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Merry Hill Prospectus Pdf Version |
Dear Parents
I would like
to extend a warm welcome to all new and prospective children and parents to
I hope you will enjoy reading this prospectus. Its
purpose is to give you as much information as possible about our school.
What it cannot do is fully reflect the friendly and caring atmosphere within
the school.
At Merry Hill the children come first and they are our
best ‘ambassadors’. Their positive attitude, keen sense of commitment,
respect for all staff and each other, together with their obvious sense of
pride in their school is always clearly in evidence. I therefore invite you
to make an appointment to visit the school, so you will be able to see the
children at work in their classes and I will have the opportunity to answer
your questions. In the meantime you might care to look at our website, www.merryhill.org.uk, which has links to our ‘Outstanding’ Ofsted Report,
‘Merry Hill Matters’ Newsletters and much more.
Choosing a school for your child is one of the most
important decisions you will have to make. If you would like to know any
more, or would like to visit the school, please do not hesitate to ask.
I look forward to meeting you.
Yours sincerely
Pauline Hannibal
Headteacher
Director of Education
Mr John Harris
Children, Schools and Families
Hertfordshire County Council
County Hall
Hertford
Telephone
01992 555818
School Governors
Parent Governors
Paul Abrahams (Chair)
Paul
Kassapian
Stuart
Miller (Vice Chair)
Craig Tallon
Staff Governors
Pauline
Hannibal (Headteacher)
Nicola Perry
Laura Scott
Community
Jarmo Kesanto
Pat Purkiss
Local Education Authority
Mike Bruce
Robert Gamble
Merry Hill Staff –
September 2009
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Children's Learning
Children learn best when...
They
have a positive self-image
They are
in a stable and secure environment
They are
in good health
They are
confident of their own abilities
They can
interact positively with other children and adults
They
have equal opportunity to learn through meaningful experiences and
challenging and stimulating activities
Teaching
starts from the child's current level of ability
There is
constructive parental involvement
At Merry Hill we have policies in place that enable
children to learn in the above manner and provide continuity and progression
for each child.
Aims
1. To
provide a secure, caring and stimulating environment that will encourage
children to develop lively, enquiring minds
2. To
foster the development of a positive self image, independence and a sense of
responsibility
3. To
enable children to become aware of their own feelings and be sensitive to
the needs and feelings of others; also to develop a concern for all living
things and for the environment inside and outside the school
4. To
give the children the opportunity to work both independently and
collaboratively to enable them to begin to develop their potential both
physically and intellectually
5. To
present a broad and balanced curriculum that will stimulate a natural
curiosity and a love of learning
6. To
provide a curriculum that is sufficiently differentiated to meet the needs
of each child.
Investors in People
We are extremely proud to have received the prestigious
National ‘Investor in People’ Standard. This award recognises the high
quality of staff development within the school that directly affects the
quality of our teaching and your children’s learning.
The Organisation of Merry
Hill
The school is divided into a morning and an afternoon
Nursery, two Reception classes, two Year 1 and two Year 2 classes. At
present there are approximately 180 children in the Infant School plus 26
children in the Morning Nursery and 26 children in the Afternoon Nursery.
All children enter the Nursery, for a morning or an
afternoon session, in September.
Children enter Reception in September. Please note that
if you want your child to come to
In the September before their sixth birthday all
Reception children transfer to one of the two Year 1 classes. On the
completion of Year 2, the children transfer to
All classes are made up of children from a wide range of
abilities. The class teacher, besides being responsible for the general
welfare of the children in the class, is also responsible for teaching a
broad curriculum. Children are
taught according to their ability and both the Early Years Foundation Stage
(Nursery and Reception) and Key Stage 1 (Year 1 and Year 2) curricula are
delivered through carefully planned lessons.
School Hours 2009/10
Nursery
Reception
Yr 1 & Yr 2
Morning:
Afternoon:
School Hours 2010/11
Please note that from September 2010 the Nursery hours
will be:
Morning:
9.00am - 12.00
Afternoon:
12.15pm -
3.15pm
The Curriculum
At Merry Hill the focus is on children as individuals.
