St. Francis Primary School - Information

Headteacher's Welcome

2010-12-31T12:00:00.000Z

Dear Parents,

On behalf of the children, staff and Governors I wish to take this opportunity to welcome you to St Francis C of E Aided School.

Reflecting its Christian Foundation, the school’s aim is to provide all children with the best education. One that values and cares for the children, offering them security, enjoyment and success. Part of this process is in developing a partnership with you through good communication, allowing you to be fully informed and involved with your children’s education.

The prospectus and the other documents which can be found via the links on the right hand side of this page provide a wealth of information about the school. I hope you find this material both interesting and informative but please do not hesitate to contact the School Office if you have questions about any aspect of the school.

Yours sincerely
S. J. Shepherd
Headteacher

Headteacher's News

2010-12-31T07:00:00.048Z

January 2012

Our excellent Autumn Term ended with a Christmas service in St Francis Church. Our parent helpers and Governors were invited to come along and join in celebrating the birth of Christ and reflecting on the true meaning of Christmas.

Good luck to Luke, James, Katie and Alex, our Year 5 Quiz Team, when they compete at the Inter Schools Science Quiz Championship semi-finals in Swindon.

Choir goes to Brendon Care! On Wednesday 15th December St Francis School Choir visited Brendon Care to sing Christmas songs to the residents. Ashley Rayment played her flute and Lydia Ramos, Ross Butler and Maephie Lindlar played their clarinets. The choir sang a selection of old and new Christmas songs The residents enjoyed it very much! They took the time to say that the choir sang beautifully. Even Santa Claus called in and gave every performer sweets or chocolate.
By Rebecca McKillop, Izzy Goddard and Ashleigh Raiment.

The School Council also visited Brendon Care.
On Thursday 1st December St Francis School Council and Knightwood School Council went to Brendon Care. We made shortbread biscuits for the old people in different shapes like angels, bells and stockings and then we iced them. Then Lucy, Phoebe and myself went in the car with Mrs Bray and Mrs Light to Brendon Care. The people there were very nice to us. They liked the biscuits and some even had two! The volunteers served tea to go with the biscuits. We ran out of biscuits so next year we will have to make more! It was really fantastic to see the old people and understand what it’s like to be old. One lady had to use a keyboard to type talk as she was unable to use her voice…..she also used her hands to communicate when she liked things, thumbs up. By Lily Wilde.

IBM Project, Smarter Home. Twelve Year 5 children were selected to work with Miss Thorpe to design a smarter home. Mrs Borrett from IBM came in to introduce the project and explained that the children had to design a house that considers reduce, reuse and recycle. The group have to create a model which shows the differences in the house and create a presentation to be held at IBM Hursley.

Mystery Week in February 2012. Paul Cookson, returning after four years, will be entertaining us with his amusing and fun poetry. There will be a full programme of events, starting with storytelling with Chris Connaughton, dance workshops with The Point “Mystery Dance”, book shop, charity book sale, drama and art……there will be plenty of opportunity for audience participation starting with a competition to design a poster to advertise our Mystery Week.

The school Editorial Committee are already hard at work preparing the next edition of St Francis News, due to be published in March

Calendar of Events 2011-12

2009-09-24T16:49:00.032+01:00

September 2011

5 : Start of Term
14 : St Francis School Association (SFSA) Circus Event
15 : Curriculum Evening for Reception Parents 5.00
15 : Meeting Y5 Parents re IOW Visit 6.15
16 : Theatre visit - The Little Princess
19 : SFSA Committee Mtg 7.45
20 : Parents' Evening
22: Parents' Evening
23 : Harvest Festival
26 - 30 : Y5 Isle of Wight

October 2011

3 & 4 : In-Service Days
12 : SFSA - 2nd-hand Uniform Sale
14 : SFSA - Film Night
18 : School Photographs
24 - 28 : Half Term

November 2011

7 : SFSA AGM 7.30-8.00
15 : Family Photographs 6.00–7.30
15 : Y5 Parents' Evening - Sex Education 6.30- 7.00
18 : SFSA Coffee Morning 9.00 in Staffroom
25 : Non-Uniform Day
25 : SFSA Craft Night

December 2011

3 : Christmas Fayre 12.30-3.00
6 : FS & KS1 Christmas concert – dress rehearsal
7 : FS & KS1 Christmas concert 2.00 pm
8 : FS & KS1 Christmas concert 10.00 am
7 - 9 : SFSA - Parents' presents sale
8 : KS1 Christmas Lunch
9 : KS2 Christmas Lunch
13 : FS & KS1 Christmas party
14 : Y3 & Y4 Christmas party
15 : Y5 & Y6 Christmas party
16 : End of Term - 1.30 pm

January 2012

3 : Start of Term
TBC : Children's Disco
16 : SFSA Committee meeting 7.30
23 : In-Service Day

February 2012

6 - 10 : Book Week
7 : Parents' Evening
9 : Parents’ Evening
TBC : SFSA Bingo/game night
TBC : SFSA Sweet sale
13 - 17: Half Term

March 2012

12 : SFSA Committee meeting 7.45
TBC : SFSA 2nd Hand Uniform Sale
TBC : SFSA Parents' Quiz night
20 : Music Concert - 7.00pm
21 : Music Concert - 9.00am
23 : SFSA Easter Eggstravaganza
29 : Easter Egg Competition
30 : End of Term

