Transfer to Secondary School:
All pupils will be required to fill in the application form that school will send out in the Autumn Term. This has to be returned to the LEA address.
Religious Education:
St William’s 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 to enable them to come to know Jesus as a living and loving being.
St William’s School is a Catholic School and all of its rites and practices are those of that Church.
The practice of faith is central to the whole life of the school. Priest, pupils, parents and staff gather together to celebrate 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
Preparation for Sacraments:
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 will be made available through St William’s Church and all enquiries must be made to the Parish Priest.
Education in Personal Relationships:
This is one of the most important responsibilities of parents, priests and teachers and it needs the commitment and understanding of all three parties. We aim to help children understand themselves, so that they may have clear self-images and 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:
The ultimate responsibility for the welfare of the children whilst in school lies with the Headteacher, but 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 Headteacher needs to be arranged.
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 will be taken to hospital by staff who will remain with him/her until the parent can be contacted to meet their child and member of staff. Four qualified First Aiders are currently available on the staff.
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 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.
Learning
Music:
Over the past year the Governors have continued 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. In addition to this about twenty-five children in years 3, 4, 5 and 6 attend instrumental music lessons. These include violin, clarinet, guitar and flute.
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.
Access to Records:
Parents of children registered at the school may see their own child’s records by arrangement with the Headteacher.
Extra Curricular Activities
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 a 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. Various activities are undertaken throughout Lent to raise funds. Last year we raised £1157.09, we also contributed to the Shoebox Appeal at Christmas.
Sport:
The school provides sports training during lunch times in the development of rugby, football, netball and rounders 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. Y4 pupils have the opportunity to go to weekly Ice Hockey sessions. Year 5 children partake in Swimming lessons weekly.
The provision of extra curricular 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.
Promoting Good Behaviour:
We at St Williams feel that successful school discipline is based on mutual respect and the development of a secure relationship between children, teachers and parents. 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.” 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 Headteacher.
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.
The Home – School Partnership:
You want your child to be happy and to do well and so do we. A close partnership between home and school will give your child the best possible chance of success. We all have a part to play and if we understand and accept our different responsibilities the partnership should benefit us all.
GENERAL SCHOOL MATTERS
School Day:
School Hours: 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 and we strongly encourage that full use of this facility should be made so that the school day can begin promptly.
No supervision is available before 8.45am.
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 and we would therefore ask parents who wish to see a teacher make an appointment with the office.
Teaching Hours:
5years - 7year - 21 hours 55 minutes per week
8years - 11years - 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)
Children with Medical Conditions:
It is vital that the Headteacher knows of any condition that a child may have and the treatment and effects thereof. We shall make whatever provision we can in the school for children who have a genuine medical concern.
Medicine in School:
In the interest of health and safety we cannot administer medicines at school.
Please do not send children to school if they are not well.
Road Safety:
The road outside the school is extremely dangerous for the children and parents 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.
Dining Hall:
Children may have a school meal that is cooked on the premises and is served hot, or they can bring a packed lunch. 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 rounders 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:
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.
Payment of Dinner Money:
Please send dinner money for the week on a Monday morning, the school Kitchen is responsible for the collection of money at the moment.
Children not having a lunch at school must not leave the premises without the permission of the Headteacher.
Milk Money:
If parents choose for their children to have milk, we ask that the money be paid in the first week of each new term. Children in Nursery and Reception are entitled to free milk each day.
Absences:
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 Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher will authorise absence.
The school’s current attendance is poor and needs to improve, please ensure that your child comes to school. The school opens at 8.45am teaching begins at 8.55am.
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.
Availability of Documentation:
Documents as specified in the Regulations established under the 1993 regulations are available for viewing in school by arrangement with the Headteacher.
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 me, 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 Headteacher 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.
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.
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