WELCOME FROM THE HEADTEACHER
On behalf of all members of the school staff, I would like to extend to you a very warm welcome to our happy and caring school.
In the three years that your child will spend with us we will endeavour to promote their confidence and independence, and develop their potential to the full.
The school believes that your role as interested and involved parents is vital, and wishes to forge a very strong partnership with yourself and your child.
We look forward to building this important relationship with you, and to working and sharing together in the development of your child.
Netley Marsh CEC Infant School
Ringwood Road
Woodlands
Southampton
SO40 7GY
Tel: 02380 862009
Fax: 02380 860899
Website: www.netleymarsh-infant.ik.org
Email: admin@netleymarsh.hants.gov.uk
Local Education Authority:
Hampshire County Council
The Castle
Winchester
Hampshire
SO23 8UG
Tel: 01962 846452
Our Vision
At Netley Marsh Church of England (Controlled) Infant School we believe in providing learning opportunities which develop our children into happy, well-rounded individuals, preparing them for the future.
We promote strong links with the church and the community, building on the partnership between home and school.
We encourage honesty and responsibility at all levels, respecting cultural beliefs of others.
As lifelong learners we work together to achieve our best.
At Netley Marsh C of E Infant School:
Ø We provide a welcoming, safe and stimulating environment.
Ø Children are happy and motivated, learning through first hand experiences.
Ø We deliver a broad and balanced curriculum which is creative, inspiring and fun.
Ø We promote mutual respect.
Ø We set high expectations for learning and behaviour to enable children to realise their individual potential.
Ø We encourage children to become independent learners and thinkers.
Ø We celebrate success.
Our ultimate aim is to enable all our children to develop the confidence and enthusiasm to become life-long learners.
We believe that it is very important for parents and teachers to work together to support children as they begin to acquire an increasingly broad range of knowledge, skills and understanding.
Before your child joins our school you will have the opportunity to have a tour of the school, find out about daily life in our school, meet the staff who will be working with your child and ask questions
Welcome from the chair of Governors
As Chair of the Governing Body at Netley Marsh Church of England Infant School, I would like to thank you for the interest you have shown in our school. The school is led by our dynamic Headteacher. Our dedicated team of teachers and LSAs are committed to providing your child with a high standard of education within our caring Christian ethos. We have strong links with St Matthews Church, and the local community. We also have strong relationships with our feeder pre-schools and junior school. I am sure that this prospectus will provide a full picture of all that the school has to offer your child. At Netley Marsh Infant School we are fortunate to have an approachable, understanding and informed Governing Body who are extremely supportive of the school and its vision. The Governors are appointed to oversee the running of the school and plays a key role in its management. The Governing Body holds 6 meetings per year. The Resources committee has responsibility for regularly reviewing the school’s budget. They also discuss all matters relating to staffing, pupils, parental involvement and buildings. They play a key role in staff recruitment and development. The Curriculum and Standards committee has responsibility for overseeing the delivery of the school’s curriculum and ensuring this meets with legal requirements. They regularly review pupil progress data and policies.
OUR SCHOOL
The school building:
Our school has undergone complete renovation and refurbishment. This has provided the school with extensive new facilities and ICT provision as well as a landscaped playground situated to the rear of the school next to our large playing fields.
Our facilities include:
3 classrooms all with interactive whiteboards and facilities for wireless internet connection for use with our laptops;
A comprehensive fiction and non-fiction library;
A multi-purpose hall with theatre lighting and a servery; used for P.E. sessions, music, drama, collective worship and lunch.
The school grounds:
2 landscaped playgrounds to the rear of the school;
Jubilee garden with pond;
Large playing fields used for P.E. sessions, environmental activities and playtimes;
A “Growing Area” is being developed by our “Growing Club” run by our caretaker Mr Gould;
Netley Marsh C.E.C. Infant School is a Church School
what does this mean?
It means we are a school that celebrates and positively fosters the Christian values of the Christian faith. By this we mean that we seek to nurture those things that Christians believe are in essence God – love, kindness, respect for one another, treating one another in a just way, patience, honesty, and the simple joy of living.
This means that the governors, Headteacher, school staff and church community of St. Matthew’s are committed to building an environment for our children where these aspects of living are not taken for granted but form an integral part of the management and practice of the school. This we hope makes for a school in which the children positively thrive as individuals and as part of a school community.
