Yarm at Raventhorpe PARENT HANDBOOK 2011 ... - Yarm School

Yarm at Raventhorpe
PARENT HANDBOOK
2011 - 2012

CALENDAR
Academic Year 2011 - 2012
Autumn Term, 2011
INSET 1 Tuesday 30th August 2011
INSET 2 Wednesday 31 st August 2011
Pupils return Thursday 1st September 2011
½ term begins
Friday 14 th October 2010 (after school)
Pupils return Monday 31 st October 2011
Finish
Thursday 15 th December 2011 (after school)
Spring Term, 2012
Pupils return Wednesday 4 th January 2012
½ term begins
Friday 10 th February 2012 (after school)
INSET 3 Monday 20 th February 2012
Pupils return Tuesday 21st February 2012
Finish
Thursday 29 th March 2012 (after school)
Summer Term, 2012
Pupils return Thursday 19 th April 2012
Bank Holiday Monday, 7th May 2012
½ term begins
Thursday 31st May 2012 (after school)
INSET 4 Friday 1st June 2012
Pupils return Monday 11 th June 2012
Finish
Thursday 5 th July 2012 (12 noon)
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YARM AT RAVENTHORPE
PARENT HANDBOOK
2011 - 2012
Yarm at Raventhorpe
96 Carmel Road
Darlington
DL3 8JB
Tel: 01325 463373
e-mail: yar@yarmschool.org
website: www.yarmschool.org
This is the registered address and telephone number of the Raventhorpe School Trust Limited t/a Yarm at Raventhorpe.
Mr David Boddy, BA, PGCE, MCIEA, FCollT – Head of Yarm at Raventhorpe
Ms Catherine Evans, MA, MBA, ARCM – Chair of Governors
Any correspondence for Ms Evans should be sent to the above address.
Mr David Boddy
Head
db@yarmschool.org
Mrs Helen Lofthouse-Hill
Deputy Head
hlh@yarmschool.org
Mrs Gemma Brown
School Secretary
yar@yarmschool.org
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Contents
Term Dates 2
Contact Information 3
Contents 4
Head’s Message; School Office; Opening Hours 6
The Staff 7
Information about the Early Years
o Early Years – Nursery and Reception 8
o Early Years – Years 1 and 2 11
o Early Years Curriculum 12
Information about Key Stage 2 16
o Key Stage 2 Curriculum 17
General Matters Relating to all Year Groups
o Breakfast Club; After-School Care 18
o Collection of Children; Lunches; Drinking Water; The Form Teacher; Parents’ Evenings;
Reports
o Access to Development Records and Personal Information of children within the EYFS;
Incentive Stickers/Positive Reinforcement; Excellent Work Stickers; Homework
o Homework during School Holidays; Gifted and Talented Children 21
o Learning Support & SEN; Pupils with EAL; Instrumental Lessons; Speech and Drama 22
o Field Trips; After School Activities; After-School Care 23
o Holiday Activity Weeks; Houses; Head Boy & Girl; School Council; Absence for Family
Holidays; Absence due to Illness
o Dental and Medical Appointments; Weekly Newsletter; Term Card; Uniform and Personal
Possessions
o Uniform List 26
o Appearance; General Items; Identification; Mobile Phones 27
o Friends of Yarm at Raventhorpe; Year Group Representatives; Rules and Discipline 28
o Golden’ Rules 29
o Anti-Bullying Policy; Aims and Ethos of the School 30
o Health and Safety; Access to the School Site, 31
o The safety of your child in school; Procedure followed by staff in the event of non-collection
of a pupil
o Fire Drills; Damage; School Nurse 33
o First Aid; Accidents and Illness; Children who are taken ill or are infectious 34
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o Administration of Medicines at School; Access to school following injury 35
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Important Formal Matters
o Admissions Policy; Withdrawal of pupils; Enquiries about fees and charges, Enquiries about
financial support; School Manager; Insurance and belongings
o Accident insurance; Fees insurance 37
Management, Governance and Policies
o Yarm School Senior Management Team; School Governing Body 37
o Policy Information 38
o Health and Safety of Visitors 39
Appendices: Helping your child with Reading, Writing and Mathematics 41
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A Message from the Head
The purpose of this Parent Handbook is to guide both new and existing parents through routines,
expectations and various other matters relating to the School. Whilst the systems of Yarm at Raventhorpe are
now well established, evolution is a fact of life in every healthy school, leading to the refinement of
information, rules and advice. I hope, therefore, that you will find this Parent Handbook useful and that it
serves as a valuable point of reference when you need information.
Our school is a small, ‘family’ community and we want parents to feel part of everything that goes on here.
We are proud to operate an ‘open door’ policy and hope that you always feel welcome. If the information you
need is not in the handbook, please just ask; I would be pleased to hear of any omissions and will try to
include any extra information in next year's handbook.
David Boddy
The School Office
Our School Office is manned by Mrs Gemma Brown between the hours of 8.15am and 4.45pm during termtime.
If you should ring and there is no one available to take your call, please leave a message on the
answerphone, which we check regularly. A member of staff will deal with your message or call you back.
Queries about fees, bills and other financial matters should be directed to Mrs Julie Robson in the Finance
Office at the Senior School. Letters can be forwarded for you in the internal post or she can be contacted by
telephone on 01642 786023.
The staff work hard to prepare and circulate letters about events, visits and fixtures, not to mention
contributions to our weekly newsletter, ‘The Raven’. Please read these letters carefully and keep them to
hand, as they will contain important information about arrangements and timings.
Opening Hours
The School is open from 7.45am until 5.30pm.
Breakfast Club operates from 7.45am (8.00am for children in Nursery and Reception, other than by special
arrangement) until 8.30am.
If not in Breakfast Club, children should arrive in good time for registration at 8.55am.
The morning Nursery session ends at 12.15pm and the afternoon session begins at 12.45pm.
The school day ends at 3.45pm.
Activity Clubs end at 5.00pm (occasionally earlier) and After-School Care at 5.30pm.
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Information about the Early Years (Nursery to Year 2)
Early Years – Nursery and Reception
Starting Nursery is a major event in the lives of young children and we aim to make the experience a happy
one. Children may start in Nursery at any time after reaching three years of age, although most join at the
beginning of a term or half-term. Staff will work with parents to settle children and make those parting
moments as stress-free as possible. The following guidance should help you support your child as they settle
into life at school.
Other children may start with us in Reception, at the beginning of their ‘school’ career. Our Nursery and
Reception classes work closely together to form an ‘Early Years Foundation Stage Unit’ and whilst both
classes have their own form staff, the children combine at times to give them a breadth of experience and to
allow their full needs to be met.
Nursery Education Grant
The School is a registered provider of nursery education in the borough and claims Nursery Education Grant
on behalf of parents. Fees payable are reduced accordingly. As of September 2011 children are entitled to
five funded 3 hour sessions per week from the term following their third birthday up to and including the
term of their fifth birthday. This grant is payable for six terms and, depending upon when a child’s birthday
falls, will fund between one and three terms in Reception.
Induction into Nursery or Reception
Your child will be invited to come into school for several induction sessions before they begin with us. You
are welcome to attend with your child or leave them, depending upon how happy and settled they are. If you
leave your child with us, please ensure that we have a way of contacting you at short notice. Likewise, you are
welcome to stay for a short while on the first full day, just until your child settles and is ready to say goodbye
to you. Please don’t worry about a few tears on parting. More often than not, children settle very quickly
once parents are out of sight! We can always ring you to give news of how your child has settled.
Nursery and Reception Uniform
A uniform list is included in this handbook. Children in Nursery wear an ‘easycare’ uniform consisting of a
polo shirt and sweatshirt, whilst Reception children wear full school uniform. Children should have all items
of clothing clearly labelled with a woven or printed nametape which has been sewn in. Please also ensure that
shoes are named, as children frequently have the same style of shoes. This is vitally important with little ones,
as they tend to leave clothing everywhere!
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Preparing Your Child For School
Help your child to become independent by teaching them how to:
• Hang their coat on a peg
• Put on and take off items of clothing such as a coat and sweatshirt
• Fasten shoes
• Use a knife and fork
• Use a handkerchief
• Use the toilet and flush after use
• Wash and dry hands after using the toilet and at other times
• Tidy away toys and books
Children need to be fairly well toilet trained before starting in Nursery. We appreciate that children do have
little mishaps, but Nursery staff cannot change nappies as we do not have the facilities or the level of staffing.
If your child is having occasional accidents, trainer pants can be a good idea. The staff always deal with any
mishaps calmly and without fuss and, by reminding children frequently to go to the toilet, tend to get the
situation under control fairly speedily. It is best to speak to Mrs Storey if your child has any specific needs in
this respect. All Nursery children should bring a spare pair of pants to school. Most Reception children are
more independent about using the toilet but, again, we understand that accidents do happen!
Nursery Routine – Arrival and Collection
Our Nursery offers sessional care, with some children only coming in the mornings, others for afternoons and
some children staying whole days or full-time. Session times are as follows:
Morning Sessions: 9.00am until 12.15pm
Afternoon Sessions: 12.45pm until 3.45pm
Parents arriving with their child in the morning or collecting at the end of the school day should park in
Cleveland Terrace and enter the school by the pupil entrance at the back of the school. Please bring your
child directly to Nursery and collect from there. Parents collecting and dropping off at lunchtime should park
in Cleveland Terrace but then use the front door, ringing the bell for the security entry system. The School
Office or a member of the Nursery staff will let you in.
