LISTER JUNIOR SCHOOL

School Address:

Lister Junior School ,

Green Lane

Liverpool

L13 7DT

Telephone No:          0151 228 4196

            Fax No:         0151 221 0838

            E-Mail:          listerdrivej-ao@listerdrive-jun.liverpool.sch.uk

Classification of School:               Junior Mixed (Community)

Number of Registered Pupils:       223

Head Teacher                               Mr. S. King

Chair of Governors                        Anne Butler

OUR  STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Lister Junior School provides a secure, compassionate and happy environment through the promotion of an inclusive ethos and a strong sense of belonging.

We aim to achieve excellence in teaching and enjoyment in learning to ensure that each child reaches their full potential.

We strive to give each child opportunities to succeed according to their abilities and interests.  Every pupil is offered a broad, balanced curriculum that embraces the entire academic spectrum and encourages involvement in expressive arts and modern foreign languages.

Our school believes that children have the right to a holistic education that stimulates confidence, independence and an appreciation of others in such a way as to ensure that their time in school is a wonderful and memorable experience.

"The important thing is not so much that every child should be taught, as that every child should be given the wish to learn. If we succeed in giving the love of learning, the learning itself is sure to follow.”    -JOHN LUBBOCK.

Welcome to Lister Junior School

Welcome!

Bienvenu!

Bien Venido!

Wilkommen!

Ben Venuto!

Lister Junior School has been situated on the current site since February 2000.  We enjoy the benefit of wonderful facilities that include a large hall that has a stage with lighting and sound system, a gym, an air conditioned computer suite, a fully resourced library and classrooms that all have Interactive White Boards and DVD players. We also have a radio system set up in school.

Lister Junior School offers pupils a broad, balanced curriculum that spans the entire academic spectrum and encourages involvement in extra curriculum activities.

We are recognised as being a school of excellence in French.  We also have achieved Healthy School Status, alongside the BSQM and Sportsmark Awards. 

Inclusion

Lister Junior School promotes an inclusive ethos.  We welcome and respect all pupils, parents, helpers and visitors irrespective of ethnic origin, religion, gender, special educational need or ability and every effort is made to meet the needs of all individuals.

There is wheelchair access and disabled toilets on the ground floor and a lift to the first floor where all junior classrooms and learning bases (with the exception of the gym and the hall) are sited.  In line with the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA), Lister Juniors will make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to the building in order to accommodate any pupils with physical special needs.

Admission Policy

We share this large site with our Infant School.  They are our natural ‘feeder’ school.  We do, of course, accept children moving into the area providing we have the space.

The planned admission figure is 30 children per class though we go beyond that figure when conditions are acceptable, and if we are helping to resolve what is sometimes a crisis for the incoming family.

Class teachers are consulted at all times when the number per class exceeds the planned figure.

STAFF

Teaching Staff                    

Mr S. King                                       Headteacher

Mrs A. Houghton                              Deputy Headteacher

Mrs T. Gossage                                Deputy Headteacher

Mrs M. Skelton                   

Miss S.Evans                      

Miss S Francis                    

Mrs S.Thomas

Miss M. Heald  

Mr K. Murphy

Mr  M. Russell

Miss H. Smith

H.L.T.A.s                               

Mrs  J. Holmes                             

Mrs  J. Duke                        

Mrs  C. Digney                    

Mrs  M. Hughes

Teaching Assistant

Mrs Tracy Fearon

Office Staff            

Mrs  J. Marsh                     

Mrs  P. Foley

Site Supervisors

Mr & Mrs. D. Bagshaw

Lunch time Supervisory Assistants

Mrs  M. Baker

Mrs  J. Percy

Mrs  B. Edwards

Mrs  E. Rice

Mrs  M. Davies

Miss  L. Campbell

Miss  K. Liu

Mrs  W. Moulton

LISTER JUNIOR SCHOOL GOVERNING BODY

HEADTEACHER                                         CLERK

Mr S. King                                                Mrs J. Marsh/ Mrs P. Foley

