Chestnut Lane Infant School Prospectus

 

We hope that you will find this prospectus gives you some of the information you will need when considering choosing a school for your child. It is, however, important for you to visit the school to get a real feel for the ethos, facilities and approach to learning as well as seeing the children at work and meeting the staff.

 

Chestnut Lane School has long had a reputation for excellence but this is not at the expense of helping children to develop positive attitudes, good work habits and a sense of pride and enjoyment in all they are asked to do. All children are valued and encouraged to do the best that they can but acts of kindness and progress in personal development are recognised along with achievements in academic work.

 

The school has generous accommodation in a peaceful setting and provides plenty of opportunities for outdoor activities. The school has its own dedicated IT suite, interactive white boards and a good range of resources and books. The nursery provides a secure foundation for introduction to school life and there is a natural transition through reception to Key Stage 1 (age 5-7).

 

Parents are the first educators of their children and the staff at the school wish to build on this by developing a close partnership with parents, so that parents feel comfortable in discussing progress or any concerns with staff.

 

I hope you will enjoy reading about Chestnut Lane, visit the school and, if you are happy with what you see, will consider this school as an ideal place for your child to start their formal education. If you would like to make an appointment to see the school, please telephone the school secretary on 01494 727415.

 

David Begley - Chair of Governors

Christine Plimsaul - Head Teacher

 

November 2009

 

 

The School

Chestnut Lane is a popular two form entry school catering for 4 - 7 year olds. Children from within our reserved area who have applied for a place, can be admitted in the term after they are four to the Nursery or as a Reception aged child. We are very much in favour of children joining our school at four as this gives greater continuity and makes an easier transition to full-time schooling.

 

Please note that applications to reception are allocated by the Local Education Authority and a place at our nursery does not guarantee a place in our reception. Most of our children transfer to Elangeni Junior School on the adjacent site at the end of Year 2.

 

The School is divided into year groups as follows:-

4-5 years in Early Years - Rainbow, Purple and Yellow classes

5-6 years in Year 1 - Orange and Silver classes

6-7 years in Year 2 - Pink and Green classes

 

Every effort is made to help new pupils at Chestnut Lane feel secure in their environment. New children and parents receive a starter pack which we hope will answer any queries they may have before they arrive. The children will also have the opportunity to visit the school and meet their new teacher.

 

Healthy Schools Initiative

In 2003 we were delighted to be awarded Level 1 of the Healthy Schools Standard. This national initiative addresses eight key areas, the first being to make everyone aware of the Healthy Schools Standard. Others include the delivery of our PSHE scheme, sex and relationships education, drugs education, physical fitness of staff and children, the emotional health of staff and children, safety and healthy eating.

 

Equal Opportunities

The school's equal opportunities policy is based on accepting and responding to the strengths, needs and experiences of each individual. Through this, we believe that everyone should have the opportunity to develop their full potential. Staff appreciate how factors such as gender, size, ethnicity, bilingualism, disability, exceptional ability and social circumstances may affect learning and self esteem, and plan to take these needs into account.

 

Mission

To enable everyone to do their best and to encourage them to value themselves.

To care about each other and the environment.

 

Aims

In order to raise standards of achievement we will develop the skills of:  

 

Literacy	Numeracy
ICT	Problem solving
Social skills	Communication
Organisation	Evaluation
Interpretation	Questioning
Observation	Study
Analysis	Practical skills
Creative skills	Physical co-ordination

 

 

We aim to promote the values of:

 

Self-esteem	Empathy
Curiosity	Confidence
Independence	Team work
Equality	Thirst for knowledge
Self motivation	Morality
Respect	Spirituality
High expectations	Self discipline
Responsibility	Enthusiasm

 

 

Ethos

At Chestnut Lane School we have:

• High expectations
• Challenging work
• A caring attitude
• An anti-bullying policy
• Parent partnership
• Community links
• Equal opportunities
• An eco code

 

Admissions Policy

Entry into the Nursery - Rainbow Class

Parents are encouraged to visit the school before submitting an application form, and should contact the school office for an appointment to see the head teacher and be shown around the school. We encourage all parents to take up the place offered in our nursery class as it serves as an excellent introduction to school.

