Introduction
Long Meadow School is a community school, situated in a growing area on the west flank of the city. The school is designed for children from age 4+ (Early Years/Reception) to 11 (Year 6). The admission of pupils is organised by Milton Keynes Council to try to ensure there is a managed procedure so that new families moving into the area have an opportunity to attend their local school.
This site provides information about the school, the aims, curriculum and activities. We hope that you will share our ambitions and aspirations for your children.
Long Meadow School opened in September 2001. Children are taught in traditional classrooms with specialist teaching areas for many curriculum subjects. We are fortunate to have the latest technology, equipment and resources. At present there are 422 children on roll in single year group classes.
Being part of a new school is an exciting opportunity for children, parents and the community. We aim to develop a partnership with all interested parties to ensure that, together, we provide a positive, stimulating environment so that every child at Long Meadow School experiences quality learning.
We invite you to come and visit us and we would be delighted to arrange a suitably convenient time for you to see at first hand how we work, as well as the modern facilities we can offer your child. We aim to provide a happy and secure school life for the children at Long Meadow School .
Starting at the School
Early Years Children
There are 60 Early Years places at Long Meadow School. Children are taught in two classes and have full use of all the Early Years facilities. We aim to induct young children into school life with sensitivity and care. Parents can apply for a place by contacting Milton Keynes Council (Admissions 01908 253450) or the school in the second half of the Autumn Term. The Council will contact parents of children who have been allocated a place in the Spring Term. A full induction programme is offered to parents and children in the Summer Term.
At the beginning of the academic year, Early Years children are offered a full time place if they have their 5th birthday between September and December. Children who will be 5 between January and August will be offered a part-time place for the first half of the Autumn Term and a full-time place from after the Autumn half term, if it is agreed between parents and staff that it is in the child's best interests.
The morning session finishes at 12.00 noon so that the external gates are locked before lunchtime play starts for the older children.
Children moving into other Year Groups
Parents of children who move into the area may apply for a place at the school by contacting Milton Keynes Council (Admissions 01908 253450). There may be vacancies in Year Groups. If not, Milton Keynes Council will assist parents to find an alternative school in the area. If a place is offered to your child we provide a full induction programme to ensure your child settles in to Long Meadow School as soon as possible.
School Organisation
|
Early Years |
KS1 |
KS2/3 |
School Opens |
8:40 am |
8:40 am |
8:40 am |
Registration |
8:50 am |
8:50 am |
8:50 am |
Break |
|
10:15 - 10:30 am |
10:15 - 10:30 am |
Lunch |
12:00 - 1:10 pm |
12:10 - 1:10 PM |
12:10 - 1:10 PM |
Registration |
1:10 - 1:15 PM |
1:10 - 1:15 PM |
1:10 - 1:15 PM |
Break |
|
2:15 - 2:30 PM |
|
End of day |
3:15 PM |
3:15 PM |
3:15 PM |
Parents are asked to ensure that children do not arrive any earlier than 10 minutes before each session. Supervision is only provided for children for 10 minutes prior to the start time and if children arrive earlier, the school is not responsible should an accident occur.
Children may enter the school building at 8:40 am and take part in activities that have been provided in their classes until 8:50.
Hours of Teaching
The children in key Stage 1 are taught for 22 hours and 55 minutes per week, excluding registration, assemblies/act of worship, playtime and lunchtime. The children in Key Stage 2 are taught for 24 hours and 10 minutes per week.
School Uniform
The governors have adopted jade and navy blue as the school colours. Sweatshirts and polo shirts, with the embroidered school logo, may be purchased through John Lewis plc, Central Milton Keynes. Grey trousers, shorts, pinafore dresses or skirts may also be worn. It is important that all children feel comfortable in their clothes and shoes, and can dress and undress themselves.
Children need an outdoor pair of sensible, black shoes to wear to school. High-heeled shoes, clogs or other unsuitable footwear should not be worn in school. We also ask for your support regarding make-up and jewellery. Make-up or jewellery should not be worn at school. Children with pierced ears may wear only one sleeper or stud in the lobe of each ear.
Uniform items are:
P.E Kit
Children need a change of clothes for PE as detailed above. This needs to be brought to school in a named draw-string bag (available from John Lewis plc). For gymnastics, children will work in bare feet in the hall to encourage correct development and for reasons of safety. Plimsolls (or trainers with white soles for older children) will be needed for indoor and outdoor games lessons.
For safety reasons, jewellery must be removed, by the child him/herself, before any physical education lesson to avoid the risk of a severe injury either for the child or for a partner. It is recommended that if your child wishes to have their ears pierced, this is done during the summer break.
Lost Property
We ask that all clothing is named so that lost items can be returned to their owner. A lost property box will be kept centrally and may be examined by parents on request in order to trace mislaid clothes.
