HIGHFIELD PRIMARY SCHOOL Happiness Promotes Success Charville Lane West Hillingdon Middlesex UB10 ODB TEL: 01895 230843 FAX: 01895 258338 Email:highfield@hgfl.org.uk www.highfield.hillingdon.sch.uk Headteacher Deputy Head Ms L Corrigan Miss J Burns Highfield Primary School Brochure STAFF AT HIGHFIELD Headteacher Deputy Head Assistant Headteacher Ms L Corrigan Miss J Burns Mrs J Matton Teaching Staff: Foundation Stage Nursery Miss H Foreman Reception Mrs H Sherwood – Phase Leader Reception Miss H Patel Key Stage 1 Year 1 Year 1 Year 2 Year 2 Mrs G Oakley – Phase Leader Miss H Partridge Mrs S Halisdemir Mrs C Bedford / Mrs J Johnson Key Stage 2 Year 3 Year 3 Year 4 Year 4 Year 5 Year 6 Mrs T Frier Miss L Dewar Miss S Santos Mrs K Kanu Mr R Langford – Phase Leader Mrs J Bilham PPA staff Spanish P.E. Mrs A Clark Mr A Everitt Teaching Support Staff Mrs T Almand Mrs A Duffy Mrs L Haley (HLTA) Ms M Lambie (Nursery Nurse) Mrs S Norris (Nursery Nurse) Mrs M Seymour Mrs A Wordsworth Administration Team Mrs K Brill Mrs R Desoura Miss C Elliman Mrs H Hinge Mrs C Langford (HLTA) Mrs C Phillips Mrs S Viney Mr D Britton Site Team Site Manager Facilities Manager Mr J Kissane Mr T Meredith Kitchen Staff Miss L Best Mrs S Joshi Cleaners Mrs M Adams White Miss L Best Miss C Dell Mrs J Ellis Miss S Kara (Nursery Nurse) Miss D Lewis Miss R Schyns Mrs R Virdi Ms B Cavallaro Ms S Collins Mrs P Virdi Mrs S Gomm Miss S Hawgood 2 Mrs P Virdi Highfield Primary School Brochure SMSAs Mrs C Toms – Senior SMSA Miss L Cordery Mrs H Korkis Mrs F Abroudjameur Mrs M Seymour Miss Carly Dell Mrs T Matthews Mrs M Adams White Mrs S Greenwood Mrs C Tumber Governors AT HIGHFIELD Governors: Mr M Haley Ms L Corrigan Mrs S Bachorz Mrs G Collins Miss S Harris Mr D Jammu Mrs S Lawrence Mrs R McDonald Mr D Smith Mr N Tumber Mrs J Tushaw Mrs J Stevens Chair of Governors/Community Governor Ex Officio Parent Governor LA Governor Parent Governor Parent Governor LA Governor Community Governor Vice Chair/ Parent Governor Parent Governor Community Governor Clerk to the Governing Body 3 Highfield Primary School Brochure Welcome Highfield Primary School is a co-educational day school for children aged from 5-11 years. It also has its own 50 place Nursery. It is situated in the centre of the London Borough of Hillingdon, in the village of Hillingdon, to the south of the Western Avenue and close to the Uxbridge Road. The School was opened in 1969 and has recently undergone major building works. They were completed in Autumn 2013 and accommodate the growing number of children wishing to join Highfield Primary School. The school is set within extensive grounds which create many opportunities to take learning outside of the classroom and also giving the children space to have fun and play during break times. Aims and Ethos Highfield is a small caring school providing a warm and secure atmosphere in which each child fulfils his or her real potential. We prepare pupils for a life in which they will play an active role in their own family, in their secondary education and within the local community. We expect all of our children to respect others and receive respect themselves. We wish them to be happy in their work and to recognise that the main reason for their being with us is to learn. Close collaboration between individuals is encouraged. Our expectations of all children, in their learning and in their social development are high. The curriculum we offer is broad and challenging. Every effort is made to make sure that children work at the level, which is appropriate to their ability. We value the partnership with our parents to achieve the high standards we all expect. Through termly open evenings we offer the opportunity for parents to discuss their child’s progress with the class teacher. As a primary school, with teachers liaising closely, we work to ensure that children transfer from nursery to infants, and from infants to juniors with confidence and ease. At Highfield Primary School we believe that everyone has a right to equal opportunities. We believe that all children, adults and families should feel welcome and should have an equal chance to benefit from our school and everything it provides. General Information 4 Highfield Primary School Brochure Nursery Admissions Procedure Nursery admissions are made in September.. Parents wishing to enrol their children into the Nursery should contact the school office. It should be noted that a place at our Nursery does not guarantee a place at the Infant school. Primary School Admissions The admission procedure for children entering full time infant education is handled by the Local Education Authority. Children who become five between 1st September – 31st August will start school on the beginning of the autumn term (September). School Day Soft start from 8.40am Main School: Morning session 8.50am. - 12.00 noon (Reception) 5 Highfield Primary School Brochure Afternoon session 1.00 pm - 3.15pm Morning session Afternoon sessions 8.50am - 12.15 p.m (years 1 & 2) 1.15pm - 3.15pm Morning Session Afternoon Session 8.50 - 12.20pm (years 3,4,5,6) 1.15pm - 3.15pm Morning Break 10.30 a.m. - 10.50 a.m. Afternoon Break for Infants is at flexible times Nursery: 8.30am – 11.30am 12.30pm – 3.30pm Morning Session Afternoon Session Parents are asked to ensure that children arrive in school punctually because we feel that this is a vital part of the child’s education. Children should not arrive at school before 8.30 a.m. During bad weather children may wait under the canopies, otherwise they should remain on the playground until the bell is rung by a member of staff. As from the 15th July PMG Schoolwear will be our new uniform provider. You will be able to order uniform directly on line and choose either to have this delivered to your home address or pick up from Unit 4, Swan Wharf Business Centre, Waterloo Road, Uxbridge, UB8 2RA. You can also purchase from their unit during their working hours. The unit is situated opposite the Royal Mail sorting office. 