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Polehampton C of E Infant School
Hermitage Drive
Twyford
Reading
Berkshire
RG10 9HS
Tel: 01189 340246
Fax: 01189 349119
Headteacher: Ms Helen Ball |
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e-mail: admin@polehampton-inf.wokingham.sch.uk
Welcome to the Polehampton C of E Infant School Website
We are very proud of our school and feel privileged to play a part in the education of your children. We aim to make the school an excellent learning environment where children feel happy and secure, and where they will be challenged and supported in their learning. We hold regular Open Days for prospective parents or individual visits are available by appointment.
Open Days - Thursday 27th September 2007 at 9.15am
Tuesday 15th January 2008 at 9.15am |
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A to Z Index Page to help you find what you are looking for!
Class Pages - Click on the class name below |
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What's New?
New Photograph - The new Blue Class children give us a smile and a wave from their Blue Class Web page.
The School Council has some new members - for more details see our newsletter for 21st September 2007 or visit the School Council section on our Information Page.
Correct Articulation of Letter Sounds - It is really important that the children learn to articulate the letter sounds correctly. It not only helps them to read unfamiliar words, but also helps them to sound out when trying to spell. To listen to the correct articulation of letter sounds (phonemes) click here and then click on 'Articulation of Phonemes', high or low, on the right hand side of the page.
New School Lunch Menu - available online (please note new price of £1.65)
Ofsted Inspection - As you may know, every school in England is inspected by Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education). Schools are meant to be inspected every 3 years. As our last inspection was in September 2004, we are now due for another inspection. However, many schools go over 5 years so this system hasn't caught up with itself yet, so it might not even happen this academic year! See our Newsletter from Sept 14th 2007 to find out more.
Feedback Questionnaires - Thank you to everyone who completed and returned the feedback questionnaires we sent out last term. Click here to see the results.
Parents' Cookery Workshop - 29th Sept in Wokingham. Click here for more details.
School Council Review of the year 2006/2007
Please click here for a copy of the school council's review of the year. We are so proud of what they have achieved and the difference they have made to school life. They will be reporting back in assembly next week too and hopefully inspiring children to stand as councillors next year.
Every Parent Matters...Parent Power...New Discipline Powers for Teachers
Our Summer Term update of recent news in education and parenting is packed full of interesting developments. Put yourself in the picture and read all about it!
The Polehampton Infant School Song - click here for the word document
Bike Racks
If your child wishes to cycle to school and leave their bike, please see Mrs Dobson in the school office for a bike rack form.
Chocolate Fountain Hire
The PTA have a large chocolate fountain available to hire which is ideal for for group functions and children's parties. For more information click here or visit the PTA Fundraising page.
Visit Again Soon!
If you would like our website to open up every time you open Internet Explorer then click on the following link: Make Us Your Homepage
| About Us |
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Our Mission statement
We aim to maintain traditional values and a caring ethos by ensuring that our children are educated to the highest possible standards. We create a happy, stimulating and caring environment that will both develop their differing talents and meet their individual needs.
As a Church school a sympathetic understanding of the Christian faith and an awareness of Christian values is encouraged. We aim to provide a caring and spiritually supportive environment in which mutual respect, equality and responsibility are valued by all. Our Christian ethos enables us to help children develop their spirituality and sense of moral purpose. As an inclusive school, we welcome all children, including those from other faiths and with no faith. |
| This new logo represents all the Wokingham Church Schools and symbolises our committment to serve our schools. The other smaller words around the cross are our Christian values of love, charity, reconciliation, hope, joy and forgiveness. |
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For more information on our Church School status and the Oxford Diocese, please visit the section on our Information Page. |
Our links with the community and those between home and school are important to us and this was noted during our last ofsted report in September 2004 which said; "The school places a very high priority on the welfare and well-being of pupils and it is a school where the views of pupils are valued. The strong links that the school has established with parents, the community and increasingly with other schools add another dimension to pupils' educational experiences."
Above all, we wish the time that our children spend with us to be both happy and relevant to their future needs. We see our role as an important one in providing the best possible start to the children's school education in preparation for the rest of their lives.
Our Governing Body
The Governing Body is made up of 15 people including representatives from the school, parents, the Diocese and the local community (a full list can be found on our Information page).
Governing Body Statement of Intent
The priority for the Governing Body is to ensure that the school moves forward on the path to greater achievement and into a new era of opportunity and success.
Our work is focused on developing:
- An inclusive school where pupils are challenged and empowered to meet their
full potential.
- A creative curriculum that offers diversity and enrichment, ensures high achievement, and presents learning opportunities as fun and exciting.
- A stimulating learning environment that captures pupils' interest and meets flexible demands.
- A talented and enthusiastic staff, that can engage and motivate pupils, and are
supported by inspirational leadership and professional development.
- A supportive and nurturing ethos that develops confidence and responsibility.
- A school that is central to the local community and promotes respect and inclusivity.
