Rowan Tree Primary School

Green Hall Close, Atherton,

Manchester.
M46 9HP.

Telephone: 01942 883928

e-mail: enquiries@admin.rowantree.wigan.sch.uk

Headteacher: Ms E. Loftus B.A.(Hons), PGCE, M.Ed. Educational

Psychology, NPQH.
Deputy Headteacher: Mrs L. Curran B.Ed.(Hons) SEN, NPQH
Dear Parent, Carer, Friend, Visitor,

This prospectus has been designed to give you an insight into the life and work of
Rowan Tree Primary. If you do not understand any part of it, or you wish to discuss
anything, please do not hesitate to contact the school.

 We will provide a caring and supportive environment for the children, along with
a wide range of well-balanced learning opportunities. It is our aim to ensure that
standards are high and all children make progress, as well as developing into
independent & responsible young people.

The information in this prospectus is accurate at the time of publication, but it may
need to be amended from time to time as circumstances change and develop.
We are concerned about all aspects of each child’s development and we hope that
you will share with us in making this a successful and enjoyable period in their lives.

Yours sincerely,

Ms. Liz Loftus

(Headteacher)
On behalf of the Governors and staff.
GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT THE SCHOOL

Rowan Tree is an 85 place special school for pupils aged 2 – 11 years with complex
needs. We specialise in teaching children or who need more time to learn, and who
have, or would experience difficulty in mainstream school. We aim to develop
attitudes, which will enable each individual to become as independent as possible
and participating members of their community. To do this we provide a broad,
balanced and highly personalised curriculum which includes the National Curriculum,
along with the development of thinking, social and vocational skills.

School Vision Statement

School Mission Statement

A school community where you would be happy and confident to send your child
because the children have fun; are happy, respected and valued; are offered a
highly personalised curriculum that is full of exciting and creative activities; and
where every experience is made to matter. A school where children learn as much
as they can; are becoming as independent as possible; and are expertly cared for by
a professional, aspirational staff team.
Aims of Rowan Tree Primary School
1. To create a welcoming, friendly, bright, lively, and happy place, and provide an
environment in which children feel safe and secure. A place where good
behaviour is expected and rewarded where children enjoy growing up.
2. To foster the natural curiosity and desire for learning of each individual pupil.
3. To ensure all children have access to an engaging, varied curriculum that will
enable pupils to make progress in all aspects of the curriculum including
communication; life and social skills; and spiritual, moral, and cultural
understanding.
4. To have high expectations of all pupils and provide high quality, challenging,
imaginative teaching and learning opportunities that are presented through
first-hand experience, practical activities, exploration, investigation and play.
5. To enliven and enrich the curriculum through visits, visitors and extensive use
of the outdoor environment.
6. To develop an enjoyment and respect for the environment, leading to all children
becoming caring and responsible members of society.
7. To promote the development of pupils’ resilience, resourcefulness and sense of
responsibility.
8. To develop self-confidence and high self-esteem in all children.
9. For pupils to become as independent as possible and to prepare them for the
future.
10. To develop positive partnerships with parents by communicating and consulting
with them about their child’s learning and progress.
11. To work with the multidisciplinary team to provide personalised, integrated
education, health and social care that supports the needs of each child and their
families.
12. To be committed to maintaining the highest standards in all aspects of our
school and continually strive for improvement.
13. To be an inclusive school and put into place inclusive practices in all aspects of
our work, ensuring that all children are given equality of opportunity and fair
treatment.
14. To be open to new ideas and be adaptive to changes.
15. To ensure that Rowan Tree Primary is a place of excellence and enjoyment
where every child achieves, makes progress and is celebrated.
 Staff Structure

