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School Handbook 2006 7

Parents and Friends Association

Curriculum complaints and General complaints

Dress Code,School Meals,Absences,Security,Reporting to parents

We welcome you as parents of Veryan School. This guide contains information about the day to day life and school activities that your child will experience with us.

We all hope your child will be happy here and learn well. This can best be achieved by developing an effective two-way system between home and school. Veryan School is a busy happy place with a committed team who work well together to ensure the highest possible standards of education for all our children.

We aim to nurture in our children a sense of responsibility for others in the setting of a church school. By providing a stimulating environment and challenging opportunities we encourage them to become independent and caring members of our village and community. By developing good working habits, inspiring self confidence and increasing their own self esteem, we aim to give them the skills which will need to reach their full potential in the world.

All these experiences are encouraged and supported by you. We greatly need and value your help and encouragement, so if you feel you can help us and our children in any way do come in and let us know.

At Veryan School the children, parents and all the staff work together in a warm and caring environment. This partnership is the foundation of all our achievements and so parents and visitors are always welcome.

Although we hope that many of your questions will be answered as you read this guide, you may require some more details. If this is so please do come and see me and I will do my best to provide them for you.

We all look forward to working with you to support your child in their learning and development.

Simon Welch
Headteacher Back to top

Ofsted Report 2003

The school was inspected by OFSTED in May 2003.
What the Inspectors commented..

This is a good school that provides a well-rounded education for all its pupils.

The teaching is good overall, with some that is very good. Results of national tests compare well with other schools and individuals achieve well.

Teachers and governors form a strong team and manage improvements quickly and effectively.

The school provides good value for money.

Standards attained by seven year olds were well above the national average.

Pupils? positive attitudes, their willingness to seek answers and the relationships between adults and pupils are key factors in their successful learning.

The quality and range of the curriculum is good. The curriculum is broad and significantly enriched by the links with the community. There is a very good range of extra-curricular clubs and opportunities for pupils to participate in productions and special events.

Provision for pupils with special educational needs is good. Pupils receive good levels of carefully targeted support and make good progress.

Provision for pupils? personal, including spiritual, moral, social and cultural development is very good. The school has a very positive ethos and individual pupils flourish in the caring environment.

The school is very good at caring for its pupils. All pupils are well known and well cared for. Back to top

ABOUT VERYAN SCHOOL

Veryan School is situated at the heart of the village of Veryan. It was built in 1872 on the site of the earlier school built by Jeremiah Trist, the parish vicar, as a place to educate the children of the parish.

Veryan is situated near to the south coast on the Roseland peninsula, some 12 miles from Truro, off the A3078 to St Mawes. It is well known for its Round houses, built as simple workmen?s cottages.

Veryan lies within the designated ?Area of Outstanding Beauty?, ?Conservation Area? and nearby are ?Sites of Scientific Interest? ,?Great Landscape Value? and ?Heritage Coast?.

The school has had two major extensions since it was built and now comprises of 3 main classrooms (one of which is divided into 2 sections for Foundation and Key Stage 1), a library, office/staffroom and lobby.

Outside the school is a tarmac play area and wooden climbing frame. The school also has use of the Sports Club field in an agreement with the club committee.

Veryan school has been teaching children for 186 years and remains an integral part of the village and parish life. It enjoys a good reputation within the local community for providing excellent education and pastoral care. Back to top

Admissions Policy

The planned admissions limit for Veryan School is 14 for each year group.
We would very much like to be able to offer all children who apply the chance to take up the ?Veryan experience?. Unfortunately, the buildings of the school physically restrict the numbers we are able to accept.
The Governors of the school are responsible for the admission of children to the school, and have decided the following points system should be applied when admitting pupils, should the number of applications exceed the year limit.
1. Children who live within a 3 mile radius of the school 4 points
2. Children who already have older siblings at the school 2 points
3. Children of practising Christian families in the parish of Veryan and Ruan 1 point

This means the maximum number of points which could be gained is 7.

