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May 2010
Dear Parent,
Welcome to St Mary’s and thank you for your interest in our school as a possible place of
education for your child.
At first sight our Prospectus appears rather lengthy. However, it is hoped you will take
the time to read through it and that you find it both informative and useful. The intention
is to provide you with a feel for our school: its aims, its curriculum, and the activities
offered.
Every member of the staff at St Mary’s works hard to provide for each child under our
care a happy, safe and stimulating environment founded on Christian values. As a school
we believe in providing learning activities which arouse the children’s interest, are of
relevance to them, and that will help to equip them so that eventually they will be able to
play their part in our society as positive, competent, adults, who are confident in their
own abilities.
It is our hope that through reading this prospectus you will be tempted to take a look
around St Mary’s and find out more about the school and its activities.
If you already have children attending St Mary’s, we look forward to continuing working
with you in educating your children.
If your child is to join us for the first time we welcome you and look forward to a happy
and fruitful association over the coming years.
Visits to our school are more than welcome. The staff, the Governors, and I all look
forward to meeting you and hopefully to working with you in the future.
Yours sincerely,
David Ramsay
Head Teacher
St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Great Eccleston St Mary’s Road, Great Eccleston, Preston PR30ZJ
Tel: 01995 670364 Fax: 01995 672
E-mail: [email protected] Head Teacher: Mr D.J. Ramsay
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St Mary’s Catholic Primary School
Great Eccleston
Our Mission Statement
We, at St Mary’s, see Christ as the foundation of the whole educational process.
Thus:
� Our approach to the education of the children and the policies employed
by the school are inspired by and come naturally from our faith tradition.
� We see God as the focus of the whole learning process, and the coming
to know Him and His creation as the goal of the whole curriculum.
� We strive to ensure that the school is Catholic in the broadest sense of
the meaning of the word.
� We see all that happens in our school –for example our priorities, aims,
objectives, our relationships, curriculum, discipline, and pastoral care for
each unique person involved with the life of the school as having the
potential to reflect God’s loving care for each individual.
� We strive to provide the children with opportunities, in a school founded
on Gospel values, in which they can learn and experience success
without fear of failure or recrimination.
Such acknowledgements also imply we have responsibilities which we accept
and take seriously. Therefore we at St Mary’s:
� See God as the focus of the whole learning process.
� Value the uniqueness of each individual.
� Strive to be not only a learning community but also a caring and a
worshipping community.
� Strive to be a welcoming, understanding and forgiving to all
� Seek to encourage everyone to attain their optimum potential.
This will not happen merely by talking about it.
It has to be promoted and encouraged.
It has to be lived!
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St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Great Eccleston
Our Aims
At St Mary’s we have one over-arching aim which results from our school’s
Mission Statement, namely:
To provide a happy, stable, stimulating and challenging environment in an
atmosphere where Christ and His examples of kindness, tolerance and
compassion permeate through all aspects of school life; where everyone is
valued and encouraged to strive for the highest of standards in order to
fulfil their ability and potential.
In order to achieve this we:
• strive to create a caring, Catholic atmosphere which will permeate
the lives of the children and stimulate their spiritual growth in
conjunction with their parents and the church;
• create a family atmosphere where all members of the school are
nurtured and valued for their unique qualities so as to develop in
individuals a positive attitude towards themselves with a strong
sense of self-respect;
• give children a vision of all the positive opportunities and
experiences life has to offer and to try to equip them with strategies
for coping with life’s realities;
• develop tolerance and empathy for others and a sense of respect for
other people’s property, ideas and beliefs;
• encourage the growth of application, perseverance, independence,
self- discipline and initiative so that the children are prepared for the
responsibilities of adult life;
• offer a broad based curriculum in order to facilitate the acquisition of
knowledge, promote curiosity and enjoyment in learning, and to
provide knowledge/skills to equip children for work and leisure as
active, confident and responsible members of a rapidly developing
society;
• develop through art, craft and music an aesthetic awareness and the
ability to appreciate beauty in all its forms;
• give opportunities for the development of physical skills and an
enjoyment of participation in group and team activities;
• develop positive attitudes towards, and concern for, the environment
and society;
• foster close relationships with the local community.
• encourage a sense of moral responsibility and self discipline
appropriate to the stage of development of each individual child.
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About Our School
St Mary's Catholic Voluntary Aided Primary School is a small rural school
situated close to the centre of Great Eccleston in Wyre. The school is sited in
pleasant surroundings and serves the extensive parish of St Mary’s whose
boundaries enclose the villages of Inskip, Thornton, Singleton, St Michael’s,
Little Eccleston and Elswick. Links with the parish church are good and Father
Jim, the Parish Priest, visits the school and works with the children regularly.
The school’s Governors are active participants in the life of the school –several
are regularly involved with the children in a range of activities.
The oldest part of the building dates back to 1732 and was the original church.
Over the years there have been several extensions to the school building, the
most recent addition being the Key Stage 2 Classroom. St Mary’s school is well
resourced and maintained; all on one level, and has three spacious teaching
areas, a well stocked library, up to date and well resourced ICT suite, hall, large
playground and playing field which we utilise to the full. The children at St
Mary’s take part in a wide range of inter-school sporting activities and we
encourage, and provide opportunity for, all the children to take part -the
emphasis is quite literally have fun and have a go!
Currently the children are organised into two classes. Pupils are taught in ability
groups within these classes. Each class has a Teaching Assistant -Class 1 on a
full time basis and Class 2 on a part time basis- to support the class teacher. We
actively seek and encourage parental and governor involvement in school
activities. We value greatly the contribution which the wider community can
add to our school and as result have active links with the local playgroups and
sports clubs in the area.
St Mary’s is part of the National Healthy Schools Programme –recently gaining
National accreditation for this- and also of the National PE and Sport Initiative.
Currently we have 32 children on roll. We see our small size as a huge
advantage as it means we can offer the children an extremely good pupil to staff
ratio and thus get to know the children and meet their needs really well. The
small number of children at St Mary’s allows the children of all ages to mix
with each other, work and learn from each other, share experiences together and
support each other, and thus create a school atmosphere which really is as close
as a school can come to that of a family!
OFSTED’s Opinion of St Mary’s
In February 2009 we received a successful OFSTED inspection. The inspectors
stated that St Mary’s is:
“… a good school. It has several outstanding features and provides good
value for money. A very conscientious Head Teacher, strongly supported
by a committed, caring staff, ensures that the school successfully fulfils its
mission ‘to provide a stimulating learning environment for all, in a caring
community where everyone feels respected and valued’. The school is very
popular and has a very strong community spirit. The quality of care for
pupils’ social and emotional needs is outstanding. Parents have very
positive views about the school reflected in comments such as ‘An excellent
school, I am so pleased my children thrive in terms of personal and
academic development because of the very high quality of pastoral care the
school provides.’
Pupils comment ‘School is a great place to be. It helps us to learn and
how to get on together.’”
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June 2006: Parents and children are rightly proud of their school. The school
is not limited by its small size but sees this as being beneficial to all its pupils.
