Monkton CEP School - Everyone is Special

Prospectus

MONKTON CHURCH OF ENGLAND (controlled) PRIMARY SCHOOL

School Organisation September 2007

MONKTON CHURCH OF ENGLAND (controlled) PRIMARY SCHOOL

Monkton School is a four class mixed Church of England School set in the centre of the village of Monkton. We are surrounded by beautiful countryside and are close to the Nature Reserve in the Old Chalk Pit.

The staff and I are pleased to welcome both you and your child to this school. This prospectus will tell you about the running of the school. The information contained applies to the current school year. Any changes will be notified to you, and each year the prospectus is updated.

Every Child Matters: Change for Children is a major new approach to the well-being of children from birth to age 19. The Government aim is for every child, whatever their background or circumstances, to have the support they need to:

☀ Be healthy
☀ Stay safe
☀ Enjoy and achieve
☀ Make a positive contribution
☀ Achieve economic well-being

These are known as the five outcomes and are the foundations for education at Monkton CEP School.

Our aim is to ensure that every child within our school feels safe and secure, develops their potential to the full and learns respect for others, self discipline, initiative and a desire to learn.

We know all our children very well and our motto is ?Everyone is Special? this includes the learners, school staff and parents. We aim to be both friendly and caring to everyone in our school community. We belong to the Healthy School Initiative and ensure that all our children are active participants who understand the benefits of having a healthy lifestyle.

Local Education Authority

East Kent Area
Education Office
Clover House
John Wilson Business Park
Thanet Way
Whitstable
Kent CT5 3QZ

Tel: 01227 772992
FAX: 01227 772290

Children, Families & Education Director

Mr Graham Badman
Springfield
Maidstone
Kent

Monkton School Governing Body

Local Education Authority Governors:
Mr S Rose

Foundation Governors:
Mrs E Johnson
Reverend R Coles (Chairman of Governors)

Parent Governors:

Mr S Cockett
Mrs N Roberts
Mrs V Ball

Minor Authority Appointment:
Mrs P Butler

Teacher Governor:
Mrs L Smith

Support Staff Governor:
Mrs H Gunton

Ex Officio Governor:
Mrs J C Graham

Staffing at Monkton C E Primary School 2006/07

Headteacher: Mrs J C Graham M A

Teachers:

Miss J Edwards

Mrs S Kemp
Mrs L Smith
Mrs L Weston
Mrs K Wilson

Early Years Assistant: Mrs H Gunton

Learning Support Assistants: Miss L Corfmat, Mrs A Osgood and Mrs W Stace

Business Manager: Mrs F Webb

Cleaner in Charge: Mrs H Thomas

Crossing Patrol: Mrs R Horsburgh

Meals Supervisory Staff: Miss L Corfmat
Mrs S Davies
Mrs V Miller

Initial Servery Staff: Mrs M Glover

Parents, Teachers and Friends Association

The education of children should be a partnership between home and school. A major function of the Association is to assist in bringing this partnership to fruition. The school has a very supportive parent association. Regular meetings are held throughout the year. Your support and interest in this association would be most welcome.

Chairperson: Mrs H Francis (Acting)

Vice Chairman: Mrs S Collard (Acting)

Secretary: Mrs S Collard

Treasurer: Mrs V Vorpe

GENERAL INFORMATION

Our School

At the present time the school is undergoing a major modernisation programme. All classes are currently housed in temporary accommodation on the school field, which is also doubling as a playground. Once the building project is complete the school will comprise of 4 Classrooms, Hall, Kitchen, Headteacher?s Office, Business Manager's Office, Library, Staffroom, Administrative Offices and Medical Room.

Until the new building is in place there is no access for wheelchairs in the old building or mobile classrooms.

The Village Hall, which is opposite the school, is used for assemblies, P.E., music, drama and school meals.

Registering Children

During the academic year 2003/04 Kent County Council introduced a County Admissions Policy. Details of this are available from the school office. If you are interested in your child coming to Monkton we do keep a register of Prospective New Entrants. Please contact the school for details.

