WILMSLOW GRANGE COMMUNITY

Telephone 01625 526566

E-mail: admin@wilmslowgrange.cheshire.sch.uk

www.wilmslowgrange.cheshire.sch.uk

Our school, on Ullswater Road in Handforth, is well placed to serve the children, their parents and the community.  We are committed to delivering high standards of education, social development, personal responsibility and friendship.  The school has an excellent range of facilities and provides the children with quality experiences for learning. 

‘This is a good and improving school with an outstanding Early Years Foundation Stage.’  (Ofsted – May 2009).

Nursery classes for children aged 3 to 5 are accessed flexibly, as five mornings, or five afternoons or as combination of full and part days.  In the academic year 2010-2011 we have four classes for children aged 5 to 7 and four classes for children aged 7 to 11 and all are in single age groups.  The School maintains close links with Wilmslow High School, where the majority of our pupils transfer when leaving us, aged eleven, and with the 11 neighbouring Primary schools, which form the Wilmslow Education Partnership (WEP).

We enjoy building strong links with parents and welcome enquiries; we are pleased to show existing or prospective parents around the school.  Please contact us in person or by telephone if you would like to arrange a tour or an appointment with the Head Teacher.  Once children are in school your child’s teacher is the best person to contact for special enquiries.

Further information about the school is available on the school website (www.wilmslowgrange.cheshire.sch.uk).  The school office is open from 8.50 to 3.30 Monday to Friday, our Administrative Officers, Mrs Melanie Jarvis or Mrs Wendy Fogarty will be pleased to meet you or deal with enquiries. (tel:  01625  526566, email: admin@wilmslowgrange.cheshire.sch.uk).

For details of admissions please phone the school or enquire to Cheshire East Admissions (tel: 0845 1110304 or email admissions@cheshireeast.gov.uk).  The school “catchment area” covers all Handforth west of the Manchester-Crewe railway line.

Mrs Joanne Ashcroft

Head Teacher

 THE HISTORY OF WILMSLOW GRANGE SCHOOL

Wilmslow Grange Primary School was opened in 1963 at a time when Handforth had grown considerably in population.  There were three other Primary schools nearby; as the years have passed the other schools have closed, the latest being Brooke Dean school in July 2004. 

Our school building has had a major refurbishment, completed in June 2005.  Following the amalgamation with Brooke Dean School, our building was extended.  The number of classrooms was increased, a nursery classroom and nursery facilities were added, the school hall was enlarged, new staff room, new offices and group teaching rooms were added, while a new ICT suite, a music room, a library, and a children’s kitchen were all accommodated in the original building.  We provide facilities which the community of Handforth can be proud of.

The ‘Honford Star’ is the symbol of the school.  This star with curved points appears like a flower on the children’s sweatshirts.  Local legend tells us that a knight, Henry de Honford, sighted the good omen of a bright star falling from the sky.  His battle against the Saracens being successful, he ensured a silver star was painted on the black shields of his retainers.  Handforth was originally part of Cheadle and Sir Henry’s grave, where the emblem can be seen is in Cheadle Church.

OUR SCHOOL’S PURPOSE

Preparing children for their life in society, now and in the future; developing their independence, curiosity and enthusiasm..

OUR VALUES

·        High academic and social standards within a quality learning environment

·        Respectful relationships where everyone’s opinions are valued

·        Quality curriculum, which encompasses individual learning styles within a climate of creativity

We believe that high quality experiences are the key to success.  Priority is given to the acquisition and application of essential linguistic, mathematical, scientific, technological, creative and physical skills as set out in the National Curriculum.  Our teaching framework covers all subject areas and links subjects within ‘Contexts for Learning’ for each term.

The subjects studied are:-

CORE SUBJECTS                English, Mathematics, Science and Information Technology

FOUNDATION SUBJECTS Design Technology, History, Music, Art, Geography, Physical Education and Religious Education.