Headteacher Liz Loftus

Deputy Headteacher Louise Curran
Assistant Head Loretta Browne

Leaves Clare Roche

Viki Lowe, Jill Blaxter, Denise Oakes, Amy Green,
Elliott Waith

Berries Janet Williams

Vicky Smith, Sharon Taylor-Gittins,
Maureen Dougherty

1D Laura Dorning
Emma Wilkinson, Laura Alker, Ann Nolan, Karen Ward

Rowan O Sarah O’Brien

Debbie McKiernan, Kelly Fairhurst, Becky Helme

Rowan C Julie Corser

Linda Jones, Claire Abbott, Yvonne Melling

Rowan B Loretta Browne

Deanne Kaye, Gail Hunt, Diane Weaving

2R Jessica Robinson
Vicky Patterson, Sophie Atherton, Gill Round

2H Claire Heaton
Mandy Hough, Debbie Wood, Kelly-Anne Dalton

2G Trish Glennon
Kath Hilton, Reanne Lowe

2O David Oakes
Liz Marron, Joye Jones, Donna Wilson

2P Karen Partridge
Dan Hill, Lisa Bowles, Stacy Hilton
Outreach Co-Ordinators Liz Marron, Victoria Lowe, Kelly Bennett,

David Oakes

Learning Mentor Maureen Dougherty

Business Manager Richard Connolly

Administration Officers Barbara Critchley, Nicola Oakes, Taryn Oliver

Caretaker David Harrison

Lunchtime Organisers Mrs Roberts, Mrs Nowell, Mrs Lawson,

Mrs Upton, Mrs Parker, Mrs Holbrook,
Mrs Thilwind, Mrs Turnbull, Mrs Semmens,
Miss Parry

Driver Eddie Sheehan

 School Governors

Name Type of Governor Specific Responsibilities

Miss P. Hough (Chair) Parent Governor Child Protection, LAC

Ms. E. Loftus Headteacher

Mrs P. Glennon Staff

Mrs K. Jones Community

Mrs L. Roberts Community
Mrs M. Waith Community

Councilor K Aldred Local Authority

Mrs M Brennan Parent

Mr E. Hanley Parent

What are Governors?

They are like a board of Directors and make decisions about how the school is run.
The Governing body is made up of parents, staff, local council employees and
members of the local and wider community. Meetings are held at least once a term.
Governors write an annual report to parents and offer to host a meeting to discuss
it.

What do they do?

Governors have legal duties, powers and responsibilities. They can only act together
and not alone. The Governors carry out their statutory responsibilities, which
include:
 Deciding what is taught.
 Setting standards.
 Preparing policies.
 Preparing the budget.
 Employing staff.
 Monitoring and evaluate all aspects of the work of the school
CURRICULUM

At the heart of the curriculum is the development of communication skills and

hands on, explorative and play based learning. We make use of our extensive
grounds and offer a range of outdoor and environmental learning opportunities. We
have a cross-curricular approach and do not teach things in complete isolation. For
example, life skills are vital and our aim is to teach them in as many areas as
possible. Similarly Literacy, Numeracy and ICT can be taught in a variety of
situations. New technologies are used to support all our learning.

The curriculum consists of the following areas:

 Development of Communication Skills
 A focus on Social and Life skills, including Leisure Pursuits and Using the
Community.
 Work Related Learning and Experiences
 Play based learning both in and outside the classroom.
 Literacy, Numeracy, PSHE and all subjects of the National Curriculum

We provide a challenging, exciting, fun filled curriculum, which will prepare our
children to:
 be independent  work with others
 think for themselves  care for themselves and others
 be confident  enjoy life
 make decisions

To enhance our curriculum we also work with the following outside specialists:
 Music  ICT
 Drama  P.E. & Dance
 Forest School

In addition to this we also offer;

 Massage  Play Therapy
 Rebound Therapy  Hydro Therapy
 Horse Riding  Swimming
 Yoga
P.E; Swimming, Art & Technology
All pupils participate in P.E. and games lessons and are asked to bring kit, towel and
toiletries for their lessons.

P.E./Games kit consists of - Shorts/Skirt and T-Shirt.

Footwear - trainers or gym shoes.
Towel for shower and toiletries for personal hygiene

The children also have regular swimming lessons and need to bring:
Costume – Towel – Toiletries.

Rowan Tree Primary School aspires to provide its pupils with opportunities to
Participate in sporting activities. Sports day is held every year in the Summer Term.

