School Prospectus

Hippings Methodist Primary School

Heron Way

Oswaldtwistle

Lancashire BB5 3BT

01254 234089

email head@hippings.lancsngfl.ac.uk

Website www.hippings.lancsngfl.ac.uk


Area Education Office The Globe, St. James Square, Accrington.

01254 220500

Clerk To The Governors Governor Services Officer Area Education Office (East)

The Globe, St. James Square, Accrington, Lancs. BB5 ORE

01254 220500


Contents
Governors History Admission Aims and Curriculum Religious Education Sex Education Homework Special Needs Sport Extra Activities Pastoral Care Reports
Parents Evenings Behaviour FOHS Holidays Times Meals Medicines Uniform Charging Insurance

HIPPINGS METHODIST PRIMARY SCHOOL: GOVERNORS

 

The school normally has fifteen Governors.  Three are "Foundation Governors" who are appointed by the local Methodist Church, two are appointed by Lancashire County Council and two are “co-opted” by the governors from nominations made from the local community.  One member of the teaching staff, one member of the non-teaching staff and the Headteacher also serve as Governors.  We also have five Parent Governors who are elected by the parents of the school.  The elections for Parent Governors take place in the Autumn, at the end of the Parent Governor's term of office, or as soon as possible after a retirement or resignation.  Parents are informed of the arrangements for election at the time.

 

The Governors meet in full once each term and items for inclusion on the agenda can be passed on through any of the Governors, the Headteacher or the Clerk to the Governors.  Committees of Governors also meet to discuss and make recommendations about Curriculum, Finance, Staffing and the Building.  Copies of Minutes of Governors' Meetings are displayed on the noticeboard in the school entrance.

 

In the Autumn Term the Annual Governors' Report is sent to parents and, two weeks later, there is an opportunity for parents to discuss the report, or any other issue relating to the school, at the Annual Parents' Meeting if a sufficient number of parents request this to take place.

 

On 1st September 2005 the Governors will be:

 

 

Foundation Governors

 

Rev . K.J. Fitzsimmons              Mrs D. Barnes               Mrs T. Haydock

7 Gorse Grove                           10 Paddock St.              103 Stanhill Lane

Helmshore                                 Oswaldtwistle                Oswaldtwistle

 

 

Representative Governors

 

Mrs A. M. Allonby                      Mrs L. Hodgkinson

36 Fielding lane                         9 High Street

Oswaldtwistle                            Oswaldtwistle

 

 

Co-Opted Governors                                                    

 

Mr B. Croft                                Rev A. Horsfall              

41 Fielding Lane                        2 Park Lane                  

Oswaldtwistle                            Oswaldtwistle               

 

 

Parent Governors

 

Mr N. Wolstenholme                  Mr. L. Jeffrey                 Mrs. A. Martin               Mrs M. Newman

20 Heys Court                           6 Catlow Hall St            11 Durham Dr    .           29 Park Lane

Oswaldtwistle                            Oswaldtwistle                Oswaldtwistle                Oswaldtwistle

 

Mr M. Roberts

7 Thwaites St

Oswaldtwistle

 

 

Staff Governors

 

Mrs P. Porter                 Mrs E. Eatough             Headteacher

Hippings School             76 Union Rd                  Hippings School

Oswaldtwistle                Oswaldtwistle                Oswaldtwistle

 


HIPPINGS METHODIST PRIMARY SCHOOL

 

Hippings Methodist School was founded by the local Methodist Church in 1809.  The church at that time was situated in the area of the town known as Hippings Vale, where the bridge at the bottom of the "Straits" crosses Tinker Brook.  Before the bridge was built, stepping-stones or "Hippings" stones were the means of crossing and it is from this old word that the school derives its name.  In the 1850's a school was built next to Mount Pleasant Wesleyan Methodist Church - now Rhyddings Methodist Church - and the school was known by this name for many years. The old building became unsafe in 1968 and the school was housed in temporary accommodation for several years.