April 2012

16 : Start of Term

23 : SFSA Committee meeting 7.45

May 2012

7 : Bank Holiday

9 : Parents' Evening for Reception children Sept 2012

14 : Walk to School Week

28 : Intercultural Week - The Olympic Games

Please note that the dates for KS2 SATs have not been published yet

June 2012

4 - 8 : Half Term

13 : Y6 parents meeting re London Residential Visit

13 : SFSA Committee Meeting 7.45

20-22 : Y6 Residential visit to London
25 : In-Service Day

27 : KS1 Sports Day 1.15

28 : KS2 Sports Day 1.00

29 : Non-Uniform Day

July 2012

3 : Y6 Secondary School Induction Day

6 : Annual reports sent home

6 : Summer Fayre & BBQ (Friday evening)

TBC : Children's Disco

11 : Y6 Concert

12 : Class lists go out

18 : Class Swap

19 : Y6 Leavers Service

19 : Y6 Leavers Party 5.00 – 7.00

20 : End of Term 1.30 pm

23 : In-service Day

September 2012

3 : Start of New School Year 2012 - 2013

Useful School Documents

2009-05-25T16:39:00.007+01:00

Parents may find it convenient to download and print these school documents if needed. Alternatively, they may be obtained from the school office.

Application for free school meals

Application for leave of absence

Application to receive ParentMail

School Uniform Order Form

School's Admission Policy

2009-03-30T17:42:00.007+01:00

The school's admission policy for 2011/12 can be downloaded here

The school's admission policy for 2012/13 can be downloaded here

School Policies

2009-01-01T11:50:00.001Z

The school maintains an up-to-date list of school policies in the office. Parents are welcome to have a copy of any policy via a request to the school office. The list of policies include:

Admissions
Behaviour and Anti-Bullying
Charging
Child Protection
Confidentiality
Drugs
First Aid and Medication in School
Health and Safety
Inclusion and Diversity
Restraint
Safeguarding
Sex and Relationships
Subject Policies

The School Day

2008-09-09T16:02:00.027+01:00

Time	Activity	Notes
8.35am	School opens. All children go to main school playground through the central link doors.	Autumn term only – YR children go directly to their class room.
8.45am	School starts. Registration
8.55-9.15am	Assemblies and daily Act of Worship	Monday – Whole School Tuesday – Key Stage Wednesday – Year Group Celebration Assemblies Thursday - Key Stage Friday – Class Assemblies with an invited audience
9.15-10.25am	Morning Lessons
10.25-10.40am	Morning Break	YR and KS1 children are provided with free fruit or vegetables.Children can bring their own healthy snacks and drinks.KS2 children are able to buy a variety of healthy snacks from school for a small charge.
10.40-12.00pm	Lessons Continue
12.00-1.00pm	Lunch Break
1.00-3.15pm (KS1) 1.00-3.25pm (KS2)	Afternoon Lessons	KS1 have an afternoon break from 2.00 -2.15pm

The school operates a Breakfast Club and an After School Care Club. Both Clubs are held in St Francis Church which is adjacent to the school building.
These must be pre-booked through the school office and have a session fee that is payable in advance.

Breakfast Club : Monday to Thursday, 7.35am – 8.35am
After School Care Club : Monday to Friday, 3.25pm – 5.55pm

School Prospectus

2007-07-30T12:00:00.012+01:00

Contents

Aims and Objectives of St Francis School

Useful Addresses

Organisation

History of the School

Admission to St. Francis School

Aided Schools Maintenance Fund

Food and Drink at School

Behaviour Management at St. Francis School

Curriculum

The Governors of St. Francis School

Parent Helpers at St. Francis School

St. Francis School Association

Complaints Procedure

Charging Policy

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Aims of the School are:

St Francis School aims to provide an excellent education for all built around a Christian framework, celebrating and rewarding all progress and preparing children for life.

The Objectives of the School are:

To provide an excellent quality of education in a stimulating and caring environment.

To teach a broad and balanced curriculum that will challenge, motivate and equip children with the knowledge, skills and attitudes they need for the world in which they live.

To help children find their place as members of the family of God through the Christian tradition, while respecting the beliefs and cultures of others.

To value everyone and recognise their abilities, needs and contributions so that they can continually achieve their best.

To develop and value positive relationships between the children, staff, parents, governors, the Church and the wider community.

Useful Addresses

St Francis C of E (Aided) School
Pilgrims Close
Valley Park
Chandlers Ford
Hampshire
SO53 4ST

Telephone: 023 80271178

Fax: 023 80251988

E-mail: admin@st-francis-pri.hants.sch.uk
www.stfrancisschool.blogspot.com

John Coughlan
Director of Children’s Services
County Office
The Castle
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 8UG

Telephone: 01962 841841
Fax: 01962 842355

Tony Blackshaw
Diocesan Director of Education
Church House
9 The Close
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 9LS

Telephone: 01962 624767
Fax: 01962 841815

Reverend Peter Hutchinson
St Francis Church
Pilgrims Close
Chandlers Ford
Hampshire
SO53 4ST

Telephone: 023 80271152

Organization

St Francis Primary School admits children between the ages of 4 and 11 years. The standard number is 60 in Foundation and Key Stage 1 and 64 in Key Stage 2. The school is divided into seven academic year groups.

Year R (Reception) 4 – 5 years } Foundation Stage
Year 1 5 – 6 years } Key Stage 1
Year 2 6 – 7 years }

Year 3 7 – 8 years }
Year 4 8 – 9 years } Key Stage 2
Year 5 9 – 10 years }
Year 6 10 – 11 years }

There are two classes for each Year Group and a complete range of abilities is represented in our fourteen classes. Each child has his or her own Class Teacher who you are welcome to make contact with when necessary. At the end of Year R, Year 2 and Year 4 the classes are re-organized for the following school year. This is to ensure a balance of gender and abilities in classes, taking into account arrivals, departures and assessment of children’s attainment.

