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An Introduction from the Headteacher
It gives me great pleasure to introduce you to Nicol Mere Primary School. I hope the information enclosed in our prospectus is both interesting and helpful in choosing Nicol Mere to be the right school for your child.
Nicol Mere is a medium sized primary school that was extended in 2003 and has subsequently undergone a series of further improvements. This extension has provided us with substantial space including two large halls and a purpose built ICT suite. Our exclusive large Reception area boasts excellent classroom resources and an outdoor play area with its own meadow and small wood. Further recent building work has provided a complete refurbishment and extension to our Visitor’s Reception, which includes a comfortably furnished Community Room with its own facilities and a smart new meeting room.
We are proud of a fully resourced Early Years Unit for children aged 3 years old, a breakfast/evening/holiday Child Care Club, a new Year 6 suite and exceptional playground facilities which include dance stages, climbing frames, organised lunch time games, football cages, adventure trim trail and shelter canopies. Year 6 test results in the Summer 2009 were again outstanding and we are always proud of the hard work of both the staff and the pupils.
In 2008 and 2009 we were awarded Healthy School Status, School Sports Gold Award, ECO School’s Activemark and Financial Management Standard in Schools. We also received the Leading Aspect and SEALS Awards, for Improving Behaviour.
The move to Primary School is a very important stage in a child’s life. As a caring and concerned parent you will want to ensure that your choice of school is based upon the fullest information available to you. This brochure has been prepared to provide you with details of Nicol Mere Primary School. It is designed to outline the principles upon which the school is based and to offer information concerning the aims and curriculum of the school. The school seeks to maintain a high standard in all aspects of the education of the young people in its care.
The Governors, Headteacher and Staff of the school invite you to visit the school at a mutually convenient time and judge for yourself the quality of the education we provide. We welcome the co-operation and support of parents and with your assistance we will meet the aims of our school and achieve the very best for all our pupils. School Aims & Values "Our school aims to create a learning environment and ethos that will allow the community of Nicol Mere to thrive and prosper in a happy and caring atmosphere that will build a confident and tolerant future for all".
At Nicol Mere we:
- Feel valued and respected, safe and secure - Are able to celebrate our own achievements with humility and be generous in the celebration of the achievements of others - Face challenges and learn from experiences - Are adaptable to the demands of an ever changing society - Are polite and pleasant, even in difficult circumstances - Always have high standards and expectations - Take responsibility for our own actions - Work co-operatively as part of a team - Encompass the values and aims of PSHE and citizenship within a happy and positive environment in which each individual can develop to their full potential socially, spiritually, physically and academically.
The School’s motto is:
“Learning is a passport to life – enjoy!” Our School Nicol Mere is a large and friendly Primary School. We take children from the age of 4 until 11, when we support their transition to High School.
The school comprises of two spacious buildings, housing our Junior and Infant children. We currently have 12 full-time Teachers and a similar number of Teaching Assistants, giving us a generous adult to pupil ratio.
Most years are two-form entry and Teachers in the same year group plan very closely together to provide work that is challenging and appropriate to the needs and ability of all pupils. Teaching Assistants work closely with the classroom teacher and provide focus and support for all abilities of pupil to ensure each pupil reaches their potential.
Nicol Mere is an Extended School, offering high quality child care all year round from 7.45am-6.00pm. We have an Early Years facility (Nursery) for children from the age of 3 and an extensive range of extra curricular activities for pupils beyond the school day. We also offer parent support sessions and swift and easy referral to a wide range of specialist support services.
Nicol Mere is to be linked with a local Children’s Centre and will be able to provide wider community access to school facilities such as ICT, sport and adult learning.
First Steps at Nicol Mere
In September 2006 we established our ‘Out of Hours’ facility which includes a breakfast, afterschool and holiday club to help parents who might be at college, working, or need child care for other reasons.
