Introduction and Brochure
Introduction
Curriculum
Mathematics and English language
Science
Other subjects
Religious Education
General Aims
Parents
Reporting to Parents
Discipline
School Times
School Holidays
School Uniform
Dinner Times
Drinks in School
Items that should stay at home
Cloakrooms
Parking
Admissions
Absence and Lateness
Infectious Disease
Medicines in School
School Health Service
Child Abuse
Swimming
Charging/ Voluntary Contributions
Complaints
Extra-Curricular Activities
A Final Word

 

 

 

 

Introduction.
Warren Wood School was opened in 1981, an additional wing containing four teaching areas was added in 1990. In total the building contains twelve teaching areas. In September 2004 children from another local school (St Stephens Primary School) were also absorbed into our school. The school serves a modern, but mixed private housing estate. Since January 1986 there has been an active policy of involving parents in all aspects of school and community life. A P.T.A called "The Friends of Warren Wood" was formed in 1990. Parents are encouraged and welcomed into the school. Numbers have shown a steady rise since the school opened, though the maturing nature of the estate has endured that the school has not been overcrowded since the extension was built, although an increasing number of children attend from beyond the school priority/ catchment area. The average number on role is approximately 300. Class sizes vary from 24 to 30 pupils per class. The school is well resourced and well maintained. In recent years a great deal has been spent on practical equipment - maths and science particularly, plus technology and music. A nature/ conservation area has been planted by the children. A large computerised library has also been equipped. The school has good reading and teaching of reading resources. There has been an emphasis on practical, experimental, cross-curricular learning but with due regard to the "basics" in education. Warren Wood Primary School is of open plan design. This has advantages: a) It is easier to teach each child as an individual, therefore, a higher proportion of work can be matched for each child, which enables both 'bright' children and those who are less able to work to the maximum of their potential. b) As with most primary schools we group the children into classes which work in designated class "areas". Each child has its own teacher with whom the child can relate, however, teaching staff from other classes are not anonymous adults. This means it is easier to achieve one of our basic aims of ensuring all children belong to the extended family of "Warren Wood". Our expectations of each child are high but we want school to be enjoyable and rewarding. c) Open-plan develops an awareness of others within the working environment. We encourage children to show consideration and respect for others. This leads to a greater degree of thoughtfulness and tolerance. d) Open-plan schools are centrally resourced. This encourages the children to share, communicate and develop their initiative and work together in harmony. top

Curriculum.
We attach great importance to the teaching of the basic skills of reading, writing, language and mathematics. These skills are common to every part of our curriculum and are included in such subjects as science and technology, environmental studies, music, drama, movement and art and craft. We believe that the best way for the children to learn and to understand is to provide a balanced curriculum, giving the children the opportunity to learn through practical experiences. We want our children to have success in whatever they do and whatever their ability. We believe that through positive encouragement, enjoyment and high expectations, children succeed. As we endeavour to treat each child as an individual we hope that their full potential will be realised. Our aims are that every child will grow up to become a responsible, caring and useful member of tomorrow's society. The setting of homework is not part of our school's official policy although it may be given voluntarily by a member of staff. We do encourage children to take home the books they are reading. We hope that parents will read with their children thus reinforcing the message that reading is for information and enjoyment and that books are to be valued. Parents can help their child's progress by making sure that there are attractive children's books available in the home and by encouraging them to use the local libraries. We also hope that parents will spare the time to play mathematical games with their children. We have two booklets giving advice to parents on helping with Reading and Mathematics. (If you would like copies, please ask.) top

Mathematics and English language.
One of our prime aims is to equip the children with the skills in Mathematics and English language. (In line with the National Curriculum, the heading English Language encompasses the skills of Reading, Speaking, and listening, Writing, Spelling and handwriting/ Presentation.) We encourage the children to 'master' skills and concepts through the practical application in "real- life" situations rather than just 'learning by rote.' Approximately, 65% of the children's "lesson time" is spent each week, on Mathematical and English related activities. top

Science.
We put an increasing emphasis on developing scientific skills and knowledge through practical work and investigative procedures. top

Other subjects.
The curriculum is further extended through subject, History, Geography, Nature, Health Education, Music, PE, Gymnastics and games, Drama, Art, Technology, Craft and Design. Sex education is included in our Health Education programme. However, if specific Sex Education is introduced to any one group, parents are consulted beforehand. top

 

