ORCHARD COMMUNITY PRIMARY SCHOOL GRANGE DRIVE

CASTLE DONINGTON DE74 2QU

PROSPECTUS AND PARENTS' HANDBOOK 2016-17

HEADTEACHER TELEPHONE NUMBER Mrs. A. Sherwood 01332 810078 /01332 814300

FAX 01332 810078 e-mail school@orchard.leics.sch.uk

CHAIR OF GOVERNORS Mrs V. Jones

LEICESTERSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL Children and Young People’s Service

County Hall Glenfield Leicester

Tel: (0116) 2323232

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Orchard Community Primary School

Headteacher: Mrs. A. Sherwood

‘Consistently good teaching for all age groups means that pupils do well in all classes.’

Ofsted Report January 2013

We are very proud of our school. It is an attractive, exciting

place with well-maintained buildings, its own playing field and an

extensive environmental area. The school has a dedicated,

caring staff who provide for the needs and aspirations of each

child. The school will do its best to provide a happy, caring

environment where each child has the opportunity to achieve

his/her potential.

We are not complacent and will always continue to improve the provision for all our

children to ensure good progress. We actively encourage a partnership between school

and home. From the first day at school the staff and I will be available to discuss with

you any matter regarding your child’s progress.

We believe that working in partnership with parents enables children to learn and

develop. The Governors, staff and I look forward to working with you to achieve the best

for your child and hope that you will become an involved member of our school

community.

Anne Sherwood

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Contents Page

Headteacher's Letter 2

Terms and Abbreviations 4

Introduction 5

School Awards 6

Statement of Aims 7

School Results 7

School Governors 8

Documents available in school 8

School Staff 9

Admission 10

School Uniform & Jewellery 11

School Day 12

Dinnertime 12

School Discipline 13

Teaching and Learning 14

Extra -Curricular Activities 20

OPS Radio 20

Breakfast Fun Club 20

School Visits and Charging Policy 21

Special Needs and Accessibility 21

Pupil Welfare 22

Medication & Accidents 22

Child Protection 23

Health & Safety 23

Travel to School & Parking 23

Home School Liaison 24

Parents Association 24

End of Phase Transfer 25

County Policy Statement 26

Complaints Procedures 26

Documents available in school 26

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Some terms and abbreviations used in school documents.

10+ school Until recently, the primary schools in this area transferred their

pupils at the end of year 5 when they were 10 rather than the more usual 11. This will change to transfer at the end of Year 6 in September 2017.

Foundation Stage All terms used to identify classes for our youngest pupils Reception / 4+ aged 4 – 5 years old. Often written as EYFS – Early Years

Foundation Stage. Key Stage 1 Classes for children aged 5 – 7 - sometimes still referred to as 'Infants' Key Stage 2 Classes for children aged 7 – 11 – sometimes called 'Juniors'. The

final year of Key Stage 2 is the first year after transfer to the next school.

CDC Castle Donington College CYPS Children and Young Persons’ Service – formerly Education

Department LA Local Authority (Leicestershire) Nat. Curric. The curriculum that state schools are obliged to provide. N.C. OFSTED Office for Standards in Education – the body who inspect schools

and validate our judgements. PSHE and Cit. Personal, Social, Health Education and Citizenship – taught

throughout the school. R.E. Religious Education – taught throughout the school. SATs Standard Attainment Tests – tests done at the end of Y2 and Y6. SEAL Social and Emotional aspects of learning – taught throughout the

school as part of PSHE SEND Special Educational Needs and Disabilities SENDCO Special Educational Needs & Disabilities Co-ordinator/ Inclusion

Leader – Mrs Miller

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Orchard Community Primary School

Orchard School was built in 1970 to

accommodate the influx of children generated

by the development of new housing in Castle

Donington. It currently has 232 pupils on roll

aged between 4 and 10 years.

In Key Stage 1, the school is semi open-plan with each base open to the main corridor

and an open practical area. This provides each class with an enclosed classroom area

for formal work but allows for easy movement between the bases for flexible working

opportunities. The classrooms in Key Stage 2 have been enclosed and refurbished and

provide an excellent working environment.

A newly refurbished, fully-networked computer suite is available for all classes. All

classrooms have an interactive whiteboard and have access to laptop computers.

Notebook computers are also in use in some lessons.

