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Policies & Procedures
Admissions PolicyThe school follows the Norfolk LEA admissions policy. Children who will be 5 between 1st September and the end of February in that academic year will be admitted full-time at the start of the autumn term. Children who will be 5 between 1st March and 31st August will be admitted part-time, for the morning sessions only, at the start of the autumn term, and full-time from the start of the spring term.
Admission of pupils into the Reception Class is handled centrally by the Admissions Team at County Hall, and all parents should register their preference with them (either using the form which is available from the school, or online at www.admissionsonline.norfolk.gov.uk )
Parents should note that there is no legal requirement for children to start school until the term after their fifth birthday. If parents choose not to send their child to school at the start of the autumn term, a place will be held open until the start of the summer term. In line with LEA policy it will not be possible to guarantee a place for pupils who do not start school by the beginning of the summer term. We want the transition between home/playgroup and school to be as smooth and happy as possible. New entrants beginning in September are invited to several organised visits to the school towards the end of the summer term, and parents have an opportunity to meet the class teacher and discuss any concerns they may have. Parents of children starting school at other times of the year are invited to contact the school to arrange visits at mutually convenient times. Norfolk LEA Criteria for Admissions in the Event of Over Subscription Our maximum intake number is 15 pupils per year. In the case of more applications than this, priority will be given according to the following criteria:
1 Children with a statement of Special Educational Needs which names this school 2 Children living within the catchment area with a sibling at school at the time of admission 3 Children living within the catchment area with a sibling at Wayland High School 4 Children living within the catchment area with no siblings at this school or Wayland High School 5 Children living outside the catchment area with a sibling at school at the time of admission 6 Children living outside the catchment area with a sibling at Wayland High School 7 Children living outside the catchment area with no siblings at this school or Wayland High School
In the event of over subscription in any of these criteria, priority will be given to those living closest to the school. Admission of Pupils with Disabilities or Special Educational Needs The school does not discriminate against pupils with disabilities or special educational needs. If, following consultation between the school, parents/carers and any outside agencies such as health and psychology, it is felt that Ashill School can offer the best educational experience for such a child, the school will do all it can to ensure that the pupil’s admission and subsequent education are handled as smoothly and effectively as for other pupils. We aim to work with parents, and to draw on the expertise of other agencies to make any adjustments, either to the physical environment or to the curriculum, as soon as possible: ideally before the pupil joins the school. The building is wheelchair friendly and arrangements can be made for children to be dropped off by the front door if necessary. All activities, both within the school day and out of school hours are open to all pupils. We have found that, if teachers, pupils and parents work together, adaptations can be made to allow all pupils to participate meaningfully.
Special Educational NeedsWe aim to provide the best education possible for all our pupils, and we fully recognise our responsibilities towards those with Special Educational Needs (children with either significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of children of the same age or a disability preventing or hindering the child making use of the educational facilities).
Ashill School operates a graduated approach, as described in the Special Educational Needs Code of Practice 2001, in order to provide specific help to individual children. We aim to:
Children with SEN will work with the whole class, in groups or individually according to their needs at that time. We aim to provide appropriate work to allow all pupils to be challenged but still experience success. In this way, we strive to develop the pupils’ self-confidence, and help them to feel valued members of the community. 
Religious Education and Collective Worship Ashill School is a voluntary controlled school, which means that some members of the governing body are nominated by the church, and that school worship must reflect the Anglican tradition.
Through religious education we aim to help children to explore their own moral responsibilities and come to an understanding of their own feelings about social and personal issues. It involves thinking about a range of emotions such as guilt, forgiveness and wonder at the natural world.
In religious education lessons, children will learn about major world religions. This teaching is not intended to be in any way persuasive or indoctrinating, but we hope that, through knowledge, children will be better placed to develop as tolerant and understanding members of society. Religious education at the school follows the Norfolk Agreed Syllabus, and is supported by Government and Diocesan Board of Education published schemes of work.
Parents have the right to withdraw their children from religious education and collective worship if they wish. Children will be supervised in other classes in this instance. If a parent is considering withdrawing their child, they are invited to discuss the matter with the headteacher.
Ashill School is committed to promoting the health and welfare of all pupils. We are required by law to follow procedures laid down by the Norfolk Local Safeguarding Children Board if we see signs that suggest that one of our pupils may have been a victim of abuse. Use of the procedures in this way is an obligation placed on the school by legislation and in no way infers that any parent/carer is being accused of wrong doing.
