THE SCHOOL

THE
SCHOOL
Welcome to the
Raleigh School
Choosing a school is one of the most important
decisions that you make for your child.
We are very proud of The Raleigh. It is a high achieving,
popular community primary school as a result of
aspirational standards and close partnership with
parents and the community. Continuity is also an
important factor and, at this school, we are able to offer
an education that can be supportive and co-ordinated for
seven continuous years.
We hope that our prospectus will give you a flavour of
our ethos and achievements. In it you will find
standard general information and at the back,
documentation which is updated annually.
We hope that you will come and visit us, so that you can
fully appreciate our school. You will be made most
welcome and be offered an opportunity to participate in
one of our regular, small group, parent “walkabouts”
which gives you a chance to see the school at work,
meet me, and talk about your child. You will experience
first-hand the happy, purposeful atmosphere in each
classroom.
Children learning through play
If you wish to apply for a place at The Raleigh School
please ask the Admissions Officer for the appropriate
Contents
application form.
I look forward to meeting you.
THE
SCHOOL
Summary of Good Practice
Welcome
3
Vision and Aims
4
Background and Organisation
5
Enjoy and Achieve
6
Safe & Healthy
9
Personal Contribution
12
Admission Policy
14
3
Quality in a
Caring Community
Our Vision
Caring Environment
We will provide an environment in which children learn
Our vision is to provide a quality tailored education
best, which:
for each child within a caring and well-organised
community.
l is happy, caring, safe and well-structured
l gives positive encouragement for everyone
l values direct experience
Our Aims
l teaches life skills through exercising appropriate
Children First
l has mutual respect, trust, understanding, and
levels of choice and responsibility
Our children and their needs are central to everyone at
tolerance as its fundamental values.
The Raleigh School. As staff, governors and parents we
aim to provide children with a variety of experiences and
challenges that are tailored to the individual needs and
potential of each and every child.
Education
At The Raleigh, the education that children receive
embraces academic ability, social, emotional and
physical skills, moral reasoning and the wider
community.
Our Vision
Physical skills are encouraged and enjoyed
4
THE
SCHOOL
About The Raleigh
We provide a happy and caring atmosphere where
children can feel relaxed and positive about themselves
in school. Within this environment, children enjoy
participating in a wide range of appropriate learning
experiences. The Raleigh School has a rich, broad and
stimulating curriculum that includes the core skills of
reading, writing, mathematics, science and ICT:
l the children may work individually, in small groups or
as a class, enabling the teacher to match activities
closely to the needs of the class, group or individual
supported by a teaching assistant
l group work encourages children to co-operate and
share information, talk, listen and value each other’s
contributions
l teachers will encourage questions and promote
discussions in order to help understanding and extend
thinking.
Pupils commence school at an arranged date and time
Children work together
during their first week and are introduced to their fellow
classmates. Close contact between teacher and parents
The Raleigh School is a co-educational primary day
ensure a successful start to school.
school for pupils aged four to eleven. It opened in
September 1957 in temporary accommodation, with a
Daily Timetable
teaching staff of two and seventy two pupils on the roll.
The school governors decided to name the school after
08.40
Arrival
the renowned Elizabethan, Sir Walter Raleigh, a local
08.50
Registration
10.40
Playtime
12.00
KS1 lunchtime
12.10
KS2 lunchtime
The children start in the Early Years Foundation Stage in
13.00
KS1 Afternoon school begins
Walter’s Wing, a separate building housing Foundation
13.10
KS2 Afternoon school begins
14.15
KS1 Playtime
years 1 and 2. Key Stage Two (KS2) covers children aged
15.10
KS1 End of day
7-11 with National Curriculum years 3 to 6. The children
15.20
KS2 End of day
figure. Fifty years on we now have a staff of more than
60, including teaching staff and four hundred and twenty
children on roll.
Stage and Year 1 classes. Key Stage One (KS1) contains
children aged 5-7 years old within National Curriculum
move to the main building in Year 2.
THE
SCHOOL
5
Enjoyment & Achievement
at The Raleigh
thematic way, combining links between Literacy, ICT,
Science, Geography, History, Art and Design Technology.
Other subjects; PE, RE, Mathematics, Music, French
(KS2), and Personal, Social, Health and Cultural
Education are taught discretely where there are less
clear links to the theme. In this way, each child receives
their entitlement to the full National Curriculum in a
creative way.
All policies are available on request.
Educational Visits
Day and residential visits are organised to enrich the
curriculum and are invaluable in bringing alive the
children’s learning. Generally there is a visit each term
and in KS2 more ambitious trips are undertaken. All
residential school journeys fulfil the requirements of the
National Curriculum for Outdoor Adventurous Activities.
