Parent Prospectus - Gusford Primary School

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Prospectus\Academic Year 2012.2013.doc 

Gusford Primary School 

“Promoting Achievement and Success.” 

Parent Handbook 

Page 0 of 25 

2012– 2013



CONTENTS 

Contents ...................................................................................... Page 1 

Headteacher’s welcome ............................................................. Page 2 

Aims of the School ...................................................................... Page 3 

Schools Hours............................................................................... Page 4 

Organisation of Classes ............................................................... Page 5 

School Uniform ........................................................................... Page 6 

PE & Sports Clothing ................................................................... Page 7 

School Meals ............................................................................... Page 8 

Home School Links ...................................................................... Page 9 

Communicating with the School ............................................... Page 10 

Complaints Procedure .............................................................. Page 10 

Medical Arrangements ............................................................. Page 11 

Accidents & Illnesses in School ................................................. Page 12 

The School Curriculum ......................................................... Page 13-15 

Assemblies ................................................................................ Page 14 

Special Needs ............................................................................ Page 15 

Behaviour .................................................................................. Page 16 

School Values ............................................................................ Page 16 

Sex Education ............................................................................ Page 17 

Homework ................................................................................. Page 17 

Charging & Remissions Policy ................................................... Page 17 

Absence & Attendance ............................................................. Page 18 

National Curriculum Assessment Tests .................................... Page 19 

Target Setting ............................................................................ Page 19 

School Governing Body ............................................................. Page 20 

School Staff ............................................................................... Page 21 

Holiday Dates ............................................................................ Page 22 

Gusford Primary School, Sheldrake Drive Ipswich IP2 9LQ 

Telephone 01473 682148 Fax 01473 692142 

Email admin@gusford.org.uk Website: www.gusford.suffolk.sch.uk 

Headteacher Mr. Colin Tapscott 

Community Primary School - Mixed Ability 5 to 11 and Nursery 

Chair of Governors Mrs Linda Winstone 

Page 1 of 25



Welcome 

Welcome to Gusford Primary School. We hope that this will be the start of a long 

and happy association. We are all very proud of our school and hope that you will 

come to share that feeling with us. This handbook tries to set out a glimpse of life at 

Gusford. This includes the activities and opportunities available to all children 

together with practical information for parents. 

I joined Gusford in April 2007 and it became clear from early on that Gusford is a 

school with great potential. Staff, children and parents all work together to get the 

best for the children and for them to have a broad and balanced curriculum and to 

enjoy learning. Gusford had its fair share of success in Sport and academic results 

that are improving throughout the school. In the four years that I have been 

Headteacher here we have seen KS2 writing results rise by over 20% and maths results rise by 13%. This has been 

through focusing on each child and targeting their needs. Of course we still have improvements to make, like all 

schools, but one thing you can be sure of is that Gusford is a school where your child will not only have good 

memories of their learning but will develop an enthusiasm for their learning. 

Engaging Learning 

I have always believed that children should enjoy learning and that their 

time at primary school should be a time that creates lasting happy 

memories. Hopefully as you look through our handbook you will recognise 

that Gusford is a place that creates those memories for our children 

because we try to bring learning alive. We have science days, sports 

tournaments & trophies and woodland walks which give a flavour of things 

that happen at Gusford. Alongside this our aim is to help children achieve 

the best academic results. Please do look at our website, 

www.gusford.suffolk.sch.uk, especially your year group page, newsletters 

and parent page to get up to date information on things we are doing. 

A Partnership in Learning 

Gusford is a community primary school and our motto "Promoting Achievement & Success" means that alongside 

our learning we want to work with parents and members of the community to achieve for our children. Our aim is to 

get to 

know each other as well as possible so that your child can be educated in a happy and 

stimulating environment based on friendship, co-operation and understanding. 

Please remember that if you or your child have any concerns or worries at home 

or at school, however small, it would help us to know about them. 

By working closely together we can build and maintain a school environment 

where consideration for others and courtesy to all provide a firm foundation 

from which our children will be prepared to face life with confidence in the 

twenty first century. 

Colin Tapscott 

Page 2 of 25



Headteacher 

Page 3 of 25



Introducing Gusford 

Gusford Primary School provides education for around 600 children aged from 4 to 11 years and is able to cater for 

an annual intake of up to 90 children. We are situated in the Chantry area of Ipswich. The school, which was opened 

in 1962, has 21 classrooms, 2 halls, a learner swimming pool, computer suite and a number of group rooms and 

resource areas. The school serves the Brookwood, Thorrington Park, Belstead Hills and Chantry area of South West 

Ipswich. Details of the precise catchment area may be obtained from the school office. There are pleasant grounds 

with much landscaping around the site. There is also a beautiful environmental area with a pond and natural 

hedgerow which are used by the children as part of their studies. 

Our Aims 

SAFE: Develop a safe community, where each child 

will learn to share and live together, showing care and 

respect for people and property. 

HEALTHY: Provide a curriculum which cover all 

areas of the Foundation Stage, Key Stage 1 and 2 that 

takes account of the children’s interests. We will plan 

the curriculum to include access for children of all 

abilities to extend them at their appropriate level and 

that promotes basic skills and a healthy lifestyle. 