Its high involvement in out- of-school events means that even pupils in Year 2
can take part whereas in larger schools this would not necessarily be the case.
The quality of education in Foundation Stage (Reception Age Group) is good
and children attain the goals set for their ages. The quality of the teaching
and learning is good. As a result pupils achieve well and attain standards in
English and Mathematics which are above those found nationally by the time
they leave. The school is well lead and managed.”
Throughout the year we run a voluntary preschool on Tuesday, Wednesday and
Thursday afternoons. Primarily this is to help children who will be starting our
school in the following year settle and get used to their new environment.
Children aged between 2 ½ - 4 years of age are welcome to attend. There is no
charge and no obligation to attend St Mary’s when the child makes school age.
(See Pre-school Afternoons on page 10 for further details)
Parents of children already attending our school are very pleased with the
school. They feel that the teaching is good; that a broad, balanced and
interesting curriculum is offered; that the ethos is excellent, and that their
children are cared for.
One parent commented for OFSTED that:
“The school works very hard at making each pupil proud of his or her
achievements and wishing to achieve more.” and another stated:
“The Head Teacher and his staff work extremely hard providing the
children with a good education in a friendly caring atmosphere.”
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The Governors
The Governing Body is responsible for the overall running of the school. It
meets at least once a term as a whole body and is split into several committees
which meet regularly to discuss aspects of the running of the school in more
detail. These committees report back to the full Governing Body any findings,
concerns or recommendations they may have.
Foundation Governors:
Mrs P Eastham Chair
Mr G Lyons
Mr K O'Kane
Mr A Metcalf
Mrs K Glancy
Mrs E Smith
Miss A Hunter
Fr J Burns Parish Priest
Mr D J Ramsay Head Teacher
Representative Governors:
Lancashire County Council Mrs s Catterall
Staff Governor Mrs M J Keighley
Parent Governors Mrs J Bayliss (Vice Chair)
Mr C Bayliss
Mr T Caveney
Clerk to the Governors Mrs K Osborn
The Staffing Establishment
Head Teacher: Mr D J Ramsay
Class Teachers: Miss R. Costigan FS/KS1
Mrs E Singleton/Mr D J Ramsay KS2
Peripatetic Teachers: Mrs K Law-Jones (KS1/2 Music)
(Contracted from the Mrs Munroe (Woodwind)
LEA’s Music Service) Mr F Ajiteru (Guitar)
Miss H Heath (French)
Teaching Assistants: Mrs S Hockney KS1/KS2
Mrs K Hopkinson KS1/KS2KS2
Mrs D Riding KS1/SEN Support
School Administrative Officer: Mrs J Diamond
School Kitchen Manager: Mrs B Hitcheon
Welfare Assistants Mrs C Swarbrick
Mrs H Lyons
Site Supervisors Mrs C Swarbrick/Mrs M Aspden
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St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Great Eccleston
Admissions Policy
St Mary’s, Great Eccleston, is a Catholic Primary School provided by the
Diocese of Lancaster and maintained by Lancashire Local Authority as a
voluntary aided primary school.
Its Governing Body is the admissions authority and is responsible for taking
decisions on applicants for admission to the school within the requirements of
the law. In so doing the Governing Body has regard for:
a) The advice of the Diocesan Trustees on the nature and purpose of
Catholic Schools
b) The governing Body’s responsibility towards the school and the Catholic
Community it serves
c) The Catholic character of the school and its Mission Statement.
We, at St Mary’s, welcome applications from both Catholic and non Catholic
parents who would like their children to be educated within the aims and ethos
of our school. We ask that all parents applying for a place at St Mary’s to
respect this ethos and its importance to the school community. This does not
affect the right of parents who are not of the faith of this school to apply for and
be considered for a place here.
The admission number for the school is 7 children.
ARRANGEMENTS FOR ADMISSION INSEPTEMBER 2011
When admitting children to St Mary’s the governing body follows the criteria
below.
1) Applications for a place at the school should be made on Lancashire
Authority’s Common Application Form or on its online facility. Forms
should be returned to Lancashire Authority no later than 14th January
2011.
2) Parents must complete the Common Application form available from
Lancashire Authority. Parents who wish their application to St Mary’s,
Great Eccleston, to be considered against the priority faith criteria
should also complete the school’s Supplementary Information Form.
This will be issued with the Primary Admissions booklets.
Should St Mary’s be oversubscribed, failure to complete the
supplementary form may result in your application for a place in this
school being considered against a lower priority criteria, as
the Governing body will have no information upon which to assess the
application on the basis of the applicant’s baptism. The Supplementary
Information Form should be returned to St Mary’s school by 14th
January 2011.
3) Each Roman Catholic applicant will be required to produce a baptismal
certificate or other evidence of baptism. Each application made by other
Christian faiths will be required to produce a baptism certificate or other
evidence of baptism or proof of church attendance as appropriate to the
faith.
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Applications of children of non-Christian faiths will be required to
provide evidence of their faith affiliation on the Supplementary
Information Form
4) The Admissions Committee of the Governing Body will consider all
applications at the same time after the given closing date.
5) Parents/guardians/carers will be informed of the outcome of their
application by Lancashire Authority by the 26th April 2011.
6) As required by law, all children with a Statement of Educational Needs
naming the school will be admitted before the application of the
oversubscription criteria.
OVERSUBSRIPTION CRITERIA
The Governors of St Mary’s school, Great Eccleston, will admit up to 7 children
in September 2011. If the number of applications exceeds the places available,
the children will be admitted subject to the following criteria which will be used
to form a priority order.
1. Applications received from baptised Catholic children in public care.
2. Children baptised into the Catholic Faith who reside in the family of
communities which are served by St Mary’s Parish Church, Great
Eccleston (specifically Little Eccleston, Great Eccleston, Elswick, St
Michael’s on Wyre, Singleton, Thistleton and Inskip) who have siblings
attending St Mary’s school Great Eccleston at the expected time of
admission.
3. Children baptised into the Catholic Faith who reside in the family of
communities which are served by St Mary’s Parish Church, Great
Eccleston (specifically Little Eccleston, Great Eccleston, Elswick, St
Michael’s on Wyre, Singleton, Thistleton and Inskip)
4. Catholic children residing outside the Parish of St Mary’s -that is from
beyond the communities served by St Mary’s school- who have siblings
attending St Mary’s school Great Eccleston at the expected time of
admission.
5. Catholic children residing outside the Parish of St Mary’s -that is from
beyond the communities served by St Mary’s.
6. Applications received for children in public care who are not of the
Catholic faith.
7. Children of other Christian denominations who have siblings attending
St Mary’s school Great Eccleston at the expected time of admission.
8. Children of other Christian denominations who have no siblings
attending St Mary’s school at the expected time of admission.
9. Children of a parent/carer with exceptional social or medical needs
where the application is accompanied by a written statement from an
appropriate professional eg consultant doctor, social worker, police
officer, naming the school and demonstrating why the St Mary’s school
as the preferred school is suitable.
