Message from astannesprimary.org/.../2014/04/St-Annes-Handbook.docx · Web viewIn joining our...

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Transcript of Message from astannesprimary.org/.../2014/04/St-Annes-Handbook.docx · Web viewIn joining our...

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Parent Handbook Contents

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Introduction......................................................................................................................................2

Message from a Pupil......................................................................................................................3

Class Organisation..........................................................................................................................4

The School Day................................................................................................................................5

Attendance........................................................................................................................................6

Code of Conduct..............................................................................................................................7

2016-2017 Calendar..........................................................................................................................8

2017-2018 Calendar..........................................................................................................................9

School Uniform..............................................................................................................................10

Essential Information.....................................................................................................................11

Essential Information Continued..............................................................................................12

Curriculum......................................................................................................................................13

Wrap Around Care.........................................................................................................................14

2016 Results...................................................................................................................................15

Admissions Policy 2017-2018.......................................................................................................16

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Introduction

Dear Parent/Guardian,

I would like to offer you a very warm welcome to St Anne’s Catholic Primary School.

A St Anne’s each and every child is valued, nurtured, loved and at the centre of everything we do. We teach through our own actions and words the true values of the Gospel and Christ’s teaching to love one another.

In joining our school your child will be encouraged, motivated, inspired and guided to ensure that they develop their natural gifts and talents whilst gaining a well-rounded education in a safe, caring and welcoming environment.

As a school we believe that we are all part of one larger family community with each other; child and family, our parish community, our feeder school Cardinal Hume Catholic School and the wider community to which we serve. We believe that in working together as one that we can truly ensure that we can fully support your child academically, socially, emotionally and spiritually. In doing so we help your child to meet their full potential.

We live our mission statement daily;

‘Working together: in faith, learning and love’

This is something we hold at the heart of everything we do. Working as a team we can ensure that your child’s time at St Anne’s allows them to become the best that they can be; developing their strengths, overcoming weaknesses and barriers and helping them to grow in confidence and belief in themselves.

Through our family community and joint commitment, we welcome new members of our school to grow and work in love and family of Christ.

Sonia FraserHeadteacher

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Message from a Year 6 Pupil

St Anne’s has a very safe environment, with loving and caring teachers. The teachers always ensure that you have a challenging, yet fun and enjoyable time in everything that you do. They provide you with extra support whenever you need it and understand each child, how we learn and what makes us happy.

There are lots of school trips throughout the year, which I enjoy very much. My favourite visit was to Dukeshouse Wood! The after school clubs are great fun and help keep me fit and healthy. I particularly enjoyed Gymnastics and Summer Sports this year.

I have made some amazing friends, which I know I will be friends with for a very long time. Everyone in my class gets along really well as they are all so kind. There is plenty for you to do at break time and lunch time, as we have a football / basketball pitch and a play area, so you will never be bored.

Every Friday, we have a Celebration Assembly where we are rewarded for our hard work and recognised for our achievements. I am also part of the school council, where my voice is heard. Being part of the school council has given me great self-confidence and self-belief.

So, welcome to St Anne’s Catholic Primary School!

My best advice to you is to make the most of all the opportunities to get involved in school life, and to work hard so you can achieve your dreams.

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Class Organisation

Year Group Teacher Teaching Support

Reception Mr G Harrison Mrs J Graham

Year 1 Miss L Taylor Mrs N Tonkin

(working across school)

Mrs A Mayer

(working across school)

Year 2/3 Miss C McGoldrick

Year 4 Miss H Rutherford

Year 5 Miss C Slee

Year 6 Mrs J Geddes

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The School Day

Early Years (Reception) Bell rings at 8:50 to bring children to classrooms

 Morning Session 08:50 11:45

Morning Break Times change daily

Lunch 11:45 13:00

Afternoon Session 13:00 15:15

Afternoon Break Times change daily

Key Stage 1Bell rings at 8:50 to bring children to classrooms

 Morning Session 08:50 12:00

Morning Break 10:30-10:45

Lunch 12:00 13:00

Afternoon Session 13:00 15:15

Afternoon Break 14:00-14:15

Key Stage 2Bell rings at 8:50 to bring children to classrooms  Morning Session 08:50 12:00

