Prospectus 2015_2016 Updated 21022016

Freeman’s Endowed CE Junior Academy Prospectus
Updated 21/02/2016

WELCOME TO FREEMAN’S ENDOW ED CE JUNIOR ACADEMY ................................................................3
VISION AND AIMS ...................................................................................................................................................4
STAFF ......................................................................................................................................................................4
GOVERNING BODY.................................................................................................................................................5
CURRICULUM..........................................................................................................................................................6
Science .....................................................................................................................................................................7
The Arts ....................................................................................................................................................................8
Design And Technology ...........................................................................................................................................8
Music ........................................................................................................................................................................9
Physical Education ...................................................................................................................................................9
Care Of The Environment.......................................................................................................................................10
Drug Education .......................................................................................................................................................11
Cultural Education ..................................................................................................................................................11
Extracurricular Activities .........................................................................................................................................11
ACADEMY ORGANISATION .................................................................................................................................13
Lunchtime Arrangements .......................................................................................................................................13
Drinking Water ........................................................................................................................................................13
Absences ................................................................................................................................................................14
Academy Uniform ...................................................................................................................................................14
Discipline and Behaviour Policy .............................................................................................................................15
HELPING IN THE ACADEMY ................................................................................................................................16
Parent’s Forum (‘Being Heard’) ..............................................................................................................................16
The Home Academy Partnership ...........................................................................................................................16
Charging and Remissions Policy............................................................................................................................17
Admissions .............................................................................................................................................................17

WELCOME TO FREEMAN’S ENDOWED CE JUNIOR ACADEMY

We are a large, happy Church of England Junior Academy in the market town of
Wellingborough. The academy is successful and oversubscribed and we put our
success down to a strong emphasis on traditional values, based on Christian
ideas, at the heart of our work. We expect our pupils to work hard, show good
manners, and to behave with kindness and honesty; we are delighted that they
live up to our expectations. This alongside a vast array of activities, trips and a
wide curriculum combines to make a successful academy.
We spend our days in a lovely old Victorian building with a modern 1990s wing
attached. It is a warm and friendly place with lots of history. Our children have
the highest quality resources that our funding will allow and it is a comfortable,
safe and secure place to learn. You might be surprised when you see our bright,
modern learning environment on the inside!
This prospectus is divided into sections which describe our academy and the way we see learning happen. It
also gives you details about what we learn and the way we spend our time together.
The academy also works in partnership with two other church schools: St Mary’s in Burton Latimer and St Mary’s
in Kettering. Collectively we are called the Cross Keys Academy Trust, the first such trust in Northamptonshire.
Together we are pooling our resources and expertise to give all our children the best possible start in life.
We hope it gives you a flavour of our academy. I look forward to welcoming you very soon.
Yours sincerely,

Janis Zakis
Principal

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VISION AND AIMS

‘Opportunity and Excellence in our Community’

Our Vision

We aim to provide the OPPORTUNITY for all pupils and staff to achieve their full potential. We strive for
EXCELLENCE in all areas of academy life and will achieve this through encouragement and motivation as
valued members of a COMMUNITY based on Christian values, which promotes belonging and pride in our
academy.

Our Aims
To enhance our community spirit, which is based on Christian values, with pupils, staff, parents and governors
working in partnership and with respect for each other and the wider community.
To establish a modern, forward-looking and stimulating learning environment which challenges and supports all.
To encourage and praise all achievement, creating a happy, caring academy.
To strive for excellence and set the highest expectations.
This vision has been agreed by all those involved in the life of the academy: pupils, parents, governors and
staff.

