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“Turvey Lower School aims to provide a secure, happy environment where all children receive a well balanced education appropriate to their individual needs”
THE GOVERNING BODY
In accordance with Sections 60, 61 and 63 of the 1993 Education Act, a Governing Body was established to oversee all aspects of the school during and after its period of being Grant Maintained. Foundation Status having been appointed in September 1999, the current members of the Governing Body are:
Gareth Swidenbank Headteacher
Tena Davies Support Staff
Brenda Alexander Partnership Governor
Phil Anderson Foundation Governor
Teresa Anderson Foundation Governor
James Whelbourn Parent Governor
Paul Gentry Parent Governor
Alison Franklin Parent Governor
Rev. Jo Spray Community Governor
Amanda Armstrong Parent Governor
Mark Smith Borough Council
Liz Fincham Parent Governor
Hilary Hill Teacher Governor
Alison Franklin is the Chair of Governors and Amanda Armstrong is the Vice Chair.
The Correspondent to the Governing Body is Cathy Venables
Addresses and telephone numbers of all members of the Governing Body are available by request to the school office.
(as at June 2010)
THE SCHOOL STAFF
Headteacher Gareth Swidenbank (PSHCE & SEN)
Class Teachers Sharon Coles (ICT, Science, Geography)
Subject Coordinator Hilary Hill (Literacy, Music, RE)
Laura Starsmore (P.E.)
Lorraine Gibson (History)
Sheryl Lewis (Numeracy, Art)
School Manager Tena Davies (Healthy Schools)
School Secretary Anne Mul
Nursery Nurse Jackie Childs
Teaching Assistants Carolyn Cox
Sandra Jennings
Midday Supervisors Frances Mansell
Palvinder Kaur
Peripatetic Music Nic Edwards
Teachers Sam Riches
(as at June 2010)
Turvey Lower School was opened on 9th September 1981 and replaced the old school originally founded in the 19th Century and situated in the High Street.
The village of Turvey is almost directly on the midway point between Bedford, Milton Keynes and Northampton. The Buckinghamshire border is less than half a mile away and the Northamptonshire border is four miles further up the A428.
The school is part of the North Bedfordshire pyramid group. Children normally move on to Harrold Priory Middle at the age of nine (end of Year 4) and then on to Sharnbrook Upper at thirteen (end of Year 8). All three schools are former Grant Maintained schools and are now part of the North Bedfordshire Trust.
Recent published proposals will come into effect at the beginning of the Autumn Term 2013. The three tier system will be replaced by a two tier system which means that we will become Turvey Infant and Primary School catering for children up to the age of 11 (Year 6). The pupils will transfer directly to Sharnbrook Upper School at the beginning of Year 7. Our present Year 1 children will be the first group to remain with us up to the end of Year 6.
Children are admitted to the school once a year in September on a full time basis.
During the autumn term 2005 the Governors decided it was no longer financially viable to offer a hot meal to children. This decision was reached due to the low uptake of the school meals provision. Children are therefore required to bring their own packed lunch. The school does, however, adopt a healthy eating policy and children are encouraged to bring fruit and/or vegetables for mid-morning break. Our approach to Healthy Living was deemed to be outstanding in our most recent OFSTED report.
Strong links exist between ourselves and the local playgroup and also with other nursery and pre-school providers. Similar links exist between all the schools in the pyramid group allowing us to share expertise and experience. Sharnbrook Upper has official status as a Beacon School. Close liaison between ourselves and Harrold Priory ensure that the children transfer with the minimum of worry.
The school itself is situated in a quiet part of the village, away from the busy main road. The grounds are spacious, well maintained and are overlooked by the quiet Carlton Road, the allotments and the recreation field.
There are many shrubs and trees and a nature area complete with covered pond. An environmental area is also maintained. There is a shaded sitting area and a large playing field. During our time of being Grant Maintained capital grants were used to upgrade the playground and to improve the security of the site. We continue to monitor this aspect using the expertise of the Governors Premises Committee.
The buildings themselves are in good condition and provide both children and adults with a pleasant working environment. Regular inspections of the site ensure that all aspects of health and safety are monitored. Staff and children are encouraged to come forward with ideas for improving working conditions.
