Tel (01476) 563895

Fax (01476) 563801

e-mail enquiries@national.lincs.sch.uk

Dear Parent/ Carer

I am pleased to welcome you and your child to the National School and look forward to a happy and successful future together.

The information in this prospectus explains the aims and organisation of the school and I hope it will be a useful guide both now and for future reference. If you do have a request for further information please let me know.

The needs and aspirations of each individual child are very important and the school will do its best to provide a happy, caring and stimulating environment where children have the opportunity to achieve their potential.

The National School has a long and proud tradition of excellence in academic achievement, standards of care and extra curricular activities. The philosophy and ethos of the school enables children and staff to work together closely and enjoy the benefits of a friendly atmosphere in a purposeful environment. Our recent OFSTED report commended the high quality of teaching and learning and the ethos of the school in addition to praising our academic standards which have resulted in pleasing successes at the11+ and the End of Key Stage 2 Tests in addition to excellent progress by children with special educational needs.

I look forward to meeting you at school functions and parents evenings and to the development of a partnership between home and school. Please do not hesitate to contact us over any matter concerning your child. We will very happy to discuss your concerns.

Yours sincerely

John D Gibbs

Headteacher

A MESSAGE FROM THE GOVERNORS

As evidence of the school’s commitment to provide a broad and balanced education, we can report notable achievements in a wide range of activities.

The school is now a Lincolnshire Healthy School . The assessment report speaks of excellent progress in reaching targets.

A large investment has been made in upgrading computer facilities so that the school is now one of the best equipped primary schools in the county.

Whenever the National takes part in extra-curricular events there is most creditable performances. Recent examples include a national science competition, the local rock challenge dance and numerous occasions in music and sport.

The Governors take pride in the children’s success in the classroom and in all the other opportunities the school offers. We wish to thank all who contribute so well in promoting the reputation of the National.

Reverend Eric McDonald June 2005

Chairman of Governors

VOLUNTARY AIDED STATUS

The National School is a Church of England Voluntary Aided Day School for Junior Children. The school was founded in the early half of the 19^th Century and its foundation requires that the school provide an environment in which the principles of the Christian teaching of the Church of England should be upheld and taught.

Appointments of the headteacher and staff will be of practising Christians or teachers sympathetic towards the teaching of the Church.

The County Council, through the Education Committee, has certain rights to inspect, administer and provide services to aided schools but the Governors have the responsibility for school budgets which include staffing, maintenance and services, admissions, the delivery of the National Curriculum and the form of Religious Education and worship in the school.

The National Church of England School

was founded for boys in Back Lane , Grantham in 1812, over fifty years before compulsory education began. It moved to the present site in Castlegate in 1859, where a girls’ school and the boys’ school were erected in Victorian style. In 1960 the two schools were modernised and combined as a mixed boys’ and girls’ junior school.

Governors

The names of the Governors at June 2005 and the categories represented are listed below.

EX-OFFICIO GOVERNORS

Revd C Andrews, Rector of Grantham

Mr J D Gibbs, Headteacher of the National School .

FOUNDATION GOVERNORS

Appointed by the Lincoln Diocesan Board of Education

Mrs S Coleman (31.8.2006)

Mr R Earl* (31.8.2006)

Revd Eric McDonald (31.8.2006)

Mrs J Sharp (31.8.2006)

Mrs J Findlay* (31.8.2006)

Mr A Mendham (31.8.2006)

PARENT GOVERNOR

Mr M Ainsworth (31.8.2006)

LEA GOVERNOR

Mr D Kay (31.8.2006)

TEACHER GOVERNOR

Mrs M Mander (31.8.2006)

STAFF GOVERNOR

Mrs C Farmilo (31.8.2006)

CO-OPTED GOVERNOR

Cllr N Craft (31.8.2006)

CLERK TO THE GOVERNORS

Mrs S Hodgson, c/o the National School

*denotes parent. Dates in brackets show end of appointment

Governors’ Meetings

The Governors of the school meet at least once a term and minutes are kept and business administered according to the Instrument of Government.

Additionally the governing body has numerous working parties that meet at least once a term to plan, monitor and discuss school policy in more detail.

Admissions Policy

The National School is a provision made by the Church of England to serve the whole community.

