Prospectus

Aims and Vision Statement

Within the Christian environment of our Church of England school, it is our aim, in partnership with parents, the Governors and staff, to help our children:

To enjoy learning and to become independent, self-disciplined and self-motivated and to achieve the highest standards of which they are capable;

To develop lively, enquiring, creative minds;

To acquire knowledge, skills and training relevant to their own lives, adult life and employment in a rapidly changing world;

To develop, recognise and value a sense of right and wrong and to understand the society in which we live and recognise their obligations towards it;

To develop and act upon a personal set of values, beliefs and attitudes and to gain an understanding of and respect for the opinions of others, regardless of race, religion, way of life or point of view.

Admission of Students

Children commence school at the beginning of the Autumn term in the year in which they attain five years of age. Parents should give a full term´s notice of the child´s admission to school, but it is helpful to know a year in advance for administration purposes. During the half term prior to admission, one afternoon per week will be available to the child as an introduction to school, should parents feel it desirable. They are also encouraged to stay for lunch on this day. Wherever possible, young children are welcome to attend school functions with their parents, as another introduction to school life.

For the new entrants into the reception year, these children will attend school for half days only for the first three weeks, after the first full week of term. During this period of time they will return home after lunch.

Children in the school´s catchment area, who express a preference for our school, will be allocated the available places before children who express a preference from out of the area normally served by us. All parents are required to complete and return preference forms by the due date (usually in March prior to starting the new school).

Parents who do not complete and return their forms could compromise their first choice, whether it is the catchment area school or another.

Transport

Children arrive at school by a variety of means:

i Walk

ii Cycle

iii Service Bus

iv Car

If you think that you may be eligible for assistance with transport to and from school, contact the Highways and Transportation Department at County Hall, Northallerton. Telephone: 01609 780780.

School Organisation

The school is organised into two classes - the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 (KS1) are one class and Upper and Lower Key Stage 2 (KS2) in another. Mrs Susan Hirst is responsible for teaching the Foundation Stage and KS1 children and Mrs Taylor and Mr Baines are responsible for KS2.

The School Day

Commence 9:00 am

Morning break 10:35 am - 10:50 am

Break for lunch 12:00 am - 1:00 pm

Afternoon break KS1 2:30 pm – 2:55 pm

KS2 2:35 pm - 2:50 pm

Close 3:30 pm

Each day includes a 15 minute assembly. This gives 23 hours 45 minutes teaching time each week at KS2 and 22 hours 5 minutes teaching time each week at KS1.

School Lunch

A two course meal, carefully prepared with close attention paid to content and presentation, is served at 12:00 noon. It is brought daily from Upper Wharfedale School kitchen and is taken by the majority of children. Every effort is made to make this a pleasant occasion. We take our lunch in the Village Hall. The children sit in small ´family´ groups to eat, with the oldest children taking responsibility for the serving and care of the children on their tables. The County caterers manage the kitchen and a lunch time supervisor looks after the children both at meal times and during break. The cost of a lunch is at present £1.62 per day - this is subject to change. Payment may be made weekly or half termly, by cheque made out to Cracoe & Rylstone Primary School. If you intend to pay weekly, money should be brought on Monday morning, preferably in a marked envelope or purse.

The Curriculum

We organise learning and experiences that will help our children to achieve their academic potential, give them greater self-awareness and foster an attitude to the wider world which is sensitive and well-informed.

The core subjects are literacy, numeracy and science. To maintain breadth and balance the following subjects are taught:

History PE

Geography Information & Communication Technology

Music Design Technology

Art Personal, Social and Health Education

Citizenship Religious Education

Key Skills are developed in all subjects. These are:

Communication;

Problem solving

Application of number

Working with others

ICT

Learning independently

Homework

The School has a policy for homework both at KS1 and 2. KS1: We expect reading to be the main focus of homework and this should be undertaken regularly, at least three times per week. Additionally, there will be numeracy tasks once a week as well as spellings to learn and information seeking activities.

Lower KS2: Regular reading should be maintained as well as regular literacy and numeracy homework. We expect children to spend around half an hour per day reading privately. Children should also spend time regularly learning their times tables.

Upper KS2: Weekend and mid-week homework will be normal during these last two years at school, to prepare children for the demands of secondary school.

They should still be reading regularly, at least half an hour per day.

Testing, Assessment and Reporting

In this area it is important to be aware of the different agencies and their particular requirements in the testing, assessment and reporting of children´s work.