Admissions Policy

All applications for admission use the following criteria in order of importance:

- Children in Local Authority Care

- Denominational preference (For Voluntary Controlled Church Schools)

- Current family association (a brother or sister at the school at the time of entry, where the family continues to live at the same address as when the sibling was admitted or has moved to a new property within two miles of the school)

- Health reasons (children who for health or physical impairment need to attend a particular school)

- Nearness of children's homes and ease of access to school

Whilst Monkton will endeavour to accommodate all children applying for places, admissions may be refused if it would lead to oversized classes.

Children are required by law to start school by the beginning of the term following their fifth birthday.

However, we are currently admitting children at the `rising five stage'

If children are admitted early - ie before their fifth birthday they should be able to cope sufficiently with school life to make early admission beneficial to them.

They should be able to:

☀ Take themselves to the toilet unaided
☀ Be able to follow simple instructions and co-operate with an adult
☀ Sit and listen to a story for a short period
☀ Be able to concentrate on a task they have been asked to do for a short period

The School Day

Key Stage 1 Key Stage 2

Morning: 8.50am - 12.00noon 8.50am - 12.00noon

Break: 10.35am - 10.50am 10.35am - 10.50am

Afternoon: 1.00pm - 3.10pm 1.00pm - 3.10pm

Break: 2.15pm - 2.25pm

KS 1 Children may have a 10 minute break in the afternoon

The School Gate opens at 8.40am and all children go directly to their classrooms where activities are available until registration begins at 8.50am.

Children should be collected punctually at the end of the day as Mrs Horsburgh finishes her Crossing Patrol at 3.25pm. If you normally collect your child and are delayed your child will wait inside the school until you arrive. Please inform us if someone different is collecting your child. All Class 1 pupils must be collected from the playground.

Parking

Please park considerately in the village. As is the case in the majority of schools, the road outside is potentially hazardous at the end of the school day. It is a great help if parents drive slowly and park sensibly along Monkton Street. Please do not park across our neighbour?s driveways, on the bus stop, yellow zigzag lines or the narrow part of the road by the undertakers.

Walking Bus

The school operates a walking bus, which leaves Parsonage Fields Bus Stop at 8.30am and Seamark Close at 8.35am. We encourage all children to use this facility as it promotes a healthy lifestyle and avoids traffic congestion outside school. Details regarding joining this scheme are available from the school office.
Lunch

Children may stay for a cooked meal or may bring a packed lunch. We do encourage healthy packed lunches. All school meals meet the Government Standards. The current price for a school meal may be obtained from the office. Dinner money is collected on a Monday morning.

One week's notice must be given to the kitchen before any change can be made from school dinners to packed lunches or vice versa.

Lunch Equipment

If your child has a packed lunch and you use a lunch box can you please clearly label it. Most lunch boxes are very similar and confusion can quickly arise if a clear label is absent. All lunch boxes should be left in the lunch box rack in the corridor.

Fruit and Vegetables in School

The school operates the Fruit and Vegetable Scheme. All Foundation and Key Stage 1 pupils have a free piece of fruit or a vegetable each day. The Healthy Schools group operate a Fruit and Vegetable Tuck Shop for Key Stage 2 children at a cost of 50p per week.

Cool Milk in School

Milk is also available in school. It is free to those children under 5. Details are available from the school office.

Breaktimes

The children have a supervised playtime between 10.35am - 10.50am. The Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 children have an afternoon break.

Absences

It is important that any absence be notified by telephone before 10am. Absences for holidays or leave during the normal school term should be notified to the school and the appropriate forms completed. Governors may grant leave for annual holidays during term-time, though only in exceptional circumstances may the amount of leave granted total more than two weeks in any calendar year. Where possible we encourage all parents to arrange holidays within the school holidays.

Charging for Educational Visits

Under the terms of the Education Reform Act, schools may no longer charge for educational visits. This legislation is very wide ranging and has important implications for a wide variety of school activities. If a school visit takes place predominantly during the school day and during term time, no charge may be levied, although voluntary contributions can be requested. The cost of these visits cannot be carried solely by the school. In future the school will ask for a voluntary contribution of an appropriate amount. The level of response will determine whether or not the visit is viable. It must be stressed that if parents do not contribute and the visit does take place, their child will under no circumstances be excluded.