ENJOY & ACHIEVE: Develop resources and up-date areas of the curriculum regularly in order to 

create a stimulating environment that provides the best quality teaching and learning experiences possible 

that will enable children to enjoy and achieve. 

ECONOMIC WELLBEING: Ensure that the children are secure and happily settled into school so 

that they may develop to their full potential, confidently taking responsibility for their own independent 

learning and prepare them for their future well being. 

POSITIVE CONTRIBUTION: Encourage the involvement of the wider community where 

governors, parents, children and staff, work together to make a positive contribution for the benefit of all. 

SAFEGUARDING: Gusford is committed to the safeguarding and welfare of children. It has 

thorough safeguarding policies and a safe recruitment policy. If you have any concerns regarding the 

welfare of a child at Gusford please contact our safeguarding leaders: Mr Tapscott, Headteacher, and Mrs 

Green, Deputy Headteacher. They can be contacted by phoning the school on 01473 682148. 

Page 4 of 25



Daily Timetable 

For all the children, the hours of the morning session are the same, but in the afternoon the Key Stage 

2 children work longer. The times are: 

MORNING 

AFTERNOON 

REC & KS1 

8.50 am - 12.00 noon 

BREAK 10.40-10.55am 

1.10 pm – 3.20 pm 

BREAK 2.20-2.30pm 

KS2 

8.50 am – 12.15 noon 

BREAK 10.40-10.55am 

1.10 pm – 3.30 pm 

Break 2.20-2.30pm 

There is a break of 15 minutes during each morning for everyone but only the Reception and Key 

Stage 1 have a 15 minute break in the afternoon. For each full school week the time is spent as 

follows: 

REC & KS1 

KS2 

Teaching Time (not 21 hours 15 minutes 23 hours 20 minutes 

including Assemblies) 

Assemblies 1 hour 15 minutes 

1 hour 15 minutes 

(15 mins collective worship) 

(15 mins collective worship) 

Registration 1 hour 15 minutes 1 hour 15 minutes 

Breaks 1 hour 15 minutes 1 hour 15 minutes 

Children should not arrive onto the school premises before 8.40am as there is no duty teacher to 

supervise them before that time, unless they are involved in an official school practice or club. Children 

who go home for the mid-day meal are not expected to return to school before 1.00pm. 

Teachers undertake supervision in the playground from approximately 8.40am. In the Reception and Key 

Stage 1 the children line up in class groups ready to be taken in by their class teachers. Parents should say 

goodbye to their children outside so that they are ready to go into class at 8.50am promptly. The main 

entry doors remain open for 10 minutes. Children who arrive at school after 8.50am must report to the 

main school office. 

Page 5 of 25



Organisation of Classes 

Reception 

In September 2011 the government changed the system for entry into school. All children enter reception 

in September. At Gusford we believe that starting school is a big jump for many children and so we have a 

period of induction where children start part time and this is increased to full time over the first two weeks. 

We have 3 classes in reception which are mixed age and ability which should reduce the need to re-organise 

classes at the end of the year which we have traditionally had to do to when children entered at three 

points in the year. 

KS2 

Due to numbers in some year groups we have one mixed age Y3/4 class and Y5/6 class. Class sizes now 

range between 27 and 30. There are setting ability groups for children in Mathematics in years 3 to 6. 

Throughout the school we support children with ‘booster’ sessions to help them achieved the expected 

level. For those children who have greater difficulties the Special Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) organises 

additional group work and provide individual support programmes which are delivered by teaching 

assistants. 

Nursery 

Following the changes to entry into school the school has reduced 

its nursery to 26 places in the morning. It opens from 9.00am - 

12.00pm 

Parents are advised to fill in an application form soon after their 

child’s second birthday. Children are usually offered 2 terms in the 

nursery before starting school full time. However, places may be 

offered to younger children if the nursery is not full. The nursery 

admission criteria are available from the school office or from 

Suffolk County Council (Schools in Suffolk booklet). 

Page 6 of 25



School Uniform 

There is a school uniform and all children who attend the school are expected to comply with this. This 

policy was decided upon after 94% of parents voted in favour of a school uniform. 

BOYS 

GIRLS 

WINTER 

Long or short grey or black trousers 

White Polo T shirt or shirt with 

Bottle green jumper, cardigan, sweatshirt 

or fleece 

Flat solid black shoes 

Grey or bottle green pinafore dress or 

skirt 

Black or grey trousers 

White blouse or Polo T shirt 

Bottle green jumper, cardigan, sweatshirt 

or fleece 

Flat solid black shoes 

SUMMER 

Continue with the winter uniform or: 

(1) White shirt or Polo T shirt 

(2) Short sleeve shirt with short grey 

trousers or black / grey plain shorts 

Continue with the winter uniform or: 

(1) Plain style dress in green or checks 

or stripes 

(2) A white blouse or Polo T shirt with 

winter skirt or trousers 

White sandals with a back strap 

AVAILABLE FROM THE OFFICE ON TUESDAY, WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY: 

Fleece with embroidered badge from £12.00 Nursery T Shirt £4.50 

Green Sweatshirts with embroidered badge from £11.50 Long Sleeved 

Polo Shirts with school badge from £7.50 Nursery T Shirt £7.50 

T Shirts with a school badge from £4.00 

School ties (recommended but optional) £2.00 Our uniform is good quality and we 

Caps with school badge £2.50 very rarely have issues with our 

Legionnaire caps with school badge £3.00 clothing. However if there are faulty 

Book bags with the school badge £3.50 items these will have to be returned 

Gym bags with the school badge £3.00 to the supplier for inspection before 

any refund or replacement can be 

given. 

