St Teresa School prospectus

Penwortham St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School

Information for parents

Welcome to St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School I warmly welcome you to St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School, where all children are encouraged, to the best of their ability, to achieve true success in a challenging and stimulating environment.

We believe that an all round education is important for development. Children have access to a high quality education in all subjects covered by the National Curriculum, together with opportunities for creative, sporting and cultural activities.

A close partnership established between school and home, is extremely important in contributing towards the success of our school. Parental involvement in school and liaison with our whole community creates a warm, secure and happy family atmosphere. We believe this is an essential element of our school, and we cannot overstate the value we place upon it.

This prospectus has been designed primarily for new parents. It contains information, which will be useful to you and, I hope, provide answers to most of your questions.

We at St Teresa’s are very proud of our school and are sure that your child will be happy here. We wish to develop your child intellectually, spiritually, morally and physically, to fulfil their true potential.

Mrs. A.P. Bleasdale Headteacher

School Vision and Mission The vision for our school is to be a Christ centred community where the uniqueness of each individual is recognised and celebrated. We aim to ensure that all staff and pupils feel loved and valued.

Our School Mission “Christ be in our heads, in our hearts and in our hands” This is our guiding principle, it is at the heart of all that we say and all that we do. Our main aim is to encourage the children to treat others as they would expect to be treated themselves and be strengthened by the love and care that exists with the Parish, school and community family.

Aims of the School Our school aims to prepare children for living and learning responsibly in society and provide the highest standards of Catholic education by: • Cultivating an atmosphere that promotes love and respect for God and for each other through relationships, prayer and worship • Providing a curriculum in which the values and truths of the Gospel and Catholic church are central • Working in partnership with home, parish and the wider community to educate the children spiritually, physically and intellectually for life’s journey.

Our aims underpin every aspect of day-to-day life. To help achieve these aims our school offers a happy, safe and welcoming atmosphere.

Children are encouraged to learn through first hand experience in a stimulating environment. Staff development is a high priority at St Teresa’s, and the school boasts a professional team with considerable expertise.

Children aim to be • Good and well mannered • Hardworking • Helpful and caring • Safe, smart and tidy

Welcome

School Staff

We believe our school plays a very important role in the faith development of our children. We endeavour to provide our children with a clear set of Christian values, which will guide their behaviour, development and understanding towards others.

The Parish priest is an active presence within school and, as part of school life, the children attend services in church where they learn and experience the traditions of their faith.

Useful Details about our school

Headteacher: Mrs. A.P. Bleasdale

Child Protection

Professional Development of staff Whole school Development

Parental, church and community links Mentor Monitoring of standards of teaching and learning Deputy Headteacher: Mrs. J Holmes

SENCO

KS2 Leader

Teaching Staff:

Miss C Stokes

Mrs. C Gardner

Mrs. C Cafferkey

Miss C McNulty Foundation/KS1 Leader

Miss J Boyes

Miss S Johnson

Mr. M Durnan

Miss R McKenna

Miss AL Barden

Mrs. J Wu

Miss E Wright

Support Staff

If you need to get in touch with us at any time our address and telephone number are as follows:

Office Manager:

St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School, Stanley Grove, Penwortham, Preston.

PR1 0JH

Administrative Assistant: Mrs. A.M. Pennington

St Teresa’s School serves the local community and provides a high quality education to children aged 4-11 years and most of our children come from the village.

Children are grouped according to age and gender within the classes and school provides a high level of non-teaching support to each. In addition to the classrooms we have an assembly hall, infant and junior resource areas, a well-equipped library and a modern ICT suite. The school also boasts a large playing field and substantial garden areas, which surround the building. The infant and junior children have separate playgrounds. We have our own kitchens and school lunches are prepared on site.

Prospective parents are most welcome to visit our school and have a look round.

Tel: 01772 742331 Fax: 01772 752491 E-mail address: bursar@st-teresas-penwortham.lancs.sch.uk Website: www.penwortham-st-teresas.co.uk

School hours: Morning session 8.55am – 12 noon (KS1)

8.55am – 12.15pm (KS2) Afternoon Session 1.15pm – 3.15pm (KS1)

1.15pm – 3.20pm (KS2) Children should not arrive at school before 8.45am, when a member of staff will be on each playground from that time.

