ASH Croft
Primary School
Prospectus
2013-2014
“We are committed to working together to inspire a
lifelong love of learning for everyone in our
community.”
1
Welcome to
Ash Croft Primary School
‘The school provides a positive and welcoming environment. Staff form strong
and trusting relationships with pupils and therefore pupils feel safe, develop
good attitudes to learning and behave well. Pupils work hard, enjoy their
learning and are keen to do well.
Pupils acquire a range of good personal and social skills that help them to
develop into rounded individuals. The school cultivates mutual respect and cooperation and promotes pupils' confidence and self-esteem well. Pupils know
how to keep healthy and a high proportion tuck into the healthy school
lunches on offer. They are prepared suitably for
the next stage of their education and lives.’
OFSTED JULY 2011
The school is part of the Ash Croft and Cottons
Farm Primary Federation. This means that both
schools are governed by one Governing Body and
have an Executive Headteacher. The schools work
collaboratively in terms of sharing expertise,
improving leadership at all levels and embedding
good quality teaching and learning and raising
standards.
I am very proud to be Head Teacher of our school! We have children from a
wide range of cultural, religious and social backgrounds, supportive families
and highly committed and talented staff and governors. Everyone at Ash Croft
Primary is passionate about education and about helping children love their
learning. Every day, every week, every year we are improving. Visitors to our
school talk of the delightful atmosphere, positive attitudes and vision for the
children’s future.
Penny Brown
Executive Headteacher
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Where are we?
Contact details
Ash Croft Primary School
Deep Dale Lane, Sinfin Moor, Derby
Telephone: (01332) 764160
E-mail:-admin@ashcroft.derby.sch.uk
Website: www.ashcroftandcottonsfarm.co.uk
Executive Head Teacher: Mrs Penny Brown
Chair of Governors: Mrs Marie Howard
A Brief Description of Ash Croft Primary School
Ash Croft Primary School is a co-educational community school for children aged
four to eleven.. It is part of Ash Croft and Cottons Farm Primary Federation, providing
a successful partnership with a local school.
The building is situated in pleasant grounds alongside Deep Dale Lane. Ash Croft is
a well resourced primary school that was opened in 1977.
The school has the benefit of an ICT suite, Interactive White Boards in all classrooms
and class sets of laptops. We have a large hall, spacious classrooms, a library and
secure outdoor spaces which are well resourced including a pond, vegetable garden,
outdoor classrooms and a tyre park.
We have close links with local primary and secondary schools and community
organisations including Sinfin Moor Church and Sinfin Allotment Society. We also
have regular links with Rolls Royce and other local businesses, who provide support
with areas of the curriculum.
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Ash Croft Primary School Mission Statement
We wish to create a culture of learning, where children are happy,
enthusiastic, motivated and ambitious.
We encourage mutual respect, support and collaboration between all adults
and children, both within the school and the wider community.
We believe that it is important to provide a secure, caring and stimulating
environment for all our children, thereby promoting a sense of pride in our
school.
This can be done most effectively when all staff, parents and children
understand their responsibilities and work together towards the same goals,
as detailed in our home/school agreement.
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Who will help your child at school?
Executive Head Teacher
Head of Upper School
Head of Lower School
Assistant Head Teacher
School Business Manager
Mrs Penny Brown
Mrs Wendy Jones
Miss Anna Hall
Mrs Manpreet Ubhie
Mrs Melanie Sant
Mrs Penny Brown
I feel privileged to be the Executive Headteacher of Ash
Croft and Cottons Farm Primary Federation. I have overall
responsibility for the education and welfare of your child. Ensuring
your child receives the best opportunities and reaches his/her
potential in a happy, inclusive and stimulating environment.
Mrs Wendy Jones
I’m Mrs Wendy Jones, Head of Upper School. I am responsible
for child protection and special needs and monitor the
teaching of subjects such as history, geography and science
Miss Anna Hall
I am Anna Hall, Head of Lower School. I am responsible for
the teaching and learning in FS2 and Key Stage 1. I oversee
Literacy across the school.