The caretaker’s bungalow has been refurbished for use as a learning Centre. This

includes an attractive library, with an excellent supply of reference and non- fiction

books, a music room, a cooking kitchen for the children to use for their cookery lessons,

and a radio room where children make radio broadcasts. In addition, our SENCO, Mrs

Miller, has her base here.

There are several playgrounds, and provision is made for quiet activities as well as

space to play. An outdoor classroom is available for lessons in warmer weather and for

shelter during breaks. In summer the playing fields are available for games and

playtimes. A large environmental area is a valuable resource for science education.

Orchard School has a headteacher and twelve teaching staff, some of whom are part-

time. The pupils are also supported by a large number of dedicated non-teaching staff

who fulfil a variety of vital roles within the school and an Inclusion Leader.

The school operates a flexible policy towards the organisation of year groups. Children

are taught in both single and mixed-age classes depending on the number of children in

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the cohort. This arrangement changes each year to take account of numbers but

classes are always organised according to age and not ability or friendship.

At the end of the Primary phase, most children transfer to Castle Donington College.

School Awards

The School has achieved its Enhanced Healthy School award and encourages

children to learn how to make sensible healthy choices. The school tuck shop sells

healthier options (at a cost of 25p per break), and is available to all children in school.

Fresh water is always freely available from water fountains around the school. All breaks

should be put into the child’s tray in the morning and not kept in their lunch boxes as

there is no access to lunch boxes until lunch time. We would like to encourage parents

to send healthy snacks into school for break rather than crisps. We do not allow sweets

or chocolate in school unless it is to celebrate a specific occasion eg birthdays or

parties.

The school has achieved Eco-school status and a Silver Environmental award. This

demonstrates our commitment to developing understanding about sustainable energy. .

As part of our work, children may apply to join our Compost Kings group and help to

compost waste material for use in our school garden. We have a group of Eco-warriors

who monitor energy use and raise awareness across the school.

The school has achieved Sainsbury’s School Games Gold Kite mark. The

Sainsbury's School Games Mark is a Government led awards scheme launched in 2012

to reward schools for their commitment to the development of competition across their

school and into the community. Schools in England are able to assess themselves

across bronze, silver and gold levels of the Mark. We are proud to have been awarded

the Gold Kite mark which reflects our outstanding commitment to school sport.

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Our statement of aims

The governors, staff and parents have worked together to formulate our school aims.

Our school values the following aims for each child irrespective of ability or background.

To be extended to achieve his/her potential in all areas.

To be a self-motivated, independent learner.

To acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes which enable him/her to participate

actively in an ever-changing world.

To be able to express his/her informed ideas fluently and with confidence.

To have high self-esteem and respect for others.

In addition the school has regard for the Every Child Matters Agenda and believes that

every child has the right to:

Be healthy

Be safe

Enjoy and Achieve

Make a positive contribution to the community

Achieve economic well-being

School Results End of Year 2 2015-16

The table shows the percentage of children who achieved the expected standard at the

end of Key Stage 1 (Year 2). It also shows the percentage of pupils who exceeded this

standard.

Achieving

expected level

Achieving at

greater depth

Achieving at or

above expected level

Reading 51% 17% 68%

Leics. 48.7% 24.6% 73%

National 50.5% 23.6% 74.1

Writing 41% 22% 63%

Leics 49.9 14.1 64

National 52.5 13.3 65.8

Mathematics 51% 17% 68%

Leics 71.7

National 72.7

Totals may not equal 100% because of rounding

There will be no KS2 results for Orchard Primary School until 2018

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School Governors

Parent Governors Staff Governors

Mr. P. Glover Mrs A. Sherwood (Head teacher)

Mrs A. Howells Mr. J. Patching

Mr. T. Ottewell

Mr. A Murphy

Mr. R. Neil

Mrs. S. Shearman

Community Governors Local Authority Governors

Mr. M. Battle Vacancy

Mr. C. Burton

Mrs. V. Jones (Chair) Clerk to the Governors

Mrs. J. Mortensen (Vice Chair) Mrs. R. Daft

Governors are elected every four years and give their time freely to lead the school. The

governors have one formal meeting each half term when the Headteacher reports about

the work of the school. Small committees meet each half term to discuss the curriculum,

the budget, staffing and the school building. Vacancies on the Governing Body are

advertised on the newsletter. If you are interested in becoming a governor, please talk to

the Headteacher or the Clerk to Governors.

Documents available in school

Where possible, we store documents electronically and communicate with

parents using email or text message. Paper copies of all documents are available

in school.

Policies and Schemes of work prepared by the Staff and Governors.

