Junior
School Welcome Handbook
RECEPTION TO YEAR 6
This booklet is designed to answer any questions that new families may have before joining us and during the first weeks and months of starting at St Chris.
If you have any further queries before your start date, please contact the Admissions Team via admissions@stchris.co.uk
Once your child has started at St Chris, their class teacher and the Junior School Office will be your main points of contact, and contact details can be found at the back of this booklet.
Hello and welcome to St Chris Junior School.
It is a joy and a privilege to welcome you to our school — a place where childhood is cherished, curiosity is encouraged, and each child is known and understood as the individual they are.
At St Chris, we believe in the power of a nurturing and purposeful community. Our Junior School is a warm, lively and supportive environment where learning is both enriching and meaningful. We see ourselves as a big family — one that celebrates difference, nurtures character, and supports each child as they grow in confidence and independence.
We take pride in offering more than an academic education. At St Chris, we foster not just knowledge, but kindness, creativity, courage, and a sense of responsibility to each other and the wider world. Through exploration, encouragement, and challenge, children are given the freedom and guidance to discover who they are and who they might become.
This is a place where learning is a shared journey — between teachers, students and parents. We are excited to walk that path with you, and to see your child flourish every step of the way.
Welcome to the Junior School. We’re so pleased to have you with us.
Katie Wright Head of Junior School
St Chris Year Groups
St Chris has its own historical names for year groups which were chosen by the students a number of
of their Transition Day.
Staff
Term Dates
Staff
Start
The Junior School Day
Each class has their own dedicated timetable but please find here an overall outline of the Junior School day for students from Reception to Year 6 (K Group to D Group) for your information.
7.30am Wraparound Care available (booking required)
8.00am Morning Care - students can be dropped at school between 8.00am and 8.30am (does not need to be booked)
8.30am School Day Begins
– 10.55am Little Break (morning playtime)
- 11.15am Morning Talk / Pastoral Time
– 12.50pm Lunch (start and end staggered by year group) 1.10 - 1.50pm Afternoon Playtime
3.30pm School Day Ends
3.30 – 4.30pm Co-Curricular Activities (Optional)
3.30 – 6.30pm Wraparound Care available (booking required)
Morning Talks
Morning Talks (our name for assembly) are held on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday each week and feature music, talks and performances. Each week we hold a singing Morning Talk when the whole school comes together to sing.
Every term, students from Reception to Year 6 produce a Class Morning Talk based on their work for the term. Parents and carers are invited to come and watch their child’s class in what is often one of the highlights of the term. Class Morning Talks provide an excellent basis on which to develop drama, music, speaking and listening skills and are great fun.
A silence is held during Morning Talks, which we use for reflection.
Breaks
There are two breaks for play during the school day: Little Break from 10.35 to 10.55am and Afternoon Playtime from 1.10 to 1.50pm. Where possible we try to ensure that students get time outside to play during these breaks, so please ensure that your child comes to school with appropriate clothing for the weather.
For more information about the school’s communication methods and some guidelines for parents, please see our Communications and Social Media Guidelines
Communication Between Home and School
There’s always something happening in the St Chris community, and we recognise that effective communication between home and school is essential in supporting social, emotional and academic progress.
In addition to speaking with staff directly, St Chris uses the following methods of communication:
Where a member of staff needs to contact you directly they will use the email you have provided to the school.
We also share emergency information – such as school closures due to weather – via email. To aid this, please ensure that you keep your contact details up to date within My School Portal or by emailing hello@stchris.co.uk
An up-to-date staff list can be found on our website.
All staff can be reached by email using the format: firstname.surname@stchris.co.uk
Our guidelines are that staff will reply within two working days and within office hours except when on a residential trip (when they will be contactable throughout).
The Roundup
The Roundup is our weekly Friday newsletter that is sent to all parents/carers and contains news, notices and information about the week ahead.
My School Portal
My School Portal is a single secure platform that collates and displays all student information in one place. It is a mobile responsive website that works from desktop and Apple and Android mobile devices.
Ahead of starting at St Chris the Admissions Team will email you details about how you log in to My School Portal along with some helpful introductory videos.
Through the portal, you can view:
• Student timetable
• Attendance information
• School reports
• Weekly food menus
• View and subscribe to school calendar
• Book Parents’ Consultations
• Sign up for trips, visits and fixtures (via Evolve)
• Access ticket sales
• Share details in the parent directory
Evolve
Evolve is an online system the school uses for the planning, approval and management of trips, visits, sports fixtures and bookable co-curricular activities. Once you start at St Chris you will be sent details of your Evolve account which can also be accessed directly through your My School Portal account as above.
