Welcome to our School

Prospectus

Wilberlee School is a group 1 Junior and Infant Community School . It is a mixed school, which serves children from a wide catchment area in the age range 4+ to 11 years. The recommended maximum pupil limit for the school is 77.

The school has a long history and can trace its origins back to the National School that was built in 1785 to serve the needs of the village children. This building still remains and can be seen opposite the Parish Church .

In 1845 Upper Slaithwaite Church Mission School was opened at Shred and continued until 1894 when a new Board School was opened at Wilberlee for 160 children. At the time when the new school was built most of the children lived in small farm cottages on the surrounding hillsides and very few children came to the school from lower down the valley. This changed when houses were built along Longlands Road . Later the Longlands estate was erected. Now most of the children arrive by the school bus which comes up the hill from Slaithwaite. There are however, a few children who travel from the outlying districts of Scammonden, Pole Moor, Upper Holme and Merrydale to get to school.

The school building still retains many of the original Victorian features although internal changes have been made in recent years. In 1998 class 3 was extended to the rear of the school and this enabled a library and ITC area to be created upstairs. During the summer of 2000 another classroom was constructed above the existing infant classroom and these were extended further during 2003. There is also a hall, staff room, office and a kitchen. The caretaker lives in the school house which is on site. The building is surrounded by playground and there is a pleasant school field to the rear, part of which has been developed as a wildlife conservation area.

Admission

Parents who are considering sending their children to the school can, by appointment, see the Headteacher and look around the building.

Full time allocations for Reception year places will be made on the basis of registrations received by primary schools no later than 1^st December prior to the school year of admission

Criteria for Admission to all Key Stages

Criteria for admission to all Key Stages

Children in public care (looked after children).
Children who live in the school Priority Admission Area (PAA) who have an older brother or sister attending from the same address at the date of admission (the younger sibling rule).
Other children who live in the school's priority admission area.
Children who live outside the school’s PAA who have an older brother or sister attending from the same address at the time of admission (the younger sibling rule).
Children who live outside the priority area.

Community and controlled schools will admit children with Statements of Special Educational Needs where the school is named in the Statement.

Published Admission Number (PAN)

We will admit children up to the PAN of 11.

Notes

Children in priority 1 above may also be admitted above the published admission number (PAN).
If we cannot agree to requests for admissions in priorities 2 to 5 above without exceeding the PAN, we will give priority up to the PAN to children living nearest the school.
Distance is measured in a straight line from a child’s home address to the school. Measurements are calculated using seven-figure grid references for each address taken from Ordnance Survey ADDRESS-POINT ^®data. This grid reference relates to a point that falls within the permanent building structure corresponding to the address. The boundary of the building structure for the address is derived from Ordnance Survey Land-Line data. For smaller, residential properties the grid reference denotes a point near the centre of the building. For larger properties, like schools with, for example, multiple buildings and large grounds, the grid reference relates to a point inside the main addressable building structure. The distance calculated is accurate to within 0.1 metres.
‘Live’ means the child’s permanent home at the date when applications close or, if a significant house move is involved, the latest reasonable date before the final allocation of places. We anticipate the allocation process for children transferring to junior or middle school will take place on 22 February 2010 and the allocation process for the Reception year group will take place on 8 March 2010.For children transferring from First and Middle schools, preference within any of the priorities 2 to 5 above (up to the PAN) will be given to children attending either a first school in the middle school priority admission area, or a middle school in the high school priority admission area.

e) For children transferring from first schools, we will give preference in priorities 2-5 above (up to the PAN) to children attending a first school in the middle school PAA.

f) A Priority Admission Area (PAA) means a geographical area determined by Kirklees in

consultation with the governing body of the school. It is called this because children living there normally have priority for admission over children who live elsewhere. It is also referred to as the catchment area.

g) Children with Statements of Special Educational Needs are admitted to mainstream schools, special units and special schools separately from the general admission policies.

Attendance

School starts at 8.55am and children are expected to be here on time.

If a child is absent from school a telephone call on the day is required, otherwise the absence is recorded as unauthorised. Registers are regularly checked by the Education Social Worker and action will be taken if a child is missing a higher than normal amount of time.

The law says that parents do not have the right to take their child out of school during term time. This can be detrimental to the child’s education particularly in the run up to SAT’s.

In exceptional circumstances a Headteacher can allow parents to take their child out of class for up to 10 days in a school year. Requests to take holidays in term time must be made in advance, in writing to the Head Teacher. Each application is considered individually taking into account the child’s age, ability, the length and timing of the holiday and any previous term-time holidays taken.

