The document provides information about Colmore Junior School including staff, curriculum, special educational needs support, homework policy, and assessment procedures. It describes the school's ethos of providing a caring environment to support children's academic and personal development. It outlines the subjects taught, changes to the curriculum, and responsibilities around religious education and collective worship.

1. Colmore Junior School
School Prospectus
2016/17

2. Contents
Page number Section
1 Staff for 2016-2017
2 Ethos & Values
3
4
The Site
The Junior School
5
6
The Curriculum 2016-17
R.E and Collective Worship
7
8
9
SEND & Equal Opportunities
Homework (& the Home School Agreement)
Assessment and Reporting
10
11
11
School Improvement Plan
Extra-Curricular Activities
The Library
12
13
Pastoral Care & Discipline
Pupil Voice Group
14 Term Dates 2016-2017
15
16
The School Day
Safety of Children
17
18
Communication
Complaints Procedure
19 Colmore PTA
20 Illness, Medicines and Absence
21
21
Child Protection and Safeguarding
Pupil Premium (Disadvantaged) Children
22
22
22
School Meals
School Uniform
Clothing for PE
23 Governing Body
24 Residential Visits
25 Other Documents
26 Appendix i - Use of the Internet Policy
27 Appendix ii - Home School Agreement
29
30
Appendix iii - Charging & Remissions Policy
Appendix iv- Parent and Visitors Code of Conduct
32 Pupil Comments Page

3. STAFF- 2016-17
Executive Head Teacher: Mr J. Gale
Head of School: Mr A. Bradshaw
Deputy Head: Mr G. Hughes
Assistant Head: Mrs S. Harvey
Lead Teachers: Mrs E. Marshall, Mrs S. Hopwood, Miss R. Bond
Year 3
3RM Mrs Roobottom (Team Leader) Mrs McCabe
3H Miss Haddon
3L Miss Landsborough
3C Mr Cotteril
Year 4
4CR Mrs Carlton-Gray/ Ms Rucastle (Team Leaders)
4KT Mrs Khan/ Mrs Thomas
4L Miss Luckhurst
4F Mrs Firth
Year 5
5MS Mrs Mallard (Team Leader) / Mrs Thomas
5D Mr Davies
5C Miss Chana
5B Miss Bond
Year 6
6H Mrs Hopwood (Team Leader)
6R Mr Raine
6T Mr Tipper
6A Mrs Ayub/ Mrs Carlton-Gray (one day)
Mrs. Marshall, and Miss Bond will support Year 5 and 6 English as Lead Teachers.
There will be five members of our creative arts team teaching art, music and dance; Mr G. Hughes, Mr Wiltshire,
Mrs Baker, Mrs S Mapp and Mrs E. Marshall.
Mrs A. Etheridge (Assistant Head at Colmore Infants- seconded for 0.5 per week) will act as an Inclusion Manager
across both schools and Mrs C. Mountford is our SENCO leading targeted interventions (Special Educational
Needs Coordinator)
Mr Williams continues to teach whole school computing and leads pupil premium interventions
Mr Speake, Mr Coley and Mrs Marshall will lead our curriculum sports provision
Office Manger
Finance Assistant
Clerical Assistant
HR Manger
Bursar
Site Manger
Learning Mentors
Mrs. K. Yates
Mrs. O. Sasan
Mrs. S. Smith
Miss J. Dogaru
Mrs. A. Fisher
Mr. S. Smith
Mrs. L. Knight
Mr A Hughes
Teaching Assistants Mrs. J. Brown
Mrs. W. Butler
Mrs. G. Edgington
Mrs. J. Hall
Ms. L. Thomas
Mrs. C. Richardson
Mrs. L. Elsey
Mrs. A. Fox
Mrs. J. Kooner
Mrs. A. Hutt
Miss Cottrell and Mrs K Khan

4. Ethos and Values
At Colmore Junior School we aim to:
- provide a safe and stimulating environment where children feel secure and happy in the
knowledge that they are supported by a caring partnership between parents, teachers and
Governors.
- encourage the children and adults to take a personal pride in themselves, their behaviour, their
achievements and their school.
- encourage everyone to value and respect their own and other cultures.
- promote fairness and high standards of behaviour and discipline, encouraging responsibility, care
and respect for others.
-
Curriculum
- provide a broad, balanced and relevant curriculum embracing the knowledge and skills laid down in
the National Curriculum.
- acknowledge and promote the importance of the Arts and Sport in education.
- establish high standards and continuing progress through schemes of work, team planning, careful
researching, systematic recording and assessment of individual progress.
Personal Development
- enable children to gain the skills to live as independent, self-motivated adults.
- provide the opportunity for all staff to develop and apply their personal expertise and professional
skills.
Environment
- make effective and appropriate use of the internal and external environment of the school.
We acknowledge the wealth of experience and culture each child brings to the school and aim
to ensure equal opportunities by catering for the academic, religious, linguistic, emotional,
physical and psychological needs of all the children so that they can realise their full potential.

5. The Site
The school was built in 1909 and has a rich history. In its time it has been a boy’s school, a mixed junior
school with a senior girls department and it has even been a military hospital in the First World War.
The buildings on the site now house the Junior school, the Infant school and the Nursery. In 2012 we
celebrated the opening of Jubilee Court, a new addition to the site comprising of a super new hall and
four classrooms.
The Colmore schools now have one Executive Head Teacher, but have separate Heads of School and
Staff. We work very closely together to provide Colmore children with continuity and progression in
their educational experience across Key Stages 1 and 2. In January 2013 the Governing Bodies of the
two schools formally federated. There is now one Governing Body that oversees the work of both
Colmore Schools.

