Freemans

Freeman’s Endowed CE School 

School Prospectus 

Last Updated – 9-Feb-2012

Contents 

Welcome……………………………………………… 3 

Vision and Aims……………………………………… 4 

Staff…………..…………………………………......... 5 

Governing Body……………………………………… 6 

Curriculum…………………………………………….. 8 

Session Times………………………………………… 16 

Lunchtime Arrangements………………..………….. 17 

Absences……………………………………………… 19 

School Uniform…………………………….…………. 20 

Extracurricular activities……………………………… 21 

Friends of Freeman’s School Association…………. 22 

The Home School Partnership……………………… 23 

Discipline and Behaviour Policy……………………. 24 

Charging and Remissions Policy…………………… 25 

Open Access to Records……………………………. 25 

Complaints Procedure………………………………. 26 

Insurance……………………………………………… 27 

Admissions……………………………………………. 28 

2 Freemans Endowed CE School

Freemans Endowed CE School Prospectus 

Welcome 

Welcome to Freeman’s Junior School! 

We are a large, happy Church of England Junior 

School in the market town of Wellingborough. The 

school is successful and oversubscribed and we put 

our success down to a strong emphasis on traditional 

values, based on Christian ideas, at the heart of our 

work. We expect our pupils to work hard, show good 

manners, and to behave with kindness and honesty; 

we are delighted that they live up to our 

expectations. This alongside a vast array of 

activities, trips and a wide curriculum, combines to 

make a successful school. 

We spend our days in a lovely old Victorian building with a modern 1990s 

wing attached. It is a warm and friendly place with lots of history. Our children 

have the highest quality resources that our funding will allow and it is a 

comfortable, safe and secure place to learn. You might be surprised when you 

see our bright, modern learning environment on the inside! 

This prospectus is divided into sections, which describe our school and the 

way we see learning happen. It also gives you details about what we learn 

and the way we spend our time together. 

We hope it gives you a flavour of our school. I look forward to welcoming you 

very soon. 

Yours sincerely, 

Janis Zakis 

Headteacher 

School Prospectus 3

Vision and Aims 

‘Opportunity and Excellence in our Community’ 

Our Vision 

We aim to provide the OPPORTUNITY for all pupils and staff to 

achieve their full potential. We strive for EXCELLENCE in all areas 

of school life and will achieve this through encouragement and 

motivation as valued members of a COMMUNITY based on Christian 

values, which promotes belonging and pride in our school. 

Our Aims 

• To enhance our community spirit, which is based on Christian 

values, with pupils, staff, parents and governors working in 

partnership and with respect for each other and the wider 

community. 

• To establish a modern, forward-looking and stimulating 

learning environment which challenges and supports all. 

• To encourage and praise all achievement, creating a happy, 

caring school. 

• To strive for excellence and set the highest expectations. 

This vision has been agreed by all those involved in the life of the 

school: pupils, parents, governors and staff. 


Staff 

Teaching 

Mr J Zakis Head Teacher 

Mrs J Berkshire Deputy Head (Yr 5) 

Mrs S Sadler Inclusion Manager (Yr 6) 

Mrs C Moss Class Teacher (Yr 5) 

Miss K Mahil Class Teacher (Yr 5) 

Miss S Dowdall Class Teacher (Yr 4) 

Mrs J Costanzo Class Teacher (Yr 4) 

Mrs L Graves Class Teacher (Yr 4) 

Ms T Brookes Class Teacher (Yr 3) 

Mrs J Radcliffe Class Teacher (Yr 3) 

Mrs N Clark Class Teacher (Yr 3) 