For Reception children, Veryan will admit all eligible pupils at the start of the school year, in September, full-time. However, there may be some parents who feel that this amended policy would not be appropriate for their child. In these cases parents are able to defer admission until their child is of compulsory school age (i.e. until the beginning of the term after their fifth birthday). They may not, however, defer entry beyond the reception year.

As from December 2000 parents must complete a registration form by December of the Autumn term, for the school of their choice, for any child due to start a Reception class the following academic year.
*Application for Reception 2007/2008 (Start Sept 2007) must be completed and returned by December 2006. * Registration forms will be available direct from The Education Department, Cornwall County Council, County Hall, Truro TR1 3AY Back to top

Disabled Pupil Intake

We endeavour to make our school buildings accessible and easy for use for all pupils.
We do not believe that children?s disabilities are a barrier to them taking a full and active part in school life. Back to top

Mission Statement

Veryan CofE Primary School
Mission Statement

The main purpose of our school is to provide a high standard of learning, both academic and social, set within a context of Christian values. Back to top

Veryan School Aims

Within this Christian setting our aims are:
1. To educate pupils intellectually, socially, morally, creatively, physically and spiritually and to develop lively enquiring minds and a love of learning.
2. To give instruction in the basic skills namely reading, numeracy, oracy and literacy by the most effective methods available to us.
3. Th encourage the development of all children to meet their full potential so they will learn to take their place in society.
4. To promote values within the school and to encourage in pupils a sense of decency, commitment, self-reliance, responsibility, respect for others and a healthy self-esteem with high expectations of themselves.
5. To create an atmosphere, which is relaxed but purposeful, and to facilitate the achievement of these aims by forming the best possible relationships between teachers, parents and others involved, and an understanding of the world.

We are concerned about the development of the whole personality of each individual. We try to teach that which each child needs regardless of age, gender, ability or culture.
We aim to develop children's ability to question, to debate rationally and to think and work independently. Back to top

School Staff List

Headteacher Mr S Welch Y3 & Y4 Key Stage 2

Teaching Staff Ms B Roberts Reception, Y1 & Y2 Key Stage 1
Mr D Phillips Y5 & Y6 Key Stage 2
Mrs L Begley Part-time Y3 & Y4 Head?s Relief
Support Staff
Teaching Assistant Mrs J Clark Class 1
Teaching Assistant Mrs V Cutts Class 1
Teaching Assistant Mrs N Lydall Reception
Teaching Assistant Mrs S Paull Y3, Y4, Y5, & Y6
Teaching Assistant Mr S Sara Classes 1 & 2
Teaching Assistant Mrs J Vincent Class 2
School Secretary Mrs M Symons

Lunchtime Supervisors Mrs J Clark
Mrs S Paull
Mr S Sara
Mrs J Vincent
Site Supervisor Mrs L Moyses
Cook Mrs D Waterford

The Governing Body
Chairman of Governors Miss Helen Couch
11 Four Acres Rd, Veryan Green, Truro
Clerk to Governors Mrs M Symons, c/o Veryan Cof E Primary School
Head Mr S Welch
Vicar Rev C Budden
LEA Representative Mr Luke Dunstone
Parent Governor Mr C Davidson
Foundation Governors Mrs P Carbis
Miss H Couch
Mr J Dean
Mrs V Cutts
Mr I Lydall
Staff Governor Ms B Roberts
Vacancy Back to top

Aims and Standards

The purpose of each governing body is to help the school provide the best possible education for its pupils.

It is accountable to those who established and fund the school and also to parents and the wider community for the way it carries out its functions.

It acts at all times in accordance with the requirements laid down in Acts of Parliament, statutory regulations and the school?s instrument and articles of the government.

It acts at all times fairly, without prejudice, and in accordance with the principles laid down by the Committee on Standards in Public Life. Back to top

Governors' Policy on charging

Activities offered wholly or mainly during teaching time should be available to all our pupils regardless of their parents ability to help meet the costs.

Although education in our school is free we may charge for optional activities provided. We ask for voluntary contributions, for the benefit of the school and the pupils, or in support of any activity organised by the school, whether during or outside school hours.