6 Highfield Primary School Brochure The website for ordering is: http://www.pmgschoolwear.co.uk Uniform Prices stocked with PMG Schoolwear: Sweatshirt 20” – 34” £7.99 Sweatshirt 35-XL £9.99 Fleeces (optional) ages 3 – 14 £13.50 Sweatcardigans 22 – 34” £10.50 Fleeces (optional) XS-XL £14.50 Sweatcardigans XS £12.50 Sweat cardigans S – L £12.50 Back Packs (optional) £9.50/£10.50 P.E. t-shirts age 3 - 12 £4.99 Book Bags £4.99 Legionnaires Cap £3.25 Baseball caps £3.25 P.E. Bags £3.50 Reversible Fleece Jackets (optional) ages 3 – 13 £18.99 Reversible Fleece Jackets (optional) XS-M £21.00 Reversible Fleece Jackets (optional) L –XL £25.99 School Uniform Boys Girls Grey or Black Trousers White Shirt (Summer) Grey Shorts Sensible black shoes Dark coloured socks Grey Skirt or Black trousers White Blouse / polo shirt (Summer) Blue and White dress Sensible black shoes Flesh / dark coloured tights. White socks Royal blue sweat shirt with school badge Trainer socks are not permitted. Skirts are to be worn just above the knee – no mini skirts. Summer shoes must cover the toes and have a strap around the back of the foot to secure the shoe. No boots or trainers to be worn in class Discipline Rules and regulations within the school are kept to a minimum and are for the health and safety of everyone. Children are encouraged to be honest, courteous and considerate to the needs of others. Our aim is to encourage self-discipline. Most children work well and behave well in a relaxed atmosphere where praise plays an important part. Generally a “talking to” sorts out incidents of normal naughtiness and the withdrawal of some special privileges may be used as a further sanction to deal with day to day lack of discipline. In the case of the persistent offender, parents will be informed and parental help sought to try and resolve problems. The school has a behaviour policy which parents may borrow from the office to read at any time. 7 Highfield Primary School Brochure Information Needed When a child enters the school we ask parents to supply us with details of your home telephone number, works telephone number, family doctor and how you can be contacted during the day should the school require you urgently. Parents are asked to enter these details on the form which you will be given and return it as soon as possible. Should any of these details change, we would ask that the school office be notified immediately. School Rules The co-operation and support of parents is requested with respect to the following rules: 1. School uniform is worn by children as we feel that children benefit by wearing the uniform. This gives a greater sense of belonging and in many ways school uniform is more convenient. Details of school uniform are included in the school brochure. 2. Rings and jewellery around the arms and necks, except for religious reasons, must NOT be worn in school. This is in the interest of safety and the prevention of injury. Earrings (other than a small single stud for boys/pair of studs for girls) are forbidden and the use of nail varnish is also forbidden. 3. All Earrings must be removed for P.E. (please ensure your child does not wear their earrings on their P.E. days). 4. Long hair should be tied back in either a pony tail or plait at all times. 5. Haircuts should not be extreme, no patterns are to be in the hair nor is hair to be tinted or coloured. Boys should not have hair shorter than a “No 2 cut” 6. Parents should not allow children to bring valuable articles to school or wear expensive articles of clothing. 7. Children are not allowed to bring toys into school except by prior arrangement. 8. All sweets and chewing gum are absolutely forbidden in school or on school journeys. Children are not allowed to bring drinks in glass bottles to school as once again we have the safety factor in mind. However, children are encouraged to bring plastic bottles of PLAIN water to drink in the classroom during hot weather. Children are reminded of the school rules and parents are kept informed. 9. Children who are staying to an after school activity must stay on the school site unless parents have signed giving permission for them to walk home alone. 10. Children are not allowed into the classrooms before school unless the classteacher is present and gives them permission. 11. Children should not arrive at school before 8.30am unless attending an organised club. School Meals 1. Children may bring a packed lunch from home. 2. Children may order a hot lunch from the school kitchen. 