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Buckden CE Primary School

Parent Handbook2015

Welcome to Buckden SchoolIt is the aim of the school to give all parents as much information about the day-to-day issues affecting your child in school and the policies that govern the decisions The purpose of this parent handbook is to give parents a comprehensive overview of the school to answer the everyday questions you may have and to address the most frequently asked questions by parents

If you cannot find what you are looking for or have any questions not covered in the handbook please visit the school website call the school office or talk to a member of staff who will be able to help you

BuCkdEn CE Primary SChool Parent HandBook 2015

wwwbuckenschoolcouk

Mission StatementAll our children are like butterflies in the windSome can fly higher than othersEach one flies the best they can a journey we all share togetherWhy compare one against the otherWhenEach one is differentEach one is specialEach one makes us proudEach one has their unique place within our school

Mission Statement Ethos and Values

School Ethos statement

Church Values

School Values

Chain of Contact

Day to Day

Curriculum

Inclusion

Personal Development and Well-being

Parent Partnerships

Other information

Contents

3


If you need to contact your childrsquos class teacher or make an appointment or see a member of staff please use the following chart to make contact

Mrs Heather

Deputy Headteacher mheatherbuckdencambsschuk

Miss anderson

Headteacher headbuckdencambsschuk

Mrs Bliss

(SENDCo) rblissbuckdencambsschuk

Miss Conlong

ReceptionKey Stage 1 Leaderlconlongbuckdencambsschuk

Mrs Jaynes

Year 34 Leader sjaynesbuckdencambsschuk

Miss Fozzard

Year 56 Leader lfozzardbuckdencambsschuk

Chain of Contact

Mrs Woodward

Wagtails kwoodwardbuckdencambsschuk

Mrs taylor

Tigers rtaylorbuckdencambsschuk

Miss Hearth

Hedgehogsehearthbuckdencambsschuk

Miss Harding

Huskiesahardingbuckdencambsschuk

Mrs Bell

Bumblebeesnbellbuckdencambsschuk

Mrs tarpey

Tarsiersstarpeybuckdencambsschuk

Mrs Jaynes

Jerboassjaynesbuckdencambsschuk

Mr Burfiend

Bearscburfiendbuckdencambsschuk

Miss Fozzard

Foxeslfozzardbuckdencambsschuk

Miss Conlong

Colony of Batslconlongbuckdencambsschuk

Mrs Loakes

Pride of Lionsaloakesbuckdencambsschuk

tHe tiMe SCaLeS For reSPonSe are

a teLePHone CaLLA message will be left on an answerphone if the first two call backs are not answered

an e-MaiLA reply will be sent with 5 working days

an aPPointMent requeStA response will be given within 2 working days (apart from the SENDCo who will reply with 3 working days)

iMPortantPlease remember that not all staff are in school every day They will answer in the recognised time frame In case of an emergency or child protection issue these will be dealt with as soon as possible

4

Mr a Jarvis

Chair of Governors governorsbuckdencambsschuk

wwwbuckenschoolcouk

School ethos StatementldquoThe school aims to serve its community by providing an education of the highest quality within the context of Christian belief and practice It encourages an understanding of the meaning and significance of faith and promotes Christian values through the experience it offers to all of its pupilsrdquo

Church ValuesAs part of Ely Diocese we adopt an overriding value each year from the Diocese to run for the whole year

School ValuesOur school values are inspired by the Olympic and Paralympic values and feature across everything we do Children become familiar with the values in their everyday life In 2015 a character was created for each value In assembly throughout the half term we award children who have demonstrated the values amongst their peer groupSee below

The School Day(Whilst the start and of the day remain the same the daily timetable is subject to termly review)

day to day

Early Years Foundation Stage(EYFS)amp Key Stage 1

Key Stage 2

845am Start of the day 845am Start of the day

1130 - 1145am Morning break 1130 - 1145am Morning break

1230 - 130pm Lunchtime 1245 - 145pm Lunchtime

200 - 210pm Afternoon break

315pm End of the school day 315pm End of the school day

Start of the DayStaff are on duty to speak to any parents who need to relay any important messages or concerns Parents are asked not to enter the school without speaking to a member of staff Gates are locked promptly at 900 am Pupils arriving after this time should enter the school via the office

End of the DayThe school operates a handover policy for all pupils The class teacher will bring their class to the playground and ensure that pupils leave with the appropriate adult Sometimes parents or carers are delayed and

cannot meet their child on time If this happens please telephone the school so that we can care for your child until you arrive If your child is attending BOSS at the end of the day they will make their way to the club room If your child is in the Reception and Key Stage 1 classes a BOSS member of staff will collect them from their classrooms

Please make sure that you have communicated clearly with your child and the school about going-home or collection arrangements as misunderstandings can often cause distress

If there is a change in arrangements please telephone the office who will take a message to the class teacher

CommunicationsIf you wish to contact the school via the school office please telephone 01480 810241 or the e-mail at officebuckdencambsschuk If you wish to speak to a class teacher you can do so at the end of the day or leave a telephone message with the office staff and they will pass it on All teachersrsquo e-mails addresses are listed at the front of this booklet

Letters are now sent via Parentmail All parents need to register with Parentmail as soon as their children start at the school Please contact the school office if you would like to receive papers copies of letters We send home a weekly news round-up giving details of forthcoming events and diary dates a termly newsletter sharing details of the childrenrsquos and the schoolrsquos achievements termly class newsletters giving details of curriculum work news and homework timetables The school website has all the key information about the school as well as copies of all letters and newsletters

