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CROOK LOG PRIMARY SCHOOL    PROSPECTUS(to download pdf version click here)    Crook Log Primary School, Crook Log, Bexleyheath, Kent, DA6 8EQ  Telephone: 020 8303 9203  Fax: 020 8304 5990  e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it  Head Teacher Mrs S A Brown, B.Ed. D.P.S.Ed.Dip Pr Man Ed  Chair of Governors Mr Richard Wood Â
 Dear Parents/Guardians  If your child is joining us for the first time, we welcome you to our school and look forward to a happy and successful association.  If you already have a child at the school, we are pleased to renew and strengthen our links with you.  Crook Log opened in 1952. It was built on land which had contained market gardens. We have lots of trees, grassed areas, flower beds and playgrounds.  We also have a large wild life area which has a pond and Millennium woodland walk. The school has two entrances, one onto Crook Log and one in Sydney Road. We are set well back from the main road in quite a secluded area. We are fortunate to be so close to the facilities of Crook Log Leisure Centre and Danson Park.  The school has been developed over the years with the addition of an Infant block. This was further extended in 1989 to include a nursery class. There have been improvements internally to incorporate resource areas, work spaces, a stage, and an I.C.T. Suite and externally to include new playgrounds and play equipment  Our last Ofsted inspection took place in September 2007. The following is taken from the Overall Effectiveness of the School section of the report: "Parents wrote very positively and accurately about the school, commenting on for example the exceptional standards of pastoral care, the strong sense of community, the responsibility of the pupils' and importantly, their love of learning. These features are a result of the vision and focus of the Head Teacher who, together with leaders and managers, ensures high quality experiences are provided for all pupils at Crook Log Primary".  We aim to develop your child to their full potential. In addition to gaining language, mathematic, scientific, aesthetic and technological skills, your child will build confidence and self-reliance, will learn to make decisions and establish close working relationships with both adults and children.  The school has a commitment to parental involvement. It is important that we support one another. We will keep you regularly informed of your child's progress and of activities and events within the school. We look forward to a happy and successful association with you.  Yours sincerely  Stephanie Brown Head Teacher Â
 School Governors . Chairperson             Mr Richard Wood  Community              Mrs M Simonds, Mr R Wood (Chair), Mrs S Vaughan Mr J Baptiste  LEA appointed          Cllr. L Bailey, Rev P Baptiste  Parent                  Ms C Betts, Mr D Coe, Mrs C King, Mr B Omidiran, Mrs A Camp, Mr L Thomas  Staff                     Mrs S Brown, Mrs K Donovan, Mrs P Barratt, Mrs Y Donovan      Clerk to the Governors: Mr N Marchant Clerkship Practice London Borough of Bexley                           Hillview                           Hillview Drive                           Welling Kent                           DA16 3RY Â
 Staff  Head Teacher  Mrs. Stephanie Brown B.Ed. D.P.S.Ed.Dip Pr Man Ed  Deputy Head Teacher   Mrs. Karen Donovan B.Ed. (Hons)  Teaching Staff  Ms Alison Barnes B.Ed. Hons.             Assessment and ICT Mrs Chris Barra B.A. Hons.               History Mrs Pat Barratt B.Ed. Hons.             Science Mrs Lyndsey Barrett   B.A. Hons Mrs Helen Beechinor B.Ed. Hons.         English/Library Mrs Claire Bignell B.Ed. Hons.            P.H.S.C.E. Miss Sally Bridges B.Ed. Hons.            Art Mrs Julie Burns Cert.Ed.                   Early Years Miss Joanne Flaher B.A. Hons.            Geography Miss Sally Hadfield B.A. Hons.            Modern Foreign Languages Mrs Claire Hollidge B.A. Hons.            Maths/Music     Mrs Hayley Johnson B.Sc. Hons.          Music Mrs Stephanie Reeve B.Ed.Hons           D.T. Mrs Susan Smith B.Ed. Hons.             P.H.S.C.E Mrs Ann Straker B.Ed. Hons.             P.E. Mrs. Eleanor Wotton B.A. Hons.          Nursery/RE                                                                                                                                                   Office Staff  Mrs Allison Collier      Senior Admin Officer  Mrs Pat Rensch         Admin Assistant  Mrs Sharon Child       Admin Assistant  Nursery Nurses  Mrs Kate Cushion NNEB             Reception Mrs Jackie Nicholls NNEB           Nursery  Teaching Assistants  Mrs Sue Bird Mrs Sharon Bowbrick Mrs Helen Cerroni Mrs Wendy Daniels Mrs Yvonne Donovan Mrs Barbara Farrell Mrs Gill Mantilari Mrs Jane Thornton Mrs Beverley Sieglar Mrs Denise Willis Mrs Deborah Bergamo Mrs Sharon Preator  Premises Manager  Mr Stewart Robinson  Senior Midday Supervisors  Mrs Kate Cushion Mrs Denise Willis  Midday Supervisors  Mrs Wendy Daniels Mrs Barbara Farrell Mrs Tracy Harding Mrs Wendy Horwood Mrs Sheila Kettridge Mrs Gill Mantilari  We have regular back-up from the School Support Service, an Educational Psychologist, a Welfare Officer, a School Nurse, a local Police Constable and voluntary parent helpers. Â
