Our Lady of Walsingham

Catholic Primary School

GENERAL INFORMATION

Name of School

Our Lady of Walsingham Catholic Primary School

Stand Park Avenue, Netherton, Merseyside, L30 3SA

Telephone 0151 525 0395/6358

Fax 0151 523 3362

E-mail admin.ourladyofwalsingham@schools.sefton.gov.uk

Headteacher Mrs B M Shiels

Area Education Office

Sefton Education Authority
Town Hall
Bootle
Merseyside
L20 7AE

* This school is a Catholic Primary School in the Archdiocese of Liverpool administered by Sefton Education Authority.

GOVERNORS OF OUR LADY OF WALSINGHAM

Chairman Mrs P Boal

Vice Chairman Mrs J Thurgood-Parkes

Headteacher Mrs B M Shiels

L.E.A.Governor Mr T Rimmer

Foundation Governors Fr A Eagleton,  Mrs C Kenton,  Mrs K Leggett,
Mr M Hiddleston,  Mrs A Farrar, Mr J Dolman.

Elected Teacher Mrs J Aspinall, Mr N. Metcalf.

Elected Parents Mr G. Agg, Mrs A. Brown, 

Non-Teaching Staff Mrs S Gordon  Mrs A Hughes

Clerk to the Governors Mrs L Price

HEADTEACHER & DEPUTY HEADTEACHER
Mrs B M Shiels  Mr Neil Metcalf

TEACHING STAFF
Mrs Aspinall/Scarrott,  Miss McGuirk,  Mrs Gandy/Cook,  
Mrs J Ward-Harrop,  Miss A Richardson, Miss E Potter,
Mrs K Davis,  Mr J Lindsay,  Mrs L Murphy, Mrs A.M. Fitzgibbon, Mr P W Hubbert,

Mrs L Cantwell - LEA SEN support, Mrs M McLachlan.

TEACHING ASSISTANTS
Mrs M Dempsey,  Mrs H Halpin,  Mrs I MacKenzie,  Mrs M Riley,
Mrs A Ianson,  Mrs P Roberts,  Mrs A Stewart,  Miss A Porter, Mrs S. Hiddleston, Mrs Z Longworth,
Mrs J Ventre,  Mrs K Walsh,  Mrs K Crawford, Kirsty Porter, Janice White, Jeanette Wilson

ADMINISTRATION STAFF

Mrs L Price,  Mrs C J Winters

CARETAKER
Mr J Hayes

COOKS
Mrs L Cunningham, Mrs N Hayden, Mrs Hollomby, Mrs N Haydon, Mrs G. Burdett.

(Click to enlarge photographs)

The School

We are a recently (September 2006) amalgamated Primary School building on the rich foundations laid down for us by the previously separate Infant and Junior Schools. We enjoy a favourable position bordering Bootle Golf course which provides us with a sense of calm and tranquillity in an otherwise busy locality.

We currently have 14 teaching bases, including a nursery, 2 halls, 2 dining rooms and extensive playing space which include a generous school playing field.

Mission Statement

'Sowing the seeds for the future'

The school community of Our Lady of Walsingham Catholic Primary School aims:

To be a living Christian Community which recognises the unique potential of all its members.

To provide a rich variety of opportunities for all to learn and succeed.

To nurture the partnership between home, school, Parish and the wider community to achieve our shared goals.

We will achieve these aims through:

* Endeavouring to be positive role models in all that we do
* Providing a richly resourced Here I Am programme of Religious Education
* Experiencing collective worship and assemblies that develop our own sense of being made in the image and likeness of God - his children.
* A rich experience of sacramental preparation
* Fostering relationships with all in the Parish of Our Lady of Walsingham
* Gathering as a whole school community to celebrate our achievements
* Promote positive behaviour through collective responsibility
* Encourage a sense of awe and wonder for the world which we are in
* Take time to listen to each other
* Have physical reminders on focus tables and through display of our spiritual lives

