Hammond School

Parent Handbook

New Parent Information 2019-2020

Introduction 3
Aims of the School 3
Staffing Structure 4
Our School Core Values 5
Hammond – Every Child Matters 5
Health and Safety 6
Medical Needs 6
Medicine Administration 6
Security 7
Safeguarding and Pupil Welfare 7
Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) 8
Fire Safety 8
Emergency Closure 8
Healthy Schools & Rights Respecting Schools Awards 9
Equality, Diversity and Community Cohesion 9
The School and the Community 9
School and Family Partnership 10
Home School Agreement 10
Home / School Communication 10
Daily Communication 11
Appointments 11
Responding to Parental Concerns 11
Behaviour and Anti-Bullying Policy 11
Rewards and Awards 12
Celebration Book 12
Certificates, Cups and Shields 12
House Teams 13
School Uniform 13
Jewellery, Earrings and Other Body Piercings 13
Verrucas 13
Stationery 14
The School Day 14
Punctuality 14
Absence Procedure 14
Attendance 15
Requests for Leave of Absence 15
Assembly and Morning Breaks 15
Groupings for Teaching and Learning 16
Mid Morning Break-Time and Water Supply 16
Lunchtimes 16
The Curriculum 17
Educational Visits 17
Policies 18
Special Educational Needs 18
Homework 19
Reporting, Assessment and Progress 19
Tests and Assessment of Learning 19
Charging and Remissions 20
Hammond School Association (HSA) 20

2
 Welcome to Hammond Junior School
We welcome you to Hammond School and look forward to building a positive and proactive
relationship with you as parents as your child grows and learns with us. Hammond School has a
clear vision which is simply to ensure that every child experiences the enjoyment of learning
whilst they grow and develop, enabling each to achieve their full potential both academically and
personally.

Our school is a member of the GLF Academy Trust through which we gain enormously in terms
of being part of a like-minded group of schools which offer both support and challenge. We have
the autonomy to develop and grow whilst enjoying opportunities to learn from others in a Trust
where school improvement with inspirational learning and opportunities for all children is at its
heart.

Our School Facilities

Hammond pupils and staff benefit from the huge range of facilities and a well-resourced learning
environment. The buildings extend to include twelve classrooms, a library, quiet area, sensory
garden, specialist teaching rooms for Information Communication Technology (ICT) including a
recording studio, a music room, a Thrive space, areas for special needs/more able extension and
booster groups, a Food Technology kitchen, Art Studio, a large hall and facilities for Physical
Education.

The school playground is marked with number grids, maps and games and is well screened. A
wide variety and large quantity of playground equipment is provided at lunch breaks. There are
sheltered seating bays housing games tables and providing shaded seating. We also have
outdoor gym. These facilities are available to the children both at playtimes and during structured
PE and Games lessons.

The outdoor sports facilities span two large playing fields to include pitches, training grids, an
athletics track, two long jump pits and a large double-sided ball wall marked for a number of
activities. With Lightwater Country Park in very close proximity we are able to regularly use it for
the Adventure Playground, cross-country running, orienteering, scientific and creative study, as
well as many other educational activities.

Aims of the School

▪ To cater for personal, social and academic needs of the individual child
▪ To encourage every child to become fully involved in the life of the school, nurturing self-
esteem and providing opportunities to gain confidence
▪ To expect from each child as high a standard of academic achievement as he/she is capable
of attaining
▪ To provide a caring, personal atmosphere in the school, forging a partnership with parents
and the local community
▪ To ensure children reflect a very high standard of appearance, manners and discipline
▪ To give the individual child a sense of enjoyment and achievement and to ensure each
child's achievements are recognised and valued
▪ To encourage children to have a sense of responsibility to themselves, the school
community and the outside world and an understanding and respect for other people.
3
Staffing Structure

Leadership Team

Lee Parsons
Executive Headteacher

Nicola Cotter Karen Ney Nadine Edwards

Deputy Headteacher Deputy Headteacher Key Stage 2 Phase Lead
(SENCO)

Teaching Staff

Key Stage 2 Leader Miss Nadine Edwards

Year 3 class teachers
Year 4 class teachers
Year 5 class teachers
Year 6 class teachers
Music Teacher
Art Teacher
Sports Coaches
Mrs Lucy Gunn - Year Group Lead
Miss Emma Broadey
Miss Tanita Cornes
Miss Nadine Edwards - Year Group Lead
Miss Nicola Gallop
Mrs Sarah Naughton / Mrs Katie Hedley
Mrs Anna Thompson – Year Group Lead
Miss Emily Cunningham
Mrs Beth Reddick
Miss Rebecca Gunn - Year Group Lead
Miss Sophie Mulcahy
Mrs Hayley Horgan
Mr Robin Langdon
Mrs Tara James
Mr Dave Forde
Mr Adam Clark

4
Family Support
We are committed to the wellbeing of our families and recognise that many children, at some
point in their school lives, will have to cope with certain issues which may affect their ability to
achieve in school. Changes such as moving school or house, the arrival of a new baby in the
family, separation, divorce or bereavement, can have an impact on how a child behaves, how
they feel or how they cope with day-to-day situations. It is here that a Family Support Advisor
can offer help and support to the family unit, a listening ear or by directing you to other
agencies should you need their support.