It is run by First Steps, who are an experienced and successful child care provider. Children have access to a range of fun activities and are also provided with food when they are there. Places are in demand and if you would like to know more, please telephone Mrs Sue Morris on 01942 711964. Early Years Unit
We are very pleased to be able to continue with our Early Years Unit at Nicol Mere, who joined us over the Summer of 2006. They have a complete newly resourced unit with two large rooms, access to the whole KS1 building facilities and a private outdoor play area with a yard and field. The pupils will find their transition into the Reception class so much easier, as they will have become very familiar with the building, teachers and other children. Admission to School The Local Authority has control over admissions to school. However, if you would wish your child to attend Nicol Mere, please ask for a “School Interest Form” from the School Office, to register your child’s name. Your child may start school in the September of the School Year in which they become 5 years old. Parents are welcome to visit the school at a mutually convenient time. An appointment may be made by writing to the Headteacher or by telephoning the school. The Headteacher or Deputy will be pleased to meet parents to answer any questions and to show parents around the school. The Curriculum
Art, Music, History, Geography, Technology and Physical Education are referred to as Foundation Subjects.
Children in the Reception class follow the Foundation Stage Curriculum. This provides an organised, structured play-based curriculum appropriate for the age and maturity of the youngest children in our school. Key basic skills in Literacy and Numeracy are introduced to pupils and are supported by developing the social & emotional aspects of childhood.
Children in Years 1 and 2 work within Key Stage One and those in Years 3 to 6 continue through Key Stage Two.
The teaching staff at Nicol Mere use a variety of teaching methods - whole class, small group and individual work to deliver the National Curriculum. However, many skills are taught through a cross-curricular approach such as English working through History topics, or Maths and Science data being delivered through ICT.
All subjects with the exception of R.E. are divided into Attainment Targets. The levels range from 1-10. Each child will progress at different rates, but we would expect our children to be between the Levels of 1-3 by the age of 7 and between Levels 2-5 by the age of 11.
In between these key ages, your child will be monitored regularly in class and through detailed end of year tests. This information, together with progress made in the overall development of your child will be available to you on a regular basis and you will be also informed via a report in early July. If we have any concerns about your child’s progress at any time we will let you know so that we can work together for his/her benefit. We ensure that through target setting and tracking your child will be working at all times at their appropriate level. We analyse these targets on a regular basis and also at the end of the year. All children are aware of their group targets and what they have to do to continually improve. Parents are informed of the targets and are also provided with current newsletters so they can support their children at home.
Detailed curriculum policies concerning the subjects mentioned above are available at the school should you wish to look at them. A lot of our work in school is backed up by educational visits from which we ask for voluntary contributions. We have visited the following venues in recent years, Warrington Museum, to enhance our work on Ancient Egypt, the Blue Plant Aquarium, for our work on animals and the City of Chester, for work on Roman Britain. Year 6 visit Tatton Park as part of their Victorian topic and have a fun day out at the end of their primary school career.
We also invite speakers, theatre groups and actors into school, to enrich our curriculum. Year 6 Suite
Last year we established a “Year 6 Suite” to provide even greater support for the older pupils before they move on to High School. Within it they will be taught in 3 small groups of approximately 20 pupils during most of the week. This “suite” will be self-contained within the junior building. Every Child Matters At Nicol Mere, every child does matter. It is essential that they all reach their potential in all aspects of school life and that they enjoy coming to school and are keen to learn. All staff play an important role in the lives of the children to ensure that they : - Enjoy and achieve - Are healthy - Stay safe - Achieve economic wellbeing - Make a positive contribution Subjects English Within the National Curriculum, English is split into three components, which are: q Reading q Writing (including Spelling and Handwriting) q Speaking and Listening
We follow the framework of the National Literacy Strategy to help deliver the English Curriculum. At the heart of our reading policy is the principle of developing a love of books, as well as the ability to use books for a wide range of purposes, including pleasure and information. This is developed through the school’s structured reading programme which combines reading schemes with general fiction. Writing is developed through a variety of media. We encourage the correct formation of letters in line with the school handwriting policy and we place great emphasis on well presented work at all times.