The Planned Admission Number (PAN) for the school is 128; this means that there are 128 places available in each Year Group. This number would only be exceeded where parents are successful at independent appeal. Admission to the National School in the Autumn Term following the child’s seventh birthday is automatic from Harrowby and Little Gonerby Infant Schools.

If in any year group there is a vacancy the following priorities will be applied for admitting to the school in the order they are set out below:*

1. Children who are in the care of a Local Authority.

2. Siblings** or stepsiblings of those attending the National School , Little Gonerby Infant School and Harrowby Infant School .

3. The children of families regularly worshipping (at least once a month) at a Christian Church and living within the Deanery of Grantham. The Governors will seek confirmation of such commitment from the Minister of the Church concerned.

4. The children of other families living within the parishes of Harrowby and St Wulfram’s

5. The children of other families living in the other parishes in the Deanery of Grantham.

6. The children of families regularly worshipping (at least once a month) at a Christian Church and living outside the Deanery of Grantham. The Governors will seek confirmation of such commitment from the Minister of the Church concerned.

7. The children of other families living outside the Deanery of Grantham.

The Governors, in consultation with the Headteacher, will consider applications for admission and notify parents.

If there are more applications than places in any of the above categories then places will be allocated on the basis of convenience of access to the school. In considering convenience of access the Governors will look at the distance from school***; the extent to which, if not admitting, there is an alternative school, which is similarly accessible and the nature of the route from the applicant’s residence to school.

Parents/guardians may make application for admission by contacting the school, which will issue application forms and the necessary information.

Governors maintain a waiting list of applicants. Offers of places to children on the waiting list are made according to the criteria given above as and when spaces become available. If you are unhappy with the governors’ decision not to offer your child a place at The National School, you have the right of appeal to an Independent Appeals Committee. Further information regarding the appeals process can be obtained from the school.

*In accordance with the Code of Practice for Special Educational Needs, the allocation of school places for pupils with a statement of special educational needs will take place before the school allocates other places as part of the normal admissions process.

**For the purpose of this policy, governors use the following definitions:

· Sibling – each of two or more children having one or both parents in common

· Stepsibling – a child who lives on a permanent basis but who does not have a parent in common with another child

***For the purpose of this policy, Governors calculate the distance from the applicant’s home as the crow flies. The applicant’s home is taken to be the address at which the child lives full time or the majority of the week.

Charging and Remissions

The Governors’ policy towards charging for school activities is in line with the Education Reform Act 1988 as follows:

§ The principle of free education is maintained in the school.

§ The school may invite voluntary payments from parents to support the running costs of swimming and instrumental tuition by the peripatetic music staff and planned year/class/group/school visits. No child is to be prevented from taking part through inability to pay.

§ Educational visits at the National School both in the United Kingdom and abroad are voluntary activities where payment is required.

§ The school may cancel any activity if insufficient parents are willing to support it through voluntary payment.

Special Educational Needs

All pupils share the right to a broad and balanced curriculum. Special Needs are met wherever possible by the appointment of staff with particular responsibilities, the appointment of a named governor with responsibility for special education and by the resources available for such pupils from the school budget and other sources.

The Governors accept that up to 20% of all pupils may have some special educational need during their school careers, ranging from learning difficulties, sensory impairment, emotional and behavioural difficulties, to varieties of physical disabilities.

In addition the Governors’ concern is for the gifted child who may also need extra resources or guidance. A member of staff has a responsibility as co-ordinator for talented and gifted children.

Sex Education

Sex Education is part of the National Curriculum, which includes a programme of Science and Health Studies, of which an introduction to Animal and Human Biology and Reproduction is naturally a part. Sex and relationships education is one of the areas covered in our Personal, Social and Health Education Programme (see below for details). The school will take account of the physical, moral and emotional development of the children, within a Christian family framework, and pupils’ questions will be answered simply but frankly at the discretion of the teacher. Additionally our School Nurse, Karon Gudgeon is involved in delivering a comprehensive sex education programme to Year 5 and Year 6 children. Parents are informed when this programme takes place and may withdraw their children from the programme on request.

The National Healthy School Standard

Healthy Schools isn’t an entirely new concept – there have been successful projects running in school for years. It is about all those areas covered in our Personal, Health and Social Programme. There are 8 key areas – personal, social and health education; citizenship; drugs education; emotional health; healthy eating; physical activity; safety and sex and relationships education. It benefits learning by giving children better information about decisions and life choices as well as support. We work with the whole community where we get valuable support from many agencies as well as our parents and governors. This year the National School achieved the National Healthy School Award.

