What is the early years foundation stage?
The early years foundation stage (EYFS) sets standards for the learning, development and care of your child from birth to 5 years old. At our school, we take children from 4 years old, we do not have a nursery attached to the school.
How often are extracurricular activities held?
They happen after school throughout the week, across the whole school year.
What is the school's approach to inclusion and diversity?
See the SEND page of the website for all information.
What is the school's policy on school uniforms?
We do wear a school uniform, please see the uniform section of the school website for more information.
Are there any specialist teachers or teaching assistants?
We have one HLTA in each phase, teaching assistant in every year group and individual music lessons are taught by peripatetic teachers.
What are the school's values?
Active, Reflective, Resilient, Healthy, Collaborative and Curious. See our School Values page for more information.
What is the school's approach to assessment and testing?
We complete statutory assessments including EYFS Reception Baseline, Y1 Phonics Screening Check, Y2 SATs, Y4 Multiplication Tables Check and Y6 SATs. All children are assessed by their class teacher (familiar adult) on a termly basis using a mixture of assessments materials.
What is the school's approach to teaching literacy and numeracy?
See curriculum page of the school website.
What is the deadline for submitting an application for admission?
EYFS admission deadline is 15th January every year.
What is the school's catchment area?
There isn’t a catchment area anymore, children are placed based on distance from school as the crow flies and priority need.
What is the process for signing up for extracurricular activities and clubs?
The list is sent home at the beginning of each term for children to make their selections. Club places are offered on a first come, first served basis.
What support is available for pupils who struggle academically?
We adapt learning in every lesson for children who require additional support and teachers would refer children to the SENDCo if they felt additional support would be beneficial for the child.
How are pupils grouped or streamed according to ability?
Children complete their learning in mixed ability groups where possible however for some additional provisions, they may be grouped with other children of a similar ability to facilitate additional adult support.
What is the procedure for applying for leave during term time?
Complete an absence request form with as much detail as possible. We are unable to authorise holidays during term time.
What is the school's approach to involving Current Families in decision-making processes?
We have a PTFA who support the school with making decisions, but the wider school community are also consulted regarding larger changes e.g. changes to the timings of the school day.
What is the school's approach to involving Current Families in their child's education?
We have a clear home school agreement, but we also run coffee morning and parent workshops.
How are lessons structured in primary school?
Children will complete core subject learning (reading, writing and maths) on a daily basis and foundation subject learning spread throughout the week.
Are there any opportunities for Current Families to volunteer at the school?
They can become volunteers by contacting the school office.
What is the policy for admitting pupils with special educational needs or disabilities?
This is all managed by Plymouth Admissions.
What is the school's approach to teaching and promoting creativity and the arts?
All children have access to creative subjects and we support children to thrive in their area of strength, whatever that may be.
How are pupils assessed and graded during primary education?
EYFS Reception Baseline indicates whether children are working at the expected standard or not. Y1-Y6 children are assessed as below the expected standard, working towards the expected standard (WTS), at the expected standard (EXS) or working above the expected standard, at greater depth (GDS).
How can Current Families get involved in school events and activities?
They can become volunteers by contacting the school office.
How does the school support pupils who are struggling in a particular subject?
We adapt learning in every lesson for children who require additional support and teachers would refer children to the SENDCo if they felt additional support would be beneficial for the child.
What is the school's approach to promoting pupils' emotional and social development?
We teach PHSE through the Jigsaw program. Please see our PHSE curriculum page for more information.
What are the costs associated with extracurricular activities and clubs?
Some clubs are free as they are run by school staff, however some clubs do incur a charge as they are run by external agencies e.g. Plymouth Argyle.
How are pupils prepared for the transition to primary school?
We have a robust transition to primary programme – we have a parent and carer welcome to meeting in June before children start then we run two stay and play sessions in July.
In September, children spend first two weeks getting to know each other and staff before their classes are decided. Children are allocated classes after the first few weeks based on relationships they have built with other children and staff members in the unit.
What is the school's approach to dealing with bullying?
We have a zero tolerance approach to bullying and we work with the children to understand what bullying is and how to be kind and inclusive to all children regardless of their needs or background.
What should I do if my child is absent from school?
Call the school office to speak to a member of staff or leave a voicemail.
What is the school's approach to teaching pupils with special educational needs or disabilities?
See the SEND page of the school website.
What is the typical school day for a pupil in the early years foundation stage?
School starts at 8:40am and children complete phonics and maths during morning learning time with continuous provision threaded throughout the entire day. The school day finishes at 3pm for our EYFFS children.
What is the school's vision and mission statement?
At Manadon Vale Primary School, we are a community of active learners. We will be challenged and inspired on our journey to becoming responsible global citizens of the future. We take every opportunity to be the best that we can be.
What is the school's approach to promoting pupils' emotional and social development in EYFS?
We teach PHSE through Jigsaw which supports their emotional and social learning.
Are there any opportunities for pupils to participate in creative activities like music?
We teach a fully rounded curriculum, which includes all foundation subjects – science, ICT, PE, history, geography, art, D&T, music, RE, MFL and PHSE.