 At Crook Log School:  The school has a lovely setting with a large sports field and large playgrounds with play markings.  The Foundation Stage has an excellent outdoor play area.  Each classroom has an interactive whiteboard.  We have excellent ICT resources with a separate ICT room equipped with up to date computer equipment. There is also a computer in each classroom.  The school has a very active School Council, children from all school year's sit on the Council. The Council contribute ideas and influence decisions on many topics.  We offer a broad curriculum, children learn in a happy and courteous atmosphere.  Regular newsletters between school and home.  Throughout the school year, after school clubs take place. These activities include sewing, netball, football, and infant club and are available to certain year groups.  We have visits during the year from outside groups which add to the children's learning. Visitors include music groups, dance groups, authors and maths workshops.  Year 5 children have the opportunity to go on school journey and in recent years this has been to the Isle of Wight.  The school welcomes parent helpers. Â
 School Aims  In a calm and caring environment Crook Log Primary School endeavours to provide children with the confidence and skills to achieve a high standard in all areas of school life. Through sound teaching and in close partnership with parents we believe that all pupils will leave Crook Log School with a continued sense of ambition, independence and a thirst for learning.  This can be developed by Â
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 Attendance and Safety  Regular school attendance is vital if a child is to benefit from the opportunities we offer in school. The National Curriculum underlines the importance of continuity and progression in the learning process.  An authorised absence is where a child is absent on any day: Â
  Parents are requested not to take annual holidays during term time. By law, schools will only grant ten days leave where this is unavoidable. Request for holidays will only be considered if a pupil's attendance is above 95%.  If a child is absent, parents are requested to telephone the school to inform us of the reason and to reassure us of the whereabouts of each child. We will also require a written explanation of the absence for our records on return to school. Attendance and lateness is monitored closely by the school and any issues or concerns are addressed to the Education Welfare Service.  If a child must leave during the day, a note should be sent to the school and the parent or named person should collect the child from the school reception. The person collecting the child must sign him/her out in the book at the reception. Children are not allowed to go home by themselves on these occasions or wait outside the school gates.  If a person meeting a child fails to turn up at any time, that child must return to the main school foyer. If the person collecting your child alters, please let us know.  Please note, there is no guarantee of adequate supervision until 8.40a.m. From that time a teacher will be on duty.  Emergency Contact Details  Please ensure we have an up-to-date emergency contact name and telephone number, should the need arise. Please inform the school office by letter of all changes to be made. Â
 Visitors  For security reasons, all visitors should report to the school office and sign in the visitors' book. We also ask that parents and carers report to the school office when they have an enquiry.  Pupil's late after registration  All pupils' late into school should be brought to the office reception in order that an attendance mark can be registered. Lateness is monitored and reviewed regularly. School Hours  Infants    8.55a.m. - 12.00 noon              1.05p.m. - 3.15p.m.  Juniors     8.55a.m. - 12.05p.m.               1.05p.m. - 3.20p.m. Â
 Education and Curriculum  The school has three stages of education: the Foundation Stage covers Nursery and Reception Years. Key Stage 1 is Years 1 and 2 and Key Stage 2 covers Years 3, 4, 5 and 6.  In the Foundation Stage pupils will work from the early years curriculum. The areas of learning covered are 1) Personal and Social Development, 2) Communication, Language and Literacy, 3) Mathematical Development, 4) Knowledge and Understanding of the World, 5) Physical Development and 6) Creative Development.  At Key Stages 1 and 2 we teach all areas of the National Curriculum (English, Maths., Science, Information Technology, Music, Physical Education, Art, Design Technology, History and Geography). We also teach Religious Education and Personal, Social, Moral, Health Education and Citizenship.  In addition pupils follow a scheme of work for French from Year 3 and basic French vocabulary is taught in the infant classes and linked to current topics.  In Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 teachers plan under the six areas of learning detailed for the Foundation Stage. The aim is that pupils will access a creative curriculum that has meaningful links between subjects.  Teachers use Schemes of Work and Bexley Creative Curriculum Skills continuum to plan their work. Each term parents are sent details of work to be covered.  Religious Education and Collective Worship  Religious Education is taught in accordance with the Education Act 1993 and in line with the Bexley Agreed Syllabus.  We aim to develop a child's knowledge, understanding and skills so that he or she may respect, tolerate and value other religions, races and ways of life. We have no religious affiliation but the tradition of Great Britain is Christian and much of the culture has been influenced by this. A greater share of time is given to Christian beliefs, values, celebrations and festivals. Similarities and differences within other main religions are also studied. Religious Education is taught in class as well as in assembly.  A child may be withdrawn from Religious Education and religious assemblies if a written request is made by the parent to the School Governors via the Head Teacher. Â
