prospect

The Freda Gardham Community School

Deputy Headteacher: Jane Howard B.Sc (Hons) PGCE

Our Vision for Freda Gardham Community School

To build a community, which is able to nurture, educate and equip children for life

Welcome to Freda Gardham Community School

The Freda Gardham Community School is situated to the east of Rye and is the only Primary School in the centre of Rye. There are currently 170 children on roll.

The building was completed in 1933 and initially opened as a Secondary Modern School. Following a major reorganisation of Secondary Education in 1969, the school became a centre for Primary Education. The school is named after Mrs Freda Gardham who was Chair of Managers for a number of years. In 1999 Freda Gardham School became a Community School and actively seeks links with the community of Rye and the surrounding area.

The school is a regular winner in the Rye in Bloom competition and local residents are daily visitors to the school, helping with reading, art work and web site design, as well as running after school clubs and activities. The school has close links with local churches. Reverend Lucy Murdoch from Camber is a regular visitor to the school, leading a weekly assembly and visiting classes to share events in the religious calendar.

Our two storey building accommodates children from the age of 4 to 11. Space within the school has been utilised well and in addition to the spacious well-equipped classrooms, has a newly completed, dedicated music room, a nurture room, a state of the art multi-sensory ‘Tranquillity Room’, with tactile lighting, a ball pond, tented ceiling and soft furnishings, and two well stocked libraries. Our large hall has a stage for school productions. We have a separate canteen where hot meals are served and children eat their packed lunches.

The extensive, picturesque playing fields at Freda Gardham not only give children a real freedom during break times, but also ensure that pupils have plentiful sporting opportunities and provide an ideal venue for many interschool sporting activities.

The staff and Governors have high expectations of children’s achievement and behaviour. We believe in a strong partnership between home and school, where parents are expected to help promote good behaviour and a positive attitude to learning. We welcome parents into school to support their children through helping in classrooms or to discuss their child’s progress or challenges. Throughout your child’s education we will keep you up to date and informed of progress and development. You are welcome to see us at any time (though an appointment is often necessary), particularly if you have any concerns or worries.

I am sure that you will share the confidence of our current parents in entrusting the care of your child to our school. Education is not only about equipping children with knowledge and skills, but also about capturing their enthusiasm, nourishing their creativity and making school a happy place to be for everyone.

Please read through our prospectus or visit our web site which displays pupils’ work and provides information regarding all aspects of school life. If you have any further questions do not hesitate to contact us.

Admissions to the school
If you are moving to the area and have children who are already of school age, all you have to do is complete the admissions form and return it to the school. These casual admissions are made subject to existing class numbers.

Admissions to Freda Gardham, for children aged 4 and 7 are usually organised by East Sussex County Council. Information about how places are allocated can be found in the Admissions Booklet provided by East Sussex County Council (01273 481000).

Reception children entering school at the age of 4 attend school part until the term in which they have their 5th birthday. They may then attend school full-time.

The induction programmes for all Reception and Year 3 children and their parents takes place in the summer term prior to starting school. Children will have the opportunity to visit the school on a number of occasions to meet their teachers and mix with the other children who will be in their class. Parents will have the opportunity to find out much more about Freda Gardham and how we provide for the children. There will also be plenty of opportunities to ask questions and meet many of the people who will be responsible for various aspects of your child's education or development. An Induction Pack containing information about the school and the build up to starting school will be available in July 2007.

Once you have had a chance to read this school prospectus you and your children are welcome to visit us. Please contact the school to make an appointment.

Rye Area Primary Schools Consortium
Our school is part of the Rye Area Primary Schools Consortium. The following schools are members of the consortium, which formally started September 2004:

Beckley CE Primary School, Brede Primary School, Icklesham Primary School
Freda Gardham Community School, Guestling Bradshaw CEP School, Northiam CEP School, Peasmarsh Primary School, St Michael’s CEP School, St Thomas’ CEP School, Winchelsea, Tilling Green Infant School

As part of the consortium’s mutual support network there is an understanding that, should a headteacher be away from their school, staff may contact any other headteacher in the forum, who will attend in the case of an emergency.