6. The Junior School
Colmore Junior School is a Local Authority Community school. It is situated between Colmore Road,
Howard Road and Grove Road and is adjacent to Colmore Infant School.
We are a four form entry school with thirteen classes housed in three buildings. We have approximately
480 children on roll between the ages of seven and eleven. Classes are arranged in year groups which
correspond to Year 3, Year 4, Year 5 and Year 6.
The school has been expanded to accommodate a fourth class in Year 6 from this September 2016.
The admission numbers are set at 120 children in years 3, 4, 5 and 6 although occasionally this number
rises due to successful appeals. Most of our children transfer directly to us from the Infant School. Places
are allocated to other families who apply to the school according to the following criteria:
Priority 1: “Looked After” children or “Children in Care”.
Priority 2: Children with a statement of Special Educational Needs and Disability.
Priority 3: If there is already a brother or sister who will be in the Junior or Infant School.
Priority 4: The distance the family lives from the school.
Once the year group is full, applicants are placed in order on a waiting list according to the above
criteria.
Other Facilities/ Agencies
Before and after school care is provided for up to 75-80 children.
Access to Learning Mentors Leslie Knight, Adam Hughes. Until April we will also have the support of
Malachi an external family support agency.
Weekly “drop-in” session with the school nurse is available on request.

7. The Curriculum 2016-17
In order to achieve our aims, we feel it is essential to have a well-planned and structured curriculum based on
the programmes of study of the National Curriculum. A revised National Curriculum for Primary Schools has been
developed and will be implemented this year. Our School website: www.colmorej.co.uk has a section dedicated
to advertising the content of our new curriculum and if you want to get a head start on learning about topics
then this is an ideal place to look. The subjects we teach are:
Core Subjects English
Mathematics
Science
Religious Education
Foundation subjects History
Geography
Computing
Design Technology
Music
Art
French
Physical Education
We also teach Personal, Social & Health Education (PSHE) and Citizenship. A variety of cross-curricular issues are
addressed which include Growth and Relationship Education, Equal Opportunities and Cultural Issues. In
September 2015 we will launched Our Wider Learning (OWL) sessions to tackle issues facing our young people
today including all aspects of the Equalities Act 2010.
What’s New?
English
 Stronger emphasis on vocabulary development, grammar, punctuation and spelling (for example, the use of commas and
apostrophes will be taught in KS1)
 Handwriting – not currently assessed under the national curriculum – is expected to be fluent, legible and speedy
 Spoken English has a greater emphasis, with children to be taught debating and presenting skills
Maths
 Five-year-olds will be expected to learn to count up to 100 (compared to 20 under the current curriculum) and learn number
bonds to 20 (currently up to 10)
 Simple fractions (1/4 and 1/2) will be taught from KS1, and by the end of primary school, children should be able to convert
decimal fractions to simple fractions (e.g. 0.375 = 3/8)
 By the age of nine, children will be expected to know times tables up to 12x12 (currently 10x10 by the end of primary school)
 Calculators will not be introduced until near the end of KS2, to encourage mental arithmetic
Science
 Strong focus on scientific knowledge and language, rather than understanding the nature and methods of science in abstract
terms
 Evolution will be taught in primary schools for the first time
 Non-core subjects like caring for animals will be replaced by topics like the human circulatory system
D.T
 Afforded greater importance under the new curriculum, setting children on the path to becoming the designers and engineers of
the future. More sophisticated use of design equipment such as electronics and robotics
 In KS2, children will learn about how key events and individuals in design and technology have shaped the world
ICT
 Computing replaces Information and Communication Technology (ICT), with a greater focus on programming rather than on
operating programs
 From age five, children will learn to write and test simple programs, and to organise, store and retrieve data
 From seven, they will be taught to understand computer networks, including the internet
 Internet safety – currently only taught from 11-16 – will be taught in primary schools
Languages
 Currently not statutory, a modern foreign language or ancient language (Latin or Greek) will be mandatory in KS2
 Children will be expected to master basic grammar and accurate pronunciation and to converse, present, read and write in the
language

8. R.E and Collective Worship
At Colmore Junior School we teach the children about aspects of religious education on a daily basis, be it through
explicit R.E lessons or acts of collective worship. Each day the children will take part in some form of worship whether
through a classroom reflection with their class group or in whole school and year group assemblies. Themes for our
assemblies are set each week and reflect the dispositions outlined by Standing Advisory Council on Religious
Education’s (SACRE) Birmingham Agreed Syllabus and also our own “OWL” (Our Wider Learning) themes that are
explicitly linked to the Equality Act. There is a requirement for our assemblies and collective worship for be broadly
Christian in nature and the values that we discuss always reflect this. As an inclusive school we endeavour to appeal
to all faiths. In addition, during the year we visit All Saints Church in Kings Heath to celebrate the Christian festivals of
Easter and Christmas but also visit the Soho Road, Gurdwara and Central Mosque as part of our R.E lessons.
We take our responsibility of educating our children in the positive values of our society and culture seriously and
recognise the importance both R.E lessons and collective worship in developing tolerant and caring adults of the
future.
School Guidance on R.E and Collective Worship
“All maintained schools have a statutory duty to provide daily collective worship for registered pupils (apart from those
who have been withdrawn by their parents). This is usually provided within a daily assembly. Daily collective worship
must be wholly or mainly of a broadly Christian character. The precise nature will depend on the family background,
ages and abilities of the pupils. However, if it is inappropriate for some or all of the pupils to take part in Christian
collective worship, the Headteacher may apply to the local Standing Advisory Council on Religious Education (SACRE)
for a determination to have this requirement lifted.”
Rights to Withdrawal
The law does entitle parents to withdraw their children from some lessons and this includes RE lessons. Requests
for withdrawal from collective worship can also be made where a specific act of worship is taking place. This
includes activities such as Nativity Plays. But for all other activities which are integrated with other national
curriculum subjects then parents do not have the right of withdrawal.
Colmore Junior does of course respect the absolute right of parents to withdraw their children from RE where
this is being taught as a separate subject. Therefore, if you feel that you are unable to accept the approach
outlined, then you will need to submit a request in writing to Mr J Gale, and we will then ensure that
arrangements are made to withdraw your children from these lessons and alternative work will be provided for
them in a safe and secure environment.