The School’s complaints procedures.

The LA's agreed syllabus for R.E.

The most recent OFSTED report

Many of these documents, and others, can be found on our website and our VLE. A full

range of policies are also available in school.

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School staff

Mrs. P. Bennett Teacher, responsible for Design Technology

Mr. M. Battle IT Technician/ Network Manager

Mrs. E. Bowden Teaching Assistant

Mrs. J. Bucknell Midday Supervisor/Breakfast Club Supervisor/TA

Mrs. L. Champlin Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

Miss D. Charity Lunchtime Supervisor

Mrs. S. Cooper Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

Mrs. M. Cotterill Teacher, responsible for Mathematics

Mrs. R. Daft Office Manager

Mrs. A. Douglas Teacher, responsible for Food Technology

Mrs. H. Fairbrother Learning Support Assistant

Mrs. M. Farrar Admin. Assistant

Mrs. C. Fordham Teaching Assistant

Mrs. S. Gayson Cleaner

Mrs. C. Godsell Teacher responsible for P.E and Sport

Mrs H. Gilkes Teacher responsible for PSHE

Mrs. L. Hack Learning Support Assistant

Mr. M. Holyland Premises Officer

Mrs. S. Horsfall Nursery Nurse (HLTA)

Mrs. A. Knight Lunchtime Supervisor

Mrs. T. Lane Breakfast Club Supervisor, Teaching Assistant

Mrs. T. McGravie Teacher responsible for Science and Environmental Education.

Mrs. L. Miller Inclusion Leader

Mrs. V. Morgan Learning Support Assistant, Senior Lunchtime Supervisor

Mrs. E. Mycroft Learning Support Assistant

Mrs I. Parker Teacher, responsible for Geography and History

Mr. J. Patching Deputy Headteacher

Mrs. A. Raynes Lunchtime Supervisor

Mrs. G. Sheldon Teacher, responsible for English

Mrs. A. Sherwood Headteacher.

Mrs. Z. Stockdale Lunchtime Supervisor

Mrs. L. Stuart Teacher, responsible for EYFS

Mrs. T. Taylor School Cook

Mr R. Webb Teaching Assistant (HLTA)

Mrs R. Westfield Learning Support Assistant

Mrs L Widdowson Teacher responsible for Religious Education

Mrs. P. Wood Learning Support Assistant and Lunchtime Supervisor

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Admission

Parents intending to send their child to Orchard School should call in or telephone to

make an appointment with the Headteacher, preferably during the Autumn Term

preceding admission. The Headteacher or a member of staff will be happy to show you

around the school and provide you with information concerning the curriculum,

organisation and day-to-day running of the school. The application should then be made

on-line through the Leicestershire County Council website.

Children are admitted to the school at the beginning of the Autumn Term after their

fourth birthday, usually at the very end of August. There is only one intake for the year.

Whenever space is available, the children will be taught in the 4+ Unit. Parents may

apply for admission to be delayed and should approach the Headteacher to discuss the

matter.

As well as general information, parents of pre-school children will be asked for their

written comments on the skills and development of their children. These will then be

discussed with parents at the first Parents’ Evening in October. At the time of

registration, parents are asked to produce their child's birth certificate.

Parents will be notified about the exact commencement date, as children are taken into

school on a staggered intake over a period of approximately two weeks, depending on

numbers. Thereafter, the children attend full time.

Your child will need help from you to settle into school. Do not be surprised if children

arrive home tired and irritable at first - a new school can cause physical and emotional

tiredness and extra sleep usually solves the problem. Patience, combined with

reassurance, will help your child to adjust to the situation.

In the term prior to your child coming to school the Headteacher will invite you to meet

her to talk about the organisation and curriculum of the school. Your child will have the

opportunity of meeting his/her teacher before starting school. A few weeks after the

start of the term an open meeting will be arranged to explain aspects of education in the

school and to answer any questions.

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School uniform

Children are expected to wear school uniform:

royal blue sweat-shirt or cardigan with Orchard badge or royal blue cardigan

or sweatshirt

blue or white polo shirt with or without logo

optional fleece jacket

grey skirt or trousers, light blue and white check cotton dress

sensible dark shoes should be worn, not trainers.

Grey or white socks. Black socks may be worn with trousers.

