School Policies and Procedures
Accessibility Plan
At Newtown Soberton Infant School our values reflect our commitment to high expectations for everyone. Everyone in our school is important and included. Children are provided with high quality learning opportunities accurately pitched so that each child attains and achieves all that they are able to. We promote an ethos of care and trust where every member of our school community feels that they truly belong and are valued. We work hard to ensure there are no invisible children here, recognising everyone’s uniqueness and success.
Anti-Bullying
At Newtown Soberton Infant school bullying is unacceptable and all pupils have a right to feel safe at school and not experience bullying in any form. Everybody has the right to be treated with respect. We are committed to providing a caring, friendly and safe environment for all of our pupils so they can learn in a relaxed and secure atmosphere.. We are a TELLING school. This means that anyone who knows that bullying is happening understands that they must tell the staff. We will respond promptly and effectively to allegations of bullying. The school has a shared philosophy and agreed procedures for dealing with allegations of bullying which are detailed in our Anti-Bullying Policy.
Attendance
For a child to reach their full educational achievement a high level of school attendance is essential. We are committed to providing an education of the highest quality for all our pupils/ students and endeavour to provide an environment where all pupils feel valued and welcome. Parents and pupils play a part in making our school so successful. Every child has a right to access the education to which he/she is entitled. Parents and teachers share the responsibility for supporting and promoting excellent school attendance and punctuality for all.
Behaviour
We believe that good behaviour is essential in maintaining a secure, safe and happy school. We acknowledge that good behaviour and the development of personal and social skills have an enormous impact on children’s learning in all areas. Every member of staff is committed to creating a calm and safe learning environment in which each child is able to develop their skills and talents and experience success. The school has a shared philosophy and agreed procedures for managing behaviour which is detailed in our Behaviour Policy.
Behaviour Principles
Under the Education and Inspectors Act 2006 and DfE guidance (Behaviour in Schools, 2012), the governing body is charged with the duty to set the framework of the school's policy by providing a written statement of general principles relating to behaviour and discipline, taking into account the needs of all pupils. The governors also expect any policy or actions to be in accordance with their responsibility under equality legislation.
The Governors at Newtown Soberton Infant School, believe that high standards of behaviour lie at the heart of a successful school, which enables children to make the best possible progress in all aspects of their school life. The purpose of this statement is to give guidance to the Head teacher in drawing up the behaviour policy by stating the principles that governors expect to be followed. The policy aims to underpin the governors’ duty of care to pupils and employees; promote teaching and learning and high standards of attainment and preserve the reputation of the school.
Charges and Remissions
The Governing Body recognises the valuable contribution that a wide range of additional activities, including clubs and trips, can make towards a pupil's education. It is important that children are given a chance to learn through a range of experiences both within the school and through off-site visits to provide opportunities for extra-curricular and educational experiences in addition to the agreed planned curriculum i.e. The National Curriculum and the Foundation Stage. These activities often fall outside the scope of the existing school budget therefore we seek funding through contributions from parents or other bodies. Our Charges and Remissions policy sets out the guidelines within which the school operates.
Child Protection
We recognise our moral and statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children. We make every effort to provide a safe and welcoming environment underpinned by a culture of openness where both children and adults feel secure, able to talk and believe that they are being listened to. We maintain an attitude of “it could happen here” where safeguarding is concerned.
Complaints Procedure
Newtown Soberton infant school operates an open door policy and we always welcome parent’s comments and suggestions whether positive or negative. We value feedback as we can use it to inform future planning or decisions. However, if parents have a serious concern about a matter regarding their child this policy sets out the procedures we use to deal with complaints.
If you have a concern or complaint we would ask you to contact the school to discuss the matter as the first step. If you still feel that the matter has not been resolved or dealt with to your satisfaction please use the guidance in our Complaints Policy and Procedure.
Data Protection Policy
This policy sets out how the school collects and uses personal information (referred to in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) as personal data) about staff, pupils, parents and other individuals who come into contact with the school.
Equality Policy and Equality Objectives
Public bodies, including local-authority-maintained schools, are covered by the public sector equality duty in the Equality Act 2010. This policy details how the school is complying with the public sector equality duty and outlines the school's equality objectives.
Click here to view our Equality Policy and Equality Objectives
Relationship, Sex and Health Education Policy
At Newtown Soberton Infant School, we believe that the development of the whole child is central to their wellbeing and achievement. Relationship, Sex and Health Education (RSHE) are all vital parts of educating the whole child. At Newtown Soberton Infant School, we aim to build on the foundations laid within the family and home by encouraging children to develop healthy, caring attitudes and relationships. Also, to promote the two-way relationship between good physical health and good mental well-being.
Special Educational Needs
Everyone at Newtown Soberton Infant School is committed to providing the conditions and opportunities to enable any child with SEN to be included fully in all aspects of school life. Our Special Needs policy supports the stated ethos of the school that all members of the school community are respected and seen to have potential for improvement. Through effective teaching and learning, supporting and encouraging, together we can enable the fulfillment of that potential.
Supporting Pupils with Medical Needs
Newtown Soberton Infant School is an inclusive community that supports and welcomes all pupils. We will endeavour to ensure that children with medical conditions are properly supported so that they have full access to education, including school trips and physical education. The aim is to ensure that all children with medical conditions, in terms of both their physical and mental health, are properly supported in school so that they can play a full and active role in school life, remain healthy and achieve their academic potential.
Click here to view the full Supporting Pupils with Medical Needs Policy