Organisation of Classes 2006 - 2007
Early Years
Children under five are catered for in our Reception class, where we encourage the development of happy, confident, independent and caring children. The early years curriculum is carefully planned using the desirable learning goals, consisting of language based, mathematical, personal and social, creative and physically based activities. The children also develop a knowledge and understanding of their world.
The children enter Reception in the September of the academic year they become five.
Pre-school children, aged from birth to four years, may attend Valewood Toddler Group. This group meets on Tuesday mornings from 10am until 11.15am in the school hall and provides children with a variety of play activities including music, drama and dance.
Provision for Children with Special Educational Needs
Valewood provides a full curriculum for all its pupils. All children are different and at some stage in your child's life, he or she may need extra support. We aim to give each child any special help they may require across the curriculum, reviewing progress frequently with parents and professionals.
Most children's needs are met by the class teacher with help from classroom assistants and special needs teachers. For those children whose needs cannot be met internally, the school seeks outside help from the Sefton Special Needs Service.
The Headteacher is the special needs coordinator and is willing to discuss any concerns you may have regarding your child's progress. In all instances we aim to work in partnership with parents. Their views and concerns will be sought and the school will keep them well informed at all stages of the school's special needs procedure.
Sex Education
The staff of the school deal sensitively and honestly with children's questions relating to issues of physical development and reproduction as they arise. It is, however, the policy of the school to ensure that sex education is made available to all children by the end of year 6.
In sex education the school aims:
to raise the children's awareness of different kinds of inter-personal relationships, physical, social and emotional; to increase understanding of growth and development; to create an atmosphere of respect where sex can be discussed by pupils and teachers without embarrassment; to provide an acceptable vocabulary for all physical, social and emotional aspects of human relationships; to ensure that children respect their bodies and those of others; to help children accept their sexuality as part of their whole personality.
Religious Education
Religious Education promotes spiritual development. It encourages children to question their own lives and reason for being. At Valewood Primary the religious education offered is of a non-denominational nature. Many faiths are studied to increase understanding and respect of the many cultures and faiths that live within our world.
Daily acts of worship are incorporated by law into our assemblies, giving children time and space for reflection on the past and thoughts on which to consider their future. Seasonal themes, world events and special occasions have significance and value to all children. These acts of worship are of a broadly Christian character.
Parents who wish to withdraw their children from either or both of these activities may do so. A copy of the religious education policy is available in school.
Charges and Remissions
At Valewood Primary School we maintain the right to a free school education. All charges for any form of education or related activity are voluntary, however if invited contributions are not received activities may have to be cancelled. If at any time you experience financial difficulty when asked for a voluntary contribution please speak to Mrs Rigby at the earliest opportunity.
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Child Protection
If any staff or parents have concerns about the welfare of a child attending Valewood, the school Child Protection Co-ordinator, Miss Elizabeth Bethell or Headteacher should be informed. Local Education Authority procedures are followed and a referal to social services may be made. Parents of the child causing concern are informed in most cases. The school's prime responsibility is towards the welfare of the child.
Extra-Curricular Clubs
Our children are able to participate in a variety of clubs and activities. These include sports clubs, dance and drama clubs, visits to theatres and museums, swimming club, music clubs and chess club.
Friends of Valewood Association (FoVA)
The school greatly benefits from an active parents' association that organises enjoyable events which foster home-school co-operation as well as providing extra equipment and subsidies.