2. Welcome to Langney Primary School
Foreword: Julie Prentice,
Headteacher, says…
Parent partnership
Examples of this school-parent partnership
can be seen in the many parent and pupil
stories within this prospectus. The stories
demonstrates that you, and your child, are
very important to us. We have established an
environment that is welcoming and accepting
of parents and work very hard to involve you
in every step of your child’s time here…and
increase your child’s enjoyment of learning.
We have an open-door policy at Langney
Primary School, and encourage parents to
come in, as their input is always greatly valued.
Get in touch
I would urge you to visit our amazing school.
I am truly confident you will find this a
welcoming and supportive school, with staff
that listen, consult and actively encourage
your involvement. To make an appointment
to visit, or to simply ask me a question, please
email me on head@langney.e-sussex.sch.uk or
call the school office 01323 762177.
Louise and David live in Eastbourne with
their sons, Alexander, five in Reception and
George, two.
The right decision
Louise and her family moved to Eastbourne a
couple of years ago. They chose Langney Primary
School because of the positive things they had
heard from others locally.“When it’s your first
child, choosing the right school when you have
little or no experience, and you’re quite new to
the area, is a daunting task but we feel certain
we’ve made the right decision in choosing
Langney Primary School. We have no regrets
whatsoever! Alexander has settled in really well
and is going from strength to strength,”says
Louise.
A welcoming and fun atmosphere
For Louise, one of the school’s real strengths is
the welcoming and fun atmosphere it provides
for the children.“When the teachers want the
children to settle down and listen they have this
special clap which they use and the children
then join in with. I’ve seen it used in assembly
and it’s so effective; it’s a much nicer way of
getting the children’s attention than the teachers
raising their voices and it’s fun for the children
too!”
Mutual respect
Whilst Alexander has only been at Langney
Primary School for a short period of time, Louise
and David are already seeing some positive
changes in Alexander.“He used to get frustrated
by certain things and we expected this to
continue at school but this hasn’t been the case.
School has made him a calmer child. I’m sure
this has much to do with the way they reinforce
positive behaviour and how the children learn
by example from others.
“There’s a mutual respect between the children
and the teachers, which I think is wonderful; it’s
always struck me how well behaved the children
are at Langney Primary School.”
An atmosphere in which to thrive
Louise has also noticed an increase in
Alexander’s confidence.“It’s clear to see how
much Alexander is enjoying Langney Primary
School. His confidence has grown so much in
the short space of time that he’s been there and
academically, he’s doing incredibly well. I feel
this has a lot to do with the friendly approach
adopted by staff and it’s welcoming and
respectful environment.
Friends of Langney
To get more involved with the school, Louise
joined the Friends of Langney. She has found
it a good way to meet other parents and she
was keen to help the school raise funds. “As a
new parent to the school, joining the Friends of
Langney has been a really positive experience.
I’ve met many of the teachers and other parents.
I’d certainly recommend getting involved to
other parents. It’s a nice way of learning more
about the school and giving something back to
them.
From my experience, it’s very obviously a friendly
school and I can see why Alexander has never
said that he doesn’t want to go!”
Delighted with Langney Primary School
“We’ve been delighted with Alexander’s progress
so far. So much so, that we are moving George
to the nursery at Langney Primary School for his
preschool experience,”says Louise.“We have no
hesitation in recommending the school to other
parents.”
Children say:
Alexander says:“I love all the friends I have made
at school!
Louise believes Langney Primary School offers
a warm, friendly and welcoming environment
which allows children to thrive academically and
emotionally
“There’s a mutual respect
between the children and
the teachers, which I think
is wonderful.”
32
3. School day
Theresa Appiah lives in Eastbourne with her
children, Theresa, age 25, and Joseph, age
six, in Year 1. They moved to the UK from
Ghana in 2013 and Joseph joined Langney
Primary School in the Reception Class in
2014.
Friendly, welcoming and eager to help
Moving to a new country is a daunting task
for all involved. Choosing a school in a new
education system can be a difficult decision.
