Bloomfield PS Prospectus 2019 for web

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PROSPECTUS

Valued, Inspired, Prepared, Successful

DOCUMENTS AVAILABLE Pwuap“omTinlhadizesirsnfcguhla!o”nodl is

A full list of the Governors’ policies on a variety of
issues can be obtained from the school office. Copies
of these policies may be obtained via our school
website.

The school curriculum will be seen as being in
constant revision and the Principal will, at the end
of each year, review its success. This will be done in
consultation with class teachers in order that any
necessary changes can be put into effect at the
earliest opportunity.

PLEASE NOTE

The information provided in this Prospectus is
correct at the time of going to press. Any significant
changes to the information in this prospectus will be
communicated to parents as soon as possible.

If you have any queries about the information
contained within this Prospectus please do not
hesitate to contact the school Principal.

Page 2

Principal's Welcome

Dear Parents/Guardians

Thank you for showing your interest in Bloomfield Primary School and Nursery Unit.We hope you feel
welcome as you embark on your visit with us.
I believe that children are our most precious gift, and in Bloomfield Primary School we are committed to
providing each child with the best possible start to their education.
We recognise that each child is unique in their personality, experiences, talents and abilities, and it is our desire
to ensure that we provide a safe, secure and stimulating learning environment that focuses on children being
enabled to achieve their full potential.
As you read through our prospectus, it is my hope that our determinations to nurture your children; to care for,
encourage and support your children as individuals and as members of a wider community, is evident.
Please enjoy learning more about our school though this prospectus and future visits. I hope that you will give
our school the opportunity to prepare your child for a happy and successful life.
Yours faithfully,

Rebecca Bishop

Principal

Page 3

BELIEVE : PROGRESS : SUCCEED
Inspiring Our Children for Life

At Bloomfield Primary School we will work in partnership with you, their parents, to challenge and inspire our
pupils.We are dedicated to ensuring each child has a voice in their learning and that they are prepared for and

successful in their individual futures. It is our mission to make sure that each child feels:

Valued Inspired Prepared Successful

developing to develop a to be and using
pride in their love for learning responsible and opportunities
achievements and a curiosity be accountable provided to
progress and
and respecting for the world for decisions meet their full
equally the around them and choices they
cultures, potential
and motivated make
opinions, values to reach their armed with a set
and religions of full potential to know how of transferrable
to deal with skills that enable
others to live a healthy challenges and
life-style, both to problem solve them to be
as an individual mentally and independently creative and
with a unique independent
view of life; set physically and equipped
of skills and with resilience equipped with
to have high knowledge
capabilities expectations for to be a global and a good
themselves in all citizen and
with the right a positive understanding
to feel happy, areas of who they
confident, safe, contributor to are physically,
society socially…,
secure and
supported to learn from … intellectually,
their mistakes spiritually,

aesthetically and
personally

Page 4

PASTORAL CARE

All our pupils are important to us and we work hard
to maintain a secure, happy, stimulating and supportive
learning environment.We believe that respect is
central to good relationships with all our stake
holders - pupils, parents and staff. Please take time to
read all our policies on our school website.

Our comprehensive pastoral care policy ensures
that procedures are in place to make sure that
pupils’ happiness and wellbeing are paramount.We
not only enhance this through ensuring effective
communication between our pupils and staff but
by providing extra support for pupils and parents
through our PDMU and RSE programmes such
as Helping Hands and the Life Skills Programme
(Barnardos). We have a weekly counselling service
that works with groups and individuals, caring for their
emotional well-being whilst providing strategies for
maintaining positive mental health.

POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR
POLICY

In Bloomfield Primary School we promote positive
character building on a daily basis and through our
PDMU lessons. As a school we have high expectations
for behaviour, but constantly emphasise, recognise,
praise and reward good behaviour in order to raise
children’s self-esteem. We teach how we should
interact with and treat each other and help them to
develop strategies for dealing with real life problems
in friendships and other social situations they may
encounter.

GIVING OUR PUPILS A
VOICE

We have established a School Pupil Council with
representatives from every year group. The Council
makes decisions about which charities we support
annually, and they are also consulted and involved
in the decision making process, in areas that directly
affect them, throughout the year.We want our pupils
to feel empowered and safe to express their opinions
and feelings and know that they will be listened to.

Our Playground Buddies, House Captains, Digital
Leaders and Eco-Council, provide a range of pupils
from various year groups with clear roles to provide
leadership, offer peer support, and to develop a sense
of responsibility and empathy.

