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Acton Park Primary School school prospectus 2020/2021

Acton Park Primary School, Box Lane, Wrexham, LL12 8BT

01978 318950

Headteacher: Miss. J. E. Grundy

Chair of Governors: Mr. D. Moore

Thank you for taking the time to read our prospectus and for considering our school for your child.

Acton Park Primary School is a friendly, safe, caring and nurturing school with a 'family feel', where staff and children work hard together in an atmosphere of respect and trust, and where the individuality of every child is valued. Our daily aim is to be the best that we can be; aspiring to give all pupils the highest possible standards of education and care in all areas. Our school is full of positivity, dedication and celebration.

Every member of Acton Park Primary School is focused on achieving the highest outcomes in all areas for all of our children. We recognise that we can only achieve the best for our pupils by involving parents, carers and the wider community in every aspect of school life. Our governing body regularly meets in order to help our school to be the best it can be. Our dedicated, senior leaders, teachers and teaching assistants are talented people who strive to deliver interesting and exciting learning.

Welcome to Acton Park. We look forward to meeting you and your family.

Miss. J. E. Grundy

What happens when my child starts Acton Park Primary School?

Acton Park Primary School is a community primary school, for children in the three to eleven years age group. We also have two Resourced Based Provisions for pupils with specific speech and language and communication difficulties.

We operate an admissions policy in line with the requirements of Wrexham Local Authority.

Nursery

Our Nursery children attend school in the September after their third birthday. Registration forms and our Nursery booklet are available from the school office.

Reception

Children are admitted to school at the beginning of the academic year in which they have their fifth birthday. The Local Authority sends out information packs in the September before your child is due to start school.

We welcome all new families to Acton Park Primary School during the summer term prior to the children starting. We organise several opportunities for families to visit school so that children can spend time with their class teacher.

Transferring from another school

Parents of pupils transferring from another school will need to complete an application form which is available from the Local Authority. The Local Authority’s Admissions Officer can be contacted at Wrexham Council, telephone 01978 298991.

Further information about school admissions can be found on the Local Authority website:https://www.wrexham.gov.uk/service/school-admissions/reception-admissions. To visit the school please telephone us on 01978 318950 to make an appointment with the Head teacher.

Moving on...

All Year 6 pupils from Acton Park Primary School transition in the September following their eleventh birthday to Rhosnesni High School, our main feeder school, however, some of our pupils may transfer to other high schools. We aim to make the transition to secondary school as smooth as possible and we foster close links with all staff from the High Schools. Children and parents have the opportunity to visit High Schools before transfer. Transition visits have proved to be extremely valuable in reducing anxiety by increasing familiarity.

School Uniform

We are very proud of the Acton Park children in their school uniform. Our uniform is an important part of creating a sense of belonging as well as being practical and comfortable. We are most appreciative of the effort made by parents to send their children to school in smart uniform.

Our full school uniform requirements and where you can purchase, if needed, can be found by clicking the buttons below.

School shoes are a very important part of the school uniform and we discourage the wearing of heeled shoes, trainers or boots.

PE Kit

Indoor: Plain white T-shirt, black shorts, black pumps or bare feet.

Outdoor: Plain white T-Shirt and plain black shorts. Sweatshirts and tracksuits are allowed during winter months and trainers should also be worn for outdoor sessions.

For safety reasons, children should not wear jewellery to school. Children with pierced ears may wear small studs, providing that parents accept full responsibility in the event of any related accident. Children will be asked to remove any jewellery that breaches safety requirements. Please remember to mark all clothing with your child's name.

What are the times of the school day?