5

absenceOur attendance figures are above the national average If your child is ill please refrain from sending them into school If your child is unwell or is going to be late due to a medical appointment please call or email the school before 930 am to advise After this point the absence will be marked as unauthorised and we will attempt to contact you to follow-up the absence

exceptional Leave ofabsencerequesting anauthorised absenceLeave of absence will not be authorised unless it is an exceptional circumstance Please complete the Absence Request form available from the school office We will not authorise requests where the reasons provided are for financial reasons Exceptional circumstances usually include bereavement or a serious illness of a close family relative

attendanceAttendance is monitored closely and we will keep you informed of your childrsquos attendance via their half termly reports

School uniformThe children will need to be wearing their winter uniform from October half term through to the end of the Spring term Summer dresses can be worn when we return to school after the Easter holidays until the October half term School ties must be worn at all times except in the summer months - after the May half term break until October half term Please ensure that all children have their school jumpers and coats during the colder months

In the summer term it is school policy that every child must have a suitable sunhat in school The children will not be allowed to go on the playground if they do not have their sunhat with them

Clothing and Lost PropertyChildren are encouraged to go outside during the day for some lessons and play times so it is

important that they are prepared for all weathers Please ensure that all items of clothing book bags lunch boxes and drinks bottles are clearly named using sew on labels iron-on labels or permanent marker pen We do have a lost property trunk in school where items of lost or un-named clothing and items are put It is cleared out at the end of every term and all unclaimed items are put in the clothes bank

Protective ClothingChildren are liable to get paint clay or glue on their clothing no matter how careful staff and children are An old shirt with sleeves cut out to a

suitable length makes an admirable overall which can be kept in school and worn during art lessons Please name your childrsquos art shirt

JewelleryIn accordance with Health and Safety regulations the wearing of jewellery is only permitted when part of a pupilrsquos ethnic and cultural background A necklace with a cross may be worn as a sign of religious association Pupils with pierced ears must only wear one pair of stud earrings which must be taped or removed for PE lessons Watches may be worn by those children who would find it useful

GirLS Winter Uniform White longshort sleeved collared shirt ndash tucked in School tie ndash this can only be purchased from the school Dark Grey (only) ndash skirtshortspinafore (to the knee) or trousers Navy blue knitted cardiganjumper tank top ndash these can be purchased through the school Dark grey only ndash tights or socks Black suitable footwear ndash no heels or trainers

Summer Uniform White longshort sleeved collared open neck blouseshirt - can be tucked in or fitted at the waist No tie Dark grey only ndash shortsskirtpinafore (to the knee) or trousers Navy blue knitted cardiganjumper|tank top ndash these can be purchased through the school White ankle socks (no white tights) Black suitable footwear (no heelstrainers) or navywhite sandals (socks must be worn with sandals)or Navywhite gingham check dress ndash no top and skirt combinations other shades of blue or other colours Navy blue knitted cardiganjumper tank top ndash these can be purchased through the school White ankle socks (no white tights) Black suitable footwear (no heelstrainers) or navywhite sandals (socks must be worn with sandals)

PE Kit House colour t-shirt (no football shirts) Navy shorts Navy jogging bottoms Navy sweatshirt (old style school sweatshirts can be used for PE) White sports socks Suitable trainers Reception only ndash black plimsolls and trainers

Art shirt Please provide your child with an old shirtart apron

BoyS Winter Uniform White longshort sleeved collared shirt ndash tucked in School tie ndash this can only be purchased from the school Dark Grey (only) Trousers Navy blue knitted cardiganjumper tank top ndash these can be purchased through the school Dark grey socks Black suitable footwear ndash no trainers

Summer Uniform White longshort sleeved collared open neck shirt - to be tucked in No tie Dark grey (only) ndash shorts or trousers Navy blue knitted cardiganjumper tank top ndash these can be purchased through the school Grey socks Black suitable footwear ( no trainers) or dark coloured sandals (socks must be worn with sandals)


6 wwwbuckenschoolcouk

Personal BelongingsWe discourage children from bringing in personal belongings to avoid issues around loss and upset

Mobile PhonesWe do not encourage pupils to bring mobile phones to school If children need to contact their parents during the school day they should speak to their class teacher The school does not accept responsibility for any damage to or loss of a mobile phone

Snacks and WaterAll pupils in Reception and Key Stage 1 receive a piece of fruit every day as part of the national scheme Pupils in Key Stage 2 may bring in a piece of fruit or a healthy cereal bar ndash no crisps or chocolate snacks please ndash to have at morning break We also ask that children have a named bottle of water with them every day to keep in the classroom They will be kept so the children can access them when they need a drink of water Water bottles can be filled from the water fountains around the school

nut allergiesWe do have a number of children in school who are highly allergic to nuts We try to be a nut free

school as far as practicable and ask parents to make sure that nuts in any form or nut products are not brought into school for morning snacks or lunches

School MealsAll pupils stay for lunch at school and many receive a hot meal each day from the 5 rated kitchens All meals are freshly prepared on site and meet the schools food standards giving the children a healthy balanced meal The kitchen can cater for most food allergies and intolerances Menus are available on the school website All children in Reception and Key Stage 1 are entitled to a free school meal as part of the Universal Free School initiative School meals cost pound220 per meal Parents and visitors are invited to come and have lunch with their children If you would like to do this please book a meal at the school office or by telephone by 930 am The cost of an adult meal is pound350

PaymentsPayments can be made in a variety of ways The school has a cashless on-line payment system Sims AGORA which can be used to pay for school dinners trips and clubs A pin identification number will be issued through the school office