St. Matthew’s Church provides two foundation governors as part of the Governing Body of the school. One of these is the vicar, the other is a lay member of the church. The Governing Body are committed to monitoring the school in its provision of a Christian ethos – this takes place throughout the school year and involves all sections of the school community.
The Christian faith celebrates God’s presence as being in every place wherever we may go – so it is this we celebrate, foster and encourage here at Netley Marsh – the lived experience that yes, God is here – in all our shared life together.
Team Vicar of St. Matthew’s
OUR SCHOOL DAY
9.00 a.m.
All children are settled in class by 9.00am so that the register can be called and lessons begin.
9.10 a.m.
Teaching and Learning Time.
10.25 a.m.
Collective Worship.
10.40 a.m.
Morning Playtime. All children are allowed to bring a healthy snack. Water is freely available during the day when they need it. Milk is also available. This can be ordered a month in advance from the ‘coolmilk’ scheme.
We provide every child with free fruit or vegetables every day as part of our healthy school drive.
We also ask that no parent send in any product containing nuts in order to ensure the safety of all children.
All children need to be dressed appropriately for the weather. We follow safety guidelines for exposure to sun very carefully and ask that a named sun hat be kept in school during the summer term for every child.
12.15pm - 1.10pm
Lunchtime - During lunch the children are cared for by our four lunchtime assistants. The children eat their lunch and then enjoy playtime in the playground or on the field.
1. 10 p.m. – 3.20p.m
Teaching and Learning Time
3.20pm
The School day ends ……. Home time!
School Office
The school office is open during the following hours:
9.00am-4.00pm Monday to Friday
Our Admin Officer is available to answer general queries, pass on messages to the Headteacher or class teachers and arrange appointments.
Lunchtime Meals
All children eat together. Excellent well-balanced meals are provided by Hampshire Caterers from their kitchen at Bartley Junior School. These are transported to our school daily. Special dietary requirements can usually be met in consultation with Hampshire Caterers provided we are aware of the need.
Families receiving Income Support or Jobseekers allowance are entitled to free school meals, please ask at the office for more details. Children who enjoy packed lunches brought from home, need their lunch boxes named. We request that fizzy drinks, chocolate or sweets are not sent to school.
A Senior Supervisory Assistant and supporting Assistants supervise all children during lunchtime.
If your child has school meals, please send the money for the week in a named envelope on MONDAY mornings. Your child should hand this to their class teacher. Parents may also pay by cheque (payable to Hampshire County Council) for the week, half-term or term.
ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL AND SICKNESS
Children should not come to school if they are unwell and we require a telephone call every day giving us the reason for absence. We ask that you phone by 9.30 am, otherwise it is our policy to telephone after 10 am if we have not heard from you.
This telephone call should be followed with a note on return to school. Failure to advise the school will result in the absence being deemed unauthorised.
Leave of absence, at the Headteacher’s discretion, may be granted for a maximum of up to 10 days in any school year. However it is not recommended because regular school attendance is vital. Any more days than this will be recorded as an unauthorised absence.
Parents of children in Year 2 are particularly requested not to take their children out of school during May when SATs (Statutory end of KS1 assessments) are taking place.
MEDICINES IN SCHOOL
We can only administer medicines at school if your child is suffering from asthma and require their inhaler or if your child is recovering from an illness and has a course of medicine to complete. Parents are asked to sign a permission form, indicating the dosage to be given and the time to be taken.
Illness at School
Parents will be notified to collect their child should they become unwell at school. Therefore, we ask for the name, address and telephone number of a person who might be contacted if parents are unavailable. In the event of a child suffering a serious accident at school and parents cannot be contacted, the school reserves the right to act in ‘loco parentis’ to ensure that the child receives medical help.
Health
Throughout the school year routine medical examinations for eyesight and hearing are carried out. Our School Nurse is frequently in school and is always willing to discuss with parents issues related to the health of their child. She can be contacted via the school Office or Totton Health Centre (tel. 023 8086 5051).
Welfare
An Educational Welfare Officer is assigned to this School from the New Forest Local Office, Bartley. Their role is to help with aspects concerning the welfare of your child. In addition they ensure that regular attendance is maintained (unless genuine illness is the cause).
Property
Children are not encouraged to bring valuables to school. All possessions are brought in at the children’s own risk and cannot be the responsibility of the school.