School Letters

We try to keep in touch with you by sending letters via your child. We do try our best to ensure they take these home with them. It is an important part of their social training that children learn to be responsible in such matters.

Complaints Procedure

Parents with concerns about their child and the school should discuss them with the Class teacher. If this cannot resolve the matter it should be referred to the Headteacher. An acknowledgement will be made within three days and in most cases a full reply within one week. If the response is not satisfactory the complaint may be referred in writing to the Governing Body.

Behaviour

When young children are busily involved and interested in what they are doing they rarely cause any problems in the classroom. From an early stage we wish to foster and develop self discipline.

We believe that good manners and courtesy are important. We respect each child and wish them to learn from an early stage to respect adults and each other. We aim for high standards of behaviour in a friendly but firm community atmosphere.

Sometimes children have emotional needs that cause them to have difficulties and we would seek the parents? co-operation in finding solutions to these.

The school has a behaviour policy and all new parents are given a copy along with the Home/School agreement to sign and return.

Bullying

If you feel there is a problem at school and in particular if you think your child is being bullied please come in and talk to us. The school takes the matter seriously and has a policy on bullying. Action will be taken, it is important that you keep us informed as we cannot be sure our measures have worked unless you let us know.

The Care Of Your Child

One of the many important roles of a teacher is to care for your child in a manner expected of any reasonable parent. They are fully supported in this task by other members of the non-teaching staff.

Meals Supervisory Assistants help care for your child staying for school meals or packed lunches. They also supervise children's play during the lunch break.

The School has three trained First Aiders.

Illness

If your child is unwell please keep them at home as school is a busy and lively place. Your child shares their teacher with many other children and it is not easy for a teacher to find the time to nurse a sick child. We do not have the facilities for nursing sick children. If your child becomes ill during the school day we will contact you so that you can take them home. Certain illnesses may require a short period of exclusion from school so as to prevent the condition spreading. Your doctor should advise you of this but if you are in any doubt please seek advice from the Business Manager.

Infectious Diseases

The following information has been taken from Departmental Regulations. It is necessary that children suffering from Infectious Diseases be excluded from school for the period stated. If your child returns before the minimal period of exclusion has concluded, your child will be sent home.

Disease Minimal Period of Exclusion

Chicken Pox 7 days from onset of rash
Diphtheria When the child is cleared by doctor
Food Poisoning When the child is cleared by doctor
German Measles 4 days from onset of rash
Measles 4 days from onset of rash
Scarlet Fever When the child is cleared by doctor
Whooping Cough 21 days from onset of paroxysmal
cough
Mumps 9 days from onset of swelling
Impetigo Until healed
Head Lice No exclusion if treated

Head Lice

Head Lice are widespread in the entire population and not just restricted to educational establishments. Parents who suspect an infestation are urged to report this fact to school office. Parents are given information on how to detect and treat a Head lice infestation when their child starts school. More help and information is available from the Business Manager.

Emergency Treatment

In the event of your child needing medical treatment on an occasion when we are unable to contact you, the school in the person of the Headteacher acts in loco parentis. Before a school outing you will be asked to give permission for emergency medical treatment. Three of our staff are qualified First Aiders.

Medicines

If your child is asthmatic or is prescribed medicines, which need to be taken during school time (i.e. 4 times a day), we are able to administer them. These must be brought to the school office clearly named. You will be required to sign a permission form to enable staff to administer the medication. If your child takes medication regularly please ask your pharmacist to supply you with a 2nd bottle so you will be able to supply the school with a single does for each day; this avoids the problem of leaving medicines in school overnight/weekends by mistake.

Dental Examinations

The School Dentist visits the school on a regular basis to inspect the teeth of all children on roll. If any treatment is found to be necessary your child will bring home a note informing parents of that fact.

Business Manager

The Business Manager is a very busy person whose duties help to lift the administrative burden on teachers. She is often the first person you meet when you come to school and is able to advise you in many areas. However she does have a large administrative role and it is important that visits to the office and telephone calls are kept to the minimum amount of time necessary.