8 Highfield Primary School Brochure Friends of Highfield The Friends of Highfield help develop the partnership and co-operation which should exist between Parent and Teacher in the education of children. They organise major fund raising events each year and the proceeds from these are devoted to providing additional facilities for the children. Parental Engagement We meet formally with parents at the termly Parents’ Evenings, however, we also encourage parents to become involved in the school through becoming members of the Friends of Highfield Association or the Parent Council. Every September we have an informal ‘Meet the Teacher’ meeting when we issue an open invitation for any parent to hear readers with a class. Collecting Your Child Younger children are kept with their teacher at the playground doorway until the parent arrives. Please make sure your child knows where you will be meeting him/her. If at any time you make alternative arrangements, please ensure that the class teacher and/or School Secretary are informed. Community Cohesion We have ongoing links with local, national and international communities through the work of the Children’s Committees. The children are encouraged to think of others and find ways to learn and appreciate the lives of children in other areas of the UK and around the world. 9 Highfield Primary School Brochure The Curriculum The school’s curriculum is developed in line with the 2014National Curriculum, Local Education Authority policies, and the Schools policies (copies of such policies and documents can be viewed at the school on request) The National Curriculum consists of three four subjects, English, Mathematics, Computing and Science, as well as the other foundation subjects of Art, Design and Technology, Spanish , Physical Education, Music, History, and Geography. We also teach Personal, Social, and Health Education and RE Teaching and Learning At Highfield we encourage the skills of readiness, responsibility, resilience, resourcefulness, being able to reason and being reflective so that the children can have full access to the curriculum. Our teachers promote independence and creativity in their lessons through paired and groupwork. English/Drama At Highfield we recognise the central importance of language in our curriculum. No other area of the curriculum is able to operate without it. We have high expectations for each pupil to use English effectively in a variety of situations and for different audiences across the curriculum. Work is presented grammatically correct and legible. We promote the skills of listening, speaking, reading and writing in the context of real and purposeful activities. The introduction of the Literacy Hour has helped to raise achievement in language. Reading is given a high priority throughout the school and we foster home/school liaison to support English activities and encourage the enjoyment of reading. We encourage the children’s potential in the use of computers within English, not only as a means of publishing texts but as a way of composing, drafting and editing either collaboratively or independently. We involve children in the appraisal of their own and other children’s work and set targets for improvement. Mathematics At Highfield we develop a positive attitude towards mathematics. Our approach is practical, providing for the children a variety of activities to develop and consolidate their knowledge and understanding at every level, through problem solving and investigation work. Children are encouraged to discuss their observations, estimate and consider further possibilities. Mental mathematics is used every day. We are well provided with apparatus to support our teaching. 10 Highfield Primary School Brochure Science We make science practical, active and relevant at Highfield. We encourage the excitement of investigating, discovery and problem solving. We build on the observations, suggestions and investigations of the children to further understanding. Our extensive school grounds provide an excellent resource for exploring habitats. We have a well stocked resource cupboard for science across the curriculum. Technology In our school we involve children in the techniques of identifying and analysing problems. Then by providing children with the necessary practical skills, in different materials and with a variety of tools, we challenge them to produce solutions to the problems. Children are encouraged to draft, make, test and refine their ideas before evaluating their solutions. Children working together is considered vital. Computing The school has a dedicated Computing suite as well as tablets and laptops to meet the challenges of the 21st Century. The computer suite enables classes to work through their scheme of work. We frequently use the digital camera for displays and have the use of video recorders in school for visual teaching. 11 Highfield Primary School Brochure History and Geography History and Geography are taught in the school mainly through topics. We incorporate National Curriculum requirements and ensure that there is a balance of both historical and geographical content over the course of a year. Learning is actively supported on many occasions through class visits and practical resources. Art Our children receive a wide variety of experiences in Art using a range of materials in both two and three dimensions. We utilise art materials for drawing, painting, printing, dyeing, weaving and sculpting. We place great value on observational artwork. Children also become familiar with the work and style of various artists Music Music is essentially a practical subject and makes an important contribution to the life of the school. In music we ensure that children achieve success as they experience music in a variety of contexts. Children develop skills in singing and playing instruments. They compose music and perform to others. They also develop skills in analysing musical composition and develop an understanding of the history of music as well as learning about musical instruments and the sounds produced. Physical Education Highfield offers a broad and balanced Physical Education curriculum. Each child will be given the opportunity to experience Athletics, Dance, Games, Gymnastics, Outdoor activities and Swimming in Year 5. Positive attitudes, teamwork and a healthy regard for competition are promoted in all games. Children have the opportunity to extend their interest and skills through many school sports clubs. 