History of the School
The first phase of St Francis School was opened by The Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire on November 19th 1991. Demand for places in the school grew with the further development of housing in Valley Park. The second phase of the buildings was opened in 1995. The school benefits from a large and varied site and has always been popular with parents.

The present Headteacher, Mr S J Shepherd took up his post in September 2000. He is the school's Child Protection Officer (CPLO).

Admission to St Francis School
Aided Schools and the 1944 Education Act
After the 1944 Education Act all existing Church Schools were brought into the state maintained system of education. There are 35 Church Aided schools in the Diocese of Winchester.

The 1944 and subsequent Education Acts gives to Church Aided schools special privileges and responsibilities. These include the responsibility for the schools admission policy, the appointment of staff and the teaching of Religious Education in accordance with the doctrines of the Church of England.

Admissions Procedure
If having read the School Brochure and the enclosed Admissions Policy you would like to apply for a place for your child to attend St Francis School, you should complete the application form provided available from the school office. In line with County Policy and other local schools, the Governors of St Francis School will accept applications for Reception children up to midnight on 15 January 2012 (offer date is 19 April 2012). for entry to school in the following September. The Governors will consider all the applications after the closing date and places will be allocated in accordance with the published Admissions Policy. The School can admit 60 reception children each year (the School’s Standard Number). The Governors will admit 4 additional pupils to Years 3, 4, 5 and 6.

Appeals Procedure
If the Governors of the School are unable to grant a place to a child then the parents are advised to add their child’s name to a waiting list so that, if a place becomes available at the school, the application will be reconsidered by the Governing Body. Parents may also make a Formal Appeal and in such cases the Chairman of the Governors should be notified. He or she will then inform the parents of the Appeals Procedure.

Your child starting School in Reception
When your child has been offered a place at St Francis, you will receive a booklet giving details of our Reception classes and their organization. You will be invited also to a meeting in the Summer Term, prior to your child starting school, when you can meet the Headteacher and other members of staff and ask any questions.

Every effort is made to ensure that your child’s start at St Francis is happy and secure.

Your child transferring to St Francis School
Children who are transferring to St Francis from another school are encouraged to visit the school and to meet their new teacher. Class Teachers will ensure that the children quickly become familiar with school and class routines. Several children will be selected to look after your child during the transition period.

Aided Schools Maintenance Fund
As a Church of England Aided School, a contribution has to be paid to the Aided School Maintenance Fund, this is paid by the Governors on an annual basis. Parents are expected to make a contribution to it, and the standard rate for each child in the school for 2007/08 is £10.00.

School Hours
The morning session: 8.45 a.m. – 12.00 noon with 15 minutes break (playtime)

The afternoon session: 1.00 p.m. – 2.00 p.m, 2.15 p.m. – 3.15 p.m. } Foundation & Key Stage 1

1.00 p.m. – 3.25 p.m. Key Stage 2

Children from Years 1 – 6 may enter the main school playground from 8.35 a.m. through the central link for ten minutes playtime prior to the school day. A small area in the main playground is set-aside for Year 1 children who are unsure of the general hustle and bustle. Once the children have arrived on the premises, they must not leave the playground without permission from the Duty Teacher. Members of staff lead the children into their classrooms for register at 8.45 a.m.

Children have responsibility for all their personal belongings.

During the Autumn and some of the Spring Term Reception children go straight to their class base from 8.35 a.m. onwards where they will be greeted by their Class Teacher.

School Uniform
The School colours are burgundy and grey. T-shirts and sweatshirts with the School logo on can be purchased through the school, or Skoolkit in Eastleigh. In the summer, girls wear yellow and white checked or striped dresses. All children must wear sensible shoes for school with socks. Trainers or fashion wear is not acceptable. Watches may be worn, but are the child’s own responsibility. Children are placed in one of four Houses and wear an appropriately coloured T-shirt for P.E.

For safety and security reasons children should not wear jewellery to school. If a child has pierced ears, stud earrings can be worn but they should be removed during P.E. lessons. Where a child cannot remove and refit the studs her/himself they should not be worn to school on the day of P.E. lessons. Watches can be worn but are the responsibility of the child. Long hair should be tied back.

P.E. Kit
Every child needs a small drawstring bag to hang on their peg in the class base containing:-
Outdoor P.E. shoes
A pair of burgundy shorts
A House or white T-shirt
Tracksuits, or similar warm clothing, for outdoor P.E. in cold weather

The kit is worn for outside games lessons throughout the year when weather permits. The same kit with bare feet is used for indoor sessions. It is essential that all items be clearly marked.

School Bags
A small bag/rucksack may be brought to carry any equipment or food they need at school. Owing to limited storage space the bag should be as small as possible.

Medical Issues
The School Nurse visits on a regular basis to carry out medicals to check hearing and vision, and to advise on general health matters. The School Dentist carries out dental screening with Year 1 and Year 5 pupils once a year. You will always be advised of any visit that concerns your child.

We cannot administer any form of medicine to your child. Exceptions to this are treatments for asthma, nut allergies or medication for children who have a condition that is with them for life. If your child is unwell you will be contacted and asked to collect him or her.

After being ill a child should not return to school before he/she is fit and well enough to cope with the busy and full school day. After illness an extra 24 hours of recovery time often helps to ensure that a child’s return to school is happy and successful. After sickness and/or diarrhoea children should stay away from school for 48 hours.

Absence from School
If your child cannot attend school for any reason, you must inform the School Office by telephoning 023 80271178 or sending an e-mail to adminoffice@st-francis-pri.hants.sch.uk. A letter of explanation for absence must be sent to the Class Teacher when your child returns to school. Without this information, under present legislation, the absence will be marked down as unauthorised.