Mrs L Hicks Additional Teaching Support 

Mrs J Tarbox Additional Teaching Support 

Ms A D’Agostino Additional Teaching Support 

Teaching Assistants 

Mrs E Drage 

Mrs S Cox 

Miss A Patel 

Mrs M Clift 

Mrs K Underwood 

Mrs C McKeown 

Mrs S Barker 

Mrs O Smith 

Miss L Austin 

Mrs L Lloyd 

Mrs C Thompson 

Mrs K Hooda 

Support Staff 

Mrs C Everson School Bursar 

Mrs C McIvor Administrative Assistant 

Mrs M Annis Clerical Assistant 

Mr B Sawford Site Supervisor 

Ms C McCabe Cleaner / Lunchtime supervisor 

Mrs J McDowell Cleaner / Lunchtime supervisor 

Mrs C Worsdell Cleaner / Lunchtime supervisor 

Mrs L Lloyd Lunchtime supervisor 

Mrs M Clift Lunchtime supervisor 

Mrs R Stuart Breakfast club assistant 

School Prospectus 5

Governing Body 

Our Governing Body is responsible for managing every aspect of the school, but it would be 

unable to fulfil its role without the total co-operation of all partners in this enterprise. Our 

Governing Body makes the important decisions about how the school is run. They meet 

formally at least once a term at school. Sub-committees covering Finance, Curriculum and 

Health, Safety and Premises meet more frequently to monitor more specific aspects of the 

school management. At meetings of the Governing Body, matters are brought to the 

Governors' attention, principally through the Head Teacher’s Report, which encompasses all 

the activities of the school, through specific items on the Agenda requested by parents, 

through the Governors, LA or outside organisation. 

Governors are appointed to manage in the following areas: 

1. Monitor the curriculum 

2. Set standards of behaviour within school 

3. Interview and select staff 

4. Decide how the school budget is spent 

School Governors have legal duties powers and responsibilities. They can only act together, 

they cannot act individually. 

Our School Governors are: 

1. parents; 

2. teachers at the School; 

3. Education Committee Representative; 

4. Local Council Representatives; 

5. community Representative. 

Parent Governors: 

1. have (or had recently) a child in the school; 

2. are elected by parents of the school; 

3. serve, as do other Governors, for four years. 

Parent governors bring the views of parents to the Governing Body, but they speak and act 

as individuals. They have equal status in the work of the Governing Body and have voting 

rights. Parent Governors can make sure that all communications with parents are both 

formative and easy to read, describe the activities in everyday language and avoid the use of 

jargon. Parent Governors should be aware of ways to encourage parent interest and should 

become actively involved in bringing our many parents into school. Freeman's School makes 

every effort to encourage active parent involvement in the life of the school. Our Parent 

Governors are becoming an increasingly important element in developing Parents in 

Partnership. 


How can you become a Parent Governor? 

Ask the Head Teacher for details. The minutes of the Governors meetings are held in the 

school office for anyone to read. You as a parent, elect five Parent Governors for a four-year 

period. 

Clerk to the Governors Mrs D Pinnock 

Chair of Governors Mr T Allebone 

The clerk to the governors and the Chair of the Governing Body can be contacted via the 

school. 

School Prospectus 7

Curriculum 

The curriculum of our school is the total range of experiences to which your child is exposed 

at school. In framing our aims, objectives and content for the curriculum of this school we 

have used the following criteria: 

1. Our school curriculum is based on the National Curriculum and planned and developed 

as part of a continuum for all children from 3-18 years. 

2. Our school curriculum seeks to match the stages of development of individuals rather 

than their chronological ages. 

3. We try to ensure that the curriculum is designed to meet the needs of all the children, 

and to set challenges to which they can respond. 

Equal Opportunities in the Curriculum 

Our school curriculum is designed at every stage to promote harmony between those of 

different races, cultures and creeds and to provide equal opportunities for all regardless of 

differences in race, sex, religion or social and economic 'class'. 

Curriculum Continuity and Progress 

The school strives to achieve cohesion and continuity in the curriculum in order to allow each 

child to progress easily from stage to stage. 

We provide a detailed National Curriculum profile, and overall picture of each child's progress 

and achievement. The Report to Parents will be made available to parents towards the end 

of the Summer Term, and will form a basis for discussion at a parent consultation evening. 

