Welcome to Dolton School's new web site

Prospectus continued

Design and Technology capability requires pupils to combine their designing and making skills with knowledge and understanding, in order to design and make products. The School has adopted the QCA scheme in conjunction with the scheme provided by the Design and Technology Association (DATA). Back to top

Art

In all key stages, pupils are given opportunities to:

undertake a balanced programme of art, craft and design activities which clearly builds on previous work and takes account of previous achievement;
work individually, in groups, and as a whole class;
make appropriate use of information technology;
work in two and three dimensions and on a variety of scales;
evaluate their own and others' work.

A painting shirt is required for all art sessions in order to protect clothing. Back to top

Special Needs

The Primary aim is to integrate pupils with Special Educational Needs into the learning and social life of the school and to enable pupils (from the least to the most able) to achieve their full potential.

The School's Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator is Mrs S. Manley, who is responsible for co-ordinating the educational provision for pupils with special educational needs.

The school has an open admissions policy, when it is in the best interests of the child concerned and is compatible with the efficient education of other pupils in the school.

The procedures for initial identification, individual assessment, arrangements and regular review are in accordance with the new Code of Practice, 2002

In class, support is provided in all classes and resources are differentiated to provide for individual needs.

Parents are encouraged to bring any concerns to the attention of the school's Special Educational Needs co-ordinator/Head Teacher/Governor with responsibility for Special Education Needs, who is Mrs A Atton. Appointments are made at mutually convenient times to enable the school to take parents' views into account. Back to top

Charging Policy

* School will ask parents to make a voluntary contribution towards the cost of the activity, which is calculated to be non-profit making.
* If a parent does not wish to make a voluntary contribution for such an activity, the child will not be precluded from taking part in the activity.
However
* If there is insufficient support from parents, then the activity will not take place. Back to top

Arrangements for visiting

At any time during the school year, the staff will be pleased to see you to discuss any social, medical, or academic concern you may have about your child. An after school appointment must be made.

Parents are encouraged to take an active interest in their child's school life and the child needs to know that parents and teachers are in touch working together for his/her benefit.

Parents are requested to inform the Head if there is anything at home which could affect their child's progress or behaviour in school. Without this knowledge it would be impossible for the school to act in the child's best interests. The strictest confidence is observed.

At least once a year, arrangements will be made to give each parent the opportunity to visit the school, to see their child's books and discuss progress, attainments and difficulties with the teacher, and parents can comment and question where necessary. This is considered to be far more valuable than written reports. Annual reports are sent to parents at the end of each academic year.

We have no specific open days but parents and friends are encouraged to look around the school whenever we hold a meeting or function or to come into school with a child at the end of the school day.
It must be stressed that as a teaching head it is very difficult for parents to see me during the school hours. Should you wish to see the head or staff, an appointment must be made in advance. Back to top

Administration of Medicine in School

Medicines must only be administered to pupils in accordance with the guidance given in "Administration of Medicines in Schools".

Every instance of medicine being administered to a pupil at school, must be recorded in the record file.

Should a parent request a Head Teacher (or his/her nominee) to administer a medicine to their child during the school day, the Head Teacher must have the parents written permission to do so, and a form "Administration of Medicines in Schools" be given.

We discourage the use of cough sweets in school as this is in conflict with the schools policy on "sweets in school" Back to top

Non-Attendance

Should your child be ill or unable to attend school, or has to be excused from a lesson for a medical reason, would you please telephone the school or send a letter. If you have to take your holiday during term time, requests to the Head Teacher must be submitted in writing, (forms available from the school office). Failure to notify the school for absence will result in your child receiving an UNAUTHORISED ABSENCE in the school register. During the period 2000/2001 there were 0.41% unauthorised absences.
Parents are strongly discouraged to take holidays at the start of the Autumn term as this will disadvantage your child at the start of the academic year. Back to top

School Rules

School Rules are few and most relate to safety and are common sense rules, which are needed in the running of a small school.

Sweets are not allowed in school.
Jewellery should not be worn under any circumstances.
Watches may be worn at the owner's risk.
Indoor shoes should be worn inside the school.
children must walk, at all times, inside the school building.
children should not arrive at school before 8.45 a.m.
Physical Education kit (in school colours) should be worn for all Physical Education lessons and games.
Karate type games are not allowed.
At the end of the day, children must be collected from the playground. This is because at this time of day there is always a lot of traffic and therefore we insist that children do not meet parents in the Square.
Finally, it must be stressed that when school is closed, children should keep off the premises. Back to top

Parents Helping in School

We have always found parental help in school invaluable. Parents help with swimming at Torrington Pool, netball, football, craft, reading and school visits. If you would be willing to help with these activities or have any other skills you could offer please let us know and we will welcome you into school.

Offers of help with transport to after-school activities, such as football and netball matches are always appreciated. Without this support many after-school activities could not take place.

Dolton prides itself on the variety of after-school activities it is able to provide for pupils. During the year 2002/2003 we are able to offer football, netball, recorders, Aplha Club and cycling. We are grateful to all parents who help to run these activities. If you have a skill or hobby which you would like to share with the children, please let us know. Back to top

Pre-School Links

xxxx is in charge of the village pre-school playgroup. They liaise closely with the school, thus ensuring a happy transition from the playgroup to the infant class.
The Head and Foundation Teacher visit the Playgroup and the playgroup children visit school from time to time. The playgroup meet on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday mornings in the village hall at 9.00 a.m. to 11.40 a.m. Toddlers are welcome to the Tuesday morning session.
Children who are under five are offered a place to attend the Koalas. This involves two sessions in school (Monday and Friday morning) on the term prior to their starting school full time. Work for these children is planned in conjuction with the Playgroup and follows the Foundation Stage curriculum and Early Learning Goals. Back to top