Please refer to the attachment below for the printable version which includes pictures:

 Welcome to

School Year 2023 – 2024

CONTENTS

GENERAL INFORMATION

Strategic Vision

Our school is:

a safe, supportive, stimulating learning environment;

a team of respectful, tolerant, open minded citizens;

a community where everyone aspires to be the very best they can be;

a community of resilient, lifelong learners;

a centre of excellence where all achieve success

Welcome to

ARBORETUM PRIMARY SCHOOL

It is with great pleasure that I welcome you to Arboretum Primary School.

Arboretum is a happy place to be.  Our school is full of laughter, care and love; where each child is respected as the unique individual that they are. 

At Arboretum we underpin all of our work with the school’s values of ‘Ready, Respectful and Safe’. 

We aim to provide a safe, happy and healthy environment in which all children are encouraged to be creative, confident and enquiring individuals. We want our children to be successful, to love learning and to move onto the next stage of their education with the skills, knowledge and understanding that will enable them to thrive. We have high expectations of our children, we will expect and support them to ‘Reach for the Stars’.

At Arboretum we recognise you as the primary educator of your child and we look forward to working with you in order to make your child’s time with us as successful as possible.  As a result, we work hard to develop our relationships.  We love learning together and provide lots of opportunities for parents and carers to join us.

We are a proud member of the Derby Diocesan Academy Trust (DDAT) family of schools. 

I hope that this prospectus will give you a flavour of what our school is all about. It will give you a glimpse into the opportunities and experiences that your child will encounter with us.

We welcome visits and feel that this is a very important way for you to find out more about us. I hope that you will come and see our school for yourself and ask any questions you may have.

Mrs Helen Phillips

Headteacher

OUR SCHOOL

Arboretum Primary School is a happy and inclusive school, with a rich and diverse community. We are situated in the heart of Normanton, in the city of Derby. 

There are 38 languages spoken within our school!  We are very fortunate to have extensive grounds which provide a calm oasis for our children and families.

We are a large primary school with 643 pupils on roll.  We have 75 children per year group in Reception and Key Stage 1, with 77 children per year in Key Stage 2.  In addition we have a 32 place unit for two year olds and a 78 place nursery that offers 15 hours per week to children who are three and four years old.

Arboretum Primary is a proud member of the Derby Diocesan Academy Trust family of schools. We value the opportunities this provides for our pupils to develop their knowledge and skills within the wider curriculum. Sharing the Trust values, we firmly believe that pupils get one chance at their education and that is why our pupils always come first. Every decision we make has our children at the centre.

ADMISSIONS

Two Year Olds Nursery

We have a 32 place unit positioned near the front entrance.  We can take up to sixteen children for either the morning or afternoon sessions who meet the Government’s criteria for funding. Places are allocated according to the Admissions Policy. 

Please note that a place in the unit does not guarantee a place in the main school, although we aim to provide a place in our Three Year Old Nursery within a term.  An application will need to be made to join both nursery and the main school.

Three Year Olds Nursery

We have a 78 place nursery set within the Early Years area of school.  We can take up to 39 children for either the morning or afternoon sessions.  There is a waiting list and places are allocated according to the Admissions Policy.  Children’s names can be placed on the waiting list at any time.

Please note that a place in the nursery does not guarantee a place in the main school.  An application will need to be made to Derby City Council to join the main school.

‘There is a strong culture of belonging at Arboretum Primary School’ – OFSTED 2023

‘Pupils, including those with Special Educational Needs and/or disabilities (SEND), know they are valued and cared for'' – OFSTED 2023

‘Staff and Leaders take time to know pupils and their families and make them feel welcome’ – OFSTED 2023

‘Pupils with SEND are loved and cherished in the school’

‘Pupils are respectful and kind to each other’

‘Children in the Early Years form trusting bonds with the adults who care for them’

‘Pupils feel safe in school’

THE SCHOOL

All applications to join our school need to be made through the Local Authority based at the Council House, Corporation Street, Derby.  The total number of children we expect to have in school is 635 and the planned admission is 75 in all years.

SCHOOL TIMES

               Two and Three year old Nursery

               Morning session                                    8.30am to 11.30am

               Afternoon session                                 12.30pm to 3.30pm

               Reception to Year 6

               Registration                                          8.55am

               End of school                                       3.15pm

LUNCHTIMES:

               Reception - 11.30am to 12.25pm

               The Orchard - 11.55am to 12.50pm

               Years 1, 2, 3 and 4 - 11.55am to 12.50pm

               Years 5 & 6 - 12.20pm to 1.15pm

Please ensure that your child arrives at school on time.  In the Early Years Units we ask that you take the time to settle your child into school and remain with them for a few minutes. 

