Welcome to Lonsdale

Name:…………………………………..

Welcome to Lonsdale

Background information

Lonsdale School was opened in 1971, as a purpose built school for pupils with physical and neurological impairments. The school is located in spacious, attractive grounds in the Pin Green area of Stevenage. Pupils at Lonsdale come from Hertfordshire and the surrounding counties following Statutory Assessment of their Special Education Needs.

Our mission is to:

‘Achieve excellence in meeting the needs of every individual’

Each pupil has unique and sometimes complex needs. In addition to a physical or neurological impairment, pupils may have sensory loss, a medical condition or associated difficulty in learning. To achieve our mission the partnership between home and school is of vital importance and we all have a role to play.

Induction Booklet

We hope your time with us is stimulating and worthwhile. We want you to feel that you are a member of a successful and hardworking team. This induction programme is one way in which we can help to make that happen.

We recognise that our pupils will achieve most from a well-informed, highly motivated staff. New staff will be supported during their induction period. This will usually be an 18 week period.

This handbook contains material which will support your induction programme. The aim of the induction programme is to ensure that you are able to assimilate information about the school and how we work, as easily as possible. You will then be able to contribute to the maintenance of high standards of performance in your job and to the general ethos of the school.

At the beginning of your induction programme, please ensure that you have faimiliarised yourself with the following:

The Staff Handbook – a copy is located in each classroom, the staff room and the meeting room. This covers many practicalities about life at Lonsdale and should help you to feel at home.
Your Job Description – you should have received a copy of your Job Description prior to your appointment.
The Dress Code Policy – details enclosed in this booklet.
The School Code of Conduct – details enclosed in this booklet.

If you need more information about any of the above please speak to the Deputy Head.

Induction at Lonsdale School

Induction is the effective introduction of a colleague to their role within the school. The person may be a new recruit or may be an experienced member of staff whose job has changed due to promotion.

The aim of our induction programme is to bring staff up to a high standard of performance in the shortest possible time, ensuring they become effective, confident contributors to achieving the school’s aims and the targets and objectives laid out in the School Improvement Plan.

Induction is the beginning of the process of ongoing professional development. The essential aims of the programme are:

To provide the individual with relevant school information.
To identify the role the individual will play within the school.
To learn more about the individual and their immediate long term professional needs.
To explain what the school can and will do to help the individual make an effective contribution to the school.

The aims will be adjusted appropriately to meet the needs of each individual.

Induction Responsibilities

It is the Deputy Head’s overall responsibility to ensure each new member of staff receives his or her induction entitlement. It is in everybody’s interest that each member of staff is able to contribute towards the fulfilment of our school aims. We have a corporate responsibility towards new members of staff to make them aware of day-to-day routines and procedures. Each new member of staff is assigned a mentor to help them learn to do their job.

Allocation of mentor

New staff member / Allocated mentor
NQT / Deputy Head
Experienced teacher / Teacher mentor
Nursery Nurse / Nursery Nurse mentor
LSA / LSA mentor
New Governor / Chair of Governors/Headteacher
Parent helper/volunteer / Teaching staff to whom allocated
Student Nursery Nurse / Teaching staff to whom allocated
SMSA / SMSA mentor
Staff with responsibility/promotion / Line manager
Headteacher / SLT/Chair of Governors
Deputy Headteacher / Headteacher
Assistant Head / Assistant Head mentor
Senior LSA / Deputy Headteacher
RSSW / RSSW mentor
Domestic staff / Domestic staff mentor

What is mentoring?

Our definition is...... ‘Mentoring is supporting,advising and

guiding a colleague to enable them to

develop their expertise in their new

role in order to become a confident

team member.’

Induction Programme

Our School Mission Statement:

‘Achieving excellence in meeting the needs of every individual’

Our School Aims:

At LonsdaleSchool we aim:

To provide and develop the best education and care, matched to the physical, communication and developmental needs of every individual.
To provide a secure environment and develop the independence and autonomy of every individual.
To teach pupils and students and support families to apply their rights and entitlement positively as citizens, and demonstrate respect and value for others.
To develop the confidence, independence, self worth, spiritual and moral values of each individual.

Our School Code of Conduct:

We expect all members of LonsdaleSchool and people visiting the site to adhere to our Code of Conduct:

We will listen and speak to each other politely.
We will arrive on time and take part in activities sensibly.
We will move sensibly around the school, keeping to agreed areas.
We will look after our school and everyone’s belongings.
We will only eat sweets, snacks and chewing gum in our free time.
We will only use our mobile phones during lunch break.

