Our School Prospectus

Introduction

Aims of the School

Staff and Personnel at the School

The Governors

Our School

Admissions and Transfer

General Information

School Uniform

Catering

Visits and Outings

Introduction

Dear Parents and Friends,

I trust this prospectus will provide some of the information you require about Probus Community Primary School. We are very proud of our children and all our achievements and we would be delighted to show you around the school and answer any of your questions.

We invite you to join us in the partnership between home and school which is so vital for the education and welfare of a child. Together, we can continue to enhance your children's learning and growth in an industrious, exciting, challenging, happy and caring environment.


Yours sincerely,



R. Adams
Headteacher


Probus Community Primary School
Ladock Road
Probus
Truro
TR2 4LE
Tel: 01726 882647 Back to top

Aims of the School

Our aims are directed towards preparing each pupil for life beyond the school. They are concerned with developing the highest standards to which each pupil can aspire through the provision of quality learning experiences and making the most efficient and effective use of all resources available to us.

Within a safe and caring environment we aim to:-

* promote high self esteem through the recognition of individual qualities and achievements.

* encourage self respect and self confidence, and an ability to respond to the feeling and needs of others.

* provide equality of opportunity for each individual to develop a broad and balanced view of the world.

* develop knowledge and skills, by realising the intellectual and physical potential of each individual.

* develop independent thinking and learning and a confidence to question and reflect upon knowledge and experiences.

* promote an understanding of spiritual and moral values which reflect a sense of fairness and justice.

* foster the ability to appreciate with sensitivity the beauty of our surroundings and the wider world. Back to top

Staff and Personnel at the School

List of Teaching Staff

Mr R. Adams Headteacher
Mrs. S. Penhaligon Deputy Headteacher
Mr. A. Bowyer Classteacher
Mrs. J. Grey Classteacher
Mrs. R. Berryman Classteacher
Mrs. N. Abbott Classteacher
Mrs N.Wigham Classteacher
Miss I. Curley Classteacher
Mrs. L. Scrace SEN Teacher


Teaching Assistants

Mr. K. Abbott
Mrs. C. Bray
Mrs. S. Bryant
Mrs. A. Crabb
Mrs. J. Davey
Mrs. E. Eames
Mrs. T. Hayhoe
Mrs. L. Hughes
Miss N Cotterall

Non-Teaching Staff

Mrs. L. Hibbett Secretary
Mr. D. Toon Caretaker
Mrs. R. Grigg Mid-day Assistant
Mrs. C. Firth Mid-day Assistant
Mrs. J. Kennedy Mid-day Assistant
Ms. C Bowers Mid-day Assistant
Mrs. P. Luscombe Mid-day Assistant
Mrs. D. Davies Cleaner
Mrs. D. Berryman Cleaner Back to top

The Governors

List of Governors
Mr. D. Hayhoe (Chairman) Local Education Authority
Mr. R. Adams Headteacher
Mrs. S. Penhaligon Staff Representative
Mrs. C. Bray Staff Representative
Mrs. E Harper Local Education Authority
Mrs. E. Eames Parent
Mr I. Frampton Parent
Mrs M Warne Parent
Mr. S. Bradford Parent
Vacancy Community Governor
Mr. M. Saddington Community Governor
Mrs. K. Sharpe Community Governor


Mr. C. Nicholls Clerk to the Governors









What are the Governors?
Governors are like a Board of Directors and make decisions about school policy. Governors work together, they cannot act individually.
They meet at least once a term in school and have legal duties, powers and responsibilities, including:

* supporting the Headteacher in the day-to-day running of the school:
* deciding what is taught within the guidelines laid down by the Department for Education:
* setting standards of behaviour:
* interviewing and selecting staff:
* deciding how the budget is spent:
* reporting annually to parents on activities, achievements and key issues.

School Governors are:
* Parents,
* Teachers and staff at school,
* Local Council representatives,
* Community representatives, businessmen and women.

Parent Governors:
* Have a child in school,
* Are elected by parents of the school,
* Serve, as do other governors, for four years.

Co-Opted Governors:
* Are invited to join by elected members,
* Serve for a four-year period. Back to top

Our School

Probus Community Primary School is a 7 class school for children between the ages of 4 and 11. It is situated in an attractive village just a few miles from Truro. The school enjoys fine views across the adjacent countryside.

