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RSM Parent Handbook 2026-27

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PARENT HANDBOOK 2026–27


REIGATE ST MARY’S

CONTENTS Welcome 3 WHERE 4–5 Site Map 4 Parking 5 Walking to School 5 RSM Park & Stride Options 5 Bikes & Scooters 5 Site Security 5 WHO 6–9 Senior Leadership Team 6 School Governors 7 Friends of Reigate St Mary’s School (FOSMA) 7 School Council 7 Eco Committee 7 Form Reps & Classlist 8 Houses 8 House Competitions 9 Lower School & Upper School House Meetings 9 House Mascots 9 House Tokens 9 HOW 10 –13 The School’s Aims & Ethos 10 Our Charter of Values 10 Assemblies 10 A Broad Curriculum 10 Growth Mindset 11 Positive Behaviour 11 Education for Social Responsibility (ESR) 11 Community Outreach 11 Charities 11 Philosophy 4 Children (P4C) 11 Communication Between School & Home 12 Weekly Email Bulletin 12 iSAMS 12 Famly 12 Termly Year Group Updates 12 Weekly Overviews 12 Email The Office 12 Home & School Communication Books 12 Reading Record Books 12 In Person 12 Reports & Parents’ Evenings 13

WELLBEING 14–15 Our Approach 14 Safeguarding Team 14 Special Educational Needs & Disability (SEND) Provision at RSM 15 Team 15 Rooms 15 Support 15 WHAT (TO WEAR & BRING) 16–17 School Uniform 16 PE & Games Kit 16 Additional Items 16 Snacks & Water 17 Stationery 17 iPads 17 WHEN 18–23 The Pen System 18 The School Day at RSM 18 Break Times 20 Lunches 20 Choristers 20 Peripatetic Music Lessons 20 Sport 21 Day Trips 21 Residential Trips 21 Trips (Costs & Consent) 21 Wraparound Care 22 Holiday Clubs 22 Clubs 22 Homework 23 WWW 24 Social Media 24 Famly 24 Sports App 24 School Cloud 24 Parent Portal 24 SchoolsBuddy 24 Termly Calendar 24 School Policies 24 WHAT IF 25 Fire & Lockdown Drills 25 Medical 25 Pupil Absence 25 First Aid 25 Medicines 25 Procedure for Personal Care 25 Contact Us 25 UNIFORM LISTS

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PARENT HANDBOOK

WELCOME

W

e are very much looking forward to the academic year 2026–27 and to seeing your children grow and learn while having fun and making memories here at RSM. I hope that new and existing families find this handbook informative about all aspects of RSM life. The school office is also very happy to help with specific queries at any time.

Nick Oakden Headmaster

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REIGATE ST MARY’S

WHERE SITE SITEMAP MAP

To School Games Fields, Pavilion and Orchard Car Park (open at drop off and pick up) PUPIL PEDESTRIAN ENTRANCE

Forest School Wildlife Area

Pond

BEECH LODGE

MUSIC

Reception Play Area Eden Area

PUPIL PEDESTRIAN ENTRANCE

MUSIC POD KINDERGARTEN SEND PODS CEDAR HOUSE

SUNNYSIDE

Green Shoots IT & Mac Suites Art Room

Main Entrance Classrooms Library Music Rooms Choir Room School Office Medical Room Wellbeing Room

BEECH HOUSE

Classrooms BEECH LODGE

Classrooms

Early Years Play Area MUMUSIC POD

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PARENT HANDBOOK

WHERE PARKING

SITE SECURITY

Parking at Reigate St Mary’s School is very limited and as Chart Lane is a popular ‘cut through’ with commuters, it becomes congested at drop off and pick up times. We advise all parents who need to drive to school to park a little distance away, either in the surrounding roads or in the school’s own Orchard Car Park (open at pick up and drop off) off Lesbourne Road, accessed via the lane adjacent to Busy Bees Nursery. From here, there is a pretty pedestrianised path running along our playing fields and leading directly to the back entrance of the school. Please see map for further information.

The school is secured by coded gates, and parents should access the site at drop off and pick up times only. At all other times, please enter via the main entrance and report to the receptionist on duty. There are three different gate codes given to parents: • Breakfast Club Code – from 7.30 am to 8.00 am (available on SchoolsBuddy to parents who book sessions) • Chorister Code – from 7.50 am to 8.00 am (given to choristers only) • Parent Code – from 8.00 am to 8.25am and from 3.30 pm to 6.00 pm (a new code is emailed to all families prior to the first day of term). The gate is also manned by members of staff in the morning.

Should you need to drive to the main school entrance, there is a one-way drop-and-go system in place (called the Pen – see p.18) at the front of the building or pupils can use the pedestrian entrance on Chart Lane. Both of these points are supervised by members of staff in the morning.

To ensure the site is safe and secure: • Do not give your child the gate code. • Check the gates are not left open inadvertently when you are entering or leaving the site. • Ensure unaccompanied children do not follow you in or out of the gates before the allotted times. • Do not ask members of staff arriving at school in the morning to let you through the gates before the allotted times. • When on the school site, please do not enter school buildings unaccompanied at any time.

WALKING TO SCHOOL The school promotes children walking to school whenever possible. This has health benefits for the children and also the added benefit of preventing parents from being delayed by the traffic issues on Chart Lane. Years 5&6 can walk to and from school unaccompanied; parental permission in writing needed first.

RSM PARK & STRIDE OPTIONS

There are no dogs allowed on site. There is a dog pound at the bottom of the staff car park where you can tie your dog whilst you drop off or pick up your children.

• Bell Street Car Park • Bancroft Road Car Park • RSM Orchard Car Park (open at pick up and drop off) Road parking – links to footpaths through RSM playing fields and St Mary’s Church graveyard.

BIKES & SCOOTERS There are two scooter racks located inside the pupil entrance off Chart Lane and also a bike shelter just inside the main driveway available for those pupils who are able to scoot and cycle into school. 5


REIGATE ST MARY’S

WHO SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM To meet some of our teachers, please visit the ‘Meet the Team’ section of our website.