Aprons are provided for Art and Technology lessons, but pupils are encouraged to
provide their own.

Religious Education
Rowan Tree Primary School is a non-denominational school and as such no one faith/religion
is taught to the detriment of others. It is our intention to foster an awareness of and
respect for a variety of faiths / religions, their moral values, and how each religion can
influence people's judgments.

The school recognises the right of parents to withdraw their children from religious
education and collective worship. Please contact the Headteacher if you wish to withdraw
your child from religious education, or collective worship.

Educational Visits.
Sometimes school staff take groups of pupils away on educational visits. Destinations,
dates and costs will be forwarded in plenty of time for you to make a decision whether or
not you wish your child to go on such a trip. The trips are always very well staffed and the
pupils supervised at all times.

We follow the Educational Visits Policy of the local authority, which includes notifying you
about any planned trips and seeking permission from you for us to take your child on
educational visits.

Music
All pupils are taught music as part of the school curriculum. In addition, peripatetic music
teachers visit the school to provide lessons on a number of instruments. These additional
lessons have to be paid for by parents. Please contact Mrs Evans for further information.
Parental Voluntary Contributions

Rowan Tree Primary School provides school activities free of charge. However, parents
may be asked for a contribution for time to time towards school trips. Parents may be
asked to contribute to food technology, educational day and residential trips and
activities, which the school undertakes, and which involves their child, otherwise such
activities may not take place. It may be impractical for the school to fully fund residential
activities.

The school sometimes operates a 'book club' and parents have to pay for any books, which
they wish to purchase. Other items which the school charges for, if parents wish to
purchase them, include:

i) Pupil photographs.
ii) School uniform.
iii) Fund raising items.

Pupils are also given the opportunity to purchase items made in practical lessons, such as
home economics and craft, although they may not wish to purchase them.
The School Day for Pupils

Classes in KS1 and 2

8.45 – Registration
9.05 – Lesson 1
9.40 – Communication/Snack/Social Skills
10.00 – Break
10.20 – Lesson 2
11.00 – Lesson 3
11.40– Lunchtime Preparation/PSHE
Skills
11.55 – Lunch
12.50 – Lesson 4
13.15 – Lesson 5
13.45 – Snack/Social Skills
14.00 - Lesson 6
14.30 - Facilitated Play
14.50 – 15.00 Home Time Preparation /
Review of the Day

Pupil Breaks
Break times for pupils take place between 10am and 11am but vary in length depending
on their age and needs Snack and break times for pupils are considered to be an essential
part of the school day as they provide opportunities to teach a range of life and social
skills.

Pastoral Care
Pupils at Rowan Tree Primary may seek pastoral support from any member of staff.
However, the class teachers are responsible for the specific pastoral care of all children
in their classes.
Promoting Positive Behaviour
A number of pupils in school find it difficult to manage their own behaviour. A number of
systems and strategies are sued throughout the school day to support and guide children
to make improvements in this aspect of their social and emotional development.

The Golden Rules:

Do be gentle – Don’t hurt anybody
Do be kind and helpful – Don’t hurt people’s feelings
Do work hard – Do not waste your or other people’s time
Do look after property – Do not waste or damage things
Do listen to people – Do not interrupt
Do be honest – Do not cover up the truth

The aims of our behaviour policy are:

 To provide a stimulating, well ordered and caring environment, where the emphasis is on
the positive and pupils genuinely care for others.
 To provide a well structured environment, where the pupils can flourish as individuals
and develop the skills of thinking, independence, co-operation, sharing, honesty and
self-control.
 To encourage the children to be responsible for their own actions and to understand
that all actions have consequences.
 To foster feelings of tolerance and understanding, this includes having an awareness of
equal opportunities.
 To encourage the children to be assertive, but not aggressive.
 To promote politeness and good manners at all times.
The behaviour policy also contains information on bullying, the use of physical interventions
and pupil exclusions.
OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION

Uniform.

We encourage our pupils to wear school uniform. Our school uniform consists of:
a. Sweatshirt (Emerald Green) – available from school
b. Polo Shirt (white) – available from clothing stores
c. Skirt or Trousers (grey) – available from clothing stores
d. Sensible shoes (not trainers)
Uniform should always be worn in the appropriate way.

