About Us / Prospectus
- INTRODUCTION
- SCHOOL HISTORY
- THE CURRICULUM
- ABSENCES
- ASSEMBLIES
- ASSESSMENT
- BILLERICAY COMMUNITY TRUST
- BREAKFAST CLUB
- CHARGING & REMISSIONS POLICY
- COMMUNICATION
- EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
- EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
- GIFTED AND TALENTED
- HEAD LICE
- HEALTHY SCHOOLS
- HOME/SCHOOL LIAISON
- HOMEWORK
- JEWELLERY
- LEAVE OF ABSENCE
- MEDICAL VISITS
- MEDICATION
- MONEY, VALUABLES & MOBILE PHONES
- MUSIC LESSONS
- ORGANISATION OF TEACHING AND LEARNING
- PTA (PARENTS & TEACHERS ASSOCIATION)
- PASTORAL CARE
- PEER MEDIATION & PLAY LEADERS
- PPA (PLANNING, PREPARATION AND ASSESSMENT)
- PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF STAFF
- +PAY
- RAISING CONCERNS AND RESOLVING COMPLAINTS
- READING MENTORS
- REWARDS AND SANCTIONS
- ROAD SAFETY & PARKING
- SAFEGUARDING
- SCHOOL COUNCIL
- SCHOOL HOURS
- SCHOOL MEALS
- SCHOOL PROFILE
- SNACKS
- SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
- TRAVEL PLAN
- UNIFORM
- UNIFORM SHOP
- HOME SCHOOL AGREEMENT
INTRODUCTION
At Sunnymede Junior School we firmly support the concept that Every Child Matters.
All children should be:
- Successful learners
- Confident individuals
- Responsible citizens
We work hard to ensure optimum intellectual, social, physical and emotional development for all pupils. We do this by:
- Providing appropriate access to the National Curriculum
- Fostering an atmosphere of discovery and learning
- Promoting rigorous standards in work and behaviour
- Ensuring that all pupils have the opportunity to experience success
- Maintaining an ambience of tolerance and respect for all cultures and beliefs
SCHOOL HISTORY
Sunnymede Primary School was opened on 4th September 1958 with only 20 children on roll. Since that time, the school has grown considerably and in the mid 1960s it was split into separate infant and junior schools. At present, Sunnymede Junior has approximately 230 pupils on roll divided amongst eight classes.
The original uniform was grey, with blue ties and maroon blazers. However, since September 2001, the uniform has been royal blue, pale blue and black. Items purchased through the school shop are embroidered with the school badge, which was designed by the first Headteacher, Mr Tom Williams. The badge illustrates the history of the Billericay area.
- The eagle reminds us of the Roman remains found in Norsey Wood and on the site of The Billericay School
- The scythe and the sword represent the Peasants Revolt and the subsequent battle in Norsey Wood circa 1340
- The chevron and crosses remind us of the Chantry that used to be in Billericay before there was a church
THE CURRICULUM
A broad and balanced curriculum is taught at Sunnymede Junior in line with the recommendations in Curriculum 2000 and Excellence and Enjoyment, both produced by DfES. As much work as possible is taught through a themed approach as this helps children to understand links between subjects as well as helping to foster a love of learning by teaching through their interests.
Pupils are taught and learn as whole class groups, in small groups or individually. A team of skilled LSAs (learning support assistants) work with teachers throughout the school in an effort to ensure that the needs of all pupils are met in full.
English
English is taught as a subject in its own right and across the curriculum. With its four main components of speaking, listening, reading and writing it forms the basis of, and is a means of access to, other areas of the curriculum. Effective communication is a vital skill in today’s society and pupils will be supported fully to enable them to master the necessary skills to be able to express adequately their thoughts, feelings and opinions. All pupils will participate in daily English lessons, which over the course of a term will focus equally on the skills of reading and writing. Some of these sessions will focus on skills such as spelling, handwriting and comprehension. Others will be taught in a cross-curricular way in line with our themed approach to learning. Children in year 6 are set for English based on their reading and writing needs. Children in year 5 are also set for English for part of the week.