Morning Break 10:30-10:45

Lunch 12:00 13:00

Afternoon Session 13:00 15:15

Whole School    Monday 09:00-09:30 Whole School Collective Worship

Friday 14:15-15:15 Whole School Celebration Collective Worship

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Attendance

Going to school regularly is very important for your child’s future. Evidence clearly shows that good attendance brings about improved performance in all areas of school life. Children who miss school regularly can fall behind with their school work and tend to do less well in exams.

We at St Anne’s Catholic Primary School have high expectations for attendance for all our students. We follow government targets which say that pupils should be in school for a minimum of 95% of the time. Where the attendance drops below a given level the school will contact parents and work with them to improve the attendance of the child. All children are able to enter the school at 8.40 a.m. and are expected to be in class by 8.50 a.m. for the morning session. Morning registration ends at 8.55 a.m. Any child who arrives after this time will be marked as late. After 9.15 a.m., this will become an Unauthorised Absence.

Reporting an absence The school office should be informed before 9.15am on the morning of the first day of a child’s absence through illness and then each morning, if appropriate, for the duration of the absence. For an absence of more than three days the school require a written explanation of why the child was absent. The school office will request this if it is not produced. Medical certificates will be required if an absence is greater than five days.

Medical AppointmentsEvery effort should be made to arrange medical appointments outside school hours. If it is necessary for a child to be out of school for this reason, the child should return to school directly after the appointment, should the school day not have ended. Where possible, you must provide the school with evidence of a medical appointment.

PunctualityIt is very important that your child not only comes to school regularly, but also gets to school on time. Good time keeping breeds good habits and plays a significant role in preparing students for their life ahead.

Rewards for Good AttendanceAll of the children who have 100% attendance for a whole year will receive an excellence certificate for attendance and an attendance pen or pencil.

Holidays during Term TimeWe strongly advise parents not to take their child on holiday during term time. Other than in exceptional circumstances holidays taken during term time will not be authorised. Applications must be made should you wish to take a holiday during term time.

What can you as parents do to encourage good attendance?o Make sure you child understands the importance of good attendance and punctuality.o Take an interest in your child’s education; ask about school work and encourage them to

get involved with school activities.o Discuss any problems that you think may have a bearing on your child’s attendance with

the school. Inform their Teacher or Headtecher at an early stage so the school can take measures to help your child.

o Do not let your child take time off for minor ailments.o Do your best to arrange routine medical, dental appointments etc. after school hours.

Remember, we are here to help you so do not hesitate to get in touch with the school if you have any specific concerns to do with attendance matters.

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Code of Conduct

This code of conduct has been formulated with the safety and wellbeing of the children in mind and to enable the school to function efficiently as a place of learning. It sets out the expectations of behaviour during the school day, whether in school or on a residential or educational visit:

All members of the school community are expected to respect each other. All children are expected to respect all adults, teachers, non-teaching staff, visitors and all

fellow pupils. Children should address adults formally i.e. Mrs, Mr, Miss ....... Children are expected to be well behaved, well-mannered and attentive. All children are expected to respect their own and other people’s property and to take care of

books and equipment. Children are expected to follow the school and class rules. If a child has a grievance against another child, he or she is encouraged to report it to a

member of staff who will deal with the matter. Physical violence is not acceptable, neither is retaliation. Repeated or serious incidents will

lead to exclusion. Foul or abusive language must not be used. Toys, games and other inappropriate items are not to be brought into school. Children must not bring sharp or dangerous instruments to school, or any item that might cause

a problem. Children must not wear jewellery other than wristwatches in school. Children in Key Stage 2 who walk to school unaccompanied are allowed to bring mobile

phones into school provided they are switched off and handed into the office on arrival into school. They can be collected by the child before leaving school. Any children’s mobiles found in class or in the playground during school time will be confiscated and will be returned at home time to the child’s parent/carer.