All trips are well-planned, properly supervised and
authorised at Governor and County levels, following
thorough risk assessments.
Religious Education (RE)
Religious Education is a regular part of our weekly work
The fully-equipped ICT suite enables pupils to broaden their skills
The Curriculum
During the Early Years Foundation Stage pupils work
towards the five early learning goals. These are:
l Personal, Social & Emotional Development
l Communication, Language & Literacy
and assemblies are held, some of which have an
element of worship. These are of a broadly Christian
nature and are non-denominational. Parents have the
right to withdraw their children from RE and collective
worship. Provision for the well-being of withdrawn
children will be undertaken by the School.
l Problem Solving, Reasoning & Numeracy
Assessment & Consultation
l Knowledge & Understanding of the World
Every pupil is regularly assessed in all curriculum areas.
l Physical & Creative Development.
At the end of each Key Stage a formal assessment is
carried out by means of the SATs – Standard Attainment
6
In Year 1 the National Curriculum determines the focus
Tests. In addition for Year 3, the Local Authority performs
of learning. Teachers implement a creative curriculum
a screening test in basic subject areas. We also test,
enabling children to make links between subject areas
when necessary, for a variety of needs. Formative
and give purpose to their learning. Topics are taught in a
assessment which involves close ongoing collaboration
THE
SCHOOL
between teachers, teaching assistants and pupils is an
learnt in class and to strengthen the liaison between
integral part of classroom practice.
home and school. It acclimatises children to selfdiscipline through the completion and submission of
Children are encouraged to evaluate their own and
assignments on time. The school’s homework policy
peers’ work and to use questioning and feedback
ensures that there is progression so that by Year 6 the
constructively. This involves them as active learners who
children are well prepared for secondary school.
are aware of their “next steps”. All information gained
from testing may be shared with the child’s parents on
Teaching of Musical Instruments
request.
Visiting specialist music teachers are available for brass,
violin, clarinet, flute, guitar, piano and keyboard. There is
Daytime consultation appointments are available with
a school orchestra and choir.
teaching staff and the Headteacher. Interview evenings
are held to give parents the opportunity to talk to
Clubs
teachers and see their children’s work. Parents are
A wide range of clubs are run outside of school hours,
also welcomed into the classrooms one afternoon a
either by school staff or by instructors from outside,
month to see their child’s work over the period. In the
when a charge is made. An up-to-date list of clubs will be
summer term, the children bring home a written report
found in the loose-leaf section at the back of this
of their progress.
prospectus.
Homework
Homework offers opportunities to work independently of
the teacher, using outside sources, practising skills
Studying the ecosystem in the secure pond area
THE
SCHOOL
7
Pupils enjoying the Adventure Playground
Facilities
The school is extremely proud of its facilities and we
maximise their use:
l adventure playground – is used daily by the
children on a rota basis and has been refurbished in
recent years by the Parent Staff Association
l pond area – this secure area, which can only be
accessed with an adult, enables the children to study
ecosystems
l Millennium Garden – This is a quiet area where the
children may sit and reflect among planted and wild
flowers
l Information Communication Technology (ICT) Studio
– this is a highly valued area where children
participate in ICT lessons as a class
l Interactive White Boards are in every classroom
which greatly enhance learning and teaching.
Children have the opportunity to learn
a variety of musical instruments
8
8
THE
SCHOOL
Keeping Safe & Healthy
at The Raleigh
by parents with a signed note detailing administration.
Medicines are kept in the school and a fridge is
available for storage if required. A record is maintained
of medication given
l children requiring hospital treatment will be
accompanied by a member of staff should a parent be
uncontactable
l our Child Protection Liaison Officer is the Headteacher
l all staff receive regular training on how to deal with
concerns relating to child protection issues.
Behaviour
Discipline within the school reflects our expectations of
our pupils and the children’s behaviour also reflects the
value of parental backing and support. If a child’s
behaviour or work is a cause for concern the parents are
contacted and an interview arranged. A monitoring
system may then be employed. It is vital that children
can see that both staff and parents are working to the
same end. Our Home-School Agreement, which sets out
how we work with parents, is included in the loose-leaf
section at the back of this prospectus.
Teachers provide
encouragement to all
The Raleigh School has an anti-bullying strategy shared
by all local schools and the policy is available on request.