 Health Education  Health Education is taught throughout the school in a variety of curriculum subjects. It covers a wide area of topics.  The Governors have adopted the London Borough of Bexley Curriculum Policy Statement on Sex Education.  The school has a sex education policy, available on request. There is a planned programme which looks at issues of health, personal hygiene and human relationships. Currently the school nurse helps deliver this programme of work.  Parents have a right to withdraw their children from any or all parts of this programme, other than those elements required in the National Curriculum. Â
 Inclusion  A child with special/additional needs can be helped and supported in a variety of ways. We can meet a child's needs in the classroom or provide help from internal or external resources, where appropriate. We follow the Special Needs Code of Practice and will liaise with teachers, parents, educational psychologists, health visitors or any other experts.  Arrangements for Reporting on Progress  We report to parents on their child's progress at various times throughout the year. We hold Open Evenings in the Autumn and Spring Terms to discuss progress. In the Summer Term we send out a written report to parents. There is also an Open Evening to look at work throughout the school.  Class teachers are willing to discuss your child's progress after school but we do ask that an appointment is made because teaching staff are often engaged in other duties, such as training.  If the class teacher is unable to answer questions, an appointment can be made with the Head Teacher or Deputy Head Teacher. We may contact you if we have any concerns about lack of progress or any other related matter.   Â
Organisation of the School  The total number of children within the school varies from year to year but our published intake is 45 per year which makes a standard number of 315. This is being kept under review by the Governors. With a one and a half form entry classes will inevitably be mixed age-groups with mixed ability. Mixed aged classes are planned for carefully in the School's Curriculum Documents and policies.  The Nursery class has an intake of 52 part-time pupils, 26 attend in the mornings and another 26 in the afternoons. Admission to the Nursery class does not allow automatic transfer to the main school and a separate application has to be made for entry into the reception class.  If the school is over subscribed then the Authority's Admission procedures will be followed. The School Secretary has a copy of these. There is an Appeals Process through the Authority. We believe an overcrowded classroom could be to the detriment of the children's education. Â
 Home School Agreement  We have a Home School Agreement which has been developed by parents, teachers and children. It is a statement that outlines the school's broad aims and explains the school's responsibilities to its pupils. It also states what the school asks of parents and expects from pupils. It is to underline the belief that a child's education is a partnership between home and school. It has clear links with the homework and behaviour policies.  Homework Requirements  All children are expected to read at home daily, or be read to. Advice is offered to parents to help them with the work their children can do at home. Homework is set throughout the school and the number of assignments is increased in preparation for the transition to secondary school. Crook Log Homework Policy is available on request.   Educational Visits and Extra Curriculum Activities  Educational Visits are organised in connection with the work being studied within the classroom. The aim is to enhance understanding by offering first hand experience.  Visits during a typical year have included Greenwich Park, the Thames Barrier, Danson Park, Hall Place, the Mayor's Parlour, the Sikh Gudwara, the local Church and a Hindu Temple. Trips further afield include the Seaside, Science and Natural History Museums, National Gallery, Isle of Wight and France.  Visitors are planned for in the curriculum and have included engineers, architects, councillors, policemen, fire, road and rail safety officers, postmen, nurses, authors and poets.  Clubs vary according to the interests of the staff and children and the time available. Clubs have included recorders, football, netball, athletics, gymnastics, drama and dance. Instrumental tuition from peripatetic teachers is in school time. Information is available upon request.  Parents must give permission for their child to attend extra-curricular activities and must ensure the child has a safe way of getting home after the activity.  Parental help may be used in providing transport on occasions but a valid car insurance is necessary (as well as rear seat belts) and the fully comprehensive policy document must be shown to the teachers concerned. Â
