Information for Prospective / New Parents
September 2012 - Prospective Parents
Appointments to view the school will be held on
Thursday 12th January 2012
Please contact the school on 01635 - 862475 if you would like to book a place.
Admission Arrangements
Parents need to apply via West Berkshire LA to secure a school place. These application forms are available in the Parents' Guide to Admissions to Primary Schools in West Berkshire which can be obtained from the school office and the LA.
Children will be admitted to full time education the September following their fourth birthday.
Preference for admission is given to children living within the area normally served by the school. Other requests are considered according to the criteria and procedures set out in the Parents' Guide to Admissions to Primary Schools in West Berkshire. We are able to take 80 children in each year group.
Junior School
Most children transfer from Parsons Down Infant School to Parsons Down Junior School. Parents will need to apply via West Berkshire LA to secure a school place at the Parsons Down Junior School. These application forms will be given to pupils in the Autumn Term of Year 2.
School Curriculum
Our policy is to provide a broad and balanced curriculum. Prior to Year 1 the children follow the Foundation Stage Curriculum, working towards the Early Learning Goals. Years 1 and 2 follow the National Curriculum, taking account of the Literacy and Numeracy Strategies. The school teaching week is 21 hours as recommended by the Department for Education and Skills.
Underpinning these statutory requirements is the school's Mission Statement.
Organisation
Each year group consists of parallel classes. The teachers plan programmes of work together for the children under the direction of the Team Leader. All children are grouped by ability for phonics teaching. For other areas of the curriculum children work within the class at their own rate in groups of varying sizes and abilities, depending on the activity. Teaching Assistants provide extra support throughout the school.
Special Needs
The Special Needs Policy, which takes account of the Special Needs Code of Practice, sets out clear procedures for helping children with special needs. Parents are always fully involved from the outset if teachers have concerns about any children.
Home School Partnership
When children start school they enter a much wider world of experience. Home, however, is still the most important place. It helps if parents and teachers are seen to be working together.
We expect parents to try and ensure that:
- all children attend school regularly, on time and properly equipped with personal items clearly labeled
- they support the school's values, codes of conduct and rules by encouraging a positive attitude towards school
- they inform the school of the reasons of any absence by telephone or letter and let the school know of any concerns or problems which may affect the child's work or behaviour
- they help to sustain their child's effort and achievement by supporting their child in any home learning opportunities
- they attend parents' meetings and bring any concerns promptly to the school's attention
- all children go to bed at a reasonable time during the school week
- they inform the school where they can be contacted in the event of an emergency
- they walk to school whenever possible
- they park with care when bringing children in the car
Parent Involvement
We encourage parents to be involved fully in their child's education. Each term there is the opportunity for parents to discuss their child's progress with the class teacher. We welcome parents coming into school to help in the classroom, whatever their area of expertise. We look forward to seeing parents at our Harvest Festival, Christmas Productions and Sports Day.
Parsons Down Schools' Association
All parents automatically belong to the Parsons Down Schools' Association, which exists to support the interests of both the Infant and Junior School and everyone connected with them.
Many social and fund-raising events are organised. Help is always needed.
Parent Governors
There are four parent representatives on the school governing body, which meets regularly throughout the year. All parents with children attending the school are eligible for nomination. Details are circulated when a vacancy occurs.