Mrs Manpreet Ubhie
I am Manpreet Ubhie, Assistant Head. I oversee Mathematics
across the school. I also monitor extra curricular and ICT
provision and monitor how effective our behaviour policy is.
Mrs Melanie Sant
I am the School Business Manager and am usually the first
person you come into contact with when you either visit or
telephone the school. I ensure you have a warm welcome .
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Our School Staff
Teaching Staff
Mrs Penny Brown – Executive Headteacher
Mrs W Jones – Head of Upper School
Miss A. Hall – Head of Lower School
Mrs M Ubhie – Assistant Head
Mrs L Divine
Miss N Gregg
Miss K. Jinks
Mrs J. McGowan
Mrs A. Goodlip
Mrs P Howe
Mrs C Woodward
Mrs H. Hadfield
Teaching Assistants
Miss Y. Tunaley
Mrs B.Adams
Mrs R. Twigg
Mrs T. Brown
Mrs S. Stubbs
Mrs D. Haddon
Mrs J. Mawbey
Mrs E. Mockute
Mrs S. Jackson
Mrs M. Upchurch
Mrs M. Winter
Mr M. Papuga
Miss C. Barry
Administrative Staff
Mrs M. Sant – School Business Manager
Mrs L. Davis - Administrator
Cleaning Staff
The Federation Governors
Mrs P. Lakin
Mrs G. Kaur
Mr I. Upchurch
Catering Staff
Senior Cook – Mrs S. Ball
Kitchen Assistant – Mrs J.
Burrows
Midday Supervisors
Mrs Melanie Sant - Clerk to Governors
Ms Lorna Childe - Clerk to Governors
Mrs Marie Howard-Chair of Governors
Mrs Gill Smith – Vice Chair
Mr Michael Betts
Mr Keith Hawkiins
Mr Lascell Blackwood
Mrs Joanne McJannett
Mr Glynne Jones
Mrs Deborah Lofthouse
Mrs Penny Brown – Executive Headteacher
Mrs Alison Goodlip- Teacher Governor
Mrs Tammy Brown -Non Teaching Governor
Mrs Karen Gaskill – Non Teaching Governor
Mrs J. Hoodless
Mrs A. Webster
Miss C. Green
Mrs L. Greaves
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Advice and information for parents
Absences
If you know that your child is going to be absent from school e.g. dental, hospital
or clinic appointments please let the office staff know in advance. Children are
expected to attend school every day unless there is a good reason not to. There is no
automatic right to leave during term time, and requests for holidays will not be
authorised. For an illness or unforeseen absence, please let us know the reason for
absence as soon as possible.
Unauthorised Absences
These are absences for which we do not receive a written explanation, or days for
which there is not an adequate excuse. Unacceptable excuses for a day off include:
going to buy shoes or clothing – getting up late – a day off for the child’s
birthday – going to see relatives.
We are required by the Government to monitor all absences and do so every week.
If your child is absent then they miss valuable lessons. An average of one day
missed each week adds up to one whole school year missed in four years! PLEASE
help us to educate your child by ensuring they attend every day.
Assessment and Tests
As children move through school, their progress will be measured against clear
objectives. This will show how much they know and what they can do. Targets will be
set, agreed by both teachers and children in order to continue the improvement in
their work. Children’s progress will be measured using both teacher assessment and
tests administered yearly to all children. National tests will be given to pupils in Year
2 and Year 6.
Attendance Data 2011/2012
The Schools attendance figure for the academic year 2011/12 95.2%
The unauthorised absence figure for the academic year 2011/12 0.2%
Behaviour
Ash Croft Primary School has a well-structured behaviour policy. We would hope that
the good discipline, which the school enjoys, happens through
positive teaching, examples of desirable moral and
social values, the involvement of the children and
the support and co-operation of parents. We aim to
encourage children to be self-disciplined and cooperative members of society and to encourage
such
values
as
kindness,
consideration,
helpfulness, honesty, and the worthwhile values of a
caring society. We try to teach children to recognise
acceptable and unacceptable modes of behaviour
and react accordingly.
Behaviour Rewards System
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Every child has a ‘Good Behaviour Stamp Card’. They are rewarded for good
behaviour with a ‘stamp’ from teachers and gain rewards and certificates for ten,
twenty, thirty or more stamps.