 Pastoral Care  The school is an ideal size as we are able to know the children as individuals. The whole ethos of the school incorporates pastoral care. This is primarily the concern of the class teacher who keeps the Head Teacher informed. Other adults become involved when necessary.  Behaviour  We aim to create a friendly atmosphere with a sense of community and shared values. Our discipline is based on mutual respect and fairness. We use praise and encouragement at all times. Orderly behaviour is essential if children are to benefit from the learning process. We have identified clear boundaries of acceptable behaviour which we expect all people who work in the school to respond to in a consistent way. Each classroom displays the school's Golden Rules, a copy of which can be found in the Home School Agreement. A withdrawal of privileges such as playtimes is imposed for unacceptable standards of work or behaviour. We ask all parents and children to ensure that they understand and respect the rules. Children have been involved in devising some of them. Some flexibility may be necessary to allow for individual circumstances but bullying, name-calling or racial harassment, or violent behaviour are not acceptable at any time and may lead to exclusion.  An important part of growing up is learning how to work, play and co-operate with others. Difficulties in relationships caused by disagreements and changes in friendships will occur. Children will learn how to talk through and solve their problems with one another under the guidance of an adult who is there to protect and intervene if necessary.  Our aim is to have friendly, well-behaved, hard-working children. Â
  School Uniform/Dress Code  Grey trousers (boys)/skirts/pinafore dresses/grey regulation school trousers (girls).  Grey or maroon pullovers/cardigans or sweatshirts.  White shirts or blouses.  Pink and white summer dresses in summer - white cardigans optional.  Black flat heeled shoes with laces, buckles or velcro fastening or sensible white sandals for the summer uniform (girls). No trainers. Boots are not suitable for all day footwear.  P.E.  White or black plimsolls for games, white or grey socks.  Sensible trainers are permitted for outdoor P.E. for juniors only.  Boys: Navy blue or black shorts, a white short sleeved shirt or white vest/t shirt. No slogans acceptable.  Girls:  Navy blue or black shorts, a white short sleeved shirt or white vest t shirt. No slogans are acceptable.  Tracksuits - maroon or dark colour may be worn, and trainers for outside P.E. in the winter.  Sweatshirts, t-shirts, baseball caps and book bags are available from the school.  All items of clothing should be named.  All children need a draw string P.E. bag to hang on a peg, and an overall or old shirt for art and craft work.  Jewellery can cause accidents and can be lost and should not be worn to school. Stud earrings only are acceptable if they are worn and should be able to be removed by the child for P.E. and games, otherwise they should be left at home.  Nail varnish is not allowed.  We recommend that pupils with long hair have it tied back. It is not permitted for pupils with short hair to have names or slogans cut in to their hair.  Please note that teachers cannot be held responsible for money and valuables brought into school.  Swimming in Year 6  Girls: One-piece costume  Boys: Swimming trunks (not shorts)  Swimming hats are now compulsory for all pupils who go swimming with the school.  No earrings whatsoever are allowed to be worn in the pool.  All of the above items are obtainable at local outfitters or at department stores.    School Meals  Children may bring a packed lunch or have a school meal which is cooked on the premises, or go home for lunch. Supervision is provided in the dining-hall and playgrounds throughout the lunch hour. Children may only change their eating arrangements at the end of each half term. We reserve the right to exclude children at lunch times if their behaviour is unacceptable.  Dinner money can only be paid on a weekly or half-termly basis. Cash or a cheque should be put in a named purse or envelope and will be collected from children in class on the first day of each week.  Packed lunch arrangements will be explained to newcomers. We are a "Healthy Eating" school so do not allow sweets in lunch boxes. We ask that nut products are not included in any child's lunch as we have pupils with severe nut allergies. Â
Medicine and First Aid The school is not required to administer medicine. In accordance with the Code of Practice issued by the Authority, administration of essential medicines must be discussed with the Head Teacher. No medicines are retained on site. Minor first aid will be administered if necessary. The use of Asthma inhalers does not present a problem but needs to be discussed with the Head Teacher. Emergency Contact Numbers need to be kept up-to-date. Â
 We have an ICT Suite where children are taught computer skills and have the opportunity to access a wealth of information to support many areas of the curriculum. We also have interactive whiteboards in classrooms. We have a well organised Reference Library. The Foundation Stage have their own secure playground. A curriculum Activity Week is organised from time to time with activities and visitors. Some items of new and second-hand school uniform can be purchased on Thursday afternoons after school. We have a small team of parent/grandparent voluntary helpers in school on a regular basis working with small groups of children. Home-school links are considered to be very important. Offers of help are always welcome from any parents at any time. The school works closely with the Parents Association (Friends of Crook Log School). They regularly organise events and activities to provide equipment and resources to enhance pupils' learning. A working party of parents meets periodically on a Saturday to help with various projects around the school. They have been involved in developing a school pond and a woodland walk. Traditionally older members of the local community are thanked at Harvest Time for their services over the years and are invited to a school Christmas Concert followed by a tea party organised by our Year 6 pupils. Musical and Dramatic Productions have been a feature of the school but this is dependent upon staff and time available. There are usually musical events at Christmas.   