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About Our School.
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School Brochure
Statement of Aims
The Governors and staff of Cotherstone Primary School see their broad aims as:
• providing children with the knowledge, skills and understanding to prepare them for adult life, and to be active participants in society;
• providing an education which is suited to each pupil's age and ability so that the full potential of each child is realised;
• encouraging each child to become confident, competent, and self-reliant;
• offering a broad curriculum, based within the guidelines of the National Curriculum, with equal opportunities for boys and girls;
• establishing a secure, orderly, happy and stimulating environment for all children, in order to create the conditions to develop within
children a positive self-concept and a feeling of 'belonging';
• developing lively and enquiring minds, and providing opportunities to gain enjoyment and satisfaction from doing tasks well, for which
praise and encouragement will be given;
• helping our children towards an understanding of the world in which we live, a respect for themselves and each other, and for religious
and cultural differences;
• establishing a close liaison between school and home in order to provide a happy, and successful school life for all the children
in our care;
• positively developing and maintaining close links with the community;
• encouraging each child to develop creativity through the medium of language, art, music, movement and P. E.;
• encouraging a sense of awe and wonder, and providing opportunities for children to reflect upon such things as nature, life and feelings.
To provide the above we endeavour to ensure that staff receive adequate training and that resourcing meets the needs of the curriculum being taught. We liaise closely with the County Curriculum Support Teachers and the Inspectorate.
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Admission Policy.
Our school is for children aged from 4 years to 11 years of age. There are at present 89 children on roll.
We have one admission date for new entrants to the Reception Year, which is in the September of the academic year in which they attain five years of age.
Prospective parents are welcome to visit school at any time, by appointment. Parents of new starters will be contacted in the term prior to admission to arrange pre-school visits. We also hold a Coffee Evening during the Summer Term to give parents the opportunity to meet the staff who will be involved with their children and ask any questions which may arise. Parents of 'new starters' are placed on the mailing list to receive any relevant newsletters and invitations to functions. Three times a year, or once each term, parent’s evenings are held to discuss children’s progress, however if parent’s have any concerns, they should raise them straight away with the teacher or headteacher. A number of events are held within the school throughout the year and they always provide an informal opportunity to look at the work of the children.
Children who have had the advantages of Playgroup or Nursery experience are usually well prepared for the transition to school. However, if you feel that your child would benefit from a more gradual introduction to school, please discuss this with the headteacher, as we feel that it is important to do everything possible to make the start of twelve years of compulsory schooling an enjoyable experience. Home visits can be beneficial — if you are interested please contact the headteacher.
The admission limit for Cotherstone Primary School is 11 per year group. Details are available from the Secretary. In the event of our school being oversubscribed in a particular year group, places will be allocated by the Governing Body according to the following criteria in order of priority:
*Medical reasons
*Sibling links
*Distance
*Other reasons
Information on appeals can be obtained from the headteacher.
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The Curriculum.
The National Curriculum
The school seeks to provide all pupils with a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum matched to their individual needs. In this way children will gain knowledge of the world around them and develop a desire to learn more about that world.
All teachers will present the subjects English, Mathematics, Science, Design and Technology, Information Technology, History, Geography, Physical Education, Music, Religious Education, Art and Personal and Social Education and Citizenship, in accordance with the National Curriculum requirements and guidelines provided by the Department for Education and Skills, Durham L.E.A., and ourselves.
The National Curriculum is described in terms of separate subjects by the documentation that has been published. When the National Curriculum is being taught throughout this school the subjects are generally taught separately, but this is not always the case. Topic and thematic work provide opportunities to study aspects of History, Geography, Science, Technology, Language and Mathematics in an integrated way, drawing together the common threads.
During the course of the year, pupils will cover the full range of subjects within the National Curriculum, though at different stages of the year there may be a different emphasis (and therefore time) allocated to each curriculum area. The cross-curricular themes of Economic and Industrial Understanding, Health Education, Environmental Education, and Multicultural Education form an integral part of your child's studies throughout the year. The National Curriculum (and the accompanying assessment) as delivered in this school is a legal requirement and, ordinarily, no pupil may be excused.
At Cotherstone School we are always endeavouring to improve the learning experiences, which we provide for your children. Continuing Professional Development of staff is achieved through participation in courses, and the sharing of expertise by the observation of, and liaison with, colleagues in our own and other schools.
Specific information on curriculum is available for inspection at the school. Parents wishing to see details are requested to make an appointment with the Headteacher to avoid causing disruption to the smooth running of the school.
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Teaching.