Bullying
Bullying (verbal or physical) is not tolerated in this school. The term ‘bullying’ can be
defined as persistent unacceptable violent or verbal behaviour by one child or a
group of children against another child or group of children. It is continued over a
period of time causing distress to the victim or victims. Everyone, including children,
parents and staff, are expected to ensure that it does not happen. Children are
expected to tell if they are being bullied – this is not telling tales. Children are taught
in class and in assemblies to deal assertively with bullying.
The concerns will be investigated immediately and parents of the bully and the victim
may be asked to help to support the school in dealing with the problem. Verbal,
physical, racist or homophobic behaviour is not permitted at Ash Croft Primary
School. Any incidents are dealt with, logged and reported to Governors and the LEA.
If you have any problems concerning your child, please come into school
immediately to discuss it with a member of the Senior Leadership Team.
Charging
The school will provide free education including all books, materials, equipment,
instruments, essential protective clothing and ingredients for practical subjects.
Wherever parents wish to retain a finished product made by their child, a charge will
be made to cover the cost of materials used. A charge will be made to cover the cost
of damaged items caused by identified pupils. A charge will be made to cover the
cost of board and lodging for educational, residential activities in school time. If a
reading or library book is lost an appropriate charge is made to help replace the
book.
Voluntary contributions will be sought to support school
activities in school time, e.g. school exchanges, field trips.
Children of parents who do not make a voluntary
contribution will not be prevented from going on the visit;
however it will be made clear that sufficient voluntary
payments will have to be made in order that the trip can
go ahead.
Child Protection
All staff have a legal duty to safeguard children’s welfare.
Parents should be aware that the school is required to take any reasonable action to
ensure the safety of its pupils. In cases where the school has reason to be concerned
that a child may be subject to ill-treatment, neglect or other forms of abuse, the Child
Protection Officer is obliged to follow the Child Protection procedures established by
the Derby City Child Protection Committee and inform Social Services of the
concern.
Complaints
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If parents have a complaint about their child’s schooling, they should raise it with the
class teacher initially However, there is a special procedure for dealing with
complaints about the school curriculum including religious education and collective
worship. If you have a complaint or query you
should contact
the school so the matter can be discussed with
the Headteacher. It is expected the majority of
questions and anxieties can be dealt with in
this way. However, if complaints cannot be
resolved, then a formal procedure involving
the Governors and the LA can be invoked, a
copy of which can be obtained from the
school or the Derby City Children and Young
Persons Office.
Computers in school
Basic information about pupils is held on computer to assist with the efficient
organisation of the school and the individual’s educational needs. Security measures
are taken to ensure that the information is kept confidential and is only available to
authorised staff. It may be used for statistical purposes but this will not enable any
individual to be identified. The school and the City Council have registered with the
Data Protection Register details of persons to whom they may wish to disclose
information. By law, under the provision of the Data Protection Act 1984, information
may only be disclosed to other persons in accordance with this registration.
Theschool
is
registered to disclose personal information to:
Family,
Relatives, Guardians, Trustees.
Past, Current or Prospective Employees.
Doctors, Dentists and other Health Advisors.
LEA and Social Services
Department of Social Security
Department of Education and Science.
It is the policy of the Governors and Derby City
Council that such information is confidential and that, even
where a need to disclose information has been registered, it
will only be divulged in exceptional circumstances and will be kept
to
the minimum necessary to achieve the purpose. This policy, is of
course, subject to any law that imposes a duty of disclosure of the Government or
Derby City Council.
Pupils may also use computers in the classroom as part of their education but they
do not have access to the personal information records. If you
are concerned about any aspect of personal information held on
a computer, please contact the head teacher in the first instance
or write to the Data Protection Liaison Officer, Middleton House,
St. Mary’s Gate, Derby DE1 3NN.
Educational Visits
9
Visits to environmental studies centres and other places of educational interest form
an integral part of the curriculum. A form of consent must be signed for each child, for
each visit made.
Emergency Contact
In the case of illness or accident, it is essential that we have a telephone number and
address where parents can be contacted quickly. You will be given a form to fill in to
supply this information. If you change address or place of employment, please let us
know immediately.