Nursery sessions:

8.45am – 11.25am Or 12.30pm – 3.00pm

School Opens: 8.45am/ 8.55am

Registration:8.45am/ 8.55am

Session 1: 8.45am - 10.10am/ 8.55am-10.30am

Break: 10.10am – 10.25am/ 10.30am-10.45am

Session 2: 10.30am – 12.00pm/ 10.45am-12.00pm

Lunch: 12.00pm - 1.00pm

Session 3: 1.00pm – 3.00pm (Reception, Year 1 and 2)

1.00pm – 3.05pm/ 3.15pm (Years 3 – 6)

The school gates open in the morning at 8.00 am. The start of the school day is at 8.50 am and the school gates close at 9.10 am. It is important that children arrive on time as lessons begin immediately after registration.

Lunch Time Arrangements

Lunchtimes are an enjoyable social occasion.

Hot meals for children must be ordered and paid for in advance using the ‘revaluation machine’ found in the Infant building foyer and the external entrance to the Junior Hall (unless your child is entitled to benefits-related free school meals). You can also pay for school meals on-line at:

Alternatively, children may bring a packed lunch.

At morning break children are encouraged to eat a healthy snack to boost their energy. This includes fruit/vegetables, and a drink of water. Water is available for the children to drink throughout the day. Water bottles can be purchased from the school office.

Is my child entitled to free meals?

All pupils are eligible for benefits-related free school meals if parents are in receipt of any of the following:

•Income Support

•Income-based Job Seekers’ Allowance

•Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

•Support under part 6 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

•the guaranteed element of State Pension Credit

•Child Tax Credit, provided they are not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190, as assessed by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs. Working Tax Credit run-on- paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit Universal Credit.

Application forms for free school meals are available, in confidence, from the school office.

What is the Behaviour Policy?

At Acton Park Primary School we are ready, respectful and safe.

We believe that good, positive behaviour enriches our school community. We promote this by genuinely caring for and valuing individuals and by teaching, modelling, and celebrating good behaviour. We promote good behaviour by encouraging mutual respect using a variety of strategies for behavioural management. We reward positive behaviours and have clear sanctions for unacceptable behaviours . We involve parents at an early stage and work alongside parents to ensure a consistent approach from both home and school.

How are Collective Worship and Assemblies organised?

The school provides opportunities for collective worship based on values shared across all religions. In assembly the children reflect upon the wider world and the part they play in it.

Parents and visitors regularly join the school for special assemblies throughout the year.

Can I withdraw my child?

Parents have a right to withdraw their child from collective worship and religious education should they wish to. Parents are invited to contact the school so that arrangements can be made on an individual basis.

Does the school offer specialist music tuition?

In addition to the music taught within the school curriculum, extra musical activities, such as our choirs, guitar and recorder groups, are offered to children.

Opportunities are also provided for instrumental tuition in woodwind, brass and strings. Parents should contact the school for more information regarding availability of lessons, instrument hire and tuition charges.

What educational visits are organised?

Educational visits play an important part in supporting children’s learning and provide pupils with inspirational experiences. They are also great fun! During the course of the year, visits are arranged by the teachers in connection with the topics being taught in class. It is essential that for all visits, parents sign the consent forms prior to all visits to enable the children to participate. We also welcome visitors to school and enjoy a variety of workshops and performances throughout the year.

Sporting aims of the school and extra-curricular activities.

Our aims and vision:

ALL pupils leaving Acton Park Primary School are physically literate and have the knowledge, skills and motivation necessary to equip them for a healthy, active lifestyle and lifelong participation in physical activity and sport.

The school addresses the National Curriculum requirements for PE. Children undertake gymnastics, dance, games, athletics, swimming and outdoor adventure activities. There are a range of clubs both during, and at the end of the school day, including, football, rugby, and cricket. One highlight of the school year is our annual sports day, where all pupils have the opportunity to enjoy a range of activities that promote both skills and enjoyment.

What is the school’s charging policy?

As you will appreciate, some activities depend on voluntary contributions from parents. No child will be excluded from an activity because parents are unwilling or unable to make a contribution. However, the school reserves the right to cancel any activity if the cost cannot be met through voluntary contributions.

For the majority of after school clubs there is currently no charge. There are a number of private providers who charge different rates for their activities. E.g Pro Skills

How is money dealt with in school?

