Larkrise School
Ashton Street
Trowbridge
Wiltshire
BA14 7EB
Prospectus
Headteacher: Mr Phil Cook
Chair of Governors: Mr Robert Ham
Telephone: 01225 761434
Fax: 01225 774585
E-Mail address: [email protected]
School Prospectus June 2014 Page 2 of 24
Welcome to Larkrise School
Dear Parents/Carers,
Welcome to Larkrise School. We are pleased that you have made contact
with us and hope this will be the beginning of a fulfilling and happy
relationship between you, your child and our school community. In our
experience the best educational outcomes for your child are achieved
through positive communication and collaborative working.
Larkrise School aims to develop and celebrate the whole child, giving them
the best possible set of values, skills and knowledge to carry into their
future lives.
As a school team we aim to provide exciting and stimulating experiences
and activities for each and every child. We have high expectations of all
children and a firm belief that everybody can achieve their potential and
make a positive contribution to the community.
This information pack will give a brief overview of the school and hopefully
communicate a little about our ethos and values. However, no document can
come close to the real experience and so we encourage all prospective
pupils and parents to visit as often as they need in order to decide whether
Larkrise is the right school. All staff recognise that choosing a school for
a child is a huge decision and we will offer all the support we can during the
process.
I have enjoyed every moment I have spent at Larkrise and I am very proud
to be associated with such wonderful children and staff. I do hope that
you will visit and, in time, join our school community.
I look forward to meeting you personally in the near future.
Yours sincerely
Mr Phil Cook
Headteacher
School Prospectus June 2014 Page 3 of 24
Our Vision Larkrise School recognises that all pupils are of equal worth and should be
nurtured as individuals. The curriculum is adapted so that all pupils have
opportunities to develop appropriately. A holistic approach to education is
adopted to support the development of the child as a whole. Physical, mental,
cognitive, social, moral and spiritual well-being is fostered in all pupils. Their
achievements are celebrated and respected.
The rights and responsibilities of all groups are recognised, valued and supported.
Everyone in the school considers that safety, security and happiness are
paramount to an individual’s well-being. A moral code is promoted so that pupils
are able to distinguish right from wrong irrespective of how others behave.
Tolerance and understanding of individuals and diverse social groups is
encouraged.
The adaptation of the school environment is managed so that pupils move from
dependent learning to independence in wider settings. The future needs and
skills of pupils are kept sight of so that their education is relevant today,
tomorrow and in the future.
The school is realistic and optimistic
about the futures of pupils. Educational
priorities are set and these priorities
are developed and shared with relevant
stakeholders. The school believes that
all pupils should be challenged through
high expectations to achieve a standard
they can be proud of. Upon leaving
school all pupils should be ready to take
an appropriate place in society, equipped
to both contribute and benefit from life
beyond school. To achieve this, the
school actively promotes links with the
community, in particular, giving students
opportunities to work and socialise with
peers from other schools.
The Sensory Project
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‘ACHIEVING TOGETHER’ Larkrise School provides a stimulating education in a supportive environment
where pupils are challenged and every individual is valued.
Larkrise School Aims: To provide a curriculum which meets the special educational needs of all
pupils and which reflects their entitlement to the National Curriculum
To develop pupils’ social and emotional skills, enabling them to enter into
meaningful and fulfilling relationships with others
To build a whole-school ethos which empowers pupils to express their
independence
To provide equal opportunities for all pupils to access a balanced, broadly
based and relevant curriculum which reflects the pupils’ cultural diversity
To respond to pupils’ individual learning styles through the use of a variety
of teaching methods
To provide a curriculum which includes developmental, experiential and
therapeutic approaches.
Messy food art
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General Information about Larkrise School
Larkrise School is a Local Authority day school for pupils aged 3 to 19 who have
either severe and complex learning difficulties and autistic spectrum disorder or
profound and multiple learning difficulties.
Larkrise School admits pupils from a wide catchment area, which extends to
Trowbridge, Chippenham, Melksham, Devizes, Warminster, Westbury, Bradford-
on-Avon, and the outlying villages. Our pupils are escorted into school on
minibuses; they enjoy these journeys and have good relationships with their
drivers and Passenger Assistants. Although some children have to travel a long
distance, we try to keep their journeys as short as possible.