Class Dojo
An app / website where class teachers can communicate directly with the class and share updates about activities. Class Dojo is where we share homework, spelling lists, reminders related to the Junior School and class specific reminders and news. Your child’s class teacher will send you the log in information for Class Dojo at the start of term.
Tapestry
An app for Nursery (Monte) and Reception (K Group) parents only, where we share your child’s learning journal. The class teacher will send you the log in information for Tapestry at the start of term.
Involve
Our Music Department uses Involve for the scheduling and booking of peripatetic music lessons. You will be sent your sign in Information for Involve if you sign up for music lessons. Please see later in this booklet for further information about booking music lessons.
Parent Surgeries
We welcome and encourage open dialogue between school and home. The Head (Rich Jones) holds weekly Parent Surgeries every Friday for any parent who would like to come in to speak with him – either face to face or via video call. To make an appointment please contact the Head’s PA via toni.warner@stchris.co.uk
You are also welcome to make an appointment with other members of the Leadership Team including: Katie Wright Head of the Junior School katie.wright@stchris.co.uk
Iain Wheeler (Fridays at 8.30am) Junior School Curriculum and Assessment Lead iain.wheeler@stchris.co.uk
Marcia Bonanni (Thursdays at 8.30am) Junior School Pastoral Lead marcia.bonanni@stchris.co.uk
Social Media
A great way to keep up to date with what is happening at St Chris is by following us on social media. We would love you to share our news and engage with our stories. You can also keep up to date by going to our news section on our website, stchris.co.uk
Safeguarding
At St Chris, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
The Designated Safeguarding Lead is the person appointed to take central responsibility for child protection issues and safeguarding concerns in the School, and is part of a wider Safeguarding Team.
Class Rep and WhatsApp Groups
When a student starts at the school we ask their parent/carer if they would like to be put in touch with their Class Rep – another parent at the school. The Class Rep usually creates a WhatsApp group to share information with their class. These groups are an efficient way to stay up to date and enable social engagements to be planned.
For a student or a parent, the best person to approach with any concerns in the first instance is their class teacher. However, if it is felt that this is not appropriate in the circumstances, please contact someone on the Safeguarding Team:
The St Chris community shares the goal of helping to keep students safe by contributing to a safe environment for all through communication, vigilance and taking appropriate action.
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Alistair Phillips
alistair.phillips@stchris.co.uk
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Leads, Junior School
Katie Wright katie.wright@stchris.co.uk
Marcia Bonanni
marcia.bonanni@stchris.co.uk
Carly Ougham
carly.ougham@stchris.co.uk
Academic Matters
In St Chris, all classes have their own timetable which can be found on My School Portal from the start of term.
Information about the curriculum and subject breakdown and topics studied for each year group, can be found on our website. Teachers also send parents further information about the curriculum and topic at the start of each term.
Students are mainly taught by their class teacher, but have subject specialist teachers for:
• Swimming all years
• Music all years
• French from Reception
• Forest School weekly from Nursery to Year 4, termly in Years 5 and 6
• PE/Games from Year 1. Reception and Nursery students are taught by their class teachers who are Early Years specialists
Students in Years 5 and 6 (E and D Group) start their transition to Senior School programme with an additional carousel of four Activities subjects (ceramics, computing, cookery and performing arts) which they rotate throughout the year. These classes are taught in the Senior School by subject specialists.
At the start of the Autumn Term we hold a Parent Information Evening where the class teacher will discuss the timetable, the topics for that year, and some of the school trips that are coming up.
Queries relating to curriculum matters should be sent to the class teacher in the first instance or to Iain Wheeler, Junior School Curriculum and Assessment Lead iain.wheeler@stchris.co.uk
Homework
Students from Year 1 (J Group) to Year 6 (D Group) are set “Enrichment Tasks” at the start of each half term. They are given a selection of activities to choose from that deepen their understanding of the topics they are studying in class. Students have the half term to complete a selection of the tasks.
Parents’ Consultations and Academic Reports
We welcome open and continuous dialogue between school and home.
As part of keeping parents and carers informed about their child’s progress at school, we hold regular Parents’ Consultations and send academic reports, with the calendar of dates for these sent to parents at the start of the Autumn Term.
Parents’ Consultations
We hold three Parents’ Consultations a year – one each term. Parents’ Consultation dates are published at the start of each year and run as in-person events at the School.