Religious Education.
Religious Education is included in the day-to-day curriculum of the school. Emphasis is placed upon respect for ourselves and others, caring, courtesy and consideration. Through assemblies and RE teaching, knowledge of the Bible is given and moral and social training is incorporated appropriately. Learning about ourselves and other people and their beliefs and life styles is also included. Parents wishing to withdraw children from RE or assemblies on moral or religious grounds may do so through written request to the Headteacher. The school is always happy to receive enquiries about the curriculum followed by the children and the methods of teaching. By law, we have to follow the published requirements of the National Curriculum. Children with special educational needs are assessed first by the class teacher and then by the Headteacher. If necessary, educational and physical assessment is done by the Local Education Authority. At all stages of any special assessment, parents are consulted. Work is matched to suit children of all abilities, thereby catering both for children with learning difficulties and children of higher than average ability. top

 

General Aims.
a) To develop in each child an enquiring mind an eagerness to increase his/ her knowledge and skills.

b) To ensure that each child achieves and maintains the highest standards of which he/ she is capable, in all aspects of work, behaviour, and moral values.

c) To give each child the confidence to meet new challenges both at work and in leisure.

d) To enable each child to use language and mathematics effectively.

e) To develop caring, considerate and courteous attitudes both in school and in society in general.

f) To foster a sense of humour.

g) To appreciate the aspirations and achievements of others.

h) To give children the opportunity experiences appealing to mind, body, spirit, feeling and imagination.

i) To develop physical and practical skills.

j) To encourage liaison between school and home in order to benefit each child.

 

In short, our aims are to enable each child to become flexible and adaptable as possible in an ever-changing world, equipped with the knowledge and skills to be an active participant and responsible contributor to society after their formal education at Warren Wood. No teacher or school, can achieve these aims without the support, encouragement and interest of parents. top

Parents.
We want parents to take an interest in their child's education. Education research shows that when parents take an active interest in school their child benefits. Many parents already enjoy helping in school with such tasks as making up work books and taking small groups of children for sewing or baking. Without parental help it would be difficult to organise educational visits, transport sports teams or raise school funds to provide equipment and resources which enhance the quality of our children's education. If you can help in school, please let your child's class teacher know. top

Reporting to parents.
In September we invite parents into school, to meet their children's class teachers. These meetings enable the teaching staff to outline some of the course work that children will be undertaking over the forthcoming academic year. Teachers also give some guidance of how parents can help their child's learning. In January/ February parents are also given an appointment when they have the opportunity to see their child's work and to talk to their child's teacher more formally about how their child is progressing. At the end of the academic i.e. July, we send our written reports to parents which indicate how your child is progressing in the "National Curriculum" and what general progress and achievements your child has made over the school year. Throughout the year, if a teacher wants to highlight a particular achievement or discuss a problem then they will contact you, in order that a mutually convenient time can be arranged to meet. Equally, if a parent ever wants to know how their child is progressing, please contact us. Parents are always welcome to discuss a specific problem that might arise. Staff are only too willing to give up their time, but it must be appreciated that the teacher has the responsibility of the class. We would not want to neglect the rest of the children, so it is best to make a mutually convenient appointment. We do not normally have "Open-Days" as our school is always open for parents to look round. We will provide any information on request to parents, relating to their own children or the curriculum they receive. top

Discipline.
Our standards are high. we expect our children to work hard, be well behaved and be honest. The children's standards of behaviour reflect the expectations that school and home home set. It is rare at Warren Wood for children to be deliberately malicious as we try to encourage a 'Family Feeling' within the school. It is not uncommon to see our older children taking an interest in our younger pupils. Children regularly 'hand-in' valuables that have been found, whilst the teaching staff constantly reinforce our school motto of "Care, Courtesy and Consideration" and positively encourage good behaviour. On the few occasions a problem occurs, a quiet word, the withdrawal of a privilege or in more serious cases, a message home is usually enough to solve a problem. top

School Times.
Morning: 8.50am to 12noon. Afternoon: 1.00pm to 3.15pm.top

School Holidays and Closures.
Holiday lists are sent out each year. Please retain them for reference. If you mislay your copy, please ask for another. Our school newsletter also reminds parents of holidays and notifies parents of any changes. Parents are urged to try, as far as possible, to arrange their holidays to coincide with school holidays. This is particularly important if children are to reach a good standard in annual assessments. We require a letter from home if a family holiday has to be taken during term time. top

