Pupils at Larwood will have an Educational Health care Plan and will be admitted inline with our admissions criteria. Pupils will have been assessed as having their overall social and educational performance depressed by their social and emotional experiences with resultant difficulties, in a variety of ways. The main presenting need will be social, emotional and mental health and, in addition, there may be a degree of sensory, physical, communication or learning difficulty as described in the Local Authority guidance for admission. This currently includes pupils with degrees and combinations of: ADHD, Tourettes Syndrome, Dyslexia, Autism, Asperger Syndrome and ODD.

The main presenting need, as identified in pupils’ EHC plans, is Social, Emotional and Mental Health difficulties, as well as an increasing number of pupils with Autistic Spectrum Difficulties, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and Asperger Syndrome. SEMH is considered a learning disability. Additionally, the school expects to meet the needs of pupils with a range of needs described above. The school has limited access for disability which is addressed in the School’s Disability Access Plan.

Hertfordshire County Council Children Services Department are the admissions' authority for the school’s provision. Children Services/SEN policy is to place pupils in the school able to meet the pupils’ needs, nearest to where they live. Pupils will in the norm, come from the north and the east of the county. Referrals from ‘out of county’ are considered if referred through Hertfordshire County Council SEN procedures. The school has a well-established admission process, which seeks to confirm the appropriateness of the initial referral. The referral documentation is reviewed and the pupil and carers are subsequently invited to the school for an initial meeting. This meeting will focus on an explanation of the school’s philosophy and approach to the management of behaviour. This will be followed by a second meeting at school, or in the family home, where a designated member of staff will gather more specific information about the pupil’s needs, presenting difficulties and background. An admission will be agreed if both the carers and the school believe that the school is best placed to meet the pupil’s needs. For the vast majority of pupils they will start Larwood School on a Wednesday or Thursday and in full time provision. If there is a need for adaptation and a staggered start, which gradually builds over time, we will discuss and agree this with parents during the admissions process.

Larwood has no religious affiliation. The school respects any religious or dietary requirements requested by parents or carers.

At Larwood School, staff provide a structured and ordered environment in which pupils will feel safe and secure. Staff promote and reinforce positive behaviour and attitudes.

When pupils are working, playing and behaving positively, then consequences are rewarding and encouraging. In the first instance, the consequence of negative or self-defeating behaviour is the removal of adult approval and of positive feedback and not earning the points otherwise available.

The pupils at Larwood School are encouraged to look at the consequences of their actions, to question their own choices and decisions. It is recognised that many will have complex emotional needs and/or histories of negative behaviour patterns. Within the context of an ordered and safe school, pupils will be encouraged to take control of, and responsibility for, their behaviour. Hertfordshire Steps supports this process via use of carefully chosen language and activities such as ‘roots and fruits’.

Larwood School is committed to providing clear and consistent boundaries and management for pupils. Some pupils may have experienced rejection previously. Staff are sensitive to this and will, therefore, confine their response to pupil behaviour and not towards pupils themselves.

Children with severe social, emotional and mental health difficulties often have a repertoire of anti-social behaviours that they use to maintain a sense of control over their immediate circumstances, and for many due to increased levels of anxiety in relation to a variety of issues and situations.

It is school policy, wherever possible, to work in partnership with parents, guardians and carers to provide consistent boundaries. Parents are consulted about and informed of school decisions and policies on behaviour and discipline. We also promote a high level of communication and interaction with parents pupils.

Bullying

Larwood School aims to create an environment in which children and staff feel safe, secure and happy. We have a Behaviour Management Policy that encourages everyone to treat each other with respect and kindness. The school has an Anti-Bullying policy that positively promotes non-bullying behaviour. This policy is regularly updated and is available for parents/carers to see on request.

Bullying is taken seriously by all staff and pupils have regular information regarding what forms it may take, what to do if it may happen (in school and out of school) and how other people can help. The context of society is also discussed with particular reference to digital devices and the use ICT.

Our website has its own devoted section for pupils to learn about ‘staying safe online’ using a variety of situations and with safeguarding very much in mind.

Whenever pupils display appropriate social behaviour, positive effort and achievement, they can expect that this will be recognised and acknowledged. Pupils will be rewarded through praise and encouragement, smiles and gestures of approval, as well as the award of points through the rewards/points system.