The Polehampton Heritage
The story of the school begins in 1666 when, according to legend, a sick, orphaned child was taken in and cared for by the landlord of the Rose and Crown in Twyford High Street. The child was Edward Polehampton who later made his fortune through portraiture and coach painting, and became a prominent member of one of the City Guilds.
On his death, he bequeathed money to a trust to establish a school in the High Street to clothe and educate ten poor boys of Twyford.
Tradition and Innovation
The legacy survives today in the form of the Polehampton Trust, which administers money left in the will of Edward Polehampton to be used for educational and charitable purposes in the villages of Twyford and Ruscombe.
We are proud of our long historical traditions. These are reflected in many elements of contemporary school life and encourage our children to connect with the past and their local community as part of their education.
Other Information
The School buildings are a happy blend of old and new. In addition to the classrooms there is a very well equipped library, children's cooking area and play area. An inner courtyard is used in warm weather as an extension of the classrooms.
The School has full internet/e-mail access. A networked computer suite is available for use by all pupils in planned ICT lessons.
We are fortunate in having extensive grounds with a number of interesting old trees and a children's garden, giving scope for many aspects of environmental studies. One of our very old trees has been carved into a unique Totem Pole, designed by the children. There is a large asphalt playground (marked out with various games), several items of play equipment, including a fitness trail, and a school field for use during the summer months.
We have recently built an outside area for the Foundation Stage classes, including a covered area, planters, a sand pit and play panels which will encourage role play.
In the grounds we have a Medway Building with two classrooms, which are used by the Happy Hours Pre-School.
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| The school curriculum |
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Photograph shows programmable 'BeeBots' used in the IT club.
We believe that every child should receive an excellent education. The children are taught a broad and balanced curriculum, which allows them to develop their skills and knowledge in all areas of the curriculum. Our Teaching and Learning Policy can be found on our Policy Page.
To view a word document detailing the curriculum activities planned for each year group this term please click here.
We want to ensure children develop a love of learning, so lessons are fun and stimulating and encourage the children to be actively involved in their own learning. Visit our Science Day page for examples of some of the ways our children learn.
The Foundation Stage Guidance
Our youngest children, in their first class, will be taught the Foundation Stage Curriculum.
There are six areas of learning:
1) Communication, Language and Literacy
2) Mathematical Understanding
3) Knowledge and Understanding of the World
4) Physical Development
5) Creative Development
6) Personal and Social development
In Foundation Stage, The Foundation Stage Profile enables the staff to ensure that each child is making progress against the expectations and this will be shared with parents at the end of the year.
The National Curriculum
In Years One and Two, the children will be taught the National Curriculum and will study English, Maths, Science, Information and Communications Technology (ICT), Religious Education, History, Geography, Design Technology, Art, Music and Physical Education.
The framework of the National curriculum is used when planning our schemes of work for the children. Programmes of study in all curriculum areas at Key Stage 1 are covered.
The Literacy Hour takes place daily throughout the school. The National Numeracy strategy has also been fully implemented throughout the school.
Emphasis is placed on attainment in the basic skills of reading, writing and maths. Our aims are for the children to:
- Read fluently and accurately, with understanding and feeling.
- Develop a legible style of handwriting and a good standard of spelling and punctuation.
- Communicate clearly and confidently in speech and writing.
- Listen attentively and with understanding.
- Learn how to acquire information from various sources and to record information and findings in various ways.
- Understand the application of mathematical ideas in various situations in the home, classroom, school and local area.
- Observe living and inanimate things and to recognise characteristics such as pattern and order.
- Investigate basic scientific ideas.
- Solve problems.
- To have knowledge of the everyday uses of IT in the world around them. To achieve IT capability at the appropriate level for their Key Stage.
- Develop self awareness and sensitivity to others. To acquire a set of moral values and to develop habits of self-discipline and acceptable behaviour.
- Be aware of other times and places, and link them with local events.
- Enjoy a wide variety of aesthetic activities such as music, drama, art and craft.
- Develop agility and physical co-ordination. To have confidence in physical activity and to be able to express feeling through movement.
SATs and Assessment
In Years One and Two, teacher assessments are made regularly to monitor progress in English, Maths, Science and ICT. We will share their targets with you at Parents Meetings. At the end of Year Two, the children will be more formally assessed and take Standardised Assessments Tasks (SATs), which will give parents information about their child's chievements against class and national averages.
In all assessments, the children are wholly unaware of the procedure being anything other than every day school work - we do not put pressure on the children in any way.
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Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE)
We also ensure every child is supported and challenged as they explore and develop their personal, social, emotional, cultural, physical and spiritual skills. We aim to prepare children to play an active role as
good citizens, to feel confident about who they are, to show respect for others and to develop healthy and safe life-styles.
Part of this important programme includes sex and relationship education, citizenship and drugs education. All policies are available for parents to see in school.
Parents have a right to withdraw their child from sex education if desired - please put your wishes in writing addressed to the Headteacher.
Our Personal, Social and Health Education Policy can be found on our Policy Page.
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Religious Education (RE) and Collective Worship
As a church school, we embrace the teaching of Religious Education and use the locally agreed Berkshire syllabus to support our teaching. Teaching focuses on the stories, festivals, traditions and meaning of Christianity and other world religions. Children are encouraged to understand that others may hold beliefs that are different from their own.