Larkrise School is a purpose-built school which shares a site with Paxcroft
Primary School. The centre of the school is the hall, which contains an exciting
climbing wall along with a range of other Physical Education equipment.
The hall is also used for Drama and Gymnastics sessions. The whole school meets
in the hall at lunch times and for assemblies. Hoisting facilities have been put in
place to ensure accessibility
We have recently built a new 6th Form Block which includes classrooms, common
room and garden. Also recently created are a Sensory Room and Food Technology
Room.
The Food Technology Room
School Prospectus June 2014 Page 6 of 24
There are ten classrooms. All pupils have access to computers within the
classroom and use a wide variety of switches and aids to help them to use ICT to
communicate and learn. Each room is equipped with either an Interactive White
Board or Interactive Plasma Screen.
The school has its own hydrotherapy pool
which was opened in 1989 by HRH the
Princess Royal. The Federation of Master
Builders as part of their Millennium
project extended the area in 1999. The
pool area underwent further developments
in 2008, which led to the construction of
large changing areas and showers for the
pupils to use after Physical Education.
In 2009 Larkrise installed an H-Frame Hoisting System throughout the pool area;
this has enhanced students’ safety, enjoyment and physiotherapy benefits,
particularly with our Therapeutic Learning Groups (TLG).
We have an outdoor classroom with
greenhouses in our school grounds
where the older pupils grow
vegetables and herbs, which they
use in their Food Technology
lessons.
It is the wide range of facilities at
Larkrise School that makes it an
interesting and challenging school
in which to learn. Every pupil is encouraged to develop their own particular skills
using the facilities, which meet their needs.
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WHO ARE THE PEOPLE IN LARKRISE
SCHOOL?
Senior Management Team:
Head Teacher - Mr Phil Cook
Deputy Head Teacher - Miss Siobhan Cheadle
Assistant Head Teacher - Miss Jo Burton
School Business Manager - Mrs Mandy Cole
Senior Administrator - Mrs Hazel Fitchen
Site Manager - Mr Steve Fitchen
Parent Support Advisor – Helen Crapnell
The rest of the staff include:
Teaching Staff
Higher Level Teaching Assistants
Teaching Assistants
ICT Specialist
Speech and Language Therapist
Artist in Residence
Midday Assistants
Minibus Drivers
Pupils and students also have the regular support of:
Physiotherapist
Occupational Therapist
Music Therapist
Peripatetic Music Teacher (brass)
School Prospectus June 2014 Page 8 of 24
LARKRISE SCHOOL GOVERNING BODY
Mr Robert Ham – Chair of Governors
Mr Ian Hill – Vice Chair of Governors, Chair of Finance/Site and Premises
Diane Williams – Chair of Curriculum/Staffing
Ms Helen Crapnell - Clerk to Governors/Minute Clerk
Miss Mary Seaman
Mr Paul Gane
Miss Natalie Bracey
Mrs Sue Brown
Mrs Jill Wild
Mrs Tessa Bools
Mr Phil Ratcliffe
Mr Phil Cook (Head Teacher)
The Full Governing Body meets formally at least once per term i.e. 3 times per
year. The Senior Management Team also attends these meetings.
All Governors are members of committees. Under the Scheme of Delegation
certain responsibilities are delegated to the committees who in turn report back
to the Full Governing Body. At present we have the following committees:
Finance/Site & Premises/Health & Safety
Curriculum/Staffing
Each committee has its own Terms of Reference which are reviewed annually. We
are always looking for potential new governors. If you or anyone you know is
interested in becoming a school governor and would like more information, please
contact Helen Crapnell through the School.
Governors are important and valued members of the school community and we
need people from all walks of life. Training and support is available for governors.
School Prospectus June 2014 Page 9 of 24
SCHOOL DATES AND LESSON TIMES Please see the enclosed School Terms and Holiday dates issued by Wiltshire
Council.
In addition to these holidays, the school is closed to pupils for a further five
days. These are Teacher Development Days that enable staff to undertake in-
service training and are a statutory requirement. The dates for TD Days are
given to parents in September of each school year.