 

The present building on Heron Way was opened in 1975.  The school is of open-plan design and comprises seven class teaching areas or "home bases".  Each base has associated areas for library and resources where children may work at activities such as art and craft, mathematics and science and use computers.  The hall provides a large multi-purpose area and there are rooms for music and audio-visual work.  There is a large playing field and two outdoor playgrounds.

 

ORGANISATION OF THE SCHOOL

 

Hippings Methodist School is a controlled primary school providing education for boys and girls from the ages of 5 to 11.

 

The school is financed through the Lancashire Scheme for Local Management of Schools (LMS) and comes under the general control of the Local Education Authority. The Governors of the school are responsible for the overall supervision of the school in co-operation with the Headteacher and Staff.

 

Our school has a special identity as a Methodist "Controlled" School because of its Foundation and Trust Deed and our continuing link with the local Methodist community. In addition to the special rules that apply with regard to Foundation Governors, Religious Education and Collective Worship, Christian beliefs and values are the basis for the aims and purposes of the whole life of the school.

 

The school is organised into seven classes according to the age of the children.  Children in a class have birthdays during the same school year (1st September - 31st August).  The children work mainly in these class groups with their class teacher but, for certain subjects, children may be grouped to take advantage of the specialist teaching of other members of staff. Children usually move to a new class at the end of each school year.

 

 

ADMISSION

 

Admission to the school is governed by the regulations of Lancashire Education Authority and is set out in full in the booklet "Information about Primary Schools" which can be obtained from the Area Education Office or from school. In Lancashire, children usually begin school at the start of the school year in which they have their fifth birthday but this may be delayed if parents wish. Parents may place their name on a list of "interested parents" when their child is three, but this list is entirely unofficial and a child's position on the list does not indicate any priority for eventual admission. Parents placing a name on the list will be sent full details of the appropriate LEA admission regulations. In the Autumn Term of the school year before admission parents are asked to confirm that a place is still required.

Places are allocated according to the regulations of the Local Education Authority as set out in the booklet. Briefly, these regulations state that priority should be given to children who will have a brother or sister attending the school at the time of admission and to children for whom the LEA accepts that there are strong medical, social or welfare reasons. Any remaining places are allocated with reference to the distance between your home and our school and the distance between home and any alternative schools at which a place is available.

Places are not allocated on a "first come, first served" basis and a child's position on any list that the school may keep is NOT taken into account.

Hippings Methodist School is allowed to admit a maximum of 30 pupils each year. The demand for places in the last few years has been about 35.

Prospective parents are welcome to visit the school and should contact the Headteacher for further details.

 

AIMS AND CURRICULUM

 

Hippings Methodist Primary School endeavours to provide the best possible all-round education in a Christian setting.  The school acknowledges and values its foundation by the Methodist Church, continuing links with the local Methodist community and the principles which form the basis of Methodism.

 

Children are encouraged to develop a mature and positive attitude to themselves, to their relationships with others and to the life of the school in general.  Good standards of behaviour and respect for others are stressed and we hope to foster the social skills and moral awareness that will enable the children to become well-balanced individuals who will enjoy all aspects of life.

 

The school endeavours to develop in its pupils a sympathetic understanding of Christianity and to provide an opportunity to search for a faith by which to live.  We aim to ensure that the curriculum provides a Christian setting in which children can grow in understanding and develop appropriate skills, attitudes and values.

 

The school believes that this should take place in an attractive, safe and friendly environment, distinguished by the quality of mutual care between all its members.

 

The school employs a variety of teaching methods to achieve these objectives.  For some of the time the children will be taught as a whole class, at other times they may work in groups or individually.  The way in which teaching and learning is organised is based on the following principles :

 

identifying, valuing and building on each pupil's existing skills, knowledge and experience

 

creating a learning environment which focuses on individual need, interest and concern, yet requires pupils to work collaboratively

 

establishing high personal and school expectations and clear targets within the capabilities of each pupil

 

requiring pupils to accept responsibilities and develop qualities of initiative and persistence

 

encouraging self-evaluation and the development of self-esteem

 

providing opportunities for success by systematic encouragement and the recording of achievement of each pupil

 

The curriculum of the schools is based on the National Curriculum which provides framework for content, programmes of study and attainment levels.  The National Curriculum comprises the following subjects:

 

            Core Subjects               Mathematics, English, Science, Information Technology

 

            Foundation Subjects      Design Technology, History, Geography, Music, Art,

                                                Physical Education.