OUR SCHOOL UNIFORM
At Netley Marsh Infant School we believe in taking pride in all areas of school life. Wearing a school uniform encourages a smart appearance and a feeling of belonging.
School sweatshirts, cardigans, polo shirts, sunhats and book bags can be ordered from Schoolkit by the school office.
Girls: Grey Skirt/Pinafore/ Trousers and White Blouse
Green/White Gingham Dress
Boys: Grey Trousers and White Shirt/Polo Shirt
Grey Shorts
We do request that children wear sensible shoes or sandals.
It is important that all clothes are clearly named and there are forms in school on which name labels can be ordered.
P.E.
A pair of blue or black shorts, a plain white t-shirt and slip on or Velcro fastening plimsolls are needed. All belongings must be named and P.E. items need to be kept in a bag and hung on each child’s coat peg without taking up too much space. We recommend a spare change of clothes is kept in their P.E. bags in-case of accidents.
Jewellery
In the interest of safety, jewellery and watches should not be worn at school and the school will take no responsibility for lost items.
OUR CURRICULUM
At Netley Marsh Infant School we are committed to achieving high standards through providing a broad and balanced curriculum, promoting rich learning experiences for all children. We are currently developing a creative curriculum which will develop children’s thinking skills. Through carefully planned activities the children will not only develop intellectually but will become independent, confident learners who work well with others; a secure foundation for life-long learning. In Reception, the Foundation Stage curriculum guidance is used to carefully plan and deliver a stimulating, ‘hands-on’ and age-appropriate curriculum. All year groups use the National Numeracy and Literacy strategies to ensure progression and challenge in the core subjects. If ears are pierced then only small studs are allowed in school but these must be removed by the child for PE lessons.
ASSESSMENT
Assessment is the process through which we regularly monitor children’s progress and achievement. This process helps to identify individual needs and ensure that those needs are being met and extended.
CORE SUBJECTS:
ENGLISH
This is divided into 3 areas:
Speaking and listening
The children are given opportunities to experience different kinds of speaking and listening. It is essential that they know how to express themselves and how to listen to other people’s opinions and ideas. We use a wide range of drama techniques as a means of providing opportunities for the children to express themselves in different situations.
Reading
Our aim is that every child should enjoy reading; reading for pleasure and to find out information. Children read every day either individually, or in a small group or as class. Children learn to read through sight words, phonics and being taught reading strategies. We strongly encourage parents to share and enjoy reading books with their children on a daily basis.
Writing
Our aim is to make each child an independent writer, able to write using different styles and for a variety of situations. Initially children are encouraged to write in play situations and as they become more confident, to use writing in a more structured way.
The teaching of spellings and handwriting is combined with phonics. Knowledge of letter sounds helps a child to spell correctly and to tackle unknown words when reading.
Handwriting is taught on a regular basis, with a clear progression between each year group. We expect all children’s work to be neat and legible. We expect children in Year 2 to write in a joined cursive script.
MATHEMATICS
Mathematics is taught through a range of practical contexts that have real meaning for the children, enabling them to develop their numerical skills and the ability to solve problems.
In mathematics 3 different areas are taught
Using and applying
This is an integral part of the 2 other mathematical areas. The children are taught how to choose appropriate strategies, explain their ideas and ask questions using appropriate mathematical vocabulary.
Number
The children, learn about counting, place value, strategies for adding, subtracting, multiplying and dividing. The emphasis is on developing mental recall of number facts to enable them to carry out mental calculations accurately.
Shape, space and measures
We provide “real life” experiences to enable the children to develop their understanding of the names and properties of 2D and 3D shapes, learn about time, and to estimate and measure the length, mass and capacity of objects using non-standard and standard units.
SCIENCE
Our science activities are designed to stimulate and excite our children’s curiosity about the world around them. They are encouraged to develop their skills of predicting, asking questions and observing. Through first hand experiences the children learn about life processes and living things materials and their properties and physical processes.
ICT
Interactive whiteboards are installed in all classrooms and the children have access to wireless laptops to enhance their learning experiences and learn computer skills. The children are taught to use a range of programs including word processing, data handling and graphics. We use a wide range of CD-roms to support learning and programmable toys. We actively incorporate the use of ICT into other subjects.
FOUNDATION SUBJECTS:
HISTORY
The children learn to develop an awareness of the past and the ways in which life was different to the present day. They find out about famous events and people from the past such as The Great Fire of London and Neil Armstrong.
