School Re-Opens Tuesday 2nd September 2008
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School Brochure 2007-8

Our Vision
Welcome to our school
Fact file
Bishop's Preface
Statement of Aims
Primary Admissions Criteria 2006-2007
School Organisation
The School Day
Uniform
Absences
Holidays during Term Time
Security
School Transport
Links with the Community.
Liaison with Parents
Discipline
Educational Visits
Adult Helpers in School
Friends of the School
Curriculum
Collective Worship
Statutory Tests
Print Version of the School Brochure
Our Vision

Our vision for our school is one that consistently provides an education that compares with the very best in the country.  Where our children are so happy and secure in the school environment that they are eager and willing to learn; willing to reach out beyond their comfort zone knowing that they will have the support and encouragement of all the adults around them.

 

We will have succeeded if every child leaves our school with an enjoyment and an enthusiasm for learning that is infectious and sustainable throughout their schooling and beyond. Back to top
Welcome to our school

The Federation of Bishopton Redmarshall and Heighington CE Primary Schools came into being in September 2007. This Federation was created to enable the schools to secure their future and to continue to be able to look to the future needs of our children and communities. There will be very little visible change to our operation other than occasionally a teacher or children from our partner school will be working with us. Conversely whenever a suitable opportunity arises, a teacher or children for our school may work at the other site. What will be visible is the capital investment in our school as we continuously strive to improve our standards.

 

Heighington   C   E   Primary School is situated on the outskirts of the village.  It is a single storey building built on a large attractive site with many managed environmental areas.

 

The children are our school.  It is our sincere belief that the children should enjoy their primary education while, at the same time achieving a high standard.  The school has a very good reputation  and when places are available, children travel some distance to attend.

 

The relationship between staff and children is one of mutual respect.  The children are taught that all people are important; that tolerance and understanding help everybody to work and play happily within the school community.  The standard of behaviour we achieve is very high through the consistent approach to discipline and the rewarding of good behaviour.

 

Music and sport are activities that pass beyond the boundary of the School yet; they are integral parts of our culture.  Children are encouraged to use their musical skills through concerts and assemblies.  Many children learn to play the recorder, string, brass and woodwind instruments at School.  We are proud of these achievements.

 

The children are offered the opportunity to develop sporting skills beyond those which can be taught as part of the PE curriculum.  Gymnastics, athletics and football occupy many children after school.

 

The most important part of the school is the quality of education. And our recent OfSTED inspection places us as one of the very best schools in the country.  The success of the School can be seen in so many ways, the behaviour of the children, the published results, the number of awards we hold but most of all among the children – they are happy, they want to learn and they are given the chance to learn.

 

With your help, and our commitment to your child, we will achieve the highest possible standard of education.

 

Admission to the School for Reception children is organised by Darlington Borough Council.  The admissions criteria are included on page 6.

 

We thank you for taking the time to read our brochure which gives an outline of some aspects of the school.  With all published material there is a built in obsolescence and this brochure is no different especially as we go through this period of strategic change. The most up to date version can always be found on our website but it doesn’t have any pictures included. You will receive a further copy of the brochure at the New Parents evening held in May 2008.

 

M.N.Parker                                                Mr T. Kirkley
Headteacher                                               Chair of Governors

 

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Fact file

 

 

School name:                                   Heighington CE Primary School

 

Address:                                          Hopelands
Heighington
Newton Aycliffe
Co Durham
DL5 6PH

 

Tel:                                                   01325 300326

 

Fax:                                                  01325 308679

 

e-mail                                                admin@heighington.darlington.sch.uk

 

website:                                             www.heighington.ik.org.