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2016-2017 Calendar

September 2016Su M T

u W Th F S1 2 3

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October 2016Su M T

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12 3 4 5 6 7 89 1

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November 2016Su M T

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1 2 3 4 56 7 8 9 1

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December 2016Su M T

u W Th F S1 2 3

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2 2 2 2 2 3 3

January 2017Su M T

u W Th F S

1 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 1

011

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2 3 3

February 2017Su M T

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1 2 3 45 6 7 8 9 1

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March 2017Su M T

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April 2017Su M T

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12 3 4 5 6 7 89 1

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May 2017Su M T

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1 2 3 4 5 67 8 9 1

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2 2 3 3

June 2017Su M T

u W Th F S1 2 3

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July 2017Su M T

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12 3 4 5 6 7 89 1

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August 2017Su M T

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1 2 3 4 56 7 8 9 1

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2 2 2 3 3

School Closed/ Holidays Bank Holiday

INSET Day

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2017-2018 Calendar

September 2017Su M T

u W Th F S

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October 2017Su M T

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1 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 1

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November 2017Su M T

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1 2 3 45 6 7 8 9 1

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December 2017Su M T

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1 23 4 5 6 7 8 910

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January 2018Su M T

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1 2 3 4 5 67 8 9 1

011

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February 2018Su M T

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1 2 34 5 6 7 8 9 1

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March 2018Su M T

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April 2018Su M T

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1 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 1

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May 2018Su M T

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1 2 3 4 56 7 8 9 1

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June 2018Su M T

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July 2018Su M T

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1 2 3 4 5 6 78 9 1

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August 2018Su M T

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School Closed/ Holidays Bank Holiday

INSET Day

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School Uniform

The wearing of school uniform is compulsory. Every article must be clearly marked with the owner’s name. All uniform can be ordered online at http://www.tesco.com/direct/st-annes-catholic-primary-school/7063.school . To guarantee delivery in time for September orders should be made by 1st August.

 Boys                                       

                        

- Grey Trousers. - Blue Shirt/Polo Shirt.- Navy Pullover/Sweatshirt.- Plain grey / black socks.

Girls

- Grey Skirt (not shorter than knee length)- OR Grey Trousers (full length not ¾ )- Blue Blouse/Polo Shirt.- Navy Pullover/Sweatshirt/Cardigan.- Plain grey, black or navy tights / white socks.

Tracksuit bottoms, football shirts or jeans are not permitted. Children must wear sensible black shoes [no heels] and not trainers for school.

HairGirls should tie long hair neatly back with unfussy bands / bobbles / slides to avoid it being pulled or caught especially during PE. Boys should have neat short hair without tramlines.

JewelleryThe wearing of any kind of jewellery in school is prohibited. The school cannot be held responsible for any lost items. Children who wish their ears to be pierced should wait until the beginning of the summer holidays, after which the earrings can safely be removed while in school. It is not permissible to cover earrings with a sticking plaster. Children may wear a watch but this must be removed during PE lessons.

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Essential Information

School MealsOur catering service is run by the Local Authority, who provide meals in accordance with the National Nutritional Standards for lunches in primary schools. Meals are cooked on the premises and are paid for by pupils on a daily basis. Those students who wish to bring packed lunch may do so. In cases of financial hardship, the Local Authority will assist parents by providing free meals. Application forms are available from the Welfare Benefits Section of Gateshead Council. The weekly lunch menu can be downloaded from the Gateshead Council website. Currently, children in R, Y1 and Y2 are entitled to Universal Free School Meals.

School ClubsClubs involving a variety of different activities take place in the school. These are intended to give the children the opportunity of developing personal interests as well as entering more fully into the community life of the school. They range from Athletics, Gymnastics to Multi-Sports.

