Head Teacher

Ms J. AYLEN
Tel: 020 8346 6937
Fax: 020 8343 1935
e-mail: office@brooklandjnr.barnetmail.net
http://www.brooklandjuniorschool.co.uk

BROOKLAND JUNIOR SCHOOL

HILL TOP
HAMPSTEAD GARDEN SUBURB
NW11 6EJ

Dear Parents/Carers,

Welcome to the Brookland Junior School Brochure which will give

you key information and a flavour of what it is like to learn and
grow as a member of our school.
Our staff and our children have a passion for learning and the school
takes pride in the very wide range of events, creative and practical
lessons and challenging curriculum we offer. Please see our weekly
newsletters on the school website to see just how action-packed a
typical week is at Brookland Junior.
Our community of parents, governors, staff and children work together to enable each and every child
to be the best they can be, both in their personal and academic development and to continually adapt
and improve our wonderful school. We have many connections with other local schools, organisations
and bodies which further enriches our learning.
The ongoing professional development of all our staff is
a major strength of our school which we achieve through
mentoring, coaching programmes, in house training,
external training and a love of teaching and learning.
We encourage our children to think about their learning
and their school, to take responsibility for its success and
happiness, for example through our Whole School
Meetings, School Council, Peer mediation, buddy system
and to make a difference to the world beyond our school
through events such as our mini-market run by the
children.
Visits to Brookland Junior School are warmly encouraged.

Jenny Aylen, Head Teacher

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Brookland Junior School

Brookland Junior School is a non-denominational
community junior school for girls and boys between
the ages of 7 and 11, maintained by the London
Borough of Barnet. It is situated on the northern edge
of Hampstead Garden Suburb in a residential area.
The Infant and Junior schools have strong links to
ensure that the childrens emotional, social and
educational development progresses smoothly
from 4 - 11.
The school benefits from a spacious, green setting and
is screened from houses and roads. There is a large
field and two playgrounds. The school offers excellent
facilities including a computing suite, library block and
a covered and heated swimming pool. The assembly
hall contains gymnastic equipment, staging blocks,
stage lighting and high tech surround sound. There is
a separate dining hall.

Brookland children share traditions from many cultures

and countries. The multi-cultural aspects of our
community permeate our school life and the curriculum.
We value and celebrate our similarities and differences.
We provide a wide variety of stimulating learning
opportunities and enrichment of the curriculum through
special events, visits and visitors. Our children are
encouraged to take a role in reflecting and shaping their
own learning and are very involved in the life of the
school and the wider community.
The school is organised into four year groups, each
subdivided into three parallel classes of 30 children of
mixed ability. Brookland is a very caring community
where each individual is respected and valued.

Our Aims and Ethos

At Brookland Junior School we aim to develop each childs full
potential and to celebrate all aspects of achievement.
To that end, we aim:
To provide a supportive and
happy learning environment
where all children can achieve
their best.

To encourage children to
respect and value other
members of the school and to
interact positively with the wider
community.

To fully develop childrens

To provide a safe and secure
abilities and talents within a
broad and challenging curriculum. environment which includes a clear
framework for appropriate
To develop an inclusive culture
behaviour.
which meets individual needs and
provides equality for all members To foster spiritual and moral
values and a sense of responsibility
of our community
for the community and the
To create an awareness of the
environment.
need for a healthy lifestyle.
To develop enquiring minds and
the ability to question and discuss
rationally.
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To enable children to develop an

aesthetic awareness and to provide
opportunities for creativity.
To work in partnership with all
members of the school and wider
communities.
To value the contribution of all
members of staff and to support
their professional development.
To support and include each and
every family to ensure that children
achieve their full potential.

Admissions
Most of our pupils attend Brookland Infant & Nursery School on the same site. Admissions are processed by the
London Borough of Barnet. See their website for more information. There is a separate application process for
the Infant and Junior schools but children from our linked school are given high priority. Parents/carers of
prospective pupils are very welcome to meet with the Head Teacher and visit the school.