Lost Property 

We cannot accept responsibility for loss or damage of children’s property, but if items are clearly named we 

will do our best to return them to their owner. Please mark your child’s name in all articles of clothing. 

Parents are welcome to drop in to reclaim any lost items. Lost property is stored near the Small Hall.



PE Kit 

Children will need a variety of equipment, depending on the season: 

INDOOR PE 

OUTDOOR PE 

• Plain white or blue T Shirt with 

• Plain black or blue shorts 

• A leotard or black or blue wrapover skirt may be worn by the girls if 

preferred 

• Leotards are not recommended for outdoor wear in winter 

• Key Stage 2 children require plimsolls or trainers which should be kept 

throughout the week with their PE kit in school 

• In winter children need a tracksuit or to change into warm clothing 

including a thick jumper 

• Children in Years 4, 5 and 6 are allowed to bring football boots during our 

football season if they wish 

• A change of socks is recommended for those children who have PE lessons 

on the field in winter 

• In the Summer Term Reception and Key Stage 1 children also need 

plimsolls or trainers for outdoor PE 

• In the Summer Term all children need a swimming costume, towel and 

swimming hat 

Please ensure that ALL sports equipment is 

marked with your child’s name. 

Earrings must be removed for all PE lessons. It is 

the responsibility of each child to do this. If it is 

not possible to remove studs or sleepers, parents 

must provide sticking plaster to cover them so 

that there is no danger to themselves or others 

during PE. In swimming the only option is remove 

earrings. Please do not have your child’s ears 

pierced during the Summer Term as this will 

prevent your child from joining in with swimming 

lessons.

School Meals 



School Meals 

The school kitchen, under the supervision of the Cook, provides a meal on a cafeteria basis. The current 

prices are: 

Meal £2.10 Carton of Milk £0.25 Fruit Juice £0.35 Milkshake £0.55 

A cashless cafeteria system is used. Parents and older children pay money into a revaluation machine 

located in the front entrance. Each child has a PIN number which has to be entered into the machine. 

Parents can pay a week, month or a term in advance. Cheques are put into a special collection box and are 

made payable to ‘Suffolk County Council’ with the child’s name and class written clearly on the back. 

Packed Lunch 

Provision is made for children to bring their own packed lunch, and water and glasses are provided. 

Children who bring their own food may purchase drinks from the cash cafeteria. Children are not permitted 

(for safety reasons) to bring tins, glass bottles or fizzy drinks. As the school has ‘Healthy Schools’ status we 

encourage parents to provide a healthy packed lunch for their child and therefore avoid large quantities of 

chocolate biscuits etc. as this does affect some children’s behaviour in the afternoon. Bars of chocolate and 

sweets are not allowed for packed lunch. 

Nuts in Packed Lunches 

I am sure that many parents are aware that some children suffer extreme allergic reaction to nuts. This can 

result in death if airways are blocked as a result of swelling in the throat. Therefore, I request all parents 

not to put items containing nuts into their child’s packed lunches (eg Peanut butter sandwiches, bags of 

peanuts or mixed nuts) 

Free Meals 

In certain cases free meals are available to children. Application forms and further details may be obtained 

from the School office. Those eligible for Free School Meals are those in receipt of any one of the following 

benefits: 

• Income Support 

• Employment Support Allowance (income related) 

• Income based jobseekers allowance 

• Guarantee element of state pension credit 

• Supported under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 

• Child Tax Credit only and your taxable income is below £16,190. 

(Working Tax Credit does not qualify you for free school meals.) 

Break Time Snacks 

As part of our approach to health education the school has adopted a healthy eating policy. Children are 

only allowed to bring in fresh fruit or a cereal bar to eat during morning break time. This must be stored 

separately from packed lunch, as children are not allowed to access their packed lunch box during break 

time.



Partnership with Parents 

A Partnership in Learning 

Just one click on our ‘Parents’ web page reveals a host of ways we help 

parents (www.gusford.suffolk.sch.uk/parents.html ) to support their 

children. 

Informing . . . At the start of each year we have a meeting in each year 

group/phase with parents to explain the setup for the year. This is followed 

up by curriculum information and homework for the term both in letters 

and the year group webpage. www.gusford.suffolk.sch.uk/yeargroup.html 

Collaborating . . . Throughout the year we have ‘Learning Together’ 

workshops where parents come and work with their children and learn 

together. Subjects in the last year have included Design Technology, 

Maths, Sex Education, healthy eating and ICT web safety. 