Theresa’s first port of call was the Local Education
Authority who sent a booklet through to her
on local schools. From there she researched
further using OFSTED reports and school visits
and found that Langney Primary School really
stood out.“It’s a very welcoming and friendly
school and I found the staff were very eager to
help me. It felt like the right school for Joseph,”
says Theresa.“They were very good at ensuring
I knew everything I needed to know to ensure
Joseph and I were prepared for life in a UK
school.”
Communication and working together
What has been particularly reassuring for Theresa
is the communication and open door policy
the school provides.“The staff are very good at
telling you what is going on with your child and
discussing with you any issues. They are keen to
work with you for the betterment of the child.
I’ve really liked that approach,”explains Theresa.
“Initially Joseph had a few adjustment issues but
the teachers were keen for us to discuss what
might be the issue and for us to look together at
how we could make things better.”
Accessible and approachable
Theresa has also noticed how the Headteacher
and the Assistant Headteacher make themselves
very accessible by welcoming parents and
children at the school gate each day.“I think it
makes them approachable and helps you feel
you are getting to know them and that you can
speak to them. The fact they choose to stand at
the school gate shows that they care about the
school and its pupils.”
Full of enthusiasm and always happy to go
to school
According to Theresa it’s very clear to see just
how much Joseph loves Langney Primary
School.“He’s so full of enthusiasm and is always
happy and eager to talk about his day and
what he has learned; he is even happy to do his
homework!
“I put this is down to the school and the
teaching. He has a real joy for learning and his
confidence has grown greatly during the time
he has been at Langney Primary School. Another
strength for me is that there has never been
any issue whatsoever with our minority ethnic
background. Joseph has never experienced
any discrimination and we have both been
welcomed by everyone.”
The school encourages respect and tolerance of
those with different race and heritage.
The best for your child
Theresa adds:“I’d recommend Langney
Primary School because of their excellent
communication and because the care is so
good. You get a strong sense that they want the
absolute best for your child and you can’t ask for
more than that.”
Children say
Joseph says:“My favourite thing about school is
the lessons and playing with my friends!”
Working together with the friendly and caring staff at
Langney Primary School has made the move to
UK education a really positive experience for
Theresa’s son
“There has never been
any issue whatsoever
with our minority ethnic
background. Joseph has
never experienced any
discrimination and we
have both been welcomed
by everyone.”
Bright Sparks Nursery
Morning session: 9am- 12.00pm
Afternoon session: 12.00pm - 3.00pm
Infants
8.45am to 3.10pm
Juniors
8.45am to 3.15pm
Lunchtime for infants and juniors is staggered
between 11.55am and 1.35pm
Wraparound clubs
Breakfast Club: 7.30am to 8.45am.
Twilight Club: 3.15pm to 6.00pm
Uniform
A simple, smart uniform promotes a sense of
belonging, and saves you from wrangles over
what to wear. It is also expected that long hair
be tied back.
Items of school uniform can be purchased
from the school shop‘Tuck Inn’either before
or after school. School uniform lists can be
obtained by contacting the school office,
reviewing the parent handbook or looking on
the school website.
If families need help towards the cost of
school uniform please let us know and we can
provide further information.
School meals and snacks
A hot school meal prepared on the premises is
provided every day with a vegetarian option.
There is also a salad bar and a fruit bar. All
children in Reception and Key Stage 1 receive
a free school meal.
Parents may wish to provide their children
with a packed lunch instead.
Break-time and drinks
Children are welcome to bring a snack for
morning break time but this must be of the
healthy variety (e.g. fruit). Water is available
throughout the day and water bottles are
provided for all pupils.
Healthy Tuck Shop
Our Year 6 pupils, together with our shop
manager Gaynor Newnham, run‘The Tuck Inn’
daily at break times. Fresh fruit, milk, fruit juice
and a variety of healthy options are sold as
snacks to our Key Stage 2 pupils. All Key Stage
1 children receive a portion of free fruit and
vegetables every morning at break time but
also have access to The Tuck Inn.
Children can now also buy books and
stationery items from the shop, and parents
can visit before and after school to buy school
uniform.