 

Headteacher:                                     Mr M.N.Parker

 

Chair of Governors:   Mr T. Kirkley

 

Parish vicar:                                      Rev. Dr. P. Thomas

 

Number of classes:    9

 

Number of Pupils:     248 (September 2007)

 

Teachers;                                          Headteacher +9.4 full time teachers

 

Teaching Assistants.  2.6 full time equivalent

 

Class Support assist.                         0.4 full time equivalent

 

Lunchtime Supervisors:                      4

 

Clerical support:                                2 part time secretaries

 

Cleaning staff:                                    Caretaker + 1 part time cleaner

 

Grounds:                                           1 part time gardener

 

Catering staff                       1 cook + 1 assistant

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Bishop's Preface

 

 

As you probably know this school, Heighington CE Primary School is one of the family of 56 Church Schools in the Diocese of Durham, in which over 12,000 children are educated.  In the past the Church of England did much to pioneer education in this country and this school represents the continuing partnership between Church and State at local and national level, in the provision of education today.  Today over 20% of all schools belong to the Church of England and they educate over 850,000 children.  This is a significant enterprise.

 

Church schools, as they serve the Community in which they are set, seek to be distinctive in the education they offer.  The Christian ethos which underpins all their work and the particular attention that is given to the spiritual and moral development of pupils, makes them special.  It is my hope that through the dedication of the Head Teacher and Staff at this school will provide your child with sound education in an atmosphere of Christian love and care.

 

We believe that parents have a vital role to play in partnership with the teachers in the education of their children.  We hope that the information contained in this booklet will help you to play your part.  I am sure that the Head Teacher will be very happy to discuss your child's progress and to give you any help and advice you may require.

 

As a Church   School , your school, like every other school, enjoys the great resources provided by the Local Education Authority but, in addition, it can call upon the staff of the Diocesan Board of Education.  The Governors meet regularly to give the staff the support they need and to ensure that your child is given the best possible education.

 

We hope that your child will find this Church   School a happy place and a community in which he or she can grow and flourish.

 

May God bless you.

 

THOMAS DUNELM
Bishop of Durham

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Statement of Aims

 

 

We aim to:

 

·               be a friendly, welcoming and caring school based on       broadly Christian values.

 

*           develop a sense of personal and social responsibility, exemplified by our links with the community.

 

*           provide opportunities for spiritual, moral social and cultural education, satisfying the needs of and providing equal opportunities for all.

 

*           provide for all staff to develop their personal expertise, professional skills and to achieve job fulfilment.

 

*           enable every child to achieve their full potential through a broad, balanced interesting curriculum including the National Curriculum. 

 

*           develop a co-operative working relationship between all children, staff, parents and governors.

 

*           direct the resources of the school to agreed priorities.

 

*           encourage and reward pupil achievement and good behaviour.

 

*           seek to provide activities that will challenge the most able and gifted children

 

 

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Primary Admissions Criteria 2006-2007

Primary Admissions Criteria 2008-2009

 

The Darlington Borough Council Education Committee is legally responsible for all admissions to Maintained and Foundation   Schools .

 

It may not be possible to offer your child a place at your chosen school if that school receives more applications than it can take within its admission limit.  When this happens, the Authority will consult the Governing Body of the School and allocate places according to the following criteria in order of priority:

 

(1)       Pupils with Statement of Special Needs
Children with Statements of Special Educational Needs which specifies the school in the Statement.

 

(2)       Looked After children

 

            A “Looked After” child is a pupil who is in the care of a Local Authority or provided with accommodation by that authority.

 

(3)       Medical Reasons
Pupils with very exceptional medical factors directly related to school placement.  Applications under this criterion should be supported by written evidence from a doctor.

 

(4)       Family Links
Pupils who have a brother or sister already attending the preferred school who is expected to be on roll at the school at the time of admission.

 

(5)       Distance
Pupils who live nearest the preferred school measured by the shortest walking route judged to be safe.  This will be based on the home address of the child.  We will, however, consider the overall availability of school places in an area to ensure that no children have an unreasonable distance to walk.  This may override proximity to the preferred school.

 


 

Admissions Timetable

 

October                  -      receive LA Admission Brochure and form AF1

 

December               -      complete and return form either by post or online

 

March *                  -      places allocated and parents informed by the Local Authority

 

May                        -      parents meeting held in school

 

June                        -      September starters begin induction

 

*Durham CC is usually a month ahead of Darlington with their offers of places.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


 

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School Organisation

 

 

The school caters for children aged 4 to 11 years.  They are arranged in 9 classes, though there are also arrangements for smaller groups for special activities.