Up to 20 points are available to be earned each day. Points are allocated across the lesson periods, playtimes and lunchtime. Points gained are recorded daily and if children earn 65 or more out of the 100 available, they will earn the opportunity to take part in an activity of their choice during activities on a Friday afternoon. For a small group of students who behave consistently and work well with others, they may be able to come off the points system. To access this reward, pupils will need to have achieved at least 90 points for six weeks in a row. Members of the Senior Leadership Team will then discuss whether it is appropriate for that student to come off points. If they do they will receive an automatic 100 points every week (subject to monitoring), access to the top of the range activities on a Friday and entry into a half - termly raffle draw with prizes! For consistently earning high levels of points, pupils may become part of the ‘black shirt’ programme in years 5/6 or the ‘yellow shirt’ programme in years 3/4, or ‘blue shirt’ programme for year 2.

We also run regular end of term trips, award House Points and run a separate competition for this, as well as award a weekly nomination for politeness and kindness.

Friday afternoon activities include:

Football, Rugby, Cricket, Gymnastics, Gravity Trampolining, Bowling, Athletics, Adventure Playground, Hall Games, Pet Club, Music, Cookery, Chromebooks, Skiing/Rubber Ringing, Arts, Crafts, and Dance.

Staff implement the system in an age appropriate way and aim to consistently respond to pupil behaviour across the school.

In the first instance, inappropriate or negative behaviour results in the withdrawal of adult attention, praise and the non-earning of points. Pupils earning 64 points or less out of 100 will join a reflection club instead of enjoying activities on a Friday afternoon.

At times, inappropriate behaviour will result in the withdrawal of certain privileges and free time. Pupils may experience short periods of ‘time away’ within or outside the group and extra tasks or reparation may be required. Points, once earned, cannot be taken away.

Internal exclusion from everyday routines or exclusion from school is, on occasions, used to underline the seriousness of certain behaviour. Exclusion also shows other pupils that certain actions will not be accepted.

Parents are required to attend a re-inclusion meeting with their child following any school exclusion.

The school ethos is clear. Many pupils coming to Larwood School have previously behaved poorly, have low self esteem and experienced difficult times. Larwood aims to reinforce all positive behaviours and to help the pupils to change through consistent management and positive reinforcement. Pupils may learn a new repertoire of skills and behaviours that they may find more attractive and rewarding.

Behaviour Expectations (Individual classes may have a variation on this)

1. Be kind and gentle to each other - WE ARE A TEAM!

2. Listen to the person who is speaking

3. Follow instructions

4. Put your hand up and wait your turn

5. Pupils are expected to learn to take responsibility for their own actions.

Our curriculum intent is clear and there is a dedicated area on this website to demonstrate this. We use the Chris Quiqley Essentials and it is differentiated to allow our pupils to recover big gaps in learning and for some to meet age related expectations, by the time they leave us in Year 6. This is usually dependent on their individual needs and for how long they are with us at Larwood.All pupils have access to a broad, balanced, differentiated and relevant curriculum that includes full National Curriculum entitlement. Class sizes are kept small, enabling individual targets to be drawn up in order to monitor progress.

Personal, as well as academic, skills are nurtured to encourage the development of increasingly confident and well-adjusted young people.

We have some unique approaches to our curriculum provision encouraging outdoor learning (Hands on Mondays), a dedicated skills afternoon on Thursdays, MAPS (Music, Arts and Performance Skills) for older pupils and MAD (Music, Art and Drama) for younger pupils, as well as Friday afternoon reward time.

All pupils at Larwood School have a Local Education Authority Statement of Special Educational Needs (Education Health Care Plan), but it would only be in exceptional circumstances that a pupil would be excluded from full National Curriculum entitlement.

Religious Education, based on the Hertfordshire framework and national guidance, is taught across the school. The school has a statutory responsibility to lead the pupils in collective worship each day. This act of worship takes a range of forms but is broadly Christian. Parents have the right to withdraw their child from all or part of Religious Education and/or religious worship. Any parents who wish to discuss this would be encouraged to contact the school.

The school assembly offers pupils the opportunity to celebrate achievements, events and special occasions together. It will often have a spiritual or moral focus whilst on other occasions; a class will share aspects of their work with the rest of the school. In assemblies, we share and celebrate pupils’ achievements over the school week.

Sporting aims and provision are discussed under ‘Out of School Activities’ Section.

The school will work to ensure equal opportunity for all pupils and will strive to maximise educational, emotional and social growth, helping each pupil to achieve their full potential.

In doing so, the following values are promoted and encouraged:

1. Respect for self.

2. Respect and consideration for others.

3. Responsibility for one’s own actions.

We aim to provide the knowledge and information to which all pupils are entitled: -

• To provide an understanding that positive, caring environments are essential for the development of healthy self-esteem and self image.
• To provide an understanding that individuals are responsible for their own bodies.
• To encourage sensitivity in pupils and develop an awareness of differing perspectives in a culturally diverse society.
• To present facts in an objective, balanced and sensible manner.
• To create a trusting environment where issues can be discussed openly without fear of criticism.
• To provide knowledge about the process of reproduction and the nature of sexuality and relationships.