STAFF

Teaching Principal
Mr J Zakis Vice Principal (Yr 6)
Mrs V Wallis Assistant Principal (Yr 6)
Mrs S Sadler Class teacher (Yr 6)
Mrs J Radcliffe Class teacher (Yr 5)
Mrs J Berkshire Class Teacher (Yr 5)
Miss K Watt Class Teacher (Yr 4)
Miss V Ellwood Class Teacher (Yr 4)
Miss S Troisi Class Teacher (Yr 3)
Miss R Hicks Class Teacher (Yr 3)
Mrs L Graves Class Teacher (Yr 3)
Miss S Blunt

Support Staff Teaching Assistants

Name Role Mrs C O’Keefe (HLTA)
Mrs C Everson Academy Bursar Mrs C McKeown (HLTA)
Mrs C McIvor Administrative Assistant Mrs S Cox
Mrs M Annis Clerical Assistant Mrs S Batchelor
Ms C McCabe Cleaner Miss A Patel
Mrs J McDowell Cleaner Mrs M Clift
Mrs C Worsdell Breakfast club assistant / Lunchtime Supervisor Mrs B Amis (HLTA)
Mrs S Barker
Miss C Thompson Lunchtime Supervisor Mr B Taylor
Mrs C Hudson-Smythe Breakfast club assistant / Lunchtime Supervisor Miss L Austin
Mr B Taylor Breakfast club assistant / Lunchtime Supervisor Mrs L Lloyd
Mrs S Cox Breakfast Club Assistant Ms C Thompson
Mrs Amy Martin Pupil Family Support Worker Mrs A Morris
Mr R Clarke Sports Coach
Mr A Hurst Caretaker

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GOVERNING BODY

Our Governing Body is responsible for managing every aspect of the academy, but it would be unable to fulfil its
role without the total co-operation of all partners in this enterprise. Our Governing Body makes the important
decisions about how the academy is run. They meet formally at least three times a year at the academy.
Committees covering Finance, Standards and the Church school also meet three times a year to monitor more
specific aspects of the academy. At meetings of the Governing Body, matters are brought to the Governors'
attention, principally through the Principal’s Report, which encompasses all the activities of the academy,
through specific items on the Agenda requested by parents, through the Governors, or other stakeholders.

Governors are appointed to manage in the following areas:

1. Monitor the curriculum
2. Set standards of behaviour within the academy
3. Interview and select staff
4. Decide how the academy budget is spent

Academy Governors have legal duties powers and responsibilities. They can only act together, they cannot act
individually.

Our Academy Governing Body is made up from:

1. Parents;
2. Teacher Representative;
3. Support staff Representative;
4. Local Authority Nominees;
5. Church of England Foundation Governors;
6. Community Representatives.

Parent Governors:

1. have (or had recently) a child in the academy;
2. are elected by parents of the academy;
3. serve, as do other Governors, for four years.

Parent governors bring the views of parents to the Governing Body, but they speak and act as individuals. They
have equal status in the work of the Governing Body and have voting rights. Parent Governors can make sure
that all communications with parents are both formative and easy to read, describe the activities in everyday
language and avoid the use of jargon. Parent Governors should be aware of ways to encourage parent interest
and should become actively involved in bringing our many parents into academy. Freeman's Endowed CE
Junior Academy makes every effort to encourage active parent involvement in the life of the academy.

How can you become a Parent Governor?

Ask the Principal for details. The minutes of the Governors meetings are held in the academy office for anyone
to read. You as a parent, elect five Parent Governors for a four-year period.

Clerk to the Governors Mrs Teresa Elkin
Chair of Governors Mr Paul Stuart

The clerk to the governors and the Chair of the Governing Body can be contacted via the academy.

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CURRICULUM

The curriculum of our academy is the total range of experiences to which your child is exposed at academy. In
framing our aims, objectives and content for the curriculum of this academy we have used the following criteria:

1. Our academy curriculum is largely based on the National Curriculum and planned and developed as part
of a continuum for all children from 3-18 years.

2. Our academy curriculum seeks to match the stages of development of individuals rather than their
chronological ages.

3. We try to ensure that the curriculum is designed to meet the needs of all the children, and to set
challenges to which they can respond.

