All About Us

Thank you for looking at our school website, we hope you find it interesting and informative. West End School is a happy stimulating environment of which we are very proud. We have a reputation for high standards of teaching and learning and as a caring, stimulating place in which young children achieve their potential.

We believe our school environment encourages the development of well motivated, happy children, with enquiring minds and the self confidence to play an active role in their own learning.

The involvement of parents comes high on our agenda, you will therefore, be encouraged to share in and support your child's education.

Our School Aims | Back to Top

To provide a happy stimulating environment where excellence and enjoyment go hand in hand, enabling children to feel safe and secure and able to develop lively enquiring minds. A place where children can have a voice, question and argue rationally and apply themselves to any task, where they can become independent in their own learning.

To develop language, number and technology skills effectively, develop healthy lifestyles and acquire the knowledge, skills and attitudes relevant to adult life and employment in a fast changing world.

To help children to understand the world in which they live and the interdependence of individual, groups and nations.

To develop children's personal moral values, respect for religious values and tolerance of other races, religions and ways of life.

To provide equality of opportunity and inclusion for all our children. To identify individual needs and take appropriate action to meet them. We are concerned with the child's whole development and with their relationships with the world both as children and adults.

To encouraged the children to develop social and emotional competence, able to think and express themselves creatively with freedom of expression and originality. To recognise and build upon early experiences gained from home and pre-school and encourage parents as partners to remain involved and informed.

To encouraged children to become self confident, self disciplined and courteous, capable of setting and responding positively to challenging targets in order to reach his or her full potential.

Our aims are achievable in an environment where teachers, assistants, advisory and community colleagues, governors, parents and future parents work together for the successful development of each individual child in our care.

Click here for "Wider School Life"

School Organisation | Back to Top

The children are taught in single age classes. All classes are mixed ability.

Within the class, curricular activities are organised to match a range of learning abilities and allow for a combination of whole class, groups, pairs and individual work. As well as catering for a variety of learning needs within the class there is a flexible approach to class timetables to encourage the development of children's own interests.

Each class has a class teacher, part-time teacher support which gives specialist music input and teaching assistant hours usually targeted at literacy and numeracy, with individuals or small groups. We are very fortunate to have a very high staff ratio to support, i.e. 2 or 3 adults in the class for the full day. Years 2 to 6 have learning support assistants every morning to support Literacy and Numeracy sessions. All classes have additional support for children with special needs where these occur.

There is a class size pledge keeping the classes at 30 or below up to year 2. The average class size is year 3 to year 6 is also 30.

School Day | Back to Top
School begins at 8.50 a.m. As classrooms are not supervised until 8.45 a.m. Children/parents are requested not to arrive in school prior to 8.45 a.m. when classroom doors are unlocked.The school day begins with a 'Wake Up, Shake Up' aerobics session, as part of West End's Healthy Schools ethos. The school day ends at 3.15 p. m.

There is a 15 minute break for children within the morning session, lunch is 12.00 pm to 1.00 p. m. Nursery lunch is at 11.45 am to 12.15 pm. There is no afternoon break, if teachers of younger classes feel children need some fresh air mid afternoon they will take them outside for a supervised activity session.

Inclusion and Special Needs | Back to Top

Many children at some point in their school life will have a special need of some kind. Whether your child is gifted or experiencing a learning difficulty, physical or medical need our teaching staff will be matching their work at the level at which they can achieve and reach their full potential. Children will work at their own level and pace with positive encouragement and additional support if appropriate. If children do require additional support this will be given within the normal mainstream classroom.

Mrs. Helen Dillon has responsibility for coordinating special needs, inclusion and gift and talented children. She supports the class teacher to identify what support is appropriate to address the individual child's needs. If you have a concern regarding your child, do share it with us as soon as possible. Individual Education Plans (IEPs) are drawn up to assist learning, behaviour etc. as needed. We aim to keep parents fully informed and there is a special needs Governor who can be contacted at school.