Statutory requirements

Children are continuously assessed throughout their school lives and formal testing in the form of End of Key Stage Assessments take place at age 7 and at age 11. Parents will be informed at the end of each Key Stage and given details of their own children´s perfomance in these tests and how it compares with the performance of other individuals in the same year group and across the country.

A written report is provided for the parents once a year.

School Requirements

In addition to the above, school keeps very thorough records of pupils´ achievements which contain details of work covered, standards achieved, skills acquired and future action.

Twice a year parents are invited into school to discuss their children´s progress. If a parent wishes to discuss something urgently they are asked to make an appointment and will be invited in either before or after school for consultation. Occasionally parents may find it very difficult to meet teachers in school and in such cases staff are willing to come to the child´s home.

L.E.A. Requirements

In addition to the above, all Y6 children are selected for their secondary school through a selection procedure. Information regarding this is available through school at the appropriate time.

General Information

Parents are also invited to take the opportunity of coming into school to read the policies and plans that pertain to each area of the curriculum. If you telephone to make an appointment, the Headteacher will try to be available to clarify any points you may find puzzling.

It is our intention to give all children the opportunity of learning to play a musical instrument. Initially this will be a recorder. Later on they can also learn to play other instruments, e.g. the violin or a brass instrument, but may have to travel to other local schools for tuition from peripatetic music teachers. A fee is charged for this service from which parents on Income Support Supplement are exempted. Details of charges are available at school.

For Physical Education (P.E.) we have use of the excellent facilities in the Village Hall. If the weather is fine we will usually make use of our outdoor areas. Children who wear jewellery of any kind will be asked to remove it for P.E., in accordance with safety standards in the County.

For P.E. lessons, children wear black shorts and a red tee-shirt, and do their work in bare feet, unless specially requested by parents to wear gym shoes. Out of doors, depending on how warm it is, they wear shorts or jogging trousers and gym shoes/trainers.

The Key Stage 2 children use the pool and Sports Hall at Upper Wharfedale School for sports lessons. If a parent should wish a child to be excused from P.E. children should bring a letter of explanation.

Religious Education

Cracoe and Rylstone School is a voluntary controlled, co-educational, Church of England, Primary establishment. Our approach to R.E. is as wide and varied as possible. All staff promote the Christian ethic through teaching and example. Our assemblies attempt to give children a feeling that they are part of a much wider world and although our locality is small, rural and somewhat isolated, we hope to develop the children´s sensitivities to and understanding of our multi-cultural society. We also use our assemblies to urge the children to be self-critical and have consideration for themselves and others.

Parents have the right to withdraw their children from RE lessons and assemblies. If you intend to do this, you should discuss this with the Headteacher.

Personal, Social and Health Education

Our policy is briefly that children´s questions regarding family life, physical, social and emotional development will be answered truthfully and with regard to the child´s age and maturity. Staff are deeply conscious of the need for an understanding and sensitive approach to children´s curiosity, but must be mindful of the world our children will inherit, including the dangers of ignorance and indifference. Suitable books are always available in the school library and children are encouraged to read them.

Children should have opportunities to learn about and discuss personal issues, regarding relationships within and without families; drugs and our society´s response to them; their own feelings and individual development.

As with RE and assemblies, parents have the right to withdraw their children from sex education. Please contact the Head if you intend to do this.

Child Protection

Cracoe and Rylstone School is committed to ensuring the welfare and safety of all children in school. All North Yorkshire schools, including Cracoe and Rylstone School, follow the North Yorkshire Area Child Protection procedures and the LEA procedures. The school will, in most circumstances, endeavour to discuss all concerns with parents about their child/ren. However, there may be exceptional circumstances when the school will discuss concerns with Social Care and/or the Police without parental knowledge (in accordance with Child Protection procedures). The school will, of course, always aim to maintain a positive relationship with all parents.

Equal Opportunities

Our policy is divided into gender and racial/cultural issues, special educational needs and behaviour/discipline issues.

The aim is to maintain a fair and positive approach to all our children´s needs both educational and pastoral. Children will receive the help they need regardless of background or ability.

Special Educational Needs

From time to time children may need some extra help with their work. As in all other areas of school life, parents will be kept very closely informed as to their children´s progress.

A support service for special needs is available to the school and provides prompt and professional advice on all occasions. We will involve all the necessary agencies to aid a child in his or her development but the help of parents is central to its success.