As a caring school community, we recognise the importance of Sex Education for our pupils, believing that their particular needs make them more vulnerable to abuse and exploitation in relationships. We will work to develop pupil skills to counter this. All aspects of school life are designed to empower the pupils through the building of confidence and self esteem.

Larwood School believes that all pupils are entitled to a comprehensive, well-planned programme of education and is committed to the provision of a broad and balanced educational experience that ensures equality of opportunity. Sex Education is taught within this context. However, parents have a right to withdraw their child from this part of the P.S.H.E. curriculum.

Accident or Illness at School

(Emergency Contacts)

Parents/carers are asked to provide two telephone numbers where they, a friend, or relative may be contacted should their child become ill at school and need to be sent home.

Pupils occasionally injure themselves, requiring hospital attention. If parents/carers can be contacted by telephone and have a car, they will be asked to transport their child to hospital. Otherwise, school staff will take the pupil to the hospital and meet parents/carers there, if at all possible.

Medicines

On completion of the appropriate form (available from the school office) certain prescribed medicines can be given to pupils at school. School staff do not administer intimate medical procedures. Oral medication only is administered.

Staff do not administer medicine because parents forget to do so. It is always part of a planned and agreed approach between school and parents and in the best interests of the young person concerned.

Smoking & Vaping

The school operates a “No Smoking” policy. Trustees, parents, carers, staff and visitors are asked to refrain from smoking and vaping on the school site.

There are many ways in which we try to achieve close and co-operative relationships between school and home. We welcome the interest of parents/carers and their visits to the school. To support this very important objective, a full time Family Support Worker is employed.

The school is keen that parents/carers meet the staff working with their child at the beginning of the new academic year, and to that end, a parents’ evening is held. We welcome parents and carers who may wish to make a formal appointment at other times to discuss issues of concern or interest. In addition, regular telephone contact and the use of a home/school contact book is valuable to all parties and we actively encourage parents/carers to make entries in these books about any concerns and to share information about the home, including special family events, outings and holidays.

From time to time, parents are invited to other events at school such as; productions, sports day etc.

We maintain and promote partnership by:

Meet the teacher event in the first half of autumn term.

Subject based communication in the second half of autumn term.

Annual reviews meeting to discuss the Educational Health Care Plan during the course of the year.

A written summative report in July.

A home school communication book.

Regular phone calls.

Other meetings with colleagues to aid progression and well being.

A dedicated Year 5 transition evening with secondary Headteachers present.

Annual Reviews

Each child’s progress is formally reviewed on an annual basis. For the purpose of this review, the school produces a written report and the views of parents, carers and other involved parties are sought. Parents and relevant professionals are invited to the Review Meeting and it is important that every effort is made to attend as decisions often need to be made about future plans. Decisions will be made for the future and specific targets set for the purpose of monitoring progress over the coming months.

Equal Opportunities

It is Larwood School’s intention to develop attitudes and ways of behaving which respect individuals regardless of their ability, colour, culture, gender or social circumstances. The school is unequivocally opposed to any form of discrimination and it seeks to form a partnership with pupils, staff, governors, parents and carers to combat ignorance and prejudicial attitudes both in school and in the Community as a whole.

The school works in partnership with parents to support children in every way possible.

However, Working Together to Safeguard Children (HM Government 2019) requires all schools to follow procedures for protecting children from abuse. Such guidance places a clear responsibility on schools to ensure that they work together, with other agencies to safeguard and promote the welfare of all children. This responsibility necessitates a Child Protection Policy and Procedures and the school may need to share information and work in partnership with other agencies (e.g. Social Services) when there are concerns about a child's welfare.

It may be helpful to know that the Authority requires the Head of School to report any obvious or suspected case of child abuse to Social Services including non-accidental injury, severe physical neglect, emotional abuse and sexual abuse.

This procedure is intended to protect children at risk and schools are encouraged to take the attitude that where there are grounds for suspicion, it is better to be safe than sorry. This does mean that the Head of School may run the risk of upsetting some parents by reporting a case that, on investigation, proves unfounded. In these circumstances, it is hoped that parents/carers, appreciating how difficult it is for the Head of School to carry out this sensitive responsibility, would accept that he/she was acting in what was believed to be in the best interests of the child.