Lisa Masarati SENCO

Nick Oakden Headmaster

Alexandra Oakden Deputy Head

Beth Rayner Assistant Head (Early Years)

Roisin Gibbs Ops Manager & Privacy Officer

Simon Williams Director of Digital Strategy

Sarah Page Assistant Head (Pastoral) & DSL

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WHO SCHOOL GOVERNORS The Chair of Governors is Mr Mark Elsey who can be contacted via Mrs Helena Briggs, Bursar and Clerk to the Governors, Reigate Grammar School. E: bursar@reigategrammar.org, T: 01737 222231. You can access a list of the full governing body and teaching and support staff on the school website or request a printed version from the school office.

FRIENDS OF REIGATE ST MARY’S SCHOOL (FOSMA) The Friends of Reigate St Mary’s School (FOSMA) organise fun activities and events throughout the year, including our sensational fireworks display, resulting in fundraising for extra equipment within school. Membership of FOSMA is open to all parents. Volunteer helpers and new committee members are always welcome, and an AGM is held in the Autumn term. Contact: fosma@outlook.com.

SCHOOL COUNCIL Involving every pupil in the school, our School Council is the forum for pupils to discuss issues that concern them, and to make suggestions for ways to improve pupil experience. We want every pupil to use their voice and develop their ideas and leadership skills, whether via class meetings or through membership of action or communication teams. Areas where the School Council have affected change range from ensuring there are enough footballs to play with during break times, to considering how to make the playground a friendly place. From improving after-school provision, to giving feedback to the cooks and Bursar about school dinners, the School Council is the voice of the children.

ECO COMMITTEE At Reigate St Mary’s, we believe that protecting our environment is extremely important. Therefore, we run an Eco Committee and children from Reception to Year 6 represent their classes, headed up by our Year 6 Green Leaders. Their job is to monitor our progress as an eco school with Green Flag status, ensuring that the school is run as efficiently as possible, keeping our carbon footprint down, recycling all that we can and embracing all eco-friendly best practice.

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WHO FORM REPS & CLASSLIST Parent representatives from each year group (usually one from each class) volunteer for the role of form rep and liaise with the school, organise volunteers for events, coordinate social gatherings and generally help parents within the same year group remain connected, informed and organised. Due to data protection controls, we cannot produce class lists with contact information for form reps to circulate. Instead, we encourage parents to register with www.classlist.com. This secure web-based network enables parents to manage and update the information they wish to share with others in their own class and year group. Classlist is for parent-to-parent contact only and does not contain communication from the school to parents. To register, simply access the website, select ‘join now’ and follow the instructions. For security reasons, all parents’ registrations are verified and approved by the designated form rep.

HOUSES The system of Houses helps foster a family atmosphere within the school, enabling children to be part of a school-wide team, rather than just within their age group, and fostering a healthy sense of competition. All children are allocated a House and siblings are kept in the same House where possible.

HOBSON

MALCOLMSON

Named after the first Headmaster of Reigate St Mary’s. Head of House: Mrs George Graves Mascot: Serena (Williams)

Named after the first Chairman of Governors of Reigate St Mary’s. Head of House: Mr Dan Makroum Mascot: Mo (Farah)

(Green)

(Blue)

SEARLE

OSMOND

(Red)

(Yellow)

Named after Godfrey Searle who owned the house and set up the trust to help support the education of the choristers. Head of House: Mrs Phillipa Rushby Mascot: Jesse (Owens)

Named after a former Governor. Head of House: Mr Simon Williams Mascot: Simone (Biles)

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WHO HOUSE COMPETITIONS A variety of House competitions take place throughout the year. These include football, netball, cross-country, hockey, rugby, cricket, sports days, athletics, music and general knowledge quizzes. An annual Inter-House Charity Day is held at the end of the Summer term. All pupils from Reception upwards are involved in House activities which add to the final House scores. The Godfrey Searle Cup is awarded at the end of each term for the most successful House in all of the combined Inter-House activities.

LOWER SCHOOL & UPPER SCHOOL HOUSE MEETINGS Twice a term there will be a House meeting, led by the Head of House, for pupils to focus attention on the House team, discussing forthcoming events, successes and possibly areas for improvement. These take place at normal school assembly time and often involve activities and cross-age-group challenges.

HOUSE MASCOTS Each House has a bear, who attends assemblies and events, as their House mascot. The children in each House voted on the name for their bear, looking at the essential shared school values of perseverance, dedication, resilience and believing in themselves, which were demonstrated by each of the famous role models.

HOUSE TOKENS House point counters are awarded for individual work and behaviour and are collected and displayed in prominent colourful tubes in the foyer of Beech House. At the end of each term the totals are tallied and celebrated as a House effort in our end-of-term assemblies.

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HOW THE SCHOOL’S AIMS & ETHOS

ASSEMBLIES

We are a community where:

At RSM our shared values are based on Christian principles, but we welcome families of all faiths and none, as everyone in the school community subscribes to our values of kindness, honesty and forgiveness.

•

We seek to make every child feel valued and safe and provide an environment where they can be recognised for their individual strengths, talents, effort and progress.

•

Children will develop emotionally and spiritually. They will be encouraged to develop a strong moral compass where academic excellence is balanced with an understanding of social responsibility and care for one another.

•

They will learn to work cooperatively and gain confidence in public speaking and performances.

•

Children enjoy coming to school and form happy and strong relationships, while enjoying excellence in academic, sporting and artistic achievement.

•

Children experience a broad range of extracurricular opportunities to develop skills and try new and exciting activities which might become leisure activities for life.

•

We prepare children for an ever-changing technological landscape by fostering a culture of digital literacy, critical thinking and creativity.

OUR CHARTER OF VALUES We treat other people as we would like to be treated. We forgive. We are always honest, truthful and fair. We listen to each other. We are kind and helpful. We do our best to be our best self.