Under no circumstances should a child leave school unaccompanied during school hours. A child will only be permitted to leave during school hours if a parent or known adult arrives in person to collect them. If a child leaves school without permission we will attempt to contact parents. If this is unsuccessful the police will be informed.

School Times

SCHOOL TIMES

Morning Session

8.55am – 12.15pm

Afternoon Session

1.15pm – 3.15pm

The hours spent on teaching are 23 hours 45 minutes (Juniors) 22 hours 30 minutes (Infants) during a normal week. This excludes registration, lunch breaks and daily acts of worship.

Uniform

Children are expected to come sensibly dressed for school and with a change of shoes for indoors and a separate P.E. kit. The Governors have adopted a formal uniform and our dress code, which gives guidance on what to wear is set out below.

Sweatshirts with the school logo are available from Natasha Schoolwear Shop, Huddersfield . They also have polo shirts in red, blue and white, round neck tee shirts in red or blue and fleeces.

Dress Code

Plain blue or red sweater or cardigan

Red, blue or white shirt, t-shirt or blouse

Blue, grey or black trousers, jog pants or skirt

T –shirts, shirts or blouses should be a sensible length.

Appropriate clothing for PE and Games

For health and safety reasons children are expected to have a change of clothes for PE and games. This is particularly important in winter when it can be cold, wet and muddy! P.E kit needs to be in school at all times as the timetable is flexible. The following items are considered appropriate for P.E. in school.

· School tee shirt or other short sleeved tee shirt and shorts

· Pumps

· leotards

· Short socks

· Jumper/ tracksuit/trousers for outdoor games (Classes 2 &3)

Children need a small named bag to keep shoes and PE clothes in. Pump bags can be purchased from school or children can bring a bag from home providing it is no bigger than the bags we sell.

Jewellery in School

Kirklees LEA guidelines on the wearing of personal items/jewellery during P.E and Games lessons are there to ensure that there is no risk of injury caused by a pupil wearing such items – either to themselves or any other pupil.

Children should not wear rings, bracelets and necklaces to school and should have only ear-studs in pierced ears. NO other form of earrings are permitted.

If a child does wear ear-studs parents should ensure that the child can remove and replace them. Teachers will not undertake to remove or replace children’s ear-studs or tape ears prior to physical activity.

No jewellery at all must be worn during swimming lessons.

Aims

Section 1 of the Education reform act 1988 requires that the curriculum should promote the spiritual, moral and cultural development of pupils and should prepare them for the opportunities, responsibility and experiences of adult life. The following explains how we set about this.

We aim to provide a broad and balanced curriculum within a positive and challenging learning environment by:

· providing a good all round education to all pupils.

· promoting confidence, tolerance and understanding in all children.

· developing children’s self esteem

· giving children practical experiences, exploring our society and environment directly.

· Actively seeking to promote links (relationships) with all communities in our society , both locally, nationally and internationally.

· Aiming to be a school which is not dominated by (formal) testing. We do what is necessary.

Being a school that provides the building blocks for the future.

Vision

A small school with a big heart, where children are allowed to be children.

Curriculum

The curriculum consists of all the activities that go on in the school. Our curriculum is planned around the National Curriculum core subjects of English, Maths and Science and the foundation subjects of Art, Geography, History, Music, Physical Education, I.C.T and Design and Technology. These are taught as both subjects and through topics based on a whole school plan. R.E. is also taught in class and assemblies.

We believe that each child's education is a unique experience and that individual achievements should be encouraged and catered for. Our curriculum is planned to fit the needs of each individual child. Children learn best in a working atmosphere that is lively and challenging. The school emphasises first hand practical experiences and a problem-solving approach to learning.

The children are encouraged to develop their self-confidence by using their initiative and taking responsibility for their own learning.

Also forming part of the curriculum are several cross-curricular issues:- environmental education, the dimension of personal and social education which includes equal opportunities and multicultural education, health education, economic and industrial understanding and citizenship.

The life and work of the school is organised on a whole school approach and the staff work closely as a team to achieve this.

A number of documents relating to curriculum and other matters are kept in school. Parents can see any of the documents listed in regulations 6 (3) of the Education (School Curriculum & Related Information) Regulations 1989, any OFSTED reports, schemes of work and syllabuses in use by contacting the Headteacher or Administrative Assistant at the school.