9. SEND Equal Opportunities
Provision for Special Education and Disability is made through a whole school approach. We have a
designated teacher who is responsible for all aspects of inclusion. As the Special Educational Needs Co-
ordinator (SENCO) she works closely with learning support assistants, class teachers, children and
parents. There are ten teaching assistants who support staff in literacy and in the lower maths set in
each year group and work with children individually or in small groups on their Individual Education
Plan (IEP). We use the staged process in line with the Code of Practice which follow the guidelines set
out in the Local Education Authority’s Special Educational Needs Handbook. This Year there is a new
code of practice and the Colmore Provision is advertised on the school website: www.colmorej.co.uk
This contains all essential information and links to the Birmingham Local Offer that was launched in
2014-15.
If a child is experiencing consistent learning or behavioural difficulties and it has been decided to place
them on the Code of Practice, an Individual Target Plan (ITP) will be written for them and parents will
be informed by letter. Parents will also be invited to attend reviews. Parental support will always be
sought if it is felt necessary for a child to receive support from one of the teams under Access to
Education. This is likely to involve a specialist teacher from one of the Support Services assessing a child
and providing the school with strategies to improve progress. The final stage of the code is when a child
has been given a Statement of Special Educational Needs provision. Parental consent and opinions is
sought before this takes place.
In accordance with government recommendations the organisation and provision for Special
Educational Needs and Disability is currently under review.
Equal Opportunities
The school endorses an equal opportunities policy that encourages children to develop an awareness
of their responsibilities towards not only themselves and their families and friends, but also towards
their peers, the community and society in general. It seeks to create a climate within school that denies
racism or sexism and also attempts, as much as possible, to diminish the possibility of such prejudices
touching upon children’s out-of-school attitudes.

10. Homework
Our homework policy aims to provide children with homework opportunities that are relevant, creative,
fun, interesting, realistic and appropriate. In line with government guidelines our recommended
homework allocation is:
Years 3 and 4 1.5 hours per week
Years 5 and 6 2.5 hours per week
Children are encouraged to complete homework tasks and the school provides a range of prizes and
rewards for doing so.
An information leaflet outlining our homework philosophy and guidelines is given to all Year 3 children
on entering the juniors and is available from the School Office on request.
Homework is available from the school website: www.colmorej.co.uk and will be posted weekly

11. Assessment and Reporting
Since 2014-15, school have been asked to implement their own assessment and reporting systems that
no longer report on levels or sub-levels but focus upon achievement measured again year group specific
content and skills. The system will measure whether the children have grasped concepts at an Emerging,
Expected or Exceeding level. There will be a requirement for 65% of the children to be at an “Expected
Level” by the end of the year and End of Key Stage tests from 2016-17 will measure pupils against the
curriculum that our new Year 6 will have been taught for 3 years. Year 5 and 4 will, by the time they sits
their tests, have been exposed to the new standards expected in the curriculum for the full 4 years.
We intend to run a parallel system to our existing one for the Autumn term to provide teachers with a
starting point for all children. In 2016-17 we have entered a partnership with FROG Education who have
refined the work we have completed as a Teaching School and have enabled teachers to make
judgements against the objectives taught at either a working towards or expected standard. In 2015-
16, the national average for attaining the new expected standard in Reading, Writing and Maths stood
at a combined percentage of 53%. At Colmore 68% of children reached this standard. During your
children’s time in Years 3-6 we aim to provide you with information that will indicate whether your child
is “on track” to reach this standard by the time they sit their Year 6 tests.
What does this mean for a Year 3 child starting in September?
“When the children join us in year 3 we receive the results of the End of Key Stage 1 Tests in English and
Maths and any teacher assessments that have been carried out in the Infant School. Additionally, our
own baseline assessments are carried out for phonics (reading and spelling), writing and reading ages
derived from this data.
The school has a rigorous and comprehensive assessment system where progress and achievement is
monitored and evaluated on a regular basis with pupil reviews taking place on an 8 weekly basis. All
children have 8 weekly assessment tasks for Science, Maths and English (Reading and Grammar,
Punctuation and Spelling) and we also assess how we feel they have done against the objectives taught
in Writing.
During the Summer term test week, all children sit standardised tests set by NFER. We provide you as
parents with an annual report providing information regarding your children's progress in relation to
national standards.”

12. School Improvement Plan
Each year every school is asked to produce a School Improvement Plan (SIP). This is an important
document that targets improvement teaching, learning and assessment and other aspects of school
life. Our SIP is divided into sections and the main whole school targets are shared with the staff at the
beginning of each academic year. We then set an In Service Training programme (INSET) to support
the development of our stakeholders’ understanding of how to improve in those targeted areas. All
subject holders produce individual subject development plans and audit reviews as an appendix to
this document. In recent years there has been a heavy emphasis on developing safeguarding
procedures in and around school.
Colmore has recently achieved Sainsbury’s Active Mark Gold for the high participation levels in extra-
curricular sports activities we offer. Our provision is not limited to sports exclusively however and
below you will see some of the other exciting things that you children can engage with during their
time with us.
Extra-curricular Activities
Sports
Activities include football, cross country, netball, tag rugby, archery, table tennis, cricket and tennis.
Our school teams in football, cricket and cross country running enjoy competing against children from
other local schools in league games and competitions and also have the opportunity to take part in local
festivals. We are fortunate to have professional support with coaching activities including staff from
Aston Villa and are now proud to announce that Mr Adam Speake has been employed by Colmore to
lead before, during and after-school club provision.
Dance
Dance is also now delivered by a trained dance specialist on our staff. Classes are available to all pupils
across the school and dance performances take place on a regular basis. We also provide facilities for
Stardust Dance Company to use our hall to deliver to our children at a small cost.
Music
Colmore offers a variety of extra-curricular activities, including the choir and the school orchestra, which
run at lunch times and after school. Many of our musicians become members of local city orchestras
and ensembles. We have lots of visiting teachers delivering these programmes.
Friendship Clubs
Our Learning Mentor leads three after school clubs with a focus on developing social skills where
children learn to garden, sew, cook and have fun.
Gardening Club
Through the Health for Life programme we obtained a grant to develop our school allotment. This is
tended by children in the gardening club who grow a wide variety of delicious vegetables.
Code Club
Led by one of our parents, older children are able to learn how to write their own computer
programmes.