What is the best way to contact my child's teacher?
They can speak to them at drop off in the morning, collection at home time, phone the school office to speak to them or email them directly.
What is the school's approach to promoting healthy eating and physical activity?
Healthy and happy in mind and body is one of our school values so we ensure that all children complete 2 hours of physical activity a week through a range of approaches. Plus, we teach this through our PHSE lessons and encourage parents and carers to pack healthy food in children’s lunch boxes.
What forms will I need to fill out if my child is joining?
This is all managed by Plymouth Admissions.
What is the school's approach to play-based learning?
All EYFS learning is play based, following the EYFS Framework.
What are the school hours?
Morning bell rings at 8:40am on the playground, registers close at 8:50am. School finishes at 3:00pm for Foundation Stage and 3:15pm for Y1-Y6.
Are there any opportunities for pupils to participate in outdoor education or field trips?
All children have access to enrichment activities which may take place at school, at an external setting or as a residential trip.
How can Current Families communicate with their child's teacher?
They can speak to them at drop off in the morning, collection at home time, phone the school office to speak to them or email them directly.
What is the process for reporting an absence or lateness?
Call the school office to speak to a member of staff or leave a voicemail.
What is the school's approach to providing a broad and balanced Curriculum?
See the curriculum page of the school website.
What is the school's approach to teaching pupils with English as a second language?
Our school SENDCo leads support for these children, and this would be done based on the specific needs of the child.
What is the school's approach to ensuring that extracurricular activities and clubs are inclusive and accessible to all pupils?
All children have the option to join a club should they wish.
How can Current Families provide feedback to the school about their child's education?
This can be done via class teachers, school office or Family Support Advisor as well as school/Governor questionnaires and the Ofsted Parent View Questionnaire.
How often will Current Families receive updates on their child's progress?
We hold parent evening in the autumn and spring term and a full report in the summer term. Parents are also welcome to ask their child’s class teacher for an update at any point in the academic year. FOR children with additional needs, parents will get an update on progress during Team Around Me meetings (TAM) and EHCP reviews.
What is the school's approach to promoting language and communication development?
We teach early reading through phonics (ELS) but we firmly believe that speaking comes first so we teach the pronunciation of sounds along with cued articulation (signs) to support the children’s understanding.
What support is available for pupils who are struggling?
We adapt learning in every lesson for children who require additional support and teachers would refer children to the SENDCo if they felt additional support would be beneficial for the child.
How can I check my child's progress?
We hold parent evening in the autumn and spring term and a full report in the summer term. Parents are also welcome to ask their child’s class teacher for an update at any point in the academic year. FOR children with additional needs, parents will get an update on progress during Team Around Me meetings (TAM) and EHCP reviews.
How are pupils prepared for the transition to secondary school?
Year 6 complete transition books ready for secondary school, our Y6 teachers meet with the secondary schools and the children have transition days where they visit their secondary school to get to know their new school and their new teachers.
How does the school encourage Current Families to be engaged in their child's education?
We have a clear home school agreement, but we also run coffee morning and parent workshops.
How are pupils assessed and graded during the early years foundation stage?
Children are assessed at the beginning of the year through the Reception Baseline and are then assessed throughout the year as working at the expected standard or not. Parents would be made aware of concern areas and how the school is supporting their child to close the gap where possible.
What is the homework policy at the school?
We set homework weekly from Y1 upwards which focuses on key skills such as reading and maths.
What is the typical school day for a primary school pupil?
Schools starts at 8:40am and children have morning break from 11-11:20am. Children then break again for lunch at 12:30-1:35pm then go home at 3:15pm. Children will complete core subject learning (reading, writing and maths) on a daily basis and foundation subject learning spread throughout the week.
What is the procedure for taking my child out of school during term time?
Complete an absence request form with as much detail as possible. We are unable to authorise holidays during term time.
What clubs or societies are available for pupils to join?
We have a range of club which changes termly but these include sporting and creative clubs e.g. football and orchestra.
What resources are available to support pupils with their learning?
We use a range of texts to teach English, manipulatives when teaching maths and any additional resources relevant to the subject e.g. artefact for RE.
What resources are available for Current Families to help them support their child's education?
We run parent workshops to support them with relevant approaches to learning. See the Curriculum page for more information.
What is the application process for admission to the school?
This is all managed by Plymouth Admissions.
What support is available for pupils who have Behavioural issues?
Support would be given on an individual basis based on the specific needs of the child. We have a SENDCo, Pastoral Support Worker and Family |Support Advisor who would all work with the child and family to create a package of support.
What resources are available to support Current Families with their child's mental health and wellbeing?
Our Family Support Advisor is on hand to support with this and can sign post parents to relevant resources and support groups as and when needed.
What is the pupil-to-teacher ratio?
1 teacher to 30 pupils with additional adults to support learning and pupils needs.
How does the school ensure that pupils in the early years foundation stage are safe and well-cared for?
We ensure that all children are safe and well-cared for through good pupil to staff ratios and a safe and stimulating learning environment.
What is the school's approach to supporting pupils with additional learning needs?
See the SEND page of the website for all information.