Working Together 

The curriculum at Freeman's includes the following subjects: 


Language and Literacy 

Mathematics 

Religious Education 

Science 

Information Technology 

Humanities 

Design and Technology 

Art and Craft 

Music 

Physical Education 

PSHE & Citizenship 

Health & Safety 

Sex Education 

The National Curriculum Core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science and Foundation 

subjects of Design and Technology, History, Geography, Art, Music and Physical Education 

are fully integrated into Freeman's School Curriculum. 

The School has comprehensive written polices and guidelines for each major curriculum area 

and these are subject to review and development. These are available in school for 

inspection at any time. 

LANGUAGE AND LITERACY 

At least one hour per day is devoted to language and literacy. Through group, class and 

large audience activities we aim to give our children the confidence to express themselves 

clearly and in an interesting way. They are also given the opportunity to take part in a variety 

of dramatic forms including dance, movement and class and school productions. 

We aim to develop in children the skills needed to read for information and pleasure. All 

children have access to structured reading resources, and a varied and balanced range of 

literature. They also take part in-group reading and the detailed study of novels and poetry as 

a class. 

The children are also encouraged to express themselves and present ideas and information 

neatly and clearly in a variety of written forms. 

Oral Communication: We aim to give the children the confidence and facility to express 

themselves clearly, fluently and in an interesting way using an extensive and varied 

vocabulary. 

Reading: Through structured reading material and a wide range of children's literature we 

aim to develop in children the skills needed to read for information and for personal 

enjoyment. 

Written Language: We aim to give children the motivation, skills and opportunities to express 

themselves, and present ideas and information, neatly and clearly in a variety of written 

forms. 

Literature: We aim that children experience a varied and balanced range of literature, which 

School Prospectus 9

includes poetry, novels, prose, short stories, plays etc. 

Drama: We aim to provide the children with opportunities and encouragement to express 

themselves in a variety of dramatic forms including movement, dance and various forms of 

dramatic interpretation. 

MATHEMATICS 

We aim, through a wide range of practical experiences to develop in children clear and logical 

thinking, the ability to perceive and understand mathematical situations and relationships and 

the ideas and fundamental skills and procedures which will enable them approach 

mathematical problems confidently enthusiastically and imaginatively. 

SCIENCE 

We aim to provide a curriculum, which encourages children to adopt a scientific approach to 

learning and to acquire the skills of observation, recording, forming hypotheses, testing, 

investigating and forming conclusions in their explorations of the natural and man-made 

environments. 

HUMANITIES 

Through first hand scientific, geographical, historical and sociological exploration we aim to 

give children the concepts and skills to investigate and develop knowledge and understanding 

of their environment and society, and their roles in that society. Through visits, sometimes to 

other parts of Britain, meeting with people from varied social and cultural backgrounds and 

the use of a variety of study resources we aim to extend the children’s knowledge and 

understanding beyond the immediate and into the wider environment of their country and the 

world. 

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 

We have a computer in each classroom, connected to a projector and interactive 

whiteboard. We aim to help the children to become proficient in communicating, handling, 

storing and retrieving data, using data to inform the learning process, using IT to investigate 

through stimulations and similar packages, giving instructions to control devices and working 

with prediction and decision making packages. We have a computer suite, which the children 

are timetabled to use, and we are connected to the Internet through broadband. 

THE ARTS 

Freeman’s is a school which is dedicated to The Arts in all forms. We recognise that The Arts, 

both performing and applied, can offer enjoyment to pupils but also offer access to and 

reinforcement of the skills of the formal core curriculum. In 2008, we gained the prestigious 

Artsmark award in recognition of our School’s commitment to The Arts. 


DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY 

We aim to give children opportunities to solve design and technological problems through 

investigating and studying a variety of contexts e.g. home, school, recreational, community, 

business and industry. Through their activities, children will be encouraged to generate 

designs, through detailing, planning and making and carrying out evaluations on what they 

make. 

ART AND DESIGN 

We aim to give the children the skills and opportunities to express themselves in a variety of 

media and forms by which they may develop aesthetic awareness and appreciation and 

satisfy their natural urge to be creative. 