The school does not make any charge for items either used by the children, or made by them during normal educational activities. Charges will be made for residential visits, or for items made in activities which take place outside normal education
We try to enhance children’s education by arranging educational visits to places of interest. These activities cannot be funded wholly through the school’s budget, and rely upon voluntary contributions. If we are to continue to arrange such activities, it is vital that parents do contribute when they are able. If a parent has difficulty making a contribution for an educational activity within school hours, their child will not be penalised and may take part in the activity, but it will make it more difficult for the school to organise future activities.
If contributions received by the school exceed the cost of an activity, the excess funds will be returned to parents on a ‘pro rata’ basis according to the size of contribution made.
When extra-curricular activities are run by an external provider who makes a charge, this charge will be passed on to the parents of those children choosing to take part.
Complaints ProcedureStaff at the school are committed to providing the best possible education for all our children, and to caring properly for their health, safety and welfare. We hope that your child’s time at the school will be a happy one, and that problems will be few and minor in nature.
Misunderstandings can arise however, and even the best-intentioned and well organised schools can occasionally make mistakes. If you do experience any worry or concern, please let us know. It is far better to discuss a problem at an early stage than to let it develop over time.
In the first instance you should make an appointment to see your child’s teacher to discuss your concern. If you still have worries after this, you should arrange to see the headteacher who will investigate further. On the rare occasions that we are unable to resolve an issue, the headteacher will provide you with the name and address of the chair of governors to whom you should set out your concerns in writing. You will also be given a copy of the LEA’s complaints procedure leaflet. Hot dinners are available each day (ask at the office for the current price), and should be booked and paid for at the start of each week. When booking dinners, please ensure the secretary knows the name of the child, and on which days dinners are required. Having the correct change is always much appreciated by our poor, overworked secretary.
Dinners are provided by Norfolk Catering Services and are delivered in insulated containers from the kitchens at Saham School. They meet the most recent guidance for school meals standards and include a main course, dessert and drink. Fresh fruit is always available as a healthy dessert. Please contact the office if you think you may be entitled to free school meals.
Packed LunchesPlease ensure that children bring packed lunches in a secure, named container. Water is available at school, but if children prefer something a little more exotic to drink, this should be brought in a suitable, leak-proof container. Glass bottles should be avoided as they present a safety risk in a crowded dining hall. Flasks of hot water or soup are not allowed for safety reasons.
It is important that children eat a healthy diet and we ask that parents consider this when packing their child’s lunch. Research shows that children who have eaten a healthy midday meal are able to concentrate and behave better in the afternoon than those who have not.
Children are allowed to bring small snacks (we try to encourage fruit and vegetables as opposed to sweets) for eating during morning playtime. We run a ‘Healthy Tuck’ policy, and children bringing in fruit or vegetables as a mid-morning snack collect ‘stamps’ towards prizes for being healthy eaters. Snacks should be packed separately from lunches as children are not allowed into the servery at playtime for safety and security reasons.
The school subscribes to the national “School Fruit & Vegetable Scheme”. Under this scheme, all children in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 receive a piece of fruit or vegetable as a mid-morning snack. The scheme is designed to instil healthy eating habits at an early age and is very popular with children. We ask that parents do not send any ‘unhealthy’ snacks for children in these year groups.
If parents wish their child to have a carton of milk at morning break they should book and pay for this at the school office. Payments must be made in advance and it is not possible to give refunds if a child misses their milk through absence: we simply forward all monies collected to Norfolk County Services who order the milk on our behalf. Children who do not like or are allergic to milk are allowed bring in a healthy drink, such as fruit juice, as an alternative. Squashes and ‘fizzy pop’ are only allowed as part of a packed lunch (but we do try to encourage healthy drinks even at lunchtime).
Water fountains with built in coolers are available in the cloakrooms. It is now recognised that dehydration can be a problem for children, particularly in warm weather. Children tend to run around at lunchtime and then sit in class without a drink all afternoon. Dehydration is bad for children’s health and inhibits effective functioning of the brain. This obviously affects children’s learning and we therefore encourage children to bring water in safe, clear plastic containers for drinking during lessons. Drinks other than water are not allowed. Drinks bottles can be refilled at playtime and lunchtime from the coolers. There is always the potential for these drinks to cause disruption during lessons. Children who abuse the privilege will lose it!