REPRESENTATIVE GOVERNORS

Ms L. Hiraldo-Reynoso

Miss D. Clarke

COMMUNITY GOVERNORS

Mrs A. Butler

Mr V. Desai

Mr N.Craig

PARENT GOVERNORS

Ms. M.Kilcullen

Miss M. Cavanagh

Ms J.Griffiths

Ms J.Driscoll

TEACHER GOVERNOR

Mr. M Russell

STAFF GOVERNORS

Mrs T. Fearon

ASSOCIATE GOVERNORS

Mrs A.Houghton

Mrs T.Gossage

Mrs C.Bagshaw

THE SCHOOL DAY

A member of staff is on duty from 8.45am in the playground before children enter school at 8.50am .  Teachers ensure that children enter the school in an orderly manner, not just rushing for the door.  We also encourage Infant parents to use the Infants entrance and not ours.  Children are not expected to be in school before 8.40am as staff cannot accept responsibility for them.

Registration, dinner, milk and any other monies are accepted on Monday, unless a child is absent on the day of collection.  It is a great help if children are able to bring dinner and milk monies in clearly labelled envelopes. Dinner money cheques should be made payable to Liverpool City Council.  All other cheques should be made payable to Lister Junior School .

 8.50am  – 9.05am       Registration

 9.05am  – 9.30am       Assembly/Basic Skills

 9.30am  - 10.30am      Lesson one

10.35am – 10.50am     Playtime

10.55am – 12.00pm     Lesson two

12.00pm  - 1.00pm        Lunchtime (hot meals and packed lunch)

                                  (Mid-day meals supervisors check children in for lunch)

1.00pm   -   3.00pm       Afternoon session.

On Friday there is an extra 15 minutes lunchtime for the class which has achieved the best attendance record for the week.

At playtimes and lunchtimes staff lead the children down the stairs and bring them in from the playground.  At the end of the school day, staff lead the children out of the school building and around to the front of the school.

After school activities run from Tuesday to Friday inclusive.  A copy of the planned weekly programme is sent home at the start of the new term.

CHILD PROTECTION

School have a legal obligation to protect children.  All adults working in school who spend any time working with a child or group of children are checked through the Criminal Record Bureau (CRB).

Any visitors to the school are required to complete a child protection Screening form.

All staff are fully trained in child protection issues and are familiar with the

Guidelines for procedures to follow should they suspect any form of child abuse.

The child protection policy is available at the office for parents to read or refer to should they so desire

Health and Safety

Your children are supervised at all times during the day.  Minor accidents are always dealt with .  When emergencies arise we make every effort to contact you on the numbers you have provided on your contact form.  Should this prove impossible the school will act in the best interests of the child.

Medication should be handed in and collected from the office.

Healthcare plans are completed by parents and are kept in school. These plans detail medication, so it is essential that they are returned to school as soon as possible.

Children needing medication during the school day require a permission slip signed by parents.  These can be obtained from the office. Children are not allowed to leave the site unless we have written permission from you.

A fire drill is practised at least once per term.

Managing Medication in School

In circumstances when medication is absolutely necessary during school hours, we manage medication in accordance with the Liverpool Schools Policy and Guidance on the Administration of Medication.

Parent/Guardians must complete a written request form for a child to self administer medication (eg. insulin, asthma medication etc)

Parents/Guardians must complete a written request form every time there is a request for medication to be administered by a member of staff or there are any changes to medication/ administration instructions.

Receipt of Medication into Schools

All medication must:-

Be in the original container

Be labelled clearly with:

Childs name

Name and strength of medication

Dosage and when the medication should be given

The expiry date

Be accompanied by a written confirmation by a health practitioner (eg. GP, clinical nurse, specialist nurse practitioner) including the tjime and dose to be given in school.

Be handed into the office by the parent on arrival to school, unless there is a prior agreement with school for the child to carry medication (eg. asthma inhalers) and details are entered in the medical record.

If two medications are required, these should be in separate , clearly and appropriately labelled containers.

Disposal of unused medication

School staff will not dispose of medicines.  Parents should collect medicines held at school at the end of each term Parents are responsible for disposal of date expired medicines. 

Pupils with Medical Needs

If a child is to be absent from school long term, strategies for support will be provided.  These will include:-

• Providing assessment and curriculum plans within 5 working days.

• Providing work programmes on a termly basis.

• Providing work materials.

