LIFE CHANGING OPPORTUNITIES START HERE
WELCOME FROM THE PRINCIPAL
It gives me great pleasure to welcome you to Methodist College Belfast Preparatory Department (Methody Prep) where you will discover a celebrated tapestry of opportunity, diversity and excellence that makes Methody Prep truly unique. As a new parent/guardian to the school or a parent/guardian already connected to the College you are embarking upon this exciting journey with your child for the first time which is exciting for you as a family.
At Methody Prep, we are proud to be part of the Collegian family and we wear our Crest with pride. From age 3 our pupils are little Collegians within our Methody family.
Our pupils are happy, kind and confident and enjoy discovering and developing their passions at Methody Prep. Our staff are passionate, committed and provide high quality teaching ensuring academic excellence.
Thank you for entrusting us with your child’s education. We look forward to working with you as we embark upon this wonderful educational journey together, nurturing their potential and shaping their future.
Methody Prep is a place that is inspiring and unique, where friends are made for life, where leaders are made and where life changing experiences take place.
THIS IS METHODY PREP
J Lendrum Principal
TERM DATES 2025/26
AUTUMN TERM
Wednesday 27 August 2025Friday 19 December 2025
HALF TERM HOLIDAY
Monday 27 October 2025Friday 31 October 2025
SPRING TERM
Monday 5 January 2026Friday 27 March 2026
HALF TERM HOLIDAY
Monday 9 February 2026Friday 13 February 2026
SUMMER TERM
Monday 13 April 2026Tuesday 30 June 2026
MAY DAY HOLIDAY
Monday 4 May 2026
Monday 25 May 2026
STAFF DEVELOPMENT DAYS
Friday 24 October 2025
Friday 12 December 2025
Monday 16 February 2026
Wednesday 25 March 2026
• All dates are inclusive.
NEW TERM AUGUST 2025
START OF TERM
The Autumn terms begins Wednesday 27 August 2025 at 8.45 am for all pupils.
School will close on the first day at 12 noon for all pupils.
SCHOOL DAY
From Wednesday 27 August 2025 the normal class hours are as follows:
Prep 1 - Prep 3
8.45 am - 2.30 pm
From January 2026 Prep 3 will have a finish time of 3 pm.
Prep 4 - Prep 7
8.45 am - 3 pm
Please ensure that your child is collected promptly each day.
SCHOOL START
Children should arrive to school at 8.30 am. Prep 1 pupils will be collected from the infant playground closest to the Lisburn Road entrance.
All other pupils should enter by the side entrance and then make their own way to their classroom.
Registration takes place between 8.30 am and 8.45 am.
BREAKFAST CLUB
Breakfast Club is available from 8.00 am each morning. This can be booked through the School Gateway App, this should be booked by 2 pm on the previous day.
AFTERSCHOOL CLUB
We have an afterschool facility that is available to book up until 5.30 pm daily. We provide two timeslots to choose from:
2.30 pm - 3 pm Complimentary half hour session
3 pm - 4 pm First Session 3 pm - 5.30 pm Full Session
Afterschool can be booked on the School Gateway App, this should be booked by 2 pm on the previous day.
PASTORAL CARE
All members of staff are dedicated to support your child throughout their school experience. However, some staff have a very special part to play through the Pastoral Care Team.
The Pastoral Care of your child is at the heart of everything at Methody Prep. We believe that for a child to be successful in and out of the classroom, they need to feel happy and secure in their environment.
Methody Prep operates an ‘open door’ policy with parents. We value your knowledge, experience and views and seek to establish a partnership with you in making appropriate provisions for all pupils.
Pastoral Care Team
On occasions, you may have a serious pastoral concern because of family or personal difficulties affecting your child. You should contact a member of the Pastoral Care team for the appropriate Key Stage as outlined below. Urgent or highly sensitive issues should be brought to the attention of the Head of Prep, Designated Teacher for Child Protection or the Deputy Designated Teacher for Child Protection.