 

Within each subject, Attainment Targets set the objectives for what the children should know or do and Programmes of Study describe what they should be taught.

 

The teaching of Literacy and Numeracy at the school is taught in accordance with the National Literacy and National Numeracy Strategies.  These are set out in Framework Documents which parents may inspect on request.

 

Age groups are determined by the age of most of the children in the class.   Reception children are aged 4-5, Year 1 are 5-6, Year 2 are 6-7 and so on up to Year 6, at the end of which the children have reached their 11th birthday and transfer to secondary school.  Years R, 1 & 2 comprise KEY STAGE 1 and Years 3 - 6 comprise KEY STAGE 2.  Each subject is divided into Levels which represent the attainment which most of the children of that age will reach.  Level 2 is the level most children will reach at the end of Key Stage 1 and Level 4 is appropriate for most children at the end of Key Stage 2.  Children are assessed at the end of Key Stage 2 and the results of this assessment are notified to parents along with a summary of the results achieved by the whole class. This summary does not identify individual children.


RELIGIOUS EDUCATION

 

In addition to the Core and Foundation Subjects, all schools are required to teach Religious Education.  Religious Education at this school is taught in accordance with the Lancashire Agreed Syllabus and is of a non-denominational nature.  Each day commences with an act of worship which is of a mainly Christian character in accordance with the principles on which the school was founded.  We continue to value our links with the Methodist Church and the school takes part in special services at Rhyddings Methodist Church at Christmas and for Education Sunday.

 

If parents wish it, children may receive special teaching in RE related to the special beliefs of the Methodist Church.   This is done by one of the staff who has been appointed by the Foundation Governors.

 

Parents have the right to withdraw children from assemblies and/or lessons in Religious Education. Parents who wish to receive more information about these rights should contact the Headteacher.

 

SEX EDUCATION

 

Sex education is not taught as a separate part of the school curriculum, but is dealt with in a manner appropriate to the age and development of the children as part of a wider teaching programme which emphasises the importance of family life and personal development.  Parents who are concerned about this area should seek further information from the Headteacher.

 

HOMEWORK

 

The school encourages parents to help children with schoolwork and provide support where necessary.  Guidance about this is given at the appropriate time and we are happy to advise parents who wish to support the learning of their children.  The type and frequency of work to be done at home will depend on the age of the children and the work being done in school.

 

Infants (Key Stage 1 - Reception, Year 1 and Year 2)

 

The children take reading books or other reading activities home, beginning with books to share and moving on to books which the child can read to the parent. Children in Year 2 are also given a short list of spellings to learn regularly.  Occasionally children may be asked to complete other simple tasks at home but homework is not set on a regular basis.

 

Juniors (Key Stage 2 - Years 3, 4, 5 & 6)

 

Children in the KS2 classes continue to take reading and library books home and are encouraged to develop personal reading skills both in and out of school.  The children are also given lists of spellings and numeracy skills to learn during the year.  Other tasks may be set from time to time, at the discretion of the class teacher, but homework is not set on a regular basis.  The tasks set could include items such as further research for a topic introduced in class, preparing a talk on an individual interest, collecting resources for use in school or observing something (such as the phases of the moon) which it is not possible to do during the school day.  Children in Year 6 are given homework regularly as a preparation for the KS2 tests and transfer to High School.

 

Children identified as having Special Educational Needs may be set individual homework, based on their Individual Education Plan.  Parents are notified of the contents of the IEP and may discuss the plan with the Special Needs Co-ordinator and/or the class teacher.

 

All children have the opportunity to choose a Library book regularly, which they may take home.

 

The school does not set work for holiday periods, nor for children who are absent from school due to a family holiday taken during term time.  Parents whose children are absent from school for a long period due to illness should consult the Headteacher for advice.


 

SPECIAL NEEDS

 

Every pupil, regardless of sex, race, religion and special educational needs, should have access to educational opportunity and a full curriculum.