Lower School – All children from The Woods

Pre-School to Year 2 have a weekly assembly in the sports hall. The children come together to sing, to learn, to reflect and sometimes to pray together.

Upper School – Children from Years 3 to 6 have

Matins twice a week, song practice weekly and a weekly assembly. Matins are traditional services held on Tuesday and Friday mornings in St Mary’s Church involving the RGS Godfrey Searle Choristers. The children are exposed to the highest quality of music and singing. Year groups take it in turn to do the readings and prayers. Assemblies are held every Monday and are based on themes which support the school values. Song practice is held every Thursday and children enjoy singing, dancing and doing actions to a wide variety of songs.

A BROAD CURRICULUM RSM provides a rich, broad and stimulating curriculum. This begins within the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum (The Meadow to Reception) and continues into Key Stages 1&2. The children cover STEAM (to inspire creativity, innovation and critical thinking), computing, languages, science, philosophy, PSHE, the humanities (history, geography and religious studies), art, drama, music and sport as well as the core subjects of maths and English. Committed staff are recruited for their desire to see children flourish and overcome hurdles, trained in the art of learning, focused on building relationships. When coupled with staff ratios that facilitate individual attention and the conversations that matter, real growth happens. 10


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HOW GROWTH MINDSET

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Instilled across all ages and in all parts of the curriculum, a growth mindset celebrates hard work and effort rather than innate talent. Children are encouraged to regularly discuss and share things that they have persevered at. In focusing on the journey and in embracing mistakes and failure as part of improving, your child will build the resilience and risk-taking required to succeed.

Time is allocated within the curriculum to discuss the needs of others and think of ways to help them. Our dedicated community outreach coordinator helps the children to implement their suggestions. Initiatives include the Easter Project and an annual Water Walk.

CHARITIES Through their involvement in mufti days and the inter-house charity day, RSM pupils contribute to a variety of local, national and international charities. An optional charity donation is added to the Autumn term fee bill annually to cover fundraising events and mufti days for the whole of the academic year.

PHILOSOPHY 4 CHILDREN (P4C)

POSITIVE BEHAVIOUR Whole classes are rewarded marbles for excellent behaviour and, once sufficient marbles have been collected, the children earn a ‘marble treat’ for their class. We have a restorative approach to behaviour management encouraging children to reflect on their actions and on how these impact others.

With an emphasis on lifelong learning, children from The Meadow upwards are part of a P4C programme that develops critical and abstract thinking. Your child learns to question, evaluate, decide and articulate. In listening to others, and building on their ideas, academic standards are lifted for everyone and your child develops important soft skills such as communication and teamwork.

EDUCATION FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY (ESR) Education for Social Responsibility (ESR) helps children to think about the core values that will lead to happy and fulfilled lives, within stable and caring communities while protecting the planet for the future. 11


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HOW COMMUNICATION BETWEEN SCHOOL & HOME WEEKLY EMAIL BULLETIN

EMAIL THE OFFICE

Sent to all parents on a Friday containing news, photos and videos from the previous week as well as upcoming dates for your diary and important notices.

If you have any messages for teachers, please email the office at office@reigatestmarys.org.

HOME & SCHOOL COMMUNICATION BOOKS

iSAMS The school has an email and texting alert service system in place which uses the school database iSAMS. Please keep the school office up to date with any changes to your mobile phone, home or email address.

(The Meadow and The Woods Pre-School)

Please check the book on a daily basis as this is a vital means of sharing information with parents. Please also use this book to inform us if anyone else is collecting your child from school.

FAMLY

READING RECORD BOOKS

Teachers in The Meadow, The Woods and Reception use a secure online learning journal called Famly to build a record of each child using photos, videos and diary entries. Parents can view their child’s progress and leave comments or upload their own files to the journal, so a complete picture of their development is built.

(Reception and Years 1& 2)

Please record the reading completed at home. Please also use this record book to inform us if anyone else is collecting your child from school.

(Years 3 to 5)

Please use these to record reading, and also as a point of contact should you need to relay any messages to the teachers. It is checked daily.

TERMLY YEAR GROUP UPDATES Once a term, parents in each year group will have a collective update from class teachers and members of the senior leadership team. This takes place via Microsoft Teams. Coffee sessions with the Headmaster are also arranged at drop off throughout the year.

(Year 6)

There is no reading record book in Year 6. Instead, messages can be emailed to the office.

IN PERSON

WEEKLY OVERVIEWS (Lower School)

Please do not hesitate to speak to a teacher if you have any concerns. They are very happy to have a brief chat at drop off, but if you would like to talk for longer, you can make an appointment via the school office.

Contain information about the children’s learning for the following week. They are available on the Parent Portal every Friday. 12


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HOW REPORTS & PARENTS’ EVENINGS Reporting includes both verbal and written feedback to parents about their child’s progress. This takes place at regular intervals throughout the year.

AUTUMN TERM Lower School Parents’ Evening focusing on settling in and form teacher comments. Upper School Parents’ Evenings for Years 3 – 6 focusing on how your child is settling in as well as English and maths with a form teacher comment.

SPRING TERM Written reports for pupils in Years 3 – 6, in all subjects. These are published on and can be downloaded from the Parent Portal. Lower School Parents’ Evening focusing on Early Years Foundation Stage or Key Stage 1 curriculum and form teacher comments.

SUMMER TERM Upper School Parents’ Evenings for Years 3 – 6 focusing on English and maths with a form teacher comment. Written reports for Lower School pupils, in all subjects. These are published on and can be downloaded from the Parent Portal.

