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Welcome to Ravenstone Primary School. We are very proud of what we achieve at the school and in this section of the website we aim to explain how we do it.
We've included a section on our Mission, followed by why we think Ravenstone is different from other schools. Don't be put off by the long section on School Facilities that follows, as we have so much! We list what we have here, how the school is divided up, who our teachers are, the value we place on performing arts for children, plus sections on our very active Parents Teachers Association (PTA), list the very many and disparate School Clubs that we run and, last but not least, tell you who the School Council is - effectively the voice of the children - and who the School Governors are.
And because when a child joins Ravenstone it is a two-way communication between teacher and child, in our next section we list what we expect of that child, in terms of behaviour, attitude, attendance and punctuality. These are our School Rules.
We also tell you what we feed your little ones during the day and, if you've been impressed with everything you've read, then how and when to join Ravenstone and our various contact points.
Please call and we'd be happy to show you round Ravenstone.
We are committed to providing an education for the children of Ravenstone which will equip them for the future.
1. We will do this through providing a range of educational, physical, aesthetic and social experiences.
2. These experiences will be of high quality, grounded in high expectations.
3. They will be constantly monitored and evaluated for their effectiveness.
4. They will be provided in an atmosphere conducive to hard work and good relationships between children and between children and adults. The atmosphere will be such that quality is emphasised at all times in terms of work, behaviour and ethos, relationships and the environment.
At Ravenstone, we strongly believe education is about much more than academic achievement. By providing a broad curriculum that includes art, music, cultural trips, involvement in sport and the performing arts, we aim to help the children to develop self confidence and lively, enquiring minds.
Going out...
Located close to Balham Underground Station, we are well-placed to take the children out to experience, at first hand, the rich culture that London has to offer. Every term classes are taken on trips that include theatre, dance, galleries, museums, city farms.
Inviting others in...
We invite artists, writers, poets and theatre groups into the school for workshops; and our children are regularly coached by professional sports people including coaches from Wimbledon.
At Ravenstone, we value each child as an individual. We like to work in an open way with the children themselves and with their parents to encourage confidence, self-discipline and a positive self image, which in turn will create a happy and harmonious environment for learning. We encourage all parents and pupils to read and sign our Home-School Contract. We have an open door policy so parents can feel free to speak to class teachers or the Head Teacher about any concerns they may have for their child's needs at school. We also encourage parents to support their children in day-to-day school life by making sure their child:
Ravenstone Primary School is an imposing Edwardian three-storey building set in playgrounds which include tarmac and grassed areas.
The school is large, but it is arranged to generate an atmosphere of intimacy for all the children.
Playgrounds
Ravenstone has an unusually large amount of playground space for an inner city London School. Built over 100 years ago it is divided up into infant and junior sections.
In the past this proved to be a problem – an expanse of tarmac with no shade or stimulation for the 400-plus children who used it every day. There was a strip of grass which dried up in summer from all the football matches and was too muddy to use in winter.
In 2000 the playground committee (PTA Sub-committee) was established to tackle this issue and make lasting improvements.
After much research and consultation with the children, plans were drawn up.
Here are some of the results of the committee’s work…
Adventure Trail
Located in the Junior playground, it was installed in 2003.
(Photo).
The trail offers climbing-frames and ramps, swinging tyres, balancing beams and other obstacles. The idea is to get around it without touching the ground. Next time you visit the school, why not try to beat the record of 80 seconds?!
Rose Oak Amphitheatre
Built in 2003, this unique 60-seat structure is made entirely from oak.
Each child in the school produced a ceramic figure according to the theme “Tales and Fables from Around the World”. These are actually housed within the frame of the structure.
This initiative was partially funded by government grants but we were also fortunate to receive generous support from the Rotary Club and Laing Homes. In addition, the PTA raised significant sums from numerous events.
Climbing Wall
Peace Garden
Another area of tarmac that has been given a radical make-over. The garden consists of a mosaic water feature, surrounded by winding decked pathways surrounded by numerous bamboo plants. The planting is now becoming well established since it was finished in 2003.
Library
Another facility that has recently been improved through PTA funding. The school is grateful to the Foyle Trust who donated computer systems and lots of imaginative material to encourage reading.