MUSIC 

We aim to provide children with the opportunities through which they may be able to 

participate in singing and music making and learn to appreciate a range of forms and styles of 

music. Pupils also have the opportunity to learn to play the violin, cello, clarinet, guitar and 

brass instruments. The peripatetic music teachers audition pupils who express an interest in 

this. There is a cost implication for parents wishing to avail themselves of this service. 

PHYSICAL EDUCATION 

Through dance, gymnastics, athletics, games and swimming we aim to give children 

School Prospectus 11

opportunities to enjoy physical activities and develop the strength, co-ordination, agility and 

skills which will help them to appreciate their potential physical ability and take advantage of 

this in individual and group pursuits. 

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION 

The school has long established links with the Churches of All Hallows' and St. 

Barnabas. We have always fostered these links and the clergy have always played an active 

part in the religious and spiritual life of the school. The County Agreed Syllabus for Religious 

Education provides a basis for our RE programme and much of this work is studied within the 

context of our Humanities programme. 

Within this Christian framework, we seek to enable the child to appreciate our own and other 

cultural forms which may be different, to understand and be sensitive to the thoughts, ideas 

and forms of worship of others. 

Through Religious Education we aim to make a significant contribution to the moral, spiritual, 

social and cultural development of the children, although all other areas of the curriculum and 

the values to which the school subscribes will also play a full part. We aim to deepen the 

children's awareness of patterns of belief and practice and provide them with ways of 

understanding and expressing their own views. Our children will be taught the difference 

between right and wrong, to have respect for others, to have a sense of tolerance, 

understanding, fairness, justice, rights, responsibility and duty. The children will be made 

aware of the conventions which society accepts, and the cultural traditions of this country and 

of the many different groups of people who have made this country their home. 

Under the provision of the 1944 Education Act and the 1988 Education Reform Act parents 

may request their children be exempt from Religious Education and Religious Worship in 

school. 


ACTS OF WORSHIP 

Freeman’s is a Church school and, as such, Collective Worship is at the heart of our day. The 

school has an outstanding musical tradition and our worship time is designed to be reflective, 

thought provoking and participative. Daily acts of worship are conducted according to the 

principles of the Church of England and these reflect traditions and contemporary worship 

styles. Daily assembly plays an important part in promoting our Christian ethos, and it 

provides opportunities for thinking together about the values and ideals, which determine the 

aims of the school. Our programme is designed to give maximum child participation and to 

explore religious, moral, ethical and social issues. All of our pupils, including those from other 

faiths and those who have no particular faith commitment currently attend worship. 

PERSONAL, SOCIAL & HEALTH EDUCATION 

The school covers aspects of PHSE as integral parts of other areas of the curriculum. The 

Silver Healthy Schools Award, gained in 2004 has demonstrated recognition of the work done 

by the school in this field. Pastoral care is embodied within the school ethos and all staff are 

responsible for monitoring the care of pupils in their class. There is however, a conscious 

effort to ensure the following are covered within the curriculum. We are currently introducing 

the national SEAL approach into our PSHE and Collective Worship programmes. 

CITIZENSHIP 

It is the fundamental belief that at the centre of any educational training is the need to prepare 

pupils for the future. To be able to cope with a rapidly changing society and to offer sustained 

fulfilment in their lives, all children are taught to form good attitudes, disciplines, relationships, 

responsibilities and standards, thus to become good positive citizens making a valued 

contribution to the quality of life within society. 


CARE OF THE ENVIRONMENT 

Children are encouraged to respect and care for their environment. This is fundamental to 

the school ethos and the quality of life which all who work and live within the community are 

striving to achieve. Our Eco Council began its’ work in 2008. 

HEALTH AND SAFETY/SEX EDUCATION 

We aim to give the children an awareness of their own bodies through healthy diet and 

personal habits. We also aim to teach children to apply the knowledge and skills of safety 

education in the home, at play and on the roads, as well as at school. Our Year 6 children are 

taught specifically about the physiological changes in boys and girls at the onset of puberty 

that they may understand their own bodily changes. This study will include work on human 

reproduction, and the anatomy of male and female reproductive systems and the process of 

conception within the context of family life. Representatives from the Northamptonshire Area 

Health Authority advise and assist in the Sex Education provided. A detailed policy statement 

on the school approach to Sex Education is available at school and has been fully supported 

and endorsed by the Governors of the School. Parents have the right to withdraw their child 

from these lessons, except those covering the requirements of the National Curriculum, and 

can do so by informing the Head Teacher or Chair of Governors in writing. 

