At Hyrstmount Junior School we aim to provide the children with a stimulating learning environment where they will feel happy and secure and are motivated to do their best in all areas of work.

We have high expectations in every area of school life actively promoting the spiritual, moral and cultural development of all our pupils.

Self discipline a love of learning and respect for themselves, for others and for the world around are qualities we hope to nurture in our pupils.

We believe that by providing a happy, caring, challenging and purposeful school we will encourage our pupils to become independent, considerate and responsible members of society.

We serve to reflect the community in which we are placed, not only in the curriculum but also in other activities, the ethos of the school and in the cultural heritage of our families.

Governors are like a Board of Directors and they work with the headteacher making decisions about how the school is run. They meet twice a term in school and have legal duties, powers and responsibilities.

Governors are appointed to: -

• Approve what is taught in school.
• Set standards of behaviour.
• Interview and select staff.
• Monitor and set the school budget.

Governor’s work together, they cannot act individually .

School Governors are: -

• Parents.
• Teachers at school. Support staff.
• Local council representatives.
• Community representatives, businesswomen and men.

Parent Governors: -

• Have a child in school.
• Are selected by parents of the school.
• Serve, as do other governors, for four years.

SCHOOL CURRICULUM

The Governing Body have adopted the LEA Curriculum Policy Statement and a copy of this can be obtained from Oldgate House, Huddersfield.

We provide a curriculum that is broad, balanced and relevant to the children. We aim for our children to be self confident, knowledgeable, literate, numerate, articulate and able to think and reason for themselves.

The National Curriculum divides up the whole curriculum into subject areas as follows:

Core subjects English, Mathematics, Science, ICT, RE

Foundation subjects Art, Music, PE, History, Geography

and Design & Technology.

Foundation subjects are grouped and taught through projects/topics. Children learn from first hand and visits and visitors are planned to enhance learning.

Pupils are encouraged to apply skills learned in Maths, English and ICT and to develop their understanding through enquiry and problem solving.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND COLLECTIVE WORSHIP

The school is not affiliated to any religious denomination and has been granted a determination from SACRE, the Standing Advisory Council for Religious Education, to lift the requirement for a broadly Christian worship for all pupils each day.

The whole school meets for assemblies’ 3 days a week. There are opportunities for everyone to share the values of the school, through reflection, contemplation and celebration.

On Monday and Friday a member of the community leads Islamic worship and a Broadly Christian Worship is led by the Deputy Head Teacher for those children who wish to attend.

SPORTING AIMS AND PROVISION

The aim of the school is to provide an opportunity for all boys and girls to develop their skills in a variety of competitive and non-competitive games.

The games of football, rounders and cricket provide the children with the chance of meeting children from other schools within the Batley area. Games are played both as part of the P.E. Curriculum and on a regular basis in after school hours. We have the facilities at the school for our children to reach high standards of achievement, including an all weather pitch which is also used by the community. During each year specialist coaches come into school and work with the children in certain sports, we have worked closely with the local rugby and football clubs. We have an annual Sports Day in the Summer Term.

THE SCHOOL COUNCIL

The School has a School council with one elected Councillor for each class.

The purpose of the Council is to give pupils a greater opportunity to voice their opinions about school life and also to be involved in decision making as and when appropriate.

The Council are involved in fundraising, caring for the school environment and buddy schemes.

CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS

Children with special educational needs are those who experience greater difficulty in learning than most other children of the same age.

Special Educational Need can include:

• A physical difficulty
• A learning difficulty
• An emotional or behavioural difficulty
• A sensory impairment, hearing, visual or speech

At Hyrstmount Junior School special educational needs can be met in one or more of the following ways: -

• Classrooms organised to encourage independence
• Work is planned to meet the needs of the child
• Additional support may be given
• Staff may use a different teaching method
• The child may have special equipment to use
• More time may be given to the child so they can

complete the activity.

Children are initially assessed by the class teacher. If it is felt that a child may have special educational needs then the class teacher in consultation with our Special Needs Co-ordinator, Miss LeMarie will diagnose the difficulty. We then decide on a course of action or learning programme to help the child. If problems cannot be solved then consultation with outside agencies will take place with a view to formal assessment. Parents are consulted at all stages.

We recognise that some children are exceptionally able and through regular assessment, identification is ensured. We aim to provide experiences that challenge all children and promote learning.

If you are ever concerned that your child has a special educational need, or a medical need, please do not hesitate to talk with your child’s class teacher or the Head Teacher. We will be able to advise you so that we can work together to meet your child’s needs.

Our special Educational Needs Policy is available in school.

Other Special Needs

Children with physical disabilities are welcome at our school. However, access arrangements would need to be discussed with the Head Teacher prior to admission.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

We aim to give all pupils equal opportunities regardless of race, gender or ability, and encourage all pupils to make the best of all chances offered to them. We strive to make children aware of cultural links and influences and to give them some knowledge and understanding of other cultures and lifestyles, many of which come within their daily experience.