It is important that you support your child by:
- Helping him / her to learn weekly spellings
- Encouraging him / her to write regularly at home
- Sharing books with him / her regularly
Mathematics
Mathematics is a powerful way to develop logic and thinking skills. It provides an effective way of viewing and making sense of the world, enabling us to both explain and predict. We expect all children to develop an appropriate knowledge of facts and skills in order that they can use them to solve problems. We teach pupils to estimate, think logically and be systematic. We support children so that they can develop a range of strategies enabling them to use what they know to solve the unknown.
All pupils participate in a daily maths lesson, which includes developing sound mental arithmetic skills, which will stand pupils in good stead later in life. Pupils throughout the school are set by ability for maths lessons, with a certain amount of fluidity between sets during the course of any year.
You can help your child by:
- Ensuring that he/she commits to memory the multiplication tables and develops instant recall of the relevant facts
- Supporting him/her to learn other mathematical facts such as units of measurement
Science
Science provides a means for pupils to explore and understand their world. It should encourage them to develop skills of investigation, prediction, analysis and interpretation. We teach children to develop an enquiring mind and a rational approach so that they can pose questions and devise fair experiments in order to solve specific problems. They will be taught to record and analyse data. We will also teach them to use equipment safely and begin to recognise possible hazards for themselves. We are extremely fortunate to have extensive grounds that include a wildlife garden, a small copse of saplings and a separate pond area as these provide a superb resource to enhance the science curriculum as well as other subjects.
ICT (Information And Communication Technology)
ICT provides the tools to help every child, regardless of gender, age or ability, to maximise their learning. It enables them to access, analyse, process and present information in a variety of ways across the curriculum.
Our ICT suite is fully equipped and each classroom is linked to the network. All classes have a time tabled slot each week to enable pupils to learn the necessary skills so that they can use the appropriate technology to enhance their learning throughout the curriculum. Pupils become increasingly proficient using a range of technology.
RE (Religious Education)
At Sunnymede, we follow the Essex agreed syllabus for RE. This focuses mainly on Christianity but, nonetheless, gives pupils sufficient opportunity to study other world religions such as Judaism and Hinduism. RE is taught as dispassionately as any other subject and no attempt whatsoever is made to influence children's beliefs, although they are strongly encouraged to respect the beliefs of others. From time to time visitors of different religions are invited into school to speak to pupils within lessons or during assemblies.
Parents have the right to withdraw their children from RE lessons providing they notify the school in writing of their decision.
PSHE (Personal, Social and Health Education and Financial Capability)
All classes undertake activities which develop the social and emotional aspects of learning (SEAL). Children also undertake Circle Time, Circle of Friends and Golden Group to support this.
History
In history, pupils learn about people, events and places from recent and more distant times. They study change and continuity in the British Isles and other parts of the world from a variety of perspectives including political, economic, technological, scientific, social, religious and cultural. They are taught study skills to enable them to increase their knowledge and understanding. They are also encouraged to understand that historical events are often recorded subjectively and, therefore, sources need to be analysed for accuracy. Whenever possible, visits will be arranged, or visitors invited into school, to enhance children's learning within this subject.
Geography
We aim to teach pupils about their own locality, Britain and the wider world. We help children to appreciate and understand the variations between different localities and cultures. We teach them to realise the impact that human activities can have on the landscape. Pupils also learn basic mapping skills.
Art
Pupils are given the opportunity to develop an appreciation and understanding of art in its entirety. We create an atmosphere in which we hope that all children will feel sufficient confidence to experiment with a range of materials in order to express their feelings and observations. They are encouraged to value their work and appreciate the skills and talents of artists, craftsmen and designers from around the world.
Design & Technology
In D & T, pupils investigate a need or respond to an opportunity to make or modify something. As well as constructing items, pupils are expected to plan and evaluate their work. Although a subject in its own right, D & T requires children to use skills, knowledge and understanding gained in other curriculum areas.
Music
We want all pupils to enjoy a wide variety of music and encourage them to develop skills as listeners and performers. They are given the opportunity to appreciate that music reflects historical and cultural change and to understand that it is an ideal medium for conveying emotions. All pupils have the opportunity to play a range of tuned and un-tuned instruments during class lessons, which are generally taught by a specialist music teacher as part of our PPA arrangements. Each year, pupils in our choir take part in the local music festival held at the Brentwood Centre. They also sing regularly to support community and charity events.
