Cranmore Integrated Primary School

About...

Founded by parents living in the Lisburn Road area in 1993 the school was originally situated in Adelaide Park. In 2001 we moved to a new purpose built school in a green field site in Finaghy. The school has a wide catchment area from Sandy Row, Lisburn Road, Finaghy, Andersonstown and Taughmonagh and beyond. In Spring 2003 we will open a pre-school facility. Our school is child-centred with each child being encouraged to recognise their worth and importance as an individual. Every attempt is made to provide a low pupil to teacher ratio, ensuring that each child receives the maximum amount possible of quality teaching time. Highly committed and dedicated staff work closely with pupils, helping each one to develop to the very best of their ability, not only academically but also personally.

We deliver the full range of subjects within the curriculum as well as offering out of hours activities such as fencing, soccer, cookery, hockey and judo. We participate in and promote the educational theme of Education for Mutual Understanding. Pupils are given opportunities to develop life skills of negotiation and mediation to resolve their conflicts in non-violent ways. Catholic children are prepared for the sacraments and at all times parents’ wishes are taken into consideration. Local clergy are invited and welcomed into all integrated schools. We also discuss cultural diversity through schoolwork, displays and assemblies.

What we teach

We deliver a full range of subjects within the Northern Ireland Curriculum to ensure a broad and balanced education.
The areas of study are:       English       Mathematics       Science and Technology       The Environment and Society       Creative and Expressive Studies
Further, we endeavour to make school an exciting experience by enhancing learning through a variety of themes and activities. ‘Interactive Hour’ allows a child the opportunity to learn through engaging in curriculum-based games, resolving problem-solving activities or accessing the wealth of learning experiences, which our new ICT room can provide. ‘Circle Time’ helps children develop respect for themselves and others through discussing problems and looking at ways of improving working together. This is extended through the educational theme of Education for Mutual Understanding, which gives pupils opportunities to develop life skills of negotiation and mediation to resolve their conflicts in non-violent ways. Key Stage 2 pupils carry out much of their ‘E.M.U.’ work through workshops, museum visits and residential trips (based around environmental themes and outdoor pursuits) with children from another local Primary School. Recently the school has been involved with an exciting new project to help develop ‘thinking skills’. This work helps children think more carefully when making decisions or understanding other peoples’ views. Another important theme is ‘Cultural Heritage’ which celebrates the diverse traditions and work of local authors, artists and musicians and most importantly those traditions and cultures, which make our school a multi-cultural centre. We help children celebrate Chinese New Year, Diwali and Ramadan each year through stories, music and artwork. We also offer Spanish in Primary 6 and 7, which is proving to be a very popular addition to the children’s learning and enriching many of their summer holidays to the costas! "It's fun and sometimes noisy and hard work." (Pupil)

School Success                  

Our school is not about facilities, it's about children.  We encourage the development of the whole child and each child to give of their talents and time with generosity.

Louise is An Inspiration to us All! 

A true integrated school is one where all children are included and differences are understood and accepted. It is a place which promotes tolerance and understanding. One of our Primary Seven pupils Louise made a significant contribution that was recognised recently. She received 'The Diana Princess of Wales Memorial Award' for anti bullying. This was in recognition of the personal sacrifice Louise made to help an autistic pupil. Louise had 'buddied' him and helped him during the difficult transition from home schooling to mainstream education. Louise supported him in the playground and encouraged him to socialise. She helped during difficult situations by explaining his idiosyncrasies to others. She had a major role in ensuring he was happy and secure! Well done Louise!  

The Teaching Awards

Ms. Helen Hamilton, our Principal was the Teaching Awards 2006 Winner.
She won The Ted Wragg Teaching Award for Lifetime Achievement.
 

This is what the judges had to say.



Helen is a woman who will stop at nothing to get the best for her pupils. She has demonstrated tremendous tenacity and spirit is creating Cranmore Integrated Primary School, even when the odds of success appeared doubtful. With her vision, dedication and energy - and a small band of committed parents - Helen has proved herself to be an exemplar of integrated education, and in 13 years has developed a flourishing school that caters for pupils from all religions, cultures and social backgrounds.

In local terminology Helen would probably be called something of a chancer, unfazed by red tape, bureaucracy or status. She is not unfamiliar with bombarding government departments with phone calls to lobby for what she wants, and even recruited a previous Secretary of State, Mo Mowlam, to help in her quest for funding. Helen has sought charitable backers practically the world over, and secured the first pre-school unit with donations from the United States and Canada totalling more than £80,000.

Her passion and commitment to education is legendary, and from a school roll of just 37 pupils in 1993 Helen now leads a team that delivers high-quality education to a full complement of more than 200 children. With nearly a third of the pupils having special educational needs, Helen has been determined to give them the best facilities possible, and once again her powers of persuasion have triumphed in the development of a Nurture Room, possible through private donors who have admired and wish to share in one very special educational experience.

Helen spurs on her team positively encouraging personal development in all her staff. Over the last two years, alone four teaching assistants have gone on to teacher training courses and two teachers are completing Masters Degree in special education. Spotting the talent and potential in others is just one aspect of Helen’s unremitting quest to bring a top quality education to her community.

P6 Creative Gardens

Primary Six really are a creative bunch! They were invited to Hillsborough Castle to display their individual miniature gardens. Their designs were based on two themes 'Fairies' and 'Jungles.' The judges were rightfully impressed. Aisling was awarded 'Best Overall Garden' and Rose 'Most Sustainable Garden.'

Young Artist in Primary Four                      

Chelsea- Leigh from Primary Four recently won the prestigious 'Young Crafts Person with Flair' award. The judges were impressed with the overall high standard of work produced at Cranmore and particularly with Chelsea-Leigh's innovative handbag. Her winning entry was displayed at the 'Flair' event at the King's Hall where local, contemporary artists showcased their work. Chelsea-Leigh attended the event where she was interviewed by UTV.  