ENGLISH                              

Literacy lessons include a wonderful range of stories, poems and non fiction texts, following the narrative, non-narrative and poetry units, detailed in the National Primary Framework.  Children develop reading fluency through class, group and individual reading.  Parents are partners in the process of learning to read, borrowing books from school and reading at home is an essential part of gaining reading skills.  We aim to build children’s competency as authors with a high standard of self expression utilising knowledge of good spelling and conventions of grammar, through adapting a whole school ‘Big Writing’ approach to developing children’s use of VCOP (vocabulary, connectives, openers of sentences and punctuation).

MATHEMATICS

Numeracy lessons include mental mathematics, games for enjoyment and problem solving investigations.  Each area of Maths:  number, shape, space, Measures and data handling is covered with direct teaching and as much practical experience as possible.  The school follows the blocks and units in the National Primary Framework.

SCIENCE

In Science, we foster investigation, a fascination for enquiry and knowledge or our world.  The children use their skills to investigate living things, materials and physical sciences.

We provide children with opportunities to communicate present and retrieve information within the context of other subjects.  Pupils are introduced to the programmes which enhance skill development and their competence at the keyboard, their ability to sort information, handle text and images and analyse data.  All the classes are fitted with interactive whiteboards and have access to the ICT suits for two lessons each week, enabling a high level of ICT interaction.

ART

Children apply their development of art skills to their Context for Learning for the term. They explore a range of different stimuli for the art projects, and work using a variety of media, at 2D and 3D (drawing, painting, printing, collage, sculpture).

DESIGN TECHNOLOGY

We encourage the children to design a solution to a real life situation.  We teach skills in design, construction and evaluation, through a project linked to the context for learning for the term.

History is taught through stories rooted in evidence of the past, visits to local places for experiences of previous times and the hands on examination of historical artefacts and other sources of evidence.  We aim that children will have knowledge of chronology, empathy with previous peoples, and the ability to use historical sources.

GEOGRAPHY

MODERN FOREIGN LANGUAGES – FRENCH

MUSIC AND PERFORMING ARTS

Teachers make regular formative assessments of pupils’ progress, on an ongoing basis, to ensure that individual needs are met. In addition, pupils complete more formal assessment tasks at the end of the Autumn and Summer terms, so that pupils’ attainment levels can be tracked. Teachers share the expectations of their pupils with parents at two parent’s evenings each year, and children regularly take home targets to work on, in Literacy and Numeracy.  Parents receive an annual report to inform them of their child’s attainment and progress in all curriculum areas. 

‘Achievement is good because pupils make good progress throughout the school and in their lessons…Pupils make good progress because the teaching is responsive to their needs and interests.’ (Ofsted – May 2009)

The tables below show the levels achieved by the Key Stage One children at the end of Year 2 and those achieved by the Key Stage Two children at the end of Year 6, in July 2011.

KEYSTAGE ONE RESULTS 2011

Figures given as percentages

Figures given as percentages

The School Behaviour Policy covers rewards for good behaviour and expected positive behaviours.  Children are rewarded individually and as a class.  Good work is celebrated in Achievement Assembly.  When children’s behaviour is disappointing we ensure the children know what is expected of them and how to behave and choose sensibly.  Teaching staff draw the children’s attention to a scale of sanctions that will be applied as an outcome of poor behaviour.  Staff make contact with parents in order to arrange a co-ordinated approach to a child’s difficulties and ensure that parents take responsibility for their children’s negative behaviour.

At the beginning of each academic year teachers guide the children in their formulation of classroom and school rules for the year ahead, with children suggesting promises which they could make to ensure a happy and purposeful classroom.  The expectation is that a shared approach to discipline and a strong work ethic will guide the children to do their best at all times.

Our Eco Warriors take responsibility for caring for our school environment, and ensuring that we are an eco-friendly and sustainable school.

INFORMATION AFFECTING SAFETY, WELFARE & ATTENDANCE

It is vital that children have continuity of attendance so that their education benefits from a regular pattern of class work, social activities and play.  When a child is ill please notify the school office on the first day of absence before registration time at 09.00am, by coming to the school office, by email or by telephone.

HOLIDAYS

Parents should ask permission to remove a child from school for holidays.  A Holiday Permission Form is available form the school office.  The school follows the same Absence policy as all other Wilmslow Education Partnership Schools.  The Headteacher will not give permission for holidays which will interfere with a child’s preparation for formal assessments, and will only authorise up to 10 days holiday in an academic year.