GEOGRAPHY
The children learn about the immediate school environment and Netley Marsh. They also learn about places beyond our locality such as Africa. They use maps, globes and photographs to develop their knowledge of the wider world.
ART
The children are encouraged to be expressive and creative as they explore a wide range of art tools, techniques and media. They have opportunities to reflect upon and appreciate the work of other artists.
DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGY
The children learn to design and make objects using a wide range of materials. They develop the knowledge and understanding of how things work, how to solve problems and evaluate their work.
MUSIC
Currently we have a peripatetic music teacher from Hampshire Music Service. The children have opportunities to experiment with sound using instruments, to compose their own music and to listen to different types of music – from classical, to blues, to jazz, to this week’s top 40!
Physical Education
The children learn to develop control and co-ordination in gymnastics, as well as developing a wide range of games skills such as tennis and football. They also learn to respond to music to express their feelings and moods through creative dance.
RELIGIOUS EDUCATION
We follow the Hampshire Religious Education “Living Difference” syllabus. We focus on developing children’s social, moral and community spirit, through exploring the religious beliefs of Christianity and Hinduism. Our children are taught to be understanding and considerate to others within our school and the wider community.
COLLECTIVE WORSHIP
At Netley Marsh Infant School we have collective worship as a whole school 4 days each week and we have class worship 1 day each week. Each week there is a planned theme and the children are encouraged to reflect upon spiritual and moral issues, and to celebrate achievements.
We actively foster links with St. Matthews Church. The vicar joins us once a week to lead collective worship. He also assists with our services in the church at the end of each term and festivals.
Parents who wish to withdraw their children from Religious Education or collective worship may do so by informing the Headteacher in writing.
PSHE
We encourage the children to learn about and reflect upon life, relationships and being part of the community. These are skills which contribute to their emotional health and well-being, and prepare them for meeting the challenges of growing up.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
We pride ourselves on the extra-curricular activities we provide during the school day. Currently we offer French to all children, we have sports activities organised by Team Elite and all children in Year 2 learn to play the recorder. We are involved in various projects such as a circle time project run by the Forest Bus charity and tennis coaching with Totton and Eling tennis centre. We regularly plan a variety of after-school activities for the children; e.g ‘cooking’, ‘growing’ and ‘ICT’ clubs.
CHILDREN’S INVOLVEMENT
The children are given many responsibilities around the school such as playground “buddies”, playground monitors and library monitors.
Our School Council has 2 representative children from each class, voted for by their peers. The School Council meets each half-term to discuss school issues raised either by the children or by the staff.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES IN THE CURRICULUM
The Governors have adopted the current Hampshire County Council policy statement of equal opportunities in the curriculum
“We provide equal opportunities for all children in all areas of the curriculum, both in work and play.”
The school recognises that all individuals are different and have different needs. All pupils, irrespective of gender, race or disability shall have an entitlement to equality of opportunity. The ethos of the school encourages mutual respect and the expectation that everyone will fulfil their potential.
SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
At Netley Marsh we believe all children are special and each child deserves the highest quality education. We understand the need for all children within the school to have equal access to all areas of the curriculum and for them to become confident and successful learners.
Through rigorous assessment and tracking of children’s progress, we are able to identify any child who may have special needs and quickly provide appropriate support. An IEP (Individual Education Plan) is drawn up and this is reviewed termly in consultation with the parents. It is our school’s policy to work collaboratively with the parents and keep them informed of the steps we intend to take. Where appropriate we use the expertise of outside agencies to enhance the provision given by the school. Their advice and guidelines are extremely valued.
GOOD BEHAVIOUR
We have high expectations of all children with regard to their behaviour in school. Good behaviour is highly praised and given a high profile within school. Unacceptable behaviour is dealt with immediately. If it persists or is deemed to be dangerous to themselves or others, then the Headteacher will inform parents. Children are encouraged to accept responsibility for their own actions or behaviour.
SCHOOL LIAISON
PRE-SCHOOL
We have a good relationship with our feeder pre-schools. Our Foundation stage teacher and LSA visit the pre-school settings to discuss and observe the children.
We hold an open afternoon towards the end of September for prospective Reception parents to tour the school and see a range of learning activities that are provided on a daily basis.