Equal Opportunities in the Curriculum
Our academy curriculum is designed at every stage to promote harmony between those of different races,
cultures and creeds and to provide equal opportunities for all regardless of differences in race, sex, religion or
social and economic 'class'.

Curriculum Continuity and Progress
The academy strives to achieve cohesion and continuity in the curriculum in order to allow each child to progress
easily from stage to stage.
Pupil progress throughout the year is continuously tracked and a summary of progress is given at parent’s
consultation evenings and in the annual individual pupil report issued in Term 6.

Working Together

The curriculum at Freeman's includes the following subjects:

Language and Literacy
Mathematics
Religious Education
Science
Information Technology
Humanities
Design and Technology
Art and Craft
Music
Physical Education
PSHE & Citizenship
Health & Safety
Sex Education
French

The National Curriculum Core subjects of English, Mathematics, Science and Foundation subjects of Design and
Technology, History, Geography, Art, Music and Physical Education are fully integrated into the Freeman's
Academy Curriculum.

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The Academy has comprehensive written polices and guidelines for each major curriculum area and these are
subject to review and development. Parental guidance on the curriculum is available on the school web site and
these documents are periodically updated and added to.

Language And Literacy

At least one hour per day is devoted to language and literacy. Through group, class and large audience
activities we aim to give our children the confidence to express themselves clearly and in an interesting
way. They are also given the opportunity to take part in a variety of dramatic forms including dance, movement
and class and academy productions.
We aim to develop in children the skills needed to read for information and pleasure. All children have access to
structured reading resources, and a varied and balanced range of literature. They also take part in-group
reading and the detailed study of novels and poetry as a class.
The children are also encouraged to express themselves and present ideas and information neatly and clearly in
a variety of written forms.
Oral Communication: We aim to give the children the confidence and facility to express themselves clearly,
fluently and in an interesting way using an extensive and varied vocabulary.

Reading with a volunteer
Reading: Through structured reading material and a wide range of children's literature we aim to develop in
children the skills needed to read for information and for personal enjoyment.
Written Language: We aim to give children the motivation, skills and opportunities to express themselves, and
present ideas and information, neatly and clearly in a variety of written forms.
Literature: We aim that children experience a varied and balanced range of literature, which includes poetry,
novels, prose, short stories, plays etc.
Drama: We aim to provide the children with opportunities and encouragement to express themselves in a variety
of dramatic forms including movement, dance and various forms of dramatic interpretation.

Mathematics

We aim, through a wide range of practical experiences to develop in children clear and logical thinking, the ability
to perceive and understand mathematical situations and relationships and the ideas and fundamental skills and
procedures which will enable them approach mathematical problems confidently enthusiastically and
imaginatively.

Science

We aim to provide a curriculum, which encourages children to adopt a scientific approach to learning and to
acquire the skills of observation, recording, forming hypotheses, testing, investigating and forming conclusions in
their explorations of the natural and man-made environments.

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Exploring Electricity

In 2012 the academy was awarded the Primary Science Quality Mark Silver Award.

Humanities

Through first hand scientific, geographical, historical and sociological exploration we aim to give children the
concepts and skills to investigate and develop knowledge and understanding of their environment and society,
and their roles in that society. Through visits, sometimes to other parts of Britain, meeting with people from
varied social and cultural backgrounds and the use of a variety of study resources we aim to extend the
children’s knowledge and understanding beyond the immediate and into the wider environment of their country
and the world.

Information Technology

We have a computer in each classroom, connected to an interactive flat screen display. We aim to help the
children to become proficient in communicating, handling, storing and retrieving data, using data to inform the
learning process, using IT to investigate through stimulations and similar packages, giving instructions to control
devices and working with prediction and decision making packages. We have a 32 station computer suite and a
32 station laptop trolley. There is a academy hosted virtual learning environment (VLE) and pupils can access on
– line learning programmes both at home and at the academy. All pupils have their own e-mail accounts and are
able to store their work in the cloud.