The school comprises a main building, originally built as a Weslyan Day School in 1901 and a new extension that was completed in 2001. The original building comprises of two spacious classrooms, that have recently been refurbished, and toilets. Attached to this is a recently built hall / gymnasium as well as canteen facilities. The hall provides a high quality environment where children can take part in dance and drama lessons, indoor sports, gymnastics as well as productions and performances to parents. Our new entrance area, library, I.C.T. suite and administration area were officially opened in our centenary year and was cause for wonderful celebrations. They have provided the school with a 'heart' and are an excellent focal point where we can celebrate our achievements and display the work produced by the children. In September 2005 we opened our new extension that includes five spacious classrooms and a large library.

The school boasts excellent facilities. The library is well stocked and is a lovely environment where children can browse through books and access information to support their work. The school has a strong partnership with Truro College and through the partnership we have been able to establish a computer suite that has the latest hardware and is available to both the children and local community. We aim to develop a food technology area in one of our smaller rooms at the front of the school. The school grounds are an excellent resource and as part of the Centenary Celebrations were improved with the planting of trees donated by friends of the school to mark their association with the school. A Centenary Sense Garden is located at the rear of the school, is invaluable as a resource to support work in the curriculum and improve recreational facilities. Our wild garden is a thriving environment for minibeasts and wild plants.

In a spare 'mobile classroom' at the rear of the school, Probus Kid's Club and Probus Playgroup have worked tremendously hard to create excellent facilities. Probus Playgroup run sessions each day for their oldest children and this has proved invaluable. Not only are the children able to share our facilities here at school but the transition between the playgroup and Primary School is made much smoother with all the children being very familiar with the school environment.

Probus Kid's Club is a facility that allows parents to leave their children with qualified carers whilst they are at work. The club opens at 8.00am until 8.45am when the children are taken to their classes. The club then reopens at 3.15pm until 6.00pm. Yvonne Smith the organiser, can be contacted on 0777 4906078 for further details.
In addition to term time care, they also run an extensive holiday programme of activities. Further details of these are published before each holiday break.

The school arranges both day and residential educational visits which relate to the children's curricular work and social / personal development. These visits have the full support of the Governing Body.

Children in both Key Stages are encouraged to play a big part in the smooth running of the school. Year 6 children act as prefects and have specific responsibilities assigned to them and these change on a termly basis. We have a School Council made up of children from Reception to Year 6 and they are currently involved in planning and designing an outdoor activity play area in partnership with the PTA.

Children's work and achievements are celebrated in an assembly each Friday. Here children can show their work and share good attitudes towards learning and behaviour with the rest of the school.

Special guests often supplement work in our classes. We find their expertise extremely valuable. In addition to this we often gain the support and expertise from colleagues and other professionals who form the backbone of the Education Service in Cornwall.

The children in school, as part of their social and moral education, are encouraged to take responsibilities for supporting people less fortunate than themselves. We therefore, have frequent charity events, mostly organised and administered by the children themselves, in support of charities of their choosing. We have developed strong links with St. Petroc's Church who run in a drop in centre in Truro for the homeless. Money raised from our Christmas performances usually go to the Baby Care Unit at Treliske Hospital.

The Community School
Over the past few years we have worked hard to develop the school into a true community school and in particular The Centre of Learning for the Community. We are very proud of our links with the local community and we have developed strong links with local shops, businesses and organisations. We have regular involvement with Probus Church and have produced displays for local exhibitions and shop windows and art work produced by the children can be viewed at Probus Surgery. We make a regular contribution to Probus News and you can access their website at:
www.probus.cornwall.eu.org

Our most recent project involves the community use of our I.C.T. Suite. Throughout the week a number of courses are run to cater for beginners and more experienced users. Truro College arrange for tuition and a variety of qualifications can be achieved. For further details, please contact the school office. Back to top

Admissions and Transfer

Admissions Policy

Children may be admitted full time to school as follows:

1. Children whose fifth birthday occurs between 1st September and 31st December inclusive, may be admitted (full-time) at the beginning of the Autumn Term.

2. Children whose fifth birthday occurs between 1st January and 31st August inclusive, may be admitted (full-time) at the beginning of the Spring Term. These children will be admitted part-time in September, at the beginning of the academic year, in which they are 5.

Transfer Policy
Pupils from the village normally transfer to Probus Community Primary School from Probus Playgroup. Opportunities are provided for children and parents to visit school prior to transfer and we will arrange meetings where you can discuss any issues with the class teacher. Additionally, both the Headteacher and the class teacher visit the playgroup children to ensure that they are familiar faces and children from neighbouring villages are equally welcome.