Reading Reading plays a key part of a child’s life here at St Anne’s Catholic Primary School. Children are expected to take books home to read. In Key Stage 1, we have invested in the Oxford Reading Tree, which uses colour banding for different levels of reading. The Oxford Reading Tree provides children with well-loved characters, fine learning and unrivalled support, enabling children to become confident readers.

ProductionsEach autumn term the school produces a Christmas play. Key Stage 1 produce their own play and Key Stage 2 alternate between a play and a carol concert. All parents are welcome to attend both and are sure to enjoy these productions.

During the summer term, Year 6 will also produce an end of school performance. This is a great way for children to look back over their time at St Anne’s Catholic Primary School and celebrate their transition into secondary school.

NewslettersNewsletters are sent home weekly in order to keep parents informed of what is happening in school. It will include upcoming events, special achievements and our stars of the week. We select

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a star of the week from each year group and they will be awarded this during our celebration collective worship, which takes place every Friday at 2:30pm.

Essential Information Continued

PE UniformAll students take part in Physical Education lessons and are excused only on medical grounds; written confirmation would be required by the school.

Infants

- Navy Shorts- Plain White Tee-Shirt- Black Plimsolls

Juniors

- Navy Shorts- Plain White Tee-shirt- Black Plimsolls/Trainers

Black Plimsolls are most appropriate for indoor and outdoor activities although older children may wear trainers for outdoor activities. Children may wear tracksuits for outdoor PE in cold weather. Football shirts or strappy tops are not permitted for PE lessons or after school clubs.

Educational VisitsWe offer opportunities throughout the year for children to attend various trips relating to their studies. These visits play an integral part of a child’s education and provide them with valuable experiences and learning opportunities.

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Curriculum

We aim to provide a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum, appropriate to the needs, interests and abilities of each individual child. We help children to become good learners, ensuring they are fully prepared for each year. Our curriculum includes:

Art. Computing. DT. English Reading. English Writing. Geography. History. Languages. Mathematics. Music. Science. Physical Education. Religious Education.

Curriculum overview and expectations for each year group can be downloaded from our website.

In delivering the curriculum, we use a combination of subject and topic led approaches concentrating on building a child’s skills as well as building knowledge. Differentiated work is always set and we are committed to making learning fun and exciting.

Homework Children are set homework relating to their Literacy or Numeracy each week, as well as mental maths and spellings. Parental involvement is encouraged, as it clearly demonstrates the importance of learning to our children.

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Wrap Around Care

We offer fantastic wrap around care, which is provided by Lamesley Childcare. The facilities are second to none and the dedicated room ensures that children have enough space to have fun. Breakfast club, after school club and holiday club are all included.

Breakfast ClubBreakfast club opens from 7.30am to 8.55am. Parents and carers bring their child(ren) to the club and the staff will ensure that they are in school for the start of the day. Breakfast is served 7.30am until 8.20am and is included in the price for the session. Children are able to choose what to eat from a selection including fruit juice, smoothies, and hot drinks in winter, cereal, crumpets, croissants, pancakes, bread and fresh/dried fruit. Children arriving after this time will be offered fruit juice or milk, a cereal bar and a portion of fresh fruit. A range of activities are available including outdoor play, table top activities, arts and crafts, sports, music and dance. The fee for breakfast club is £4.50 per session.

After School ClubAfter school club opens from 3.15pm to 6.00pm. Lamesley staff will collect the children from school and take them to the after school club. Parents and carers will collect the children at the end of the session. Children who are attending clubs provided by the school, are collected at 4.15 – 4.30 pm (once the clubs are finished) and taken into the after school club until 6pm. This means children do not miss out on activities provided by the school to support their learning. A healthy snack is included in the price for the session. This will change on a daily basis and can include beans on toast, pasta, cowboy pie and fresh fruit and vegetables, all chosen by children and used to prepare our weekly menus across all provisions. Children who attend any clubs provided by the school will be given snack in the after school club. There is always a choice of activities for the children to participate in. All children are consulted on what activities they would like to do. Activities include cooking, messy play, games, arts and crafts, large construction, open ended materials, loose parts and access to outdoor play facilities. The fee for after school club is £8.00 per session.