School Uniform.
When the school first opened parents chose the uniform. We actively encourage the wearing of the uniform as we feel it enhances a sense of belonging. Girls, Navy pinafore type dress or navy skirt, White blouse and tie or white crew necked polo shirt, Navy cardigan, or sweat shirt, White socks, Black/ dark blue shoes (optional white in summer). Summer- Blue checked dress. PE/ Games- Pump bag, (Clearly marked on the outside with the child's name) in which to keep PE kit. Black leotard and/ or T-shirt and shorts. Pumps and/ or trainers. Boys, Navy or black trousers/ shorts, White shirt and school tie or white polo shirt, Navy pullover or sweat shirt, Navy or dark grey socks, Black or dark blue shoes. Summer- A short sleeve white. PE/ Games- Pump bag, (clearly marked on the outside with the child's name) in which to keep PE kit. T-shirt and shorts. Pumps and/ or trainers. Navy blue sweat shirts, book bags, fleeces and ties can be bought in school, from the school. The junior children are encouraged to have track suits and/ or sweat shirts for outdoor games. Junior boys and girls playing field games also require strong foot ware or football boots, a soccer shirt and football socks. Please ensure that all items of your child's clothing are clearly marked with their name. Your co-operation over marking clothing will save your child unhappiness, their teachers valuable teaching time and yourselves the cost of replacements if items are mislaid.

Click here to download a copy of our Uniform Order Form.   top

Dinner times.
Depending on parents wishes, children may go home at lunchtime, bring a packed lunch or have a school meal. School meals are cooked on the school premises and provide good value for money. .(see SMBC website for menus and further details :

 

http://www.myschoollunch.co.uk/stockport/ )

 

If you pay for your child's school dinner please enclose the exact amount in an envelope with your child's name and the amount enclosed, clearly written on the front. The children should hand this over to their teacher each Monday for the week ahead. Cheques are only acceptable if made payable to "Stockport Metropolitan Borough Council" or "SMBC". Please initial mistakes and always put your name and address on the back of each cheque. We require one week's notice if parents wish their children to change from packed lunches to cooked meals or vice- versa. This gives the school cook sufficient time to increase or decrease the weekly order to her suppliers. top

 

Drinks in School.

Children are encouraged to bring water bottles from home (or purchased from school) to enable then to remain hydrated.  In addition each class has mains water and there are drinking fountains strategically placed around the school.  We do discourage children bringing in fizzy drinks, cordials and cartons as these are often unhealthy and can cause stains to soft-furnishings and books if they spill. Cartons may be brought in a lunch box if a child has sandwiches at lunchtime
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Items that should stay at home.
Anything dangerous or valuable should not be brought into school unless specifically requested. We also discourage the wearing of jewellery. Ear-rings, necklaces, bracelets and rings can be dangerous when the children are playing or doing  PE. top

Cloakrooms.
May I ask parents not to come into the children's cloakrooms in the mornings and afternoons? Our cloakrooms are very small and there just isn't enough room for the children and grownups. Parents of our young children can help by encouraging their children to practice the skill of putting on, and taking off, coats at home. Thank you. top

Parking.
Because of the lack of turning space we ask that parents do not use the school drive at the start or end of the school day. I would also ask all parents who "drop-off" or "pick-up" their children near the main gates to be especially vigilant, avoid the yellow zig-zag lines and be considerate of our neighbours opposite the school.

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Admissions to school.
 

Children are admitted into school in the September following their fourth birthday. Each school has its own priority/ catchment area from which children have a higher priority. (Contact the school for more details.)

 

Parents of children living outside this priority/ catchment area can only be admitted if spare spaces are available. If you are considering enrolling your child for a place at Warren Wood and you live outside the priority/ catchment area it is to your advantage to enquire about the availability of places.

 

Places for children starting school for the first time can be applied for, usually between September and December before your child is due to start school the following September.     Applications can be  completed “on line” (See the SMBC link above for more details and application forms) or the school directly.  We would appreciate you letting us know if you have applied via the Town Hall as it is then easier to plan staffing allocations for the following year.

 

We welcome visits to the school prior to any application being made. Please phone (0161 456-8171) to arrange a mutually convenient appointment.

 

For more information from Stockport Council - Click this link ........... (opens in a new window)

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Absence and Lateness.
Generally these seldom cause a problem at Warren Wood. Parents do not normally keep children off without good cause. When children are late there is usually a very good reason. If your child is absent from school, 'phone us as soon as possible and let us know why your child is off. We also require a note from home on his/ her return. If your child needs to be excused from PE or swimming, for whatever reason, we also ask that parents send a note to their child's teacher. If your child has to go into hospital you might like to let us know about it. Class mates often like to write, just to let friends know that the school is still standing. If it is necessary to take your child to the clinic, dentist or doctor in school time, please send a note so that the teacher can mark the register accordingly and can insure that your child is ready for collection. top

