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GENERAL INFORMATION 
Hollins Grundy is a Community Primary School providing education for children ranging from 4 to 11 years; we currently have 203 pupils on roll. The school has an excellent reputation within the community for having a friendly, open and caring atmosphere and we are proud of the educational standards we have maintained over the years. The school itself was opened in 1972 and comprises a large hall, seven classrooms and additional teaching space including a small library and three resource/practical areas. A networked computer suite is available for use by all children in school. The school has two playgrounds, one has easy access to a large playing field and a ‘Ball Zone’. The school has its own kitchen in the main building and all meals are prepared on the premises. Children benefit from an innovative topic based curriculum which provides a well-balanced variety of activities and from learning in a well-disciplined environment. We aim to focus on children’s needs and place these at the centre of our decision making. ADMISSION PROCESS
During the autumn term of each year, Bury Metropolitan Authority will send to those families of whom the school has knowledge, an admission form for their child(ren) who will reach the age of five during the following school year. By April these families will have been informed by the Local Authority whether or not a school place has been allocated and arrangements for pre-school visits by the children will have been made at a special meeting for parents. Children will then begin school in the September of that year. Class numbers are limited to an intake of 30 When they start in September the children are brought into the reception class over a period of 2 to 3 weeks. This allows the teacher to spend more time with them individually and consequently they can adapt to their new environment more easily. Basic assessment of skills and knowledge takes place within these weeks. Parents considering choosing our school for their child(ren) are always welcome to telephone or call in to arrange an appointment to meet the Headteacher, Mr Simon Waddington. He will be happy to show prospective parents and pupils around and explain how the school is organised. This can also be an opportunity to meet the staff. Prospective parents are invited to an information evening with school staff every year in May. TEACHING HOURS
School Doors Open : 8.45am School Begins : 8.55am Morning Break : 10.30am - 10.50am Lunch Break : 12.15pm - 1.30pm (Infants) Lunch Break : 12.30pm - 1.30pm (Juniors) Afternoon Break : 2.25pm - 2.40pm (Infants only) School Closes : 3.30pm Whole school assemblies are usually held on Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays. Separate infant and junior assemblies each Thursday. Class prayers, circle time and class council meetings on Wednesdays. UNIFORM
The school uniform consists of: Red Sweatshirt / Red Sweat cardigan with the school logo *White or Gold Polo shirt with the school logo Black or charcoal grey trousers / shorts / skirt *Red & White check gingham dress Grey or White socks Black shoes *Red Fleece with school logo *Showerproof jacket with fleece lining and school logo * these items are available from the school office. All clothing for school should be clearly named. In the summer T-shirts and shorts / skirts or red & white gingham dresses are worn. Red T-Shirt with the School Logo Black Shorts Black slip on plimsolls SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
In our school we recognise that some children will, at times, have 'special needs' which must be met in a variety of ways. We have a Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) who is in charge of the school's SEN provision, the SENCo will liaise with parents and support services as necessary. Provision in this school may range from the supply of special equipment ie to enhance sight/hearing, to the deployment of extra staff to support a child in the classroom, or to provide intensive daily sessions of work to address specific learning needs, e.g. with reading and writing. A child may be withdrawn from the full classroom situation for one to one or small group support. If child has a statement of 'Special Educational Needs it is the school's responsibility to ensure that appropriate arrangements are in place and that they are working effectively for the benefit of the child. DISABILITY ACCESS
At Hollins Grundy Primary School we value everyone as individuals, regardless of whether they may have a disability. All staff and children make every effort to include children in all school activities and where necessary we make special arrangements to enable this to happen. School is built on a hill and we have three flights of stairs in our building and one flight of steps in the school grounds. Plans are currently in place to install a platform lift which will make our Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 departments and the school hall accessible to wheelchair users. HOMEWORK POLICY
Our homework system is designed to encourage children to talk to their parents about what they have been learning in school and to use this knowledge alongside other skills to develop their learning. Children are given a sheet of homework tasks each half-term which are all based on the curriculum that the children are studying. The tasks can be completed in any order and handed in when they are finished. The homework is written in such a way that there is no right or wrong way to do each task, but children are encouraged to use their imagination and initiative to develop their own learning. We have found that this system is very successful. RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
This is of a predominantly Christian nature because of the British tradition and culture. However, knowledge of festivals in other faiths is taught. Children are encouraged to celebrate other festivals and children are given an understanding of other religions and cultures. The whole scheme being within a locally approved syllabus, agreed by the Standing Advisory Council on RE, (SACRE). It is possible for parents to withdraw their child(ren) from religious worship and education, this right can be exercised by notifying the Headteacher in writing. Religious Education is taught to each class on a weekly basis. SOCIAL ACTIVITIES