The school also may ask for voluntary contributions towards the cost of ingredients, materials and equipment where parents expressed the wish, in advance, to have the finished product. Back to top

Parents and Friends Association

Chair Mrs M Couch
Secretary Mrs J Vincent
Treasurer Mr J Dean

On behalf of the Parents and Friends Association we would like to welcome you and your family to Veryan School.

We hope that you will be able to join us at some of our social fund raising events and also at some of our meetings where we informally discuss future events, items we would like to purchase with funds raised and other subjects that members wish to discuss.

The aim of the PFA is to raise money to help purchase items for the school to benefit the children which cannot be purchased form the school's own budget. Back to top

HOW CAN YOU HELP?

By supporting the many events held by the PFA which include a Christmas Fayre, Party in the Park and evening entertainments which have in the past included a Silent Auction, Barn Dance, Quiz/Games night, Children?s Disco, Curry Night and Safari Supper. On-going fund raising include a 200 Club (lucky number draw).

Please support our events and join us at our meetings, any suggestions will be warmly welcomed. Our input to the school is vital. Without your, as parents, involvement the future of our organisation and the support we give to the school will be in jeopardy.

Please come along and enjoy the social, fun and friendship of the PFA. We look forward to meeting you. Back to top

School Calendar

The term calendar for the current year is enclosed on a separate sheet.

Inset Days

The confirmed dates will be sent to you in the school newsletter at the beginning of the school year and each term. Back to top

Veryan School Hours

A members of staff is on duty from 8.30 - 9.00am to collect messages and letters etc. School starts at 9.00am.
At the close of school at 3.15pm, one member of staff is on duty at the main gate monitoring all children leaving with adults until no children remain. Any child not collected will be brought back into school and looked after until contact with the parents is made, or they are collected. For the safety of our children, it is important that parents let the school know of any changes to the normal routine.

School session times:
Morning Session Afternoon Session
Key Stage 1&2 09.00 ? 12.00 hrs 13.00 ? 15.15 hrs Back to top

Playtime

During playtimes, members of the teaching staff and support staff are on duty in the playground to ensure the safety of our children Back to top

School Curriculum

Our aim at Veryan School is that each child develops into a person with confidence and high self-esteem, who is self-disciplined, caring and courteous, with pride in his or her own work.

The culture within our school will nurture and aim to captivate within our children a desire for life long learning.

We endeavour to provide a happy, stimulating, structured but clearly disciplined environment for our children.

The National Curriculum consists of five core subjects, English, Maths, Science, Information Communication Technology and religious Education, together with the foundation subjects of History, Geography, Physical Education, Art and Music and Citizenship.

We must remember that our curriculum should also incorporate other important elements related to children's social development, their community, their health, other peoples cultures, equal opportunities and Cornish Studies.

Children must be given information and acquire knowledge so that they are able to make informed healthy choices in life.

We make full use of our local environment, and arrange educational visits to enhance learning and enrich the curriculum.

Performing arts, outdoor education, sport, playing instruments and swimming all add to our Curriculum of Opportunity at Veryan.

Religious Education
Veryan is a Church of England Voluntary Aided Primary School. Our guideline for religious education is the Handbook and Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education published by the Cornwall Education Authority and agreed by the Diocesan Board of Education.

Our approach is based upon the needs and interests of the children. Focusing on the Christian way of life, we explore ways of living together in a community which has a wide spectrum of religious and social beliefs.

The presentation of our assemblies is varied but usually includes hymns, songs, prayer and reflection. Parents have the right to withdraw a child from arrangements for religious education within certain guidelines which are available from the school. Christian festivals are celebrated in the parish church and the school takes part in Eucharist services.

Sex Education
We encourage our children to be curious about the world, and the subject of sex will no doubt occur. We will answer questions truthfully with proper regard to the children?s maturity. The Staff and Governors include sex education as part of our health education programme so that it forms a natural and integral part of the project planning.

Special Educational Needs
At Veryan, we aim to raise standards for all children including those with special educational needs.