Page 5

PARTNERSHIP WITH PARENTS
HOW CAN I FIND OUT
In Bloomfield Primary School we see education and WHAT MY CHILD IS
learning as a working partnership between home and LEARNING AND HOW MY
school. As parents, you are the strongest influencer CHILD IS DOING?
and primary educator in your child’s life and we rely
on you to positively promote learning at home and We like to meet and talk with parents as often as we
support what is being taught in school. can, so that they can help their child meet individual
targets and goals by providing the following:
HOMEWORK
• Year group curriculum meetings in September
We want homework to be a worthwhile experience
for all, and that it is a way of reinforcing what is being • Sharing a 6 weekly overview of the class learning,
learned in school. We focus on the practising of shared via Seesaw.
essential skills at home with only a minimal amount
of independent written homework to be completed • Parent-Teacher consultations twice a year
each week. At home we need parents to focus on
the following areas: • IEP consultations

READING • Annual reports in June

Read to your child every day • Meetings initiated by parents or teachers at any
time throughout the year
• Listen to your child read to you every day
• General communication via phone calls, Seesaw,
• Ensure that they complete their reading and emails, Facebook, text messages and notes home.
quizzes on the Bug Club and AR schemes on line.
However, 2-way communication is key, and we need
SPELLING to be kept informed at all times by parents if they
know of any problems or difficulties arising that
• In P1 and P2, ensure that your child knows the may affect a child’s happiness and progress in their
sounds that they are being sent home for phonics. learning. All information is treated with the utmost
of confidentiality and only shared on a need to know
• Read out loud, spell out loud, write and then basis with relevant professionals.
test spellings that are sent home. Repetition and
deliberate practice are often the best way to learn INFORMATION NIGHTS
spellings.
We regularly hold evening sessions for parents to
• Encourage your child to make up sentences using learn about what we are teaching through SMILE
their spellings nights. Pupils are looked after and entertained while
parents learn how to help their child at home with
MATHS their learning.We have worked together on a wide
range of areas such as use of phonics, maths, reading
• Deliberate practice and repetition of number at home and basic emergency first aid.
facts and multiplication tables. (These form the
foundations to a lot of mathematical procedures. AFTER HOURS CARE
Having quick recall of them will make more
complex maths that little bit easier) We support parents with busy schedules by providing
before school care with our Breakfast Club. For
• Mathletics: a computer program which can be a minimal cost the children can be dropped off at
accessed at home and challenges pupils to use school for 8:15 am and they will be supervised and
their mathematics to progress through the levels well fed before they start their school day.We also
(used from P4 to P7). provide supervision, snacks and various activities at
the end of the day for children between 2 and 3pm
so that parents only have to do one pick up for their
whole family at 3pm, or to facilitate those children
who are reliant on public transport.

Page 6

“I am absolutely delighted that I decided to send
my children to Bloomfield Primary. I love everything
about the school including the staff, facilities,
teaching & learning, discipline and community spirit.”

PARENT

Page 7

CURRICULUM

At Bloomfield Primary School we recognise that our pupils are all different and have a diverse range of
backgrounds, cultures, experiences, capabilities and talents. Therefore, it is our aim to meet their learning needs
by providing them with a wide variety of teaching methods, a rich, broad and balanced curriculum and a wealth
of experiences as we endeavour to develop each child as a whole person who can achieve their full potential.

We actively promote the development of knowledge, understanding, thinking skills and personal capabilities
across the six key areas of learning:

Language & Mathematics The Arts The World Personal P.E
Literacy and Around Us Development

Numeracy and Mutual
Understanding

Incorporating the Cross-Curricular Skills:
USING COMMUNICATION
USING MATHEMATICS

USING INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATIONS TECHNOLOGY

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Page 8

“The staff creates a calm, caring and supportive
atmosphere.”

DENI inspection report June 2014

Page 9

BEYOND THE CURRICULUM

Our creative teachers seek to provide opportunities for our pupils to explore music, art and drama in a relevant
and stimulating way, and they are incorporated into part of every year group’s curriculum and many of our after-
school clubs.
We believe that every child must be given the opportunity to tap into their musicality as it is not only a wonderful
talent to be developed but as research suggests it has an impact on pupils’ general academic progress. We have a
choir that is not only active in school but in the community; taking part in competitions, concerts and local church
services.
Children are given opportunities to take part in drama, from simple mimes to full-blown productions. Every child is
encouraged to take part.The highlights of our Nativity plays, our Christmas Services, Key Stage 2 productions, and
our very own “Bloomfield’s Got Talent” give you, the parent, the opportunity to encourage and enjoy your child’s
budding musical and dramatic skills.
Our pupils benefit from many opportunities to express themselves through art and with a variety of media
including the use of computer technology and software to express their creativity.