Welfare
The happiness and well-being of the children is of
Absence
paramount importance and greatly impacts on children’s
A telephone call should be made to school on the
self-esteem and achievements. The welfare of the children
first day on a child’s absence. A letter should then
is the responsibility of the Headteacher.However, for
accompany the child when they return to school.
practical reasons, this responsibility is normally delegated
to the class teacher, the senior members of staff – the
Meals
Deputy Head, two Key Stage Leaders, the Special Needs
We believe in the importance of healthy eating impacting
Co-ordinator and playground supervisors.
on the children’s ability to concentrate:
l school lunches are cooked on site by Commercial
l relevant staff are trained in First Aid on a regular basis
l parents are asked to provide contact information so
that they are easily reached in an emergency
l medicines may be administered at school at the
Head’s discretion. They must be delivered and collected
THE
SCHOOL
Services
l an alternative choice is offered to children with
specific dietary needs
l the school offers a packed lunch to those families
who prefer this option
9
Water
Children are encouraged to drink water throughout the
day from spill-proof containers that they bring from
home. Drinking water fountains are located in several
places around the school and a chilled water dispenser
is available in the school hall.
Possessions
Money should only be brought into school for a specific
school purpose and should be in a clearly named
purse/wallet. The only jewellery that can be worn in
Healthy school meals
school are watches and small stud/sleeper earrings
l a cafeteria system is in operation with continuous
which must be removed by the child for PE lessons. No
responsibility can be taken for lost personal possessions.
service
l healthy packed
To and From School
lunches may be
Parents are requested not to park on the yellow lines
brought in from
outside the school or to park immediately opposite either
home
end of the pedestrian footpath. Neither the entrance, nor
l during the
the playground, may be used for turning. Collecting or
lunchtime break the
delivering children by car in the approach roads to the
children are under
school should be done in a clockwise direction. The
the care of a senior
playground is used for parking at most official school
Midday Supervisor
functions. To reduce car use we run a dedicated school
and her team.
bus service, Pegasus, seating 37, which transports
l fruit is allowed as a
children to and from a wide area.
snack
l sweets are not
We do ask for parents’ fullest cooperation in not blocking
allowed for snacks
residents’ driveways. The roads adjacent to the school
or in packed
lunches
are monitored regularly by the local police.
In-school catering
A Raleigh parent
says, ” The Pegasus
bus is an inspiration.
The children love
getting the bus as it
UED
TIN
SCON
DI
extends the time
they have with their
friends as well as
feeling very grown
up. For me as a
working mother it
extends my working
day by a good hour
which allows me to
be home when
The Pegasus Bus
10
they are.”
THE
SCHOOL
Walking
All parents and every member of staff are automatically
Promoting a healthier lifestyle, we encourage walking to
members of the Association. They may attend any of its
and from school with participation in the National
General Meetings and are eligible for election to the
Golden Boot Challenge which promotes `Healthy Routes
committee. Numerous functions are organised by the
to School’. This also helps to alleviate local parking
committee throughout the school year, some being
issues.
fund-raising others being purely social affairs.
Special Needs
Communication
The Raleigh School recognises its responsibility to
Communication is an essential part of school life:
support pupils, whatever their individual needs. We aim
l Parent Interview Evenings are held to give parents the
to encourage and help each child to achieve their full
opportunity to talk to teachers and see their
potential, not only intellectually, but also physically,
children’s work
l parents are also welcomed into
creatively, emotionally and socially.
the classrooms one afternoon a
The Special Educational Needs
month to see their child’s work
Co-ordinator (SENCO) works with
over the period
l weekly `Headlines’ newsletter
staff to ensure that those pupils
who may need additional support
keeps parents up to date with
are identified as early as possible.
events both past, current and
We ensure that children with
future as does our website
www.raleigh.surrey.sch.uk
special educational needs are
l our Home/School Agreement,
taught by skilled, committed and
which we ask parents to sign
enthusiastic staff.
when their child starts school, is
included in the back pocket of this
Good communication between
prospectus
parents and school is paramount.
l a parents consultative group
Class teachers, teaching assistants
`Spotlight’ meets once a term
and special needs assistants,
supported by the School’s SENCO,
liaise closely and communicate
Communication is an
essential part of school life
and is made up of parent
representatives together with the
Headteacher and or Deputy and
directly with parents.
other staff members
If further assessment or specialist support is required,
l the school has a Linkline which is a communication
advice is sought from the Multi-professional Team or
system, consisting of children’s contact details, run by
Health Services.
parents and is based on class pyramids. Class
representatives provide a social link for parents by
A more detailed Special Educational Needs Policy can
be viewed upon request.
arranging social events
l annual events are held as a thank you to voluntary
helpers such as parents, governors and local
The Parent-Staff Association (PSA)
residents.