We monitor the inclusion and progress of children in all groups, such as looked after children, children from a variety of ethnic groups, children with English as a second language, gifted children and children with special educational needs. In this way we aim to ensure that each child has access to a broad, balanced and relevant education to ensure the highest possible levels of achievement.

Standard Assessment Tests 2008 (SATs) | Back to Top
The 2009 tests were marked on the common national scale. Key Stage One tests (year 2) were marked internally and Key Stage Two tests (year 6) were marked externally. Teachers make their own on going assessments of children's progress using National Level Descriptors. The standards at level 2 have been set to challenge a typical 7 year old. The standards at level 4 have been set to challenge a typical 11 year old. The average child is expected to move through one level in two years. A child achieving a good level 2 at age 7 therefore might expect to achieve a good level 4 at age 11.

Throughout the year the children continued to work hard, they displayed a calm mature approach to the tests. Whilst we have a statutory duty to report results at the end of key stage 1 and 2, it should be pointed out that every year in school is of equal importance, each year is a building block. We try to convey this message to children and to parents throughout. If a child's attendance, behaviour, self esteem, creativity or attitude to work are not consistently good throughout, they can not suddenly turn things around or 'catch up' in year 6.

NATIONAL CURRICULUM END OF KEY STAGE RESULTS 2009

COMPARED TO NATIONAL TEST RESULTS FOR 2009

WEST END PRIMARY SCHOOL (KS1) YEAR 2 RESULTS (1 child = 3.3 %) | Back to Top

This table shows a summary of the National Curriculum assessments results of pupils in the school (2009) and nationally (2009) at the end of Key Stage 1, as percentage of those eligible for assessment. The number of eligible children is 30. Figures may not total 100% because of rounding .

		W	1	2	2C	2B	2A	3 or above	D	A
Speaking & listening	School	3	0	70				27	0	0
	National	2	11	65				21	0	0

Reading	School	3	3		10	23	30	30	0	0
	National	3	13		12	22	24	26	0	0

Writing	School	3	3		23	33	10	27	0	0
	National	4	15		21	28	20	12	0	0

Mathematics	School	3	3		3	27	37	27	0	0
	National	2	8		16	26	27	21	0	0

Science	School	3	0	67				30	0	0
	National	2	9	67				22	0	0

W Represents children who are working towards level 1, but have not yet achieved the standards needed for level 1

D Represents disapplied under sections 364 or 365 of the Education Act 1996

A Represents could not be assessed due to absence

Result for speaking and listening and science are based on teacher assessments only

WEST END PRIMARY SCHOOL (KS2) YEAR 6 RESULTS (1 child = 3.2% ) | Back to Top

These tables shows a summary of the National Curriculum result of pupils in the school (2009 and nationally (2009) at the end of Key Stage 2, as a percentage of those eligible for assessment. The number of eligible children is 31 Figures may not total 100% because of rounding.

Results of Tests 2009 and National 2009

Below

level 3*

Pupils not entered*

Pupils absent

English

School

National

Reading

School

National

Writing

School

National

Maths

School

National

Science

School

National

3* represents pupils who were not entered for the tests because they were working below 3, pupils awarded a compensatory level from the the tests or pupils entered for but not achieving a level from the test.

# Pupils working at the levels of the tests, but unable to access them, formally referred to as disapplied

For further information on school performance tables please use 'Links' page and select 'Ofsted'

Sports Opportunities | Back to Top

As part of the local Family of Schools, West End works with Horsforth High School and St. Mary's School, Menston, in an initiative to further develop P.E. The partnership has managed to secure funding for coaching in curriculum time for Cricket, Athletics, Rugby, Basketball and Hockey. All of these coaching sessions culminate with after schools tournaments for the children involved.

In 2007 West End successfully had our existing Activemark Gold Award for excellence in P.E and sport (first awarded in 2005) revalidated. Highlighting our continued commitments to the provison of sport and extra curriculum sporting actitivies in school. We also hold the F.A Charter Mark Standard for coaching and developing football.