EXTRA CURRICULAR
ACTIVITIES:

• Eco Club
• Drama
• Coding (ICT)
• Bookworms
• Netball
• Ignite (CU)
• Cross Country
• Art
• Football
• Film Club
• Sewing
• Athletics
• Tag rugby
• Heart Start
• Sumpups

SCHOOL TRIPS AND
RESIDENTIALS

We believe that school trips enrich our
pupils’ learning, providing them with
opportunities to extend their knowledge
and experiences. Every year group
endeavours to take their class on at least
one trip outside school, relating to their
topics throughout the year. Our P7 pupils
go on a residential for 2 or 3 nights to
an outdoor pursuits facility for an action
packed and adventurous few days.

Page 10

BEING FIT AND “The school, nursery and the
HEALTHY learning support units give very
good attention to promoting
We are dedicated to promoting a fit, active and healthy eating and physical
healthy lifestyle for our pupils. In P1 we develop activity through, for example,
a positive attitude to healthy food by providing encouraging healthy food choices
them with fruit/vegetables at break time, and in the breakfast club and at
they carry on this habit, by bringing their own lunchtime”
healthy snack, right up through the school. Our DENI inspection report June 2013
canteen dinners provide our pupils with a healthy
balanced meal in the middle of the day and Page 11
children can always opt for extra salad and fruit
with their meal.
Our PE lessons ensure that our pupils experience
a variety of physical experiences (activities) to
include dance, gymnastics, and athletics. They
start with the teaching of Fundamental Movement
in P1 and build on these skills through the year
groups. Every day, each class carries out at least15
minutes of activity, from going outside to walk a
mile, use the outdoor climbing equipment, skip
or do circuits; or even dancing, doing yoga and
various brain gym exercises in the classroom!
Our P5 classes go swimming every week for
a whole year. We live in a seaside town and
therefore we want our children to be capable
swimmers. The LSC and P4 children get to go for
shorter periods every year too.
All pupils can enjoy a variety of after school
activities benefiting from the input of enthusiastic
and well qualified teachers and independent
coaches dedicated to sport.We provide a wide
variety of after-school clubs, and the sports we
have offered are football, hockey, netball, rugby
and cycling. Not mentioned as a club
We encourage our children to walk, scoot, or
bike to school and having successfully achieved
our bronze and silver SUSTRANS awards we will
have our GOLD award by June 2020.

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UNDERSTANDING
ENVIRONMENTAL
NEEDS

We have a well-established Eco-Council with
representatives from P5- P7 who investigate and
promote ways in which our school can become
more environmentally aware and eco-friendly.We
have achieved our “Eco- School” Green flag status
and are working hard to ensure that we sustain this
accreditation.We consciously recycle materials such as
card and plastics and responsibly dispose of our food
waste.
With our recent purchase of a polytunnel we are
educating our pupils in P1 to P7 about the joy of
growing our own plants, fruits and vegetables and
how to be self-sustaining in our food chains.

Page 12

SUPPORT FOR ASSESSMENT
THE INDIVIDUAL
We use assessment to inform the planning for our teaching
We provide for all our children, at their level of learning and to strengthen the learning that takes place. Assessment
within the classroom setting. Appropriate structures and is an integral part of the planning, teaching and learning
programmes are implemented effectively, where possible process within school.Through assessment our pupils also
by members of staff, or with the help of external agencies learn to recognise their achievements and to construct
and supporting organisations.We recognise that some their potential for learning and to make progress.
children may require a little extra support in literacy and/
or numeracy in a smaller group setting and are currently It is important to us that parents and carers are kept
in a positive financial position which allows us to be able fully informed of their child’s progress in school, and
provide the following: encourage all parents and carers to contact the school
with any concerns about any aspect of their child’s work.
• Mrs Hall works closely with the P3 and P4 teachers to In Bloomfield Primary School we strongly believe that
support children in class and to provide 2 sessions of the partnership between home and school is vital in
small group teaching in literacy and/or numeracy per promoting a positive educational experience for every
week. child.

