WELCOME TO ASHFORD SOUTH CP SCHOOL

At Ashford South CP School we aim to create a caring community within which, children and staff can work together, in a stimulating and enjoyable environment, to reach their full potential.


“Learning Together”

OUR SCHOOL

Built in the 1930’s, the School’s extensive playing fields and large playground facilitate many curriculum, sporting and play activities.

Our courtyard provides an enclosed space for children to relax and enjoy the all-weather play equipment. Our Reception classes all have access to this courtyard during the day which greatly enhances the learning opportunities for them.

The School has 10 classes which are currently organised into Year Teams, each having two classes. Classes have an absolute maximum of 30 pupils, each class having a dedicated Learning Support Assistant in addition to the Classroom Teacher.

We have a large central hall, a library, meeting room, Learning Mentor’s room, an SEN room, ICT Suite and Community Room.

A secure entry system is in operation on the front door and all parents and visitors are required to enter the building by this door.
For pupils added security, we have recently installed CCTV cameras. Access to the school grounds during the school hours is via the main gate only.

The School is a member of the Ashford Excellence Cluster, has been identified as a Healthy School and has just achieved the Investors in People Recognition.

SCHOOL AIMS

- To provide a safe, happy and stimulating learning environment for all children.

- To provide a balanced curriculum that allows children to develop fully.

- To encourage children to develop lively, enquiring minds with the ability to question and argue rationally.

- To encourage the development of good citizenship by active involvement in the life of the school, neighbourhood and wider community.

- To instil in the children a high level of self esteem and confidence in their own worth.

- To develop sound, purposeful home school links based on mutual trust and understanding.

- To instil respect and value of other religions, races, ethnic groups, gender and ways of life.

- To develop a caring and responsible attitude, welcoming diversity and rejecting discrimination of any kind.

- To encourage pupils to apply themselves and make the most of every opportunity offered to them.


THE ETHOS OF ASHFORD SOUTH

The ethos reflects the values and attitudes that characterise our school community, the atmosphere within the school, the quality of relationships and the way in which the school helps to deal with difficulties.
At Ashford South we aim for our children to grow and develop in an environment where they are cared for, listened to and respected whilst being given secure and firm boundaries.
The children are encouraged to uphold these values:

- Telling the truth

- Keeping promises

- Respecting the rights and property of others

- Acting considerately towards others

- Helping those less fortunate and weaker than themselves

- Taking responsibility for their actions

- Self discipline

In order to achieve the School’s aims, children are taught a broad and balanced curriculum covering all areas of the National Curriculum. All our curriculum policies and schemes are available for parents to view upon contacting the School Office. The curriculum comprises:

Core subjects: English, Mathematics, Science and ICT.
Foundation subjects: Art, Design Technology, Geography, History, Music and PE.
Religious Education: This is a statutory requirement for all pupils (except where parents request otherwise) and is taught according to the Kent Agreed Syllabus. The syllabus is Christian and non-denominational and provides a set of principles upon which religious teaching should be based. Parents who do not wish their child to be taught the Agreed Syllabus or take part in acts of worship on the grounds of personal belief, should contact the Headteacher.

SPECIAL NEEDS

The School has a positive attitude towards supporting children with Special Needs. Children experiencing learning difficulties are given learning programmes to help meet their special needs. Parents who are concerned about their child’s progress should, in the first instance, contact the class teacher. The Special Needs Co-ordinator is available to discuss parental concerns. If the School has any concerns about a pupil’s progress, parents will be informed.

HOMEWORK

The School follows the suggestions from Ofsted that children may benefit from a follow up or extension of classroom work and it is probable that your child will bring work home.

In addition, all children are expected to read on a regular basis, learn spellings and times tables.

ORGANISATION OF CLASSES

We aim to ensure that each class is a single age group and within each class there is a range of abilities. Pupils within one class will progress at different rates.
The teachers are aware of this and work is geared to the needs of the individual pupils.

The teachers meet with the Deputy Headteacher, on a weekly basis to plan and evaluate to ensure continuity and consistency.

All pupils are offered the opportunity to join a variety of clubs and activities which take place either during lunch time or after school. These activities are organised voluntarily by school staff in addition to their normal commitments.

Pupils taking part in these activities will bring home a form which will need to be signed and returned to school. The form will give information about the day and time of the club.

If after school clubs need to be cancelled, pupils will be informed or a notice will be put outside the School.

There is a school uniform which all pupils are expected to wear. The wearing of uniform helps the children to take pride in their school. Sweatshirts can be obtained from the School Office.

Boys:
- Grey or black trousers (tailored shorts in Summer if required)

- White or blue shirt with collar

- Royal blue sweatshirt ~ available from the School Office

- Black shoes NOT TRAINERS


Girls:
- Grey or black skirt or trousers

- White or blue shirt with collar

- Royal blue sweatshirt or cardigan

- Black shoes NOT TRAINERS

- Blue and white gingham summer dress


Pupils are encouraged to wear hats during the Summer Term as there is a lack of shade on the school playground and field.

PE/Sports Kit:
- Plain white t-shirt

- Blue shorts

- Plimsolls for indoor use

- Trainers for outdoor/field use

- Tracksuit or suitable clothing for winter


These items should be kept in a bag which can be hung from your child’s peg.
All clothing, including coats and shoes, should be clearly labelled with your child’s name and class.