Equality of Opportunity
We recognise Ash Croft Primary School as a multi-racial school in a multi-racial
community. We aim to ensure that our curriculum and general ethos reflects and
values the rich diversity of culture present in our midst. The school is committed to
emphasising the common elements and values of our multiple cultures, and aims to
provide positive images for our children, regardless of race, gender, background,
ability or disability. We recognise that the effectiveness of our policy depends on the
full support of all parents, pupils, governors and staff. Please support our policy at all
times.
Extra curricular activities
There are a number of lunchtime and after
school clubs that children can take part in
including recorder playing, choir, football,
rugby, cricket, netball, computers, dance,
cookery, art and many more. These clubs
are targeted at specific age groups through
out the school. Children are encouraged to
join in after-school activities clubs. Parents
are asked to sign a consent form for their
child to participate in such activities and are
asked to ensure that their child returns home
safely after clubs. Some clubs may make a small weekly charge.
Governing Body
The Governing Body is responsible for the Federation. It has responsibility for the
appointment of staff, the school budget, the upkeep of the building and setting the
school curriculum. It provides a general oversight of the running of the school. If you
are interested in becoming a school governor, please contact The Clerk to Governors
or a member of the Governing Body.
Holidays
10
Children have 13 weeks holiday every year. This is plenty of time to go on holiday
and visit family. In our continuing drive to raise standards, the Governing Body has
agreed that the school will no longer be able to grant pupil leave in term time. This is
in line with Local Authority guidance.
Homework
The school has a homework policy that is available in school. It describes the type
and amount of homework your child will bring home throughout their time at Ash
Croft. We would particularly ask parents to hear their child read regularly no matter
what age your child is. Parents are expected to monitor completion of homework and
sign a homework diary or reading record.
Jewellery and Valuables
In the interest of Health and Safety. Please keep jewellery to a minimum. Children
are not allowed to wear earrings of any kind for swimming lessons. In the interests of
your child’s safety, the Governors have decided that this rule should apply to all PE
lessons. If your child cannot remove his/her own earrings then please do not allow
your child to wear them on PE days. We do not expect any children to bring valuable
items into school. All items brought into school are at own risk. No mobile phones
are allowed in School
Keeping in Touch
We seek your interest, support and co-operation in your child’s education, this helps
in forming and maintaining good habits and attitudes. Your child will benefit most
when there is a combined effort from school and home.
We try to keep parents informed about our part in their child’s education by regular
meetings and monthly newsletters. All parents will receive an annual written report on
their child’s progress in July. You may consult teachers whenever you want further
information or advice. From time to time we also hold evenings to explain new school
procedures, curriculum approaches or policy changes. Information is also posted
regularly on the school website. www.ashcroftandcottonsfarm.co.uk
Litter
Parents are asked to support us in encouraging
children to keep the grounds tidy. Litter bins are
provided and emptied on a regular basis. We
encourage the children to endeavour to maintain a
litter free environment.
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Lost property
We ask that ALL ITEMS brought into school are CLEARLY MARKED with your
child’s name including P.E. kits, outdoor coats, bags, uniforms, Wellingtons and
shoes. Unfortunately things do get lost and our lost property is stored in the school
entrance. Every effort is made to return items to owners, but at the end of each term
any unclaimed items are disposed of.
Medicine in School
Medicines can be extremely dangerous, so we do not allow children to bring
medicines of any description into school.
We follow the Derby City LEA guidelines and Code of Practice that informs us that
most forms of medication can be prescribed to avoid school time doses. If, however,
a child is suffering from a chronic illness or allergy, or recovering from a short-term
illness and is undergoing or completing a course of treatment using prescribed
medicines, then a consent form must be obtained from the school office. Parents
must discuss the safe administration and storage requirements with the school office
staff.
The exception to this is for the treatment of asthma, where children need to selfadminister a ‘relieving only’ inhaler. A consent form for this needs to be completed,
but the inhaler will be stored safely with the class teacher so that immediate access
is available when necessary. A school record will be maintained for all children who
are currently receiving medication or have inhalers in school.