Withdrawal during the school day
If you need to take your child out of school for an appointment during the school day, please inform the Class Teacher and sign your child out of school at the Office, and sign back in again on return. It is vital that you inform the school of any change to your personal circumstances, e.g. change of address, telephone number, place of work, emergency contact numbers etc. Information is confidential to the Local Authority and parent/guardian of the child.

Holidays
A list of school holidays can be found on the school web site. An up to-date list is always available from the school office.

Parents who wish to take their children out of school for holiday purposes during term time should complete a holiday form available from the school office. Without the completion of this form and approval of the Headteacher any absence would be classified as unauthorised. Under present legislation children are allowed up to 10 school days holiday a year. Authorisation for leave beyond this time can only be given in exceptional circumstances. Whenever possible holidays should be taken during school holiday time.

Authorised and Unauthorised Absences from School
The Secretary of State requires us to publish information regarding the level of authorised and unauthorised absences from the School. This information is provided in the Annual Governors Report to Parents and a copy can be found in the prospectus folder.

Appointments
The school operates an open door policy and staff make themselves readily available to meet with parents when needed. The Headteacher is often available to see parents at short notice. However, a telephone call, made via the Office, to make an appointment to see a teacher or the Headteacher ensures that a mutually suitable date and time is arranged. In an emergency a senior member of staff will be available.

During the school year arrangements are made for two Teacher / Parents Evening Appointments and an Annual Report on a child’s progress to be sent home. The Teacher / Parents Evening Appointments take place in late September / early October and February. The Annual Report is sent home in July.

Food and Drink at School
Lunchtime Arrangements
Lunchtime at St Francis is between 12.00 – 1.00 p.m.

Payment for school dinners should be made in advance on a Monday, either on a half-termly or weekly basis. Dinner money should be sent in a labelled envelope to your child’s Class Teacher. Cheques should be made payable to ‘Hampshire County Council’. Money is reimbursed for missed meals. Children can have a combination of school dinners and sandwiches if you prefer. Copies of menus and prices are enclosed for your information in Appendix A.

Children are entitled to free school meals if the family is in receipt of Income Support or Income Based Jobseekers Allowance.

Children can bring in a packed lunch from home in a labelled lunchbox. They must bring in their own, non-fizzy, drinks. Containers should not be cans or made from glass. For the welfare of the many children with nut allergies who attend school it is requested, that whenever possible, foods containing nuts should be avoided.

Children are allowed to bring into school small plastic bottles of still water to keep in their classroom. These drinks are available for them at all times. Bottles must be taken home everyday, any left in school will be disposed of by the cleaning staff.

Snacks at Breaktime
Children can bring in a drink and/or fruit for breaktimes. Sweets should be avoided. Fresh water is available from drinking fountains situated around the school. All children in Reception, Y1 and Y2 are provided with a free fruit or vegetable snack. In KS2 a healthy snack e.g.fresh bread roll, fruit pot, milk or fruit juice can be bought during morning break for 30p.

Behaviour Management at St Francis School
It is an aim that St Francis School provides a warm, caring environment for children to be successful learners in. We therefore, expect high standards of behaviour to be maintained by all. Underpinning this expectation is a School Charter setting out the rules, which direct the way everyone conducts themselves at St Francis School. The School Charter states that children should: -

Always try your best
Be caring, kind and helpful to others
Look after everything at school
Show good manners
Stay safe
Tell an adult if you’re unhappy

A copy of the School Charter can be seen in every classroom and children have a bookmark with a copy of the six points on.

To support the School Charter a positive system of rewards and sanctions is operated throughout the school including privilege time, stickers and certificates. Fuller details are available at school.

There are times when staff and voluntary helpers may need to use physical intervention for a child’s safety and well being e.g. cuddling a child in distress or stopping children fighting. (Section 550A 1996 Education Act).

If you have any concerns regarding the welfare of your child at St Francis School please make an appointment with his or her class teacher.

Curriculum
The National Curriculum forms the basis for Curriculum planning throughout the school. Priority is given to the core subjects of Maths, English, Science and ICT. We also introduce children to the basic knowledge and skills in all other subject areas. For children in the Foundation Stage in the reception classes preparation for the National Curriculum is through early learning goals, planned for each child’s educational needs. This emphasis on individual needs continues throughout the school and is reflected in the School’s Policies. Through the National Curriculum the children are expected to acquire skills and knowledge and to develop into self-motivated learners. In delivering our curriculum responsibilities we aim to develop the whole child emotionally, socially, spiritually and academically. At the start of every term parents are provided with a brief outline of the areas of study their children will follow.

The experience and knowledge gained is consolidated and extended as your child progresses through the school. Careful assessments and records are kept of your child’s progress and you are kept as fully informed as possible of their progress through parent interviews and annual reporting. Further information and appointments are provided as and when necessary. All children develop the practice of home/school reading. Throughout the school homework plays a developing role in supporting the children’s schoolwork. Reading and homework diaries help provide clear guidance on any homework set. A copy of the school’s most recent National Assessment results with comparative national data can be found in the prospectus folder.

To support the curriculum we will have a number of special events and visitors into school. Events such as Book Week provide an opportunity for more in-depth study of a particular topic and a chance for the whole school to celebrate their learning together. Visitors are able to share their expertise and show the children the relevance of their learning in the outside world.

English
The different aspects of English curriculum hold the key to many of the ways in which we communicate. The teaching of English encompasses reading, writing, spelling, handwriting, drama, speaking and listening. English is taught daily through the Literacy Hour. A copy of the St Francis School Handwriting Scheme is enclosed with this prospectus. During their time at St Francis School children will have the opportunity to enjoy live performances by various visiting groups. They will also, through concerts and class assemblies, be involved in performing to audiences.