Parents are welcome to arrange a meeting with Val Goggin our Family Support Advisor by
email: Val.Goggin@HammondJuniorSchool.org to discuss any concerns.

Our School Core Values

Hammond School prides itself on its core values agreed by Governors, Staff, Parents and Pupils.
The importance of our values are reflected in the pupils’ Home School Agreement, and a copy of
this is in your child’s School Planner/Homework Diary.

Pride

Respect
Responsibility
Cooperation
Trust
Resilience
Thoughtfulness
Our values are actively taught and modelled through our curriculum and extra-curricular
activities and all members of our community are expected to reflect these in their work and play.
They form the basis for our expectations of behaviour and discipline for all children.

At Hammond Every Child Matters

Hammond upholds and actively works towards the principle of ‘Every Child Matters’. Every child
no matter what their background or circumstances can be healthy, stay safe, enjoy and achieve
through learning, make a positive contribution to society, and achieve economic well-being.
These themes are supported in all areas of school life as described through the pages of this
Parent Handbook.

5
Health and Safety
1. We aim, so far as is reasonably practicable, to provide:
▪ A safe and healthy environment throughout the school
▪ Safe working procedures among staff and pupils
▪ Means of access to and exit from that place of work that are safe and without risk.
2. We make arrangements for ensuring, so far as is reasonably practicable, safety and
absence of risks to health in connection with the use, handling, storage and transport of
articles and substances.
3. Sufficient information, instruction and supervision is given to enable all pupils to avoid
hazards and contribute positively to their own safety and health.
4. Procedures are in place:
▪ In case of fire and for evacuating the school premises
▪ To be followed in case of accident
▪ For the administration of medication to pupils in school and while participating in day
or residential visits
▪ To teach safety, including internet safety, as part of pupils' studies where appropriate.
Children are not permitted mobile phones in school without special permission.
▪ To provide and maintain adequate welfare facilities, so far as is reasonably
practicable.

Medical Needs
▪ Hammond School will seek to support, as far as is practical, any child that has a medical
condition to ensure his or her health and safety, welfare and inclusion in school life.
▪ Support Staff have Health & Safety training and First Aid Training
▪ Selective medicals are held during the year.
▪ Children who have previously been recommended for checks will be monitored by the
appropriate agency.
▪ Parents and teaching staff can request a medical at any time for a child in the school.

Administration of Medicines
▪ As far as is practical, parents should administer medicines to their children outside of the
school day or should medication be needed during school hours parents should visit the
school to administer it themselves.
• Where the above is not practical, office staff will administer medication providing the
following instructions are followed:

o The parent will be required to complete a form stating that it is necessary for medicine to
be administered to their child during the day and give clear instructions as to dosage and
timing.
o The medicine, including throat/cough lozenges, must be brought to school in the smallest
practicable amount, clearly labelled with contents, owner's name and dosage and given
to the School Office.
o All medicines, including throat/cough lozenges will be kept locked and away from children
in the School Office.
o Medicines will be administered under adult supervision and a written record kept.
o The School Office will be the person dealing with First Aid and matters concerned with
pupils' health and well-being.

6
 o Where there is a signed agreement for analgesic (paracetamol) to be administered to the
child, e.g. for headaches, from the parent, a list is kept by the School Office and a record
of issue is kept.

Parents of children with long-term illnesses such as diabetes and asthma are invited to consult
with the Headteacher, appropriate staff and/or external agencies to put a medical plan in place
to ensure that the best care can be given.

Medicines, asthma Inhalers, Anapens and Epipens are kept securely in the school office and made
available under the plan agreed with parents. Medicines are sent home at the end of the
Academic Year. If there is a concern with a use by date then you will be contacted by the School
Office.

Children are responsible for their asthma inhalers during PE and school trips, collecting and
returning their inhaler to the school office.

Security
The safety of our children is of paramount importance and therefore we take the security of the
school site very seriously.
▪ The Governors and staff regularly monitor the school building and grounds in order to ensure
that our school is a safe environment
▪ Security gates enhance site security for the safety of the children
▪ Visitors report to the school office through a security entrance where the identity of visitors
is made known to us via an intercom and CCTV. A further main door security buzzer must
then be used.
▪ Only members of staff are permitted to open the security door.
▪ All staff wear identification badges.
▪ Visitors’ and Governor badges are issued and visitors sign in. On leaving, the badge should
be handed in and the visitor / Governor should sign out. Any adults on site who are not
wearing a recognised form of identification will be challenged.
▪ We ask parents to provide permission to indicate how they would like their child to be
collected at the end of the school day and this information is collected via a form on
ParentMail once your child has started with the school. This will be either: collection from
the school steps/gate on Badger Drive; collection from the school steps/gate on Mount
Pleasant or permission to walk home independently.