Parents book the appointments online via a link on My School Portal and will receive an email confirming their bookings. If you are unable to make the date, or would like to organise a conversation with the class teacher at a different time, please email them directly.
Academic Reports
We send parents/carers written reports twice a year – a full report at the end of the Spring Term, and a class teacher report at the end of the Summer Term. Reports are sent to parents via My School Portal.
Individualised Support
We are committed to ensuring all students fulfil their academic potential, understanding the importance of developing strategies and skills that help each student grow in intellectual confidence, build resilience and develop the ability to reflect, to enable them to reach their educational and individual ambitions.
We appreciate that learning is not a linear pathway, and some students may need more individualised support at certain times. We aim to equip our students with the skills and tools they need to enable them to achieve their full potential across the curriculum, becoming independent and confident learners.
Students throughout the school can access support, irrespective of need or ability and this is assessed on an individual basis. This extra level of provision may take the form of in-class support, small group immersion programmes, or 1-1 focused sessions where appropriate.
We work closely with parents and encourage communication and the sharing of ideas through meetings in school, email and telephone contact.
Pastoral Care
Excellent pastoral care underpins everything that we do at St Chris: taking the time to get to know our students and their different needs, and what inspires and motivates them, is a fundamental starting point to ensure that each child grows.
Taking the time to listen and talk through any issues is key: our students need to know that they are heard and supported in resolving conflict. We help our students to come together and understand different points of view which helps to develop empathy and resilience. When behavioural issues arise, having clear consequences, support and an open dialogue between staff, students and parents/carers helps to bring about resolution and provides the opportunity to move on.
For further information about Pastoral Care at St Chris, please contact:
Marcia Bonanni Junior School Pastoral Lead marcia.bonanni@stchris.co.uk
In the Summer Term, Year 6 (D Group) complete more formalised homework assignments to help them with preparation for the Senior School.
In addition each week, students are given spellings and, in certain year groups, times tables to practice at home.
If your child has a Special Educational Need or Disability (SEND) our Inclusion Team work closely with our Admissions Team to support your child’s transition into St Chris and will be in touch directly ahead of them starting at school to ensure a smooth process.
STEER Tracking –Mental Health and Wellbeing
To support our students, we use STEER Tracking across the Junior and Senior School, from Years 3 – 12 (G Group to Lower Sixth), an evidence-based tool to measure, track and improve how each young person self-regulates four factors which are fundamental to wellbeing and good mental health.
STEER Tracking helps to identify hidden socialemotional risks that might otherwise go undetected. Teachers can then proactively target support for students who may need it, recognising that early intervention can help young people to develop healthy behaviours.
Each term, students from Year 3 (G Group) to Year 12 (Lower Sixth) will complete a STEER Check In: a short series of questions that tracks how each student is steering or making choices in four key areas for healthy development.
We know that students’ ability to self-regulate can impact their academic progress, friendships, wellbeing, and mental health. The Junior School teaching teams use STEER as an additional tool, to help monitor the wellbeing and mental health of our students. It does not replace the excellent pastoral care already in place at St Chris.
Further information will be sent to parents/carers at the start of term however if you would like to find out more now, please visit the STEER website: https://steer.education
School Sport, PE, and Games
The St Chris PE Department aims to give every child the chance to enjoy a carousel of sporting, creative and fitness activities.
There is a focus on inclusivity and fitness, and the benefits of sport’s wider impact on a child’s development in terms of teamwork, resilience, wellbeing, and leadership.
Teaching ensures students are teamed with other similarly experienced students for Games; students are also all taught in mixed gender groups so that they have access to a broad range of sports, and are not funnelled based on gender.
In lessons, a year group will develop their skills in team sports such as rugby, football, netball, cricket, hockey and rounders as well as improving in racket sports, aesthetic activities (dance, gymnastics) and experiencing different methods to improve fitness.
They also take part in weekly swimming lessons in our on-site indoor pool.
Students also take part in associated fixtures in sports such as netball, football, swimming, touch-rugby, cricket and more. Parents will be informed about team selection and are asked for consent via Evolve.
All students from Nursery (Monte) to Year 2 (H group) have two lessons of PE and one swimming lesson per week. Students from Year 3 (G Group) to Year 6 (D Group) have one lesson of PE, one lesson of games and one swimming lesson per week.
All students are expected to attend their lessons with the correct kit. Please see the section on Equipment later in this booklet for further information.