In addition to receiving a written report and having verbal feedback on Parents’ Evenings, parents may ask to have a meeting with their child’s teachers to discuss progress at other times if they wish. If you have any queries or concerns at any time, please speak either to the school office or to your child’s form teacher in the first instance. The office team or form teacher will alert the appropriate person to assist you. For sensitive matters please email confidential@reigatestmarys.org. 13


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WELLBEING OUR APPROACH Like you, we want your child to feel loved and to know how to love others. Belonging and relating to others fosters self-esteem, brings happiness and makes a life worth living. Without these cornerstones of wellbeing, your child’s potential will never be fully realised: everything else hinges on it. We all want good outcomes, but we want these accompanied by good mental health, confidence and resilience. Educating children about how and why to look after their mental and physical health and wellbeing is fundamental to the ethos, values and curriculum at Reigate St Mary’s. The wellbeing rooms are a centre and focus for wellbeing within the school. They provide dedicated spaces for pastoral support groups to meet and places for children to spend time exploring self-awareness or talking about their anxieties or worries. They have calming colours and comfortable and relaxing furniture, cushions and throws. Personal, social, health and economic education (PSHE) is part of our curriculum and incorporates mindfulness into each session, each week. All staff have received mindfulness training and we have ‘mindful moments’ throughout the school day as and when we think necessary. Children benefit from regular sessions with external experts including Christian organisation Spark Fish, who facilitate ‘Think Space’ experiences for our children. We also have a Pets As Therapy dog (named Luna) who visits regularly and children are invited to spend time with Luna. All ages are encouraged to support and participate in events such as Mental Health Awareness Week. Support is provided where needed by our own ELSA (Educational Literacy Support Assistants) team, and a trained Drawing and Talking therapist and Lego therapist. We also have a dedicated school counsellor. For sensitive matters please email confidential@reigatestmarys.org.

SAFEGUARDING TEAM Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL):

Miss Sarah Page

Deputy DSLs: Mrs Alexandra Oakden

Mr Simon Williams Mrs Nicola Tully Our safeguarding policy can be found on the website.

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WELLBEING SPECIAL EDUCATIONAL NEEDS & DISABILITY (SEND) PROVISION AT RSM TEAM

SUPPORT

Lisa Masarati (SENCO), Jo Marshall (Assistant SENCO) and their team of specially trained staff provide a mixture of 1:1 and small group support and interventions.

1:1 support (paid for additionally by parents) is available in a range of areas, and provided either by external practitioners or school staff. Group support intervention (provided by the school at no extra cost) includes English and Maths booster groups, phonics and language skills (EAL) groups, ELSA support, writing interventions, fine-motor skills, study skills and touch typing.

ROOMS

We have two specialist dyslexia teachers, two speech and language therapists, an occupational therapist and a school counsellor. In addition, we have a number of staff specially trained in a range of pastoral interventions including Lego therapy, Drawing and Talking therapy and Emotional Literacy Support.

We have two wellbeing rooms as well as a number of designated intervention rooms throughout the school for 1:1 and 1:2 support lessons, small group sessions and speech and language and occupational therapy support. The Treetops Office pod is the SEND office and meeting room for parents.

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WHAT (TO WEAR & BRING) SCHOOL UNIFORM School uniform can be bought from our uniform supplier: Ellis Scott Schoolwear, 24 Church St, Reigate RH2 0AN. The shop also has an online ordering system: www.ellisscott.co.uk. Uniform is reviewed on an annual basis to accommodate minor changes. A uniform list is available at the end of this booklet. FOSMA (the parents’ association) run an online nearly new uniform shop.

PE & GAMES KIT Children in Upper School need a Kukri tracksuit and specialist games kit for rugby, football, netball, hockey and cricket. All PE and games clothing and equipment, including for swimming, can be bought from our uniform suppliers or direct from Kukri: www.kukrisports.co.uk/reigate-st-marys. Please see our separate Sports Handbook for full details.

NAME EVERYTHING

MOBILE PHONES

Please remember to name all items of uniform and any other belongings brought into school.

In Year 6, if your child is walking to school and you would like them to have a phone, they may drop it off at the school office before school and collect it again after school. Parents must complete the Acceptable Use of Mobile Devices form available from the school office.

LONG HAIR

Long hair must be tied back at all times with a red or navy hair band.

PLEASE DO NOT BRING

Smart watches, fitbits or jewellery except small stud earrings, which must be removed by your child for swimming, PE, games and clubs. Please see our Earrings Policy in the Sports Handbook.

OLD OUTDOOR TRAINERS

May be brought into school to be worn during playtime on the bund from Year 3 upwards.

WATCHES

Children from Year 1 upwards may wear a watch to school (but these must not be fitbits or smart watches).

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WHAT (TO WEAR & BRING) SNACKS & WATER Hot, freshly cooked lunches are provided and dietary requirements are catered for. Parents are asked to provide two daily snacks for children, and a water bottle. • Strictly no nuts or sesame (including peanut butter and houmous): we operate a nut-free policy as we have severe allergies in school. • No chocolate, crisps or sweets allowed in school. • Please don’t include items in need of refrigeration. • Snacks should be sent in small containers rather than lunch boxes as they need to fit into a child’s tray. √ Water bottle filled with still water. Water fountains and dispensers available on site. √ Morning snack: Lower School – fresh or dried fruit or vegetables (please cut grapes in half lengthways). Upper School – fresh or dried fruit or vegetables or fruit loaf, rice cakes, bread sticks, simple sandwich, crackers, popcorn, smoothies, cereal bar. √ Afternoon snack: Lower School – fresh or dried fruit or vegetables or fruit loaf, rice cakes, bread sticks, simple sandwich, crackers, popcorn, smoothies, cereal bar. √ After-school snack: older children doing active clubs would benefit from some extra fuel at the end of the school day. The Early Years pupils may have milk which is provided free of charge until the month of their fifth birthday.

