" Grange is a caring family community. Pupils and parents have pride in the school. The atmosphere is friendly with appropriate regard to personal development and mutual respect." Ofsted Report 1998.

Thank you for your interest in Grange Primary School. We hope that the information on this page will answer many of your questions and help you to know more about the life and work of our school

Grange school is a mainstream Primary School which has enhanced facilities for pupils with a range of additional needs. We have a commitment to inclusive education and strive to maintain a high quality teaching and learning environment which is barrier free.

We promote partnership with parents through our home - school agreement. We place a high value on establishing close links between home and school so that we can effectively work together to achieve the best for each child.

Parents are encouraged to share in their child's progress at open evenings, through consultation with their child's class teacher, by viewing their child's work and through an annual written report.

Parents are always welcome in school, many parents support reading and practical activities as well as educational visits. There are many opportunities to share in special events across the year such as assemblies, coffee mornings and concerts. We also try to keep you informed about school life through our school newsletter.

The Friends of Grange Community group actively supports the school both practically and financially. They often organise adult education training courses as well as social events.

Headteacher Mrs L. Conway
Chair of Governors – Mr R Flintoff

Web sites - for more information please view us on
http://www.globalchildren.eu/
http://www.young-global-citizens.org
www.euro-citzens.org

Mission Statement

We aim to make our school a welcoming and friendly place where there is care and consideration for all. We recognise that all who come here have a purpose within the establishment -- from the youngest nursery child to the most experienced member of staff - from teaching staff to non-teaching staff - parents, governors, multi agency staff and visitors.

¨ We aim to provide our pupils with the experience of being an important part of a loving, caring community.

¨ We are dedicated to the development of the full potential of every child - regardless of physical, medical, emotional, social or behavioural needs

¨ We aim to provide a high quality teaching and learning environment.

¨ We aim to deliver a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum, which addresses a range of teaching and learning styles.

¨ We aim to promote positive interaction between home and school. We aim to promote inclusive policy and practice for all - overcoming barriers to access and participation

Where are we?

Grange Primary School is situated in the south of Hartlepool between the Fens and Owton Manor housing Estates. We are adjacent to Manor College of Technology with whom we have close links. There are currently approximately 300 children on roll.

What does our site offer?

All areas of the school site provide a high quality teaching and learning environment. All classrooms are furnished and equipped to a high standard. There are eleven classrooms within the main building and three in an annexe on the school site.

At Grange Primary School we aim to provide a barrier free environment for all who come to the school. The building is single storey with enhanced facilities. Entrances are ramped and there are no stairs or steps within the building.

There are disabled toilets and special facilities on the site which include a physiotherapy room, nurse's room and special needs accommodation

Facilities include an impressive library, an ICT suite, a television studio, a music room and a community room.

The school hall is used for assemblies, physical education across the day as well as a dining room at lunch time

There is an impressive Early Years Centre within the school building which has an exciting outdoor area.

There is an extensive playground area and a large playing field.

There is a Family Centre on the school site which meets the needs of the wider community run by the Local Authority Children's Services - Social Care Department.

Pupils use the learner swimming pool at Manor College of Technology.

More able pupils often take part in Saturday master classes in ICT and Design & Technology at Manor College.

Children transfer at the age of 11 from Grange Primary School to other comprehensive schools in Hartlepool. We take an active part in the primary liaison programme with Manor College of Technology which often allows opportunities for projects in design technology, information technology, music and physical education at Grange and at Manor College as well as events with other feeder primary schools.

How are classes organised?

The classes are generally organised into teaching units within the Early Years, Key Stages 1 and 2 phases. Each class has pupils of mixed ability, taught as a separate year group or sometimes in a class with two years mixed together.

It is the policy of Grange School that every child has equality of opportunity to participate in every aspect of the curriculum regardless of race, ability or gender.

There will be twelve classes in September 2007 - projected class sizes :-

All pupils are placed on a mainstream register to promote social inclusion across the school. They attend assemblies, playtimes, lunch times and foundation subjects with their mainstream class.

Pupils are organised according to their educational needs each morning. Pupils who have moderate learning needs and who are allocated a place at Grange in terms of their additional needs are taught in smaller groups each morning for literacy and numeracy.

Pupils are taught in two support groups. These pupil have been identified as needing support within a small group setting. This will have been decided through a statement of educational need or through admission by a selection panel.

More able pupils within a cohort often access literacy and numeracy in a higher group setting.

Each class has a teacher who is responsible for the organisation, planning of work programmes and monitoring and assessment of progress of the children in that class. .

