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PROSPECTUS OF THE GROVE PRIMARY SCHOOL

The Grove Primary School
Asfordby Road, Melton Mowbray, Leicestershire LE13 0HN
Tel: 01664 562554

It is with great pleasure that the staff welcome you to our school.

The Grove is a primary school for children aged 4-plus to 11
 (children are admitted at the beginning of the year during which they are 5)

Headteacher:
MICHAEL OWEN

Assistant Headteachers:
ANNE JEAL and CATH McGRATH

Teaching Staff:
SUSAN DOUGHTY, JANICE HUMM, GILL KOTARBA,
MARTIN MCQUADE, HANNAH STANLEY, MARIA TWITTEY,
MONIKA TYLER, YVONNE WANT,
SAM WELLER, DEBRA WESTON

Nursery Nurses:
SOPHIE GENT, KARINA HAZELDINE, LESLEY VARNHAM

Learning Support Staff:
MANDY BLAZA, CAROLE BROWN, DONNA DICKINSON,
AMANDA HARRISON, HELEN KEARNEY, MARK LEWIS,
VAL MARRIOTT, LEANNE MARSDEN, LISA PARTRIDGE,
WENDY SIMONS, HELEN TOWNSEND, STEPH WALDRON

School Secretaries:
MARIA BRADLEY, KIRSTY REEK

Premises Officer:
PAUL BLACKSHAW

Chairperson of Governors:
LAURA HORTON

Parent Governors:
HELEN BENZIE, STEFAN KOTARBA

Governors:
MARIA BRADLEY, STEVE DUNGWORTH, JULIAN DUXBURY,
JANICE HUMM, GILLIAN KOTARBA, TREVOR MONCRIEF,
ANNE TOMPKINS, NATHAN WHITLEY,
JOCELYN WILKINSON, GORDON YOUNG

Clerk to the Governors:
VALERIE MALLOY

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Can we look around before we decide upon a school?
Yes, of course.  This is a most important decision and should not be taken lightly.    You are more than welcome to come and look around The Grove.  Please call in or ring to arrange a mutually convenient time when you can be shown the school when the children are working.  You will be able to see what we do, how we do it and have the opportunity to ask why we do it, should you wish!  Come and talk to the Head, the teachers and, most especially, the children to give you a clear picture of the school and its activities.  It is important that both you and your children are happy with the school that you choose – please visit us together if you can.

Do you have a uniform?
Yes, we have. Our school colour is royal blue.  School sweatshirts and polo shirts, embroidered with the school logo, are available at a reasonable price from the school.  The wearing of school colours is positively encouraged and we ask that no denims are worn.  Please mark all school clothes clearly with your child’s name.  The children should wear flat shoes, which are comfortable for them to wear all day and which are safe for them to run and play in.  We ask that no jewellery, other than ear studs are worn, for the health and safety of the children.

What are the school times?
School starts at 9.00am.  Please do your very best to ensure that your child is here on time, but not before 8.40pm.  A teacher will be on duty at 8.50am when the whistle will blow, those children who wish to come into school early may do so then, otherwise they can carry on playing until a second whistle blows, which is when all children must move along to their classroom.

Lunch break is 12.30 – 1.30pm.  School finishes at 3.15pm.

School crossing patrols will be on duty at:
Asfordby Road (outside the school) and Leicester Road.  Much of our catchment area is covered by a bus service which drops the children off and picks them up from school.

How will my child be helped to settle in?
We feel that this period is extremely important for both your child and for you.  To help you and the children to feel at home in our school and relaxed about their first days with us, one of the Early Year's teachers or the Headteacher will come to visit you at home before your child joins us.   She will then invite you and your child for a visit to look around the classes and meet the staff.

Your child will also be invited to join us for some pre-school sessions during the Summer term. This ensures that the children know the school and the staff well before they start with us full time in the September, and ensures the children have not worried their way through the Summer break.  Invariably we have a calm and happy start and the children settle in very well.

Children start with us at the beginning of the year during which they are 5.  The Grove is extremely fortunate in that we have a 4+ unit, which is specifically staffed and resourced for young children.  The curriculum that they follow and the equipment they use are designed to enhance the learning and experiences that 4 year old children should receive.  The rooms are bright, cheerful and secure.  The children play in a fenced off part of the playground and are carefully supervised to ensure their Health and Safety.

What will the children learn and how will this be taught?
The governors and staff of the school together formulated a statement of their aims for The Grove:

“Our children will develop a sense of responsibility and compassion for themselves and others through tolerance, co-operation and humour.