Reception Routine and Arrival / Collection
Children in Reception attend school full time. Children should be delivered to the Reception classroom by
8.55am for registration. Reception children have a break mid morning between 10.40am and 11.00am and in
the afternoon between 2.40pm and 3.00pm. Lunchtime is from 12.15pm to 1.30pm. At the end of the school
day, please wait in the area by the back door of the school; staff will bring your child out and dismiss them
into your care. In both the morning and afternoon, please use the rear entrance to the school on Cleveland
Terrace.
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Breakfast Club
Children in Nursery and Reception may attend Breakfast Club from 8am (from 7.45m only if a prior
arrangement has been made with the School). Please see the information given in the section dealing with
matters related to all year groups.
Collection of Children
Please read and note the information given in the section dealing with matters relating to all year groups.
What to bring
Everything your child needs is provided in Nursery and Reception. There is no need to bring a pencil case or
any other materials and both a morning snack of milk/water and fruit, and an afternoon snack of water and a
biscuit/cake and fruit is provided. Children staying to lunch will be offered a balanced meal consisting of a
main course, a pudding and fresh fruit. Your child’s bookbag will be used to send home letters, newsletters
and other circulars. If your child needs a special ‘comfort’ toy to help them through starting, we will
encourage them to leave it in a safe place each day to prevent loss or damage. Reception children will have
PE kit in a PE bag, which should remain in school throughout the week and be taken home for washing at the
end of the school day on Friday.
Children’s Behaviour, Physical Intervention and Leaving an Upset Child
With our youngest pupils, very occasionally it may be necessary to use physical intervention to manage a
child’s behaviour to prevent personal injury to the child concerned, other children or an adult. Equally,
physical intervention may be necessary to prevent serious damage to property or in exceptional circumstances.
On any occasion when physical intervention is used to manage the behaviour of your child, you will be
informed about the circumstances and the action taken in writing on the same day, with a copy retained on
file. Your child will always be treated with kind firmness in such situations.
In the case of a child being upset and having to be physically removed from a parent when the parent leaves
the child at the setting, this notification procedure will not be followed as the parent has been party to the
physical intervention. Parents are welcome to ring school to ensure that their child has settled happily within
a short time, which is generally the case. Staff will telephone you if your child continues to be upset and
cannot be consoled. Staff` are very experienced in dealing with such situations and with a concerted approach
from parents and staff, we generally find that even very sensitive or anxious children quickly adapt to coming
to Nursery and are soon saying goodbye without a second thought!
Miss Jopling, Reception Class Teacher, is the member of staff with responsibility for behaviour management
issues.
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Early Years – Years 1 and 2
Induction into Years 1 and 2
Children entering school in Year 1 or Year 2 are asked into school for an induction day before the summer
break. This day gives the children the opportunity to get to know their teachers and their classroom and to
experience a little of the routine of the school day. Children joining at other points in the school year will be
offered the chance to join their new class for a day before starting, if at all possible.
Daily Routine for Years 1 and 2
7.45 Early arrivals are supervised in Breakfast Club, where breakfast is available (a charge is made)
8.30 Children leave Breakfast Club and go to their classrooms to be supervised by form staff
8.55 Registration
9.00 Assembly
9.20 Lessons
10.40 Break
11.00 BELL
Lessons
12.15 Lunch Break
1.20 BELL
Lessons
2.40 Break
3.00 BELL
Lessons
3.45 End of school day
After-School Care (a charge is made) and Activity Clubs begin
5.00 Activity Clubs finish
5.30 End of After-School Care
What to bring
Everything your child needs is provided. There is no need to bring a pencil case or any other materials. Your
child will be offered a drink of milk/water at morning break, but should bring a snack with them to school of
plain biscuits (maximum of 2), a piece of fresh fruit or dried fruit (such as raisins). Please do not send
chocolate or creamy biscuits, crisps or other processed snacks. Your child should bring their bookbag to
school each day which, in addition to being used for reading books and diaries, will be used to send home
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letters, newsletters and other circulars. Children should not bring toys or other ‘valuable’ possessions to
school. Their safety cannot be guaranteed and the loss of such precious belongings can cause distress to their
owners. Children will have PE kit in a PE bag, which should remain in school throughout the week and be
taken home for washing at the end of the school day on Friday.
Early Years Curriculum
Foundation Stage
In the Nursery and Reception classes we follow the curriculum guidance for the Foundation Stage, working
towards, and sometimes beyond, the Early Learning Goals. Children’s learning throughout the Foundation
Stage is planned for in six distinct areas:
• Personal, social and emotional development
• Communication, language and literacy
• Problem solving, reasoning and numeracy
• Knowledge and understanding of the world
• Physical development
• Creative development
These areas encompass the full range of emergent skills, building towards all the subject areas which form part
of the National Curriculum at Key Stage 1 (for five to seven year olds). It is very much a ‘play-based’
curriculum, but Nursery and Reception children will experience early science, geography, history, computer
skills (ICT) and design technology (DT) within ‘knowledge and understanding of the world’. Foundation
Stage children also have regular short ‘Fun French’ sessions.
Personal, social and emotional development will include promoting and valuing diversity and differences, and
valuing and respecting others.
Key Stage 1
In Years 1 and 2 our programmes of study are based on the National Curriculum. In addition to the core
subjects of English, mathematics and science, children follow carefully linked programmes of study in
geography, history, design technology, information and communication technology, music, physical education,
religious education, PSHE and art. Children continue with ‘Fun French’ in preparation for the modern
language teaching in Year 3. We ensure that each child works at a level appropriate to their needs and
abilities.
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English
The English component consists of: speaking and listening; reading; writing, spelling and handwriting. The
main reading schemes currently being used are the Oxford Reading Tree, New Ginn 360, Heinemann
Storyworlds and New Way. Other published reading scheme materials supplement these schemes. In
addition, there are a variety of ‘real’ books, providing a varied and comprehensive range of reading materials.
Books are constantly being added to class libraries, giving children access to the best of children’s literature
and non-fiction titles.
Children will be assessed for reading readiness during their time in the Nursery and some may make a start on
learning to read. In the Reception class, once children begin reading they are heard to read every day in
school and their progress is noted in their reading diaries. In Years 1 and 2, children will normally continue to
read to their teacher daily, although children who have become proficient, independent readers may read in
school less often. They will also undertake whole class literacy sessions, which focus on the active teaching of
reading to the whole class, using a variety of texts.
We encourage parental support in the reading process, so reading books and diaries are sent home every
evening. Parents are encouraged to note in the diary all reading completed at home and are welcome to make
comments in the space provided for that purpose. Guidance for hearing your child read can be found at the
back of this handbook and in the reading diary. Children in Year 1 have ‘Phonics’ homework and spellings to
learn once a week. In Year 2 this is set as a more varied English homework and spellings.
The children are given a wide range of opportunities to enrich their verbal and auditory skills. Emphasis is
also placed on developing the children’s ability to express themselves and communicate their ideas in both the
spoken and written form. From the Spring Term of children’s Reception year onwards, spellings are sent
home weekly to be learnt. The school uses the New Nelson Handwriting scheme, which introduces exit flicks
from the start, progressing to the development of a simple joined hand by the time children have completed
Year 2. Simple guidance about encouraging good habits in writing at home is included at the back of this
handbook.
Mathematics
We follow the guidelines laid down in the Foundation Stage Curriculum, National Curriculum and National
Numeracy Strategy.
Within the Nursery, children are taught to recognise and form numbers, recite numbers, count objects and
will begin to explore the basis of early calculation skills. They will also learn early ideas relating to shape,
space and measure. Much of this will be achieved through play activities. In Reception, Year 1 and Year 2,
we employ the New Heinemann Mathematics scheme, which incorporates both reinforcement and extension
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work for children working at different levels. In addition to this, the children experience a variety of practical
tasks, using a range of mathematical games and resources. These activities help to develop problem-solving
strategies, prediction, estimation and computation abilities, and sharpen mental skills. Children are
encouraged to use and apply their knowledge in different mathematical situations.
In Years 1 and 2, children are given mathematics homework once a week. Work is set to reinforce and extend
the work being carried out in class, or to give practice in skills. Guidance about how to help your child with
maths is included in the back of this handbook.
Science
In the Nursery and Reception classes, science forms part of the area of learning ‘Knowledge and
Understanding of the World’ and is normally linked with both history and geography in a class topic. In Years
1 and 2, our science programme of study is carefully planned to ensure that children cover all aspects of the
National Curriculum for science at Key Stage 1 and in some areas teaching is extended beyond these
requirements. Children are given plenty of opportunities to develop scientific skills through enquiry and
practical tasks.
Geography, History and Religious Education
In both Years 1 and 2, the subjects of geography and history are taught through combined humanities topic
work. Lessons in religious education are planned to give the children basic awareness of Christianity and the
major world religions, whilst also developing understanding of social and moral issues.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Each classroom in the Early Years has an up-to-date computer, access to the internet and a range of software
suitable to the age group. From Year 1 onwards, children have the opportunity to use the facilities in the ICT
Room for a class ICT lesson each week. Interactive whiteboards are located in the Reception, Year 1, Year 2
and Year 3 classrooms, giving the Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 access to these valuable
teaching tools.