Teachers use a range of teaching styles and organisation within class to meet the needs of the different learning styles of pupils. Sometimes pupils have the opportunity to be taught by another teacher for some subject areas.

Classes are often also supported by teaching assistants. We share our expertise and skills to give maximum benefit to the children in our school.

Each subject area is carefully planned, resourced and delivery and achievement monitored across the school. This is supported through target setting for individual pupils as well as year groups and the whole school.

When can my child start school?

Pupils who are 'rising 5' years of age are at present admitted to the school either in September or January depending on their date of birth.

Those born between 1st September and end of February, start in reception class in September, those born between 1st March and 31st August start in January.

This is currently under reveiw and out for consultation to all stakeholders

The children who attend the nursery often visit the main school and join in assemblies and special events. There are meetings for parents and children before the children transfer into the reception class.

If a child is transferring from another nursery unit or primary school he or she is welcome to visit with parents and meet the Headteacher and nursery teacher.

What time does the school day school start and finish?

Nursery

8.50 a.m. - 11.20 a.m.
12.30 p.m. - 3.00 p.m.

Key Stage 1 - ages 5 -7
The yard is open from 8.30 a.m. and locked at 9.00 a.m.

Children enter school at
8.50 a.m. - 11.30 a.m. and in the afternoon 12.20 p.m. - 3.00 p.m.

Children who go home for lunch should not return until 5 minutes before the afternoon session and must leave and enter by the main entrance. Pupils should enter by the gate nearest to St. Patrick's Church

Key Stage 2 - ages 7-11
The yard is open from 8. 30 a.m. and locked at 8.55 a.m.
Children are supervised from 8.40 a.m.

A whistle is blown at 8.40 a.m. to signal to children to line up

Classroom work starts at
8.45 a.m. - 12.20 p.m. and in the afternoon 1.15 p.m. - 3.05 p.m.

Children who go home to lunch should not return until 1.10 p.m.

Pupils should enter through the gate nearest to the school bungalow

What if my child is late for school?

Children who arrive late to school will find the main gates locked for security reasons. Children must then report to reception and sign in.

Repeated lateness will be monitored and reported to parents and if considered an ongoing problem a visit to the home by an Educational Social Worker will be arranged.

What if my child is absent from school?

If your child is unwell he/she should not be sent to school.

You should inform the school as soon as possible so that an authorised absence can be recorded.

Children returning to school after a period of absence should be given a note explaining the reason for absence. The school will often attempt to contact parents concerning a child's absence if a reason has not been communicated to the office.

If your child has an infectious or contagious disease it is important that the school is notified and a doctor's clearance obtained before he or she returns to school.

Authorised absences are recorded when there is a good reason for the absence and either the school or a parent has authorised the absence. Failure to inform the school may mean that an unauthorised absence is recorded and the school is legally obliged to report this.

Unauthorised absence means that there is no real reason for the absence and it can be regarded as truancy. Attendance at Grange school is closely monitored and concern about individual pupils reported. A home visit may be made by an Educational Social Worker to discuss any problems regarding attendance.

Requests for absence other than illness should be made to the Headteacher in advance of the proposed absence. Children who are accompanying a parent on an annual holiday may only be granted a maximum of ten days a year at the discretion of the Headteacher

What if my child needs medicine or has a medical condition?

Doctors occasionally advise that pupils should attend school while still receiving medicine, either because they are suffering from some chronic illness or allergy (e.g. diabetes or asthma) or because they are recovering from short-term illness and are undergoing a course of treatment needing anti-biotic.

For legal reasons teaching staff have been advised by their unions not to administer medicines to children - it is the parent's responsibility. Your child should either return home at lunchtime to receive their medication or you should come to the school to administer the medicine.

If you are unable to meet this requirement the Head Teacher may arrange for supervision of the taking of medicine, provided the following procedures have been followed -

• The school must receive a doctor's note, delivered by the parent, to the effect that it is necessary for the child to take medicine during school hours. The note must give clear instructions concerning the required dosage.

• On the first day the parent must bring the medicine to main office for safekeeping. The parent must complete the school's written indemnity form. Medicine cannot be taken in school unless this form has been completed.

• Medicines should be in the correct container with the chemist's label detailing the child's name, drug name and dosage.

• A parent should collect medicines at the end of each day.

• Parents of children who suffer from chronic illness or allergy should contact the Headteacher to discuss arrangements and an action plan will be discussed to support their specific needs.