PE (Physical Education)
Physical exercise is vital in order that children grow into healthy, active adults who are physically confident and it enables them to maximise their opportunities for academic learning. We teach them the skills connected with gymnastics, games and dance as well as encouraging them to develop socially by becoming team players. Lessons are taught by class teachers and also a qualified sports coach as part of our PPA arrangements. Year 4 pupils have the opportunity to learn to swim at a local pool.
Pupils from Sunnymede Junior participate regularly in the local swimming gala, District Sports Tournament and local football and netball rallies as well as friendly matches with other schools.
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ABSENCES
To ensure pupil safety, we have a policy of 'first day contact' in the case of absences, so it would be greatly appreciated if you would telephone the school office as early as possible if your child is going to be absent from school. If no-one is available to take your call, details can be left on the answer phone. In order that absences can be authorised by the school, on their return pupils need to bring written confirmation regarding the cause of the absence.
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ASSEMBLIES
As required by law, we hold a daily act of collective worship during our assemblies. Children are always given the option of joining in the act of worship and parents/carers may, of course, withdraw their child providing they notify the school in writing of their decision. During the assemblies we tackle a range of issues including PSHE as well as having a weekly Songtime and a weekly Celebration Assembly. During each term, a range of visitors from the community, and further afield, come in to take assemblies.
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ASSESSMENT
Pupils are assessed both informally and formally throughout the year. All pupils undertake a standardised reading test towards the beginning of the autumn term. Pupils in year 3 and 5 complete standardised QCA tests in English and Mathematics in May and pupils in year 6 complete the statutory SATs at this time. Data from these tests is analysed carefully and is used to track pupil progress and identify possible causes for concern. The results of these tests are communicated to parents / carers in the end of year annual reports.
Consultation Evenings are held in the autumn and spring terms in order that parents / carers can be kept up-to-date on their child's achievements and informed of objectives for future progress.
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BILLERICAY COMMUNITY TRUST
The BCT was established in September 2009 and consists of 15 schools in Billericay and its surrounding area, either as full or associate members. There has been a long history of the schools working together and previously the group was known as the BEC (Billericay Education Community). For some time the group has been regarded locally and nationally as one of the more successful educational communities. Staff members across the schools support each other and share good practice with a view to providing the best possible education to children across the town.
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BREAKFAST CLUB
Sunnymede Breakfast Club provides childcare from 7.45am until 8.45am. Please contact the school office for details. After school care can be accessed at 'Hannakids', which is based at Hannikins Farm. They will collect children from Sunnymede at the end of the school day. They can be contacted on 01277 630851 between 4pm and 6pm.
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CHARGING & REMISSIONS POLICY
The Governing Body will ask parents / carers for a voluntary contribution equal to the cost per child for any activities that incur an additional cost to the school. No child will be excluded from such an activity due to the absence of a donation. However, without the voluntary donations, the activities cannot take place so we do ask that you support the visits and trips wholeheartedly as they enhance pupils' learning immeasurably. In the case of financial difficulty, please contact Mrs Lyon in the school office.
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COMMUNICATION
Effective communication between home and school is vital if your child is to receive the best possible education. Please let us know promptly if anything has happened at home that may have an impact on your child's well-being in school. In turn, we will communicate with you via your child's diary, by letter or by telephone depending on the nature of the message.
The school also uses ParentMail, which is an e-mail based communications system. Parents/carers can register at www.parentmail.co.uk free of charge to receive communications from school. This system provides instant access to communications for parents/carers and considerable reprographic savings to the school. Those parents without internet access will, of course, still receive paper communications.
If you would like an appointment to see your child's class teacher, please contact the school office so that a mutually convenient time can be arranged. It is sometimes possible to arrange an immediate appointment, especially at the end of the day, if the discussion is likely to be brief.
I try to be available for brief conversations at the beginning and end of each day. However, if you would like a longer appointment, please contact the school office.
Please do not approach teachers on duty in the playground to discuss issues concerning your child, as they are there to supervise the children. You are always welcome to come into the school office in order that someone can give their full attention to deal with your concerns.
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EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES
All members of our school community are valued. Pupils will receive their entitlement to access the curriculum in full in ways that take into account their starting point, irrespective of gender, ethnic background, age or disability.