STATIONERY – Everything clearly labelled, please! Early Years (The Meadow, The Woods & Reception): Provided by school, no additional requirements. Years 1&2: Small, single-layer pencil case containing writing pencils, colouring pencils, felt tips, glue stick, rubber, pencil sharpener, scissors and ruler. Year 3: Small, single-layer pencil case (it must fit into their tray) containing 3 HB pencils, rubber, sharpener, 15-cm ruler, 12 coloured pencils (max), scissors, glue stick. iPad provided by school, for use at school and at home. Please provide a set of small headphones that can be plugged into their iPad. Year 4: Pencil case and contents as per Year 3 (the pencil case must fit into their tray), plus a fibre-tip Berol / Swash / Stabilo handwriting pen. iPad provided by school, for use at school and at home. Please provide a set of small headphones that can be plugged into their iPad. Years 5&6: Pencil case and contents as per Year 3 (the pencil case must fit into their tray), with a 30-cm as well as 15-cm ruler, fibre-tip Berol / Swash / Stabilo handwriting pen, 2 to 3 highlighter pens, a pair of mathematical compasses, protractor (ideally coloured), basic (not scientific) calculator, a thesaurus and an English dictionary. iPad provided by school, for use at school and at home. Please provide a set of small headphones that can be plugged into their iPad.

iPADS All pupils from Year 3–6 are issued with iPads, which are used throughout the school day and are taken home when required for further study. They have rigorous filters in place and children sign an iPad acceptable use policy. When the iPad is taken home, please ensure it comes back to school the next day fully charged. 17


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WHEN THE PEN SYSTEM The Pen is a fenced off area at the front of the school and is used to assist parents with dropping off and picking up their children by car. There is a one-way system in place to facilitate this. When the Pen is open, it is supervised by staff. Children must not be dropped off or collected from the Pen outside of the opening hours below: Morning Drop Off (8.00 – 8.20 am): Children from The Meadow to Year 6 may be dropped off at the Pen in the morning and will be greeted by a member of staff. The Meadow to Year 2 children are then accompanied either to early care or to the playground. Years 3 to 6 children walk around to the playground themselves. Afternoon Pick Up (3.50 – 4.10 pm): Children from Years 3 to 6 can walk to the Pen in the afternoon where a member of staff will ensure they are safely collected by car. At 4.10pm, the office will call the parents of a child who has not been collected as expected, and the child will be taken to extended day, which will be charged.

THE SCHOOL DAY AT RSM Morning bell sounds at 8.25am. All pupils, with the exception of The Meadow, The Woods Pre-School and Reception, line up with their form teachers in the main playground before going into their classroom, unless it is raining, when they will go straight inside on arrival. Parents are welcome to stay in the playground with their children until the bell rings, or to leave them earlier than that, according to the age of the children. At the end of the day, teachers bring those members of their form not going on to clubs or wraparound care back to the playground to be collected.

THE MEADOW & THE WOODS PRE-SCHOOL 7.30 am

Breakfast club (optional)

8.00 am

Early class (free) – held in The Meadow and The Woods

8.25am

Bell is rung to line up for registration

12.30 pm

Morning session ends

12.30 pm

Afternoon session begins

3.30 pm

Afternoon session ends Sibling late care provision (optional) – for Lower School pupils with siblings in Upper School Extended day provision (optional)

3.30 – 4.00 pm 3.30 – 6.00 pm

The Meadow and The Woods pupils do not line up in the playground before the bell rings, but are taken directly to their classrooms where they are greeted by one of their teachers. The Meadow and The Woods children leaving at 12.30 pm are collected from the five-bar gate, accessed through the pedestrian gate on Chart Lane. 18


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WHEN RECEPTION – YEAR 1 7.30 am

Breakfast club (optional) Early class (free, but children must arrive before 8.20 am)

8.00 am

Reception – drop to the Reception classroom via the Reception playground gate Year 1 – drop to a member of staff on the door at Beech House If arriving after 8.20 am, please wait with your child in the playground for the morning bell *

8.25am

Bell is rung to line up for registration

3.30 pm

End of school Sibling late care provision (optional) – for Lower School pupils with siblings in Upper School Clubs (optional) / extended day provision (optional)

3.30 – 4.00 pm 3.30 – 6.00 pm

* From the second half of the Summer term in Year 1, children may be left on the playground under teacher supervision from 8.00 am.

YEAR 2 7.30 am 8.00 am 8.25am 3.30 pm 3.30 – 4.00 pm 3.30 – 6.00 pm

Breakfast club (optional) Children may be dropped off at the playground, signed in by the member of staff on duty and left by parents, if they wish. Pupils may wait in the playground, where they will be supervised Bell is rung to line up for registration End of school Sibling late care provision (optional) – for Lower School pupils with siblings in Upper School Clubs (optional) / extended day provision (optional)

YEAR 3 – YEAR 6 7.30 am

Breakfast club (optional)

8.00 am

Pupils may be dropped off at the playground, where they will be supervised

8.25am

Bell is rung to line up for registration

8.35 – 9.10 am

Matins – Tuesdays and Fridays in St Mary’s Church (parents are welcome)

3.50 pm

Years 3 and 4 end of school

4.00 pm

Years 5 and 6 end of school

4.00 – 6.00 pm

Clubs (optional) / extended day provision (optional) 19


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WHEN BREAK TIMES Lower School pupils have a morning break of 25 minutes, a lunchtime break of approximately 1 hour and an afternoon break of 10 minutes. Upper School pupils have a morning break of 20 minutes and a lunchtime break of 1 hour.

LUNCHES School lunches, which are provided for all pupils, are freshly prepared and cooked each day on site by our caterers, Lodestone House. A vegetarian or an additional allergy option is available daily. Menus change weekly and rotate every three weeks. Menus can be found on the Parent Portal and in the weekly Bulletin. The cost for lunches is included in the fees. Please complete a medical and/or dietary form if your child has an allergy or specific dietary need. All allergies are catered for. Packed lunches are not permitted.

CHORISTERS Reigate St Mary’s is one of an elite group of fewer than 40 schools with full membership of the Choir School Association (CSA). Led by Reigate Grammar School’s Head of Choral Music, Mrs Tali Glynne-Jones, the choir sings regularly in school and church services and performs in concerts nationally.

