Prospectus
The School - In Brief
We are a small school and generally have 60-70 pupils, which means we can get to know, and provide for, each of the children as individuals.
Our aim is to provide an effective, safe and individually-focused environment for the children to learn academically and develop personally and socially.
The school has a good range of facilities – 3 large classrooms, a large attractive hall, library and music room. Our playground has a new play area and climbing frames, grass areas, an orchard, and a wild garden with a pond, and we use the adjoining village playing field both for leisure activities and more formal school sports.
As well as the standard National Curriculum subjects, we teach French (with a specialist teacher) in Key Stage 2 and Religious Education, with a view to developing an understanding and respect of Christianity, as well as other religions and cultures. The children do homework and we encourage parents to play an interested and active role in their child’s education.
We have a strong focus on personal well-being and health and, as well as Physical Education, run a number of extra-curricular activities both during the school day and in after-school clubs. These include soccer skills, rugby, tennis, cricket, martial arts, cycling proficiency and music.
Our new propsectus will be available soon.
- The Governors – who they are and what they do
- The Staff – who they are and what they do
- The School’s Ethos and Values – a brief description of the school and our aims
- Joining the school – admissions policy and familiarization approaches
- The curriculum - our approach to teaching the children, and extra-curricular activities
- Assessing progress – how we do this and keep parents informed
- Organization and administration including school timetable, uniform and pupil welfare.
The School - In Detail
Dear Parents
We are pleased to welcome you and your child to Brington C.P. School.
Good relationships between Parent, Child and Teacher are of vital importance if your child is to benefit fully from all the opportunities available throughout their school life. We thus welcome and appreciate your involvement in all aspects of your child’s education.
This prospectus aims to provide you with information about our school. We hope that you will find it useful. Do not hesitate to contact us if you have any queries or concerns.
Yours sincerely,
Jan Abrams
Headteacher
Brington Primary School
Little Brington Northamptonshire NN7 4HX
[t] 01604 770286
The Governors
Ruth O’Donnell Parent Chair
Sam Healey Parent Vice Chair to 07/09
Theresa Baker Parent
Debbie Shardlow Parent
Lynda Bayman Community
Anne Billingsby Community
Joan Matthews Local Authority
Gary Shaeffer Local Authority
Jan Abrams Staff - Headteacher
Rachel Rogers Staff
Governors’ Annual Report - October 2009
The Governing body is like a Board of Directors and act within the framework set by National Legislation and by the policies of the LEA School Governors have legal duties, powers and responsibilities. They can only act together, they cannot act individually.
Governors help:
- establish (with the Head and staff) and then monitor the aims and policies of the school
- draw up (with the Head and staff) the school development plan
- set and manage the school budget
- select the Head and set targets for professional development
- appoint, promote, support and discipline other staff
- act as a link between the local community and school
- the Head draw up an action plan after an inspection and monitor how the plan is put into practice.
School Governors are:
- Parents
- Teachers at the school
- Local Council representatives
- Community representatives
Parent Governors:
- have a child at the school
- are elected by parent of the school
- serve, as do other governors, for 4 years
The governors are responsible for producing the school profile document on an annual basis. This document can be accessed online or a hard copy can be requested. It outlines the work carried out during the year; giving a flavour of school life as well as improvement initiatives which the staff and pupils have worked through.
The Staff
The Teaching Staff
Headteacher - Ms Jan Abrams
Teachers
Mr Kevin Marriott
Miss Rachel Rogers
Mrs Kirsten Carpenter
Peripatetic Music Teachers
Mrs R Rankin
Mr John Bickerdike - Brass
Education Support Staff
School Business Manager Hayley Richardson
Classroom Assistant/ Dinner supervisors
Mrs Jayne Batson
Mrs Jackie Coupland
Mrs Karen Cox
Mrs Karen Smith
School Ethos and Values
Description of our School
Brington Community Primary School is situated in Little Brington, a small rural village about seven miles from Daventry and a similar distance from Northampton.
The area the school serves is Little Brington, Great Brington, Nobottle, Whilton and Whilton Locks. A number of families also come from the Duston area of Northampton.
The school forms part of a cluster of schools, whose pupils normally (subject to admission criteria) go on to Campion School in Bugbrooke.