13. Library
We have a super library in our flexible learning space in the old hall (in the main Junior building).
All children are automatically members of Colmore Junior School library on joining the school.
We have a range of fiction and non-fiction books which are available for loan, as well as some reference
materials.
Librarians are chosen from each class ensuring that there should always be a friendly face to meet them
in the library. Mrs Haddon and Mrs Brown lead these activities.
French
Mrs Shuker runs a lunchtime French Club. The children are expected to converse only in French and
really enjoy doing so
Drama
From September 2016, Mrs Thomas will be running extra-curricular drama sessions for interested and
enthusiastic children. This will be Mrs Thomas’ first year at Colmore and we are excited to see how this turns out.
Film
Mr Hughes (Learning Mentor) runs a targeted film club for our children. If invited, then your child will
get the opportunity to watch films and make films.
Children’s University Accreditation
All of our extra-curricular club provision is accredited by the Children’s University, as programme that
Colmore now has the proud tradition of supporting for the last 7 years. In 2015-16 over 180 children
graduated at Bronze, Silver or Gold standard some banking over 500 hours of clubs during their 4 years
at the school. 83 of these children were invited to wear the caps and gowns in the Great Hall of Aston
University

14. Pastoral Care and Discipline
We believe that children learn best when they feel safe, secure and cared for. At Colmore we have a
behaviour policy, which encourages and rewards positive behaviour. We have a strong ethos of respect
and values and these are represented around school as Values characters.
All the staff, teaching and non-teaching, are responsible for pastoral care. The school seeks to create a
positive caring atmosphere where moral and spiritual values are developed. Children are taught the
value of good manners and respect and are made especially aware of the needs of others. To encourage
these values and attitudes a “House System” has been adopted which aims to direct the children’s
energies into meaningful challenges. Achievements of all kinds are recognised and celebrated in our
whole school and Year Group assemblies.
The school seeks to maintain a quiet, firm and fair approach to discipline encouraging children towards
the acquisition of self-discipline, personal responsibility, independence and respect for others. We
adopt the disciplinary policy of the Birmingham Local Authority and the use of corporal punishment is
not permitted. Where children display anti-social or uncooperative behaviour, strategies involving “loss
of privilege” or “taking time out” are adopted. There are no after- school detentions. Our main aim is
to positively reinforce behaviour by rewarding those children who always conform. We do so by holding
termly Values Trips for 30 selected children.
Saying “No” to Bullying!
Bullying, either physical or verbal, and in particular, “Isolation” (deliberately leaving other children out
and making them feel different) is not tolerated. Incidents of bullying should be reported to either the
Class Teacher, Year Team Leader, Deputy Headteacher, Assistant Headteacher or the Head of School so
that it can be dealt with immediately. We have a proud record of resolving such situation quickly and
effectively but very much need to know about such situation quickly. We encourage you to talk to us.
Parents will be informed if there is concern about their child’s behaviour so that we may work together
to make an improvement. This is in line with the School’s “Behaviour Management Policy” which can
be found online at www.colmorej.co.uk

15. Pupil Voice Group
At Colmore Junior School we have successfully established a school council. Every class elects a
representative to attend scheduled meetings with the link tutor, which next year will be Miss
Landsborough, thereby giving the children a voice in school matters.
The school council elect their own chair and secretary and all class representatives have genuine input
into decisions and can raise issues that concern them or their fellow pupils. They play an active role in
suggesting and organising charity events, lead assemblies and run a Pupil Voice Blog on the school
website.
A photo wall is positioned outside of the Head of School’s office, letting the children know who to go to
should they wish to voice an opinion. They also wear badges to reflect their positions.

16. Term Dates 2015-16 (Training Days)
School Year 2016 - 2017
Autumn Term 2015
Training Day: 5th
September 2016 (1)
Half Term: Monday 24 October 2016 – Friday 28 October 2016
Term Ends: Friday 16 December 2016
Spring Term 2017
Training Day: 3rd
January 2016 (2)
Term Starts: Wednesday 4th
January 2017
Training Day: 17th
February 2017 (3)
Half Term: Monday 20 February 2017 – Friday 24 February 2017
Term Ends: Friday 7 April 2017
Summer Term 2017
Term Starts: Monday 24 April 2017
Half Term: Monday 29 May 2017 – Friday 2 June 2017
Term Ends: Friday 21st
July 2017
Training Days: Monday 24th
and 25th
July 2017 (4 and 5)

17. The School Day
Morning 9:00 am - 12:15 pm (Year 3 and 4)
Morning 9.00 am - 12.30 pm (Year 5 and 6)
Afternoon 1.15 pm - 3.15pm (Years 3 and 4)
Afternoon 1.30 pm - 3.15pm (Years 5 and 6)
The bell is rung at two minutes to 9.00am to ensure a prompt start to the day.
There is a 15 minute playtime break in the morning between 10:15am and 10:30 am for Years 3 and 4
and 10.30 am and 10.45 am for Years 5 and 6 but no break in the afternoon. An average of 4 hours 45
minutes will be spent each day on lessons.
We break for dinner at 12:15 pm to 1:15pm for Year 3 and 4 and 12.30 pm to 1.30pm for Years 5 and 6.
We expect all children to be brought or sent to school on time. Punctuality is valued as a good habit.
Arriving late is unsettling for your child and disruptive for their class. We also urge parents who are
collecting their child to be on time.
We have a team of Teaching Assistants on duty in the playground before the bell is rung in the morning,
with members of the Teaching Team available to respond to a situation if required.
Parents/carers should be aware there is no official supervision for play in the playground or football
area before school begins and after school ends. It remains the case that parents/carers responsibility
until school starts.
Contact will be made with parents/carers if children arrive early on the school site or leave late.