Arrival 9.00 – 9.10am
Lesson Times: Morning Lessons: 9:10 – 12:00pm
Afternoon Lessons: 1:15 – 3:30pm
The Lower and Upper schools take breaks during the school day appropriate to
their ages.
A trip to the museum
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WHICH CLASS WILL MY CHILD BE IN? There are ten classes in school. The classes are divided into Lower and Upper
schools. This helps in planning suitable activities for pupils and students at
different key stages. The pupils and students are all taught by qualified and
experienced teachers who are supported in class by a number of experienced
Teaching Assistants.
Key Stages 1 and 2
Bluebirds
Robins
Peacocks
Puffins
Post 16 Students
Eagles
Key Stages 3 and 4
Owls
Woodpeckers
Parrots
Finches
Kingfishers
There are a variety of other professionals who also work with our pupils and
students. These include Speech and Language Therapists, Physiotherapists,
Occupational Therapists and a peripatetic Music Therapist.
Each classroom is resourced and equipped in a different way. This reflects the
variety of needs of the pupils in the class.
In the Key Stage 1 groups you will find water play, sand play and a home corner.
Classrooms change as pupils progress through the school giving them the
opportunity to develop a new set of skills.
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We have recently had new classrooms built, including extra kitchens which our
other upper school pupils use as part of the curriculum.
They also learn to socialise and make regular trips to places such as Fairfield
College. All our classrooms tell you something about the pupils and students in
them.
The older students in the post-16 class cook their own meals.
We invite you to visit Larkrise School;
it will help you to understand what
your child is doing in class and give you
an opportunity to see the wonderful
resources we have here such as the
sensory room and hydrotherapy pool.
However we do ask you to let the
school know in advance of your
intended visit; many of our pupils are
easily distracted and we try not to
disturb lesson times. Remember
though, that you are very welcome.
School Prospectus June 2014 Page 12 of 24
THE CURRICULUM Larkrise School is committed to delivering a broad curriculum, which incorporates
the relevant aspects of the National Curriculum with life and social skills. We
have developed schemes of work for each area of the curriculum, which provide
achievable targets for all ability levels.
The starting point in the curriculum is to provide each individual child with a
specifically designed programme to meet his or her needs. As the pupils move
through the school, the programme will adapt to allow new skills to develop.
One of the main aims of Larkrise School is to improve communication skills; a
variety of techniques are used to emphasise pupils’ levels of communication such
as music therapy, the use of Makaton throughout the school, pictures and
objects.
At Larkrise School we are firm
believers in 3D learning; this means
that whilst a lot of our learning takes
place in the classroom, we try to take
our pupils and students into the
community as much as possible in order
for them to experience real-life
application of the skills they have
learned.
Another central element of the curriculum is to develop functional independence
and life skills. Pupils are taught appropriate self-help skills and encouraged to
make independent choices that will assist with these skills.
As our pupils get older the number of activities reaching out to the community
are increased; for example, our post-16 students run a coffee shop on a regular
basis to raise funds for a girl named Paula in Benin, Africa whom they sponsor.
At these coffee shops, funds are also raised for local good causes. E.g. Dorothy
House Hospice, Help for Heroes, Wilts Air Ambulance. They also run their own
business giving them direct contact with a wide community.
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The curriculum at Larkrise School takes into account the differing abilities and
experiences of all of our pupils and students. We provide an education
appropriate to individual needs. It will give pupils the opportunity to develop and
learn within a supportive atmosphere.
Larkrise School will:
Deliver the National Curriculum specific to each child’s needs
Provide stimulating activities to increase enjoyment and learning
Set challenging and achievable targets for individual pupils
Develop communication skills
Develop self-confidence and skills towards independent living
Encourage a caring, respectful attitude towards each other
Ensure continuity and progression
Use extra curricular activities to enhance the education offered to pupils
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The Multi-Sensory Installation: Colour
The Multi-Sensory Colour Installation at Larkrise School is inspired by a sensory
interpretation of the artists Michael Craig-Martin, David Batchelor and Phyllida
Barlow’s sculpture exhibited at the New Art Centre, Roche Court.