 

The school is committed to the implementation of the Special Needs Code of Practice and the integration of children with Special Educational Needs into the school where resources permit.

 

A Pupil's access to educational resources should be determined by individual need.

 

Governors Curriculum Statement

 

We believe that every child is entitled to a curriculum which enables them to achieve the highest levels of achievement possible. To this end the needs of all pupils who may have special educational needs either throughout, or at any time during their school careers must be identified and addressed.  We support the definition of inclusion proposed by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority as :

 

‘Securing the appropriate opportunities for learning, assessment and qualifications to enable the full and effective participation of all pupils in the process of learning.’

 

Mrs M. Wolstenholme is our school special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCO) who is responsible for helping to identify needs the children may have and working with staff to arrange special provision.  We follow the staged process of the Code of Practice in implementing our special educational needs (SEN) policy.  The process of identifying, providing and monitoring of the education for children with SEN has the following stages.

 

School Action

Allows for class teachers and parents to identify a concern and inform the SENCO.  The SENCO registers the concern in the SEN register and monitors the child’s progress with class support.

 

The SENCO gathers information to help co-ordinate the child’s special educational provision.  An Individual Education Plan (I.E.P.) is prepared with targets for the child to achieve progress with success.  The I.E.P. is monitored and parents are informed and invited to come into school to discuss their child’s progress.

 

School Action Plus

The class teacher, SENCO and parents are supported by specialists from outside school to prepare an I.E.P. monitored as above.

 

Statutory Assessment

If a child’s needs are still not met, the child is referred to the Local Education Authority (LEA) for consideration of a statutory assessment.  If the LEA decides to assess the child’s needs, they will consider whether a statement of SEN is necessary.  A statement is followed up by a formal review of the provisions made annually.

 

Children move up and down the stages as their needs are met with the SEN provision which is made.  Children are also withdrawn from the SEN register when there is no longer a need for concern.

 

SPORT

 

The school includes in its provision for Physical Education in the National Curriculum opportunities to learn about, understand and play small-sided games and simplified versions of recognised competitive team games.  The children are taught to observe the conventions of fair play, honest competition and good sporting behaviour as individual participants, team members and spectators.

 

The school is a member of the Hyndburn Schools Sports Association which organises activities in Football, Cricket, Swimming, Netball, Athletics, and Running.  These activities involve teams representing our school in games, competitions and leagues with other schools in the district.  Members of teams are chosen by staff on merit, sporting attitude and the ability to represent the school appropriately.

 

We have always aimed to take part in a friendly and sporting manner and to maintain the reputation the school has built up over many years.  It is hoped that the children see sport as an opportunity to develop mutual respect and teamwork and to build friendships.  We encourage a courteous attitude in both teams and spectators.

 

We also feel it is important that opportunities for taking part in sport are open to all children and that the allocation of resources for representative sports is balanced against the needs of all the children.

 

EXTRA ACTIVITIES

 

The school provides a number of additional activities which children may choose depending on their age and interests.  At present we have

 

·       representative teams and after-school practices in Football and Netball and Athletics

·       musical instrument tuition groups for recorder, woodwind, keyboards and guitar

·       school choir

PASTORAL CARE

 

The school seeks to create a secure and caring environment in which effective teaching and learning can take place. The Headteacher and the appropriate class teacher are responsible for the well being of the children in the school and are supported by Ancillary and Welfare Staff.   The school will

 

·         accept responsibility for the care and control of the children during school time and in connection with school activities

·         provide appropriate supervision during the school day and for an appropriate period before and after school

·         act reasonably and responsibly in place of parents where necessary

·         be aware of the educational, personal and social needs of the children

·         help children to overcome difficulties

·         provide information, help and counselling to children and their families

·         provide a professional, friendly and helpful environment in school which encourages mutual support for the benefit of the children

 

Parents who have any concern regarding matters of welfare, discipline, school rules or any other matter concerning their child should contact the Headteacher in the first instance.

 

School rules are kept to a minimum and are based on practical and common-sense solutions to problems commonly experienced in school.  Some rules are explained in this booklet, others are made clear at the appropriate time.