12 Highfield Primary School Brochure P.E. Kit Indoor: Black shorts Tshirt Leotard for girls (optional) Outdoor: Swimming: Trainers/Plimsolls One piece costume(girls) Blue Highfield Black shorts Trunks Black/Blue tracksuit (winter) Towel Hat (girls and boys) Personal, Social and Health Education We have a detailed scheme of work for this subject, which is taught to children as they travel through school. Children explore and investigate the concepts of personal relationships, family life, social skills and the understanding of their own development and self esteem. The children also learn to plan for their own personal safety and to think of strategies designed to keep themselves safe in a variety of situations. We are very careful to match these activities to the age and stage of development of the children we are educating. The children have talks from many visitors including our local policeman and fire officers. The school also has annual visits from the LEA Life bus. Sex Education In general the children’s questions are answered truthfully as they arise, bearing in mind their age and stage of development. Topics being investigated which might give rise to this approach would be families, pets, our bodies, etc. In year 6 the children are shown a series of Health Education films culminating in a film dealing with the onset of puberty. Parents are invited to discuss the content of the programmes before they are shown to the children. The Headteacher is always willing to discuss any strong views parents may have on sex education for their children. 13 Highfield Primary School Brochure Religious Education Religious Education is taught on the basis of respect for all beliefs and cultures. We seek to emphasis the commonality of such religious ideas as caring and sharing, loving and giving. However, there are occasions when stories are used from the major world religions and are discussed or celebrated within the framework of our topic planning. We use the Borough Guidelines for our RE syllabus. Parents who do not wish their children to take part in RE lessons should see the Headteacher. Inclusion at Highfield Special Educational Needs Some children have Special Educational Needs and we endeavour to ensure that such needs are fully met while giving them full access to the curriculum. The staff have a positive attitude to the needs of all pupils and there is a whole school approach to the recognition of those with special needs or disabilities. Additional support is being given to those with learning and language difficulties and provision of an appropriate environment for pupils experiencing emotional or behavioural problems. Great importance is attached to the close liaison of parents, teaching and support staff, together with outside agencies where necessary, in support of these children. Equally the able child is entitled to special provision. More Able Children We support these children through differentiated work in lessons. We also run some additional more able groups to extend their thinking and independence. Looked after Children At Highfield we closely monitor our Looked after Children through positive liaison with the carers. We have good links with appropriate external agencies who can offer the most suitable support. Equalities and Diversity Across the school (children, parents, staff, governors and friends) we treat everyone with respect and make no distinctions between gender, age or race. Environmental Education At Highfield we see caring for the environment and its inhabitants as an essential part of the moral, spiritual and cultural development of all pupils. Children are encouraged, through a carefully planned and delivered PSHE scheme of work and related cross curricular links, and through the example set by good role models, to care for, and respect all members of their school, their home and the wider community, alongside a respect for all living things and the environment in which we all live. 14 Highfield Primary School Brochure School Visits As part of the Curriculum activities, school visits are organised. Sometimes the visits are to places in the immediate locality and are thus made without incurring any charge. In other cases the curriculum may involve a visit to be made which will require travel by coach. In all cases parents are informed of the nature of the visit and it relevance to the curriculum. The vast majority of the visits take place in school time and therefore are covered by the School Charging Policy. School Charging Policy Every year the children go on outings that are relevant to the topics that they are studying. The 1988 Education Act states that all outings in school time should be available to all children. However no extra funds have been made available to cover this cost, so the governors have made the decision to ask parents for a contribution towards the cost of the outing. If sufficient people do not contribute, the outing will not take place. In very special circumstances the Governor’s may offer some financial assistance. Parents at Highfield have always supported the school in this way and we are grateful for that support. Parents may also be asked to contribute towards the cost of ingredients for cooking. Pastoral Care At Highfield we are a caring and sharing