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At present, over 200 children aged 4 – 11 years attend daily from the villages of Isleham and Chippenham. The school was built in 1847 as a Church Foundation, became voluntary controlled in 1948 and was extended in the early 1950’s. Two classroom extensions were completed in 1998 and a further extension was completed in 2000. The current buildings consist of 8 classrooms. In addition there is a large hall, kitchen, cloakroom and toilet areas, library and staff room. The administrative block is situated in the original schoolhouse. There is a nature area with a pond, a covered heated learner swimming pool, two playgrounds and a playing field. The Isleham Under 5’s are situated within the school grounds and there is a close liaison with the pre-school staff to ensure a smooth transition to school. We are proud of the school’s achievements to
date, and look forward to the future with enthusiasm and commitment. |
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Isleham C of E Primary School is committed to providing an environment where all are valued. It will endeavour to ensure that children reach their potential and acquire a positive attitude towards learning.
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| Headteacher | Mrs V Ellerker |
| Deputy Headteacher | Miss T Barker |
| Teachers | Mrs S Barber Miss L Bowden Mrs L Carrick Miss E Close Mrs E Hardy Mrs L Staward Mrs S R Stern Mrs K Wright |
| Nursery Nurse | Mrs R Dray |
| School Secretary | Mrs A Barrett |
| Finance Assistant | Mrs L Fiore |
| Webmaster | Mrs K Fuller |
| Support Staff | Mrs R Burton Mrs S Goldsack Mrs P Guggiari Mrs J Hare Miss S Jones Mrs L Myers Mrs S Smalley Mr S Stamp-Dod |
| Music Staff | Mrs L Chandler |
| Caretaker | Mr S Stamp-Dod |
| Cleaners | Mrs J Drayton Mr R Drayton |
| Cook | Mrs T Taylor |
| Assistant Cook | Mrs C Bassett |
| Lunchtime Superviors | Mrs R Burton (Midday Co-ordinator) |
Isleham School admits children at the beginning of the academic year in which they are five. For this purpose, the academic year begins on September 1st and ends on August 31st. During the first half term of the Reception Year the children may attend either full or part time. Parents are invited to discuss their preferences with us. Reception Year placements are made by the Local Education Authority, not by the school. Parents are asked to return the application form to the school by the date given in the Admissions Booklet, which is sent to families in February. Parents have a right to appeal against the decision of the LEA and the details of this procedure are set out in the Admissions Booklet. Admissions to other year groups are made by the Headteacher, where the number in the year group is below 31. A request for a place in an oversubscribed year group must be made to the Local Education Authority, the contact number is 01223 717916. The LEA may decide to offer a place at this school or will offer a place at the nearest school with available places. Parents have the right to appeal against the decision of the LEA. |
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Children are usually taught in year groups and are
allocated to classes. Each class is taught by a class teacher, but children
are regularly taught by the Headteacher and other teachers who offer particular
curriculum expertise. |
| School Day |
| 8.50 am | The playground is supervised by a teacher
and this is the earliest time that children may arrive. Children in Year 2 and above will go straight to the playground and must not go into cloakrooms or classrooms. They come in on their own to encourage independence. Children in Reception and Year 1 should be taken
to the classroom between 8.55 and 9.05 am. To avoid disruption to teaching,
parents should have left the classroom area by 9.05 am. |
| 9.00 am | Morning session begins |
| 10.15 - 11.00 am | Separate play times of 15 minutes each for both KS1
and KS2 children |
| 12.00 pm | Lunch |
| 1.00 pm | Afternoon session begins
Children in KS1 may have an afternoon playtime of
10 minutes. |
| 3.15 pm | End of the school day |
| Parents may wait on the reception playground or on
the main playground from 3.05 pm and should not come to the area adjacent
to the classrooms until 3.10 pm. We are grateful to parents for the care they take in not disturbing the end of the afternoon session. For children travelling from Chippenham – The school bus leaves Chippenham bus stop at 8.40 am and returns after the school day, arriving at Chippenham bus stop at approximately 3.30 pm. |
| Lunches
Lunches are cooked on the premises. Dinner money can be paid either at the commencement of each half term or weekly on a Monday morning. All payments should be in a sealed envelope, clearly marked with the child’s name and class. Cheques should be made payable to Cambridgeshire County Council. Parents are invited to stay with their child to sample our school meals. Arrangements to do so should be made through the school office. The cost of the meal is Menus are displayed around the school and on the PTA board. A menu is also available on the notice board in Chippenham. To see a copy of the current lunch time menus, please click here. Children may bring a packed lunch in a named lunch box or small bag. Any drink must be in an unbreakable container. Parents are asked to ensure that children’s packed lunches support the school’s Healthy Eating Policy. Cans are not allowed in school. Children will be entitled to Free School Meals if parents
are in receipt of: Forms are available from the School Office or the Education Welfare Benefits Service on 01480 375579. During lunchtime, the children are in the care of a team of Lunchtime Supervisors, supported by the Head or Deputy Headteacher. Children who go home to lunch must not return to school before 12.55 pm.