KS1 children enter school and go directly to class. At 8.55am KS2 pupils will line up in class order for entry into school. In the event of rain the doors will be open from 8.45am, and the children should enter the room and begin a prepared activity.

Children should be collected promptly by an adult known to staff at 3.15/3.20pm unless they are involved in some pre-arranged after-school activity. All KS1 parents collecting their children are expected to wait on the playground where their teachers will release pupils. KS2 children are collected from the junior exit gate.

Parents are not permitted to park on the staff car park when bringing and collecting their children from school or on the double yellow lines or zig zag lines outside the school gate.

Any children arriving after registration should report to the office. Any requests for holidays during term time should be made by completing a holiday request form available from the school office.

HLTA:

Teaching Assistants:

Senior Midday Supervisor:

Mrs. L Bull

Mrs. B Fisher

Mrs. S Brown Mrs. B Fisher Mrs. J Gardner Mrs. E Grindley Mrs. W Higham Mrs. C Ireland Mrs. B Lambert Mrs. D Maitland Mrs. L Moss Mrs. AM Pennington Mrs. M Richardson Mrs. L Stewart Mrs. S Turner Mrs. C Webster Mrs. P Westerbeek Mrs. C Webster

Welfare Assistants:

Mrs. J Dunderdale Mrs. A Seed Mrs. P Turner Miss T Wilkinson Mr. I Christie

Site Supervisor:

Mr. K Bleasdale

Cleaners:

Mrs. C O’Hara Mr. I Christie

Kitchen Staff: Mrs. B Seefus

Mrs. C Kenyon

Mrs. S Coxhead

The Work of Our School The school has 10 class bases: Four in Key Stage 1 (KS1) and Six in Key Stage 2 (KS2). Children are grouped according to age and gender therefore teaching groups may include different abilities and ages.

Number on roll 264 Key Stages A child’s primary education will span three stages: Foundation Stage (Reception 4 to 5 years old) Key Stage 1 (Infants 5 to 7 years old) Key Stage 2 (Juniors 7 to 11 years old)

How lessons are taught In the Foundation stage children follow an Early Years Curriculum in which they have opportunities to learn through structured play activities, both within the classroom and in the outdoor environment. These provide experiences that lead in to the National Curriculum which children will follow from Y1 onwards.

As the children develop into independent and confident learners they are encouraged to take responsibility for their own learning.

In both Key Stages, children are involved in daily Literacy and Numeracy lessons, where work is tailored to the ability of the individual. Foundation subjects are taught as a class base ensuring a broad, balanced curriculum is delivered in line with the National Curriculum requirements.

Independent and collaborative skills are encouraged from the earliest years. Children are taught as a whole class in ability groups and on an individual basis. High achieving children receive enrichment activities to extend their learning.

Partnership with Parents The parents of St Teresa’s School have a tradition of supporting home school links. Their support with fundraising has enabled us to equip the school to the highest standards. All parents are members and are very welcome to attend the PTFA meetings.

There are parent Governors elected to represent the interests of parents on the Governing Body. We aim to keep parents regularly informed about events, activities and the curriculum in general. A yearly planner, half termly, weekly newsletters and curriculum overviews are sent to all parents so they may complement work being undertaken by their child. We also use the Parent mail system for emailing out all letters, events and information where possible. Parents are welcome to attend Friday afternoon class or celebration assemblies.

An induction evening for new parents is held early in the Summer Term. Following on from this new children are invited into school for a few visits to listen to stories, whilst parents are encouraged to stay and enjoy a cup of coffee with other new parents and some of the Governors and staff. From the second half of the Autumn term we operate a tinies group who meet each Friday afternoon from 13:30pm – 15:00pm. This is open to children who are eligble to start school the following September.

School operates an open door policy where parents are welcome to make an appointment to see the Headteacher, or staff outside of class hours. All staff are usually on the playground at 3.15/3.20pm should any parent need an informal chat or to pass on any information to their child’s class teacher. We do ask if you have any worries or concerns that you make a formal appointment to see your child’s class teacher.

All curriculum policies and schemes of work are available at school for parents to read on request.

Parents have the right to raise complaints about the curriculum and are welcome to discuss any concerns with the Headteacher.

Written complaints may be sent to the Chair of Governors.

Parent help in School This will be welcomed by the teachers; please offer your services for supporting groups of children at computer work, cooking, art work, sewing etc, if you have a regular period that you can spare each week. Parent helpers are now required to be checked for criminal convictions (CRB) in the same way as all school staff.