Head of Prep, Designated Teacher for Child Protection
Deputy Designated Teacher for Child Protection
Head of Pastoral Care Foundation Stage/ Key Stage 1
Head of Pastoral Care Key Stage 2
Mr C Allen
Mrs D Allen
Mrs A Shanks
Mr G Dando
WHO TO CONTACT
If you have concerns about your child, contact their Class Teacher in the first instance. Your concerns will then be raised with the appropriate member of staff as per below:
HEAD OF PREP
PRINCIPAL HEAD OF PASTORAL CARE KEY STAGE 2
IF YOU HAVE A SERIOUS PASTORAL CONCERN BECAUSE OF FAMILY OR PERSONAL DIFFICULTIES AFFECTING YOUR CHILD PLEASE CONTACT THE HEAD OF PREP
BECAUSE WE CARE
Further support for you and your child includes:
SAFEGUARDING
We follow government advice regarding our safeguarding procedures. Our Designated Governor for Child Protection is Mr Lowry, our Designated Teacher for Child Protection is Mr Allen and our Deputy Designated Teacher for Child Protection is Mrs Allen.
TOOLED UP EDUCATION
As a member of our school community, you will gain exclusive access to a digital platform called ‘Tooled Up Education’. This gives you privileged access to a digital library, packed full of evidence-based tips, activities, educational webinars and enlightening podcasts, on all matters relating to mental health, aspiration, learning, digital life and family life.
INDIVIDUALLY, WE ARE ONE DROP. TOGETHER WE ARE AN OCEAN.
GOOD TO KNOW
THE SCHOOL DAY
Prep 1 - Prep 3 8.45 – 14.30
Prep 4 - Prep 7
Session 1 15.00– 16.00 Afterschool Full Session 15.00 – 17.30
All pupils should arrive to school at 8.30 am. Prep 1 pupils will be collected from the gate at the infant playground. All other pupils should enter through the middle doors (at side entrance) and make their own way to their classroom.
Registration takes place between 8.30 am and 8.45 am.
Prep 1 - Prep 3 pupils should be collected at 2.30 pm, if not attending afterschool or any clubs. Prep 1 pupils should be collected at the gate at the infant playground. Prep 2 pupils should be collected from the side entrance. Prep 3 pupils will exit through the main entrance and should be collected at the bottom of the accessibility ramp. Prep 3 pupils should be collected at 3 pm from January 2026.
Prep 4 - Prep 7 pupils should be collected at 3 pm, if not attending afterschool or any clubs. Prep 4, 5 & 7 pupils should be collected from the side entrance. Prep 6 pupils will exit through the main entrance and should be collected at the bottom of the accessibility ramp.
WRAPAROUND CARE
We offer Breakfast Club from 8 am - 8.30 am and Afterschool Club from 2.30 pm5.30 pm.
For parents with children that finish at 2.30 pm and 3.00 pm, we offer a complimentary half hour session. Afterschool has two sessions; 3.00 pm to 4 pm and 3 pm to 5.30 pm.
Breakfast Club and Afterschool Club can all be booked through the School Gateway App.
LUNCH ARRANGEMENTS
The lunchtime is as follows: 12 - 1 pm (Monday - Friday)
Pupils can take lunch in the College Canteen or eat their packed lunch in the areas allocated. The main canteen area serves a 2-course hot meal at a rate of £2.60 per day. Lunch can be booked through the School Gateway App and must be booked by 8.30 am.
Methody Prep is a Sesame and Nut Free school and therefore we ask that you do not put any products containing SESAME or NUTS into packed lunches.
We encourage positive attitudes towards healthy eating and encourage a balanced and healthy packed lunch to be provided; treats should be reserved for Friday.
There is a Friday tuck shop that runs for Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 on alternative weeks, you will be informed of dates by the class teacher.
DRINKS
Pupils are encouraged to drink water throughout the day and water facilities are provided in school. Flavoured water is permitted. Energy drinks are not allowed.
SCHOOL WEBSITE
Methody.org/prep
Please check the school website for information relating to the school.