Safeguarding and Pupil Welfare

In order to make contact with a parent quickly, information given on the Admission Form must
be updated as needed, e.g. a new address, telephone number or place of employment, so we ask
to be informed of changes as soon as possible. An annual check of parent contact details and
home circumstances is made.

We have adopted the recommendations of the Department for Education (DfE), Surrey County
Council and GLF’s Guidance on Child Protection. We follow the statutory procedures in all cases
where a child's well-being and safety give cause for concern. The school’s named Safeguarding
Leads are the Executive Headteacher and Deputy Headteachers.

▪ We operate processes and procedures for safeguarding pupil welfare.

7
▪ We work closely with all children’s agencies in support of pupil health and welfare.
▪ All staff are trained in Child Protection every three years.
▪ The Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher are trained in recruitment procedures that
safeguard pupil welfare. The Policy is available on request.

Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS)

All personnel working with children at Hammond School have received a DBS check. Whilst we
are very keen for parents to support the school and accompany school visits, only parents with
DBS clearance can be included, therefore clearance via a Hammond School application is strongly
advised. Application forms are available from the school office and while checks incur a cost, we
do not pass this to volunteers.

Fire Safety
Fire Evacuation practices are held each term. The children are drilled in the importance of being
able to exit of the building swiftly and quietly and be registered to ensure that every child is
counted. The evacuation time in minutes and seconds is reported to Governors each term.

Emergency Closure
We will always do all that we can to keep school open. School would only be closed through
unforeseen circumstances at late notice or for:
▪ Severe weather conditions
▪ Heating breakdown
▪ Flood

Here are four methods by which we might communicate emergency information. Please refer
to the Emergency Communication Plan sheet in your induction pack and keep it for reference.
Eagle Radio website
964eagle.co.uk GLF Schools website
Lists Surrey School www.glfschools.org
Closures

Hammond
Emergency
Communication
Plan

ParentMail Emergency message

Email and SMS as appropriate will be posted on
the School Website
www.hammondjuniorschool.org
Facebook

The Broadmoor warning systems are tested regularly. In the event of an escape the children
would be kept secure in school until collection. School personnel are also fully trained in
Lockdown procedures in the event of a non-fire emergency.
8
Healthy Schools and Rights Respecting Schools Awards
Hammond School has maintained the Healthy Schools Award since 2005.
The school was recognized in 2018 as having developed significantly since
our initial award and we were delighted to be awarded Silver status this
year. Our practices, which are embedded in school life, meet the
standards in all the criteria. A healthy lifestyle is promoted through the
school’s values and practices of positive and assertive behaviour.
Strategies to support the development of children’s emotional intelligence are key to maintaining
happy, enthusiastic, and ready to learn children.

Learning about a healthy life is formalized in the following programmes of study and activities:
▪ Science
▪ Personal, Social and Health Education
▪ Sex and Relationships Education
▪ Drugs and Alcohol Education
▪ Pupil Parliament
▪ Assemblies and Community Action.

In line with our Healthy Schools ethos, sweets and cakes for birthdays or other events are not
permitted to be given out at school. Please support us in this.

Hammond School attained Level 2 of the Rights Respecting School Status in

2013. This high achievement reflects the commitment that the school
community has to putting the United Nations convention on the rights of the
child at the heart of our school’s planning policies, practice and ethos.

Equality, Diversity and Community Cohesion

School Policy ensures equality of opportunity for all regardless of race, disability or gender.
Hammond has a Single Equality Scheme that takes in the views of pupils, parents and staff.

An Accessibility Plan in place at Hammond School is designed to enable the inclusion of all
children and adults regardless of their disability. It focuses on acquiring background knowledge
of possible disabilities, contacts and ways in which the school may need to adapt to
accommodate children or adults with those disabilities. We are able to take advice from specialist
agencies in support of a range of disabilities.

We strive for a sense of belonging by all communities and strong and positive relationships exist
and continue to be developed between the school and the wider community.

The School and the Community

Hammond School is respected in the local community and takes part in many village activities.
As a member of the Surrey Heath Learning Partnership of 31 local schools, we participate in a
number of musical, sporting and cultural activities with a co-operative and competitive spirit. We
also work together to provide extended services for schools.

9
Close links have been forged with local services including the Surrey Police and Fire Services and
Safer Travel to School Department. We also participate in educational visits into school by the
services.
The school contributes to community events such as the annual Lightwater Fete in May and the
village Christmas Fayres, through a variety of ways including music, dance and floral
arrangements.