We expect visitors to turn off their mobile phones whilst in school.

Induction Protocol

The following describes what staff new to LonsdaleSchool can expect in the way of induction. It is expected that all new staff will work through this induction booklet. The level of support you require will depend on your role within the school and your previous knowledge and experience and will be negotiated with you during your induction.

Timing / Induction
On application for the post. / Job description and person specification. Contract issued by County.
Before taking up the post a visit to the school is strongly recommended. / Meeting with a senior member of staff to discuss role and duties. Opportunity to meet staff and pupils.
First day in post. / Induction booklet issued. Meet named mentor to help with duties.
First week in post. / Meet with Headteacher to discuss aims of school and job description.
Six weeks in post. / Review meeting with mentor and Headteacher to:

Receive feedback on how you are settling into your new job.
Ensure you have the support you need to do your job well.
Discuss and set Small, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound (SMART) objectives.

Twelve weeks in post. / Review meeting with mentor and Headteacher to:

Receive feedback on how you have progressed in your work, general efficiency, conduct and timekeeping.
Ensure you have the support you need to do your job well.
Discuss and set Small, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic, Time-bound (SMART) objectives.

Eighteen weeks in post. / Review meeting with mentor and Headteacher to:

Receive feedback on how you are performing your job. Identify particular strengths and, if necessary, address any weaknesses.
Explain the performance management, disciplinary and capability procedures. Discuss the role of the Learning Support Assistant (Effective Learning Support Assistants).
Explain the high standards, professional development and expectations we have of all staff.

Your mentor will be……………………………………………………………………………………………

Additional support is also available from your line manager, the Deputy Headteacher and the Headteacher.

Your responsibilities

You are responsible for:

Making a commitment to your job and the success of the school aims
Aiming always for your best and being prepared to try to achieve more
Working and communicating effectively with colleagues
Developing yourself and your job
Discussing anything you don’t understand and sharing your worries and concerns with your line manager
Maintaining confidentiality about pupils and colleagues at all times
Demonstrating a commitment to equal opportunities in your relationships with pupils, colleagues and visitors within school
Ensuring your 6, 12 and 18 week induction meetings are booked with the Headteacher

Health and Safety

The duties of all members of staff

All staff will make themselves familiar with the requirements of the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974 and any other health and safety legislation and codes of practice which are relevant to the work of the department in which they work. They should:

Take reasonable care of their own health and safety and any other persons who may be affected by their acts or omissions at work.
As regards any duty or requirements imposed on his or her employer or any other persons by or under any of the relevant statutory provisions, co-operate with him or her so far as necessary to enable that duty or requirement to be performed or complied with.
All staff are expected to familiarise themselves with the health and safety aspects of their work and to avoid conduct which would put them or anyone else at risk.

Health and Safety contd.

In particular all staff will:

Be familiar with the School’s Health and Safety Policy and any and all safety regulations as laid down by the governing body.
Ensure health and safety regulations, rules, routines and procedures are being applied effectively by both staff and pupils.
See that all plant, machinery and equipment is adequately guarded.
See that all plant, machinery and equipment is in good and safe working order.
Not make unauthorised or improper use of plant, machinery and equipment.
Use the correct equipment and tools for the job and any protective equipment or safety devices which may be supplied.
Ensure that toxic, hazardous and highly flammable substances are correctly used, stored and labelled.
Report any defects in the premises, plant, equipment and facilities which they observe. Defects should be reported to the Business Manager, Caretaker or Headteacher.
Take an active interest in promoting health and safety and suggest ways of reducing risks.

Risk assessment

What is a health and safety risk assessment and why is it necessary?

A Health and Safety Risk Assessment should be completed on all work activities that pose a significant risk.

A Risk Assessment is important to:

Create awareness of hazards.
Identify the population at risk.
Identify whether existing measures are adequate.
Make sure that risk controls are proportionate to the risk involved.
Help prioritise risk control measures, ensuring the most important risks are tackled first.

‘A risk assessment is nothing more than a careful examination of how people could be harmed by your work activities’

‘You decide whether you have taken enough precautions or should do more to reduce the risk’

Health and Safety Executive Definition

EFFECTIVE LEARNING SUPPORT ASSISTANTS

Lonsdale aims to achieve excellence in meeting the needs of every individual.

The core purpose of the Learning Support Assistant is to support high quality teaching and improved progress and learning in the classroom.