The building is well decorated and contains many private areas for children to work in. The library was extended during the summer of 2005 and is both attractive and well stocked, with computers and work stations. The hall is spacious and fully equipped.
All the classrooms are of a good size. During the past seven years a number of extensions and upgrades have ensured that we have five suitable base areas for all five year groups, Foundation to Year 4. All five classes have fitted interactive smartboards. The Foundation classroom has an outside covered area and a professionally designed activity playground.
Our website – www.turveylower.co.uk is updated on a daily basis.
The working capacity of the school is currently 120 and at the beginning of the Summer Term 2010 there are 81 children on roll, including Rising Fives.
An admissions policy, approved by the Secretary of State for Education, is in operation and has been included as part of this prospectus. At the beginning of the Summer Term 2010 almost 50% of the total number of children reside outside the traditional catchment area approved by the Local Education Authority.
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES
We aim to provide a friendly and caring atmosphere in which all children may achieve the best of which they are capable. We encourage children to participate fully in all activities and to develop a sense of responsibility towards their work and progress. We aim to promote an active, healthy lifestyle with emphasis placed on healthy eating, physical exercise and mental well-being.
We aim to prepare the children both socially and academically for the middle school to which they will transfer
Education starts in the home and is continued as a partnership between home and school. To give each and every child the best possible chance of success we promote and encourage parents/guardians and teachers to work closely together.
CURRICULUM POLICY
The National Curriculum was introduced as a guarantee that all children would be taught what they really need to know, with checks on their progress at every stage. The school holds copies of all the current documents and these are available for inspection
The children have targets to reach and these are operated on a national basis. As children get older and learn more, the targets become steadily more difficult so that they are always motivated to do their best. Assessment takes place at four stages – 7, 11, 14 and 16 years. Working closely with local providers, we compile a Foundation Stage profile as part of the children’s ongoing assessment.
At Turvey Lower School we are primarily concerned with assessment at the age of 7, the end of Key Stage 1. We do, however, undertake non statutory assessment with Year 4 children, the midway point of Key Stage 2 and also with Year 3 children as part of their Key Stage 2 work. All state schools follow the requirements of the National Curriculum. Our close links with both Harrold Priory and Sharnbrook Upper – and indeed with other lower schools in the North Bedfordshire pyramid as part of the North Bedfordshire Schools Trust – allow us to exchange ideas and information to further our own skills.
The National Curriculum is made up of the following subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Design and Technology, Information and Communication Technology, History, Geography, Art and Design, Music, Physical Education, RE and PSHE.
The Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED) inspects schools on a regular basis and in addition compiles for each school a Performance and Assessment summary based on both inspection and formal assessment. Included on this website is a summary of our most recent OFSTED report carried out in October 2009. Please see the section marked Letters Home
Parents of Year 2 children receive their own checklist document, allowing them to make comparisons and analysis. Individual results remain confidential between parents and school but in line with national policy, generalised statements referring to overall standards are published on an annual basis.
GENERAL POLICIES
We have in school a comprehensive list of all statutory and non-statutory policies. These are available to view in school by prior arrangement with either the Headteacher or School Manager.
PROVISION FOR SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
All children have requirements which are individual to their own progress. We respect the confidentiality which needs to exist between the school and the individual in order to maximise the potentiality of each and every child. The school will admit pupils with statements of special needs, subject to the normal admissions procedure, where that is the wish of the parents. We will ensure that the pupils will receive the support specified in their individual reports and will seek the appropriate professional help where necessary.
Turvey Lower School embraces the 1994 Code of Practice for Special Educational Needs. The Headteacher co-ordinates policy throughout the school and a designated Governor representative monitors both progress and procedure. Regular reports are then presented to the full Governing Body.
Pupils are able to draw upon a wide range of resources, including classroom computers, a multi-sensory reading scheme, audio visual aids and a resource bank of specific S.E.N. programmes used across the curriculum. Support is given for pupils within mainstream classes and specialist assistance arranged to facilitate individual tuition. Emphasis is placed on identifying children’s special educational needs at the earliest possible stages. Regular meetings take place between class teacher and Headteacher and all outcomes are recorded – in confidence – to individual parents.