• Mrs Hall also works with individuals in Maths Recovery. PARTNERSHIP
WITH EXTERNAL
• Mrs Rolston supports P5 and P6 pupils with literacy ORGANISATIONS
and/or numeracy in a small group setting for 2 sessions
per week. In Bloomfield Primary School we want to offer our families
and pupils the best opportunities we possibly can and
• Mrs Foster is a Literacy assistant who focuses on are more than willing to work with other organisations
boosting individual children’s reading ability in P3 to achieve this.We maintain effective links with statutory
through Reading Recovery. organisations including Educational Psychologists, Medical
Services, Social Workers, Educational Welfare Services,
• Mrs Foster also works with P4 to P7 children in our RISE and other services.We also work with voluntary
CATAPULT groups, which engages children in their organisations and charities such as Save the Children and
reading and comprehension by reading high interest Barnardos.
books at their reading level through ICT.
“The school liaises effectively
• Our team of dedicated Classroom Assistants are vital with a wide range of educational,
in supporting the learning of our pupils both in the health and statutory agencies
classroom and when working with small groups. in order to support individual
children” DENI inspection report June 2013
Our full-time SENCo meets regularly with all staff
to discuss children’s progress, their outcomes from
assessment and other contributing factors to make
decisions as to who should avail of any of the above
provisions.

Page 13

LEARNING
SUPPORT CENTRE

In Bloomfield Primary School we are very fortunate
to have a Learning Support Centre (LSC) that caters
for the teaching of P4 to P7 children who have been
statemented at Stage 5 of the Code of Practice.
Whilst the majority of LSC pupils have come from
other schools in the North Down area, they are
very quickly made to feel welcome and part of the
Bloomfield Primary School family. The LSC pupils
have access to the full NI curriculum, and we ensure
that they integrate into school life with their peers
at every suitable opportunity for shared learning
and social experiences.They integrate for dinners,
play time, activity based learning, PE, the arts, PDMU,
school trips, residentials, productions and after school
activities.
With a ratio of 12 children to 1 teacher and 1 full-
time classroom assistant the children are provided
with a very individualised learning experience. Each
child is provided with the time, attention, care,
resources, quality teaching and education that they
need, and it is not long before we see each child’s
confidence grow and they start to make significant
progress. We have had many children over the years
who successfully return to full-time mainstream
education.

“The quality of the provision in the learning
support centre is good. The staff provides well-
focused, sensitive support to meet the needs of
each individual child.” DENI inspection report June 2013

Page 14

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CHILD PROTECTION
Our Safeguarding Team is made up of:

The Principal: Mrs Rebecca Bishop
Designated Teacher: Miss Alyson Carson
Deputy Designated Teachers: Mrs Stacey Kent and Mr Michael Magee
The flow diagram below outlines the procedure for any parent who wishes to make known
to staff any concerns they may have about the safety of their (or another) child.

I have a concern about my/a child’s safety

I can talk to the class teacher

I can talk to the Designated / Deputy Designated Teacher for Child Protection or the Principal

If I am still concerned, I can talk/write to the Chairperson of the Board of Governors

At any time a parent can call a Social worker
at the Gateway Team:

Tel: 0300 1000 300

Or contact the PSNI Public Protection Unit on 101

Page 15

THE SCHOOL DAY

In Bloomfield Primary school we operate our day with only 2 bells. One for the start of the day at 8.50 am and one for
3:00 pm.The school gates are open before this time but supervision does not begin until 8.50 am when the teachers
come to collect their class each morning and take them to their room.

THE SCHOOL DAY

8.15am Breakfast Club

8.50am School starts

10.30am P1 - P4 break

10.45am P5 – P7 break

11.55am P1 -P3 lunch

12.30pm P4 -P7 lunch

FINISHING TIMES

1.50pm P1 and P2 Monday to Friday Must be collected by an adult at
Monday, Wednesday & the gate
2.00pm P3
Friday Must be collected by an adult at
3.00pm P3 Tuesday & Thursday the gate

Must be collected by an adult at
the gate

3.00pm P4-P7 Monday to Thursday P4s must notify school in writing
if their child is allowed to walk
home. Otherwise collect them at

the gate.
P5 -7: Parents can choose to
collect their children at the gate

or let them walk home

2.00pm p4-P7 FRIDAY As above

Exceptions:
For approximately the first 2 weeks in school in September, all P1 pupils go home at 12.00 pm and should be collected at the
front gate by their parents.

Pupils in the LSC will have pre-arranged home times depending on EA transport and parents will be aware of these.