Pupils with medical conditions which require ongoing nursing support are admitted to the school after consideration by the Local Education Authority and after discussion with the Headteacher and parents.

If pupils are identified through the health service as needing medical support they will be monitored and supported by health plan which may include a nursing provision on the school site. Pupils who receive ongoing programmes of physiotherapy are able to receive their regular treatment on the school site. Pupils are only admitted after referral from the Local Education Authority and discussion with the Headteacher

How will my child be cared for at school?

Class teachers are responsible for the pastoral care of children in their particular class. However it is the responsibility of the whole school to ensure that children are happy and secure in school. If you are experiencing a period of family difficulty - such as bereavement, illness, conflict - which you feel might affect your child, we would ask that you share that information confidentially with us. This will enable us to give your child every support and understanding they may need to deal with their problems or difficulties.

Children learn most effectively when they feel safe, secure and happy. We hope that you feel that you can come and share your concerns with us - so that we can discuss ways that we can help your child.

Should your child have an accident or feel unwell while at school one of our staff will administer first aid. We will make every attempt to keep you informed if your child has experienced a health problem during the day - by telephone or letter.

If we consider the illness or accident to be more serious we will comfort the pupil as well as we can and contact you, or a person you have identified as a contact, as soon as possible. It is essential that we have a daytime contact and telephone number in case of an emergency.

Child Protection and Pupil Welfare

The school has a duty of care and the right to take reasonable action to ensure the welfare and safety of its pupils. If a member of staff has cause to be concerned that a pupil may be subject to ill treatment, neglect or any other form of abuse the school will follow the child protection procedures and inform social services of its concern. This could involve a visit to the child's home by a social worker.

Can my child stay for lunch at school?

Midday meals are served on the premises in three sittings and children have a choice of menu.

Infants - first sitting 11.30 a.m.
Juniors - second sitting 12 p.m.
Juniors - third sitting 12.30 p.m.

The charge for a school meal in January 2008 will be £1.55 per day.

Payment must be made on a Monday morning or the first morning of attendance in the week.

A number of midday supervisors are employed to supervise the children to stay to school lunch. Children who misbehave or cause disruption of any kind during the lunchtime period will not be allowed to stay for school lunch.

Free school meals are supplied to those children who by reason of their parents' income in accordance with the scales determined by the Local Education Authority are in receipt of Income Support or Income Based Job Seekers Allowance.

If you think that your child may be entitled to free meals please contact the school or the education office for further details. Every effort is made to ensure that children receiving free school meals cannot be distinguished from those paying for their lunch.

Meals are prepared at Golden Flatts Primary School and transported to Grange Primary School.

Every effort is made to ensure quality and consistency in the service offered through the catering service.

We recommend that children do not stay during the first two weeks of starting reception class so that they are given the opportunity to settle into a full day at school.

What can my child wear at school?

All children are encouraged to follow the school dress code.

Purple sweatshirts and white polo shirts are on sale at the school office . They are embroidered with an image of our school mascot - Hartley.

We recommend the following uniform: -

• Grey skirt, trousers or tunic

• Grey or purple sweatshirt, cardigan or jumper

• Purple and yellow striped school tie

• White shirt

• Sweatshirts and ties are on sale at the school office.

• In summer girls might choose to wear a checked dress.

• Boys and girls may wear black, navy or grey shorts.

Please do not send your child to school in jeans, bicycle shorts, football shirts or other clothing more appropriate for the beach or the disco or sports activities.

Whilst we recognise the desire for children to be fashionable some hairstyles such as severe close cuts and close cropped hair can be a distraction in school. We ask for your support in sending your child to school with an acceptable hairstyle.

Please mark all your child's clothing with his/her name. Any items that are misplaced can then be easily returned. The school cannot accept responsibility for personal items at school.

There is a lost property container where lost items are placed. If your child brings home the wrong article of clothing by mistake we would appreciate it if you could ensure that it is returned to school at the earliest convenience.

Wristwatches are allowed but any other form of jewellery is not permitted. If your child has pierced ears and needs to wear studs, the studs must be covered over with elastoplasts. We kindly request that parents wait until the school holidays if their child is to have his/her ears pierced.

Your child will need to have a sports kit in school - T-shirt, shorts and gym shoes - that are stored in a gym bag in the classroom.

Girls might choose to wear a games skirt for games activities or a leotard for gymnastics lessons.

What will my child study?

At Grange Primary school we aim to deliver a broad and balanced curriculum through the delivery of the National Curriculum and Religious Education.

