SCHOOL BROCHURE

Please contact the school office if

you would like a copy of this

publication in larger print.

CONTENTS

1. An Introduction to our School

2. Strengths of our School

4. School Routine

6. The Curriculum—Early Years Foundation Stage

7. The Curriculum—Key Stage 1 and 2

7. Assessment

8. Caring for Each Other

9. Catering for Children’s Individual Needs

10. Beyond the Curriculum

12. Links with Home

13. Links with the Community

14. Practicalities and Organisation

This brochure gives information about the school which

we hope will be useful to parents, prospective parents

and prospective staff. Although correct at the time of

publication, it may be necessary to make changes during

the school year.

If you wish further clarification of any part of the

brochure or would like to arrange a visit to the school,

please contact the office to make an

appointment to see our Head Teacher, Mrs Monaghan.

Further information can also be found on our school

website: www.nevillescross.durham.sch.uk

Separate guides for new and current parents are

available from the school office.

AN INTRODUCTION TO OUR SCHOOL School Aims

We believe that learning should take place in a happy, caring

and stimulating environment in which staff, children, parents

and the local community have important roles to play. To this

end we aim:

to provide a happy, caring environment in which both children

and adults feel secure and valued, where they will find

satisfaction and pleasure in their work and where learning will

flourish.

to ensure continuity and progression within the curriculum

and provide opportunities for children to develop an

understanding of the world and their influence upon it.

to enable children to develop lively, enquiring minds and the

ability to question and discuss rationally and to apply

themselves to realistic tasks and challenges.

to encourage individuals to celebrate their own and others’

achievements and to develop a wider appreciation of human

fulfilment and aspiration.

to enable both children and staff to fulfil their potential and

in so doing, acquire knowledge, skills, concepts and attitudes

which will be relevant throughout their lives.

to help children develop spiritually and morally, drawing

inspiration from, and developing tolerance of, world religions,

cultures and ways of life.

to develop each individual as a caring, concerned and

contributing member of the community.

Statement of Intent for the Curriculum

Our children are encouraged to be creative and therefore every opportunity is taken to

develop their confidence, knowledge, self-esteem and life skills through technology,

physical education and the creative and performing arts.

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STRENGTHS OF OUR SCHOOL The school was last inspected by Ofsted in December 2015.

This school continues to be good.

Leadership has a well-founded understanding of the priorities for the

school and have put in place clear plans to drive further improvement. ...

Leadership has created an inclusive school ethos where pupils’ academic

and personal needs are paramount. Pupils feel safe, grow in confidence,

and develop good learning behaviours. This is because everyone in the

school nurtures and meets pupils’ social and emotional needs. Equally staff and governors are aspi-

rational for pupils’ learning, setting high expectations for achievement.

The early years provision is much improved and children are provided with a wide range of oppor-

tunities to develop their reading and writing skills. Their progress has accelerated over the last

three years and in 2015 the proportion of children achieving a good level of development was

above the national average.

Safeguarding is effective.

Staff and governors afford the highest priority to keeping pupils safe. Safeguarding policy and

practice are frequently reviewed to ensure that processes are secure and best practice is main-

tained. Rigorous checks are carried out for all staff, governors and volunteers. Staff have re-

ceived safeguarding training; school leaders respond swiftly to all safeguarding issues.

Pupils are taught effectively about how to keep themselves safe, including when they are online.

They have a good understanding of the different forms that bullying can take and know whom they

can talk to if they ever have concerns. Pupils say that there are no incidents of bullying in their

school. The school’s records show that incidents of misbehaviour and bullying are very rare and

that these are quickly addressed by the staff. Parents and staff agree that pupils’ behaviour at

the school is good.

ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT We have maintained excellent academic achievement over the years often achieving well above the national average in all subjects. Progress across the school for all children is good and we are also very proud of how well our SEN children progress. Our academic excellence is due to good teaching and our broad and balanced curriculum We believe that children should enjoy lessons and our teachers strive to make this happen through carefully planning our creative curriculum. Although we are proud of our results we believe that children should be well-rounded individuals and we strive to achieve this through our social and personal education.