Reporting . . . We believe that you as parents need to know how your 

child is progressing. We have a parent/teacher consultation in the 

Autumn and Spring terms and an end of year report & Open Evening in 

the Summer term. In these consultations we update you on what is 

expected, what they have achieved and what they need to work on next. 

Helping . . . We have lots of parent helpers and a fantastic PCA who give a 

lot of their time. Parents are welcome in school and can become regular 

helpers after completing a criminal records check (CRB). 

Communicating . . . Children need to feel that their parents and 

teachers have mutual respect. We endeavour to promote this relationship 

and hope that parents have similar aims. The school has adopted a 

parent/school contract. This is given to all parents of children when they 

start the school and again when they transfer to Key Stage 2. 

Before your child starts school, and during the early part of each Autumn Term, we ask parents to complete 

a form giving the school certain information, in particular how to contact you in an emergency. Please 

make sure that this form is completed and returned and that the information is updated as and when 

necessary (eg if you move house, or change your home or work telephone number etc). This information is 

vital if your child is ill or in an emergency situation.



Contacting Gusford 

Generally communication with the teachers should be by letter as teaching commitments and the size of the 

site make it difficult for them to come to the office telephone. Emergency messages will of course be passed 

onto children or their teachers. 

The School Telephone number is 01473 682148 

If your child is absent you can leave a message on the answerphone to tell us why they are not in school. 

The answerphone is on from 4:15pm to 8:30am. 

The Fax Number is 01473 692142 

Our Email address is 

admin@gusford.org.uk 

Making Appointments 

It is usually best to speak to teachers briefly before or after school if you have any concerns or need to pass 

on information. If you need to discuss matters for a longer time or cannot see the teacher before or 

immediately after school, you need to contact the office staff to make an appointment. You should give 

them brief details of the problem so that the teacher can investigate specific incidents or have the right 

information to hand when you meet them. 

Complaints Procedure 

The Suffolk Education Authority procedure is as follows: 

The LEA has established procedures so that the concerns of parents and others, about the school 

curriculum and related matters may be considered and - whenever possible - resolved locally. The 

arrangements are to apply to complaints relating to the curricular responsibilities of the LEA or the 

governing body of a county, voluntary or maintained special school: that the authority or governing body 

has acted, or is proposing to act, unreasonably or has failed to comply with the requirements or duties 

imposed by the Education Reform Act 1988. 

1. In the first instance, particular problems should be referred to the class teacher. 

2. If not resolved problems should be referred to a senior member of staff. 

3. If still unresolved problems should be referred to the Headteacher who will endeavour to achieve a 

satisfactory outcome by informal means, if necessary through discussion with appropriate members 

of staff and the complainant. 

4. If, however, the issue cannot be resolved in this way, it may be referred first to a panel of governors 

of the school. 

5. As a last resort, to an LEA panel for formal consideration. Further details of the authority’s 

procedures may be obtained from the Headteacher or the Area Education Officer.



Medical Issues 

School Absence 

If your child is absent from school, you need to send a note to the class teacher explaining the reason for 

absence. Please telephone the school before 9:30am to tell us why they are absent. The answerphone is 

on from 4:15pm to 8:30am if you wish to leave a message. In the interests of all, children who have been 

sick should not return to school for at least 48 hours after the last bout of sickness. 

Medical Checks 

The school nursing team will see your child with written consent during the second term, this will include 

hearing and vision concerns. If you wish to see the school doctor, appointments can be arranged through 

the school nurse who may refer your child following discussion. Lacey Swann, the current school nurse can 

be contacted at Chantry Clinic (telephone no. 685964). 

Head lice 

Head lice are sometimes a problem. Advice can be obtained from the School Nurse, GP or Pharmacist. 

Please notify the school. A leaflet is available. The best method of prevention is to brush and comb your 

child’s hair prior to bed time and regularly check his/her hair at least once a week. 

Medical Appointments. 

It is expected that all children will be collected from school by their parents if they have to leave school 

during the day for a medical appointment or other reason. 

Administering medicine to children in School. 

On the issue of administering medicines to children, we follow the County guide-lines which are quoted 

below: 

“When children are ill, it is parents’ responsibility to ensure that they receive proper care and schools may 

advise parents that when their children are unwell they should not be sent to school. The administering of 

medicines to children is also parents’ responsibility, unless the circumstances (such as for pupils in a special 

school) make this impractical. Since very few medications need to be administered in the middle of the day 

when the child is well enough to be at school, parents may be expected either to keep the child at home or 

to arrange to administer the medicine personally if they believe a course of treatment to be necessary. The 

administering of medicines need not include the period 9.00am to 4.00pm”. 

In any of the special cases mentioned above, parents must consult the Headteacher (Office Manager when 

the Headteacher is not available) and provide written instructions on the administration of the particular 

drug. Before passing drugs or medicines of any type, the containers must be clearly labelled with (a) the 

child’s name and (b) the dosage to be ad-ministered. 

