1

Halam
Church of England Primary School

Learning. Growing. Achieving.

Prospectus 2014/ 2015

WELCOME

We aim through this prospectus to give you an informative and interesting

introduction to life in our friendly, village school.
We are committed at Halam School to providing the best possible education for
your child and forming strong, effective working relationships with parents in a
small, family based environment.
We very much hope that this prospectus gives you a flavour of this as it is the
starting point of your contact with our school community.
We look forward to welcoming your family to our school and hope that you will not
hesitate to contact us to arrange a visit with your child/children.
Should you have any further queries we will be only too happy to help.

HALAM C of E PRIMARY SCHOOL

The Turnpike, Halam, Newark, Notts. NG22 8AE
Telephone 01636 813062
Email office@halam.notts.sch.uk

OUR SCHOOL
It is my pleasure to welcome you to Halam Church of England Primary School,
where we provide continuity of education for children aged between four and
eleven years inclusive. In the academic year when children are eleven they
generally transfer to The Minster School, Southwell.
We are proud to be a Church school and believe that the Christian Values which
underpin the ethos of our school play a big part in nurturing the development of all
of our children.
Through our broad and balanced curriculum and range of out-of-hours activities,
children are able to maximise their different talents and skills. We aim to give
children a sense of confidence in their own abilities and to encourage them to be
independent and responsible.
We are very fortunate with our location as the school is set in the heart of the
unspoilt and picturesque village of Halam. Our well proportioned red brick building
is surrounded by extensive play areas, a sports field, a quiet area with tables and
parasols, vegetable plots, well stocked gardens and a wildflower area. The school
has a large hall, a library, a music room, a kitchen (school dinners are cooked on
site), modern IT facilities and an informative website. We also have a secure
outdoor play facility, with a canopy, for our youngest pupils.
I am extremely proud of the children's achievements. Sports teams compete in
local competitions and activities helping the children to develop a strong, positive
approach to teamwork. Performing arts are given a large focus at our school, with
productions staged at both the school and St Michael's Church and regularly
taking part in music events. We try to maintain our use of new technology,
currently having a bank of new laptops, netbooks, wireless connectivity, movie
making equipment and digital cameras.
Partnership with parents is important to us and key in developing each child
towards their full potential. Staff are always available for informal discussions
about children's progress and well-being and there are regular opportunities for
consultation with teachers during the school year.
Please do not hesitate to contact me if you would like to visit the
school or have any questions.
Samantha Bradbury
Head teacher
3

STAFF

Head teacher:

Mrs Bradbury

Teaching Staff:

Mrs Wilkinson
Mrs Francis
Miss Hind
Miss Mason
Mrs Fraser
Mrs Hammond

Teaching Assistants:

Mrs Robson
Mrs Smith
Mrs McCracken
Mrs Denby
Mrs Bond

Office Manager:

Mrs Thompson

Caretaker:

Mr Walster

Cook Supervisor:
Assistant Cook:

Mrs Rhodes
Mrs Dowdall

Mid-day Supervisors:

Mrs Young
Mrs Denby
Mrs Swain
Mrs Hearn
Mrs Bond

GOVERNORS

The School Governing Body comprises of a group of volunteers including parents,

staff, members of the local community and in our school representatives from The
Church also.
Chair:

Mrs Poole

Vice-Chair:

Dr Subramanian

Foundation:

Mrs Poole
Mrs Haddelsey

LA:

Mr Paris

Teaching:

Mrs Bradbury
Mrs Wilkinson

Parent Governors:

Dr Subramanian
Mrs Wilkinson
Mrs Grainger Thornewill
Mrs Fynn

Community:

Mrs Young
Vacant

Associate Member.Mr Winning

TYPE OF SCHOOL
Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School.

SCHOOL YEAR
The information contained in the prospectus relates to the 2014 / 2015 school
year.
5

OUR VISION
To create a school where everyone is motivated to achieve their full potential
within a Christian and caring environment.