18. Safety of the Children
In the interest of safety, all our children are encouraged to make their way home with the aid of the
crossing wardens at Colmore/Howard Road and Tenbury/Grove Road - even when accompanied by
parents.
The school is responsible for children during school hours. Therefore no child will be sent home
unescorted during school hours unless specific arrangements have been made with one of the
parents.
Parents are requested not to park their cars on the zigzag lines outside the school gates. To do so may
endanger the life of a child.
Parents are also asked not to use the school car park when picking up or dropping off children as it is
dangerous for pedestrians on the school site. Please note the car park of the Red Lion pub is available
for use before and after school.
Parents or responsible adults may collect children from school in an emergency - but must sign the
“Signing Out” book in the main school office.
Parents will be notified in writing of any foreseeable variation in the school hours. Verbal messages will
not be sent via children.
Should a sudden emergency arise such as a breakdown in the heating system, every effort will be made
to contact parents so that arrangements can be made for the children to go home. On such occasions
any help which parents can give in passing on messages is very much appreciated. Any children for
whom arrangements cannot be made will be looked after at school until the end of the session. We use
a text messaging and email notification service to contact you in exceptional circumstances.
The school gates in Colmore Road will be locked during the school day and now operate on an
electronically operated gated system. From September 2016, a new internal fence will be erected
around the site to funnel visitors to the main offices. CCTV cameras are in operation covering the other
two main entrances to the site and other vulnerable areas of the school. This is monitored throughout
the day.

19. Communication
Colmore Junior School is an open school and you are welcome to ask about and discuss your child’s
progress. It is in everyone’s interest- especially the children’s- that school and home work in
partnership together. Parents should therefore feel free to contact the school whenever any concerns
arise. The Head of School, Deputy Head and Assistant Head are available to speak to parents at any
time, providing they are free and you may always telephone for an appointment. We do encourage
you to speak with your child’s class teacher before approaching senior member of staff especially
when the issue concerns matters in the classroom.
With the exception of brief messages or requests, class teachers should, if possible, be seen by
appointment. It is particularly requested that parents try not to visit teachers in the classroom during
actual school hours, including in the morning when the bell has gone and the teacher is trying to make
a prompt start to the lesson. At these times enquires or concerns should be made via the school office
staff, who will ensure that matters are dealt with promptly. Parents will be contacted by the school
should there be cause for concern about any aspect of a child’s education.
There are three formal parental consultation sessions during the year. In the Autumn and Spring Terms
the focus is on discussing your child’s progress and achievement. In the Summer term you have the
opportunity to discuss your child’s report and celebrate the work they have achieved during the course
of the year.
A school newsletter is emailed every week; to keep you informed of school matters and will include a
list of diary dates detailing forthcoming activities and events. The newsletter is also available via the
school website: www.colmorej.co.uk
On the website there is a comprehensive guide to our school and class blogs, providing parents with an
up-to-date insight in to what is happening in the classroom!
Families who are choosing a new school for their child may make an appointment to look round during
the course of a normal school day.
We want you all to feel welcome when you come into school. It is so important that we work in
partnership together in the interest of the children. Please feel free to contact us whenever concerns
arise. But, if you have a complaint, the next page tells you what to do.

20. Complaints Procedure

21. Colmore’s PTA
The school shares a very active parent’s association with the Infant School.
There are regular social functions for adults, as well as fund raising events such as the Summer and
Christmas Fair. Donations are regularly made to both schools to help with the resourcing of curricular
areas.
If you are interested in supporting Colmore PTA in their ventures, please contact the school office or
you can email: colmorepta@gmail.com or look on the website: www.colmorepta.org.uk

22. Illness Medicines and Absence
Children who are unwell should not be sent to school. The school cannot automatically undertake the
administering of medicines to children. In line with Birmingham LA guidance we would like to remind
you that it should be the exception rather than the rule for medicines to be brought to school at all.
Parents are advised to request that GP’s be asked to prescribe in a way that avoids the need for
medicines to be taken onto school premises - this is often possible. In exceptional circumstances a
request to the Head of School for the administration of medicines will be considered on an individual
basis. In such an event the following procedure should be followed:
Medicines should be brought into school by a parent/guardian, not the child, in the
original container from the pharmacy and clearly labelled with:
Child’s name of medicine, How much to
give (i.e. dose)
When to be given measuring utensil any other instructions, e.g. whether
refrigeration is required
Whenever possible, please ensure a minimum dosage is all that comes to school and any changes in
medicines are given in writing. Where children are asthmatic, the inhalers must be the responsibility of
the child and kept with them at all times, on and off site. Parents who send a child to school with
medicines without the agreement of the Head of School should be aware that the school cannot take
responsibility for that medication or its administration. The Management of Oral or Inhaled Medicine
Policy is available from the Office.
Parents will be informed whenever possible should a child become unwell at school. It is the duty of
parents to make arrangements for collecting children and to take them home or to the doctor or
hospital. To this end it is vital to have not only the pupil’s home telephone numbers, but parents work
numbers and other emergency numbers such as a close relative. This will be provided by completing a
contact form for your child. Please make sure that the contact form for your child is kept up to date.
We feel that everyone with a child here would wish to know that a concern for the welfare of all our
children will always be our first priority.
Following recent legislation, schools are now required to publish figures for unauthorised absences. An
unauthorised absence is one for which no explanation from the parent or guardian has been provided.
If your child is absent please:
- telephone the school on the first day of absence
- send a note in with your child on their return detailing the reason for absence
In line with Government Legislation, published below is information relating to pupil attendance for the
previous academic year 2014-15:
Number of days pupils on roll for at least one session - 365
Overall percentage - 97.17%
% half days missed (authorised absence) - 2.56%
% half days missed (unauthorised absence) - 0.27%
Over the past several years we have worked hard to improve our attendance rate. We have developed
a variety of strategies to support this including attendance certificates and contacting parents on the
first day of absence if a child is absent. In 2013-14 we achieved a total attendance percentage in excess
of 97.37%.