Throughout the school we take account of their social, emotional, spiritual,
moral and physical needs as well as their intellectual needs. In order to do
this we cover The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum for children in
the Nursery and Reception classes and the Key Stage 1 National Curriculum
for Year 1 and Year 2 children.
Both curricula are broad based, stimulating and enjoyable
and relate to the children’s experiences and interests. Work is carefully
planned and monitored to enhance continuity and progression from the Nursery
to the end of Year 2.
A topic focus is used to teach some subjects and other
subjects are taught separately. The children are taught in a variety of
groupings from individual to whole class. These groups may be of mixed or
single ability according to needs.
Additional support or challenge is provided, where
appropriate, by our Early Years Practitioners, Teaching Assistants and
Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo)/Inclusion Co-ordinator (INCo).
The Early Years Foundation
Stage
At Merry Hill, the Early Years Foundation Stage begins
when children reach the age of three and continues until the end of the
child’s time in the Reception class i.e. throughout Nursery and Reception.
This stage covers a progression of work in the following six areas: -
1.
Personal, social and
emotional development
2.
Communication, language and
literacy
3.
Problem solving, reasoning
and numeracy
4.
Knowledge and understanding
of the world
5.
Physical development
6.
Creative development
In Nursery the children are encouraged to learn through planned and
structured play, using a wide range of materials and equipment including the
computer. This enables the children to gain greater independence and
confidence and to take an active part in their learning.
Great emphasis is laid on the development of personal,
social and emotional skills to enable the children to work, play and
co-operate with others in a group beyond the family. The children learn to
express their thoughts and feelings and behave in an appropriate way.
The children are encouraged to talk and listen to others,
develop a love of books and gain awareness of print.
Number rhymes and games enable the children to develop
mathematical language and ideas. Through a variety of activities the
children learn to compare, sort, match, order, sequence and count.
Through their natural curiosity the children learn about
the environment in which they live and work. They observe and explore and
are encouraged to ask questions about why things happen and how they work.
The Nursery and Reception classes have their own outside play area where the
children are able to explore, plant and weed, and use the large wheeled
toys. The school hall is also used for gymnastics and dance.
Many opportunities are provided for the children to
develop their imagination and to express their ideas and feelings. Much of
what goes on in the Nursery will seem like play. Play is children’s work and
it is through this that they will develop into independent, self-reliant,
reasoning, questioning children who will transfer to a Reception class with
confidence.
The Reception Class
The Curriculum begun in the Nursery is continued
throughout the time spent in the Reception class. Through more structured
activities in all six areas of learning, the children are able to build on
and extend the skills already acquired.
Much time and attention is given to increasing the
children’s personal, social and emotional development.
There is a strong emphasis on the teaching of English and
Mathematics through daily Literacy and Maths sessions. This enables the
children to develop a firm foundation on which to build their concepts of
print and number.
Joined handwriting (Continuous Cursive Handwriting) is
taught throughout the school. This maintains the flow and assists correct
letter formation and spelling.
A variety of practical activities enable the children to
develop a knowledge and understanding of their environment, other people and
features of the natural and man-made world. The children’s work provides a
sound basis for historical, geographical, scientific and technological
learning.
Physical
activities increase the children’s control, mobility and awareness of space.
The children are encouraged to establish positive attitudes towards a
healthy and active way of life.
The children continue to explore art, music, dance,
stories and imaginative play in order to develop their imagination and their
ability to communicate and express ideas and feelings in creative ways.
Key Stage 1 (Year 1 and Year 2)
During Key Stage 1 children work on programmes of study
in the following subjects: English, Mathematics, Science, Information &
Communication Technology, History, Geography, Design & Technology, Art &
Design, PE, Music and Religious Education.
English
Language development is central to the whole curriculum,
and we place a strong emphasis on speaking and listening, reading and
writing. The children are encouraged to speak clearly, and listen
attentively. Reading, writing and spelling are mainly taught through the
daily Literacy lessons.
A love of books and a joy of reading are fostered at all
stages of development with many strategies for reading and writing being
taught to develop literacy skills. Reading is taught during guided reading
sessions in groups.