 

School   Building

 

The building was opened in September 1965, extended in 1968 a further classroom added in 2000 and again in 2002.  The hall was extended and a new admin area was built and opened in January 2003.  The school is set in its own spacious grounds with excellent facilities for outside activities - a hard playground area and a level field for different sports, games and other activities.

 

There are nine teaching rooms, a Hall, two Small Group Rooms, Library, and shared activity area.

 

Class Organisation 2005-06

 

Teacher

 

Class

 

Age of Children

 

Ms Whelan

 

1

 

Reception

 

Mrs Pick

 

2

 

Reception and Year 1

 

Miss Snowdon

 

3

 

Year 1 and Year 2

 

Miss Spence

 

4

 

Year 2

 

Mrs Caldwell

 

5C

 

Year 3 and Year 4

 

Mrs Peters

 

5P

 

Year 3 and Year 4

 

Mrs Swainston

 

6

 

Year 4 and Year 5

 

Mr Coates

 

7C

 

Year 5 and Year 6

 

Mrs Goundry

 

7G

 

Year 5 and Year 6

 

 

 

 

The criteria used to determine which class each child joins are:

 

In Key Stage 1 – classes of approximately equal size determined by date of birth and proportional numbers of boys and girls.  Each class will have a chronological age difference of 8-11 months between the oldest and the youngest.

 

In Key Stage 2 the curriculum and the number of classes make this much more complicated.

 

The school is organised in an egg timer structure as illustrated below

 

   

 

 


 

  Year 3                                                     Class 5P and 5C

 

    Year 4
                                                                Class 6
Year 5

 

Year 6                                                     Classes 7C and 7G

 

 

 

 

The Year 3 children are split as near equally as possible according to age and gender; added to these are the youngest of the Year 4 group, again split according to age and gender.

 

The oldest Year 4 and the youngest Year 5 children create Class 6 the remaining Year 5 and all Year 6 are split according to date of birth and gender to create two identical classes.

 

It is not possible to say exactly where the line is drawn each year as it will depend upon the total number of children in the school and the number in each year group.

 


 

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The School Day

 

 

The school day is organised as follows:

 

Classes
(5 hours)
Classes
(5½ hrs)

 

A warning bell is sounded at to begin entry into school for a prompt start to the day.

 

Lunch is provided from (Classes 1-4) and (Classes 5-7)

 

School closes at for all pupils.

 

Children can arrive at school 10 minutes before the morning or afternoon sessions begin.

 

School Meals

 

Lunches are cooked on the premises and are available for all children.  They cost £1.65 per day.  Money is collected on a Monday for the week but can be paid several weeks in advance if this is more convenient.  (Cheques should be made payable to Darlington Borough Council).  Children have the option to bring a packed lunch.

 

Lunchtime is an important part of the children's day.  Quiet conversation and the development of social skills are encouraged while children eat their lunch in a pleasant and orderly dining room. 

 

National   School Fruit Scheme

 

Under this scheme, all children in Key Stage 1 receive a piece of fruit every day.  This is normally given around morning break time.  The aim is for the children to have appositive and enjoyable experience of fruit.  The scheme is voluntary and there is no obligation for your child to take part or eat any fruit they do not like.  It is essential that we are informed if your child is allergic to any fruit or vegetable.

 

 

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Uniform

 

 

School uniform is voluntary, though we believe highly desirable and strongly encouraged as far as regulations allow.  A uniform encourages a sense of belonging to the school community.  

 

The uniform is very simple, a red v-necked jumper or cardigan, white shirt or blouse and grey trousers or skirt.  Trousers or skirts should be as plain as possible.  Fashion items such as studded or flared trousers are available in the shops that nearly meet these criteria but we strongly discourage the wearing of such items. 

