Inclement Weather Arrangements
Should there be an unexpected closure of the school due to inclement weather or other emergency, a delegated group of parents will be informed of the situation, and it will be possible for you to telephone them for further information. Information is also transmitted via Severn Sound Radio and the school closure website www.gloucestershire.gov.uk/closedschools/.

Visitors to the School
For security reasons all visitors to school must report immediately upon arrival to the school office. There is a Visitors’ Book in the school office where all visitors to the school are expected to sign in and out. All visitors to the school (including parent helpers) have to wear a Visitor’s Badge for the duration of their visit.

Travelling to School
Whilst acknowledging that cycling is an environmentally friendly and healthy means of transport unfortunately we have very limited space in which to store bicycles and other forms of transport. Therefore we would like to limit cycle spaces to those year 6 pupils who have successfully completed their cycling proficiency training. However as part of our Travel Plan, we are hoping to provide more storage space in the near future. If parents wish their child to cycle to school, permission should be sought by writing to the Headteacher.  Cycle helmets must be worn.

Access to the School
Pupils arriving at school from Bouncers Lane are to use the walkway adjacent to the school rather than walk along the drive. The same route should be taken on leaving the premises.

Car Park
The school car park, which is situated at the rear of the school, is for staff use and official visitors only.  Unfortunately we have very little space available for any additional cars. Parents dropping off and picking up children from school are respectfully requested to observe the zig-zag road markings. Parents are asked to take care when walking with their children along the lane as it is used by traffic to access the infant and junior schools.

Disabled Facilities
The school building is equipped with disabled access to all classrooms and the school hall. We also have a disabled toilet.

Key Stage One Education
Most pupils will have attended St Mary’s C of E Infant school. We have a comprehensive induction programme in place during the summer term to ensure that new pupils settle in quickly and happily.

Secondary Education
Parents are free to consider any secondary school in the county. Gloucestershire has state grammar schools and some children are successful in obtaining places through the local authority secondary transfer test papers. Information about secondary options will be provided by the Local Education Authority.

Meals
Hot school meals may be purchased from Edwards and Ward who are the providers.  Lunches have to be ordered and paid for directly on-line using a secure service called Parent Pay. Further information will be given directly to those parents expressing an interest. The school secretary will gladly advise you of your family’s eligibility for free school meals.

Packed Lunches
We encourage healthy eating.  Children may bring a nourishing snack, for the mid-morning break.  We recommend in particular fruit and carrots. Children are not permitted to eat sweets or chew gum during school hours, or on the school premises.

Playtime Snacks
We encourage healthy eating.  Children may bring a nourishing snack, for the mid-morning break.  We recommend in particular fruit and carrots. Children are not permitted to eat sweets or chew gum during school hours, or on the school premises.

Milk
Milk is available to children at morning break, order forms are available from the school office. The school secretary will gladly advise you of your family’s eligibility for free milk.

Ethos and Discipline
The Christian ethos and values of the school underpin pupils’ spiritual, moral, cultural and social development. This is achieved through the curriculum and other activities.

Good discipline is based on respect for known standards and has a high priority in this school.  We emphasise the positive aspects of behaviour with praise and reward as well as applying rules fairly and firmly. Sanctions such as the withdrawal of privileges are used if there is a breakdown of discipline. Parents are informed immediately of any concern.

At a weekly service ‘Merit’ certificates and house points are awarded for good work or good behaviour. In addition to excellence, improvement in work and behaviour is also acknowledged.

As a school community we aim to foster a caring and considerate attitude towards each other, the environment and other cultures.  We view our role as part of a partnership between parent and school, particularly in condemning all forms of anti-social behaviour.

Please see Behaviour and Anti-Bullying Policy on web-site for further detail.

Extra Curricular Activities
Pupils choose the clubs they wish to attend at the beginning of a term from the selection
available to their year group. We aim to allocate places fairly and keep registers to ensure equal
opportunities.
Clubs generally run for 8 weeks, and after school clubs take place from 3.30 – 4.15 pm irrespective of weather.

Clubs which may be on offer throughout the year are as follows:
Football, rugby, netball, hockey, athletics, computers, dance, cookery, rounders, gym, athletics, drama, art, recorder, choir, short tennis and puzzle.

Extended School
We have a popular after school club which operates after school until 5.30 pm. The club caters for children from 7 years of age and is well resourced with a range of recreational equipment. Further information is available from the club leader, Mrs Sue Green, via the school office.

Sex and Relationships Education
The governors have written a policy of sex and relationship education as required by the 1988 Education Act. This policy is available on the school website. All sex and relationship education, whether formal, or informal emphasises moral values and is set in the context of family life. Parents receive notification of all formal sex and relationship education programmes. Parents with concerns about the programme are encouraged to talk to the Head Teacher beforehand.

General Complaints Procedure
The school’s General Complaints Procedures Policy is available from the school office. The emphasis is on communication and discussion. The first point of contact is the Head Teacher and/or the Class Teacher. Governors can be involved if disputes are not resolved.

Charging Policy
The governors have produced a charging policy as required by the 1988 Education Act. This policy is on view at the school and a copy may be obtained if required. No charge is made for materials needed for the curriculum. Voluntary contributions will be requested for swimming and educational visits bearing in mind our policy for Equal Opportunities..

Documents
In line with the Freedom of Information Act 2000 please refer to Prestbury St Mary’s Publication Scheme which is an appendix to this prospectus. There is a small charge for documents which are indicated by £.

Insurance - County Council Cover
It is sometimes assumed that if an accident occurs "at school" then the school and County Council can be held to be responsible and that financial compensation will, therefore, be made. It must, however, be stressed that the liability of the County Council is strictly limited to cases where there is proven evidence of negligence.
In many, and arguably the vast majority of cases, the circumstances of an accident at school will show no evidence of negligence on the part of the Authority or members of the school's staff. Personal accidents outside school, of course have no connection with the Authority and, although there may be recourse to a Third Party, say in the case of a road traffic accident, compensation would again depend upon liability being proved.