School Lunch
Children may go home for lunch or bring a packed lunch to eat. Please ensure that lunchboxes are suitably labelled. We discourage sweets, cans or bottles of fizzy drinks and yoghurts in tubes.
If you are claiming Income Support or Job Seekers Allowance your child may be eligible for a free school sandwich lunch. If you would like to know more about this facility, please contact the school office.
Midday Supervisors will care for the children at lunchtime under the direction of the Headteacher.
Snacks at morning break
Children may bring a piece of fruit or vegetable to eat as a mid-morning snack. There are two internal water fountains that children may drink from when thirsty. Children in the Early Years class can apply for free milk until their 5th birthday, after which there is a subsidised milk scheme. The milk is provided by 'Cool Milk at School Ltd'. Parents can contact the company to arrange for their child to have milk which they can drink at playtime. Forms are available from the school office or from the following website: http://www.coolmilk.com/
Medication
We are happy to support children who need regular prescribed treatment e.g. inhaler, and ask that you provide appropriate medication to be left in school at all times. We prefer not to administer any other medicine in school.
We cannot administer prescribed medicines that need to be taken three times a day as they can be taken at home. We have a 'medicine form' that you will be required to sign and a medicines book to record treatment and dosage, if this is required four times a day or more.
If your child becomes ill at school, we will call a parent or carer. It is important that information regarding emergency contacts is kept up to date. Parents of children who have head injuries will be informed so they are aware of potential repercussions.
Attendance
It is important that we know that your child is safe at home if s/he does not arrive at school in time for registration. Therefore please phone the school, as soon as possible, if your child is unable to attend school. On return to school please write a letter of explanation that will be recorded in the class register.
Children are expected to attend school every day unless there is a valid reason for their absence. The school will contact parents if their child is absent and a reason has not been given.
Children are expected to be present in their classroom at the beginning of each session. The register is taken at 8.50 am and 1.10 pm. The register is closed at 8.55 am and 1.15 pm. If a child enters school later than these times, the child has a late mark entered in the register. We will contact parents of persistent late comers to ensure that the children are punctual. Please try to prevent your child from missing out on his/her education.
Parents are strongly urged to avoid booking holidays during term time as periods of absence significantly affect educational progress. If this is unavoidable, parents may apply to take up to 10 days of school time in an academic year. Parents are required to complete a Leave of Absence Request Form, two weeks in advance, obtainable from the school, requesting the period of absence.
The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) require schools to record all authorised and unauthorised pupil absences and publish this information annually. In 2004/05 academic year the authorised absence rate for Long Meadow School was 4.% and the unauthorised absence was 0.1%.
Aims of the School
Looking forward, aiming higher together
Long Meadow School promotes high achievement and learning for life by working with children to:
develop thinking skills - knowing how to learn become highly motivated life long learners meet the challenges of the modern world have high self-esteem - belief in themselves and respect for others and the environment be able to work independently and collaboratively achieve high standards in all areas of the curriculum seek to extend themselves in mind, body and spirit |
|
We believe that each child will succeed through experiencing quality in:
a positive ethos of support, challenge and encouragement a relevant, forward thinking, broad and balanced curriculum a stimulating, interactive, learning environment innovative teaching and an investigative approach to learning a variety of exciting learning resources an enriching programme of extra-curricular activities and visits learning partnerships between school, home and the community
The Curriculum
Early Years
The curriculum for our Early Years classes is based on the Government's Foundation Stage Curriculum Guidance. It is sub-divided into six areas of learning:
- Personal, social and emotional development
- Communication, language and literacy
- Mathematical development
- Knowledge and Understanding of the world
- Physical development
- Creative development
|
|
The areas of topics will be linked to short topics.
Shortly after the children have settled into school, the EYs Team will assess the children to find out about their knowledge and abilities, so that each child's learning needs can be met. This assessment takes place through normal, everyday class activities and the children are unaware of the process. Parents and children will have the opportunity to discuss the assessment and other areas of your child's development at the Autumn Parent Consultation Meeting.
Year 1 - Year 6
The children in these years will study units in the following subjects in the National Curriculum
Core subjects: |
English Maths Science Information and Communication Technology (ICT) |
Foundation subjects: |
Technology History Geography Music PE Art |
RE and PHSE (Personal, Health and Social Education) will also be taught as separate subjects. Languages will be taught in Year 6.
Special Educational Needs
Long Meadow School serves children of all abilities. We aim to challenge and support the able child as well as those experiencing difficulties. Needs will be addressed when necessary and extra support will be given to children on the SEN register as well as target groups of children who need extra support in certain areas. All parents will be involved in their child/ren's learning. Parents of children with SEN will have regular meetings to review their child's progress/changing needs. It is important that we work together to support your child.