Behaviour

Children are given clear guidance regarding the School’s rules. We expect that children will have respect for others and their property and know how to conduct themselves both in and out of doors.

Staff take any information about bullying very seriously. All complaints are dealt with promptly and confidentially and parents are informed.

Dress Code

The school has a uniform which all children are encouraged to wear. Students are expected to arrive at school dressed appropriately for the day’s activities. For safety reasons children with medium to long hair must have it tied back.

Uniform:

Navy sweat shirt or fleece top with school logo

Pale blue shirt or polo shirt*

Black, navy or grey trousers (, skirt/pinafore

Black shoes

Black pumps or indoor shoes (preferably white trainers)

For PE:

Red polo shirt* or t-shirt

Black shorts

Pumps or trainers

(jogging trousers and jeans are not suitable as part of school uniform

* Polo shirts are available with the school logo.

Jewellery should not be worn in school, for safety reasons. Small studs or sleeper ear-rings may be worn but should be removed on PE days.

During the Winter, all children will need indoor pumps or white trainers for use indoors. Please ensure that all items of clothing, including coats and pumps/indoor shoes are clearly marked with the child’s name.

Non-Smoking Policy

Cracoe Primary School is a smoke-free zone including buildings and playgrounds.

Parents and School

Cracoe is an open school and we are always available for consultation or discussion. Children will usually bring home information in letter form, detailing forthcoming events. It is our intention to keep parents fully informed on all matters. From time to time misunderstandings may occur and a telephone call could put everyone back in the picture. We all have the same interests at heart.

‘Friends of Cracoe School’

The school has a ´Friends´ association with a wide and varied membership, the mainstay of which is parents, but which also enjoys the support of local industry, members of the community and past pupils. The function of the association is to promote and facilitate an enriched educational and social environment at Cracoe School.

The structure of the ´Friends´ is determined by the requirements of the Charity Commission, from whom they have gained charitable status. However, anyone who is interested in the well-being of the School is welcome. The more people who are involved, the greater will be the benefits to the children.

Parents and Governors

Staff are responsible for children from when they are brought to school until when they are collected in the afternoon. Children should not be delivered to school before 8:50 a.m. and should be collected promptly at 3:30 p.m. Staff are normally on the premises from 8:30 a.m. onwards.

At home-time staff will always wait with children whose parents have been detained. If you are going to be late a phone call would be appreciated. In an emergency staff will always make suitable arrangements for the collection of your children.

The children are provided with fruit for morning break, under the Government ‘Fruit for Schools’ scheme.

We are very fortunate to have an enthusiastic, knowledgeable and supportive Governing Body, made up of parents and members of the local Community. The School Profile prepared by Governors and the Headteacher, is an online resource giving a range of information about the school and its priorities for continous development.

How to make a complaint

Staff and Governors trust that should a difficulty arise concerning any aspect of school life, parents would feel able to approach the Head in the first instance and resolve the situation informally. However a full and fair complaints procedure has been established under the 1988 Education Act. If you feel that your complaint is unresolved, the Chair of Governors should be approached.

Attendance

Legislation requires the school to keep accurate records of attendance and reasons for absence. Parents are requested to inform the school by telephone on the first day of absence and by letter when the child returns to school.

Parents are reminded that family holidays are best taken during the school holidays as absence during term time can be disruptive to children´s progress. Special permission must be sought for any holidays taken during term time and a holiday form must be completed. The maximum extra holiday allowed, at the governors’ discretion, in any one academic year is 10 school days.

We especially request that parents do not take family holidays during the Autumn Term, which is so important in establishing routines for the school year.

Charges for School Activities

Since the 1988 Education Act, no charges can be made for activities that are directly related to the curriculum and are undertaken during school time. However, parents will be aware that school would find it impossible to meet the cost of such visits and activities and without financial support they would have to cease. Therefore, we will often ask for a donation towards the cost of such excursions and leave it to the discretion of parents.

In the case of residential visits, School is quite within its rights to ask for the full cost of board and lodging. Families in receipt of Income Support or Family Credit are exempted from such payments, provided the visit is an essential part of the curriculum.

I would stress that no child will be left out of an activity for any other reason than that their parents did not wish for them to participate.

Health and Safety

Staff and Governors make regular reviews of safety. Staff, children and parents are encouraged to air their views on a daily basis and this way we hope to maintain a safe and healthy environment. A full policy has been published and is being enacted.