THE SCHOOL DAY
8.50 am Registration
8.55 Lessons
10.05 First Break time *
10.25 Assembly
10.35 Second Break time *
11.00 Lessons
12.00 Lunchtime
1.00 Lessons (Key stage 2)
1.15 Lessons (Key stage 1)
2.30 Break time
2.45 Lessons
3.20 End of day
* Alternating Key stage groups
Please note – for health and safety reasons, children should not enter the school via the front door but should assemble in the playground by 8.50 a.m. in time for the bell. Children will be collected from the playground by their class teacher.
We encourage the children to be independent and would therefore ask you to say your “goodbyes” on the playground and request parents only come into school if absolutely necessary.
The entrance to the school is controlled by a security system.
Children arriving after morning registration (9.a.m.) will be marked as late.
UNIFORM AND EQUIPMENT
We encourage parents to purchase Turvey Lower School uniform, available from the school office. Quality is good and prices are competitive! Anne Mul and Tena Davies will be pleased to help you in this matter. We discourage the wearing of trainers to school.
P.E. kit is essential. All children will need to keep in school a P.E. bag which contains a t-shirt, shorts and plimsolls or trainers.
Please ensure that all clothes are clearly marked with your child’s name.
We prefer children not to bring into school any personal items of value which could be damaged or lost. We supply the children with all the working material they will need during a typical school day.
School book bags and water bottles are provided free of charge. However a cost is made for replacements bags and bottles.
SNACKS
It is a policy of Turvey Lower School that children do NOT bring sweets/biscuits/crisps/chocolate bars, etc. into school for mid-morning break. However we do endorse the Department of Health’s initiative for healthy eating and accordingly the children are encouraged to bring a piece of fresh fruit or vegetable to have at mid-morning break. Please note that the fruit/vegetable must be ready prepared to eat.
SCHOOL LUNCH
Following consultations with parents during the summer of 2005, the Governors decided to withdraw the provision of a hot meal service with effect from January 2006. All children now bring a packed lunch each day. We are still able to offer free school meals to eligible children.
If you wish to take your child home for lunch, we do need to be informed in advance. Parents will need to sign their children in and out of school when taking them home for lunch. There is a book available for this purpose on the table in entrance hall.
MEDICINES IN SCHOOL
We can administer medication if required in accordance with our school policy. An Indemnity Form must be signed if you wish us to give the medication. Indemnity Forms can be obtained from the school office. Alternatively, you or a nominated person can come in to administer the medicine during school lunch break. Please note – children are not allowed to bring into school any medication purchased over the counter, i.e. Calpol, cough sweets, sore throat sweets, etc. unless they have been prescribed by a Doctor. This follows a directive from our school nurse and is in line with guidelines issued by Bedfordshire Borough Council
CAR PARKING
Following ongoing complaints by residents and visits from Bedfordshire Police, please can you ensure that when dropping off or collecting children from school you park your vehicle safely, without causing obstruction and with consideration for local residents.
The car park is not for use by parents and is purely for staff, deliveries and visitors to the school. At no time should be entrance to the car park be obstructed. Thank you.
PARENT CONSULTATION EVENINGS
We hold Consultation Evenings each term. Parents will receive appointment slips prior to the consultations on which they can state their preferred appointment time.
TERM TIME HOLIDAYS
We strongly recommend that children should not be taken out of school during term time for holidays. However, in exceptional circumstances, you may take your child out of school for one period up to 10 days; any time over this will be marked as an unauthorised absence. Holiday Request Forms can be obtained from the school office.
ABSENCE DUE TO ILLNESS
If your child is ill please let us know by telephone on the first day of absence.
EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Music – Violin and Double Bass lessons are available for children in Years 3 and 4. These are run by the Bedfordshire Music Team and are charged for. Guitar and recorder lessons are available to KS2 children free of charge
The school has an orchestra - they practise each week after school. This is open to children in Years 2, 3 and 4.
Sports Clubs – Throughout the year, a variety of clubs take place, targeting different year groups.
Choir – A school choir is available for children in Years 3 and 4 during one lunch break each week. This is free of charge.
PARENT HELPERS
Parents/guardians and friends are often seen in school helping with reading and various activities. We appreciate the help and commitment we receive from them and other members of the community and the popularity of these events demonstrates the caring environment that is Turvey Lower School.