CONTACT ADDRESSES

It is vital that any changes to addresses or telephone numbers should be passed to school as soon as possible.  In the event of an accident we will contact you.

ILLNESS

If your child has a prolonged absence due to illness/convalescence, staff may agree to send work home.  However, children recover best with a rest from school work.  The school follows the Cheshire East Council guidelines in relation to the administration of medicines.  Parents of children with medical needs will need to complete a health care plan, and update these annually (or more often if necessary) so that the school has up-to-date information about their needs.

DISABLED ACCESS

A wheelchair ramp to allow easy access to the building is located at the front of the school.  A toilet suitable for the disabled is located near the school offices.  We have a designated disabled access car parking space at the front of the building.

CARE OF PROPERTY

Children should give money or valuables to their teacher for safekeeping at the beginning of the day.  For safety reasons, pupils are asked to remove watches and jewellery before PE.  Valuables, pens, toys or games should not be brought into school.

All clothing should be clearly named.  Please see the Office about Lost Property.  Parents are asked to note that the Authority does not accept responsibility for loss or damage to personal property whilst on or left at the Authority’s premises.

SCHOOL MEALS – A SUCCESS STORY

School meals are prepared and cooked by our own staff.  The meals are popular – about half of the children at school eat school meals.  Payments for meals must be brought to school on Fridays of the week before, in a named envelope labelled also with the class and the amount.  Parents paying by cheque should make them payable to “Cheshire East”.

We encourage all children to eat healthy meals and eat a wide range of foods.

Snacks for mid morning break may be brought to school, or purchased from the school kitchen.  The Infant children have daily deliveries of fresh fruit and vegetables for their break times.  We have a healthy eating policy and allow only healthy snacks on Monday-Thursday, with children allowed to make their own choice on a Friday.

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

SPORTS AND GAMES

We encourage children to join in with a variety of extra curricular sports - football, netball, cross country running, basketball, multi-sports and athletics.  School teams participate in many of these areas and we are proud of their successes.

THE ARTS

A variety of extra curricular music is provided.  These include recorder groups, lessons in keyboard, woodwind and stings.  We also have a recorder consort, a school orchestra and steel pans group. We also provide an after school art club.

PARENTAL PARTICIPATION IN SCHOOL

We are most grateful for the support that we receive from parents and are pleased to involve them in school activities as much as possible.  We have some parents who come to school and help with activities during the day, under the supervision of the class teacher.  If you feel that you are able to help please approach your child’s class teacher.  Help is particularly valued for assisting with practical activities and visits out of school.

STATUTORY AND SCHOOL POLICIES

The school office holds copies of school documents and policies which parents may consult, and these are displayed in the school entrance foyer.

SCHOOL INSPECTION

May 2009 The main findings in the report begin:-

This is a good and improving school with an outstanding Early Years Foundation Stage.  The school’s leaders ensure that good quality care, guidance and support, good teaching and an interesting curriculum drive the school forward quickly after a period of disruption.  Staff work together effectively to provide interesting lessons for pupils backed up with well informed practice.  The school’s concerted drive tor raise standards further is having a positive effect throughout the school.

Copies of the report are available on the Ofsted website, school website and from the school office.

COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE

The Governors have adopted the complaints procedure recommended by the Cheshire Education Committee.  In the event of a concern or a complaint this should be dealt with informally in the first instance with the relevant staff concerned and the Head Teacher if required.  Parents are advised to outline their complaints verbally at an agreed time.  If it should become necessary the Chairperson of Governors may be required to assist those concerned and use the Governors complaints procedure.  A copy of the appropriate policy document is available from the school office outlining procedures, and is displayed in the school entrance foyer.

CHARGING POLICY

The school will charge for individual music tuition and residential visits.  Activities such as school visits during school hours for which a charge cannot be made will be funded by seeking voluntary contributions from parents.