10. Children of other non-Christian faiths who have siblings attending St
Mary’s school at the expected time of admission.
11. Children of other non-Christian faiths who have no siblings attending St
Mary’s school at the expected tie of admission.
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12. Children of no faith affiliation who have a sibling in school at the
expected time of admission.
13. Children of no faith affiliation who have no siblings attending St Mary’s
at the expected time of admission.
In the event of oversubscription in any of the above criteria, places will be
allocated according to the following tie break criterion:
Applicants living nearest to St Mary’s school. The distance between an
applicant’s home (in cases of shared parenting the address used for child
benefit purposes is taken to be the address at which the child resides –see
notes below) and the school will be measured as a straight line from the centre
point of the home address to the centre point of the school. Distances are
measured using Mario maps via Lancashire Authority’s intranet and internet to
complete the measures.
In the event of a tied distance measurement between the address points the
Local Authority’s system of a random draw will determine the address(es)
which will receive the offer(s).
Thereafter any remaining children will then be placed on a waiting list. For
further information please see the following explanatory notes.
EXPLANATORY NOTES
Baptised Catholic
Please note for admission to St Mary’s Catholic Primary School, Great
Eccleston the Governors understand the term baptised Catholic to mean:
� One who has been baptised into full communion with the Roman
Catholic Church by the Rites of Baptism of one of the various ritual
churches in communion with the See of Rome (proof of Baptism with a
copy of a baptismal certificate or details of the date and place of baptism
will be required).
� A child baptised in another Christian Faith who has been received into
full communion with the Roman Catholic faith. (Proof of baptism and
reception from the register of receptions or Baptismal Register will be
required).
� A child who with his/her family is enrolled in a recognised course of
preparation leading to Catholic Baptism (Proof of enrolment with details
of the place and date of enrolment from the appropriate parish records
will apply)
� One who is a member of the eastern Christian churches and the
Orthodox Churches. (Proof of Baptism with a copy of a baptismal
certificate, details of the date and place of baptism or certificate of
reception will be required.
Children in Public Care
This means a child who is looked after by a Local Authority in accordance with
Section 22 of the children Act 1989. This is a child in public care who is in the
care of a local authority or who is provided with accommodation by that
authority.
Siblings
The Governing body understands the term siblings to include full brother or
sister, half brothers, half sisters, foster and adopted brother or sister, the child of
the parent/carer’s partner where the child for whom the place is sought is living
in the same family unit at the same address as that sibling. Stepchildren or foster
children who live at the same address are also classed as siblings.
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Address
The address used when completing the Common Application and
Supplementary Information Forms must be the one that is current at the time the
application is being made.
If the address subsequently changes, the parents must notify the school.
In some cases, for example, where shared parental living arrangements are in
place, a child’s address may be difficult to determine. In these circumstances the
address used for child benefit purposes ie, the address of the parent claiming the
child benefit, will be used.
If you are moving house and applying for a place at St Mary’s and the school is
not oversubscribed, using your new address may not be a problem. In the event
of oversubscription it may be possible to consider your application on the basis
of an address you are intending to move to. You must be resident at specific
address and not just a stated intention to move to an area. Evidence must be
provided that you have exchanged contracts on a house or have an offer of a
tenancy on a property in which you intend to live and which will be in place
when your child would start at St Mary’s. This evidence must be submitted as
soon as possible and no later than the deadline of 14th January 2011. Further
evidence eg utility bills, may also need to be submitted at a later date. If this
information is required the Governors of the school will contact you. The Governing Body may on occasion seek verification of the addresses from
individual applicants
Multiple Births
Where there are twins or multiple birth children wanting admission and there is
only one single place or insufficient places available to admit within the
admission number, then the Governing Body will use the Local Authority’s
system of random draw to decide which pupil receives an offer of a place.
Parents will be advised to go to appeal for the other child/children.
Late Applications
Applications received after the closing date of 14th January 2011 will be
treated as late applications. Only in exceptional circumstances, and where
appropriate evidence is provided, will applications received after the closing
date (but before offers of places have been made) be considered alongside those
received on time. Applications received after the date when letters offering places have been sent
out will put on a waiting list. (See waiting lists below)
Offer of Place Letters
The Local Authority, on behalf of the Governing Body, will issue all offer
letters for places in Reception year group all year round. Refer also to In
Year/Mid Year/Non Routine/Casual Applications below.
Deferred Entry to Primary School
Parents of children who are offered a place at St Mary’s before they are of
compulsory school age may request to defer their child’s entry until later in the
school year. Where entry is deferred, admission authorities are required to hold
the place for that child and not offer it to another child. The parent cannot be
able to defer entry beyond the beginning of the term after the child’s fifth
birthday, nor beyond the academic year for which the original application was
accepted.
Part –time Provision
Parents can request that their child attends part-time until the child reaches
compulsory school age.
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Waiting Lists
A waiting list for children who have not been offered a place will be kept until
the end of the Autumn Term of the academic year of admission.
The Waiting List will be ordered in accordance with the admissions criteria
cited above and will not give priority to children based on the date either of their
application was received or the date their name was added to the list.
Parents/guardians are invited to contact the school if they wish to be informed
of their child’s position on the waiting list.
If a place becomes available within the school’s published admissions number,
the child whose name is at the top of the list will be offered a place. This is not
dependent upon an appeal having been submitted for the child concerned.
Applications received after letters offering places have been issued will be kept
on the waiting list and prioritised according to the admissions criteria.
The waiting list will be kept open until the end of the third week of Autumn
Term.
Shared Parenting
Where a child lives with one parent for part of the week and another for the rest
of the week only one address can be used on the application form. This should
be the address used for child benefit purposes ie, the address of the parent
claiming the child benefit, will be used.
Fraudulent Applications
Where the Governing Body discovers that a child has been awarded a place as a
result of an intentionally misleading application from a parent, for example
where a false address has been provided, then the Governing body is required to
withdraw the offer of a place. The application will then be considered afresh
and a right of appeal offered if a place is refused.
Appeal Arrangements
If an application is refused by the Governing Body then the parents have the
right of appeal. This will be heard by an independent appeals panel. Parents
wishing to lodge an appeal should notify the school and/or the LA by letter
within fourteen days of notification of refusal. The date of notification will be
considered to be two working days after posting by first class post of the refusal
to offer a place. The parents must give their reasons for appealing in writing.
The LA will arrange for the appeal to be heard and will draw up the
Independent Appeals Panel from a list of names provided by Lancaster Diocese.
The decision of the Independent Appeals Panel will be sent in writing to both
the parents and the Governing Body. The decision is final and binding on
both parties.
In Year/Mid-year/Non Routine/Casual Admissions
All parents requesting a school place, either because they are new to Lancashire
LA or because they are wishing to transfer schools within Lancashire LA during
the school year will be required to complete the relevant Local Authority
Application Form and the school’s Supplementary Admissions Form.
The Admission of all pupils to Lancashire LA schools will be coordinated by
the LA in line with recent changes in legislation.
