Gryphon Class is a class for children from Years 3 to 6.

The classroom is a classroom located in the main building with direct access a playground designed for use by older children. It has toilet facilities very close to the classroom and its own cloakroom space. The class teacher is Miss Kirsty Nairn and Mrs Hallesy, Mrs Cann, Mrs Lock and Ms Darroch are the Learning Support Assistants.

Our classroom has a designated Collective Worship space in Gryphon Class and a well-stocked library area. Independence is encouraged and supported with the children developing an understanding of the value of education and how they can be successful learners.

You have a vital role as parents in supporting and encouraging your children’s learning. It is our policy to set homework which we believe can consolidate and reinforce skills and understanding, particularly in numeracy and literacy, and as children get older can help develop the confidence and self-discipline needed to study on their own, preparing them for the requirements of secondary school. Regular reading is vital for Key Stage 2 children as well as other literacy skills such as learning spellings. We value your contribution.  We offer you the following guidance to support you in ways you can help your child at home. Some of this support we hope will be ongoing and others will happen from time to time.

Here are some ideas for how you can help your child to make the most of the opportunities they encounter in school.

Kilve Court is a Georgian Country House with modern extensions, situated in 40 Acres of wooded grounds and gardens, at the foot of the Quantock Hills and one mile from the sea. The Centre is part of Somerset County Council’s Children and Young People’s Services Directorate. It has a 24-hour CCTV system is in place, with cameras covering the grounds and inside the building. Bedroom areas are fitted with electronic Keypads to provide restricted access.

Adventure Activities Licence

Kilve Court holds licences issued by Adventure Activities Licensing Service (AALS) for the safe conduct of activities it delivers, as required by law. AALS is an independent organization sponsored by the Department of Education who inspect on behalf of the Health and Safety Executive. Their remit includes Climbing, Caving, Water sports and Trekking (be it on foot or cycle.) The inspection process covers the safety management of activities, which includes risk assessments, staff qualifications and the maintenance of equipment associated with the activities. The inspectors are experts in the field of Outdoor Activity delivery and the inspection is rigorous.

Kilve Court holds: Licence Number L9466 Reference Number R0580

Staff Competence

All staff leading activities will hold the relevant National Governing Body qualification or have been assessed as competent by an appropriately experienced and qualified person as required by the Licensing Authority.

Risk Assessments

Kilve Court conforms to Somerset County Council policies, which are further supported by their own Health and Safety Policy and Codes of Practice. Activity risk assessments are reviewed daily to consider any variables e.g., the weather forecast, which may affect the safe conduct of an activity. Risk assessments and risk management is also a major part of the AALA inspection.

Child Protection

A criminal background check via the disclosure process is carried out on all Kilve Court staff and volunteers. The policies are consistent with Somerset County Council procedures.

More about Kilve Court can be found on their website. www.kilvecourt.org

Teachers are continually assessing children through questioning and reviewing their work.

Records of progress are kept in order that we can plan lessons, which match each child’s needs and ability.

Formal tests are taken at specific points in-line with Government requirements.

There is a Baseline Assessment undertaken by teachers in the first few weeks of children starting in Reception. During the Reception Year the teacher completes the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile which is discussed and reported to parents at the end of the year.

Pupils undertake a Phonics Screening Test in Year 1 and if necessary, retake in Year 2.

Year 2 and Year 6 pupils (at the end of each Key Stage) take Standard Assessment Tests. Results are reported to parents and used by the school to monitor our standards.

As we have very small cohorts in each year the results of ‘formal assessments’ may not be published, but as a school will evaluate performance on an individual basis.