The school has a wide range of big books and group readers used to teach reading. The Oxford Reading Tree provides the core of the school reading scheme. There is also a wide range of fiction and non-fiction books in the library.

Mathematics
Emphasis is placed on the teaching of mathematical skills and strategies through the structured programme of the National Numeracy Strategy. The children are encouraged to become confident explorers and users of all aspects of the Mathematics National Curriculum. Mental maths is practised regularly as part of the daily Numeracy Hour and has become an essential element to the children’s mathematical development. The children are also given mathematical experiences, which challenge them to apply what has been learnt to unfamiliar situations through practical and investigative work.

Science
Science is seen as the key to making sense of everything around us. The children experience a wide range of practical scientific investigations and demonstrations structured and resourced throughout their time at St Francis School. These provide them with a progression of skills in observations, prediction, hypothesising, fair testing, seeking and recording evidence, interpreting results and drawing conclusions. Helping them to develop a wide knowledge of scientific principles.

Religious Education
The church foundation of the school is reflected in its Christian ethos. The children are encouraged to develop an attitude of caring, co-operation and appreciation of others. R.E. aims to develop the spiritual side of each child. Children develop knowledge and understanding of the Christian faith whilst appreciating other religions within our society. The children’s learning focuses on Hinduism in Key Stage 1, and Judaism and Islam in Key Stage 2 as comparisons to the Christian faith.

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Information and Communication Technology is a cross curricular subject that is taught and used in all areas of the curriculum. The school has an ICT suite containing 16 PC’s which are linked to the Internet, allowing us to both teach ICT skills and to use ICT to support other areas of the curriculum. Each class uses this suite for at least 1 hour each week. The whole of the school has wireless coverage linking a further 53 PCs throughout the school. St Francis School has a wide range of Educational and PC software. The school has also, a wide range of other equipment, televisions, tape-recorders, roamers, digital cameras, scanners, and portable data loggers etc. to support the use of ICT in the curriculum. Interactive whiteboards are available and used in all classes.

History
At St Francis the teaching of history aims to develop historical skills of understanding and interpretation, following a programme which includes first hand experiences provided by out of school visits and speakers to enrich each history study unit. The use of cross-curricular links such as ICT and drama consolidates the pupils’ understanding and provides a useful tool for assessment. Learning about the past and the methods used to study it helps pupils make sense of the world in which they live. They are introduced to what is involved in understanding and interpreting the past. This helps them to establish their own ideas, beliefs and values and to form an understanding as to why the world is as it is.

Geography
Geography is taught through topics that focus on environmental issues, the study of places and the human and physical processes, which shape them and the people who live in them. Skills and knowledge are taught through first hand experience wherever possible allowing children to develop appropriate fieldwork skills. The school site provides the children with a rich resource for Geographical study.

Design and Technology
Throughout Key Stages 1 and 2 children follow schemes of work, which allow them to complete design and technology projects in materials, textiles, food and control mechanisms. These projects provide opportunities for the children to design and make products, learn and develop practical skills and investigate and evaluate simple products. St Francis School has two kitchen areas available for use by the children.

Art
Art and design offers all children the opportunity to stimulate their creativity and imagination by providing visual, tactile and sensory experiences and a unique way of understanding and responding to the world through expressing ideas and feelings.

Children will at Key Stage 1 begin to develop an understanding of colour, form, texture and pattern through a variety of media including paint, clay, textiles, and sculpture. Key Stage 2 children build on their knowledge, skills and understanding of materials and processes through a wide range of experiences including visits to art galleries, museums and workshops. All children will explore the ideas and meaning of the work of other artists, craftspeople and designers. They will learn about their different roles and about the functions of art, craft and design in their own lives and in different times and cultures.

Music
Music is an important part of the curriculum at St Francis School. We are very fortunate to have our own purpose built music/drama room, which is equipped with stage lights and curtains. It contains a wide range of tuned and untuned instruments which all children have the opportunity to play. The children are encouraged to make up their own compositions and to record them in a variety of ways appropriate to their understanding as they progress through the school. Throughout the school, children have the opportunity to listen to a variety of music from around the world and from different eras. They are actively encouraged to perform in front of an audience as appropriate and to appreciate the efforts of others.

Children in Key Stage 2 can learn the recorder and join the choir. There is also opportunity for children in Key Stage 2 to learn the guitar, violin, keyboards or woodwind instruments for which there is a charging policy. There is a school orchestra made up of the many children who are learning to play an instrument.

Physical Education
St Francis encourages all children to participate in a wide range of physical activities to the best of their ability. They are taught why exercise is important and how they should maintain a healthy lifestyle. Children have two lessons of P.E. per week. One is an outdoor games session and the other is an indoor gym or dance session.

During Key Stage 1, children build on their enthusiasm for movement. They begin to work with others in pairs and small groups. By listening, watching and experimenting with movement and ideas they develop their skills in movement and their co-ordination. In Key Stage 2, children learn new skills, find out how to use them in different ways, and link them to make actions, phrases and sequences of movement. Children are encouraged to enjoy both collaborating and competing with each other, learning how to evaluate and recognise their own and others’ success. In Year 4 the children have swimming lessons at Fleming Park Leisure Centre. St Francis encourages children to take up competitive sports and School teams, in a number of sports, compete against other local schools and in area tournaments.

In Key Stage 2 children are offered extra curricular activities that are usually held after school and run by staff. In the past year St Francis has a netball club, two football clubs, an athletics club, a cricket club and a dance club.

Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE)
Throughout the school careful attention is given to Personal, Social and Health Education. Aspects of children’s safety, health and personal development are studied through schemes and involves liaison with outside bodies such as the Police, Health Authority and various Charities. We present aspects of personal care and awareness of the dangers of today’s society. Citizenship forms part of this education and is explored through a variety of activities including the School Council. The School Council is made up of representative children from Y2 to Y6, elected by their peers. They meet monthly with members of staff to discuss school issues.