 

Most problems at school can usually be resolved co-operatively, and the class teacher is usually the first person to contact if there are any concerns.  If the problem remains unresolved or if parents are not satisfied with the action that has been taken, discussion with other staff involved with your child and the Headteacher may be the next step.  In some cases, parents may feel that they wish to discuss a problem with the Chair of Governors or a Parent Governor.  Contact information is given in the Governors section of this booklet.

 

There are procedures for making formal complaints about any aspect of the school or the implementation of the National Curriculum and details of this procedure may be obtained from school, from any of the Governors or from the local Education Office.

 

 

REPORTS & PARENTS EVENINGS

 

In the Autumn and Summer Terms, all parents have the opportunity to meet their child's class teacher and discuss progress.  The school aims to help parents understand the curriculum and its implementation and to encourage parental involvement in pupil learning and individual progress. Where parents or staff feel that more time is needed to resolve particular problems, further consultation may be arranged.

 

Parents are always welcome to come to school to discuss the work or welfare of the children.  Many parents make brief visits to school to see children’s work or to discuss problems and many informal contacts take place each day.  If parents wish to speak to staff for a longer period it is advisable to contact school to arrange an appointment at a mutually convenient time.

 

Reports are sent to parents at the end of the Summer Term each year summarising achievements and progress during the year.  During the Spring Term the Junior children have tests in some subjects.  The results of these tests are included in the end of year reports.

 

Where parents or staff feel that more time is needed to resolve particular problems, further consultation may be arranged.

 

BEHAVIOUR

 

Our emphasis is on rewards to encourage good behaviour, rather than on punishment of failure. We believe that rewards have a motivational role, helping children to see that good behaviour is valued. The commonest reward is praise, informal and formal, public and private, to individuals and groups. It is earned by the maintenance of good standards as well as by particularly noteworthy achievements.

 

The following are whole-school based rewards, usually presented during Friday Assembly.  Care is taken to see that all children are able to earn rewards, irrespective of academic or sporting talent.  We try to ensure that rewards are fair, consistent and understandable.

 

·                Merit Badges Awarded by staff in each class, for special achievement in curriculum, behaviour and social areas.

 

·                Team Points Awarded to individual children for more everyday achievements, e.g. effort, completing special tasks or targets, finding information, being helpful, caring or friendly.  Team points are recorded on a class sheet for each team. The results of the week are announced on Fridays.  Each half-term, the team with the highest total is presented with the Team Points trophy, donated by the 1996 Year 6 Class.

 

·                Work of the Week Badges  Awarded to children whose work is considered to show special effort, improvement or attainment.  Copies of children’s work may be displayed in class or in school.

 

·                Achievement Certificates - Presented at the discretion of staff for particular personal achievement or reaching a specific target in work or effort.

 

·                Personal interests and Achievement - We believe it is important to recognise out-of school achievement and interests and children are encouraged to bring certificates and awards gained in these activities and tell everyone about them.  These may be for sport, dance, gymnastics, music, organisations such as Cubs or Girls Brigade, helping charities or community work.  Other children can be inspired by the range of interests they see.

 

·                School Sports  Recognition of achievement is important in implementing the school policy on sport.  Team membership and representing the school is seen as an honour and a responsibility and we feel it is important to emphasise qualities of fair play and courteous behaviour in sport.  At times it is possible to celebrate success, but we feel it is equally important to support and encourage children who have experienced failure and disappointment.  Personal qualities of determination, teamwork and graciousness in defeat are seen as important.

 

In addition, each Year Teacher organises informal, class-based systems appropriate to the age and development of the child and to curriculum needs.  These may involve a range of rewards such as stickers, stamps, class approval, encouragement in the marking of work and involvement of other adults to give special recognition.

 

Recognition of good behaviour by staff, especially where this is communicated to parents, is a regular part of our relationship with the children.  It is important with all children, but especially where children may have difficulty at school, to grasp opportunities to praise, encourage and recognise achievement.

 

 Copies of the school Behaviour Policy and procedures for dealing with Bullying are included with this pack.

