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What are the aims and ethos of Elham School? What is distinctive about Elham School? What type of child does Elham School cater for? What extended day facilities are there at Elham School? How can I arrange for my child to start at Elham School? What are the buildings/facilities like at Elham School? How are the classes organised? Who are the other adults my child will come into contact with at Elham School? How long is the school day and how is it organised? What if my child is absent from school? What does my child need to wear to Elham School? What teaching methods are used at Elham School? What if my child has additional needs? How will my child’s progress be monitored? How will my child be cared for at Elham School? How do I get to talk to teachers about my child? How is good behaviour maintained at Elham School? How is the children’s voice heard? How does the school communicate generally with parents? What offsite trips and visits take place? What clubs are there at Elham School? What musical and dramatic opportunities are there at Elham for my child? What sporting opportunities are there at Elham School? Where do the children go after leaving Elham School? How does Elham School provide equal opportunities? What are the aims and ethos of Elham School? We aim to develop the full potential of every child, whatever their abilities. We are committed to supporting our children in a caring and supportive environment. We aim to develop and maintain partnerships with all our parents. We aim to work collaboratively with other schools in the local community and agencies in the area to provide the best possible opportunities for our children. We have a Christian ethos and strong links with the local church. Where is Elham School? Elham School is located in the village of Elham, about 7 miles from Folkestone and about 8 miles from Canterbury, in the beautiful Elham Valley. Elham is a thriving village with a number of shops and local businesses. The Church of St. Mary is in the centre of the village and the school is situated quite near, adjacent to the main Canterbury Road. How old is Elham School?
The present school buildings date back to the 1970s when a new school was built. Before that there was a Victorian school of which the Sir John William’s Hall is the only remaining building. The school still uses this hall which is administered by the Sir John William’s Trust (a historic local education charity). There has been a school in Elham since the 18th century.
What is distinctive about Elham School? Elham is a Church of England Aided School. This means that the site is owned by the Canterbury Diocese and that the school has close links with the Diocese of Canterbury. The Governing Body works in conjunction with the Diocese and is the School’s Admission Authority rather than the Local Education Authority. The R.E and Collective Worship have a strong Christian focus, while referring to other major world religions; however, the school recognises the right of parents to withdraw their children from both R.E lessons and Collective Worship on religious grounds. What type of child does Elham School cater for? Elham School caters for children of all abilities. We are committed to reaching the full potential of all children within a caring, supportive environment. There are specific opportunities for able and talented and SEN children alike at Elham School. We also promote music, drama and sport throughout the school through the curriculum, clubs and additional tuition. What extended day facilities are there at Elham School?
How can I arrange for my child to start at Elham School? Pre-school children need to fill in a common admission form, early in Term 3, listing whether they would like their child to start at Elham School. This will then be sent to the LEA which will let the school know which parents have listed Elham School. The school will then list, in order, these children and the list will be sent back to the LEA. The listing will be done according to the school admission criteria which does take into consideration church links and the proximity of the home address. The LEA will then contact the parents with the name of the school which has offered them a place. Parents then have the right to appeal directly to the school if their first choice was unsuccessful. Children transferring from other schools need to contact the school secretary, Mrs. Risby, on 01303 840325 or by email -elhamoffice@yahoo.co.uk. She will consult with the Head teacher and then tell them if there is a place or if they need to go on the waiting list. We encourage all prospective parents to make an appointment to visit the school preferably with their child/children. What are the buildings/ facilities like at Elham School? The school is housed in modern buildings built in the 1970s. The office area is new and was opened in 2004. The school also uses the Sir John William’s Hall, a Victorian building, for one of the classes.
There is a hall complete with electronic screen and fixed data projector. There is a designated ICT suite which has recently been upgraded. The school has just purchased a bank of laptops which can be used throughout the school site.