We enjoy holding our annual Carol Services at All Saints Church. We also celebrate occasions in
the church calendar when the vicar from All Saints Church in Lightwater is able to join our school
assemblies. Visitors from other faiths or representatives from children’s charities also form a
part of our programme of speakers from the community.

School and Family Partnership

When visiting our school office you will be assured of a courteous welcome. Our office staff will
be willing to help with all your enquiries.

We believe our children’s education and development is a shared responsibility between home
and school. We are pleased to communicate with parents and carers regularly to ensure children
feel supported and encouraged by both home and school. A positive partnership between home
and school has the best influence over the child’s approach to learning. The home/school diary
is the ideal communication tool for parents and school to comment positively on children’s
efforts and achievements. Teachers will look at the diary as often as possible each week. If there
are notes from home or from school, children must take the responsibility to draw these to their
teacher’s or parents’ attention.

We welcome parents and carers of pupils in school at all times. Your assistance as volunteer
helpers on visits; encouraging reading; preparing materials and resources for the children and
other supportive roles is greatly valued by the children and staff (see DBS Clearance on page 6).

Home/School Communication
We pride ourselves on developing lines of communication and partnership with our children and
their families. We strive to ensure two way communications through a number of systems to
benefit the children’s development. We are pleased to work with you and share a good
knowledge of your child’s interests, efforts and achievements. The partnership of mutual
support for the children will play a significant part in helping your child to achieve their full
potential happily.

To find up to date information about your child’s school life please refer to the following:
▪ ParentMail
▪ Home / School Diary (daily homework or messages)
▪ Newsletters
▪ Autumn and Spring term Parent Evenings
▪ School Website – www.hammondjuniorschool.org
▪ Twitter (@school_hammond) and Facebook (facebook.com/schoolHJS).

Daily Communication
10
As part of the junior school stage of development, there is an expectation that children will take
responsibility to bring in notes or monies themselves. Our system for this is a daily class collection
box that the class teacher manages. Notes addressed personally to the class teacher are opened
and all other communication is taken in the box to the school office. The vast majority of school
communications and payments are done directly on ParentMail by parents, but occasionally the
children may need to bring in items, e.g. events arranged by HSA.

Appointments
Parents are most welcome to see their child’s Class Teacher and Year Group Lead as a first point
of contact. Appointments with the Deputy Headteachers’ would be the second point of contact
but a booked appointment is required. Please make your appointment via the home school diary,
by email, phone call or letter to the school office. We are pleased to meet parents but, as a
courtesy and for security, please call at the office when you arrive in school.

Responding to Parents’ Concerns

Parents who wish to express any concerns should in the first instance contact the class teacher,
followed by the year group leader as appropriate. In the event of a problem continuing the
Deputy Headteachers should be contacted to work with all parties to resolve the problem. If
necessary the Deputy Headteachers will involve the Executive Headteacher. A parent may, in the
unlikely event of not having the concern appropriately addressed, make an appointment to speak
to the Chair of the Governing Body c/o the school. Please refer to our Complaints policy which
can be found on our school website.

Behaviour and Anti-Bullying Policy

At Hammond School we operate a Ladder to Success.
Visit Mrs Parsons &
recorded in ‘Wow’ book
Gold A postcard home and 10 house
points
Parsons Party Voucher Children start the day on green,
Visit Mrs Parsons & regardless of how they ended the day
recorded in ‘Wow’ book before so each day is a new start.
Silver
Stamp in Home School Diary During the day the children can move
up or down the ladder, reaching the
These are our school stages shown to the left.
Green
expectations and values

Warnings given.
Behaviour expected to
Orange
improve.

Incidences are logged.

Parents informed through a
Red
sticker in homework diary.

11
The management of pupils’ behaviour is formalised in our Behaviour & Discipline Policy and Anti-
Bullying Policy. All the staff strongly adhere to these policies with the expectation that all children
will behave to the accepted boundaries. Breaches of these boundaries result in consequences
and sanctions. Bullying is not tolerated and we operate an Anti-Bullying Policy which is available
on the school website. Serious behaviour breaches, persistent poor behaviour or bullying are
offences which put children at risk of exclusion. We contact parents of offenders quickly to
ensure that improvements in behaviour can be guaranteed. A number of strategies are available
to us to put in place to achieve good behaviour and good behaviour is acknowledged and
rewarded.

Last academic year we were thrilled to be awarded the Silver Anti-

Bullying Mark and this is testament to the strong anti-bullying
practices at Hammond School. Every child and parent is given a
Wellbeing leaflet (included in your induction pack) which sets out
what bullying is and what to do if they have any experience of this
behaviour. In addition, at Hammond School we have a team of
Playground Ambassadors who support good behaviour and look out
for other children at lunchtimes and we have regular Antibullying
Surgeries for parents.