 

 

FRIENDS OF HIPPINGS SCHOOL

 

The School has an active "Friends" Association which arranges educational, social and fund-raising activities throughout the year.  All parents are automatically members of the Friends and are welcome at all events.  In the Autumn Term, the Annual General Meeting is held to report on the previous year's activities and to elect officers and a committee who plan events during the year.  The Friends Association is a member of the National Confederation of Parent-Teacher Associations and its constitution is based on that recommended by the NCPTA.  The constitution is included at the end of this booklet.  Minutes of meetings are displayed on the notice board in the school entrance.  The Friends Association does not deal with the problems of individual children or matters relating to the organisation or conduct of the school which are the responsibility of the Governors.

 

            The Friends Association Secretary is Mrs. S. Wilkin, 82 Union Road, Oswaldtwistle.

 

We are always pleased to hear from parents who are willing to offer help or special skills to the school on a voluntary basis.  Parents regularly help with curriculum areas and help with supervision on school trips or offer help with transport to our school teams.  If any parents feel they would like to contribute to these or other areas, please contact the Headteacher.

 

TERMS AND HOLIDAYS 2005/2006

 

A list of holidays for the following school year is available in the Spring Term which covers the year from 1st September to 31st August.  Holiday dates for 2005/2006 are as follows:

 

2005                             School Closes                                       School re-opens

 

AUTUMN TERM                                                             Thursday 1 September

 

HALF TERM                  Friday 21 October                                  Monday 31 October

 

CHRISTMAS                 Friday 16 December                               Thursday 5 January

 

2006

 

HALF TERM                  Friday 17 February                                 Monday 27 February

 

EASTER                       Friday 7 April                                         Monday 24 April

 

MAY DAY HOLIDAY      School Closed on Monday 1 May

 

SPRING BANK              Friday 26 May                                       Monday 5 June

 

SUMMER                      Tuesday 18 July

 

A request on Form EWS13 is required if parents wish their children to be absent from school on holiday at times other than the normal school holiday dates.  These forms are available from school.

 

SCHOOL SESSIONS

 

Years R, 1 & 2

 

            Morning Session                        9.00 a.m. to 12 noon

            Afternoon Session                      1.10 p.m. to 3.30 p.m.

 

Years 3,4,5 & 6

 

            Morning Session                        9.00 a.m. to 12.05 p.m.

            Afternoon Session                      1.05 p.m. to 3.30 p.m.

 

Children should not arrive in the playground before 8.45 a.m. or later than 8.55 a.m. for the morning session.   The teachers on duty for the day will ring the bell at 9.00 a.m. as a signal for the children to stand still and each class enters school under the direction of staff.  We insist that the children come into school in a safe, quiet and orderly manner with consideration for one another.  We do ask parents to be sensitive to the problems and to ensure that their presence does not make it difficult for the teacher to assemble the children or to restrict access to the building.

 

If children are late for school they should report to a member of staff as soon as possible and give a reason for their late arrival.  These cases are followed up and parents are notified if the explanation is not satisfactory.

 

We are required by DFES regulations to record all absences and the reason for absence in the class register. Parents are requested to write or telephone as early as possible whenever children are absent, stating the reason.  A maximum of 2 school weeks may be authorised for holidays taken in term time.  Parents bringing children to school later than the normal session time should ensure that a member of staff is informed about the child's arrival.

 

Parents who bring children to school by car should use the main entrance on Heron Way (not the car park entrance).  Please do not bring children by car to the Alice Street entrance or wait in your car on Fielding Lane near the school crossing patrol.

 

In cases of emergency or on exceptional occasions where parents are unavoidably delayed and cannot collect children at 3.30 p.m., children may remain in school until a responsible person arrives.  However, we are not able to supervise children after 3.30 p.m. on a regular basis or where other arrangements could have been made in advance.