We aim for children to be happy and motivated so that they can become curious, confident learners and problem solvers.

We want to develop in them a sense of responsibility, self worth and individuality.

Our aim is to develop their knowledge and skills to their full potential and achieve success through high standards and expectations.

We aim to provide a happy, safe and secure environment in which children can access a challenging, balanced curriculum.  Respect is nurtured through an inclusive partnership of children, staff, families and the wider community.”

During their time at this school each child experiences a broad,  balanced curriculum where skills, knowledge and understanding are developed in a variety of contexts.    Teaching approaches are matched to the child’s needs and considerable value is placed on creativity, relationships and attitudes, with the whole curriculum based on literacy, numeracy and oracy.

We aim to help children to develop lively, enquiring minds with a love of learning and a lifetime of curiosity.  We want them to be able to ask questions and be interested in the answers, to solve problems and to argue rationally and with good humour.  Our aim is to develop their knowledge and skills to their full potential in every area of the curriculum in order that they can grow into independent, self-motivated, caring and sharing members of society.

The school’s curriculum content includes all those areas specified in the National Curriculum, providing a base for an education that ensures quality and progression.

Core Subjects:
English, Maths, Science

Foundation Subjects:
ICT, Technology, History, Geography, Music, Physical Education,
Art, Religious Education

Religious Education will be taught to all pupils according to the Leicestershire Syllabus.  We are not affiliated to any particular religious denomination but work closely with many of our local churches.  We also visit other places of worship and teach about other religions.  A good background in Christian values is supported by a tolerance and understanding of all ethnic groups.  As a parent, under the Education Act, you have the right to withdraw your child from religious education if you so choose.

During a normal school week all junior children will experience approximately 23 hours 30 minutes teaching towards the National Curriculum and its related parts, with the infants having 21 hours.  The remainder of the time is taken up by registration, breaks and collective worship.

Teachers work closely together to ensure that the children make progression from the Reception years through to year 6.  Our close working links with our feeder High Schools also enable us to ensure progression into the next stage of the child’s education.

Will my child be happy?
Yes, we make every effort to see that the children with us are happy.  Pastoral care is given by all the staff constantly throughout the day.  All children know that they can come to any member of staff with their problems and queries at any time.   The children know that they are listened to and are valued.  We also have the Positive Play room, which provides an additional space for children who are worried, concerned or unable to settle in the classroom for any reason. WE ARE A HAPPY SCHOOL. If you have any concerns that your child is unhappy in any aspect of school life, do not hesitate to contact us.  Children have the right to feel safe, secure and happy.

Can I be involved?
Yes, please!  Parents are a very important link in the child’s learning both before they enter school and while the children are with us.  At The Grove we welcome your support.  We hold open evenings and parent interviews on a regular basis but you are welcome at any other mutually convenient time should you have any concerns at all.

Records of children’s progress and plans and targets for their further learning development are kept at school.   Your child’s class teacher or the Headteacher will be only too willing to discuss these with you.  Your child’s targets will be discussed with you at parents’ evenings, and you will receive copies.  Your child has helped to set the targets and we would like you, too, to be as involved as possible.  Talk to us about how we can work together to help your child.  The report sent home once a year records your child’s progress and achievements.  It has a section to be completed by parents.  Please take this extra opportunity to express your opinions and support for your child.

A Base Line conversation takes place with parents of very young children during the first two terms of school.   This enables both parties to decide on what the child is able to do and what they will need for the immediate and long-term future. 

These continuing records of progress are shared with parents throughout the child’s time with us.

You are also welcome to join us in our classrooms and assemblies.  Sports events and concerts are well supported by parents.  Many parents offer help in swimming, cooking, library, etc.  Do come and join us in the enjoyable task of educating your child at school.  

If you are at all concerned about any aspect of school life which is affecting your child, do not hesitate to contact the class teacher or the Headteacher.    An opportunity to discuss the situation with the Chairperson of Governors or a parent governor is also available to you.

Can I know what my child will learn about sex in their primary school?
Yes, of course.  From the time the child enters school, sex education is available as part of our whole programme of Health Education.  The school attempts to deal with children’s questions about physical differences between sexes and about human reproduction factually, honestly and sensitively to meet their needs at the time.  The school nurse supports staff during year 6 when we involve parents of those children through them having the opportunity of seeing the material being presented, and being given the opportunity to talk to the staff about the programme.