 

Children will be eligible for entry the term after their fourth birthday. (Children born during the autumn term are eligible to join in the spring term, children born in the spring may join in the summer term). There are 26 places in the nursery class.

 

When the number of applications exceeds the places available the order for admission will be:

 

1. Children who have a statement of Special Educational Needs which names the School.

 

2. Children in Public Care for whom there is an agreement between a designated officer acting

    on behalf of the County Council as Corporate Parent and a designated officer of the LEA, 

    that the school will more appropriately meet the child’s needs.

 

3. Children living within the catchment area of the school.

 

4. Places will then be offered in date of birth order. 

 

Entry into Reception - Purple and Yellow Classes

Parents need to register separately for admission to the main school at five. Applications for places at the school must be submitted by a cut-off date to the Local Education Authority (LEA) in the November before the academic year in which the child becomes five. (The LEA decides on the specific date.) Admission packs are available from school from mid September onwards and need to be returned to the LEA.

 

The children entering school as 'rising fives' will be allocated places in Purple or Yellow class.  Places in Purple class will be offered to the oldest 30 children on the list provides by the LEA.  Places in Yellow class will be offered to the younger group of 30 children on the same basis.  Children in Purple class attend mornings only until Christmas and children in Yellow class attend morning only unitl Easter, after this they stay until 3.05pm.  

 

Criteria for Admission to Reception

When the number of applications exceeds the places available, the order of priority for admission will be:

 

1. Children who have a statement of Special Educational Needs which names the School.

 

2. Children in Public Care for whom there is an agreement between a designated officer acting

    on behalf of the County Council as Corporate Parent and a designated officer of the LEA,

    that the school will more appropriately meet the child’s needs.

 

3. Children living within the catchment area of the school.

 

4. Siblings of children who will still be in attendance at the school, or at the linked primary

    school (Elangeni School) on the date of admission.

 

5. Children who have exceptional medical, educational or social needs, which can only be met

   at this school, supported by written evidence from an appropriate professional person.

 

6. Once the above criteria have been applied, then any further places will be awarded

   according to the distance between the family’s normal home address and the school’s

   nearest entrance gate: closest first.

 

Admission to Elangeni Junior School

Admission to Chestnut Lane School does not imply automatic right of admission to Elangeni Junior School.

 

Elangeni School Website

 

 

Arrangements for the Admission of Pupils with Disabilities

Chestnut Lane is an inclusive school, which welcomes children with special needs and disabilities. The main building has ramps and handrails, plus a disabled toilet. All classrooms have wheelchair access with portable or fixed ramps. We have a learning support assistant in each class each morning, and all day in reception classes. All pupils have access to all areas of the curriculum, and physical access to the buildings. Our accessibility plan is available from the school office, as is the school's special needs policy.

 

 

The Foundation Stage Curriculum and Organisation

The Rainbow nursery forms part of the foundation stage together with Purple and Yellow reception classes. In the nursery the sessions run from 8.50 to 12.00 noon, five mornings a week. We strongly recommend that all children attend Rainbow class, when possible, before entering reception. The children who have been through our nursery generally settle and adapt to their reception class quicker than others. Rainbow class have their own brochure which is available from the school office.

 

In early years classes we provide a friendly, secure and stimulating environment where children can learn through the experiences we offer. Our carefully planned and challenging activities enable every child to develop when they are ready. The emphasis is on the children learning through play, talking about their experiences, recording on tape recorders or by drawings. Reception classes and the nursery work closely together to ensure a balanced curriculum for children attending from the term after they are four years old. Gradually they come to work in a more formal manner as they approach their time in Year 1.

 

The aim of the new Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), which came into force in September 2008, is 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.