Effective Learning Support Assistants understand:

the school aims and Code of Conduct
the relevant curriculum requirements
the role of the teacher
their own role in the classroom
the care/physical needs of pupils and the impact on pupils’ learning
they are role models for pupils and colleagues
professionalism and know boundaries

Effective Learning Support Assistants

are competent to manage the care and physical needs of pupils whilst complementing and enhancing their learning
know how to develop pupils’ literacy, numeracy and other basic skillsand use this knowledge when working with pupils
use this knowledge to help assess and monitor pupils’ progress in basic skills (eg annotating work)
help all pupils think and act for themselves
recognise pupils’ achievements through the lesson and through the day and share this information with the teachers at a convenient time
work with teachers to identify teaching strategies which meet learning objectives and respond to individual differences between pupil
know the pupils learning objectives and their targets and support the teacher in ensuring the pupils reach their targets (eg lesson objectives and IEP’s) through a range of activities
maintain a positive approach and attitude to pupils at all times
communicate clearly and effectively with pupil
actively engage pupils in learning
actively participate in lessons and act as excellent role models for pupils
set high expectations of behaviour and participation for all pupils
set high expectations of behaviour and participation for all pupils
keep abreast of school policies and their developments and always work in line with them
help to keep the school safe, tidy and organised
help maintain a purposeful and orderly atmosphere
make effective use of computers and other learning resources
are active participants in performance management
respond positively to the school’s changing needs
take active responsibility for their own development
have knowledge of pupils’ equipments
flexible to daily changes
communicate effectively with form tutor

Dress Code

Purpose of this policy

LonsdaleSchool is a professional workplace.

LonsdaleSchool strives to achieve excellence in meeting the needs of each individual pupil. We take pride in our work and maintain high standards in all areas of school life. These standards extend to the conduct and behaviour of all staff.

This policy has been written so that staff are clear about the standards of dress that are expected from all members of staff and volunteers who work on school site.

Principles

Working at LonsdaleSchool will nearly always involve physical activity of some sort. Clothing needs to be practical in order that work can be carried out comfortably. Shoes need to be practical and it is advisable to have covered toes. Flip flops or footwear that is not secured to the foot is not acceptable.

Many members of staff are involved with moving and handling pupils and this can include intimate care and personal hygiene. It is important to wear clothing that maintains staff dignity and that does not cause embarrassment to the pupil. Clothing should not fall loose and expose cleavage area or midriff.

All members of staff at Lonsdale can expect to come into contact with other professionals and they may be requested to talk to other professionals or parents about aspects of their work or about particular pupils. Staff should always be prepared to join in professional conversations. It is expected that clothing will always be suitable.

The following guidelines should be considered;

Clothing should be practical and comfortable
It is advised that shoes should have covered toes
Clothing should not expose the midriff, hips or underwear. ( This would include clothing that rides up during physical activity)
Clothing should cover shoulders and be discreet around the cleavage. Camisole type tops and vest tops are not appropriate for school.
Clothing should not be so tight that it appears provocative
Smart jeans are acceptable (ie not jeans with rips or frayed holes)
Smart shorts of an appropriate length are acceptable
Jewellery should be minimal and should not get in the way of moving and handling
T-shirts with suggestive logos are not suitable

Body piercing and Tattoos

Lonsdale is an educational environment and staff should dress in a professional and appropriate manner. Body piercings, other than discreet ear rings and nose studs, are not acceptable for the school environment. Piercings such as lips, eyebrows or tongue are not deemed appropriate and staff should remove these for work.

Tattoos, other than those smaller than a £2 coin, or deemed to be offensive, should be covered at all times. Tattoos on the hands are not acceptable.

Staff who are deemed to be inappropriately dressed will be spoken to by the headteacher or member of the senior leadership team. They may be asked to change into more suitable clothing.

MW September 2007

15.06/07

To: All staff

Moving and Handling

We currently have two Moving and Handling Assessors in school. Below is a brief description of their role and responsibility and the procedure to be followed when seeking advice regarding moving and handling issues.

Sue Minnis - Moving and Handling Assessor in school.

Dale Kelly - Moving and Handling Assessor in the

Residential Department.

The Moving and Handling Assessor is responsible for informing and training staff with regard to safe working practice in moving and handling techniques, including:

The Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations, 1992.
The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations, 1999.

In line with current school procedure, always refer to the pupil Care Plan before carrying out any moving and handling task. Any concerns or changes to an individual pupil’s moving and handling needs must always be referred to the appropriate Moving and Handling Assessor to enable them to obtain further input and recommendations from the Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy team.

Maria White

Headteacher

Flexi-time Work System