You may also make payments using cheques or cash If you wish to make payments by cash please put the cash in a sealed envelope with the childrsquos name class the amount enclosed and details of what the payment is for All payments should be made via the school office or put in the lsquoMoney Drop-Off payment box outside the school office

Governing BodyldquoA governing bodyrsquos over-riding responsibility is to work in partnership with the head teacher to promotecontinuous improvement in the performance of the school This involves the establishment of a development plan the setting of challenging but achievable targets and the interpretation of information to assess progress and determine appropriate action Aligned to its improvement role the governing body is there to be a critical friend who can provide the right balance between supporting and challenging the performance of both the head teacher and the schoolrdquo

Community Governors

AndyJarvis (Chair)

Andy Mayes (Vice Chair)

To contact the Chair of Governors please refer to the chain of contact

Staff Governors

Alison Anderson (Headteacher)

Michelle Heather (Deputy Headteacher)

Laura Fozzard

Carol Mayes

Parent Governors

Andy Anderson

Catherine Deans

Liz Masters

Louise Steel

Foundation Governors

Anne Carter

David Riley

Andy Scott

7

eyFSIn EYFS there are seven areas of learning and development All areas of learning are important and inter-connected Three areas are particularly crucial for igniting childrenrsquos curiosity and enthusiasm for learning and for building their capacity to learn form friendships and thrive These three areas are known as the prime areas and include communication and language physical development and personal social and emotional development The other four areas are known as specific areas and include literacy mathematics understanding the world and expressive arts and design We initially focus upon the prime areas when children enter the class as these skills are needed to become successful learners The children have daily phonics and maths lessons accompanied by well planned activities for children to access during their own independent learning time honing their skills through play Adults observe the children during their play asking questions challenging their ideas and identifying next steps for individuals Weekly planning takes account of individual needs interests and the stage of development of each child whilst also recognising that children learn in different ways We provide indoor and outdoor activities across the areas of learning Opportunities for creating and thinking critically playing and exploring and active learning are

also planned for Children are encouraged to discuss how their activities went using this terminology to recognise how they learn best To ensure your childrsquos transition into our school is as smooth and happy as it can be we make links with your childrsquos preschool settings and provide several opportunities for your child and yourself to visit school and become familiar with our staff

englishThe new English curriculum aims to promote high standards of language and literacy by equipping children with a strong command of the spoken and written word and to develop their love for literature through widespread reading for enjoyment

The New National Curriculum aims to ensure that all pupils Read easily fluently and with understanding Develop the habit of reading widely and often for both pleasure and information Acquire a wide vocabulary an understanding of grammar and knowledge of linguistic conventions of reading writing and spoken language Appreciate our rich and varied literary heritage Write clearly accurately and coherently adapting their language and style in and for a range of contexts purposes and audiences

Use discussion in order to learn they should be able to elaborate and explain clearly their understanding and ideas Are competent in the arts of speaking and listening making formal presentations demonstrating to others and participating in debate

Buckden and the New CurriculumAll children receive quality first English teaching on a daily basis and activities are differentiated accordingly This time will be allocated as English lessons including grammar punctuation reading spelling and handwriting sessions In addition it is expected that cross-curricular links will contribute to pupils learning in speaking and listening reading and writing

ReadingPupils have access to a wide range of fiction and non-fiction texts drawn from a number of different schemes A wide range of reading material is available at each childrsquos personal reading level

We provide plenty of reading opportunities for children These include shared reading guided reading regular independent reading homeschool reading hearing books read aloud on a regular basis selecting own choice of texts including ICT texts

our School CurriculumIn September 2014 a new national curriculum was introduced to all state maintained and voluntary controlled schools for pupils in Years 1 3 4 and 5 Pupils in Years 2 amp 6 are continuing to study the old curriculum for the current year so they can take part in the assessment tests in May 2015 The new curriculum has been designed to increase the facts that pupils have to know in the core subjects of English and Maths and to ask pupils to learn knowledge earlier in their school lives We have fully embraced the new curriculum and the changes as well as adapting it to our own vision More detailed information can be found on the school website



reading whole texts reading in other subjects including ICT texts

Additional time is provided on a regular basis for reading supported by the Accelerated Reading (AR) scheme most children access this at the start of Key Stage 2 There is time set aside for independent reading using the library listening to whole class stories and research linked to other subjects The school has well-stocked libraries that contain fiction and non-fiction texts

The Key Stage 1 library is a banded library which contains the Big Cat Jolly Phonics and Oxford reading schemes Alongside this there is a well-stocked range of non-fiction and fiction texts some of which are linked to the AR reading scheme The Key Stage 2 library contains fiction texts which are linked to the AR reading scheme and non-fiction texts which uses the Cambridge Dewey System

WritingPupils have access to a wide range of writing opportunities that include lsquoTalk for writingrsquo as an integral part of the process shared writing guided writing independent writing writing different text types and narrative styles writing in different curriculum areas handwriting practice collaborative writing writing related to own experiences and enjoyment writing from a variety of stimuli planning drafting editing and presenting using ICT

MathsThe National Curriculum for mathematics aims to ensure that all children become fluent in the fundamentals of mathematics can reason mathematically by following a line of enquiry and can solve problems by applying their mathematics to a variety of routine and non-routine problems with increasing sophistication The main areas in the new programme of study for mathematics are called domains these are number measurement geometry statistics ratio and proportion and algebra

To ensure that all of our children achieve these objectives Buckden School aims to teach maths in a variety of fun and exciting ways This includes practical maths using equipment and resources and cross curricular maths where children use their maths skills within other subject areas