What Children Learn Religious Education

History

St Teresa’s is in the Archdiocese of Liverpool and as such uses schemes of work recognised by the Archdiocese. The children follow the work in Here I Am. We share in parish celebrations throughout the year. Parents have the right to withdraw their children from Religious Education.

We follow personalised learning in this subject linked to the creative curriculum, looking at the present in the context of the past. Events include costume days and visits to places of interest.

Literacy We follow the renewed framework for Literacy. Listening, speaking, reading, spelling, handwriting and word processing.

Drama and music productions are a regular feature of school life.

Numeracy We follow the renewed framework for Numeracy. Mental calculation, exploring numbers and algebra, shape and measurement, handling data, problem solving and investigations are covered through the curriculum.

Information & Communication Technology St Teresa’s School is equipped with a range of the latest computers and software. Every child has access to computers, which are located in our computer suite, and also a digital camera and the Internet. We have our own Website.

Science Observing, questioning, experimenting and concluding. Activities include nature trails around our extensive grounds and mini beast hunts. We teach the science through hands-on science days linked to the QCA topics.

Geography Knowledge and understanding of places and land formation and the environment are taught through the creative curriculum.

Events include field study trips.

Creative Curriculum We believe children learn best when they are excited and engaged and so we have embraced the creative curriculum to bring learning alive. The school uses the National Curriculum documents in planning the children’s activities so as to ensure coverage of attainment targets through the topics. Progression of skills is also covered through the various topics.

Foundation Stage Curriculum The Foundation curriculum for 3-5 year olds is based on the early learning goals, it is planned to lead smoothly into the National Curriculum at Key Stage 1 (KS1). The Foundation Stage Curriculum stresses the importance of the child’s personal, emotional and social development, emphasises early literacy and numeracy development and lays foundations for future learning through knowledge and understanding of the world and creative and physical development. Well planned play is a key way in which children learn.

Special Needs and learning Support At St Teresa’s School we are committed to meeting the Special Educational needs of all our pupils ensuring that they are all given the opportunity to reach their full potential in line with our mission statement. We strive to create an atmosphere of love and care for all our children whatever their needs and abilities within a secure, stimulating and happy learning environment.

Our Special Needs Co-ordinator ensures that the individual needs of our children are met and that individual educational programmes are drawn up in liaison with the class teacher. The Governors wish to make it clear, that no child who fulfils the admission criteria will be denied a place at St Teresa’s School because they have ‘special needs’, if the school is able to provide a suitable education for that child.

We believe that parents play a vital role in the success and development of their children. Class teachers meet with parents three times a year to review their child’s IEPs (Individual Education Plan) and progress, this ensures that an informal relationship develops so that any concerns or worries are quickly discussed and addressed. All pupils, including those with disabilities, have full access to the National Curriculum.

Improvement to the physical access of the school is on-going and part of the Development Plan.

The Special Needs Co-ordinator works closely with the teaching staff to ensure that the learning needs of pupils with special educations needs are identified and assessed as early as possible, and their progress is closely monitored.

The school follows the guidelines established within the Special Needs Code of Practice and when needs cannot be met solely within the class the Special Needs Co-ordinator liaises with special schools and outside agencies to ensure the needs of staff and pupils are met effectively and specialist advice is gained.

We have in place in school many initiatives/programmes to support our children’s learning.

The Governors review the SEN policy each year and make amendments to it as appropriate.

It is evident from our most recent Ofsted report that special needs children achieve well in all parts of the school by raising

their confidence through good support. Ofsted quote: ”Pupils with special education needs and/or disabilities are achieving well in all parts of the school. They receive good support which raises their confidence and helps almost all of them to reach the levels expected by the end of Year 6”.

Cross Curricular Themes The children enjoy whole school initiatives such as Poetry days, Citizenship week and themed weeks/days.

Personal and social education includes health education, citizenship, economic and industrial understanding, environments education and European awareness.

Collective Worship There is a daily act of worship for all children that is suited to their age and stage of development. Individual parents may withdraw their children from acts of worship in consultation with the Headteacher.

Sporting Aims and Physical Education The primary aim is to develop each child’s self confidence through understanding their own capabilities and limitations as well as those of others. St Teresa’s School enjoys an excellent reputation for sporting success.

