Information for Parents

Admissions Policy
For admissions in September 2007 the policy which has been approved by the Governors
and the LEA can be obtained from the school office and from the Oxfordshire County Council website.

Appleton School caters for children in the age range 4 to 11 years. Half day places are
offered to children until the term of their fifth birthday. Children whose fifth birthday falls on or before 31 st December may start full time at the beginning of the autumn term; children whose fifth birthday falls on or before 31st March start full time at the beginning of the spring term; children whose birthday falls on or before 31 st August may start full time at the beginning of the summer term.

The standard admission number is 18 pupils for Key Stage 1 and 16 in Key Stage 2. For admissions form September 2008 the standard admission numbers are increasing to 20 in both Key Stages.

If there are insufficient places resulting in a child being refused entry, parents are entitled to appeal against the Governors’ decision and attend an Appeal Hearing organised by the Diocesan Appeals Panel.

School Uniform
We encourage the children to wear school uniform which is as follows:

• Grey trousers or skirt with a white shirt or blouse and green or grey Appleton School sweatshirt.
• Year 6 pupils have the privilege of wearing black trousers.
• If girls wish to wear a summer dress, this should be green or yellow check. (Many of the main department stores have appropriate summer dresses).
• White polo shirts and T shirts with the Appleton School logo are available from the school.
• Jewellery, except for watches, is not permitted.

Each child will also need:
1 drawstring bag
1 pair gym shoes or trainers
1 white T shirt
1 pair of white shorts
1 reading wallet (available from the school office)

The children will need a pair of indoor shoes. All clothing and equipment needs to be clearly marked.

Pre-school Liaison/Induction
Appleton School admits children from the September of the year in which they will become 5 years old. As part of your child’s induction, you will be informed about a series of pre-school visits, parent consultations, and a new parents meeting. The school works closely with the Appleton Pre-School to ensure a smooth transition.The school also holds meetings at the beginning of the school year for parents in each class to discuss the curriculum and class routines.

Behaviour and Discipline
A pre-requisite for effective learning is a good school environment. Discipline plays an important part in the learning process and we seek to encourage each child to develop their own self-discipline. A vital part of a child’s education is his/her training to take part in society. We encourage children to be tolerant and considerate towards others. Courtesy and honesty are of paramount importance. We rely on parental co-operation in our approach to discipline in the school, so that children understand the difference between ‘normal’ and ‘unacceptable’ behaviour. A school behaviour contract is agreed by all pupils at the start of each school year.

We put great emphasis upon rewarding effort and achievement in all aspects of school life and this is celebrated both in the class and as a whole school.

Unacceptable behaviour is normally addressed by means of sanctions and is usually carried out by the child’s own teacher. In certain cases, a matter may be referred to the Head teacher who may well refer the matter to the child’s parents.

School Meals
The school has ‘Healthy School Award’ status. All meals are cooked on the premises using fresh, healthy ingredients. If your child is in need of a special diet, please let us know as soon as possible, so that he/she can be catered for. If you wish your child to have a school lunch, payment should be made weekly or half-termly in advance by cash or cheque - payable to Oxfordshire County Council. The price of a school meal may change at the beginning of a term. Information about current charges is available from the school office.

Mid-Morning Snack
The school promotes a Healthy Eating policy. We do not like children to bring sweets or crisps. Children in the Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 will be provided with fresh fruit or vegetables each morning.