SOCIAL AND PERSONAL EDUCATION The academic needs of our children is supported by our very good personal and social education. The children are encouraged and taught to have a responsible and caring attitude towards one another. Older children can become playground guardians, wet playtime monitors, school office monitors as well as other responsibilities. All classes have councils where matters important to them can be discussed and, if necessary, ideas brought to the attention of the Head Teacher. Class Councils have been instrumental in providing new bins in the playground, having new blinds put up at the windows, charity fund raising, etc.

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WE ARE A HEALTHY SCHOOL We have achieved 'National Healthy School Status' which was validated by the County Durham

and Darlington Schools Programme. Achieving Healthy School Status demonstrates that we are

meeting the standards and criteria in four main themes:

Personal, Social, Health and

Citizenship Education

Healthy Eating

Physical Activity

Emotional Health and Wellbeing

ANTI BULLYING

At Neville’s Cross we pride ourselves on

our Anti-Bullying work and have received

recognition from the Local Authority. We

have recently been awarded the ‘BIG

award’. We continually develop our anti-

bullying strategies in order to meet our

aim of providing a happy, caring

environment in which both children and

adults feel secure and valued, where they

will find satisfaction and pleasure in their

work and where learning will flourish.

INTERNATIONAL CONNECTIONS Our school has always had international links through the children attending

the school. Every two years, children in Upper Key Stage 2 are given the

opportunity to take part in a residential visit to France.

Our school links and international work enhances children’s multi-cultural

awareness and gives us an opportunity to develop both language skills and

specific elements of our creative curriculum. These links aim to develop our

understanding of global issues, our ability to use technology to enhance

communication and to give the children more purpose to their creative work.

The Food for Life Partnership uses food as a way to improve the whole

school experience—making lunchtimes a positive feature of the day and

enriching classroom learning with farm visits and practical cooking and

gardening. We are currently working towards the Bronze award and are

well on the way! We already have a school garden, a cooking club and a

School Meals Interest Group where staff, pupils, parents and caterers

are represented to discuss how to make lunchtimes as happy and healthy

as possible.

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SCHOOL ROUTINE

The School Day 8.55 am School begins

10.10am — 10.30 am KS1 Assembly

KS2 Playtime

10.30am — 10.50am KS2 Assembly

KS1 Playtime

11.45am — 1.00 pm Lunch Break

2.10pm — 2.20 pm Afternoon Break

3.30 pm School finishes

Please make sure your child gets to school on time. Punctuality is important as arriving late

disrupts your child’s education, the rest of the class and also complicates registration and

school dinner administration. Children arriving late to school must enter via the main

entrance and sign the late book. Staff are available from 8.30 a.m. in case of accident in the

school playground but there is no direct supervision in the playground. You are responsible

for your child’s wellbeing before the bell rings at 8.55am.

Breakfast Club Children can arrive at school anytime between 7.30am and 8.30am for

a healthy breakfast provided by our Breakfast Club team at a cost of

£4 per session (£3 for siblings). Places must be booked in advance via

the school office.

The breakfast club offers a variety of activities in addition to

breakfast. It provides social, academic and creative opportunities as

well as a healthy start to the day.

Lunch We provide healthy, tasty meals, cooked fresh each

day in our kitchen. There is a hot and cold option each

lunchtime, along with a vegetarian option, a dessert,

fresh fruit and water. We currently operate a pre-

choice school meal system. This involves children, with

their parents, choosing a set meal each day from our

three-week rotation menu. This system is designed to

enable every child to have the meal they have chosen

each day.

Alternatively, children can bring their own healthy packed lunch.

KS1 children are currently entitled to a free school meal.

After School Provision Do Re Mi Nursery provide after school care for all ages every day

from 3.30-5.30pm. Places are booked direct with Do Re Mi. Children

have access to quality provision based in the new Early Years

classroom. They have access to an outdoor garden (weather

permitting) and a healthy snack is provided.

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Playtime We have a good sized playground with play equipment and

games markings. We also have a large school field and a

climbing frame. Early Years children have their own

additional outside play and learning area which they have

full time access to.

We have children in Year 6 and Year 2 who have been

trained as Playtime Guardians and Mini-Buds. They work

together with staff to look out for children at playtime who

are lonely or upset, and are active in encouraging playtime

games and co-operation.