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Admissions Activities
Children enter school in the September of the academic year in which they
become five. Children entering Reception Year are invited to spend three days
in school during the previous summer term to gain familiarity with class and
school routines.
A meeting for parents whose children will be joining us is usually held during
the summer term. This meeting allows parents to learn more about our school,
its expectations and routines; what can be expected from the school; what the
child needs for school and what we expect from parents and children.
On coming to school in September the children starting in Reception begin on
the first full day of the Autumn Term. Pre-School Afternoons
In addition to the summer term day visits we also run throughout the school
year a pre-school. This takes place on Tuesday and Thursday afternoons
between 1.15 pm and 3.00 pm. The intention is to help children starting school
in September become familiar to their new environment. All children between
the ages of 2½ -4 years are welcome to attend. During these sessions the children undertake many preschool activities based
around the Early Years/Foundation Stage Guidance, and share activities with
our present Reception and Year 1 children.
Children attending preschool are invited to take part in a sports afternoon with
other preschools/playgroups in the area organised by ourselves.
The School Curriculum and Assessment
School Standards
Schools are required to place information about their SATs results within their
school brochure.
However, since we have less than ten pupils in Year 6, we are legally unable to
make public our test results since doing so would enable individual pupils to be
identified from the results.
We can state that our results at Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 are above the
national averages set by the government. (See school profile)
Curriculum
We seek to provide a curriculum which interests, stimulates and engages the
children; which pays attention to their needs, and looks to consolidate and
extend their learning. The school follows the National Curriculum Programmes
of Study for English, Mathematics, Science, Information & Communications
Technology, Design Technology, Geography, History, Art, French, Music
PSCHE and PE. Religious Education is central to our teaching and learning.
Children in Reception Class follow the Early Years Foundation Stage
Curriculum which builds on the work the children will have completed if they
have attended a pre-school/nursery or playgroup before coming to St Mary’s.
A brief summary of the curriculum content of each subject area taught follows.
Religious Education
As a Catholic school the children are taught in accordance with the teachings,
practices and rites of the Catholic Faith. The school utilises the Diocese of
Lancaster’s agreed RE syllabus and the “The Way the Truth and the Light”
Religious Education Scheme of Work.
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Our teaching of Religious Education will provoke challenging questioning
about the meaning and purpose of life, beliefs, the self, issues of right and
wrong, what it means to be human. It will also develop pupils’ knowledge and
understanding of Christianity and other principal world religious traditions, and
will foster personal reflection and spiritual development.
Through RE we encourage pupils to explore their own beliefs and how these
impact on personal, institutional and social ethics. RE is used enable pupils to
build their sense of identity and belonging, to develop respect for others, to
prompt pupils to consider their responsibilities towards themselves and others
and explore how they might contribute to their communities and to wider
society.
We believe it is important that the children live and experience what they are
taught in RE and encourage the children to put into practice what they learn.
Collective Worship
An act of collective worship is held daily either on a whole school or class
basis. All staff and children participate in these. The Parish Priest visits the
school regularly to lead worship, liturgies and sacramental celebrations and
parents are welcome to join us these. On occasions during school time the
children may visit the parish church.
NB: Parents have the right to withdraw children from RE and Collective
Worship. In such cases the school will provide appropriate alternative
activities. However, we would hope that parents will be happy for their child to
join in these activities which form a central part in the life of St Mary’s School.
Parents considering withdrawing their children from these activities should also
be mindful that as a church school the Catholic Ethos permeates the whole of
the curriculum and school life.
Should any parents wish to withdraw their children from these then they should
inform the Head Teacher in writing.
English (Literacy)
English is taught through three main components: Speaking and Listening,
Reading, Writing - cursive handwriting is taught from Reception.
Each child takes part in a daily Literacy Lesson in addition to utilising English
in all its forms through other curriculum subjects and activities.
Our overall aim is to extend and develop the children’s ability, confidence and
enjoyment of English so that they can communicate effectively in a variety of
ways.
Mathematics (Numeracy)
Mathematics is taught in accordance with the Numeracy Strategy and covers the
Number System; Shape, Space and Measure; and Data Handling. We try hard to
emphasise the simplicity of mathematics and encourage the children to enjoy it
and to use it in other curriculum areas.
Science
Simple experiments and investigations, as well as research, are carried out by
the pupils (often experiments and investigations arise from suggestions made by
the children and stem from their interest in the topic looked at!) in order to
develop knowledge of Life Processes and Living Things; of Materials and their
Properties and of Physical Processes .
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Science is taught both as a separate subject and as part of topic work which
encompasses other subject areas
Information and Communications Technology (ICT)
ICT is used to enhance curriculum tuition. It is taught as a subject in its own
right and the knowledge and skills learnt are applied to other curricular areas.
We encourage each child to develop their ability to use ICT hard and software;
to collect, analyse, interpret information; to present information; to model,
measure, predict and control events –even to compose music and mix sounds!
Design Technology (DT)
Design Technology allows pupils to develop designing, making and practical
problem solving skills. It is a fun way of allowing children to apply their
knowledge gleaned from other subject areas to solve practical problems. It also
enables children to learn about the properties of materials, how these can be
effectively joined or linked to make things work, move or just simply be
stronger or more attractive than before.
Children are encouraged to work collaboratively and independently, and once a
year we set a team challenge –“The Egg Race” which involves parents and
governors as well!
History
Children are usually fascinated about the past –often the grisly details! History
is taught using a theme basis through which the children explore periods in time
such as the Tudors or Romans. The aim is to develop research skills and an
understanding of human experience. Great importance is placed on making
history an exciting and enjoyable learning experience and many curriculum
areas such as Art, Design Technology and ICT are linked into it.
Geography
The children are encouraged to broaden their knowledge and understanding of
people, places and the world. The children investigate the physical and human
features of their own surroundings using the school, its grounds and the
immediate vicinity as a resource for fieldwork and map work. Other localities in
the United Kingdom and world wide are also studied. We try to make
Geography as “hands on” as possible”.
Art
Our aim is to encourage and develop the natural creative, imaginative and
practical abilities which every child posses.We seek to develop a range of skills
and techniques (including drawing, painting, printing, ceramics, weaving etc)
using a wide range of media –the majority conventional but some not that
conventional! We encourage the use of computers as tools for designing and
creating art.
Music
All pupils are encouraged to participate in Music and to experience the pleasure
of making music for themselves. We look to encourage the children’s abilities
to compose, perform and to play basic instruments by ear and have recorded our
own Christmas Carol CD and have compositions on a website called NUMU!
Although we do not have a formal choir, we regularly take part in Preston
Primary Schools’ Music Festival. We also offer Guitar (both from Year 3
upwards), and Woodwind and Keyboard (from Year2) tuition to the children.
Until recently we offered Brass and would love to get that up and running
again!
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Physical Education
Our intention in PE is to develop the physical skills and ability of each
individual child and to have fun! We seek to provide experience in a wide range
of sports -including football, cricket, rounders, swimming, athletics, tag-rugby,
gymnastics, dance, athletics, outdoor and adventurous activities. Swimming is
offered all year for the whole of KS2 and Year 2.