School uses an online payment system called School Money for school trips. This removes the inconvenience of sending cash into school. If you do not have access to the internet please contact the school office and we can arrange for a payment card to be issued.

What contact is there between home and school?

We operate an open door policy where parents are encouraged to come into school to discuss their child’s progress or welfare. At the end of each day, teachers bring their classes out and are happy to chat with parents.

There are normally two formal Parents’ Evenings during the school year. An annual written report is sent to parents at the end of the summer term.

Parents who are concerned about the welfare or progress of their child should not hesitate to contact the school to discuss the matter. It is our policy for the class teacher to be the first point of contact.

As the start of the day is often a very busy time for teachers, it would be appreciated, unless the matter is urgent, if appointments could be made after school.

We communicate with parents by text messaging, e-mail and letters and also through the school website and Twitter. A frequent newsletter is sent to parents via our school website, informing them of news and important dates and celebrating achievements. Parents can collect a hard copy from the school office if they wish.

The PTA is a friendly organisation that welcomes all parents. Acton’s PTA provides a range of fun activities for children and all members of the community to enjoy throughout the year. The funds raised help to provide the school with extra materials and equipment to enhance the children’s school life. You can follow Acton’s PTA searching 'Acton Park Primary PTA' on Facebook.

School and the Local Community

Acton Park Primary School welcomes parents, friends and other members of the community to a variety of events throughout the year. These include the Christmas and summer fairs.

Many members of the community are volunteers in school.

Pupils also participate in Wrexham Town events such as the St. David’s Day Parade and the Gresford Memorial Service.

Each year the children support local and national charities by raising funds in a variety of ways.

How are our classes organised?

The school is divided into a number of departments made up of sixteen classes.

The Foundation Phase department:

Early Years: For Nursery & Reception aged children aged 3–5 years.

Later Phase : For Year 1 & Year 2 children aged 5–7 years.

The Foundation Phase and Junior Resourced Provisions – Dosbarth Gwyn and Dosbarth Menai:

These classes are for children with Additional Learning Needs, specifically Speech and Language. The curriculum is differentiated to meet the individual needs of the members of these pupils. Staffing ratios are higher to provide the necessary levels of support. Collaborative work takes place with mainstream classes to enhance the experiences of all learners.

The Junior Department / Key Stage 2: Years 3, 4, 5 & 6 children aged 7-11 years.

There are two classes in each year group. Within each class there is a wide range of abilities and our policy is that a child’s level of understanding and achievement will be the starting point for teaching and learning experiences. Our teachers and teaching assistants employ a variety of teaching styles within the classroom – class, group and individual teaching is used.

Foundation Phase

We aim to enable our children to learn and develop skills, attitudes and understanding in the seven areas of learning as outlined in the Statutory Framework for the Foundation Phase. The seven areas are:

•Personal & Social development, Well Being and Cultural Diversity/ Language, Literacy and Communication Skills/ Mathematical Development/ Welsh Language Development/ Knowledge and Understanding of the World/ Physical Development/ Creative Development

Within these areas children will participate in a variety of activities both with an adult and independently. This will be supplemented by our pledge that every child in the Foundation Phase will experience a wide range of high quality real-life experience.

Is learning through play important?

We believe that play, both indoors and outdoors, is the fundamental way in which young children learn. Play can be both enjoyable and challenging at the same time. When playing, children behave in different ways. Sometimes their play will be boisterous, sometimes they will describe and discuss what they are doing and sometimes they will be quiet and reflective as they play. Through play, children will be developing across all seven areas of learning and working towards achieving their outcomes. Adults in the setting support play by planning and resourcing a stimulating environment, supporting children’s learning through planned play, extending and supporting children’s independent play and developing children’s language and communication within their play.

Junior Department/Key Stage 2

The mainstream Junior Department is divided into mixed ability classes.