Joined handwriting (Continuous Cursive Handwriting) is
taught throughout the school. This maintains the flow and assists correct
letter formation and spelling.
All children take part in drama through improvisation,
role play, puppets, class assemblies and school concerts.
Mathematics
We aim to make the children aware of the importance of
mathematics and to help them enjoy this subject through meaningful and
challenging activities during our maths lessons. We emphasise the use of
mental arithmetic and problem solving and mathematical investigation work.
There is a great deal of practical application using real life situations to
enable children to understand fully why, as well as how, solutions are
achieved.
The programmes of study from the National Curriculum
include:
·
Using and Applying
Mathematics
·
Number
·
Shape and Space and
Measures
Science
We aim to make the children curious about their
environment, seek explanations and explore ideas. Through observation and
investigation the children will develop intellectual and practical skills.
We are fortunate in having extensive grounds with a wildlife area and a pond
area. These are much used by the children to develop an awareness and
understanding of the world around them.
The programmes of study from the National Curriculum have
been incorporated into our topic framework and cover Living Things,
Materials and their Properties and Physical Processes.
Information and
Communication Technology
This
subject is concerned with storing, processing and presenting information by
electronic means. Skills are taught and practised across the curriculum to
enhance and extend learning and to enable children to gain the confidence to
use Information Technology in later life.
We have an ICT suite containing 17 computers, interactive whiteboards in all
classrooms and networked computers in every classroom from Nursery through
to Year 2. The
school has Broadband Internet connection. We employ a part-time ICT
technician.
Design and Technology
This is about identifying needs, generating ideas,
designing, making and testing to find the best solutions to problems.
Children cover this area of the curriculum through topic work or projects
involving art, craft, cookery and woodwork.
History
We believe that effective learning takes place through
skilfully guided talk between children when observing and handling
artefacts, the study of old photographs and drawings, by listening to and
discussing stories and episodes from the past and by questioning visitors
who are able to talk to the children about their own personal experiences.
History comes alive when children are involved in "role play" situations and
during visits to museums and historical sites. The school building, being
Victorian, provides the children with a rich source of historical
information.
Geography
The children's geographical learning is mostly based on
direct experience, practical activities and exploration of the locality.
They explore maps, follow directions, identify physical features and study a
variety of areas throughout the world. Our extensive school grounds and
local environment provide useful sources of information to increase the
children's awareness in this subject.
Art and Design
The children are encouraged to use a wide range of
materials whilst they explore their own creativity. Through these
opportunities they are able to express fully their thoughts and feelings.
The works and styles of famous artists stimulate the children's work and
develop their art appreciation. Praise and encouragement increase the
child's self-confidence and helps to raise the quality of their work.
Music
Music is for enjoyment and our children have many
opportunities to listen to a wide variety of music as well as being
encouraged to compose and perform their own works. Through music the
children have the opportunity for self-expression.
Physical Education
Through physical education the children gain agility,
co-ordination and self-control. They gradually acquire basic skills in
gymnastics, dance and movement and games. Through PE the children learn to
work individually and co-operatively with a respect for others and for
rules. They also learn the importance of good health, exercise and keeping
fit. The sporting emphasis at Merry Hill is ‘every child joins in’. PE
lessons and the annual sports day reward both achievement and participation.
Religious Education
Religious Education is not part of the National
Curriculum but, under the 1988 Education Reform Act, must be provided for
all children. The Hertfordshire Agreed Syllabus is used to provide a
framework for the children to learn about the practices and beliefs of
Christianity and other major world faiths. At Merry Hill we focus on
Christianity, but also include aspects of Judaism, Islam and Hinduism.
Collective Worship
The school assembly plays an important part in the life
of the school, bringing pupils and teachers together. The joy of listening
to stories and music, singing, applauding each other’s achievements and
spending time in quiet reflection gives a sense of security and a feeling of
belonging to a supportive and caring community.
Parents who wish to withdraw their children from
assemblies and religious education are asked to discuss their wishes with
the Headteacher.