The Arts

Freeman’s is an academy which is dedicated to The Arts in all forms. We recognise that The Arts, both
performing and applied, can offer enjoyment to pupils but also offer access to and reinforcement of the skills of
the formal core curriculum. In 2008, we gained the prestigious Artsmark award in recognition of our Academy’s
commitment to The Arts.

Clarice Cliff Designs

Design And Technology

We aim to give children opportunities to solve design and technological problems through investigating and
studying a variety of contexts e.g. home, academy, recreational, community, business and industry. Through
their activities, children will be encouraged to generate designs, through detailing, planning and making and
carrying out evaluations on what they make.

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Art And Design

We aim to give the children the skills and opportunities to express themselves in a variety of media and forms by
which they may develop aesthetic awareness and appreciation and satisfy their natural urge to be creative.

Music

We aim to provide children with the opportunities through which they may be able to participate in singing and
music making and learn to appreciate a range of forms and styles of music. All Year 3 pupils undertake a ten
week course in playing strings. Those who then wish to can progress to peripatetic lessons in strings, woodwind,
brass, guitar and rock drumming. The peripatetic music teachers audition pupils who express an interest in this.
There is a cost for these lessons.

Physical Education

Through dance, gymnastics, athletics, games and swimming we aim to give children opportunities to enjoy
physical activities and develop the strength, co-ordination, agility and skills which will help them to appreciate
their potential physical ability and take advantage of this in individual and group pursuits.

Religious Education

The academy has long established links with the St. Barnabas parish church. We have always fostered these
links and the clergy have always played an active part in the religious and spiritual life of the academy. The
County Agreed Syllabus for Religious Education provides a basis for our RE programme and much of this work
is studied within the context of our Humanities programme.

Within this Christian framework, we seek to enable the child to appreciate our own and other cultural forms
which may be different, to understand and be sensitive to the thoughts, ideas and forms of worship of others.

Easter display at St Barnabas Communion service at St Barnabas

Through Religious Education we aim to make a significant contribution to the moral, spiritual, social and
cultural development of the children, although all other areas of the curriculum and the values to which the
academy subscribes will also play a full part. We aim to deepen the children's awareness of patterns of belief
and practice and provide them with ways of understanding and expressing their own views. Our children will be
taught the difference between right and wrong, to have respect for others, to have a sense of tolerance,
understanding, fairness, justice, rights, responsibility and duty. The children will be made aware of the
conventions which society accepts, and the cultural traditions of this country and of the many different groups of

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people who have made this country their home.

Under the provision of the 1944 Education Act and the 1988 Education Reform Act parents may request their
children be exempt from Religious Education and Religious Worship in academy.

Acts Of Worship

Freeman’s is a Church academy and, as such, Collective Worship is at the heart of our day. The academy has
an outstanding musical tradition and our worship time is designed to be reflective, thought provoking and
participative. Daily acts of worship are conducted according to the principles of the Church of England and these
reflect traditions and contemporary worship styles. Daily assembly plays an important part in promoting our
Christian ethos, and it provides opportunities for thinking together about the values and ideals, which determine
the aims of the academy. Our programme is designed to give maximum child participation and to explore
religious, moral, ethical and social issues. All of our pupils, including those from other faiths and those who have
no particular faith commitment currently attend worship.

Personal, Social & Health Education

The academy covers aspects of PHSE as integral parts of other areas of the curriculum. The Silver Healthy
Schools Award, gained in 2004 (and renewed annually) has demonstrated recognition of the work done by the
academy in this field. Pastoral care is embodied within the academy ethos and all staff are responsible for
monitoring the care of pupils in their class. There is however, a conscious effort to ensure the following are
covered within the curriculum. We also use elements of the national SEAL approach in our PSHE and Collective
Worship programmes.