Will my child be able to take part in Sport and Games?
Yes, all boys and girls have the opportunity to take part in a wide variety of sports, games and physical exercise.  It is part of both the national and school curriculum that ALL children take part in physical activities and education and we do our very best to ensure that they enjoy the experience!  For their health and safety they must be appropriately dressed for these activities and must not wear the clothes which they are in for the rest of the day.

Please provide your child with a white T-shirt, black shorts and plimsolls (not trainers) for PE, and a track suit and old trainers or football boots, if appropriate, for games sessions outdoors.  Long shorts and shirts present a danger when a child is using PE apparatus and are not suitable.  All PE and games kit should be clearly marked and kept in a bag also marked with the child’s name.

Do the children have the opportunity to learn how to swim?
Yes, our children have regular swimming lessons in Year 1 to 6.  We hope they will enjoy it and gain the confidence to become competent swimmers as they grow older.  Swimming is part of the National Curriculum and ALL children are expected to attend swimming lessons unless, of course, they are ill.    If a child has a medical condition confirmed by a doctor’s letter advising against swimming activities, then obviously we will make other arrangements for them.  Swimming is fun but it is also a part of the school curriculum that we take very seriously from the safety angle.  Melton is surrounded by water hazards and the ability to swim could save your child’s life.

We make a small charge of 35 pence per session to cover the cost and this is supported by fund raising activities – please help us with these.  We do need your support in taking children to the Waterfield Baths for 8.50am.  where a teacher will take responsibility for them.  With the younger children we ask that parents, if possible, stay and help with dressing and undressing.  If you feel brave enough to help the teachers by going in with the children you will be most welcome.

Please remember that for organisational and health and safety reasons we do not allow children to eat and drink during these sessions or purchase goods from the machines.

What sort of behaviour do you expect from the children?
We expect a high standard of behaviour and encourage self-discipline, self-motivation and adaptability.  Our school rules are simple and are based on every member in the school respecting one another, keeping everyone safe, happy and able to develop.  We expect all at The Grove to show consideration and respect for others, their health, safety, happiness and property.  All rules are towards this end and are explained to the children, on the assumption that unless they understand they cannot comply.  If children are unreasonable in their behaviour either in our out of the classroom they are spoken with, their point of view listened to, and discipline administered if this is felt necessary.  This usually takes the form of withdrawal of privileges, but parents will be brought in with more serious or persistent problems.  At all times we see the situation as a partnership between home and school and would hope that we support one another in our attitudes towards what behaviour is acceptable and how any that is unacceptable is dealt with.  Children who consistently keep to the rules receive praise, privileges, stickers and certificates and are made to feel very proud of themselves.

What about children who need extra help?
Some children have Special Educational Needs and we try, with your help, to identify these as soon as possible and give them any support that is necessary:  we have considerable additional staffing to help us in this.  Some children are occasionally withdrawn into small groups in order that they receive more individual help in a specific area of the curriculum.  ALL children are treated as individuals and we make every effort to cater for their needs whether they have learning difficulties, are more able in any area or are ‘middle of the road’. 

We plan specifically both for our more able children and those who need additional help in every area of the curriculum, ensuring that they are encouraged to work to the very best of their ability and achieve the highest possible standards.

How are the children grouped?
The classes are organised wherever possible on a year group basis.  However, when the balance of numbers makes this impossible, we endeavour to arrange the classes in such a way as to facilitate the best possible education for the children.  If you have any concerns about the placing of your child please do not hesitate to contact us.

Are all children treated equally at The Grove?
YES.  The policy of the Leicestershire County Council is to represent and serve all people regardless of their racial origins, colour, gender or disability.  At The Grove we have active Multi-cultural, Anti-Racism and Equal Opportunities policies and all members of the staff and pupils are expected to comply with them.  We positively encourage equal opportunities for all children no matter what their sex, background, beliefs, race, ability or disability.

Child Protection
We are all interested in protecting children from abuse.   The law places a duty on staff in schools to report possible cases of child abuse as we have a lot of contact with children and may be told about abuse or notice signs of it.   Schools must report this to the investigating agencies, initially to the Social Services department.   Staff in schools want to have the best possible relationships with parents.  This will involve providing clear information and contacting you if there is a problem with your child, or a concern that we need to discuss.   However, in cases of possible child abuse it may be necessary for the Headteacher to contact the Social Services before you as the child’s parents, although you will be informed immediately.  This is part of the procedure that has to be followed.   Social Services would then contact you.   Please be assured that all procedures are open and you would be informed at every stage.