Application packs can be obtained from the school office. More information can be found at: http :// www.lamesleychildcare.org or you can call (0191) 4822084.

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2016 Results

KS1 Results School National% Pupils at the expected standard in Reading 76.9% 74%

% Pupils at the higher than the expected standard in Reading 30.8% 23.6%

% Pupils at the expected standard in Writing 76.9% 65.5%

% Pupils at the higher than the expected standard in Writing 15.4% 13.3%

% Pupils at the expected standard in Maths 84.6% 72.6%

% Pupils at the higher than the expected standard in Maths 23.1% 17.8%

Percentage of pupils achieving the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics

61.5% 60.3%

Percentage of pupils achieving a high than expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics

15.4% 8.9%

Year 1 Phonic ScreeningSchool National

87% 80.5%

EYFSGood Level of Development

School National

70.8% 68.3%

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KS2 Results School NationalPercentage of pupils achieving the expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics

64% 53%

Average progress in reading +0.4 0.0

Average progress in writing +4.1 0.0

Average progress in mathematics +3.0 0.0

Percentage of pupils achieving a high than expected standard in reading, writing and mathematics

12% 5%

Average scaled score in reading 102 103

Average scaled score in mathematics 105 104

Average scaled score in GPS 105 103

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Admissions Policy 2017-2018

St Anne’s Catholic Primary School was founded by the Catholic Church to provide education for children of Catholic families. The school is conducted by its governing body as part of the Catholic Church in accordance with its trust deed and instrument of government, and seeks at all times to be a witness to Jesus Christ. Whenever there are more applications than places available, priority will be given to Catholic children in accordance with the oversubscription criteria listed below.As a Catholic school, we aim to provide a Catholic education for all our pupils. At a Catholic school, Catholic doctrine and practice permeate every aspect of the school’s activity. It is essential that the Catholic character of the school’s education be fully supported by all families in the school. All parents (see note 11) are therefore expected to give their full, unreserved and positive support for the aims and ethos of the school. This does not affect the right of a parent who is not of the faith to apply for a place for their child at the school. The governing body is the admissions authority and has responsibility for admissions to this school. The local authority undertakes the coordination of admission arrangements. The admission policy criteria will be dealt with on an equal preference basis.

Parishes served by the schoolThe school serves the parish of St Anne, Gateshead.

Published Admission NumberThe governing body has set its admission number at 30 pupils to be admitted to the reception class in the school year which begins in September 2017.

Children with an Education, Health and Care plan or a statement of Special Educational NeedChildren who have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan or a statement of Special Educational Need where the school is named as the most appropriate educational setting for the child will be admitted.

Application Procedures and Timetable To apply for a place at this school, the parent must complete a common application form (CAF) available from the local authority in which the child lives. The parent will be advised of the outcome of the application on 18 April, initially by a letter or email from the local authority on behalf of the governing body.

If the parent is required to provide supplemental evidence to support the application (e.g. a baptismal certificate), this evidence should be provided at the time of application. If not provided, evidence may be sought by the governing body following the closing date for applications. This information must have been correct at the date of closing for applications.All applications will be considered at the same time and after the closing date for admissions which is 15 January 2017.

Late Applications Late applications will be administered in accordance with the local authority primary coordinated admissions scheme. Parents are encouraged to ensure that their application is received on time.

Admission of Children below Compulsory School Age and Deferred Entry A child is entitled to a full-time place in the September following their fourth birthday. A request may be made for the date at which a child, below compulsory school age, is admitted to the school, to be deferred to later in the school year but not beyond the point at which they reach compulsory school age, or beyond the beginning of the final term of the school year. A child may take up a part-time place until the child reaches compulsory school age. Upon receipt of the offer of a place a parent should notify the school in writing, as soon as possible, that they wish to either defer their child’s entry to the school or take up a part-time place.