Teaching
Most of your child's day is spent with the class teacher, whose responsibility it is to decide how much time is appropriate for each child's programme of work in the National Curriculum. Various teaching styles (whole class, group, or individual) are used to accommodate the ages and abilities of the children in our care who, of necessity, in this small school, are organised into mixed-aged classes. "Traditional" and "child-centred" approaches to education are used, and there is an emphasis on offering practical first-hand experience whenever possible.
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The School Day
The School Day
The length of the school week for teaching purposes (excluding lunchtime, morning and afternoon break, registration morning and afternoon, and daily Collective Worship) is:
KS1 — 21 hours 20 minutes
KS2 — 23 hours 50 minutes
The school day starts from 8.50am. Supervision is available only from 8.40am. We must insist that no children arrive before that time as no supervision will be provided. The school day finishes at 3.15pm. Children from reception and year one should be collected from the demountable at the back of the school. Other children can be collected from the front of the school. Children using a school taxi will be accompanied on to the taxis by classroom staff.
Morning break KS1: 10.00-10.15
KS2: 10.20-10.35
Lunch KS1: 12.00-1.15
KS2: 12.20-1.15
Afternoon break All: 2.30-2.40
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Health/ Sex Education
Health Education is taught as part of the Science and Personal and Social Education Curriculum. It is our practice to answer questions about human development honestly and provide appropriate information in a natural and forthright manner as and when situations arise. We liaise closely with the School Health Service to provide videos and information on human development, and parents are given the opportunity each year to preview the video to be used. If it is felt that the information given to children will be over and above the statutory requirements of National Curriculum Science, parents will be informed, and will have the right to withdraw their children by arrangement. |
Special Educational Needs
Observation and assessment from the moment of starting school enable us to identify children with special needs at an early age. This includes more able pupils, whose learning needs to be extended, as well as the less able and physically disabled with learning difficulties. Where there are concerns, it is our aim to involve parents at an early stage. A member of the Special Educational Needs Support Service spends one half-day per week in school helping those children who have been identified as being in need of extra assistance. Some only need this for a short time, while others may need more regular support. Our aim is to keep these children as fully integrated members of their class, who can, with confidence and enjoyment, work within the levels of their own ability. |
P.E.
Your child will need a change of footwear suitable for physical activity, a T-shirt, and a pair of shorts. If your daughter wears tights please send a pair of socks. The official P.E strip is an emerald T-shirt with the school logo (available from school), and navy shorts. A draw-string bag is necessary so that P.E equipment can be hung on your child’s peg. PE may be held outdoors and so children may appreciate track suit bottoms when the weather is inclement. PE kits are kept at school until the end of each half term or end of term, when they are sent home for cleaning. Please send your child to school in easy to manage clothes on P.E days. Please also ensure that all items of clothing are clearly marked with your child’s name. Ear studs and watches must be removed for swimming and all other PE activities. It would, therefore, be better if these items were left at home on appropriate days.
Children in years 2 and 3 will have the opportunity of learning to swim/ improving their swimming. We use the facilities and expertise of Teesdale Leisure Centre. For swimming children need a costume, a towel and swimming cap (not compulsory but advisable for children with long hair in winter), carried in a waterproof bag. A special sock is necessary if your child has a verruca. Children in years 5 and 6 use dry side facilities at Teesdale Leisure Centre.
We constantly seek to enhance the P.E curriculum by making use of outside experts and entering into competitions with other schools.
Sports Day
The whole school was involved. Mums and dads came to watch the sports. This is some of the sports we did:
• The flat race
• Obstacle
• Potato and spoon
• Bean bag and bucket
• And the long jump
• Throwing a bean bag
• And last of all, the relay.
By Jack and Christine
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Religious Education/Collective Worship.
The Education Act 1988 requires that the school offers Religious Education to all pupils. We follow the Durham Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education, which reflects the fact that religious traditions in the County are mainly Christian. Collective Worship is of a broadly Christian nature and is non-denominational. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from these activities by arrangement.
Class 3’s Assembly
Class 3 performed an assembly using our skills of music, dance, recorders, raps, riddles and songs. This was mainly work we had done in class. People said it was very good.
By Michael and Leah
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Music.
A peripatetic teacher of music visits the school each week to give violin lessons and support the teaching of music in the school. We are very proud of our musical tradition and the high standards achieved by our pupils. Opportunities are given for children to perform at social events throughout the year. All children take part in singing, music-making activities, and music appreciation. Additional music activities are sometimes available as extra-curricular activities. |
Numeracy.
Planning for the Numeracy Strategy is in place, and a daily Numeracy lesson takes place in each class. |
Literacy.