54
4. Curriculum
The curriculum is divided into three stages:
Early Years Foundation Stage: from ages 0-5
Key Stage 1: from ages 5-7
Key Stage 2: from ages 7-11
Reception
The Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum
is based on seven areas of learning:
• Personal, Social and Emotional
Development
• Communication and Language
• Physical Development
• Literacy
• Mathematics
• Understanding the World
• Expressive Arts and Design
Key Stages 1-2
Areas of the curriculum are:
• Mathematics
• Literacy
• Science
• Information and Design Technology
• History
• Geography
• Art
• Music
• Physical Education
• Religious Education
• Health
• Citizenship
• Personal and Social Education.
Sport
There are many opportunities for
extracurricular sport and team games. We
now have our very own‘Langney School
Mini-Bus,’which enables us to provide further
after-school clubs at local Eastbourne facilities,
and take part in competitive school sport
tournaments. We also transport Key Stage 2
children to and from the Sovereign Centre, for
their termly swimming lessons.
Facilities
A new staffroom has recently been built and
in Summer 2014 a new refurbished library and
’Google’Computing Suite was completed.
Classrooms are regularly redecorated, and the
school is continually being improved.
Outdoors
Children in our Bright Sparks Nursery and
Reception classes are able to play and explore
safely in their own self-contained outdoor
play area and in the school’s front playground.
Older children use the large rear playground
and the school field. We also have a‘Trim Trail,’
which the children can negotiate using their
climbing and balancing skills.
We have a lovely, peaceful school garden, plus
an environmental garden; which the children
are able to use for their scientific enquiry
studies.
June and Steve live in Eastbourne with their
two children, their 11 year old daughter and
Harry, eight in Year 4.
The natural choice
Both of June’s children joined Langney Primary
School at preschool age when they started at
the nursery.“When we first moved to the area a
neighbour’s daughter was already at the school
and they recommended it to us.
“We’d also been to various events at the school
and really liked the friendly approachable feel of
the school. It’s close to us and we can walk easily
so when it came to choosing a school, Langney
Primary School was the natural choice for us.”
Specialist support for special
educational needs
June’s daughter has some additional needs,
which the school was instrumental in identifying.
“When the teachers first voiced their concerns to
us they did it in a very sensitive and supportive
manner,”explains June.“I’m very grateful for the
way they kept us fully informed and how much
help they gave us with referrals for specialist
support. They put lots of things in place to help
her and to help us,”explains June.
“She’s a very bright girl but she needed
additional support with her fine motor co-
ordination and help to maintain her focus
on tasks. We feel the school were excellent in
supporting her to achieve her full potential.
With their support, they stopped her feeling
isolated and ensured she didn’t feel like she had
something wrong with her.”
Early and effective intervention
June adds:“My daughter got excellent SATS
results which we think had a lot to do with the
support and intervention she was offered by
the school. The fact they recognised there was
a need really helped her to progress. Without
doubt, they’ve given her the grounding she’s
needed for secondary school.”
No stigma
Harry too is progressing very well academically.
“Harry is getting on just fine! There’s been one
term where he received some extra support with
his maths through some booster sessions,”says
June.“The wonderful thing is that there is never
any stigma attached to needing extra support.
Those few sessions were exactly what was
needed to get him back on track and to boost
his confidence.
“We feel the teachers are excellent at identifying
early any issues and in dealing with them
effectively.”
A real connection
June believes the teaching staff at Langney
Primary School have a genuine connection with
the children, which she feels plays a large role
in their enjoyment of school and their desire
to learn.“Both of my children have loved their
teachers. I think this is down to the way they
relate to them. I can honestly say that neither of
my children have ever said they don’t want to go
to school!”
Academic support for parents
There are learning opportunities on offer for
parents too, which June considers a real positive.
“Being able to support your children’s learning
is important. The school runs classes to help
you to be in a better position to do that. They’ve
just run an IT course to bring parents up to
speed! And the after-school clubs offer a safe
environment for your children to play, which
helps to facilitate your attendance. I think it’s a
great idea!”
