PE/games on the field in summer as they offer more support and protection outdoors. All children must have a ‘pump bag’ to keep their PE kit together. Pump bags must be labelled with your child’s name and must remain in school during term time.

All children are expected to do PE unless excused by a doctor’s note.

Jewellery

In the interests of health and safety we request that NO jewellery be worn in school. Jewellery is not appropriate and the school accepts no responsibility for loss, damage or injury. We should like to draw your attention to the danger of earrings or studs and request that they are not worn. Wearing makeup e.g. nail varnish is also not acceptable.

Parent, Teacher and Friends Association

Throughout the year the PTFA have held social events for parents and children, some of which double as money raisers. The main events this year have included discos for all year groups after school, support for the Pantomime, Barbecue, Christmas party and party for the lunchtime monitors and a bowling party for the year 6 leavers.

Money raised from the Gala Day is being put towards the building fund to finance new ceilings and lighting. We are always looking for new members. The PTFA is open to all parents/guardians in school. If you feel you could give a little time, please come and talk to Mrs Wright, any member of staff or Mrs Bulmer or Mrs Mistry. We have very few meetings and we keep them as informal and friendly as possible.

Complaints Procedure

In the first instance complaints should be forwarded to the Head Teacher in writing. Complaints about the exercise of the Governing Body’s or LEA’s responsibilities in respect of the curriculum of the school, will be dealt with according to arrangements for the consideration of complaints as approved by the Diocese of Leeds and should be made in writing to the Governing Body through the Chairman.

Availability of Documentation

Documents as specified in the Regulations established under the 1993 regulations are available for viewing in school by arrangement with the Head Teacher.

Personal Property

Any personal property or items of clothing, such as coats, are brought onto school premises at the pupil/parents’ own risk and neither the Governors nor the LEA accept responsibility for their loss or damage. Parents who wish to insure against this possibility are advised to take out an All Risks Policy with their own insurance company.

Transport

Children may qualify for free travel if their nearest available school is more than 3 miles from their home, measured by the shortest route (2 miles if under 8 years of age).  When attendance at school is based on religious grounds, the ‘nearest available school’ means the nearest available denominational school.