DisciplineAt Ashill we try to foster a sense of community, and expect children to behave as responsible members of that community. We insist on good manners throughout the school, and encourage children to reflect on the ways in which their words or actions affect others. Parents can help by encouraging a positive attitude towards school discipline.
Bullying, either verbal or physical, is not tolerated at school. Children discuss the causes and effects of bullying in lessons, and the class and school councils work to help ensure children are not bullied at school. If a child is being bullied, they may find it difficult to talk about at school. Parents who think their child is a victim of bullying are asked to let the school know straight away. If we don’t know it’s happening we can’t deal with it.
Children whose conduct is not acceptable will face sanctions such as withdrawal of privileges or having extra work. If behaviour does not improve, parents will be invited to school to discuss the matter.
Jewellery, including wristbands, in school presents a health and safety risk and leads to losses and thefts. The only jewellery allowed in school is small studs or sleepers for children with pierced ears. Wristwatches may be worn, but the school accepts no responsibility for loss or damage. Watches with hourly chimes and alarms should be set in silent mode as they are very disruptive during lessons.
Indoor: shorts and T-shirt (the PTA sell shirts in the house colours). Outdoor: as above with the addition of plimsolls/trainers. We try to play outdoor games whenever possible, including cold weather. In these conditions children are allowed to wear tracksuits, hats, gloves and as many sweatshirts as necessary.
For health reasons, children should change completely for PE, and should not wear the same clothes as for the rest of the day – this includes footwear.
Other school activities often necessitate PE lessons taking place outside the scheduled session, and children should keep their kit at school all week, taking it home for washing at weekends. Due to the restricted cloakroom facilities, we ask that children bring their PE kit in as small a bag as possible.
Children are not allowed to bring their own toys or games (including Pokemon cards, Top Trump cards etc.) into the school. In the past, toys have been lost, broken or, on rare occasions, stolen. The school provides a range of play equipment for children to use at playtimes and lunchtimes.
The school provides all writing equipment and stationery that children will need at school. We have found that, as with toys and games, children’s own equipment can get lost or broken. We do recognise however, that owning a quality pen, for example, can be motivating for children and therefore we do allow them to bring them in. Parents must be aware that the child’s teacher decides which pen or pencil the child uses in class and if a child brings in a fountain pen, but the teacher judges that they are not yet ready to use it, they will not be allowed to do so.
As a general rule, children in Years R, 1 and early Y2 write in pencil, in Years 3, 4 and 5 they use a fibre-tip handwriting pen and in Year 6 a fountain pen. Different children, however, develop at different rates and parents are advised to check before buying equipment for their child to use at school. Ball-point pens and gel pens are not used in the school. The school cannot accept responsibility for any personal stationery lost or broken at the school.
All pupils are expected to:
It is the policy of the school and the education authority that medicines should not be brought to school or administered by school staff. In most cases doses of medicines can be taken before and after school, but if this is not possible parents should arrange with the office to attend the school and administer the medicine to their own child.
The exception to this rule is the use of inhalers by children for asthma. Most children with inhalers are capable of using them themselves. The school should be notified when a child needs to use an inhaler, and staff will be made aware of this need. Inhalers will be kept in a container in the classroom and should be taken home at weekends for checking and cleaning. Before any medicine, including inhalers, is administered at school, a form (MED1) needs to be completed and signed by a parent / carer. Please ask at the office for details.
The school building and grounds are a smoke-free zone. This applies to all those who enter the site for any purpose, including contractors.
Health checks and dental inspections take place periodically. The checks are carried out by NHS staff at the school, and you will always be notified of any checks in advance. When a child becomes ill at school we make every effort to contact parents / carers – please ensure the office has up to date contact numbers for emergency use. If neither you nor your emergency contact is available, we will try to help your child at school. Please remember that our facilities are very limited, and sick children are better off receiving attention at home.
In serious cases, if we are unable to contact you, we will seek appropriate medical help, acting in loco parentis.
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Send e-mail to Cynthia Goodge with questions or comments about this web site.Copyright © 2007 Ashill Voluntary Controlled Primary School |