SCHOOL UNIFORM

The school uniform is the accepted form of dress for children and they should be encouraged to keep themselves neat and tidy.  Watches and stud earrings are allowed but no other forms of jewellery.  All staff are asked to play their part in maintaining high standards.

Lister Junior School Uniform Policy

Lister Junior sweatshirts, polo shirts and summer caps are on sale at the school office.

Footwear

Sensible footwear should be worn in school at all times to maintain standards of health and safety.

Earrings

Where a child has pierced ears, only small stud earrings are suitable.  These earrings should be removed by the child before he/she will be allowed to take part in any P.E, Swimming or Games lesson.  Newly pierced ears must be covered with plasters before participation in sports sessions.

ABSENCE

If a child is absent parents must ring the school on the first day of absence, a note should also be sent in when the child returns to school, such action secures an authorised absence in the attendance register.  These directions are given by the Liverpool Authority.

Every child must realise that once on the school premises under no circumstances must he/she leave the premises without a written request from a parent and the permission of the teacher.

SCHOOL MEALS

School meals are provided at a charge of £1.80p per day. 

Children have the option of bringing their own packed lunch, although, as we have  achieved  ‘Healthy  School’ status we would request that sweets, fizzy drinks and chocolate not be included in their packed lunch boxes.

SNACKS

All children have water bottles which are kept on their desks and can be drunk from throughout the day. Children are allowed to bring into school a piece of fruit to eat at breaktime.

BEHAVIOUR

Lister Junior School aims from the beginning to foster an attitude of self-discipline and co-operation between all children and teachers and to develop the ability to live in the community with respect for other people and for property.  School rules are designed to achieve these ends. The school has a Behaviour Policy in place.

Rules are displayed in all classrooms and are agreed with pupils at the beginning of the academic year.

Consequences

Children who regularly fail to comply with school rules will be subject to the consequences as set out in the policy.  In severe cases parents will be invited into school to meet with the Headteacher and senior Management Team to discuss a contract of behaviour.  Failure to meet the targets set out in the contract may result in a fixed term exclusion.

Rewards

Children who conform to school rules will be rewarded on a weekly basis through ‘Treat Time’ each Friday afternoon and through half term rewards. A Star of the Week certificate is also presented to a child from each class during the Celebration Assembly; held every Friday morning.

School Houses

Children are placed in houses and are awarded points for good manners, kindness and general good conduct.  Points are totalled weekly and announced in Friday assembly.  At the end of each half term, the winning house is rewarded with a treat.  Y6 House Captains lead each house.  Staff are attached to school houses to encourage an element of competition.

Houses

Ruby        Emerald        Sapphire       Amber

Awards

Children are nominated by teaching staff for Subject Awards at the end of each term. In class, children are awarded merits for work of a high standard and each week children are chosen from each class to receive Achievement Awards in the Celebration Assembly; held every Friday morning.

SCHOOL COUNCIL

The School Council is made up of the Head Boy and Girl and a representative from each class.  Councillors are nominated by a classmate and then when a list of nominations have been drawn up, every child is given the opportunity to vote on a representative for their class.

Councillors are nominated by a classmate and then when a list of nominations have been drawn up, every child is given the opportunity to vote on a representative for their class.

The School Council meet and set agenda for each meeting.  This is attended by a member of staff, minutes are taken and then each councillor reports back to their class.

Year 6 members of the school council also attend School Parliament meetings; held in Liverpool Town Hall.

On occasion, members of the school council are invited to attend the beginning of a Governor meeting to feed back on current issues.

COMMUNITY COHESION

At Lister Junior School we aim to teach our pupils to understand others, to provide common values and to value diversity.  Pupils already take an active part within the local community and we aim to progress this action further to the benefit of the children themselves, together with the wider community’s understanding of the school.

Community links are established with the local nursing home, the local churches, Holly Lodge Girls College and West Derby School.  The school is also currently sponsoring a village in Haiti; raising children’s awareness of communities on an international level.

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

Parents are warmly invited into school to share in numerous activities, and they are also encouraged to be actively involved in the school’s curriculum by assisting in the classroom. We also adopt the policy of informing parents what areas are being covered in a booklet given at the beginning of the academic year, so that parents can feel involved in the child’s active learning.