Speaking and listening are crucial aspects of communication. We aim to teach each child to express themselves independently and clearly, to listen to others and to show respect for peers and adults. Maths We aim to develop in each child a knowledge, understanding and enjoyment of Mathematics and the ability to apply it to real life situations to produce meaningful results or solutions. The children follow a programme of work based on the National Numeracy Strategy. This is aimed at developing skills in number, shape and space, measure and data handling. Lessons are differentiated to take account of individual pupil’s strengths and weaknesses.
We aim to develop the children’s scientific skills and knowledge. We encourage them to observe, question and to formulate their own answers. Science is more a question of knowing ‘how’ rather then knowing ‘what’. Children are directed how to explore and investigate. As a school, Nicol Mere is non-denominational. Widely based Christian ethics form the basis of the school’s approach to Religious Education and this is a significant factor in the whole ethos of the school. The Religious Education provided seeks to contribute to the spiritual and moral development of the children as well as their intellectual and physical development. The school tries to help its pupils to understand human relationships and the moral teaching associated with it, throughout their times in school. If they wish, parents may withdraw their children from formal religious instruction. ICT plays an increasingly large role in all areas of life and so children need to be prepared to accept the challenge of a rapidly developing and changing technological world. Our children are encouraged to be able to work confidently with computers. They are involved in many aspects of computing including word processing, graphics, problem solving, data collection and retrieval. Our new computer suite helps to support this work and each class from Reception to Year 6 is fitted with an Interactive Whiteboard. Children are expected to take part in a variety of physical learning situations each week to promote their ability, confidence and enjoyment of sport and to promote a healthy lifestyle. Swimming is taught to pupils in Key Stage 2.
In-keeping with the school’s policy on ‘Access, Provision and Entitlement’ all pupils regardless of gender, race, ability/disability are entitled to access sporting opportunities. Nicol Mere has a wide range of after school sporting clubs : e.g. Football, Netball, Judo & Rugby.
Sports played at Nicol Mere Association Football, Basketball, Rugby, Netball, Rounders, Cricket, Swimming, Cross Country Running, Mini Hockey, Gymnastics, Movement, Educational Dance and Country Dancing.
We have two well-equipped halls, a large playing field, an extensive playground area with sports cages and a full sized netball court.
The Governors of Nicol Mere consider that Sex Education is an important part of the Primary School curriculum and consequently have accepted a policy for Sex Education throughout the school. This policy considers the importance of personal, loving, family relationships. It is development from the Reception classes, where they may look at families, to lower Juniors where they may look at the human body and visible gender differences. In Year 5 the issue of puberty and menstruation is considered. In Year 6 reproduction and teenage years are at the centre. Sex Education is taught with sensitivity and understanding, using methods and themes appropriate for the child’s age. A full copy of the Policy is available to parents for viewing at the school with prior notification. Special Needs Special Needs at Nicol Mere is concerned with a range of need from mild/moderate learning difficulties to specific learning difficulties, emotional or behavioural problems, to exceptionally able pupils.
We aim to:
· Provide the opportunity for all children to grow and achieve their full potential. · Identify children with a learning difficulty as soon as possible · Assess the nature of their learning difficulty. · Provide provision for those children assessed as having a Special Need. · Ensure that children who have longer term Special Needs have access to and receive additional help from centrally funded support services. · Monitor and report to parents regularly about the progress of children with Special Educational Needs. · The SEN Policy is updated regularly and takes into consideration local and national needs. More Able Children
We aim to :
· Put as much time and effort into encouraging and supporting our more able children. Work is differentiated to ensure that pupils are stretched sufficiently and are encouraged to problem solve and develop their own unique talents. Clubs will be run at times during the year to give an extra boost and focus on the more able pupils in Year 6.