SOCIAL MEDIA
Stay in touch with all school news and follow our social media channels: Facebook @methodyprep Instagram @methodyprep X @methodyprep
PREP MATTERS
Prep Matters is a newsletter that is sent every week to inform you of upcoming events and important information.
SCHOOL GATEWAY APP
Methody Prep uses the School Gateway App for most payments. Following receipt of your pupil information sheet further details will follow via email to allow you to access this App.
REMEMBER TO DOWNLOAD THE GATEWAY APP
ATTENDANCE MATTERS
PUNCTUALITY
Lessons start at 8.45 am. The school has an extensive curriculum and teachers begin working with their classes very promptly so even a few minutes late can be disruptive for latecomers, their classmates and the teacher.
ABSENCE DUE TO ILLNESS OR OTHER UNFORESEEN CIRCUMSTANCES
In cases of illness causing absence, please notify the school by telephone 028 9020 5217 or email prep@methody.org, or by message via the School Gateway App. Please contact the school as soon as possible. Extra work will be set for a sick child, if requested.
CLASS ABSENCE
All requests for permission to be excused from classes should be made in writing at least 3 days in advance and such requests should be kept to a minimum. Parents/ Guardians must email the school to explain any absence for any reason.
PLANNED ABSENCE
Clear advance notice is given by the school of all holidays. Parents should not arrange family holidays during school terms unless exceptional circumstances have arisen. Written requests for leave of absence outside these dates must be made in advance to the Head of Prep. No work will be set by class teachers when a family holiday is taken in term time.
SICKNESS
In line with PHA guidelines, if a child has a vomiting or diarrhoea bug, please be advised to keep them off school for 48 hours after the last episode of sickness.
REMEMBER TO DOWNLOAD THE GATEWAY APP
MISS SCHOOL, MISS OUT.
GENERAL REGULATIONS
CHANGE OF ADDRESS OR CONTACT
DETAILS
It is essential that the school is notified immediately of any changes of address, permanent or temporary, of pupils. It is also very important that current telephone numbers, including business ones, are known by the school.
We also use the School Gateway App to send text and email information to parents. It is therefore vital that we hold up to date mobile phone and email addresses for this communication to be effective. The School Gateway App will also be used as the method for paying for most prep activities including trips, afterschool, breakfast club and school meals etc.
PARENT/STAFF CONSULTATIONS
Parent/staff consultations will take place on the following dates:
Prep 7 consultations are held w/c 29 September 2025.
Prep 1 - Prep 6 consultations are held w/c 6 October 2025.
In February 2026 a specific day for parent consultations has been set aside. These parent consultations will take place for Prep 1 - Prep 6 children on Monday 16 February 2026. There will be further
opportunity for Prep 6 parents to consult with their child’s teacher in June.
Prep 7 Transfer interviews will take place in the week following the publication of the SEAG results.
Parents are able to speak to teachers at any time throughout the year. Please contact the class teacher via email or through the School Office to arrange this.
REPORTS
An annual progress report is sent home once a year in June.
PARENT TEACHER ASSOCIATION PTA
The PTA has raised an immense amount of money over the years to provide valuable extra equipment and life changing opportunities to benefit future generations of pupils. It is hoped that all parents will support this valued organisation enabling it to grow throughout 2025/26. Details of meetings are sent regularly to all parents.
GAMES AND PE
Physical Education is included in the school timetable from Prep 1. Games are introduced from Prep 4 onwards and pupils are transported to and from Pirrie Park by private bus. If pupils are not participating in Games, PE or swimming, at any time, a note of explanation from parents is necessary.
Children will be reminded at the beginning of term about any equipment required for games and gym. It is important that they bring shin guards and a mouth guard when requested, if they don’t they may not be able to take part.
SWIMMING
Prep 3 – Prep 7 have swimming lessons weekly throughout the year.
MUSIC TUITION
In addition to the normal music curriculum, private tuition is available for other instruments. Interested parents should contact the Music Teacher as soon as possible after the beginning of term. Individual music tuition usually commences in Prep 4. Please note the following important information regarding pupils attending tuition in school:
• Children must complete, at home, any classwork missed during their music lesson.