Organisation of Classes

We have three classes in school and the children are arranged by age in mixed ability groups. The numbers in each class are usually between 20 - 29 with 2 or 3 year groups in each class.

The pupils are usually taught by their own class teacher, but teachers may take various groups for activities such as Physical Education and Music. The teaching methods used provide the best possible balance between individual, group and class teaching methods and priority is given to the careful monitoring and progress of the individual child through on-going teacher assessment.

Behaviour

The Governors and staff believe that children work better and learn more effectively in an atmosphere of friendliness that is placed within a framework of order and discipline.

We have a happy school and all children are expected to behave well and be fully aware of the needs of others. The Governors and staff believe that children work better and learn more effectively in an atmosphere of friendliness that is placed within a framework of order and discipline.

We have a happy school and all children are expected to behave well and be fully aware of the needs of others.

We encourage and reward good behaviour in a variety of ways and these are reviewed regularly. Children are made aware of the standard of behaviour we expect, as are the sanctions for misbehaving. If you think your child is being bullied we would ask you to contact us immediately.

The school has a policy of zero tolerance to any form of bullying. Where instances are reported or seen these are dealt with quickly and consistently. Fighting or any other behaviour which results in another child being physically hurt will normally lead automatically to a fixed term exclusion and parents will be asked to come into school in cases where behaviour has been unacceptable.

A full statement on Whole School Discipline is available at school.

Music

A strong musical tradition exists at Wilberlee School . All children have the opportunity to learn to play a musical instrument through the Wider Opportunities scheme.. No charge is made for this tuition. Children can learn recorder and singing is central to the school's musical activities. Children can also choose to learn an instrument individually or in small groups. Information relating to the scale of charges for these lessons can be obtained by telephoning Kirklees Music School (01484) 426426

Religious Education

The school has no particular affiliation to any denomination. Our Collective Worship policy supports the strong moral underpinning to the work of the school.

Although our locally agreed syllabus is non-denominational, it mainly reflects the Christian traditions while taking account of the practices of other principle religions. Parents have a right to withdraw their children from religious education in accordance with the 1988 Education Act.

Children who are withdrawn from religious education will be set other work either in the classsroom or a separate room supervised by another adult.

Sport

A range of sport activities are available at Wilberlee and all children are encouraged to develop their skills and abilities to fulfil their individual potential. Our policy is in accordance with the guidelines of the National Curriculum programmes of study and also in accordance with strict procedures to promote Health and Safety.

Sex Education

The overall aim of education at our school is summarised in Section 1 of the 1988 Education Act by which we are charged with delivering a curriculum which

"promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental and physical development of pupils at the school and of society; and ... prepares such pupils for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life."

We recognise that our children will be sexually mature adults in a few years time, and therefore our aim is to lay solid educational foundations about sex, which the children's secondary school will build upon.

The way in which sex education is taught means that it is sometimes intertwined with other parts of the curriculum. However it is possible to specify the content of what is taught at Wilberlee.

Specific classroom arrangements are that girls and boys will normally be taught together. However, in the introduction of discussion of certain aspects such as menstruation they may be separated initially in order that the girls may ask personal questions without embarrassment.

Sex Education will be taught by all staff, to varying degrees of complexity and depth. It will also be enhanced by the work of the school nurse. The language used in the class will be the correct, scientific language. Methods may vary from topic to topic and also depend on the available resources. The school will encourage discussion and clarification of understanding and values.

The School regards parents as essential partners in sex education, and that the effectiveness of such education will be multiplied many times if parents and school can act in tandem.

Parents have a right to withdraw children from any sex education over and above that which is part of the National Curriculum.

Special Needs

The progress of all children is carefully monitored throughout their time at school. If a teacher is concerned about a child then the school follows guidelines laid down by the LA for the identification and assessment of these needs. When a child is identified as having a persistent learning difficulty, an individual education programme is devised which is closely matched to the child's achievement. As soon as a child is identified as having special needs their parents are consulted and records of the various stages are kept. Parents are encouraged to participate in their child's learning, thereby ensuring a partnership between school and home. Additional help is available either through withdrawal from the classroom on a one-to-one teaching basis or more frequently, through support within the classroom.

Where appropriate, the local education service is called upon to give guidance and help and effective links have been established with the Kirklees Psychological Service and the Special Needs Department. Our policy of meeting children's needs has been reviewed to take account of the DFE Code of Practice for Special Needs.

A copy of the School's policy for special educational needs can be viewed at the school on request.