Citizenship

It is the fundamental belief that at the centre of any educational training is the need to prepare pupils for the
future. To be able to cope with a rapidly changing society and to offer sustained fulfilment in their lives, all
children are taught to form good attitudes, disciplines, relationships, responsibilities and standards, thus to
become good positive citizens making a valued contribution to the quality of life within society.

Group discussion

Care Of The Environment

Children are encouraged to respect and care for their environment. This is fundamental to the academy ethos
and the quality of life which all who work and live within the community are striving to achieve. Our Eco Council
has achieved a silver award.

Health And Safety / Sex Education

We aim to give the children an awareness of their own bodies through healthy diet and personal habits. We also
aim to teach children to apply the knowledge and skills of safety education in the home, at play and on the roads,
as well as at academy. Our Year 6 children are taught specifically about the physiological changes in boys and
girls at the onset of puberty that they may understand their own bodily changes. This study will include work on
human reproduction, and the anatomy of male and female reproductive systems and the process of conception
within the context of family life. Representatives from the Northamptonshire Area Health Authority advise and

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assist in the Sex Education provided. A detailed policy statement on the academy approach to Sex Education is
available at academy and has been fully supported and endorsed by the Governors of the Academy. Parents
have the right to withdraw their child from these lessons, except those covering the requirements of the National
Curriculum, and can do so by informing the Principal or Chair of Governors in writing.

Drug Education

At Freeman’s Academy we have recognised our responsibility to respond to substance misuse and we aim to
work in partnership with health and social services, the police and other agencies. We have regular visits from
the Life Education Bus and the SOLVIT charity.

Cultural Education

The curriculum will reflect the needs of everyone in a multicultural society and teach respect for all individuals
and the understanding of the beliefs and cultures of others. Good cultural education consist of developing good
attitudes and relationships too one another and this is but achieved through cross curricular links.
So far as is possible the academy caters for any child who has learning difficulties. We work closely with the
Educational Psychology Service and where necessary we can use specialist staff. Recommendations for any
form of special educational provision are made after full consultation to identify a child's individual needs in order
that the appropriate form of special help may be involved.
The academy adopts a whole academy policy to learning support, reflecting the principle of integration with
normal lessons for any pupil receiving support. Occasionally individual support through a one-to-one structured
programme may be provided to cater for specific learning difficulties.
A policy, based on the 1994 Code of Practice, provides the structure to our work. Children, who through careful
teacher assessment are identified as having special educational needs, will be referred by the academy to the
Educational Psychology Service, who may establish a need for a full multi-disciplinary assessment.
We recognise that highly able children have special educational needs and we cater for these children by
differentiating the work so that they are stretched and challenged. Pupils also have extension activities at local
secondary schools (Sir Christopher Hatton, Weavers and Wrenn) and Wellingborough School.

Extracurricular Activities

We believe that our children's normal academy work is enriched by additional activities outside normal lesson
time. We run a large number of clubs and organise a wide variety of visits to places both near at hand and far
away.

The Romans are coming!
Together with this, a number of organisations and individuals visit the academy to talk to and entertain the
children. We have strong links with a local theatre, where our choir often performs in concerts sponsored by the
rotary Club and which we visit for our annual pantomime trip.
Clubs and extracurricular activities vary with demand and the interest of staff and pupils. Typically they include:
Choir, Cricket, Netball, Rugby, Playground Games, Badminton, Football, Chess, Needlework, Film/Movie

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(FOFS), Basketball, Eco Club, IT Club, Breakfast Club. In the academic year 2013 – 2014 we also joined the
Children’s University enabling pupils to gain recognition for activities undertaken in their own time.

Checkmate!
At the start of each term children wishing to join in extra curricular activities receive a letter outlining the activities
and arrangements and time for each club. Parents are asked to complete and return the appropriate form. The
range of extracurricular activities will vary from time to time. We expect children to remain committed to any club
they have joined for at least one term.