23. Child Protection and Safeguarding
All schools and parents have a role to play in ensuring that children are properly protected. If we have
any concerns about a child’s safety or welfare, arising from observations, unexplained or unusual
behaviour or disclosures we are legally obliged to pass our concerns, in absolute confidence, to one of
the statutory agencies such as Social Care.
This could lead to a more formal investigation of these concerns, but at all stages it would be conducted
with confidentiality and parents would be notified and involved directly by the statutory agency.
From April 2014 Schools have been working to work together with other agencies to safeguard all
children. There is a comprehensive document available at www.gov.uk entitled Working Together to
Keep Children Safe (updated in 2015) which all schools now adhere to. This is available at School should
you wish to read it. All professional are required to be familiar with section one of the DFES document
“Keeping Children Safe in Education” March 2015.
Schools are required to consider the wider implications of safeguarding their pupils. Preventing
radicalisation and extremism, domestic violence, female genital mutilation, poor attendance etc are
now but a few areas that schools are now expected to monitor and report upon. At Colmore we are
committed to doing as much as we can to ensure that members of our community can live free from
harm and our curriculum now actively tackles (in a sensitive and age appropriate way) such issues,
seeking to empower our children with the skills to keep themselves safe and report abuse.
Pupil Premium (Disadvantaged Children)
The school receives an amount of money called the Pupil Premium for children who:
- are entitled to free school meals (FSM) or have been in the last
6 year or are a Looked After Child (LAC) or have a parent who
is a member of the Armed Forces.
It is really important that you let us know if your child falls into any of these categories. Please note they
don’t actually need to be taking advantage of having/eating free school meals to qualify! At Colmore
we spend our Pupil Premium on:
- extra teaching staff extra
support staff
- 1:1 tuition resources for Friendship
Clubs extra-curricular activities.
Again, there is a comprehensive expenditure plan and impact statement available on the school
website.

24. School Meals
Dinner money is now paid directly via ParentPay. Details for login and password will be sent to you
before you begin in the Juniors.
Application forms for free meals may be obtained from the School Secretary.
Do make sure you claim for free school meals if you are entitled. Please enquire if you
are unsure.
Register are taken each day to establish whether your child requires a school dinner. If they confirm
this is the case then a sticker will be provide and you will be charged for this. It is important that if your
child is having packed lunched that they do not inform us differently. We regret that once confirmed
that meals are then catered for and we must pass this charge back to you.
School Uniform
In consultation with the Governing Body, we aim to encourage all children to wear school uniform of a
royal blue top (sweatshirts, jumpers or cardigans) with grey or black bottoms.
During hot weather children may wear shorts, t-shirts, summer dresses, skirts or trousers in blue/
white/black.
Sweatshirts and t-shirts with the school badge and matching jogging
bottoms are available from local suppliers and through mail order, at
a reasonable price. Please ask at the School Office for details. For
safety reasons, children should wear flat sensible footwear.
If trainers are worn they must be laced up and tied in the correct
manner.
It is of course most important that children’s clothing, which may be
taken off during the day, is clearly marked. This particularly applies to
outdoor clothes and PE kit which are often mislaid by children.
Watches should also have a name or initials marked on them for
identification.
For safety reasons children are not allowed to wear jewellery at school except stud earrings in ear lobes.
Other body piercings are not allowed.
The children should have shorts, t-shirt or leotard and pumps for Physical Education and a pump bag to
keep them in. We are encouraging the use of yellow t-shirts and navy shorts if possible for team games.
Trainers are not considered safe for apparatus work, but may be worn for outside games.
.
Clothing for PE
The children should have shorts, t-shirt or leotard and pumps for Physical Education and a pump bag to
keep them in. We are encouraging the use of yellow t-shirts and navy shorts if possible for team games.
Trainers are not considered safe for apparatus work, but may be worn for outside games.

25. Governing Body
The new federated Governing Body of the Colmore Schools is made up of parent governors, Local
Authority representatives, staff representatives, and co-opted governors.
The Governors
Lorne Pearcey: Chair (co-opted governor & parent)
Siobhan Jones: Vice Chair, Safeguarding Governor (co-opted governor & parent)
Jonathan Gale: Executive Headteacher
Gareth Iley: Vice Chair (elected parent governor)
Gill Hughes: (elected parent governor)
James Marsh: (co-opted governor & parent)
George Rouse: (co-opted governor- pending)
Kate Huggins: (co-opted governor- pending)
Hamayoon Sultan: (co-opted governor)
Fiona Collard: (Local Authority governor)
Viv Randall: Executive Headteacher
Giles Hughes: (staff governor)
Carol Fox: (staff governor)
Shaista Ali: (co-opted governor & parent)
Simon Smith: (non-teaching staff governor)
Tony Bradshaw and Tracy Lakey (Heads of School) are associative member of the Governing Body
What does the Governing Body do?
The Governing Body works in partnership with the school. It oversees and approves such policies as
special needs, charging for school trips, sex education and Home School Agreements. It is responsible
for ensuring the National Curriculum is taught and monitored.
The Governing Body works with the executive head teachers to determine how the school budget
should be spent. This is linked to the School Improvement Plan. Under Local Management of Schools,
schools have control of their own budget.
The Governing Body is responsible for running the school within that budget which includes spending
on salaries, educational resources, services and building maintenance.
If you are interested in becoming a governor now, or at any time in the future please contact the
executive head teachers or Chair of Governors for further details.
Partnership
The Governing Body provides a voice for the school to support its aims and to educate our children to
their full potential. We need parental support to do this effectively. Parents, governors and the school
working together present a formidable force to protect and improve the educational standards our
children deserve.