• Children must remember their own lesson times.
VALUABLES
Pupils should not bring large amounts of money, electronic devices, expensive jewellery or other valuables to school. Children should not bring toys from home.
IF EVERYONE IS MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER, THEN SUCCESS TAKES CARE OF ITSELF.
MOBILE TELEPHONES
Pupils should not bring mobile phones to school. The school introduced a mobile phone policy which is part of our Safeguarding Policies booklet sent home to parents each year. Key points are as follows:
• Pupils are not to bring mobile phones to school unless a parent feels that it is absolutely necessary.
• If necessary Prep 7 pupils may bring a mobile phone to school. This is considered to be a privilege for Prep 7 pupils and therefore this can be removed.
• A form, available from the school office, needs to be filled in by the parent stating the reason why their child needs to bring a mobile phone to school.
• The Head of Prep grants permission for a mobile phone to be brought into school.
• Under special circumstances, permission may be given for a younger pupil to bring a mobile phone to school
• All such authorised phones must be switched off and be given to the class teacher at 8.45 am each day and the phone will be returned to the child at 3 pm.
Full details regarding phones are available in our Mobile Phone Policy.
USE OF COMPUTERS
We strongly advise parents to restrict access to sites such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, Fortnite and other gaming sites to weekends (if at all) and it is recommended for one-hour maximum per night. Please be aware of age restrictions to sites with most social media sites being 13+. Please ensure you monitor your child’s access to the internet and ensure you are vigilant to cyber-bullying.
Methody Prep supports the work of REIM Training Solutions and other providers, who have lead internet safety seminars for both children and parents (the latter sponsored by the PTA).
PHOTOGRAPHS
From time to time photographs will be taken of pupils taking part in various activities. These may be used by the PTA, for the school website and social media, the school display boards or in the press. The pupils will NOT be identified by name. If you have any objection, please state this on the Photograph Consent Form which you will receive at the beginning of term.
TRAFFIC WITHIN THE SCHOOL GROUNDS
Parking for drop off and pick up for Prep parents is allocated in the following areas:
• Spaces outside McArthur Hall to the right of the roundabout.
• In the quad - please note cars must be vacated by 9 am and by 3 pm for senior school pupils.
•
ACCESS TO SCHOOL DURING THE DAY
For pupil safeguarding, pedestrian and access gates on the Lisburn Road and Sports hall, on College Gardens will close daily at 9 am and re-open at 2.20 pm. Access to Methody Prep between these times will be through the main school gates on Malone Road.
DO ALL THE GOOD YOU CAN, BY ALL THE MEANS YOU CAN, IN ALL THE WAYS YOU CAN, IN ALL THE PLACES YOU CAN, AT ALL THE TIMES YOU CAN, TO ALL THE PEOPLE YOU CAN, AS LONG AS EVER YOU CAN.
HOUSE SYSTEM
HOUSE SYSTEM
The House System is launching in Methody Prep in 2025/26. We are very excited for the House System which promotes collegiality, competition, leadership and most of all fun!
The Houses are as follows:
The new House identities are all taken from the Methodist College Belfast Crest. Each house logo contains the Maltese Cross within because even though the pupils compete for their house, they are all Collegians.
Pupils have been allocated one of the six houses. If you are new to the school and have an historical link to a particular House or House colour and you would like this to be continued, please let the School Office know. Please note we cannot accept requests for houses unless there is a genuine family connection. All information about the Houses can be found on our website.
All pupils will be provided with a House lapel badge that they should wear on their blazer.
WORK HARD, HAVE FUN, MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
DOWNEY HOUSE
FULLERTON HOUSE
MCARTHUR HOUSE
NEILL HOUSE
RITCHIE HOUSE
WESLEY HOUSE
WEARING THE CREST WITH PRIDE
At Methody Prep, we wear our uniform with pride. All pupils are expected to align with this and take pride in their uniform and follow our Uniform Policy.
OFFICIAL UNIFORM STOCKIST: Warnocks 791-792 Lisburn Road, Belfast
PE Kit can be purchased through the school website.