* Consistently high quality planning and teaching
* Personalising learning to cater for the needs of all learners
* Rigorous and effective assessment that clearly directs future work
* A rich and creative curriculum
* Training opportunities for all layers of staff
* High quality performance management systems that recognise individual contribution and need
* A stimulating environment where all feel safe
* High quality resources that promote high quality learning
* A programme of visitors and visits
* Promotion of family learning through extended schools
* Developing links with the wider community to promote life long learning
* A culture which supports all to have a go and to strive for excellence

* To communicate formally and informally as often as possible with all stakeholders
* To further develop the information shared on the website
* To further develop the Learning platform as a means for Parents to support their child's learning
* The provision of time and space for community users to share our resources
* The provision of wrap around care to support families
* Excellent links with St Ambrose Barlow Catholic High School
* An open door policy to all.

I.C.T Mission Statement

Our Lady of Walsingham Primary School aims to provide pupils with a rich variety of opportunities for all to learn and succeed. Through high quality planning and teaching the personalised learning of every child is catered for. (Mission statement)

At Our Lady of Walsingham Primary School, the use of ICT is regarded as an integral part of our everyday practice and administration management. ICT is embedded as a teaching and learning tool throughout the curriculum that will inspire, guide and enable both learners and teachers to do better.

We are an e-Confident school, (in line with Government ICT strategy), where e-Confident adults and children work with ICT to enhance the whole school performance.

Admission Criteria

Where the number of applications exceeds the number of places available the
Governing Body will apply the following over-subscription criteria

1. Baptised Catholic looked after children.

2. Baptised Catholic children living in the designated Parish of Our Lady of Walsingham.

3. Baptised Catholic children who have a brother or a sister at the school at the time of likely admission. This includes full, half or stepbrothers and sisters, adopted and foster brothers and sisters or children of the parent/carer's partner, and in every case who are living at the same address and are part of the same family unit.

4. Baptised Catholic children living in other Catholic parishes.

5. Looked after children who are other than Catholic.

6. Children who are other than Catholic who have a brother or a sister at the school at the time of likely admission. This includes full, half or stepbrothers and sisters, adopted and foster brothers and sisters or children of the parent/carer's partner, and in every case who are living at the same address and are part of the same family unit.

7. Children from other Christian denominations. Proof of Baptism in the form of a Baptismal Certificate or confirmation in writing that the applicant is a member of their Faith community from an appropriate Minister of Religion is required.

8. Children of other faiths. An appropriate Faith Leader would need to confirm in writing that the applicant is a member of their faith group.

9. Children whose parents express a preference for a place at the school.

In the event of any over-subscription in the number of applications made under any of the categories above then the admissions committee will offer places first to children living nearest to the school measured by the shortest walking route from the point on the boundary of the property at which access is normally gained from the front entrance to the highway which is the property's address to the nearest school gate using the Local Authority's computerised measuring system, with those living closer to the school receiving the higher priority.

Teaching Organisation

The school is currently organised into:

Two Foundation Stage Classes (Nursery & Reception)
Three Key Stage 1 Classes (Years 1 & 2)
Eight Key Stage 2 Classes (Years 3, 4, 5 & 6)

The average class size in Key Stage 1 is 20 and in Key Stage 2 are 23.

The children work at their developmental stage with special care being given to those needing extra help and to those who need to be extended.

Children are often grouped by ability within the classroom and a variety of teaching strategies is used in each class including whole class teaching, group work, paired work and individual programmes of work. At all times we consider all children as individuals in their own right with their own strengths and weaknesses.

The school supports children with Special Educational Needs, employing a variety of strategies and levels of support, this being dependent on the difficulties being experienced by the individual child. Close links have been established with external agencies - most notably the Sefton Advisory Inclusion Service (SAIS). The services of these agencies are utilised as required. Concerns of parents are considered seriously and treated sympathetically, with appropriate action being taken. Once a child has been identified as having special needs, a staged approach is adopted in accordance with the National Code of Practice on Special Educational Needs.