DRUG EDUCATION 

At Freeman’s School we have recognised our responsibility to respond to substance misuse 

and we aim to work in partnership with health and social services, the police and other 

agencies. Further details can be found in our Drug Education Policy. 

CULTURAL EDUCATION 

The curriculum will reflect the needs of everyone in a multicultural society and teach respect 

for all individuals and the understanding of the beliefs and cultures of others. Good cultural 

education consist of developing good attitudes and relationships too one another and this is 

but achieved through cross curricular links. 


So far as is possible the school caters for any child who has learning difficulties. We work 

closely with the Support Teaching and Educational Psychology Service and where necessary 

we can use specialist staff. Recommendations for any form of special educational provision 

are made after full consultation to identify a child's individual needs in order that the 

appropriate form of special help may be involved. 

The school adopts a whole school policy to learning support, reflecting the principle of 

integration with normal lessons for any pupil receiving support. Occasionally individual 

support through a one-to-one structured programme may be provided to cater for specific 

learning difficulties. 

A policy, based on the 1994 Code of Practice, provides the structure to our work. Children, 

who through careful teacher assessment are identified as having special educational needs, 

will be referred by the school to the Area Education Officer, who may establish a need for a 

full multi-disciplinary assessment. Further detailed information on assessment procedures is 

available in the Authority's Handbook for Parents obtainable on request from the School's 

Branch, County Hall, Northampton. 

We recognise that highly able children have special educational needs and we cater for these 

children by differentiating the work so that they are stretched and challenged. 


Session Times 

Morning Session 8.55 - 10.40 a.m. 

Morning Break 11.00 - 11.15 p.m. 

Lunch 12.15 - 1.15 p.m. 

Afternoon Session 1.15 - 3.20 p.m. 

We encourage children to arrive at school punctually - not too early prior to the opening 

session. Supervision for children can only be guaranteed from 8.45 a.m. 

The children at Freeman’s are year grouped in eight classes, two in each year group. Years 

3 and 5 are in the new part of the school and Years 4 and 6 are in the rooms in the older part 

of the school. 

Most of your children's learning will take place within their registration or class group. Within 

this a wide variety of teaching approaches will involve children working and learning in many 

situations. Children may sometimes be grouped in terms of similar ability and at other times 

mixed ability social grouping may predominate. Our approach to managing and organising 

your child's learning is a flexible one, depending on the nature of the activity being 

undertaken. 


Lunchtime Arrangements 

Packed lunches should be brought by the children in a 

named container. Please make sure your child has a 

balanced lunch, including a drink. Please do not send 

glass bottles, fizzy drinks, or cans. 

Since September 2011 the school has been providing 

hot school dinners through the Nourish 

service. School meals need to be ordered a minimum 

of one week in advance, using the Nourish order forms 

and payment envelopes. If you intend for your child to have regular hot meals then it is helpful 

to the kitchen if you can place orders two weeks, three weeks, or even a month in advance. 

Please note that Nourish payments are not processed by the school office. If you have any 

queries for the Nourish service, please put a note in your payment envelope. May I also 

remind parents and carers of children entitled to free school meals that this entitlement 

includes the hot meal service. However you still need to register your entitlement (if not 

already done so) and complete the Nourish order form as usual. Please contact the school 

office if you have queries about free school meal entitlement. 

DRINKING WATER 

There is a proven link between the consumption of water and the ability to 

concentrate. Children are encouraged to drink water, particularly during the afternoon. The 

school has a water cooler from which children can fill a sports type bottle at an appropriate 

time so that they can sip water as required. 

SNACKS 

Some children enjoy a snack at mid-morning break. Monday is ‘healthy tuck day’ and only 

healthy snacks should be brought into school. Wednesday is fruit only day. Children may 

bring a drink for mid morning break but it must be a carton for safety and hygiene reasons. 