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Admission of Children outside their Normal Age Group A request may be made for a child to be admitted outside of their normal age group, for example, if the child is gifted and talented or has experienced problems such as ill health. Any such request should be made in writing to the headteacher of the school. The governing body will make its decision about the request based on the circumstances of each case and in the best interests of the child. In addition to taking into account the views of the headteacher who has statutory responsibility for the internal organisation, management and control of the school, the governing body will take into account the views of the parents and of appropriate medical and education professionals.

Summer Born Children The parents of a summer born child, i.e. a child born between 1 April and 31 August, may request that the child be admitted out of their normal age group, to the reception class in the September following their fifth birthday and that that the child will remain in this cohort as they progress through school.

Parents who want to make this request should make an application for their child’s normal age group at the usual time. The application to the local authority should include this request and in addition it should be made in writing to the headteacher of the school. The local authority will liaise with the governing body who will make its decision about the request based on the circumstances of each case and in the best interests of the child. In addition to taking into account the views of the headteacher, who has statutory responsibility for the internal organisation, management and control of the school, the governing body will take into account the views of the parents and of appropriate medical and education professionals. Parents will be informed of the outcome of the request before primary national offer day. If the request is agreed by the governing body, the application for the normal age group may be withdrawn before a place is offered. If the request is refused, the parent must decide whether to accept the offer of a place for the normal age group, or to refuse it and make an in year application for admission to year one for the September following the child’s fifth birthday.

Where a parent’s request is agreed, they must make a new application as part of the main admissions round the following year. One admission authority cannot be required to honour a decision made by another admission authority on admission out of the normal age group. Parents, therefore, should consider whether to request admission out of the normal year group at all their preference schools, rather than just their first preference schools.

Waiting Lists In addition to their right of appeal, applicants will be offered the opportunity to be placed on a waiting list. This waiting list will be maintained in order of the oversubscription criteria set out below and not in the order in which applications are received or added to the list. Waiting lists for admission will operate throughout the school year. The waiting list will be held open until the last day of the summer term. Inclusion on the school’s waiting list does not mean that a place will eventually become available.

Infant Class Size RegulationsInfant classes may not, by law, contain more than 30 pupils with a single qualified teacher (subject to the provisions in the School Admissions Code for ‘excepted children’). Parents do have a right of appeal in accordance with the infant class size regulations if the school is oversubscribed and their child is refused a place.

In-Year Applications An application can be made for a place for a child at any time outside the admission round and the child will be admitted where there are available places. For information on making an in-year application, parents should contact the local authority, Education Support Service, Dryden Centre,

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Evistones Road, Low Fell, NE9 5UR on 0191 433 8589. Where there are places available but more applications than places, the published oversubscription criteria will be applied. If there are no places available, a request can be made that the child is added to the waiting list (see above).

Right of Appeal Where a parent has been notified that a place is not available for a child, every effort will be made by the local authority to help the parent to find a place in a suitable alternative school. Parents who are refused a place have a statutory right of appeal. Further details of the appeals process are available by writing to the chair of governors at the school address.

Fair Access Protocol The school is committed to taking its fair share of children who are vulnerable and/or hard to place, as set out in locally agreed protocols. Accordingly, outside the normal admission round the governing body is empowered to give absolute priority to a child where admission is requested under any local protocol that has been agreed by the governing body for the current school year. The governing body has this power, even when admitting the child would mean exceeding the published admission number.

Nursery For children attending the school’s nursery, application to the reception class of the school should be made in the normal way, to the local authority. Attendance at the school’s nursery does not guarantee that a place will be offered at the school.

False EvidenceThe governing body reserves the right to withdraw the offer of a place where false evidence is received.

OVERSUBSCRIPTION CRITERIA Where there are more applications for places than the number of places available, places will be offered according to the following order of priority.

First priority in each category will be given to children who will have an older sibling attending the school in September 2017.