All children receive at least one maths lesson per day which lasts for approximately 1 hour All Lessons begin with 15 minutes of Big Maths CLIC which focuses upon the childrenrsquos number skills (including times tables) and mental and written calculation methods This is followed by a teacher input independent group or paired work and a plenary

Big Maths is a fun and friendly way of developing the childrenrsquos understanding of number It allows the children to understand the links between core numeracy (the basic number principles that underlay all maths) and outer numeracy which is the application of these core principles into problem solving scenarios At the end of each week the children sit the timed lsquoBig Maths Beat That Quizrsquo Maths is taught within mixed ability classes as studies have shown that childrenrsquos understanding and progression is improved when working alongside other children with different abilities

Parents often ask about how to support their children with their maths as the teaching methods have changed over the years The best thing parents can do is to talk about number at home within every day and real life contexts (such as money or time) and help them with their learning of times tables and division facts

ScienceScience is a core subject alongside English and Mathematics Each pupil takes part in a weekly science lesson which develops their scientific enquiry skills and also their knowledge and understanding of a range of science topics These are experienced through practical enquiry development of scientific vocabulary and fun activities The children are given many opportunities to apply their skills through their science lessons and termly themes Regular assessment informs both child and teacher and then empowers the

children to become independent inquisitive scientists Pupils are also encouraged to combine interest and curiosity with a responsible attitude towards health and safety as well as respect for living things and the physical environment The school has a number of habitats to act as a resource for some aspects of science teaching These include an environmental area with a pond vegetable boxes flower beds and wild flower areas

art design andtechnologyArt is a natural form of expression and a source of great pleasure which aims to increase confidence and competence in the use of different media such as pencil charcoal paint collage inks textiles and clay We promote the necessary skills for our pupils to develop their natural ability to be expressive and creative and we aim to instil pride by achieving finished work that is of a high standard

Design and Technology encourages the development of knowledge skills and understanding in a practically based subject Pupils are taught to develop plan and communicate ideas They work with tools equipment materials and components to make quality products Upon completion of their task they evaluate the processes and products

In Key Stage 1 pupils learn how to think imaginatively and talk about what they like and dislike when designing and making They investigate objects around them They explore how familiar things work and talk about draw and model their ideas They learn how to design make items safely and start to use ICT as part of their designing and making In Key Stage 2 pupils work on their own and as part of a team on a range of designing and making activities They think about what products are used for and the needs of the people who use them They plan what has to be done and identify what works well and what could be improved in their own and other peoplersquos designs They draw on their knowledge and understanding from other areas of the curriculum and use computers in a range of ways

9

ComputingComputing has been commonly known in schools over the last few years as ICT (Information and communication technology) The subject area itself has not changed Within computing at the early stages children explore how to operate basic equipment understand how technology works and look at operating basic computer programmes They explore programming toys to a set of instructions and watching how it works finding out if something went wrong and fixing it as well as exploring ways of using technology across the curriculum As the pupils get older they will start to use computing language and ideas in many subject areas especially maths They will be taught vital skills that they can apply to a variety of programmes they will make animations and discover how programming works at a higher level

All pupils will be taught about the internet and how they should keep safe online Aspects of this include knowing when the internet is being used and that it isnrsquot just lsquoGooglersquo understanding what personal data is and knowing when they should or shouldnrsquot give out this information and being respectful to each other when using online services Children learn what they should do if they come across something they are unsure of and learn how to make their internet searches specific

HumanitiesGeography is taught in a variety of ways throughout the school Every opportunity to celebrate different cultures within the school is utilised and we like to bring the school together to celebrate different world events Geography is closely linked with History and they often provide the backbone for the topics taught throughout the school Geography is brought alive by the teaching of Spanish and also during events such as International Language Day

History is taught in topic blocks within each year Key Stage One topics provide children with enquiry skills by looking at topics and historical figures relevant to them Key stage two builds on these skills and aims to place historical periods in context

by teaching them chronologically through the years moving from the Stone Age in Year Three to a local history study on World War I in Year Six These topics are usually embedded in other subjects where possible in particular using them as stimuli for English lessons The curriculum is brought alive through enrichment days where children dress up and various school trips

Modern ForeignLanguagesThe government have set a target that all pupils in Key Stage 2 should be learning a Foreign Language At Buckden School the pupils study one language over the seven years from Reception to year 6 - namely Spanish In addition to this they will also study French in year 4 and 5 This gives the children a good grounding in a language that is currently an option at the secondary school that many of our children transfer to - Hinchingbrooke School in Huntingdon We focus primarily on the use of spoken Spanish and French however the children use their reading listening and written skills to reinforce their learning This will prepare them well for their language experiences at secondary school and allow them to appreciate the diversity of language spoken not only throughout their community but throughout the world

MusicBuckden School is a Beacon Music School working in conjunction with the Cambridgeshire Music Agency to enable the school to enrich our music curriculum

Our music curriculum often links with the theme for the term giving children a different way to respond to what they have learnt We have a range of tuned and untuned percussion instruments which the children explore in whole class and small group lessons Making recordings of the childrenrsquos compositions gives them the opportunity to comment on their own work and the work of others The children in Years 3 4 and 5 experience playing a wide variety of instruments from brass to woodwind as well as percussion instruments The school offers individual and small group instrumental lessons through the Cambridgeshire Music Agency and independent peripatetic teachers

There is the opportunity to learn the violin guitar drum kit piano clarinet flute or saxophone Parents pay for these lessons termly and there is often the opportunity to borrow an instrument from the school The music agency also run a Music Explorerrsquos group as an after school club This includes a choir and an after school session lsquojammingrsquo with instruments



