East Hanningfield Church of England (Controlled) Primary School is a county, co-educational village primary school for children aged 4-11 years within the Diocese of Chelmsford. The log books go back to the school's foundation in 1876 but the current school was built in 1972 and extended in 2007. The four generously sized classrooms form part of the main building. Other facilities include a library, pottery kiln, interactive boards in every class, a main hall, school kitchen and a covered heated swimming pool. The grounds include a playing field, a conservation area, play equipment, patio area, gardens, orchard, netball court and separate early years play area.

We have high expectations of everyone who is involved in our school. Pupils, parents, teachers, support staff and governors work in partnership to achieve the best possible standards in all areas of school life.

Every child is important to us and each one has an equal right to an education of quality. We try to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere so that everyone who joins us quickly feels a valued member of our school community.

Our aim is to foster each child's unique potential, to develop a responsible child with a positive self image, who takes pleasure in learning and makes the most of personal gifts and abilities.

In Essex every learner is entitled to a curriculum rich and inspiring, which enables every individual to fulfil his or her potential to the highest possible standard so that all, for the benefit of all, are able to shape their destinies and create a better world. (Essex Curriculum Policy Statement)

In East Hanningfield Primary School we aim to foster each child's unique potential and help them to make the most of their various gifts and abilities.

EAST HANNINGFIELD C of E PRIMARY SCHOOL CARES

C. We adopt a child centred approach to learning and take advantage of cross-curricular links in the national curriculum. All staff quickly get to know your child in this small primary school and can fully consider personal needs. Home and school maintain a constructive, co-operative partnership, as this is best for your child. We take your concerns seriously. We celebrate all forms of success as this builds self-esteem and community.

A. We have high aims. We will give your child the opportunity to achieve in a wide variety of ways. We assess the progress your child makes to inform our teaching and enhance your child's attainment.

R. Three rights and responsibilities underpin our behaviour policy. Everyone has the right to feel safe, the right to respect and the right to learn (or teach). Everyone has the responsibility to ensure that everyone feels safe, respected and able to learn. These are discussed at the beginning of each year and each class agrees routines and rules appropriate for the age of the children. Respect is an entitlement irrespective of social background, culture, religion, race, gender, ability or disability.

E. We aim to be an efficient, effective, energetic and enthusiastic school. Here everyone is special and encouraged to extend their potential. Excellence and effort are celebrated.

S. The school environment is safe yet stimulating to enhance your child's learning and social skills. We provide a sound foundation for future development.

In the foundation stage there are six areas of study:

• Personal, social and emotional development
• Communication, language and literacy
• Mathematical development
• Knowledge and understanding of the world
• Physical Development
• Creative Development

These link to the following National Curriculum Subjects:

Core subjects: Mathematics, English, Science, Information & Communication Technology.

Foundation subjects: Geography, History, Design and Technology, Physical Education, Music, Art and Design.

Other subjects: Religious Education, Citizenship, Personal Social Health Education, Modern Foreign Languages.

Teaching the Curriculum is supported by DfES guidelines, DfES Primary   strategies, the QCA documents, published materials, policies and Schemes of Work.

English

Our work in this subject area aims to provide a firm foundation of skills which pupils employ in all subject areas and encourages an appreciation of all aspects of language for its own sake.

Speaking and listening skills are developed through a variety of activities, including role-play, games, story telling, choral speaking, discussion, assembly, performances, Circle Time and School Council.

Great emphasis is placed on the acquisition of reading skills and this is supported by a wide range of reading materials throughout the school. Class shared reading, Early Reading Research programme (ERR), small group reading and individual reading enables pupils to learn to recognise, understand and enjoy the written word with increasing competence. Parents are actively encouraged to support their child's reading development in partnership with the school and regular contact is maintained through the weekly home/school diaries. A clear joined style of handwriting is taught from the first year in school.

Spelling is taught systematically, initially using the phonics based ERR programme and later through a variety of strategies, including "Look, Say, Cover, Write and Check" method.

Children are taught to write in varied styles, for a range purposes and audiences. Opportunities to practise these skills are built into the wider curriculum to develop confidence and fluency.

Mathematics

Our teaching follows the Primary Strategy. We place emphasis on the use of practical activities to introduce and develop mathematical concepts. We encourage a flexible approach to both mental and written calculations and problem solving is given a high priority. Time is also devoted in maths teaching to the understanding of shape and space, the use of measurement and understanding and interpretation.

Science

In science children develop the range of skills needed to carry out accurate scientific investigations. Wherever possible the learning takes place through practical activities. The children are taught to plan and carry out their own investigations and to present their findings in a variety of ways. The school grounds, wildlife area and pond can be used in the study of habitats and living things. Aspects of physical sciences, materials and human health and growth also form part of the science curriculum.

ICT

Pupils are taught to use ICT software to support their learning. Information and Communication Technology (ICT). All classes are timetabled to use the computer suite and a half class set of laptops. Interactive boards are an important teaching aid in every classroom and ensure that high quality ICT resources are used across the curriculum. The school has a website which is available at www.easthanningfield.essex.sch.uk

Art and Design

Art and design skills are taught, but their use is frequently linked to other curriculum areas. Pupils use colour, form, texture, pattern and different materials and processes to communicate what they see, feel and think. They explore ideas and meanings in the work of artists, crafts people and designers.