Again, we are working together for the very best for all of the children.  Help us to protect them.  If you have any concerns please do not hesitate to contact the school or Social Services.

Are there After-School Activities that my child can enjoy?
Yes, there is the chance for the children in Years 3 – 6 to participate in a variety of clubs which take place after school and finish at 4.00pm.  At present these are Choir/Music, Art & Craft, Computers, Badminton, Football and Netball.  These obviously change to meet the needs of the children and depend upon the skills the teachers can offer.  These clubs are held on a purely voluntary basis by the teachers in their own time and are much enjoyed and appreciated by the children.

'Kiddy Crew' – Before/after school and holiday child care
We have an excellent before and after school club, offering the children care, fun and activities in a familiar, safe and secure environment.  The club runs from 7.45a.m. – 9.00a.m. and 3.15p.m. – 6.15p.m. and the charges are very reasonable.  If you are interested in taking advantage of this facility, just ask for a brochure or come in and talk.  If families are on Working Tax Credit they are entitled to a huge discount.  Again – just ask!

Is there anything for Preschool children?
Yes, every Thursday morning between 9.30a.m. – 11.30a.m., there is the chance for parents to bring along any preschool child to Parent and Toddler Sessions.   Here everyone participates in playing, singing, story telling,  art and crafts.  A small charge of £1.00 applies.

Melton Toy Library
We have a specific room where the Melton Toy Library group meets on a Tuesday and Thursday 1.15 – 3.15p.m.   Here you can meet other parents and children can play together.   For a minimal charge you can borrow a variety of toys for your child to use at home for a period of time.  The success of the Toy library depends on the enthusiasm of yourselves.  Please do come and join us.

What can be provided for lunch?
Lovely cooked meals are available at school but sandwiches may be brought instead.  We try to encourage children to eat their meals properly and ask parents to support us in this.  At playtime some children have a snack.   Can we ask parents to make it one item only which can be kept separate from their lunch, and that it should not be sugar-based (to protect their teeth), or contain nuts as we have children with a severe allergic reaction to these.  The school tuck shop sells juice, milk and fruit.  All of Key Stage One children receive fruit or vegetables each day, to eat as a snack.

Payment for school meals is made on the first school day of the week for the week, in advance, normally by cash.  Cheques may be accepted provided.

What is the medical provision?
Our school nurse, Alison Asquith, visits frequently and is present at all medicals.  She can be contacted either through the school or on 01664 854920.   Presently four of the staff are qualified First Aiders At Work, and most of the staff have undergone basic first aid training.

It is both the school and County policy that no medicines should be administered unless clear written instructions to do so have been obtained from the parents or legal guardians.  All medicines must be clearly labelled with the child’s name, dosage to be given and frequency, and must be in a child-proof container.  Children who require a short course of medication will normally remain at home until the course is finished.

Is there any transport to and from the school?
Yes, a bus runs to and from school to the following timetable.  Fares and times are subject to Ausden Clark.

Dieppe Way	08.30
Welby Lane	08.39
Grove Primary	08.45
St Francis	08.55 (For Swimming Baths)
Grove Primary	15.20
Welby Lane	15.25
The Crescent	15.35
Wilton Road Bus Station	15.40

What if my child needs to bring money or personal items to school?
Teachers will ask children to hand over money to them during the day for safe-keeping which they can collect after school.  Please try to encourage your children NOT to bring expensive toys into school as in the excitement they could easily be damaged during play periods.  We ask that no jewellery except ear studs should be worn, for obvious health and safety reasons.  Children wearing other items will be asked to remove them and they will be kept in a safe place until the child can take them home.

Is there a Parent/Teacher Association?
Most definitely. The Friends of Grove have helped the children enormously over the years.  Please help them with your support and ideas – the more parents are involved the more fun the events become, please contact either:

Mrs Brown, Mrs Weston, Mrs Humm, or Mrs Bradley through the school.

PLEASE HELP!

How can I help the school to run efficiently?
Please let children enter and leave the school on their own and meet them in the playground at the end of the day – it encourages self-confidence and responsibility, but do try very hard to be there,  children become very distressed very quickly if you are not where they expect you to be!  Please do NOT wait in doorways or in the corridors as this causes a risk in the event of fire.