French
‘Fun French’ is introduced in Nursery and continues in Reception, Year 1 and Year 2, with the emphasis being
placed on learning through fun activities, songs and games. The work undertaken is purely oral in nature and
gives the children the opportunity to develop and use the sounds needed for good French pronunciation and
to learn some basic vocabulary.
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Design Technology
The Nursery, Reception and Year 1 children do not learn design technology as a stand-alone subject, but
teaching integrates all aspects into other areas of the curriculum, particularly art. Children are given
opportunities to cook and to design and complete projects using a range of soft and hard materials. A good
variety of construction kits is available in Nursery and Reception to encourage children to formulate plans,
make models and investigate ideas.
Music
Children in Years 1 and 2 have a music lesson each week and are encouraged to sing, move to music, develop
a sense of rhythm and pitch, and learn to play a range of simple percussion instruments. Throughout the
Foundation Stage, music forms an integral part of the curriculum and is used to support all six areas of
learning.
Personal, Social and Health Education (including Citizenship)
Many issues in this area are covered as part of religious education lessons, especially moral issues. In addition,
Foundation and Early Years assemblies, timetabled lessons and the use of Circle Time, which gives an
opportunity for every child to express feelings and views, are planned to fulfil the elements of the PSHE
curriculum.
Physical Education
In the Nursery, children will be given the opportunity to develop their gross motor skills through both
outdoor and indoor play, using large and small equipment. Sessions with Mrs Bradley to develop physical
skills through movement and dance also occur regularly. From Reception onwards, formal PE lessons
commence and the children will take part in a wide variety of activities. These have been designed for
enjoyment, as well as for improving hand-eye co-ordination, total body co-ordination and fitness in general.
Some of the activities include ball games, gymnastics, fitness exercises and drama/music/movement. The
games include football, non-contact rugby, netball, basketball, short tennis, uni-hoc, non-stop cricket and
rounders.
It would be a great help with getting changed if parents could ensure that children are able to dress themselves
in basic shorts, shirt and socks. Help will always be given with ties and shoes.
We ask that PE kit is kept in school for the duration of each week, in order that it is available in the event of a
change to the normal timetable. PE kit is sent home at the weekend for washing.
If a child has an injury and is unable to participate in PE, a note should be sent to school addressed to your
child’s Form Teacher.
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Information about Key Stage 2 (Years 3 to 6)
Induction into Years 3-6
Children entering classes in Key Stage 2 are asked into school for an induction day before the summer break.
This day gives the children the opportunity to get to know their teachers and their classroom and to
experience a little of the routine of the school day. Children joining at other points in the school year will be
offered the chance to join their new class for a day before starting, if at all possible.
The start of the school year
We all approach the first day of a new school year with butterflies in our stomachs – pupils, parents and
teachers! The move to Key Stage 2 is definitely a ‘step up’ and we encourage children to become more
independent at this stage and ask that parents gradually encourage children to come up to their classrooms by
themselves in the morning, although form staff are generally in their rooms if you wish to speak with them.
During this first day, we will ensure that the children become familiar with their new classroom and routines.
Essentially, pupils will spend the day with their form teachers; exercise books and text books will be issued,
timetables for lessons and homework introduced and important times and places discussed. It will be a very
full day! The school day ends at 3.45pm. Children should arrive home feeling confident that they know
where they are going and what they are doing, happy to return the next day and embark upon the new school
year and the business of learning.
What to bring
Pupils will need a pencil case containing basic writing equipment (pencils, ruler, sharpener, rubber, etc) and
colouring pencils. Children in Year 3 continue to write in pencil, but by January in Year 4 they will have made
the transition to fountain pen. We will give you details of the type of pen needed as children approach this
important step.
Just as in Years 1 and 2, children will be offered a drink of milk/water at morning break, but should bring a
snack with them to school of plain biscuits (maximum of 2), a piece of fresh fruit or dried fruit (such as
raisins). Please do not send chocolate or creamy biscuits, crisps or other processed snacks.
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Daily Routine and Timetable
7.45 Early arrivals are supervised in Breakfast Club, where breakfast is available (a charge is made)
8.30 Children leave Breakfast Club and go to their classrooms to be supervised by form staff
Other members of staff will supervise if a form teacher is involved in a conversation with parents etc
8.55 Registration
9.00 Assembly
9.20 Lesson 1
10.00 Lesson 2
10.40 Break
11.00 BELL
Lesson 3
11.40 Lesson 4
12.15 Lunch Break
1.20 BELL
Lesson 5
2.00 Lesson 6
2.40 Break
3.00 BELL
Lesson 7
3.45 End of school day
After School Care (a charge is made) and Activity Clubs begin
5.00 End of Activity Clubs
5.30 End of After School Care
Children will be given a detailed timetable, which will include all the academic subjects, PE and Games, and
also swimming (on a Tuesday afternoon). Years 5 and 6 go to Yarm Preparatory School on a Friday
afternoon to take part in Games there; this gives the children the opportunity to take part in matches and also
be chosen to play for combined teams in fixtures against other major schools in the area.
Key Stage 2 Curriculum
The curriculum continues to be both broad and balanced, covering all National Curriculum subjects and
French. All pupils have a Form Teacher who is their pastoral point of contact and who will teach her form
for part of the curriculum. However, other members of staff will be involved in specialist teaching.
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Specialist teaching is provided for all children in PE and Games, ICT and French. With small class sizes,
differentiation within the classroom allows the individual needs of children to be met very effectively. Some
children may be set work above that which would be expected for their year group, whilst others may need
work to consolidate topics covered in class.
Children sit formal standardised tests annually, the results of which are reported to parents at the end of the
Summer Term. Additionally, children in Year 3 – and new-starters in Year 4 to 6 – complete WRAT
assessments, which allow us to identify any possible learning difficulties, such as dyslexia. Children in Year 6
seeking to move to the Senior School will sit the Senior School Transfer Assessments in January.
Information and Communication Technology (ICT)
Each classroom within Key Stage 2 has an up-to-date computer, access to the Internet and a range of software
suitable to the age group. In addition, children have the opportunity to use the facilities in the ICT Room for
at least one class ICT lesson each week; Years 1 to 6 are taught ICT by Mr Foggett, our ICT specialist from
the Senior School. Often, subject lessons such as history will make use of the ICT Room. All Key Stage 2
classrooms have projectors which are connected to the networked school computer system and the Internet.
There is an interactive whiteboard and projector in the ICT Room.
General Matters relating to all Year Groups
Breakfast Club and After School Club
Breakfast Club is available from 7.45am (8.00am for Nursery and Reception children unless a special
arrangement has been made) and After School Care until 5.30pm for those parents requiring an extended day.
Charges are made for these services. Please ask in the School Office for details.
Collection of Children (of all ages)
Before your child starts, you will be asked to complete a form giving the names of all those adults who
will/may be collecting your child from school. Parents must keep the School informed of any changes.
Should you wish anyone not listed on the form to collect your child, you will need to complete a parental
consent form, copies of which are held in the School Office, giving your permission for that adult to collect
your child. Please note that for the safety of your child, we will not allow them to leave the school site with an
adult without your written permission, unless circumstances are exceptional. Equally, we will not release
children into the care of older siblings or other older children without prior discussion with the Head.
Requests from parents to allow children in Years 5 and 6 to go home unaccompanied, if they live very close to
the School, must be made in writing and discussed with the Head.
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Lunches
Food is prepared at the Senior School under the watchful eye of our School Chef, Martin. We have two
sittings for lunch and the meal is very much a ‘family’ affair, with food served from serving dishes at the tables
and staff dining with the children to encourage good manners and to ensure that the children eat sensibly.
There are two courses and a good range of food is offered. Special dietary requirements can be catered for,
subject to prior notice and discussion with Mr Boddy. We encourage pupils to eat sensibly and healthily and
the menu selection is designed with this in mind. We plan themed lunches each term, which offer another
dimension to learning taking place in the classroom.
Drinking Water
A drinking water dispenser is located in the Dining Room and, in addition, children have jugs of water and
labelled beakers located in their classrooms. We recognise that it is important that children do not become
dehydrated, as research has shown that children perform better in school when they drink plenty of water.
The Form Teacher
The Form Teacher is responsible for the pastoral care of a group of pupils and will generally teach a large
number of lessons to that group. The role is an important one as the Form Teacher grows very close to the
children under his/her care. Letters from parents regarding illness, sport, music, lunch, dental appointments,
and such-like should be addressed to the Form Teacher.
Parents’ Evenings
Parents are invited into school each term for a parent/teacher consultation. Staff value the opportunity to
meet with parents and discuss their child’s progress. We consider it best that children do not attend Parents’
Evenings and ask parents to make arrangements for childcare outside of school if at all possible. Parents who
cannot be present on the specified evening can ask for an alternative appointment. In addition, parents are
welcome to request a meeting with a member of staff at any time if they would like to discuss any matters to
do with their child in school.
