THORPE GREENWAYS COMMUNITY
JUNIOR SCHOOL
GREENWAYS
THORPE BAY
SOUTHEND-on-SEA
ESSEX SSI 3BS
01702 468057
CHAIRMAN of GOVERNORS: MR. I. TURNER
TEACHING STAFF
MUSIC STAFF
Mrs D. Croud - Deputy headteacher
Miss C. Archer
Mrs K. Bailey
Mr. M. Berry
Mrs L. Coetzee
Mr. W. Cotton
Mrs E. Dawson
Mr D. Liddle
MissJ.Elwell
Miss R. Geary
Mr. N. Hanshaw
Mrs L. Henderson
Mr. P. Hinds
Miss S. Hodgkinson
Mr. N. Linfield-Assistant headteacher
Mrs.S.Howell
M|ss H.Low
Mr. J. Lupton
Mrs A. Miles
Mr M. Ross
Mr. D. Sims
Miss C. Swaysland
Mr. A. Forman Miss
L. Kelly Mr. J.
Loftin Mrs A.
Carmichael Mr. G.
Say
SENCO
Mrs S. Duggans-Assistant headteacher
LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANTS
INSTRUCTORS
Mrs B. Taylor -I.T. Miss
A. Gemmell - French
LIBRARY ASSISTANTS
Mrs A. Brant Mrs
K. Angliss
ADMINISTRATION
Mrs L. Pinchback Mrs B. Normile Office Manager
Mrs J. Jaggard
- Adm
Mrs C. Bailey
issions
Mrs S. Brigden
Secret
Mrs R. Durritt
ary
Mrs L. Precious
- Rece
Mrs S. Smith
ptionis
Ms J. Sturgess
t
- Music
- SENCO Admin.
- General Admin.
- Finance Admin.
- General Admin.
- General Admin.
Mrs D. Wells
Mrs A. Goodson
Mrs M. Davis Mrs J. Mrs J. Gemmell
Miss H. Mitchell
Bennett Mrs C.
Ms C. Gambrill
Steele Mrs T.
Mrs J. Maze Mrs
Wagstaff Mrs D.
KLAngliss Mrs S.
Sayer Mrs M.
Bailey Mrs W.
Robinson Mrs C.
Cable Mrs K.
Hamilton Mr. B.
Pearmain Miss S.
Selleck Miss T.
Gloster Mrs S.
Palmer Mrs J.
Honeyball Miss
Forman Mr. D.
Hinds Mrs L. Ferris H. Sayer Mrs J
Day
Mrs C. Bradbury
MIDDAY SUPERVISORS
Mrs S. Brigden Mrs
T. Wagstaff Mrs C.
Steele Mrs J.
Forman Miss T.
Palmer Mrs C.
Hamilton Ms C.
Gambrill
Mrs K. Angliss
Mrs K. Pearmain
Mr. B. Selleck
Mrs M. Robinson
Mrs W. Cable
Mrs D.Sayer Mrs
L.Ferris
Mr. P.N.H.Fairbrass - Headteacher
KITCHEN STAFF
Mr. M. Vacher - Site Manager
Mr. J. Pinchback - Site Maintenance
Mr.K.Wingrove
Mr. R. Adams - Garden Maintenance
Mrs M. Rushforth - Cook
Mrs K. Meechan - Asst. Cook
Mrs R. Ural
- Asst. Cook
Mrs K. Harvey Mrs
B. Mansfield Mrs T.
Spencer Mrs P.
Teague Ms S.
Robinson
GOVERNING BODY
The governing body has a general responsibility for managing the school and works in a close, balanced partnership
with the Headteacher. The Headteacher is responsible for the day-to-day running of the school. Broadly, the
governing body:
establishes with the head and staff the aims and policies of the school;
monitors the spending of the school's budget;
makes sure that the National Curriculum and Religious Education are provided;
selects the Headteacher;
appoints, promotes, supports and disciplines other staff;
provides outside advice and acts as a link between the local community and the school.
The governing body is responsible to parents and Southend Borough Council for the running of the school.