We ask parents to let us have telephone numbers where they can be contacted in
cases of illness or emergency. It is essential that these are kept up to date and if no
immediate phone number is available that a relative, neighbour or work number is
required.
The school nurse visits regularly for no appointment ‘Drop in Sessions’ dates of these
are published in our school news letters. If you have any ‘urgent problems’ regarding
health during school life, please contact the school nurse at Sinfin Health Centre
(Telephone: 764012) for an appointment.
Mid Morning Break
The school has joined the National Fruit Scheme and all children from Foundation
stage 2 to Year 2 will be given a piece of fruit every day – this is part of the Healthy
Schools drive. We also have a Snack Shop for morning break time where pupils can
buy healthy snacks or toast for a small charge.
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Parents in school
The school has a strong tradition of parental
involvement in the academic and social life of the
school. Parents are invited to volunteer to assist
within the school; in whatever capacity they feel
they are able to help. Throughout the year we
also run a number of fund raising and social
functions. If you would like to volunteer to help
please contact your Mrs Penny Howe or the
school office.
Ash Croft’s friends association (FOAC) warmly
welcomes new members. Dates of meetings will be detailed in the
school newsletter and on the website.
Parents and Teachers are partners in the education of a child and we at this school
wish to actively involve parents in this process. Our priority is to ensure parents
understand what is being taught in school and how their children are coping.
Parents’ Evenings are held at the beginning, middle and end of the school year and
Parents are encouraged to attend these but also to make appointments to see the
Headteacher, or member of staff to discuss any problems or to put forward any views
they have regarding the curriculum or organisation of the school.
We have a Home-School Contract, which was drawn up after consultation with
parents. In this contract, the school and family make a commitment to their child’s
education. We invite all parents to sign the contract when their child is first admitted
to school.
Planned Admissions
The planned admissions number for our reception age group for the academic year
2013/14 is 60. Details of the starting criteria for the academic year’s intake are
available from the school Office. Applications for admission to Ash Croft Primary in
2013/14 will be co-ordinated by Derby City Children and Young People’s Services.
Applications for Ash Croft Primary must be made to the Primary School Admissions,
The Council House, Corporation Street, Derby. DE1 2FS. Tel: 642729. Or
primary.admissions@derby.gov.uk
Religious education and collective worship
At Ash Croft primary School we have a daily act of collective worship. Religious
Education is multi-faith following the Derby agreed
syllabus. Parents have a right to withdraw their children
from both these activities.
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Resources
The school is very well resourced. The school’s computers are constantly being
updated. Each Key Stage 1 class has access to its own computers. All classes share
time throughout the week in our computer area that contains 18 computers all
connected to the Internet. All classes have access to a set of laptops and a class set
of netbooks. The school has a programme for developing control technology. There
is a reading and reference Library. All National Curriculum subjects have recently
been re-resourced. Our outdoor spaces provide many opportunities for outdoor
learning and play.
Safety and Security
We try to make our school as safe and secure as possible. All visitors to the school
must report to the school office. If you need to collect your child (ie for a hospital
appointment) during the school day, then you will need to sign the necessary
documents in the school office. For your own protection and the protection of all our
children, any visitors on the school premises/in the grounds will be challenged by a
member of staff if they do not follow the correct procedures. All members of school
staff are fully CRB checked.
Sex education
There is a formal policy for introducing sex education as part of our Health Education
programme. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from these lessons.
School terms and holiday dates
2013/2014
Autumn 2013
Wednesday 4th September - Friday 25th October
Monday 4th November - Friday 20thDecember
Spring 2014
Monday 6th January - Friday 14th February
Monday 24th February - Friday 11th April
Summer 2014
Monday 28th April - Friday 23rd May
Monday 2nd June - Wednesday 23rd July
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School Dinners
The school dinners are cooked on the premises and eaten in the hall. The cost of a
school dinner is £2 per day. There is a scheme to provide free meals to those who
are experiencing financial difficulties. If you think you are entitled please collect
further information from the school office or Derby City Education (Telephone: 01332
716907). Children should bring their dinner money on a Monday for the whole week,
in an envelope with their name, class and amount on it. Dinners can also be paid by
cheque payable to Derby City Council.