Older pupils usually transfer to Roseland Community School at Tregony having reached their eleventh birthday by the 31st August. Transport is provided. The on-going pupils have the opportunity to:

* Attend an Open Evening;
* Be welcomed by Roseland Community School Head of Year 7;
* Engage in communication with current Year 7 pupils;
* Experience a typical day at Roseland Community School.

All the above help to answer the important questions both pupils and parents have
about their prospective new environment.

We are extremely proud of our close links with both Probus Playgroup and Roseland Community School and we continue to develop Inter-school curriculum links to enable the continued smooth transition from the Pre-School to Primary to Secondary Phases of education to take place.

"What I like best is making things and making friends" Amber

"Whoot I like at school is playing in the sand" Dominic Back to top

General Information

Pastoral Care and Discipline

We are aware that we share responsibility with parents for children in our care and make every effort to provide the care which any responsible parent would be expected to make. Our objective is the creation of a visible climate of "caring" between the teachers and the children whom they teach. This is extended to encompass caring relationships between staff, both academic and domestic, and between staff and parents. All are regarded as being equally important in the learning process. We control movement about the school, supervise children when at play, and encourage a disciplined, sensible independence.

Each year the children are involved in developing a set of 'Golden Rules' which provide us all with an excellent code of behaviour. This has now been incorporated in our HOME / SCHOOL AGREEMENT which all parents, teachers and children are requested to sign and return to school. We believe that it is important to look for as many opportunities as we can to enhance self esteem and behaviour and therefore we have adopted and adapted 'Circle Time' activities in each of our classrooms.

Home/School Links

1. Contact with Parents

a. Parents are invited to attend annual events such as School Productions and Sports Day. Regular newsletters go out to all parents keeping you in touch with what is happening in school.

b. There are two formal Parents' Evenings held every year, during the Autumn and Spring terms. Parents are invited to see their children's work and to discuss progress with their child's teacher. Full written reports are issued to all parents during the Summer term.

c. Children work hard at school and it is good for them to know that parents are interested in their efforts. We try to run an open school at Probus and encourage honest dialogue about individual children and school life in general. We invite parents to help us fulfil the aims of the school by mutual exchange of ideas and information. Parents are always welcome here. Do not be puzzled by anything connected with the school. Come and find out.

d. Home and school are the two most important influences on your child and he/she must feel that you and his/her teachers are working together, showing an interest in all his/her activities both in school and at home. Please let us know if there is anything about your child that you think may affect the way he/she works in school. Should a problem arise with a child at home or at school, it is to everybody's advantage that it is dealt with quickly. All the staff at Probus are approachable and very ready to discuss the welfare and progress of the children in their care. We are almost always available if you need to see us and can make arrangements to meet you after school, if you are unable to get into school during the day. A phone call is all that is necessary to arrange an appointment with one of us.

e. All parents receive an individual copy of the Governors' annual report.

Parent Teacher Association

During the Autumn Term of 1999, we formed a P.T.A. It has registered as a charitable organisation and has affiliated with the National Association of Parent Teacher Associations.

It has organised a committee and is currently planning a series of events for children, parents and friends in order to raise money for the school. If you would like to get involved with this organisation, please contact Mrs. Karen McMonagle (Chairperson) through the School Office. They organise events throughout the year but their big gest projects include the Xmas Fair and Summer Fair.

Transport Arrangements

The Education Committee has responsibility for a pupils transport to and from school
Under the age of eight, children are entitled to free transport if their home is more than 2 miles from the appropriate school. For children over eight, the relevant distance is 3 miles.
For further information please contact Mr. P.S. Boorman (Area Transport Office) Tel. 01872 322000

Extra-Curricular Activities

The school regards these extra-curricula activities as one of its great strengths. As a result of the wide interests and willingness of staff to give up their own time out of school hours, the school offers an extremely wide range of extra-curricula' activities. At the present time, these include: Short Tennis, Art, Football, Choir, Beginner Recorders, Advanced Recorders, Netball, Internet Club and Tag Rugby. We also start a S.A.T. Revision Class during the Spring Term. A list of clubs, timings etc. is included in the newsletter at the beginning of each half-term.

Before and After School Club

In September 2000, we opened a before and after school club which provides Parents with qualified child care. Parents are able to book their children in for sessions before and after school, where they will be supervised by suitably qualified and experienced staff.

For further information - contact Yvonne Smith on 0777 4906078 or 01637 881447.

"Well, the thing I like most about school is probably when we get ready to go home! We all get to have some rest!" By Bryher.

"What I love about Probus school is evry body works together like team work".

