Prospectus (area 3)
Oxclose Prospectus:

 

OTHER INFORMATION - CHARGING POLICIES

In response to DES Circular 2/89 the Local Education Authority has issued a statement, which the Governors have accepted without reservation.  Essentially it is the right of every child to receive FREE school education, though some charges may be levied for extra-curricular activities and board and lodgings costs for some residential courses.  

By law, no state school can make a charge for:

  • Education wholly or mainly within school hours;

  • Materials and ingredients for things made in school which pupils or parents do not want to keep;

  • Visits in our outside school hours, which are necessary for examination.  

Charges may be made for the following:  

  • Individual music tuition

  • Certain excursions where a third party is involved;

  • Board and lodgings where a school activity involves a residential element;

  • Certain visits and fieldwork where voluntary contributions are requested.  

The school governors have decided that, in general, charges will only ever be made for a school activity if this is the only way to guarantee the event takes place.  This is most likely to apply to some trips and excursions.  We will always inform parents at the outset, and try to assist parents who would have genuine difficulty in paying.  

COMPLAINTS We hope that complaints are few and that they are dealt with quickly.  In the first instance complaints should normally be made to the Headteacher, and in most cases, we find that complaints can be dealt with successfully at this level.  However, there are two formal routes that you can use if you wish to take the matter further.  

Curriculum Complaints - You have particular rights in making a complaint about:

  • Curriculum provision, including R.E. and collective worship;

  • The implementation of the National Curriculum;

  • The availability of external qualifications;

  • Exemptions from the National Curriculum;

  • The operation of charging policies;

  • The provision of the information listed in the section overleaf.  

  • The complaints must first go to the school, through the Headteacher.  

If the complaint cannot be resolved it may be necessary for it to be considered by the Governing Body.  If the complaint is not resolved by the Governing Body it may be referred to Sunderland Education Committee where it will be considered by councillors.  If that fails, the complaint can be referred to the Secretary of State for Education and Employment.  

NOTE:  This procedure does not apply to complaints on matters like pupil discipline or individual teachers.  

The Council Complaints Procedure

Information is set out in the booklet "Information for Parents" available from the Education Department.  A copy of this booklet can be inspected at the school.  Any matter can be investigated under this procedure.  In appropriate circumstances under this procedure, the Council's staff will act as advocates and/or advisers.  

We do, of course, hope that any complaint can be resolved by the parent discussing the matter with an appropriate member of staff.  However, if you do require any detailed information on either complaints procedure full details are available on request from the school office.  

OTHER CURRICULUM INFORMATION By law schools must make certain information available for viewing by parents or members of the public.  All the documents listed below are available for viewing at the school.  

  • Any Statutory Instruments (including those for National Curriculum subjects) circulars and administrative memoranda relating to powers and duties under the " Curriculum" Section of the Education Reform Act.  

  • Any published HMI or Office for Standards in Education (OFSTED) Reports on the school.  

  • Any schemes of work and syllabuses currently used by teachers in the school.  

  • A full copy of curriculum complaints procedure.  

  • The Local Education Authority's agreed syllabus for R.E.  

ATTENDANCE AND PUNCTUALITY

Pupils are expected to attend school punctually for morning and afternoon sessions.  Should a pupil need to be absent through ill health, parents are requested to contact school immediately.  

Our attendance figures for 2001/ 2002 are as follows: September 2001 – July 2002  

  • Total Attendance                  91.17%                      

  • Authorised Absence             8.48%              

  • Unauthorised Absence          0.35%  

ADMISSIONS TO SCHOOL

In September 2002 the school provided 210 places for pupils in year 7.  Our intake consisted of 153 children.  The breakdown of pupils is as follows:                                                              

                                                126 pupils from Feeder Primaries

                                                  21 pupils from Primaries within Sunderland LEA

                                                    6 pupils from Primaries outside of Sunderland LEA  

This shows 27 pupils from non-feeder primaries whose parents had named Oxclose as their first preference  on the authority’s preference form.  

SCHOOL SECURITY

Oxclose School is committed to ensuring the best possible security for members of the school community.  Security cameras have been fitted by Sunderland LEA and all external doors have security locks.  All visitors must register at the reception area where identification badges are issued.

STATEMENT OF ENTITLEMENT 

AS A YOUNG PERSON You are entitled to expect that the staff of Oxclose School will:  

  • Treat and respect you as an individual

  • Provide you with the opportunity to learn the skills and gain the knowledge you will need to earn your living after you leave school

  • Offer you support, as you need it

  • Be professional in their dealings with you, be well informed and have the right skills to help you

  • Guarantee access to careers information, which is up to date, comprehensive and unbiased

  • Ensure you have access to professional and expert guidance when you need it

  • Guarantee access to information about all the options in education training and employment open to you once you leave school  

AS A PARENT OR GUARDIAN You are entitled to expect that the staff of Oxclose School will:  

  • Enable you to take an active part in the processes described above which could include:

  • Attendance at Parents’ Evening and other events

  • Attendance at your daughter/son’s careers guidance interview with the Careers Adviser in school if you wish

  • Encourage you to contact them at any stage for information or advice about your child

  • Provide specialist help if your daughter/son has special educational needs

  • Promote and practise Equal Opportunities for all young people regardless of gender, ethnic origin, disability, etc.              

On some occasions the Law requires that certain information be passed on.  Such circumstances would be fully discussed with you.

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