The installation focuses on the
perception of colour in our everyday
lives. Representing various activities,
such as eating and dressing, the
installation makes a visual connection
with our immediate environments and
association with objects in our
everyday lives. The artist Michael
Craig-Martin uses colour in his
painting and sculpture to produce
vivid compositions exploring the
expressive potential of everyday or
common place objects. These
compositions combine the seemingly ordinary nature of the objects with a
transformative use of colour.
Materials are an important consideration
of the space and have been influenced by
the work of the artist, Phyllida Barlow.
The artist often uses inexpensive materials that could be considered detritus and
invites audiences to reconsider the objects and environments she creates anew.
The space has been compartmentalised into separate colours to reference the
colour wheel.
“Structures that resonate with
emotional intensity and the
urgency of their creation.”
“The use of colour in the
installation accentuates
form, shape and
materials creating an
imaginative perception of
the everyday, a world
full of colour”.
School Prospectus June 2014 Page 15 of 24
SUPPORTING PROFESSIONALS
Physiotherapy
The NHS Primary Care Trust provides and manages our physiotherapy; the
chartered physiotherapist is responsible for the assessment of our pupils and
designs programmes to improve the physical abilities, independent mobility and
functional independence of pupils. In school, staff deliver, programmes on a daily
basis.
Speech and Language Therapy
An experienced therapist and a Speech and Language Therapy Assistant support
our school; their main areas of work are:
The development of communication
The development of feeding patterns through direct intervention and
advice to staff and parents
The provision of information, training and support for colleagues and
carers
Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapy takes into account the everyday living skills that our pupils
need to help them participate in school and at home. The aim is to enable
children to enhance their independent skills as much as possible.
Music Therapist
Music therapy has numerous advantages but
primarily focuses on giving our pupils a method
of communication; the children can play
instruments or sing to express themselves in
small groups or as individuals.
This can be a valuable and appropriate form of
expression for a wide spectrum of learning
difficulties and emotional needs. It also
encourages respect for others and a sense of
working together. There is a secluded, quiet room where they can work without
disruption.
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School Nurse
The NHS provides Larkrise with a nurse who comes into school and works with
doctors and other health professionals.
The school nurse offers: Medical and dietician clinics at the school
Health care plans
One-to-one work with young people
Educational programmes with classes developing awareness of drugs,
alcohol, smoking and sexual health
Advice and support for parents/carers
Art Specialist
Artwork is a wonderful form of expression for our pupils; Larkrise has sessions
with an art specialist who comes into school to work with the children on a regular
basis. This artwork is often relevant to a particular curriculum theme the class is
studying.
School Prospectus June 2014 Page 17 of 24
What will your child need in school?
All pupils should wear the school uniform:
Lower School pupils:
Blue school sweatshirt with embroidered logo
White or sky blue polo shirt with embroidered logo
Grey/black skirt or trousers
Upper School pupils:
Navy school sweatshirt with embroidered logo
White or sky blue polo shirt with embroidered logo
Grey/black skirt or trousers
The school uniform is suitable for all school activities. School sweatshirts and
polo shirts are available from Scholars. The Scholars website is www.scholars-
uk.com which provides information on store locations and contact details.
Post-16 students do not wear school uniform and may come into school in
whatever they feel comfortable in and is appropriate to the activities of the day.
In addition your child will need, as appropriate:
Swimming and/or hydrotherapy kit – a bag containing a swimming
costume/trunks and a towel
Physical Education kit – a bag containing shorts, a t-shirt, gym shoes and a
shower kit (for those pupils for whom it is appropriate we have showers in
school for use after Physical Education.)
PE shorts and Larkrise emblem shirts can be purchased through the school.
Art and Craft kit – an apron/overall or an old shirt adapted to fit.
It is very important all items are clearly named. Your child may not be able to
tell us what belongs to him or her. It will save time and inconvenience by labelling
everything clearly.
School Prospectus June 2014 Page 18 of 24
The Administration of Medicines Responsibility for giving medicines lies with parents or legal guardians.
If pupils need regular medicine or treatment, the school has procedures for
administration and will enter into a written agreement with parents. A form
giving the school permission to administer medicines must be completed and
signed by parents; forms can be obtained from the school office.
If your child’s medication changes parents must notify the school immediately
and complete a new form.