Children can bring packed lunches, but they must contain items which provide a
balanced diet. Chocolate and crisps are strongly discouraged.
School Uniform and P.E.
We have a school dress code that consists of
royal blue Ash Croft sweatshirts that are
available from the school office in sizes 24” to
34”, white polo shirts and grey trousers, skirts
or pinafore dresses, white or grey socks or
tights. In the summer girls may wear blue and
white dresses.
All children must wear
appropriate school shoes, not trainers.
PE kits consist of royal blue shorts and t-shirt. Trainers are required for outdoor P.E..
Black or blue track suits may be worn for outdoor P.E. during colder weather. P.E.
kits should be stored in a draw string bag. All coats and pump bags should have
loops to hang on coat pegs. We do not allow large bags or rucksacks, as space is
very limited. It is a priority to NAME EVERYTHING.
Sweat shirts, P.E. kits and bags and reading bags are available from the school
office. Please see Mrs Davis for a price list.
The School Day
School begins at 8.55am. We ask that children be in the school playground by
8.50am and NO EARLIER than 8.45am. A member of staff is on duty on the yard
and the gate from 8.45am.
School breaks for lunch at 12.00 noon. Afternoon school begins at 1.15pm. Children
who go home for lunch may return to school NO EARLIER than 1.00pm. They should
report to a member of the lunchtime staff.
School ends at 3.20pm.
There is a morning break of 15 minutes for the whole school and an afternoon break
for key stage 1 of 10 minutes.
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Total number of hours taught per week is: 22 hours
and 15 minutes for key stage 1 and 23 hours and 30
minutes for key stage 2.
THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM
A child’s primary education spans across three stages within school:
EYFS
Key Stage 1
Key Stage 2
ages 3 to 5
ages 5 to 7
ages 7 to 11
Early Years Foundation Stage
Years 1 and 2
Years 3, 4, 5 and 6
All classes use a mixture of teaching styles and techniques during the week in a
variety of groupings – whole class, ability groups, mixed ability groups, paired
working.
Children are taught daily lessons of Literacy and Numeracy, where the level of work
is tailored to individual ability. A broad and balanced curriculum is planned and taught
in a happy and stimulating environment in accordance with National requirements.
Independent and collaborative skills are encouraged in all year groups and
Information and Communications Technology (ICT) is readily used and embedded
across the whole curriculum.
All curriculum policies are available for parents to view (please ask at the office for
details). The school combines a variety of published national schemes together with
its own Creative Curriculum to provide a broad and balanced curriculum for quality
learning and teaching.
There are four Core subjects in the National Curriculum which are:
English/Literacy
Mathematics/Numeracy
Science
Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
These four Core subjects are integrated into the curriculum along with the seven
Foundation subjects of:
Art and Design
Design and Technology
Geography
History
Music
Personal, Social and Health Education and Citizenship
Physical Education
We also teach Religious Education as part of our statutory duties.
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Deciding if this is the school for you and your child
Any Parent wishing to visit the school prior to deciding whether to make an
application for admission can do so by arranging an appointment on Derby 764160.
On completion of their primary education parents have a choice as to which
secondary school they wish their child to attend. It is the responsibility of the parents
to make applications to the Authority to state the preferred school/s. Children will
normally transfer to a secondary school in the normal area of the home address,
which will usually be Derby City Secondary Academy, but an application must still be
made to ensure a place.
Conclusion
Ash Croft is a happy, friendly school. We try to create a pleasant atmosphere where
children will want to come, and where learning can be an enjoyable experience.
Please help us achieve this by encouraging you own child to enjoy school, and make
learning a lasting pleasure.
Visitors are always welcome at Ash Croft
Primary School, please telephone for an
appointment.
.
Ash Croft Primary School
Deep Dale Lane, Sinfin Moor, Derby. DE24 3HF
Telephone: (01332) 764160
admin@ashcroft.derby.sch.uk
www.ashcroftandecottonsfarm.co.uk
NOTE: Although the information contained in this booklet was correct at time of printing, it
should not be assumed there would be no change affecting the information before, during or
after the year in question
Printed May 2013
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