Reports
Parents of children in Nursery will receive a report covering the six areas of learning covered in the Early
Years Foundation Stage at the end of the Summer Term.
For children in Reception through to Year 6, three written reports are prepared each year as follows:
End of the Autumn Term A short form booklet report covering all the Early Years Foundation Stage
areas of learning (Reception) or the core curriculum of English, maths and
science (Years 1 - 6). A Form Teacher’s report and Head’s report are also
included.
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Spring Half Term
End of the Summer Term
A single sheet Mid Year Review, reviewing progress and setting targets in
English and mathematics for the remainder of the year, and incorporating brief
comments from Form Teacher and Head.
A long form booklet report covering all the Early Years Foundation Stage
areas of learning (Reception) or all subject areas (Years 1 - 6). A Form
Teacher’s report and Head’s report are also included. Children in Reception
will also receive a copy of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Profile,
which summarises their child’s achievements at the end of the EYFS. Parents
will have the opportunity to discuss the profile at the Summer Term parents’
evening and, once the written results have been provided, by arrangement with
the Reception class teacher.
Access to Developmental Records and Personal Information of children within the EYFS
Parents of children within Nursery and Reception (EYFS) may have free access to the records kept recording
their children’s achievements building towards the Foundation Stage Profile at any time. However, a written
request must be made for personal files of a child and, in accordance with the demands of data protection, the
setting will only allow access to records which do not refer to third parties. Parents may request that their
own comments are included in the children’s records.
Incentive Stickers/Positive Reinforcement
Incentive stickers and stamps are used to reward good work and these are used by teachers whenever
appropriate. Likewise, positive reinforcement of good behaviour within the classroom (and outside) is used to
promote shared expectations, good time management and an effective learning environment. Verbal praise is
an important motivator and incentive for all children.
Excellent Work Stickers
Work that constitutes an exceptional effort or significant step forward for any child may be sent to the Head
with the recommendation that the child should receive an excellent work sticker. The Head will record this
award and once five such stickers have been given, the child will receive a Head Teacher’s Certificate in the
next Friday Celebration Assembly. It is expected that each child might receive one certificate per term and
excellent work stickers are not overused as a reward, as this would devalue them.
Homework
We consider homework to be an extension of our pupils’ learning. It is also an opportunity for parents to
become closely involved with their child’s education and for them to provide necessary support and
encouragement. It is also important that children are heard to read regularly and a short time should be set
aside each evening when you and your child can share a book.
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Children in Reception will bring home sounds, words and/or a reading book every day and, later in the year,
some simple spellings to learn each week. This continues in Year 1, with the addition of phonics and
mathematics homework once a week. In Year 2, in addition to reading and spellings, English and
mathematics work will be set weekly.
All pupils in Key Stage 2 are issued with Homework Diaries in which they should note down their homework.
Parents should sign the Homework Diary each evening, once the homework is completed. Form Teachers
will monitor the use of the Diary and may use it to note messages for your attention. A Reading Diary is also
issued, specifically to record books read.
As a guide, a 7 year-old will usually be expected to complete about 20 minutes homework per night. By the
time the pupil is 10 or 11, there will be a formal homework timetable detailing work of up to 30/40 minutes
per evening. A longer task may be set for weekends. Parents may help with homework if necessary, but
should annotate the bottom of the work accordingly to help the Form Teacher assess any difficulties.
Homework may be a continuation of a lesson’s work, reading, learning or some research around a new topic.
General guidance about hearing children read, helping children to write and supporting work in maths is given
in the appendices at the end of this handbook.
Homework during School Holidays
Whilst holiday work is set at the discretion of teachers and the needs of individual children, in general the
following guidelines will be followed by staff:
We will send small numbers of reading scheme books or a reading task home for all year groups over the
Christmas, Easter and Summer holidays.
Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 will be set no further holiday homework.
Years 3 and 4 will be set a little summer homework in English and maths to prevent ‘slippage’ over the
long holiday.
Years 5 and 6 will be set homework in English and maths for all the major school holidays. Homework
over half term holidays for this group will be at the discretion of the teacher and set if it is deemed
necessary.
Gifted and Talented Children
We may identify some children as having special abilities and talents. The needs of these children are met by
teaching staff through careful ongoing assessment and the setting of differentiated work within the classroom.
Extension tasks may be used to ensure that they are fully stretched and actively learning. We also recognise
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talents outside the academic curriculum, for example in art, music, sport or drama. These are nurtured
through extra-curricular activities, competitions (within and outside school), exhibitions and performance in
concerts. The school has a specific Gifted and Talented Policy which gives additional details.
Learning Support and Special Educational Needs
The School is able to offer additional support to those pupils who require extra tuition, through the provision
of individual lessons outside the classroom or support with learning in the classroom. A charge is made for
such support. A specialist dyslexia teacher, Mrs Sue Stephenson, will undertake to teach dyslexic children,
children considered to be at risk of being dyslexic and children with more general special educational needs.
The School has a Special Educational Needs Policy and seeks to support all children to enable them to
achieve their full potential. Mrs Jean Brown is the Special Educational Needs Coordinator for Yarm at
Raventhorpe, with responsibility for all children from Nursery through to Year 6. The full policy is available
in the Policies Folder in the reception area and on the School website. A copy is also available on request.
Pupils with English as an Additional Language (EAL)
The School is able to cater for children for whom English is a second language. Most often, the needs of
children can be met by the form teacher setting differentiated work within the classroom along with some
targeted homework. However, if one-to-one tuition outside the classroom is considered necessary, the School
can provide this support. A charge is made for this type of individual tuition.
Instrumental Lessons
Mr Boddy is the music coordinator; he is assisted by Mrs G Brown in dealing with the administrative details of
instrumental music lessons. As well as the imaginative and varied lessons that the children receive each week
in class, we have a team of Visiting Music Teachers who give private lessons on a range of instruments. We
also have music groups who rehearse weekly in school.
Private tuition is payable termly in advance directly to the Visiting Music Teacher and once lessons are
undertaken, they can only be cancelled with one half term’s advance notice in writing. If you would like any advice
concerning instrumental lessons, please contact Mr Boddy, who will be pleased to discuss the opportunities
on offer.
Speech and Drama
We are fortunate to have the services of Mrs Cook in school, offering individual speech and drama lessons to
pupils. She prepares children for LAMDA examinations, which may be taken individually or in a group. A
charge is made for these lessons, details of which can be supplied upon request. Fees are paid direct to Mrs
Cook termly in advance. Please note that once individual lessons have commenced, half a term’s notice in writing
must be given to Mrs Cook if you wish your child to stop having lessons.
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Field Trips
A variety of field trips will be arranged for pupils. Day trips take place for all age groups and payment for
these is collected prior to the trip taking place. Costs are for entry fees and other expenses incurred (such as
travel by coach) only – no charge is made for travel by the school minibus. Some trips will be local; others
will be further afield. These include some geography, science and history fieldwork, plus adventurous
activities and theatre visits.
In Key Stage 2, children are offered residential trips, such as a city trip (eg Edinburgh) or a trip to an activity
centre (eg Cranedale Centre) for one or two nights. These residential trips are considered important for teambuilding
within year groups and for fostering independence. Parents will be given as much notice as possible
of residential trips, the planned activities and the cost.
The School has a comprehensive trips policy which is carefully followed in planning all visits and residential
trips outside school.
After School Activities
Children from Year 1 upwards are able to choose from a variety of clubs operating from 3.45pm until 5.00pm.
Occasionally clubs may finish at an earlier time if the activity is not suitable for such a long session. These
clubs are offered free of charge (unless a tutor from outside school, or outside facilities, are engaged) and a
booking form is sent home at the beginning of each term. Parents will be expected to collect their child
promptly at the end of an activity club or book them into After-School Care (available until 5.30pm). A
charge is made for this extended care following the end of after school activities. Lunchtime clubs are
sometimes offered in sport and music; details are included on each term’s activity sheet.
After-School Care
After-School Care is located in Nursery/Reception and begins at 3.45pm with a snack and drink for all
registered children. Following this, children play indoors or outdoors under the supervision of Mrs Storey or
occasionally another member of staff. All children must be booked into After-School Care by speaking to
Mrs Brown in the School Office or Mrs Storey in Nursery. Please telephone the School as soon as possible if
you know you will be late to collect your child so that they may be sent straight into After-School Care. Any
children not collected at the end of the school day will join After-School Care. The latest time for collection
is 5.30pm. Please adhere to this deadline, unless a special arrangement has been made, as staff leave the
premises and the School is locked shortly after 5.30pm. A charge is made for attendance and details are
available from the School Office.
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Holiday Activity Weeks
Holiday Activity weeks (optional attendance) are run at Christmas, the October half term, Easter and during
the Summer break (3 weeks) at Yarm Preparatory School. All pupils are eligible to take part in the myriad of
activities on offer. There is a charge for each activity week. Summer Music courses at Yarm offer workshops
in strings and/or woodwind. Details can be found in our newsletter, ‘The Raven’.
Houses
The children are divided into two Houses in school, Rook (red) and Jackdaw (green). For the youngest pupils
these Houses will be used in sports activities. From Year 3, children are awarded House-points for sport,
good work and good behaviour in school. These House-points are totalled to give an overall winning House
at the end of the school year. There are House captains, chosen from Year 6.