The school participates in Inter-School competitions ie swimming galas, cross-country events, athletics, gymnastics, football and netball competitions. The children are offered the facilities from Bury Music Service and they can learn to play keyboard, brass or stringed instruments. Information may be obtained direct from the Bury Music Service or from school. Outside agencies are also used to give the children opportunity to experience dance, football and judo etc. PHYSICAL EDUCATION
All children have two PE or games sessions per week. A change of clothing is essential for P.E. and Games so every child should have available the following P.E. Kit: Red T-Shirt with the School Logo Black Shorts Black slip on plimsolls For convenience these are best kept in a draw string bag which can be hung in the cloakroom. The PE kit should be brought into school on a Monday, left in school all week and taken home at the weekend for washing. In Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 the focus involves various gymnastics, music and movement and small games. The use of large and small apparatus e.g. ropes, balancing beams, skipping ropes and bean bags are used in these activities. Years 3 to 6 - The basic activities are supplemented by more formal games sessions e.g. football, netball, hockey, cricket and rounders. Appropriate footwear suitable for the activity, should be available, ie trainers. It is the practice, whenever possible, to use the open air facilities for one PE session, warm over clothes may be necessary, preferably a track suit or sweatshirt and jogging bottoms. PARENTS IN SCHOOL
We like to encourage parents to be involved in their children's education and to feel comfortable in approaching the school for information or advice at any time. There is an active Parent Teachers Association called 'Friends of Hollins Grundy' which is instrumental in raising additional funds for the school. They hold meeting on a regular basis and an Annual General Meeting every September to which new parents are always welcome. A number of events take place throughout the year in which parents and children are invited to participate and attend. The school is conscious at all times of the importance of building a good relationship between parents and staff. Parents / grandparents who have the time are welcome to come into school to help with a variety of activities eg listening to children read, helping with games practices, baking or art and craft activities. We will be grateful of any offers of assistance but parents / helpers must be prepared to fill in a disclosure application form from the 'Criminal Records Bureau'. SCHOOL MEALS
All meals are prepared in our own school kitchens. The menu provides for varied tastes and enables children with different dietary requirements to be catered for. School dinners should be paid for in advance on a Monday morning. If you wish to change from school meals or to begin taking them, please inform the school secretary as notice must be given for the cook. Parents who think they may be entitled to free school meals for their child should contact the Education Offices on 253 5652. Milk is still provided at the mid-morning break for a cost of 8p per carton, this is ordered and paid for half-termly in advance. Fresh fruit is available free for infants under the Nation Fruit Scheme, this is distributed at morning break time. COMPLAINTS PROCEDURE
A parent may wish to complain about the action of the Governing Body or the Local Education Authority in relation to the school curriculum. Initially, any complaints of this nature will be the subject of informal discussion between the complainant, Headteacher and/or teacher, Adviser and/or Senior Officer. If the matter remains unresolved, the complainant will be required to make a formal written statement concerning the nature of the complaint on an official form available from the school or the Education Department, Athenaeum House, Market Street, Bury. In addition, parents may wish to have access to a full copy of the arrangements for the consideration of complaints. This is on file in the school. Similar access is also available for the following:-
BREAKAGES, LOSSES & DAMAGE
The school reserves the right to charge parents for the replacement or repair of the property, furniture, books and equipment, should there be damage or loss as a result of irresponsible behaviour or carelessness. PASTORAL CARE
The staff and governors work to provide a safe and secure environment for the children. When the school is open, every teacher acts in 'loco parentis' to the children and is expected to maintain reasonable discipline. In addition, the responsibility for care and supervision is maintained in the following manner:-
Additionally, it should be understood, that the responsibilities of schools in the area of child protection are laid down in the Children Act of 1989. Because of their day to day contact with individual children during school terms, teachers and other school staff are particularly well placed to observe outward signs of abuse, changes in behaviour or failure to thrive. All staff at school are aware of the need to alert the school's Child Protection officer (Mr Waddington) when they believe a child has been abused or is at risk of abuse. Parents are requested to inform the school, in confidence, of any matter that may influence a child's health or well being. ATTENDANCE and ABSENCE
Children are allowed into school from 8.45am and lessons start at 8.55am. We allow children in to school 10 minutes early to try to alleviate the problems with parking close to the school. All school are required by law to keep an attendance register which is taken at the beginning of every morning and afternoon session. The register must show whether the absence is authorised or unauthorised. Unauthorised absences are counted as truancy. When you know your child will be absent you should inform the school on the first day of absence before 9.30am giving the reason for the absence. You may do this by word of mouth, letter, telephone, or e-mail. Please follow this up with a letter when your child returns to school. It you are taking or returning your child from an appointment, please would you report to the school office and sign your child out. This information is vital in the event of an emergency evacuation of the building. ABSENCE DUE TO HOLIDAYS
Absence will be unauthorised unless it is endorsed by the school prior to the holiday. On receipt of a written request from parents, the school may authorise up to 10 days absence from school, in term time, during any one school year, providing that the school is satisfied with the context of the request and attendance is usually good. The school will not however, authorise such requests in the months of September and May. SCHOOL COUNCIL