The Code of Practise for Special Educational Needs gives the school the responsibility of identifying children with special educational needs and ensuring ?appropriate? provision is made.

It is the policy of the school to identify any child with a special educational need at the earliest possible age in order that appropriate provision can be made.

Pupils who appear to be experiencing some kind of difficulty will, after consultation with parents, be place on the SEN register. Children with special educational needs include those with physical disabilities, hearing or visual impairment, emotional and behavioural problems, language or specific learning problems.

The role of parents in identifying and helping children with special difficulties s vital, and the school uses its policy of parental consultations to the full in order to maintain a close working relationship.
Special educational needs funding is provided in addition to our normal budget and is utilised exclusively to address the identified needs of the children.

Sport
At Veryan school we encourage all children to participate in sporting activities and to perform to the best of their ability.
Competition is a part of life and cannot be ignored. We hope that by encouraging self-motivation and confidence that children will appreciate and enjoy competition without losing sight of the fact that ?taking part? is the important issue.
Although space is limited all children take part regularly in many forms of sport. We are also very fortunate to have the use of the Sports field at the Sports Club just outside the village. We hold our annual sports day there, where everyone has a chance to show their skills. Throughout the year our football, netball, tag-rugby, cross-country and cricket teams compete in local Primary School leagues. Everyone who participates to the best of their ability is a winner.
During one term of the year the children have the opportunity to swim.
Parents and Friends of the school run after school clubs for football, tennis and athletics, which prove very popular. Back to top

Foundation Curriculum

Early childhood is a crucial stage of life in terms of children?s physical, intellectual, emotional and social development and of their well being. Growth is rapid and differential.

A significantly high proportion of learning takes place from birth to age six. It is a time when children particularly need high quality care and learning experiences.

At Veryan school we provide these essential development opportunities and set realistic and challenging expectations which meet the diverse needs of children so that usually all achieve the early learning goals and, where appropriate, go beyond then by the end of the foundation stage.

Statutorily children must attend full-time in the term in which they are five. At Veryan all children are offered the opportunity to attend full-time from the start of September.

Your child will be working at the six areas of learning in the foundation stage curriculum:
- Personal, social and emotional development
- Language and literacy
- Mathematical development
- Knowledge and understanding of the world
- Physical development
- Creative development
The six areas help practitioners plan the learning environment, activities and experience and provide a framework for the early years curriculum.

Well planned play, both indoors and outdoors, is a key way in which young children learn with enjoyment and challenge. Back to top

Getting Ready for School

- We hope that your child will settle into school life easily. By the time they reach Reception Class, we expect them to be able to:
- use the toilet properly and flush after use
- wash and dry hands
- respond to their full name
- use a handkerchief or tissue effectively
- leave Mum and Dad for a short period
- tidy up after an activity
- look after their own and other's property
- share toys and take turns
- know what is socially acceptable behaviour
- handle a book appropriately
- understand that teachers and helpers in school are there to help with any worries they may have.
Some of these aspects may require further practice. Back to top

Curriculum complaints and General complaints

A procedure for complaints concerning items from the National Curriculum operates within the school. Such complaints should be addressed initially through the Headteacher. Any matter not satisfactorily resolved should be referred to the Chair of Governors. However, we hope that good communications between parents, class teachers and Headteacher will quickly sort out a problem as quickly as possible. Back to top

Class Structure

Arrangements of classes and class numbers may fluctuate from year to year.
Our current class structure is

Class 1 Ms B Roberts Reception, Y1, Y2 Key Stage One
Class 2 Mr S Welch Y3, Y4 )
Mrs L Begley ) Key Stage Two
Class 3 Mr D Phillips Y5, Y6 )

Our PAN (Planned Admission Number) for each year group is 14 which represents the maximum number of children to be admitted.
Under current regulations to maximum number of pupils in an Infant class is 30.
At times parents wish their child to come to Veryan for a variety of reasons, even though the year group is full, and they go to appeal. An independent Appeals Panel at County Hall decided after representation from all parties concerned whether the child will come to Veryan School or not.