In other special cases we will co-operate wherever possible. However, parents should note that unless 

express permission has been granted by the Headteacher, children must not be in possession, in school, of 

medicines or drugs nor may the drugs be taken to classrooms or left in cloakrooms.



Accidents & Illnesses in School 

In all cases of emergency the School Office will endeavour to get in touch with the parents concerned, but if 

this is not possible they will take appropriate action which may involve transporting a child to hospital, 

calling an ambulance or consulting a local doctor. 

When children are ill it is in their interests to be taken home to rest in comfortable and warm surroundings. 

The School Office will try to contact parents or, failing this, any other persons identified on the emergency 

form so that the child can be looked after by someone they know well. 

Asthmatics 

We have a number of children who regularly use an inhaler to combat asthma. These are stored in the 

school office and are available to children as and when they need them. The advantage of this system, is that 

• other children are unlikely to have access to them or tamper with them; 

• the office staff can monitor excessive usage and report to parents; 

• the children know where their inhalers are stored at all times; 

• reminders can be given to the children when further capsules are needed and that welfare staff are 

available to sort out any problems when children need to use their inhalers. 

We believe that this is the best system for the majority of asthma sufferers. Children who suffer serious, 

sudden asthma attacks may need to keep their inhaler with them at all times. If you wish your child to do 

this you must inform the Headteacher in writing. Children who keep their inhalers with them are entirely 

responsible for usage, storage and ensuring that other children are not allowed access to the inhaler. 

The school office will still need an inhaler in case the child mislays their own one. 

Healthcare Plans 

The school now draws up detailed plans for children who have significant health concerns. Please let the 

school know if your child has a health concern. 

Equal Opportunities 

At Gusford we aim to provide appropriate facilities for disabled children or adults. We have children 

enrolled with visual and aural difficulties as well as mobility problems. Within the constraints of the 

available resources we have improved areas of the school to provide equal access to the curriculum and 

school resources. There are three disabled toilets, handrails, non-slip floors and slopes and ramped access is 

provided to all main entrances. 

A disabled toilet has been provided in the new Nursery and access to the Nursery has been made for 

disabled pupils or adults. 

Applications to the school from pupils on medical grounds are given a high priority in our admission policy. 

However, decisions about admitting disabled pupils will be made taking into account the needs of the child 

and the ability of the school to provide adequately for these needs.



School Curriculum 

All pupils are expected to follow a balanced programme of study in the following National Curriculum 

subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Technology, Information and Communication Technology (ICT), 

Geography, History, Music, Art and Physical Education plus, in addition Religious Education. Pupils are 

regularly assessed by their teachers, but at the end of Key Stage 1 (year 2) and Key Stage 2 (year 6) they are 

formally assessed in English Mathematics and Science. 

English 

The School uses the National Literacy Strategy as the basis for its curriculum plan. We also ensure that the 

children are grounded in the important skills for their age and often use a ‘Back to Basics’ approach when 

needed to reinforce the basic skills. Children spend at least one hour each day developing their reading and 

writing skills. Group reading takes place once a week and throughout the school phonics is taught to ensure 

the children understand letter sounds and blends in their reading 

and spelling. The school uses Oxford Reading Tree as its core 

reading scheme and supplements this with other schemes 

alongside a graded colour band system which provides extension 

and reinforcement reading materials. 

Mathematics 

In mathematics teachers follow the National Numeracy Strategy 

guidelines. In Y3 upwards we run a mental maths programme to 

focus on core skills expected for that age. From Y3 upwards we set for maths according to ability across the 

classes in a year group. This supports targeted intervention and support. 

ICT 

The school has good provision for computer work. There is a networked computer room with 30 modern 

computers. Each class has its own computer and there are also 3 mini networks of computers around the 

school. There is a laptop trolley with 16 laptops for classes to use. The school has just started using a 

programme called ICT alive to help teach the children ICT skills in a fun, interactive way. 

Parents are asked to sign a form to give permission for their child to use the internet. The school has 

filtering software to block access to unadvisable websites. 

Science 

Children have around two hours Science teaching each week and this is delivered either through a Topic 

approach or through Stand alone units. We have a strong emphasis on learning through experience which 

involves a good use of scientific investigations.




Music 

The school is well known for its high standards in Music. Class lessons focus on developing rhythm, singing, 

instrumental work and music appreciation. Outside the school day many music activities are organised. 

Peripatetic teachers offer lessons on the violin, guitar and drums. Many of these children progress to 

instrumental examinations. 

Religious Education 

Pupils follow a programme of study taken from the Suffolk Agreed Syllabus. The major part of the work 

focuses on Christianity. Children will also cover units on Judaism, Islam and Hinduism. 

Assemblies 

Assemblies are non-denominational in character. The format of these will vary but will often include 

singing/worship, a story/teaching/reflection point and prayer. There are visits from leaders of the local faith 

communities to take assemblies. Parents may withdraw their children from the arrangements for worship 

and religious education, if they wish. This should be discussed with the Headteacher before a decision is 

made. 