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EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
Staff members and volunteers run a wide range of lunch-time and after school clubs to benefit our children. The choice of clubs varies slightly from year to year, depending on the expertise available and the season. A number of clubs are run by external agencies and there is a charge for these. However, costs are kept to the minimum as the school does not make a charge for use of the premises if the activity concludes by 6pm. Extra-curricular activities include a range of sporting, musical and academic activities. Details of all clubs are sent out at the beginning of the academic year.
In April 2011 we were awarded the QISS mark (Quality in Study Support) at the Advanced. This is in recognition of the high quality and breadth of our extra curricular provision.
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GIFTED AND TALENTED STUDENTS
Our more able students are supported fully to enable them to further their abilities and develop their potential. This support includes a Verbal Reasoning Club for years 5/6 students.
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HEAD LICE
Unfortunately, head lice are an unwelcome part of school life. In an endeavour to control the spread of any outbreak, the school will contact parents/carers and request them to take their child home for treatment should lice be spotted during the school day.
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HEALTHY SCHOOLS
Sunnymede is like a stick of rock with 'healthy school' running all the way through the middle. Many components make up a healthy school including:
- Physical activity
- Emotional health and well-being
- Promotion of a healthy diet and provision of freshly cooked and nutritious meals
- Sense of community and commitment to producing good citizens who will make valuable contributions to society (PSHE)
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HOME/SCHOOL LIAISON
All pupils have homework diaries in which they should record any homework that has been set. Teachers use the diaries on occasions to send home brief notes regarding issues that have occurred within school and parents/carers are welcome to use them to send into school information regarding pupils, homework etc. Confidential or more complex issues should be communicated via letter or a telephone call. Should you wish to make an appointment to see your child's teacher, or a more senior member of staff, please contact the school office. We always attempt to make mutually convenient appointments as soon as possible in order that any issues can be remedied promptly and efficiently.
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HOMEWORK
We expect children to complete homework as follows:
| Years 3 + 4 |
1.5 hours per week or approx 20 minutes per day | Reading, spellings/other literacy work, tables/other number work with occasional assignments such as individual research |
| Years 5 + 6 | Approx 30 minutes per day | As above with additional assignments, especially in year 6 when pupils are given revision guides to help prepare for the SATs |
It is important that all children read on a regular basis for at least 10 - 20 minutes at a time, with less fluent readers reading to a parent or carer. At primary school age it is expected that parents/carers will support their children whilst they complete their homework in order to develop the good habits that will benefit them when they transfer to secondary school.
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JEWELLERY
For Health and Safety reasons jewellery should not be worn at school. Pupils may wear a watch but we recommend that all watches worn to school are inexpensive items for obvious reasons. Children may also wear a pair of plain stud earrings if they have pierced ears but these must be removed for PE in accordance with the LAs Code of Practice. If ears have been recently pierced (within 6 weeks) earrings may be taped. Tape should be provided by parents/carers.
Please note that staff members are not allowed to remove or replace earrings so, if your child is unable to do this for themselves, it is recommended that they leave them at home on days when PE is timetabled. teachers are not permitted to take responsibility for earrings that have been removed in school.
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LEAVE OF ABSENCE
Leave of absence is granted at the discretion of the Headteacher, acting on behalf of the Governing Body (Pupil Registration Regulations 1995 - amended 1997) and you may apply to the school for leave of absence up to 10 days in the school year. Each case will be judged on its merits in line with certain considerations as outlined in guidance from the DfES as follows.
Taking your child out of school during term time could be detrimental to your child's educational progress. Parents should not normally take their children on holidays in term time. There is no legal right to do so. If the absence is not authorised and the holiday is taken any way, the case will be referred to the Education Welfare Service who may issue a Penalty Notice for £100 (or £50 if paid within 28 days) to each parent for each child taken out of school.
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MEDICAL VISITS
If a child needs to be released from school during lesson time to visit the doctor, dentist etc. a note should be sent to the school office/class teacher in advance. In the interests of safety, all pupils must be collected from the school office by an adult. Pupils will not be allowed to leave the premises unaccompanied during lesson time.