We have a Parents Council which holds several meetings throughout the year.  All parents are invited to attend, but for parents unable to attend, items for discussion can be given to the school office or to Mrs Houghton.  Dates of meetings are advertised in the weekly Listener.

NATIONAL CURRICULUM

As you may already know each state school in Britain follows the same national guidelines.  This is known as the National Curriculum.  Our school bases it curriculum planning on this.

In Lister Juniors the children will study English, Mathematics, Science, History, Geography, Design & Technology, Religious Education, Music, Art, Physical Education, PSHE and French.

Teachers will spend most of the day teaching their own classes at a level appropriate to the children’s ability.  The children are grouped into ability  sets for  Maths. This is usually in a year group but can be across two year groups.

Cross Curricular Links

When planning, teachers plan cross curricular links, eg. during a history topic, teachers may plan to write a report (Literacy) or represent data (Maths) if the link is appropriate. Each year group also studies a topic area each year which includes many cross curricular links and provides our children with a stimulus for enhanced learning.

ASSESSMENT

Statutory Assessment

The children are formally assessed during Y6.  They sit KS2 SATs and are awarded a level in English maths and science.  Throughout KS2 the children sit optional SATs to assess what level they are working at to ensure they are on track.  This level is taken into consideration for Teacher Assessment.  At Lister, the children are also assessed mid way through the year to ensure children are working at the appropriate level.  This is discussed with parents and carers at Open Evening.

Teacher Assessment

Teachers, and Teaching Assistants, are constantly assessing.  Testing is only a snap shot so Teacher Assessment looks at the work of the child during the whole year.  This may take the form of observing, discussing a piece of work with a child and questioning as well spelling tests, mental maths tests and other written work.  It can be both formal and informal.  Teachers use assessment information to inform planning.

Self-assessment and Peer Assessment

Peer assessment and self-assessment are not replacements for teacher or teaching assistants marking and feedback.  They are important additional forms of assessment which engage children in becoming self-critical and independent.  Children develop a greater understanding of their progress and learn how to identify the next steps in their learning.  This can be used in addition to oral and written feedback from teachers.  The aim is to involve children in the analysis and constructive criticism of their own work.

ENGLISH

Reading

Our children have access to a wide variety of books at school, encouraging them to experience an ‘enjoyment’ of reading.

In Years 3 & 4, children are encouraged to take home a home reader selected by their reading ability.  Parents are encouraged to listen to their children read on a regular basis and we encourage parents and friends of our school to spend time listening to our children read, during the school day.  As our children progress through the school we encourage them to choose their own ‘preferred’ reading material, fiction or non-fiction.

Within the classroom children have guided reading sessions and  share the enjoyment of reading through class novels.

Our school library provides our children with a wide range of reading material, ranging from magazines to reference books. It also provides us with a peaceful environment in the school, where we can further nurture an enjoyment of reading outside the classroom.

Writing

Writing is taught alongside reading and our children are given the opportunity to ‘write’ on a regular basis.  Their progress is monitored throughout the year and our children learn to write for different purposes eg. stories, letters, invitations, reports, poetry etc.

Our children take pride in the presentation of their work and are encouraged to write fluently at all times

Children are also given the opportunity to display their work and to enter regular  writing competitions.

Speaking and Listening

Children are encouraged to express their ideas with clarity and confidence and are encouraged to respect the views and opinions of others.

Skills in speaking and listening are taught alongside reading and writing in literacy lessons, through drama activities eg. role play, ‘hot seating’, debates and ‘freeze frames’.

MATHEMATICS

The children follow the National Numeracy Strategy, which is supported by a range of published and ICT resources.  These are augmented by a range of activities and cross curricular links.  Lessons have a variety of tasks and activities including, number, shape and space, data handling and problem solving and investigations.

The children benefit from the cross curricular links offered by numeracy in a variety of different subjects including science, ICT, history, geography and design technology.

We encourage children to understand the relevance of numeracy in everyday life and aim to promote a positive enjoyment of the subject in each pupil, irrespective of the ability of the child.  The overall numeracy ‘scheme’ is designed to develop key concepts at an early age.  There is ample opportunity for the more able to make faster progress whilst the less able are given reinforcement activities which include small group and ‘one to one’ tasks.