Sandals may be worn in summer

baseball cap (optional)

For P.E.

white T-shirt

royal blue or black shorts

black plimsolls

P.E. bag

Track suit/ jogging bottoms and sweatshirt (preferably black)

trainers for outdoor PE only

Additional Items

book bag (essential in Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1)

Items in bold may be purchased from the school although items in the school colour,

royal blue, are equally acceptable. Items sold in school have a school logo.

All items of clothing, including shoes, and other personal property should be

clearly marked with your child's name.

Jewellery

Jewellery should not be worn in school as it can be dangerous and easily lost or

damaged. If studs are worn, they must be covered or removed for P.E. We cannot

accept responsibility for the loss of personal possessions. It is best if children do not

bring valuables or precious possessions to school.

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School Day

Our School Day

8.45am School opens

8.55am Registration

11.50am KS1 Lunch

12.00pm KS2 Lunch

1.00pm Afternoon lessons

3.15pm School Ends

Dinnertime

Dinnertime is from… 11.50 a.m. - 1.00 p.m. for Key Stage 1 and Foundation Stage

12.00 noon - 1.00 p.m. for Key Stage 2

Some children go home for dinner but most children stay at school.

The children staying for a cooked meal have a single choice of menu. The meals are

cooked on site and cost £2.15 per day, £10.75 per week for children in Key Stage 2.

Children in Reception and Key Stage 1 are entitled to a free meal under the Universal

Infant Free School Meals scheme. Dinner money for the whole week must be sent

into the classroom on a Monday morning in an envelope clearly marked with the

child’s name. Packs of pre-printed envelopes are available from the office. Cheques

should be made out to Orchard School. If your child is ill on a Monday, please send

in the money for the rest of the week on the first day back at school. It saves a lot of

confusion if your child can have either cooked dinners or sandwiches in any one week.

Your child may be entitled to free school meals. Please check

with the Finance Officer to see if you are eligible. Application

forms are available from the office.

Children bringing packed lunches provide their own drinks plus

cutlery, cups or straws. We encourage healthy eating and

request that you do not send fizzy drinks, sweets or chocolate

bars. All lunch boxes must be placed on the lunch trolleys and

collected at the end of the day. Please label lunch boxes and drinks bottles with your

child’s name.

During the lunch hour, children are supervised by the Lunchtime Supervisors. The

Headteacher or Deputy Headteacher is always available. The children play outside

unless it is very wet and should always have a coat in school. On very wet lunchtimes

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the children are supervised in their classrooms. Poor dinnertime behaviour may result in

children being sent home for lunch.

Please note that we have children with serious nut allergies in school and children

are requested not to bring nuts or nut products into school. This includes

sandwiches and snacks.

School discipline

At Orchard School we expect good behaviour. We

believe that good behaviour needs to be carefully

developed, it is too important to be left to chance. We

think that children learn best when they are clear about

what they are supposed to be doing and when they

are consistently and continually encouraged to do it.

The following rules are displayed around the School as a reminder to us all.

Listen carefully. Be kind and helpful to one another. Always try your best.

Look after our school and equipment. Walk sensibly and quietly around the

school.

All staff seek to praise children regularly for their good behaviour and try to explain and

demonstrate the behaviour we wish to see. We feel that good behaviour should be

recognised and rewarded.

In every classroom there is a School Discipline board divided into green, amber and red

zones. At the beginning of each day, all the children have their names placed in green.

All children whose names are in the green zone at the end of the day receive a team

point. If a child continues to misbehave after clear warnings, his/her name is put into

amber and the expected behaviour is made clear to the child. This is initially the ‘choice’

zone and children have an opportunity to make a good choice, improve their behaviour

and return to the green zone. Children who choose not to improve their behaviour and

continue to disrupt learning will receive up to 3 ticks, each corresponding to 5 minutes

detention time (at break or lunchtime). Continued poor behaviour or extreme behaviour

will result in them going into the red zone. They are required to complete a ‘Think sheet’

which they bring home for discussion. A text message is also sent home to parents to

alert them.

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Children in the school are split into four teams. The children are rewarded for their good

behaviour with team points. The winning team is mentioned in the newsletter and

applauded in assembly.

Occasionally children may forget our aims for good behaviour and be inconsiderate

towards others. If we have concerns we will discuss them with you together with the

strategies we are using to improve behaviour. Depending on the situation, it may be

necessary to deal with persistent misbehaviour by: removing privileges; separating the

child within, or from, the class; or by devising an individual behaviour programme.

In rare cases it may be necessary to exclude a child. This will only ever be considered

after all other possible avenues have been explored. We never administer corporal

punishment.