Sporting Aims And Provision For Sport 

Our aims are that children should: 

a) Experience the challenge and enjoyment that can be derived from team games and competition, 

b) Explore and start to develop the physical capabilities of their bodies through physical education 

activities 

PE is organised into six areas which children experience during each year. These are gymnastics, dance, 

athletics, individual and team games, swimming and outdoor/adventurous activities. The school has its 

own heated outdoor learner swimming pool. This is used by children from reception to Year 6 in the second 

half of the Summer Term. The Upper Key Stage 2 children also take part in deep water swimming at Crown 

Pools. Children are encouraged to gain swimming awards in both shallow and deep water. 

Each year there are Reception and Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 Sports afternoons and inter-class 

competitions for the older children. 

The range of extra curricular clubs is extensive and includes dance, football, netball, cricket, rugby touch 

and athletics. Teams are entered for local schools’ competitions in many of these areas and achieve a great 

deal of success.




School Clubs And Out Of School Activities 

These are provided as an extension to the school curriculum and give an opportunity for some gifted 

children to further develop their talents as well as for all children to join with teachers in a variety of 

activities in a more sociable and less formal way. The school uses external providers for this and Gusford 

staff. 

Special Needs 

The Governors and staff believe it is important to try to incorporate children with different mental, physical 

and social or behavioural needs into the school. Some children are assessed by outside agencies before 

they start school. This is to assess whether the school can provide appropriate support for the child and if 

so what that support will need to be. Other children are identified after a period of assessment. This can be 

for several terms with younger children as they often do not reveal their true potential until after they have 

settled into school life and new routines. 

When problems are identified our Special Needs Co-ordinator (SENCO) carries out some initial screening 

tests and the child will be identified for School Action. At this stage some additional support will be 

provided in the class situation through small group work supported by a teaching assistant. If progress is 

not made or the difficulties are more deep seated, then the support will move to School Action Plus. At this 

stage additional support may be given by the SENCO and further advice may be sought from County 

Educational Advisory staff. 

From the advice a plan will be drawn up called an Individual Education Plan (IEP). The child’s progress will 

be monitored further. Parents are closely involved throughout the process and their views are sought and 

taken into account. 

Resources which are needed to support Special Needs children are allocated via funding provided by Suffolk 

Education Department through auditing each school’s needs. With some children these may be serious, 

complex and long term, if so, a further assessment will be made and a Special Needs Statement drawn up 

by the Local Education Authority. 

The school has a detailed policy regarding the provision for gifted children. Groups of gifted mathematicians 

and writers are taken for Special Workshop sessions by subject leaders.



Behaviour 

The school’s behaviour policy is an important and central plank which underpins the work of the school. 

The last Ofsted report said 

Pupils have good attitudes to learning and they enjoy coming to school. Their behaviour is good. 

There is good provision for their personal development, including their spiritual, moral, social and 

cultural development. 

The staff of the school operate an assertive discipline policy with an emphasis on rewards and if necessary 

sanctions. In the event of poor behaviour warnings are given and if more than one warning is given in a day 

there are consequences such as time out and discussions with senior staff. 

As a member of the IP2 Partnership, Gusford has adopted the Chantry Pyramid of Schools Statement 

concerning the rights of all pupils and staff when at school. These rights have been agreed as: 

• to feel safe and comfortable 

• to be treated with respect 

• to learn and teach without interruption 

• to communicate and to be listened to 

• to use, share and care for school facilities 

• to be valued for their achievement 

These rights carry with them responsibilities which are reinforced by school values and rules. All staff will 

endeavour to apply these rules consistently. Poor behaviour will be dealt with calmly, fairly and 

consistently and will have the consequence of agreed sanctions. Our aim is to encourage appropriate 

behaviour at all times. 

School Values & Rules 

The children and staff have established 6 school values which influence and underpin the way we deal with 

each other and conduct ourselves in school. The values have been deliberately written in a ‘snappy’ style so 

they are easily remembered by the children. 

1. To have friends: be friendly 

2. Have a go and do your best. 

3. Together Everyone Achieves More (T.E.A.M.) 

4. Help our school be green and tidy 

5. Take care of property 

6. Do things right, be polite 

As part of the school assertive discipline policy, each class has devised its own classroom code of behaviour 

stating the rules, rewards and consequences.



Policies 

Sex Education 

Sex Education is taught by class teachers throughout the school as part of the Science and Health 

curriculum. The majority of Sex Education within the school will not be explicit in its nature and will be 

more concerned with developing the children’s ‘social’ skills and attitudes. It will be only in Year 5 & 6 that 

detailed work will be carried out on body changes, human reproduction including conception, development 

of the foetus and birth. The section of work on Puberty in Year 5 will include looking at physical changes 

which take place at puberty and the emotional changes. One lesson on menstruation in Year 5 is taught in a 

single sex class as this enables the girls to talk more readily to the school nurse or member of staff. A copy 

of the Sex Education Policy is available from the Headteacher if required. 