"I like playtime best. I play kiss catch with Emily and Amy. We play on the field when it is dry. We talk about when we are older. It is a lovely game and I like playing it and my friends always laugh," Georgia Back to top

School Uniform

School Uniform - As from September 2000

BOYS - WINTER
White Polo Shirt
Red Sweatshirt
Black/dark grey trousers
Plain - Dark coloured socks
Suitable Black Shoes - not training shoes

GIRLS - WINTER
White Polo Shirt
Red Sweatshirt
Black Trousers
Plain - Dark coloured socks
Suitable Black Shoes - not training shoes
OR
White Polo Shirt
Red Sweatshirt
Black Knee Length Skirt
White Socks or Black tights
Suitable Black shoes ? not training shoes


BOYS - SUMMER
White Polo Shirt
Red Sweatshirt
Black/Dark Grey Tailored Trousers
Plain - Dark Coloured Socks
Suitable Black Shoes - not training shoes
OR
White Polo Shirt
Red Sweatshirt
Suitable Tailored Shorts (Black/Grey)
Plain White Socks
Suitable Black Shoes - not training shoes


GIRLS - SUMMER
White Polo Shirt
Red Sweatshirt
Black Trousers
Plain Dark Coloured Socks
Suitable Black Shoes - not training shoes
OR
White Polo Shirt
Red Sweatshirt
Black Knee Length Skirt
White socks or black tights
Suitable Black Shoes - not training shoes
OR
Red and White Gingham Dress
White Socks
Suitable Black Shoes - not training shoes

Jewellery
Single Stud Earrings
Wristwatch
(No Nail Polish)

P.E. Indoor and Outdoor
Red Round Neck Tee Shirt or Red Polo
White Shorts
White Socks
Training Shoes or Plimsolls
A Suitable Tracksuit/Sweatshirt/Jogging Suit Can Be Worn

* Please ensure that all items are clearly marked with your child's name.




Personal Property

Essential items such as pens, pencils, rulers, stationery, books etc., are obviously all readily available in school. Many children, however, often bring their own personalised items to school to assist their work. Whilst this is never discouraged the school must state that it cannot be held responsible for the loss or damage to items of personal property brought onto the premises. Back to top

Catering

A midday meal is prepared in a well equipped kitchen on the premises and served in the school hall. We adopt a two- sitting system. Menus are normally published weekly so children may stay on occasional days if they wish. Children may also bring their own packed lunch but we do ask that they do not bring canned drinks or bottles, or hot drinks, as these have all caused problems in the past. Children are supervised throughout the meal.

The price of the 'set' school lunch is £1.65. Children are helped to select a balanced meal from the daily menu and prefects are available to support the youngest children. All monies must be brought in a named wallet or purse and handed to the Classteacher at the beginning of the day. These are then handed back to the children at the end of the school day.

Free meals are available and parents who qualify should contact the Grants and Benefits Section at Cornwall County Council. Telephone number 01872 322410/11/12. Application form are also available from the School Office. Back to top

Visits and Outings

Educational visits are fundamental to providing first hand experiences for our children. All classes link them carefully with topics being studied. Parents are often invited to accompany their children on these visits, if they so wish.

Similarly, we frequently invite visiting speakers and entertainers into school. These visits are always linked into work in which the children are currently involved.

Field Work

We provide the opportunity for children to participate in a residential experience. For 2005 / 2006 we arranged for Year 5 to stay Porthpean Outdoor Education Centre at St. Austell where they took part in water based activities eg. sailing and canoeing as well as walking, basic rock climbing and abseiling. In 2006 our Year 6 children stayed on the Isles of Scilly for four nights. They slept under canvas and took part in a wonderful range of activities as well as taking part in a sporting tournament with local schools.
This visit is an extremely valuable experience and provides the children with
opportunities to experience activities we are unable to carry out at school and learn how to work effectively with other people. The staff at Porthpean and on the Isles of Scilly are excellent and the children are always working in the safest possible environment.


Charging - Remission Policy

The School Governing Body has determined the following policy.

For activities during school time, including visits from outside speakers, workshops or visits by the children to places of educational interest, no charge will be made, but voluntary contributions will be invited. Parents will be informed of the amount of money required. However, no child will be placed at a disadvantage because of a parent's unwillingness or inability to pay. If, as a direct consequence of a number of parents not paying, the voluntary contributions received do not meet a level necessary to cover the costs of the activity/event, it may be cancelled and all monies returned.

The school quite naturally looks to the continued support of parents in this matter, thus enabling such worthwhile visits and activities to continue. Back to top