Parents in School

The involvement of parents in many aspects of school life is of great value and is something which we actively encourage. Parents have assisted with school visits, cooking, sports activities and drama and musical productions Parental involvement in reading activities in school and at home is also greatly valued. We always welcome parental help in school. If you would like to become involved in these activities, please see your child's class teacher or the Headteacher. We see this as an important expression of the partnership that exists between home and school.

School Uniform

The wearing of a school uniform encourages a strong sense of belonging to the school. We want our children to be proud of Monkton School.

The Uniform is:

Boys Girls

School Sweatshirt School Sweatshirt/Cardie
School Fleece* School Fleece*
White Shirt/Polo Shirt White Blouse/Polo Shirt
Grey Trousers/Shorts Grey Skirt/Pinafore
Dark Shoes Black Trousers (winter)
Red Striped/Checked Dress
Dark Shoes

There is an optional Grey/Red tie; are stocked by the local school shops.

School Sweatshirts, Sweatcardies, Fleeces, Coats, Polo/T-shirts, Baseball Caps, Book Bags are available from the school office.

Jewellery

Children should not wear jewellery to school. Children with pierced ears should wear only one set studs. These should be removed for all PE lessons. Watches may be worn but should be named.

PE/Games Kits

All children need to have a PE kit at school at all times. This should be in a named PE bag hung from their peg.

The basic kit is:
T-shirt - Red
Shorts - Black
Plimsolls/Trainers
Tracksuit - Black/Navy/Red (for winter months)

Art and Craft Equipment

From Year 2 an old shirt or overall which must be kept in your child's PE bag will help keep paint, glue etc off expensive clothes. This is a very important piece of clothing, particularly with very young children.

Labelling Clothes

The County Council does not accept responsibility for loss or damage to personal property of pupils. Marking clothes and other property with the owner's name is, therefore, of the greatest importance and parents are requested to ensure that all property brought to school is marked.
Starting School

Just before your child starts school they are invited to spend some time in school. This is usually 2 half days.

One of the most frequent questions asked by parents of pre-school children is "What can I do to help my children at home?" Real learning can take place in all situations both in and out of school; consequently parents have a crucial role to play. At Monkton School we see this continuum between home and school at a vital ingredient of a child's success.

The following are some brief suggestions for areas of experience you may like to help your child with, which will be very useful when he or she starts school.

1. Sharing real life activities

Shared bedtime reading, listening games are all enjoyable experiences for young children. Children also thoroughly enjoy household tasks, e.g. bed making, dusting, gardening, cooking and tidying. All these activities help build a child's confidence, particularly when accompanied by praise and encouragement.

2. Using children's natural curiosity

This is an exciting area of a child's experience (and a very wearing one for a parent!) and can by fostered through painting, drawing, modelling, water and sand play. Children also thoroughly enjoy collecting things, often in the hope Mum or Dad can tell them what kind of spider etc it is!

3. Developing a child's basic general knowledge

On:
Colour, shapes, days of the week, months of the year, times of day, numbers 1 to 5, then 5 to 10 (and further if they can comfortably manage them), clothing, familiar objects in street and home, fruit and vegetables, flowers, animals. Encourage your child to form letters and numbers.

This is not an exhaustive list; neither do we intend for you to exhaust yourself and your child in trying to cover everything here. All children are different and have different needs and talents. What they all have in common is the need for encouragement and praise, and the innate pleasure that comes from learning. Back to top

School Organisation September 2007

There are approximately 103 children on roll this academic year. These are divided into 4 classes:

Class 1 - Years R

Class 2 - Year 1 and 2

Class 3 - Years 3 and 4

Class 4 - Years 5 and 6

Procedure for Entrance to Secondary Education

Pupils in Year 6

The selection procedure for Year 6 pupils changes from year to year.

Parents of children in Year 6 will be informed of the current procedure during the Autumn Term.

The procedure will identify approximately the top 25% of the ability range across the County. These children will be offered a Grammar School Place.