In case of emergency – and nobody is there to collect them – younger children will be kept at school until a parent arrives.  Please tell your child TO GO BACK INTO SCHOOL AND TELL THEIR TEACHER if you are not around.

If a child is absent or has to miss games/swimming for any reason a note from a parent or guardian MUST be sent to school.  If you need to collect your child from school during the day, please call into the office and they will be fetched from the classroom – they cannot be sent home unaccompanied and must be collected by a responsible, named adult.

All of these requests are for the safety and benefit of your children.  Please help us by following these guidelines.

Please ensure that we have an emergency contact telephone number in case your child is ill or needs medical attention for any reason.  This should be the number of someone in or around Melton.

What if anything is lost at school?
I have been asked to inform you that the County Council disclaims responsibility for any item of personal property lost or damaged whist on school premises.  In the circumstances parents may wish to consider arranging private insurance to cover valuable personal property (eg musical instruments) brought to or left on school premises, but we ask that nothing of real value should normally be brought into school.

How do I pay for trips etc?
Both children and parents have always appreciated and valued educational visits and activities.  For some, parents may be asked to make a voluntary contribution of the full cost for their child!  Clearly there is no legal obligation for parents to contribute and no child will be treated differently if parents choose not to.  Leicester Education Committee has a scheme which offers help to those families who require financial support if they are in receipt of Family Credit or Income Support.  We hope that we will be able to continue to offer the children a full programme of visits and activities, but this does rely on our receiving enough voluntary contributions from parents to make them viable.  We anticipate your continued support.  If a large amount is involved we are able to collect this in instalments.

Are there documents I could read for more information?
Yes, parents are welcome at any time to see the LEA curriculum policy statement, school schemes of work, the LEA statement on RE, any HMI or OFSTED published reports on the school and details of how to make a complaint about the school.  Should you wish to have access to them please phone and make a request through the Headteacher.

What if I have a concern or a complaint?
If parents have any concerns at all about their child we ask that they contact either the class teacher or the Headteacher as soon as possible.  On the rare occasion the matter cannot be satisfactorily resolved, then of course parents have access to the governing body through the parent governors.  If a parent wishes to proceed further they should then write to the Director of Education setting out details of their concerns.   After investigation the LEA can refer the matter to a formal stage of complaint and the appropriate form will be sent.   Naturally, we hope and expect that problems will not get this far.  Please do not hesitate to contact us with any concerns.

The children this year made very good progress in the KS2 SATs and have achieved better than the National average for 4+ in both English and Maths.  Our target now is to increase the number of children who achieve level 5, and to raise the attainment in Science, as it presently stands just under the National average.  We constantly look at our practice to see what we can do more to help our children, and we analyse the information that we get from test results etc. to set targets for the children and school.   Our teaching remains at a high standard throughout the school overall and this is true each year.  Be assured that, no matter what the children's abilities, strengths or areas of difficulty, we shall continue to provide them with good teaching and every opportunity to develop and progress.

Please continue to support your children with developing their reading and writing, and speaking and listening skills.  Children become good readers and writers by reading.   They read a wide range of material at school but to make real progress they must also read at home.  No child can read too much!  They also need to speak as much as possible and have conversations about everything that goes on around them!  The more words they know, the more they can read and write.

The library has an excellent choice of books that the children can borrow,  but they may also like to read newspapers, sports reports, magazines and comics.   Whatever they read will help.  Please spare a few minutes each evening to sit comfortably with your child and share a book.    It is not only a wonderful and cosy thing to do, it will help their progress at school, in every area of the curriculum, more than anything else.   Too many of our children never read at home.    We do many reading activities at school, with individuals, groups and as whole classes.   All that we do is planned to build the children's skills, but they need more – as much as you can possibly do.   Please help us to help them do their very best and have a successful future with lots of choices.

Our children make good progress.   We are very proud of them and of our school.   We are pleased to welcome all children into The Grove, no matter what their needs are, providing we can meet those needs and as long as their behaviour is acceptable!  

Targets will be different from year to year depending upon the previous attainments and potential of the children in that year group.  We look at each child's progress very carefully indeed and try to assess what would be the very best they could achieve if we did all we could, and they had a good day!   We set very challenging targets that help us focus on stretching and challenging every child.    It is unlikely that we would ever actually achieve the targets we set as they are aspirational, but that helps both us and the children to do our very best.  Again, you can help considerably by encouraging your children to read, by talking with them and by showing a real interest in what they are doing.

That will help them more than anything else.  Thank you for your support.