How are the classes organised? At Elham School we have 5 classes: Class 1 is made up of Foundation Stage children and Year 1 children. The Foundation Stage have their own teaching base and play area separate from the Year 1 children. The class teacher and her Teaching Assistants rotate between the two teaching areas. At various points in the day the year groups do combine e.g. for fruit and milk. Their teaching bases are within the main school building. Class 2 is made up of older Year 1 children and Year 2 children. Year 2 is the last year in Key Stage One and they have SATs assessments at the end of Year2. Class 2’s teaching base is within the main school building. Class 3 is made up of Year 3 children and the younger Year 4 children. At present Class 3 is housed in the Sir John William’s Hall. There are plans for this class to be housed, in the future, in what is now the ICT suite. However, the ICT suite needs to be extended first. Class 4 is made up of the older Year 4 children and the younger Year 5 children. Class 4’s teaching base is in the main building. Class 5 is made up of the older Year 5 children and the Year 6 children. This is the year when some of the Y6 children sit the Kent Test for Secondary Selective Schools and all of the Y6 children sit the end of Key Stage 2 SATs. Class 5’s teaching base is in the main building. Who are the teachers? Mrs. Hope is the Headteacher. She currently teaches Year 5 for 1 morning per week. Mrs. Kennedy is the Deputy Headteacher. She teaches Class 1. Mrs. Short is the Special Needs Co-ordinator. She has designated Senco time and also teaches Class 5 for 2.5 days a week. Mrs. Ferguson teaches Class 2, Mrs. Godden and Mrs. Astro have a job share in Class 3 Mr. Davison teaches Class 4. Mrs. Harding teaches Class 5 for 2.5 days a week. Who are the other adults my child will come into contact with at Elham School? Mrs. Risby is the School Secretary and designated First Aider. Mrs. Martin is a Higher Teaching Assistant and supports children in class. In addition she teaches all the children ICT skills. Mrs. Robinson is a Teaching Assistant and supports children in class. She also provides lunchtime supervision. Mrs. Glass is a Teaching Assistant and supports children in class. Mrs. Gay is a Teaching Assistant and supports children in class. Mrs. Colao is a Voluntary helper in the school. Mrs. Spain is a Teaching Assistant and supports children in class. Mrs. Vincent is a Teaching Assistant and supports children in class. Mrs Bartlett is a Teaching Assistant and supports children in class. Mrs Searle is a Midday Supervisor. Mrs. Williams is a Midday Supervisor and also runs the Breakfast Club. Mr. Elgar is the caretaker. He also supervises the gate first thing in the morning. Mrs. Seymour is a regular volunteer helper. Mrs. Wheeler is a regular volunteer helper. Mrs. Hall is a regular volunteer helper. She is also the Chair of Governors. We have other ladies who help with Breakfast Club and the School Library. In addition we have parent helpers. All our staff and volunteers are police checked. Who are the School Governors? Mrs. Hall is the Chair of Governors. Mr. Johnson is the Vice chair of Governors. Canon Russell - Vicar of St. Mary’s Elham. Mr. London Mrs. Ratcliff Mr. Gasson Mr. Boughton Captain Van Eerten - parent governor Mr. Woodley - parent governor Mrs K Collins - parent governor Mrs. Hope- Headteacher Mrs. Short - teacher governor Mrs. Martin - non-teacher staff governor Mrs Astbury - Clerk to the Governing Body How long is the school day and how is it organised? Breakfast Club is from 8.00 until 8.50. At 8.50 the children in Breakfast Club are sent to their classes. Children enter through the gate onto the playground. School starts at 9.00 promptly. Children arriving after 9.10 will automatically be marked late. Children may arrive from 8.50 to 9.00 when they go straight Morning break is from 10.30 to 10.45 for KS1, followed by fruit and milk time from 10.45 to 11.00. Morning break for Key Stage 2 is from 10.45 to 11.00. Lunch is from 12.00 to 1.00. They may order meals from Scholarest, we only need a morning’s notice, or they may bring a healthy packed lunch. We recognise that it is up to parents but we discourage cheese strings, crisps, chocolate bars and other unhealthy options. Key Stage 1 have a break in the afternoon. School finishes at 3.00 and parents collect their children from the playground. There are after school clubs until about 4.15. What if my child is absent from school? If your child is unwell, or unable to attend school, please phone the school before 9.30 on 01303 840325. If you have not phoned we will phone you. Please phone on subsequent days of absence and, when they return, send in a letter saying why they were absent. If you change your contact numbers please let the School Office know as soon as possible. If you wish your child to be absent from school for a special day out, or a holiday, you need to complete a leave of absence form which Mrs. Hope can, at her discretion, sign on behalf of the Governors. However, this is not an automatic parental right and in some cases permission may be refused. We are not encouraging parents to take their children out of school during term time. From September 2007 we will be authorising a maximum of 5 days per academic year. What does my child need to wear to Elham School? All the children need to wear a white shirt or polo shirt with either grey or black trousers and black shoes. The girls may wear a grey or black skirt and in the summer a green checked dress. All the children need to wear a green sweatshirt or fleece (these may be purchased from the School Office). We encourage children to bring indoor shoes to change into after having been out on the playground. For P.E the children need plimsolls, a white T-shirt and black shorts. We sell fleeces, hats, white T-shirts, waterproof coats and sweatshirts embroidered with the school logo at the school office. In addition we sell black P.E shorts. What subjects are taught? At Elham we teach the core subjects: English, Maths, Science, ICT and R.E. In addition we teach the foundation subjects: History, Geography, P.E, Music, PHSE, Art and Design and Technology. Most of these subjects are taught in class by the class teacher although we do have number of visitors in from outside to provide additional learning opportunities for the children. English:
Maths: Every day the children have a daily Numeracy lesson. Much of the teaching is practical. The children have the opportunity to investigate number patterns and sequences to solve problems and to apply their number knowledge. A wide bank of resources are used to teach the children. The children at Elham are expected to learn their tables and are regularly tested. Science: Science is taught weekly and the children are given investigative activities to develop their learning. They learn to use a range of resources to help them in their scientific learning. As they get older the recording becomes more detailed; they are asked to make predictions and draw conclusions from the investigations. ICT: The children are taught ICT skills such as emailing and using a spreadsheet in weekly ICT lessons. In addition ICT is an integral part of other lessons and ICT is used to help enquiry work. All the children, in Years 1 to 6 inclusive, receive their teaching using interactive whiteboards. We are looking to purchase wireless laptops for the children to use in other lessons. R.E: The main part of the weekly R.E lesson is Christian although we do teach other major world religions. We work closely with the Diocese to deliver our R.E curriculum and we also use the Kent Agreed syllabus. History: We follow the national curriculum study guides and use the QCA scheme as a basis for our teaching. We have a 2 year rolling programme so study areas are not repeated by the children. The children in KS2 study ancient civilizations, the Tudors, the Victorians, the Second World War and local History. Children in KS1 look at toys and homes in the past; they also study famous people and events such as Florence Nightingale and The Fire of London. Geography: We follow the national curriculum study guides and use the QCA scheme as a basis for our teaching. We have a 2 year rolling programme so study areas are not repeated by the children. Some of the areas the children study are Africa, India and physical features such as rivers. Music: Music is taught in class and the children listen and reflect on the music they have heard. They have opportunities to use percussion instruments and to compose. Links are also made between other areas of the curriculum e.g. music distinctive to a historical period or a geographical region. Personal, Health and Social Education This is taught throughout the school as both a discrete subject and as an integral part of other curriculum areas. PHSE takes the form of circle play and role play and gives the children the opportunity to deal with sensitive interpersonal issues. At Elham the only sex education the children receive is in the last term when Y6 have a puberty talk; any videos shown are always made available to parents beforehand, on request. We accept that parents have the right to withdraw their child from this talk if they so wish. Art:
The children have opportunities to work using a range of materials. They work through a programme of study linked to the national curriculum. Often the children’s art is directly linked to other areas of the curriculum e.g. Geography and History.
Design and Technology: The children work through a programme of study linked to the National Curriculum Often the children’s design and technology is P.E: All children have P.E weekly. They have games, dance and gym throughout the year. In addition they have specific coaching, for some year groups, through the School Sports Co-ordinator scheme where we link with a local secondary school. What teaching methods are used at Elham School?
What if my child has additional needs? At Elham we have an able and talented register for our most able children. Their needs are met in school through carefully differentiated lesson planning. We also have a special educational needs register to help children with specific problems and learning difficulties. This help takes the form of close communication between the Special Needs Co-ordinator and the parents to discuss what provision can be made for the child. Targeted interventions are then set up and support given in class to these children. The success of these interventions is reviewed regularly with both staff and parents. How will my child’s progress be monitored? During the school year we look at the children’s work and level it using National Curriculum levels. At the end of the year children the children in KS2 have optional SATs tests which give a National Curriculum level of attainment. In Y2 and Y6 each child takes the SATs tests for the end of the Key Stage. This information is reported back to parents. Teachers are continually assessing your child’s written and oral work and making judgements about your child’s ability level. If a child is not making the expected progress the parents and the Senco are consulted and measures are taken to help and support that child. We hold 3 parent’s evenings a year for you to come and discuss your child’s progress with us and in addition we have informal ‘drop in’ meetings. Each child will annually have a full written report written about them which is shared with parents. How will my child be cared for at Elham School? At Elham School we take pastoral care very seriously and are very responsive to the needs of the children, at all stages, in their time with us. We use Circle Time to help the children work through peer problems. At lunchtime and breaktime we are developing a peer ‘Buddy System’ to help support vulnerable children. As we are a small school the children are known to all the staff and we are very aware when children are encountering problems or are under the weather. We operate an open door policy at Elham and encourage parents to come and speak to us about any concerns either they, or their child, might have. We have effective fire procedures for all areas in the school and a well planned exit strategy. How do I get to talk to the teachers about my child? We operate an open door policy and welcome parents. The teachers are out on the playground at the end of the day and you may wish to have a quick word with them then. Parents may come in with the younger children in the morning if the child is not settled or if they have a very quick point to discuss. However, we ask that you respect the fact that first thing in the morning the teachers are setting up for the day and have little time for discussion. If the problem is more serious or is going to need a lengthy discussion we advise parents to ring up and make an appointment to see the teacher. If the problem cannot be resolved with the teacher then parents are encouraged to make an appointment to see the Headteacher. In some instances the teacher may call a parent in if there is a problem. Each traditional term we have parent’s evenings and you need to sign up to make an appointment to see your child’s class teacher. The lists are usually out in the lobby at least a week before the allotted parent’s evenings. In October the Y6 teachers and the Headteacher have a separate parent’s evening to discuss the children’s secondary school options. How is good behaviour maintained at Elham School? At Elham we take good behaviour very seriously. We expect our children to be courteous and polite to both their peers and all adults they come into contact with. Poor behaviour is not tolerated and we work with both the offending child and his or her parents to improve their behaviours. We have a behaviour policy which was drawn up by staff; the School Council, parents and Governors have also looked at it and made suggestions for amendments which have been acted on. At Elham we operate a yellow card and a red card system to punish poor behaviour. We do not tolerate children hurting other children; that is an immediate red card offence. If a child’s behaviour is bad enough to be awarded a yellow or red card this is recorded in a special book. Each week we award merit badges, often for good, helpful behaviour or good work. We also have a Diamond Book where exemplary behaviour is recorded. How is the children’s voice heard?