Rewards and Awards

It is the school’s ethos to constantly look to recognise good, thoughtful, maturing attitudes to all
aspects of school life. We are poised ready to ‘catch pupils being good’! Positive recognition and
praise helps to build self-confidence and a willing attitude to attempt a new challenge
readily. Verbal rewards and other simple reward systems are used by all teachers to encourage
and acknowledge pupils’ understanding of behavioural boundaries. House points are given for
good behaviour and should a pupil reach Gold they are awarded a gold star representing 10
house points and an invitation for a Parsons Party. Once a registration class reaches 5 Parsons
Party vouchers they can choose an afternoon to have a party in their classroom.

Celebration Book
Individual and class achievement and behaviour is monitored by all staff through the school
Celebration Book system. Every fortnight each class teacher nominates three class members for
the whole school Celebration Book. These nominations are made for a variety of qualities
relating to school vision and values. Pupils from each class form a group who are highlighted in
Friday’s fortnightly Celebration Assembly to which parents are invited.

Certificates, Cups and Shields

At the end of each term the Hammond Pride Award is awarded in assembly to a child in each
class who have been model pupils most consistently who has been voted for by their peers. At
the end of the school year we hold a special Awards Assembly when we reward achievements
and effort in every aspect of school life with certificates, shields and trophies. These are
presented to children in each year group. The most highly treasured accolade is the Hammond
Cup which is presented to a child in Year 6 who most closely epitomises all the qualities that the
school values.

12
House Teams

All children become members of one of the House Teams – Blue Sharks, Green Dragons, Red
Lions or Yellow Tigers. There a number of school events including Team Days and Sports Day
when the House Teams compete against each other for the Team Spirit Award or the Sports
Shield. There are also school duties for House Teams when their teamwork counts towards
recognition for the whole team. House points are also awarded by staff in recognition of good
work and behaviour, and when a child reaches Gold on the ladder to success.

School Uniform
All children are expected to wear their uniform in school, at school functions and on educational
visits. Every article of clothing must be clearly named. Name labels may be ordered through the
Valentino’s or online suppliers.

School Uniform is available from Valentino’s, 23-27 Broadway, Knaphill, Woking GU21 2DR
Tel: 01483 473357 - for price information see website www.valentinoschoolwear.com. Uniform
can be ordered online or by phone and delivered to the school office for collection.

Jewellery, Earrings and Other Body Piercings

Jewellery wrist, ankle or neck bands should not be worn. They can be hazardous in school
situations. Also rings, bracelets and necklaces are too dangerous when children are playing or
doing practical activities and may not be worn. We discourage the wearing of FitBits and other
activity tracker devices in school due to health and safety, and the upset caused should they
become lost at school.

If ears or other body parts are pierced only small studs are permitted to be worn during the
school day. The wearing of jewellery, earrings and ear-studs (metal or plastic) is not permitted
on safety grounds during Physical Education lessons and sporting activities and MUST be
removed. The taping of earrings is also a possible danger and is not allowed for the same reasons.
Parents should not arrange for children to have ears pierced during term time as a six week
period of time without removing earrings would necessitate missing physical education for that
period of time.

Verrucas
If not being treated can be left uncovered. If being treated need to be covered with a swimming
sock for P.E. Trainers/Plimsolls are not allowed to be worn in the hall.

13
Stationery
Parents are asked to provide their children with stationery in a suitably sized pencil case (not too
large as they are on the desks for a large part of the day). It would be helpful if pencils, crayons
and felt pens could also be provided. Children have desks or trays of their own for storing these.
All appropriate stationery may be purchased from the school office at morning break or lunch
times. Tipex or ink erasers are not allowed to be used by children.

The School Day

The school gate opens at 8:30 a.m. when children may play in the playground until their
classroom door opens at 8:45am. The school day starts and registration begins at 8:55 a.m.
Lunchtime begins at 12:15 and lasts for one hour, finishing at 1:15pm when the children are
registered for the afternoon session. The school day finishes at 3:10 p.m.

On Wednesdays and Thursdays the children enjoy one half day of carousel activities. For 2019-
20 the activities during carousel will be Music, Art and Physical Education.

Punctuality
Punctuality is essential. Pupils arriving late after the close of registration must report to the
school office to be registered and confirm lunch arrangements. Registration is at 8.55 a.m. arrival
after 9.00 a.m. is deemed as LATE. Arrival after 9.30 a.m. is registered as unauthorised.

Absence Procedure
Parents are required to notify the school on the first day of absence, by telephone, between 8.00
– 9.30 a.m. Your message will be recorded by the answerphone and subsequently checked
against the class register. If we have not received notification from you by 9.30 a.m, the school
office will endeavour to contact you on the telephone contact numbers you have given us. We
shall continue to try and contact you up until 10.30 a.m.