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ACADEMY ORGANISATION

Session Times

Morning Session 8.55 - 10.40 a.m.
Morning Break 11.00 - 11.15 p.m.
Lunch 12.15 - 1.15 p.m.
Afternoon Session 1.15 - 3.20 p.m.

We encourage children to arrive at academy punctually - not too early prior to the opening session. Supervision
for children can only be guaranteed from 8.45 a.m. when the school gates are opened.

The children at Freeman’s are year grouped in eight classes, two in each year group. Years 3 and 5 are in the
new part of the academy and Years 4 and 6 are in the rooms in the older part of the academy.

Most of your children's learning will take place within their registration or class group. Within this a wide variety
of teaching approaches will involve children working and learning in many situations. Children may sometimes
be grouped in terms of similar ability and at other times mixed ability social grouping may predominate. Our
approach to managing and organising your child's learning is a flexible one, depending on the nature of the
activity being undertaken.

Lunchtime Arrangements

Packed lunches should be brought by the children in a named container. Please make sure your child has a
balanced lunch, including a drink. Please do not send glass bottles, fizzy drinks, or cans.

Since September 2011 the academy has been providing hot dinners through the Nourish service. Meals need to
be ordered a minimum of one week in advance, using the Nourish on-line ordering and payment service. If you
intend for your child to have regular hot meals then it is helpful to the kitchen if you can place orders two weeks,
three weeks, or even a month in advance.

May I also remind parents and carers of children entitled to free school meals that this entitlement includes the
hot meal service. However you still need to register your entitlement (if not already done so) and complete the
Nourish online order as usual. Please contact the academy office if you have queries about free school meal
entitlement.

Queuing for a delicious hot dinner

Drinking Water

There is a proven link between the consumption of water and the ability to concentrate. Children are
encouraged to drink water, particularly during the afternoon. The academy has a water cooler from which
children can fill a sports type bottle at an appropriate time so that they can sip water as required.

Snacks

Some children enjoy a snack at mid-morning break. Only healthy snacks such as fruit or vegetables should be
brought into academy. Advice on what constitutes a healthy lunchbox can be found on the internet

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at www.food.gov.uk.Children may bring a drink for mid morning break but it must be a carton for safety and
hygiene reasons.

On entry into academy, parents are asked to fill in a detailed sheet regarding a child's medical history and where
they (the parents) can be normally contacted during the day. In the event of a child becoming unwell or injured
during the day, contact can be made immediately with parents. In the event of parents being un-contactable, the
academy will ensure that medical advice and treatment is obtained.

Occasionally a child may sustain a minor injury through an accident at academy. We have qualified First Aiders
on the staff who will assess the situation. If you are needed to accompany your child to the Medical Centre you
will be contacted. If we are unable to get in touch, a member of staff will take the child for any treatment
necessary.

Sometimes children need regular medication e.g. Ventolin for asthma sufferers. We will help administer this kind
of medicine, but we are only able to administer prescription medicines if written instructions from parents are
given. If you require medicine to be administered to your child, by a member of staff, please report to the office
where you will be asked to sign a letter giving permission for the medication to be given.

Absences

It is requested that parents inform the academy by letter or telephone of the reasons for absences from the
academy.

Recent changes in legislation mean that schools and academies can no longer authorise absences for
holidays during term time. Any other absences will be granted in exceptional circumstances only. As these will
vary from case to case, if you require an authorisation for absence please e-mail or write to the Principal
outlining your reasons for the request.

The Local Authority can raise fines of £60 on parents, where regular pupil attendance is not maintained.

Academy Uniform

It is our expectation that all children will wear academy uniform; we feel it brings pride in the academy and helps
to prevent competition in the way children dress.