PERIPATETIC MUSIC LESSONS In addition to weekly music lessons as part of the curriculum, individual vocal tuition or instrumental lessons can be arranged in piano, classical guitar, flute, clarinet, bassoon, saxophone, drum kit, violin, cello, trumpet and recorder. If you would like your child to take music lessons, please contact the school office by email.

Entrance is open to boys and girls from the age of eight, and is normally gained following a voice trial. Choral scholarships are offered by the RGS Godfrey Searle Choir Trust and details may be obtained from the RGS bursar’s office.

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WHEN SPORT

DAY TRIPS

PE & Dance: Throughout the school, once a week.

Each year, pupils take part in educational day trips linked to their curriculum topic. Examples include Gatton Park, Godstone Farm, Hever Castle, Merrist Wood or Wisley Gardens.

Games: Ball skills and team sports are introduced in the Lower School, progressing to two afternoons each week for the Upper School dedicated to a variety of team sports including rugby, hockey, football, netball, cricket and athletics. Swimming: Reception pupils swim weekly all year round on a Friday. Year 1 and Year 2 swim on rotation during the three terms. Years 3 to 6 have swimming lessons in the first half of the Autumn term and second half of the Spring term as part of the PE curriculum. All lessons take place in the Reigate Grammar School pool. After-school clubs enable children to develop their skills in specific sports or disciplines including dance and martial arts.

RESIDENTIAL TRIPS Starting in Year 4, children have the opportunity to take part in residential trips. All pupils are strongly encouraged to attend the annual residential trip for their year group if they are able to. Our annual Year 6 trip to Snowdonia for four nights is a wonderful highlight of prep school.

TRIPS (COSTS & CONSENT) The cost of day and residential trips is extra to the termly school fee. Consent forms are on SchoolsBuddy and the cost is added to the termly fee bill.

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REIGATE ST MARY’S

WHEN WRAPAROUND CARE

HOLIDAY CLUBS

Wraparound care should be pre-booked through SchoolsBuddy and is charged in 30-minute slots.

Our holiday clubs ensure that all children from The Meadow upwards can be looked after at school for approximately 47 weeks of the year. Holiday clubs are either run by RSM staff and provided by us, or by our partner; Camp Beaumont. Camp Beaumont provides highquality Ofsted-accredited day camps offering children the chance to try over 40 sports, games and creative activities on a daily timetable, all based on the RSM site. https://www.campbeaumont.co.uk

BREAKFAST CLUB

7.30 am – 8.00 am This is a paid for service available for all pupils.

SUPERVISED EARLY CARE

8.00 am – 8.25am Free of charge. The Meadow, The Woods Pre-School, Reception and Year 1 are inside in a designated classroom, and Year 2 upwards stay on the playground from 8.00 am under teacher supervision until the bell rings at 8.25am.

RSM Holiday Club includes activities such as orienteering, discos, arts and craft, cookery, team games, swimming, bowling and farm visits. Holiday clubs are booked through SchoolsBuddy. The Meadow, The Woods and Reception have their own Early Years Holiday Club which runs alongside the main school’s but is designed for the youngest pupils. Based in the dedicated Meadow and The Woods areas, and run by familiar staff, it provides continuity for our youngest children, with activities designed especially for that age group. Reception children attend the RSM Holiday Club in the summer holiday before the start of Year 1. holidayclub@reigategrammar.org eyholidayclub@reigategrammar.org

SIBLING LATE CARE

(Lower /Upper School Core Day)

3.30 pm – 3.50/4.00 pm Provided free of charge for children in The Meadow to Year 2 (Early Years & Lower School) who have siblings in Years 3 – 6 (Upper School) and whose core school day therefore finishes later. NB: This does not apply in the case of siblings of Lower School children attending clubs. Children can go from here to Extended Day. Booked through SchoolsBuddy.

SIBLING LATE CARE

(Sporting Fixtures)

Provided free of charge for children whose sibling is participating in an ‘away’ sporting fixture (includes RGS Hartswood) when the parent or carer is attending the fixture to support the team and is therefore not able to collect sibling(s). Booked via an email to the office.

CLUBS Activities known as clubs are offered daily, with options changing termly. Some are run by teaching staff, and some by third-party specialists. (When necessary, relevant information about the children is shared with club leaders.) A list including timings, group sizes and prices is sent out before each new term. Charges for external clubs are paid directly to the provider. Fees for chargeable internal-run clubs are added to the next fee bill. Most clubs do not auto-renew, and parents have to book their children into clubs each term.

EXTENDED DAY

3.30 pm – 6.00 pm This is a paid for service for The Meadow to Year 6. A hot tea is served between 5.00 pm and 5.30 pm in the dining room. 22


PARENT HANDBOOK

WHEN HOMEWORK Homework is set to support children in their learning. This is designed to be positive and should not be an onerous experience for either the child or parent. We aim to provide work that can, in most cases, be completed independently. All homework is thoroughly discussed in class by the teacher and each pupil should be able to complete homework without help, unless specified. (Children who receive SEND support in school may still need additional help at home, even with the differentiated work that is provided.) However, continuing to read each night to/ with your child, and to discuss reading matter with them, is important for all ages and all areas of the curriculum. For children in Years 3 and 4, spelling and times tables are also a priority. As the pace of work accelerates from Year 3 to Year 6, self-organisation and responsibility are emphasised. Your child will benefit from a desk away from distractions if possible. Homework reflects our core aims to support each individual child in developing good study habits and provide support where necessary. We ask that you encourage your child to always do their best, maintain a high standard of presentation and to take advantage of optional activities where they occur. The teacher may have suggested particular skills to improve or develop a given area. Homework should be completed in a concentrated session. Therefore, we advise that you stop your child when they have completed the set amount of minutes of work, or if they are struggling. A short note to the relevant teacher explaining this would be helpful and save unnecessary worry on the part of your child. Homework is set and recorded either in a homework diary, or on iPads according to your child’s year group. Children at Reigate St Mary’s have a busy and stimulating day. After careful consideration the following guidelines have been set for homework: Reception

Daily reading at home (10–15 minutes). Phonics practice.