If you are not available on the telephone numbers we have on record you will appreciate that we
have done everything in our power to contact you. The responsibility for a child’s attendance
and notification of absence rests with parents. However, we hope that this procedure will be
helpful in trying to ensure that the children arrive safely at school and that we will try and contact
you if you have failed to do so.

If parents wish their children to be released during school hours for visits to the doctor or dentist,
a note requesting this should, if possible, be sent in advance to the class teacher. As far as
possible, visits to doctors and dentists should be made out of school hours. Hospital
appointments or repeat clinic visits by the child do require the school having sight of the
appointment letter or card. For safety reasons parents should report to the School Office to
collect the child on these occasions. Regulations require schools to carefully record the reason
for every absence.

Unauthorised absence is rare and recorded for unnecessary absences or when an absence
permission is not sought in advance.

14
Attendance
Our Attendance Officer, Mrs Val Goggin along with The Governors and the Executive
Headteacher view full time attendance most seriously. A consistent, regular access to teaching
and learning opportunities is necessary if a pupil is to progress effectively. Breaks in term time
are heavily discouraged.

If your child’s absence falls below 95% then this will trigger a letter sent to you by Mrs Goggin.
The letter will confirm your child’s attendance and will encourage you to have a meeting with us
to discuss and create an action plan of how to improve your child’s attendance at school.

If your child absence falls below 90% then this will be monitored by the Educational Area Welfare
Office, this is in line with Surrey County Council.

Unauthorised cumulative absences of 5 days or more within a 6 week period may result in the
issue of a Penalty Notice for failing to ensure your child’s regular school attendance.

Request for Leave of Absence

Parents are asked to avoid taking holidays in term time. The absence of only one-week or five
school days amounts to 2.5% of the school year and can have a detrimental effect on learning.
Requests for permission for absence for a holiday must not be made during the periods of school
assessment weeks.

We do support certain events which necessitate an absence, for example a family bereavement,
religious observances or sitting an entry exam. However in the case of holidays, there is no
automatic entitlement in law to time off during term time to go on holiday. Leave of Absence
forms are available from the school office and must be completed in advance to seek permission
for any foreseen absence. Each case will be considered based on the circumstances but, in line
with government guidance, the Federation of Lightwater Schools heavily discourages breaks in
term time and these can only be authorized in exceptional circumstances and are at the
discretion of the Executive Headteacher. Exceptional circumstances include – service personnel
and other employees who are prevented from taking holidays outside of term time, and when a
family needs to spend time together to support each other during or after a crisis.

Unauthorised cumulative absences of 5 days or more within a 6 week period may result in the
issue of a Penalty Notice for failing to ensure your child’s regular school attendance.

Assembly
Collective worship takes place on every school day, usually as part of assemblies. Schools are
allowed to hold such worship at any time of the day and in separate age or school groups. Pupils
may be excused from religious education and collective worship. Most of the occasions when
collective worship takes place would be of a broadly Christian character.

Assemblies follow a theme from the Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural guidelines or from our
Personal and Social Education programme. Visiting speakers are invited to join our assemblies,
either from various religious denominations or organisations, including charities, in order to
provide a broader range of ideas and experience.

15
We approach 'worship' in its widest sense and do not indoctrinate children into believing and
practising a religious or non-religious philosophy. Assemblies help children to think about the
responsibility they have to play in their own lives and learning, and in the lives of
others. Celebration Assemblies are held fortnightly and parents of children nominated in the
‘Golden Book’ are invited to attend. These and other assemblies offer a regular opportunity for
pupils and staff to recognise their positive contributions to the school and wider community.

Groupings for Teaching and Learning

There are twelve classes. Three teachers work in each year team with three classes. All teachers
have a responsibility for subject leadership throughout the school and Newly Qualified Teachers
are able to shadow subject leaders.

The classes are organised in mixed ability and mixed gender groups of a maximum of 30
pupils. All class teachers are supported by a team of teaching assistants. The teaching assistants
are deployed in line with the children’s needs.
Children have the majority of their lessons with their class teacher.
• We follow the Maths Mastery approach for maths where the children receive teaching in
their classes.
• Writing is taught in class groups daily with separate small focus groups when needed.
• Individual children will receive support with their learning from a special needs teacher
or a teaching assistant (See Special Needs and More Able provision).
• There are extension and enrichment lessons for all children where appropriate.
• Differentiated learning objectives are planned by the class teacher in all lessons for mixed
ability and for ability sets.
• Children needing to consolidate their learning benefit from working in a small group on a
daily basis.
• Occasionally classes may exchange teachers to make the best use of teacher expertise.