Infectious Disease.
We are advised, with exception of mumps, whooping cough and chicken pox, provided your child is fit and well, he/ she may return to school after one week. Children with mumps should not be sent back to school until all swelling is reduced. With whooping cough the exclusion period is usually three weeks. It is usually a fortnight after chicken pox before children are considered fit enough to return to school. If you have any doubt, please contact the school. top

Medicines in School.
From a safety point of view we would prefer that medicines and tablets are not brought into school. Where this is unavoidable we require a waiver certificate, available in school, to be signed by parents. Generally, children who are still taking medicine after an illness are better at home. May I ask any parent whose child receives any special regular medicine to see me personally. top

School Health Service.
The basis of this is the medical inspection. During your child's first year in school they will receive a medical. If the parent or the school consider a child to have a medical problem then a review with the school doctor can be arranged. the school nurse visits occasionally, checking hair, nails and general cleanliness. Your child's hearing, vision and teeth with be checked from time to time and you will be informed if there is any need for action. The service includes specialist eye and ear clinics, speech therapy, chiropody and child guidance. top

Child abuse.
Schools have an important part to play in the detection and prevention of child abuse. Parents should be aware, therefore, that where it appears to a member of the school staff that a child has been abused, the school is required to report the matter to the social services division immediately. Consequently, in such situations, it is likely that a social worker will contact the parents, not the school. This requirement forms part of the Local Authority's procedures for dealing with child abuse and is not a matter for the discretion of individual Headteachers or members of school staff. top

Swimming.
Our Year 3 and Year 4 children have swimming lessons as part of the school curriculum. For two years from September 2004 our Year 5 children will also be given the opportunity to have swimming lessons. Our aim is to ensure that every child is able to save themselves if they ever find themselves in difficulty in water. Parents are asked to make a voluntary contribution to help assist with the cost of bussing the children to swimming baths in Marple. Occasionally, it may be advisable for a child to be excused. It will not be possible for us to consider any such action unless a note is sent to school. Your child will need: a) Swimwear, b) Towel, c) a Swimming Cap, if they have long hair. top

Charging/ Voluntary Contributions.
It is a sad fact that sometimes we have to ask parents for financial help in the form of "Voluntary Contributions" for educational visits and some activities. Occasionally, charges for certain optional activities, etc, may also be made. The summary of the school policy as laid down by the School Governing Body is as follows:- Should there be any wanton damage caused by identifiable pupils, charges will be made. Charges are made for individual or small group instrumental/ music tuition. Charges will be made for CDT. and Home Economics (Cookery) materials, where parents have indicated in advance that they wish to own the end product. Charges will be remitted for parents on family income support, family credit or job seekers allowance. In cases of hardship, any parents of pupils will also be exempted for all part of charges, at the discretion of the Headteacher and/ or Governors. Where the school does not have sufficient resources to provide activities/ visits/ services for the children, then parents will be asked to make voluntary contributions towards part or all of the cost of the activity/ visit etc. Third parties i.e. School Photographer, School Book Club etc, may make a charge, provided parents are not under any obligation to receive the service/ product etc. The full policy is available for interested parents. I should like to make it clear that if the parent/s of any child at our school wishes their child to participate in any activity/ event/ visit but feels constrained because of family financial circumstances, then it is important that they let me know as I would not wish any child to be deprived through lack of resources. top

Complaints.
In the unlikely event that a parent has a 'concern' these should be directed, in the first instance to the teacher or the Headteacher. If after discussion this is not resolved, then complaints should be addressed specifically to the Headteacher. If, after consultation with the Headteacher, the outcome is still unsatisfactory, then parents have recourse to formal procedures, details of which are available on request. top

Extra Curricula Activities.
Many of the teaching staff give up their time after school and during their lunch break to provide extra curricular activities for the children. The majority of activities are for the junior aged children. For activities organised and run by outside groups there is usually a small charge. Currently, at Warren Wood we have: A Brass band, A Book Shop, Judo, Cross Country Running, Netball, Soccer, Recorder Group, Boys and Girls Rounders, Athletics, After School Spanish, Lacrosse, Choir, Pentathlete. top

A Final Word.
I know that parents value the education their children receive and do their best to support the school. All the staff and myself are aware of this support and are as anxious as you are that your child should enjoy school and spend his/ her time productively. Please call at my office if a problem should ever occur. We all want the best for our children, so if I can ever be of help in answering a question or solving a problem, please do not hesitate to ask. Ian Clarke, Headteacher. top

Turnstone Rd, Offerton, Stockport, Cheshire, SK2 5XU.
0161 456 8171		  headteacher@warrenwood.stockport.sch.uk