Sporting Recognition                        

We were fortunate enough to win one thousand 'Sports for Schools' vouchers from Tesco for active participation in after school sporting activities. These vouchers will be used to purchase equipment for after school clubs.

Healthy Lifestyle Award              

In October Cranmore was named area winner for  Belfast, for our commitment to health promotion. Action Cancer and Centra who judged the competition were impressed with our commitment to Health Promotion. Our Health Awareness Day, Taster Days, After School Clubs and Healthy  Break Awards were all commended.

After School Activities At Cranmore we have developed a wide range of varied and challenging after school activities. As part of our Health Promotion strategy we offer a range of sports clubs throughout the year. These include soccer, hockey, fencing and rugby. Clubs meet on Wednesday & Thursday afternoons and are open for children from Primary Four upwards. This term our clubs include Gardening Club, Tennis and Athletics Click on the activity to see what the children have to say

Special Needs Provision at   Cranmore Integrated Primary School

  What is meant by Special Educational Needs (SENs)?

The term ‘special educational needs’ is defined in the Education (NI) Order 1996 as ‘a learning difficulty which calls for special educational provision to be made’. ‘Special educational provision’ means educational provision which is different from, or additional to, the provision made generally for children of comparable age’.*

* From the Code of Practice on the identification and Assessment of Special Educational Needs.

  How will/was my child identified as having SENs?

At Cranmore every pupil’s progress is monitored and your child will have been /will be identified as possibly having SENs by the following:

• Concerns expressed by the Principal or class teacher
• Concerns identified within the pre-school setting
• Standardised screening tests administered in Mathematics and English from Year Two onwards
• Concerns expressed by the parents or pupils themselves
• Standardised Non-Reading Intelligence Test  administered in Year 3 and also Year 5.
• Information obtained from other professionals (with your knowledge)

 Further assessment may be done by the SEN co-ordinator or the Reading Recovery teacher.

What help will he/she receive?

It may be that some strategies put in place by the class teacher are sufficient to combat your child’s difficulties. You will be asked to a meeting with the SEN co-ordinator to discuss what these strategies will be and how you can help. This is called Stage 1 of the Special Educational Needs Register.  

If your child requires additional help he/she will be put on Stage 2 of the SEN Register.  If  in P2 or P3 he/she may be selected for Reading Recovery  support in which case the Reading Recovery teacher will meet with you to explain what the programme entails. Alternatively, The Class teacher and the SEN co-ordinator (who is also the Learning Support teacher) meet and devise an Education Plan for him/her which includes some time with the Learning Support teacher on a one-to-one and/or a small group basis, usually within the class setting. Your child’s progress is reviewed termly and a new plan with updated targets set. Your child will be asked for his/her input and you will be invited to attend a meeting with the class teacher to discuss his/her progress and the proposed action.  

If we consider that your child may require specialised or more intense remedial help we will discuss the matter with you and we will refer him/her to the Belfast Education and Library Board (BELB) Educational Psychology Service for informal assessment. This is Stage 3 of the SEN Register. 

The Educational Psychologist assigned to the school will gather information about your child from the class teacher, the SEN co-ordinator and yourselves. She will carry out a series of tests and write a report which will include recommendations about how best the school and the parents can best help him/her. You will be given the opportunity to meet with the Educational Psychologist and give your input before she writes up the report.

You and your child may also be given an appointment to attend the School Medical Officer, usually on the school premises but sometimes at Cupar Street, Malone Place or Holywood Arches, depending on your address. This is a matter of routine and simply ensures that we, as professionals, have a fuller and up-to-date picture of your child's needs whether medical, social or educational or a combination of these.

At this stage of the SEN Register the SEN Co-ordinator will invite you  to a meeting at the beginning of each   term to discuss your child’s  progress and the proposed action for that term.   

If it is agreed that your child's difficulties are so complex that a Statutory Assessment may be required and, after a process of information gathering (Stage 4) a formal 'Statement' may be produced. This is Stage 5 of the SEN Register.  A ‘Statement’ allows for a range of appropriate provision, for example, regular direct teaching by a peripatetic specialist teacher, individual support from a non-teaching assistant or a specialist peripatetic classroom assistant from Oakwood, Harberton Behaviour Unit, Outreach Service, Clarawood or a major piece of equipment. You will be included in discussions and decisions about your child's education, including an invitation to attend an Annual Review together with all the professionals involved with your child.

As parents, how can we help?

When you meet with the teacher, SEN co-ordinator or Principal to discuss your child's progress and the school's Education Plan and targets for him/her we will discuss what specific support from you would be helpful.

In general, we ask you to do the following:

·                     Encourage your child in his/her efforts

·                     Celebrate his/her successes - however small they may seem compared to siblings' or peers'

·                     Try not to show your child the anxiety you may have over his difficulties

·                    Keep us informed as soon as possible about any medical, social, behavioural or educational difficulties

 Where else can I get advice and information?

The BELB offer a Special Educational Needs Advice and Information Service for information on:

·         Specific Special Educational Needs

·         Regional and local support agencies and services

·         The statutory assessment process

·         Educational support for children with special needs

Advice and Information Officer Tel. 02890564058

Websites that may be of interest:

www.belb.org.uk/sen

www.bdadyslexia.org.uk

www.dyspraxia.foundation.org.uk

www.nas.org.uk    (The National Autistic Society)

www.autismni.org     (PAPA)

www.cedar-foundation.org   (Support for those with physical disabilities)

www.nasen.org.uk  

www.addiss.co.uk (Attention Deficit Disorder Support Service)

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