Netball, football, cricket, rounders, swimming, athletics, cross country, outdoor pursuits, gymnastics and dance.

Extra Curricular Activities We provide a range of extra curricular activities across both key stages. Our clubs include football, rugby, netball, cricket, scrabble, ICT, Jujitsu, cookery, card making and many others.

Modern Foreign Languages

Pastoral Care

French is taught across Key Stage 2 (KS2) with the support and guidance of All Hallows Catholic High School.

To ensure the children feel happy and secure. Mrs Bleasdale, Mrs Holmes, Miss McNulty and Miss Boyes monitor and support the children who may be upset or distressed.

Behaviour We expect the highest standards of behaviour at all times.

Should problems occur, we would notify parents and work together in a positive way to ensure a satisfactory solution, following our behaviour policy protocols.

The school has an anti-bullying and anti-racist policy which aims to ensure appropriate intervention and support.

Complaints Procedure What to do if you want to complain: Minor complaints may be dealt with by the class teacher. If you are not satisfied then, please contact the Key Stage leader. Most problems are resolved amicably, but if you are still unhappy, you should speak to the Headteacher. A parent who is still not completely satisfied should then contact the Chair of Governors pending further investigation and discussion. A complaint can also be made directly to the LA by writing to the Chief Education Officer at County Hall.

CURRICULUM ASSESSMENT ARRANGEMENTS – 2010 SATS RESULTS Assessment and testing Children are assessed by their class teacher throughout the year. Formal assessments in Literacy and Numeracy are administered annually to all Key Stage 2 children, to inform teacher assessments these results are reported to parents. Written reports are sent home and there is a parents evening and an open evening every year. Parents can request to see documentation about their child’s progress at any time.

The National Curriculum provides attainment targets for children in each subject. These set out what each child should know, understand and be able to do.

Children take part in standard assessment tests at the ages of seven and eleven.

Parents will be informed of results.

KEY STAGE 1 SCHOOL 2010 RESULTS Percentage at each level Level 2+

Teacher Assessment

Level 3

READING

Level 2+

Level 3

MATHS

School

97

24

97

23

National

85

26

89

20

WRITING

SCIENCE

School

92

0

97

26

National

81

12

89

21

These tables show the percentage of eligible children at the end of Key Stage 1 achieving each level in the school in 2010, as compared with other schools nationally.

KEY STAGE 2 School 2010 Results Teacher Assessment Due to industrial action no statutory assessments took place Percentage at each level Level 4+

Level 5

English School

Level 4+

Level 5

MATHS 95

47

Level 4+

Level 5

SCIENCE 95

50

87

50

National 80 28 79 34 88 43 This table shows the percentage of eligible children at the end of Key Stage 2 achieving each level in the school in 2010 as awarded through Teacher Assessments.

School Governors Mrs. B. Holt

Chairperson Foundation Governor

Governing Body Mrs. J Moore Vice Chairperson Foundation Governor Fr. A Griffin Foundation Governor Mrs. M Dennis Foundation Governor Mrs. L Sumner Foundation Governor Mr. P Sargent Foundation Governor Mr. S Seed Foundation Governor Dr. J Brennan LEA Governor Mrs. C Flood Foundation Governor Mr. N Ryding Parent Governor Mrs. AP Bleasdale Headteacher Mrs. J Holmes Teacher Governor Mrs. L Bull Staff Governor

Clerk to the Governors Lancashire County Council c/o St Teresa’s School.

The Governors meet regularly, as a full body and in committees, to deal with particular aspects of school management. They are committed to the school and share professional and business expertise. Governors regularly attend training sessions to update their knowledge of educational matters.

There are parents on the Governing Body.

St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School

Parents may wish to know that for entry in September 2010, the school was oversubscribed and places were allocated as follows:

Admission Policy and Arrangements for 2011-2012

Criteria 2 - Baptised Catholic children living within the Parish

31

Criteria 3 - Baptised Catholic siblings

6

1 St teresa’s is a Catholic Primary School situated in the Archdiocese of Liverpool and is maintained by the Lancashire Local Authority.