Year 1

15 minutes daily of reading aloud and the discussion of content in reading books. Weekly phonics challenge and supportive handwriting.

Year 2

15 minutes daily of reading aloud and the discussion of content in reading books. Weekly phonics homework and supportive handwriting. Weekly maths homework (from October half term).

Year 3

Daily reading and discussion of reading material with an adult. Revision of spelling and times tables. English or maths task once per week, on alternate weeks.

Year 4

Daily reading and discussion of reading materials. English and maths set once each per week. Spelling / times tables set once per week. Occasional science homework.

Year 5

Daily reading and discussion of reading materials. English and maths set once each per week. Occasional science or combined humanities homework is set to support or extend class work.

Year 6

Daily reading and discussion of reading materials. English and maths set once each per week during the Autumn, Spring and the first half of the Summer term. In the second half of the Summer term, English homework continues as usual, alongside an open-ended project for Maths. 23


REIGATE ST MARY’S

WWW SOCIAL MEDIA

SCHOOLSBUDDY

Do follow us for latest news, photos and stories from the classroom, trips and sports pitches: Instagram @reigatestmarys.school Facebook @reigatestmarys

SchoolsBuddy is an online system that can be used on desktop or via the mobile app for: • Sign up for clubs. • Sign up for wraparound care including breakfast club, after-school care and RSM Holiday Clubs. Costs are added to the school fees account. • Consent for trips – the cost is added to the school fees account. • View diary of confirmed events. • Receive communications from us. • Towards the start of term you will receive an activation email from SchoolsBuddy to set up your account.

FAMLY Early Years teachers use our secure online learning journal Famly (up to and including Reception) to build a record of each child’s learning journey, using photos, videos and diary entries. You will be provided with your log-in before the start of term and can not only view your child’s progress and snapshots of their time at school, but can also leave comments and upload your own files to the journal.

TERMLY CALENDAR

Famly is also used to support the curriculum from Year 1 upwards. Homework tasks may be set and resources shared. Children receive an account when they join.

Each term the school issues an online termly calendar, which contains the major planned events for the term. This is also posted onto the school website and sent via the school email system.

SPORTS APP

SCHOOL POLICIES

The sports calendar, news and fixtures for Years 3 to 6 are found on our dedicated sports website: www.rsmsports.org/ which can be accessed and used as an app on your phone. The password to access fixture and team information will be emailed to you separately.

School policies ranging from admissions to safeguarding and privacy can be found on the school website or are detailed in the school’s terms and conditions, available on request from the school office.

SCHOOL CLOUD This is an online Parents’ Evening booking system.

PARENT PORTAL Curriculum jigsaw maps, Lower School weekly sheets, menus and school reports are uploaded here. It can be accessed via the school website and new parents receive a log-in before the beginning of term. 24 24


PARENT HANDBOOK

WHAT IF FIRE & LOCKDOWN DRILLS

MEDICINES

Fire and lockdown drills are held regularly, and all pupils are instructed on what to do in the event of a fire or other emergency situation.

If you have any concerns regarding your child’s medical needs, please contact the school office and we will arrange for you to meet our appointed medical officer and have an individual action plan drawn up, if appropriate to do so.

All medicines must be taken to the school office. Staff will only administer medicine prescribed by a GP with written authorisation from the parents. Medication such as inhalers or epi-pens are kept either in the classroom (EYFS and Lower School) or held centrally in the school office. Children who are prescribed an inhaler or an epi-pen may not leave the school site to attend a school trip or a match without their inhaler or epi-pen with them. The school has universal inhalers that may be used in case of emergency with parental permission. The school is unable to administer ibuprofen.

PUPIL ABSENCE

PROCEDURE FOR PERSONAL CARE

The Department for Education requires that all absences must be explained in writing by the parent. Absence Due to Illness – If your child is unwell or unable to come to school, please report their absence by email to the school office as soon as possible (and on each morning that they will not be attending school if their absence is for longer than one day). A child who has vomited or has had diarrhoea must not return to school within 48 hours of the last episode occurring. Other Absences – The school discourages any absences for reasons other than sickness during term time as it is disruptive to the children’s learning. This includes The Meadow and The Woods. Permission must be sought from the Headmaster in advance. Please email the office for the attention of the Headmaster’s PA (Upper School parents) or Head of Lower School (Lower School parents).

We ask parents /carers to apply sun cream before their child attends their session, but also provide sun cream in a named bottle for us, on completion of the Permission to Apply Sun Cream form, to apply in The Meadow and The Woods Pre-School. From Reception through to Year 2, we will support your child with the application, as required. In Upper School, the pupils are expected to apply their own sun cream, unless the pupil has SEND, and then a permission to apply sun cream form would be completed and put on a child’s care plan. Children will be encouraged not to share sunscreens with others due to allergies. Please also refer to the Administration of Medicine /First Aid Policy.