The Parents Staff Association has two main objectives:
l to establish a constructive relationship between
Documents
parents, staff and other friends and supporters
Parents are welcome to borrow any Statutory
associated with the school
Documents and circulars sent to school by the
l to support fund raising activities so that the school
Department for Children, Schools and Families including
may be able to afford various goods and services
any of the National Curriculum documents. The school’s
which cannot be provided by the Local Authority or out
own policy documents are also available to be viewed.
of School Funds.
THE
SCHOOL
11
Making a Personal
Contribution
Posts of Responsiblity
l Year 6 children are paired with `Special Friends’ from
the Early Years Foundation Stage for whom they act as
mentor and carry out induction throughout their first
year at The Raleigh
l Year 6 children also regularly spend time reading with
their "Special Friend"
l Year 5 children are paired with a reading buddy from
Year 1
l children in Years 5 & 6 also have a variety of other
responsibilities to smooth the day-to-day running of
the school. These include, for example, register
delivery, audio technicians for assembly and KS1 fruit
delivery.
Older pupils support younger ones
Children have an opportunity to contribute via:
School Council
l two School Councils, one for each Key Stage, meet
every two weeks.
l the Councils are made up of 2 pupil representatives per
class and one teacher from each Key Stage
l class representatives are chosen democratically by
their peers and their term of office covers one year
l the Councils each have a Chair, Secretary, Treasurer
and a budget
l the School Council has its own noticeboard
located in school.
Children enjoying National Curriculum music lessons
12
THE
SCHOOL
Raleigh Eco-Rangers
This mixed age team is involved in a range of initiatives
leading the school in its drive to be more “eco friendly”.
Business Links
Children at The Raleigh learn about business
l school councillors lead this initiative by sourcing and
running stalls at the Christmas and Summer Fairs
l produce sold is chosen by the children and profits are
split between chosen charities and the classes, helping children develop economic awareness which is a
key feature of the `Every Child Matters‘ agenda.
Charity Work
Each year all the children are involved in various
fund-raising events for charities. Recently these have
included Red Nose Day, Save Our Soles (RNLI), Poppy
Day and retiring collections following school productions
which have been sent to other charities.
Children enjoying books
Community
We produce a school Christmas card, one for each key
stage. These are delivered to the local community by our
Year 6 children and are available for purchase.
Year 6 also plan, cook for, present and serve our annual
strawberry cream tea. All of our volunteers, including
members of the Governing Body, PSA parent helpers,
community members and local residents are invited.
Fund-raising team for "Guide Dogs for the Blind"
THE
SCHOOL
13
The Raleigh School
Admission Policy
Admissions
In Surrey children can be admitted to school at the
beginning of the academic year before their fifth
birthday. Statutory schooling must begin in the term
following a child’s fifth birthday.
The Raleigh, as a community school in Surrey, has an
equal-preference system for admissions as do all Surrey
schools. This means that all applications are considered
equally against their admission criteria and, for example,
an application from a parent who has given a school as
their third ranked preference is treated initially in the
same way as an application where the school is shown
as the first ranked preference.
If your child meets the admission criteria for more than
one school you will be offered a place at a school which
you have shown as the highest ranked of these.
We will admit pupils up to our published admission
number of 60 in KS1. When there are more applications
than there are places available, Surrey’s policy is to
admit children in a specific priority order: The current
priority order can be found in the general information
which is located at the back of this prospectus.
For first admissions to school (4 - 5 year olds)
exceptional arrangements can only be considered for
applications received by the closing date.
Children learn through imaginative play
What to do if you have a complaint
Full details on applying for admission to school are given
in the County’s publication “Information on school
admissions & transfers for both primary & secondary
schools available from schools and nurseries in
September.
14
With the best will in the world sometimes things go
wrong. There are procedure pamphlets available on
request at the school office but most problems can be
resolved quickly and easily by approaching the class
teacher first. Either write about your concern or
telephone to make an appointment to see them. If a
matter cannot be satisfactorily resolved then raise it with
the appropriate Key Stage Leader, the Deputy Head and
finally the Headteacher. If the matter is still not resolved,
you can contact the Chair of Governors via the school
office.
THE
SCHOOL
Raleigh cover_web_Layout 1 27/07/2010 16:06 Page 2
How to find us
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West Horsley
THE
SCHOOL
Northcote Crescent, Northcote Road, West Horsley, Surrey KT24 6LX
T: 01483 282988 F: 01483 285631
E: info@raleigh.surrey.sch.uk W: www.raleigh.surrey.sch.uk
Mrs F. O'Neill, Headteacher
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