Water Bottles We feel that access to water is essential for our children. We ask

that parents supply their children with a water bottle to bring into

school every day. Children have access to water throughout the

day when needed and water bottles are taken home to refill every

evening.

Snacks We participate in the National School Fruit Scheme

which means that all 4-6 year olds are entitled to a free

piece of fruit each school day. Please inform the school

in writing if you do not wish your child to participate in

this scheme. It is also essential that you inform us of

any allergies your child may have. If your child does not

participate in the scheme you may send an alternative

piece or fruit or vegetable.

Key Stage 2 children can bring a healthy snack to school

or can buy one from our Healthy Tuck Shop which is run

by Year 5 and 6 children.

Car Parking There is very limited parking space around the school and we

strongly urge parents not to park in Relly Path for the

safety of our children. Sainsbury’s has lots of spaces and

welcomes parents to use their car park for dropping off and

collecting children.

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THE CURRICULUM — EARLY YEARS FOUNDATION STAGE

The Foundation Stage is for children in the Reception class (YR) and is designed to be a

comfortable bridge between Nursery/Pre School and the slightly more formal and structured

environment of school. It provides a broad curriculum based on the three prime and four

specific areas of learning and development.

Personal, Social and Emotional Development (prime area) Making relationships; self confidence and self awareness; managing feelings and behaviour.

Physical Development (prime area) Moving and handling; health and self care;

Communication and Language (prime area) Listening and attention; understanding; speaking

Literacy (specific area) Reading and writing

Mathematics (specific area) Numbers; shapes space and measure;

Understanding the World (specific area) People and communities; the world; technology

Expressive arts and design (specific area) Exploring and using media and materials; being imaginative

At Neville’s Cross we place great emphasis upon communication and personal, social and emotional

development as these underpin everything else that is taught. Ofsted reported that staff in our

Early Years “support children well and offer high levels of care so that children feel safe, grow in

confidence and are happy. They encourage children to share, to take turns and to behave well.

Children clearly enjoy their learning.”

Children of all ages in school experience a varying degree of transition work each year. At the

moment the make-up of our classes cater for different sized year groups; this means that some

children are taught in mixed age classes.

LEARNING JOURNEYS Learning journeys are gathered for each child over their first year in school. The evidence is

gathered from observations of the children during both formal and informal activities. This can

include annotated photographs, notes from observations, detailed learning stories and examples of

children’s work. This evidence is used to inform our assessment and ensures that we are able to

plan activities which meet both the child’s interests and needs.

ASSESSMENT Assessments of children’s skills and abilities are carried out on entry, during and when they leave

the Reception class. This information is used by staff to plan appropriate work and enable children

to have access to a variety of activities. Children are assessed against the Early Years Goals from

the EYFS at the end of YR.

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THE CURRICULUM — KEY STAGE 1 & KEY STAGE 2

From the Foundation Stage the children move into Key Stage 1

(Y1 and Y2) followed by Key Stage 2 (Y3-Y6). We teach all

subjects in the National Curriculum. These are the core

subjects of Mathematics, English, Science, Information &

Communication Technology (ICT) and Religious Education (RE) as

well as the foundation subjects PE, Geography, History, Design &

Technology, Art & Design, Music. Additionally we teach French

across the school and follow the SEAL programme. (Social,

Emotional, Aspects of Learning)

It is our intention to seek a better balance and give more equal

status to all the subjects we must cover while recognising that

proficiency in Literacy and Numeracy underpins a person’s ability to make sense of the world.

Accordingly, our children are encouraged to be creative and every opportunity is taken to develop

their confidence, knowledge, self-esteem and life skills through technology, physical education and

the creative and performing arts. Through the curriculum we aim to celebrate diversity and

challenge discrimination.

ASSESSMENT Assessment is an integral part of the teaching and

learning process and is a tool which aids our

planning for learning. We track children’s

achievement, attitude and progress closely.

Children are encouraged to work with teachers to

identify where they are with their learning, what

their targets are, and what steps they need to take

in order to achieve their targets. We set medium

and short term targets with the children which

personalises their learning so that they can achieve

their full potential.