On entry into school, parents are asked to fill in a detailed sheet regarding a child's medical 

history and where they (the parents) can be normally contacted during the day. In the event 

of a child becoming unwell or injured during the day, contact can be made immediately with 

parents. In the event of parents being un-contactable, the school will ensure that medical 

advice and treatment is obtained. 

Occasionally a child may sustain a minor injury through an accident at school. We have 


qualified First Aiders on the staff who will assess the situation. If you are needed to 

accompany your child to the Medical Centre you will be contacted. If we are unable to get in 

touch, a member of staff will take the child for any treatment necessary. 

Sometimes children need regular medication e.g. Ventolin for asthma sufferers. We will help 

administer this kind of medicine, but we are only able to administer prescription medicines if 

written instructions from parents are given. If you require medicine to be administered to your 

child, by a member of staff, please report to the office where you will be asked to sign a letter 

giving permission for the medication to be given. 


Absences 

It is requested that parents inform the school by letter or telephone of the reasons for 

absences from school. Forms relating to the accompanying of parents on holidays in term 

times are available at the school office. 

We would respectfully remind you that children are undertaking work within a National 

Curriculum framework and the authorisation of any holidays during term time will be at the 

discretion of the head teacher 

Whilst we accept that many parents can only make holiday arrangements during term time, 

we would discourage this if school holiday periods are a suitable alternative. All pupil 

absences from school are monitored and reviewed by the school's Educational Welfare 

Officer. 


School Uniform 

It is our expectation that all children will wear school uniform; we feel it brings pride in the 

school and helps to prevent competition in the way children dress. 

White shirt, navy blue sweatshirt or cardigan, grey trousers or skirt, school tie. A school blazer 

is an optional item. Girls may wear dresses in Terms 5 & 6 of navy blue simple school check 

pattern. Sensible black shoes should be worn. 

Extreme hair styles are not acceptable and where ears have been pierced a simple plain stud 

should be worn. 

School ties can be obtained from the school or Warwick’s of Wellingborough. The school 

supplies a very attractive and hardwearing sweatshirt (navy blue) and T-shirt (pale blue) with 

the school crest printed on it. These can be ordered from the office. 

We insist that uniform is worn smartly, with shirts tucked in. Our saying is: “Look smart, think 

smart”. 


Extracurricular activities 

We believe that our children's normal schoolwork is enriched by additional activities outside 

normal lesson time. We run a large number of clubs and organise a wide variety of visits to 

places both near at hand and far away. 

Together with this, a number of organisations and individuals visit school to talk to and 

entertain the children. We have strong links with a local theatre, where we often give our 

productions. 

Clubs and extracurricular activities vary with demand and the interest of staff and 

pupils. Typically they include: 

Choir, Cricket, Netball, Rugby, Playground Games, Badminton, Football, Chess, Needlework, 

Film/Movie (FOFS), Basketball, Eco Club, IT Club, Breakfast Club. 

At the start of each term children wishing to join in extra curricular activities receive a letter 

outlining the activities and arrangements and time for each club. Parents are asked to 

complete and return the appropriate form. The range of extracurricular activities will vary 

from time to time. We expect children to remain committed to any club they have joined for at 


least one term. 

HELPING IN SCHOOL 

Parents are encouraged to play an active role in the life of the school during the day, if they 

have any time to spare. No expertise is necessary and they can help in many ways including 

working with small groups, undertaking practical work, hearing readers, preparation of 

materials and resources, working on the computer, monitoring the use of the library, mounting 

work, helping with sewing and needlework groups, costume preparation, cooking etc. Your 

interest has perhaps not been listed, so we would welcome your suggestion. Please contact 

the office if, and when, you will be available to come in. 

Friends of Freeman's School Association 

An active parents/friends and staff organisation has been formed in school, and new parents 

are welcome to come along to the meetings and join the committee. Here we hope to provide 

a worthwhile platform for you to help enhance the quality of your child's learning environment 

through fund raising, educational and social events. If you can't come to the planning 

meetings please try to support the events organised by F.O.F.S. Their work benefits all 

children in school. 