Identify and assess children who are exceptionally able and extend and enrich their activities. Disability
- We operate an equal opportunities policy which covers pupils with disabilities.
- Recent improvements have given us wheelchair access to the front of school, office, classrooms, halls, toilets and ICT suite.
The Governors and staff agree that homework should form part of a child’s education. Children will be set work such as spellings or multiplication tables on a frequent basis. In Key Stage 2 pupils will be given regular literacy and numeracy based activities. Other homework appropriate to the age/ability of the child will be set as necessary. We ask that parents support the school in their child’s completion of these tasks. A homework leaflet is given to parents each year which provides specific details for each year group. Discipline School should be a place where a child feels safe and secure in order to attain her/his full academic potential. With this in mind the staff have produced a Discipline Policy which is accepted and used throughout the school. It is our intention to reward children for polite, good and considerate behaviour.
Through consistency of approach and expectations we aim to reduce pupil anxiety which often leads to disruptive behaviour. We have an agreed Code of Conduct which is shared throughout school and promotes our school values. In addition, each class has an agreed Code of Conduct containing a small number of positive statements. These are displayed in each class and team points are given to reinforce this.
We have a whole school reward system in which team points are awarded to positively reinforce the school Code of Conduct and the Class Code. We recognize positive attitudes to work and to each other as well as rewarding academic achievement. Each week the Team Cup is awarded to the house with the most points in each Key Stage. Pupils are also rewarded individually throughout the year with certificates and prizes. Weekly rewards are given to pupils who are chosen as excellent role models, reflecting our school values and they are given a reward in assembly and their names appear in the weekly Newsletter.
If a pupil behaves in an unacceptable manner then the reasons are investigated and the pupils are encouraged to make the correct choice and get back on task. If further action is needed, sanctions are in place which are consistent throughout school and they are clearly displayed in classes and understood by the children. At any point the situation may be referred to the Deputy Head or Headteacher. Children may be withdrawn from the playground if their behaviour becomes unacceptable. Parents will be notified if their child’s behaviour is causing concern. Bullying is dealt with promptly when it is reported and is monitored closely. Parents are kept fully informed and involved.
We believe that parents have an equal responsibility to address their child’s behaviour and that a joint approach between home and school is the most effective way to support your child’s learning and development. Child Protection In line with the DFES and employment procedures for Child Protection, the school has a named person with responsibility for Child Protection. This is the Headteacher. On the very rare occasion that it is necessary to contact outside agencies on matters of Child Protection, the guidelines issued by Wigan Area Child Protection Committee are used. We would ask parents to understand that there are clearly defined procedures, which must be followed and that in these instances, the welfare of the child is always the first priority. Equal Opportunities All children are given the same and equal opportunity. They are encouraged to “have a go” at everything. Stereotypes are avoided and discrimination and intolerance are not accepted. A policy of Inclusion is promoted for all ages of children.
All children deserve the same start, regardless of sex, religion, race, disability, colour or creed. House System
We have a house system operating within school, based on the names of four trees in the school grounds : Maple (yellow colour), Rowan (red colour), Oak (green colour), Willow (blue colour).
House points are awarded for excellence. Good work, good manners, initiative and progress are rewarded. We find this system encourages the establishment of good standards throughout the school. In the Summer Term, we have Sports Day to see "which house wins", where the children have fun whilst taking part in friendly competition. Child Protection In line with the DFES and employment procedures for Child Protection, the school has a named person with responsibility for Child Protection. This is the Headteacher. On the very rare occasion that it is necessary to contact outside agencies on matters of Child Protection, the guidelines issued by Wigan Area Child Protection Committee are used. We would ask parents to understand that there are clearly defined procedures, which must be followed and that in these instances, the welfare of the child is always the first priority. Charging The school has an adopted LEA policy about charging for school visits and educational trips. As we have no funding to pay for such visits, we ask parents to contribute towards the cost. This takes the form of a voluntary donation to the school, but if parents decide not to make a donation the trip may well have to be cancelled. School Meals
Parents may choose for their child to receive a cooked school meal daily. We are a healthy eating school and our Kitchen Staff provide exceptionally healthy school dinners. All food is freshly prepared, with up to eight choices each day, providing a wide variety of meals. Fruit and salad are provided on each dining table.