Criteria 4 - Baptised Catholic children living outside the Parish

1

2. The Governing Body of the school is responsible for determining and administering the policy relating to the admission of pupils to the school. It is guided in that responsibility by:

St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School

• •

Over-subscription Criteria

• • •

the requirements of the law the advice of the Archdiocesan Trustees on the nature and purpose of its duties its duty towards the school and the Catholic community it serves the Catholic character of the school and its Mission Statement recognition of the Parish boundary

3. The school serves in the first instance baptised Catholic children living in the Parish of St Teresa’s 4. Our principal role as a Catholic school is to participate in the mission of the Catholic Church by providing a framework which will help children to grow in their understanding of the Good News and in the practice of their faith. The school will help the children develop fully as human beings and prepare them to undertake their responsibilities as Catholic in society. The school asks all parents applying for a place here to respect this ethos and its importance to the school community.

This does not affect the rights of parents who are not of the faith of this school to apply for and be considered for a place here.

Where the number of applications exceeds the number of places available the Governing Body will apply the following over-subscription criteria 1. Baptised Catholic looked after children.

2. Baptised Catholic children living in the Parish of St Teresa’s 3. Baptised Catholic children who have a brother or a sister at the school at the time of likely admission. This includes full, half or stepbrothers and sisters, adopted and foster brothers and sisters or children of the parent/carer’s partner, and in every case who are living at the same address and are part of the same family unit.

4. Baptised Catholic children living in other Catholic parishes.

5. Looked after children who are other than Catholic.

6.

Children who are other than Catholic who have a brother or a sister at the school at the time of likely admission. This includes full, half or stepbrothers and sisters, adopted and foster brothers and sisters or children of the parent/carer’s partner, and in every case who are living at the same address and are part of the same family unit.

7.

Children from other Christian denominations. Proof of Baptism in form of Baptismal Certificate or confirmation in writing that the applicant is a member of their Faith community from an appropriate Minister of Religion is required.

8.

Children of other faiths. An appropriate Faith Leader would need to confirm in writing that the applicant is a member of their faith group.

9.

Children whose parents express a preference for a place at the school.

5. Having consulted with the LA and others in accordance with the requirements of the law, the Governing Body has published its admissions limit at 38 pupils for the school year commencing September 2011.

6. Parents must complete the Local Authority application form.

Parents who wish their application to this Catholic school to be considered against the priority faith criteria should also complete the supplementary form. If the school is oversubscribed, failure to complete the supplementary form may result in your application for a place in this school being considered against 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 and/ or membership of a faith community. The Supplementary Information Form is to be returned to the school; the Local Authority application form (ADM2) is to be returned to the Area Education Office Both forms should be returned no later than 14th January 2011.

Notes The Governing Body has delegated responsibility for determining admissions to its Admissions Committee which will consider all applications made in accordance with the criteria set out over.

Pupils who are admitted to the school will enter the reception class in September 2011.

As required by the law the Governing Body will not admit more than 30 pupils to any one reception or infant class.

In the event of any over-subscription in the number of applications made under any of the categories above then the admissions committee will offer places first to children living nearest to the school measured in a straight line from the front door of the house/flat to the main front door of the school with those living closer to the school receiving higher priority. In the event of a tied distance measurement between address points the local authority’s system of a random draw will determine which address(es) receive the offer(s).

In rare cases where the distance tie break does not assist, for example due to twins/triplets in the same house or where there are two or more children with an exact distance measurement, where to admit further pupils would have class size implications, random selection will be used to determine the allocation of places.

St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School

Admission Arrangements 1. All applications will be considered at the same time and after the closing date (detailed on the preceding page) agreed by the Admissions Committee.

2.

Parents will be informed, by letter, of the decision of the Admissions Committee no later than 26th April 2011. If their application has been successful they are required to confirm acceptance of the offer of a place by 5th May 2011

3. If application has not been successful the letter will give reasons for the decision, will inform parents of their right of appeal and give guidance on how that appeal should be made.

4. A waiting list for children who have not been offered a place will be kept and will be ranked according to the Admission Criteria. The waiting list will not be operated for longer than the end of the first term of Reception.

Notes 1. Baptised Catholic means, within the policies and practices relating to school admissions, any child who, before the due date of application, is a baptised Catholic or who, having been baptised into another Christian denomination whose baptisms are recognised by the Catholic Church, has subsequently been formally received into the Catholic Church.

For a child to be considered as a Catholic, evidence of a Catholic Baptism or reception into the Church will be required.