TRANSITION For some children, moving into a new class or year group can be an anxious time. Transition

sessions are planned in school where children spend several sessions with their new teacher and

class. We also have a class swap day in July. This enables the children to get to know their new

teacher, new classroom environment and other children. Activities such as circle time

co-operative games and other SEAL style lessons.

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CARING FOR EACH OTHER

Personal, Social, Health & Citizenship Education

At Neville’s Cross we believe that a child’s whole

education extends beyond subjects covered by

the National Curriculum and Religious Education.

PSHCE helps give children the knowledge, skills

and understanding they need to lead confident,

healthy and independent lives and to become

informed, active and responsible citizens. It

encourages children to develop their emotional

intelligence, build their knowledge of factors

contributing to a healthy lifestyle and develop

respectful relationships with others.

We follow the national SEAL (Social Emotional

Aspects of Learning) programme and have regular

whole school assemblies to introduce themes and

celebrate work. Our policy therefore, seeks to

embed PSHCE firmly within the school curriculum

and requires it to be part of the explicit as well as

the hidden curriculum.

Behaviour We believe that everyone has a responsibility to behave with care and concern towards

others. In order to achieve this we follow our Supporting Good Behaviour policy which aims

to create a fair and consistent whole-school system. This establishes a safe, orderly and

positive environment in which both children and staff may flourish. Frequent positive

reinforcement all day, every day, gives the child better self esteem and motives him/her to

choose good rather than bad behaviour. Praise and rewards usually take the form of spoken

praise, certificates, stickers and badges. There are known consequences for inappropriate

behaviour such as a spoken warning, name placed on a tracking sheet, playtime and a letter

informing parents.

Anti-bullying At Neville’s Cross Primary we believe that children have a right to work and play in a safe,

non-threatening environment. Developing strategies, shared between all, that are intended

to combat bullying, will contribute towards our vision of creating a supportive, inclusive

environment in which children can grow and develop. We also have

Peer Mediators who help with reconciliation following disagreements.

Annually, we hold an Anti-Bullying week, where the children

explore the feelings, actions and consequences of bullying through

the eyes of the victim and the bully. Children are also taught about

diversity, racism and cyberbullying.

Our work has been recognised as we have been awarded the BIG

award for our work for Anti-Bullying.

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CATERING FOR CHILDREN’S INDIVIDUAL NEEDS

Equality of Opportunity In order to promote a positive attitude to school, staff continually monitor their own

classroom practice to ensure fairness of contact, spending as much time as possible

interacting with all children, regardless of gender, race or ability.

A range of suitably differentiated activities is offered within the planned work so that every

child, from the least able to the more able, is stretched and challenged. Equality of accessing

the curriculum is also assured for children for whom English is a new or additional language.

In our school children may work in small groups on activities which support work taught within

the classroom. Children of all abilities will have the opportunity to work in small groups on

focused tasks.

More Able and Talented Children More able children are catered for through classroom

differentiation as well as small group work. There are

opportunities for children who are more able in Music and

P.E. to take part in extra curricular activities along with

other more able children from local schools.

We intend that every child will achieve her/his full

potential and that high teacher expectation is required to

fulfil this aim. Low expectation based on perceptions of

social class, race, gender or disability is contrary to the

beliefs and ethos of this school.

Special Educational Needs In order to provide all children in our care with full access to the National Curriculum and the

wider curriculum, we will ensure that:-

Children’s special educational needs, whether

through learning difficulties or exceptional

ability, are identified, assessed and provided for.

Parents are fully involved, at all stages, regarding

provision for their child’s special needs.

Use is made of all agencies which may be able to

assist in the identification and assessment of a

child’s special needs.

Our allocation of time for consultation with the Educational Psychologist is extremely limited.

Our Special Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo), Mrs Oxnard works closely with teachers and teach-

ing assistants, supporting small groups and individuals.

Arrangements for Disabled Children and Adults At Neville’s Cross School we believe every person should be treated equally and with respect.

As long as this school is the best place to meet the needs of an individual child, he/she will be

admitted and every care taken to ensure appropriate access to the full curriculum. As far as

possible the physical needs of every child and adult will be catered for.

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Music Tuition

There is an opportunity for children in Key Stage 2

to learn to play a musical instrument. Currently, we

have children who play the flute, clarinet, violin,

oboe and cello. This instruction takes place in small

groups or individually during lesson time. There is a

charge for music tuition.