Personal, Social and Health
Education and Citizenship
At Merry Hill we have a whole-school approach to teaching
PSHEC and hopefully this will complement the personal and social development
parents provide at home. Through PSHEC we aim to provide an environment in
which the children feel safe and for which they have some responsibility. We
encourage positive behaviour through our Golden Rules and enable the
children to become aware of their own thoughts and feelings and show respect
for those of others through Circle Time sessions. Through a variety of
activities, the children are encouraged to develop a healthy and safe
lifestyle. We also prepare the children to play active roles as valuable
members of both the school and the wider community.
The children are helped to become more independent and develop an awareness
of themselves and their effect on others and also to be sensitive to the
needs of those around them. Each child should become confident enough to
make their own moral judgements and form their own set of moral values.
Children are expected to develop a sense of
responsibility and self discipline and behave in an appropriate manner.
Discipline and rules are necessary for the safety and well being of all in
the school. Our expectations regarding behaviour are made very clear to the
children and wherever possible we recognise and praise good behaviour as an
example. The school has a Behaviour Management Policy and each class follows
the ‘Golden Rules’. The
Sex Education
This is not taught separately from other aspects of the
curriculum. Many of the topics covered are designed to nurture a good
self-image, a respect for others and the world in which we live, and the
realisation that we are all interdependent. Young children are curious and
questions about sexual matters often arise. When such questions do arise
they are answered honestly and sensitively at a level suitable for the
children to understand.
Extra Curricular Activities
There are several after school clubs including Art, Dance
and Drama, Gymnastics, Netball/Basketball and Football. Whilst we are proud
of the wide variety of clubs we offer, we are firm believers that children
and parents need time to be together and that the children need time to
enjoy being an infant!
Special Educational Needs
and Gifted and Talented
Merry Hill has a very positive and caring attitude to
pupils who may be experiencing difficulties. A whole school approach is used
to identify and provide for children with special needs. Once a need has
been identified, we liaise with parents and provide a programme of support
from within the school. Where necessary we will use the facilities of the
Education Authority to extend this programme. Our Special Educational Needs
Policy is available to parents on request. The school has had ramps and a
disabled toilet installed in order to accommodate disabled pupils.
Children of high ability as well as those experiencing
learning difficulties are supported by our Special Educational Needs
Co-ordinator (SENCo)/Inclusion Co-ordinator (INCo) to enable them to reach
their full potential. Teaching Assistants work in each class to give
additional support and challenge to the children.
Assessment, Recording and
Reporting
The Nursery Learning Record is completed for children
during their time in Nursery. The Foundation Stage Profile is completed for
children during their time in Reception. Outcomes are reported to the LEA
and DfES as well as parents at the end of the Reception year.
Progress is carefully monitored in all subjects and
teachers constantly assess children’s work recognising their personal
strengths and areas for improvement in order to set targets and plan future
teaching. We also encourage the children to become involved in their own
assessment. Targets are set in English and Mathematics for each child.
Detailed records are kept of children’s attainment and
parents are informed of progress at Parent Consultations and also in an
annual written report.
Towards the end of their infant education, Year 2
children are formally assessed in English, Mathematics and Science. Parents
are given this end of Key Stage assessment with their child's annual report.
Standard
Assessment Tasks (SATs) – 2009 Key Stage 1 Results
These tables show results
for Year 2 pupils (on the roll at the time of the last national curriculum
assessments) achieving each level at the school at the end of Key Stage 1.
Figures may not total 100% because of rounding.
|
TEACHER ASSESSMENT |
|||||
|
Percentage at each
level |
|||||
|
|
W |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4+ |
|
SPEAKING AND LISTENING |
0 |
0 |
53 |
47 |
0 |
|
|
0 |
3 |
43 |
53 |
0 |
|
WRITING |
0 |
5 |
60 |
34 |
0 |
|
MATHEMATICS |
0 |
0 |
54 |
47 |
0 |
|
SCIENCE |
0 |
0 |
52 |
48 |
0 |
W represents children who are working toward Level l, but
have not yet achieved the standards needed for Level 1.