Foundation Stage
Foundation Stage provision applies to children in the Reception age group.
The learning for these children is structured through focused play activities, to enable children to develop in five main areas.

Experiences in the Early Years have a vital role to play in laying the foundations for future learning. It is important that children widen their experiences and develop a broad range of skills, which can be applied to later learning.

The Curriculum
Provision at Freda Gardham Community School takes account of every aspect of a child’s development. The curriculum gives children the opportunity to achieve the highest possible standards of numeracy and literacy whilst ensuring they can become confident in physical, artistic, practical and social skills. We provide a broad and balanced education allowing for the individual needs of each child to be met within well-planned learning experiences.

The Primary level consists of two key stages, Key Stage 1 for 5 to 7 year olds and Key Stage 2 for 7 to 11 year olds. At both key stages the curriculum comprises:

Mathematics
We follow the Primary Strategy ‘Framework for Teaching Mathematics’ with an emphasis on oral number work, mental calculation and practical activities.

English
We follow the Primary Strategy ‘Framework for Teaching Literacy’. We aim to instil a love of books as well as the ability to read. The children are introduced to a wide range of texts and encouraged to share books at home. We emphasise the vital links between speaking and listening, reading and writing, along with the development of essential skills in spelling and handwriting.

Science
Science stimulates and excites pupils’ curiosity about phenomena and events in the world around them. It also satisfies this curiosity with knowledge. Because science links direct practical experience with ideas, it can engage learners at many levels. They learn to question and discuss science-based issues that may affect their own lives, the direction of society and the future of the world.

ICT
Pupils use computers, laptops, interactive whiteboards and other ICT tools to find, explore, analyse, exchange and present information to best effect. They are also encouraged to consider its implications for home and work both now and in the future.

History
History fires pupils’ curiosity about the past in Britain and the wider world. Pupils consider how the past influences the present, how past societies organized their politics, and what beliefs and cultures influenced people’s actions. Pupils research, examine evidence, and argue for their point of view, all skills which are prized in adult life.

Geography
Geography provokes and answers questions about the natural and human worlds. It develops knowledge of places and environments throughout the world, an understanding of maps, and a range of investigative and problem-solving skills. It can inspire children to think of their own place in the world, their values, and their rights and responsibilities to other people and the environment.

Design and Technology
This subject calls for pupils to become autonomous and creative problem solvers, as individuals and members of a team. It is about making things that people want and that work well. Creating these things is exciting and inventive, fun.

Music
Music is a powerful, unique form of communication that can change the way pupils feel, think and act. The teaching of music develops pupils’ ability to listen and appreciate a wide variety of music. It also increases self-discipline and creativity, aesthetic sensitivity and fulfillment.

Pupils benefit from the talents of musicians who visit Freda Gardham to provide tuition in keyboard, brass, flute, and violin, through the County Music Service.

Parental permission is required if a child is to be offered music tuition and a small fee may be charged for instrument hire and tuition costs. Please note that children participating in such activities will be withdrawn from their class during normal lesson time.

Art
Art and Design stimulates creativity and imagination. Pupils use colour, form, texture, pattern and different materials and processes to communicate what they see, feel and think. Understanding, appreciation and enjoyment of the visual arts have the power to enrich our personal and public lives.

Physical Education
Physical education develops pupils’ physical competence and confidence, and their ability to use these to perform in a range of activities. It promotes physical skillfulness, physical development and knowledge of the body in action. Pupils learn to discover their aptitudes, abilities and preferences, and make choices about how to get involved lifelong physical activity.

Personal, Social and Health Education
One of the principles of our school is to develop the whole child: socially, emotionally and physically, as well as academically. We have a Personal, Health and Social Education scheme of work for each year group integrating cross-curricular themes. The school has a Sex Education Policy. Most of the content is delivered through the Science curriculum, but when specific lessons are given parents will be informed in advance. Parents may withdraw their children from some areas of sex education, but not from the Science curriculum.