Larwood School has a range of policies which are designed to inform staff practice and ensure safeguarding for all involved. Our Child Protection Policy is an example of this and alongside other policies is available on our school website. (www.larwood.herts.sch.uk-‘about us’ and in the section marked as Policies)

Bianca Osobu (Head of School) is the designated Senior Person for Child Protection. She is assisted by four other members of staff as listed below in the Staff Responsibilities section. She will be happy to discuss any questions or concerns parents/carers may have about Child Protection Policies and Practice.

The school offers a range of activities, visits, trips and educational journeys as part of the whole school curriculum. Such activities contribute to the individual targets set for pupils and the teaching of the National Curriculum. They also give breadth and depth to the learning of pupils.

The Governing Body has undertaken to ensure that the pupils are offered, and engage in, a wide variety of sporting activities. Traditional competitive games and Outdoor Adventurous activities take place during lessons. Music, the arts and creativity are all key areas of life at Larwood. Larwood staff take many of these activities but we also make use of experienced and qualified external coaches. In such cases they are subject to normal qualification and barring checks as part of our safeguarding processes.

Charging and Remmission Policy – The Trustees have a simple charging policy which asks parents for contributions to various activities which the school plans. Contributions are entirely voluntary and no pupil will be excluded from an activity if parents are unable to contribute. The school will make every effort to provide appropriate activities from its delegated budget. However, the range and amount of activities is increased by voluntary contributions. Parents will be informed in writing with regard to each activity.

Parents/carers are asked to inform the school immediately of any change of address and telephone number, particularly mobile telephone numbers.

The easiest way to change any details with us are as follows:

• Email: admin@larwood.herts.sch.uk
• Telephone: 01438 236333
• Or you can write to us using the schools address:
  Larwood School, Larwood Drive, Stevenage, Hertfordshire. SG1 5BZ

The school maintains a framework of time events in order to provide a secure structure for every day: -

9:00 am Pupils arrive

9:20 am - 9:40 Essentials 

9:40 - 10:25 - First lesson

10:25 - 11:10 am - Second lesson

11:10 am - 11:55am - Third lesson

12:-00pm-1:00pm LUNCH TIME 

1:00 - 1:30pm - Essentials 

1:30- 2:15pm - Fourth Lesson

2:15 pm - 3:00pm - Fifth lesson 

3:00pm - 3:15pm - BREAK 

3:20 pm Pupils go home

Thursdays only:

1:30pm - 2:45pm - Skills 

Fridays only:

9:00 am Rewards assembly

12:15 pm Lunch

12:45 pm Reward afternoon/classwork

2:20 pm Pupils to dining hall and depart

All pupils at Larwood School wear school uniform. The uniform consists of a school sweatshirt, which is purchased from the school office, a white or grey polo shirt and grey or black trousers, skirt or knee-length shorts. Red and white check summer dresses for girls.

Trainers or school shoes may be worn to school. Inside school, plimsolls will be worn at all times. Parents may provide plimsolls, alternatively the school will issue them.

School PE Kit is provided for a small charge and is laundered in school. Swimming trunks/costumes should be brought in when required. A pair of jogging/slack

Bottoms and trainers to be left in school for outdoor PE.

The school provides riding boots.

If parents/carers or other parties have concerns about any school matter, they should communicate with the school straight away. Small problems can often be resolved quickly if communication between school and others is good.

We hope that parents/carers will, in the first instance, discuss any worries with the staff concerned. The Family Support Worker is a contact between parents/carers, Social Services and the school. If you are not satisfied, please contact the Deputy Head teacher or Head teacher.

If no satisfaction is gained from informal discussions, the procedure for formal complaints is described in our Complaints' Policy which is available on our website.

Full copies of Policies referred to in this brochure can be seen or sent to parents on request.

Regular attendance is important if pupils are to benefit from the full range of educational opportunities on offer at Larwood School. It is very important that pupils get into, and maintain, a pattern and routine of attendance in order to support learning and good behaviour. Consistent management of pupils is supported by regular attendance. Pupils should only be kept away from school for genuine reasons. If pupils are kept off, or have appointments coming up, parents/carers are to inform the school. The school, as a matter of routine, asks for explanations for all absences.

Parents/carers are requested to telephone the school on the first day of a pupil’s absence and send in a letter when the pupil returns.

Parents/Carers are requested to take annual holidays during school holidays. Request for holidays during term-time will be declined. Where parents decide to take holidays regardless, the appropriate form must be completed. The school will record all such occasions as unauthorised absence and the local authority Attendance Officer may also become involved

Please note that this prospectus provides a snapshot of what is on offer and provided at Larwood School. We are constantly evolving and adapting our practice and therefore systems and procedures noted here may change at any given time.