Your child will study the core subjects - English, Mathematics, Science & Information and Communications Technology.

He/she will also study foundation subjects - History, Geography, Art, Music, Physical Education, Design Technology and Religious Education in each year group. We also deliver Personal Social and Health Education, Social Emotional Aspects of Learning, French is our chosen Modern Foreign Language.

Each subject area is well planned and monitored to ensure progression and continuity of learning for all pupils across the school.

Broad areas of learning which take place across the school are:-

• communication skills - literacy - speaking, listening, writing, reading, information handling

• mathematical skills - numeracy - number , shape and space, measures, investigation, data handling

• environmental enquiry - historical, geographical and scientific study

• physical skills - gymnastics, games, swimming, athletics, country dancing

• creative arts - music, art, design, dance, drama

• attitudes and values - religious education, personal, social and health education issues

Additional information about each subject area is available in a separate booklet entitled - My child and the Curriculum at Grange Primary School

Extra curricular activities and visits

We aim to offer a range of extra curricular experiences across the school such as football, basketball, music, homework classes, art club, outdoor experience, visits to museums and galleries and visits from theatre groups. Many of these activities depend heavily on voluntary help by members of staff and parents who give their own time freely.

Educational visits are often arranged to support the studies which take place within the classroom. Each visit is carefully planned and organised to provide a valuable learning experience.

Parents are usually invited to make a voluntary contribution towards the cost of a visit, which is often already subsidised from school funds. A child will not be prevented from taking part in a visit on the basis that he or she has not made a contribution.

However the school reserves the right to cancel a visit if it is not financially viable.

The school reserves the right to exclude any child from a visit if his/her behaviour is not supportive of health and safety issues.

We have a wider range of venues which support curriculum delivery as well as an established programme of visitors and artists in residence who work with staff and pupils

How will my child's progress be monitored?

Assessment takes place as children begin their entry to the nursery to provide a baseline to track pupil development - this continues across the foundation stage. A complete assessment profile is produced at the end of the Foundation Stage.

Children are formally tested according to standard assessment tests and tasks at the end of Key Stage 1 (at the age of seven) and Key Stage 2 (age eleven). In addition, children's progress is regularly monitored, tested and assessed by the class teacher, so that appropriate learning programmes can be implemented matched to your child's level of achievement.

The school provides a written annual report to parents and holds regular formal open evenings during the year.

We aim to provide for the needs of all children in our care. Children who experience difficulties at school with regard to learning, behaviour or attendance are recorded on our special needs register.

If your child has Special Educational Needs or additional needs you will be invited to school on a termly basis to meet with the class teacher to discuss the individual educational plan which has been put together to help your child.

If your child is experiencing any problem that is affecting his/her progress we will :-

• inform you

• invite you to come and discuss the concerns

• involve you in helping your child to succeed during his/her time at Grange school

We might decide together to involve the specialist help of staff from the learning support service to assist in the identification of your child's problems and needs.

Will my child be given homework?

We hope that parents will support the school in its work to improve the academic performance of all pupils.

Homework is given regularly

• To support planned areas of study in class
  

• To learn spellings, tables and number bonds.
  

• To enable ground lost by absence to be made up
  

• If a child needs additional practice in a specific area
  

• To support children's literacy skills

Children are encouraged to take reading material home and care for and value the books they read and share them with parents.

If a book are lost or damaged you will be invited to contribute towards the cost of the book.

What are the arrangements for Religious Education?

We regard Religious Education as an essential part of every pupil's education entitlement which extends their understanding of the world in which they live.

Children learn about a variety of religions and the attitudes and values of different communities and faiths. They are invited to reflect and respond to Christian teaching and explore their feelings, attitudes and values as individuals and as members of the local community and wider society.

We follow the Hartlepool framework and syllabus for Religious Education. There is a daily act of collective worship, which is mainly Christian in attitude.

If you feel that your child needs to be excused from attendance of collective worship or religious education please discuss your concerns with the Headteacher.

Will my child receive information and teaching about Sex Education?

At Grange school your child will participate in an ongoing programme of Health Education. As a parent you are the key figure in helping your child cope with the physical and emotional aspects of growing up. As a school we play a supportive role of providing a caring environment where emphasis is placed on the development and acquisition of knowledge, skills, attitudes and values.

We aim to deliver a health education programme in its widest sense across the school from nursery through to year 6. Sex Education and Drugs Education are important parts of this programme.