PHSeThe children have a weekly PHSE lesson covering a variety of themes and issues These are taken from the SEAL (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning) scheme and other themes and aspects of personal development PHSE may include discussion debate games and activities

Physical educationBuckden School has a qualified sports coach who works with all the children in the school Our sporting aims are to provide children with a balanced range of activities and the opportunity to develop these in more specialist clubs Each week our children work on at least one area of the physical curriculum Dance gymnastics and karate all take place in the school hall and involve all the children following various themes Through dance and movement they learn how to express themselves whilst being able to work at their own level Whereas gymnastics involves learning how to use equipment safely and acquire develop and gain new skills Karate encourages the children to explore different skills showing precision control and fluency as well as the art of self-discipline and self-belief Games outdoor and adventurous activities take place outside and children learn a variety of skills that are developed into small games and team building situations

religious educationLearning about understanding and having respect for the different religions in our world is a valuable part of our school curriculum Religious Education has two dimensions - learning about and learning from The school follows the Ely Cathedral Syllabus for RE which contains units about the major religions represented in our country Each unit begins with a key question to provide enquiry based learning We draw on a range of resources including visitors who give children a greater insight into the religion they follow

Collective WorshipWe hold daily collective worship as follows Monday ndash Whole School Worship following Ely Cathedralrsquos worship programme Termly Themes

The school undertakes two residential visits per year Year 4 visit West Runton on the Norfolk coast for 3 days in May The centre is an activity centre where the children take part in activities and team bonding exercises Year 6 visit France for 5 days in October The children stay in a traditional French chateau in Criel-sur-Mer Normandy Whilst in France they visit Rouen Dieppe the World War 1 battlefields and cheese and chocolate factories The visit enables the children to practise the French language and will also compliment the work in the classroom

BoSSBOSS (Buckden Out of School Scheme) is the before and after school club The club opens at 730 am every morning and offers childcare until 615 pm every evening We offer a wide range of activities including crafts cooking puzzles and games table top games and a role play area We also have a TV room with DVDrsquos and games consoles The club also offers holiday childcare sessions during the half term weeks the Easter holidays and for four weeks during the summer holidays The club is closed during the Christmas holidays If you would like to contact the club manager Lizell please call 07841 204419 or leave a message with the school office

amp National Celebrations Tuesday ndash Class Worship continuing from Mondayrsquos assembly Wednesday ndash Singing Assembly Thursday ndash Visiting Clergy GenR8 amp External Achievement Celebration Friday ndash Celebration of School Achievement We also have collective worship at St Marys Church (Buckden) every term and for Harvest Easter and Christmas services

School Visits andVisitors to SchoolWe are able to offer our pupils the opportunity of visits where there is a clear link to the curriculum We choose trips and visitors that will enhance the work they are undertaking and offer something we are unable to provide ourselves Unfortunately this comes at a cost beyond the limits of our school budget We do rely on voluntary contributions from parents in order for these trips or visitors to take place We have a charging policy on the website that sets out this more details

residential VisitsAll residential visits enhance the work done in school Pupils are encouraged to go on the visits which are fully funded by parents If a family cannot meet the cost of the visit and their child receives Free School Meals there is a fund available to help with the cost of the visit Details are available from the school office

11

Home LearningHomeworkWe aim to have a policy that is effective and that any homework which is set is appropriate relevant and responded to All class homework timetables are updated termly and are sent home on your childrsquos class newsletter We also have additional ways for parents to support their childrsquos learning which include talk homework and Mathletics The talk homework is published every week on the weekly round-up newsletter

inclusionBuckden School is an inclusive school which means the school caters for pupils of all ranges of abilities and needs The SENDCo (Special Educational Needs and Disabilites Co-ordinator) oversees the provision and progress of pupils who have additional needs The school SENDCo is Mrs R Bliss contactable via e-mail or through the school office

early years action When your child transfers from Early Years settings the school will liaise with the pre-school settings about your childrsquos learning needs There will also be discussions between parents and school staff to assess their needs and make a decision as to what help to give

Worries about yourchildrsquos developmentYour child learns through being with other people and exploring the world around them However some children have more difficulties than most children of their age with Communication Understanding and learning Sensory and physical development Behaviour andor relating to other people

Children who display one or more of these difficulties may have special educational needs Help can be given to the pupils in the classroom liaising with the SENDCo and occasionally other outside specialists This could help the children who have difficulties with All of their school work Reading writing number work and understanding information Expressing themselves or understanding what others are saying Making friends or relating to adults Behaviour Organising themselves

Children make progress at different rates Teachers will take account of childrenrsquos progress by organising their classrooms and lessons books and materials they give to each child and the way they teach They will consider a number of options and choose the most

appropriate way to teach each member of the class to help them achieve Their teaching plans will highlight how the lesson is taught to all pupils making adjustments for all abilities This is called differentiation

Contacting us withworries of concernsabout special needsIf you have any worries about your childrsquos progress or special needs please contact your childrsquos class teacher in the first instance The class teacher can explain what assistance is already in place and refer you to the SENDCo if it is appropriate