The school caters for children with pastoral or medical needs and parents are invited to discuss any such needs confidentially with the Headteacher.

The Curriculum

The curriculum is designed to develop the full potential of our children and to prepare them for the opportunities, experiences and responsibilities of adult life. The school follows the National Curriculum 'Programmes of Study' supported by the revised Primary Strategy [English and Maths] and the schemes of work provided by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority [QCA] and the Catholic Religious Education Programme authorised by the Archbishop of Liverpool.

National Curriculum consists of the 'core' subjects of English, Maths and Science and the 'foundation' subjects of History, Geography, Design Technology, Information Communication Technology, P.E., Art and Music. We also enrich our curriculum with a variety of stimulating activities often involving visitors into school or visits out. In line with the Government initiative Every Child Matters we pay close attention to fostering the 'Social and Emotional' aspects of learning.

R.E.

The school's Religious Education reflects the values and traditions of the Catholic faith and is based up the 'Here I Am' religious education programme for primary schools. The children are taught through a thematic approach and we have a whole school policy in which three topics are addressed each term at the level appropriate to the age of the child.
These themes or topics are used to help the children to reflect upon their own life experiences and to relate these experiences to Christian tradition, universal experience and the experience of other faiths. The religious education programme also reflects the important role of the school as part of the Parish community and related its themes where possible to the everyday life of the parish.
As part of this, the ongoing preparation for the Sacraments is incorporated into the programme with particular emphasis being made in the year of Sacramental preparation.
Children make their First Holy Communion in Year 3 [first year Juniors] during the Summer term and are prepared for the Sacrament of Reconciliation in Year 5 [3rd year Juniors].
During the whole school year there are times when the whole school or individual year groups come together to worship. This may take the form of class Mass, a service of sorrow, an assembly, a liturgical celebration related to a particular topic or a School mass.

Mathematics

Maths is a powerful means of communication and its use is vital in all aspects of life. We aim to develop confidence in this subject from a very young age so that all children can readily use and enjoy mathematics.
Teaching follows the guidance of the National Curriculum and the revised primary Strategy for Mathematics.
It is supported by a range of commercial mathematics schemes in addition to teachers' own materials.

Science

Science is taught through out the school in compliance with the Local Authority Science Policy and the requirements of the National Curriculum. Children are taught how to use simple apparatus with due regard for their own safety and that of others; how to design and carry out a fair test; how to design and carry out a fair test; how to make reasonable predictions and how to record their findings in a variety of ways; as pictures, graphs, notes or continuous prose. The school follows the QCA scheme of work.

Geography

The aim of the Geography curriculum is to give a child a sense of place - at home, nationally and internationally, as set out in the Geography National Curriculum.
The learning is enquiry based, encouraging children to ask questions and research answers using what they already know about themselves and using Date sources. Beginning with themselves their homes and schools they go on to look at their neighbourhood, Sefton, Merseyside the Lake District and St Lucia. Through these study areas the children develop their mapping skills, knowledge of places, human, physical and environmental geography.

History

The aim of history is to develop in children an awareness of the past and its effect on the present and the future.
Numerous skills, concepts and attitudes are developed including skills in chronology and the use of historical sources: concepts of change, continuity, cause and effect; willingness to ask questions, empathy and an active curiosity in the past. A wide range of sources are used including children's own background and experiences. During Key Stage 1 History is introduced through story, people, the children's own life and family customs and events and the study of photographs, artefacts and the local environment. During Key Stage 2 the children investigate important episodes and developments in Britain's past, from Roman to modern times. Ancient civilizations and the history of other parts of the world are also studied.

Art

At Our Lady of Walsingham primary we encourage the children to participate in a range of art and craft activities. They use a variety of media to explore the area studied for example pastels, crayons, paints, charcoal, pencil, fabric, clay, paper, papier mache and card in an attempt to help then understand the diversity of artistic technique. They learn about the influences of a wide range of artists and experiment with a variety of styles. We display the children's work, with pride, around the school in order that they realise that their efforts are valued and appreciated.