Pastoral Care

We aim to provide a warm caring environment in which children are valued as individuals and are encouraged to develop fully all abilities they possess. The school endeavors to assume the same standards of responsibility for the children in our trust as would a caring parent. Two members of staff have specific responsibility for pastoral care. The children are also encouraged to talk to any adult about matters which they feel in need of help, although in practice this is usually their own class teacher.

Homework, Complaints & Educational visits

HOMEWORK

An effective partnership between school and home is essential if children are to make the most of their time here. Working at home with parents is considered an important way to develop this. When children enter school, reading books are sent home and parents are encouraged to listen to their children read. Reading at home is encouraged throughout the school and is of particular importance in the early years to get the children off to a good start. Spellings and other work will be sent home as appropriate and we hope that parents will co-operate in ensuring that the work is done. The school policy on homework can be viewed on request.

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

If you wish to discuss the curriculum documents you may do so by appointment with the Headteacher. If there are any complaints with regard to the curriculum these should be addressed in the first instance to the Headteacher. A leaflet detailing the full complaints procedure can be obtained from the school on request.

EDUCATIONAL VISITS AND ACTIVITIES

The children are frequently taken on visits to various places of educational interest in connection with work being undertaken in class. These include a residential visit at some point during KS2 .

The Governing Body acknowledges the fact that educational visits are desirable and make a valuable contribution to the overall education of the children. They aim to promote such activities for all pupils. Parents are asked to contribute towards the cost of educational visits. These are usually subsidised from school funds. Children are not prevented from going on financial grounds and the school has a separate fund to help in cases of severe hardship. If parents have financial difficulties, they are asked to contact school. The Governors have adopted the L.A policy for charges and remissions.

Extra curricular activities are organised from time to time. Children have the opportunity to join in football, netball and cross-country with friendly competition organised against other local schools.

Meals and Accident procedures

SCHOOL MEALS

Children may have a school lunch or bring sandwiches to eat. Parents should please note that 2 week's notice should be given in writing if a child wishes to change options.

The majority of children eat school lunches, which are prepared and cooked on site. There is always a choice of main course and dessert and a side salad is available.

Payment should be made weekly, in advance, on Monday or the first school day of the week. If you wish to apply for free school meals you can obtain a form from the Educational Social Work Department, Upperhead Row, Huddersfield . Phone Huddersfield 221919.

SCHOOL MILK

Milk is available to children up to the end of the school year in which they are 7. Pupils who partake of the "Milk in Schools Scheme" benefit from a subsidy from the Intervention Board. This represents a significant reduction in the actual cost of milk.

ACCIDENTS AND MEDICINES IN SCHOOL

Unfortunately, accidents do happen in school and contact with parents is made as soon as possible. While minor problems will be dealt with by staff at school it is vitally important we are able to get in touch with parents during the day. We need to be informed promptly of any change of circumstances.

Parents are responsible for the administration of medicines to their children but we are always willing to co-operate where we can. The smallest practicable dose should be sent to school with clear written instructions. We cannot accept any responsibility where the timing of the dosage is crucial or where special knowledge is required for its administration. If your child were to cut or graze him/herself we would, where appropriate, apply a sterile dressing.

Links with the Community

Over the years the school has developed excellent links with the community. We see the neighbourhood as a resource and have been closely involved in maintaining existing links with the community while seeking to form new ones. These links include the local playgroup, clubs, residential homes, small local industries and the Parish Church . Good relationships have also been built with the local Primary schools and similar small schools throughout Kirklees.

HOW PARENTS CAN HELP

You can help in many ways by your friendly encouragement and interest in all aspects of your child's work and activities. It will greatly assist us if you encourage children to read at home and listen to them regularly. Reading enjoyable books aloud to children is also important, this helps to foster a love of reading.

We have endeavoured to arouse a sense of community in which everyone has a role to play. Children need to see that parents and staff are working along the same lines. To this end we expect parents to fully support the school in matters of discipline and school procedure.

Offers from parents to help in the classroom are always appreciated. This is an excellent way to become more involved in your child's education.

FRIENDS OF WILBERLEE

The school has a small parent support group and this is open to all parents. Various social events are organised throughout the year for parents and children and are all well supported. This is one way in which children can see their parents taking an active part in supporting the school. It also enables valuable funds to be raised.

Governing Body

Parent Governors are elected for a period of 4 years and they have a child attending at the time of election. If a parent wishes to raise anything with the Governors the first point of contact should be through the school or parent representatives.

The school writes to all parents when a vacancy arises with the procedure to follow if they wish to put themselves forward.