We have a school buddy system who help at lunchtime and they report problems back to the Senior Leadership Team. On our school Council we also have Eco Wardens
How does the school communicate generally with parents? Every week we send out a weekly newsletter. In addition we send out letters concerning specific events. The teachers are out on the playground at the end of each afternoon and will see parents if they need to tell them something urgently. Otherwise Mrs. Risby, the School Secretary, will phone if there is a need such as illness or a club being cancelled. We have a Parent’s Forum which meets 3 times a year where general issues can be discussed and parents are invited to send items in for the agenda which is published prior to the meeting. If I have a complaint to make how do I do so? If there is a problem the first person to approach is the classteacher. If the problem is not resolved then the next person to approach is the Headteacher who will investigate the issue and report back to the complainant. If the issue is still not resolved to the complainant’s satisfaction then a complaint may be made to the Governors. We have a complaint’s procedure which is available, upon request, from the School Office. What offsite trips and visits take place?
Biannually the older children have the opportunity to take part in a residential activity week at Arethusa, near Chatham. However, the full cost of this trip is funded by parents not school. In addition we have visiting theatre and musical groups in school to perform for the children and hold activity workshops. We also have visiting speakers in school to talk to the children. The children take part in sporting festivals and tournaments and play both home and away netball and football matches. What clubs are there at Elham School? Throughout the year we offer different seasonal sports clubs: netball, cricket (S.C), table tennis (S.C), football coaching (S.C), rugby and gymnastics for KS1. These clubs take place throughout the year after school. Those marked S.C have a small charge.
What musical and dramatic opportunities are there at Elham for my child? We have an arrangement with ‘Make Time for Music’ to provide individual and group musical tuition for the children in school time. This is paid for by the parents. Currently we have children having keyboard lessons, violin lessons, brass lessons, guitar lessons and piano lessons. In curriculum time the children are taught music and drama. KS1 put on a musical Christmas production and KS2 put on a musical show in the summer each year. What sporting opportunities are there at Elham School?
We take part in sport’s festivals, organised locally, and we organise friendly football and netball matches against other local schools. Where do the children go after leaving Elham School? A large proportion of our children go onto secondary selective schools either in How does Elham School provide equal opportunities? At Elham School we are committed to equal opportunities for all members of the school community. Boys and girls line up together and no gender is barred from any of the activities. We have mixed netball and football teams. We hope that you have found the information in this prospectus useful. Please contact the school on 01303 840325 or email us on elhamprimary@yahoo.co.uk if you would like more information or would like to arrange a visit. |
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The school runs a breakfast club where a healthy breakfast is served. Breakfast club is run every day that the school is open. For after school we are currently looking at contracting with a new afterschool club provider..
The Foundation Stage children have a specific, spacious teaching base and they have a designated outdoor play area with a variety of surfaces.
The children have access to a rectangular flat playground, complete with benches and some tables, throughout the year.
to class where they have quiet activities until the school day commences.
Children have a daily Literacy Lesson.
directly linked to other areas of the curriculum e.g. Geography and History.
At Elham we recognise that children have different learning styles. Our teaching recognises these different styles and we plan to use practical learning opportunities, visual learning opportunities and audio learning opportunities. We use interactive whiteboards, linked to the internet, in all classes from Y 1 up. Speaking and listening is an integral part of our teaching.
At Elham we have a School Council which meets monthly.
Throughout the school year the children have the opportunity to visit places such as theatres or museums in connection with their school work.
In addition we have other clubs: cookery club (after school), advanced recorders (after school), beginner recorders (lunchtime), country dancing in the spring and summer (after school), email club (lunchtime), electronic game club (lunchtime), French club (after school and S.C.) and sewing club (lunchtime).
We offer sporting opportunities through clubs and teaching.