The Home School Partnership 

For parents of children entering the Year 3 in September a meeting is held in the preceding 

July at which various policies of the school are outlined and samples of the school's work are 

displayed. This is an opportunity to meet the school staff who will be pleased to discuss any 

queries. 

Parents are welcome to discuss the school curriculum and their child's progress with a 

teacher at any time and day, which is mutually convenient. In circumstances of concern, a 

teacher may invite parents to discuss their child's problems. 

In certain other times during the year we make special arrangements for parents to come into 

school and meet the staff. 

1. Parents evenings are held in the Autumn and Spring term to give parents an 

opportunity to come and discuss their children's work and progress. 

2 An informal open evening for parents and children is held in the Summer Term. 

Periodically curriculum meetings are held for parents in which School staff explain School 

Policies, methods and organisation. 

Parent and child - reading together 

Parents are encouraged to visit the School at any time during the year to see children's work 

and discuss progress, but it is requested that an appointment be made where possible. 

Numerous events are held during the School Year - concerts, festivals and fund-raising 

activities. Parents are always welcome. Some Friday mornings, a class assembly is held and 

parents are very welcome to share these with us. 


Discipline and Behaviour Policy 

Behaviour in school is the responsibility of the whole community including children, teaching 

staff, non-teaching staff, parents and governors. To this end, the school staff and its 

Governing Body, in consultation with the parents, have produced a detailed policy in 

behaviour within this school. A full copy of our Behaviour Policy is available from the 

school. It has been drawn up based on a firm belief that our children behave best when: 

- they work in a pleasant stimulating and ordered environment; 

- the work is well matched to their individual needs; 

- the ethos of mutual respect and care is nurtured; 

- there are high expectations in work and behaviour; 

- they work within well defined boundaries and obey school rules. 

At Freeman's School a high standard of self-discipline is expected among our children and, 

therefore, school rules are kept to a minimum. We expect movement around the school to be 

orderly and above all we like common sense and courtesy to prevail. Sanctions and 

punishments are restricted to a minimum. Withdrawal from break times for additional work is 

normally punishment enough to our children. However, for persistent misbehaviour, 

consultation with parents will take place after which a contract of behaviour will be established 

here the school, child and parents enter a mutual agreement for future behaviour and 

sanctions applicable, if the contract is broken. 


Charging and Remissions Policy 

In accordance with the Education Reform Act 1988 this school has established a policy 

whereby visits and activities undertaken by the children during the school day are funded 

through voluntary contributions by parents. This puts the onus of goodwill on to you as 

parents, as without your contribution, the wide variety of active learning that takes place 

beyond the classroom will not be possible. As each activity is planned and costed very 

carefully, you will be informed as to the amount of contribution, which would be necessary to 

make the activity viable. Your co-operation and commitment to our policy will be much 

needed if we are to continue the school's very successful programme of school visits and 

extra activities. 

A full copy of our Charging and Remission Policy is held in school and available on request. 

Should you have any financial problems concerning visits and trips, please contact the school 

and arrange an appointment with the Head Teacher. 

Open Access to Records 

All records maintained on children at school by the LA shall be open to the individuals 

concerned and their parents and guardians. Occasionally there could be a need to record 

information offered by parents and others, which will not be accessible to the pupils. 

PUBLIC ACCESS TO DOCUMENTS AND INFORMATION 

The following documents are available at the school for inspection by parents. 

1. The LA's statement of curriculum policy and the Governing Body's statement 

of curriculum aims 

2. Statutory Instruments, Circulars and Administration Memoranda relating to powers 

and duties relating to the Education Reform Act 

3. Published OFSTED reports which refer to the school 

4. Schemes of work currently used by teachers in the school 

5. Syllabuses followed whether for public examinations or otherwise 

6. A full copy of the arrangements for the consideration of complaints about the school 

curriculum made by the LA, and approved by the Secretary of State 

7. The LA's agreed syllabus for RE 

8. In the case of voluntary schools, a copy of that part of the Trust/Deed which governs the 

provision of RE and any other written statement, which may have been prepared about 

arrangements for RE, including any syllabus in use in the school. 