Complaints Procedure

If a parent wishes to make a complaint normally the first person to contact should be the child’s class teacher via the head. If the problem cannot be resolved then a visit to the Headteacher would be advisable. In most cases difficulties can be solved at this stage. Should you wish, however, to take the matter further the School Governors are the next people with whom you should get in touch. Failing all this you may contact Lincolnshire Council Education Comm ittee.

Administration of Drugs/Medicine

Medication will only be administered in school in cases of chronic illness such as diabetes, epilepsy, asthma and hay fever. The medicines must be those prescribed by a registered medical practitioner and labelled by a chemist with the child’s name and the amount/frequency of dosage. The medicine will be kept in a safe place at the Headteacher’s discretion.

Antibiotics prescribed for infections will not be administered in school and in most cases children should remain at home until the course has been completed. Parents may come into school to administer a midday dose of medicine if they consider that a child should be in attendance at school whilst receiving such medication.

Children’s Progress

The school will provide parents with information about their children’s progress which may also be discussed at parents evening and by request. Written reports are sent home at the end of each academic year. Individual levels of attainment in the National Curriculum are included in the Year 6 reports at the end of Key Stage 2.

Insurance

The Education Department does not cover pupils for personal insurance in school. Parents who wish for insurance should make their own arrangements. Further, children are responsible for their own personal possession. The school is vigilant regarding the

health and safety of all the pupils and insures against accident on extended trips and visits.

Terms and Holidays 2005/2006

Term 1

Tuesday 6 September - Friday 21 October

Term 2

Monday 7 November - Wednesday 21 December

Term 3

Tuesday 3 January - Friday 17 February

Term 4

Monday 27 February - Friday 7 April

Term 5

Monday 24 April - Friday 26 May

May Day

Monday 1 May

Term 6

Monday 5 June - Friday 21 July

AIMS OF THE SCHOOL

o To provide a happy, secure and stimulating learning environment where children are valued as individuals and are encouraged to fully develop their potential – academically, artistically, emotionally, physically, socially and spiritually.

o To encourage the school to be a caring community where all respect and value one another and their surroundings.

o To value all children equally and to give every child equal opportunity and access to a broad and balanced curriculum irrespective of background, disability, ethnicity, gender and religion.

o To develop positive attitudes towards lifelong learning and to equip children with appropriate skills and knowledge to enable them to participate as active members of the school and as confident, responsible citizens.

o To function as a partnership of children, parents, staff, governors, the LEA, Diocese and outside agencies in the delivery of a quality education for the children in our care.

We will promote all the aims within a Christian ethos developing moral and spiritual values

OFSTED INSPECTION – MARCH 2003

The school was delighted to receive another outstanding OFSTED report following inspection in March 2003.

The school was told by the Government inspectors OfSTED that “This is a very good school with many strengths. It is very well led and managed. The school gives very good value for money” The report praised the quality of teaching and learning in the school of all subjects and standards achieved in English, Maths, Music and Sport were deemed to be especially high.

Other strengths identified by the inspectors included the leadership and management of the school, the provision for all pupils, pupils’ personal development, the richness of the curriculum, the range of extra-curricular activities, relationships between pupils and staff and the partnerships with parents and the local community.

Summary copies of the report are available free of charge from the school office.