Highly able Gifted and talentedGifted and talented learners are defined as those who have one or more abilities developed to a level significantly ahead of their year group ndash or who have the potential to develop those abilities Children can be identified as having gifted or talented status at any point of their educational progress Gifted describes learners who have the ability to excel significantly beyond the new National Curriculum expectations for their age academically in one or more subjects Talented describes learners who have ability to excel in practical skills such as sport artistic performance or through an applied skill Gifted or talented children are much more than higher than average As a high performing school we are keen to help all children reach their full potential by providing enriching and significant challenge and support

english as an additionalLanguageWhilst we have very few children who are learning English at the early stages of their education the principles for teaching remain the same for all pupils Additional support may be needed from the class teacher or teaching assistant within lessons and teachers are mindful of the need to use language carefully and enhance their learning with visual aids and where necessary we can seek assistance from outside specialists



Personal developmentand Well-beingPositive Behaviour PolicyWe have a positive approach to behaviour in school and reward pupils where they show the expected levels of behaviour Our class rules are simple and clear and they are reinforced throughout the school day both in the classroom and the playground Our policy can be found on the school website

RewardsThere are a variety of ways in which the good learning and behaviour are recognised within school

lsquoLearner of the Weekrsquo is a weekly award given to a pupil who has shown consistent learning behaviour in any area of the curriculum

lsquoHonours Awardsrsquo are given at the end of each half term in a special celebration assembly The awards cover all areas of the curriculum using the following timetable

lsquoValues Awardsrsquo are given to children who uphold the values adopted by the school from the Olympic and Paralympic games

At the end of each school year we have a Year 6 celebration assembly when we present the outgoing Year 6 pupils with achievements awards The recipients of the awards are voted for by all members of the school staff There are also some awards presented to pupils across the whole school

year 6 Leavers awardsThe Judy Facer CupAwarded to a pupil who has persevered in their attempt to develop their sporting endeavours

The Stuart Crawford CupAwarded to an outstanding all-rounder in sports

The Linda Hall TrophyAwarded to a pupil who is kind considerate caring and co-operative

The Kieran Curtin Award for DanceAwarded to a pupil for the life laughter and love of dance

The ACE AwardAwarded to a pupil who is a good all round student

end of year whole school awardsThe Janet Gunn Beavering Away AwardAwarded to a Key Stage 1 pupil for their hard work throughout the year

Well Being CertificatesAwarded by the midday supervisors to pupils in each unit who have shown care courtesy caring and co-operation towards their fellow pupils and adults during the lunchtime period

We also recognise pupils achievements outside of school and share certificates badges and trophies of the children who have achieved in their out of school activities in the weekly key stage celebration assemblies

Sanctions andrecording of incidentsPupils are aware of the standards of behaviour expected in school and follow the classroom codes developed in their class at the beginning of each school year If the class rules are broken the class teacher will deal with the incident More serious incidents (deliberately hurting someone ignoring an adults instruction) are dealt with by a senior member

of staff For more detailed information about the sanction procedures please see the policy on the school website

School ParliamentThe school parliament has two members from each class voted for by the children in their class The members of the parliament have elected a prime minister deputy prime minister and secretary of state who present ideas to the senior leadership team The parliament meets regularly with a member of staff to discuss issues affecting the children in school They collectively choose which charities they would like to support during the school year and what they would like to achieve to improve the facilities for the pupils in the school They are also involved in the recruitment process for new members of staff

House CaptainsA house system operates in the school We have four houses Hugh Lincoln Aragon and Hardwick The children in Year 6 are House Captains and Vice Captains voted for by the staff at the beginning of the school year Each house has a male and female captain Their responsibilities include representing their house and school by showing visitors around the school helping in assemblies and helping on school occasions to serve tea and chat to our visitors

Sports Captains Each of the school houses has a girl and boy Sports Captain chosen at the beginning of the school year by the staff The captains have a strong association with sporting activities both in and out of school The captains lead their house team at sports days and inter-house competitions

dealing with BullyingBullying is a persistent wilful conscious action with a desire to hurt threaten or frighten someone by making them feel different over a period of time Bullying incidents are rare but they do happen When a case of bullying occurs the school will work closely with all parties to find a resolution

autumn 1High quality of workCommitted approach to the start to the new school year

autumn 2Attainment of foreign language skillsDeveloping their musical skills

Spring 1Understanding MathsUnderstanding and enquiring about Science

Spring 2Dedication to readingThe quality of writing

Summer 1To show an ability for creative artworkTo show an awareness of the humanities

Summer 2Developing sporting skillsTo recognise achievement in the performing arts

end of the school yearAll round achievement

13

Sex and relationshipseducationSex and relationship education is taught from Early Years to Year 6 Before this takes place parents and carers are given the opportunity to ask any questions you may have Parents have the right to withdraw their children from Sex and Relationship education Should you wish to do so please speak to your childrsquos class teacher There is an opportunity to review the materials used ndash please see the class teachers for more information

Safeguarding PupilsWe take the safety of our pupils very seriously and closely follow guidelines to ensure that all adults working with our pupils meet essential criteria before being employed Buckden School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment All staff and volunteers in the school are required to undergo a DBS check

Child ProtectionWe have a duty of care towards all children in the school and will always report concerns to the appropriate authorities when we have a concern or if a concern is raised We may need to share information about your child on a need-to-know basis All staff are required to report potential concerns The child protection process takes measures to safeguard children and young people who are at risk of suffering physical emotional or sexual abuse andor neglect We are also obliged to refer any concern if we think children may be at risk of harm that any child is either being abused or is at risk talk to someone immediately who will inform our designated child protection person ndash Miss Anderson Mrs Heather or Miss Lizell immediatelyIf you are concerned that a child may be suffering physical sexual or emotional abuse or is being neglected a child or young person and you are being abused or neglected a parent or carer and you feel you are harming your child or are close to doing sotalk to our designated child protection persons ndash Miss Anderson Mrs Heather or Miss Lizell immediately

or telephone 0345 045 5203 between 800 am and 600 pm Monday to Friday If it is outside office hours or at the weekend call the Emergency Duty Team on 01733 234724 or the police on 999

internet use and e-SafetyThe internet brings many advantages to learning both at school and at home It is important that the children parents and staff are fully aware of the needs for safe use of the internet The school has a policy and guidance on this issue which can be found on the website