The school is a Grade II listed building, which was erected in 1851 and consists of a large, attractive hall, one larger and one smaller classroom and the toilet block. Attached to the main building is the former School House, which has been adapted to house the library, music room, office, and staff room, A recent extension to the back of the building has provided a purpose built Early Years classroom and adjoining toilet block.
The grounds of the school are attractive and extensive for a school of this size, consisting of a tarmac playground, grass areas, an orchard and a wild garden area with a pond. The village playing field next to the school grounds is also maintained and used by the school.
Interesting Facts about the School taken from original logbooks.
Brington School was built in 1851 by Frederick, 4th Earl Spencer.
In 1881, Henry Hawgood of Little Brington left school to become the youngest farm worker in the parish, at the age of 10.
In 1894, 95 “Seniors” and 40 Infants were on roll at the school.
During the First World War the school was closed in October so that children could help with potato picking.
Our Aims
To promote a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where the relationships between pupils, parents, staff and governors encourage high levels of attainment.
To provide a happy, safe, secure, clean and stimulating environment where active learning can take place.
To encourage all children to attain their fullest potential - intellectually, physically, creatively, socially, spiritually and morally.
To develop confidence by encouraging each child to recognise and value their own individual worth.
To help children to learn that courtesy, good manners, tolerance, respect and consideration for others are important qualities.
Learning at Brington
School Admission Policy / School Transfers
Brington School is a Primary School for children aged 4+ to 11 years. Children normally start in the September following their fourth birthday. Part of the first half term attendance may be part time.
The usual number of children accepted in the 4+ age group in any one academic year is 10, though this can vary according to requirements. The criteria for admission is as follows:
- children living in the catchment area
- children with siblings already at the school
- children outside the catchment area according to mileage
When children are admitted to the school a copy of our Home-School Agreement will be given to the parents to sign. The children are also expected to sign this agreement.
Pre School Liaison
During the Summer Term prior to attending in September, children spend one afternoon in the school in their new classroom. Reception children are also encouraged to come to school on a Friday morning in the summer term with the local Pre- School to become familiar with the school and the staff.
During the children’s Friday morning visits, parents will have the opportunity to speak to the Reception teacher and gain information from her.
The Curriculum
Equal Opportunities
The school seeks to provide equal opportunities for all children, regardless of race, sex, religion or ability. Tolerance of different races, cultures and faiths is encouraged at all times.
Early Years
Through our early years foundation curriculum the school aims to improve and extend the child’s language acquisition, mathematical development, knowledge and understanding of the world, physical and creative skills alongside the development of personal and social skills. These areas of learning will provide a foundation for later achievement. As each child progresses, their work will be planned using the Key Stage 1 Programmes of Study of the National Curriculum.
School trips are considered to be an important part of the curriculum.
The following National Curriculum subjects are taught to all pupils. Children usually work to topics or themes, which may cover several subject areas, but some subjects are taught separately.
English (Literacy)
History
Mathematics (Numeracy)
Geography
Science
Music
Information Communication Technology
Art
Design and Technology
Physical Education
Citizenship, Personal, Social and Health Education
Elements of the Curriculum
English (Literacy)
Speaking and Listening
The school aims to give the children the skills and confidence to communicate their thoughts, feelings and ideas in a clear, interesting and positive way and give them the opportunity to practise the skill of listening attentively in a variety of situations.
Reading
Reading is the key to many doors, and great emphasis is placed on reading for enjoyment, for interest and for information. The school aims to give the children the skills to read fluently, competently and with expression. A joy and appreciation of the written word, including plays and poetry, is also nurtured. We have graded reading books and materials, which are used in conjunction with other fiction books; we use a variety of approaches in the teaching of reading. The school has its own library.
Mathematics (Numeracy)
All children are encouraged to think clearly and logically, and to develop an enjoyment and a positive feeling for the subject. The mathematics scheme in use is the Heinemann Primary Maths supported by a wide range of supplementary and extension material, which is used when appropriate. Computer programmes are also used to help to provide a feel for number, and children are given the opportunity to develop their skills by receiving whole class direct teaching, differentiated group tasks and individual assistance. We use a wide range of practical equipment and ensure that pupils gain practical experiences before tackling more formal written tasks. The school aims to enable the children to apply and manipulate all aspects of mathematics in order to solve problems in practical situations.
Science
This is a practical subject and is taught in a way which emphasises practical, investigative and problem-solving activities. The children are encouraged to observe, measure, predict, experiment and explain. By working in a systematic way, the school aims to help the children draw conclusions from information which has been gathered.