Teaching and Learning

The school's work is based on the

National Curriculum 2014. We place

great importance on the core subjects:

English, Maths, Science and Information

Technology. In addition we try to

provide a broad curriculum through the

foundation subjects: Music, Art, Design

and Technology, Geography and

History. These are taught through

integrated topics. P.E. and games are taught throughout the year.

English

English teaching is based on the National Curriculum. Activities are designed to ensure

good or better progression throughout the school, building on skills already learnt.

Children work in ability groups in their own classroom and English is very closely linked

to other curriculum areas.

On entry to school children are encouraged to be confident and articulate speakers,

while knowing that there are also times when careful listening is expected. Speaking

and listening skills are practised in all year groups through activities like role play, talk

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partners and regular discussion times. Spelling, punctuation and Grammar (SPaG) are

taught from year 1 through to year 5 and for a key part of the English curriculum.

Children are introduced to a wide range of books, both fiction and reference, from the

very beginning. Relationships between letters and sounds are taught alongside the

enjoyment of books, so that children soon acquire reading skills and a

love of books. As reading skills increase

throughout the school, progress is monitored

regularly so that appropriate programmes of

work can be matched to individual children,

ensuring that comprehension and research

skills continue to develop. Children choose

their own reading books from a colour-coded

selection. Children have a reading record

book for parents to sign every time the child reads. Reading fluently,

with understanding and enjoyment, is considered a high priority. Parents are asked to

continue reading regularly to children, even after they become fluent readers. We invite

parents to volunteer to work with small groups in school to improve reading skills.

The school uses a scheme called Letters and Sounds to teach phonics. Children in the

Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 have a daily phonics lesson in which they are taught

all the different sounds they need for reading and spelling. This is consolidated in Key

Stage 2. Parents may access the phonics on the school VLE.

All children are taught to write in a legible printed style of writing on entering school.

This develops into joined handwriting in Y1. Children are encouraged to express their

own ideas, while, at the same time, developing knowledge of the skills needed for good

writing. As accuracy in spelling and punctuation grow, children

are given opportunities to

practise their increasing skills by

writing for many different

audiences.

Once per half-term, all children

in KS1 and KS2 consolidate

their writing skills with a ‘long

write’. This encourages the

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children to develop speed, fluency and stamina.

Mathematics

The school's maths syllabus has been developed, with reference

to the National Curriculum for Mathematics, to ensure continuity and good or better

progression throughout the school. There are opportunities for practical tasks, mental

arithmetic, problem solving and investigational work, as well as the development and

consolidation of concepts. We expect children to learn multiplication tables both by rote

and as instant recall of multiplication and division facts.

A variety of approaches are provided to match the needs and interests of the children

taking into account their age, ability and the concept, skill or knowledge being taught. On

the school VLE there is comprehensive information for parents about calculation

methods.

It is the school's policy that Information Technology, in the form of calculators,

computers, tablets, laptops and programmable robots, are used to enhance the teaching

and learning in mathematics. However, children are expected to develop their mental

arithmetic skills and to learn their tables.

Science

Children should have every opportunity to make

sense of their world. A scientific approach is one

vehicle through which this can be achieved in an

exciting and enjoyable way.

Science is taught through our integrated topics.

Our aims in teaching science are that the children will:

• retain and develop their natural sense of curiosity about the world around them

through asking and researching questions

• collect and organise information and use this evidence to develop and test ideas

• begin to build up a body of scientific knowledge and understanding which will serve

as a foundation for future scientific enquiry

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Information and communication

The school is well- equipped with a variety of computers

laptops and tablets and uses a range of software to

support the curriculum and the children's learning. The

children rapidly become skilled in the operation of the

computers and have monitored access to the Internet.

The children are taught specific skills and then have

opportunities to apply these skills using computers and

devices in all areas of the curriculum. Computing now

forms an integral part of the curriculum and children

undertake different projects throughout the year.

All classrooms have interactive whiteboards linked to the Internet. The school has a

Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) which allows for more links between home and

school and provides a safe platform for children to use their skills.

The children are also taught E-Safety through a comprehensive CEOP scheme (which

can be accessed through our Internet Safety room on the VLE).

History, Geography, Art. Technology and Music

These subjects are now taught through integrated

topic work. The topics vary in length and are part

of a 2-year rolling programme. Literacy is

incorporated into the topics and children are

encouraged to do their own research. The

topics are stimulating and interesting and

children have some input into their content.

Information about each topic block is available

on the VLE.