Class Structure
Arrangements of classes and class numbers may fluctuate from year to year.
Our current class structure is

Class 1 Ms B Roberts Reception, Y1, Y2 Key Stage One
Class 2 Mr S Welch Y3, Y4 )
Mrs L Begley ) Key Stage Two
Class 3 Mr D Phillips Y5, Y6 )

Our PAN (Planned Admission Number) for each year group is 14 which represents the maximum number of children to be admitted.
Under current regulations to maximum number of pupils in an Infant class is 30.
At times parents wish their child to come to Veryan for a variety of reasons, even though the year group is full, and they go to appeal. An independent Appeals Panel at County Hall decided after representation from all parties concerned whether the child will come to Veryan School or not. Back to top

How we work together

A vitally important aspect of our ethos at Veryan School is the development of self-esteem and self-respect.
We believe that all children should be treated equally and have equal access to the educational opportunity within the school community.
Living in the school community depends on having clear agreed aims; aims which uphold our values.
We believe the social learning environment of the whole school should foster respect and consideration of others in the community.
We believe it is important to foster pride in the school, in work, in effort as well as achievement; to try rather than give up just because a task is hard.
Children have the right to be able to learn in a friendly, encouraging , secure, supportive and positive school environment.
However, there is a clearly defined disciplinary route for disruptive children or for children displaying antisocial behaviour.
All classes have negotiated a classroom set of rules which reflect the school code and often hold circle times.
The purpose of these times is to build self-esteem and self-confidence in all children as well as developing respect for each other Back to top

Homework

Homework is undertaken by the children at Veryan School. We see homework as a natural extension of school work and is part of our.Home School Agreement. The activities will be varied and should not result in conflict at home.
Your child will not be overburdened with homework as we acknowledge that time to play and relax is a very important part of the learning experience. Though we do follow Government guidelines Back to top

After School Clubs

We try and offer a wide range of after school activities which will differ from term to term. We will let you know on advance if any activity is not taking place, although changes in the weather may force a last-minute cancellation.
All children will of course be supervised until collected.
We greatly appreciate the parental input into these extra activities. If you would like to offer your support for these, or others, we would be most grateful. Back to top

Health

If your child is unwell in the morning before school, please keep them at home to recover fully before they come back to school. We have no medical room or facilities to look after sick children.
Accidents & Medical
We are able to provide facilities for the treatment of minor injuries. If your child becomes ill during the day, or is injured as a result of an accident, then you will be contacted by telephone. We hold on file information on emergency contact numbers for parents, friends and doctor.
We really need to keep this data accurate and ask parents each year to update it.
If we feel emergency treatment is needed and we are unable to contact you, then your child will be taken to Treliske Hospital accompanied by the Headteacher , whilst every effort is being made to advise you of the situation.
If we are unable to contact a parent or guardian, teaching staff cannot legally grant or refuse treatment on your behalf. Doctors may then initiate treatment without your specific consent if they decide that it would be in the best interests of your child to do so. These incidents will be recorded in the school accident book.

Dispensing of medicine
If it is essential for your child to take a prescribed medicine during the course of the day then please pass the medicine to the class teacher or Headteacher with clear written instructions on the dosage prescribed. The medicine will be stored out of reach of children at all times. The only exception to this is where your child may need ready access to an inhaler for asthma.
No medicines will be given to any child without the express written permission of the parent or guardian.

Asthma
Children suffering from asthma, who have inhalers, are allowed to keep their inhaler in school and used when needed under supervision.

Healthy Schools

The school has achieved the Healthy School Award with special emphasis on healthy exercise. As such we endeavour to promote healthy lifestyles and choices. We have a healthy tuck shop available to purchase fruit, cereal bars etc. We would ask parents to support the school by only sending in healthier snacks for their children rather than crisps, sweets and chocolates. Back to top

Dress Code,School Meals,Absences,Security,Reporting to parents

We encourage a high standard of dress and are pleased that our school colours remain acceptable to children and parents. Governors and staff are grateful to parents for their support in this matter.

