School Policies PASTORAL CARE As the pressures of administration of the school proprietors are ever increasing, would pupils and parents please follow the procedures shown below in the first instance when relating to academic and pastoral matters. In the event of any assistance required or problems and/or concerns pupils may encounter during the school day, help from the Form Teacher or Playground Duty teacher should be sought immediately. It is the responsibility of the Form Teacher to investigate and it is normally the case that any problems will be resolved as quickly as possible. Mr Singleton, Mrs Brettell and Mrs Cotton also act as Senior Master and Senior Mistress’s respectively for the secondary and primary schools and are always available for advice and assistance both to pupils and parents. In the event of teacher’s concerns over children’s behaviour or academic progress, early dialogue between the Form/Class Teachers or Senior Teachers often results in an immediate resolution and therefore parents will be contacted personally or by telephone. . Parents having any concerns or who wish to discuss their child’s progress should telephone the school office or come to the school lodge to arrange an appointment with appropriate Senior Teacher. Parents requiring clarification of school organisation, policies or procedures should contact the Headteacher, whilst information on school fees accounts should be made to the Proprietors at the school office either in person or by telephone. As our teachers work very hard throughout the day on teaching and supervision duties, the end of a long day is not a good time for parents to engage in detailed conversations without first contacting the school office for a convenient appointment. Code of Conduct At Lammas school we recognise the fact that we are members of a community. As such we accept that we must at all times behave in such a way as to promote a caring and safe environment in which all members can fulfil their true potential. Respect - We should respect ourselves and others. - We should respect the right of everyone to work. - We should respect property, buildings and the environment. Responsibility - We should accept responsibility for our actions and behaviour. - We should help and support others. - We are responsible for the reputation of the school. Safety - We should behave in such a way that it ensures the safety of all members of the community. Specific Points - Full attendance is a prerequisite to acceptance at the school. - Uniform should be worn at all times in accordance with the school’s uniform policy. - Pupils should ensure that their general appearance is smart and clean at all times. - Outdoor clothing is not to be worn in classrooms but should be hung in the designated areas within the room / building. - Mobile phones are not to be used in the school and must be turned off during the day. - Food is not to be consumed in classrooms. - Chewing gum is not allowed on the premises. - Pupils should ensure that all necessary materials are brought to lessons. - Correcting fluid is not to be brought or used in school. - Pupils should arrive for lessons promptly and in a manner such that they can start immediately and on time. - Movement between sessions should be carried out quietly and in an orderly manner, keeping to the left and carrying bags at the side not on the shoulder. - Pupils should line up quietly and orderly outside rooms and not enter until instructed to do so by a member of staff. - Pupils should stand if a visitor is shown into the room. - Jewellery other than that for religious requirements (a covering letter from a religious leader required ) is not to be worn. - Valuables should not be brought in to school. In situations where this cannot be avoided they should be taken to the office for safe keeping. If this is not done the school will accept no responsibility for their loss or damage. - Business transactions are not to be carried out in school. - Any items needing to be confiscated during the day must be collected by parents after school or by the pupil bringing a letter of authorisation from them. - At the beginning and end of the school day pupils dropped off or waiting to be picked up by parents etc. should wait on the yard and not make their way to other street corners etc. Unless accompanied by their parent or guardian, pupils should exit by the main gate on Lammas Road and not by the side gate on Church Avenue. In order to achieve these aims the school has:- Written Policies and Procedures (Copies available on request) A balanced curriculum based on, but not dictated by, the National Curriculum, which is followed by all pupils throughout their time at the school. Schemes of work A full pastoral system Merit schemes and awards An annual presentation evening Links to external agencies: Connexions Careers service Nottingham Child Protection Agency, a local medical practice/clinic. Regular assessment and Termly Reports Regular HMI inspections ADMISSIONS POLICY Having received our Prospectus, parents are welcome to visit the school, to have a tour of the building and see teachers and pupils working in the classroom environment. Entrance to the school is by interview and assessment. Children spend a ‘taster day, in the school for assessment of their academic standard, behaviour and attitude which is fundamental to the school ethos. On acceptance by the Principals, a Registration Fee of £250 is payable, which is deducted from the first account. Subject to availability of places, primary pupils are accepted throughout the year, with Infant pupils entering at a suitable time in the year before their 5th birthday. Secondary school pupils are accepted at Year 7 and up to 13 years of age if places are available during the school year in Years 7 & 8. New pupils are not accepted in Years 9 10 & 11. Children will be assessed for the first half term after joining the school with view to behaviour and attitude to work. The school reserves the right to withdraw the place within the school after this time of a child whose behaviour does not conform to the school ethos and behaviour policy. The school disciplinary policy is available to parents on request. The Lammas School is not a Preparatory school. We do not prepare students for entrance into other independent or state secondary schools and expects children entering the Primary school to follow