Behaviour
We are particularly concerned with good behaviour. We believe that good behaviour needs to be carefully developed. Children learn best when they are clear about what they are supposed to do and when they are continually and consistently encouraged to do it. At Long Meadow School we believe that if staff, children and parents value good behaviour, children will:
learn what good behaviour means learn to care for others feel happy and safe learn to be good friends develop self-confidence do as well as possible in their work
Teachers will be able to:
teach effectively without disruptions meet the needs of all children work positively with parents
Parents will feel confident that their child is being taught in a safe and happy environment. If there is a problem, please come to school as soon as possible so that we can help.
Sometimes, however, for a variety of reasons, a child finds it difficult to behave in a reasonably acceptable manner. If this happens, there will be strategies and sanctions to encourage the child to develop greater self-esteem and become more willing to conform to acceptable behaviour patterns. Parents will be involved at an early stage so that we can work together to support the child. Any incidents of bullying will be dealt with swiftly.
Home Learning
Children are encouraged to be involved with home learning activities. These will include sharing or reading books, maths games, words, spellings or tables to learn or carry out further research.
At a minimum, it is expected that children will spend the following time reading at home:
Early Years |
10 minutes a day |
Y1 -Y6 |
20 minutes a day |
There are also opportunities to be involved in learning projects or weekly set homework as follows:
Y1 -Y2 |
Half term projects to include Maths, English and at least one other subject |
Y3 |
Half term projects leading to weekly set homework |
Y4 - Y6 |
Weekly set homework |
Partnerships with Parents
It is vital that parents are involved in their child's education. Parents have an extremely important part to play in helping their child at school. There will be termly Parent Consultation Meetings so that we can share your child's progress. Parents may also see the class teacher at other times during the term if they have any concerns or would just like to see how their child is progressing. If you have any queries or worries please do not hesitate to contact your child's teacher or the Headteacher. We would rather you talked to us as soon as possible about any concerns you have. If your teacher has any concerns about your child's progress or behaviour, s/he may request a meeting to discuss how to help your child.
We ask that parents and children read and sign the Home School Partnership Agreement produced by the school. One copy is to be kept at home and another returned to school.
There will be regular newsletters during each half term. These will provide information about events that will be happening as well as dates and news. Curriculum newsletters will be sent out each half term to inform parents about the curriculum areas the children will be studying, so that they can support their child at home. There will also be regular letters that your child will bring home (often hidden in their reading book bag or clothing!).
Parents Helping in School
We welcome parents to help and support the children in school. You may have skills you would like to share with the children (using the computer, reading stories, artistic skills, sewing, cooking, woodwork etc). Please, please come forward! We love having other adults in school and so do the children.
Parents / Friends at Long Meadow School (PALS)
The school has a thriving group of parents who form the committee of PALS. All parents are members of PALS and are welcome to attend functions and events organised by the committee. They meet on a regular basis to plan money raising and social events. The annual general meeting is held in the Autumn Term. Information is sent to parents in regular newsletters.
Please see the PALS web-site for more details of our fund-raising activities, our committee and to contribute your own ideas and comments.
Procedures (Complaints / Charging)
Complaints Procedures
The Education Act 1988 requires that a formal complaints procedure should be established to deal with complaints about the curriculum or religious worship. In most cases we would expect that any concerns or complaints expressed by parents about the school would be dealt with through informal discussions with the Headteacher. It will be best to approach the Headteacher in the first instance since difficulties can usually be resolved in this way.
We recognise, however, that there may be some circumstances in which parents prefer to approach someone other than the Headteacher. In such cases, parents may prefer to approach the Chair of Governors or the Director of Education and Library Services. The Formal Complaints Procedure would then be used to register a complaint and for it to be dealt with under the regulations of Section 23 (1) of the Education Act 1988. A copy of the procedure may be obtained from the school office.
Charging policy
The basic principle underlying the charging provision of the Education Act 1988 is that neither pupil nor parent should be required to pay for or supply any material in connection with education provided during school hours e.g.visit to a museum or a theatre group visiting school. Parents may, however, be invited to contribute financially or to provide particular items for children. A pupil will not be debarred from taking part in the activity because his/her parents cannot, or will not contribute. However, if insufficient voluntary funds are collected it may be necessary to cancel the activity.
Appropriate charges may be made for cookery ingredients and craft materials where parents have indicated in advance that they wish to take their child's finished work home.
Parents will be invited to make a contribution to meet the cost of damages or breakages where this is a result of their child's deliberate action.
Admissions Policy
Places at Long Meadow School are allocated by Milton Keynes Council according to their published admissions criteria. Parents can apply for a place by contacting Milton Keynes Council (Admissions 01908 253450) or the school in the second half of the Autumn Term. Parents do not have a right to chose a school for their child. They can however, state a preference. If you live within the school's defined area, your application will be given priority. The defined area is Shenley Brook End (not including the area to the east) and Westcroft.
Milton Keynes Council will do everything possible to allocate a place at your preferred school. There is, however, no guarantee of a place at the school serving the area where you live.
|