MEDICAL

CONTACT US

FIRST AID All staff have full paediatric first aid, emergency first aid or ‘first aid at work’ qualifications. Children who are unwell or injured are taken to the medical room. In addition, the school have staff with specialist paediatric, sports and first aid at work qualifications. 25

School office: office@reigatestmarys.org Confidential: confidential@reigatestmarys.org Mrs Roisin Gibbs (Ops Manager & Privacy Officer): rmg@reigatestmarys.org Mrs Jenny Myddleton (Admissions Officer): jmy@reigatestmarys.org Mr Nick Oakden (Headmaster): hmsec@reigatestmarys.org Mrs Lisa Masarati (SENCO): lmm@reigatestmarys.org


RSM UNIFORM REQUIREMENTS

reigatestmarys.org

All items should be clearly labelled with the pupil’s name. Long hair must be tied back at all times with a red or navy hair band. No nail varnish. No jewellery except small stud earrings, which must be removed for swimming, PE, games and clubs. House colours: HOBSON (green)

MALCOLMSON (blue) OSMOND (yellow) SEARLE (red)

The Meadow & The Woods Pre-School Red sweatshirt with school logo* Navy jersey /cotton leggings/jogging bottoms Grey skirt* and tights (The Woods only, if preferred) White short-sleeve polo shirt Coat, scarf, gloves and hat (any colour) as weather requires Velcro shoes (closed-toe) (any colour) RSM logo navy rucksack* (The Woods only, two sizes available) Red striped summer dress* (summer – optional) Red /white cycling shorts (optional to be worn under summer dress)

Wellies (any colour) Winter coat Kukri House T-shirt (The Woods only)*† Navy shorts White socks (no tights with summer dress) RSM logo red sun cap* (legionnaire style preferred) Waterproof trousers RSM drawstring bag in House colour*

Reception Red sweatshirt with school logo* Grey pleated skirt/grey trousers * (winter) White short-sleeve polo shirt Grey socks/tights (winter) Black leather/patent shoes (Velcro fastening) Navy, black or red scarf and gloves Red striped summer dress* (summer – optional) /grey shorts (summer) Red /white cycling shorts (optional to be worn under summer dress)

White socks (no tights with summer dress) RSM logo winter beanie hat* (as weather requires) RSM cagoule with zip-in fleece* Art overall* RSM logo navy rucksack (larger size)* Navy waterproof trousers Wellies RSM drawstring bag in House colour*

Years 1– 6 RSM school blazer * House tie * Red v-neck cardigan/sweater* Grey pleated skirt/grey trousers * (winter) White shirt (long or short sleeve) Grey socks/tights (winter) Black leather/patent shoes (no embellishments) Red striped summer dress* (summer – optional) /grey shorts (summer) White socks (no tights) with summer dress (summer) Red /white cycling shorts (optional to be worn under summer dress)

RSM logo navy school rucksack (larger size)* Navy, black or red scarf and gloves RSM logo winter beanie hat* (as weather requires) RSM cagoule with zip-in fleece*, Kukri navy rain jacket † or a black or navy coat RSM drawstring bag in House colour*

Years 1& 2 only Art overall* Navy waterproof coat, trousers and wellies of any colour (Forest School)

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Uniform suppliers: Ellis Scott Schoolwear, 24 Church St, Reigate RH2 0AN (www.ellisscott.co.uk) and Kukri Sports UK (www.kukrisports.co.uk/reigate-st-marys). Items marked with * can only be purchased from Ellis Scott, those marked with † can only be purchased from Kukri and those marked with * † can be purchased from both stores. Nearly new uniform sales are run by FOSMA (the parents’ association).


RSM PE & GAMES KIT REQUIREMENTS

reigatestmarys.org

All items should be clearly labelled with the pupil’s name. Long hair must be tied back at all times with a red or navy hair band. No nail varnish. No jewellery except small stud earrings, which must be removed for swimming, PE, games and clubs. House colours: HOBSON (green)

MALCOLMSON (blue) OSMOND (yellow) SEARLE (red)

Reception RSM drawstring bag in House colour* Navy shorts* Kukri RSM House sports top*† Navy jersey tracksuit trousers RSM logo navy school hoodie * Trainers with Velcro fastening (for outdoor use) RSM logo red school sun cap*

Swimming Kit Navy swimming costume/trunks (not shorts)* Towel Drawstring (House colour) swimming bag* Navy swimming hat

Years 1&2 Football boots (Year 2 only and optional) Shin pads (Year 2) RSM logo red school sun cap*

RSM drawstring bag in House colour* Navy shorts* Kukri RSM House sports top*† RSM school hoodie* Navy jersey tracksuit trousers Trainers with good grip (for outdoor use) Trainers with non-marking soles (for indoor use) White ankle socks Trainer bags for outdoor trainers (optional for Year 1)

Swimming Kit Navy swimming costume/trunks* Towel Drawstring (House colour) swimming bag* Navy swimming hat

Years 3 – 6 Optional Rugby boots Astro boots Kukri RSM blast fleece † Kukri RSM navy rain jacket † Kukri RSM white sleeveless cricket jersey †

Hockey/Rugby /Netball/Football/Cricket Kit Kukri RSM tracksuit top*† Kukri RSM tracksuit bottoms*† Kukri RSM games top*† Kukri RSM reversible rugby top*† (rugby only) Kukri RSM navy skort*† Kukri RSM navy PE shorts*† (used for games and PE) Kukri RSM navy rugby shorts*† Kukri RSM white cricket top*† Kukri RSM white cricket trousers*† (hardball only) Trainers with good grip RSM logo trainer bag for outdoor trainers* Trainers with non-marking soles (for indoor use) RSM logo red school sun cap* Kukri blue and white striped playing socks *† (hockey/football/rugby) Football boots Mouthguard (hockey/rugby) Shin pads (hockey /football) White ankle socks (netball/cricket)

PE Kit Kukri RSM House sports top*† White ankle socks Kukri RSM navy PE shorts*† (used for games and PE) Skins base layer (top and bottom) Swimming Kit (on rotation) Navy swimming costume/trunks* Towel Drawstring (House colour) swimming bag* RSM logo navy swimming hat*

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Uniform suppliers: Ellis Scott Schoolwear, 24 Church St, Reigate RH2 0AN (www.ellisscott.co.uk) and Kukri Sports UK (www.kukrisports.co.uk/reigate-st-marys). Items marked with * can only be purchased from Ellis Scott, those marked with † can only be purchased from Kukri and those marked with * † can be purchased from both stores. Nearly new uniform sales are run by FOSMA (the parents’ association).


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Reigate St Mary’s, Chart Lane, Reigate, Surrey RH2 7RN 01737 244 880 | office@reigatestmarys.org www.reigatestmarys.org


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