AIMS OF OUR SCHOOL

At Halam C of E Primary School we

promote a love of learning by providing a rich, stimulating and relevant
curriculum in which all children can experience success and reach their full
potential.

embrace the principles of Every Child Matters. Our vision for the school and
priorities for development centre on the five key areas: enjoyment and
achievement; staying safe; keeping healthy; making a positive contribution to
the community and preparing for economic well being.

ensure the spiritual development of pupils is set in a Christian context whilst
exploring the multi-faith and multi-cultural nature of society.
foster and promote attitudes of mutual respect and responsibility within an
inclusive, caring community.

ensure everyone is nurtured and their achievements are valued.

develop self-motivation, independence, perseverance and pride in all aspects of
school life.

encourage children to approach new challenges with confidence and to be
innovative in their learning.

develop close links with the local community; working with parents, governors,
the church and other stakeholders.

HOME SCHOOL AGREEMENT

The school will:

Value, respect and support each child as an individual
Encourage high expectations and pride in achievement
Provide equal opportunities for children to develop their potential in all
primary school areas
Inform parents of the progress and welfare of their child and listen to their
views
Provide appropriate homework
Provide a safe, nurturing and Christian environment
Parents / Carers will:
Support the school in its aims and ethos
Ensure their childs regular and punctual attendance
Notify the school early on the first day of absence, with the reason for
their childs absence
Support the schools code of conduct for behaviour
Support their child with their homework
Tell the school about any circumstances which may affect their child
Attend parents evenings and discussions about their childs progress
Ensure their child wears the correct school uniform

The Children will remember to follow our school rules:

Do as you are asked first time

Listen and respond thoughtfully to others
Keep hands, feet, objects and negative comments to yourself
Always show good manners
Always do your best

Everyone will:
Work together and support each other
Treat each other with respect and consideration
Ensure that each person feels valued
7

ADMISSIONS
The School catchment area includes the parishes of Halam and Edingley, along
with Maythorne and the Oxton Hill area. Children from outside the catchment area
can be accommodated if spaces remain in the year group once all in-catchment area
children have been accommodated.
Children will be admitted full-time at the beginning of the academic year in which
they will be 5 years old. Therefore all children with birthdays between 1.9.2009
and 31.8.2010 will be admitted full-time to school in September 2014.
In the event of over-subscription, the following criteria will be applied, in priority
order, to determine which applications will be granted:
1. Children who live in the catchment area and who, at the time of admission, will
have a brother or sister attending the school
2. Other children who live in the catchment area
3. Children who live outside the catchment area and who, at the time of
admission, will have a brother or sister attending the school
4. Other children who live outside the catchment area.
In the event of over subscription, preference will normally be given to children
who live nearest the school as the crow flies. Distances are measured from the
entrance to the child's home to the nearest recognised entrance to the school
building.
The exception to this is that children who fall into categories 1 and 2 above by the
closing date of applications will be guaranteed a place at the school providing that
the school is listed as the first preference and the application is received by the
closing date for the normal year of entry to the school.
Applications for admission to other year groups will normally be considered in
relation to the published admission limit. This applied when the year group was
first admitted to the school, although infant class sizes will also need to be
considered. If places are available within the year group, applications will be
considered in accordance with the above admissions criteria. If places are
available, the child will normally be admitted to the school.
8

YOUR CHILDS LEARNING

The broad and balanced curriculum will stimulate your child to acquire knowledge
and develop individual skills.
Childrens achievements are celebrated and everyone enjoys success and praise
regularly during their time in school. We encourage children to become
independent and confident in both their work and social development.
Currently the school is organised into four classes. The children are taught by
their own class teacher in mixed ability classes. In each class is a fully qualified
teacher who is regularly accompanied by a fully qualified teaching assistant.
Every classroom is fully furnished and equipped with high quality learning
resources. The class teacher and all school staff will get to know your child very
well and will be pleased to involve you in their life at school. Children make
progress at their own rates and in their own ways. It is important to value them as
individuals and to provide learning opportunities that will build on their strengths
and overcome their weaknesses. The curriculum is broad and balanced and provides
for the academic, moral, physical, creative and personal and social development of
every child.