The Governing Body

The Governing Body consists of representatives of parents, staff and members of the local community, with key
skills in supporting the schools core functions. Members work closely with the school and meet regularly with
the Head Teacher. The Governing Body meets as a whole every half term to discuss strategic matters. Governors
assist the school in promoting continuous high standards of achievement and can be contacted through the
school by letter or e-mail.

Committees
There are a number of committees that form the Governing Body. Each committee has its own role in developing
the school alongside the Head Teacher. The committees include Communications and Community Engagement,
Curriculum, Personnel, Safeguarding and Premises and Health and Safety.

Link Governors
Many governors have links with teaching staff holding subject responsibilities such as English, mathematics,
history and art. The Link Governor and the Subject Leader work together to ensure that the aims on the School
Improvement Plan are met. There are also link governors responsible for areas such as: Special Educational
Needs, English as an Additional Language, Pupil Premium and Safeguarding.

Teaching and Learning

Teaching and learning at Brookland includes a focus on problem solving and thinking skills, using technology to
support learning in other subject areas, working both collaboratively and independently and making learning
both enjoyable and challenging.
Our children are able to reflect on what they have learnt and work with their teachers to set their next learning
targets. Assessment of each childs progress by the class teacher is ongoing. Teachers plan carefully together, giving
much time and thought to all areas of the curriculum to ensure the children experience varied, challenging and
stimulating lessons.

Curriculum
Brookland Junior School offers a broad, balanced and
creative curriculum which reflects and values the
world around us. We meet the National Curriculum
programmes of study by planning and developing our
own Brookland curriculum. This ensures that our
learning and teaching is engaging and relevant to the
needs and interests of our pupils across all subjects.
In addition to the prescribed curriculum, a programme
of Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural (SMSC) education
and activities are provided to support the development
of the whole child and includes work on friendship,
emotions, personal safety, healthy living, sex and
relationship education and citizenship, including British
values. French is also taught across the school.

Teaching and Learning

Sex and Relationships Education (SRE)
Sex and Relationship Education is a formal part of the school
curriculum and is integrated into other subjects.
The SRE policy was written by parents, staff and governors.
The programme develops from year 3 to year 6, is based
around a moral framework and is taught mainly by the class
teacher. Parents/carers have the opportunity to explore the
lesson materials and to watch the videos used in school prior
to SRE topics being taught.
Parents/carers have the right to withdraw their child from
participating in any act of worship, R.E. lessons or the non-statutory
aspects of Sex Education. If they wish to take this unusual step, an
appointment must be made with the Head Teacher so that
alternative provision can be made.

Religious Education and Assemblies

Religious Education forms part of the basic curriculum in
accordance with the Education Reform Act of 1988 and in
line with the London Borough of Barnets Agreed Syllabus.
The children are encouraged to understand the beliefs and
practices of different faiths, so that they can live side by side
in a multi-faith society with mutual understanding and with
attitudes of respect, tolerance and honesty.
Every school day includes an assembly with time for reflection
by the Head Teacher or another member of staff. The
assemblies cover such themes as: communities, talents,
tolerance, giving, kindness, friendship, discoveries and
respect.
Assemblies also celebrate the contribution of individuals and
groups to the life of the school, recognise the celebration of
the religious and cultural traditions in our community and
help to develop awareness and respect of the spiritual
dimensions of life.

Enrichment of the Curriculum

All the children benefit from a range of organised activity
focuses over the year, such as Arts Week, Black and Asian
History Month, Disability Awareness Day and World Book
Day. Each year group enriches their curriculum through topic
days, such as Roman Day or Ancient Egyptian Day, when the
children dress up and take part in special activities.
In addition, regular visits are organised to places of interest,
which support and extend work in the classroom. These
include visits to sites of historical or scientific interest, galleries
and museums. To enable these visits to take place we rely on
help offered by parents/carers. Visitors to the school include
representatives from local charities or organisations, published
authors, our school police officers and a variety of arts and
other curriculum related groups. A year 6 residential school
journey to a contrasting area of the UK takes place in the
summer term. Curriculum work is based around the journey
which includes visits to places of historical and natural interest
and a visit to our partner school. The children benefit
enormously from the social aspects of being away together
on school journey.

