Newdigate C of E Endowed Infant School

Facilities

Our spacious school building was opened in 1965. Our experienced and dedicated staff is well qualified to meet the needs of children in their early years of education. Children are grouped in mixed ability classes often with an age span of only 8 months. This is because we have 4 classes for 3 year groups.

Children usually work with their own class teacher but may also work with children of their age group in another class from time to time. The broad and balanced curriculum is carefully structured to meet the needs of different abilities. Depending on the activity, children may work as a class, in a group or individually.

We are an inclusive school and our aim is to provide equal opportunities for all children. It is our policy to ensure that pupils with physical disabilities or special educational needs are not treated less favourably than others.

Accommodation

The school building consists of 4 Class Bases, a Hall, an open plan Library, an annexe for group work, plus the usual administration areas. Newdigate Pre-school, which caters for children from 2½ to 4 years, occupies a self contained bungalow in our grounds. We work very closely with pre-school and their leader, Mrs Trish Morbey, welcomes visits from prospective parents. Outside there is a playground with an attached ‘Quiet Area’ which caters for outdoor activities, a play area for the Reception Class, a field, a heated swimming pool and an award winning environmental area with a pond.

Our accessibility plan takes into consideration plans for future modifications to increase access for pupils with disabilities. We have a commitment to considering pupils with disabilities when making modifications to our buildings. Recent examples include fitting a disabled toilet, making colour schemes appropriate for the visually impaired, including handrails on steps (where ramps were not possible).

Admissions

Children are offered a place in the September of the academic year in which they will become five years old. In line with government legislation classes do not exceed thirty and are kept as small as possible. Children whose birthdays fall between January and August have the opportunity of part-time attendance for one term. Admissions Policy

Attendance and Punctuality

By law children must attend school when it is in session unless they are unwell. At the Governors’ discretion they may be away with their parents for no more than 2 weeks annual holiday. If your child is ill, please telephone and inform us immediately. If this is not possible, please send a letter on their return to school. A form is available from the office to request holiday absence.

Please inform teachers in advance of any absences due to medical appointments.

If we are not notified about a child’s absence it has to be recorded in the register as unauthorised. In the academic year 2008/2009 unauthorised absences amounted to 0.0%.

Please bring and collect children punctually to save unnecessary upset or worry. Children are welcomed into their classrooms after 08.50 and registration is at 09.00. School ends at 15.10.

Child Protection

We are committed to safeguarding children. We have a number of procedures and policies to ensure protection of children and a secure environment.