In the September following their 7th birthday, the children transfer to Junior School. We have developed strong links with Bartley CE Junior School to ensure a smooth and successful transfer into Year 3. Preparation activities include:
Invitations to school performances
Exchanging letters about class activities
Exchanging emails to find out information about Junior School
Invitation to Y3 assembly
Tour of the school
Year 3 teachers spend a day working with Y2 children.
PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN HOME AND SCHOOL
We strongly believe that working together helps to provide the best educational experience for your child so that they can develop effectively as a learner.
At the beginning of the Autumn termwe hold a 'Meet the Teacher' session which is an opportunity to find out about the expectations for the coming year. Later in the term we hold our 'Family Learning Workshops' which are a great success as you have the chance to work with your child on a range of pre-planned activities. There are also Consultation Evenings where you will have the opportunity to discuss progress and share information. A report is written annually in the Spring term. In the Summer term we hold an Open Afternoon, where the children enjoy sharing their work with you.
Parents receive a fortnightly newsletter to keep up to date with the latest school news. Our half-termly Curriculum newsletters provide an overview of what your child will be learning about and suggests ways to support their learning at home.
However, we aim to keep an 'open door' approach and see parents and discuss progress and welfare of individuals at other times if the need arises. Please speak to your child's class teacher to arrange a mutually convenient time.
Should parents wish to see the Headteacher it is helpful to make an appointment through the school office.
PARENTS IN SCHOOL
We actively encourage all our parents to become fully involved in our school community!
We wish to encourage you to become a parent helper in school; any offers of help will be welcomed with open arms! Currently we have parents who help hear children read, enjoy getting messy in art or support with school visits. Whatever your interests, skills or strengths, we would be very pleased to hear from you. Our helping hands booklet is full of useful tips for working with children.
FRIENDS OF NETLEY MARSH SCHOOL ASSOCIATION
All parents of children attending Netley Marsh Infant School automatically become members of our parent association. The aim of Friends of Netley Marsh is to raise money to support the school. They meet each half-term to plan and organise events, and are open to everyone (new faces are always welcome)!
They have raised for our adventure playground to compliment what will become our newly landscaped playground once the building work is completed.
Various fundraising events are planned throughout the year. Volunteers are always needed - please do go along and support them.
STAY AND PLAY AFTER SCHOOL CLUB
An After School Club is available on-site daily from 3:20pm until 6pm. The children are collected from the class teachers by Stay and Play workers. Children who attend Bartley CE Junior School are also able to attend and are collected from the school bus by play workers. Sessions can be booked on a regular basis or up to 24 hours in advance (depending on availability of spaces).
BREAKFAST CLUB
It is our aim to continually strive for better facilities and provision for our children and their families. Drop your child off for a healthy breakfast and fun activities before school starts. More details are available at the back of this prospectus.
ADMISSION TO NETLEY MARSH C.E.C INFANT SCHOOL
Our designated catchment area is:
Ringwood Road Woodlands Road, Woodlands Hazel Grove
Priestlands Close Lanesbridge Close Bartley Road
Green Close Alpine Road Rossiters Lane
Purkiss Close Chinham Road Bourne Road
Bourne Lane Paradise Lane Pundle Green*
Shepherds Road Riverside Close Hunters Crescent
Tatchbury Lane Fletchwood Lane Millvina Close
Woodlands Drove Fletchwood Road The Crescent
Winsor Lane(part) Shepherds Close* Eadens Lane
Woodlands Road, Ashurst from Fletchwood Road to Busketts Lawn**
* These roads are regarded as a joint designated catchment area with Copythorne Infant School.
Priority for entry will be given to children who live in the school's catchment area. Children who live outside the catchment area will be admitted subject to availability of places and the agreed criteria within the Schools Admissions Policy. Netley Marsh catchment area consists mainly of field, woodland and farms;
INDUCTION FOR RECEPTION CHILDREN
In the Summer term before your child is due to start school our Foundation Stage teacher and LSA are in close contact with our feeder pre-schools getting to know the children and their individual needs and abilities. We organise a series of afternoons where you and your child can enjoy sharing a range of activities in our Reception classroom. Our induction evening for parents is extremely informative, covering topics such as routines, school lunches and the school nurse. At the beginning of September, prior to your child starting school we organise home-visits. These are important to help us ensure that your child is happy and settled in their first few weeks at school.