A Baptised Catholic is one who has been baptised into full communion with the Catholic Church by the Rites of baptism of one of the various ritual Churches in communion with the See of Rome (Cf. Catechism of the Catholic Church 1203). Written evidence of this baptism can be obtained by recourse to the baptismal Registers of the church in which the baptism took place.

Or A person who has been baptised in a separate ecclesial community and subsequently received into full communion with the Catholic Church by the Rite of Reception of Baptised Christians into the Full Communion of the Catholic Church. Written evidence of their baptism and reception into full communion with the Catholic Church can be obtained by recourse to the Register of Receptions, or in some cases a sub-section of the Baptismal registers of the church in which the Rite of Reception took place.

The Governing Body will require written evidence in the form of a Certificate of Baptism or Certificate of Reception before applications for school places can be considered for categories of “Baptised Catholics”. A Certificate of Baptism or Reception is to include: full name, date of birth, date of baptism or reception and parent(s) name(s). The certificate must also show that it is copied from the records kept by the place of baptism or reception.

Those who would have difficulty obtaining written evidence of baptism for a good reason, may still be considered as baptised Catholics but only after they have been referred to their parish priest, who after consulting with the Vicar General, will decide how the question of baptism is to be resolved and how written evidence is to be produced in accordance with the law of the Church.

Those who would be considered to have good reason for not obtaining written evidence would include those who cannot contact the place of baptism due to persecution or fear, the destruction of the church and the original records, or where baptism was administered validly but not in the Parish church where records are kept.

Governors may request extra supporting evidence when the written documents that are produced do not clarify the fact that a person was baptised or received into the Catholic Church, (i.e. where the name and address of the Church is not on the certificate or where the name of the Church does not state whether it is a Catholic Church or not.)

2. The home address of a pupil is considered to be the permanent residence of a child. The address must be the child’s only or main residence. Documentary evidence may be required – e.g. child benefit payment address.

3. Where care is split equally between mother and father, the address used for the allocation process will be the address of the parent who is in receipt of the Child Benefit. Documentary evidence will be required.

4. Late applications (those received after the closing date) will only be considered alongside those received by the closing date under the following circumstances: • the family were unable to complete an application form before the closing date because they moved into the school’s parish area after the issue of application forms OR • the family were unable to conform with admissions timetable because of exceptional circumstances which prevented the applications arriving on time – the circumstances must be given in writing and attached to the application form.

Applications received after the notification date (after places are offered) will be added to the school’s waiting list in admission criteria order.

5. Parents can request that their child attends part-time until the child reaches compulsory school age. If your child is due to start school during the next academic year, it is important that you apply for a place for September. If your child’s fifth birthday is between the months of September and December, then, if you wish it, admission may be deferred until January; if it is between January and April, then admission may be deferred until the start of the summer term though it is likely to be in your child’s interest to start no later than January. You may also request that your child attend school part time until he/she reaches his/her fifth birthday.

6. In Year / Non-routine admissions It sometimes happens that a child needs to change school other than at the “normal” time; such admissions are known as non-routine admissions. In order to obtain a school place in mid year, it is necessary to fill in the Local Authority’s Common Application Form, stating three preferences.

The form must be returned to the Area Pupil Access Team. If you wish to apply to this school on the grounds of your faith commitment then it may be helpful to your application to complete the Diocesan Supplementary Form and return it to the school. The Local Authority will consider your three preferences equally, in liaison with other admissions authorities.

The offer of a place can only be made by the Local Authority.

If you wish to visit the school before stating your preferences, please contact us.

Appeals for children moving into the area will not be considered until there is evidence of a permanent address, e.g. exchange of contracts or tenancy agreement with rent book. Please note that you cannot re-apply for a place at a school within the same school year unless there has been relevant, significant and material change in the family circumstances.”

PARENTS MUST COMPLETE THE LOCAL AUTHORITY COMMON APPLICATION FORM AND ARE STRONGLY ADVISED TO COMPLETE THE SCHOOL SUPPLEMENTARY FORM.

Governors’ Policy Statements

Safety

The responsibility for sex education lies with the parents.

However we have developed a sex education programme in school in consultation with All Hallows Catholic High School and the other feeder primary schools. Children’s questions and problems are dealt with as they arise, or may be foreseen, in a way suitable to their age and understanding, but always in the context of the Church’s teaching in regard to development of the whole person, physically, emotionally, spiritually and morally.