One section is laid out as a conventional library whilst a separate area has been converted into a computer suite.
The library has a nautical theme with fresh coloured panels, new sofas and curtains.
ICT Suites
Most classes are now equipped with white boards and there are computers in some classrooms.
There are dedicated computer suites consisting of numerous Internet-linked computers. Ravenstone provides plenty of opportunity for every child both to develop their computer skills and to use computers as research tools.
Nursery
The Nursery is located on the ground floor of the school buildings. It has its own entrance and playground area (photo). The Nursery is an excellent feeder into the Reception classes which are situated just next door.
Reception
Also on the ground floor, Reception also has its own entrance and play area. Ravenstone has a 2-class intake which is initiated in Reception.
Main School Y1-6
The main school continues as a two class intake. The grouping is according to friendships, ability, class size and ethnic composition.
Once established, we try to keep class groups together as they progress through the school.
The staff have a system of annual, termly, half termly and weekly planning to ensure the Curriculum is covered and each child's needs are met. Each teacher makes weekly plans with the teacher in the parallel class, sharing each other's experience and strengths to benefit all the children in the year group.
Y1-2
The younger children enjoy the benefit of their own playground area close to the Nursery and Reception. Classes are located on the middle floors of the main building.
Y3-6
The more senior children have their own playground area too, and their classrooms tend to be located on the upper floors of the main building.
The Trojans Scheme (After school club)
Set up in 1995, this award-winning charity operates 14 after-school clubs in South London. Some of the activities include homework club, chess and drama. In addition, there is quiet time and sports, and visiting tutors give talks on a range of subjects.
For an updated list of the activities timetable you can visit the Trojans’ website (http://www.trojansscheme.org.uk/ravenstone.htm).
Children attend the club straight after school at 15:15 and pick-up times are between 17:00 and 17:45.
Headteacher: Alan Millington
Deputy Headteacher: Max Furnell, Maths, Creative/Performing Arts
Catherine Dowler, Literacy (SMT)
Mary Hargreaves, SEN (SMT)
Elaine Hopkins, Foundation Stage (SMT)
Jo Lynch Science, DT, ICT Support (SMT)
Veronica Emerson, PSHE
Jeremy Marsh, Art, NQT Induction, SCITT Lead Mentor
Marion Roper, ICT, SCITT Mentor
Alix Broadhead, Nursery Teacher (UQ)
Fiona Crouch, Class Teacher (NQT)
Amy Fleming, Class Teacher
Felicity Gray, Class Teacher
Jane Hampson, EMA Teacher
John Higgins, Class Teacher, Maths support, History, SCITT Mentor
Ruth Hine, Class Teacher
Richard Huie, Class Teacher (NQT)
Mandy MacJames, Class Teacher (NQT)
Natalie Lesser, Class Teacher, Gifted and Talented, Geography
Emily Richardson, Class Teacher, PE (On leave for autumn term)
Chloe Shaw, Class Teacher, RE
Anthony Turi, Class Teacher (NQT)
Alison Bolton, Class Teacher
Cilla Chowdry, Class Teacher
Becky Gibbs, Leadership release
MJ Paranzino, Music Teacher
Rhian Robbins, Dance Teacher
Sarah Austin, Swimming Teacher
Nursery Nurses: Carol Madden, Paula Matykiewicz (Nursery) Laura Hurley, Bea Patel, Diane Casey (Reception)
Learning Support Assistants/Meals Supervisors
Susan Ancell, Sarah Austin, Patrice Doyles, Jeff Davidson, Alison Gibson, Ann Godfrey, Julie Faerber, Vanessa Hills, Mark Hitchings, Sandra McIntyre, Fatima Mohammed, Annette Neale, Judith Neumbe, Lisa Powell, Wahida Rahman, Mandee Saxby, Eva Stevens, Morris Tolaram, Chris Warren,
Administration: Angela Dowling, Diane Taylor Admin. Ass.