NATIONAL HEALTHY SCHOOL STATUS
The school achieved National Healthy School Status in December 2006. We have a Healthy Schools Committee, consisting of 2 staff members and two governor representatives.
We have recently successfully completed our Healthy Status Annual Review and plan to work towards achieving Enhancement status of the award during 2010/2011
We also have a School Council which is made up of pupil representatives from Key Stages 1 and 2.
SCHOOL ACCESSIBILITY
Following the introduction of the Disability Discrimination Act of 1995, amended and updated in 2001, all schools were required to carry out strategies which ensured that their premises were accessible and did not disadvantage individual pupils, staff or visitors.
Turvey Lower School put in place a five year plan in 2001 to carry out both a building programme and alterations to the existing structure to ensure that the requirements of the act were met. The timescale was adhered to and, with the renovation of the
administration area in 2006, the five year plan was completed.
The Premises Committee undertake regular reviews of the requirements of the act and report any recommendations to the full Governing Body.
COMPLAINTS
If there is any cause for you to be concerned about any aspect of your child’s education, the first route should be with your child’s class teacher. The next stage, if necessary, would be to speak to the Headteacher. The school operates an open-door policy and Mr Swidenbank will speak to any parent/guardian about any issues you may have. If matters are still giving cause for concern, the next procedure is to put your complaint in writing to the Chair of Governors.
All issues raised will be investigated and support from the Education Authority will be sought if it is felt parents’ concerns have not been addressed.
The school has in place a Complaints Procedure and parents have the right to a copy of this on request.
CONCLUSION
Many parents are concerned about the best way of preparing their children for school. You can help your child by showing an interest in what they do and encouraging them to learn about the world around them. Your child will settle more readily in school if they have learned a little independence, if they can dress themselves, go to the toilet, eat their lunch and use a handkerchief they will be more confident. Try to get your child used to being without you and used to being with other adults. Try not to compare your child with other children; remember that no two children are alike and that children develop and learn at their own pace.
A child’s education starts at home and we hope it will be continued as a partnership between home and school. We believe that this partnership will give your child the best possible chance of success and by taking an active and supportive interest in your child’s work and progress your child will develop their talents as fully as possible.
Thank you for reading this prospectus. We welcome and encourage visitors to the school – many aspects of day-to-day life cannot be displayed through these pages.
If you would like to see the school in action and talk to the Headteacher and members of staff please telephone for an appointment.
If you wish to make an application for your child to attend the school, please complete the attached ADMISSION REQUEST form and return to the office (or if reading this online please email us at turvey@deal.bedfordshire.gov.uk
Once an offer of a place has been made and accepted in writing, just prior to your child starting with us, you will be given an induction pack – School Welcome Pack – giving detailed information on term dates, uniform costs, etc.
We look forward to hearing from you.
Gareth Swidenbank
Headteacher
FRIENDS OF TURVEY SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
F.O.T.S.A.
FOTSA is a very important element in the life of the school. Social and fund-raising activities are given equal status and the committee members give freely of their time in organising activities.
Automatic membership is given to all parents and we encourage others to join in. During a typical year there will be cake and produce sales and discos each term. Fairs and a Summer Barbecue are regular events.
Tammy Julyan is the Chairperson of FOTSA, June Russell is Treasurer and Cathy Venables is Secretary.
ADMISSIONS POLICY
September 2010
Turvey Lower School is a 120 place Foundation Status School catering for children within the Rising 5 to 9 year range. The Governors will admit up to 24 children to the Reception/Foundation Class in each academic year. This will be at the beginning of the Autumn term as full time pupils.
In the event of there being more applications than there are places available, the Governors will apply the following criteria in the priority order of categories as listed.
1. All `looked after children` (see definition).
2. Pupils living in the catchment area with siblings at the school
(see definition of sibling)
3 Other pupils in the catchment area
4 `Very exceptional` medical grounds (see definition).
5 Other siblings
6 Any other children.
NOTES
In the event of there being an over subscription in any one of the five categories, the priority factor in that category will be the geographical proximity to the school measured in a straight line, using a computerised mapping system, with those living closer to the school receiving the higher priority. The distance will be measured from the address point of the pupil’s home to the main entrance of the school.