In our school we recognise that learning consists of;

Acquiring knowledge
Understanding ideas
Perfecting and applying skills
Developing good attitudes

In order for this to take place the children must;

Become involved with things which interest them
Be encouraged to work collaboratively
Make progress and be challenged in each area of learning
Be encouraged to think and act for themselves, become independent and
take increasing responsibility.

10

STARTING SCHOOL

We aim to ensure that all children enjoy their introduction to school life and feel
happy and confident in a stimulating and secure environment.
Parents and children are invited into school for four visits in the term prior to
their start date, with one of these dates including lunch. These are valuable
opportunities for the children to meet their class teacher, make new friends and
become familiar with their new surroundings. One of the visits also includes a
meeting for all new parents, where there will be an opportunity to meet staff and
find out more about school routines and expectations.
We have a range of activities and events taking place throughout the school year
and we would welcome you to join with us. Events are included in our school
newsletters which are posted each month on our website.

FOUNDATION STAGE

The Foundation Stage makes a crucial contribution to children's early development

and learning.
We provide children with a rich variety of teaching and learning experiences that
are appropriate to their needs. The Foundation Stage is about developing key
learning skills such as listening, speaking, concentrating, persistence and learning
to work and co-operate with others.
The areas of learning and development include:
*Personal, social and emotional development.
*Communication and language.
*Physical development.
*Literacy.
*Maths
*Understanding the world.
*Expressive arts and design.

10

11

KEY STAGE 1 AND KEY STAGE 2

The core curriculum at Key Stages 1 and 2

comprises of English, Mathematics, Science
and ICT. Children also study Art and Design,
Design Technology, History, Geography, Music,
Physical Education and Personal, Social and
Health Education.
Religious education is taught in accordance
with Local Authority guidelines, and although
Halam is a Church of England (Controlled)
school, we aim to give the children a broad
understanding of the main world religions. This includes inviting representatives of
other religions into school for interactive sessions to explore their beliefs.
Arrangements may be made for parents with differing religious beliefs to exercise
their right of withdrawal of their children from acts of worship.

worship
or instruction.
SEX AND
RELATIONSHIP EDUCATION
This is taught in accordance with the guidelines approved by the Governing Body.
There is a structured programme of sex education taught within the context of
the PSHCE curriculum. Some aspects are included in the science curriculum.
Details of the content and teaching materials are available to parents on request.
A specific unit of work is given on alternate years to Years 5 and 6 by the class
teacher and school nurse. Parents are consulted prior to their child starting the
programme.

SATs
In the summer term of years 2 and 6, the children carry out the required
Standard Assessment Tasks and Tests (SATs). The class teacher assesses each
child's development in speaking and listening, reading and writing, mathematics and
science. In addition each child undertakes a test in reading, writing, spelling,
mathematics and a grammar, spelling and punctuation test at year 6 Parents are
informed of how their child has done at the end of the Summer Term as part of
their childs annual report.
11

12

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

We offer a wide variety of clubs that take place

before and after school. These are run by members
of staff, parents and outside agencies. Some of the
clubs include sports, football, rounders,
Warhammer, drama, newspaper and cooking. We aim
to offer activities open to a range of ages during
the year.

EDUCATIONAL VISITS
Each year group has an opportunity to learn through first hand experience during
educational visits. These visits, which may be to museums, heritage sites, nature
reserves or the local area, give the children
encouragement to develop observational,
problem-solving and information collecting skills.
Supporting our ethos of all the children working
together we also have whole school visits which
create shared experiences and memories. The
visits enrich the curriculum work carried out in
the classroom.
There are also several opportunities for children
to take part in residential visits from year 3
onwards which allows the children to try outdoor
and adventurous activities such as canoeing,
gorge walking, abseiling, rock climbing, caving
and zip wire.