Jewellery - pupils are not permitted to wear jewellery in school, especially items which
might be considered to be a health and safety hazard, e.g. rings, chains, earrings. Such
items should not be worn in lessons of a practical nature.

Home / School Transport

The policy at Rowan Tree Primary is to encourage pupils to travel independently to school
whenever possible. e.g. if they live close to school and can do so safely, with the agreement
and support of parents. However, we recognise that most of our pupils require organised
transport. The local authority is responsible for organising coaches and taxis. Staff at the
education department can be contacted by telephoning 01942 489685 (School Transport
Section).

School Meals

Pupils may have a school meal (including the option of ordering packed lunches from the
school kitchen), or parents may provide a packed lunch. You will be kept informed of any
price changes. Dinner money is payable on Monday mornings throughout the year. The
school has a 'Lunchtime Policy', which assists our routines and organisation.
HOME / SCHOOL AND COMMUNITY LINKS

Class Assemblies
At certain times during the year the pupils at Rowan Tree Primary participate in school
assemblies. These are done on a rota basis. Parents will be informed of the time and date
of their son’s / daughter’s class assembly and be invited to attend.

Special Events
Parents are always welcome at our Coffee Mornings, Sports Day, Harvest Festival and
Performances and Concerts. These are always well attended and enjoyed by everyone. We
usually invite members of the local community, friends of the school and Governors to
attend.

Home / School Liaison

We like to visit pupils and parents at home to help forge stronger ties and links between
us. These visits are very informal and nothing to worry about. The visits allow both parents
and teachers to discuss freely any concerns or worries that they may have and to look at
ways of supporting each other.
We also encourage parents to contact us at any time, if they wish to discuss any issues.

Annual Reviews and Annual Reports

All pupils who attend Rowan Tree Primary must have a statement of special educational
needs, which is reviewed annually. Detailed review reports are prepared by staff and
forwarded to parents, who are then invited to discuss the contents. Parents and pupils are
encouraged to contribute to the target setting process at review meetings. Each child also
receives an annual report at the end of the academic year.

Parents Evening / Open Evening

A Parents Evening is held once pre term. This is a chance to speak to teachers and
displays are put on show for parents to come along and view. We also invite members of
the local community, friends of the school and Governors to attend.

Parent/Carer Workshops and Family Learning Activities

Parent workshops and parent meetings are held in school each half term. Sometimes with
guest speakers are invited, at other times it is a chance to meet and chat with other
parents. The workshop themes are decided and agreed with parents.

A programme of Family Learning Activities have been planned. These are fun activities
where adults and children work, play and learn together. Parents and carers can see first-
hand the sorts of activities we do with pupils and the support we provide to help them
achieve. It is hoped that it will give parents some new ideas for things to do together at
home, or how to help with homework.
Newsletters
Once a week you will receive our school newsletter, which updates you on any new
achievements, changes and news that may have occurred.

Home School Diaries

Each pupil is provided with a home school diary. Parents and staff use these to send
messages to and from school about the child’s activities and achievements each week.
Should there be a need to chat about other issues or concerns, staff will contact parents
via telephone, email or letter.

Family Holidays
Unless exceptional circumstances, pupils should not be absent from school to go on a family
holidays. Written requests for authorised absence for family holidays must be made in
writing to the headteacher.

ROWAN TREE PRIMARY

HOLIDAY LIST FOR 2016/2017

School Opens: Tuesday 6th September 2016

Opens Tue 6th September 2016 – closes Fri 21st October 2016
Opens Mon 31st October 2016 – closes Fri 23rd December 2016
Opens Tues 10th January 2017 – closes Fri 17th February 2017
Opens Mon 27th February 2017 – closes Fri 31st March 2017
Opens Tue 18thApril 2017 – closes Fri 26th May 2017
Opens Mon 5th June 2017 – closes Friday 21st July 2017

Total Statutory Days in School = 190.