 

Children are asked to wear a tie with the uniform.  For Key Stage 1 children, elasticated ties are quite acceptable.  Key Stage 2 children are asked to have a shirt with a collar available and a tie for some of the school events.  The children look so smart in this clothing that it is actively encouraged.  A shirt and tie can be worn throughout the year.

 

We stock ties, v-necked jumpers, polo shirts and cardigans embossed with the school badge.  Details and prices are available from the School Office.

 

Shoes should be predominantly black.  A black trainer is quite acceptable but avoid sending children in multicoloured canvas trainers.  Please be aware of the hazards of some of the more fashionable footwear, especially favoured by girls.  They are at serious risk of injury wearing raised platform shoes.

 

The wearing of jewellery at school is not permitted.  Experience has shown that children can be injured in and around school as a direct result of wearing jewellery.  If any item of jewellery is worn the child will be asked to remove the item.  It will then be placed in an envelope and locked in the school safe until the end of the school day when it can be reclaimed.

 

Children are expected to have the correct clothing: a soft sole shoe (ideally plimsolls for apparatus and indoor activities), shorts, t-shirt or vest for PE.  Later, further specialist games equipment will be necessary e.g. football boots, swimming costumes etc.  Parents are given ample warning for when these items are required.

 

A drawstring PE bag is ideal to keep these items in during the day.  Large rucksacks take up so much space and they are frequently knocked from coat pegs.  The smaller the bag the better.

 

Please mark each item with your child's name and periodically check the mark can still be seen

 

 

 

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Absences

 

If your child is absent from school, please contact school by telephone on the first day of absence.  If we haven’t heard from you by , the onus moves to us to contact you.  This confirms that both parents and school have knowledge of the absence.

 

If your child has a medical or dental appointment, please try to inform the School Office in advance.

 

It may be necessary for you to collect or return your child to school during the day.  If that is the case please come to the School Office either to collect your child and an authorised absence pass. Local Authorities regularly hold truancy sweeps and if a child or a parent accompanying a child is stopped it is possible to receive a £50 spot fine for unauthorised absence.

 

 

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Holidays during Term Time

 

Please refer to the school’s booklet “Attendance Advice for Parents” regarding taking holidays during term time.  This can be found on the website and is available from the office. With effect form April 2008, the Federation Attendance Policy is changing. Any holiday absence beyond five days will be unauthorised.

 

 

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Security

 

For security reasons, all visitors and parents are asked to report to the School Office and remain in the school foyer unless accompanied by a member of staff.  There are five other entrances to the school.  Class 1 and Class 2 and have their own external doors and there are three entrances from the playground.  All external doors are closed at and the three playground doors all have security locks that only allow a person from the inside to open the door.  If for any reason you are late arriving at school the only entrance you can use is the main entrance.

 

Parents of children who are looked after by the Safe Play Club are asked to use the entrance off the north end of the car park.  Parents will be given a numerical code that will facilitate access through this door.

 

 

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School Transport

 

Transport can be arranged for those children living beyond the qualifying limit of 2 miles.  Application forms are available from the School Office

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Links with the Community.

 

The School is a vital part of the community and enjoys many links with organisations and events in the village.  The Parish Vicar visits the School regularly as do the Pre-School.  Groups of children, representing the school, are also involved with events in the church; distributing Harvest gifts, carol singing and holding concerts.

 

The value we place upon our involvement in the community is seen with the readiness and frequency of our contacts with local groups and people.

 

 

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Liaison with Parents

 

 

Parents are invited to one of six Open Nights, in the Autumn Term. There are four dates in the Spring Tem and two dates at the end of the Summer.  A formal written report is provided towards the end of the Summer Term.

 

Parents are invited into School at every opportunity to see children performing, working or just enjoying taking part in activities.

 

If a problem arises that you wish to discuss with either the classteacher or myself, please contact us and we will make every effort to meet with you as soon as possible.  Equally, if we are concerned about your child's progress or any other matter we will contact you.