Premises officer: Nigel Binks
We believe that by involving all children in Dance, Drama and Music, we can establish an ethos of positive teamwork whilst building the children's self confidence. At the end of the summer term, every child takes part in the School Production which combines music, dance and drama, so everyone has a chance to shine. It is a high point in the school calendar that parents, friends and relatives always look forward to, and we are always very proud of the talents of every single child. At Ravenstone, we have dedicated professional Music and Dance teachers and every child from Reception to Year 6 has a weekly half-hour Music session and a half-hour Dance session, which is part of their Physical Education. Ravenstone has received national recognition for its outstanding achievements in Dance. We provide as much opportunity as possible for Ravenstone children to take part in sports at local level and to perform to the wider community. In recent years, our Dance Group has performed at Riverside Studios, Hammersmith, Queen Elizabeth Hall, Southbank and the Bloomsbury Theatre in the West End. Our Music Group has performed at Fairfield Halls, Croydon and in the Wandsworth Music Festival. We take part in Mini Olympics, swimming galas, athletics events and local schools' football and netball leagues.
The school has an enthusiastic and lively Parent Teacher Association (PTA) that welcomes and encourages the involvement of all parents and staff. It runs a wide variety of fund-raising and social events including the Summer and Christmas Fairs, International Evenings, Quiz Nights, Discos, Games Nights and Car Boot Sales.
PTA funds are used to buy extras for the school and to help with the cost of school trips and productions. Recently, they have helped to equip the new ICT suite, bought new musical instruments and provided outdoor toys for the Nursery.
Local Community Involvement
The PTA places great value in becoming involved in the local community, actively supporting the Balham Festival by entering a float each year. They also provide children's artwork for local doctors' surgeries, hospitals and libraries and at Christmas, they join the music group for carol singing at Balham Station to raise money for children's charities.
Our wide range of clubs, run both at lunchtime and after school, offer children the opportunity to explore new enthusiasms and talents. These include Multisports, Netball, Swimming, Dance, Football, Choir, Recorder, Art Club and Construction. We also provide extra in-school homework sessions for Year 6 preparing for secondary school transfer.
Mondays
Monday lunchtime: Chess club run bu Eva Stevens.
Monday after school 3.30-4.30: Homework club for year 6 run by Max Furnell, Alison Bolton, John Higgins, Mary Hargreaves, Jane Hampson and other staff.
Tuesdays
Tuesday after school 3.20-4.20: French Club run by Le Club Tricolore for years 1-4 Tel: 020 7924 4649.
Wednesdays
Wednesday after school: Swimming club run by Sarah Austin and Laura Hurley for years 4-6.
Thursdays
Thursday afterschool 3.20-4.20: French Club run by Le Club Tricolore for years 1-4 Tel: 020 7924 4649.
Fridays
Friday lunchtime: Gardening club run by Jane Hampson
Friday after school: Football club run by John Higgins for years 5 and 6.
Music: Jean Peal continues to run two choirs, two recorder groups and the orchestra.
Oware: Jane Hampson and Mary Hargreaves have started Oware club lunchtimes.
SPORTS PARTNERSHIP John Lowney (E. Bevin) will continue to coach Y4 on a regular basis for this term and other year groups throughout the year.
Two representatives from each Key Stage 2 class are elected by the children to sit on The School Council. This becomes the voice of all the children, who meet, usually fortnightly, to discuss a wide range of issues with the Headteacher. The aim is to improve all aspects of school life. In addition Year 6 pupils are Mentors: providing positive role models and helping in a wide variety of ways around the school.
The governors of the school are people drawn from the local community and others interested in the school. They are elected by parents and the staff, co-opted or appointed by the local authority. At the moment Ravenstone has 16 governors, although we currently have two vacant positions.
Governors are expected to take a general overview of the running of the school, supporting the head teacher and staff, acting as a 'critical friend.' There are full governors' meetings once a term, where the headteacher reports on all the school's aims/activities. Policy initiatives from the local education authority, school resources, health and safety etc. are also discussed. At Ravenstone there are four sub-committees, which also meet on a termly basis, and which cover the curriculum, finance, premises and staffing.
The Chair of Governors is Chris Ralph. He is a community governor although he still has one child at the school (his two eldest have moved on to secondary school). Chris has worked in the financial services industry during his career but he is passionately interested in developing education not only for his children, but also for the wider community and he believes that working with Ravenstone is an excellent way of achieving this.