Religious Education
Religious Education is included within the National Curriculum. It is taught to all children, unless exempted, and is not subject to national guidelines or testing. Our scheme is based on the East Sussex Agreed Religious Education Syllabus. We have a daily assembly as an act of worship. As parents you may request that your child is excused from assemblies and Religious Education lessons on religious grounds. Parents wishing to do so should contact the Headteacher to discuss arrangements.

Parents and the Curriculum
Support and help from parents is an essential ingredient in a child’s education. The delivery of the planned curriculum involves parents helping/encouraging children at home with such things as reading, number work and consolidation of acquired skills. We also welcome parental help in school time for such things as educational visits, swimming, transport to sporting events, assisting with clubs or supporting children with their work. It is our intention to maximise the use of all available facilities and resources including staff/parent expertise.

Homework
We set homework for our children as stated in our Homework Policy. We encourage children to take books home to read. Parents are encouraged to spend time each day listening to their child read, and also reading to them. Work will be sent home regularly and this will increase as your child moves up the school. Homework may involve reading, spellings, learning tables and number facts. This may involve playing a game with your child or completing some work. The teacher will make it clear to both you and your child what is expected to be done. Support will be available from the school if it is needed.

Curriculum delivery
There are two main ways in which to deliver the curriculum; the subject approach and the cross-curricular approach. Children at Freda Gardham Community School will experience both approaches as each has something valuable to contribute towards their education. The subject approach, as it suggests, is the teaching of a particular subject mainly in isolation from other areas of the curriculum, for example, Maths, Science and English. Children will be taught the skills and knowledge of a particular subject and extend their conceptual levels accordingly. The cross-curricular approach, however, teaches a number of subjects using a theme or topic as a central core. This approach enables the teacher to provide a vehicle through which children can apply the skills and concepts gained from subject teaching. The children become aware of how to use, develop and extend the many skills they are gaining. Cross curricular work is also an opportunity to develop problem solving, research and communication skills. All topic work is carefully planned to ensure it is complementary to the levels of subject teaching.

Teaching methods
Throughout your child’s schooling a variety of teaching methods will be used including the whole class approach, small group work and individual learning. Each has its place in a balanced and well developed curriculum.

Currently we have classes of mixed ages throughout the school. In any class of children there will be a range of abilities including those who need extra support generally, those to whom everything comes easily and those who struggle or excel in perhaps just one curriculum area. Grouping children mainly according to their levels of understanding allows the teacher to focus very closely on the next stage in their learning. Each group of children, no matter what their age or ability, will be able to move forward at a pace which is appropriate for them.

Class teaching still has an important part to play in a child’s education. Throughout the course of each week, various activities will be undertaken as a whole class including P.E., story time, music and certain elements of the core curriculum areas. The decision as to which approach to adopt for any given lesson will be determined by what is seen to be the most appropriate way to achieve the intended learning outcomes. The teacher’s detailed planning files indicate differentiation for all pupils.

Assessment and recording
The progress and performance of every child will be regularly assessed throughout their school career. The National Curriculum requires that children be assessed at certain stages of their schooling (i.e. at the ages of 7 and 11) but the majority of assessment will occur on a continuous basis from the day a child starts school. Teacher assessment is ongoing and informs future planning. It includes tracking progress and target setting to raise the level of achievement for each child.

The main aims of assessing and recording children’s work are as follows:
To have an accurate picture of what each child can do; i.e. skills and concepts achieved and understood.
To identify gaps in the children’s knowledge and understanding
To ensure there is progression and continuity in learning as children pass through the school
To be able to accurately inform parents of their child’s progress.
To inform secondary schools of the levels of achievement of the children they are to receive.

Both formal and informal methods of assessment are undertaken at Freda Gardham Community School. Informal assessment occurs on a daily basis when the teachers are working closely with the children. Formal assessment involves testing and teacher assessment, the results of which are recorded and held centrally. Testing and teacher assessment occurs throughout all areas of the curriculum but with an emphasis on the National Curriculum Core Subjects; Mathematics, English and Science. Pupils in Years 3, 4 and 5 take the optional National Assessment Agency Tests each year. Such assessment allows us to track pupil progress.