Clubs and Extra-curricular Activities

A wide variety of clubs and activities are offered to our children.
Many members of staff are willing to give their time to organise extracurricular activities at lunchtimes and after
school. The nature and number of these is always dependent on the skills and interests of the current staff.
Examples of clubs we have offered are football, chess, choir, computing, netball, cricket and orchestra. Some
activities are open to all children, while others are open to particular year groups or children who have been
selected to represent the school in competitive team matches.

Charities and Fundraising

At Brookland, we pride ourselves on caring about and supporting causes in our local community as well as those
on a national and international scale. We hold several annual events to raise money for nominated charities
and we also organise fundraising events for regions/countries where natural disasters have occurred. Each
year, the children run a mini-market where children become small business holders and buy/sell goods for
charity and our apprentice-style cupcake business in year 6 also raises money for a worthy cause.
One of our strengths is that the children themselves are encouraged to generate fundraising ideas and work
with teachers to run whole-school events. Some of these children-led fundraisers have been cake sales, charity
fun runs and sponsored sports activities.

Equality
Brookland Junior School is strongly committed to ensuring equality
for all its pupils.
We acknowledge the differing needs of our pupils and believe that all
children have the right to attain their full potential.
We monitor our practice to ensure we foster an environment where
all children can achieve their best and have achievements celebrated;
whatever their ability, age, gender, ethnic heritage, social
circumstances or disability.
Our site is accessible to the disabled. Please see the additional
information at the front of this brochure.

Festivals and Events

At Brookland we enjoy celebrating a wide variety of
religious and cultural festivals and events, which
reflect the diverse backgrounds of our families.
Children are involved in various community events
including music festivals, chess jamborees and
fund-raising events on behalf of school or charities.
We are fortunate to have a lively and very successful
Parents Association, which arranges a number of
social and fund raising events throughout the year
such as the Winter Fair, School Disco and Pyjama
Party.
Class/year group Assemblies and a half termly Music
Performance Assembly normally take place on Friday
mornings. We hold these assemblies early, at
9.15am, for the convenience of working
parents/carers.

Pupil Wellbeing

The school has achieved Healthy School status: a national award

which recognises the schools excellent work in the areas of
food and nutrition, physical activity and emotional wellbeing.
As a school we encourage the children to keep healthy; only healthy
snacks are allowed for breaks and water bottles and healthy packed
lunches are encouraged. School meals meet the Soil Associations Food for Life standard, therefore, ensuring a
very high quality of provision, with at least 30% of food organic and 75% of food unprocessed. Due to allergies,
we are a nut and seed free school.
All children take part in 2 hours of structured PE lessons each week and many take part in school and commercial
sports clubs. At break times, children have access to a well developed playground games programme, small
equipment and large fixed play equipment.
All staff at Brookland Junior School endeavour to ensure that each child is happy and enjoying school. The
children are encouraged to discuss any problems or concerns with their class teacher or another adult.
In addition to a comprehensive PSHCE (Personal, Social, Health and Citizenship Education) curriculum, Circle Time
is used to discuss any issues relating to the whole class and to support childrens social and emotional
development. Additionally, other group and individual support programmes are available.
The school employs a Welfare Assistant who is qualified in first aid, looks after the childrens physical wellbeing in
school, administers the schools attendance and punctuality policies and liaises with parents/carers about these
matters.