The Vice Chair of Governors is Freddie Morrison; he is a parent governor with two children currently at the school. Freddie writes,
'I am a youth officer for Wandsworth council with a strong interest in children's development and education. Being a governor means I am able to 'give something back' while also seeing first hand how children learn. I also hope to demonstrate, as a black British male, that it is important to take part, not only for the benefit of our own children, but for the school community as a whole.'
Staff governors are Alan Millington, Marion Roper, Jo Lynch and Morris Tolaram. Max Furnell, in her capacity as Deputy Head acts an official observer to the governing body. Staff governors (apart from the head teacher) are elected by other members of staff.
There are six parent governors: Arminel Fennelly, Alex Kaye, Elizabeth McFarlane, Chris Fowler, Jackie Reid Rodney and Freddie Morrison.
Community governors are co-opted by the governing body to provide specific skills and expertise that may not be available amongst other governors. They are Clare Gilles, Natalie Acton and Chris Ralph. We are currently seeking a fourth community governor.
Finally, local authority governors are appointed by the LEA. They are David Nabarro, Miranda Lubbock and Annamarie Critchard.
All governors may be contacted via the school office.
We set high standards for behaviour and reward and praise children who reach them.
We have worked out a set of Golden Classroom Rules:
Do
We encourage children to walk away from trouble and to tell an adult who will deal with the incident. If a child chooses to fight, parents are contacted immediately. Working with the parents, we will find ways to help your child. Lunchtime supervisors have received training in managing behaviour and deal consistently with pupils.
Legally, your child must be in school. OFSTED, the Schools Inspectorate, consider attendance of less than 90% to be problematic, and so do we. Children who arrive late not only have a bad start to the day themselves, but they also disturb the learning of those who arrive on time. Children may be absent only if they are ill, have medical or dental appointments, or there are exceptional family circumstances. More than two weeks holiday during an academic year must be authorised by the Headteacher.
When children return to school after an authorised absence due to sickness or the above, they must be sent to school with a note giving the reason. If your child arrives after the registers have been closed, this counts as an absence. We log the times of late arrival in the Late Book, which is kept in the office. These times are also logged in the Register. Persistent unauthorised absence and lateness are closely followed up by us and by the Education Welfare Officer. The Education Welfare Service can prosecute parents who fail to take seriously their responsibility to ensure their children are in full time education.
Nursery: Morning 9.00 – 11.30am. All day until 3.10pm
Main School : 8.45 – 3.15
We've followed in the footsteps of Jamie Oliver, with our school cafeteria giving children a choice of nutritious food (see item, Better School Meals). For more information, please contact the School Office. Children may bring in a nutritious packed lunch alternative. Children in the Nursery and Reception receive free milk.
When we started, there were 180 children having school dinners, with 119 of them entitled to them free of charge. We knew that eating habits for life are established when children are young and that between the ages of 7 and 12 is the optimal period to prevent an overweight child becoming obese. Ravenstone school meals, in conjunction with the rest of the borough, contained high levels of saturated fat, salt and refined sugar, as well as artificial flavourings, colourings and preservatives – all contributions to tooth decay, diabetes, high blood pressure, stroke and coronary heart disease. In addition to London having the second highest percentage of overweight primary school children in the country (18.2%), Wandsworth has one of the worst records for dental health in 5 year olds.
The school took a two-pronged approach to making improvements. By involving the local Public Health department of Wandsworth’s NHS Primary Care Trust, pressure was brought to bear on the Council to look at the nutritional content of the borough’s children’s school meals. At the same time, we looked at how to make simple improvements in the dining hall – such as nicer plates; self-serve salad items like carrot and cucumber sticks; and teachers eating with the children. Parent volunteers started coming in over lunchtime to help encourage children to choose the healthier options, and to help serve the salad and fruit. We helped the dinner ladies to ask the children clearly what they would like, and encouraged the children to say please and thank you. Kids who offered to try something they wouldn’t normally have were given stickers. Nevertheless, a typical meal for an older child was often still a white bread jam sandwich, lump of instant mash, and custard. The catering company, Harrisons, were invited to discuss how to improve the menu. We discussed having a dishwasher to free up another staff member to take over from the parent volunteers. Items such as sandwiches and highly processed fried food were taken off the menu, and each child was allowed a piece of fruit with their pudding or custard. Some of the Reception children went round the school wearing their own designed sandwich boards to announce the news.