At the present time the curriculum is planned, taught and assessed in accordance with the ‘National Curriculum for Wales 2008’. We are however, currently working towards the new ‘Curriculum for Wales’.

Subjects within the National Curriculum are:

Core Subjects

•English/ Mathematics/ Welsh as a second language/ Science

Foundation Subjects (taught through a topic-based approach)

History/ Geography/ Art/ Music/ Physical Education/ Religious Education/ Design Technology/ ICT/ Personal, Social and Emotional Education

The curriculum is organised to provide continuity, challenge and progression across the Key Stage. There is a key emphasis on the development of children’s basic literacy and numeracy skills within not only English and Mathematics, but across all curriculum areas. Time is also given to the development of children’s Information Technology skills, Welsh language and the understanding of their Welsh culture.

How is learning assessed?

Assessment is an integral and continuous part of teaching and learning.

The Head, Deputy Headteacher and Leadership team also meet with all teachers, every term in order to discuss and set aspirational targets for every child. This is carefully tracked in order to help our pupils to be the best that they can be.

Sex Education

Sex Education forms part of our school’s approach to Personal, Social and Health Education. It is concerned with the development of the children’s knowledge of the wonder of life through regeneration and relationships, together with physical and emotional changes. The school treats this sensitive issue respectfully. Discussion and dialogue about relationships alongside changes and reproduction occurs in every class at a level appropriate for each child the pupils’ age ranges. Lessons are delivered using our PSE scheme ‘Jigsaw’. Specific ‘Growing Up’ talks for our children also take place at appropriate points during their school life.

If parents wish to withdraw their child from formal Sex Education lessons, they may do so by written request.

What happens if my child has Additional Learning Needs?

We aim to offer all children the opportunity to achieve their full potential by providing a range of differentiated learning opportunities and access to a wide variety of school interventions and resources through our Universal Provision (UP) and Targeted Provision (TP) arrangements.

Some children in our school have identified Additional Learning Needs (ALN) that impact upon their access to learning opportunities and that require extra resources e.g. specialist equipment or designated support.

Our class teachers and teaching assistants work in liaison with the school’s Additional Learning Needs Co-ordinator (ALNCo), Mrs. Angela Youd, and parents to ensure that children with identified Additional Learning Needs receive the correct Additional Learning Provision (ALP).

A pupil who has an identified ALN will follow the same curriculum as other children but will receive ALP,as required, enabling them to participate in all subjects at a level appropriate to their ability. This may be a learning support practitioner to work closely with the child or the school may arrange additional intervention within a small group situation or on an individual basis.

It may sometimes be necessary, with parental consent and support, to work with Local Authority support agencies such as the Literacy Support Service, the Speech and Language Therapy Service, the paediatric Occupational and Physiotherapy Services, ANEW (previously known as the Behaviour Support Service) and the Educational Psychology Service. These specialist teams provide advice, assessments and recommendations to help our school best meet the needs of our pupil with specific needs.

By adhering to the above processes, we are able to tailor provision for those pupils who, according to the ALN Code for Wales, have a significantly greater difficulty in learning than the majority of their peers or have a disability which prevents them from making use of facilities for education.

Pupils who have special needs will follow the same curriculum as other children but will receive additional support as required, participating in all subjects at a level appropriate to ability. This may be a learning support practitioner to work closely with the child, or the school may arrange additional teaching on a small group or individual basis.

What if my child is disabled?

We welcome pupils with disabilities and, by working with Local Authority support agencies, we can support all pupils to access the curriculum .

The school has undertaken an audit of its accessibility and is suitable for pupils with disabilities.

How do we ensure equal opportunities for all?

Our school promotes equal opportunities for all pupils and staff with regard to their race, gender, ability, religion, nationality, ethnic or national origins. We aim to promote positive attitudes towards all people in our society. We ensure fair access for all pupils to our curriculum and extended services programme.

At Acton Park we work hard to create a school that is full of happiness and warmth. We want the children to want to come to our school.