12

13

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

As our focus is that everyone should reach their full potential children's progress
is constantly monitored and assessed and careful records are kept. Occasionally we
find that a child does not make the progress we expect. If this were the case
parents would be consulted and appropriate steps are taken to support the child.
For some children an Individual Education Plan may be made with individual targets
and review dates. The plan will include ideas to help parents to support their child
at home. Outside agencies such as Local Authority support teachers, Educational
Psychologists, Speech and Language Therapists or Behaviour specialists may be
called upon for extra support. After further consultation with parents the Local
Authority (LA) may have to make a statutory assessment based on specialist
advice. The LA may then draw up a Statement of Special Educational Needs. This
describes all of the childs needs and the special help that should be provided.
Parents will always be consulted and kept fully informed at every stage once we
have identified that their child could benefit from some extra help. This could be
for educational, personal or social needs.
More able children may have extension activities assigned to them, relating to the
core work of the curriculum. Teachers use clearly focussed questioning to further
challenge able children. There are opportunities for talented children to develop
skills through extra-curricular activities, sports teams, music tuition and afterschool clubs.

OUR CHURCHES
There is a strong bond between our local Churches, the School and the two villages
it serves, so that there is a real sense of sharing in the life of the community.
School life has a strong Christian foundation nurtured by the commitment of those
who work in it, those who govern it and the care of the community that surrounds
it. This was recognised during our Church School inspection in May 2013 when we
were judged to be outstanding.
We celebrate Harvest and Christmas and Easter with the parish community, in
Church and the school takes part in services at other times throughout the year.
Local ministers take a regular Act of Worship and play an active part in the life of
the School.
13

14

COLLECTIVE WORSHIP
Acts of Worship take place daily, at 10.00 a.m. They are usually conducted by a
member of the school staff, often with the active involvement of the children.
Collective Worship is often a story, talk or drama with a song, prayer and time for
reflection. We also have lots of visitors from our local churches and diocese. This
is a special time enjoyed by all and all the children are encouraged to actively
participate.

HOUSES
All children and staff are members of one of four houses; Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby
and Emerald. Children are rewarded with house-points for good behaviour or work.
We also organise house days where children tackle activities in their houses in
mixed year groups, helping to develop friendships across the whole school when
working with others.

CHILDRENS VIEWS
We believe that every child should have an opportunity to offer their ideas about
the school. Our children are keen to express their views and participate in surveys
about school, collective worship and are often interviewed for our school
newspaper! Our School Council, made up of representatives from each class, meets
regularly to discuss ways to improve school life.

CHARITY WORK
We encourage children to understand and empathise with the problems of those in
the wider community and the world. We support a number of charities often
chosen by the children themselves. Over the past years we have supported many
charities including: Comic Relief, Children in Need, Sports Relief, Macmillan Cancer
Care, Family Care, NSPCC, Barnardos, Nottinghamshire Air Ambulance and
Framework.

14

15

UNIFORM

Uniform is worn at Halam to develop a sense of pride in being a member of the

Halam School community. School uniform can be ordered from one of our teaching
assistants, Mrs Robson, tel. 01623 883381.
Uniform purchased through school will have the embroidered school logo.
Girls School Uniform

Boys School Uniform

PE Uniform

Red knitted cardigan

Red sweatshirt cardigan
Grey skirt/pinafore
Grey trousers
Black shoes
Grey or red tights
Grey socks (knee length)

White polo shirt or

white cotton shirt
Grey trousers
Red knitted jumper
Red sweatshirt
Black shoes
Tie
Grey or black socks

Navy shorts
Navy jogging bottoms
Sports t-shirt
Navy sweatshirt
White socks
Tracksuit (optional)

Summer Uniform
Red and white checked
dress
White socks

Summer Uniform
Grey shorts

Also available
Waterproof fleece

In addition all children will need a Halam PE bag, swimming bag and school book bag.
These are available from school.
All children require slip-on black plimsolls for indoor wear and sturdy training
shoes or football boots for outdoor wear. Shin pads are essential for football and
hockey sessions. Swimming costume/trunks and towel (named please) are required
on swimming days.
No jewellery should be worn in school other than small studs. If your child has
pierced ears, studs must be removed by the child for PE and swimming.
For church services we prefer all girls to wear skirts, and boys a school tie.