Chairman
Mr. I. Turner
Parent Representatives: Mrs S. Linggood, Mr. A. Day Mrs. J. Day Mr. J. Gro ve
THE SCHOOL
Thorpe Greenways Junior School is situated in the residential area of Thorpe Bay, to the east of Southend town
centre. The school is close to the seafront, the golf course and Southchurch Park and is housed in a substantial 1930's
brick built building. The building is shared with the Thorpe Greenways Infant School.
The school has two playing fields, a tarmac playground with adventure activity apparatus, a boules court, a large
open-air theatre, a large environmental area, an outdoor swimming pool which is used extensively from May to
October and a science/craft room as well as the normal school facilities. Ofsted inspected the school in 2007.
SCHOOL ORGANISATION
The children will be grouped according to age in sixteen classes with class sizes between 27 and 32 children. There are
four year groups corresponding to the National Curriculum years, i.e.: Year 3
Year 4
Year 5
Year 6
( 7 - 8 year olds) ( 8 - 9 year olds) (9-10 year olds) (10-11 year olds) -
four classes
four classes
four classes
four classes
The classes are all of mixed ability and are of comparable size. Each class has a particular teacher who is responsible
for the overall education, discipline and care of the class and with whom the children have a special relationship.
The classes in each year group work in close liaison following an agreed curriculum and co-ordinated programme of
work, which is correlated to the National Curriculum and the work of all four year groups. In all aspects of their
education, work is differentiated to match the varied abilities of the children.
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
Children with specific special needs, whether educational or behavioural, are monitored using the Special Educational
Needs Code of Practice Stages of Assessment. A programme of work is prepared by the class teacher, with support
from the SENCO (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator). If necessary, Learning Support Assistants give
additional support. When necessary, outside"agencies are called upon, eg. Educational Psychologist, Speech
Therapist.
ADMISSION OF PROSPECTIVE PUPILS
Parents of prospective pupils are welcome to visit the school during the school day. It is helpful if an appointment is
made either by writing or by telephoning.
Number on roll June 2008:
467
Parents need to contact the Local Authority's Schools Admission Service if they would like their child to change
schools. When moving your child from another local school, you should notify the headteacher of your child's present
school prior to admission here. The school follows the Local Authorityfs admissions policy procedure.
Admission Criteria for All Community Junior Schools in the Borough of Southend
In order of priority:
(a)
(b)
(c)
(d)
(e)
(f)
(g)
Pupils who have a statement of Special Educational Needs naming the school concerned.
Pupils who are in the care of the local authority.
Pupils who have an exceptional medical or exceptional social reason for attending the preferred school.
If the pupil at the time of admission lives in the catchment area and has an older brother or sister attending
the school.
If the pupil's normal place of residence is in the school catchment area.
If the pupil at the time of admission lives outside the catchment area and has an older brother or sister
attending the school.
If the pupil's normal place of residence is outside the catchment area.
The Council also reserves the right, where there are exceptional medical reasons why a child should attend a particular
school, to admit a child irrespective of the above criteria. Documentation required would be a detailed letter from a
GP/Hospital stating why this particular school is needed for the child. The documentation must be submitted to the
Council by a stated closing date.
In the case of over subscription in any one category, 'straight line' distance will be used to measure distance between
the pupil's home and the nearest pupil entrance to the school. The pupils living the closest are being given priority. If
a school place has been secured through false information being provided, the Council does have the power to
withdraw any place offered.
Admission to Thorpe Greenways Junior School does not guarantee places for siblings in Thorpe Greenwavs Infant
School.
THE SCHOOL DAY
The time spent on teaching during the school week, including R.E. but excluding the statutory Act of Collective
Worship, registration and breaks is 23 hours 20 minutes.
The school's morning session is from
The school's afternoon session is from
8.55am.
1.00pm.
to
to
12.00pm.
3.10pm.
Parents are requested NOT to allow their children to arrive in school before 8.45am. as a responsible person cannot be
guaranteed to be on duty before that time. The register closes at 9.15am. Arrival after that time is recorded as an
unauthorised absence for the morning session unless a valid reason is given.
ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL
Parents are asked to keep at home children who are not well. Apart from distress to the child, unnecessary demands are
made upon the school staff who have to care for the child whilst making arrangements for the child to be sent home.