Children say:
Harry says:“My favourite thing about Langney
Primary School is the teachers!”
June can’t fault the early intervention and nurturing
support on offer at Langney Primary School
“Being able to support
your children’s learning is
important… They’ve just
run an IT course to bring
parents up to speed!” 76
5. Extended curriculum: trips and visits
Extended curriculum:
trips and visits
Educational visits play an essential role in
our work and take place on a regular basis,
relevant to fit in with our learning journeys.
These include:
• Reception visit to Blackberry Farm
• Year 1 trip to Brighton Sea Life Centre
• Year 3 trip to Battle Abbey
• Year 4 visit to Brighton Museum
• Year 5 visit to Planetarium
• School council visit to the Houses of
Parliament
Rainbow Rules
Responsible, mature and considerate
behaviour is encouraged by a set of‘Rainbow
Rules.’The children and staff agreed these
rules to protect the safety and well being of
everyone. Good behaviour is encouraged
through individual rewards, class rewards,
class targets and‘Rainbow’certificates. We
also like to share the children’s successes with
parents in our Funky Friday assemblies.
We strive to ensure that Langney Primary
School is a happy and safe place and have
a very supportive behaviour structure for
playtimes.
Communicating with parents
A great deal of importance is placed on the
communication and partnership between
school and parents. There is an open door
policy at Langney Primary School and
parents are very welcome to arrange an
appointment to discuss any concerns. We
strive to keep parents informed in a variety
of ways, including termly curriculum letters,
monthly newsletters, annual questionnaires,
consultation evenings, annual reports, the
school website and Twitter. We will also text
parents and/or telephone them in the event
of an emergency.
A‘Parent and Community’display board,
which is sited in the front playground, is
updated at the start of each month with
important dates and key events.
Home School Link Book
Home School Link Books are used as a means
of communication with your child’s class
teacher. If you have any concerns and find it
difficult to catch your child’s teacher either
before or after school, please write in the
Parent/Teacher Comments Section. The Home
/ School Link Books are checked each day so
please do use it as a communication tool if
needed.
Kellie Meadows lives in Eastbourne with her
partner, Charlie and her daughters Kitty,
nine, in Year 4 and Martha, one.
The only school to choose
As bursar at Langney Primary School, Kellie had
a really good knowledge of the school and it’s
environment. She knew it was the only school
she wanted for her daughter.
She applied for Kitty to start in Reception but
living outside of the catchment area she wasn’t
allocated a place and was unsuccessful in her
appeal. Kitty was placed on the waiting list and
without an alternative school place, Kellie made
the decision to send Kitty to private school.“I
knew Langney Primary School was the perfect
school for Kitty. She spent her first three years of
primary education at a private school, but I can
honestly say she has progressed more in the year
she has been in Langney than the whole three
years at the private school,”says Kellie.
A positive experience
According to Kellie, Kitty has thrived since joining
Langney Primary School.“She has adjusted so
well and is loving the school; I have no regrets
whatsoever and feel it was absolutely the right
decision to move her.”
Ensuring Kitty felt comfortable with moving
to a new school was important for Kellie and
she has been delighted with how the school
has managed the transition.“Kitty joined at
the beginning of Year 3 but it was arranged
for her to spend two taster days at the end of
Year 2 Summer term. This was a really positive
experience for Kitty and it gave her the
opportunity to familiarise herself with the school
and to meet some new friends.”
Recognising individual strengths
“They have some really good reward systems in
place and the staff are very good at recognising
and rewarding achievement. Kitty has already
received six certificates this year for her reading
and a gold award; these are all excellent
incentives and work well at encouraging the
children to learn.
“The teachers are very good at identifying
individual strengths and talents and nurturing
those so that pupils reach their potential. Kitty
was placed in a literacy booster group for able
learners; I think it’s great that they ensure the
children are challenged and continue to be
stretched in an appropriate way.”
Professional and knowledgeable
“The staff at Langney Primary School are very
professional and knowledgeable. They really
know their stuff! For me what has really stood
out is how quickly they have got to know Kitty
as an individual, how much personal knowledge
they have of my daughter. For me as a parent, it’s
very reassuring to hear.”