Privacy noticeA copy of the Local Authority Privacy Notice can be found on our school website or from the local authority website at wwwcambridgeshiregovukcouncilaccessdpfairprocesingThe privacy notice provides parentscarers with a statement about how data will be shared and used by national and local agencies and services

Sun Lotion and HatsThe staff in school are not allowed to apply sun cream This is because of Health and Safety guidelines insurance liability and also child protection issues There is also a time factor involved We are recommending that parents apply sun cream to all exposed parts of their childrsquos body ndash face neck arms and legs ndash in the morning before they come to school A once-a-day sunscreen or high factor sun cream will protect your child for the whole day Please do not send your child to school with suncream If you wish to apply suncream at lunchtime please come to the school office and your child will be collected from their classroom During the summer months please ensure that your child has a suitable sunhat in school to wear outside for playtimes and also for outside learning They can bring in their own hat or the school has a supply of baseball caps Please see the school office

HeadliceIf you discover your child has head lice you will need to apply the appropriate lotion or use the wet combing method The doctors surgery or local pharmacy will be able to recommend the most up-to-date

treatment It is particularly important if you have toddlers at home that you check their hair because it is often younger children who pass on head lice to older children and as you are probably aware head lice can only be transferred from one person to another via head-to-head contact Please will you take some time to ensure that all of your children are checked regularly If you require further information on this please look on the NHS website httpwwwnhsukConditions Head-licePagesIntroductionaspx

It is school policy that all long hair has to be tied back If your child comes to school with loose hair they will be given hair elastics from the school office

MedicinesThe policy regarding the giving of medicines from the School Health Authority states that if a prescribed medicine needs to be administered three times a day it can be given in the morning before school on your childrsquos return home after school and at bedtime If a prescribed medicine needs to be administered four times a day we do ask that a parent or nominated adult come into school at an appropriate time to give their child their medicine If you or any other nominated person is unable to come into school you need to bring the medicine to the school office You will be required to complete and sign a consent form This option will only apply in extreme situations when an adult is unable to come into school We can only administer medicine in extreme cases provided that is in the original chemist packaging with the childrsquos name and the details of the dosage to be administered The medicine should be collected from the office at the end of the day We cannot give unprescribed medicines for example Calpol or Paracetamol tablets and would request that these are not sent into school with your child This represents a health and safety issue

Parent PartnershipsBuckden School believes that parents should be involved in the education of their children for the benefit of both parent and child We like to keep you informed about how well your child is doing and we do this in a variety of ways ndash see the table below We do encourage you to come and speak with your childrsquos class teacher as soon



as any issues or problems arise ndash you do not need to wait until a formal parents evening

During the course of the school year we have curriculum days or evenings that may provide workshops and give practical advice on how to help your children

FoBSOne way to become more involved at the school is to join The Friends of Buckden School (FOBS) ndash our parent association The committee and helpers make a highly valued contribution to the school with their fund-raising activities These events include the annual Christmas Fayre quiz evenings cinema nights for the children and the Easter Egg hunt They also run a shop selling Motherrsquos Day and Fatherrsquos Day gifts after our Motherrsquos Day and Fatherrsquos Day lunches The committee meet once a term and are always grateful for new members to join them For more details please contact any member of FOBS on the playground or ask for details from the school office

Volunteer HelpIf you have a particular skill which you would enjoy sharing with the children and you have a spare hour or two each week or you would like to come into school and help in the classroom please talk to your childrsquos class teacher or contact the school office We always welcome and appreciate your help and the children enjoy working with you We appreciate parent helpers on day visits too but cannot guarantee that a parent will be able to accompany his or her child Please remember that if you are working in the classroom that all information discussed and work undertaken with the classteachers and the children must remain confidential All classroom helpers will have to complete a DBS check

travelling to SchoolWe continue to encourage our pupils (and parents) to walk cycle or scooter to and from school in line with our Healthy School status If you have to bring your child to school due to distance we would ask that you park sensibly around the local area Do not park on the yellow zig-zag lines or the bus bay Do not stop or park across driveways of local residents or at the end of a road Do not stop and let your child jump out of the car

We are sorry if this seems blunt but inconsiderate parking generates complaints to the school office Please have consideration for the safety of our community

School BusThe school catchment area covers the villages of Diddington and Southoe For pupils who live in these villages the Education Transport department operate a school bus The bus will travel to Diddington for morning collection at 830am and for collection from Southoe at 840am After school the bus will arrive at Diddington at 330pm and Southoe at 340pm An escort accompanies the children on the bus To obtain a bus pass please apply to Cambridgeshire Education Department wwwcambridgeshiregovukeducationtransport or telephone 0345 045 5208

other informationSecondary SchoolsAt the beginning of Year 6 pupils and their parents have the opportunity to visit local secondary schools to make their preference for secondary education Buckden School is in the catchment area for Hinchingbrooke School but we have pupils who transfer to a number of local schools in the Huntingdon area All applications for secondary transfer have to be submitted to Cambridgeshire County Council by October 31st