Where necessary, with the onset of illness or accidents in school requiring skilled treatment or diagnosis, parents are
notified as soon as possible.
Please inform the school in writing:
•
•
•
'
If your child has been absent from school
Has to attend a dental or medical appointment (children must be collected from reception if the appointment
is during the school day)
If you would like to take holiday during term time (application forms available on request)
On the first day of any period of unexpected absence would you please t elephone the school.
A written note is required upon your child's return to school.
Failure to return a letter will result in an unauthorised absence (truancy) being marked on your
child's record.
Your co-operation in these matters reduces the likelihood of children playing truant.
Absences for academic year 2006/2007
Total number of pupils who attended for at least one session
Sessions missed through authorised absences Sessions
missed through unauthorised absences
506
5.2%
0.3%
Cycling to school:
Children may bring bicycles to school having first obtained a permit from Mr. Cotton. The permit requires the parents
to maintain the bicycle in a roadworthy condition and for the children to observe safe cycling practice and the
Highway Code. Children with a permit may, at their own risk, store cycles on the premises in the cycle shed
provided.
SCHOOL DRESS
Please ensure all items are clearly marked with your child's name.
The school encourages the wearing of the following school dress:
GIRLS
Grey or white blouse
Thorpe polo shirt
Bottle green jumper
Grey skirt/grey or black trousers
Thorpe sweatshirt
Thorpe fleece
Summer wear:
Thorpe polo shirt
Green patterned summer dress
Grey or black long or short trousers
BOYS
Grey or white shirt
Thorpe polo shirt Bottle
green jumper Grey or
black trousers Thorpe
sweatshirt Thorpe fleece
Thorpe polo shirt
Grey or black long or short trousers
Children are not allowed to wear jeans, gaudy T -shirts, tracksuits or leggings
School polo shirts, sweatshirts, fleeces and showerproof fleeces are obtainable from the school shop which is open at
the following times: 8.30-9.00am & 3.00-3.30pm
GAMES and P.E. KIT
INDOOR ACTIVITIES
Girls and boys should wear green shorts and white T shirt/vest.
Girls, if they wish, may wear black or green leotards.
In normal circumstances the children do not need footwear; bare feet being safest for indoor activities such as
gymnastics.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Boys and girls should wear green shorts and white T shirt/vest.
Tracksuits or green sweatshirts may be worn if necessary.
Children do need a change of footwear (including socks) and a plastic carrier bag to transport muddy shoes & boots.
Trainers, hockey boots or football boots are necessary for outdoor games.
Please ensure your child has the appropriate kit, thus enabling them to take full advantage of the opportunities
offered. Excuse notes are required to withdraw your child from P.E. and Games.
Watches, jewellery, rings and earrings must be removed during Games, P.B. and Swimming. Even with newly pierced
ears it is preferred that sleepers and studs are removed to minimise the risk of injury to other children. In exceptional
circumstances (i.e. bleeding) sleepers may be left in but in normal circumstances children will not be allowed to
participate. Children are expected to remove their own jewellery.
MOBILE TELEPHONES
We understand that, from a personal security point of view, parents may wish their child to bring a mobile phone to
school. Their operation during the school day is, however, inappropriate and unnecessary. AH mobile phones must,
therefore, be handed into reception at the beginning of the day and collected at the day's end. Should children be
found with a mobile phone during school hours that individual will be banned from bringing a phone into school.
The School does not accept responsibility for the safe keeping of jewellery, clothing or other personal property.
CURRICULUM AIMS
The School's general aim is that stated in the Warnock Report:
'First, to enlarge a child's knowledge, experience and imaginative understanding, and thus his awareness of
moral values and capacity for enjoyment; and secondly, to enable him to enter the world after formal
education is over as an active participant in Society and a responsible contributor to it, capable of achieving
as much independence as possible'.
At all times it must be borne in our minds that the children's starting points are diverse, their speed and
direction may vary, as will their destinations. Each pupil's programme needs breadth of curriculum and
should be balanced to meet their needs as they progress. There is a need to catch the children's interest and
imagination so that the pupils feel that what they do at school has relevance and meaning for their lives.