The activities which the children experience are based on a programme of Mathematical skills and concepts and are applied to everyday life.
Parents and children clean out the school pond - a useful learning resource.
Information Communication Technology
The school aims to encourage children to become aware of the use of technology in modern day society; to acquire all the skills needed to handle and interpret data stored in a variety of information systems; and to be able to enter and retrieve data stored on computers and the World Wide Web, alongside handling cameras, cassette players and other audiovisual appliances.
History
The school aims to develop the child’s awareness of the past and the ability to make comparisons with the present. The children are given the opportunity to study ancient civilisations as well as important events in the history of Britain. We make full use of the school building and local community as historical resources.
Geography
We aim to develop geographical skills by investigating local areas, maps, climates, settlements and features, extending these investigations to national and worldwide regions. Children are also encouraged to appreciate human environmental factors in the study of geography and discuss ways in which improvements can be made.
Children are encouraged to develop an awareness of their environment through project and topic work. They are given opportunities to visit local places of interest and also other parts of the country. These experiences are Even the youngest children develop good IT skills followed up in school in a variety of ways, using different resources. Older children have the opportunity to make a residential visit in year 5 or 6. In the past, children have utilised Everdon Field Centre, and have been to Houlgate Village in York for a residential working week on the Vikings and to Kingswood, Norfolk, to take part in outdoor and adventurous activities as well as increase their skills in I.C.T.
Modern Foreign Language
The children in Key Stage 2 learn French. We have a specialist teacher who teaches, and trains the class teachers.
Art
The school aims to give the children the skills and opportunities to be able to express themselves in a variety of media and forms. We encourage the development of aesthetic awareness and appreciation and the natural urge to be creative. Children are taught a variety of techniques when wishing to present their work visually and aesthetically. They are also encouraged to make use of computer programmes for design and colour.
Design and Technology
The school aims for children to be able to plan and produce models, artefacts and systems using a wide range of tools and materials. To develop individual creativity the children work in a variety of forms and have the opportunity to look at design and its impact on everyday life.
Music
We provide the children with rich, stimulating musical experiences to encourage their appreciation of the subject.
We have varied curriculum activities including singing, percussion and listening to all types of music. The children also have the opportunity to learn how to read music, understand pitch, rhythm, dynamics and composition. There is opportunity for children to learn to play the recorder, and peripatetic teachers offering violin.
Physical Education
Children have the opportunity to develop the skills in all forms of physical activity, working both as individuals and as part of a team. Lessons are provided in gymnastics, dance, athletics and games. All Junior age children have swimming lessons at Duston Swimming Pool and it is our aim that all can swim by the time they leave for secondary school. The school aims to provide the children with equal opportunities in sport. We hope they learn to be supportive team members as well as develop their individual skills.
Religious Education
The school aims to help the children to develop a responsible attitude towards other people, to foster their sense of wonder at, and reverence for life. The school also aims for the children to have an understanding of Christianity and
other religions and cultures. “If a parent of any pupil in attendance at any county school or voluntary school requests that he be wholly or partly excused from attendance at religious workshops and religious instruction in the school, then, until the request is withdrawn, the pupil shall be excused such attendance accordingly” - section.
We foster links with St Mary’s Church in Great Brington and the Baptist Chapel in Long Buckby. The children use these establishments as sources for study and the ministers from both regularly deliver assemblies in school for us.
Citizenship, Personal, Social, and Health Education
Children are made aware of the need to care for their own bodies through health, exercise, diet and personal habits. They are instructed in safety at home and at school, as well as on the roads. Family relationships are discussed as a matter of course, and children in years 5 and 6 follow a specific course in Sex Education. More recently Drug Awareness has been introduced as part of this area of the curriculum.
Special Needs
The Governors and staff of Brington CP School are aware of the importance of identifying and providing for those pupils who have Special Educational Needs. The school places a high priority in meeting the needs of all children, whatever their ability. The school aims to challenge the able and support those experiencing learning, behavioural or physical difficulties but also ensure these pupils join in with the activities of the school. In meeting children’s special needs, we may design individual programmes of work to be used in the class with small groups or individually. Advice may also be sought from outside agencies in consultation with you, as parents.
Although the school is sited in a Victorian building, the school’s aim is to make it as accessible as possible for all. With our recent new classroom and toilet block, we have included a disabled toilet area and now all new classrooms and the school hall are accessible to wheelchair owners.
