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About Us |
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Information about our school community
On the following pages you will be able to find out more about the ethos and environment of our school, the people who lead, teach, support and govern St Andrew's Church of England Primary and the many special things about our educational establishment which led Ofsted, in March 2004, to praise the ' innovative curriculum and very good enrichment opportunities which have impacted strongly on pupils' very good creative development ' and the ' Good talented teaching and strong commitment of all staff, including teaching assistants,which have raised standards and ensured the very good attitudes of pupils, very good relationships, behaviour, and provision for special educational needs'
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Teaching Assistants at St Andrew's- Mrs Anita Neal 
When the position of 'non professional helper'in the classroom was first introduced into schools many years ago, the classroom assistant's role was often confined to the infant part of the school. There they acted as surrogate mothers-helping the very young pupils to get through the daily routine, or they moved between the classrooms assisting with the more practical subjects like art, sewing and woodwork- what we now call design technology-cookery or accompanying 'nature' walks. They cleared up after painting and gluing, tidied the classrooms and general areas, found coats, PE kit and lost property and assisted the teacher to set up activities and then to put them away.
Over the years the role has evolved and the involvement with the pupils has increased. As the title has changed through Auxiliary Welfare Assistant, Learning Support Assistant and now Teaching Assistant so the position has altered from that of a general helper to a more specific role supporting individual pupils, small groups and in some cases delivering parts of the curriculum to whole classes, using their individual interests and expertise to further the pupils knowledge of the subject.
The TA's support all the pupils in the school especially those with specific academic requirements, delivering programs of learning to assist pupils with dyslexia, dyspraxia, aspergers and any other specific requirement that needs additional support to allow the pupil to succeed. In order to do this they are constantly increasing and up dating their practise by attending courses and lectures and pursuing qualifications such as the NVQ for Teaching and Classroom Assistants. This ensures that their response to the needs of the pupils is as professional as possible and their role supports and enhances that of the teaching staff allowing St Andrew's to provide a more inclusive and caring environment for its pupils. |  |
Special Needs Governor- Mrs Margaret Bedding
Each child at St Andrew's is special. We value their individuality and aim to nurture their talents. However we recognise that a few of our children have special requirements that need to be provided for, to ease their path into the enjoyment of learning. The Special Needs co-ordinator, the staff and parents identify these children and it is the professionals who plan, co-ordinate and supply the programmes of work to support each child.
The Governing Body has the statutory responsibility to see that the provision for our SEN children is of a high standard and that all legal requirements are met. The SEN governor becomes the information link between the full governing body and the professionals in school.
As SEN governor, I have found this a very varied and interesting post to hold. I meet regularly with the co-ordinator,Mrs Neal and we discuss the SEN programme, new legislation,resource requirements and training opportunities.We also produce the statement for the Annual Report and check that the policy document is fully up to date.
It is necessary to attend courses on new legislation, and on different aspects of special needs such as behavoural problems or dyslexia.The LEA encourages governors to be aware of changes in health and social provision as these may also have implications in school.
At full Governing Body meetings, I report on the SEN programme when asked,raise matters which may require further finance and present the policy document for ratification.
This is a very rewarding job. Whilst watching learning in progress, I see children overcoming hurdles, and growing in confidence as specialist teaching makes new goals achievable.I receive full co-operation from Mrs Neal and the staff and continue to appreciate their advice on this huge area known as 'Special Educational Needs'. |  |
Life in the Reception Class- Mrs Fiona Payne
Our Reception unit is situated in a quiet corner of the school. We have the benefit of our own outdoor area and toilets whilst at the same time being able to make full use of the excellent resources the school has to offer such as ICT suite, large gym and swimming pool.
Julie Hardy and myself really enjoy working with the children and their families, and aim to make their first year in school a stimulating and creative one with high priority being given to personal and social development.
Please visit us and see for yourself what a wonderful educational environment is created. |  |
Chairman of Governors - Reverend Philip Ringer
I have been a member of the Governing Body of St Andrew's Church of England Primary School for many years and am currently its chairman.
Working closely with the Headteacher and my fellow governors we plan carefully to ensure the very highest standards of achievement for all pupils and seek to continually improve the wonderful resource that is our 'COMMUNITY' school.
I encourage all members of the local communities served by St Andrew's, to encourage and support its on-going development. |
Artsmark Silver Award-St Andrew's June 2005
Artsmark is the national scheme developed by Arts Council England in partnership with the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, the Department of Education and Skills, the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority, OfSTED and Sport England
The main aim of Artsmark is to encourage all schools in England, primary,secondary and special, and from the maintained and independent sectors, to increase the range of arts provision and to raise the profile of arts education.
Awards are given anually at three levels- Artsmark, Artsmark Silver and Artsmark Gold. Each award is valid for three years although schools can apply to upgrade their award during that time.
To qualify for an award, a school is required to carry out an audit of its arts provision. Arts education includes the major artforms of art and design, dance, drama and music and a wide range of arts activities including photography, media studies, sculpture and circus skills. |  |
St Andrew's recognised as an Investor in People
Following assessment, St Andrew's has been recognised as an Investor in People with effect from 30 June 2005.
The areas of strength demonstrated by the school include the status of a number of staff as leading teachers, a good teamworking ethos, very positive impact created by the new Deputy Head, good communications across the school with everyone kept up to date and the formation of an internal training group to examine all development aspects at the school and to recommend improvements.
We will now, of course, seek to further improve our practise so as to ensure the very best educational environment for the children. |
Headteacher-Stephen Williams
The role of Headteacher is many and various but above all it is to ensure the personal well-being and progress of each child.
In my headship at St Andrew's, I have always sought to place the child at the heart of the work of the school. 'Excellence and enjoyment' are complimentary aims and we will all strive to ensure that the children at St Andrew's achieve both in full measure. |  |
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