Sex Education
A Sex Education programme is introduced to the pupils at an appropriate age and is reviewed on a regular basis. Parents are offered an opportunity to view any materials used in the programme before the children.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)
In line with St Francis School’s Aim and Objectives provision is made to enable all children to reach the appropriate academic level. All children have access to the full and balanced curriculum and every effort is taken to fully integrate all children into the school. Part of this process, individual education plans (IEPs) are written for identified children; these establish small step targets of progress for individual children. The IEPs are shared with parents and progress is regularly monitored. Support for children is provided in a variety of ways, one to one with a teacher or Teaching Assistant (TA), in small groups in the class or in withdrawal groups. Where appropriate outside agencies e.g. Educational Psychology Service, Speech Therapy Service, Occupational Therapist, etc. are involved in supporting children with special needs. During the summer term in the Reception class children are screened for possible future specific difficulties with reading. Any child identified, as needing extra support will follow an individual, supplementary phonics programme led by a TA.

The SEN Co-ordinator (SENCO) at St Francis School is Mrs Ward.

Gifted and Talented Provision
St Francis School recognises the need to provide differentiated levels of work for all children according to their abilities and attainment. In every class teachers plan their lessons to cater for the needs of the children.
Where necessary this will include supplementing work with extension activities to meet the needs of the more able. In Key Stage 2, within budgetary constraints, specific measures have been taken to support this process. The two Y6 classes are set in three teacher led groups according to ability in English and Maths. The two Y5 classes are also set according to ability in English and Maths, both classes have a part time TA to support the two class teachers. The most able children in English and Maths in Year 3 and 4 undertake project work that is supported by a TA. We hope to extend this to include Y1 and Y2 in the future.

The Gifted and Talented Co-ordinator (GATCo) at St Francis School is Mrs Porter.

Acts of Worship
The school holds a collective act of worship daily, meeting as a whole school, Key Stage or class. These provide opportunities for worship, prayer and quiet reflective thought and seek to develop the child’s sense of awe and wonder. Assemblies follow general themes and are led by staff, governors, visitors and children. The school has a close link with St Francis Church and the Winchester Diocesan Board for Education. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from religious education and collective worship.

Intercultural
The children are taught about and made aware of other cultures, traditions and lifestyles through many of the curriculum subjects, and are encouraged to be open minded and respectful of other people.

Homework
Homework is seen as important in supporting the curriculum being delivered at St Francis. All children are offered the opportunity to have homework. In Key Stage 1 this is usually in the form of reading and learning spellings. During Key Stage 2 the amount of homework increases. The children in Years 5 and 6 have approximately 30 minutes homework per evening. All children in Key Stage 2 are provided with a homework diary to aid communication between home and school.

While at school the children work hard, and although the completion of homework should be encouraged and supported by parents, we would never want it to become a burden.

Library
At St. Francis we believe that books play a vital role in children’s education. We have an excellently resourced library that contains a wide section of books and other media. The library is used to support all areas of the school curriculum and to develop literacy skills. Children are encouraged to read for pleasure and benefit from being able to take books home to share with parents.

School visits to support the curriculum
We place a great value on educational visits and throughout their time at St Francis School children will have opportunities to participate in them. They are an integral part of the work covered during the year and provide the children with first hand experience. There are residential visits for children in Year 5 and 6. In recent years Year 5 children have stayed on the Isle of Wight early in the new school year and the Year 6 children follow a programme of visits during a stay in London.

Under present legislation you will be asked to make a voluntary contribution towards the transport costs and admission charges. If enough contributions are not made the particular visit will be cancelled and contributions made will be returned to parents. Coaches used comply with safety regulations and each child will have a seat of their own with a seatbelt.

School fund raising allows the school to subsidize the day visits. Visits are regularly evaluated by the staff and the children, ensuring that they offer the best experience available and that they offer good value for money.

School Grounds
The children at St Francis benefit from extensive school grounds. These are used to enrich a variety of curriculum areas. The school has plans for further development of the curriculum use of the grounds.

The Governors of St Francis School
The Governors are responsible for the management of the School in partnership with the school’s staff and the Local Authority.

The Governing Body is made up of 8 foundation Governors, 2 parent Governors, 2 Staff Governors (1 teaching and 1 non-teaching) and 1 representative of Hampshire County Council. The Headteacher is an ex-officio member of the Governors. An up-to-date list of Governors is available from the school office.

The vicar of St Francis Church is a foundation Governor and the other seven foundation Governors are appointed by St Francis Church Council to represent the interest of the church authority, which has provided the school. At least one foundation Governor must be a parent. At present, three foundation Governors are parents of children at St Francis and three have had children attend in the past. The parents elect the parent Governor in a secret postal ballot. Any parent of a registered pupil at the school, other than a member of staff, may stand for election.

The Governing Body meets two or three times each term and copies of the agenda and minutes are available for parents to see at the School.

Parent Helpers at St Francis School
St Francis School recognises the vital role parents can make to a successful education. We therefore, encourage parental help throughout both Key Stages. Some parents help on a regular basis and others offer time as they are available. We often require parental help to escort children on education trips. Please let your child’s class teacher or the Office know if you are available to help in school. Although we can’t always use parental help the offer is always appreciated. Parents who help in school must have a current Criminal Records Bureau (CRB) certificate issued via St. Francis School. These forms are available from the school office and the process takes 3 - 5 weeks.