26. Residential Visits
Every year we hope to provide the opportunity for the children to go on a residential visit to a PGL
activity centre. They are able to engage in a wide variety of activities including archery, orienteering,
abseiling, canoeing and sailing.
The venue for PGL activities in recent years has been at different centres in this country.
We are required to remind parents that the school is insured to meet any claims should it be held
responsible for causing any injury to your child whilst in our care.
However, we have no additional insurance in respect of loss or damage to property or to cover personal
accident either within the school boundaries or outside e.g. educational visits or sporting activities, and
should you be concerned about this area of risk you are advised to make your own personal
arrangements.
All PGL activities are fully insured.
Please note, mobile phones are not allowed in school. Children may use the office telephone for
emergency calls and parents can if absolutely necessary, ask to leave a mobile phone in the school
office for safe keeping during the day.
Children are strongly discouraged from bringing expensive toys to school as unfortunately we cannot
accept responsibility for their safety.

27. Other Documentation
The following documents are posted on the school website and are available in school for parents to
see at all reasonable times:
1. School Policies
For a complete list please contact the school office for a copy of the Publications Scheme
2. Current Curriculum Booklets and statements of intent (all published on the Website)
3. The OFSTED Report
4. The RAISE-online Report
(A report comparing our End of Key stage test results with National results and other similar
schools)
5. Statutory Orders, circulars and administrative memorandum relating to the curriculum which
have been sent to school by the Department of Education and Science
6. A copy of the Arrangements for the Consideration of Complaints about the School
Curriculum
A wealth of information can be found on the school website: www.colmorej.co.uk

28. Pupil Acceptable Use Policy
When using school computers and devices:
 I know that I will be able to use the internet in school, for a variety of reasons, if I use it responsibly.
However, I understand that if I do not, I may not be allowed to use the internet at school.
 I know that being responsible means that I should not look for bad language, inappropriate images
or violent or unsuitable games, and that if I accidently come across any of these I should report it to
a teacher or adult in school or a parent or carer at home.
 I will treat my password like my toothbrush! This means I will not share it with anyone (even my
best friend), and I will log off when I have finished using the computer or device.
 I will protect myself by never telling anyone I meet online my address, my telephone number, my
school’s name or by sending a picture of myself without permission from a teacher or other adult.
 I will never arrange to meet anyone I have met online alone in person without talking to a trusted
adult.
 If I get unpleasant, rude or bullying emails or messages I will report them to a teacher or other
adult. I will not delete them straight away, but instead, keep them so I can show them to the person
I am reporting it to.
 I will always be myself and not pretend to be anyone or anything I am not. I know that posting
anonymous messages or pretending to be someone else is not allowed.
 I will always check before I download software or data from the internet. I know that information on
the internet may not be reliable and it sometimes needs checking.
 If I bring in memory sticks / CD ROMs from outside of school I will always give them to my teacher
so they can be checked for viruses and content, before opening a file.
 I will be polite and sensible when I message people online and I know that sending a message is
the same as having a conversation with someone. I will not be rude or hurt someone’s feelings
online.
 I know that I am not allowed on personal e-mail, social networking sites or instant messaging in
school.
 If, for any reason, I need to bring my mobile phone into school I know that it is to be handed in to
the office and then collected at the end of the school day.
 I will tell a teacher or other adult if someone online makes me feel uncomfortable or worried when I
am online using games or other websites or apps.

29. Colmore Junior School Home School Agreement
As a School we shall:
• Encourage your child to do their best at all times;
• Encourage your child to take care of their surroundings and respect others feelings and property;
• Let parents know about any concerns or problems that affect their child’s work or behaviour;
• Set homework tasks in line with the Homework Policy which will be marked and monitored;
• Set clear targets for improvement;
• Arrange a parents evening each term, during which progress will be discussed;
• Keep parents informed about school activities and dates through regular newsletters;
• Review safety policies on a regular basis;
• Provide a broad balanced curriculum, with opportunities to take part in trips, arts, musical events
and extra-curricular activities.
• Address issues of concern with regard to equal opportunities, bullying, racism and other forms of
anti-social behaviour.
As Parents/Carers, we shall:
• Ensure that our child goes to school regularly, and is properly equipped;
• Contact the school office on the first day of any absence and follow up with a written note
explaining the reason for non-attendance on the child’s return to school;
• Encourage punctual attendance for the morning bell at 8.55 a.m. and the start of lessons at 9.00
a.m.
• Let the school know about any concerns or problems that might affect our child’s work or
behaviour;
• Support the school’s policies and guidelines for behaviour and equal opportunities;
• Support our child in homework and other opportunities for home learning;
• Try to attend parents evenings, information meetings and discussions about our child’s progress;
• Encourage our child to respect other people’s views, cultures and racial identity;

30. • Inform the school of any change of address, contact numbers or other
relevant details;
• Support the schools uniform policy;
• Comply with safety initiatives introduced by the school.
Together we shall :
• Support any special need your child may have;
• Encourage your child to respect and keep the school rules, be helpful, polite,
honest and caring;
• Support each child’s learning to help them achieve their best.
As a pupil I shall:
• Try to always be helpful, polite, honest and caring;
• Take good care of the equipment and building;
• Know the school rules and playground rules;
• Always try to complete any homework;
• Agree to wear school uniform ever y school day;
• Help my parents to keep to the agreement.
Signed ................................................................................... Parent
Signed ................................................................................... Parent
Signed ................................................................................... Teacher
Signed ................................................................................... Pupil
Child’s name ...................................................................... Class ..........................
Date ..................................................................................