Uniform comprises: white shirt, navy blue sweatshirt or cardigan, grey trousers or skirt, academy tie. An
academy blazer is an optional item. The optional summer uniform (terms 5 & 6) is a polo shirt (worn without tie)
or for girls a simple blue gingham dress. Sensible black shoes should be worn. Sandals, boots and shoes with
steel toecaps are not permitted. In ice and snow children should wear wellington boots or similar – they can
change out of these and into their school shoes when they come into the building. This ensures that children can
have dry feet during the day. We do not allow boots to be worn in school.

Regular Uniform Summer Uniform

Extreme hair styles are not acceptable and where ears have been pierced a simple plain stud should be
worn. Long hair should be tied back and a simple hair band worn if needed. Fancy hair pieces are not allowed.
The wearing of nail varnish is not permitted.

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PE uniform is the same for both boys and girls: sky blue Freeman’s T-shirt, light stripe navy shorts, plain navy
jogging suit or track suit for cold weather (no hoodies).

Academy uniform is ordered and purchased on-line from our uniform
suppliers ‘School Trends’. The link to their web site for on-line ordering is
on the home page of the academy web site.
Academy ties can presently be obtained from the academy office. In the
near future they will also be available on-line from our uniform suppliers.
Finally – please clearly mark every item of school clothing. Every
year we have a mountain of lost property worth hundreds of pounds. It is
so much easier to return an errant item of clothing if it is clearly marked.
We insist that uniform is worn smartly, with shirts tucked in. Our saying is:
“Look smart, think smart”.

Discipline and Behaviour Policy

Behaviour in the academy is the responsibility of the whole community including children, teaching staff, non-
teaching staff, parents and governors. To this end, the academy staff and its Governing Body, in consultation
with pupils and parents, have produced a detailed policy on behaviour within this academy. A full copy of our
Behaviour Policy is available on the academy web site. It has been drawn up based on a firm belief that our
children behave best when:

- they work in a pleasant stimulating and ordered environment;
- the work is well matched to their individual needs;
- the ethos of mutual respect and care is nurtured;
- there are high expectations in work and behaviour;
- they work within well defined boundaries and obey academy rules.
At Freeman's Academy a high standard of self-discipline is expected among our children and, therefore,
academy rules are kept to a minimum. We expect movement around the academy to be orderly and above all
we like common sense and courtesy to prevail. Sanctions and punishments are restricted to a
minimum. Withdrawal from break times for additional work is normally punishment enough to our
children. However, for persistent misbehaviour, consultation with parents will take place after which a contract of
behaviour will be established where the academy, child and parents enter a mutual agreement for future
behaviour and sanctions applicable, if the contract is broken.

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HELPING IN THE ACADEMY

Parents are encouraged to play an active role in the life of the academy during the day, if they have any time to
spare. No expertise is necessary and they can help in many ways including working with small groups,
undertaking practical work, hearing readers, preparation of materials and resources, working on the computer,
monitoring the use of the library, mounting work, helping with sewing and needlework groups, costume
preparation, cooking etc. Your interest has perhaps not been listed, so we would welcome your
suggestion. Please contact the office if, and when, you will be available to come in.

Parent’s Forum (‘Being Heard’)

An active Parent’s Forum has been formed in academy, and new parents are welcome to come along to the
meetings. The forum gives parents an opportunity to meet, socialise and discuss academy matters. Forum
representatives meet with the Principal to feedback comments and suggestions to help develop the academy in
partnership with staff and parents.

The Home Academy Partnership

For parents of children entering the Year 3 in September a meeting is held in the preceding July at which various
policies of the academy are outlined and samples of the academy's work are displayed. This is an opportunity to
meet the academy staff who will be pleased to discuss any queries.
Parents are welcome to discuss the academy curriculum and their child's progress with a teacher at any time
and day, which is mutually convenient. In circumstances of concern, a teacher may invite parents to discuss
their child's problems.
In certain other times during the year we make special arrangements for parents to come into academy and
meet the staff.
1. Parents evenings are held in the Autumn and Spring term to give parents an opportunity to come and discuss
their children's work and progress.
2. An early informal open evening for parents to see how children have settled in their new class is held in the
Autumn Term.
Periodically curriculum meetings are held for parents in which Academy staff explain Academy Policies, methods
and organisation.