National Curriculum Tests (SATs)
The results of the National Curriculum Tests (SATs), are reported to parents at the end of Key Stage 1 (Year 2) and Key Stage 2 (Year 6).There are national standards by which you can judge your child’s progress and the results can be interpreted in the following way:

Fine grading by sub levels are given at the end of Key Stage 1 to indicate a child’s standard within a level in reading, writing and maths. A is the highest sublevel, followed by B and then C.

The 2007 results in the National Curriculum Statutory Tests for the children at Freda Gardham Community School are shown below (figures may not total 100 per cent because of rounding):

Special Educational Need
Freda Gardham Community School is committed to developing the best possible provision for all pupils with Special Educational Needs within an inclusive mainstream setting. We follow the Special Needs Code of Practice on the Identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs (2002).

During their time here some pupils may need additional support to access the curriculum. The Staff provide an initial assessment and, if needed, an individual education plan is tailored to meet the needs of the pupil. We also liaise with appropriate external support services and agencies as appropriate. Provision is constantly monitored and reviewed. We always welcome and encourage parental involvement. We will regularly keep you informed of progress and will consult you if and when various types of extra support are being considered, such as the provision of speech therapy, music therapy, nurture group or the Social Use of Language Programme

Usually the teachers will identify when a child needs extra support but sometimes the parents may be the first to notice it or perhaps a child starting school for the first time is already receiving support. If you have any concerns, questions or information relating to your child and the need for additional support, it is vital for the child’s sake that there are good communications between home and school.

Our school currently has disabled access and facilities at ground floor level to accommodate physically disabled children. If your child has special needs it is particularly helpful if you discuss those needs with us before your child starts school. This will enable us to ensure that maximum help is available.

Secondary Transfer
At the end of their primary education Freda Gardham pupils typically transfer to Thomas Peacock. We have close links with Thomas Peacocke and during their primary education our pupils will have opportunities to attend events at the secondary school and work alongside members of their teaching staff. Equally each year a number of our pupils, having passed the 11 plus, secure places in Kent Schools.

Absences
There has been a considerable increase in the number of absences for holiday purposes, particularly as some families are taking more than one holiday per year during term time. Schools within the Rye Consortium no longer authorise holidays in term time and all absences other than for illness or special circumstances are regarded as being unauthorised. In some instances the cumulative effect of holidays and absence through illness can have serious implications with regard to progress and levels achieved. All absences, both authorised and unauthorised will be recorded and reported to parents in July of each year.

The Attendance Summary Report for Freda Gardham School for the year 2006 -2007 is as follows:

In the event of absence from school, parents should contact the school office daily by 9.00 a.m. giving the reason for absence. This can be done by telephone, e-mail or by sending in a note to school. If your child has a prolonged absence or is frequently late the Education Welfare Officer will be informed.

Late Arrivals
The late arrival of children to school causes unnecessary disruption to the classes and creates difficulties with regard to registration and dinner numbers. Pupils should be ready to come into school at 8.45 a.m, as the school gates are locked then.

Any children arriving after the pupils have gone into school should report their arrival to the secretary in the school office. Please note that children arriving late will be given a ‘late mark’ and parents will be informed if the frequency of ‘late marks’ is too high. Any children arriving after 9.00 a.m. will be given an unauthorised mark for that session.

Late arrivals due to medical appointments are perfectly understandable, but it would help if you could let the school know in advance if at all possible.

Please do not send children to school before 8.30 am. A teacher will supervise the children from 8.30 am each day but there will be no supervision before that. On wet days, children will be supervised in the main hall until 8.45 am.

Change of circumstances
Should your address or emergency contact numbers change or pick-up procedures differ from usual, please inform the school immediately so that our records can be updated. It is important to maintain accurate information on every child.

Assessment dates
National statutory formal standardised tests (SATs) provide important information about children’s progress. We do not authorise holidays in term time and in particular ask that you avoid taking family holidays during the dates listed below:

Monday 12th - 16th May 2008.