ICT

Information and Communication Technology is concerned with storing, processing and presenting information by electronic means. It enhances the learning process at all levels and across all curriculum areas, helping children become knowledgeable about the nature of information, comfortable with new technology and able to exploit its potential. The role of ICT in industry, commerce and our daily lives is so great that its place in the curriculum seems self-enhanced.
At Our Lady of Walsingham Primary we ensure that ICT is accessible to all children both in our networked computer suite and the class bases.

Design & Technology

In Design and Technology the children are taught basic skills regarding:
* The safe use of tools, materials and adhesives
* Construction techniques using paper, card, wood, textiles, food and sheet materials
* Design and evaluation

Each term a block of 3 days are spent exploring a topic based on the QCA scheme of work.

Music

Music plays a vital role in our school life and is taught through a wide range of activities appropriate to the age of the age of the children. In accordance with National Curriculum, children are taught o become progressively aware of sound and musical patterns and to develop skills involving voice, aural imagery and movement to sound. The basic musical elements of pitch, rhythm, pace, sound quality texture, dynamics, phrasing and silence are taught.
The children sing regularly at assemblies and school Masses.

Physical Education

PE is a main consideration of the curriculum and contributes greatly to the total education of children through involvement in a wide range of physical experiences including dance, gymnastics, games and swimming. It helps to develop children's physical strength, co-ordination, well being and general body management as well as helping them to acquire concepts of acceptable behaviour, keeping rules, co-operation with others, team work and leadership.
The school has a tradition of success in team sports and regularly competes in inter-school football, netball and athletics competitions. Past successes include winning the prestigious Everton cup, the Liverpool Academy Trophy, local cup and league trophies, the netball league, girl's 7-a-side football and swimming trophies. Extra curricular activities include football, judo, fencing, netball and soccer skills.

Sex Education

In accordance with the Governors wishes the children's sex education is based on Christian principles and is related to their stage of development as they move through the school, using the approved Here I Am syllabus and encompasses many other curriculum areas with appropriate developments for each age group.

Homework

The children are encouraged to undertake extensions of school work at home. The nature, type and length of homework will vary according to the age, needs and stage of development of the children. It may involve finding information, collecting articles for lessons, reading, learning spellings or tables plus set work to be completed.

Reporting to Parents

Parents are regularly informed of their children's progress and are formally invited to school three times a year to meet and discuss their children's work with the class teacher. Parents wishing to talk with the teacher on other occasions are encouraged to do so and teachers are available at the beginning and end of each day in their classroom or appointments may be made through the school office. A formal written report is made at the end of each academic year. At Our Lady of Walsingham we believe that teachers and parents should work in close partnership for the benefit of our children.

Pastoral Care and Discipline

We are aware that we share responsibility with parents for the children in our charge and provide the level of care expected of any responsible parent.
Our concern is for the welfare of each individual child. The children are full supervised whilst engaged in all school activities and lunchtime supervision is provided by Welfare Staff.
We consider it our duty to provide an orderly and disciplined school environment in which all children can make the most of their opportunities and talents.
The policy of the school is to develop a sense of self-discipline in every child from the earliest years using a positive approach of praise and encouragement. Children are rewarded for responsible behaviour and creditable work.
We rely on parental support in order to maintain high standards of behaviour. In instances of serious misbehaviour, parents will be consulted about appropriate action. If necessary the issue will be referred to the Governing body's discipline committee.

The school is part of the BIP programme under the direction of Helen Flanagan based at St Ambrose Barlow High School. The BIP team supports and responds to the needs/requirements of the school in relation to pupil behaviour through support, direct intervention, advice and training. Further details and documentation are available from the BIP team.

Child Protection

Parents should be aware that the school will take any reasonable action to ensure the safety of its pupils. In cases where the school has reason to be concerned that a child may be subject to ill treatment, neglect or other forms of abuse, staffs are obliged to follow procedures laid down by the Sefton Area Child Protection Committee and inform Social Services of their concerns.