 

 

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Discipline

 

The Governors have a policy for Behaviour and Rewards (including Bullying) which seeks to promote high standards of discipline.  This is achieved through motivating children to behave well by rewarding good behaviour.  All children are allocated to one of four houses and house points are awarded for good behaviour and positive attitudes to school.  Other rewards involve the Headteacher and if possible the parents as well.

 

Children are generally self-reliant and responsible for their own actions.  We have a simple Code of Conduct (copy enclosed) that children are expected to follow.  Good behaviour is recognised and rewarded.  Misbehaviour usually results in a withdrawal of privileges very rarely is it necessary to involve parents or the full range of interventions that are available.

 

 

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Educational Visits

 

 

Children will always benefit from varied experiences, so visits out of school to places of interest are regularly arranged.  This can involve visits to Museums, Environmental Study Centres, Churches and Cathedrals etc.  The visits are usually for either a half or full day.  Residential courses are arranged for the oldest pupils.  It is proving to be increasingly cost effective to bring the education experiences to school, actors, theatre groups, wild life and conservation groups have all visited the school.  In these circumstances, we do ask for a donation to help meet the costs.

 

The LA's Policy Document on Charging for Educational Activities requires that parents are invited to make a voluntary contribution for the proposed activity.  Although, it states that a child should not be excluded because the parent has not made a contribution, the school does reserve the right to cancel any proposed activity if it feels unable to bear the extra cost.

 

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Adult Helpers in School

 

 

A number of adult helpers come into school every week to assist teachers with numerous tasks e.g. listening to children read, preparing displays, checking library books etc.

 

Some of the helpers are parents, though others no longer have children at school.  If any parent or adult is able to commit some time to school on a weekly basis, we will be glad to discuss your offer.  Any special skills can be utilised.

 

All volunteer helpers have to complete a CRB check before they can work in school.  This process can take up to twelve weeks.

 

 

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Friends of the School

 

 

The Friends of the School is a group of parents who give of their time to help the School raise funds to purchase additional items of equipment for the children.  They are always willing to know of anybody who is able to help at their many events.

 

 

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Curriculum

 

 

Organisation of Education

 

We provide facilities and resources for teaching all the subjects required in the National Curriculum.  Three core subjects - Mathematics, English and Science, seven foundation subjects - History, Geography, Art, Technology, Music, PE and IT and Religious Education. 

 

The School is split into 3 parts:

 

Foundation Stage              -        Reception Class
                                                  (21 hours taught per week*)

 

Key Stage 1                     -        Years 1 and 2
                                                  (21 hours taught per week*)

 

Key Stage 2                     -        Years 3 - 6
                                                  (23.5 hours taught per week*)

 

Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 use a Topic approach where elements of each subject are drawn together into a number topics such as Colours or Water.  Key Stage 2 gradually move to a greater division between the subjects except where content overlaps.

 

Approximately five times a week, the normal school time table is “collapsed” to facilitate specialised study weeks on a particular focus ie, Arts Week, Book Week.  These are planned nearly a year in advance to enrich the curriculum and do not reduce the taught time for the core subjects.

 

* this figure does not include collective worship, lunch or other breaks.

 

 

 

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Collective Worship

 

There is a daily assembly of which Collective Worship is an integral part.  Pupils are encouraged to participate in the writing, reading of and responding to prayer.

 

A theme is chosen for each week of the term.  The stories, bible extracts, prayers and hymns are selected to enable the themes to progress during a week.  References are occasionally made to other faiths.  The School is a Church of England Primary School and the worship is denominational.  Parents do have the right to withdraw their children from Religious Education and Collective Worship.

 

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Statutory Tests

 

 

Standard Attainment Tasks and Tests are used in May with Year 2 children and Standard Attainment Tests are set in May for Year 6. Parents receive information about the tests, the results and comparative information with the annual report.  Children in the Reception have a foundation Stage profile.  The outcomes from this document are reported.

 

 

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Print Version of the School Brochure
A version of the brochure that can be printed is available below. If you would like a hard copy of the brochure sent to you, or require any further information, please contact the school. Back to top
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