Holiday Dates
In September 2005, East Sussex moved to a standard school year with terms of more equal length than before. There is a fixed spring break rather than allowing Easter to determine the date of the holiday. Good Friday and Easter Monday will remain school closure days at present. There is a one week holiday in the autumn, February and early summer. The summer holiday remains the same length.

Term 1
Monday 3 September to Friday 19 October
Autumn holiday – Monday 22 October to Friday 26 October

Term 2
Monday 29 October to Friday 21 December
Christmas holiday – Monday 24 December to Friday 4 January 2008

Term 3
Monday 7 January to Friday 15 February
February holiday – Monday 18 February to Friday 22 February

Term 4
Monday 25 February to Friday 4 April
Spring holiday – Monday 7 April to Friday 18 April

Term 5
Monday 21 April to Friday 23 May
May holiday – Monday 26 May to Friday 30 May

Term 6
Monday 2 June to Wednesday 23 July

Health, Safety and Well-being
The health, safety and well-being of all the children in our care is of the utmost importance. To this end we have in place a range of policies, systems and procedures which all members of the teaching and non-teaching staff follow. They cover such things as lunchtime supervision, evacuation in the event of an emergency, medical care, out of school activities and the use of safety equipment. We also have in place a clearly defined Behaviour Policy that we expect to be followed at all times.

Behaviour and Discipline
It is our policy to build up positive relationships between all members of the school community, treating one another with respect at all times. Praise and encouragement of each other helps to build these positive relationships and the kind of behaviour we can all be proud of.

We believe it is the responsibility of everyone; teachers, governors, non-teaching staff and parents, to encourage and expect good behaviour at all times. Adults are expected to lead by example and set high standards.

We reward positive behaviours through:

Thank You Tickets - for good citizenship.

Super Day Tickets – for every child who has had a ‘Super Day’.

Stars of the Week - each class has a ‘star of the week’ awarded to the child who has consistently met the whole school Learning Target for the week.

Thank You Time - which is for all children and is used to promote good social skills.

Parent and Adult Volunteers as helpers
The school values the importance of good home/school relationships. Parents and other adults are encouraged to help in the school in a variety of ways; cooking, art activities, reading, educational board games and educational visits.

If you are interested in supporting the school in this way, please speak with Mrs Turner or leave a message at the school office. All helpers are required to undergo a Police check.

Parents and Friends Association (PAFA)
We have an active Friends’ Association, which raises considerable funds to help the school buy a range of resources which otherwise would not be available for your children to use. PAFA also aims to organise non-profit making social events for both children and adults which help to create a greater sense of community amongst those associated with our school. PAFA is always ready to welcome new members, so if you are interested in joining, please contact the headteacher.

Pupil Involvement
At Freda Gardham our pupils themselves play an important part in the daily running of the school. All the Playground Buddies at the school have been trained as Primary Sports Leaders. Each day they set up and lead playground games and activities. Year 6 prefects have specific responsibilities around the school helping pupils and staff, and acting as good role models for all the children. The School Council, made up of elected members from each class, meet fortnightly to discuss issues of pupil concerns and take decisions on policies and procedures.

Clubs
A number of clubs and activities are available at lunchtimes and/or after school. For example, gymnastics, recorder group, art club, choir. A full programme of all extra curricular activities will be made known to children as they occur.

School Uniforms
We expect our pupils to wear school uniform. We hope that your child will take pride in wearing it. The school colours are bottle green and yellow.

The recommended school uniform is:

A range of high quality, reasonably priced school uniform is available from the school office. Equally PAFA regularly organise the sale of good quality second hand school uniform.

Games and PE Kit
For reasons of safety and hygiene, children need to be able to change for Games and PE lessons into:

Trainers or football boots may also be worn for games but please await advice from your child’s class teacher before purchasing. Track suits are not essential, but recommended for outdoor work in the Autumn and Spring months.