Regular sessions of P.E are timetabled from reception to Year 6, to include movement and dance, gymnastics and games. Year 3 children have weekly swimming sessions in the Autumn, Spring or Summer terms. Extra curricular clubs for football, athletics, rounders, rugby, martial arts and skipping run at lunch times and after school.

The school is affiliated to the Airedale and Wharfedale School Sports Association, the Leeds & Hunslet Schools Rugby League Association, North West Primary Schools Rugby League Association and The Otley Schools District FA. Teams play friendly and competitive matches. The Year 6 children are involved in the Top Link Festival and Horsforth Mini Leagues where they have opportunities to try new sporting activities such as fencing and the chance to meet Year 6 children from other schools.

Since summer 2006 the school's P.E Co-ordinator has organised and run The Airedale and Wharfedale Athletics Tournament, at Leeds Metropolitan University, Becketts Park Campus. 21 schools attended the event and 600 children enjoyed taking part in a wonderful morning of sport.

The quality of teaching and learning in PE is a real strength. Our Physical Education School Sport Club Links Survey shows that West End has exceeded the Government’s Target of two hours of quality P.E per week consistently for the last six years. The U11s Rugby League team competed in several Cup competitions across the city, attended numerous rallies and tournaments and their season culminated in playing in front a full Headingley Stadium at half-time during the Leeds Rhinos v St. Helens match in July. The U11s football team competed in the Armitage & Jim Childs Cups ,A & W League Cup and the Otley School’s League. The U10, U9 and U8 teams took part in local tournaments and friendly matches with local schools. The Athletics team competed in the A & W Athletics Tournament enjoying many individual and team successes. Last year we sent eight children for trials with the Leeds City Football Teams with one girl successfully being chosen for the Leeds City Girls Football team.

In 2008 we increased our extra curricular activities still further offering rounders coaching to Y5 & 6. Other popular clubs include skipping and netball. Cycle training is part of the curriculum in Y5 & 6, some families now regularly come to school on their bikes. But most importantly as regards attitude, the children representing West End outside of school are a credit to the school and to their parents.

Behaviour and Discipline | Back to Top

Good behaviour and discipline has its roots in a stimulating and well organised classroom environment where children share in the responsibility for their own learning. The caring atmosphere within school is built on a mutual pupil/teacher/parent respect and the recognition on the part of the children that there exists a close home-school support system. The parents and staff in school provide the children with a positive role model through their own behaviour.

Minor misbehaviour is dealt with immediately by the class teacher or member of staff on duty. Serious incidents are rare at West End, but any incidents such as verbal abuse, bullying, behaviour which is likely to cause an accident is reported to the head who will, when appropriate, contact parents.

If sanctions are necessary we attempt to make them fit the offence. Repeated unsafe play may result in a child missing playtime in order that other children can feel safe, disrespectful behaviour towards others may result in a child being asked to write a letter of apology through playtime etc. We encourage children to discuss incidents in cases of bullying and set up support networks/monitoring to prevent repeated incidents. We would encourage children to talk to parents and adults in school if they have any worries.

We have a whole school positive behaviour policy and all staff including lunchtime assistants have joined in whole school training on positive behaviour. We award stamps, stickers and certificates for good work, attitude and behaviour. Each September every class draws up their own agreed class code and revisits the whole school code which is based on DOs rather than DON'Ts. In line with the new government regulations all parents and children are to be asked to sign up to a home school agreement which reinforces how we can work together in this area as well as others.

Lunch time arrangements and Healthy eating | Back to Top

Lunchtime is 12 noon until 1.00 p. m. each day. Nursery children are accompanied by the Nursery staff into the Hall to eat their school lunch or packed lunch, just prior to the lunchtime starting. Reception children follow them into the hall for the first sitting and the Second sitting is at 12.25 p. m., but children are not rushed to finish.