One year on and the group were feeling a bit disillusioned. Although small improvements had been made to the menu, there had been some setbacks, and progress was very slow. Fruit was no longer allowed with pudding. The instant mash had been replaced but with preserved vacuum-packed potatoes impossible to mash. Parent volunteer numbers had dwindled to almost none and the healthier accompaniments were therefore no longer being encouraged. The dishwasher idea was rejected. Healthy eating messages delivered in the classroom were being undermined at lunchtime. The catering company was not returning the Public Health nutritionist’s calls.
But suddenly, in April 2005, a breakthrough! Perhaps due to increasing public awareness of school food, but more probably a culmination of hard work all round, the council and catering company agreed to let Ravenstone pilot a completely new menu. The menu is made up of recipes devised by the local Public Health nutritionist, with minimal processed food content and plenty of fresh fruit, enticingly presented. In addition, Key Stage 1 children have their meals plated up already, to avoid too much confusing choice. Sandwiches have been brought back as an option for the older children, but with healthy fillings on wholemeal bread.
The pilot went well, and there is now a steady increase in numbers having school dinners (currently 220). Feedback is generally very positive, increasingly so over time as the children get used to the changes. Ravenstone’s improvements should qualify the school for the Heartbeat Award - a national food standard award often given to workplace and hospital canteens. We have been told that our menu will be gradually rolled out across Wandsworth, and have been asked to give a presentation at the Healthy Schools launch this year.
If you can spare between 30 minutes to an hour at lunchtimes, any day of the week, you can contribute to improving the school meals experience at Ravenstone.
Parents are always welcome to help encourage the children to eat healthily. By standing at the salad items table in the hall you can remind children that they are free to take any of the four cold items available there, or indeed help serve them if they find it difficult. The four items are a random selection of the following: carrot sticks; cucumber sticks; pasta salad; coleslaw; tomatoes and lettuce. There are usually stickers available (kept in the drawer of the dresser in the hall) to give positive reinforcement to those who make healthy choices - including children with packed lunches. Alternatively, parents can just sit with the children, discuss what they're eating and, if they like it, feed that information back to the Better School Meals Group (see below). There's a book for comments kept in Amy's Reception class, just by the hall.
The younger children need the most help so getting there for 12.15 is ideal. You're still very welcome if you just turn up, but if possible please sign-up on the rota outside the office beforehand. The idea behind the rota is to alert Monica and her team in the kitchen, as on days when a parent is there promoting the salad items they generally run out rather quickly! One of the goals of the Better School Meals Group's work with the caterers is to enable enough salad items for all the children, every day, but change takes time. The meals are already vastly improved from only a year ago.
Unfortunately, there just isn't room in the hall at lunchtime for small brothers and sisters to come along, although peaceful immobile babies are usually no problem!