The school reserves the right to forbid any item of clothing, accessories or footwear (e.g. trainers) which are considered dangerous or unsuitable for school.
The wearing of jewellery is not permitted due to health and safety reasons. If jewellery is worn, the school cannot be held responsible for any loss or injury caused as a result.

All clothing needs to be clearly marked with the child’s name.
Lost Property is stored in a bin. At the end of each term all items will be displayed for the children to claim. Any items left unclaimed will be disposed of.

Other Equipment
Each child needs:
A string pull PE bag.
A book bag - available from the school.

Children in Key Stage 2 may bring their own pencil case to school providing that it does not become a distraction in class.
Please note that the following items are not permitted:

We discourage children from bringing valuable items (e.g. mobile phones) into school. Such items should not be taken into the classrooms. Rather they should be handed into the school office at the start of the day and they will be returned to the owner at going home time.

School Meals
Meals are ordered and paid for on a daily basis. Children who do not bring their money for a school meal should contact the office on arrival at school so that their parents can be telephoned and asked to bring the money in. If there is a financial difficulty, even temporarily, please see the office staff to apply for free school meals. All enquiries and applications are confidential.

If your child does not wish to have a meal provided by the school they may bring a packed lunch in a named lunchbox. Lunchboxes are placed on trolleys first thing in the morning and are then taken to be stored in a cool part of the building until lunchtime.

Breaktime snacks
Snacks, including drinks, fruit and savouries are available from the canteen during the mid morning break. The children are limited in what they can buy to ensure that they ‘have room’ for their lunch.

Medical Examinations
The school nurse visits regularly to conduct health assessments. If you have concerns about your child’s hearing or sight it may be possible to have them checked at school.

Head Lice
Daily examination of your child’s hair on returning home from school is essential now that there is an increase in the rate of infestation throughout the country. A more detailed leaflet is available from the local clinic. Special combs can be bought from most chemists.

Medicines
Medicines will only be administered in school when a consent form has been completed and the medication has been delivered to the school by the parent.

Transport
Many of our children are transported to and from the school either by private car or by one of the five buses that bring pupils to Freda Gardham from the outlying areas. Transport may be provided free by the local authority, please enquire at the school office for details.

Parking
Please observe all the road markings and car park markings to help ease congestion and make the area outside school safer for young children.
For the safety of our children, please do not park on the double yellow lines on the road or in the bus layby.

Security
Access to the building is limited and visitors are required to sign in and wear a visitor’s badge. No visitor has unaccompanied access to the school without the permission of the headteacher. Parents are requested to inform the school of any changes in arrangements for the collection of children. The information is kept in the school office and class teachers are told of any changes.

Permission Slips
All children will, at various times each year, go on educational visits or participate in a school outing. Signed permission slips are always required to allow your child to take part in such activities. Equally completion of a permission slip is required before we use photographs of your child in school publications, the local press or on our web site.

Charging Policy
From time to time we request parents to make a voluntary contribution towards the cost of consumable goods i.e. cooking ingredients and batteries for Design Technology. Educational visits and activities form an important part of your child’s education. Under the Educational Reform Act 1998, we are permitted to ask for voluntary contributions in support of such activities. However, parents will be asked at the planning stage whether they are able to contribute. No child will be treated differently where their parents are not able to make a contribution. However it must be stressed that some activities will not proceed if there is insufficient financial support.

Access to documents
The school is guided by our Governing Body, the Policies of East Sussex CSA, guidance published by the Government and the law. The Governing Body Policies and other Policies are available for any parent to view at the school on request. Please contact our office staff. Pupil records may also be requested and will be provided within 15 working days of a request being made by a parent.

Concerns and Complaints
It is important that you let us know about any concerns you may have relating to your child’s welfare, any problems they encounter any other concerns about the curriculum and related matters. The Complaints Policy is available to parents and will explain exactly what you should do and how your complaint will be dealt with. This can be obtained from the school office.At Freda Gardham we feel it is very important that children enjoy school so they benefit fully from their education. To ensure your child is happy in school we need your support in alerting us immediately to any concerns about or affecting your child.

As well as hearing your concerns we also like to be told when we are doing well!