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| Uniform
In keeping with our school ethos we expect all children
to wear school uniform. School clothing may be ordered through the school.
Please click
here to download an order form. Forms are also available from the
school office and completed orders may be collected from the office on
Wednesday afternoons from 3pm onwards. School Uniform
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| Parental Involvement
Parents are positively welcomed into the school. We believe that in order to enable children to flourish, home and school must work in partnership. Parent consultation afternoon/evenings are held in the Autumn and Spring terms. In the Summer term emphasis is placed in giving children an opportunity to share their achievements with their families, as well as for parents to talk to teachers. At all of these meetings governors are available to discuss whole school issues. On Thursday between 3.15 pm and 4 pm children can show parents their work. Appointments can be made to see your child’s teacher or the Headteacher at any time during the term. We always encourage parents and other adults to be involved by helping in the classrooms and by accompanying groups on educational visits. If you would like to help, please contact the class teacher. You will need to complete a police check form as all volunteer helpers must be registered and you will be invited to occasional workshops and given opportunities to meet other helpers. Change of Address and /or Telephone Numbers It is very important that parents notify us of any changes. The school office must have accurate emergency contact details. The Community Nurse visits the school regularly and holds
occasional ‘drop in’ sessions for parents. Education Welfare Officers help in liaison between home and school. They aim to ensure all children benefit from the education being offered. They help with school attendance matters and also offer advice to parents on many other issues. Our Education Welfare Officer can be contacted on – 01223 566756 The reason for any absence from school must be explained in a letter or by telephone. Parents are encouraged not to arrange holidays during the school term as this disrupts the child’s education. In unavoidable circumstances, permission must be obtained from the Headteacher. Any absence, unaccompanied by a note, telephone call or holiday form is counted as an unauthorised absence and has to be recorded in school. Children who arrive late must be taken to the school office so that their names can be added to the school register. Similarly, if you need to collect your child other than at the end of a school session, arrangements must be made through the school office. For the safety of our children all visitors must report to the school office, sign the Visitor Book and wear a security badge. ADULTS MUST NOT COLLECT CHILDREN FROM THEIR CLASSROOM DURING THE SCHOOL SESSIONS Authorised Absences During the period September 2003 to May 2004 :- Children who are unwell should be kept at home and a period of recovery allowed before a child returns to school. In general, medicines do not need to be given during the school day. The usual 6 hourly dosage can be extended to 8 hours. Parents are asked to consult with their doctor and either keep their child at home or make arrangements to administer the medicines themselves. Where a medical practitioner prescribes an inhaler for a child, the Health Authorities recommend this should be kept by the child, who should have free access to it for use as and when they think necessary. It is important that these children have a spare named inhaler kept in the school at all times. SPECIAL MEDICAL NEEDS e.g. Diabetic children It is essential that the parents and teachers meet to discuss appropriate arrangements. Whenever possible, the Community Nurse attends these meetings. Teachers must be kept informed of any medical conditions. If your child has suffered from sickness of diarrhoea, it is advisable to allow a recovery period of at least 24 hours. Please regularly check your own and your child’s hair and follow the guidance given in our leaflet, which is available from the school office. We are always concerned about the safety of the children. Only our oldest children who have undertaken the Safer Cycling course should be allowed by their parents to cycle to school unaccompanied. A new cycle rack has been installed on the field. Priority of use is decided by the policy which can be requested from the school office. Parents should park their cars at the recreation ground and walk along Malting Lane with their children. This provides the safest entrance and exit for all our pupils. NO PARKING IS ALLOWED OUTSIDE THE SCHOOL ENTRANCE. Persistent offenders may have their registration number made public or passed to the police.