If your child requires medication at school, we request that parents come in to school to administer it themselves, by prior arrangement.

School Car Park

The school shares the car park with the Village Hall. This is a large space and dangerous. Parents are responsible for their children in the car park at the beginning and end of the school day. We request that parents reverse into parking spaces in the car park whenever possible, particularly when collecting children at the end of the day. In order to avoid any accidents all parents must collect children from the gate at the bottom of the playground.

Secondary Education

At the age of 11+ children move on to their secondary schools. Cracoe children, along with all the Skipton Area children, will be selected for their secondary school through a selection procedure. This selection takes place in the Autumn term of a child´s final year. Upper Wharfedale School, Ermysted´s Boys Grammar School and Skipton Girls´ High School are the secondaries for this area.

Extra Curricular Activities

The school encourages children to participate in extra curricular activities at lunchtime and after school. Parents who have a particular interest are always welcome to share this with the children and staff will be available to help and encourage them to make the most of these experiences.

Insurance

The school participates in "The Central Council of Physical Recreation Personal Accident Scheme for School children". Parents are strongly advised to consider insurance cover for their children extra to the School´s. This cover is usually quite inexpensive and gives sensible compensation assurance. The L.E.A. carries no such insurance for parents.

Governing Body

The Role of the Governing Body

Whilst the Headteacher is responsible for the internal organisation and management of the school on a day to day basis, overall responsibility lies with the Governing Body. This includes assisting with the appointment of staff, having oversight of the curriculum and ensuring that the finances of the school are efficiently and effectively used. The Governing Body, as a whole, meets regularly throughout the year, in addition to the meetings of its various sub-committees.

Mr Peter Vernon Chair

Mr J Padgett Vice Chair

Mr P Dukes Community

Mrs S Hirst Teacher

Dr S Humphrey Parent

Mrs M Lancaster LEA

Mr J Haggas Foundation

Dr J Tahmassebi Parent

Mrs M Taylor Headteacher

Mr P Vernon Parent

Rev T Wharton Foundation – Church appointment

Mr R Webster Parent

Mrs J Murfin Clerk to Governors

Staffing

HEADTEACHER Margaret Taylor

TEACHING STAFF

Foundation/Key Stage 1 Susan Hirst

Key Stage 2 Margaret Taylor

Part-time Teacher Paul Baines

TEACHING ASSISTANTS

Susan Benson

Karen Webster

Sally Webster

School Secretary Helen Stanley

Lunchtime Supervisor Sally Webster

Bursar Val Berry

Administrative Information

Headteacher Margaret Taylor

School Address Cracoe & Rylstone Voluntary Controlled

C of E Primary School

Cracoe

Skipton

North Yorkshire BD23 6LQ

School Telephone 01756 730259

School Fax 01756 730259

Email HYPERLINK "mailto:admin@cracoerylstone.n-yorks.sch.uk" admin@cracoerylstone.n-yorks.sch.uk

North Yorkshire County Hall

County Council Northallerton

DL7 8AE

01609 780780

Area Education Office Water Street

Skipton

North Yorkshire

BD23 1PD

01756 792427

Holiday Dates for 2008 - 2009

1st Day of Opening 1st Day of Closure

2008

2nd September 24th October

3rd November 22nd December

2009

5th January 13th February

23rd February 6th April

20th April 4th May

5th May 25th May

1st June 15th June

16th June 20th July

Teacher Training Days:-

1st September 2008

24th October 2008 (Cluster Training)

13th February 2009 (Cluster Training)

15th June 2009

20th July 2009

Cracoe & Rylstone C of E Voluntary Controlled Primary School

Cracoe & Rylstone VC C of E School
Holiday Dates for 2009/2010

1st Day of Opening 1st Day of Closure

2009

Thurs 3rd September Fri 23rd October

Mon 2nd November Mon 21st December

2010

Tues 5th January Fri 12th February

Mon 22nd February Fri 2nd April

Mon 19th April Mon 3rd May

Tues 4th May Mon 31st May

Mon 7th June Mon 14th June

Weds 16th June Mon 26th July

Teacher Training Days:-

Friday 23rd October 2009 (Cluster training)

Monday 4th January 2010

Friday 12th February 2010 (Cluster training)

Mon/Tues 14th & 15th June 2010

Prospectus - Articles

No articles