Homework 

Homework is set on a termly/half termly basis and starts in Year 1 with about 20-30 minutes per week, 

rising to around 2 hours a week in Year 6. In addition to the set homework the children are expected to 

read regularly, learn spelling patterns, number bonds and tables. Research projects are given out from time 

to time. At the simplest level these may consist of children finding out information from relatives or 

friends. At the most complex level these may be mini projects, a biography or autobiography and may 

require research at home, from the library, from computer CDs or even the Internet. Completion of 

homework is dependant on the support of parents. Children are expected to complete homework. Some 

year groups offer a reward system for those children who complete the required amount of homework. We 

understand that many children lead very full active lives outside school and therefore we try to give more 

than one day to do the homework in case any outside school clubs clash with when homework is given. 

Homework timetables are on the website on year group pages: www.gusford.suffolk.sch.uk/yeargroup.html 

Charging & Remissions Policy 

A termly charge is made for instrumental lessons provided by the peripatetic teachers. This is £40 for the 

first child in a family, £35 for a second child. Parents in receipt of free school meals are not charged and 

those who hold a Tax Credit Exemption Certificate – the charge for Sept 2011 to July 2012 will be £20. 

Please be aware that these music lessons are heavily subsidised by the school and once you have agreed 

that your child can do music lessons you have to give half a term’s notice if you wish your child to stop and 

all fees must be paid up until that date. 

Parents are requested to make a voluntary contribution towards school visits and sometimes special 

performances given by theatre groups visiting the school. A copy of the full charging and remissions policy 

is available from the Headteacher.



Attendance 

Information on Absence and Pupil Attendance 

Schools are required to keep and publish information about unauthorised absence. An unauthorised 

absence is one for which the school does not receive written notification of the reason why a child has been 

absent, or where the reason given is not regarded as satisfactory. 

Obviously it is difficult to set down a comprehensive list of acceptable reasons for absence. 

However, ‘going to buy new clothes’, ‘getting a hair cut’ or ‘having a day off as a birthday present’ are some 

of the reasons given which would not be authorised. 

The DfEE also suggests that ‘parents should be encouraged to avoid, as far as possible, arranging medical 

and similar appointments for their children during school hours. Normally children are collected from the 

school by an adult if they have such appointments. 

Education regulations have now changed with regards to taking holidays in term time. No holiday in term 

time will be routinely authorised. If you have an exceptional reason for your term time request for absence 

(e.g. no choice of holiday dates from your workplace, bereavement issues) then please write to the head 

teacher explaining the reason for your request. Schools in the Chantry area have agreed that all such 

applications will be reviewed by the Educational Welfare Officer and she will decide whether it is to be 

authorised. This ensures consistency in holidays being granted. Parents should consider that taking holidays 

during term time can be disruptive to their child’s education. 

If you take your child on holiday in term time and it is not authorised you will receive a warning letter from 

the Local Education Authority explaining that if further unauthorised absences occur you will be issued with 

a fixed penalty notice. 

If you are intending to take a family holiday please collect a permission form from the School Office. Work 

is not set by teachers when children are absent on holiday. Taking time off during the term is likely to 

adversely affect your child’s work, particularly in mathematics and English. Absence during the National 

Curriculum test week for Year 6 should be avoided at all costs. These are usually held during the second or 

third weeks of May each year. 

Attendance Levels 2010/2011 

Gusford attendance rate 93.7% 

National attendance rate 95.22% 

Gusford Daily Level of Authorised Absence 5.6% 

Gusford Daily Level of Unauthorised Absence 0.7% 

Gusford total absence 6.3% 

National total absence 5.78%



Results & Target Setting 

National Curriculum Assessment Tests 

Schools are required by the Government to publish information about their pupils’ performance at the end 

of Key Stage 1 (Aged 6/7) and at the end of Key Stage 2 (Aged 10/11). 

The information given relates to assessments carried out by the teacher and tests carried out at the end of 

the year. Children are awarded levels of achievement. Typically a child at the end of Key Stage 1 who has 

achieved level 2 will have successfully completed work which has been designed to stretch the average 6/7 

year old. At the end of Key Stage 2 a child who has reached level 4 will have successfully completed work 

which has been designed to stretch the average 10/11 year old. 

Year 6 SATS results 2011 Year 2 SATS results 2011 

Gusford 

L4+ 

National 

L4+ 


L5+ 

National 

L5+ 


2C+ 

National 

2C+ 


2B+ 

National 

2B+ 


3+ 

National 

3+ 

Reading 80% 84% 24% 51% Reading 80% 86% 65% 75% 12% 30% 

Writing 72% 75% 14% 21% Writing 86% 82% 52% 64% 5% 17% 

English 76% 18% 33% Maths 92% 90% 65% 76% 16% 24% 

Maths 76% 80% 23% 35% 

Eng&Ma 66% 74% 

Target Setting 

In each year group we set targets for improvement in Reading, Writing and Maths. Each child has a target 

for the end of the year too. We are required to set targets for achievement for the end of Year 6 which are 

set at the start of Year 5. Here are the 2012 targets: 

KS2 Statutory targets: Target for 2011 Actual for 2011 Target for 2012 

% level 4+ in both 

English and maths 

% 2 NC levels progress 

in English (KS1 – 2) 

% 2 NC levels progress 

in maths (KS1 – 2) 

63 66 64 

87 85 85 

78 76 86 

Parents will notice that the same targets are not given for each group of children. This is because the mix of 

children in each year group is different and challenging targets will sometimes have to be lower for some 

year groups.