Celebrating Success
At Merry Hill we see self esteem as a significant factor
in being a successful learner and we have an ethos of recognising,
encouraging and rewarding children’s efforts and achievement and celebrating
success. Due to the age of the children, much of this will be in the form of
immediate oral feedback. We also celebrate individual achievements as a
whole school through Achievement Assemblies and by encouraging the children
to show good work to the Headteacher or to previous teachers.
Equal Opportunities
Education at Merry Hill is based on the principle that
all children should have access to, and the opportunity of benefiting from,
wide educational opportunities regardless of disability, gender or race. The
school has adopted the County School Equality Scheme on disability, gender
and race.
Parental
Involvement
At Merry Hill we believe our parents are partners with us
in developing their children's love of learning, respect for themselves,
others and our world.
We believe
this is best achieved through effective communication with our parents and
by welcoming them into school as partners in their child's education. There
are many occasions when we specifically invite parents into the school, such
as curriculum evenings, open evenings, etc. However, parent helpers are also
an essential part of the way we work in school and they help the children in
a variety of ways, whether by hearing a child read, playing a maths game,
cooking, gardening or maybe helping to sew. Grandparents are also welcome.
We also offer
workshops to help parents learn how to help their child in school.
Home/School Agreement
It is a statutory requirement for all schools to have a Home/School
Agreement; all new parents will be sent a standard agreement form for
signature. This simple agreement was drawn up by parents, staff and
governors of both Merry Hill and Ashfield schools and covers the aims and
expectations of both schools and the families attending.
Criminal
Records Bureau (CRB)
It is a legal requirement that all voluntary helpers complete a CRB check.
Clearance must be in place before working with the children.
Friends of Merry Hill
(FOMH)
We are fortunate in having an active Parent and Teacher
Association which organises social and fund raising events, the proceeds of
which directly benefit the school. All parents and teachers are
automatically members of the Association and are eligible to attend
functions and committee meetings.
Community Links
We place great value on our links with the community.
Every effort is made to use and strengthen these ties. Naturally our bond
with
Local businesses, shops and companies support our
fund-raising events and are used for visits whenever possible and
appropriate. Walks in the vicinity include visits to local shops, the
allotments, the Museum, Church, Synagogue etc. The history and geography of
our community play an important part in our curriculum. Other places visited
on a regular basis include local parks, allotments and the surrounding roads
and pathways. The children are encouraged to support charities raising money
for many groups in need.
Educational Visits and
Visitors
Educational
visits are arranged when possible and appropriate. All such outings play an
important part in the education of the children as they form the basis of
much schoolwork and also provide an opportunity for children to learn how to
conduct themselves in different situations.
In line with Government policy on charging a voluntary
contribution towards cost of entry and insurance is invited from parents.
We plan a programme of visitors throughout the year
appropriate to the activities and topics taking place in classrooms. These
visitors enhance the education provided and give rise to discussion, widen
experiences, heighten awareness and stimulate the children in a variety of
ways. The value of resulting follow-up work is beyond measure. The voluntary
contributions of parents help ensure that such experiences are regularly
featured on the school calendar and that we see performances of good quality
and high standards.
Charging for Materials
There are times when the school may provide materials for
an activity. Parents may be charged for these materials in which case the
finished product becomes the property of the parent. Parents are asked to
contribute Ł5 per year into the Design & Technology Fund to cover the cost
of materials and ingredients.
School Milk
Milk is available, at a termly rate, for those children
who would like to have it. This is free for all children under the age of 5
years.
Water Bottles
At Merry Hill the children are encouraged to drink water
during the school day and the Friends of Merry Hill kindly provide water
bottles, when they start in Reception, for this purpose. Tap water is always
available.
School Lunches
Meals are cooked on the premises. A wide choice is always
available, and special diets can be catered for. We send menus home so that
parents can choose which main meal their child eats. Packed lunches may be
brought if preferred or children may go home for lunch if you so wish.
School Uniform
The wearing of school uniform is preferred but not
compulsory. This is grey and yellow. A school polo shirt and sweatshirt are
available if required.