Head Boy and Girl
A Head Boy and Girl are chosen each year from children in Year 6. Staff will consider the maturity, reliability
and sense of responsibility of pupils in making their choices. Prefects will be asked to take on some
responsibilities within school and act as representatives of the School on special occasions.
School Council
The School has a School Council, which consists of an elected representative from each class from Year 1
upwards. The School Council meets once each half term, with Mr Boddy or Mrs Lofthouse-Hill in the chair.
Children are able to voice opinions about how life in school could be improved for everyone and make
suggestions for consideration by the staff. The purpose of the council is to give children a voice and to help
them to learn about elements of citizenship.
Absence for Family Holidays
School holidays are generous and it is expected that parents will ensure that they book their family holidays
during these breaks so that pupils do not miss important lesson time. Should absence due to holidays be
unavoidable during term time, permission from the Head must be sought in advance of booking to ensure
that the absence is authorised. Parents should bear in mind that it is not possible for the Head to authorise
more than ten days absence from school in any academic year. Form Teachers’ discretion applies regarding
whether work can be set and parents should be aware that there is no real substitute for lessons in school.
Absence due to Illness
Parents should ring the School Office (01325 463373) soon after 8.45am if their child is going to be absent
due to illness. Please keep us informed if your child is going to be away from school for a prolonged period.
A signed explanatory note should be given to the Form Teacher on the pupil’s return. Alternatively, an email
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may be sent to yar@yarmschool.org. See further information regarding the school’s policy on attendance
following illness below (p.34).
Dental and Medical Appointments
Although we prefer appointments to be made for after school or during school holidays, we understand that
this cannot always be arranged. A note, addressed to your child’s Form Teacher, is all that is required.
The Weekly Newsletter
Every Friday we publish a newsletter in order to keep School and parents closely linked. ‘The Raven’ is a
good source of information, which parents and pupils alike have found useful. Please do take the time to read
the newsletter each week as very important information is sometimes included. Each family should receive a
copy of the newsletter at the end of each week. Naturally, we are dependent upon our delivery boys and girls
to do their job! As with other published information, the newsletter can be viewed (and enjoyed in colour!)
on the school website: www.yarmschool.org.
Term Card
Each term your child will be given a Term Card. This gives specific details of all the events which have been
planned for the term. However, we do on occasion have the opportunity to arrange additional events during
term time and information about anything organised after the publication of the Term Card will be given in
‘The Raven’.
Uniform and Personal Possessions
The reputation of a school is influenced in no small degree by the appearance of its pupils. The uniform is,
therefore, formal yet practical. The School has a Uniform Shop from where parents should purchase the
items listed below. The Shop is run by Ms Carolan Henderson (01642 786023). The Uniform Shop is open
every day except Friday during term time, from 1.00pm – 5.00pm, and at published times during holidays.
The Uniform Shop is open occasionally on Saturdays. These details are published on a regular basis in the
‘The Raven’. Please note that the Uniform Shop can accept payment in cash, by cheque or by debit/credit
card.
In recognition of the fact that not all parents will find it easy to go through to Yarm to visit the Uniform
Shop, items can be ordered on the telephone and will be sent to Yarm at Raventhorpe via the internal mail.
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Uniform List
Nursery
Items to be bought in school pattern
Burgundy sweatshirt (embroidered logo)
Lemon polo shirt (embroidered logo)
Art overall
Bookbag
Reception – Year 6
Boys and Girls
Blazer – navy blue with red piping
Burgundy v-neck sweater
School quilted coat
Boys
Pale blue shirt, long- or short-sleeved
(school pattern only)
Tie (school design)
Grey shorts (trousers for Year 6)
Socks, grey with stripe
Sports Clothes
Boys and Girls – Reception to Year 6:
PE shorts – white
PE shirt – white with red or green house trim
PE socks – white
Training shoes*
School sports bag (back-pack, R-Y2, holdall (Y36)
Boys and Girls – Years 3-6
Blue shorts (boys)
Games skort (girls) (school pattern only)
Games top (school pattern only)
Navy/red games socks (school pattern only)
Tracksuit (school pattern only
Other items
Navy trousers / jogging bottoms / shorts / skirt
Navy or white socks / Navy or white tights
Shoes (preferably black or navy) – not trainers
Warm outer garment (preferably dark colour to
co-ordinate with uniform)
Wellington boots (to be kept in Nursery)
Change of labelled underclothes (to be kept in
Nursery)
Scarf/Hat (optional) - school pattern only
Black sensible shoes (no heels)
Art overall – school pattern only (R-Y2)
Girls
White blouse (sch pattern only)
Burgundy tartan pinafore (R-Y2)
Burgundy tartan skirt (Y3-6)
Grey tights or socks
Summer/early Autumn Term
Summer dress (school design)
Short white socks (plain, no frills)
Sandals (plain black or blue)
Boys and Girls, Years 1 – 2:
Tracksuit top (school pattern)
Football boots*, shin-pads* and a mouthguard* may
be required. Please do not purchase until advised
to do so by Mrs Bradley, PE and Games teacher.
Cricket whites* (Y5/6 Cricket Team, Summer Term)
All items (except those marked *) are available from the Uniform Shop.
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Appearance
Girls’ hair (if below shoulder-length) should be tied back with a suitable small fastener, school scrunchie or
hair band. Boys’ hair should be kept a sensible length and not too long – cut to be off the collar at the back,
not fully covering the ears, nor too thick. Equally, hair should not be cut shorter than a ‘number 3’. These
rules will be strictly applied. The use of hair products such as gel, dye and wax is not permitted. Nail varnish,
whilst not a hazard in itself, does not look smart with school uniform and we ask that girls remove nail
varnish before coming to school. We set much store by the appearance of our pupils and actively seek to
maintain these high standards.
The wearing of jewellery is not permitted as it is inappropriate with school uniform and presents a hazard in
PE, games and activities. Watches must be clearly engraved and are the responsibility of the pupil.
General Items
Comb/brush
Handkerchief – essential!
Hand-held school bags (available from the Uniform Shop with embroidered child’s initials)
Pencil case with:
- pencils (HB only)
- coloured pencil crayons
- rubber
- pencil sharpener
- ruler
- ink pen and spare cartridges for older pupils (Years 4, 5, 6)
Please note that ink erasers, eraser pens, biros and Tippex should not be sent as their use is not
permitted in School, nor should they be used for homework tasks. In addition, pupils should not
bring toys, electronic games or similar to School.
Identification
All clothing must be labelled with sew-in labels with your child’s name and initials. PE and rugby shirts may
have initials sewn onto the left breast. The Uniform Shop can arrange this for you. All equipment brought to
School should be clearly labelled with your child’s name. School bags and School sports bags should be
named in a prominent position.
Mobile Telephones
Under normal circumstances, children are not allowed to bring mobile phones to school. If for any reason a
parent believes a child may need one due to exceptional circumstances, permission must be sought from the
Head in advance and the Mobile Telephone Information Form must be completed and signed by the parent.
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The Friends of Yarm at Raventhorpe
The ‘Friends’, an active group of parents committed to supporting the School, organise events throughout the
year where the emphasis is on fun and getting to know other families in school. In addition, they also raise
funds to support the School and buy the ‘icing on the cake’ items. For example, the Friends have made a
contribution to the cost of the new school minibus. They also raise money for a chosen charity each year.
Regular events include a Christmas Fair, quiz nights, a Summer Ball and a Summer Fair. Through the
connections with Yarm Preparatory School and the Senior School, parents are also invited to events taking
place in Yarm. All parents are warmly invited to join the Friends of Yarm at Raventhorpe, who meet
informally several times each term. Assistance at events is especially welcome and many parents are able to
offer help on these occasions.
Year Group Representatives
Each year a parent from each year group volunteers to be the Year Group Representative for their child’s
year. The role broadly involves arranging informal get-togethers for parents and/or for children in that year
group; outside of normal school events and trips. Year Group Representatives also serve on the ‘Friends’
Committee during their year in office. If you are interested in being a Year Group Representative, (there can
be more than one per year group) please let Mr Boddy, Mr Pattison, Chair of the Friends, or Mrs G Brown
know.
Rules and Discipline
At Yarm at Raventhorpe we aim to develop children’s self-discipline and self-esteem. We endeavour to do
this through a firm yet gentle discipline in a mutually respectful environment - one where the children can
develop a sense of responsibility towards themselves, their peers and adults. Emphasis is placed on manners
and good behaviour, and we take instances of bad behaviour that affect the happiness and security of other
pupils very seriously.
In the event of any problems, staff adhere to an agreed discipline policy and, should the matter be serious, we
always keep parents informed and will explain the steps we are taking to encourage good behaviour. Likewise,
we appreciate being told of any problems at home which may affect a child’s conduct within school. We may
ask parents to help in working out a combined school/home strategy to improve behaviour and a record may
be passed between home and school on a daily basis to keep everyone informed of problems and progress.
Our School has a system of rules, which are essentially for safety reasons and the good running of the School.
These do not directly affect parents. A brief set of rules and values have been adopted by pupils and are
discussed regularly with them. These ‘Golden’ rules are given below. Each class has the opportunity to add
to these rules.