We actively encourage parents to work on time tables and time activities with their children at home.

SAT  Results 2010

Subject                                  L4+                                L5

English (Overall)                 90.5%                           48.6%

Reading                                 87.8%                           58.1%

Writing                                   85.1%                           31%          

Maths                                     85.1%                           39.1%       

SCIENCE

Science is a core National Curriculum subject and is based around children using Scientific Enquiry to study the three areas:

                          Life Processes

                          Materials and their Properties

                          Physical Processes

Emphasis is placed upon the scientific enquiry and children are encouraged to develop investigation skills. This practical approach strengthens the children’s

knowledge and understanding of the different areas.

We are well resourced in the teaching of Science.  Our Science planning draws on various published schemes and up to date initiatives to enhance learning.

HISTORY

Children are given opportunities to develop an awareness of the past and the ways it was different to today.  They are encouraged to develop a sense of personal identity by investigating ways in which past events influence the future.

Children are taught about important episodes and developments in Britain ’s past, from Roman times.  They also study more ancient civilisations such as ancient Greece , ancient Egypt .

Children are taught to set their studies of the past within a relevant chronological framework.  They are also taught to begin to understand primary and secondary sources from a range of literature and to evaluate how useful a particular source might be.

GEOGRAPHY

Children are given opportunities to investigate the physical and human features of their surrounding and themes across a widening range of scales.

They undertake studies that focus on geographical questions involving fieldwork and classroom activities, studies involve development of understanding about places and themes.

Children are taught to be aware of how the world extends outside the UK and how the places they study fit into this wider geographical context.

DESIGN & TECHNOLOGY

D.T. is an interesting and popular subject where children work with a wide range of materials and learn to use tools safely.  They will experience a number of methods and learn a variety of skills and problem solving techniques.  Pupils are involved in the entire process, from preliminary designs through to technical production and to the final evaluation of the finished product.  Amongst the many exciting topics, children will be given the opportunity to make models, toys, bread and slippers.

ICT

The school now has 34 computers in our computer suite for use by whole classes and after school computer club.  The computer suite has internet access, printing facilities and a scanner.  Every effort is made to ensure children do not have access to unsuitable material on the internet and we have an Internet Policy for safe use which parents and children sign.

There is a computer in every classroom, each with a printer. We have a server which networks all the computers in the computer suite and classrooms, giving access to the internet, personal files and curriculum software from any computer.

We have an interactive whiteboard and projector in every classroom as well as a mobile whiteboard and projector.

 Special needs children have access to an interactive whiteboard and projector.

The school has ten Fizzbooks, digital cameras and a voting system for use of children in lessons.

The hall has a projector and screen with full sound system for use with videos, DVDs and school productions.

Each class teacher has a lap top computer.

The use of computers, dvds and other related items of hardware is encouraged, as

Information technology, in the widest application, is a vital and integral part of every child’s education.  As we build up our resources, so the limits are further extended in this ever changing and developing sphere of the curriculum.

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

Lister Juniors recognises that R.E. should not indoctrinate children in any particular faith but provide them with all the opportunities and experiences that will enable them to achieve the aims set out in the R.E. Policy.  All children are therefore offered equal access to R.E.  Parents may however withdraw their children from R.E.  This should be done through a written request to the Headteacher and Governors.  Planning and teaching of R.E. is done in the context of the requirements of the locally agreed syllabus to promote curriculum continuity and progress.

Collective worship

All schools are required to provide a daily form of collective worship.  At Lister Junior School this takes place in assembly or through a class prayer or reflection.  The school has close links with St John’s C of E Church, Tuebrook, and the Bethel church where annual Harvest Festival and Christingle Services are held.  On any occasion when parents wish to withdraw children from a particular form of collective worship, this should be done through a written request to the Headteacher.

Members of another local church Bethel visit school to lead assemblies on alternate Wednesdays.

Alternative Provision

Parents withdrawing their child from RE lessons or collective worship will be invited into school to meet with the Headteacher and RE Co-ordinator to discuss alternative provision that will be made available on such occasions.