Anti-Bullying
The schools definition of bullying is: deliberate, hurtful
behaviour by a group or individual against any other group
or individual usually repeated over a period of time.
This may take the form of physical, verbal, emotional or
psychological abuse.
The school uses a variety of anti-bullying sanctions and
strategies and our approach is explained to parents/carers
at the Meet the Teacher evening at the start of each
academic year.
The school takes all incidents of bullying very seriously,
including those over social media, and children are strongly
encouraged to report any bullying to an adult. Any
unsociable or inappropriate behaviour is dealt with under
our Code of Conduct, which can be found on the school
website and in the front of this brochure.

Pupil Wellbeing
Responsibilities

Behaviour

All children are given opportunities to take on

roles of responsibility including School Council,
class monitors and buddies for children new to
the school. The elected School Council discuss
and make decisions about a wide range of issues
affecting school life.

Our school Code of Conduct forms the basis of a number

of class discussions and assemblies (a copy can be found in
the front of this brochure and on the school website).

The year 6 children take on a number of

responsibilities as prefects, such as looking after
equipment, giving out registers and helping
younger children. Peer Mediators, year 6 children
who are nominated by their peers, provide support
and advice to children in the playground.
Workshops are provided to develop childrens
skills in conflict management, listening actively
and how to help others.

It emphasises childrens responsibilities towards each

other and rewards good work and behaviour in a number
of ways including merit points, class rewards, a Gold Star
Book kept by the Head Teacher and Golden Time. Our
main sanction is the loss of Golden Time minutes.
The school greatly values the support of parents in
maintaining our happy and supportive school
environment.

Year 5 children are particularly involved in

organising playground activities and supporting
adults to ensure playtimes are fun.

Our Junior Road Safety Officers receive the GOLD

Award for our community travel plan.

Safeguarding and Child Protection

The welfare of the children is our first priority.
The staff, governors and parents share a
responsibility to keep our children safe.
Any member of staff, parent or governor should
contact the designated person for safeguarding
(the Head Teacher) if there is a concern.
Information relating to child protection is
absolutely confidential and shared on a need
to know basis.

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Home/School Links
We place great importance on our relationship with
parents/carers, believing that children learn best
when families and the school work together.
Parents/carers are kept informed throughout the year
about what their children are learning and there are many
opportunities for home/school liaison, including a Meet
the Teacher evening at the beginning of the year and
regular Parent Consultations. The Head Teacher and class
teachers are happy to meet with parents/carers by
appointment at other times. The Head Teacher is also
available on an open door basis whenever possible.

Reporting to Parents/Carers
Full written reports are sent out to parents/carers towards the end of the academic year and each child makes a
contribution to the report. For each subject there are detailed comments about progress, achievement and effort
and also areas for future development. Parents/carers are invited to return a comment slip and/or make an
appointment with the class teacher to discuss the report.
For Year 6 the results of their statutory end of Key Stage Standard Attainment Tests (SATs) and a Teacher
Assessment level in English, Mathematics and Science are included in the report. A copy of the schools most
recent SAT results and Teacher Assessments can be found in the pocket at the front of this brochure.

Homework

Parent/Carer Helpers

Our policy is to encourage children to develop

the habit of setting aside regular time for out of
school study. This will cover reading, spellings,
consolidation and practice of work,
investigations and independent research.

We are delighted to welcome

parent/carer helpers into the
school to assist with the
library, reading, practical work,
trips, theme days and other
volunteer opportunities.

Details and expectations of the homework set

in each year group will be explained at the
Meet the Teacher evening, with the amount of
homework increasing each year in line with
national recommendations.
Homework is an integral part of our school
programme and, as such, needs to be
supported by parents/carers.
Our website (or hard copy if requested)
includes advice on supporting childrens
learning at home.

We invite parents/carers into

school assemblies as guest
presenters. The children are
inspired to hear about the jobs
some of our parents/carers
have and to learn how they
can pursue a similar career.

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General Information
Uniform

Lunchtime

At Brookland School, children wear simple,

practical school uniform and P.E. kit.