More specifically, the school's aims are that each child should learn:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
to read fluently and accurately, with understanding, feeling and discrimination;
to develop a legible style of handwriting and satisfactory standards of spelling, syntax, punctuation and
usage;
to communicate clearly and confidently in speech and writing, in ways appropriate for various occasions and
purposes;
to listen attentively and with understanding;
to learn how to acquire information from various sources, and to record information and findings in various
ways;
to apply computational skills with speed and accuracy;
to understand the applications of mathematical ideas in various situations in home, classroom, school and
local area;
5
to observe living and inanimate things, and to recognise characteristics such as pattern and order;
to master basic scientific ideas;
to investigate solutions and interpret evidence, to analyse and to solve problems;
to develop awareness of self and sensitivity to others, acquire a set of moral values and confidence to make
and hold to moral judgements, and develop habits of self-discipline and acceptable behaviour;
to be aware of the geographical, historical and social aspects of the local environment and the national
heritage, and to be aware of other times and places;
to acquire sufficient control of self and of tools, equipment and instruments to be able to use music, drama
and several forms of arts and crafts as means of expression;
to develop agility and physical co-ordination, confidence in and through physical activity, and the ability to
express feeling through movement.
CURRICULUM
All children follow the National Curriculum.
This consists of three core subjects: -
Mathematics
Science
English
with the foundation subjects:History
Geography
Music
Art
Technology & I.T.
Physical Education
Most of a child's learning is in the context of a topic, with topics varying from a day, a week, to a term in length.
Each class in the year group studies the same topic; the year group co-operating and co-ordinating their
work to maximise specialist knowledge and skills. The topics are carefully selected to ensure they
encompass the attainment targets a child needs to achieve in order to progress through the appropriate
levels of the National Curriculum. In addition to this, there is a programme of basic skills teaching in
Mathematics and English, which complements the topic work and the individual abilities of the children.
The classes are taught in a judicious blend of formal and informal methods with a mix of whole class, group work and
individual work. Groups are sometimes of mixed ability and at other times according to ability depending on
suitability and appropriateness.
MATHEMATICS
The Renewed National Numeracy Strategy is a framework for the teaching of mathematics from reception to Year 6
and has been developed alongside the National Curriculum. Mathematics should be purposeful and pleasurable. We
also draw on many other schemes for extension material, where appropriate. Regular assessment ensures appropriate
matches of work to the attainment and ability of the children. Whilst understanding is of a prime importance, and
practical activity best ensures this in children, we recognise the need of children to commit number bonds to memory.
The children will, before they reach eleven years old, be expected to be familiar with and know from memory their
multiplication tables and other basic number facts.
SCIENCE
In science the children are expected to explore and investigate, to form their own hypotheses, to describe and
communicate their observations, and in their learning to make sense and order of the world in which they live. The
Ginn Science Scheme forms the backbone of the science planning throughout the school. Regular assessment ensures
appropriate matches of work to the attainment and ability of the children.
TECHNOLOGY & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Each classroom has two computers. These provide the children with opportunities to utilise skills in word-processing
and data handling as well as reinforcing other subject areas. Regular assessment ensures appropriate matches of work
to the attainment and ability of the children. The school has a suite of computers enabling children to access a wide
range of software and, under supervision, the internet. Further computers are available for use in our resource areas.
The children are also given opportunities to design and make a variety of systems and artefacts using a wide range of
materials.
ENGLISH
The Renewed National Literacy Strategy has become an established part of our day and ALS material (Additional
Literacy Support) has been introduced for working with small groups of children.
Regular assessment ensures appropriate matches of work to the attainment and ability of the children.
A variety of language skills (talking and listening, reading and writing) are progressively taught throughout the school,
and the children apply these skills in all areas of the curriculum.
When writing, children are usually expected to produce a draft and then develop this. A variety of writing experiences
is provided and quality of presentation is considered to be of great importance. Handwriting is taught, children are
encouraged to progress from pencil to 'notewriter' (hard fibre tip) and thence to ink pen. The children do not use
'Biros'.