Governing Body 

The school is governed by a Governing Body which meets at least once or twice a term. This is made up of a 

number of representatives from Suffolk County Council, Ipswich Borough Council, elected parents, 

members of the school teaching staff and co-opted members. 

Their job is to oversee the efficient running of the school. A list of the present School Governors is given 

below. 

MEMBERS OF THE GOVERNING BODY 

Status Name Date Appointed 

Nominated by Suffolk County Council Mr R Fern 

Mrs L Winstone (Chair) 

01/09/2006 

01/2010 

Nominated by Parents 

Mr O Arthur 

Mr R Marlow 

Mr R Fothergill 

Mr R King 

Mr S Fair 

Mr K Brooks 

31/10/2003 

20/04/2004 

20/07/2007 

20/07/2007 

26/05/2010 

18/07/2011 

Nominated by Teaching Staff 

Miss C Pearsons 

Mrs E Green 

15/03/2004 

04/11/2004 

Nominated by Non Teaching Staff Mrs S Kitcher 15/03/2011 

Community Members 

Rev Ali Chesworth 

Mr C Fiske 

Mrs B Wright 

Mrs P Dobson 

Miss D Phillips 

23/06/2011 

23/02/2005 

21/10/1992 

01/04/2009 

06/12/2011 

Ex Officio (Headteacher) Mr Colin Tapscott 16/04/2007 

Page 21 of 25



Staff 

Headteacher 

Deputy Headteacher 

Foundation Co-ordinator 

Key Stage 1 Co-ordinator 

Lower K S 2 Co-ordinator 

Upper K S 2 Co-ordinator 

Special Needs 

Co-ordinator 

Teaching Staff 

Mr C Tapscott 

Mrs E Green 

Mrs Matson 

Mrs S Rose 

Mr J Gray 

Ms P Headlam 

Mrs L Hook 

Mrs K Bennett Caretaker Mr M Carley 

Ms N Collins Office Manager/Head teacher’s PA Mrs L De’ath 

Miss J Gooch Finance Officer Mrs T Mason 

Ms A Gray Administrative/General Assistants Mrs L Heard 

Mrs E Gray 

Mrs J Mee 

Mr J Gray 

Mrs C Harbut 

Ms D French 

Mrs P Seager 

Mrs N Frolish 

Miss J Hughes Senior Welfare Assistant Mrs S Kitcher 

Miss L Hughes 

Mrs C Jermy Senior Classroom Assistants Mrs C King 

Ms M Robinson 

Mrs A Page 

Mrs S Race 

Mrs J Pipe 

Mrs S Rose 

Mrs J Smith 

Ms N Talbot 

Mrs A Tapscott Classroom/General Assistants Mrs J Biggs 

Mrs L Tapscott 

Miss J Upson 

Currently on maternity leave 

Mrs McCulloch 

Mrs S Clayton 

Mrs K Fitzmaurice 

Mrs G Smith 

Mrs S Crocker 

Mrs B Dack 

Mrs A Gillespie 

Mrs L Hales 

Mrs T Pallant 

Mrs S Mann 

Mrs T Wright 

Mrs C Sawyer 

Mrs J Studd 

Mrs S Turpin 

Mrs S Whatling 

Mrs L Dobell



Term Dates 

ACADEMIC YEAR 2011/2012 

PD Days (pupils not in) 

tba 

Autumn Term 1 st half term 5 September 2011 21 October 2011 5/6 September 2011 

Half term 

holiday 

24 October 2011 28 October 2011 

2 nd half term 31 October 2011 16 December 2011 

Spring Term 1 st half term 3 January 2012 10 February 2012 3 January 2012 

Half term 

holiday 

13 February 2012 17 February 2012 

2 nd half term 20 February 2012 30 March 2012 

Summer Term 1 st half term 16 April 2012 1 June 2012 16 April 2012 

Half term 

holiday 

4 June 2012 8 June 2012 

2 nd half term 11 June 2011 23 July 2012 23 July 2012 

ACADEMIC YEAR 2012/2013 

Autumn Term 1 st half term 3 September 2012 16 October 2012 

PD Days (pupils not in) 

tba 

Half term 

holiday 

29 October 2012 2 November 2012 

2 nd half term 5 November 2012 21 December 2012 

Spring Term 1 st half term 7 January 2013 15 February 2013 

Half term 

holiday 

18 February 2013 22 February 2013 

2 nd half term 25 February 2013 26 March 2013 

Summer Term 1 st half term 15 April 2013 24 May 2013 

Half term 

holiday 

27 May 2013 31 May 2013 

2 nd half term 3 June 2013 23 July 2013


Prospectus\Academic Year 2012.2013.doc

Parent Prospectus - Gusford Primary School

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