If your child wishes to have a school meal, he/she will need to bring enough money daily to pay the person on the till on receipt of his/her lunch. A set fee is charged to our Infant children for their choice of meal, a cafeteria service is provided for our Junior children, whereby individual items of food are priced. Details of prices and charges are published at regular intervals.
If your child does not wish to have a school meal, a healthy packed lunch may be brought from home. Free School Meals Your child may be entitled to receive a free school meal. Claiming can be worth more than £300 a year for every child in a family. Wigan Council is now urging those who can make the claim to do so and at Nicol Mere, we also encourage the uptake of the entitlement.
A spokesperson from Wigan says “it is thought that there could be lots of reasons why parents do not claim a free meal for their child(ren). Maybe some families don’t believe they are able to claim, or maybe some children simply don’t want to eat school meals”.
Did you know that : - if your child is entitled to free meals and does not wish to have a cooked meal, he/she can order a sandwich meal which can be prepared in our Kitchen? or that :- children who are on our free school meals register are entitled also to a reduction in music lesson charges? - Please contact the School’s Administration office on 01942 720871 for further information.
Sometimes parents are concerned about any ‘stigma’ that may be attached to free school meals children - please speak to us, as we believe the procedure for entitlement is handled delicately and confidentially. HOW TO CLAIM FREE SCHOOL MEALS
Children whose parents receive the following support payments are entitled to receive free school meals :
Income Support, Income Based Jobseeker’s Allowance, Support Under Part V1 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 or Child Tax Credit and have an annual income which does not exceed a specified amount (details available from Wigan Council) and you are not receiving Working Tax Credit.
To apply, parents need to complete the Council’s FREE SCHOOL MEALS APPLICATION FORM, which is available from the free school meals office by telephone on 01942 828609, where the necessary help and advice can be sought. Forms are also available from the following libraries : Abram, Ashton, Aspull, Atherton, Golborne, Ince, Orrell and Standish. To get further help with the form, visit any Wigan and Leigh Housing office, the Council Tax Offices in Whelley, Leigh Town Hall, or Wigan Civic Centre on Millgate, Wigan. Attendance By law your child should attend school every day during the school year. In the event of any unavoidable absence, each half-day needs to be classified as either authorised or unauthorised by the school (not the parent). Authorised absence is given for genuine illness, weddings and funerals, and/or religious festivals. No holidays will be authorised during term time this year. The children already get over 14 weeks holiday and missing school does impact on their learning. The school has set an attendance target of 96% for each pupil for 2008/2009. Please let the school know if your child is not able to attend school on the first day of any absence by telephoning the school office before 10.00am to enable us to keep our records up to date. Punctuality It is very important that children are at school at 08.50am, ready for registration at 09.00am. If children are late, it leads to disruption to the teacher and other children. Also, a late child feels uncomfortable entering the classroom when they have missed the start of the lesson. We have an obligation to report children who are constantly late to the Educational Welfare Officer. Documents Current school policies, government circulars etc are available for viewing at the school office. However, we do ask that you give the school notice before requesting to see them.
The school provides a wide range of activities both at lunch-time and after school. Pupils may only attend if forms are signed by a parent/guardian. It is our aim that all pupils wishing to attend an extra curricular activity will be provided with the opportunity during any given academic year. Activities are run by teaching and non-teaching staff, parents and school Governors. The school has the right to withdraw any child from such activities if the child’s behaviour and attitude is not in line with the school’s expectation. Subjects include French, Dance, Healthy Eating, Writing, Art, ICT, Sports, Music and many more. Year 6 pupils are also invited to attend clubs in English, Maths and Science in preparation for their SAT’s in May. Security Security fencing is erected around the school's perimeter. All visitors to school must call at the main Reception Office in the Junior Building. All external doors are locked with a security coded access, or have one way handles for exit only. All visitors to the school are requested to "sign in" and wear a visitor's badge.