French
We have recently introduced French into the school’s curriculum for children in
Year 3-6. This has proved really popular with the children and with their
parents. Currently we are encouraging the children to speak this language and
be able to read and translate simple phrases and signs.
Personal, Social, Citizenship and Health Education (PSCHE)
This is offered to encourage children to have positive attitudes towards personal
health, the acquisition of healthy habits and to help each child cope with his/her
own physical and emotional development.
The Citizenship and Social aspect is intended to develop each child’s awareness
of his/her place and role in the local community, Hopefully through PSCHE
each child will develop a knowledge of the various occupations that contribute
to society wholeness as well as developing each child’s ability to make
informed decisions in a changing, economically competitive world.
Health and Sex and Relationships Education (SRE)
The school encourages all children to adopt a healthy life style and is part of the
NHS/Education Authority’s Healthy Schools Initiative. Health Education is
primarily taught through the school’s science curriculum and its PSCHE
programme. Topics such as Growth, Ourselves, My Body and Healthy Living
are the main core elements.
School policy, as agreed by the Governing Body, is to incorporate Sex and
Relationships Education (SRE) into the curriculum with the general purpose of
meeting the needs of the children as they grow and develop towards maturity,
and to support parents in educating their children in personal relationships. SRE
will be appropriate to the pupil’s age and experience, will be presented within a
moral, family orientated and Christian framework and will always be in
accordance with the teachings of the Catholic Church.
Sex and Relationships Education is an integral part of the Health Education
programme and the school nurse will provide input where appropriate. For
children in Years 5 and 6 the sex education will form a more discrete element
and parents will have the opportunity to view any materials that will be used
with the pupils prior to their introduction into the classroom.
Where the National Curriculum Science Programmes of Study relate to body
parts, or facts, these will be taught sensitively within the context of our Faith
and in an atmosphere of openness. In the family atmosphere of the small
Catholic school, sex instruction does not constitute a separate subject in the
curriculum but is a cross-curricular issue.
SRE will not be treated as a separate add on to the curriculum. In general terms,
across the whole range, the school will aim to ensure that the children’s needs
for the following are met:
� The need for appropriate facts, language and information for an
understanding of their own body, its development and that of the
opposite sex.
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� The need for honesty in answering questions, if and when they occur in
a factual manner appropriate for their age.
� The need to develop an understanding of themselves as valuable and
worthy of respect.
� The need to develop respect for others. Note: Parents are reminded that they may withdraw their children from all or
part of the sex education programme and should contact the Head Teacher
accordingly.
Teaching Methods
We believe that learning should be fun and that the skills/knowledge taught to
the children, and understanding created, should be useful to them as they grow
up.
Currently the children at St Mary’s are split into two classes: Class1 covers
Foundation (Reception) and Foundation (Infant) Stages and Class 2 covers Key
Stage 2 (Juniors). The children spend most of their time with the same teacher,
however, both classes are taught Music by an LA music specialist teacher and
Class 2 a taught French once a week by another specialist teacher. Within class
a variety of teaching methods are used. Children are usually taught and work in
ability groupings, but may also be taught when appropriate as a whole class,
small group or individual basis. The curriculum is delivered through carefully
planned topic/thematic approach at Foundation/Key Stage 1. A topic/thematic
approach is also used in Key Stage 2 although this tends to be more subject
centred in order to teach the skills/knowledge required so that they can be
applied to other curricular areas.
Homework
We believe it is very important that parents and school work together in
providing education for your children. The intention behind homework at St
Mary’s is to consolidate and extend the children’s learning in class and to
encourage their ability to work with an increasing degree of independence. It
also provides an opportunity for parents to gain insight into their children’s
work and progress at school. We believe homework should not be stressful to
the children nor a burden to parents, but at the same time it should have an
element to it which should stretch children accordingly. We would encourage
parents to support and help their children with homework activities.
Homework is set in Class 2 each Tuesday and is expected returned the
following Wednesday. In Class 1 homework is set every other night.
Homework is sent home in a “homework bag” which should be returned
with the completed homework.
We would appreciate knowing if your child has difficulty with the homework
set and would be pleased to offer help and advice to parents regarding how
things have been taught in school.
We try set homework so that the main activity falls within Government
guidelines regarding time limits. Generally this is for:
� Year 1 and 2 pupils 1 hour per week, plus regular reading
� Year 3 and 4 pupils 1.5 hours per week, plus regular reading
� Year 5 and 6 pupils 30 minutes per night plus regular reading
Assessment
As the children move through the school their progress will be monitored
against clear objectives by their teachers. This shows how much the children
know and can do by themselves, and allows the class teacher to plan future
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work. Children’s progress is continually monitored by their teachers through a
variety of methods such as asking questions, looking through their work or by
observing them at a given task. This is called “Teacher Assessment”.
We also currently administer more formal assessments. On entry into Reception
and on leaving Reception year group the children are assessed using PIPs
Baseline and Baseline Follow-up activities. Over the course of the children’s
first year in school a profile of their progress, based on the objectives of the
Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum, is built up. This is called the Eye-
Profile. At the end of Reception Year Group the children’s progress is formally
reported to their parents.
At the end of Key Stage 1 and Keys Stage 2 Standard Assessment Tasks/Tests
(SATs) are undertaken by the children which will are used along with teacher
assessment to provide a profile of each child’s progress in Mathematics, Science
and English. The children in Years 3, 4, and 5 will also be assessed formally
each year using optional SATs so that their progress may be tracked and their
needs identified and focussed on in the following year.
Teachers use the information gleaned from their assessments of the children’s
progress to identify “targets” for each child so that the children are clear about
what they need to do next to develop their learning.
Children are encouraged to be involved in monitoring their own progress and
achievement. To do this:
� Each child is encouraged to think about their work each half term and to
identify something which they feel they need to work on to develop their
learning and to consider whether they achieved the previous item they
were working on.
� Each child keeps a Record of Achievement File. Into this file are placed:
• pieces of work which the child feels are good examples of their
effort and learning;
• certificates gained at school or from activities done in their own
time;
• target sheets for Maths and English which are used to indicate
what the child feels confident in doing or has achieved.
We believe that compiling this folder will help the children to perceive their
strengths, to identify areas they need to work at and to increase their self-
esteem. The folder will progress with each child throughout his/her primary
school life.
Special Educational Needs/Children with Disabilities
Disability Equality and Special Educational Needs
We recognise the definition of a disabled person as stated in the Disability
Discrimination Act 1995 as being anyone who has “a physical or mental
impairment which has a substantial and long term adverse affect on that
person’s ability to carry out normal day to day activities.”
At St Mary’s we believe it is the right of every child to receive an education
appropriate to his/her needs. This includes the maximum possible access to the
National Curriculum. Our approach to the education of children with Special
Educational Needs/Disabilities is to:
� integrate each child as fully as is reasonably possible;
� provide the opportunity for each child to experience and participate in
each area of the curriculum as is reasonably possible
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� provide the opportunity for each child to experience and participate in
school life as fully as possible
� enable each child to gain a sense of achievement and have no fear of
failure or recrimination
� nurture each child to reach their optimum potential.