Page 16

UNIFORM

Winter Options

• White shirt with school tie
• Black v neck wool jumper or cardigan with

embroidered school badge
• Grey trousers or knee length/ grey skirt/pinafore
• Plain black/grey/white socks
• Plain black/grey tights
• Plain black ‘leather’ shoes

Summer Options

• Blue and white checked gingham dress
• Black v neck wool jumper/cardigan with

embroidered school badge
• Plain white socks
• Plain black ‘leather’ shoes
Or
• Short sleeved white shirt and school tie OR polo

shirt with no tie
• Black v neck wool jumper/cardigan with

embroidered school badge
• Grey trousers/shorts or knee length grey skirt/

pinafore
• Plain white/grey/black socks
• Plain black ‘leather’ shoes

N.B. P1-P3 should wear a short sleeved shirt and tie on
elastic to allow for freedom to play with paint, in water
and sand etc, and for ease of changing for PE.

P.E. Uniform

• White round neck t shirt with embroidered
school badge

• Plain black shorts
• Black plimsolls
• Hair band/clip to tie back long hair
• P.E. kit should be in a named draw string bag
• Swim wear, towel, waterproof bag and swimming

cap dusted with talc or at least have long hair tied
back (P4,P5 and LSC)
• Plain black tracksuit bottoms and trainers for
outdoor sports
• Football boots and shin guards for football

Page 17

NURSERY WORKING IN
PARTNERSHIP WITH OUR
We are delighted that you are considering sending your PRIMARY 1 TEACHERS
child to our Nursery. This modern purpose built unit is
bright, spacious and equipped with stimulating educational A smooth transition to Primary I is crucial. Our nursery
toys and puzzles. teacher is a member of the Early Years’ Leadership Team in
the school.This team promotes the progression of learning
The outdoor playground encourages all children to from nursery to Primary 4.This learning includes:
explore their imaginations and physical skills.We have • Pre-reading Skills
recently extended our outdoor play area to include a • Early writing Skills
sensory garden which will enhance our children’s learning • Talking & Listening
and enjoyment. • Early Numeracy Skills

Resources are important but relationships are paramount. The Primary I teachers regularly visit and observe the
The nursery is a friendly and caring environment for all our nursery children at work.This means the nursery children
families. Our aim is to future children and prepare them for get to know and become comfortable with the teachers
success in the years ahead. before they begin Primary I.

NURSERY CURRICULUM Nursery children visit the main school for P.E., special
services and theatre groups.
The curriculum strives to enrich our children’s present
learning and prepare them for their future educational HOW DO WE ENRICH THE
oppor tunities. NURSERY EXPERIENCE?

The three key areas of learning are: We arrange a wide variety of visitors to extend the
• Language and Communication Skills children’s understanding of each topic.These include:
• Road Safety Officer
• Mathematical Knowledge and Experience • Emergency Services Officers
• Jo Jingles Music & Debutots Drama
• Basic Science Concepts • Animal Roadshows

HOW DO WE INVOLVE
PARENTS?

We keep parents informed via:
• A Parent Noticeboard
• Monthly Bulletin
• Nursery Website
• Parent/Teacher Interviews
• Parent Helpers/Guests
• Parent Workshops
• Seesaw App

WHAT IS THE UNIFORM?

• Nursery sweatshirt

• Black trousers with logo

• Plain white polo shirt

Page 18

“The children in the nursery unit are NURSERY
well-settled, highly motivated and can
talk about their learning activities and IMPORTANT
experiences. They make good use of all QUESTIONS:
of the play areas and are able to engage
in lengthy periods of concentrated and How many places do we
offer?
purposeful play.”
We can only offer 52 part-time
DENI inspection report June 2013 places per year.

What are the times of the
classes?

Morning class: 9.00am - 11.30am

Afternoon class: 12.30pm -
3.00pm

How much is charged per
week?

A small charge is paid each week
to cover your child’s snack,
prizes, and educational visitors.

How do I find out more
about the nursery?

Visit our Open Night (early
December) or phone to arrange
a personal tour.

When can my child begin
nursery?

Ideally, children begin in the
year they are 4 or are turning 4,
though younger children may be
considered.

Children should be toilet trained
when they start nursery.

What do I need to do to
apply?

This process is the same for
Nursery and P1. Register with
the EA and complete an official
application form online, available
from 1st January each year on
the EA website. Remember to
state clearly and precisely how
you meet the published criteria.

If you nominate our Nursery
or P1 as 1st preference then
you bring your child’s long
birth certificate and verification
documents to us before the end
of the application process.

You can find our criteria online
at: www.eani.org.uk/
admissions

Photography & Design by www.coolforschoolcreative.com Page 19

www.bloomfieldps.co.uk

Bloomfield Primary
School & Nursery

Bloomfield Road South,
BANGOR, BT19 7PN
028 9127 1186

[email protected]