15

16

GETTING TO SCHOOL

A mini-bus service is currently available to convey children to school from Edingley.

Applications can be made by Edingley families for a free pass or assisted travel
for their child up to the end of Year 2. through Nottinghamshire County Council at
www.nottinghashire.gov.uk/schooltravel-under16 or call 08449 80 80 80.
Other children may travel, subject to seat availability and the payment of a termly
charge.
Parents of children living outside the school catchment area are responsible for
their own transport arrangements, although it may be possible for parents to
receive some assistance with travel expenses. All applications for free passes or
travel assistance should be made to the Area Education Office on form TA1, which
is available from the school office or the Nottinghamshire County Council website.
Parents bringing children to school by car are asked to let them disembark in
School Lane, or alternatively in the back car park of the Waggon & Horses and
cross The Turnpike with their children. The proprietors of the Waggon & Horses
cannot be held liable for loss or damage to property whilst using the car park.
Parents should use the school gate on The Turnpike and not use the school car park
entrance.

SESSION TIMES
School will begin with a bell at 8.50am.
Lunchtime is from 12.05 until 1.00pm (1.10pm for KS1 pupils).
The afternoon session ends at 3.25pm.
We ask that parents arrive promptly to collect and deliver their
children. Children are advised to arrive between 8.40am and 8.45am.

16

17

MEDICAL CARE
Once your child reaches five, his or her weight, height, hearing and sight are
checked by the school nurse and their general health is discussed with you.
Any child who becomes ill in school will be cared for and comforted until you can be
contacted. We will need your telephone numbers and numbers of other emergency
contacts in school. You will need to ensure that these are always kept up to date.

MEDICINES IN SCHOOL
Medicine which has been prescribed by a doctor may be sent to school if it is
absolutely necessary for the child to receive a lunchtime dose. Only the amount
sufficient for the day's consumption should be sent and this must be clearly
labelled with name and dosage. Please do not send a full bottle of medicine to
school. Medicine forms are available from the office and need to be signed as
permission to administer the dose to the child.

FOOD AND DRINK

We have our own school kitchen which is run by Nottinghamshire County Council
and the children can have a freshly cooked meal each day. Meal are planned over a
3 week cycle, check the menu out at www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/schooldinners
Alternatively, they can bring a packed lunch.
Children in Key Stage 1 classes have a free piece of fruit each day which they eat
during break. Older children may also have fruit each day but there is charge for
this.
Keys Stage 1 children can receive a free small carton of milk during the morning
break as long as parents have registered with Cool Milk at www.coolmilk.com .
A small carton of milk can also be purchased for children in Key Stage 2. Details of
this will be available at induction.
Children are encouraged to bring a plastic bottle of water to school. Special Halam
School bottles can be purchased from the school office for 1.50. It has been
proven that if children have regular access to water during the day they are more
able to concentrate. The water bottles are kept in the classroom.

17

18

ATTENDANCE

It is very important that all children attend school regularly in order to make good
progress but if your child is unwell he/she should not be sent to school. You are
expected to inform the school of an absence as soon as possible so that an
authorised absence can be recorded. A reason given orally by the child on their
return to school is NOT acceptable. The school will contact parents concerning a
childs absence if a reason has not been given to the office.
Under no circumstances may children leave school alone during school hours.
If it is unavoidable and parents have to collect children during the school day to go
to the doctor, dentist etc, they must first report to the school office and sign
their child out. The child will then be collected from the classroom by a member of
staff. On returning to school the parent will need to sign the child back in.
The school closely monitors the attendance of each child and register checks are
made by the local authority to identify any children whose attendance is causing
concern. We will inform parents of their childs attendance percentage on a termly
basis.