Parent and child - reading together
Parents are encouraged to visit the Academy at any time during the year to see children's work and discuss
progress, but it is requested that an appointment be made where possible.
Numerous events are held during the Academy Year - concerts, festivals and fund-raising activities. Parents are
always welcome. On occasion, a class assembly is held, often based around a theme being studied and parents
are very welcome to share these with us.

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Charging and Remissions Policy

In accordance with the Education Reform Act 1988 this academy has established a policy whereby visits and
activities undertaken by the children during the academy day are funded through voluntary contributions by
parents. This puts the onus of goodwill on to you as parents, as without your contribution, the wide variety of
active learning that takes place beyond the classroom will not be possible. As each activity is planned and
costed very carefully, you will be informed as to the amount of contribution, which would be necessary to make
the activity viable. Your co-operation and commitment to our policy will be much needed if we are to continue
the academy's very successful programme of academy visits and extra activities.

A full copy of our Charging and Remission Policy is held at the academy and available on request.

Should you have any financial problems concerning visits and trips, please contact the academy and arrange an
appointment with the Principal.

Open Access to Records

All records maintained on children at academy by the academy shall be open to the individuals concerned and
their parents and guardians. Occasionally there could be a need to record information offered by parents and
others, which will not be accessible to the pupils.

CONSIDERATION OF COMPLAINTS AGAINST THE ACADEMY

The Complaints Policy and Procedures are available on the school web site in the Information section. If you
have a concern, in the first instance contact the Principal or if preferred, the Chair of Governors via the school
office.

Insurance Cover

Insurance Cover is currently provided by Zurich Insurance.

Admissions

If you think that Freeman’s is the right academy for your child you will want to come and visit at a time when
academy is in session so that you can see what we do. This can be arranged simply by a telephone call or a
personal visit if you are close.

In the summer term there are 'induction' days for the future Year 3 children. These are arranged in conjunction
with all the Wellingborough Primary and Secondary schools and academies. If your child is new to the area, or
from another academy, this is a good opportunity to make new friends in preparation for the coming year. For
children who transfer to us in Years 4, 5, and 6 we make different arrangements depending on individual
circumstances.

ACADEMY ADMISSION POLICY

The capacity of the academy is 240, and the size of each yearly intake is 60 children.
Whilst the academy is responsible for its own admissions, currently the admissions process is managed by the
Local Authority on behalf of the academy. Parents and carers of prospective pupils should apply on-line on the
Local Authority web-site.

All parents who express a preference for their child to attend Freeman's Academy during the Spring Term will be
allocated and offered a place using the following criteria:

1.
Pupils who will have an older brother or sister continuing at the academy or at the time of transfer of the
younger child.

2.
Pupils who attend the linked infant school (St Barnabas).

3.
Other pupils. Account will then be taken of the location of the child's home address in relation to
academy, and also in relation to any other academy. Very exceptionally, admissions may be agreed on
other grounds, for example medical.

The Governors have agreed a maximum class size of 30.

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THE GOVERNORS RESERVE THE RIGHT TO REFUSE ADMISSION
The number of applications to the academy in any one year varies according to demographic factors.
Should the academy be oversubscribed in the year in which you apply, and your child is refused a place, you
have the right of appeal. To appeal you need to contact the appeals administrator (at the Peterborough
Diocese), Christine Burnett, and ask for an appeals pack.
She can be contacted on 01604 887006 or [email protected]
The pack includes some explanatory notes about the process of Admission Appeals and a Notice of Appeal form
that, should you decide to proceed with an appeal, will need to be completed and returned to the Diocesan
Office.

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