The school council gives all pupils a voice in the running of the school and is given some financial support so that the pupils can contribute to and affect the school in ways that are important to children. Each class elects two representatives and they attend council meetings once every half term and publish minutes of their meetings. Projects have included choosing colour schemes for the newly refurbished toilets and being interviewed about school life by Bury's Healthy School's Co-ordinator. The current project is to set up and run a healthy eating tuck shop. EDUCATIONAL VISITS
Learning outside the classroom can be interesting, exciting and very motivational. We try whenever possible to enhance learning by making educational visits linked to the curriculum. These visits might range from a short walk around the school grounds for younger children to a visit to a local museum or even further afield. The cost of these visits can be quite expensive so whenever possible we try to walk or use public transport. This has the additional benefit of keeping children healthy and giving us an opportunity to teach social and independence skills such as how to buy a bus ticket. CHARGES AND REMISSIONS
The school adheres to the principles quoted in the 1988 ERA ie to maintain the right to free school education (but it does have the discretionary right to charge for optional activities provided wholly or mainly outside school hours). Ingredients, materials and equipment for cooking activities and design & technology are provided by the school unless:
VOLUNTARY CONTRIBUTIONS / PTA
'The Friends of Hollins Grundy' is a Parent/Teacher fund raising group - which is open to all parents by virtue of the fact that their child(ren) attend the school and which raises significant sums each year to complement the centrally provided capitation allowance. SCHOOL RULES
There are rules which are part of the school's 'Behaviour Management Policy', they have been discussed and agreed by everyone and are posted throughout the building. 'Wise Ways'
HOME - SCHOOL AGREEMENT
Parents are encouraged to sign a home/school agreement. The agreement is an outline of responsibilities. The School will: 1. teach your child according to the school's Mission Statement 2. let you know about any problems that are affecting your child's happiness or progress at school. 3. plan, teach and mark your child's work, guided by the National Curriculum and report on their achievements 4. set regular homework appropriate to the age, aptitude and ability of each child. 5. encourage all children to do their best, to attend school regularly and to arrive on time. 6. keep you in touch with general school matters and listen to your views. Parents/Guardians I/We shall try to:- 1. see that my child attends school regularly and arrive on time, wears school uniform and brings the correct equipment. 2. support my child's learning and inform the school of any concerns or problems that may affect it. 3. support the school's policies and behaviour guidelines, keeping school informed of any factors affecting a positive response from my child. 4. attend Parents' evenings and any discussions concerning my child's progress. 5. notify the School before 8.55am on the first day of any absence. The Child I will try to:- 1. attend School regularly. 2. always try my best. 3. be kind and caring towards others. 4. obey School rules. HOUSE TEAMS
There is a house system which awards merit marks for high attainment, progress and praiseworthy behaviour etc and demerit marks for the converse. Rewards range from Twenty five merits to gain a 'Ruby Award' to three hundred and fifty to gain a 'Platinum Award'. Three demerits will signal that all is not as it should be and the school will contact parents to discuss their child's behaviour. There are three houses, Winter (Blue), Holcombe (Green), Knowl (Yellow). These are the names of the three hills that can be seen from the School. Good work is applauded and certificates distributed at weekly praise assemblies. Recurring disruptive behaviour by a child will invoke a sanction by the school, e.g. suspension. Sometimes it may be appropriate to involve school support agencies e.g. the School Welfare Officer or Educational Psychologist. MEDICAL INFORMATION
As far as possible, the medical needs of pupils should not prevent them from attending school. The Primary responsibility for a pupil's health rests with the parents who should ensure that their child is well enough to attend school. The school needs to know of all medical conditions affecting your child. We ask parents to complete the section relevant to this information on the school contact form fully and accurately. Please ensure that this information remains up to date. Prescribed medicine may be administered in school under certain circumstances if the appropriate forms are completed beforehand (these are available from the school office). Non-prescription medicine (including Calpol and cough sweets etc) may not be administered in school under any circumstances by school staff. A full copy of the school policy regarding the use of medicines in school is available on request. POLICIES
The school has a wide range of policy documents relating to the curriculum, race relations etc. Any parent may inspect the schools policies on request. INTERNET USE
All children may use the internet under teacher supervision and there are rules and regulations connected to this activity. Before children begin to use the internet, you will be asked to sign an internet agreement. If a child breaks the rules of this agreement they will not be allowed to use the internet. PHSCE & RELATIONSHIPS EDUCATION
The main areas of study involved are healthy living and the physical development of an individual up to the onset of puberty. Boys and girls are taught in separate gender groups for some topics in year 6. The school operates a confidentiality policy, which influences the way in which these topics are taught. Teaching is non judgemental and pupils can express their feelings anonymously if they wish. It should be noted however that if a pupil passes on information which suggests that the child may be as risk then the school have an obligation to act upon it. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from Sex Education lessons, if any parent wishes to exercise this right please contact the headteacher. |
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