All medication must be in the original container with the pupil’s full name, date
and required dosage.
Absences from School Details of authorised and unauthorised absences from school are given to parents
and carers in pupils’ annual reviews.
In your Home School Diary you will find blank forms to record any absence. It is
a statutory requirement that you give us written notification of any absence. It
helps us know in advance of a proposed absence, including medical and dental
appointments. If your child is unwell, please call your minibus Passenger
Assistant directly to inform them. However you must put the reason for absence
in writing for us– the blank forms are aimed to make this easier for you.
It is essential that we have a contact telephone number in school in order for us
to get in touch with you or a member of your family should there be an
emergency or query. This ensures that we can reach you if your child needs you.
If an emergency results in an absence the law requires that you still give us a
written explanation.
Holidays
Parents are asked not to take holidays in term time unless it is unavoidable. If
pupils are to be away from school for a holiday then a ‘holiday form’ must be
completed and returned to the school office in advance.
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Change of Address If you change your address or telephone number, please notify the school
immediately.
Dual Placement/Inclusion It may be appropriate for some pupils and students to have inclusion sessions at
local mainstream schools or colleges; this can be arranged on a regular basis for
lessons, visits or set activities.
Pupils or students may also require dual registration, attending a special school on
a part time basis and also a mainstream school.
All of these opportunities are carefully monitored to ensure each child benefits
and it remains appropriate for his or her learning.
School Prospectus June 2014 Page 20 of 24
WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU NEED TO
TALK TO SOMEONE Larkrise School has an ‘open door’ policy.
You are welcome to telephone or arrange a visit at anytime. If you wish to speak
with a teacher it is best to contact school during the lunch break or after
3.30pm. The Parent Support Advisor – Helen Crapnell is available to support
parents with any needs or concerns they might have do please contact reception
who can put you in touch.
The school has three Parent’s Evenings a year. One in September to act as an
informal getting to know staff and general information session, one in the spring
and a third in the summer. The latter two focus on progress, achievement and
target setting.
All students also have an Annual Review meeting when parents and relevant
professionals review the Pupil Statement to ensure that the provision remains
appropriate.
When you arrive at the school for a visit you will be asked to sign the Visitors’
Book and take a seat in the foyer whilst a member of staff finds the person you
are there to see.
that can be dealt with by the class teacher; please use this on a daily basis to
give us any updates that are relevant to your child in school. You will receive
letters from the school office, which will keep you up to date, and you can visit
our website; classes also produce newsletters which update you with what your
child has done in school recently. However, please remember that you can
arrange a meeting at any time during the school year to come and see us; likewise
we will always invite you in if we need to talk.
Emails: [email protected]
We feel that it is very important to
have frequent contact with parents
and carers and due to our wide
catchment area this can sometimes be
difficult; the Home School Diary is an
excellent way for you to express any
questions or concerns you may have
mailto:[email protected]
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TRANSPORT Your child may qualify for transport into school via our fleet of minibuses. We
control buses, which escort our pupils from their homes to school and back every
school day.
This service is free for under-16s but post-16s have to pay for this service. You
may seek financial assistance towards transport from the Young Peoples Learning
Allowance (YPLA). This is a teacher discretionary grant and is for families who
are financially challenged. There is a specific criteria to meet in order to qualify.
Our buses are driven by experienced minibus drivers and are accompanied by Passenger Assistants who not only assist the drivers in getting pupils into school safely, but also strengthen communications between the school and
parents/carers.
Each bus caters for different abilities; some have more wheelchair spaces than
others for example; should your child qualify for this transport then he or she
will be catered for appropriately.
Our minibus drivers have a duty of care to get our pupils into school safely and on
time. For this reason our drivers can only wait for a limited period of time and
therefore your cooperation in punctuality would be much appreciated.
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CHARGING AND REMISSIONS:
PAYMENTS TO SCHOOL
Dinner Money: Your child may be entitled to free school meals in which case a form may be
requested from school which you should fill out and post to Wiltshire Council, or
you can apply online at www.wiltshire.gov.uk from the Schools and Learning Menu.
If your child is not entitled to free school meals he or she may either bring a
packed lunch into school or the school can provide a lunch if you would prefer.
Hot School lunches are also available.