Healthy School's Group 2006 Back to top

SCHOOL CURRICULUM

Summary of the Governors' Statement on the School Curriculum

It is our intention at Monkton School to cater for the all round development of your child. We wish to develop in your child self respect and a knowledge and respect of others. We wish to begin to develop self-discipline in behaviour and attitudes to learning.

We aim to help each child develop individuality and their abilities across the National Curriculum. This consists of three core subjects, English, Mathematics and Science, and seven foundation subjects, History, Geography, Information & Communication Technology, Music, Art & Design and Physical Education, Religious Education also forms part of the school curriculum. The school has also implemented modern foreign language teaching (French) in Key Stage 2. The school has fully implemented the Government?s Literacy and Numeracy Strategies.

Each subject is divided into attainment targets with level descriptions and has programmes of study. Assessment is an integral part of the National Curriculum. The years your child spends in the Primary School are divided into Stages:

Foundation Stage Age 3 ? 5 years

Key Stage 1 Age 5 - 7 years

Key Stage 2 Age 7 - 11 years

National Curriculum Statutory Assessment takes place at the end of each Key Stage.

Within the primary school not all the elements of the National Curriculum appear as separate subjects and are often found integrated within a theme or topic. It is important for children to understand the inter-relation of knowledge.

With primary age children much work will be planned to provide them with first hand or direct experiences with an emphasis on active learning as well as teaching. We value the traditional high standards in reading, writing, spelling and mathematics. We see knowledge as important but stress the value of knowing how to learn and find out.

We wish our school to be a happy and stimulating place where parents feel at ease to discuss their child's progress so that learning becomes a partnership between home and school.

Structure and implementation of the National Curriculum in Monkton School

We support the National Curriculum as it prescribes an entitlement for all children; this is vital in an equal society. Although the National Curriculum is described in terms of separate subjects, the traditional primary approach is to work through themes that weave individual subject into a cohesive curriculum. Through careful planning and evaluation the correct sequencing of concepts and balance is achieved.

Thematic work is complemented by projects aimed at addressing particular areas of the curriculum. This pattern of practice ensures balance and breadth, vital aspects of the National Curriculum.

The National Curriculum delineates three curriculum areas:

The Core English, Mathematics & Science

The Foundation History, Geography, Art & Design, Music, Information & Communication Technology and Physical Education

Other Subjects Religious Education, French, Personal, Social & Health Education

Throughout their time at school children will be continually assessed according to their progress in these subjects. At the age of seven and eleven each child during the summer term will undergo a form of final assessment in the National Curriculum core subjects and parents will be informed of the results.

All the statutory documents that deal with the National Curriculum are available for inspection in the school office. We also have policies on a wide variety of subjects, which are available for parents to look at.

Additional Educational Needs (AEN)

Many pupils will receive some additional support from time to time in school. For children identified as having ad additional need by the school, the action taken is described as School Action, School Action Plus or Statutory Action. All children on School Action or School Action Plus have an Individual Education Plan (IEP) which is reviewed termly. Liaison with other agencies and secondary schools takes place when appropriate.

Mrs J Graham is the AEN Co-ordinator (AENCO). Mrs K Wilson, Assistant AENCO coordinates the provision of support for pupils with AEN and maintains the AEN register. Regular staff meetings are used to discuss AEN matters and staff are fully involved in the identification of children on the AEN Register. All children with AEN are able to experience all areas of the curriculum at an appropriate level. The School has easily accessible records for the children with AEN and these are updated regularly.

Gifted and Talented Children

Some children are identified as being Gifted and or Talented in a specific area. These children are also supported to meet their additional needs.

The following section describes the National Curriculum elements:

ENGLISH

National Literacy Strategy

In September 1998 the School implemented the Literacy Hour for all pupils in line with the Government?s National Literacy Strategy. The Literacy Hour has been welcome a Monkton CEP School, whilst we have always planned for at least an hour per day on aspects of the English Curriculum, the more focused structure of the lesson is proving to be of benefit to all our children.

Reading

As teachers we place great emphasis on the teaching of reading and the promotion of reading as an enjoyable activity. Each year we spend a significant amount of our school allowance on extending and developing our reading resources. Each class has an extensive range of attractive fiction, non-fiction and reading scheme books. We have a number of different reading schemes in school.