Visits to our school are welcome if you are considering applying for a place. Please telephone for an appointment. Applying for a place at Crook Log School Application to Crook Log School can be made through the school or online when the appropriate application period is in force. To apply for a place, please contact the school to enquire when the application period is for your child. We are able to keep your details on file until it is time for you to apply. An application pack will be sent to you at the beginning of the application process. Applications may also be submitted on line at www.bexley.gov.uk We warmly welcome parents and children to come in and look around the school. You will also have the opportunity to meet with the Head Teacher and ask questions. All applications are sent to the London Borough of Bexley, School Admissions for processing. The criteria for admissions is detailed in the Bexley Borough Admission to Primary Schools booklet.    Specific Requirements Relating to the Education Reform Act: Documentation:   Copies of documents relating to the Education Reform Act are available for parents to read in school. Complaints Procedure:  There is a procedure for the consideration of complaints relating to the Curriculum and Religious Worship as required under Section 23 of The Education Reform Act 1988 and a copy is available for inspection in the school office. Charging Policy:  The Local Education Authority is committed to the provision of free education during school hours for all maintained schools such as Crook Log. However the Governors reserve the right to ask parents for a voluntary contribution towards education visits. No child will be excluded if parents are unable to contribute but if sufficient financial support is not forthcoming on a voluntary basis then the visit will not take place. Unless otherwise stated the information given in this brochure relates to the current school year. Every effort has been made to ensure that these particulars were correct in relation to that year at the date of publication. Changes to these details will occur in response to legal requirements and local circumstance. Parents are informed of changes as they occur.   School Self Evaluation As a school, we continually gather opinions and views from both children and parents. We take into account these comments and suggestions and these are used to inform school planning. We would like to share with you some of the comments received from parents: "We are both extremely happy with the teaching and support my child receives, they are very happy and contented. I know that this is due to the excellent teaching and care".                       ------------------ "We are very pleased with the teaching our child is enjoying and the progress made".                                         ------------------ "I am pleased with my child's progress at school and feel the teacher is helping. I have no concerns about the school or the teachers. I find that they work hard with the children".                                         ------------------ "My son has made really good progress in every aspect of development since starting school"                                         ------------------ "Both of my children have done very well at this school and I would like to thank all the staff for their hard work"                                         ------------------ "We thank the class teacher for her effort and take all comments and concerns into consideration to help our child improve".                                         ------------------- "Our son has made fantastic progress since joining Crook Log School. We feel this is due is due to the excellent teaching at the school, but also the enthusiasm with which the teachers conduct their lessons. We are always very impressed with the politeness of pupils around the school, it means so much to us" "I strongly believe my son's progress and happiness in school stems from the wonderful start he was given in the nursery. Thankfully he has continued in all his classes. I am very pleased with his progress"                                         -------------------- "A great school, very supportive to parents. We are very pleased our child's progress at this school".                                        -------------------- "I couldn't be happier with the school, I think everyone there is doing a very good job".                                         -------------------- "Great school. Such a welcoming school for parents and children".                                  Â
  At Crook Log School everyone is friendly, Helping each other throughout the year, Always trying to be kind and polite.  At Crook Log School everyone tries to do their best, Within the lovely classrooms we have colourful displays, With books and pens to use and team points to win.  At Crook Log School there is an enormous green field, We visit the beautiful nature reserve, Full of trees, stinging nettles and wildlife, And this is why Crook Log School is the best  Â
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| Last Updated ( Thursday, 19 March 2009 16:26 ) | ||||