Teaching Staff and Responsibilities for September 2006

Mr J D Gibbs Headteacher

Mrs K Sutherland Deputy Headteacher

Mrs C Ball Assistant Head/Head of Year 3/Special Educational Needs

Mrs H Banks Assistant Head/Head of Year 5/Technology/Assessment

Miss G Boughton Main Scale Teacher

Mrs W Britton Art and Display

Mrs D Cave Science/Gifted and Talented Pupils

Mr S Chamberlain Head of Year 4/Mathematics

Miss M Core Information and Communications Technology

Miss E Featherstone Drama

Miss N Haylock PE/Games

Mrs K Lambert Main Scale Teacher

Mrs M Mander French/PSHE/RE

Miss S Nadin Main Scale Teacher

Mr D Nicholson Main Scale Teacher

Mrs D Ramsay Geography/Library

Miss L Szymanski Main Scale Teacher

Mrs T Thomas History

Mrs E Woods Head of Year 6/Literacy

Miss V Wright Music

Support Staff

Mrs S Hodgson School Administrator

Mrs K Storey Senior School Secretary

Mrs J Mik Clerical Assistant

Mrs V Bond Teaching Assistant

Mrs K Cunningham Teaching Assistant

Mrs M Deptford Teaching Assistant

Mrs J Dowsett Teaching Assistant

Mrs C Farmilo Teaching Assistant

Mrs J Franklin Teaching Assistant

Mrs K Franklin Teaching Assistant

Mrs L Kirton Teaching Assistant

Mrs A Young Teaching Assistant

Mr A Douglas Caretaker

Mrs S Hayes Cleaner

Mrs A Haythorn Cleaner

Mrs C Pocock Senior Supervisory Assistant

Mrs D Bagley Midday Supervisory Assistant

Mrs P Coverley Midday Supervisory Assistant

Mrs L Hirst Midday Supervisory Assistant

Mrs J Mills Midday Supervisory Assistant

Mrs P Reichelt Midday Supervisory Assistant

Mrs L Trigg Midday Supervisory Assistant

Mrs M Woolward Midday Supervisory Assistant

New Children

Prospective parents are welcome to visit the school but it is advised that they first contact the school office for an appointment.

Parents of children transferring from our feeder infant schools are invited to meet the receiving class teachers and visit the working classroom, on a day during the last two weeks of the Summer Term prior to admission.

The children come on another day to spend a relaxed and happy morning in their new classes and join in the school assembly.

Parental Involvement

Parents contribute greatly to the daily life of the school by helping in the classrooms, by hearing extra reading, in craftwork and supporting in many other ways. The school is very grateful for this support in what is a partnership in the education and growth of our children.

Parents are welcome to come and discuss any problems that may arise, though it is helpful to arrange an appointment, so that the problem may be investigated beforehand and a time reserved for the meeting. Parent Evenings are arranged early in the Autumn Term for parents and teachers to meet and discuss how their children have settled and in the Spring Term to discuss progress. Report Sessions are held during the Summer Term after receipt of the School Report.

Visitors to School

To protect children, parents and staff, all visitors are requested to report to the school office to receive a security pass. This includes parents visiting the school.

School Organisation

The National is a large Church Junior School with 496 pupils on roll and provides a caring family community for Key Stage 2 pupils aged from seven to eleven.

Pupils in the 7+ age group are designated as Year 3 pupils and are placed in four mixed ability classes. Setting for Mathematics and English will be introduced during the school year. Assessments during Year 3 will assist in the selection of children for these sets.Year 4, 5 and 6 children remain in mixed ability classes for most of the curriculum areas but continue to be placed in sets for Mathematics and English.

All pupils, in whatever class they are placed, follow the same curriculum, the same projects, use the same core text books and take the same tests and assessments except in the case of a few special needs pupils whose parents have been consulted.

Staff resources are structured to provide a class teacher, or teachers, responsible for the progress and welfare of the individual child. Specialist teaching is given in some subject areas such as Oral French (Year 6), Music and Games.

The School Management Team meets weekly to plan and monitor all aspects of school life. The whole staff meets regularly to plan for and deliver the National Curriculum and as Year Groups to detail attainment targets and to monitor and evaluate programmes of study.

Staff development is monitored and provided for through a programme of In Service Training. New developments in subjects and assessment procedures are reported back by Subject Coordinators to full staff meetings on a regular basis.

Behaviour Policy

The National School has a behaviour policy that consists of five elements. Its stated aims are to help children at the National School develop attitudes which are unselfish and caring and which enable them to live in harmony with one another and the wider community. The elements are listed below:

· Pupils’ Charter (reproduced overleaf)

· Classroom Rules

· Merit System

· Sanctions

· Anti-Bullying Policy

The Pupils’ Charter is reproduced here. A full copy of the school behaviour policy can be obtained from the school office for a small charge. This contains details of the merit and sanctions system currently used in the school to encourage and reward excellence in work and behaviour.

NATIONAL CHURCH OF ENGLAND JUNIOR SCHOOL

PUPILS’ CHARTER

I will do my best to:

§ Be friendly and helpful to everyone

§ Enjoy success, especially that of others

§ Wear my school uniform with pride and dress appropriately for other activities

§ Listen carefully to adults and speak to them politely

§ Look after my own and other people’s property

§ Work quietly and sensibly in class