Children may either bring a packed lunch or have a

hot school lunch. Payment for school lunches may
be made on a weekly or termly basis. Children are
entitled to free school meals if their parents/carers
are in receipt of certain benefits; please contact the
school for more information.

A uniform list can be found in the front sleeve of this

brochure. Please note that trainers are not allowed
as part of the uniform, football strips are only
allowed for football clubs and that all clothing and
belongings must be labelled.

Jewellery and Valuables

Only watches and stud earrings are allowed. If a
child must wear a piece of jewellery for religious
reasons, a letter to the Head Teacher is required.
For safety reasons all jewellery and watches
need to be removed during P.E. lessons. Children
should not bring items of value to school. Lost
property is kept outside the Welfare Room.
Mobile phones are not allowed unless a child is
an Independent Traveller and permission has
been given by the Head Teacher. All mobile
phones must be handed in to the office for
safekeeping at the start of each day and
collected at the end.

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Start and Finish of the School Day

Absence and Punctuality

Children should be on the playground by 8.50am,

when their class teacher will collect them. The
playground is supervised from 8.40am so children
should not arrive at school before this time.

Children are expected to attend school every day

unless they are ill or have to attend an appointment
which cannot take place out of school time.

School ends at 3.30pm when parents/carers meet

their children on the playground or at the school
gate. Initially some parents/carers may wish to meet
their child at the nearest entrance to their
classroom, until they become more confident. We
run an Independent Traveller Scheme for children
who travel to and from school without an adult
(you can ask about this at the office).
The children are instructed to go to the school office
at 3.45pm if the person collecting them has not
arrived. If we are unable to contact a parent/carer
within a reasonable time and we cannot contact a
suitable adult, the child will have to be referred to
the Social Services.

An appropriate written reason for absence must be

given and both authorised and unauthorised
absences will be recorded on end of year reports.
Leave of absence during term time will only be
granted in exceptional circumstances and requests
must be made, in advance and in writing, to the
Head Teacher.
Punctuality is monitored and children will be
expected to make up lesson time if they are
repeatedly late.

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Cars on Site

Voluntary One-Way System

Other than those belonging to staff, deliveries and

the disabled, no cars are permitted to drive up the
driveway. A barrier is in operation between 8:15am
and 5:45pm. Unrestricted parking is available on the
roads surrounding the school and we do expect
parents/carers to be respectful of our neighbours at
all times.

We understand that you may need to drive to school

in some circumstances. Should you need to bring
your car to school, we ask that members of our
school community support the voluntary one way
system which has been in operation for many years
during morning and afternoon drop off times.

Please see the map below for further details.

For further information, including the Travel Pack

for parents and visitors, please visit our website:
www.brooklandjuniorschool.co.uk

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Charging Policy

Complaints Procedure

Parents/carers are asked for a voluntary contribution

to cover the cost of all trips out of school and for some
of the groups that visit us throughout the year. We
also ask for a voluntary contribution each year to help
with the costs of the swimming pool.

Concerns and complaints should be raised with the

class teacher in the first instance. If the parent/carer
wishes to take the matter further or no resolution is
reached an appointment should be made with the
appropriate year group leader or the Deputy or
Assistant Head Teachers.

Clubs run by the school itself are normally free but

clubs and activities run on our premises by private
providers, such as the chess coaching, will charge for
the activities they offer.
The school offers instrumental tuition by the borough
peripatetic service. The charges for this are set by the
service at an hourly rate across each term. Financial
assistance may be available in cases of need.

A further appointment can be made with the Head

Teacher if necessary. If the problem is of a particularly
delicate or serious nature it is, of course, possible to
make an appointment with the Head Teacher in the
first instance.
Should the parents/carers and the school not be able to
resolve the complaint, parents/carers have the right to
approach the Chair of Governors. The Chair may be
contacted through the school.

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School Site Map

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