HOLIDAYS IN TERM TIME

The law requires that once a child is on the school's register, they should be sent
to school every day that it is open. There is no right to time off for holidays and
frequent absences negatively impacts on your childs learning.
Just two weeks absence in a year would result in your children having an
attendance of less than 95%. Over the period of primary education two weeks
absence each year means that your child would miss 14 weeks of school. This is
more than a whole term and consequently we would expect their attainment and
progress by the end of year 6 to be affected.
Changes to the regulations from the beginning of September 2013 made clear that
head teachers may not grant any leave of absence during term time unless there
are exceptional circumstances and that penalties may apply. More details are
available from school.

18

PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS

19

We keep in regular contact with home, both formally and informally. Class
teachers, who remain with their class group throughout the school year, play a very
important part in ensuring that every pupil is learning well and feels settled and
secure. Teachers send a newsletter to parents of children in their class in the
autumn, spring and summer, highlighting the areas of the curriculum to be covered:
this helps parents to understand what is expected of their children and to support
their learning. A regular school newsletter is a further important means of
communication and newsletters are also available via the school website. All
children have a home-school or reading diary in which comments from home can be
made. This forms a valuable means of regular communication between home and
school.
There are parent consultation evenings in the Autumn and Spring Terms, and a
written report is sent to parents annually. Parents are welcome to come in to talk
to teachers or visit the school. We do ask parents who have a specific concern to
contact school and arrange a mutually convenient time to meet so that discussions
can be given the appropriate time needed.
Parents are encouraged and welcomed to help in school. Anyone with a particular
interest or talent in any school activity is most welcome to contact the school if
they would like to help. We currently have parents visiting regularly to assist with
reading, art, sport and drama. All activities are under the overall guidance of the
teaching staff.

PTA
The school has a thriving Parent Teacher Association which provides practical and
financial support to the school in a variety of ways. Major events include an annual
Summer Sports Day and Christmas Fair, whilst other social and fundraising events
are held throughout the year.
In addition to contributing funds to events and visits the PTA has also supported
larger projects including the development of the play ground to include a new
climbing frame and activity area.
As a parent you are entitled and encouraged to take an active part in all PTA
activities. Please see out PTA leaflet for further details about how to get involve
and who to contact.

19

BREAKFAST AND TEA CLUB

20

We have a Breakfast and Tea club in order to provide child care at the beginning
and end of the school day.
Breakfast Club begins at 8.00am and children are provided with a choice from
cereals, toast, pancakes and toasties as well as fruit juice. This cost just 2.00
per session and children stay in the breakfast club until a member of staff is on
the playground to supervise them, shortly before the bell for the start of the
school day is rung.
Tea Club has two pick up times and you can either collect your child at 4.30pm for
a cost of 3.50 or choose the 5.30pm pick up which costs 7.00. Children are
provided with sandwiches or soup and salad followed by scones or cake.
Both clubs are run by the school using school staff who will already know the
children from working in school with them.

20

CHILD PROTECTION

21

Every school is required to refer their concerns to the Children's Social Care
Services Department. While we will seek, in general, to discuss these concerns
with the family and where possible seek agreement to making the referral, this will
only be done where such discussion and agreement seeking will not place a child at
increased risk of significant harm. This procedure is intended to protect children
from abuse. When we refer a concern about a pupil to the Children's Social Care
Services Department we are not accusing the parents/carers of abuse, but
requesting that further enquiries take place and that any necessary help and
support is provided.

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
We welcome parents to discuss any issues which may arise regarding school. We
hope that any problems may be resolved through this informal approach. In the
event that this is unsuccessful there is a formal complaints procedure. Should any
parent wish to make a complaint a copy of the complaints procedure is available
from school and actions must be carried out in line with the guidance within this
policy.

21

22

School Admissions Team

Meadow House, Littleworth, Mansfield, Notts. NG18 2TA
School Admission Team 01623 433499
Or
0300 500 8080
Nottinghamshire County Council
Admissons.ed@nottscc.gov.uk

The Turnpike, Halam, Newark, Nottinghamshire, NG22 8AE

Telephone: 01636 813062
Fax: 01636 816708 office@halam.notts.sch.uk
www.halamschool.typepad.com
22