31. Colmore Junior School
Charging & Remissions Policy
A. Educational Visits
1. This statement of policy has been drawn up in the light of the
Education Reform Act 1988, together with DES circular
number 2/89 and LEA circular dated 27th February
2. The Governors rule that ALL activities and visits promoted by
the schools that require funding can only take place if parents
are willing to support the activity or visit by voluntary
which cover the cost.
3. If sufficient support is shown, the Governors permit the
Head teachers to proceed, provided NO child is precluded from
taking part because of financial inability to pay . The Governors
advise the Head teachers, however, that the costs of all visits
and activities should be met by the voluntary contributions,
or other means at the disposal of the school.
4. It is the Governors’ policy that where any school visit or other
school activity is arranged out of school hours a charge may be
made to meet the forecast expenses involved, shared
proportionately between the parents of the children taking part.
In appropriate cases, at the discretion of the Headteacher , the
charge may be remitted in whole or in part, from school or
other funds.
B. Damage to School Property
Governors will require parents to reimburse the schools for
any damage or loss of school property resulting from
pupil’s behaviour.
The operation of this Policy will be kept under review by the Head teachers who are
asked to report to the Governors from time to time as appropriate.

32. Colmore Infant & Nursery School
and
Colmore Junior School
Parent/Carer and Visitor Code of Conduct
At the Colmore schools we are fortunate to have a very supportive, caring and engaged parent body. We
recognise that educating children is a process that flourishes when it involves a committed partnership
between parents, class teachers, support staff, the leadership team and all of the wider school community.
We understand the importance of these good working relationships to equip children with the necessary
skills for adulthood. For these reasons we welcome and encourage parents/carers to participate fully in the
life of our school. The purpose of this policy is to provide a reminder to all parents, carers and visitors to
our school about expected conduct. This is so we can work together to ensure our children flourish,
progress and achieve in an atmosphere of mutual understanding within a safe and positive school
environment.
RESPECT AND CONCERN FOR OTHERS
As well as following the guidance set out in our Home-School Agreement, we expect parents, carers and
visitors to show respect and concern for others and in particular :
- Value and respect the caring ethos of our school.
-Understand that staff and parents need to work together for the benefit of their children.
- Demonstrate that all members of the school community should be treated with respect by setting a good
example in their own speech and behaviour particularly, but not only, when on school premises.
- Seek to clarify and balance a child’s version of events with that of the school in order to bring about a fair
solution and resolve to any issue.
- Be pro-active in correcting their child’s behaviour especially in public where it could lead to conflict,
aggressive or unsafe behaviour.
- Approach the school to help resolve any issues of concern in order to bring about a positive solution.
- Any concerns you may have about school should be made by speaking or writing to the appropriate
person. This is the class teacher in the first instance, followed by a member of the senior leadership team.
If not satisfied, a formal letter of complaint should be sent to the Chair of Governors. This will ensure that
issues can be dealt with fairly, safely and effectively for all concerned.
In order to support a peaceful and safe school environment the school cannot tolerate parents, carers
and visitors exhibiting the following:
- Disruptive behaviour that interferes with the operation of a classroom, the office or any other area of
the school.
- Using a raised voice, offensive language or displaying temper.
- Verbally threatening a member of school staff, governor, visitor, parent/carer or pupil under any
circumstances.

33. - The use or threat of physical aggression towards another adult or child.
- Abusive, threatening, malicious or inflammatory e-mails, text/voicemail/phone messages or other
written communication.
- Using any form of social media to post offensive or derogatory comments regarding the school or any
of the pupils, parents or staff. Any attempt to publicly humiliate another through an inappropriate social
network entry is unacceptable and clearly not in the best interests of the children or the whole school
community.
- Approaching someone else’s child in order to discuss or chastise them as a result of an issue with their
own child. Such an approach may be seen as an assault and may have legal consequences.
- Damaging school property.
- Smoking and/or the consumption of alcohol or other drugs, or being under the influence of drink or
drugs whilst on school property.
- Bringing dogs (other than guide/assistance dogs) on to school premises.
Should any of the above behaviour occur the school may contact the appropriate authorities and if
necessary, ban the offending adult from entering the school grounds. Legal action may be taken. In the
event of any pupil, parent, carer or member of staff from the Colmore schools found to be posting
libellous or defamatory comments on social network sites, they will be reported to the appropriate
'report abuse' section of the network site.
Agreed by Full Governing Body April 2014 and reviewed April 2016

34. Pupil Comments
“I think it’s good that we have water bottles in the classrooms and water fountains in the playground.”
“I think we are lucky in this school because we have a fantastic computing suite and the pupils in this
school are superb.”
“I also think the staff at Colmore are very nice but also very professional.”
“All the school dinners are home made.”
“We get to go on lots of school trips.”
“We get to do lots of sports and activities such as hockey, football, cricket and tennis.”
“There are so many wonderful displays outside and inside the classrooms!”
“There are really friendly teachers, dinner ladies, head teacher, deputy head teachers and children at
Colmore Junior.”
“Colmore has many different varieties of books suitable for all different levels for children to read.”
“Colmore has a positive environment for learning.”
“A good thing about Colmore is that the people around you are friendly and kind to you.”
“Some schools make lessons boring but in this school they make them really fun.”
“All the teachers are really kind and nice to you.”
“All the classes have interactive white boards which add to the easy ways of learning.”
“Colmore has a wide range of computers.”
“Because the teachers are very good, Colmore’s staff lets the pupils go on trips.”
“The classrooms are bright and colourful.”
“Nobody is lonely in this school.”
“Jubilee Court is the name of our new building which is very modern and has a big hall.”
“We also have a fabulous new astro-turf pitch we can play football and games on in PE lessons, at dinner
times and clubs before and after school.”
“I think at Colmore the pupils and staff get along with each other and are kind and friendly.”
“We also have access to a large playing field that is great for PE and sports day.”
“There is nobody without a friend in our school.”