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The awards system at Yarm at Raventhorpe is designed to acknowledge academic progress, good effort and
good behaviour. Through the ‘public’ celebration of awards, the opportunity is taken to continually reinforce
messages about expectations and to establish a culture of success. House points are awarded to children in
Years 3 - 6 and, at our Celebration Assembly each week, children are awarded Head Teacher’s Award stickers
for good or improved behaviour.
For regular transgressors of the rules, there is a graduated system of sanctions and the School will work closely
with parents to resolve problems. The first point of contact for children is always their Form Teacher.
Should there be repeated transgressions, the Head will become involved in the process of sanctions and may,
in the case of more serious incidents, choose to involve parents. A record is kept of behavioural incidents and
the School works hard to resolve such incidents at the earliest possible stage.
When embarking on private education, parents set out in partnership with the School to provide the very best
start in life for their children. The School has high standards and expectations, and hopes that parents will
support these fully. In these days of shifting standards, it is important that Yarm at Raventhorpe seeks not to
reflect society’s standards but to set its own.
A copy of the School’s Discipline Policy, with details of sanctions and rewards, is available in the School
Policies folder in our reception area and on the school’s website. This policy is designed to promote good
behaviour in pupils. A copy of the policy is available on request.
‘Golden’ Rules
Do be gentle
Do be kind and helpful
Do work hard
Do look after property
Do listen to people
Do be honest
Do not hurt anybody
Do not hurt people’s feelings
Do not waste your time or other people’s time
Do not waste or damage things
Do not interrupt
Do not cover up the truth
Classes have the opportunity to add rules specific to their class to this list. In addition, the school has a code
of behaviour for the playground and the dining hall which were written, and will be reviewed annually by, the
School Council.
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Anti-Bullying Policy
Staff at Yarm at Raventhorpe take any instances of bullying, in all its forms, very seriously. The School’s full
policy is available in the Policies Folder kept in our reception area and on the school’s website and a copy can
be provided on request.
We reserve the right to investigate incidents that take place outside school hours, on school visits and trips
and that occur in the vicinity of the school, involving our pupils.
The Aims of the School
Within the Yarm School family of schools, we seek to bring out the best in every boy and girl in our care and
to give them the best possible all round education; our strap line is “Educating for Life”. At Yarm at
Raventhorpe, we aim:
to build and sustain a friendly, tolerant and supportive community in which all its members are valued
equally;
to teach pupils to enjoy their education, to see it as a lifelong experience and to support them in making
important career decisions;
to pursue high personal, academic and social standards;
to develop in our pupils, personal qualities such as curiosity, concern, industry, reliability, honesty,
creativity, enterprise, appreciation, and respect;
to develop an active and open relationship with parents;
to encourage pupils to take full advantage of the opportunities on offer to them;
to show a sense of responsibility towards the local and wider community, and prepare pupils for the
challenges and opportunities of adult life.
Ethos
We believe that the School should be a happy and positive community, characterised by an appreciation of,
and respect for, the work of every individual.
Our School aspires to excellence and has high expectations of every boy and girl. We want our pupils to do
their best and we insist on high standards of industry and application. We expect pupils to be honest, to
practise good manners in all their relationships, to be reliable and punctual and be consistently smart in their
appearance. We want them to be proud of their School.
In following Christian principles, we seek to promote mutual tolerance and a friendly atmosphere, in which
pupils of all ethnic and cultural backgrounds, of all religious persuasions and of varying levels of ability are
welcome. We believe that every boy and girl has the right to look for happiness and security at School. We
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insist that no pupil or pupils make other pupils miserable, whether through overt bullying or through less
obvious forms of pressure or alienation. We attach particular gravity to such offences.
We recognise that our pupils will have various talents and different rates of development. We value every
achievement, however modest, which stems from the honest efforts of the individual boy or girl. It is our
hope that every pupil should discover at least one area of school life in which he or she can show genuine
prowess.
Our School depends upon the support of parents. We will always aim to keep parents informed about their
child’s progress in school and to respond to any requests promptly and courteously. We are fortunate to have
a parental body that is so supportive of the School and its aims.
A good school is made by good teachers whose talents, zeal, morale, teamwork and professional competence
are of vital importance. It is the responsibility of the School’s Management to promote their professional
development.
The teaching staff are exemplars at all times to the pupils, who will note, most attentively, every aspect of their
teachers’ professional and personal conduct, including any hint of double standards. All teachers are expected
to share and uphold the aims and ethos of the School. When they judge that it is necessary to criticise, correct
or punish, it is important that they should avoid any language or behaviour likely to undermine their
professional status.
We hope and trust that all teachers will derive pleasure and satisfaction from their service to Yarm at
Raventhorpe and that none will ever feel inhibited from raising with the Head or colleagues in the School
Steering Group any matters of serious concern or anxiety.
Health and Safety
Mr Alan Hodgson, Estates Manager, has overall responsibility for Health and Safety within the School.
Regular Health and Safety audits are carried out within School and we take all aspects of Health and Safety
very seriously.
Access to the School Site
All children should arrive via the rear gate in Cleveland Terrace and parents collecting children at the end of
the school day should use the same access point (except for collection and drop-off of Nursery children in the
middle of the day, see above). Once the children are in school, the rear and side gates are locked and entry to
the School is by the front door, which has a security system in place. Please ring the bell and stand in front of
the camera so that you can be seen and, if necessary, asked to identify yourself. If we are satisfied that you are
31

known to us, we will release the door catch and you can enter the school building. Door entry system points
are located in the School Office, Nursery and the Head’s office and members of staff are usually able to hear
the bell, check your identity and release the door lock.
The safety of your child in school
We have a number of policies and procedures in place to ensure the safety of your child whilst they are
attending the setting:
• The back and side entrance gates are locked once all children have arrived and remain so throughout
the school day.
• We use a front door entry system which allows us to identify all visitors to the school before they gain
access to the buildings.
• Visitors are required to sign in and wear an identification badge.
• The statutory requirements regarding the safe recruitment of staff and volunteers are adhered to,
including the use of enhanced CRB checks.
• We have a Missing Child Policy which details the procedure to be followed in the event of a child
going missing. This policy is available in our reception area.
• We have an agreed procedure to be followed in the event of a parent or nominated carer failing to
collect a child at the appointed time, which is detailed below.
Procedure followed by staff in the event of non-collection of a pupil
If a child is not collected at the appointed time, the following sequence of actions will result:
• If the child is not collected at the end of the normal school day (ie 3.45pm), they will be placed in
After School Care until the parent or nominated carer arrives.
• If any child is not collected by the end of the After School Care session (at 5.30pm), the member of
staff on duty in After School Care will first telephone parents and, if they cannot make contact on any
of the numbers held by the School for the parents, they will then telephone the emergency contact
numbers you have given to us for use in such a situation.
• Assuming we have been able to make contact with parents or a specified emergency contact, the
member of staff on duty or another member of staff willing to remain on the premises will stay with
the child until they are collected. A second member of staff will also stay in School. It is the
parent’s/emergency contact’s responsibility to collect the child as quickly as possible.
• In the unlikely situation that we cannot make contact with either parents or one of the people
nominated as emergency contacts, a member of staff will remain in school with the child and continue
to try to make contact as above. Messages will be left on all possible numbers requesting a return call
as a matter of urgency.
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• If no response has been received by 7.00pm, the member of staff will consult with the Head, Deputy
Head or a member of the Steering Group, and at that stage contact will be made with the Children’s
Services Emergency Duty Team on 0870 2402994 and advice taken. In view of the fact that it is
usually considered best for care to be given by a person known to the child, it is probable that a
member of staff will agree to take the child home. If this cannot be arranged, then the child will be
placed in foster care (as they have, technically, been abandoned). Messages will be left on all possible
telephone numbers to inform parents and those nominated as emergency contacts of the whereabouts
of the child and how to arrange collection. Before the child is removed from the school site,
Darlington Police will be informed of the action to be taken and the name, address and telephone
numbers of the adult caring for the child.
Fire Drills
Fire practices are carried out termly so that pupils are fully aware of what may be required of them. Full
reports on the drills, including time, weather conditions and the efficiency of the practice, are kept.
Damage
Genuine accidental damage is not charged, provided it is promptly and properly reported. Where damage was
not intended, but resulted from careless or stupid behaviour, a charge to contribute towards cost may be
made. In rare circumstances, a collective imposition against a group of children, irrespective of individual
guilt, may have to be made.
The School Nurse
The School Nurse, Mrs Marian Sinha RGN, is based at Yarm Preparatory School
during the school day. Parents and pupils are invited to talk to her in confidence
about any medical problems, although the main responsibility for this lies with parents
and the family doctor. She can be contacted by telephone on 01642 781447. The
School Health Service involves a continuing Health Screening Programme for
children aged 4 - 16 years, which includes vision, colour vision and hearing tests, and
height and weight monitoring. These tests are carried out on a regular basis by nurses from the local PCT. If
you do not wish your child to be included in this Programme please inform the School Nurse in writing.
The School Nurse reviews all medical information about pupils at the beginning of each year and compiles a
medical listing for staff of those children suffering allergies or medical conditions of note. She is available to
give advice to the First Aiders at Yarm at Raventhorpe. Please complete the Medical Form sent out before
your child starts and return it to school. Parents must keep the School informed of any changes.