How you can help your child at school
Encourage your child to be independent.
Nicol Mere values the partnership between parents, pupils and staff. Please try to attend all available meetings/functions. We give as much notice as possible of these. Class assemblies should not be missed! Give your child encouragement at all times, especially with homework and after school activities. You will receive termly curriculum newsletters and synopses of the topics they will cover.
Extra Curricular We offer a large range of extra curricular activities including Rugby, Soccer, Athletics, Gymnastics, Art Clubs and Dance. Uniform
Girls: Pale or Navy Blue polo shirt with the school logo Pale or Navy Blue sweatshirt with the school logo Navy or Grey skirt or pinafore, black or grey trousers (not leggings, joggers or fashion bootleg) Black, Grey or White socks or plain coloured tights in navy/grey Black shoes, sensible heels (not trainers) Gingham blue and white dress and navy blue cardigan if wished as an alternative (Summer Term)
Boys: Pale or Navy Blue Polo shirt with the school logo Pale or Navy Blue sweatshirt with the school logo Grey or black trousers or shorts (not joggers) Black, Grey or White socks Black shoes (not trainers) PE Kit
Indoor: All children are to wear: Pumps (not trainers for safety reasons) Plain White t-shirt or polo shirt Navy blue shorts
Outdoor: PE Kit as above (pumps or trainers), (Tracksuit/joggers and sweatshirt can be worn when the weather is cold). Please ensure that each item of clothing is clearly labelled with your child’s name and class.
Jewellery In the interest of safety we ask that your child does not wear jewellery in school. Necklaces, rings, hoop earrings, bracelets etc. can present a hazard in physical activities. The only exceptions to the rule are watches and ear studs. Small stud earrings may be worn in school but must be removed at home for the day in which your child has PE, games, or swimming lessons. We feel that this ‘rule’ is in the best interests of the children. Hair Long hair needs to be sensibly tied back for health and safety reasons at all times. Short hair needs to be in a sensible style ie: no shaved patterns, or any style which draws attention to the individual. Parents, Teachers, Staff & Friends Association (PTSFA) A committee of parents and staff organise several activities throughout the school year to raise additional money for all the children. Their dedication and commitment helps to provide the children with extras which they may not ordinarily receive.
Monies raised have supported the pupils in many ways, e.g. two new modern libraries, gym equipment, a new Foundation garden and meadow, playground markings, equipment trails, climbing frames and a tyre park, to name a few.
We look forward to receiving your support - you are all most welcome. Details of events and meetings are published at regular intervals. Results
School Results and Targets for National Curriculum Assessment of 11 year olds : RESULTS L4+ L5 School 06/07 English 86% 40% Maths 90% 46% Science 98% 54%
07/08 English 92% 37% Maths 92% 47% Science 100% 63%
08/09 English 88% 47% Maths 92% 43% Science 100% 61%
NATIONAL AVERAGE 07/08 English 81% 33% Maths 78% 32% Science 88% 46%
TARGETS L4+ L5 06/07 English 79% 32% Maths 87% 37%
07/08 English 77% 44% Maths 88% 36%
08/09 L4+ English and Maths combined 79%
2 levels progress English 83% 2 levels progress Maths 83%
09/10 L4 English and Maths 78%
2 levels progress English 84% 2 levels progress Maths 84%
Level 4 is the level that the majority of Year 6 pupils are expected to attain by the end of Key Stage 2. Some pupils may attain Level 5 which is above the expected average. The difference in targets will also reflect the range of ability in each year group of children. Nicol Mere results are well above the National Average and Local School Average.
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