Many children experience some problems or difficulties during the course of
their school life. We seek to identify early those pupils who experience learning
difficulties, either short term or long term, and to provide appropriate levels of
support for them. This action gives the child the greatest possible chance of
responding to additional help. With this in mind pupils with learning difficulties
are taught according to individual need. A child identified with Special
Educational Needs is given extra help by the class teacher and class teaching
assistant. Support is given, where appropriate, by the Lancashire Education
Inclusion Service (LEIS) and the Educational Psychology Service. The progress
of these children is carefully monitored and appropriate provision is provided at
each stage of their development and individual programmes of study (IEPs) are
devised where necessary. Parents are kept involved and informed in this process
and are encouraged to participate in the learning process and share in the
decision making to give the child the greatest possible support
In accordance with the aims expressed in our Mission Statement every effort
will be made to accommodate children with disabilities. In such cases we would
encourage parents to discuss their child’s disabilities with the Head Teacher.
The school is all on one level and recent work has been carried out to facilitate
wheel chair access to the school building.
The Governors have a nominated member who is specifically responsible along
with the Head Teacher for all matters connected with special educational needs
provision.
Gifted and Talented Children
Children who show exceptional ability –termed by the Local Authority: Gifted
and Talented- will be encouraged to work to their full potential and maximise
this in accordance with their capabilities by the provision of extension work.
Where appropriate, links with external agencies and clubs will be utilised to
facilitate their interests and development.
Inclusion/Equal Opportunities
In keeping with the purpose of our Catholic school we are motivated by the love
of Christ for all and regard all people as equal. We seek to include all pupils in
every aspect of school life and promote equal opportunities in all aspects of
school life regardless of colour, creed, gender, race disability or age.
Attendance
Regular attendance is essential to good educational progress. We very much
appreciate the efforts of our parents in helping us have an excellent attendance
record. Over the last four years we have had no unauthorised absences and an
absence rate of less than 3%.
We appreciate parents contacting us if their child/children are going to be off
school. If a pupil is not in school by 9:30am and we have not heard from the
pupil’s parents then we will contact them to ascertain the reason for absence.
Absences must be authorised, as any unauthorised absences or 80% attendance
at any point of the school year will trigger a visit to the pupil’s parents by LA
officers and possible truancy proceedings.
Holidays during Term Time
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The school has the right to refuse permission for a child to be taken on holiday
for more than 10 consecutive working days during term time. As children
benefit from continuity in school life we would be grateful if parents would
restrain from taking their children out of school on holiday during term time.
Should this be unavoidable, a request should be made in writing, using the
appropriate from obtainable from the school office, to the Head Teacher.
Holidays taken without permission will be recorded as unauthorised absences
and parents run the risk of truancy proceedings as a consequence.
The School Library
The school library provides a wide range of books. All children at St Mary’s are
automatically members of our lending library and are able to borrow books on a
weekly loan basis for home or school reading. Our library is also used for
reference activities, to develop research skills and for library skills activities.
All the school’s library books are issued using a computerised system and a bar-
code reader. Children have their own library card with a personalised bar code.
This also enables the children to keep a log of their own reading.
Educational Visits
We offer a varied programme of educational visits and activities linked to the
children’s studies in school. Educational visits are very important in delivering
the curriculum as they provide first hand experience in particular areas of the
curriculum as well as stimulus for specific projects. Every other year we take all
the children in Key Stage 2 on a residential visit in which the children have
opportunity to experience a range of outward bound activities. Visits are
carefully planned and lead to interesting and meaningful follow-up work in the
classroom. Please note our trips can only be provided with generous support
from voluntary contributions from parents.
For all school trips the children will be transported in vehicles with seat belts
and will be sat one child per seating place.
Charging Policy
In line with government legislation the Governors have the following charging
policy for trips and school activities:
� No charge will be made for any activity taking place within normal
school hours. Generally, activities which involve all children, and are
additional to the normal curriculum, and arranged for pupils in or out of
the school day, will be subsidised by a donation from St Mary’s PTFA.
However, the cost of these activities is often high and school
funding/PTFA subsidy alone is often insufficient to pay for such
activities so parents may be invited to contribute towards that cost on the
understanding that no child will be penalised by inability or
unwillingness of the parents to pay.
� For activities which fall outside of school hours that are organised with
and run by external organisations, the Governors reserve the right to
charge up to the full cost of such events.
� For activities taking place in school time which involve a charge for
accommodation the Governing Body will waive all such charges to
parents who are in receipt of Income Support or Family Credit.
� For activities arranged through an outside agency, eg peripatetic music
service or tour operator, the arrangements will be between the individual
parents and the operator. The operator would levy charges for the full
cost of the services provided. The role of the school would be limited to
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the collection of remittances from pupils and the distribution of
information.
The School Day
The school day commences at 9.00am and finishes at 3.15pm.
Morning Session KS1 9:00am - 12 noon
KS2 9:00am -12:05pm Morning break KS1 and KS2 10:15am-10:30am
Afternoon Session KS1 1:00pm-2:00 pm then 2:15pm-3:15pm.
(Break 2:00pm-2:15 pm (KS1 only)
KS2 1:00pm-3:15pm
Hours spent on teaching during a normal school day (excluding daily act of
collective worship, registration, breaks and lunchtime):
Foundation/Key Stage 1: 22 hours 35 minutes
Key Stage 2: 24 hours 15 minutes
The school doors will be opened at 8.50am. Before this time we cannot accept
responsibility for children and would be grateful if children did not arrive
before 8.50 am. At the end of the school day children should be picked up
promptly in the interest of safety. We would be grateful if parents would come
into the patio area when collecting children, as this would make it easier for us
to see who as arrived so that we can safely send children out of school. Where
problems occur we should be notified immediately so that appropriate action
may be taken.
If you wish to contact the school there will always be someone available from
8:30am onwards until 4:00pm and often outside these hours as well. Should the
answer machine pick up your call then we will return the call as soon as
possible.
School Uniform
Pupils at St Mary’s need the following;
� Grey trousers, skirts or pinafore dresses. (Girls may wear grey school
trousers in winter only but these must be tailored and of a similar
style/shade of grey to the boys)
� White shirts or blouses (long or short sleeved)
� Boys -grey socks; Girls white socks or grey tights
� Maroon tie -purchase from school
� Maroon sweatshirt / cardigan with school logo -purchase from school.
� Black shoes/sandals must be worn and should not have high heels for
safety reasons.
In summer/autumn the girls may wear blue and white gingham dresses.
Parents are requested to ensure that all items of school uniform have their
child’s name on them.
Book bags and sun hats (both with the school logo) are also available. School
clothing vouchers are accepted as payment for all these items.
For P.E and Games:
� Maroon T-shirt with school logo -purchase from school
� Blue shorts for PE
� Black pumps
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� Trainers, tracksuit bottoms and sweatshirts may be required for outdoor
use during the winter months.