Design and Technology

This subject calls for pupils to become creative problem solvers, as individuals and members of a team. It is an opportunity for applying knowledge, frequently scientific knowledge, for example to power a buggy, in a practical way. They also have the opportunity to analyse and evaluate manufactured designs.

Geography

In geography pupils develop their knowledge of places and environments throughout the world and an understanding of maps.They learn how people adapt to their environment and how human behaviour alters the environment. The subject includes issues of sustainable development.

History

Pupils find out what past societies were like, how they were organised, the beliefs and cultures that influenced the society and how past societies influence us today. Pupils develop a chronological framework for their knowledge of significant events and people.

Physical Education

The physical education curriculum includes dance, games, gymnastics, swimming and athletics. The extended school journey provides our oldest children with additional outdoor adventurous activities. Pupils develop physical competence and confidence. Exercise develops energy for everything else. During the Summer Term and the first half of the Autumn term all pupils have swimming lessons. Parents are asked to make a voluntary contribution towards the cost of running the pool.

Music

Music is a unique form of education that can change the way people feel, think and act. Children are introduced to a variety of musical styles, through listening, performing and composing. They have opportunities to join larger choirs in Infant and Junior Music Festivals. Individual music tuition can be arranged through school.

Citizenship / Personal, Social, Health Education (PSHE)

The school takes part in initiatives, e.g. Healthy Schools, Safer Journeys to School and Crucial Crew, which focus attention on this area of the curriculum. Circle Time structure encourages the understanding of fairness, and promotes positive behaviour through games and discussion. Pupils are encouraged to explore issues of personal or wider ethical concern during class circle times. We have a School Council, which has members elected from every class and is chaired and minuted by Year 6 pupils. The Headteacher is in attendance. Children control the agenda and can make suggestions that are passed to the staff for approval or explained rejection, sometimes with an alternative possibility to move the idea forward. Each year, our eldest pupils research charities they wish the school to support. They present those they favour to the school in an assembly and every member of the school community has a vote. The winner becomes the School Charity of the Year. Through the School Council, children decide how they will raise money for their chosen charity.

Religious Education

Religious Education is taught in accordance with the Essex Agreed Syllabus. Whilst our work is predominantly Christian, we also provide opportunities for children to learn about other major religions of the world.

Collective Worship

An act of Collective Worship takes place each day and children are expected to attend unless parents have written to the school to withdraw their child from Collective Worship and R.E. The Headteacher, teachers, children, invited visitors and the vicar all contribute to our worship.

Sex Education

The sex education programme is offered as part of a broadly based programme of health education. A formal programme is taught annually to Year 5 and Year 6 pupils. Provision is made for single gender follow-up discussion. Parents have the opportunity to view this material in advance and may withdraw their children from any part of the sex education programme, other than those elements required under the National Curriculum orders.

Modern Foreign Languages

To enhance understanding of other European cultures and to introduce languages that may be studied in greater depth in secondary school we alternate the study of French and Spanish each year. Languages are introduced through song, rhymes and stories in Key Stage 1 and continue in Key Stage 2. Children therefore will learn both French and Spanish for three years.

We actively encourage school uniform which we believe encourages a sense of community and a working atmosphere. The uniform is simple and available from many high street stores. Ties, sweatshirts and sunhats can be purchased from the school office.We ask for your co-operation.

Boys' uniform

• Pale blue polo shirt (Key Stage 1)
• Pale blue tailored shirt and tie (Key Stage 2)
• Navy jumper or school navy sweatshirt
• Mid-grey shorts or trousers
• Grey socks
• Black shoes
• School sunhat

Girls' uniform

• Pale blue polo shirt (Key Stage 1)
• Pale blue tailored shirt and tie (Key Stage 2)
• Navy cardigan or school navy sweatshirt
• Mid-grey pinafore, skirt or trousers
• Light blue gingham (quarter inch) dress
• White socks
• Black shoes or navy sandals (not open-toed)
• School sunhat

PE and Games

• White T-shirt
• Navy shorts
• White socks
• Plimsolls
• Plain trainers (optional for outside games
• Tracksuit (optional)
• In a drawstring, cloth bag.

Swimming

• Trunks (boys)
• Swimsuit (girls)
• Towel
• Swimming hat.
• In a waterproof bag.

Outer clothing should be appropriate to the weather; e.g. Coats, Wellington Boots. Velcro fastenings on shoes are suggested for younger children who may find buckles or laces difficult.School ties, polo shirts, sweatshirts, sunhats, swimming hats and bags can be ordered from the School Office.

All items should be clearly marked with child's name so that teacher and child can identify them.

Jewellery is not allowed in school with the exception of watches and small stud earrings for those with pierced ears.In P.E., for reasons of health and safety, all jewellery must be removed and earrings put into a container with the child's name on.If your child cannot remove his/her jewellery, then please do not send him/her to school wearing such items on the days when P.E. or swimming is timetabled.

Staff will take reasonable precautions to ensure the safe-keeping of such jewellery during P.E., but they cannot personally accept responsibility for the items.