Getting The Best From Your Child

Joining the School

Children are admitted to the school in the September before their fifth birthday. We aim to give them a secure and happy start to their school lives. In preparation we arrange a careful induction programme for parents and children which includes the opportunity to experience some morning sessions prior to starting school. Children enter school on a part time basis in September, usually just for one week and then attend full time. Recognising that each child is different in terms of development and readiness for school the Headteacher is always happy to discuss specific individual needs with parents.

Monitoring Progress and Setting Targets

Assessment is an integral part of planning and teaching and provides information about specific strengths, difficulties and achievements of individual pupils. Class Teachers are continually assessing progress. This takes many forms: judgements made on daily school work, weekly tests, specially set up assessment tasks, diagnostic tests and the national tests. As a result of assessment, teachers and pupils are able to negotiate targets. These vary in terms of quantity and the time expected to achieve them. A pupil’s level and rate of progress is regularly recorded to provide information for the next class teacher. Standard Assessment Tests take place at the age of 7 (end of KS 1) and 11 (end of KS 2) and assessments made against the requirements of these tests are communicated to parents via an annual progress report and two parent teacher consultation evenings. Non-statutory Standard Assessment Tests are also administered to pupils in Year 3, 4, and 5. Each child’s progress is individually monitored as they progress through the school by the Headteacher in consultation with the Classteacher.

Homework

Children benefit greatly from well structured homework. It enhances and consolidates class work, involves parents in their children’s learning and teaches independence. A child’s performance in homework tasks or related class tests also helps to assess academic ability and attitude to work. Therefore, from the children’s earliest days at school, teachers set appropriate homework to support, reinforce and extend the children’s learning. Parent-supported homework, addressing an individual need for more practice in a particular area, or providing a challenge to extend a child, can also save valuable teaching time.

Staff Consultations and Communication with Parents

Staff are always available to speak with parents about their child’s progress. Consultation evenings are held in the Autumn and Spring terms and an annual report is discussed at the second meeting. Appropriate targets are then set for the children to achieve by the end of the year. In addition talks, workshops and exhibitions, designed to inform or facilitate consultation with parents on curriculum issues, are held at school from time to time. Up-dates about school development and events are regularly communicated to parents by the Headteacher and the Chair of Governors. Feedback from parents on any aspect of the school is always welcomed by the Headteacher.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

We aim to ensure that every child at Dundry Primary School receives the best possible education, and we acknowledge that occasionally special arrangements may be required to help achieve a child’s full potential. Our policy for SEN is in line with the Code of Practice published by the Department for Education and Employment, and we take particular care in identifying children in need of specific teaching and learning support. After consultation between parents, the class teacher, the SEN Co-ordinator and learning support staff from the North Somerset team, individual learning programmes are drawn up. The school supports the LEA policy to integrate children with special needs in the normal school environment, wherever possible, and has been particularly successful in this area. School staff are always available to discuss Special Educational Needs with parents.

Transfer to Secondary School

Every effort is made to ensure that Year 6 children are well prepared for their transfer to secondary education. Staff from Chew Valley Comprehensive School to which the majority of children transfer, visit the school during the year to talk to the children about secondary school life. There are opportunities for parents and children to visit all of our local Secondary Schools during the autumn and summer term. The Headteacher is always ready to discuss the needs of individual children who are preparing for their transfer to secondary school.