1. Looked after and previously looked after children (see notes 2&3)2. Catholic children who are resident in the parish of St Anne’s (see note 3)3. Other Catholic children (see note 3)4. Catechumens and members of an Eastern Christian Church (see notes 5&6)5. Children of other Christian denominations (see note 7)6. Children of other faiths (see note 8)7. Any other children

Tie BreakerWhere there are places available for some, but not all applicants within a particular criterion priority will be given to children living closest to the school determined by the shortest distance. Distance will be measured as the crow flies in a straight line from the centre of the home residence to the main entrance of the school, (using the Local Authority’s computerised measuring system).In the event of distances being the same for two or more children where this would determine the last place to be allocated, random allocation will be carried out in a public place and supervised by a person independent of the school.

NOTES AND DEFINITIONS

1. An Education, Health and Care Plan is a plan made by the local authority under section 37 of the Children and Families Act 2014, specifying the special educational provision

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required for a child. A Statement of Special Educational Needs is a statement made by the local authority under section 324 of the Education Act 1996, specifying the special educational provision for a child.

2. A looked after child is a child who is (a) in the care of a local authority or (b) being provided with accommodation by a local authority in the exercise of their social services functions (see the definition in section 22 (1) of the Children Act 1989):

o An adoption order is an order under section 46 of the Adoption and Children Act 2002.

o A child arrangements order is an order outlining the arrangements as to the person with whom the child will live under the provisions of section 14 of the Children and Families Act 2014.

o A special guardianship order is an order appointing one or more individuals to be a child’s special guardian or guardians.

3. A previously looked after child is a child who immediately moved on from that status after becoming subject to an adoption, child arrangement order or special guardianship order.

4. Catholic means a member of a Church in full communion with the See of Rome. This includes the Eastern Catholic Churches. This will be evidenced by a certificate of baptism in a Catholic Church or a certificate of reception into the full communion of the Catholic Church. Those who have difficulty obtaining written evidence of baptism or reception should contact their parish priest who, after consulting with the Diocese, will decide how the question of baptism or reception is to be resolved and how written evidence is to be produced in accordance with the law of the Church.

5. Catechumen means a member of the catechumenate of a Catholic Church and is a person who is receiving instruction in preparation for baptism. This must be evidenced by a certificate of reception into the order of catechumens.

6. Eastern Christian Church includes Orthodox Churches, and must be evidenced by a certificate of baptism or reception from the authorities of that Church. Those who have difficulty obtaining written evidence of baptism or reception should contact the Diocese who will decide how the question of baptism or reception is to be resolved and how written evidence is to be produced in accordance with the law of the Church.

7. Children of other Christian denominations means children who are members of a Church or religious community that practises Trinitarian baptism recognised by the Catholic Church. Applicants must provide a baptismal certificate or where child baptism is not practised, a letter confirming their church membership from their minister or faith leader.

8. Children of other faiths means children who are members of a religious community that does not fall within the definitions above. Applicants must provide a letter of support to confirm their faith membership from their minister or faith leader.

9. Home address is the primary parental address which will be used in applying the admission criteria. This means that, when stating the choice of school, the parental address at the time of application should be given. The address of childminders or other family members who may share in the care of the child must not be used as the home address. Documentary evidence may be requested.

10. Brother or sister means a child who lives as a brother or sister in the same house, including natural brothers or sisters, adopted brothers or sisters, stepbrothers or sisters, foster brothers or sisters, or the child of a parent’s partner where the child for whom the school place is sought is living in the same family unit at the same address as that sibling. It also includes natural brothers or sisters where the child for whom the school place is sought is not living in the same family unit at the same address as that sibling.

11. Parent means all natural parents, any person who is not a parent but has parental responsibility for the child, or who has care of the child (having care of a child means that the child lives with and is looked after by that person).

This policy should be read in conjunction with the local authority’s admission guidance for parents which can be found at www.gateshead.gov.uk or by telephoning 0191 433 2757/2775/2756.

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