MUSIC

In our school, children are encouraged to explore a variety of forms of music, and are given the opportunity to experience and appreciate a range of music from the past and present and from different cultures and countries.  Children are encouraged to develop skills in singing, rhythm and performance and are encouraged to develop their enjoyment of the subject.

We also give the children the opportunity to perform individually, as part of a group in school performances or with our established school choir. The choir performs throughout the year at venues in the local community; including the nurseing home, Bethel Church and St John’s Church.

We also have access to support from the Liverpool Music Support Service, who proved tuition of brass and string instruments.  

DRAMA

Drama is a vital way of communicating in school, public life and internationally. Drama enables pupils to express themselves creatively and imaginatively and to communicate with others effectively. As a school we want to give children the opportunity to use drama in many areas of the curriculum, as it is an extremely effective means of communicating ideas. Practical learning can be crucial to understanding. To extend the provision for the subject, all children are offered the opportunity to participate in a Christmas or Summer performance. After school drama clubs are run to support these performances. Some children will be given the chance to perform during the Harvest Festival, Christingle and Leavers’ Services. Some children choose to be entered for Trinity Guildhall speech and drama group and individual examinations.

ART

Art is seen as a vital part of the whole curriculum and is often used to complement and be complemented by other areas of the curriculum.  Our art curriculum provides a chance for children to explore, discuss, respond to and enjoy a variety of art, craft and design forms and they are able to record, communicate and express ideas in many different ways.  Children are offered the opportunity to develop understanding of a variety of media and techniques, including painting, drawing, collage, textiles, printing and sculpture.  We greatly value our links with local artists, schools and museums and encourage an appreciation of works of art by both great artists and children alike.

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

Physical Education plays an important role within the school curriculum.  P.E. lessons provide opportunities for children to develop both physically and socially.  Children are encouraged to work together during lessons. Our aim is to provide a wide range of activities aimed at promoting a healthy lifestyle and developing skills and enjoyment in games, gymnastics, dance, athletics, swimming and circuit training.

P.E. is a National Curriculum requirement and it is therefore important that the children have their P.E. kit in school at all times.

Lister Juniors has excellent facilities for physical education.  There is a well equipped gymnasium, a large hall and a field.

While the general philosophy at Lister Junior School is that sport is about participation and enjoyment, it is also a key part of life to take part in competitive sports activities.  Various after school clubs are organised throughout the year and Lister Junior School regularly competes in events including: boys and girls football, basketball, tag rugby, indoor and outdoor athletics, cross country, basketball, swimming and cricket.

Each term a ‘Sports Award’ is presented to children who have excelled in their sport.

Swimming

During years 4 and 5 children have swimming lessons each week at Peter Lloyd swimming baths. Y5 in the autumn term and Y4 in the spring and summer term. Children need a swimming costume or trunks, swimming cap (available from the office) and towel for these lessons.  Children who on occasion cannot take part in P.E or swimming lessons, should bring an explanatory note to give to their teacher.

PSHE (Personal, Social, Health & Emotional)

In our school we regard PSHE as an important component of the whole curriculum.  We believe that as a healthy school the promotion of health and well being is central to the life of the school and its relationships with the surrounding community.  In Lister Juniors we take very seriously the responsibility that schools have to provide a broad and balanced curriculum which:

1.      Prepares children for the opportunities, responsibilities and experiences of adult life.

2.      Promotes the spiritual, moral, cultural, mental, emotional, social and physical development of pupils at the school and in society.

3.      All children are entitled to receive sound information about keeping healthy and safe, emotionally and physically.

Children are taught the importance of looking after themselves as well as others.  Examples of areas covered include healthy eating, drugs education, sex education, making decisions and resisting peer pressure, smoking, personal hygiene and citizenship.

This subject is currently taught in conjunction with SEAL (Social and Emotional Aspects of Learning).

FRENCH

As a ‘Centre of Excellence’ for the teaching of French we provide our children with the opportunity to learn a second language and we also encourage them to have an awareness of different cultures and traditions.

Children are taught French on a regular basis and are encouraged to use their language skills whenever appropriate.

We also give our children the opportunity to participate in our annual French Day, when our children are immersed in the ‘French Culture’ by taking part in French activities and sharing in a French Breakfast.

