Introduction to Woodside
Admission Arrangements
Admissions to Woodside Junior School are made by the Headteacher on behalf of the Governors.
A map of the catchment area of the school can be seen in the school office and is the same as the area for St. George’s Infant School. The area includes the Lincoln Park and Hundred Acres Estate, the top of Stanley Hill Avenue, Highlands Road and The Drive, Woodside Road as far as Hyrons Close, Plantation Road as far as Mitchell Walk and White Lion Road as far as White Lion Close and Lane End Close.
We welcome applications from those living outside the catchment area also.
You are very welcome to visit the school prior to your child’s admission, and if you wish to do so you can make an appointment to see the Headteacher. On a visit during the normal school day you will be able to ask any questions you may have in an informal setting and see the school at work.
Woodside welcomes applications from all children including pupils with disabilities. Our Accessibility Plan sets out our achievements and plans for ensuring building accessibility for all pupils. In addition our Special Educational Needs Coordinator works with the classroom staff to ensure that all pupils have access to the curriculum.
The admissions policy of this school is common to all Community Schools in Buckinghamshire.
Woodside Junior School’s DfES number is 8252143. You will need to put this number on your application form.
School Organisation
Woodside Junior School is for children aged between 7 and 11 years who are in National Curriculum Years 3 to 6.
Classes usually have around 25-30 children and for most of the day they work with their own teacher.
Teaching hours, excluding registration, assemblies and playtimes are currently 23 1/3 hours per week for all pupils.
Accommodation
This purpose-built, innovatively-designed Junior School has eight spacious classrooms arranged around a landscaped courtyard.
Our assembly hall/gymnasium is used for a wide range of activities and is let to community organisations for evening and weekend use.
Other amenities include a fiction and reference library with an electronic records system and an exceptionally well-equipped computer suite. Each classroom is fitted with an interactive whiteboard which is used to enhance and develop delivery of the curriculum.
The school has extensive grounds which are a central part of the learning environment of the school, including two playgrounds, a large field for games and an “outdoor classroom”.
Our Partnership with Parents
We are committed to the belief that education works best if it is a partnership between home and school. We therefore welcome parents in school. The Headteacher and teachers are always delighted to discuss children’s progress with parents. Many parents also offer a little of their time to come into school to work alongside children and teachers. We welcome offers of help with all activities, in particular reading with and to children, swimming, practical activities, educational visits and transport to and from events held away from school. On a more formal basis we hold parent teacher consultations during the year. These give parents a chance to discuss their child’s progress with their class teacher and the Headteacher if requested. A written annual report is prepared on every child during the summer term.
In every school year parents are invited to share special celebrations with the children.
An Annual Parents’ Meeting is held by the Governing Body giving parents an opportunity to ask questions and make suggestions regarding the school.
Absence
Through sickness – if your child is ill and unable to come to school, please notify the office by telephone on the first and each subsequent day of absence, then by letter on your child’s return to school.
On holiday – we actively discourage any absence due to holiday during term-time. We ask you to consider dates very carefully when booking holidays. Any absence, however short, can have a detrimental effect on your child’s learning. If you wish to request a leave of absence you should make an appointment with the Headteacher. In exceptional circumstances, permission may be granted but at least a month’s notice is required and your child’s attendance record will be taken into account.
For all other absences (e.g medical appointments) please complete an absence request form.