Additionally, all children in Year 3 and 4 are taught

the recorder during class music lessons and Year 5

and 6 learn to play the ukulele.

Educational Visits and Visitors All children will have the opportunity to go on

educational visits. These are chosen to enrich and

consolidate children’s learning and include Beamish

Museum, Theatre, Jorvik Viking Centre, Newcastle

Quayside and local religious buildings.

Visitors are also invited into school to enhance the

curriculum such as Expochef, Zoolab, African

Drummers and specialist sports instructors.

Parental consent is sought for educational visits when

your child begins school and this consent will apply

for the duration of your child’s enrolment at this school or until withdrawn in writing.

BEYOND THE CURRICULUM

Extra-curricular Activities At Neville’s Cross, we believe that extra curricular opportunities help to enrich the school

and learning experience. Most of our after school clubs are run on the school premises by

other providers who have been vetted and checked. Opportunities differ from term to

term and include:

After School Lunchtime

Football Choir

Art Club Orchestra

Film Club

Multiskills

Le Club Francais

Karate

Netball

Science Club

Cooking Club

Cheerleading Club

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Residential Experience Children in Year 5 and 6 are given the opportunity to

take part in a three night residential trip. During the

visit the children have opportunities to put their

Geography, Science and History knowledge into practice

and try some new experiences. The chance to experience

life without parents, co-operating and communicating

with other children is invaluable.

Class Assemblies and Performances Once a year, every class takes their turn to lead an

assembly. Children present what they have been

learning in class to the rest of the school and

parents. It is an excellent opportunity for children

and parents to celebrate the class’ achievements.

There are several performances throughout the

year including Key Stage 1 Christmas Play, KS2 Carol

Service and Year 6 End of Year Production.

Children of all ages are involved in our annual musical

concert. Parents are invited to all

performances.

Visits Abroad In Summer 2014, we embarked on our third school visit to

France. 40 children from Year 5 and 6 were given the

opportunity to spend one week in the Picardy Region in France.

This was an excellent opportunity for children (and staff!) to

practice their language skills. The visit also enhanced children’s

knowledge and understanding of the cultural and religious

aspects of a different country as well as developing their

personal, social and emotional skills further.

Awards and Star of the Week At Neville’s Cross we believe very much in a system based on

reward and praise. We hold a weekly celebration assembly where children can share their

success. Children earn various awards in school, including stamps, certificates from staff

and our Playground Guardians, awards linked to sporting achievements and our Star of the

Week award. The children are encouraged to enjoy sharing in success and to continue

working hard at all they do.

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LINKS WITH HOME

As a school we feel it is vitally important to maintain our close links and cooperation between

home and school. We form close links with parents and have an open door policy, which

allows parents to talk to staff whenever the need arises.

Reporting to Parents Teachers, parents and children meet termly to discuss

children’s individual medium term targets and progress

towards their end of year targets.

In July parents receive a written report summarising

their child’s achievements for the year and indicating

areas for further progress in the next year.

Homework At Neville’s Cross Primary School

we believe that homework is an

essential part of children’s learning. Although we fully recognise the need

for rest and the importance of developing outside interests, we also

acknowledge that homework can play an active part in developing the

knowledge and skills of our children.

Keeping Parents Informed Parents are kept informed of news and school events through our weekly newsletter which is

sent home every Friday via the oldest child in the family attending our school. This is also

uploaded onto our website. Parents will also receive letters about extra curricular clubs,

class trips, and Parent Teacher Association (PTA) events via the same system. Copies of all

letters are uploaded onto the website.

We appreciate that parents often lead very busy lives and may not have the opportunity to

bring and collect their children to/from school. If parents need to contact us and do not

have the time to pop in to speak to a member of staff they are always

welcome to email. The address is

nevillescross@durhamlearning.net

We have a texting system for contacting parents which we hope you will find useful. We use

this system instead of making phone calls, for example, if a club is cancelled, reminders about

payments etc. It is also extremely beneficial in times of extreme weather to inform of

school closures and opening times. It is possible for you to reply to the texts but only in

reply to a text that we have sent to you.

Contact Information It is essential that the school holds up-to-date contact information. Please

remember to inform the school office if you move house or your telephone

number/s change.