Every child participates in an act of Collective Worship every day. We invite parents to join us for special occasions, such as class assemblies, Harvest and Easter Celebrations. Parents can choose to withdraw their child from all or part of RE or Collective Worship - please put your wishes in writing addressed to the Headteacher.
Our Religious Education Policy can be found on our Policy Page.
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Special Educational Needs and More Able Children
At Polehampton CE Infant School we believe that all children need to be taught according to their individual needs. The levels of attainment set by the National Curriculum help to ensure that we present our most able children with challenging tasks whilst working alongside children of their own age. Some children, however, may be identified as having special educational needs. If a child is experiencing difficulties in the classroom, parents will be consulted and procedures of assessment and identification of special needs will be implemented in accordance with the school's policy on Special Educational Needs and the DFE Code of Practice. Full details are available from the school.
We have a designated Special Needs Co-coordinator and a governor who has responsibility for monitoring SEN provision within the school. Teachers and the co-ordinator work closely to provide relevant individual education plans for each child. Educational Psychologists and other advisory personnel are consulted as necessary. Parents will be regularly informed of progress and encouraged to work closely with the teachers supporting their child. We have an experienced and committed staff of Teaching Assistants who work regularly with children in the classroom under the direction of the teachers, who are able to give additional support where appropriate. |
INFORMATION PAGE
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Registered Charity Number 1056049
About the PTA
Every parent is automatically a member of our Parents and Teachers Association. The PTA supports the school by fundraising and organising social events. It provides an opportunity to meet other parents who want to give some of their time to helping their child's school. If you would like to become involved or would like more information please speak to:
Chairperson: Ali Sinfield
Vice-Chair: Claire Lawrence
Secretary: Rachael Blain and Lisa Roberts
Treasurer: Kathy Peck
You can also e-mail the PTA: PolehamptonInfantsPTA@hotmail.co.uk
Next PTA meeting: Wednesday 26th September at 8pm in the School Hall - everyone welcome!
Welcome from the PTA - Sept 2007
Welcome back to a new school year!
We have looked carefully at all the events planned for the coming year and tried very hard to balance the different types of activities and spread them over the term. These activities fall into five main areas:
1. 'Standard' fundraising events (eg a sponsored event once a year, raffles)
2. Family social events (eg Christmas fair, summer fair, joint events with the Junior School)
3. Fun activities for the children (eg discos, craft activities)
4. Parents events (eg craft evening, quiz night)
5. 'Passive' fundraising (eg, online shopping through buy.at, Yellow Moon catalogue, employer supported fundraising/ volunteering)
We have also liaised with Miss Ball to try and ensure that PTA fundraising requests do not clash with requests for money from the school e.g. for trips or school photos.
Last year we successfully raised money to buy the large Foundation Stage storage shed, subscriptions to the Storybox magazine for each class, a new oven, utensils, aprons etc for cooking projects and 2 large gazebos. We also paid for the Christmas puppet show treat and digital cameras for every class.
This year our main focus will be replacing the outdoor fitness trail which, you will have noticed, suffered damage over the holidays and is in need of redesigning and replacing. Miss Ball and the staff will no doubt find one or two other excellent ways to use the money we raise!
If you have questions, comments or ideas at any time please come and have a chat with one of the officers or class reps.
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Chocolate Fountain Hire
The PTA have a large chocolate fountain available to hire which is ideal for for group functions and children's parties. It is a popular addition to any event. The hire charge is £15 and a deposit is required which is handed back when the chocolate fountain is returned clean and undamaged. For more information click here, or to check availability or make a reservation call 0118 9341249 or e-mail us at PolehamptonInfantsPTA@hotmail.co.uk
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Cake Sales
Due to popular demand we will once again be holding cake sales this year. Parents will be asked to provide cakes to sell on the dates below which can then be purchased by all school attendees. Please provide your cakes to the office before or on the day of your child's sale. Cakes will be on sale outside Blue and Red classrooms from 3pm.
Year 2: 4th October 2007
Year 1: 15th November 2007
Reception: Date TBA |
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Buy At Home Shopping
Visit the Buy At Website to start your home shopping at retailers such as ELC, John Lewis, Marks & Spencers, Littlewoods, Amazon, Sky, BT and Portland Direct to name but a few! Every purchase raises money for the PTA to put towards new equipment for your school. |
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Yellow Moon Craft Catalogue
Yellow Moon provides high quality and good value arts and crafts, educational products and seasonal craft ideas. Every time you buy from Yellow Moon and quote source code: SPO1105, Polehampton Infant School PTA receives up to 25% cash-back (excl. VAT and p&p). Visit www.yellowmoon.org.uk for original craft inspiration and quality craft supplies from Yellow Moon. |
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Bright Minds Fundraising Catalogue
Raise up to 25% of all purchases made by quoting source code FR-1760
Visit www.brightminds.co.uk to start shopping and help the PTA to raise funds for your school. |
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