A peripatetic teacher provides private tuition for

children who wish to learn to play the piano.

Parents pay for lessons on a half-termly basis.

Please contact the School Office if you would like

further details.

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Music lessons are available for all children in years 4 and 5. They learn to play the

clarinet in group lessons provided by Leicestershire Arts.

Each year, Year 3 join with other schools for a singing performance for their parents and

Years 4 and 5 also have an opportunity to produce a singing performance.

Religious Education

In Religious Education, children learn about different religions, beliefs and practices. We

aim to help our children develop personal values and a real understanding of other

people's lives and religions. Work in Religious Education is based on the Leicestershire

Agreed Syllabus. There is a daily Assembly and representatives of the local churches

come into school to contribute to our Assemblies. Parents have the right to withdraw

their children from R.E. and Assembly under section 25 of the 1944 Act. Please write to

the Headteacher if you wish to discuss this further.

Physical Education

A high-quality physical education

curriculum inspires all pupils to succeed and

excel in competitive sport and other physically

demanding activities. Our curriculum provides

opportunities for pupils to become physically

confident in a way which supports their health

and fitness. Opportunities to compete in sport

and other activities build character and help to

embed values such as fairness and respect.

We follow core values in PE:

Become more determined and demonstrate resilience

Understand and demonstrate the importance of respect for others

Learn to develop self-control and manage emotions

Experience being part of a team and understand their contribution to it

Win with pride and lose with grace

Learn the importance of practice and preparation

Learn how to set realistic goals and work towards achieving them

Aspire to improve and challenge themselves

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Have fun and enjoy themselves

P.E. starts with individual activities aimed at developing personal skills and moves on to

co-operative work in small groups and teams, where there is a common goal. Orchard

School provides a balanced programme of games, athletics, gymnastics, dance and

outdoor activities. Children are encouraged to be active at break and lunchtime and are

encouraged to take part in after school clubs and other sporting activities.

Personal, Social and Health Education with Citizenship

As the children progress through school they are encouraged to learn about themselves,

their relationships with others, and to understand the structures of society. They learn

how to keep safe and are given information to help them make healthy decisions. They

learn how a democracy works through voting for members of the school council and

practise business skills through running the school tuck shop. The school uses the SEAL

materials in all classes.

Sex Education

Sex Education is taught throughout the school at a level appropriate to the age of the

pupils. The children are taught to respect and have knowledge of their bodies and

bodily functions. They are encouraged to have regard for moral considerations and the

value of family life. A sex education policy has been drawn up by all the local schools so

that expectations and provision in the schools are the same.

Drugs Education

The local schools have prepared a drugs policy to be used in all schools. It teaches

children about keeping safe, and the dangers posed by different drugs including tobacco

and alcohol.

Modern Foreign Languages

Children in Key Stage 2 have a weekly French lesson to provide an appropriate balance

of spoken and written language which lays the foundations for further foreign language

teaching at key stage 3. It should enable pupils to understand and communicate ideas,

facts and feelings in speech and writing. The focus of study in modern languages will be

on practical communication.

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Homework

Children of all ages are expected to complete homework. In the 4+ this will focus on

reading, including sharing books with parents and learning high frequency vocabulary

(key words).

In Key Stage 1, children will be expected to read for a short time each evening, do some

personal research as required in topic work and learn spellings, number bonds and

tables.

In Key Stage 2, children will be expected to read regularly – minimum 3 times each

week, learn spellings and tables and to complete formal homework regularly.

From Year 2 onwards, children will be given the opportunity to complete Creative

Homework, presenting information in any way they choose. Sometimes homework will

be a piece of research or something to explain to members of the family. It is important

that children complete these types of homework as they allow the child to practise

specific skills.

Extra-curricular activities

The school has a small choir that meets at

lunchtime. Regular after-school sports

clubs will be offered to specific year groups

e.g. football, cross-country, gymnastics,

tennis, hockey and golf. Some of these

afterschool clubs are run by external

providers. We have very successful

sports clubs and regularly compete in the

Charnwood and North West Leicestershire competitions.

OPS Radio

We are proud to be one of the only

schools in the local area to be

producing our very own radio shows

from our dedicated studio. We have

several shows broadcast each

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week by our Year 5 pupils. We have been able to interview a variety of special guests

and all shows can be heard through My Live School (www.myliveschool.org) or from our

website.

You can also follow the radio team on Twitter (@OPS_Radio) to find out what they have

been doing!