Children in the rest of the school can come into school from 8.45am onwards and can be collected from the classrooms at 3.15pm.  Please do not send your child to school too early.  They should not be on the school premises until 8.45am unless they are attending Breakfast Club which takes place every morning at 8.00am. 

All children must be collected from the school by a responsible adult (over 16 years).  Children must be collected from school promptly at the end of the day.  If they are not collected on time, we may charge for childcare, or report it to the police or social services.

SAFEGUARDING

The Staff and Governors at Arboretum Primary School recognise that they have a duty to ensure arrangements are in place for Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children. All members of the school community (including volunteers and governors) will at all times establish and maintain a safe and stimulating environment; an environment where children feel secure, where children are encouraged to talk to adults they can trust and where children are listened to.

Keeping children safe and protecting them from harm is the most important thing we do as a school. If children are not safe, they cannot flourish, form effective relationships with adults or their peers, or achieve their full potential in life. We therefore take our responsibilities in this area with the utmost seriousness.

Parents should be aware that the school is required to take any reasonable action to ensure the safety of its pupils. In cases where the school has reason to be concerned that a child may be subject to ill treatment, neglect or other forms of abuse, the Headteacher and DSL are obliged to follow the Child Protection Procedures established by the Derby & Derbyshire Safeguarding Children’s Partnership and inform Children’s Social Care of the concern.

All staff and governors are trained in Child Protection and Safeguarding, and this is updated annually. Some senior staff are trained to a higher level; the key roles in the school are:

Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL): Helen Phillips (Headteacher)

Deputy DSL: Tilly Linnecor (SENDCO)

Deputy DSL: Sarah Ferguson (Senior Phase Lead)

In their absence, the following staff are also trained to this level:

Alison Roberts (KS1 Phase Lead)

Roxy Darling (UKS2 Phase Lead)

Amanda Carvell (Pupil Support Officer)

The Lead Governor for Safeguarding is Suzanne Forster

The Chair of Governors is Suzanne Forster

If there are any safeguarding concerns, Mrs Phillips can be contacted during and outside school hours on safeguarding@arboretum.derby.sch.uk.

ABSENCES

It is very important that all children attend school every day

All absences must be accounted for.  Please notify the school of the reason for absence before 9:00am.  Please telephone the school or notify the Attendance Officer (Miss Vargova) via Class Dojo. You may also email on attendance@arboretum.derby.sch.uk

Under new Department for Education guidelines, extended leave is unauthorised. We ask you must complete a leave of absence form in order that we are aware your child is safe.  Please note that your child’s name may be removed from the school register or you may be fined for taking your child out of school during term time.

If your child has a medical appointment which cannot be re-arranged for after school, we need to see medical appointment cards or letters before the appointment date so your child can have an authorised absence.

If your child has had vomiting or diarrhoea, they will normally need be kept at home for 48 hours.

When children become ill during the day or suffer as a result of an injury in school we will do our best to contact a parent/carer. For this reason please ensure we have up to date numbers for all contacts.   Emergency cases will be taken to hospital immediately.

MEDICINES IN SCHOOL

Children should not bring any medicines into school.  Any prescription medicines should be given at home when possible and local doctors prescribe to make this possible.

In exceptional circumstances, if medication needs to be given at school then it must be taken to the office, where a form must be filled in.

If your child has a particular medical condition, please inform the school. Regular medication e.g. adrenaline pens and inhalers must be clearly labelled with your child’s name and taken to the office, where a consent form will need to be completed. 

Medicals for children are sometimes held in school by School Health; the school nurse also visits regularly.  You will always be told when medicals are to take place and be invited to be present.  If you would like to see the school nurse, please ask in school, we may be able to arrange an appointment.

PARENTS IN SCHOOL

We welcome parents and carers to visit our school.  It is good for the children to know that we are working together and that you are interested in the school.

There will be opportunities during the school year to join us for special events, assemblies, productions, sporting events, picnics, open evenings, and fund raising events.  We also hold regular information sessions and drop-ins for you to learn more about your child’s education.

We welcome parent volunteers to work in school, in the classrooms or on trips.  Regular volunteers will need to undergo safeguarding checks including a DBS check.

We will always contact parents and carers immediately if we are concerned about any aspect of their child’s welfare, progress or behaviour and we hope that parents will let us know of any problems or worries their child has which might affect them in school.

Staff will always try to be available to see parents immediately, but it may be necessary to arrange an appointment on some occasions. A senior member of staff is available to see parents on most days.

A Home School Agreement will be shared with all parents and children upon entry to the school.  Parents are asked to sign the agreement.