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First Aid
Yarm at Raventhorpe has seven fully trained first aiders: Mr Boddy, Mrs Brown (School Office), Mrs Bradley
and Mr Les have First Aid at Work Certificates, whilst Mr Boddy, Mrs Record, Miss Jopling and Mrs Storey all
hold a Paediatric First Aid Certificate, recommended for Early Years practitioners. Other teaching staff have
undertaken a course in Emergency First Aid. Our primary First Aid point is located in the School Office.
Other first aid stations are located in the Resource Room, Art Room and Kitchen. A First Aid bag is also
kept in the School minibus and is taken on all trips.
Accidents and Illness
Strict procedures to cope with accidents or illness are laid down. It is essential that we have a daytime
contact number at which a parent, or grandparent, can be found if problems arise. Please indicate on the
contact information sheet the best number for us to use in the unlikely event of an emergency. In order for
us to care for your child, it is important that we are kept fully informed of all matters affecting his/her welfare.
All accidents that require first aid treatment are recorded in the accident book and accident statistics are
reviewed termly at a Health and Safety Committee meeting. Parents will be informed by a letter placed in
your child’s school bag if your child has sustained a head injury of any sort during the school day or has been
given any medication other than prescribed or controlled medication (see below). For children within the
EYFS (Nursery and Reception), parents will be informed by letter of any accidents/injuries and first aid
treatment given.
Children who are taken ill or are infectious
We request that children who develop an infectious condition (such a vomiting or symptoms of influenza) are
collected as a matter of priority. They will be cared for in the School Office whilst awaiting collection, with
staff taking sensible precautions to prevent infection to other children or themselves.
If your child has been unwell at home overnight, in the interest of all we ask that you do not send them to
school the next morning, but allow 24 hours to make sure they are fully recovered. Many viral diseases spread
very quickly in school and a child attending when unwell can lead to a situation where many children and staff
are also taken ill.
If we believe that a child is suffering from a notifiable disease we will act on advice given by the Health
Protection Agency and inform Ofsted of the situation.
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Administration of Medicines at School
Any questions about medicines at School should be directed to Mrs G Brown in the first instance.
Non-Prescription Medicines
We are all aware that children can be full of life one minute and feel poorly the next. We often experience this
at School and the children are sent to a First Aider so that their conditions and needs can be assessed.
In many situations a teaspoon of ‘magic’ Calpol will cure all sorts, but it is not always easy to contact parents
to ask permission. For this reason, we ask for written consent from parents that First Aiders may administer,
if absolutely necessary, non-prescription medicines - Calpol or paracetamol. If you are happy with this
arrangement, please give your consent on the Medical Form included in the pack sent home before your child
starts at the School. You will be informed by letter if your child has received any such medication.
Prescribed Medication
In the event of your child requiring medication which has been prescribed by your doctor, this must be
brought to school in the prescribed bottle from the pharmacy, clearly labelled with your child’s name and
dosage. It should also be accompanied by the M4 form, or a letter. The First Aiders follows strict guidelines
with regard to the administration of medicines within school and details are forwarded to the School Nurse.
Controlled Medication
For pupils who require controlled medication, the pupil’s consultant or GP must supply relevant information,
clear instructions of the dosage, together with written permission from parents. Due to the legal implications
surrounding such medication, only the weekly required dose should be brought into School. The medication
should be brought into School by the child’s parent and handed directly to the Head or Form Teacher with
the completed M4 form or a letter from the parent/GP for safe storage. The Head will inform the School
Nurse. All medications will be kept in locked cupboards in the School Office. Details of any medication
given to pupils are recorded in the Medication Record Book. The administration of medicines within Yarm at
Raventhorpe School is on a goodwill basis; therefore, all staff, including the Nursery and First Aid trained
staff, reserve the right, in certain circumstances, to refuse to administer medication.
Access to school following injury
If a child is, for any reason, particularly physically vulnerable or unable to access parts of the school building –
for example, due to a broken limb – we will do our best to make arrangements for lessons to be relocated in
order to continue to provide a curriculum as close to normal as reasonably possible. In order for
arrangements to be made, and appropriate risk assessments to be undertaken, the school requires forty-eight
hours notice of the child’s return to school.
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Important Formal Matters
Admissions Policy
A copy of the School’s Admission Policy was provided to you with the prospectus given when you first
enquired about the School. The policy details admission criteria, scholarships and bursaries. A copy is
available in the Policies Folder in the reception area, on the website and a copy is available upon request.
Withdrawal of pupils
The Headmaster of Yarm School reserves the right to order the withdrawal from School of a pupil whose
work or conduct is grossly or persistently unsatisfactory. Specific reference to exclusion is made in the
Discipline, Anti-Bullying and Drugs policies.
Notice of the intention by a parent to withdraw a pupil must be given in writing to the Head no later than the
first day of the term at the end of which the pupil is to be withdrawn, otherwise payment of fees must be made
for an additional term.
Enquiries about fees and charges
All enquiries concerning fees and charges are handled by the Accounts Administrator, Mrs Julie Robson or Mr
Colin Wilkinson, Finance Manager. They can be contacted at the Finance Department at the Senior School in
Yarm on 01642 786023. Written communications addressed to them can be left at the School Office and will
be forwarded in the internal post.
Enquiries about financial support
The School is able to support a small number of pupils through means-tested bursaries. All enquiries should
be made to the Head, Mr Boddy, in the first instance. Applications for a bursary will then be processed by the
Finance Manager, who will require evidence of income and assets etc before a decision can be made. All
applications are treated in strict confidence.
School Manager
The School Manager is Mrs Norma Brown. She deals with legal matters, staff checks, insurance (see below)
and other matters such as the provision of the School coach service. Mrs Brown visits Yarm at Raventhorpe
regularly and may assist Mrs Lofthouse-Hill with some administrative matters in the event of Mr Boddy being
absent from school.
Insurance and Belongings
The School’s insurers provide cover for pupils’ property up to a limit of £500 (to £250 maximum per article)
per pupil against risk of fire and theft from within the School buildings only, subject to an excess of £50.
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Cover is not ‘all risks’ and hence excludes accidental loss and damage, nor does it cover cash or cycles.
Parents should bear in mind the limitations of this cover and may like to consider additional insurance
through their own insurers. In any event any claim form for pupils’ property will include a declaration that
the property is not already covered by another insurance policy such as house and contents insurance.
Accident Insurance
The School takes out personal accident insurance on behalf of all its pupils which covers permanent loss of
use or disability. The cover operates 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, in and out of school. The cost is
included within the fees. Full particulars of this insurance, of exclusions and so forth, may be obtained from
the School Manager.
Fees Insurance
The School cannot undertake to remit fees in respect of time lost from School due to illness or other cause.
Several insurance companies do, however, offer such cover.
Management, Governance and Policies
Yarm School Senior Management Team
Headmaster
Mr David M Dunn, BA
Deputy Headmaster
Mr David G Woodward, BSc, CBiol, MIBiol
Director of Studies
Mr Jonathan Ferstenberg, BA, JD
Head of Sixth Form
Dr Alan M Goodall, MA, PhD
Head of Middle School
Mrs Kath Gratton, BEd
Head of Yarm Preparatory School Mr William Toleman, BA
Head of Yarm at Raventhorpe Mr David Boddy, BA, MCIEA, FCollT
School Governing Body
Ms C J Evans, MA, MBA, ARCM (Chair)
A W Wright, BSc (Vice-Chairman)
Mrs F Ajekigbe, BSc, PGCE, MEd, NPQH
Mrs S H Anderson, FCA, BSc
Dr A Bonavia, MB, ChB, MRCGP
Mrs S E Cardew, MSc
C G Edmondson, MA, FRCO (CHM), ADCM, ARCM, FRSA
J M James, BA, FCA, CTA
Dr R S Sagoo, MB, ChB
A P Thomson, LLB, FCCA, FIDM
G J Thompson, BA, MEd
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M Thompson, BA, ACMA
A Waite, FCCA
Information is posted to Governors from the Senior School every Friday and any communication can be forwarded to
them via this route.
The role of the Board of an independent school is quite different from that in a maintained sector school. The following
summarises the Board’s duties:
Yarm School is an educational charity. The Governors of Yarm at Raventhorpe School are trustees of the charity and its assets.
They have responsibility for legal and regulatory compliance, risk management, financial propriety, strategic direction and the
maintenance of standards. The Governors appoint the Head. Together with the Head they appoint the other Heads of School and
Senior Management Team who, under the leadership of the Head, are charged with the executive management of the School. The
Board of Governors together with the Head determine the aims and overall ethos of the School; the Board sets and reviews the
policies, plans and procedures that will ensure the best education for present and future pupils of the School, including the proper
control of finances.
The composition of the Board is designed to enable it to fulfil its duties. Governors are chosen to ensure that the members between
them can speak with knowledge and experience in all matters required for the operation of the School. The Board of Governors
elect a Chair and Deputy Chair who are in regular consultation with the Head; it also appoints a number of specialist subcommittees.
The administration associated with all the work of the Board of Governors is undertaken by the Clerk to the
Governors (School Manager) to whom all correspondence for Members of the Board should be directed at the school address. The
School does not release private contact details of the Members of the Board.