Planning for the Literacy Strategy is in place, and a daily Literacy lesson takes place in each class. |
Reports and Profiles.
Parent’s are always welcome to discuss their child’s progress – visits by appointment are preferable. We keep detailed records of progress, and a written report is sent to all parents at the end of the school year. There are several occasions during the year when parents are given the opportunity to see the work of the school. We also hold Open Evenings when “in depth” discussions can occur.
National Curriculum Tests (S.A.T.s) take place when you child is at the end of KS1 (Year 2), and KS2 (Year 6). The annual report for these year groups will contain a special section for National Curriculum levels. The most recent S.A.T.s results can be found at the end of this brochure.
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Management of Behaviour.
A high standard of behaviour is expected from pupils at all times.
We aim to promote and reward p[positive behaviour, and use a House Point system by which we reward good behaviour as well as academic achievements. Recognition is given to House Points during our Friday Collective Worship. In addition special certificates are awarded on Mondays at Collective Worship.
School rules are few, and are mainly concerned with keeping order and preventing accidents. When necessary, temporary exclusion from an activity is usually sufficient sanction. Parental support is especially helpful if unusual difficulties arise.
The full behaviour policy document incorporating action on bullying is available in school for parents who wish to read it.
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General Information.
General Information
Transport
Some children living in outlying areas may qualify for a bus pass or taxi provision. Please see the School Secretary for further information.
Cotherstone school taxis “are clean, hygienic and we get to school on time. The taxi drivers are kind, helpful and don’t crash the cars. If it is your birthday you may get a treat”.
By Patrick and Samuel
School Lunch
A school lunch is provided each day from our own kitchen. Children are encouraged to be adventurous in their choice of food, but will never be forced to eat anything they do not want. We regard lunchtime as an enjoyable social event, and do our best to make it so. Special diets can be catered for. Please make your needs known to the headteacher. Packed lunches can be brought into school instead and will be taken in the hall with the other children.
It helps greatly, and makes more efficient use of our desperately short administrative time, if dinner money is sent on Monday, for the whole week, in an envelope or purse clearly marked with your child's name and the amount.
A. Brown J. Brown
Class 1 Class 4
£6.75 £6.75
You may pay by cheque weekly, monthly, or half-termly. Please make cheques payable to 'D.C.C.' and print your name and address on the back.
If, for any reason, your child is going to be late and requires a school meal, please telephone before 10.00 a.m. Unfortunately, because school meals are now provided by a private contractor, meals cancelled after 10.00 a.m. need to be paid for.
At present school lunch costs £1.35 per day, £6.75 per week.
If you are in receipt of certain benefits, you will be entitled to claim free school meals. Forms are available from the Secretary. I would ask you to register for free school meals even if you wish your child to have packed lunches, as other benefits may be available to you, the school and the county if you do so.
Absence—Illness
Please notify school if your child is going to be absent for a long period. For appointments at the doctor/dentist please inform school in advance and collect your child. If anyone, other than you (the child's legal guardian), has permission to collect your child from school, please inform the Headteacher.
Please telephone, or send a short note, indicating reason for absence from school. This is necessary, as regulations specify that all absences must be explained, and regular checks on unauthorised absences are made by the DFEE.
Unauthorised absences for the year 2002-2003 = 0
Absence—Holidays
Each year parents will be informed of holiday dates, and it is desirable that family holidays are taken within these times. However, if due to unavoidable circumstances, parental holidays fall within school times, children may be granted authorised leave of absence of up to 10 school days. Holiday forms are available from the School Secretary. Holidays for this year are listed at the end of this brochure.
When your child is in Year 2 and Year 6 (S.A.T. years) please consult the headteacher so that, if at all possible, your annual holiday will not clash. It is also thoughtful to avoid the beginning of an academic year as this is the time when routines are introduced and relationships with staff and children are established.
Savings Bank
Many of our children have been encouraged to become regular savers with The Royal Bank of Scotland. Money may be brought to school on a MONDAY morning in a clearly marked purse or envelope. The School Secretary will provide further details.
Medicals/School Doctor/School Nurse
The school doctor and nurse are always available by appointment via the secretary, or by telephone at Teesdale Community Health Services Centre 01833 696530. They can be consulted on any medical or developmental matters that are affecting your child's educational progress: hearing loss, sight problems, speech impediments, intellectual development, etc. The school nurse holds a 'drop-in' session on the second Thursday of each month starting at 8.45 a.m. The school dentist and audiometrician also make regular inspections.