It is important to use a range, as not all children will enjoy the same books. It also allows greater breadth at each stage of a child's reading development. From the moment children start school they are encouraged to choose non-reading scheme books as well. It is not a good idea for children to read only reading scheme books. Teachers keep careful records of each child's reading development and at least once a year a diagnostic reading test will be administered as an aid to monitor progress.

Parents and Reading

We encourage children to take books home. Parental involvement in reading is an important element in children's development of reading skills. We also have a group of parents who come into school to assist with reading activities. If you would like to help in this way, please see your child's teacher or the Headteacher.

Book Club

The school operates a bi-monthly scheme whereby children can order a book from the Puffin Book Club. We appreciate that many of you already spend a significant amount of money on your child's books, so there is no obligation to purchase, but the leaflet in itself does give you an opportunity to keep abreast with current children's publications.

Oral and Written Language

Children in general must be able to express themselves in the spoken word before they can write clearly and in an interesting way. A variety of activities to encourage this necessary self-expression will be found in school.

In the early stages of our school much of the work the children do is in spoken form. As children gain in confidence and experience, more written work will be expected. Written work takes many forms for example: Factual writing, descriptive writing, imaginative writing, news letters, poetry, investigative and note making.

In all these areas teachers will aim to extend children's vocabulary. The quality of written work is promoted in class, particularly by reading good literature. Presentation is also important. Children are encouraged to take pride in all they do, and handwriting is taught.

Handwriting

Children are taught first of all to form their letters correctly and in the lower part of the school much of their work will be in pencil and in printed form. Gradually children will be taught how to join up script and the use of handwriting pens will be encouraged. We cannot encourage biros as they rarely produce neat writing.

Spelling

Children's spelling is closely related to their ability in reading. However, spelling is difficult, as the skills involved are pure recall, whereas much reading will be recognition. The more children read, the more likely their spelling will improve. Children just learning to write and express themselves can be discouraged if too many mistakes are pointed out to them. Teachers will often select a number of important words for correction. Older and more able children will be expected to make fewer mistakes and more of their errors will be pointed out to them.

Punctuation and Grammar

Teacher's experience and education research show that teaching punctuation purely through exercises is an ineffective method. Grammar and punctuation are taught as the child reaches the appropriate stage of development through their creative and formal writing.

MATHEMATICS

From September 1999 the Government introduced a structured daily mathematics lessons for all primary pupils. This is supported by a ?Framework for Teaching Mathematics from Reception to Year 6 which complements the National Curriculum. There is a clear structure to the mathematics lesson; this includes daily oral and mental work to secure pupils? calculations strategies and rapid recall skills.

Teachers devote a high proportion of lesson time to direct teaching of whole classes or groups.

An ability to calculate mentally lies at the heart of numeracy. Mental methods are emphasised throughout the school.

Wide ranges of different resources are used throughout the school.

As with language, mathematics will be found integrated in many Curriculum Areas.

Information Gathering

SCIENCE

There are many reasons why science is a vital component of the National Curriculum. We live in a rapidly changing world in which scientific ideas and processes are becoming increasingly part of everyday experience. Schools have a clear obligation to prepare children for this world. However, science is itself a wonderful model for learning. Primary education is founded upon learning through direct experience, as is science. The skills of observation, raising questions, investigating, predicting as and using appropriate equipment are central to scientific understanding and also valuable across the entire curriculum. Finally and this should never be overlooked, science is great fun!

In our school science will be found present in many themes, many of which will be science led. Staff will also use purely scientific projects to ensure that children have a broad and balanced awareness of science and its relevance to their lives.

HISTORY

We aim to teach history through a careful selection of activities and resources suitable for the age and ability of the child developing their skills and concepts as well knowledge, through enquiry based learning relevant to the child's experiences and in line with the National Curriculum.

GEOGRAPHY

Geography teaching and learning at Monkton uses the enquiry process to motivate children to find out about the physical and human environment and their interrelation. The pupils work is linked to their own interest and capabilities. The children study geographical skills, places and themes including rivers and weather. The Governments schemes are integrated into the Geography Scheme of work.

DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY AND INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

With the Technology National Curriculum requirements children learn the knowledge and skills required to design and make products using a wide range of materials and components, evaluate and improve their products until they are suitable for their intended purpose and learn to appreciate the impact of technology on everyday life.

We have 11 computers in school including laptops. All Classes have Internet Links. The computers are used daily throughout the Curriculum meaning that all children have the use of the computers and Internet on a regular basis.

ART

During Art lessons children will be introduced to variety of media will be introduced to the children. Crayons, paint, charcoal, pastels and pencils are all used extensively. Printing, modelling and drawing from close observation are all encouraged.

Work of both famous and unknown artists are examined and discussed to help to develop an understanding of the characteristics of art from different periods, cultures and traditions.

MUSIC

Music plays an important part in our school. Singing, listening and making music are an integral part of the curriculum. The school employs a music specialist for music lessons. Recorder lessons take place weekly for Key Stage 2 pupils and the school has a small choir.

All children are encouraged to take part in our music and drama activities and parents are invited to the school to see the productions.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Sporting Aims and Provision for Sport

Our aim is to develop pupils? physical ability and to develop their awareness and acquisition of the basic skills of gymnastics, games, dance and swimming.

As children grow older their basic skills will be built on to develop their abilities and to encourage their participation in individual and team games.

Children at the school will have the opportunity to play football, netball, rounders, cricket, hockey, athletics, dance and gymnastics. Swimming is organised for year 5 and 6 pupils.

The school is part of the Thanet Primary Sports Partnership from September 2006.

Monkton Youth football coaching takes place on Saturday morning for both boys and girls (KS2). This is run by parents. The school has also been involved in using local sports coaches. This includes Cricket Coaches organised through the Kent County Cricket Education Office. The School has a large field and playground. The village hall is used for indoor activities. The school uses a swimming pool at another Thanet School.

Warming Up!

FRENCH

French is studied at Key Stage 2 as our Primary Modern Foreign Language. We aim to develop positive attitudes to other languages and cultures. We follow the Pilote Programme (Kent?s French Programme) and are linked to Dane Court Grammar School for specialist teacher support.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

The Education Reform Act 1988 requires that all county schools must teach Religious Education in accordance with a locally agreed syllabus.

The school now follows The Kent Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education. Religious Education provides, within the curriculum, a reminder that education concerns the whole person, body, mind and spirit.

The Kent Agreed Syllabus provides a broad and balanced Religious Education curriculum, promotes the spiritual and moral growth of pupils and helps to develop an appreciation of Christianity and of other principal religions.

A Whole School Assembly is held every day. Visiting speakers are invited to join us on a regular basis. From time to time organisations such as Help the Aged, The National Children's Homes and Christian Aid will give a presentation to the children. The Education Reform Act 1988 makes provisions for parents to withdraw their child from Religious Education.

The school respects any parental wishes to have their child withdrawn from the Act of Collective Worship.

HEALTH EDUCATION

We aim to give children an awareness of the need to care for their own bodies through a healthy diet and a high standard of personal hygiene.

Our school aims to promote health in its widest sense. It attends to the physical, social and psychological development of our pupils and the maintenance of good health for all pupils and staff. We also consider the development of the emotions and self esteem as central to our aims. A key element of this is a carefully considered and constructed Sex and Relationship Education Policy for all the children in our care.

We also aim to teach children to apply the knowledge and skills of safety education in the home, at play and on the roads.

SEX AND RELATIONSHIP EDUCATION

The Governing Body at Monkton School has agreed that pupils will only be taught sex and relationship education within the requirements of the National Curriculum.

Sex and Relationship Education is not just about reproduction and sexual health. It also includes enabling our children to act responsibly in making and maintaining relationships with others, feeling good about themselves and the choices they make, developing assertiveness skills and the ability to respect themselves and others in the context of their own sexual development while taking account of sexuality, gender, roles and responsibility.