The staff are committed to seek advice from the local authorities’ Inclusion Support Team, in order to ensure that children, staff or parents who have visual, hearing or mobility impairment are able to be fully included in school life. If parents have particular concerns about their child’s progress, they should contact their child’s teacher. A copy of the Special Needs policy is available on request in school.
Homework
We stress the importance of encouraging reading at home and providing opportunities for practical skills that encourage enquiry and investigation. The children take home reading books regularly. Other forms of work that may be taken home to be completed are spellings, learning multiplication tables and aspects of topic work.
Our Home-School Agreement contains a full copy of the school’s Homework policy.
Extra Curricula Activities
- During the year various events take place such as Harvest festival which incorporates music, poetry, dance and drama and brass are available to give tuition to children who show the necessary potential. In addition the children take part in many festivals, area carol services and concerts.
- Music afternoon held in the summer term
- School Christmas production in which all children take part
- In-school fund raising during which various charities are supported according to the children’s interests in that year
- Various clubs hold meetings according to the children’s interest and also the availability of help for them. Clubs which have been supported in the past include, football, netball, basketball, French, yoga, rugby, computer and music.
Assessment/Records and Reports
As well as National SAT’s tests and tasks in Year 2 and Year 6, the school carries out ‘in house’ assessments throughout the year. These assessments enable staff to plan learning activities which help children progress to a further stage of learning. During May each year all Junior pupils complete a series of end of year assessments which enable their next teacher to plan effectively and also prepare pupils for their Year 6 National tests.
Records
When children begin school, a personal file is kept for them and this folder will be reviewed annually and eventually passed on to the child’s next school or on to the secondary school.
The following information is kept:
- Name, address, date of birth, Doctor and family details
- Any information regarding the child’s personal circumstances
- Copies of reports
- Samples of work in the core subjects are also kept by class teachers as a record of children’s achievements.
Parents may ask to see their child’s records by appointment with the Headteacher.
Reports
All children receive a written report towards the end of the summer term. Teachers and parents then have the opportunity to discuss the written report and the progress made throughout the year during Open Evenings. Members
The School Day
8.50 am Children begin to arrive at school
8.55 am “In you go” and registration
9.00 - 10.20 am Class activities
10.20 - 10.40 am Assembly
10.40 - 11.00 am Play time
11.00 - 12.00 am Class activities
12.00 - 1.00 pm Lunch break - Juniors
12.00 - 1.30 pm Lunch break - Infants
1.00 - 3.30 pm Class activities
1.30 - 3.30 pm Class activities
Travel to and from the School
Children should not arrive at school before 8.50 a.m. Parents are asked to bring younger children into the playground and to collect them at the end of the school day Junior aged children are allowed to make their own way to and from school, as long of staff are, of course, willing to arrange appointments to see parents at any other time of the year.
School Discipline/Behaviour
The school aims to develop a sense of self-discipline and an acceptance of responsibility for their own actions in every pupil. It aims to create the conditions for an orderly community in which effective learning can take place, in which there is mutual respect between all members and where there is proper concern for the environment.
Any bullying, rudeness, fighting, stealing or defacing of property is taken very seriously. Punishment will take the form of deprivation of privileges. Parents are always informed of a serious breach of discipline.
Uniform and Kit
Boys
Short or long grey trousers
White polo shirt
School sweatshirt
Grey socks
Black shoes
Girls
Grey skirt or pinafore dress
White polo shirt
School sweatshirt
White socks
Black shoes
In summer girls may wear blue or red check summer dress, white socks and closed toed sandals
PE Kit
Pair of shorts (navy blue)
T-shirt
School Plimsolls
Maroon Shoe bag in which to keep P.E. shoes
School Blue rucksack-style PE bag for kit
Outdoor Games
Children will need a school tracksuit in the winter.
Children will need School Reading Bags
Swimming
Swimming costume and towel.
Art
An overall or old shirt with long sleeves which will adequately cover school clothes.
ALL THESE ITEMS SHOULD BE CLEARLY MARKED WITH THEIR OWNER’S NAME.
Jewellery
To conform to, and assist in the implementation of the policies of the L.A. Health and Safety Department, it is Brington School policy that no jewellery other than wrist watches can be worn by pupils whilst on school premises or
during any school based activity. If a child has pierced ears, only studs should be worn. All jewellery must be removed by the child for P.E. and swimming.