Books are considered a key resource; the children are encouraged to read for a variety of purposes - including
pleasure - and our library is designed to facilitate easy access to the books by the children, providing them with a rich,
stimulating choice of fiction and reference material.
We do not follow any particular reading scheme (although scheme books are purchased), but colour code the books
according to difficulty. The children are then able to select a book at their appropriate level of ability.
We look on reading as a vital partnership between home and school; parents can do much to help their child's reading
by listening and regularly sharing books with them.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
As part of the curriculum, R.E. has equal standing to the core and foundation subjects. Our teaching reflects that the
religious traditions in this country are in the main Christian but takes into account our multicultural diversity. The
teaching and practice of other religions is broadly taught. In Religious Education, feelings of compassion, guilt, selfsacrifice and relationships with others are explored as well as applying sensitivity to experiences of others and
respecting their deep convictions. Parents may withdraw their children from all or part of the school's religious
education by informing the school in writing of their wishes. Provision will be made for their child to receive national
curriculum work during such times.
MUSIC
All children are taught music as part of their education. There are also opportunities for all children to learn descant,
treble, tenor and bass recorders, and there are lessons in flute, clarinet, trumpet, trombone, violin, guitar, cello,
saxophone, drums and double bass. There is a fifty plus strong orchestra, which includes instruments not taught in
school, providing the child has a basic competence.
COLLECTIVE WORSHIP
The statutory act of collective worship is held each day. Parents have a right to withdraw their children from this
activity. Our assemblies are broadly Christian in outlook, are appropriate to the children and do not, in form, reflect a
formal religious service.
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
The physical development of the children is as vital as the intellectual. Our physical education programme includes
cricket, basketball, rugby, gymnastics, dance, movement, netball (coaching by our own qualified netball coach),
football, hockey, athletics, swimming (coaching by our own Amateur Swimming Association coach) and rounders .
Our school teams take part in local and national sporting competitions, festivals and galas. We currently field teams at
football, netball, hockey, basketball, cross-country running, tag-rugby, athletics and swimming. The school also
works with local sports clubs.
Where possible, children take part in mixed games - that is girls can be seen to be playing football and rugby with the
boys!
SEX EDUCATION
Thorpe Greenways Junior School's policy for Sex Education is that whilst we do not have a specific programme
involving T.V. programmes, filmstrips and accompanying tapes, the staff, where they feel confident, will deal with the
children's questions about the physical differences between the sexes and about human reproduction factually and
honestly, as they arise.
In dealing with the individual child's questions, sensitivity can be shown to the views of those parents whose ethnic
background and religious or other beliefs may cause them to have reservations about such knowledge.
One of our objectives in health education is that the majority of the children on leaving school will have gained a
simple knowledge and understanding of the human body, the names and purposes of its main parts and an awareness of
human growth and development.
Whenever it is dealt with sex education will be presented in the context of family life, of loving relationships and of
respect for others. But teachers will remember that many children come from backgrounds that do not correspond to
this ideal and care will be taken to avoid causing personal hurt and giving unwitting offence.
Senior staff are available for advice for less experienced or less confident staff. In some cases it may be necessary to
contact the parents; for instance with girls who are reaching the age and maturity range for menstruation to begin, to
make sure that, in collaboration with the parents, such girls are adequately prepared for an eventuality which might
otherwise cause them unnecessary distress.
COMPLAINTS ABOUT THE CURRICULUM
Most complaints, it is hoped, would be dealt with through informal discussion with the teacher, senior-teachers or
headteacher as appropriate. The School's Governors are also available for mediation. However, should there be cases
where concern cannot be resolved, there is a 'Procedure to deal with comments and complaints about the school \ a
copy of which is available in the school office on request, and this will be initiated.