 

During the school year 2004/2005 the level of authorised absence at this school was 4.1%.  This was mostly due to absence arising from illness and medical treatment and for holidays during term-time. This figure is below the national average for absence in primary schools, which is 5.4%.  The level of unauthorised absences for the school year 2004/2005 was below 0.1% compared to the national average of 0.5%

 

SCHOOL MEALS

 

Meals are cooked on the premises and served during the lunch break under the supervision of the welfare staff.  Children may bring a packed lunch if parents wish and these are eaten in the dining room under the same conditions of supervision.  Packed lunches and drinks brought for mid-day may not be eaten at other times of the day or in class.  Hot drinks or soup are not permitted for safety reasons.  Drinks should be brought only in plastic "roughneck" flasks or a similar leak-proof plastic container.

 

Payment for dinners is made in advance at the reception area before 9.00 a.m. on Friday mornings.  Please send dinner money in a sealed envelope on which the name of the child and the amount are written.  Children absent on a Friday may bring dinner money on the following Monday.  We are not permitted to allow children to receive dinners without payment.  Information and advice about free meals can be obtained from school or from the Area Education Office.

 

MILK

 

Milk is normally supplied only to children in the infant classes - Reception and Years 1 & 2.  Junior children may only have milk on the recommendation of the School Medical Officer.

 

Children in the Reception Class receive free milk until the end of the term before their fifth birthday.  This means that children with birthdays in the Summer term receive two terms of free milk, children with birthdays in the Spring term receive one term of free milk and children with birthdays in the Autumn term are not eligible for free milk.

 

The charge for milk is £5.00 per term which is payable at the end of each term for the term ahead.  The scheme does not permit refunds or credits in respect of absence.  A reminder will be sent home before the end of each term.  Families in receipt of Income Support may qualify for free milk.

 


MEDICINE IN SCHOOL

 

Whenever possible, we ask that parents come to school to administer prescribed medicines to their children if this is necessary during the day.  If this is not possible, and you wish a member of staff to do this for you, please contact the Headteacher personally to make arrangements.  We are not able to administer any form of medicine to the children without precise written details of dosages, times and the nature of the illness for which the medicine has been prescribed.  We have a particular concern for children who suffer from asthma and ask parents to complete a registration card in conjunction with their GP to provide details of asthma problems and current treatment.

 

 

BANK

 

A School Savings Bank operates on Tuesday, except on the first and last Tuesday of each term.  Enrolment forms are available from school on request.

 

CLOTHING AND FOOTWEAR

 

The school has a uniform based on green and gold, the colours of the Methodist Division of Education and Youth. The school badge depicts a heron enclosed by a shell. The shell is the emblem of the Methodist Church.

 

WINTER UNIFORM (October - March inclusive)

 

Juniors

 

Grey long or short trousers

Grey skirt or pinafore

Green "V" neck pullover/ cardigan or school sweatshirt

White shirt with school tie

Grey, black, dark green or white tights/socks

 

Infants

 

Grey long or short trousers

Grey skirt or pinafore

Green "V" neck pullover/cardigan or school sweatshirt

White polo shirt (collared T-shirt) grey, black or white tights/socks.

 

 

SUMMER UNIFORM (April - September inclusive)

The children may wear the winter uniform or, alternatively -

 

Green pullover/cardigan or school sweatshirt

Plain T-shirt in green, white or yellow

Plain short trousers to match or winter trousers

Skirt or summer dress in green, white or yellow

Grey, black, dark green or white tights/socks

 

 

A tie in the school colours for the Juniors is available from school; price £2.00.  Please note that the Infant uniform does not include a school tie.  Sweatshirts in the school colours, printed with the school badge, are also available from school.  Samples of these items may be seen in school.  A uniform shop is open on the last Wednesday of each month.

 

The cost of the uniform items is approximately £35.

 

The children are encouraged to dress neatly and to take care of their clothing in school.  We reserve the right to make decisions on the suitability of any particular item of clothing, footwear or hairstyle.  Long or short trousers must be of a style suitable for school wear and jeans or cords should not be worn.  We do not consider that trainers are suitable footwear for school.

 

For reasons of safety, children should not wear watches, jewellery or rings.  It is STRONGLY RECOMMENDED that children of primary school age do not have pierced ears for reasons of personal safety.  Where parents wish children to have pierced ears, only small studs are permitted in school. These must be removed and replaced for games and P.E. by the children themselves.  It is the recommendation of the LEA that staff do not remove or replace earrings.