Mid-Morning Break-time and Water Supply

During morning play children may bring a healthy piece of fruit or vegetable and water or a fruit
drink. No other food or drink is permitted. Children have access to five drinking fountains, three
of which provide chilled, filtered water. Children should have their own named sports cap water
bottle. These are accessible throughout the day to ensure children remain hydrated and alert.

Lunchtimes
Surrey Commercial Services produce school dinners, cooked in our own kitchen. Service is on a
cafeteria basis and there is a choice of meals, including a meat option, vegetarian option, jacket
potatoes, or special diet options. Dessert/cheese/fruit is always provided. School meals follow a
Healthy Eating Plan, which includes fruit and vegetables daily.

▪ Children eat in the dining halls and when weather permits, at the picnic tables situated
outside.
▪ The correct amount of dinner money £2.35 is paid daily via your ParentMail account. We do
not accept cash payments. Parents should top up their ParentMail account and the school
office enters the lunches taken on a daily basis. Parents are asked to ensure their account is
in credit. Increases in charges are made known through the school newsletter. Some parents

16
 may be eligible for free lunches at school for their children. Details are available from the
school office.
▪ Pupils who require a special diet are provided for by the school catering service. Parents are
asked to discuss requirements with the School Caterer and to complete appropriate forms
attaching a passport size photograph of your child.
▪ Packed lunches may be eaten in school. Drinks must be brought in a plastic flask - strictly
no glass containers. Drinking water is available for all children. It is important for the
packed lunch to be in a labelled lunch container that will stand on the lunch box trolleys.
Lunch boxes brought into school must be nut free as we do have children in the school who
are allergic to all forms of nut. An inclusive ice pack is necessary in summer months, as the
boxes cannot be refrigerated during the morning. Uneaten food in packed lunch containers
must be taken home.
▪ Children who normally bring in a packed lunch may take advantage of a school dinner on any
day.
▪ Should a ParentMail account not be in credit, we will still allow the child to have a school
dinner and the account should be brought to balance as soon as possible.

The Curriculum
Hammond School has a Learning and Teaching Policy which, with its values and aims, underpins
all attitudes and expectations of the very best practice in primary education.

The full National Curriculum is delivered through four main subjects: English, Mathematics,
Computing and Science; and the supporting 7 foundation subjects: Geography, History, Design
and Technology, Music, Art and Design, Physical Education, Religious Education and modern
foreign languages.

The curriculum model at Hammond School consists of a mixture of approaches, which we believe
offer the opportunity for individual development. An emphasis is placed on gaining concepts and
skills in the main subject areas, but is extended to help children apply their understanding to
realistic, relevant aspects of their environment and real life. Opportunities for children to apply
themselves to problem solving, investigating and planning their thinking are sought by teachers
planning the delivery of a broad and balanced curriculum. Teachers endeavour to apply creativity
and imagination to their lessons. We recognise the need to motivate and inspire the learner and
to bring the pupils to enjoy their progress and success.

Educational Visits
We consider these to be a vital element in the school curriculum. First-hand experience inspires
work of depth and quality. Visits are of three kinds:
Local visits: within walking distance of the school, for example, to Lightwater Village or studies
in the Country Park. A parental consent form for these visits is completed on
admission. However, notice is given to parents when such a visit is planned.
One-day visits by coach. Parents are notified of such visits in advance and voluntary
contributions towards travel costs and entrance fees are requested.
Residential visits (Year 4/Year 6): Parents are notified well in advance that such visits are being
planned and are given details of residential fees and itinerary. Contributions towards travel and
expenses are requested.
If parents' cars are used for transport, permission is always sought in advance from the parents
of the children involved.
17
Policies
Each subject has its own policy, scheme of work and guidance for implementation, ensuring there
is continuity and progression built in. All curriculum policies are available in school. Policies and
documents on school practice follow DfE and GLF guidance some of which are listed below:

▪ Single Equality Policy

▪ Special Needs and Disabilities Policy
▪ Behaviour and Discipline Policy including Bullying
▪ Use of Photographic Images Policy
▪ Medical Needs Policy
▪ Child Protection and Safeguarding Policy
▪ Statutory Instruments from DFE / GLF
▪ GLF Complaints Procedure
▪ Local Authority Religious Education Policy
▪ School Admissions Policy
▪ Local Authority Scheme of Local Management of Schools
▪ GLF Charging and Remissions Policy

Special Educational Needs

We recognise every as an individual and as a school we have to develop strategies to meet the
individual needs of our pupils.

We look at workbooks and data from Key Stage 1 Assessments which our infant school colleagues
share with us prior to transfer. We also spend time visiting schools to find out about our new
children prior to entry. If a pupil has a specific learning need, strategies are planned to overcome
or manage the difficulties. As well as these initial assessments children are continually assessed,
both formally and informally. This information enables staff modify the support each pupil is
given.