SUMMARY OF THE NATIONAL CURRICULUM ASSESSMENT
RESULTS OF PUPILS IN THE SCHOOL AT THE END OF KEY STAGE 2
(YEAR 6)
Results of Teacher Assessment 2007 and National 2007
Percentage at each level
W
1
2
3
4
5
English
Mathematics
Science
School
National
School
National
School
National
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
1
0
1
0
0
2
4
2
4
5
2
10
17
16
17
15
12
50
48
35
45
40
47
36
29
45
33
39
38
6
0
0
0
0
L 0
0
Pupils
absent
0
0
0
0
0
0
School Test Results 2007 and National 2007
Percentage at each level
Below
3
4
5
Pupils
level 3*
absent
English
School
5
13
49
33
0
1
National
6
13
47
33
0
Reading
School
5
10
34
51
1
National
7
9
36
48
0
Writing
School
4
27
54
15
1
National
5
48
19
27
0
Mathematics
School
4
39
43
14
National
6
45
33
1
16
0
Science
School
5
9
29
57
1
National
3
9
41
46
Represents puils who were not entered for the tests because they were working below
level 3 in English, Mathematics or Science, pupils awarded a compensatory level from the
tests and children eptered for but not achieving a level from the tests.
w
Represents pupils who are workimg towards level 1, but have not yet achieved the
standards needed for level 1
HOMEWORK
Regular homework is set throughout the year groups, increasing in length as the children get older. Homework in the
autumn term and spring term for Year 6 children is additional preparation for the secondary school selection tests
(11+) and the national assessment tests (SATs).
Children learning musical instruments are, of course, expected to practise daily.
Occasionally a child may be asked to take work home because insufficient work has been done during the school day,
or because the class teacher may feel that extra practice in a particular area of the curriculum is needed.
We would hope that all children are members of the county library and regularly visit either the Southchurch or the
Central Library. School and academia are but a part of a child fs life and though important children should, out of
school hours, be able to explore the freedoms of the wider environment.
PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT
The involvement of parents in the life of the school enhances the children's education. Parents are encouraged to come
into school to help in a variety of ways, e.g. working with small groups of children, preparing items for class or going
on outings with the children. We have two formal occasions in the year when parents can come into school to discuss
their child's progress. Parents may visit on any day, preferably at the close of school, although without a previous
arrangement staff may have a limited time available for consultation. The headteacher is happy to see any parent at
any time although it is preferable to arrange a mutually convenient time. For purposes of safety and security parents
must sign in at the main reception.
DISCIPLINE
We want children to feel confident and secure in school and therefore expect them to behave with care and
consideration for all others. We do not have a long list of school rules, but would simply ask children to behave
sensibly, safely and courteously with due thought to the well being of all. There is a set of simple house rules with
which children are made familiar.
Should persistent problems of a behavioural nature arise, you will be notified and a discussion with the class teacher,
senior teachers or headteacher arranged in order that we can work together towards a satisfactory solution. This can
result in a weekly "check-up" meeting until the problem is solved.
Should it not be possible to solve the difficulty through meetings of this type, it may be necessary to involve the
Southend behaviour support team and our educational psychologist to investigate the nature of the problem. Should all
else fail, it may be necessary for persistent or serious offenders to be suspended from school on a temporary,
indefinite or permanent suspension. These are serious steps to take, but we have used these powers in the past to
ensure the uninterrupted and safe education of the rest of the children.
For persistent breach of discipline at lunchtime, offenders will be suspended from school during the lunch break in
order to maintain good order at that time of day.
If you have any worries about your child in school, please contact us at an early stage, before the difficulty has
escalated from something minor and manageable into a major problem.
PUBLIC ACCESS TO DOCUMENTS
Information about and access to copies of:
The Local Authority's and Governing Body's Statement of Curriculum Aims
Statutory Instruments/Circulars sent to the school by the DfES about the National Curriculum.
Any published HM Inspectorate and Ofsted reports which refer expressly to the school.
Schemes of work currently used in school.
The School's Special Needs Policy
A fall copy of the arrangements for the consideration of complaints about the school.
The Local Authority's Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education
will be made available for inspection on application to the Headteacher.
10
SCHOOL JOURNEYS
Each year, Year 6 children have the opportunity of going on the School Journey to Dorchester. This is a 'working
holiday1 where they study the local area of Charmouth and Lyme Regis and compare it with a similar study of
Southend. It involves sketching, photography, surveys and questionnaires, observing and identifying the wildlife and
fossil hunting. It is a rewarding experience for the children and a preparation for their increasing independence at
secondary school. We are also twinned with a school in Picardie, France and visit each other in alternate years. We
visited France in May 2008 and entertained our French friends here during June 2007. Our orchestra and choir
members also visit Picardie each year to take part in the summer music festival there. Our twinning has proved to be a
valuable cultural education for our pupils. Day trips are made by all classes to places of interest and these are usually
in connection with the current topic being studied.