How do we safeguard our children?

We fully recognise our responsibilities for child protection. We all work hard to ensure that the children at Acton Park are happy, safe and healthy.

The purpose of our safeguarding policy is: PREVENTION through the teaching and pastoral support offered to pupils and the creation and maintenance of a whole school protective ethos; PROTECTION by following agreed procedures for identifying, monitoring and reporting cases, or suspected cases, of abuse; protecting children from unsuitable people through safe recruitment and school security.

SUPPORT to victims of abuse and to staff in identifying signs and symptoms of abuse. All adults who come into contact with children and young people have a duty of care to safeguard and promote their welfare.

The designated safeguarding lead is Mrs Sarah Jones and the deputy designated safeguarding leads are Miss Jo Grundy and Mrs Vanessa Squire.

How are families and pupils supported?

Acton Park Primary School is fortunate to have a family and student support manager, Mrs. Sarah Jones, who works with children and families across the school. Mrs. Jones also promotes the educational achievement of looked after children and has many contacts with other agencies who all work together to give the best support and opportunities to all of our families.

How do we ensure equal opportunities for all?

Our school promotes equal opportunities for all pupils and staff with regard to their race, gender, ability, religion, nationality, ethnic or national origins. We aim to promote positive attitudes towards all people in our society. We ensure fair access for all pupils to our curriculum and extended services programme.

Acton Park Wrap Around

At Acton Park Primary School, we are fortunate to have an on-site ‘Wrap Around’ care facility for our children. Acton Childcare provide high quality childcare and Early Years provision to support our parents with the following:

- Breakfast Club (7:30am- 8:50) Children will be accompanied to their classroom doors via Acton Child Care Staff.

- After School Club - (3pm/3:10pm- 6pm)

- Holiday Club (Runs through school holidays, however is closed during the Christmas Period).

Acton Childcare also run a playgroup, offering morning, afternoon or all-day sessions for children from two years old, with a wide range of activities.

The Childcare Offer Wales-

The Welsh Government’s Childcare Offer for Wales means that most working parents of 3 to 4 year olds can now claim funds towards the cost of childcare.

This means 30 hours of early education and childcare in Wales for eligible parents. The 30 hours is made up of a minimum of 10 hours of early education a week and a maximum of 20 hours a week of childcare. The exact amount of childcare you get depends on how much early education your local authority offers. Being available for 48 weeks of the year means that the Offer can help you with childcare cover for some of the school holidays too.

All Wrexham children are entitled to 10 hours of funded Early Education (EE) a week, starting from the term following their third birthday as part of the Childcare Offer in Wales.

To be eligible, your child must have reached the age of three before the term they are due to start and live in Wrexham County Borough. Funded Early Education is only available in the spring and summer terms.

Acton Childcare provide for the 30 hours childcare offer.

The entitlement is as follows:

Scheme Learning Entitlement Childcare Allowance

Early Entitlement 10 hours per week 20 hours per week

Foundation Phase Nursery 12.5 hours per week 17.5 hours per week

More information on this scheme can be found via the Welsh Government website.

For more information please do not hesitate to contact Carla (Manager of Acton Childcare) for an informal discussion;

Contact Number: 01978 363600

Email: actonchildcare@outlook.com

How do we keep our school secure?

All school staff can be identified by their identity badge worn on a green lanyard.

Visitors to the school register their arrival at the offices and are issued with a security badge on a red lanyard. Staff will challenge visitors who are not wearing a security badge. On departure visitors should sign out and return the badge.

School gates and doors are manned by school staff at the start of the school day. Parents of children in the Foundation Phase leave their children at the door where teaching assistants and teachers welcome the children and receive any messages. Children in Years 3 to 6 come into school independently.

The school gates are all locked at 9.10 am. We have an intercom system at our main entrance on Box Lane to enable parents/ carers/ visitors to enter the school site after this time.