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MEDICATION
Members of staff are prepared, in most slituations, to administer medication providing that a consent form has been completed by a responsible adult. For those children with more serious medical conditions, it is standard practice to draw up a protocol agreed with parents/carers and medical advisers. A number of staff members have regular training to use Epi-pens.
Under no circumstances should your child be sent into school with medication unless staff members have been informed. With the exception of inhalers, all medicines must be stored in the school office.
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MONEY, VALUABLES & MOBILE PHONES
We can only be responsible for money, or other valuables, if it has been handed to a member of the office staff for safekeeping. It is not generally appropriate for pupils to bring unnecessary sums of money or valuable items into school.
Mobile phones should not under normal circumstances be brought into school. However, some of our older children walk home unaccompanied and I know that parents/carers feel that they are safer if they carry a mobile phone. Should your child need to bring a mobile phone into school, it should be handed into the office first thing in the morning for safekeeping and collected at the end of the day.
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MUSIC LESSONS
Peripatetic music teachers provide private tuition for many instruments within school on a fee-paying basis. Currently, lessons are available for piano, keyboard, cello, violin, guitar, drums, flute, clarinet and saxophone. Please contact the school office if you require information about any of these lessons.
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ORGANISATION OF TEACHING AND LEARNING
Work is planned in year groups so that all classes have equal access to the curriculum. Children are taught as a whole class, in groups and as individuals using a range of teaching styles in order that their needs can be met. Able pupils are encouraged and extended and those with learning difficulties are supported with work differentiated to meet their needs. A skilled team of LSAs assist class teachers in meeting the needs of individuals and groups. Some pupils will also receive specialist support from our Special Needs teacher or outside agencies.
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PTA (PARENTS & TEACHERS ASSOCIATION)
The Sunnymede Parents & Teachers Association raise a considerable sum of money each year to provide those little extras that make school a more pleasant place for children. They are responsible for organising a range of activities that benefit the children as well as raising funds e.g. regular discos for pupils and other events. All too often the bulk of the work involved falls upon the shoulders of just a few individuals. If you feel that you can spare some time to help at any of these events, please contact the school office and someone will arrange for a member of the committee to contact you.
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PASTORAL CARE
The welfare of our pupils is always important to us, so please do not hesitate to contact the school if you have any concern about your child's happiness or safety. It does help if you keep us informed of any changes in home circumstances that may affect your child e.g. bereavement (people or pets), the birth of a new baby, change in living arrangements. We will, of course, contact you should we have any concerns regarding your child.
If your child is ill, or involved in an accident that requires more than basic first aid, we will contact you as quickly as possible by telephone so that you can take your child home or to a doctor. It is, therefore, important that we have up-to-date contact numbers registered in school. If we are unable to contact you, or any other nominated person, we will, of course, act in loco parentis and ensure that your child receives appropriate medical treatment.
We expect all our pupils to work hard and to behave with kindness and courtesy towards others. If your child has any problems maintaining a high standard of conduct, we will contact you so that we can work together to help your child become a responsible member of the school community.
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PEER MEDIATION & PLAY LEADERS
We were one of the first primary schools in Essex to have a peer mediation system. A trained team of year 5 & 6 pupils are on duty in the playground to help resolve minor friendship issues and low level disputes amongst children. Trained play leaders are available in the playground each day.
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PPA (PLANNING, PREPARATION AND ASSESSMENT)
In line with statutory government legislation, all members of the teaching staff must receive 10% of the teaching timetable as non contact for planning, preparation and assessment. Classes within each year group are taught a carousel of activities by specialist teachers.
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PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT OF STAFF
All staff, teaching and non-teaching, undertake professional development based on the needs of the school and the needs of individuals or groups. Pupils' learning is enhanced considerably by this training and every effort is made to avoid any disruption to the normal timetable. However, there are times when supply staff must be used to cover a class and we expect pupils to accord the same respect to visiting teachers as they do to their regular teacher.
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+PAY
We can now accept online payments for school trips and school dinners via +Pay which is a module within Parentmail. If you would like to use this payment method please activate the +Pay module through your Parentmail account or contact the school office. We will, of course, still accept cash and cheque payments.