PASTORAL CARE
Each child is in the care of the school and especially their class teacher for the school year. It is important for our
understanding of your child that parents share with the school, in confidence, any personal information that may affect
a child's health and behaviour.
Tlachers are willing to meet parents at any time but obviously during the school day and immediately before school are
best avoided. If parents feel the necessity they can, equally, see the Headteacher.
CHILD ABUSE
It may be helpful to know that the Authority requires headteachers to report any obvious or suspected case of child
abuse which includes non-accidental injury, severe physical neglect, emotional abuse and/or sexual abuse. This
procedure is intended to protect children at risk and schools are encouraged to take the attitude that where there are
grounds for suspicion it is better to be safe than sorry. This does mean that headteachers risk upsetting some parents by
reporting a case which, on investigation, proves unfounded. In such circumstances, it is hoped that parents,
appreciating how difficult it is for headteachers to carry out this delicate responsibility, would accept that the
headteacher was acting in what were believed to be the child's best interests.
MEDICAMENTS
If your child is required to take medication during school time, we are prepared to cooperate but we require a written
request giving details of the dosage, frequency and any other relevant information. Oral requests will be refused.
AFTER SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
A wide range of after school activities takes place. These include, according to the season, Football, Tag Rugby,
Netball, Rounders, Cricket, Short Tennis, Athletics, French, Computers, Table Tennis , Gymnastics, Orchestra, Choir,
Drama and Dance Clubs.
CHARGES for SCHOOL ACTIVITIES
At Thorpe School the children are able to enjoy and participate in a rich variety of activities such as music, theatre
visits, day trips etc. The school budget, regrettably, does not provide adequate finance to cover the costs of these.
They are funded usually through the voluntary donations by you, the parents.
When a voluntary donation is requested there is no obligation to contribute and pupils are treated alike, regardless of
whether their parents make a donation or not. The suggested donation to cover the cost of activities does not include
an extra charge to cover non-payers.
Costings are based on all children paying.
The school will continue to fund these activities through voluntary contributions though it may be that an activity is
curtailed if insufficient funds are donated.
11
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FRIENDS OF THORPE SCHOOLS
The Friends of Thorpe Schools association organises fund-raising and social events throughout the year in support of
both the Infant and Junior Schools. All parents are automatically members and we hope you will join in our activities.
EXTERNAL CLUBS AND ACTIVITIES
The school enjoys a close relationship with the 4th Thorpe Bay Scout Group.Groups of Scouts, Cubs and Beavers
meet in the school community hall. Interested parents should contact:
Scout Leader
Clive Williams
Telephone 01702 603294
THE TRINKET BOX is a pre-school group and is for children of pre-school age who live in the Thorpe Schools'
catchment area. The Trinket Box has morning and afternoon sessions from Monday to Friday.
Trinket Box Leader
Mrs A. Topley
Telephone 01702 582533
SCHOOL TERM AND HOLIDAY DATES
Autumn Term 2008
Autumn half-term holiday
Monday 1st September to Friday 19th December 2008
Monday 27th to Friday 31st October
Spring Term 2009 Spring
half-term holiday
Monday 5th January to Friday 3rd April 2009
Monday 16th to Friday 20th February
Summer Term 2009 May
bank holiday Summer
half-term holiday
Monday 20th April to Monday 20th July 2009
Monday 4th May
Monday 25th to Friday 29th May
Autumn Term 2009
Autumn half-term holiday
Wednesday 2nd September to Friday 18th December 2009
Monday 26th to Friday 30th October
Spring Term 2010
Spring half-term
Monday 4th January to Thursday 1st April 2010
Monday 15th to Friday 19th February
Summer Term 2010
May bank holiday
Summer half-term
Monday 19th April to Thursday 22nd July 2010
Monday 3rd May
Monday 31st May to Friday 4th June
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