 

All children take part in Physical Education and games and should be provided with pumps, plain shorts and T-shirt in school colours in a cloth drawstring bag.  Children are not allowed to wear outdoor trainers for P.E. lessons.

 

It is essential that all items of clothing and equipment are clearly labelled with the child's name.

 

In addition to games and P.E. lessons in class, the school has teams for football, cricket, netball, swimming, cross-country and athletics.  Children may need special clothing and equipment for some of these activities, and parents are notified of this as appropriate.

 

The older juniors are taken to the baths at Hyndburn Sports Centre and most will learn to swim during their time with us.  No children are excused swimming except on medical grounds, confirmed by a note from the family doctor.

 

GOVERNORS' CHARGING POLICY

 

The Governing Body of Hippings Methodist School recognises the valuable contribution that the wide range of additional activities, including trips, clubs and residential experiences can make towards pupils' education.

 

The Governing Body aims to promote and provide such activities both as part of a broad and balanced curriculum for the pupils of the school and as additional optional activities.

 

Activities in School Hours

 

All activities which take place during school hours must be free of charge.  These activities include educational visits and trips, visits to the theatre and performances by musical or theatre groups at school.

 

Where the school proposes to arrange such an activity, parents will be informed of the plans in advance and invited to make a voluntary contribution to the cost.  Any activity to which parents are invited to contribute will go ahead if sufficient contributions are received to cover the cost of the activity.

 

It is stressed that there is no obligation to contribute and that no pupil will be excluded from any such activity on the basis that no contribution has been received on their behalf once an activity has been organised.

 

Charges

 

The governing body reserves the right to make a charge in the following circumstances for activities organised by the school:-

 

Residential Visits

The board and lodging element of approved residential activities deemed to take place in school hours.

 

Activities outside School Hours

The full cost to each pupil of all approved activities deemed to be optional extras taking place outside school hours.

 

Instrumental Tuition

This will be the subject of a contract between parents and the Lancashire Music Service

 

Design Technology, Science, Art/Craft

The Governing Body reserves the right to charge for ingredients and materials used in these subjects or require them to be provided if the parents have indicated in advance that they wish to own the finished product.

 

The Governing Body may from time to time, amend the categories of activity for which a charge may be made.

 

Where the parents of a pupil are in receipt of income support or family credit, the Governing Body will offer to remit the cost of full board and lodging for any residential activity which is deemed to take place in school hours or where it forms part of the syllabus for the National Curriculum.

 

The Governing Body may wish to help families who are not able to afford to make a contribution. This will be done in confidence at the discretion of the Headteacher and Governors.

 

INSURANCE

 

The County Council's insurance arrangements in relation to children and parents are as follows :

 

1. The County Council's liability insurance arrangements provide protection for the County Council in respect of claims for compensation made by any person suffering bodily injury or damage to property due to some act or error of the County Council.

 

These arrangements are in respect of the County Council's legal liabilities only and it should be noted that the County Council does not automatically accept liability for any injury or damage which may occur.  It has to be proved that the County Council was legally responsible for the injury or damage suffered  i.e. it was at fault.

 

2. Where an injury or damage to property arises due to some act or neglect of a Third Party (i.e. some person or organisation other than the County Council) any resultant claim for compensation would have to be directed towards the Third Party and not the County Council.

 

3. If a person suffers a bodily injury where no-one is at fault there would be no legal grounds for pursuing a claim for compensation against either the County Council or a Third Party.

 

However, this is a risk which can be covered by a Personal Accident insurance policy which provides limited benefits in respect of injuries suffered by the insured person regardless of legal liability. Parents could arrange such cover on a general "all risks" basis applicable throughout the year or for a particular event.

 

 

 

This information relates to the 2005/2006 school year and was correct in relation to that year on 1st June 2005.  However, it should not be assumed that there will be no change affecting the relevant arrangements in some particular matter either before the start of, or during, the school year in question or subsequent school years.