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RAISING CONCERNS AND RESOLVING COMPLAINTS
From time to time parents, and others connected with the school, will become aware of matters which cause them concern. To encourage resolution of such situations the Governing Body has adopted a ‘General Complaints Procedure’. The procedure is devised with the intention that it will:
- Usually be possible to resolve problems by informal means
- Be simple to use and understand
- Be non-adversarial
- Provide confidentiality
- Allow problems to be handled swiftly
- Address all the points at issue
- Inform future practice so that the problem is unlikely to recur
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READING MENTORS
We have a team of reading mentors who regularly come into school to hear children read. If you would like to join this team of dedicated volunteers, then please contact Miss Catharine King, Deputy Head. We are also happy to hear from older members of our community who have some time to spare and would like to support the school by hearing children read.
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REWARDS AND SANCTIONS
At Sunnymede we have a house system and pupils are able to earn house points in a variety of ways. Each half term, we have a house morning when children across the school work together in their houses. We have a celebration assembly each Friday when achievements in school, and outside school, are acknowledged. Individuals, or groups, are nominated by teachers each week to receive a Headteacher's certificate. If required, sanctions are applied fairly and consistently throughout the school in line with the school's Behaviour Policy. A report card system is also in place for Yr 6 pupils. New parents / carers to the school are given a copy of this policy in 'child speak' to share with their child at home.
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ROAD SAFETY & PARKING
We have a programme of road safety sessions that begin in the lower school. Please support your child by walking to school whenever possible to enable him/her to practise these necessary life skills. Walking to school also reduces the congestion on the roads around the school, thereby aiding pupil safety. A covered shelter is available within the school grounds. Yr 6 children undergo Bikeability Training and, if they complete the course successfully, are allowed to cycle to/from school, and secure their bike in our purpose built shelter.
If you do bring your child to school by car, please park with consideration for other motorists and for local residents. Under no circumstances should vehicles be brought onto the school site without prior arrangement as doing so may put children at risk.
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SAFEGUARDING
Staff members are appropriately trained in Safeguarding (child protection) procedures, which are implemented in full if appropriate. Ofsted (2008) confirmed that the school meets current government requirements with regard to Safeguarding.
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SCHOOL COUNCIL
Our school council consists of two elected members from each class. The brief of the council is to improve school life for all pupils within the school and class representatives are able to act as a voice for their peers as well as express personal opinions regarding day to day aspects of school life. Meetings are held on a fortnightly basis and the minutes are shared with all pupils during class discussions. Members of the school council participate in regular Student Voice activities across Billericay and within Essex.
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SCHOOL HOURS
School hours are 0855 hrs - 1205 hrs and 1310 hrs - 1515 hrs. Children should not arrive in school before 0845 hrs as they are unsupervised prior to this time. For working parents/carers the Breakfast Club is available from 0745 hrs to 0845 hrs. Please contact the school office for details. Children who go home for lunch should return no earlier than 1310hrs, ready for the afternoon session.
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SCHOOL MEALS
School meals are provided by our own catering staff and currently cost £2.00. If you wish your child to have hot dinners, you can pay for these by +Pay, cash or cheque. Cash or cheque payments should be sent to school in an envelope clearly marked with your child's name, class and the amount of money enclosed. A current menu is displayed on the school website, by the front doors and may be requested from reception. Cheques should be made out to Essex County Council. Children who bring a packed lunch should do so in an appropriately sized container clearly marked with their name as packed lunches are stored on trolleys which are kept in the dining area.
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SNACKS
Pupils may bring in items of fruit or prepared vegetables to eat at break time. Fruit is also available to purchase from school at 20p per item. They are also encouraged to bring in bottles of water, labelled with their names, to be kept in the classroom during the day in order to avoid dehydration. Water is available from hygienic water fountains situated through the school. Other snacks and drinks are not permitted.
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SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS
Staff members liaise with a range of outside agencies to provide the best possible education for our pupils. If a staff member has any concerns about progress being made, or behaviour being displayed by your child you will be contacted and arrangements made, if necessary, to place him/her on the special needs register. Provision will be made according to their needs. Children who transfer from other schools and are already on the register will, of course, be added to our register unless there are extenuating circumstances.
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TRAVEL PLAN
The school has introduced a Travel Plan. A covered shelter is available within the school grounds. We support annual 'Walk to School' weeks and participate in road safety campaigns organised by BEC. Walking to school eases traffic congestion and helps everyone to keep fit.