community where everyone takes a part in enforcing discipline and dealing with problems. We hope your child will be happy here but rather than keeping any nagging worries to yourself we would prefer you get in touch with us to sort them out. The procedure for dealing with any queries is to contact the class teacher in the first instance. Usually any worries or concerns can be cleared up at this point. Should you still feel unsettled or dissatisfied the Head Teacher is available to discuss any problems concerning the pastoral, academic or general welfare of the children. Appointments can be made through the School Secretary. Please try to avoid turning up unannounced as we cannot guarantee to be able to deal with your problem at that moment. This is especially awkward during school hours when teachers are with their classes. Once again please make an appointment through the School Secretary or send a letter to the teacher in advance. Collective Worship We teach a variety of faiths through our RE curriculum and highlight some of the key celebrations in whole school assemblies e.g. Diwali and the Chinese New Year. We have a daily assembly and focus times for reflection. Homelearning Work at home is set for the children at Highfield. This may involve learning tables, learning spellings, reinforcing work started at school or related research work. Our main aim with homework is to ensure it is relevant and is related to the learning taking place in the classroom. A full homework policy is available from the office. 15 Highfield Primary School Brochure Other Information Child Welfare In a relatively small primary school such as ours we are all concerned with all aspects of the development of children in our care and all staff are responsible for the general well being, progress (academic/social) and also of the discipline of children both in particular teaching areas and within the school in general. Where upsets or difficulties arise, staff will consult with parents. At nursery level both Nursery teacher and Nursery Nurse meet parents as children arrive and depart daily and will always discuss any problems that have arisen. The school also has the service of a Welfare assistant who cares for the children. Medical Inspections for all children are organised by the Area Health Authority, these include vision, hearing and medical check ups. If children complain of feeling unwell during the day, they will be cared for in the Medical Room in the short term and where necessary, parents will be contacted and asked to collect their child. In the event of accidents, the necessary attention will be provided and parents will be contacted if appropriate. Medicines In School As a general rule children suffering from an illness requiring regular doses of medicines or drugs will not be well enough to be at school. There are, however instances where children would be unable to attend school regularly without the administering of medicines on school premises, e.g. control of diabetes, asthma, hay fever. The following conditions as issued by the Local Education Authority, apply with regard to such medicines: 1. Only medicines prescribed by a doctor should be brought to school. 2. Such medicines will only be accepted if brought to school by the parent or another responsible adult. 3. Wherever possible parents should come to school to administer medicines. Where this is not possible, parents should provide a signed note indicating clear instruction regarding dosage. 4. Medicines - labelled with the child’s name and instructions should be handed to the School Welfare Assistant, prior to each session and should be collected from her at the end of the school day. 5. A note from the parent should also be sent to the child’s class teacher explaining the need for and timing of the administering of the dosage. 6. All medicines should be clearly marked with the child’s name and class and contain dosage for one day only. 16 Highfield Primary School Brochure Safeguarding All adults working in school are CRB checked. At Highfield the children’s safety is paramount and there is a designated Child Protection Officer. Absence From School If a child is absent from school for any reason the school office should be informed on the first day of absence and a letter of explanation should be presented on the child’s return. If no letter or phone call is received, the absence is unauthorized. A letter will be sent to the parents enquiring as to why their child has been away. The school will refer families to the Education Welfare Officer if there is a need to investigate unauthorized absences . The LEA guidelines are that parents should refrain from taking children out of school for family holidays during term time as it is deemed detrimental to their education and should be avoided. However should it be necessary to remove children from school for any other reason a request should be made in writing to the Headteacher. Personal Accident Insurance The London Borough of Hillingdon in common with practically every other local authority in the country carries what is almost standard insurance cover - i.e. a Third Party Insurance Policy. This means that if an accident was to befall a pupil then a successful claim could be made if negligence were proved on the part of the Council or any of its employees. The Authority does not have personal accident insurance policy which relates to children in its schools. Parents, if they wish, may make their own arrangements either by taking out a separate policy or by modifying any existing insurance policy. 17