Medicines in School
It is generally felt that if your child requires medicine then he/she is unlikely to be well enough to benefit from attending school. However, if your doctor feels that your child may attend school whilst receiving medication, an adult must be responsible for bringing and collecting the medicine on a daily basis. Our reason for requesting this is:
(a) we feel that it is important to teach children that medicines must be treated with respect; and
(b) that children should not be carrying glassware.
Medicines can only be administered where a written authorisation is given by parents, and the dosage must be clearly stated. Please ask the secretary for an 'Administration of Medicine' form. We are advised by the medical profession that only medicines prescribed four times a day need to be taken in school time.
At the beginning of each school year we ask that every parent fills in a 'Personal Details Form' so that, in an emergency, we can contact a parent or another named adult. Please give details of any medical condition suffered by your child and keep us informed. We keep a register of children suffering from asthma.
First Aid
A member of staff is a trained first aider, and this training is regularly updated. In order to safeguard our legal position, we are advised not to administer antiseptic cream or apply adhesive dressings. Minor wounds will be cleaned and ice packs will be applied to swellings. A letter will be sent to parents informing them of the treatment given, and if an injury causes concern, parents will be informed by telephone as soon as possible after the incident.
Uniform
Our school colours are navy and emerald. Sweatshirts, sweatcardigans, polo shirts, T shirts, jogging bottoms, skirts and shorts are available from our supplier with embroidered or screen-printed logo. Order forms are sent to parents on at least two occasions per year. School uniform is optional and we ask only that children are dressed sensibly and smartly bearing in mind the following:
• simple, easy to manage clothes are best for the younger children — buttons and buckles are difficult to manage.
• some activities may be messy — aprons/shirts are provided, but accidents will happen.
• the temperature may vary considerably throughout the day at all times of the year — a polo shirt with a cardigan or sweatshirt on top would suit all variations winter and summer.
• please ensure that outdoor coats have a hook as coat pegs are very close together.
• please ensure that items of clothing are clearly marked with your child's name.
• If children wish to take advantage of our adventure playground and the grassy field during break times, they should wear sensible flat soled shoes.
Reading and Homework
We encourage children to read on a daily basis both at home and at school. A book holder is provided for each child, which contains reading materials and a record booklet for parents and teachers to fill in. There is a useful guide in the front of the reading booklet.
Please sign this booklet each time you hear your child read and feel free to make comments. Children are encouraged to borrow library books from our excellent stock. Books will be taken home on Friday of each week and should be returned the following Friday.
As your child passes through school we will require a little extra work to be done at home. This may take the form of spellings, tables, numeracy and literacy tasks, poems to be learned, handwriting practice or additional research into current topics.
A small amount of homework is beneficial and maintains involvement between home and school, but family life and a regular bedtime are equally important.
Toys and Games
It is not necessary for children to bring in toys as the school has a wide variety of suitable equipment available, and space is very limited. Occasionally, teachers may ask children to bring objects from home in connection with a topic. Please do not send in anything breakable or precious.
Bags
We ask children not to bring a school bag because cloakroom space is very limited. Book holders are provided and can be used to carry books, homework and notes. A larger bag can be purchased form school for children in years 5 and 6. Pupils participating in swimming classes will need to bring a small bag on swimming day.
Jewellery
In view of the physical activities which primary school children indulge in within the curriculum and when at play, jewellery (other than ear studs and watches) should not be worn at school as it presents a potential hazard to the wearer and others. Children wearing jewellery will be asked to remove it and place it in their book folders. Ear studs and watches must be removed for swimming and PE. It would therefore be better if these items were left at home on the appropriate days as staff have been advised by the insurers not to take responsibility for children’s possessions.
Educational Visits
We consider educational visits to be important to the learning process by providing valuable opportunities which could not be created in school. Destinations for educational visits are carefully chosen so that they provide extra stimuli for topics being studied in school. The children are prepared for their visit and follow-up work is planned. Donations towards these visits will be requested when necessary, but it will be clearly stated that payment is of a voluntary nature and no child will be excluded from an educational visit for non-payment. However if insufficient funds are donated, we may, on occasion, have to cancel visits.
Recent visits have included:
• Annarpurna Indian Dance company
• Durham Light Infantry Museum
• Zoo Lab featuring a rat called Socks and a brown hairy female spider!
• Mr Ken Fairless, archaeologist
Annurpuna Dance Company:
Some Indian people came to show us some stories. They did a play and played music. The play was about a boy who ate all the butter in his house.
By Rachel and Emily
Throughout the year we make good use of the local environment to support curriculum work in Geography, History, Science, Environmental Studies and Art.