PRE-LOVED UNIFORM
Stocks of pre-loved Methody Prep uniforms are available through our PTA who regularly hold pre-loved uniform sales.
All items of uniform should be labelled with the pupil’s name. Pupils who lose items of uniform/equipment should check Lost Property.
Any garments worn below shirts should be plain, light coloured and not visible.
Hair should be neat and tidy, natural in colour and conventional in style (minimum #2 clipper, medium/high/skin fades are not permitted i.e. the scalp should not be visible). Long hair should
be tied back. Ribbons/bands etc. should be navy/black/brown.
Jewellery is restricted to a watch and 1 pair of stud earrings (girls only).
A peg will be allocated to each child on the first morning and the child uses that peg for the rest of the year. Parents are urged to impress upon their children the necessity of looking after their possessions carefully.
PE AND GAMES UNIFORM
The items of PE and Games uniform can only be ordered online from the School Shop located on the College website.
Boys’ Compulsory items
• Navy PE t-shirt
• Navy shorts
• Navy tracksuit bottoms
• Navy 1/4 zip top
• Rugby shirt
• White ankle socks
• Hooped Games socks
• Non-marking training shoes
• Black gym shoes
• Rugby shirt
• Rugby/football boots are required if playing rugby
THE UNIFORM
NAVY BLAZER with embroidered logo.
METHODY PREP REGULATION
GREY TROUSERS/ SHORTS
Prep 1 - Prep 3 must wear shorts, to be worn with Methody prep regulation socks socks.
Prep 4 - Prep 7 must wear trousers, to be worn with plain grey socks.
METHODY PREP REGULATION
NAVY TUNIC worn with navy tights or white knee socks.
Regulation cotton dress can be worn in Summer Term.
WHITE BUTTON NECK SHIRT/ BLOUSE
must be tucked in at all times.
SCHOOL TIE
to be worn up to the top button (fastened) and tied correctly.
METHODY PREP REGULATION
NAVY OR GREY V-NECK knitted jumper may be worn.
PLAIN BLACK
SCHOOL SHOES
shoud be worn, Gym shoes for assemblies and in the gym are also required.
Girls’ Compulsory items
• PE t-shirt
• Navy skort
• Navy leggings
• Navy tracksuit bottoms
• Navy 1/4 zip top
• Hockey t-shirt
• White ankle socks
• Hooped Games socks
• Non-marking training shoes
• Black gym shoes
It is strongly recommended that:
• in contact sports mouthguards and shin guards are worn;
• in sunny weather sun cream should be applied.
SCHOOL BAGS
• Prep 1 - Prep 3 use a branded MCB book bag, these are available to purchase from Warnocks. All new Prep 1 pupils will receive a complimentary book bag at their induction.
• Prep 4 - Prep 7 use branded MCB school bags, these are available to purchase from Warnocks.
OPTIONAL UNIFORM FOR BOYS AND GIRLS
• An outer jacket may be purchased from Warnocks. Please note this jacket does not replace the school blazer and must be worn over it.
• Winter hats may be purchased from Warnocks.
FOOTWEAR REGULATIONS
Please note that the following do not conform to the Methody Prep regulations and must not be worn with uniform:
• Shoes with white or coloured soles/ rim/logos/trainers or trainer type shoes such as Nike Airforce 1s, Replay footwear, black Vans.
• shoes with suede, nubuck or canvas finish;
• ballet pumps;
• boots/fashion footwear above the ankle.
BELOW ARE EXAMPLES OF UNACCEPTABLE FOOTWEAR
EXCEPTIONAL CIRCUMSTANCES FOR UNIFORM
If for any unavoidable reason a temporary deviation from the Uniform Regulations is required, a written request should be made to the Head of Prep.
WE WEAR OUR METHODY CREST WITH PRIDE.
AT THE HEART OF EVERYTHING THERE IS A LITTLE ACORN THAT GROWS WITHIN SAFE IN OUR SURROUNDINGS WITHIN MCB... THE LITTLE COLLEGIAN WITHIN