Kellie adds:“I really feel Langney Primary School
provides a happy and nurturing environment
with lots of opportunities for learning and
progression through a well-rounded curriculum.
I couldn’t ask for more!”
Kellie has no regrets in moving her daughter to
Langney Primary School - she believes it offers the
perfect learning environment
“What has really stood out
is how quickly they have
got to know Kitty as an
individual.”
98
6. Inclusion: a curriculum for all
Langney Primary School has built a strong
reputation for its caring and inclusive
environment. Due to the high quality of
support provided, it is a popular choice for
parents of children identified as having special
educational needs or disabilities (SEND).
The school has a full time Inclusion Manager
and all children will receive the support they
need to do well regardless of any physical,
learning and emotional difficulties. As a result
of our growing reputation for inclusion, the
proportion of disabled pupils and those who
have special educational needs is now well
above the national average.
Access
Children with a physical disability are fully
supported in accessing all parts of the school.
Gifted and talented children
Langney Primary School is committed to
raising standards and‘dedication to excellence’
in academics and other disciplines. Our
gifted and talented pupils will be identified
and given work appropriate to their needs
within the class. This also includes enrichment
opportunities that are offered through a range
of different workshops both in and out of
school.
Shared core values
We have identified a universal set of 12
shared core values. To strengthen the explicit
understanding of each value, a‘focus value’is
introduced each month. Assemblies are led
around this and followed up in the classroom
by teachers. Awards are presented to individuals
during school acts of worship, as recognition
of how students have demonstrated individual
focus values (e.g. generosity to others).
Church links
We are also very proud of our links with Father
David at St Richards Church, which include
Harvest Festival celebrations and a Christmas
concert. Father David also leads regular
assemblies on a variety of relevant subjects.
Our agreed core values are:
• Co-operation
• Forgiveness
• Friendship
• Happiness
• Honesty
• Hope
• Kindness
• Quality
• Responsibility
• Thoughtfulness
• Trust
• Unity
Sally-Anne and Peter Kitcher live in
Eastbourne with their five children Nathan
20, Amelia, 18, Olivia, 16, Liam 14 and Isaac,
four in Reception.
The right school to meet individual needs
Isaac was recently diagnosed with autism so his
additional needs were something Sally-Anne
and Peter considered greatly when choosing
Langney Primary School. Their daughter, Olivia,
also has autism and attends a special needs
school, so when it came to choosing a primary
school for Isaac, they knew what kind of care
and support they were looking for.“From our
experiences with Olivia, we knew from when
Isaac was younger that he had some additional
needs. Our son, Liam has dyslexia and received
excellent support during his time at Langney
Primary School. Isaac’s needs are different to
Olivia’s and we feel certain he will do well at
Langney,”says Sally-Anne.
Patience and a willingness to listen
Isaac finds change very difficult, new
environments and experiences can be daunting
for him. He has delayed speech and finds things
like wearing new clothes and eating certain
foods difficult. For Sally-Anne one of the many
strengths of Langney Primary School is the
patience of the staff and their willingness to
listen to parents and pupils.
Isaac’s diagnosis is relatively new so he isn’t yet
statemented, but Sally-Anne feels the school
has been excellent in providing Isaac with
the support he needs.“They’ve spent a lot of
time integrating him into Reception and the
classroom environment. He has someone to
one support which has really helped with the
transition to primary school and has been very
reassuring for Isaac and for us as parents. We’ve
found all of the staff incredibly accommodating.
As Isaac’s speech is delayed, the school have
provided him with some picture cards to aid
communication. It’s little things like this that
make a big difference!”
Understanding staff at all levels
Isaac’s autism means he has some sensory
needs which include him wanting to touch his
food and feel it.“Texture is important to Isaac,
he’ll only eat certain foods, which when he has
school meals can be difficult, but the kitchen
staff have been excellent at catering for him
and ensuring he has things he likes as well as
offering new things. Everyone has been very
understanding about his need to touch food.”