PERSONAL BELONGINGS

All personal belongings should be clearly marked with the child’s name.

Parents should note that the school cannot accept liability for the loss of or damage to personal property.  Please do not allow your children to bring expensive or sentimental items into school.

We encourage children to cycle to school, and we have a cycle shed where bicycles can be left during the day.  However, we cannot accept liability for any loss, and recommend that all bicycles are locked when left on the school premises.  Children should wear a cycle helmet at all times when riding to school.

SCHOOL CLOTHING

Our dress code has been introduced to encourage children’s pride in their appearance and to increase their feeling of belonging to our school. We offer sweatshirts and cardigans with the school logo, but these are optional and all items of uniform can be purchased from high street retailers or supermarkets.

 Please note that we expect all our children to have natural coloured hair, without any shaved patterns.  All children, including nursery, should come to school dressed in accordance with the code below:

Sweatshirts and cardigans with the school logo can be purchased from the school office.  All can be ordered online via the ScoPay App.

Shoes - these should be of a traditional nature with heels no greater than 2cm. For health and safety reasons flip flops, sandals, backless shoes and heels higher than 2cm are not allowed.  Plain black trainers are allowed.

Jewellery - the wearing of jewellery (unless of special religious significance) is not allowed, with the exception of a single pair of stud earrings, and a watch.  Earrings must be removed for PE, so it is recommended that if you wish to have your child’s ears pierced it is done at the beginning of the six week holiday to allow time for them to heal.

We may telephone parents of children wearing unsuitable clothing to ask for appropriate clothes to be brought to school for children to wear.

Please note: denim and trainers with colours and patterns are not to be worn. 

All children need to bring a coat to school when the weather is cold for playtimes and outdoor activities.

Please make sure that all clothes are labelled.  Book bags are available at £4.95

PHYSICAL EDUCATION

All children take part in PE lessons and they should come to school in their PE kit on the days they have PE/Games lessons. Earrings/studs should not be worn on PE days.  Long hair should be tied back.

No jewellery should be worn for any type of P.E.

SUNHATS - It is recommended that all children wear a suitable protective sunhat in the summer.  We also encourage you to apply sun cream to children before they come to school on sunny, summer days. 

SCHOOL FOOD

Meals are cooked in the school kitchen and eaten in the school hall. There is a choice of meals to suit all diets, including Halal meat and vegetarian options.  The cost of a school meal is £2.00 per day or £10.00 per week. You are able to pay online for school dinners using the Scopay app – please see the office staff for information about how to set this up. Information is also available on our school website.

If you still want to pay in cash then payment for meals should be put in to a named envelope with the class number on too and paid at the start of each week.

If you feel your child is entitled to a free school meal please ask at the school office.

Allergen information on all food provided by the school is listed on the menus which are available on the school website.  Please ensure that the school has been notified of any food allergies that your child has. The school cannot be responsible for allergen information for food that has been prepared outside of the school and brought in for consumption by pupils or staff.

Packed lunches should be brought in by the children at 8.45 am.  Sweets should not be brought into school unless they are to be handed to the teacher to be shared for a special occasion.  All children are provided with free fruit.

As we have pupils with a nut allergy we do not allow nuts or food containing nuts in school.

Your child should bring their own water bottle to school. Chilled water is available throughout the day from water dispensers.

THE CURRICULUM

At Arboretum Primary School, every member of staff is committed to giving our children the best possible education. We know that children only get one chance, therefore in line with our trust vision; we want our children and young people to be able to ‘experience life in all its fullness’. (taken from John 10:10)

Our aim is for every child to be successful, enjoy learning and be suitably equipped to move on to secondary school with the skills, knowledge and understanding that will enable them to thrive as effective citizens of the 21st century. We want to build the foundations for learning which in turn make our children enthusiastic, life-long learners.  We aim to give them the skills and knowledge that will open doors to their future educational and life success. We want our children to be responsible, independent and caring; resilient and honest with a personal ambition and drive to aspire to do their very best. 

We acknowledge that the school curriculum incorporates all experiences that we offer to the children. As a result, we evaluate our school curriculum regularly to ensure that it continues to meet the developing needs of our children and community. Our curriculum defines what we want our children to experience, know and be able to do by the time they leave our school. We call this the ‘Arboretum promise’.

Our curriculum has, at its core, the National Curriculum. We believe that an exciting, engaging, and effective curriculum is essential to enable high quality teaching and learning to take place. We have designed our curriculum to ensure that it is based around the development of progressive knowledge and skills, leading ultimately to understanding. This design ensures concepts become embedded in children’s long term memory, enabling them to know more, do more and remember more, whilst applying this across the curriculum. Our design allows for cross-curricular teaching, as we believe that this ensures that the content is relevant to our pupils, enabling them to put their knowledge into context. 

Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage follow topics that address the requirements of the EYFS Curriculum, and enable all children to make progress across the three Prime Areas of Learning and four Specific Areas of Learning. In Reception, the children engage in a structured phonics approach, Read Write Inc, which enables them to develop early reading and writing skills. Our EYFS curriculum has a strong focus on the basic skills of reading, writing and maths, as we know that children must have a good grasp of these skills in order to make progress across the wider curriculum and as they move through to KS1.

Children in KS1 continue to develop phonological awareness through our Read, Write Inc provision.  Those pupils in KS2 who are new to the country or not proficient in these skills, continue to receive this important provision.  We are set according to stage, not age. 

RELIGIOUS EDUCATION AND COLLECTIVE WORSHIP

Religious Education at the school follows the agreed Derby syllabus, which is non-denominational and multi-faith in character.

We acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of faiths in Britain today and offer assemblies sympathetic to this.

Parents who wish to exercise their right to withdraw their child from religious activities are asked to make an appointment to see the Head Teacher.

RELATIONSHIPS AND HEALTH EDUCATION

Relationships and health education focusses on giving pupils the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about their wellbeing, health and relationships, and to build their self-efficacy.

Health education focusses on equipping pupils with the knowledge they need to make good decisions about their own health and wellbeing. We understand our responsibility to deliver a high-quality, age-appropriate relationship and health curriculum for all our pupils.

SPECIAL NEEDS

For children who are experiencing difficulties with their work or behaviour we offer extra support as required.  We will work very closely with you to ensure any difficulties are overcome simply and quickly.  We may wish to place your child on the special needs register to help us to meet your child’s needs.  We will always talk to you first about this and what it will involve.

LOOKED AFTER CHILDREN

Arboretum Primary School recognises its responsibility as corporate parent and wishes to promote and support the education of our looked after children and young people; asking the question ‘Would this service be good enough for my child?’

Key principles of the policy on the Education of Looked after Children:

• A permanent commitment to meeting the educational needs of looked after children.

• Participation of young people in decisions about their education.

• A commitment to effective communication and to working in partnership across all agencies to support the education of looked after children, through the development and use of joint working practices and protocols for sharing information.

• A commitment to work in partnership with outside agencies including the Health Service, Social Services, other local authorities and educational establishments and the voluntary sector to improve educational outcomes.

DATA PROTECTION

Basic information about children is kept in school on computer, in line with the Data Protection Act 2018.  The academy trust is registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office and there are restrictions placed on the school in regard to who we can give information to.  Links to the DDAT Privacy Notices can be found on the school website.

BEHAVIOUR AND DISCIPLINE

Good behaviour is vital for a school to provide an atmosphere in which teaching and learning are successful.  The school has a Behaviour Policy.

We take a positive attitude to discipline and have three rules which are followed throughout the school:

                                 Ready

                                 Respectful

                                 Safe

For good work or good behaviour your child will collect ‘dojo’ points. Each class will have a target and when this is reached they will enjoy a treat that they have decided on, for example a themed party.

The class teachers or adults on duty will deal with children who misbehave. Serious misbehaviour is recorded and dealt with by the Head Teacher, Deputy or Senior Phase Leader.  Parents/Carers may be asked to visit the school to discuss any issues.

See the Behaviour Policy for more information.

BREAKFAST CLUB

Breakfast club takes place every morning at 8.00am.  All children are invited to Breakfast Club.  Currently we ask for a 50p donation towards costs, but children who qualify for Pupil Premium do not have to pay.

CHARGES FOR SCHOOL ACTIVITIES

The Governors support the policy that within the resources available education should be free and to that end will use all available funds to the full.

However, there are occasions during the school year when children are taken to events, or places of interest, or when theatre groups and curriculum events visit school.  We may ask for a contribution towards the cost.  No child will be stopped from taking part in a curriculum activity through an inability to pay.  However if the contributions collected do not cover the cost, the school may be forced to cancel the event.

Children who are eligible for Pupil Premium are not required to pay for day trips.

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM

We are committed to providing our children with a range of enrichment opportunities. Our Curriculum is carefully planned to ensure that our children are able to gain life experiences that they might otherwise miss.

We have a good range of after school clubs which enable your child to develop a new talent or interest.

Mr. Malooq organises clubs and activities for the children after school and during the holidays throughout the school year.  After school clubs may include: archery, football, athletics, hockey, rounders, cricket, basketball, multi-games, dance, dodgeball, circuit training and cycling.

Our children also enjoy representing their school as part of our young leader programme. Arboretum believes in developing the whole child.