As teachers we are aware of children's natural curiosity and we will deal sensitively and honestly with children's genuine enquiries as they arise. This will be appropriate to the pupils' age and will be presented within moral family-orientated and Christian framework.

SOCIAL EDUCATION AND DISCIPLINE

A high standard of social awareness and behaviour is encouraged so that everyone can enjoy the best possible atmosphere both at work and play. Rules are simple and kept to a minimum. Children are informed of rules by their class teacher and are broadly as follows:

1 Children should at all times show the thought and consideration towards others that they like to enjoy themselves.

2 Children should show the respect for the property of others that they seek for their own.

3 Children should move about the buildings in a quiet, orderly fashion, and play peaceably in the grounds.

4 Children should contribute toward keeping a tidy clean environment. This makes a pleasant workplace for adults and children.

5. Children should not bring jewellery or toys to school unless related to a specific classroom activity.

6 They are expected to work hard.

When children are unable to behave according to this code of consideration they may have privileges withdrawn temporarily, or be asked to make amends in a practical way. Any serious matter would of course be discussed with parents at once. Our Behaviour Policy is issued to all parents.

Class 3

HOMEWORK

Homework builds on work done in the classroom. It enables the class teacher and the parent to confirm that the child has an understanding of a subject and helps to install and develop a sense of discipline about work at home. If a teacher sets homework there is an expectation that this will be completed by the set day. It is hoped that parents will support the school in encouraging their children to develop a responsible attitude to their homework. All parents are issued with a copy of the Homework Policy and Additional Guidance when their children join the school.

HOW TO REGISTER A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE CURRICULUM

One of the important changes instituted by the Education Reform Act concerns the provision of information to parents. Parents will now be entitled to comprehensive information relating to their child's attainments and development and the style and structure of the curriculum. As a school we see these requirements in a very positive light. They make sense of the partnership that exists between home and school.

Having been provided with relevant information there is the opportunity to make an informed criticism of the (or any) school's curriculum. To facilitate this a countywide code of practice has been adopted. The Local Education Authority has recently published a leaflet explaining what parents should do if they have a complaint about the curriculum or religious worship in their child's school. The leaflet emphasises that parents should talk to the Headteacher or other senior member of staff, in the first instance. Should it not be resolved informally you may wish to make a formal complaint to the Governing Body. You may also complain about the actions taken by the Local Education Authority. This should be through the relevant officer at the Area Education Office. Copies of a leaflet titled `Curriculum and Religious Worship in schools - Arrangements for Considering Complaints' is available from the Area Education Office.

REPORTS AND CONSULTATION EVENINGS

We have two formal consultation evenings in the Autumn and Summer terms and an informal meeting in the Spring Term. We provide a written report for you each academic year. This will be available shortly before the consultation evening in the Summer Term. The report is written for you, but please do share the salient features with your child. Reports are always written in a positive spirit and we aim to encourage children with praise and positive criticism. Praise your children and point out areas that need attention and then the next report will show improvement.

It is important to stress that these are not the only avenues open to parents for discussion. All parents and teachers are concerned about the welfare and development of children, consequently if you have any worries about your child's progress or social development, please do not hesitate to contact the school. You will have the opportunity to see your child's teacher after school or the Headteacher if you wish (please make an appointment). Likewise, as teachers, if we have concerns we would invite you to come in to see us.

We aim to establish an open and honest partnership.

Percentage of Absences For 2005/06

Percentage of Absences - Authorised 4.4%
- Un-Authorised 0.0%

National Curriculum Assessment Results
Key Stage 2
Additional Information

When reading the percentage figures for the SATs results the following considerations need to be taken into account.

1. The small number in our year groups.

2. No allowance is made for the type of intake a school has which varies from year to year, how long pupils have been in the school or the considerable achievements made by many pupils to get Level 2 and 3. (Children with Special Educational Needs).

3. Erratic performance across the whole of a particular paper - a child can have a bad day!!

4. A physical reason for not performing as well as expected - a broken writing arm!!!

5. One mark can make the difference between a Level 3 and a Level 4. This is important and has been indicated on individual children's results. The official view of the test is that a difference of levels equals two years behind when in most cases it means no such thing.

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