Trainers should not be worn as part of the school uniform during lesson times.
PE items should be kept in a bag, all clearly marked with the child's name, and
left in school during the week.
We also recommend that each child has an old shirt to be used as an apron when
painting as this gives some protection to uniform.
Children with long hair are requested to have their hair tied back in the interest
of hygiene.
Earrings and jewellery should not be worn in school. Should you wish your
child to have their ears pierced we would be grateful if you could arrange for
this to be done at the very beginning of the summer holidays so that the healing
process will be complete and your child’s entitlement to full curriculum will not
be disrupted.
It is school policy that children should not do P.E activities and swimming
wearing earrings or jewellery.
Lost Property
Lost property is kept by the site supervisor in school. Anyone wishing to locate
an item should speak to Mrs Swarbrick or the class teacher.
School Dinners
School dinners are cooked on the premises by Lancashire County Council’s
Catering Services. The food served is prepared from fresh produce and provides
a balanced nutritional diet. The children have a choice of first and second
courses. Currently three quarters of the children have a school meal which is a
very high proportion and a testament to the quality of the meals being currently
served at St Mary’s.
School meals are paid for in advance for each half term. Please send money in
an envelope clearly marked with your child’s name or pay the school clerk in
person at the office. Cheques should be made payable to Lancashire County
Council. The cost of School Dinners is currently £1.70 per day.
If your circumstances entitle you to free school meals please contact Mrs
Diamond, the school Administrative Officer, for appropriate forms and
information.
From time to time parents will be invited to share lunch with their children –
however a charge will unfortunately have to be made.
Packed Lunches
Children are able to bring packed lunches to school but drinks should be
provided either in a plastic container or carton. We would encourage parents to
avoid putting crisps, biscuits, chocolate and fizzy pop into their children’s pack
lunches as we promote Healthy Eating.
Bottled Water
We actively encourage all children to bring in bottles for water into class with
them. Our only stipulation is that they should be filled at break and lunch times
and taken home at weekends for cleaning.
Fruit scheme
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As part of the National Healthy Schools initiative children in Key Stage 1 are
provided with free fruit which we distribute at playtimes. Please encourage your
child to enjoy this provision.
School Milk and Snacks
The children in Key Stage 1 are able to have school milk. The cost is currently
£5:00 per term. There is no charge made if your child is entitled to free school
meals.
Healthy Breaks
To encourage the children to develop healthy eating habits we ask that they do
not bring sweets and crisps into school. Children may bring packets of dried
fruit, nuts or pieces of fruit per day for play time.
Extra Curricular Activities
The school offers a variety of after school clubs and activities for both Key
Stage 1 and 2 children. Clubs are run on a voluntary basis and depend on the
interests and activities of the staff. The types of clubs/after school activities we
offer range from:
� Football for KS1 and KS2 boys and girls
� Choir KS2
� Guitar KS2
� Gardening Club KS1 and KS2
� Games club
� Badminton,
� Judo,
� Dance/Keep Fit
� Fencing
� “Mad Science!”
We regularly invite fully qualified sports coaches into school to provide clubs
and coaching sessions.
We also encourage parental support and participation in these activities –if you
wish to help please let us know!
Sport
We encourage all children to take part in the sporting activities of the school,
and enter teams into a range of interschool competitions. We have won the
Garstang and District Athletics Trophy for small schools twice in the last three
years, are winners of the district’s indoor football tournament and cricket
competition for small schools, and have won the Garstang and District YMCA
Swimming three times in five consecutive years.
Whilst we encourage the children to give their best, we want them to enjoy the
sport they are participating in and hope that this experience may well foster an
interest in later life. Therefore our emphasis is very much on fun and the taking
part.
To enable the children to develop their sporting expertise, interests and abilities
further the school has become part of the local school sports partnership and is
seeking to form links with local clubs.
Health, Welfare and Safety in School
St Mary’s is involved the Lancashire Healthy Schools Initiative, and recently
gained National Healthy Schools Status, and are working towards the
Lancashire Healthy Schools Standard.
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Care and Control of Pupils
The care of the children in school is paramount to all the staff at St Mary’s,
however, if staff become aware of or have a need to become involved in
situations where a child is at risk of hurting themselves or others, or if behaviour
of a child seriously disrupts good order in the school or causes damage to
property, staff will take steps to intervene physically if necessary. In such
circumstances staff will follow the school’s policy for dealing with such
situations.
Discipline
Great emphasis is placed on encouraging children to have regard for their own
behaviour in a friendly and supportive environment which is based upon
Christian values. Good behaviour is expected at all times. To encourage this we
have four general rules which are based upon practical safety and respect, and
which reflect our Catholic ethos. These are:
1) Treat everyone as you would like them to treat you;
2) Work hard and always try your best;
3) Keep your classroom tidy and the school;
4) Look after each others things
We encourage and reward good behaviour and achievement in a variety of ways
including verbal and written praise, merit stickers, credit slips, house points, and
informing parents.
Misbehaviour is dealt with in a constructive manner through a series of graded
consequences.
In all matters of discipline we expect the help and cooperation of all parents. We
find that there are seldom problems in discipline if parents and school work
together to help the children.
Effort and Achievement
Children's efforts and achievements are celebrated in class and whole school
assemblies. Children are recognised for their hard work, good manners, good
behaviour; and much emphasis is placed upon highlighting the positive
contribution that the children make. Credits in Class2 and Smiley Faces in
Class1 are awarded for hard work, quality work, good behaviour, good manners,
good use of initiative and reliability. These credits/smiley faces contribute to a
house competition. The children are split into three houses and the number of
credits/smiley faces achieved by each child in a week count towards points for
their house.
A weekly celebration assembly is held at which pupils' efforts are celebrated.
Not only academic achievement is celebrated but also, sporting achievements
along with the children’s other personal achievements in order to encourage
personal, moral and social development.
Pastoral Care
We encourage all the children at St Mary’s to look after and support each other
and this has led to a very family orientated environment. Many parents have
commented on how well the children respect and care for each other. By the
same token we hope that children with personal problems/worries will feel able
to approach staff at any time with their need for help.
If parents are aware of any cause for concern at school or at home then please
let us know as soon as possible.
Child Protection
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We operate a Child Protection Policy which follows LA and National
Guidelines and is reviewed on an annual basis. All staff, governors, volunteers
and persons running after school activities are CRB cleared.
As we have day to day contact with the children, staff members are particularly
well placed to observe outward signs of abuse, changes in behaviour or failure
to thrive. Parents should be aware that where it appears that a child may have
been abused, the school is required to report its concern to the appropriate
authorities immediately.
Bullying
Bullying is not tolerated at St Mary’s and any complaints are dealt with
promptly, and in conjunction with the parents of the children involved. If you
feel that your child is being bullied the Class Teacher should be contacted in the
first instance.
Accidents and Illness in School
Children occasionally have accidents at school and these will be treated by
qualified members of staff. Should your child require hospital treatment, you
will be informed and the child will be taken to casualty. If your child becomes
ill at school we will also contact you as we have no resources or space to
properly care for sick children for any length of time. It is therefore important
that the school has the necessary up to date contact details of either parent or an
emergency contact.