Complaints Procedure (Curriculum and Religious 

Worship) 

This document is available for inspection at all school maintained by the LA Public Libraries 

and Education Offices. A copy will be given, if desired, to any person wishing to make a 

complaint under these arrangements, and the LA will provide a copy of the information in 

Languages other than English, if requested to do so. A copy of the Circular of Guidance 

issued by the Department for Education (DESI/89) will also be made available for 

inspection. A charge of £1.00 will, however, be made for copies of the Circular, which 

complainants may wish to retain. 

CONSIDERATION OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST SCHOOLS 

The school also subscribes to the LA scheme for resolving general complaints, which may be 

made against the school, for example, in relation to school rules or polices. 

The school will always try to resolve difficulties or complaints at the earliest possible stage 

through discussion between teachers and parents or head and parents. 

Occasionally it may be necessary to refer a matter to a small committee of governors if 

members of the teaching staff cannot settle it. 

Should it still prove impossible to resolve the complaint following consideration by the 

governors, it can be referred to an independent panel set up by the LA and consisting of a 

County Councillor, a governor and a parent, none of whom would have connection with the 

school or the complainant. 

(The members of the panel would be advised by a senior officer and would all have received 

training in, or have had previous experience of, the working of appeals committees.) 

The complainant (or representative) and the school will be able to put their case and should 

seek to reach a prior agreement to accept the findings of the independent panel. 


Insurance - Personal Accident 

Parents should be aware that there is no universal personal accident cover for school 

children. Because it has no insurable interest, the Council's policies cannot extend to cover 

pupils engaged on education visits, school journeys, etc., although the general liability policy 

protects the Council against the consequences of action brought against it on behalf of 

pupils. Schools normally take out insurance for visits abroad and also for visits in this county 

involving an overnight stay. Parents are advised to check with the Head teacher for detailed 

information. Parents are, of course, at liberty to take insurance on an individual basis should 

they want additional cover for their children. 


Admissions 

If you think that Freeman’s is the right school for your child you will want to come and visit at 

a time when school is in session so that you can see what we do. This can be arranged 

simply by a telephone call or a personal visit if you are close. 

In the summer term there are 'induction' days for the future Year 3 children. These are 

arranged in conjunction with all the Wellingborough Primary and Secondary schools. If your 

child is new to the area, or from another school, this is a good opportunity to make new 

friends in preparation for the coming year. For children who transfer to us in Years 4, 5, and 

6 we make different arrangements depending on individual circumstances. 

SCHOOL ADMISSION POLICY 

Under the requirements of the D.F.E. Circular 6/93, the Governors of this school review its 

Admission limit for pupils annually. The capacity of the school is 240, and the size of each 

yearly intake should be approximately 60 children. 

1. All parents who express a preference for their child to attend Freeman's School during 

the Spring Term will be allocated and offered a place using the following criteria. 

2. Pupils who will have an older brother or sister continuing at the school or at the time of 

transfer of the younger child. 

3. Pupils who attend the linked Infant School. 

4. Other pupils. Account will then be taken of the location of the child's home address in 

relation to school, and also in relation to any other school. Very exceptionally, admissions 

may be agreed on other grounds, for example medical. 

The Governors have agreed a maximum class size of 30. 

THE GOVERNORS RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ADMISSION 

The number of applications to the school in any one year varies according to demographic 

factors. 

Should the school be oversubscribed in the year in which you apply, and your child is refused 

a place, you have the right of appeal. You should first write to the Director of Education and 

Libraries and arrange to discuss the matter with a senior officer. If there is still no solution, 

you should write to: 

The Secretary of the Appeals Committee 

Department of Finance and Administration 

County Hall, 

Northampton NN1 1DN 


© Freemans Endowed CE School 2012 – Created by TStuart

Freemans

Create successful ePaper yourself

Delete template?

Save as template?