Breakfast Club

A breakfast club, known as Fun Club, is available from 8.00am until 8.45am. Children

have the opportunity to play and be creative in a safe environment before school. The

Club does not provide food, although the children have a drink before starting lessons.

At present, the cost of the club is £2.50 per day. Please ask for details of vacancies and

prices.

School Visits and Charging Policy

A high value is placed on pupils gaining first hand

learning experiences to support the various topic

projects. Regular educational visits take place and

all children in Years 3 and 5 are offered the

opportunity to take part in residential visits. The

County guidelines on residential visits are followed and

pre-visit parent meetings are held.

The Governors have agreed that parents will be asked for voluntary contributions for

educational day visits and certain other activities. Without sufficient voluntary

contributions some activities may be cancelled. No pupil will be excluded from an

activity if a contribution is not made however, lack of funds may result in a visit or activity

being cancelled. If there are difficulties please contact the Headteacher. Please note

that we do not make any profit on school visits.

Special Needs and Accessibility

All children take part in all of our lessons. The National Curriculum is available to

everyone. Lessons are planned to meet the needs of all pupils and all learning

opportunities are planned with care to ensure equality of access. For various reasons

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some children may need additional support and help. We will discuss your child’s needs

with you and may produce an individual plan to help your child.

We want all children to succeed in their learning. If you have any worries about your

child's learning, please come in to talk about it, either with the Headteacher, class

teacher or Mrs. Miller, our Inclusion Leader. The school's Special Needs Policy is

available for parents if they wish to see the details and is based on The Code of Practice

for Special Needs.

The school is continually revising and improving its access policy and practice. Toilet

facilities for the disabled are available in the School Reception area and almost every

room in school is easily accessible for people with mobility problems. Parents who

experience difficulties should make their needs known to the Headteacher. The school

has been able to meet the needs of children with a very wide range of disabilities.

Parents who need help with literacy or with reading or speaking English should also

contact the Headteacher so that arrangements can be put into place for home/school

communication.

Pupils who need help with learning English will receive support in school and will be

encouraged to share their home language and culture.

Pupil Welfare

If your child is not well we will do all we can to care for him/her. It is important that we

have the correct telephone number to contact you. Sick children will not be sent home

on their own. We follow Department for Health guidelines for length of absence due to

illness (e.g. children with sickness and/or diarrhoea should be off school for 48 hours).

While your child is at school, we take the place of parents, 'in loco parentis'. We take

this responsibility seriously and your children's welfare and safety is our highest priority.

If there is a change in domestic circumstances, please let the school know as this can

have an impact on your child’s wellbeing.

Health Checks

Whilst at school children undergo national health checks. Further information is

available from school as to the timing and nature of such check ups. The School Nurse

is a regular visitor to the school and can be contacted by telephone. During your child's

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school life there are checks on physical growth, hearing, etc. Parents are informed in

advance.

Medication

If any pupil is receiving long term medication for a chronic condition the Headteacher

should be informed so that the appropriate arrangements can be made. Pupils are not

permitted to keep medicine in the classroom. Medicines must be labelled and sent to

the School Office for safekeeping. In general, a child who is on antibiotics should stay at

home until the course of medication is finished or the dose adjusted from mid-day to the

end of school. Children who have asthma should have their inhalers clearly marked and

are encouraged to become responsible for their own equipment and keep them with

them at all times. Parents should request an asthma policy from the school office. We

are not allowed to administer non-prescription medicines.

Accidents

Occasionally accidents do occur and a report is kept of all accidents. Serious accidents

are reported to County Hall. If we feel urgent hospital treatment is necessary, parents

are contacted, an ambulance called and the pupil taken to hospital as quickly as

possible.

Child Protection

The school monitors all children and, in the event of concerns, follows the LEA’s Child

Protection procedures. We feel that children’s achievements should be recognised

within the community and frequently invite the local newspaper to record aspects of

school life. We ask parents for permission to use named photographs. Parents and

relatives of pupils should note that any photographs or video recordings which are taken

at school events are likely to contain images of other children whose parents will not

have given permission for the image to be used. Such images should not be circulated

more widely than the family. Any manipulation or distribution of such materials could

result in a prosecution.

Health and Safety

The safety of the children both in and out of school is extremely important. We review

our Health and Safety Policy annually. Safety experts are invited to work with the

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children on topics such as Safety in the Home, Road Safety and Personal Safety.

Please ensure that your child always uses the pedestrian entrance and does not leave

or enter through the driveway gates.

