Laycock School is a community primary school for boys and girls aged 3 to 11 years old. There is a Nursery class and also a Unit for children with hearing impairment. We have a policy of integration, which has proved to be successful. We have children from all over the world – making ours a rich and diverse community.
The school was built soon after the turn of the century, on the site of Robert Laycock’s dairy farm. It is a typical 3-storey Edwardian school building.
The Laycock school building was modernised in the early 1970s. As a result of the modernisation we saw the need to do something about improving the rather barren playgrounds.
We were fortunate enough to be able to work with two Art Lecturers who were interested in local environment as seen through the eyes of the children.
They and their art students worked alongside the children, the teachers and the parents on a project, which aimed at transforming the playground into a rich and stimulating environment.
We feel it is important that the playground project is regarded as an ongoing activity, so that each generation of children who pass through the school still feel involved in its development. The children have designed and planted a wild garden area as well as a giant chess set and a protected play area.
A later project that the children worked on was designing a new front entrance, which improved security and created a greater sense of welcome.
Most recently, Islington has passed plans for an exciting new building development including a new hall, kitchens, lift and welcoming reception area, as well as modernisation throughout.
Aims of the School
We aim to be fully aware of how children learn, how they feel, how they develop and how they become responsible.
We believe that children learn best through real situations, and from direct experience, and that, therefore, we should provide a thought-provoking and well-planned environment to cater for the individual needs of each child. We offer a wide range of subjects, giving every child the opportunity to experience success, and we try to avoid reinforcing failure. We build upon the child’s carefully recorded knowledge and experience.
We aim to develop children’s fluency in spoken language, skills and to encourage understanding in literacy and numeracy; to give them an ability in physical education, and build enquiring and discriminating minds about human development and the world we live in through science and the humanities. We believe that children’s natural sensitivity and creativity should have the opportunity to express itself through the arts, music and drama. We encourage children to work collaboratively to help develop an awareness of the needs of other people, and also to increase their own self-esteem and autonomy.
Equal Opportunities
Laycock School is dedicated to working in a positive way by promoting equality of opportunity for all our pupils.
CONTACT BETWEEN HOME & SCHOOL
There is plenty of evidence to show that co-operation between home and school, and the attitude and involvement of parents affects children’s educational progress.
We have a flexible approach regarding times at which staff are available for consultation. Parents should make an appointment to see the Headteacher or other members of staff. Arrangements for an appointment can be made by telephone, by letter, or in person.
Parents are invited to meet the class teacher in the Autumn term during the day to discuss their child’s progress, with a review in the Spring Term. At the end of the school year, parents receive a report on each child.
If there is an urgent matter that you wish to discuss, please come and see the Headteacher straight away rather than interrupt the Class Teacher, and we can then try and arrange cover so that we can give you our full attention.
We are always pleased if parents wish to be involved in the school day:
- Helping teachers on outings
- Reading with individual children
- Helping with the library
- Working with small groups
Do have a chat with the teacher if you would like to help.
We have meetings throughout the year for parents on various aspects of school life. We also have a number of social and fundraising events throughout the year, and, of course, your help in organising these events will be needed, and your presence at the functions is important. There is a Parent’s Forum, which meets regularly. Anyone can attend to discuss different aspects of school life.
Complaints should be directed to the Headteacher and if further action needs to be taken letters should be directed first to the Chair of the Governing Body and secondly to the Education Authority.
Absence
Parents are asked to inform us of the reason for any child’s absence. Holidays, shopping trips etc should not take place during term time.
Medical Services
The School Doctor and School Nurse visit regularly. Parents are invited to attend their child’s medical examination.
The School Nurse tests vision and hearing.
The School Dentist visits once a year.
Parents whose children need medication whilst they are in school must complete the appropriate permission slip.
Our main aims are to encourage self-discipline, consideration and respect for others.
The children have worked together with the adults to create a Laycock Code. This is the code of behaviour that we expect throughout the school.
The children have also created a ‘Good as Gold’ Book in which, any member of staff may enter a child’s name. Three entries in this book result in a letter home.
Every week we have an Achievement Assembly. One child who has either done some outstanding work or made good progress is chosen from each class and their photograph is displayed on the Achievement Board.