Seeing children as individuals
Sally-Anne and Peter really appreciate the
way the teaching staff view each child as an
individual. They have been reassured by the way
staff have adapted lessons and school life to
meet Isaac’s needs.“Isaac will only wear certain
clothes. Changing his clothes can cause him
great distress so getting him to wear school
uniform can be difficult. They’ve allowed us to
adapt the uniform, so sometimes he will go to
school wearing different trousers or we can take
his uniform in a bag with him if getting him to
wear it first thing on a morning is distressing
him,”explains Sally-Anne.“It’s important to us
that Isaac can function in mainstream school
and we’re really grateful for the accommodating
attitude shown by Langney. It’s made a big
difference to Isaac and to us.”
Consideration
Sally-Anne adds:“We truly believe Langney
Primary School is the right school for Isaac.
Their care and consideration for children with
additional needs is wonderful. It’s a family
community of staff who we feel are an extension
of our own family.”
Children say:
Isaac says:“My favourite thing about school is
singing!”
Sally-Anne appreciates the way Langney Primary
School sees each child as an individual and
considers additional needs.
“Their care and
consideration for children
with additional needs is
wonderful.”
1110
7. Clubs
We offer a wide range of extra-curricular
opportunities to support children’s interests
and help uncover hidden abilities. These
include:
• Football • Netball
• Drama • Chess
• Rugby • Cricket
• gymnastics • ICT
• Cross-country • Athletics
• Craft • Choir
• Karate • hula hooping
PLACING GROUP CASE STUDY HERE RE STAFF WHO
ARE PARENTS AT SCHOOL
?
Sport, health and art
In addition to these clubs,
the school also involves
the children in musical
productions, theatre trips,
residential trips, trips linked to
the curriculum, an arts week,
and a Sports and
Health Week.
1312
8. Admissions Getting involved
Bright Sparks Nursery
Bright Sparks Nursery has been built within
the school grounds and offers extremely
exciting opportunities for early childcare and
health provision for young parents and the
Langney Community. Admission to our Bright
Sparks nursery is open to everyone, but with
a maximum of 60 nursery places numbers are
limited.
School
Children start at Langney Primary School in
the autumn term of the academic year in
which they will have their fifth birthday.
Applications
Nursery: please contact the nursery for a
registration form.
School: East Sussex Council deals with all
new admissions to Langney Primary School.
Contact details for the School Admissions
Team:
Tel: 01273 481 797
Email: admissions@eastsussex.gov.uk
Web: www.eastsussex.gov.uk/admissions
Parental Involvement
Parents and the school can work together
through the Friends of Langney to raise funds
for school. All money is being saved so that
the school can gain charitable status, which
will then allow us to receive‘match funding’
for future fundraising events. Becoming active
with the Friends of Langney offers parents and
teachers an opportunity to get to know each
other.
Do you want to join Friends of
Langney?
If you are interested in joining Friends of
Langney, please contact the school office.
Governorship
Our school governors manage the school
ith the Headteacher. Our Governing Body
are made up of elected parents, members
appointed by the Local Education Authority
(LEA), co-opted governors, teacher
representatives and the Headteacher who has
the option of being a governor. Members are
elected for period of four years.
Do you want to be a Governor?
Our parent governors give parents a voice in
decision making. They are elected by parents
through a ballot. If you are interested in
becoming a school governor, please contact
the school office.
1514
9. How to find us
ey Primary School
y Close
urne
ussex
EA
FRIDAYSTREET
PENNINE WAY
HIDE HOLLOW
THERISING
WORDSWORTHDRIVE
PEVENSEYBAYROAD
A259ST.ANTHONYSAVE
LOTTBRIDGE DROVE
LOTTBRIDGE DROVE
A22
A22
A22
CROSS LEVELSW
AY
W
ILLINGDON
DROVE
WILLINGDON DROVE
SEVENOAKS ROAD
ETCHINGHAM
ROAD
CHAILEY
CLOSE
PRIORITYROAD
A259
Langney Primary School
Chailey Close
Eastbourne
East Sussex
BN23 7EA
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