Traffic congestion outside the school gate is a problem and we ask parents to observe a

one-way system coming into Grange Drive and going out along Tipnall Road when they

drop children off.

Travel to school

The school encourages children to walk or cycle to school to improve health and fitness

and reduce congestion. If you want your child to cycle to school, you should collect and

sign a copy of our cycle policy. Cycles may then be kept in the school cycle racks.

Parking

Vehicles must not be brought onto the site at the beginning or end of the school day as

this constitutes a safety hazard when children are walking to and from school. To help

ensure your child's safety, please park off site and well clear of the yellow lines. When

parking, please consider local residents and ensure their driveways are kept clear.

Home-School Liaison

Orchard School is an 'Open Door' school: parents are always welcome, but are asked

not to disturb teachers during lesson time.

Parents’ Evenings are held during the Autumn and Spring terms when parents have a

private appointment with the teacher to discuss their child's progress. Reports are sent

out in the Summer term. Many parents work in school and give freely of their time to

support class teachers and to be involved in the life of the school. If you would like to

help in school, please contact the Headteacher to discuss times and possible tasks. An

enhanced DBS check is required (this can be arranged through school).

Each term, we try to arrange opportunities for parents to come into school to see the

children working. Occasionally we will arrange an information evening for parents which

focusses on the school curriculum. There are also opportunities to find out more about

helping your own child. Details of these events are given on school newsletters.

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Information

A weekly Newsletter is sent out by e-mail and is posted on the VLE. This keeps parents

up to date on day- to -day issues. Please take a few moments to check through it. If

you do not have internet access, you may request a paper copy from the school office.

Information and publications for parents are displayed in the Entrance Foyer.

We have a website available for parents to access. The address is:

www.orchard.leics.sch.uk There is a link from there to the VLE. Please contact the

office for a username and password as this is a secure site for parents only.

Parents' Association

There is an active Parent Association and every parent with a child at Orchard School is

automatically a member and is welcome to join in all events. The P.A. organises social

events which raise a great deal of money for the school. Events such as Christmas Fair

and Summer Fete etc. are arranged and enjoyed by many. The Parents’ Association

regularly hold discos and other events for children and families from Orchard School.

The quality of our facilities is due in no small way to the efforts of our P.A. The

committee plan events throughout the year which we hope you will be able to support.

Please see if you can find a few hours each year to help to run some of the many

activities available.

Transfer

From July 2018, the majority of children will transfer to the Castle Donington College.

Principal: Mrs. J. Shepherd Tel: 01332-810528

Parents must apply for a place for their child early in the Autumn term of Year 6

The College arranges times when parents and children can visit the school and every

effort is made to inform and welcome the new children and their parents. In the Autumn

term prior to transfer, the College holds an open evening for parents and children.

During the Summer term the Year 6 children are invited to spend two days at the

College familiarising themselves with the school. Staff from the College liaise with

Orchard teachers and the Year 6 children. Records and reports are transferred. Great

care is taken in making the transfer as smooth as possible and the children look forward

to this next step in their education. At 16 they move to the Upper Schools in the area

and, again, parents have a choice of provider.

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COUNTY POLICY STATEMENTS

Multicultural Statement

The Governors of Orchard School agree with the Local Authority's report on Multicultural

Education. We are opposed to racism in any form and we work to promote tolerance

and understanding in all of our pupils and to develop cultural awareness and

understanding.

Equal Opportunities

The Governors pledge that the school will promote equal opportunities in the classroom,

curriculum and throughout school life.

Complaints

If you have a complaint about something that has happened in school, you should make

the Headteacher aware of your concerns either in writing or in a formal interview. Most

complaints can usually be resolved at this stage.

If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your contact with the Headteacher, then you

can write to the Chair of Governors. The letter can be addressed to the Chair of

Governors at the school or sent to ‘Administration, Committees and Secretariat’

Education Department, County Hall, Glenfield, Leicester. LE3 8RF

If the Chair of Governors is unable to resolve the issue, you may then request the Chair

of Governors to convene a Governor’s Complaints Panel to listen to your complaint. If

you then feel there have been irregularities in procedures you may refer the matter to

OFSTED and/or The Secretary of State for Education.

A leaflet detailing the full complaints’ procedure is available in school.

The members of the Governing Body and staff of Orchard Primary School hope

that parents will find the information contained in this booklet useful and

informative. We wish to work together with parents to provide success and

happiness for our children.