It may be helpful for parents to know that the Authority requires Headteachers to report any obvious or suspected cases 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 circumstance it is hoped that parents, appreciating how difficult it is for schools to carry out this delicate responsibility, would accept that the Headteacher was acting in what were believed to be the child’s best interests. The following is taken from the ‘Cambridgeshire Guidelines of Child Protection Procedures’. It relates to all personnel working in a school for the LEA. In cases of suspected or obvious abuse (or if a disclosure is made concerning a child) the person must immediately tell the Headteacher. The Headteacher must report the case immediately by telephone or in person to the local Social Services Area Manger or the Social Services Duty Officer for child protection.
Children are expected to reflect the training of home and school and to be co-operative, honest, caring and polite. We have a code of behaviour that values the needs of children and adults and expects all individuals to accept the responsibility. ⇒ Respect each person and their belongings ⇒ Respect the school and its environment ⇒ Respect the working atmosphere necessary for all to achieve their full potential. Children who are uncooperative may lose playtime or other activities and may be given extra work or community tasks. Parents are consulted where there is cause for concern and immediately if there is serious misbehaviour. Bullying is not tolerated and the school takes a serious view of this, as is reflected in its policy statement. We recognise and celebrate good behaviour in a number of ways. To encourage the children to present good work, a points system has been devised. For sustained work of merit, pupils are awarded a point denoted by a ‘merit dot’. When 10 points have been accumulated then a Merit Certificate is awarded to the child at a full school assembly. Every child is part of a house system. Children gain house points for good work or behaviour. The teams’ points are added together each week and an announcement is made in assembly. Every year the children in each house from Year 2 to Year 6 elect a girl and a boy from Year 6 as House Captains to represent them. To see the current house point standings, please click here These are held twice a term and children are presented with their Merit Certificates or other awards gained. Teachers may also praise individual children from their classes for work, behaviour or effort. All the children mentioned in these assemblies have their names recorded in a special ‘Achievements Book’.
These take place regularly and give teachers an opportunity to show excellent work to the school. Children are also encouraged in their work and behaviour by receiving stickers form their teachers and Headteacher. The lunchtime supervisors operate a sticker system based on politeness and good behaviour. A leaflet explaining our School Behaviour Policy is available for parents from the school office. |
PSHE and Citizenship is also taught in school. We foster positive attitudes to diversity and an atmosphere of mutual respect and trust among adults and children from different backgrounds, ethnic groups, and range of abilities, so that all members of the school community feel valued.
In studying English, pupils develop skills in speaking and listening, reading and writing, enabling them to express themselves creatively and imaginatively, respond to others sensitively and communicate effectively and confidently. We use the Literacy Framework to plan the progression of the children’s learning.
Pupils learn to become enthusiastic and critical readers of story, poetry and drama, as well as non-fiction and media text. They quickly build up their knowledge of words, sentences and texts which they use to understand and respond to the meaning. They are encouraged to analyse texts and discuss their thoughts and opinions with others. Pupils develop an understanding that writing is both essential to thinking and learning, and enjoyable in its own right. They learn the main rules and conventions of written English and start to explore how the English Language can be used to expressed meaning in different ways. We aim that the children should be confident in mathematics, with good mathematical understanding and able to apply their knowledge to problem solving. We use the Numeracy Framework to plan the progression of the children’s learning. We develop children’s knowledge and understanding of Mathematics through practical activity, exploration and discussion. In Key Stage 1 they learn to count, read and order numbers to 100 and beyond. They develop a range of mental calculation skills. Children are taught about shape and space through practical activity. The children are encouraged to use mathematical language in all aspects of their mathematical work.