Children arriving late for school, or departing before the end of the school day, must use the main Box Lane entrance and be accompanied by their parent or carer. They will have their arrival or departure registered by the office staff.

Please note that it is absolutely forbidden for children to leave the school premises during the school day, unless accompanied by an adult. If your child has an appointment during school hours, please inform the class teacher and collect the child from the main entrance of school.

Acton Park Primary School operates a No Smoking policy.

Dogs are not allowed on the premises.

What happens if my child is unable to come to school?

If your child is absent due to illness, please telephone the school before 9.15 am. The school will contact parents of pupils who have not arrived at school and whose absence has not been notified.

All pupil attendance is tracked and monitored. Pupil attendance is closely linked to pupil performance and we work closely with our parents to ensure that pupils achieve optimum attendance. When no satisfactory reason is provided for an absence, we are required by law to record the absence as unauthorised. We are extremely concerned if such unexplained absences ever occur for any of our pupils.

What if my child is taking medication?

The school follows the Local Authority directive. We therefore ask parents for their support so that the children are protected as much as possible from any accidents.

Only if the number of doses cannot be fitted in outside of school hours should medication be sent to school and, whenever possible, parents should come into school to administer the medication. The Head teacher must be satisfied that the medication has been prescribed by a doctor. All medicines are kept in a locked cupboard or locked refrigerator. All medicines administered in school are administered by a trained member of staff, in the presence of another adult, and are recorded in a medicine record book, together with the name of the child, date, time and dose given. Parents are responsible for collecting the medication from the school office at the end of the school day.

For items such as asthma inhalers which are kept in school, parents are asked to make sure that the medication is in date.

What happens if you are unhappy?

Staff and governors strive to achieve a happy and constructive relationship between home and school. We hope that all matters that worry or concern parents can be resolved quickly and amicably by the school, by informal discussion with the relevant staff and head teacher.

However, if parents feel that the matter has not been resolved, a complaint may be made to the Governing Body. A copy of the complaints policy is available on the school website.

Who should I tell if I change my address, telephone number or e-mail address?

It is important that any change of address or telephone number (including mobile number) is shared with the office, so that parents can be contacted quickly in the event of an emergency. Parents should also keep us advised of changes to e-mail addresses as messages and letters are sent out to parents via both text and email. At the start of every academic year, we ask parents to check and update any contact information.

What information is held about my child?

Under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), any information held about pupils must be used only for specific purposes. Information explaining the types of data held, why it is held and the third parties to whom it may be passed, is shown on our website. Parents have the right to access the personal data held on their child.

As part of our Healthy Schools initiative, we encourage parents to walk pupils to school.

Pupils in Years 5 and 6 may come to school on a bicycle providing they have a bicycle that is in good working order, wear a helmet and are aware of the Highway Code. All younger pupils must be accompanied by an adult until they reach Year 5. Bicycles and scooters can be stored in racks in the school grounds during the school day.

Parents who bring children to school by car should respect the safety of all, observe the speed limit, park considerately and safely on Box Lane or Herbert Jennings Way and be aware of the needs of local residents.

Box Lane becomes extremely congested at the beginning and end of the school day. The parking of vehicles within the school grounds is for permit holders only, unless prior arrangements have been agreed by the Headteacher. This is a very necessary safety measure.

If you walk to school please ensure you enter the school grounds through the pedestrian gateways, keeping to the footpaths at all times. Please do not enter through the main car park gates.

All pupils must be accompanied to and from school by an adult, however we will agree to parental discretion.

What is the policy in the event of bad weather?

We make every effort to keep the school open during periods of adverse weather conditions. However, if we are forced to close because of heavy snowfall, an announcement will be made on local radio as early in the morning as possible. Information can also be accessed on the Local Authority website:

We will also contact parents by text message.

For any further information regarding any topics found in this prospectus or if you have any further questions please contact the school office on 01978 318950 or email mailbox@acton-pri.wrexham.sch.uk.

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