Lost Property
Enquiries are made about lost property during the day as items are found and anything not claimed is kept in the school lost property box situated in the cupboard under the stairs.
Charging Policy
Education provided as part of the curriculum is free. It is possible however, to provide a much broader range of activities if parents make a financial contribution, on a voluntary basis for some activities. Parents will normally be asked to contribute towards the cost of educational visits.
Pupils’ Welfare
Illness
If a child becomes ill during the day, parents are contacted, where possible by telephone. An emergency number is requested when both parents are out during the day.
Absence
If your child is absent due to illness, please let us know before 10am on the first day of illness. By law any unexplained absence is deemed to be an unauthorised absence and steps must be taken to ascertain a child’s whereabouts in the case of repeated unauthorised absence from school.
Holiday taken during term time.
Should it be necessary to take a holiday during the term time, a holiday form is available from the school office for completion. This can only be authorised for one occasion during a school year for a period of up to 10 days i.e. two school weeks.
School Nurse
The School Nurse is available for any health problem, and will come when requested. Hair is no longer checked as a matter of routine and parents are asked to keep a watchful eye on their children’s hair. At different stages during a child’s time at school weight, vision and hearing checks are made.
First Aid
First Aid treatment is given for small cuts and injuries. Any injury requiring further treatment is first referred to the parent. If a parent is not available, then the Headteacher will take the appropriate course of action, which may involve the child being taken to hospital under a member of staff supervision.
Medication Policy
The school is reluctant to accept responsibility for the administration of medicine to pupils especially when some technical or medical knowledge or expertise is required where intimate contact is necessary.
We appreciate that on some occasions children may need to bring prescribed medication into school in order to complete a course. On these occasions the following procedure should be followed:
- the medicine should be clearly marked with the child’s name with clear instructions for dosage
- it must be given to member of staff who will store it in the staff room
- the child will be supervised by a member of staff when taking the medicine.
Training for the administration of epi-pens will be carried out regularly by all members of staff.
Community Links
NORTHAMPTONSHIRE LOCAL EDUCATION AUTHORITY INFORMATION
Insurance - Personal Accident
Parents should be aware that there is no universal personal accident cover for school children. Because it has no insurable interest, the Council’s policies cannot extend to cover pupils engaged on educational visits, school journeys,
etc., although the general liability policy protects the Council against the consequences of actions brought against it on behalf of pupils. Insurance is normally taken out by schools for visits in this county involving an overnight stay.
Parents are advised to check with the Headteacher for more detailed information. Parents are, of course, at liberty to take our insurance on an individual basis should they want additional cover for their children.
Complaints Procedure (Curriculum and Religious Worship)
This document is available for inspection at all schools maintained by the LEA, Public Libraries and Education offices. A copy will be given, of desired, to any person wishing to make a complaint under these arrangements, and the LEA will provide a copy of the information in languages other than English, if requested to do so. A copy of the Circular of Guidance issued by the former Department of Education and Science (DES1/89) will also be made available for inspection. A charge of £1.00 will, however, be made for copies of the Circular which complainants may wish to retain.
Open Access to Records, Documents and Information
The Local Education Authority has introduced the policy of school keeping pupil profiles and records. As children are admitted to school, we open a LEA folder file for them. The folder, which will be added to and reviewed annually, will also be passed to the child’s next school, including secondary level.
The following information is kept:
- Name, address, date of birth, Doctor and family details
- Any information regarding the child’s personal circumstances
- Copies of reports
- Samples of work in the core subjects are also kept by class teachers as a record of children’s achievements.
Please note that it the Authority’s policy to provide Open Access to all records of employees and pupils. Parents may, therefore, if they wish, ask to see their children’s records by appointment with the Headteacher. Records will be confidential to all except those who have a rightful access to them.
Regulations 5(5) and 6 of the 1981 Information Regulations require Headteachers to make available information about the items listed below and contain provision about access to up-to-date relevant documents:
1. the LEA’s statement of curriculum policy;
2. any statutory instruments (including statutory orders for National Curriculum subjects, circulars and administrative memoranda relating to powers and duties under Chapter 1 of the Education Reform Act (The Curriculum) which are sent to schools by the Department;
3. any published HMI reports which refer expressly to the school
Additional Notes
N/A at present.