The school actively supports the development of positive attitudes towards safety. This will be achieved through the integration of appropriate themes and topics into the curriculum.

In addition, efforts will be made to work in partnership with parents in order to encourage further safe practices. The Health and Safety committee regularly reports to the Governing Body.

Child Protection In common with other Lancashire schools, the Governors have adopted a Child Protection Policy and Procedures, which are available to any parent who wishes to see them. St Teresa’s School recognises the important role that the whole community plays in promoting the health, safety and well being of all children. We adopt a strict policy towards the safe recruitment of all staff and volunteers and no person is allowed to work or support in school without a full CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check.

If any parent has a concern about the welfare of any child in the school they should speak with the Designated Teacher, Mrs Anne Bleasdale. We take the health and welfare of our children very seriously indeed and we are sure that, as parents, you will appreciate the effort and dedication that goes into providing the caring, supportive, nurturing and challenging environment that is St Teresa’s School.

Charging Policy Educational Visits in school time, which support the curriculum, are seen to be an important part of the learning process.

Parents will be asked to contribute to the costs of such visits. A child whose parents do not contribute will not be treated any differently from the others. However, if enough parents do not contribute, then the visit may not take place.

The School enjoys close links with the local community. Fire, Police and Health services regularly visit the school to talk about personal health and safety. Children are involved in local initiatives. Trained members of staff are responsible for first aid and safety training.

It is extremely important the Headteacher is informed of any medical conditions or disabilities that require special treatment.

If a child is taken ill at school, parents or the emergency contact are informed. This information is kept on a child’s personal and confidential record at school. It is important that emergency numbers are kept up to date. The Office manager should be informed of any changes.

Homework Homework is considered to be an important extension of the classroom curriculum. All children are set homework in line with the school’s homework policy.

Life

School Council We have a thriving and active School Council. The Council is led

by Year 6 children, in addition to two class representatives from each year. It is a means for children to raise issues and concerns and to develop a responsibility towards the school community and environment.

The School Council meets weekly with the link teacher and the class representative who put forward issues raised within their class. They liaise with the Governors and Headteacher and have been very successful in a number of examples:

• Input into ideas for playground equipment.

• Global Issues • Community Cohesion • E-learning safety • Eco schools • Silver award for the Chairman’s Challenge

School Meals Children may have a set lunch in the dining room. These lunches are of a high standard and follow the healthy options guidelines offering a wide choice of menus under the Healthy Heroes badge. Lunches may be paid weekly or half termly. Cash or Cheques should be placed in an envelope marked with your child’s name and sent via your child’s bag on Mondays to the school office. Cheques are made payable to L.C.C. Children may also bring a packed lunch if preferred. We ask parents not to include sweets or chocolate in their children’s packed lunch, please include a drink.

Break time snacks/drinks KS2 children are encouraged to bring in a piece of fruit for first break. All KS1 children are currently provided with a piece of fruit each day. KS1 children have an option to have milk provided for them at a cost of £6 per term. For children in Year 1 – 6 toast is available to purchase.

All children are allowed and encouraged to bring a bottle full of water. Water bottles are available from the school office.

Accessibility We have a duty to plan strategically to increase access to school premises and the curriculum to disabled pupils. This includes changes to physical features, as well as the provision of auxiliary aids and providing written material in alternative formats to ensure accessibility.

The school’s Accessibility Plan ensures that Governors and staff are continually looking at ways to improve the environment for those with disabilities and provide them with full access to the curriculum.

The three strands of the planning duty to impact on our accessibility plan are: • Ways of improving the physical environment of the school

for the purpose of increasing the extent to which those

with disabilities are able to take advantage of education

and associated services • Ways of increasing the extent to which disabled pupils can

participate in the schools curriculum • Ways of improving the delivery of information to those

with disabilities Disability equality issues are incorporated into citizenship curriculum. All pupils learn more about disabilities as part of this programme

Unexpected School Closures You will always be notified in advance of scheduled school closures through the parents’ newsletter or Parentmail.

In the event of an unexpected school closure (e.g. bad weather) we will attempt to inform you by issuing a bulletin about the closure to the local radio station (Rock FM 97.4 FM) also through the Parent mail system and notification via the school’s website.

Should your child still arrive at school, their presence will be registered and you will be contacted and asked to collect them.

You can give permission, either by telephoning or writing a note to the Headteacher, for another person to collect your child.