In Key Stage 2, the children use the number system more confidently, developing both mental and written methods. Children explore features of shape and space, and develop their measuring skills in a range of contexts. They discuss and present their methods using a wider range of mathematical language, diagrams and charts. Science is a core subject and the skills of scientific enquiry are integral to the children’s learning in science. The children are taught to observe, predict, question, plan and carry out fair tests, record results and observations accurately and draw conclusions. These investigative skills allow them to carry out their own lines of enquiry with increasing independence and the children are taught to adopt good health and safety attitudes. We use New Ginn Star Science as a core resource in science teaching. Science is generally taught in topics spread over the academic year. The children are encouraged to foster an appreciation of science as an important part of everyday life so they can develop confidently within a scientific society. Information Communication
Technology Information and Communication Technology (ICT) prepares pupils to participate in a rapidly changing world in which work and other activities are increasingly transformed by access to varied and developing technology. Pupils use ICT tools to find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information responsibly, creatively and with discrimination. They learn how to employ ICT to enable rapid access to ideas and experiences from a wide range of people, communities and cultures. The use of computers is widely encouraged throughout the school, across all subject areas. There are computers in all classrooms and a number of computers are available in the School Library Resource Area. The teaching of Design and Technology combines knowledge and understanding with the skills of developing ideas, planning, making products and evaluating them. Children work with many materials and investigate how they can be used for different tasks. They identify strengths and weaknesses in their design, and, using a range of tools and processes, they modify their work. They evaluate their design for the purpose for which it was intended asking ‘Does it work?’ or ‘How can it be improved?’ They have to consider Health and Safety issues as designers, makers and consumers. We use the QCA scheme of work and use other published material to support teachers in the development of skills in this subject. Children develop an awareness of the past and how it is different from the present. Their study uses a variety of historical sources and gradually children use a chronological framework of their studies. Children in Key Stage 1 explore the past through stories, and they study their own family and village history. Children in Key Stage 2 study the following units: · Romans, Anglo-Saxon and Viking Britain Children work on the geographical skills needed for map reading and the drawing and interpreting of plans. Both the local area and other countries such as St Lucia and India are studied. Children regularly undertake fieldwork as an important part of their study. The older children cover aspects of the geography and history curriculum through their residential week at Aylmerton near Cromer. Class music lessons have two main elements. These are performing
and composing, and listening and appraising. Children have Specialist Music Tuition Recorder tuition is provided free of charge for all Y4 children. Y5 and Y6 children form the Upper School Choir. The school offers other musical opportunities to KS2 children and parents may purchase individual or small group brass and recorder tuition through an annual agreement with the school and the county music agency. Details are given to parents in the Autumn Term.
Children’s understanding and enjoyment of art, craft
and design are developed through a variety of activities that focus upon
the requirements of the National Curriculum. As part of the art curriculum, children are introduced to the work of a variety of artists and craftspeople from this and other cultures.
The children are taught to develop their skills in movement, co-ordination and co-operation through the PE lessons. All children take part in games, gymnastics, dance and swimming lessons. In Key Stage 2 the children also enjoy athletics. It is important that the children wear appropriate clothing for PE activities and that no jewellery, including earrings is worn in line with the County guidance. Swimming Pool The school has a learner pool, which is covered and heated
and is open from May to October. Children in all classes use the Y5 and Y6 children are taken to a local public swimming
pool for a series of lessons during the scheme for swimming and children
can gain swimming badges and certificates. The families of children registered at the school may join the local Swimming Pool Association. The Association uses the pool for after school and holiday sessions. Full details can be obtained from the school office.
We follow the Cambridgeshire Syllabus for Religious Education. Bible stories, artefacts, books and drama are used to help children explore a variety of human experiences as they learn about the Christian faith. We encourage respect for other religious beliefs and teach children about other world religions. We set standards to make children aware of personal and social values .
Collective Worship takes place daily and can be a class, Key Stage or whole school assembly. Staff and children are involved in leading these and they reflect the Christian beliefs and values of the adults and children at our school. Ministers and representatives from local churches regularly lead Collective Worship. Parents may decide to withdraw their children from all or part of Religious Education and Collective Worship provided at the school. We aim to ensure that all pupils have equal access to the National Curriculum and to the resources and opportunities offered by the school. All teachers plan, set and mark work which is appropriate and relevant to the individual needs of pupils. The school arranges specialist teaching to enhance the curriculum whenever this is appropriate. The Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator is responsible for overseeing assessment and provision. A copy of the Special Educational Needs Policy is available on request. Sex Education is taught through science and health education in the Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) programme. For Y5 and Y6, sex education is taught as a separate topic as part of the PSHE curriculum. For younger children, between the ages of four and seven years, questions arise in this area that will be dealt with as honestly and directly as possible. We approach sex education with the older children by using appropriate video material, written material and most importantly, through discussion. During the second half of the academic year, Y5 will watch the ‘Growing Up’ video and attend three teaching sessions lead by the school nurse and the class teacher. Y6 girls will receive a further teaching session from the school nurse and class teacher during the summer term. Parents are invited to an evening to view this video and discuss the content of the sex education lessons before the programme begins with the children. A copy of the Governing Body’s Policy on charging and remissions is available from the school office. All the children will be treated equally regardless of whether the parent has made a voluntary contribution or not. However, in the exceptional circumstances of insufficient contributions being made, the school reserves the right to cancel the proposed visit and refund any contributions already received. In case of genuine hardship, we would ask parents
to contact the Headteacher.