Teaching Assistants are deployed to ensure that additional provision targets individuals and/or
group needs. Numerous initiatives to develop and support learning and personal development
occur in Hammond which benefits all children including those on the SEND Register. Parental
involvement and support is sought and help at home is actively encouraged.

We work collaboratively with education, medical and care professionals (where appropriate) to
ensure a high level of support for pupils with additional needs.

Our Special Educational Needs Disability Policy outlines how the school undertakes to meet the
requirements of the SEND 2014 legislation. Children identified as having Special Educational
Needs according to the Code of Practice have an SEN Support Plan which is devised by the class
teacher, in consultation with the Special Education Needs Coordinator (SENCO).

18
Homework
Homework is an important activity which consolidates children’s learning and enables parents to
become involved with, and informed about, their children’s learning.

• A Homework/School Planner diary is provided where children are expected to record daily
any work which is to be done at home.
• Parents read and sign the diary when the work has been completed satisfactorily. The diary
provides a method of communication between home and school and is an important device
for helping children to realise that home and school are working together for their benefit.
• In Years 3 and 4 homework is up to 20 minutes daily and consists of daily reading practice,
spellings to be learnt homework to be completed weekly. Additional work may be sent home
as required, such as the learning of tables, the finding out of specific information or
completing work that has not been finished in school.
• From Year 4, children should take on a fuller responsibility to note their homework in their
diaries. Parents also should expect pupils to achieve this step towards personal organization.
• In Year 5 and 6 homework is up to 30 minutes daily. There is an expectation that children
read and respond to their reading up to five times a week, complete daily maths or literacy
assignments, and do other pieces of research.
• The children in Year 5 & 6 may be set tasks to be completed over two days therefore helping
them to manage a timetable of homework around out of school evening
commitments. These routines begin to help them adjust to secondary school procedures.

Where there are difficulties surrounding homework or comments to make from home, parents
are strongly urged to communicate with the teacher through the homework diary.
▪
Optional Projects are offered in each year group. These are intended to be an opportunity to
explore other subjects to English and Maths linked to the learning themes for the term. Children
are asked to design and present their project in a way that they wish, emphasizing their
ownership of and independence in their learning.

Reporting, Assessment and Progress

We continue to develop ways of liaising with parents and deepening their understanding of both
the school's programmes of study and their child's individual progress.

We prepare termly for Parents’ Evenings which help parents and children understand their
achievements and next steps. Following the issue of the End of Year written report in July, we
invite parents to tour the whole school and see the range of work and activities. The End of
School year reports indicate the academic attainment of the individual child alongside their effort
and attitude to learning. Pupil self-evaluation is also a valuable part of this progress report.

Tests and Assessments of Learning

Autumn Term
• All years take tests in Maths, Writing, Reading and Spelling, Grammar and punctuation to
confirm and assess pupil attainment and progress.
• The data collected from all these tests also confirms teacher assessment and assists in the
setting arrangements for Maths and Literacy ability groups within the classes.

19
Spring Term and Throughout the Year
• Progress tests and teacher assessments are carried out to assess attainment and to help
track progress through the year.
• Summative assessments within year groups are made at the end of a unit of work or over
a half term period. This enables the teachers to track progress and inform further target
setting.

Summer Term
• Assessment papers are given to years 3, 4 & 5 to support teachers’ assessment. The
results of these tests provide an internal formal assessment, which is used alongside
previous test data to keep track of pupil progress, to ensure that the child’s highest
potential is achieved for the end of Key Stage test in Year 6.
• In May, Year 6 children take end of Key Stage 2 tests. Year 6 children take these tests in
the core subjects of Mathematics, Reading and Spelling, Grammar and Punctuation. The
results of these provide data that transfers to secondary school with the pupil, informing
the new school of the child’s level of achievement. This data also feeds into national
statistics, which are then published.

Charging and Remissions

Some activities organised by the school may require additional funding. In order for these
activities to take place, voluntary contributions may be requested and it may be that without
these contributions the activity cannot go ahead. However, no pupil may be left out of an activity
because his or her parents have difficulty in making a contribution. Parents are always welcome
to discuss payment options with our FSA or classteachers.

Hammond School Association (HSA)

The Parent Association is called the Hammond School Association. This is a fundraising group
devoted to providing exciting activities for all the children whilst raising funds for additional
learning experiences which have become built into the life of the school.

If you would like to take part in the activities of the HSA please contact them through Facebook
(https://www.facebook.com/HSA-The-Hammond-School-Association-282023028490222/) or view
their page on the school website.

20
Hammond School, Badger Drive, Lightwater, Surrey GU18 5TS
Tel: 01276 473972 Email: info@hammondjuniorschool.org
School Office is open 8.45 a.m. until 4.30p.m. Term Time Only
Website: www.hammondjuniorschool.org

21