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UNIFORM
The Department for Education (DfE) strongly encourages schools to have a uniform, as it is felt that it plays a valuable role in contributing to the school ethos and setting an appropriate tone. It would be greatly appreciated by Governors and staff if you could ensure that your child does wear uniform. Considerable research has shown that ‘dressing down’ tends to affect performance in a negative way.
| Boys | Girls |
| Royal blue sweatshirt | Royal blue sweatshirt or sweat-cardigan |
| Pale blue polo shirt | Pale blue polo shirt |
| Black school-type trousers | Black school type skirt or trousers |
| Plain socks in a dark colour | Plain socks in white or a dark colour |
| Plain black school shoes | Plain black school shoes |
| White polo shirt for PE | White polo shirt for PE |
| Royal blue shorts for PE | Royal blue shorts for PE |
| Plimsolls may be worn indoors | Plimsolls may be worn indoors |
| Trainers for outdoors | Trainers for outdoors |
As with all clothing worn to school, skirts should be ‘fit for purpose’. Pupils will be required to sit on the floor at times e.g. during assemblies and skirts should be loose enough and long enough for them to retain their modesty. We know that many older girls, in particular, favour skirts that are both short and tight. Whilst they may look smart, they are not practical for everyday school wear.
For Health and Safety reasons, please ensure that all footwear is ‘fit for purpose’. Plain black or white trainers (no designer logos please) may be worn during the summer months, as these are safer on the field than sandals that offer little support and often have heels too high to allow children to play safely on the grass. Children are expected to wear socks at all times, as this looks smarter and helps prevent blisters during the warmer weather. Boots may be worn to and from school and in the playground at break times during cold or wet weather. However, children are expected to change into shoes or trainers when indoors.
Please make sure that all items of clothing are clearly labelled with your child’s name as we end up discarding an unbelievable number of unclaimed garments each term.
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UNIFORM - ONLINE ORDERING & SCHOOL SHOP
Our uniform can be ordered online via an external supplier who provide durable, high quality and affordable items embroidered with our school logo. Items can be delivered to your home or work address. Please order early to ensure delivery for September.
Our school shop is open from 9.00 to 9.30am Wednesday mornings and carry samples so you can check sizes and a limited stock for emergency purchases. Please note that the fleeces sold in the shop are intended as outdoor wear and it is not appropriate to wear them indoors as the school is well heated.
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HOME SCHOOL AGREEMENT
Sunnymede Junior aims to provide a welcoming and caring environment where all pupils have the opportunity to thrive both academically and socially.
With your support, we will strive to ensure that when your child leaves Sunnymede Junior he / she will:
- Appreciate the need to always try to do his / her best
- Have a positive attitude towards learning
- Be able to communicate effectively to a range of audiences
- Be self-disciplined, well-mannered and polite
- Welcome the opportunity to take on new challenges
- Be tolerant and willing to support others
- Experience pride in their work and the contribution they make to the school
- Accept responsibility and be able to make informed choices
- Offer a safe, happy, friendly, stimulating and secure learning environment
- Foster a sense of belonging to a community
- Endeavour to know your child as an individual and meet his / her academic needs in an appropriate way
- Model high standards of behaviour and encourage high expectations in all aspects of life
- Provide a high standard of teaching
- Be expected to adhere to the school's Code of Conduct at all times. This is reviewed on an annual basis with the children.
- Ensure that your child attends school regularly and arrives punctually
- Inform the school if your child is unable to attend for any reason or if there are any external factors that may affect his / her performance in school
- Ensure that your child has the appropriate equipment available to enable him / her to access the National Curriculum and that your child takes responsibility for his / her belongings, which should be clearly named. Valuable items should not be brought into school without prior arrangement and the school will not take responsibility for such items
- Support the school by ensuring that your child wears appropriate school uniform in order to encourage a sense of belonging and pride
- Ensure that all items of clothing are named clearly and that your child retrieves misplaced items from lost property promptly
- Read with your child regularly or encourage your child to read alone on a regular basis if he / she is a fluent reader. Support your child in learning spellings / tables and in the completion of other homework
- Provide a supportive environment to enable your child to complete homework assignments