St Francis School Association
When children join St Francis School their parents or guardians automatically become members of the St Francis School Association. A small, annually elected committee of parents organise many events throughout the year. In the past these have included Summer Fetes, Jumble Sales, Films, Fashion Shows, Discos, Christmas Fayres and a Quiz Evening. In addition, the committee organises fun events for children and parents – these have included trips to Legoland and Pantomime Shows at The Mayflower Theatre.

The Association raises approximately £10,000 each year and this is used to support the school develop its resources and widen the opportunities provided for the children. The funds raised in the past have helped buy staging, theatre lighting, ICT Suite equipment, networking throughout the school, books, curriculum equipment, activity trail, a children's kitchen and playground equipment. The St Francis Association also helps build the sense of community that is so important to the ethos of a successful school. The St Francis School Association Committee is always pleased to welcome new parents and listen to any ideas they may have.

Charging Policy
The school’s charging policy is in line with the regulations set out in the Education Reform Act 1988. This allows the school to make a charge for board and lodging on residential visits, costs associated with individual or group musical tuition and activities which take place wholly or mainly outside school hours. Voluntary payment is required for activities that incur costs for the school e.g. class visits, theatre visits to school, cooking and design where the finished product is taken home, etc. These are made by letter at the time of the activity. Parents are not obliged to make these payments, however, if enough contributions are not made the proposed activity will be cancelled.

The school also has the right to require payment for any items of school property lost or damaged as a result of careless or needless behaviour.

Complaints Procedure
Most parental concerns can be quickly resolved through informal discussions with the Class teacher and/or the Headteacher. Meetings can be arranged via the school office. If this process does not resolve the issue, then there is an official complaints procedure that any parent has the right to follow. Details of this procedure are available at the school office. The Governing body can be asked to respond to any complaint if it is put in writing.

Equal Opportunity Statement
The school provides equality of opportunity for all children in all activities.

Using Images of Children
To comply with the Data Protection Act we seek the permission of parents before any image of the children is used in materials available to the public i.e. prospectus, newspaper items, website etc. Consent is sought via a form given to all parents.

Parents who are invited to school events such as nativity plays, sports days etc. are not required to comply with the Data Protection Act when taking photographs of their children, for their own private use. St. Francis School welcomes parents recording such events for their own private use but requests that any instructions given at the start of the event are followed.

Cycle Shelter
The school has a cycle shelter which can safely store 60 bicycles. Children require a permit to use the shelter. Permits are issued, when available, by the school office withp priority given to Y6 and Y5 children.

Dogs
Dogs, other than guide dogs or those invited by school for special events, are not allowed anywhere on the school site.

In Conclusion
We hope that the information in this Brochure will give you and your child an idea of life at St Francis C.E. Aided School. Full curriculum and policy documents are available from the School Office on request.

Please do not hesitate to contact us should you have any questions concerning your child. We place a great deal of emphasis on your child’s time at St Francis being both happy and successful!

All information in this prospectus is correct at the time of going to press: July 2011

School Application Form

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The application form for a child to be admitted to St. Francis School can be downloaded here

Members of Staff

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Position	Year	Name of Staff Member
Headteacher	- - - - -	Mr S Shepherd
Deputy Headteacher	Year 6	Mrs D James (also Acting KS1 Leader)
Class Teacher	Year R	Mrs C Watson (maternity cover)
Class Teacher	Year R	Miss P Smith
Class Teacher	Year 1	Miss K Lane
Class Teacher	Year 1	Mrs F Kelly/Mrs S Martin
Class Teacher	Year 2	Miss E Hayes
Class Teacher	Year 2	Miss E Cutler
Class Teacher	Year 3	Mrs R Carter
Class Teacher	Year 3	Mrs E Greenham/Mrs S Dicker
Class Teacher	Year 4	Miss V Holness
Class Teacher	Year 4	Mr R Fountain
Class Teacher	Year 5	Mrs K Ward
Class Teacher	Year 5	Mrs K Parkes (KS2 Leader)
Class Teacher	Year 6	Miss K Thorpe
Part Time Teacher	PPA Cover	Mrs S Porter (also Yr6)
Part Time Teacher	PPA Cover	Mrs N Savage (also Yr6)
Part Time Teacher	PPA Cover	Mrs L Buse
Part Time Teacher	PPA Cover	Mrs E Bond
Part Time Teacher	PPA Cover	Mr J Whitbread
Part Time Teacher	PPA Cover	Mr S Light
Teaching Assistant	- - - - - -	Mrs W Brain
Teaching Assistant	- - - - - -	Mrs M Bray
Teaching Assistant	- - - - - -	Mrs H Fisher
Teaching Assistant	- - - - - -	Mrs J Johnson
Teaching Assistant	- - - - - -	Mrs M Leon
Teaching Assistant	- - - - - -	Mrs S Light
Teaching Assistant	- - - - - -	Mrs C McIntyre
Teaching Assistant	- - - - - -	Mrs K Sandall
Teaching Assistant	- - - - - -	Mrs K Sims
Teaching Assistant	- - - - - -	Mrs L Farley
Teaching Assistant	- - - - - -	Mrs H Shergold
Teaching Assistant	- - - - - -	Miss S Tucker
Teaching Assistant	- - - - - -	Mrs S Weavind
Teaching Assistant	- - - - - -	Miss G Farmer
School Administration Officer	- - - - - -	Mrs K Dunnings
Administration Assistant	- - - - - -	Mrs C Hutchings
Administration Assistant	- - - - - -	Miss A Smith
School Maintenance Officer	- - - - - -	Mr I McIlroy
Librarian	- - - - - -	Mrs P Brown
After School Care Club Leader	- - - - - -	Mrs S Mears
Breakfast Club Leader	- - - - - -	Mrs L Alner

After School Care Club

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After School Care Club

Information Booklet

After School Club Administrator: Mrs K Dunnings
Tel: 023 80271178

After School Club Leader: Mrs Stephanie Mears
When club is open Tel: 0784 2211132

Welcome to St Francis After School Club

St Francis After School Club aims to offer to children and parents quality care in a safe, stimulating and friendly environment in which the children’s personal, social and educational development can flourish.