May 2008
Policy Information
The following information is made available for parents in a folder in the reception area at Yarm at
Raventhorpe and on the School website:
• Curriculum Policy
• Admissions Policy
• Anti-Bullying Policy
• Safeguarding Children: Child Protection Policy
• Disciplinary and Behaviour Policy
• Disability Access Policy
• Drugs Policy
• Equal Opportunities Policy
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• Gifted and Talented Policy
• Health Care Policy
• Health & Safety Policy
• Internet Access & ICT Policies
• EYFS Missing Child Policy
• Mobile Telephone Policy
• Outings, Residential Trips, Sporting Events and Adventurous Outings Policy
• EYFS Trips Policy
• Learning Support (Special Educational Needs) Policy
• Complaints Procedure
Copies of these documents can be provided on request and you are welcome to contact the Head if you
would like an explanation of any matters within the policies.
Parents may also request, from the Head, information on academic performance and details of the number of
complaints registered in the previous academic year.
Health and Safety of Visitors
We are required by law to bring to the attention of all visitors to the School our arrangements in the event of a
fire or other emergency. A copy of the statement on display in the entrance to our School reception area is
reproduced here for your convenience. Please read the information carefully.
Yarm at Raventhorpe Safety Briefing for Visitors
Welcome to Yarm at Raventhorpe.
These guidelines cover the basic safety requirements that apply on Yarm at Raventhorpe’s premises and have
been prepared for your benefit. Yarm at Raventhorpe aims to provide a safe, healthy and secure environment
for its pupils, staff and visitors. By following these guidelines you will be helping to ensure your own health
and safety and that of others in the School.
Fire and Emergency Procedures
In the event of a fire, the alarm bells/sirens will sound continuously. The fire alarm will be tested on Tuesday
afternoons after the end of the normal School day.
On discovering a fire you should break the glass at the nearest Fire Alarm point to sound the alarm.
On hearing the Fire Alarm, you should:
Leave the building by the nearest available fire exit
Assemble at the Assembly Point on the playground behind the School
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Not return for personal belongings
Accidents and First Aid
Please report any accident to the First Aiders or other member of School staff. The School can provide First
Aid as required.
Security
Please sign in as you arrive in the School’s reception area and wear your Visitor badge throughout your visit.
Please sign out at the end of your visit.
General
Please obey all safety signs.
Smoking
Thank you for observing the School’s policy of not smoking in the grounds or buildings.
If you have any questions regarding Health and Safety please do not hesitate to ask.
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APPENDIX 1: HEARING YOUR CHILD READ – SOME TIPS
Some tips for helping your child learn to read
1. Make time to listen to your child read.
2. Sit comfortably together and make sure you limit distractions such as the television.
3. Before reading, look at the cover or illustrations together and discuss what the book might be about. If
your child struggles with unknown difficult words, you might look through the book and point out and
give any words which you anticipate may be a problem. This will help your child to read more fluently.
4. When listening to actual reading, don’t rush to correct mistakes unless it significantly alters the meaning.
If your child falters over a difficult passage, you can help by reading aloud alongside them until a simpler
section is reached.
5. Help your child to anticipate words by focusing on the initial sound of the word and using context as a
cue.
6. Offer to read character parts yourself. Encourage your child to put expression into the reading, to
attempt ‘voice’ characterisation to bring them to life.
7. After reading, encourage your child to tell you about what they have read. Ask questions about what they
say and try to get them to express what they think and what opinions they have formed about characters
and the story. If the book is a non-fiction text, ask them about what they have found out and talk about
how the book is structured (contents pages, indexes etc).
8. Always praise and comment on progress, however small. Encouragement is the key to success.
Communicate your enjoyment in listening to your child read.
Some tips for encouraging older children’s reading
1. Try to establish a routine which gives your child time to read quietly to him/herself every day. This is a
valuable habit to establish for the future.
2. Remind your child to ask you if they encounter difficult words which they cannot read or do not
understand.
3. Ask your child to tell you about what they have read and express their opinion on different aspects of the
book (e.g. characters, plot, style of writing etc.), giving reasons for their likes and dislikes.
4. Don’t insist that your child finishes every book they choose. As adults, we find books which don’t enjoy
and finish!
5. Encourage your child to choose and read a mixture of fiction, non-fiction and poetry.
6. Suggest that your child might like to read non-fiction books which develop a significant interest or hobby
they have outside school. This can be an incentive for some boys who don’t willingly settle down with a
book!
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7. Let your child complete their own reading diary and take responsibility for their reading.
If you require any further advice, please speak with your child’s Form Teacher who will be very happy to
assist.
APPENDIX 2: ENCOURAGING WRITING AT HOME
Writing
The term ‘writer’ is used to refer to a child who is not just able to copy letter shapes and words accurately, but
who can put down their ideas and feelings into words on a page. Some of the skills your child needs to
become a ‘reader’ are just as relevant in learning to become a ‘writer’. However, talking and thinking, and
body control and co-ordination are specifically related to writing.
In the Early Years we use a mixture of approaches to the teaching of writing. The class teacher will adapt
his/her approach to meet the needs of an individual child. Children will ‘practise’ writing at an early age and
this emergent writing, which may be writing-like scribbles, repeated letters or shapes, or first attempts at
writing names etc., are important and to be encouraged. The formation of letters is taught in many ways, not
just through the use of pencil and paper.
Some children, with increasing phonic awareness, will begin to write simple words unaided. Others will need
to be encouraged first to say what they want to write and have the teacher write it down for them. The
children then trace or copy it underneath. This is helpful in developing pencil control and handwriting skills.
Most children get used to copying words correctly and eventually attempt to write some words on their own.
They have a word card or book and ask their teacher for those words they do not know how to spell.
How to write with your child
Put together a writer’s box. This will ensure that you have the necessary materials for your child to do lots of
activities related to writing. Once your child is using some recognisable and repeated shapes in their drawing
and ‘play’ writing, introduce some handwriting patterns and letters to trace and copy. Do let your child
continue to enjoy drawing and writing for fun and not just for handwriting control and practice.
We recommend a good quality HB pencil which should be held lightly by the thumb and forefinger. The
middle finger supports the pencil underneath. The other two fingers and hand should rest on the table. A
child experiencing difficulty with the correct pencil grip may benefit from the use of a triangular pencil or
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pencil grip. Your child should hold the paper firmly in position with the other hand and not press too hard
on the paper.
Make sure your child doesn’t lean too far forward and his/her head is not too near the book. Feet should be
on the floor and their elbows should not rest on the table. As a guide, the end of the pencil should be in line
with the arm. It is important that the hand and arm can move smoothly and, in time and with practice,
speedily.
It is also important to let your child see you writing as part of everyday life, for example: filling in forms,
shopping lists, catalogue orders, greetings cards and letters. Talk to your child about your writing: What is it?
Who is going to read it? Let them see you make mistakes and start again, as this is an important part of the
process of writing. Involve them in writing for a real and interesting purpose, such as signing their names on
a birthday card, writing to a relative or inviting a friend to a party.
Once your child has developed basic writing skills, you can help them develop higher order skills by
encouraging them to write whenever possible. This does not have to be by hand – writing on a computer is
just as useful in developing grammar, sentence structure and vocabulary. Try to find ‘real’ reasons for your
child to write. This might be writing to family members, keeping a holiday diary, making a family newsletter
to send out with Christmas cards or similar tasks. Older children, especially boys, will benefit enormously
from understanding why we need to write and, even if you don’t write very often at home, it can be helpful to
show children examples of writing you have done at work.
Praise their attempts at writing even if you can’t read them, and get your child to read them to you. Be patient
and encourage them to look at the letters around them and talk about the sounds they make.
APPENDIX 3: HELPING WITH MATHS AT HOME
The following points may be helpful in supporting your child with maths:
1. Remember that maths covers not only numbers, but also topics such as shape, telling the time,
measurement, capacity and data handling.
2. Try to find activities around the home that will help your child develop an understanding of mathematical
concepts. For the younger child this might be laying the table with the correct numbers of knives and
forks; for an older child it might be measuring something before you make a trip to B & Q or weighing
ingredients for cookery.
3. Challenge your child to read numbers you see when you are out and about.
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4. Games with a mathematical element (e.g. cribbage, Shut-the-Box and board games such as Ludo and
Monopoly) can be very helpful in giving mental maths practice and your child won’t even realise they are
doing it!
5. Children often learn well when there is music involved – CDs of times tables, for instance, can be a useful
tool. Try playing them in the car.
6. Shopping can be a good time to help with maths. Children can work out how much to pay and how
much change they should get.
7. Children can learn a lot about capacity by playing with a variety of containers in the bath.
8. If your child is struggling with maths homework, they probably need to ‘experience’ the work rather than
just do it on paper. Things such as pasta shapes or Lego bricks can make useful counters and help
children to do simple addition and subtraction sums. You might also help your child by drawing out a
simple number line.
Above all else, always praise your child’s efforts and don’t get cross if they don’t seem to grasp things straight
away. There is nothing harder to turn around than a child who has come to believe that they cannot do
maths!
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Yarm at Raventhorpe
96 Carmel Road North
Darlington
DL3 8JB
(01325) 463373
www.yarmschool.org
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