Boys Grey / black / navy trousers or shorts
Girls Grey / black /navy skirt
Royal blue sweatshirt / jumper Royal blue sweatshirt / jumper
Sensible brown/black shoes Sensible brown/black shoes

PE Boys & Girls White T-shirt
Black Shorts
Black plimsolls
All PE kit should be kept in a drawstring bag which may be left at school.
Football and netball strip is provided for the school teams when taking part in competitions.
Please ensure that ALL items of clothing is well marked with your child?s name ? things do get lost!

Jewellery
At school our main concern is the safety of pupils, particularly when involved in sport. Rings, necklaces, bracelets and some types of earings can be a safety hazard.
Because of this we feel that a watch and stud earings are the only jewellery suitable for school wear.
The school cannot accept responsibility for lost or broken jewellery.

School Meals
Our school cook prepares the dinners for the school on the premises.

Children who stay to dinner at school are asked to bring the full amount for the week on Monday morning, in an envelope clearly marked with their name on the outside. Cheques for meals should be made out to Cornwall County Council.
If they do not want a cooked lunch there is a choice of salad and fresh fruit.
Some children bring a packed lunch. Please do not send drinks in glass containers.
Applications for free school meals should be made to the Free School Meals Service, Education Department, County Hall, Truro TR1 3AY ? Tel: 01872 324410

Absence from School
Legislation requires us to keep record of the level and type of absences, categorised into authorised and unauthorised as detailed:
Authorised absence is recorded for a legitimate reason such as illness, a hospital or dental appointment or a family holiday of no more than two weeks.
?Unauthorised absence is recorded for a reason thought not to be legitimate by the Department of Education i.e. shopping or a family party.
It may also be recorded when a legitimate reason for absence has occurred, but the school has not been informed.
If your child is absent for a legitimate reason, please let us know so that we are able to keep our unauthorised absences records as low as possible.
Parents of children at Veryan school have always been supportive when informing the school of absences.

School Security
The safety of your child is of paramount importance. Visitors will only be allowed into the school through the main entrance.
After school, your child will be handed into the care of a parent or nominated guardian known to the school.
It is therefore imperative that you let us know who is collecting your child after school. We may seek formal proof of identity for any visitor to our school premises.

Keeping in touch
We distribute information relating to current school activities via our regular Newsletter, which is sent home via satchel post every fortnight. Spare copies are available form the office. Vital information on dates of trips etc, is contained in the newsletter so please check that you receive yours.
Information on all things relating to the school can also be found on our website www.veryan.ik.org

Reporting to Parents
We regard your child's education as a partnership between home and school life. Good communication between parents and the school is an essential factor in the success of Veryan School.

Parent/teacher contact regarding day to day matters and general welfare is normally made on an informal basis before or after school, as needs arise. Parents are welcome to discuss problems which directly affect the welfare of their children either with the class teacher or the Headteacher.

A telephone call to make an appointment would be appreciated but, or course, urgent problems will need to be given immediate attention.

We want to keep you informed of your own child's development. In the Autumn Term we like to offer all our parents the opportunity to meet with us to discuss progress, and again in the Spring or Summer Terms.

Towards the end of the Summer Term you will be invited to an Open Afternoon as an opportunity for children to share with you their work and celebrate their success. All family members are welcome.

If you do have a query we are always available to discuss your concerns as they arise.

National Curriculum Assessment Results
The latest results are enclosed as a separate sheet.

Records of Achievement
Each child has his / her own Record of Achievement which the parents and child may see at any time.

Moving On?
When your child reaches Year 6 you will be asked to complete a Secondary Transfer Form, where you can nominate the secondary school you would wish your child to attend.
The secondary school serving the Veryan area is The Roseland Community School at Tregony.
We have no control over the admissions policy of the local schools, and it should not be assumed that a child would automatically gain a place at a particular school.
We liaise with the Headteacher and staff of the secondary school to which your child is going. Staff from the secondary school will visit the children before they move.
The children also go on induction days at their new schools before the end of their last summer term so that they can orientate themselves and be ready for the new school year. We try to make the transition from junior to secondary school as smooth and stress free as possible. Back to top