We are registered to work with up to 28 children aged from 4 – 11 years old with a ratio of 8 children to every member of staff.

We are based in St Francis Church next door to St Francis CE Primary School, Chandlers Ford.

Children are collected from St Francis School and walked across to the Church each day at 3.25.

Our Club is registered with Ofsted to provide sessional care for up to 28 children.

Our Club is directly run by St Francis CE Primary School and is accountable to the School Governors.

St Francis After School Club is open during term time from 3.25 pm – 5.55 pm Mondays to Fridays. The Club is not open on School Closure days or School Holidays.

Your Questions answered ……..

How much does it cost?
Sessions cost £7.20 per child.

What does the fee include?
Full care led by qualified play care workers who are CRB checked, all activity costs, refreshments and programme materials.

How does my child join?
Application can be made through the school, tel: 023 80271178. The Admin staff will check that there is a place available. Ask to be put on a waiting list if no place is currently vacant. The waiting list is ordered according to date child is placed on list.

How do I pay?
An invoice will be sent to you upon completion of your Registration Forms. Payment is made termly in advance and can be made by post dating a number of cheques. Places for subsequent terms need to be booked and paid for at least 3 weeks before the end of term. Priority will always be given to existing members of the Club to ensure consistency and security of provision for children and parents.

Payment should be made by cheque. Please make cheques payable to St Francis CE Primary School. The Club will accept Busy Bee, Leapfrog and Accor vouchers.

Parents may be entitled to Working Tax Credits or Childcare Tax Credits. Application for this is made direct to the Inland Revenue and is dependant upon individual circumstances.

Due to financial constraints the school is unable to offer reductions for siblings attending the Club.

Induction
Children and parents are welcome to visit the club prior to starting and children may have a “taster” session. It may be necessary for parents to remain during this session to satisfy staffing ratios.

Opening times:
St Francis After School Club is open 5 days a week, term time only, from 3.25 – 5.55 pm. A contact telephone number for the After School Club during open hours is provided to parents. During all other times the telephone contact number will be the School Office 023 80271178.

Cancellations:
Refunds are not given for sessions missed but in exceptional circumstances this may be reviewed.

Collection of children:
Children will be collected from their schools at the end of the school day by a member of the After School Club team.

Children must be collected from the club by 5.55 pm. We are not insured after this time. If An emergency arises, such as a car break down which may delay you, please telephone the Club Leader immediately to let her know what alternative arrangements you have put in place for the collection of your child.

If a child attends a school club directly after school (i.e. football, netball etc) it will be possible for the child to be taken to the Club by School staff. Please indicate on booking form or notify School Office if child will be joining on after school activity.

Illness:
St Francis After School Club cannot accept a child who has not been at School during the day, due to illness.

Medication:
As per school policy – After School Staff are not able to administer medicines. The only exception is if the child has a condition that is with them for life i.e. asthma/diabetes.

Accidents:
A member of the After School Staff has a current First Aid qualification. A minor accident will be dealt with and recorded. In the case of more serious accidents, appropriate action will be taken, and parents will be contacted. Please make sure that staff are kept up to date with contact numbers.

Snacks:
Children will be provided with a variety of different snack food i.e. fruit, sandwiches. If your child suffers from any food allergies, eg peanuts, you must let us know. Children are not allowed to bring their own sweets or food into the Club. If your child is on a special diet, please discuss this with the staff.

Equal Opportunities:
St Francis is committed to the principles and practise of equal opportunities. A copy of our policy statement is available from the school office.

Code of Behaviour:
Everyone involved in St Francis After School Club is encouraged to base all their relationships on mutual respect for each other.

Behaviour Management:
It is an aim that St Francis School After Care Club provides a warm, caring environment where children can play and relax and to achieve this we expect good behaviour from all children. Underpinning this expectation the children will be involved in drawing up a charter of acceptable behaviour whilst at the club.

To support the After School Club Charter a positive system of rewards and sanctions will be operated in line with the behaviour management policy of the school. (Copy available from the school)

There are times when staff and voluntary helpers may need to use physical intervention for a child’s safety and well being e.g. cuddling a child in distress or stopping children fighting. (Section 550A 1996 Education Act).

A record of any unacceptable behaviour will be kept and if, following discussion between child/parents/staff, continued unacceptable behaviour occurs you may be informed that the club is no longer able to offer a place for your child.

Concerns/Problems :
If you have any concerns about your child you should in the first instance discuss this with the After School Club Leader where many concerns can be immediately resolved. In exceptional circumstances a situation may not be resolved in this way, in this case please make an appointment to speak to the Headteacher via the school office.

The Headteacher will liaise with all concerned parties to resolve any difficulty as quickly as possible.

Valuables:
St Francis After School Club cannot take responsibility for the personal valuables of individual children.
We would ask parents/carers to ensure that valuables are not brought into the Club Sessions.

If you have any queries about the contents of this booklet please contact:

S J Shepherd Headteacher 023 80271178
K Dunnings Admin Officer 023 80271178

Secondary Schools

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Secondary Schools Linked to St. Francis

Other Secondary Schools

Primary Schools

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Primary Schools associated with St. Francis

Beatrix Potter School, Magdalen Road, London

Community Links

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Links to the Local Community

St Francis' Church

Valley Park Community Association

Chandlers Ford Online - Community Services

Chandlers Ford Family Practice (St Francis Surgery)

Local Secondary Schools