Medicals
The school liaises with the School Medical Service. Children in the reception
will be given a full medical; whilst hearing, vision and dental checks are made
at regular intervals during the primary school years.
Medical Conditions
It is vitally important that the school is informed of any medical condition
which may give rise to concern in school for both child and staff –eg diabetes,
asthma, epilepsy, heart disorders, etc. Asthma sufferers are asked to complete a
record card giving details of medication and must keep their inhalers with them
at all times. We would also appreciate a spare inhaler just in case.
Administration of Medicines
Unfortunately members of staff are unable to administer medicines at school
except under very exceptional circumstances for which permission from the
Head Teacher is required. In such cases the medicine must be in its original
container with the dosage, instructions for dosage and times for dosage clearly
visible. The child’s name must clearly visible on the container/box.
If your child needs to complete a course of medicine eg antibiotics, we ask that
parents arrange the dosage so that it falls outside school hours. Alternatively
parents or carers may call at lunchtime to give medicines to their own children.
This does not apply to asthma sufferers who should, in most cases be able to
self- administer their inhalers.
Parents occasionally ask for their children to stay in doors at play time if they
are recovering from illness. Unfortunately we are unable to provide adequate
supervision for this and feel that once children are considered well enough to
return to school they must be fit for all its demands.
If a child is unfit to take part in swimming or PE lessons a written note should
be provided.
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Hospital/Dental Appointments
Appointments should be notified to the school in advance by letter or telephone
call. Children should be collected from school by a parent. Children will not be
allowed to attend for the appointment on their own.
Statement on Road Safety
Due to the location of St Mary’s and the large, rural catchment area we are very
conscious of the children’s road safety awareness. Therefore we actively
support the development of positive attitudes towards road usage. We do this
through the integration of appropriate road safety themes and topics, such as
Cycle Proficiency and a child pedestrian training programme called “Right
Start”, into the curriculum and through working in partnership with Lancashire
Education Authority’s Road Safety Team. In addition, we make effort to work
in partnership with parents in order to further encourage safe practices on or
near the road, through the provision of relevant publicity materials and
information.
Safety & Security The Governing Body and staff are very conscious of the need for the safety and
security of all the children in school and have taken steps to control access to
the premises during the school day. Fencing has been erected to ensure that
pupils are safe and gates during the school day are kept locked.
The front and back doors are fitted with security locks that cannot be opened
from the outside and yet are easily opened from the inside to allow speedy exit
in case of fire.
Parents and persons visiting the school during teaching time are required to
enter by the front entrance where they are requested to sign the visitor’s book
before admittance and also on departure. This ensures that members of staff
know who is on the premises at any given time.
We regret having had to take these measures but consider them to be necessary.
However, parents are always welcome to visit the school and we do not wish the
above procedures to deter you.
The School and its Community
Parents and the School
We place great value on the role of parents in their child’s education. Parents
are encouraged to keep close contact with the school and visit regularly.
Teachers are available to be seen before and after school sessions -but obviously
not during lesson time. Should you wish to see the class teacher or the Head
Teacher and they are not available at that moment, then an appointment can be
made for a mutually convenient time.
We hold two parents’ evenings -one in the Autumn Term and one in the Spring
Term. These are intended to provide an opportunity to discuss your child’s
progress and to view their work on an individual basis with the class teacher.
Written reports are sent to parents in the Summer Term and will incorporate a
further opportunity for parents to discuss their child’s progress should they wish
too.
Curriculum summaries are provided at the start of each term to give parents an
overview of the work the children will be doing in school.
Information about school events is provided by newsletter every Friday. These
are sent home in your child’s homework bag.
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Parent Governors Several of the Foundation Governors are, or have been parents, of children at
our school. Three of the Governing Body are parents elected by the parents for a
term of office for four years. Every parent has the right to be nominated for
election as a parent governor and to vote in the ensuing election. Details of any
election for the parent governors will be sent to all parents prior to the election.
Parent Teacher’s and Friends Association (PTFA)
There is a small but active PTFA which exists to promote close liaison between
home and school and to encourage parents to take an added interest in the
school. The PTFA works hard to raise money for equipment, books, trips etc to
enhance and broaden the school curriculum for the benefit of all children and
without their help and the support of parents we could not provide the amount
educational visits which we are currently able to offer.
All parents of St Mary’s school automatically become members, ex parents
parishioners friends etc who wish to maintain their connection with the school
may also be members. It is hoped parents will support the PTFA as actively as
they feel able.
Parent Helpers
Without the help of parents and other adults in school there are many activities
that could not take place as effectively. Parental help in school is very important
to us as we feel it not only benefits the life of our school but also enables you to
get to know us and us you. We have helpers who come into school on a regular
or occasional basis to assist with activities such as reading, art work helping
with after school clubs, transport and Christmas concert costume and prop
making. If you have time to spare and would like to help in school please do
not hesitate to let us know.
Community Involvement
St Mary’s strives hard to be involved in the community of Great Eccleston and
the surrounding area. The school contributes to the village’s entry in the Wyre
in Bloom contest, to the school’s tent in Great Eccleston Agricultural Show and
encourages the its pupils to enter the individual art competitions, as well as
entering teams in various local fetes and galas. Each Christmas the children visit
Thistleton Lodge and Northlands residential homes to sing carols to their
residents. Our Reception year group regularly visits the local playgroup
regularly.
Links with St Mary’s Parish Church
As a church school we have strong links with St Mary’s Church. The parish
priest regularly visits the school and the children visit the church for Mass, acts
of worship (eg services of reconciliation) and as part of the Religious Education
programme. The school also contributes stalls to the annual Parish Fete.
Complaints/Access to information
As a school we try hard to keep parents well informed about matters concerning
their children and the school. Should you have any problems or require
information regarding your child please contact the class teacher in the first
instance and then if necessary the Head Teacher. A copy of the school’s
Procedures for the handling of Complaints is available from the school office on
request. A Governor’s Complaints Committee will also consider any formal
complaints which have not been resolved.
Examples of documents parents are entitled to have access to the on request to
the Head Teacher are outlined below:
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� Any statutory instruments and circulars sent to schools by the DfES
about their powers and duties relating to the curriculum
� Any published OFSTED reports on the school.
� Any policies or schemes of work currently in use in the school
� A copy of the LA’s arrangements for the consideration of complaints
� The Governing Body’s policy statement on RE
A small charge will have to be made to cover the costs of photocopying and
printing.
Useful Addresses
Lancashire Area Education Office - Lancaster and Wyre
Area Education Office
PO Box 607
White Cross Education Centre
Quarry Road
Lancaster
LA 1 3SH Tel 01524 63243
Diocesan Education Centre
The Education Centre
Balmoral Road
Lancaster
LA1 3BT Tel 01524 841190
The information contained in this booklet is correct at the time of printing but it
may be necessary to make amendments at any time. The Head Teacher and the
Governors reserve this right to amend the document as necessary.