Children in years 5 and 6 learn about physical changes before the onset of puberty as part of a topic about Ourselves. Parents are invited to view the material we use to support our teaching - especially a video entitled "All about me". Our policy is to answer questions as honestly and accurately using correct vocabulary appropriate to the child's age and understanding, with due regard to moral considerations and the value of family life.

We hope that you as a parent will discuss the onset of puberty with your child sensitively in the informal atmosphere of your home at an appropriate time. Your child will be given the opportunity to explore issues such as safety, growth, relationships and moral values, the need for hygiene, respect for oneself and others.

These areas are delivered in a cross-curricular framework e.g. through science, drama and religious education. We often involve the school nurse in our teaching programmes as well as outside agencies that can support the school programme to assist in the development of healthy attitudes and values.

If a parent or guardian does not wish for their child to participate in any lessons relating to Sex Education they should discuss arrangements with the Head teacher.

What if I have a complaint?

It is hoped that if you have a complaint about the school curriculum, or any other school matter, that you would in the first instance. raise your concern with the Head teacher.

If you wish to make a formal complaint, details of the procedure available to you are obtained from the Headteacher or the Local Education Authority.

The Local Education Authority has an established procedure for the consideration of complaints from parents relating to the school curriculum, the changing admissions policy of schools, religious education and collective worship.

Who works at Grange School?

Who is on the governing body?

Governing Body 2007/08

Mr R. Flintoff LEA Representative - Chair
Mr H. Smith LEA Representative – Vice Chair

Mr T. Stainthorpe – parent Governor

Mr Rogers Parent Governor
Mrs J. McAlister Parent Governor
Mr J Holvey Parent Governor
Mr Hedley Parent Governor
Mr P. Craigie Parent Governor

Mrs D Simons – Community Governor

Mrs Walker – Community Governor

Mrs Hayes Teacher Governor
Miss C. Brown Teacher Governor
Mrs W. Johnson Staff Governor
Mr. G. M. Tozer Co-opted Governor

Mrs. L. Conway Head Teacher Governor

Aim of the Governing Body

Our aim is to help children to achieve the best they can in all areas of experience, consistent with their ability.

Education is not just reading and writing, although these are very important and are often the key to other things, we must not forget good behaviour, tolerance and co-operation. Nor must we forget music, football, dancing and swimming, playing, conversation and hobbies.

Educating your child needs teamwork. This team is built from parents, teaching staff, non-teaching staff, governors and the children themselves.

YOU are always welcome in school to discuss YOUR child with other members of YOUR team.

Copies of Agenda and Minutes and supporting documents of the meetings of the Governing Body are available in School for inspection on request to the Headteacher.

Behaviour and Anti-Bullying Policy

Pupils are encouraged to give of their best both in and out of the classroom

We recognise the need for children to feel happy and secure in school as that is when they will be able to learn most effectively

All pupils are expected to follow the school rules.

• To listen to and follow instructions

• Keep their hands feet and unkind words to themselves

• To stay on the school site in the right place during breaks times and lunch times

As a school we recognise the need to reward good choices in behaviour. It is impressed upon children from an early age that they have a choice in how they behave.

We use a positive approach in encouraging good attitudes, setting of a good examples, rewarding and praising appropriate behaviour.

Pupils and parents are encouraged to discuss any problems with staff at the school if they are experiencing difficulties or feel concerned about the behaviour of others towards themselves.

Pupil achievement and effort are recognised and shared with parents through our merit system which is built around our school mascot - Hartley. Pupils collect nine Harlteys to achieve bronze, silver and gold awards. Exceptional effort can achieve a star pupil platinum award.

If a child's behaviour impacts on his/her learning and that of other children parents are informed and invited into school to discuss the problems they are experiencing and the behaviours they are displaying.
An action plan or monitoring system may be put in place so that parents are involved in their child's targets and successes.

National Healthy School Standard.

Grange School has continued to and work towards the National Healthy School Award.

National Fruit Scheme

The National School Fruit Scheme provides to a free piece of fruit each school day to pupils in Key Stage 1. It was extended to pupils in Key Stage 2 through support form ORCEL

Free fruit means that all young children get the chance to make a good start towards a healthier diet and better health.

School Mascot

Hartley is the focus of our school merit and achievement award scheme - bronze , silver , gold and platinum Star Pupil awards.

School Awards and Projects

We have submitted a bid to work with schools in Europe in a third project to start Sept 2007

Basic Skills Quality Mark – renewed for the third time November 2006

Leading School Status – Creative Partnerships

Arts Mark – Gold -2005

Sports Active Mark - 2005

European Education Project –this has run since 2000