We ask that if you would like the school to provide a lunch then dinner money
should be paid each Monday morning in advance; please give the money to your
minibus Passenger Assistant, or hand it into the School Office directly.
Educational day visits and residential visits:
The school does not always have funds to cover the costs for your child to take
part in day or residential visits. We ask all parents to contribute towards the
cost of some educational visits; you will be informed in advance of the type of
visit and the cost. If you have any concerns of queries you can write to the class
teacher in your child’s Home School Diary or call the school office to speak to
the teacher.
We recognise that residential visits can
prove costly and we endeavour to give
as much notice as possible when
planning such activities. We are also
happy to arrange payment by instalment
in order to spread the cost.
Other charges:
Parents are asked to contribute towards the cost of some activities such as
swimming; you will be informed of these events in advance. Cheques can be made
payable to Larkrise School.
http://www.wiltshire.gov.uk/
School Prospectus June 2014 Page 23 of 24
SCHOOL ADMISSIONS
Admissions:
The Local Authority is responsible for referrals and placement of pupils with a
Statement of Special Educational Needs; all pupils attending Larkrise School have
a statement of special educational needs. Admission can take place throughout
the year.
Equal Opportunities:
Pupils are given equal access to all aspects of the school life; any form of
discrimination will not be tolerated.
Racial Equality:
Larkrise School provides an education that values and respects all of the
different cultures and backgrounds in our multicultural society. We promote a
sense of working together.
Special Educational Needs Policy:
Larkrise School has a policy on Special Educational Needs and a copy is obtainable
from the school office on request.
Online Safety Policy:
When online, children and young people can learn new things, get help with
homework, express themselves creatively and connect with friends and family.
There are also risks, but by understanding and talking about the dangers you can
help keep your child safe online. Here at Larkrise School we have a
comprehensive policy to help keep you and your children safe online, do ask if you
would like a copy or you can download it from our website.
Complaints Policy:
Under the terms of education Reform Act parents/carers have the right to make
a complaint to the governing body about the content/style of the school
curriculum. If you are concerned then you should contact the class teacher or
the Headteacher if the matter is unresolved. If the matter remains unresolved
then the formal complaints procedure will come into operation; a copy of the
policy can be obtained from the school office on request.
Child Protection in Larkrise School
Child protection is central to the well-being of each of our pupils and therefore is
an intrinsic part of all aspects of the curriculum. The five aspects of ‘Every Child
Matters’ (The Children Act 2004, Section 10) are woven into the whole-school
School Prospectus June 2014 Page 24 of 24
ethos. This supports the development of all our pupils in ways that will foster
security, confidence and independence. We seek to empower our pupils in all
situations. Larkrise School has a policy on Child Protection and a copy is
obtainable from the school office on request or available on our website.
(Extract taken from current policy below).
1. The Purpose of policy
We recognise that because of their day to day contact with children, school
staff are well placed to observe the outward signs of abuse. The school will
therefore:
Establish and maintain an environment where children feel secure, are
encouraged to talk, and are listened to.
Ensure children know that there are adults in the school who they can
approach if they are worried.
Include opportunities throughout the curriculum, including ICT, PSHE
and SEAL for children to develop the skills they need to recognise, and
stay safe from, abuse, including online abuse, and
Take advantage of experts outside school to reinforce those messages
(e.g. NSPCC and Police regarding ‘Stranger Danger’.
2. Aims
This policy applies to all staff, governors and volunteers working in the school.
The policy has five main elements:
Ensuring we practice safe recruitment in checking the suitability of staff
and volunteers to work with children.
Raising awareness of child protection issues and equipping children with
the skills needed to keep them safe.
Developing and then implementing procedures for identifying and
reporting cases, or suspected cases, of abuse.
Supporting pupils who have been abused in accordance with their agreed
child protection plan.
Establishing a safe environment in which children can learn and develop.
In accordance with the Education Act 2002, s175, the designated teachers for
child protection at Larkrise School are: Phil Cook, Siobhan Cheadle and Jo Burton.
Mr Paul Gane is the nominated School Governor.
The school has many other policies, which are reviewed when necessary by the
school’s Governing Body. If you would like to see a copy of any of these policies
then please contact the school office.