ADMISSIONS POLICY

The school follows the Cheshire Education Services Policy on admissions.  Parents have the right to choose a school by preference.  The school’s year group admission limit is set at 30 (to ensure we meet the legal class size requirements for EYFS/Key Stage One).  Parents’ requests will be in the following order:

·        ‘looked after children’ – a child who is in the care of a local authority or provided with accommodation by that authority;

·        children for whom there are particular medical or social reasons which the Council’s view, justifies admission to a particular school;

·        children resident within the designated catchment zone of the school;

·        pupils with siblings at the school;

·        children not resident within a school’s local catchment zone but attending a school designated as a partner school for admissions purposes;

·        pupils living nearest the school.

WILMSLOW GRANGE NURSERY SCHOOL

The Nursery is staffed by two highly qualified staff, an Early Years Teacher and a Teaching Assistant.

The children enjoy rich stimulating experiences in a well planned and organised setting. The EYFS (Early Years Foundation Stage) curriculum covers development in: Personal, Social and Emotional Development; Communication, Language and Literacy; Problem Solving, Reasoning and Number; Knowledge and Understanding of the World; Physical Development; and Creative Development.

The children engage in activities planned by the teacher and initiated by them; well planned play is the key mode of learning, providing enjoyment and challenge.

There is provision for children with Special Educational Needs. 

WGOSP – WILMSLOW GRANGE OUT OF SCHOOL PROVISION

BEFORE/AFTER SCHOOL CLUB & CRECHE

This facility is available during term-time at from 8.00am to 6.00pm. 

The Before School Club offers an early start to children and parents, every day from 8.00am.  Children can play board games, read, use the Playstation, chat and relax before school gets started.

The After School Club provides a healthy snack, then abundant opportunities to play with friends. 

THE RAINBOW CENTRE

WILMSLOW GRANGE ASC RESOURCED PROVISION

The ASC (Autistic Spectrum Condition) resourced provision was established in September 2007 to provide high quality teaching and support for pupils who have been diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Condition.

The resource is made up of a base room (the Rainbow Centre) located with the mainstream school.  The Rainbow Centre has three key zones:

·        a group teaching area

·        individual work areas/stations

·        play/social/relaxation areas

The base room is used to support learning, be a safe place to which pupils can return to if they are feeling anxious or stressed and a ‘safe haven’ at lunch and break times.  We hope that our pupils perceive the base room as their space within the school.

The resource manager works collaboratively with an attached speech and language therapist, together with a team of learning support assistants.  The resource welcomes the opportunity to work with parents and other professionals involved in the education and care of the pupils.

We recognise that our ASC pupils have a wide range of different special needs.  Staff use their very good understanding of their pupils difficulties and abilities to develop very positive relationships.  Excellent opportunities are available both within the Rainbow Centre and through the inclusion of pupils in normal lessons with their peers.

Admission to the resource is controlled by the Local Education Authority.

Mrs J Ashcroft                         Headteacher

Mrs K Carr                               Assistant Headteacher

Mrs AL Warren                         Assistant Headteacher

Mrs C Reid                               ASC Provision Teacher & SENCO

Miss N Rafter                           Class Teacher

Mrs A Booth                             Class Teacher

Mrs C Crisp                               Class Teacher

Mrs Z Hardisty                         Class Teacher

Miss H Nuttall                           Class Teacher       

Mrs A Arnold                            Class Teacher

Mrs S McDonald                       Class Teacher

Mrs C Jackson                          ECaR Teacher

Mrs S Cusworth                       Music Teacher

Mrs C Jones                             Nursery Teacher

Mrs J Greenwood                     Nursery Teacher

Mrs G Norris                            Nursery Teaching Assistant

Miss P Marsh                           Higher Level Teaching Assistant

Mrs D Affleck                         Teaching Assistant

Mrs L Read                              Teaching Assistant

Mrs W Fogarty                         Administrative Officer

Mrs M Jarvis                            Administrative Officer

Mrs S Williamson                     Clerical Officer

Mr M Bradford                         Caretaker

Mrs J Fleming                           Cleaner

Mrs M Parkinson                        Cleaner

Mrs L Chowdhuri                     Cook

Mrs J Britch                              Midday Assistant

Mrs J Fleming                           Midday Assistant

Mrs I Gardiner                          Midday Assistant

Mrs D Burgess                         Midday Assistant