For some time we have been forming a statement that sums up our ethos – what we are about - in a few memorable words. Governors, pupils and staff are agreed on:

Dear Parent

Welcome to Junction Farm School. The aim of this booklet is to introduce you to the general organisation and activities in our school.

We hope that the information will help you to understand what we are trying to achieve, and enable your child to start learning as quickly as possible.

Children, staff, parents and governors all work together to create a happy caring atmosphere in which pupils can enjoy their structured learning and take part in a wide range of activities. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

Yours sincerely,
S Jones
Head Teacher

The Governing Body of our school is a mixture of people from all walks of life - from parents of children in the school, representatives of the local authority and members of the community, who want to give something to the school.

All give their free time to ensure that your children's education is second to none.

The Governing Body carry this out by setting targets, challenging the way things are done and adopting and checking the policies are being implemented.

The Head Teacher manages the school, to carry out the policies defined by the Governing Body and regular meetings take place.

The full Governing Body meets about three times a year, but because the running of a school is a complex issue, the Governing Body is split up into a number of sub-committees and/or working parties- these cover Finance, Staffing, Curriculum, Premises, and Pay Policy.

We endeavour, with the resources available to us, to represent the interests of the parents, the staff (both teaching and non-teaching) and ultimately the children in our care.

Our aim is to make Junction Farm School a centre of excellence for learning, creating a fun, enjoyable and safe place for children to be.

The school is organised into 7 classes of between 21 and 29 children each morning, with mixed age classes in KS2 during the afternoon. We also have a Nursery catering for children between the ages of 3 and 5. Nursery and Reception work closely together as a Foundation Stage providing seamless continuity and appropriate learning activites.

We work within the framework laid down by the Government to provide a broad and balanced curriculum, so that each child can develop his/her potential to the fullest extent. Comprehensive schemes of work based on the requirements of the National Curriculum form the basis of our work in school.

A school uniform helps to create a sense of unity and belonging. It also guards against constantly changing fashions, reduces expenditure, and ensures children have practical clothing for all activities in school. We have tried to be as practical and accommodating as possible, bearing in mind the following criteria - school colours, comfort, safety, suitability for school, ability to stand up to the rigours of the school day, economy, ease of local purchase and parents' willingness to co-operate.

For these reasons, school dress may be a combination of grey, white and royal blue. Top garments (shirts, etc.) to be blue or white, and bottoms to be grey. Clothing is to be as plain as possible.

In summer shorts and T-shirts or short sleeved shirts/blouses in plain school colours may be worn. Cotton gingham dresses in school colours are another option.

KS2 children will still require a complete change of clothing for P.E./Games.

In the interest of health and safety, footwear should be flat lace-ups, bar shoes or trainers. Heavy boots and high-heeled or pointed shoes are not allowed. For the same reason we discourage the wearing of jewellery, particularly earrings.

In wet weather or snow, we ask that children who wear wellington boots have a change of footwear, for indoors.

Meals are provided by the Stockton Meals Service and although independent of the school, meals are prepared on the premises and organised on a cafeteria system. The cook takes a pride in presenting a choice of main courses and sweets which are both appetising and form a balanced diet. Meals are served in individual trays. Menus can be inspected at school.

Dinner money should be brought on Monday for the whole week. The school meals services provides envelopes for this purpose and parents are asked to fill in the details of which days meals are required.

We invite new starter and their parents to sample a school meal before they start. We also give an invitation to all parents once a year to try a school meal.

A similar slip is available for children requiring a packed lunch and we ask parents to complete this so that a check can be made as to who is on the premises at lunchtime.

Unfortunately we are unable to administer medication during the school day, as we have no one medically qualified to administer drugs, Asthma inhalers are an exception. These are stored in classrooms for self-medication with supervision as necessary.

If your child requires medicine during the day you are more than welcome to come into school and administer it yourselves.