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The aim of the PTA is to encourage close ties and co-operation between school and home. We need your support. All parents, carers and adult family members are always welcome at our meetings. We do have a very hard working and active committee, which meets as often as necessary to arrange events throughout the year and to discuss relevant issues. Whilst events are primarily intended to fundraise, we also look for them to be enjoyable social gatherings, with themes as diverse as pantomime, adult trivia nights, school discos, fashion stalls and not forgetting the well supported cake stalls. Money raised over the years has been used for a wide variety of projects including numeracy and literacy resources, computer equipment, outdoor play equipment and staging and lighting for school concerts. Your attendance at committee meetings and the AGM will be greatly appreciated. If you have any ideas for events or any help that you can offer, then please do dome along. The meetings are informal with a lively bunch of characters who all look forward to meeting you. Prior to attending Isleham School, the majority of children attend Isleham Under 5’s, which is situated on the school site. There is a close liaison to manage the transition from pre-school to school. Children not at the Isleham Under 5’s are also invited for visits to meet teachers and their new class. The teachers can also arrange to visit other pre-school settings.
At the end of Y6 most of our pupils transfer to Soham Village College for their secondary phase of education. There is a close liaison between Soham Village College and ourselves. Our Y6 children develop an especially close relationship through regular visits. These include taking part in maths problem solving competitions and watching Soham Village College children in musicals and other performances. During the summer holiday, some children are invited to take part in a Gifted and Talented Summer School at Soham Village College. Teachers from the college liase with the Y6 teacher and join the class for some lessons in the summer term.
Community Links and School Trips Strong links exist with the local community and further enhance the learning experience of our children. Involvement with all sections of the community enables the school to take full advantage of support in various areas of the curriculum. During the school year, year groups have the opportunities
to go on educational visits. Currently the visits offered include:
Every two years Isleham School packs its bags and goes to Aylmerton Field Study Centre on its residential trip. The Centre is situated in beautiful parkland near the seaside towns of Cromer and Sheringham. It is very well equipped with its own large playing field and hall. All the staff at the centre are experienced and well trained. The activities during the week are varied with lots of exercise. We visit the seaside, museums, the church and, of course, there are activities at the Centre including the monster trail and a disco. We also visit the swimming pool at Sheringham. The whole week is very child centred allowing the children to take part in team building exercises and to take some responsibility for themselves away from home. It is really amazing how the children grow in confidence and independence during the week as each child is allowed to flourish and grow, giving them skills they can take forward to the next stage of their education. The staff from Isleham work hard twenty-four
hours a day and leave tired but with a sense that the children have experienced
something special they can cherish forever. The school is linked with the school in Nèsles, France. Children exchange letters, drawings and photographs, and some children have visited the school and village with their parents. For more information about Nèsles, visit the Isleham village website at www.isleham-village.co.uk, or take a look at the Nèsles website at www.fourdin.chez.tiscali.fr/nesles.
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Children’s work is continually assessed by the teachers through observation tasks and records. Progress and presentation of work in all curriculum areas are recorded, as is the children’s attitude to work. In addition to teacher assessment, children are formally assessed at the end of the Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2. At the end of each year, parents receive a written report on their child’s development and achievements. To view End of Key Stage 1 Assessment Information for July 2006, please click here To view End of Key Stage 2 Assessment Information for July 2006, please click here |
the
opportunities to use voice, tuned and un-tuned instruments, and to listen
and respond to music from the present and past.
pool regularly until the end of Y4.