Visitors to SchoolWhile on the school site we expect everyone to adhere to the policies set down by the Governing Body No smoking is permitted anywhere in the school grounds All pupils and parents who cycle or scooter to

school should dismount when on the school premises This is for everybodyrsquos safety as they walk around the school perimeter and across the playground Dogs are not allowed on the school premises and should not be tied to the school railingsFinally the school treats everybody with courtesy and respect and we expect to be treated in the same manner We will not tolerate any abusive behaviour towards any member of staff at any time

Money MattersAt the beginning of the school year we ask parents for a pound500 contribution per child to go towards a class enrichment fund The fund helps classteachers to buy additional resources that are not readily available from the school and help enrich your childrsquos learning experience

We have a charging policy which is in line with government guidance about the types of activities for which schools may charge We try to spread these costs across all year groups Examples of the costs we have to pass onto parents are the contribution towards the cost of coaches for school visits contributions towards in-house professional visitors Such contributions greatly enrich the curriculum and enhance your childrsquos education Voluntary contributions are always requested by a letter home from school Unfortunately some activities may have to be cancelled if insufficient contributions are received by the school

Pupil Premium ndash Free School MealsThe government introduced the Pupil Premium for schools which provides funding for schools to support pupils who are in receipt of Free School Meals This is because national and local data shows that in general these pupils do less well at school than their peers We use our pupil premium in a variety of ways including additional teaching assistant support intervention programmes and some financial support for parents with school expenses such as uniform and residential visits For more details the policy is on the school website Please ask for further information from the school office

October Face to face meeting Progress report Assertive mentoring

December Progress report Assertive mentoring

February Face to face meeting Progress report Assertive mentoring

April Progress report Assertive mentoring

May Progress report Assertive mentoring

July End of year formal report

15

Buckden CE Primary SchoolSchool Lane Buckden St Neots PE19 5TT 01480 810241

wwwbuckdenschoolcouk officebuckdencambsschuk

Office Opening Hours Monday - Friday 830am ndash 430pm

Welcome to Buckden SchoolIt is the aim of the school to give all parents as much information about the day-to-day issues affecting your child in school and the policies that govern the decisions The purpose of this parent handbook is to give parents a comprehensive overview of the school to answer the everyday questions you may have and to address the most frequently asked questions by parents

If you cannot find what you are looking for or have any questions not covered in the handbook please visit the school website call the school office or talk to a member of staff who will be able to help you


wwwbuckenschoolcouk




Church Values

School Values

Chain of Contact

Day to Day

Curriculum

Inclusion


Parent Partnerships

Other information

Contents

3



Mrs Heather


Miss anderson


Mrs Bliss


Miss Conlong


Mrs Jaynes


Miss Fozzard


Chain of Contact

Mrs Woodward


Mrs taylor


Miss Hearth


Miss Harding


Mrs Bell


Mrs tarpey


Mrs Jaynes


Mr Burfiend


Miss Fozzard


Miss Conlong


Mrs Loakes







4

Mr a Jarvis


wwwbuckenschoolcouk





day to day


Key Stage 2













5




























Community Governors

AndyJarvis (Chair)



Staff Governors



Laura Fozzard

Carol Mayes

Parent Governors

Andy Anderson

Catherine Deans

Liz Masters

Louise Steel


Anne Carter

David Riley

Andy Scott

7


























9





















11








































13


































15







Church Values

School Values

Chain of Contact

Day to Day

Curriculum

Inclusion


Parent Partnerships

Other information

Contents

3



Mrs Heather


Miss anderson


Mrs Bliss


Miss Conlong


Mrs Jaynes


Miss Fozzard


Chain of Contact

Mrs Woodward


Mrs taylor


Miss Hearth


Miss Harding


Mrs Bell


Mrs tarpey


Mrs Jaynes


Mr Burfiend


Miss Fozzard


Miss Conlong


Mrs Loakes







4

Mr a Jarvis


wwwbuckenschoolcouk





day to day


Key Stage 2













5




























Community Governors

AndyJarvis (Chair)



Staff Governors



Laura Fozzard

Carol Mayes

Parent Governors

Andy Anderson

Catherine Deans

Liz Masters

Louise Steel


Anne Carter

David Riley

Andy Scott

7


























9





















11








































13


































15






Mrs Heather


Miss anderson


Mrs Bliss


Miss Conlong


Mrs Jaynes


Miss Fozzard


Chain of Contact

Mrs Woodward


Mrs taylor


Miss Hearth


Miss Harding


Mrs Bell


Mrs tarpey


Mrs Jaynes


Mr Burfiend


Miss Fozzard


Miss Conlong


Mrs Loakes







4

Mr a Jarvis


wwwbuckenschoolcouk





day to day


Key Stage 2













5




























Community Governors

AndyJarvis (Chair)



Staff Governors



Laura Fozzard

Carol Mayes

Parent Governors

Andy Anderson

Catherine Deans

Liz Masters

Louise Steel


Anne Carter

David Riley

Andy Scott

7


























9





















11








































13


































15








day to day


Key Stage 2













5




























Community Governors

AndyJarvis (Chair)



Staff Governors



Laura Fozzard

Carol Mayes

Parent Governors

Andy Anderson

Catherine Deans

Liz Masters

Louise Steel


Anne Carter

David Riley

Andy Scott

7


























9





















11








































13


































15































Community Governors

AndyJarvis (Chair)



Staff Governors



Laura Fozzard

Carol Mayes

Parent Governors

Andy Anderson

Catherine Deans

Liz Masters

Louise Steel


Anne Carter

David Riley

Andy Scott

7


























9





















11








































13


































15





























9





















11








































13


































15
























11








































13


































15











































13


































15





































15




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