Better School Meals Group contacts:
Teachers Veronica Emerson; Felicity Gray; Chloe Shaw; Emily Richardson
Parent/NHS link: Henrietta Wells 07764 603711 (Dylan Yr.2, Anna and Owen, Reception)
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
| Tuna Pasta Bake
Vegetable Chilli Sandwich Selection Jacket Potatoes Sweetcorn Salad Selection (4) Fresh Fruit Platter Cheese and Biscuits | Spicy Chicken Sweet Potato Stir Sandwich Selection Jolloff Rice Broccoli Florets Salad Selection (4) Fruit Salad Served | Roast Lamb Served with Mint Sauce Pasta Ragout Sandwich Selection Roast Potatoes Sliced Carrots Salad Selection (4) Fresh Fruit Platter Cheese and Biscuits | Shepherd’s Pie Egg Fried Rice Sandwich Selection New Potatoes Baked Beans Salad Selection (4) Bananas Served with Custard Fruit Yoghurt | Lamb Curry Penne Pasta Sandwich Selection Rice Cauliflower Salad Selection (4) Crunchy Fruit Crumble Served with Ice Cream Cheese and Biscuits or Fresh Fruit Platter |
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
Trinidad Fish Bake Bean Quesadillas Sandwich Selection Herbed Dice Potatoes Baked Beans Salad Selection (4) Fresh Fruit Platter | Spaghetti Bolognaise Vegetable Bolognaise Sandwich Selection Wholemeal Garlic Bread Green Beans Salad Selection (4) Fruit Salad | Jerk Chicken Thigh
Vegetable Sausage Bake New Potatoes Broccoli Florets Salad Selection (4) Winter Berry Sponge Served with Fruit Coulis | Roast Turkey Served Pasta Spirals Sandwich Selection Roast Potatoes Savoy Cabbage Salad Selection (4) Fresh Fruit Platter | Chilli Con Carne Spicy Vegetable Naan Sandwich Selection Rice Sweetcorn Salad Selection (4) Fruited Carrot Cake |
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
Turkey Meatballs Vegetarian Paella Sandwich Selection Pasta Spirals Garden Peas Salad Selection (4) Fresh Fruit Platter | Lamb & Vegetable Pie
Split Pea Dhal Parsley Potatoes Green Beans Salad Selection (4) Fruit Salad | Home Roasted Gammon Vegetarian Sausage Sandwich Selection Mashed Potatoes Sliced Carrots Salad Selection (4) Fresh Fruit Platter | Pasta Bolognaise Vegetable Moussaka Sandwich Selection
New Potatoes Sweetcorn Salad Selection (4) Bananas Served with Custard | Salmon Fish Pie Lentil Cottage Pie Sandwich Selection Sauté Potatoes Broccoli & Cauliflower Salad Selection (4) Sultana Oat Bar |
Children normally start Nursery in the September after their third birthday. We have places for 52 full-time equivalent children, and take those who live nearest to the school first, although we also take into account those with social or medical reasons for needing a Nursery Education.
A place in the Nursery does not guarantee admission to the main school. There are places for 60 children in the Reception, which they can enter in the September after their fourth birthday. Brothers and sisters of children already at Ravenstone will be given priority, after which we offer places to children who live nearest to the school. Children who apply to join more senior classes will be offered a place if there is space. You may appeal if we cannot offer your child a place.
Please make sure you fill in a form giving your up-to-date telephone numbers, an emergency contact number, and your child's doctor's details and give it in at the office. If your child becomes hurt or ill during the day, we will try to contact you or your nominated emergency contact. We will administer basic first aid. If your child is seriously hurt and we cannot get hold of you, we will call an ambulance, but nothing can be done without you at the hospital.
We are under no obligation to administer medicine to your child in school. If your child needs antibiotics, you must come into the school and administer them yourself. Your child may use an inhaler at school if necessary as long as the appropriate form has been signed. Medicals are carried out routinely by the School Medical Service and the School Nurse does regular health checks. The audiologist, dentist and optometrist all make visits.
Ravenstone does not have a formal uniform, although you can purchase Ravenstone clothing such as navy blue sweatshirts and white polo shirts for summer featuring our logo. Children should come to school wearing common-sense clothing that is comfortable and easy to move around in. Sensible shoes are essential for safety around the building and in the playground. Jewellery (other than discreet earrings) is not allowed.
Sports shoes must be worn for outdoor games. Upper school children need shorts and T-shirts for PE and dance. For swimming lessons, upper school children need swimsuits (trunks for boys; one-piece costumes for girls), towels and swimcaps for those with long hair. Please make sure all clothing and belongings are marked clearly.
School Clothing Price List
Navy blue shower-proof jacket with zip and hood, fleece lined: £15.50 each.
Navy blue zip fleece: £13.00 each
Navy blue sweat shirt: £8.00 each
Navy (no logo) jogging trousers: £7.00 each
Navy Cap: £3.00 each.
Address:
Ravenstone Primary School
Ravenstone Street,
Balham
London SW12 9SS
Headteacher: Alan Millington
Deputy Head: Max Furnell
Telephone: 020 8673 0594
Fax: 020 8671 8166
Use the buttons on the map below to zoom in on our school and surroundings.