School Café
The Friends of Merry Hill operate a small café that is open every Tuesday
from
Attendance
At Merry Hill we encourage good attendance and
punctuality in order to enable all pupils to take the fullest advantage of
the learning opportunities available to them. For the year 2009 the pupil
attendance figures are better than national and Hertfordshire averages at
95.6%.
Health and Welfare
School Health Dept, Peace Prospect Children’s Centre,
Peace Prospect,
Regular visits by the School Nurse provide an opportunity
for parents to discuss any particular problems. We are also fortunate in
having our own Paediatric First Aid trained Senior Teaching Assistant and
Midday Supervisory Assistants to care for the day to day medical and health
needs of the children. A significant number of other teachers and teaching
assistants have also undertaken Paediatric First Aid training.
As some children are wary of dogs, no dogs are allowed on
school premises. It is against the law to smoke in the school premises. The
school grounds have also been designated as a ‘No Smoking’ area.
Child Protection
Schools have a duty to safeguard and promote the welfare of children who are
their pupils and this responsibility necessitates a Child Protection Policy
and procedures. Schools may need to share information and work in
partnership with other agencies when there are concerns about a child’s
welfare.
Merry Hill has a Child Protection Policy and a copy of Hertfordshire Area
Child Protection Procedures, both of which are available for parents/carers
to see.
Mrs Hannibal is the Designated Senior Person for Child Protection.
She will be happy to discuss any questions or concerns parents/carers
may have about Child Protection Policies and practice.
Complaints Procedures
Parents are encouraged to come into school to talk about
any aspect of their child's education. Should it become necessary to make a
complaint the initial contact should be with the Teacher followed by
discussion with the Headteacher. This usually resolves any problems.
However, if this fails the Governors should be contacted. The Local
Education Authority has published detailed guidelines for making formal
complaints if contact with the school has failed. Details are available from
the Office.
Public Access to Documents
Government and County documents relating to the school
and/or the Education Acts are kept in school and may be made available by
prior arrangement with the Headteacher. All school policies are also
available to parents.
Nursery/Reception Admission
Policy 2009/10
The School Admission Policy is in accordance with the
current Hertfordshire County Council Admission Policy. County sends
admission application forms to parents to enable them to state their
preferred schools. This is now two separate processes and parents do need to
apply twice – once for a Nursery place and again a year later for a
Reception place.
Places are allocated by County and where a school is
oversubscribed the County admission rules are applied. These rules are the
same for both Nursery and Reception admissions and are as follows: -
1.
Children in public care.
2.
Children for whom it can be
demonstrated that they have a particular medical or social need to go to the
school.
3.
Children who have a sibling
on the roll of the school or linked school at the time of application for
admission, unless the sibling is in the final year of the school or linked
school, whichever provides for the older children.
4.
Children for whom the
school is their nearest community or voluntary-controlled school.
5.
Children who live nearest
to the school.
Nursery Admission Procedure
County sends admission application forms to parents to
enable them to state their three preferred Nursery schools. Places are
allocated by County and where a Nursery is oversubscribed the County
admission rules are applied.
Our Nursery class admits up to 26 children per year into
each of the Morning and Afternoon sessions.
Children are admitted into the Nursery Class at the start
of the Autumn Term (September).
All children attend for five morning sessions from
Please note that children attending Merry Hill Nursery
class should not attend another Nursery or playgroup as different
expectations may cause confusion to the child.
Admission to Nursery will be phased over several days to
enable the children to settle more quickly. Class visits will be arranged at
the beginning of the term immediately prior to starting.
Where possible we give priority to the younger children
having a morning place and the older children having an afternoon place.
Reception Admission
Procedure
County sends admission application forms to parents to
enable them to state their three preferred schools. Please note that if you
want your child to come to
The main school admits up to a total of 60 children per
year to the two Reception classes. All children start in Reception in
September. The starting dates are staggered to allow small groups of
children to start each day. These arrangements allow for a calmer and more
gradual start for all concerned.
Transfer to
Most
children transfer from Merry Hill Infants to
Parents are notified as to the success of their
application during March.