Cooked Meals are available at school there are a number of choices each day, including vegetarian or special diet provision or a healthy packed lunch can be brought from home. A list of weekly menus are available in class or can be obtained from the school office.

Home dinners are also an option, but bear in mind the social interactions and development which takes place over lunchtime as it is very valuable.

Parents or carers of reception age children are invited to share the first lunchtime with their child prior to them starting full days at school. This has proved very popular and beneficial over the years.

Playtime Snacks - We ask that these be limited to fruit or other healthy alternatives. Fruit and Milk is sold each day at a cost of 10p each at our Healthy Schools Tuck Shop. We also sell smoothies and yoghurt.

Water - drinking water is available throughout the day in all classes and the dining hall. School milk is also an option for children up to 7 years old.

School Dress | Back to Top
The School Governing body encourages the wearing of school uniform. School uniform is a Blue or Grey Sweatshirt/Cardigan, blue, grey or white polo shirts with dark Trousers or Skirt/Pinafore,( gingham dresses can be worn in the summer.) The blue and the grey sweatshirts and white polo shirts, embroidered with the school name and owl logo can be bought from school throughout the year. Year 6 pupils can wear all the above with the additional optional choice of wear a black top.

We advice that Nursery children wear practical and comfortable easy to manage clothing.

Sports wear consists of plain shorts and T shirt, with no team logos and in addition year 3 to 6 need a lightweight track suit for winter wear.

Children must wear indoor footwear (pumps are ideal) within the school building, pumps can be purchased in school, every child should have a draw string pump bag for pumps/outdoor shoes.

Jewellery should not be worn in school and all clothing should be named.

Medicine | Back to Top

It is parents' responsibility to administer medication to their child. Therefore if a child needs to take medicine at midday, parents are welcome to come into school. There may be some exceptions to this for special needs children. Asthma sprays can be kept with the child or in their own classroom drawer if needed regularly. If used only occasionally most children choose to keep these in the class first aid box, which is situated near their cloakroom. Please never send medicines into school with children.

Health Care | Back to Top

The School Nurse visits regularly to complete height and weight monitoring and to carry out vision and hearing tests.

The Doctor visits by appointment to carry out medical assessments. Parent are informed by letter and invited to attend.

The Dentist makes visits to school to ensure a continued programme of dental health care. Again parents are informed via letters home as to the dates and purpose of these visits.

Pastoral Care - Learning Mentors | Back to Top

In addition to general and Special Needs classroom assistants, we have a Learning Mentor within school. This is an invaluable role as it provides a complementary service addressing the needs of children to overcome barriers to learning both inside and outside of school in order to achieve their full potential. Issues may include bereavement, divorce, low self-esteem, etc. Lateness, authorised absence due to ill health and unauthorised absence such as holidays taken in school time are all monitored as these can have a significant impact on children's learning, and their ability to reach their full potential.

Stephen Lawrence Award | Back to Top

The School Council play a big part in our work towards the Stephen Lawrence Award. They have reviewed the antiracism policy and have spoken about this in class. Our other children learn about the murder of Stephen Lawrence and how we can make discriminiation a thing of the past.

All our children worked with Ferdinand Koci - a superb Roma artist - to produce brilliant artwork. Year 5 and 6 worked on dance and drama with Joe Williams to learn about the life of the freed slave - Oloaudah Equinao. Accepting others and celebrating diversity is a big part of life at West End School

Investors in Pupils | Back to Top

All of our children and staff have worked towards the Investors in Pupils Standard. We were successfully awarded this in February 09. Each class has an Investors in Pupils board with individual targets for every child. We have a class mission statement and class goals.

Each class also has a Golden Nominations Board where children nominate each other each week to recognise special or kind things that they have done.

Some of our school council representatives will go to full Governing Body meeting later in the year to tell Governors what children think West End is good at and what it should work towards - this is our Children's School Development Plan.