 

There are six areas of learning covered by the early learning goals and educational programmes:

• personal, social and emotional development
• communication, language and literacy
• problem solving, reasoning and numeracy
• knowledge and understanding of the world
• physical development
• creative development

 

We aim to offer every child opportunities to:

• become a confident, successful and enthusiastic learner
• develop a wide variety of skills
• gain knowledge and understanding
• be observant and curious
• listen, talk and communicate
• enjoy the company of adults and other children whilst learning from each other
• be independent
• share and be aware of the needs and feelings of others
• be physically active and adventurous
• be imaginative and creative
• be him / herself

 

Students from the local colleges and schools are welcome to continue their training and be members of our team. Parents are welcome to help with various activities on certain days.

 

Key Stage 1 Curriculum and Organisation - Years 1 & 2

At Key Stage 1 every child has access to all the national curriculum subjects. The teachers teach the class as a whole and in group situations. All classes are of mixed ability and we place great emphasis on a firm foundation of basic skills. The class is divided into ability groups for literacy and numeracy. A major proportion of the school time is spent on the core subjects: 

• Literacy This includes the basic skills of speaking, listening, reading and writing. The children are encouraged to develop a real enjoyment of books and each class has its own fiction and non-fiction books which every child has access to, as well as a well-resourced library. Speaking, listening and writing are also taught using a cross-curriculum approach, through all the other subjects.
• Numeracy The children learn about number, shape, weight, space and position, pattern, relationships, capacity, measurement, time and money. Investigative skills are encouraged and practical activities form an important part of their understanding.
• Science This involves practical and investigative work sometimes as part of topics. Children are encouraged to predict their results and record their outcomes in a variety of ways.
• ICT Every classroom has a computer with a variety of software for each year group allowing a progression of skills. We have an IT suite which the children use throughout the week, to learn new programs and cover schemes of work. We also have floor turtles which the children learn to program.

 

The other subjects taught are:

• Geography and History  These subjects help children to learn about their local environment and about famous people and events in the past.
• Music Opportunities arise in class lessons, assemblies and school productions. We also fund a qualified music teacher to teach singing to Year 1 and 2 classes.
• Art and Craft  The children are given opportunities to draw, paint, model with clay and cook.
• Physical Education This is taught throughout the school and includes gymnastics, dance, drama, ball skills and team games.
• Technology This is a practical subject and the children learn to design, make and evaluate models. The children learn how to use tools and are taught how to use them safely.
• Religious Education This follows the Buckinghamshire agreed syllabus. The children are also taught about other religions, especially those relevant to the pupils attending our school. The daily assembly is mainly of a Christian nature but also includes moral and social education. The school is non-denominational. Parents who wish to withdraw their child from the act of collective worship or religious education may do so by arrangement with the head teacher.
• Personal, Health and Social Education We have a health education programme which includes sex education and drugs awareness, healthy eating and personal safety.

 

Special Educational Needs

Chestnut Lane special needs policy reflects the requirements of the most recent Code of Practice on the identification and assessment of special educational needs. The school recognises that there are children with special needs who need work planned specifically for their capabilities either for those with learning difficulties or for those who are particularly gifted. Their needs are met whenever possible within the classroom. There is regular communication with the parents of these children and the termly reviews keep the parents and staff working closely together. If it is necessary, outside agencies are invited in to offer advice and guidance.

 

A member of the teaching staff is appointed as the special educational needs coordinator who becomes responsible for special needs throughout the school.

 

Times of Sessions

Children should arrive between 8.40 and 8.50am, when there is a member of staff to supervise them in the playground.

 

Morning Session: 8.50am - 12 noon

Break: 10.25am - 10.45am (Early Years 10.45am - 11.15am)

Afternoon Session: 1.15pm - 3.05pm

 

We teach for 21 hours 15 minutes during a normal school week which is in excess of the Department of Education's recommendations.

 

Attendance

Regular attendance is important and we encourage parents not to take holidays during term time. If this is unavoidable, parents are required to request leave of absence and complete the relevant form at least two weeks in advance.

 

During the academic year 2008/2009 we had 96.5% attendance with 3.4% authorised absences and 0.2% unauthorised absences.

