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School Policy

CHARGING AND REMISSION POLICY

Under the 1988 Education Reform Act, the Governing Body is required to publish its policy in relation to charging for school activities. Our governors have resolved that parents should be charged at full cost for optional extras, whilst allowing the Headteacher discretionary powers to provide a subsidy from school funds in appropriate cases.

Parents will also be charged, or required to supply materials for Design Technology where they have indicated, in advance, a wish to own the finished product.

CHILD PROTECTION POLICY

All schools have a clear responsibility placed on them by the Children Act 1989 and by guidance from the Department for Education and Skills to safeguard the welfare of all their pupils. In doing so, schools are expected to consult with Childrens Schools and Families (CSF) if they believe there is a possibility that a child may be suffering from abuse or neglect. A referral to Childrens Schools and Families is not intended to be an accusation of any particular action or against any particular person. It is the reporting of concerns which have come to the school�s attention. This is in accordance with Hertfordshire Child Protection Procedures. Barnwell School has a Child Protection Policy and a copy of Hertfordshire Child Protection Procedures, both of which are available for parents / carers to see.

The designated teacher for Child Protection is Ms Lalis (Deputy Head). She will be happy to discuss any questions or concerns parents / carers may have about Child Protection.

SANCTIONS

We want the best for each student and we work hard to promote personal responsibility for appropriate behaviour, high quality work and successful personal development.

We do not tolerate negative behaviour and students are dealt with using a series of strategies and sanctions that escalate in seriousness over a period of time. We work closely with parents to modify and improve students� behaviour.

A detention is one of several strategies used. A detention is issued verbally to a student and a detention slip is sent home explaining the seriousness with a date set seven days from the date of the offence.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Each student is considered to be an individual with unique needs and the issues of equality are central to the education provision at Barnwell. Support through our pastoral system and Citizenship programme assists pupils in establishing themselves as valued individuals in our society. Support for learning opportunities is provided throughout the school and we constantly refine our curriculum in order to maximise the opportunities for each student. The full policy can be obtained at the school office.

EXAMINATIONS ENTRY POLICY

All pupils are entered for examinations appropriate to their ability. Although we have an open policy on examination entries, pupils are not entered unless they have completed the necessary coursework.

On occasions pupils may not sit an examination because they have special educational needs and an examination cannot be found which will provide them with a positive result.

HEALTH EDUCATION POLICY

At Barnwell we seek to ensure that each pupil is equipped to take up their place in society as a healthy, enlightened person, who can enter into testing and meaningful relationships with others, by providing them with the necessary information to be able to make informed choices. The programme is delivered by cross curricular means, utilising the skills of outside agencies. Parents are notified by letter when aspects of sex education are covered.

The areas covered are:

  • Self esteem and social skills
  • Personal health: fitness, nutrition, first aid, personal hygiene
  • Sex education, HIV, AIDs and STDs
  • Substance use and abuse
  • Safety: road, home, emergency services

Prescribed medicines should be placed in the school office and taken in the presence of our qualified first aider, Mrs Herridge. Inhalers should also be registered - students then carry their own, leaving a spare in the office. The school should be notified of any medical conditions that may affect progress or well-being.

SEX EDUCATION & RELATIONSHIPS POLICY

Sex education is part of the overall provision of personal and social education in the school. It is concerned not only with the knowledge of facts but also with the development of attitudes and values. It is about relating to other people, respecting the rights and feelings of others and about developing responsible and caring relationships.

The school provides a sound framework of understanding of the subject and correct misconceptions; believing that sex education is vital, when handled sensitively, in aiding the development of a happy and fulfilling adult life.

Parents have the right to withdraw their children from sex education lessons which are not part of the National Curriculum. The Head of Citizenship, Ms Sondhi, can be contacted by parents who have any concerns about sex education.