At the end of Year 6 selected children are given the opportunity to be assessed externally on their French Speaking and Listening skills.

HOMEWORK

Maths and English homework is given out on a Friday and should be returned by the following Wednesday.  Children are encouraged to complete homework tasks which is linked to learning achieved during the week.

SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS (S.E.N.)

Children are identified as having a behaviour or learning difficulty by the class teacher or an external agency and entered onto the SEN Register at the school action stage.

The class teacher is then responsible for the planning, monitoring and reviewing of the child’s progress.  This is recorded on an Individual Education Plan (I.E.P.)

Children who continue to experience difficulties often require specialised help and advice is sought from a relevant outside agency. At this point children will be moved to the school action plus stage in order to receive additional support at school action plus stage, eg, outreach from a specialised SEN teacher, it may be necessary for the school to submit a referral to the local consortia.  This is a group of professionals from the L.A with experience and expertise in SEN who meet with representatives of local schools to decide upon the best provision available to support children with SEN. Parents views are always sought before the referral is made.

Parents are encouraged to be involved at all stages and are invited to meet with the class teacher regularly to plan and review their child’s progress.  Regular appointments are available for parents to meet with the school SENCo (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator) to discuss SEN issues. These appointments are advertised in the weekly news letter.

Gifted and Talented

Gifted and talented pupils at Lister Junior School are those children who demonstrate an ability to achieve levels of performance which are significantly higher than average for their year group in one or more areas of learning.  Children are identified by the class teachers, parents, outside clubs and a register is formulated.  The register is updated on a termly basis and children are directed to appropriate clubs and gifted and talented masterclasses.

RESIDENTIAL VISITS

A popular part of education in this school is the residential visits.  Residential trips are available for every child in every year group.  The children have the opportunity to visit various places including Eshton Grange, Colomendy, Kingswood and Boreatton Park.  There is a charge for these trips, although it is sometimes possible for us to offer them at a reduced cost to children in receipt of free school meals.  Plenty of notice is always given and the opportunity to pay weekly is also available.

These visits offer a wide range of activities and form an integral part of many schemes of work here.  The children’s safety is paramount at all times and they are accompanied by experienced teachers, teaching assistants and other adults who have been Criminal Records Bureau checked.  We follow LEA guidelines and detailed risk assessments are done for every visit.  Children do not take part in any water activities apart from swimming on certain trips. However, should you wish that your child does not take part in a residential trip, please inform the school.  We will respect your wishes.

For all such visits the children are insured, but parents are advised to take out personal accident insurance for their child which attracts a very small premium.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

School is more than a timetable of lessons and we encourage the children to discover and develop their interests and enthusiasm by participating regularly in some of our clubs and teams, of which there is a wide range covering many activities and interests.

These extra curricular activities for pupils take place in the lunch hour and frequently after school.  In the latter cases adequate notice is given of such activities. Staff of the school give freely of their time and expertise.

A time table is sent out half termly on the school newsletter.  Parental permission is required for children to take part in after school activities.

Charging Policy

From time to time the school may ask parents for voluntary contributions towards activities that support core and foundation subjects.  Funding may be supported by the School Fund – Monies generated by specific fund raising events such as profits from the sale of school photographs, sponsored events and other sources. The Parent Council will be kept informed of all curricular activities which may incur additional expenses and will be asked for suggestions for funding.

Although no child will be excluded from activities as a result of non-contribution, it must be realised that, without the support of parents, it will not be possible to continue to offer a range of activities.

PHOTOGRAPHY / PRESS / MEDIA

Children may be photographed during their school activities.  Sometimes these photographs may be used to publicise the work of the school.  If you do not wish your child to be photographed then please let the Headteacher know.

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

Under the provision of the Education Reform Act, the D.F.E. has issued a complaints procedure.

The following matters may be the subject of complaint under this provision:-

Implementation of the National Curriculum

Curriculum Provision

R.E. and Worship

Charging Policy for School Activities

Exemption of National Curriculum delivery in the case of individual pupils.

A copy of the arrangements may be inspected in school but all approaches should in the first instance be made to the Head Teacher.  The process allows for sequential progress via Headteacher, to Governors, Local Authority and ultimately to the Secretary of State.