During their time in school children will have the opportunity to take part in a residential visit.
Cycling Proficiency
The Durham County Road Safety Officer assists us in providing cycling proficiency training for our pupils on a bi-annual basis.
Extra-curricular Activities
K.S.2. children may take part in a variety of activities which take place after school. At present we offer football, country dancing, chess, garden, hobbies and recorder clubs.
Chess Club
The Cotherstone chess team has been involved in a chess league and has played all the different local schools. At the end of the league we were awarded a trophy for second place. Butterknowle came first and Bowes came third. The enjoyable part was meeting new people and playing the chess games. In the future we hope to get first position.
Linden Greener
Children who normally travel by taxi need to be collected. We ask that parents inform bus and taxi drivers when children are staying for extra-curricular activities, and that children know of their collection arrangements.Friends of Cotherstone School
We have a very active 'Friends of Cotherstone School' which holds regular,well publicised meetings and organises a programme of social events throughout the year. These have included: Quizzes, Table Top Sale, Sports Day Teas, Wine and Cheese Evenings and Coffee Mornings. If you wish to become involved with the group please contact the secretary or come along to the next meeting. The Friends committee changes each November and their contact details are circulated shortly afterwards and displayed on the notice board. We are very grateful for the help, both financial and practical, which we receive from our 'Friends'.
Last year, the Friends of Cotherstone School were successful in raising funds for the School Improvement Project.
Snacks
We discourage children from eating between meals, but appreciate that many of our children have an early start to the day. Fruit or a healthy snack is allowed during morning break and forms are sent out before each term to purchase milk to drink in the morning.
School Council
One pupil is elected from each year group for a one-term period of office. The council provides an opportunity for the pupils to make positive changes to school life. The council meets once or twice per half term, although sub-committees may be set up to explore complex issues further. Mrs R Jellis is the link teacher with the council.
Adults in School
We have a rota of adults who help in school, on a regular basis, in a variety of ways:
 hearing children read
 assisting with art and craft activities
 accompanying children on educational visits
 playing games
 working with children on the computer
 extra-curricular activities
We also invite adults to come into school to talk about an experience or share their occupation or hobby with us. The children and staff enjoy sharing their school with interested adults, and an extra pair of hands and ears is always appreciated. If you feel that you, or anyone you know, could spare us some time on a regular or occasional basis, please contact the headteacher. All adults in school work under the supervision of the class or head teacher and a police and Criminal Records Bureau check is made.
Car Parking
A large number of parents pick their children up from school by car – this causes congestion in the roadway outside school. Parents are asked to park considerately, avoiding the blocking of driveways and parking in such a way that cars are forced onto the opposite side of the road on the bend. Please also ensure that the taxi drivers who come into the school grounds have a clear view of the road when exiting the drive.
Complaints Procedure
If you have any worries concerning the curriculum, or any other matter, please do not hesitate to bring them to the attention of the headteacher. A meeting with the headteacher may, if preferred, be arranged via an approach to a school governor. If the matter is not dealt with to your satisfaction a formal complaint may be made, in writing, to Mr. Ian Frame, Area Administrative Officer, School and Governor Support, Education Department, County Hall, Durham DH1 5UJ.
Child Protection
We aim to keep our children in as safe an environment as possible. To this end we have a door entry system and appropriate supervision arrangements. We try to encourage our children to protect themselves by raising self-esteem and encouraging positive and assertive behaviour. The school takes its responsibilities for Child Protection seriously and will work within the appropriate procedures and with other agencies in carrying out those responsibilities.
It must be appreciated that this information is correct at 3rd September, 2003. Any changes will be notified to parents via the Governor's Annual Report to Parents, which normally takes place in July.
“We are now looking forward to going to Teesdale. We had a great time at Cotherstone and leave with many happy memories.”
Ruby Carrington and Charlotte Miller
F A CHILD LIVES WITH ....
criticism he learns to condemn,
hostility he learns to fight,
fear he learns to be apprehensive,
pity he learns to be sorry for himself,
ridicule he learns to be shy,
jealousy he learns what envy is
shame he learns to feel guilty.
BUT .......
IF A CHILD LIVES WITH ....
encouragement he learns to be confident,
tolerance he learns to be patient,
approval he learns to accept himself,
recognition he learns that it is good to have a goal,
sharing he learns what truth and justice are about,
security he learns to have faith in himself and in others,
friendliness he learns that the world is a nice place in which to live.
IF YOU LIVE WITH SERENITY .......
YOUR CHILDREN WILL HAVE PEACE OF MIND
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