Pupils who have a Statement of Special Educational Needs will be admitted to the school which is named on the statement, even if the school is full. Pupils identified for admission through the In-Year Fair Access Protocol will also be admitted even if the school is full.
Formal application to the school is made in accordance with Local Authority coordinated admission procedures and arrangements. Forms are available from the Local Authority or the school. Parents can also apply online for a place during the normal admissions round.
In the case of older children who apply to join the school, admission will be on the basis of places being available in the relevant Year Group. If there are more applicants for places than available, then the above Admissions Policy will apply. Parents should complete the In-Year application form available from the Local Authority or the school.
Appeals/Waiting Lists
Parents of pupils not offered a place at the school will have the right of appeal to an independent Admissions Appeal Panel. Any child refused a place at the school will be placed on a waiting list which will be prioritised according to the admissions criteria. Waiting lists for the normal year of entry will be maintained until the end of the Autumn term.
DEFINITIONS
`Looked After` Children
The Children Act 1989 defines a child who is `looked after` as a child or young person who is accommodated by the Local Authority (Section 20) or a child or young person who is the subject of a full care order (Section 31) or interim care order (Section 38).
Sibling
A sibling refers to a brother or sister, half brother or sister, adopted brother or sister, step brother or sister or the child of the parent/carer’s partner, and in every case, the child should be living at the same address. The sibling must be in the school at the time of application and be likely to remain in the school at the proposed date of admission.
`Very Exceptional` Medical Grounds
`Very exceptional` medical grounds refers to cases where there are exceptional medical reasons which make it essential that a child should attend a particular school and where the preferred school is the only school locally that could meet the child’s needs. A medical report from the child’s doctor or consultant must be submitted with the application form, setting out valid medical reasons why it is essential for the child to be admitted to the school in question and the difficulties that would be caused if the child had to attend another school. The comments of the Authority’s medical officer may be sought to decide whether it is essential for a child to be admitted to the preferred school on medical grounds. Admission on medical grounds cannot be considered where the medical condition relates to that of a parent, brother or sister or other relative/childminder.
Home Address
A pupil’s home address will be regarded as the address of the parents or guardians with parental responsibility with whom the child normally lives. This will not usually include grandparents, aunts or uncles. Where a child spends time with parents at more than one address, the address used to allocate a school place will be the one at which the pupil is ordinarily resident and where the child spends the majority of the school week (Monday to Friday) including nights. If there is any query on the home address this will be checked against original official documentation, eg, council tax bill, a recent utility bill (gas, electric or water), a rental agreemen
SCHOOL CHARGING AND REMISSIONS POLICY
Under the Education Reforms Act the school is not at liberty to charge for any activity that takes place during the school day. However there are occasions when we request a voluntary contribution to help offset any costs incurred for a particular activity. We cannot afford to take children on outings or provide them with extra curricular activities without assistance. No child will be disadvantaged where a parent/guardian is unable to help with a voluntary contribution.
We have a full school charging policy which is available on request
DISCIPLINE AND EXCLUSIONS
During the 2008/2009 academic year there were no fixed term or permanent exclusions from the school.
ATTENDANCE AND ABSENCES
During the 2008/2009 academic year reported attendances and absences were as follows :
Attendance 97.45%
Authorised absences 2.53%
Unauthorised absences 0.02%
NATIONAL CURRICULUM ASSESSMENTS AT KEY STAGE 1
Full details and analysis are available from the Headteacher.
TURVEY LOWER SCHOOL
TERM DATES 2009-2010
Autumn Term 2009
Thursday 3 September 2009 – Friday 18 December 2009
(Half term – week commencing 26 October)
Training Day – Monday 2 November)
Spring Term 2010
Tuesday 5 January 2010 – Thursday 1 April 2010
(Half term – week commencing 15 February)
Summer Term 2010
Tuesday 20 April – Wednesday 21 July 2010
(Half term – week commencing 31 May)
(May Day – Monday 3 May)
Autumn Term 2010
Thursday 2 September – Friday 17 December 2010
(Half term – week commencing 25 October)
(Training day Monday 1 November)
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Prospectus - updated October 2009