 

Uniform

Boys:    Grey trousers

            Red sweatshirt and red or white polo shirt

Girls:    Grey skirt or pinafore dress with tights or socks, or grey smart trousers

            Red sweatshirt, v-necked pullover or cardigan and red or white polo shirt

            Summer dress red and white checked gingham with socks

 

Shoes: Children should wear sensible black shoes which are safe to run in.

PE Kit: For children to benefit fully from PE and games lessons it is essential for them to have proper kit. All children should have black plimsolls with elastic sides rather than laces, scarlet shorts and white T shirt.

Shoe Bags: Children need to have a shoe bag in which to keep their PE kit. (Plastic carrier bags are not a suitable substitute)

Jewellery: Stud earrings must be removed for PE.

 

Afternoon Club

In addition to the statutory hours in school, we offer a flexible, optional facility, whereby children in nursery and early reception can stay for the afternoon. Parents pay £3.50 for the lunch session only or £10.50 for the whole afternoon (and a sliding scale of reductions if staying for several sessions each week). The pupils have an hour for lunch and a two hour activity session which includes role play, art and craft activities, music and outdoor play. The Afternoon Club children are collected at 3pm.

 

Assessment and Parent Consultation

We carry out informal assessment as part of the daily activities and record our findings. We make plans to provide each child with experiences and activities at appropriate levels to allow progress according to their potential. Assessment and targets for improvement will be shared with parents and special needs are identified early.

 

The school has parent consultations during the autumn and spring terms. The consultations are in private and the child's progress will be discussed and targets are reviewed. All Year 2 parents will be offered the opportunity to discuss their child's results after the Standard Attainment Target tests (SATs) at the end of the summer term.

 

All parents receive a written report at the end of the summer term. Parents wishing to discuss a particular problem with the class teacher may do so informally or by appointment. The Head Teacher also has an 'open door' policy to encourage good communication between parents and the school.

 

Homework

Homework is given on a regular basis throughout the school and varies according the age of the children. The teachers send out guidance to parents regarding this subject.

 

Partnership with Parents

Parents, grandparents and carers are always welcome and we value their help and expertise.

 

Free School Meals

Any family who is entitled to claim free school meals is asked to inform the school. Care will be taken to ensure that pupils receiving free meals are treated in a sensitive way. Parents will be asked to send in an empty lunchbox each morning and school staff will make sure that the free lunch is in the lunchbox ready for lunchtime.

 

Voluntary Donations to the School Fund

We ask parents to make a voluntary contribution of £12 per family per term to provide additional resources for the benefit of the children.

 

Extra-Curricular Activities

The school organises a variety of extra-curricular activities which include French, yoga, keep fit & dance and music lunch time clubs, as well as Wycombe Wanderers after school football coaching in the summer term.

 

Visits and Charging

All the children during their time at Chestnut Lane are offered the opportunity to visit places of interest relevant to their topic work. These trips are only possible if parents agree to make a voluntary contribution to help cover the cost of the trip, however, no child shall be excluded on financial grounds (also see charging policy section).

 

Safeguarding our Pupils

At this school, the health, safety and well-being of every child is our paramount concern. We listen to our pupils and take seriously what they tell us. Our aim is that children will enjoy their time as pupils in this school. We want to work in partnership with you to help your child to achieve their full potential and make a positive contribution.

 

To promote a safe environment for pupils, our selection and recruitment policy includes all checks on staff and regular volunteers’ suitability, including Criminal Records Bureau checks, as recommended by Buckinghamshire County Council in accordance with current legislation.

 

In accordance with our responsibilities under section 175 of the Education Act 2002, we have a Designated Person for Child Protection (Mrs Plimsaul) who has received appropriate training for this role. It is her responsibility to ensure that all staff in contact with children receive child protection awareness training on a regular basis.

 

On rare occasions our concern about a child may mean that we have to consult other agencies. Unless it is not safe for a child, we would always aim to achieve this with a parent's consent. The procedures, which we follow, have been laid down by the Local Safeguarding Childrens Board, and the school has adopted a Child Protection Policy in line with this for the safety of all. If you want to know more about our procedures, please speak to Mrs Plimsaul or your child’s teacher.
 