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LINKS WITH THE COMMUNITY

School Governors Parents, staff, local councillors and the Local Authority are represented on our Governing

Body. They meet twice a term to discuss school matters and legislation.

The Parent Teacher Association (PTA) All parents and staff are automatically members of

the PTA. The work of the PTA is guided and organised

by the committee, which is made up of volunteers. The

PTA organise fundraising and social events throughout

the year, in which a wide range of parents,

grandparents and friends help. These include treat

days, the annual picnic, school discos, coffee

afternoons, Christmas fair, competitions and the

summer fair.

The main focus at the moment is to raise funds to build a MUGA (multi use games area) pitch

on the school field. Lots of fundraising events have been held including 4 of our parents

swimming the channel!! In recent years the PTA has funded playground markings, a new

climbing frame, playground bins, a new parent shelter, bike and scooter rack and IT equipment.

The PTA are also happy to be contacted by email at nevillescrosspta@googlemail.com

Helping in School Parents are encouraged to help in school in an area that they feel comfortable with. However,

it is not school policy for parents to help in their own child’s classroom. Parent support is

always valued for out-of-school visits.

Parents take part in interest groups to work on such initiatives as Anti-bullying Strategy and

School Meals Interest Group.

Links with the Wider Community Our links with the local community are being developed through:

The School Sports Co-ordinator Programme; develop-

ing games and PE skills.

Local churches; the representatives from different

local churches lead regular acts of worship in school

and we hold our carol service in church every year.

Visits from the Fire Brigade, Police and school nurses.

We work closely with our local schools in: Community

of Learning, School Sports Co-ordinator Programme

and International Links.

As a school, we regularly support local and national

charities.

We support Durham Foodbank — a local charity

We support the Great North Air Ambulance Service.

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PRACTICALITIES AND ORGANISATION

Joining our School If you would like make an application to Neville’s Cross Primary School, please telephone

the central Admissions Office at County Hall (03000 265 893) or email

schooladmissions@durham.gov.uk who will be able to advise you on place availability. The

admissions policy is that of Durham County Council Education Authority. Further details

of the admissions criteria can be found on the Durham County Council website

(www.durham.gov.uk).

School Uniform Children are expected to wear our school uniform as it fosters a sense of community and

belonging and we hope the children are proud to be identified with their school in this way.

The uniform consists of red sweatshirts, cardigans and red or white polo shirts, teamed

with grey or black trousers or skirts and plain black footwear (no lights/logos etc)

The sweatshirts and cardigans can be purchased embroidered with the school logo from

our uniform supplier School Trends, together with pinafore dresses, coats, hats, PE kits

and school branded bags. Please visit www.schooltrends.co.uk

Jewellery, especially earrings, and make-up is NOT to be worn at any time.

Holidays During School Time

The school year includes 13 weeks when the children are on holiday. A formal request

must be made to the Head Teacher before any additional time can be taken during term

time. Please remember that you do not have a legal right to take your child or

children out of school for holidays during term time. We closely monitor

attendance in collaboration with our Educational Welfare Officer and if your

child’s attendance falls below the Government recommendation of 92%

further action may be taken by the EWO.

Term dates are available on the school website or from the school office.

Attendance and Absence Attendance levels are high – averaging 96% however we do still have a small number of

unauthorised absences. An absence will be marked as unauthorised if the school does not

receive a explanation for it, or if an appropriate reason is not given (illness or a medical

appointment for example) Please notify us in person, in writing, by telephone on 0191

3842249 or by email at nevillescross@durhamlearning.net.

Safeguarding Children We have a safe and secure building with fully fenced grounds. During the school day all

gates into the school are closed and doors locked. All visitors and parents must enter

school via the main entrance, sign in and obtain a badge if they are to proceed

through the school building. All adults working in our school on a regular basis have had

security clearance through the appropriate channels.

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Neville’s Cross Primary School

Relly Path

Neville’s Cross

Durham

DH1 4JG

Tel: 0191 3842249

Fax: 0191 3830550

Email: nevillescross@durhamlearning.net

www.nevillescross.durham.sch.uk

We sincerely hope that you and your child enjoy your time at

Neville’s Cross Primary School.

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