the school curriculum through to GCSE Level at 16 years of age. SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS Because of its small size and the financial constraints this places on it, THE LAMMAS SCHOOL is not able at present to operate a separate special needs department. However staff are supported by a Curriculum Support Teacher, who is available both to Primary and Secondary pupils where needed. The needs of all pupils are regarded as special and paramount, and staff will endeavour to provide the best opportunities they can for all pupils. This is regarded as fundamental in order to maintain and fulfil the Aims of the school. Our smaller class sizes and pupil numbers enable a much greater personal contact, and subsequent appreciation of each pupil’s needs, and the application of assistance, than would be possible in a larger more impersonal establishment. WORK EXPERIENCE POLICY STATEMENT At Lammas School we recognise the need for pupils to encounter the work situation in order that they will fully appreciate the link between education and employment. Pupils need to be aware that the educative process is a continuum and that their time in school is but part of this. This is regarded as fundamental in order to maintain and fulfil the Aims of the school. Because of our small size we are not presently able to operate a separate Careers Department, so the school is unable to arrange and supervise work experience placements. We do encourage parents and pupils to do so, and will co-operate with any suitable arrangements, provided that we have been informed in advance, and are satisfied that they are safe, of meaningful value, will not disrupt the pupil’s progress in the school, and that there is no exploitation of pupils, or by pupils. Such work experience should preferably be arranged to take place during school holidays and should be of no more than two weeks duration. Please note, pupils on work experience are not allowed to receive payment. The school cannot accept responsibility for vetting work experience placements and parents should ensure that they personally have done so and are satisfied that their child will not be put at risk, or contravene any Health and Safety / employment regulations. Pupils should seek guidance and assistance during their careers sessions and also in co-operation with Connexions Nottinghamshire, who are the external agency responsible for delivering careers guidance and ‘personal programmes’. LAMMAS SCHOOL ASTHMA POLICY THE CONDITION Asthma is a condition where the airways of the lungs are irritated and then restricted by any number of triggers and symptoms include children having difficulty in breathing, coughing, wheezing, or complaining of a tight chest. The severity and symptoms vary greatly between children, with some only having mild asthma and needing only occasional medication. Others have severe symptoms and require regular medication. In rare cases, asthma can be life threatening. Triggers can include - colds and viruses: cold weather: changes in temperature: straw and hay in animal cages: pollen, food: smoking, both passive and active: fumes from glue, paint or science experiments: blackboard maker pens. Asthmatic children should carry their Reliever Inhaler with them at all times and have a spare in the school office. Infant pupil's inhalers should be kept in an easily accessible place within the classroom and be clearly labelled. In the event of an attack, pupils with asthma should take their Reliever Inhaler immediately. All Asthmatic children should be encouraged to live a normal life and join in with all activities. Sports teachers should be particularly careful to ensure asthmatic pupils are able to join in with all sporting activities. If a pupil becomes asthmatic they should be allowed to rest and use their Reliever Inhaler immediately. Parents should always be informed afterwards in the event of their child having an Asthma attack. For further information, please refer to the school's information pack and video from the National Asthma Campaign. RELIEVER & PREVENTOR INHALERS RELIEVER: Usually BLUE and taken at the first sign of an attack. Children will usually bring these inhalers to school. PREVENTOR: Usually BROWN and sometimes WHITE, is taken normally in the morning and evenings. RELIEVERS SHOULD BE EASILY ACCESSIBLE AT ALL TIMES TO ASTHMATIC CHILDREN. For more information on the 'asthma campaign' see the Asthma UK the UK’s independent asthma charity with asthma news, information, treatment and research. website on www.asthma.org.uk LAMMAS SCHOOL DATA PROTECTION The school is a registered member of the Data Protection Act PARENTS DATA Records are kept on file and computer disc [not hard drive] of home address, telephone numbers and emergency numbers. Personal details are not released to any external parties. These details are available to the head teacher and teachers who may need to telephone parents in an emergency. If a request is made for personal details other than a forwarding educational establishment concerning parents and/or children the school will initially ask parents for their instructions and direction. PUPILS DATA Parents are entitled to view documents concerning their children’s records written by teachers in school reports issued at the end of the Autumn Term, SpringTerm and Summer Term. HOWEVER WE ARE ALSO NOT ABLE TO RELEASE DATA THAT Reports that identify other children/parents, either named or unnamed. Might cause harm to the physical or mental health of the student or a third party Information which may identify third parties/Information which forms part of court reports Communications between schools concerning academic and behavioural performance of a student Information which would hinder the prevention and detection of crime or the prosecution or apprehension of offenders to provide it. D J COLESHILL September 2004 UNIFORM POLICY The School uniform is not optional. It is not a fashion statement and must not be customised. Items must conform fully to stipulated requirements. If in doubt, please check before purchasing. The School Tie, Badge and Scarf are purchased from the school office. Extreme hairstyles, make up, fashion clothing or logos are not acceptable. All pupils are expected to take good care over their personal appearance. wear the correct uniform in school, on the journey to and from school, and on all school occasions.