Your child will be kept in school for the day and sent home as normal if we are unable to make arrangements for collection during the day.

If your child normally arrives at school without an accompanying adult please remind them to come into the school on these unexpected closure days, even if other parents are taking their children home.

School Fund

Visiting School

An annual voluntary contribution of £25 to the School Levy Fund is invited. Your support is greatly appreciated. As we are required to pay a levy to the Archdiocese each year. In addition any building work carried out at school requires the school to pay 10 per cent of the total amount. This amount can be Gift Aided, if you are a UK tax payer please consider completing a Gift Aid form for school.

Except when delivering your child to school, please call at the school office to announce your arrival on the premises. This is for the safety and security of your child. Please tell your child’s teacher if you make new arrangements for the collection of your child from school and also please telephone the school if you are prevented from collecting your child by unforeseen circumstances, so she/he may be kept by the school office.

School Profile

Extended schools

The school profile is a document which is produced in conjunction with the Local Education Authority to describe our school. This is available online at Dept of ES Parents Centre website:www. school.profile@dfes.gsi.gov.uk. Parents can request alternative formats.

We are committed to promoting every opportunity for our children and parents. We have an extended schools officer who provides a monthly newsletter to our families with updated information of what is available in our area.

Attendance Our school enjoys good levels of attendance

School

Attendance 97%

Number of Authorised absences 3.0%

Number of Un-authorised absences 0.0%

National Target 3.2%

School must be informed of an absence by telephone or by a letter by 9.30 a.m. on the first day of absence. If a message is not received by 9.30 a.m. school will contact parents.

Requests of Holiday for Extended Leave in Term Time

•

Children make best progress at school through regular and punctual attendance.

•

Children of compulsory school age have to attend school for 190 days (which leaves another 175 for holidays).

Before making a request for a holiday or extended leave it is important to note that:

Transfer to High School

• As a parent you do not have an automatic right to take

your children out of school during term time. (The school

may refuse permission if it feels the absence is not

justified or might be harmful to your child’s education).

Children at St Teresa’s transfer to Local High Schools. The majority of our children transfer to All Hallows Catholic High School, Penwortham. Children are invited to spend some time at All Hallows prior to their transfer and All Hallows staff visit St Teresa’s School to talk to staff, parents and children.

“CHRIST BE IN OUR HEADS, IN OUR HANDS AND IN OUR HEARTS”

Pupil Holiday List 2011/2012

First Day Open First Day Closed

Autumn Term Thursday 1st September 2011 Friday 21 October 2011 Monday 31 October 2011 Thursday 22 December 2011

Spring Term Monday 9 January 2012 Friday 10 February 2012 Monday 20 February 2012 Friday 6 April 2012

Summer Term Monday 23 April 2012 Monday 7 May 2012 Tuesday 8 May 2012 Thursday 31st May 2012 Monday 11 June 2012 Monday 23 July 2012

STAFF INSET DAYS 2011/2012 Friday 21 October 2011 Friday 10 February 2012 Thursday 31st May 2012 Friday 1st June 2012 Monday 23 July 2012

School Uniform Boys P.E. Kit Black trousers or shorts White t-shirt White shirts Navy blue shorts School jumper Black slip on pumps Tie KS2 only, Navy blue Tracksuit (no designer labels) Black socks Trainers Black shoes Girls Summer School skirt Short sleeved white revere shirts White revere shirts Short white socks School Jumper with crest

P.E. kit Long black socks As for boys Black shoes

School jumpers, ties and skirts are available from the school office or from A.D. Justs, Pope Lane, Penwortham. Garments should be clearly labelled with your child’s name. Shower proof coats with school crest optional, available from A.D.Justs.

We also have St Teresa’s book bags, which we would prefer all children to use rather than huge bags, which take up to much space. These are available from the school office.

P.E. kit bags should be large enough to hold all school uniform.

Jewellery should not be worn in school because of health and safety issues. We support the government guidelines which recommend no jewellery should be worn during P.E. No unusual haircuts or hair gel should be worn Please refer to the school dress code policy which is available on the school website.

St Teresa’s Catholic Primary School Stanley Grove Penwortham Preston PR1 0JH Tel: 01772 742331 Fax: 01772 752491 E-mail address: head@st-teresas-penwortham.lancs.sch.uk Website: www.penwortham-st-teresas.co.uk

2011-2012