 Note 1: Other Bank Holidays Monday 1st May 2017

 Note 2: Staff training days – 5th September 2016, 9th January 2017 and
one further date (to be confirmed). School closed to pupils
Health and Safety

The health and safety policy is available for reading at any time. Outlined in the policy are
set procedures to follow, such as the administration of medicines and the routine to follow
should an accident happen etc.

Some of our staff have been trained in First Aid and are qualified First Aiders.

Outlined below is the procedure to follow if your child needs to take medication during
school hours.

Administration of medicines in school

When children are unwell the best place for them is at home with an adult. A sick child will
not be able to cope with school activities, and if the illness is infectious there could be a
serious risk of other children and staff becoming ill.

Occasionally, however, a doctor regards a child as fit to return to school provided a

prescribed medicine is taken in school. There are also children with long-term illnesses
who can only attend school if medication is either given during the school day or is
available in an emergency.

Only prescribed medicines can be administered by school staff. Parents must complete a
Health Care plan and provide signed written consent before any prescribed medication will
be given. Parents/guardians must include details of the medicine involved, frequency of
administration and dosage included.

The medicine must be provided in its original packaging. The label should contain the
child's name and directions for administration. Parents/guardians are also responsible for
replenishing supplies as necessary and for ensuring that any prescribed medicines are
safely transported to school. If the child travels to school on school transport, any
medication should be handed to the passenger assistant, who will hand it to a member of
staff. Medication must not be placed in pupils’ school bags.
Admissions

All pupils are admitted to Rowan Tree Primary via Wigan Council’s Children and Young
People’s Service, whether they be from within the Metropolitan Borough, or from another
district. Places may be made available to children from other Boroughs upon request, when
there are any appropriate vacancies at the school.

The local authority expects to place pupils at Rowan Tree Primary, whose learning
difficulties require them to be educated in the specialist environment, which the school
can provide. Pupils have an Education and Health Care Plan (EHCP), are in the process of
being assessed for an EHCP, or are admitted on a temporary observation and assessment
placement.

The authority will only consider the admission of additional pupils above the planned place
number fixed for the school, after consultation with the Headteacher and Governors of
the school, and only when the admission of further pupils is consistent with:-

a. the educational needs of the pupils

b. the schools ability to meet such needs appropriately
c. the educational needs of the other children with whom the pupil will be educated
d. the efficient use of resources

The local authority must take into account at all times the pressure of space within the
building, the health and safety of the pupils, and the readiness of access to the specialist
services available.

Complaints Procedure.

The school has adopted the local authority School Complaints Procedure (July 1999). A
copy of the full procedure is available in school. The purpose of the procedure is to

i) re-assure parents and others with an interest in the school, that any general complaint
against the school will be dealt with in a fair, open and responsive way, with the aim of
achieving a speedy and satisfactory resolution; and

(ii) indicate that the school recognises that a willingness to listen to criticism / challenge
and to respond positively can lead to improvements in school practices and provision for
pupils.

The stages are as follows:

Stage 1 – informal - parents may raise concerns with school staff without formality.
Stage 2 - referral to Headteacher for investigation if the matter is unresolved.
Stage 3 - review by the Governing body
Policies and Procedures

Our work at Rowan Tree Primary is guided by a range of policies and procedures. Policies
are available from the school or on the school website. A small charge maybe made for
paper copies. Some of the main policies are listed below but do please ask, or check the
website, if you would wish to see information about other aspects of our work in school.

Safeguarding Policy
Administration of Medication policy
Intimate Care Policy
Behaviour Policy
Health and Safety Policy
SRE Policy
SEN Policy
Equality Plan

FOR OUR PUPILS AND FAMILIES WE WILL

Provide an outstanding quality of service

Be resourceful and imaginative in meeting individual needs

Work in partnership with parents and other professionals

T0 ACHIEVE THIS TOGETHER WE WILL

Feel proud to belong to this school

Earn respect from everyone (parents and pupils)

Set the highest possible standards

Be caring and responsible members of the community

Reward achievements

Develop each individual as fully as possible

Be open to new ideas and adaptive to changes