Primary Excellence Partnership in Sefton

The Primary Excellence Partnership in Sefton (PEPS) proposes to link participating Primary School and Nurseries through a series of dynamic and innovative projects and programmes. The main focus throughout the PEPS plan will be to help its school provide opportunities to their pupils which allow them to use their skills and gifts to reach their potential. The five aims of the ECM agenda have also been taken into account when putting the plan together.

PEPS aims to work closely with all external agencies in order to ensure that pupils receive the best possible support - examples include FAST, the BIP team, The City Learning Centres, The Extended Schools team and a hose of others. Local businesses and organisations will play a key role in enhancing the Plan as will other educational establishments such as Colleges of Further Education.

Attendance and Punctuality

Parents are asked to do all they can to ensure that their children attend school and do so punctually. Absences must be reported on the first day to the school office. Strict records of absences have to be kept to comply with regulations in the 1991 Education Act. Parents are asked not to take holidays during term time but where this is unavoidable then it is limited by law to a maximum of 2 weeks. A form requesting holiday withdrawal must be completed before approval is given. Holidays will not be authorised during the month of May when assessments are completed.

The School Day

Morning Session 8.55am - 12.00 noon
Afternoon session 1.00pm-3.00pm Infants
12.55pm-3.05pm Juniors

All pupils have a 15 minute morning break. Afternoon breaks vary from day to day and from key stage to key stage.

Number of hours spent teaching:

Infants 23hours 30 minutes per week
Juniors 23hours 35 minutes per week

No statutory supervision is provided before 8.45am and therefore children should not be on the school premises before that time.

Dinner Arrangements

Hot dinners are cooked on the premises and are of a very high standard. A choice of meal is provided. Where children bring a packed lunch to school it must be in a suitable container clearly marked with their name. We encourage all children to bring a bottle of drinking water into school in addition to their lunch as re-hydration is vital to maintain good levels of concentration necessary for attainment.

Dinner money must be paid in advance on a Monday morning each week or on the first morning of a new term. Please send the correct money in an envelope clearly marked with the child's name and class. Applications for free school meals must be made directly to the Local Education Authority at Bootle Town Hall. Delays will result in the loss of benefit.

Uniform

The following school uniform must be worn at all times:

Boys:                                                    Girls:
Short or long grey trousers                  Grey pinafore, skirt or trousers
Grey socks                                            Grey or black woollen tights/white socks
Royal blue pullover with school logo   Royal blue cardigan with school logo
Pale blue shirt and school tie              Pale blue blouse and school tie
Black shoes                                          Black shoes

                                   Royal Blue School Coat.

Summertime only:
A pale blue polo shirt                           Blue stripped/chequered school dress

Specific items of school uniform are available from nominated outlets.

PE Kit

White short sleeved polo shirt, navy shorts, black pumps for indoors and trainers for outdoors.
In colder weather dark track suit bottoms with school sweatshirt.

Please make sure that all items of school clothing are clearly marked with your child's name and class. PE kit should be stored in school in a draw string bag.

Children in Foundation:
Royal blue tracksuit bottoms, gold polo shirt and Royal blue sweatshirt with school logo.

Charges

In line with the policy of Sefton local Authority parents will be asked to make a voluntary contribution towards the cost of certain activities which require extra expense, such as outings to places of educational interest. Failure to pay will not, unless specifically stated, lead to the child's exclusion from this activity.

Complaints' Procedure

If a parent has a complaint against the school or member of staff, they should first contact the Headteacher. If after discussion with the Headteacher they are not satisfied, parents should then discuss the problem with the Chair of Governors. Finally, if satisfaction is not achieved, parents should then contact the Director of Education through the District Education Office, or the Trustees of the Diocese. Any parent wishing to inspect any statutory instruments and DFE Circulars, Trust Deed Statement or any schemes of work or syllabuses should contact the Headteacher.

OFSTED INSPECTION: FEBRUARY 2010

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