Safety, Health and Welfare

Minor accidents are treated by staff but we let the parents know if we are concerned about an injury and these are recorded in an accident book. If a child becomes ill during the session we keep them comfortable and contact the parents without delay. In an emergency we would phone for the doctor or an ambulance.

 

The school cannot undertake the responsibility for administering medicines to children and children must not bring medication to school. If a pupil uses an inhaler, this can, by arrangement with the teacher, be kept in the child's class, and supervised by the class teacher. Parents, however, may call at the school to administer antibiotics if necessary but in most cases the doctor will be able to prescribe a course of treatment which will not require administration during the school hours.

 

In exceptional circumstances, e.g. a severe nut allergy, the staff are trained to administer vital first aid. This is done in partnership with the parents

 

Access to Documents

Parents are welcome to look at any of the following documents which are available in school:

• Statement of Curriculum Aims and Policies
• LEA agreed syllabus for Religious Education
• Full details of the LEA complaints procedure
• Last OFSTED report
• School policies
• Publication scheme on information available under the Freedom of Information Act 2000

 

Behaviour Policy

We expect our children to behave in a reasonable manner and we will encourage them to be kind and considerate, and to respect others and their belongings. If a child causes us concern then the parents are notified and consulted and the appropriate action is taken. The school has a behaviour policy and an anti-bullying policy and any form of discrimination is not accepted. The teacher is concerned with the pastoral care of each child in their class. Our approach to discipline is firm but kind. There are a few rules which our children quickly learn. The school's "Five Golden Rules" are:

 

• Speak quietly
• Sit properly and walk safely
• Be kind and polite
• Care for our school
• Tell the truth

 

There are other classroom rules which are decided by the children. The children learn to recognise that unsociable behaviour is not acceptable and that everyone and everything should be respected and cared for. Parents will be informed if any discipline problems arise.

 

Complaints Procedure

Chestnut Lane follows the complaints procedure as laid down by the Local Education Authority. If a parent has a complaint, they should first bring the matter to the attention of the class teacher who will inform the Head Teacher. If the outcome is not satisfactory, the matter should then be referred to the Chair of Governors.

 

Chestnut Lane and Elangeni School Parents' Association (CLESA)

The association is very active and successful with many functions a year including a Quiz Night, Christmas Bazaar and Summer Fete. It is a joint association with Elangeni Junior School. All parents are automatic members. Funds raised are used to provide extra resources for the school.

 

School Swap Shop

The Parents' Association (CLESA) runs a very useful service, recycling school uniform. Parents are asked to donate uniform which is in good condition. It is then sold at a very reasonable price to other parents at various PA events. We do all we can to make sure that all our pupils are able to look smart and to afford the correct school uniform.

 

Chestnut Lane Infant School Charging Policy

The school will charge pupils for performances and workshops which take place during school hours. The total cost of the event will be divided by the number of pupils taking part, to give the minimum charge possible whilst enabling the school to cover costs.

 

Any family having difficulty paying this "voluntary contribution" should see the Head-teacher. The school will subsidise or pay the entire cost for a family in financial difficulties to ensure equal opportunities for all.

 

If the school does provide curricula activities, parents will be required to make "voluntary contribution" to cover the cost of the specialists who are "brought in" by the school. The school will subsidise or pay for any child whose family is in financial difficulty, provided the parent speaks to the Head-teacher.

 

The school will make a charge to cover the cost of any outside educational visit, to cover the cost of entrance fees, and travel.

 

This will be made by a "voluntary contribution". Special cases of financial hardship will be subsidised or paid for as above.

 

The school offers sessional child care at our "Afternoon club". Parents are charged to cover the cost of renting the building, and staff salaries. In certain circumstances, the school will subsidise or pay for a place where the family is in financial difficulties. The parent would need to speak to the Head-teacher.

 

As an infant school we do not run residential trips.

 

We do not make any charges for public examinations.

 

We do not run a school mini bus.