If you have any questions about sport at St Chris, please contact Lyn McGregor, Head of PE lync.mcgregor@stchris.co.uk
Co-Curricular Activities in the Junior School
At St Chris, an important part of the school day is the opportunity for students to pursue their interests, and acquire new ones via a tapestry of co-curricular and enrichment opportunities.
After School Clubs
A wide range of after school clubs are offered each term. Clubs run every day after school and the majority are included in the school fees; where they are not this is clearly indicated.
Parents are sent a list at the end of each term and they are then able to book their child’s clubs using our online booking system “Evolve”.
Students are asked to choose activities which they feel confident committing to for a whole term. We try to accommodate as many ‘first choices’ as possible, however sometimes students will not be able to join their preferred activity. In such cases we endeavour to allocate a second choice.
Clubs usually finish at 4.30pm but timings vary, so please check. Students should be collected from the front of Junior School or at the location where the activity takes place e.g. the Swimming Pool.
Please note that there are no clubs in the first and last week of term. Students can instead be booked into After School Care (if required) by emailing JSwraparound@stchris.co.uk.
Parents should let the Junior School Office know if their child cannot attend a club – please call 01462 650962 or email junior.school@stchris.co.uk
Music Tuition
Instrumental and Vocal Lessons
There are a wide variety of instrumental and vocal music lessons available at St Chris run by a range of visiting music teachers, under the guidance of Director of Senior School Music, Ann-Marie Knight.
Visit our website to find out more about which instruments are taught and to download the booking form.
Performing Arts Tuition
We offer LAMDA (London Academy of Music & Dramatic Art) lessons which are scheduled during the school day. If you would like to find more, or wish to book LAMDA lessons, please visit our website.
Trips and Visits
Late Summer Programme (LSP)
All students from Year 3 (G Group) upwards undertake at least one residential trip each year (which we call LSP – or Late Summer Programme) which increase in duration and in challenge level as students progress through the school.
For many students, this is the first time they have been away from family for such a length of time, so it is a great personal development opportunity for our students.
Recent LSP residential trips have included:
Year 3 Thriftwood Camp in Essex – camping, kayaking, climbing wall, axe throwing, ropes course – 2 nights
Year 4 Bawdsey Manor Adventure, Suffolk – multi activity trip – 3 nights
Year 5 Isle of Wight – multi-activity trip - 4 nights
Year 6 York (to support Vikings and civilizations topic) - 4 nights
The class teacher will update parents at the start of term with information and dates for that year’s LSP.
The cost for LSP is divided into three equal payments and charged for at the beginning of each term in the main fees invoice.
Other Trips
Our Junior School students enjoy multiple day trips throughout the year, to support their topic work and bring learning to life. Whether it’s exploring historical landmarks, delving into nature, or engaging in cultural experiences, these trips create lasting memories and broaden the horizons of our young learners. Each class takes part in at least one class trip per term.
We also make one whole school trip a year (recently to Legoland), and there are smaller trips for example during Multi-Faith Week to local places of worship, or to local areas to support topic work.
In Year 6 (D Group), students make a day trip to France to celebrate the end of their time in the Junior School and transition to Senior School.
All class day-trips are included in the school fees, with the exception of the Year 6 (D Group) trip to France, for which there is an additional cost.
For more information about music
LAMDA
Food at St Chris
School Lunches
At St Chris we enjoy fresh, tasty vegetarian food for our school lunches. There is a hot choice, pasta bar, baked potato bar and soup option each day alongside salad bar, pudding and fruit. Weekly menus can be found on My School Portal.
Students eat lunch together in the Dining Hall, known as the IG (because many years ago it was used as an Indoor Gym!) and the times are staggered to allow the youngest to go first. Please let us know, via the Admissions Team, of any allergies or intolerances that your child may have. We are a nut-free school.
Lunch is included in the fees for students from the Nursery (Monte) to Year 2 (H Group). Please see our fee information for charges for students from Year 3 (G Group) onwards.
School Lunches – Billing Information
Students from Monte (Nursery) to H Group (Year 2) are not charged for lunches and will automatically be provided with lunch.
Students from G Group (Year 3) to D Group (Year 6)
If parents wish for their children in these year groups to have a school lunch, they must: Email billings@stchris.co.uk.
• Once an email has been received, the Finance Team will then send an invoice for the termly lunch charge and your child will be added to our lunch list.
• For academic year 2025-26 lunches are charged at £184 per student per term (please see the school’s Fee Sheet for full information)
Packed Lunches
Rather than having school lunches, students are welcome to bring a nut-free, vegetarian packed lunch which will be eaten alongside their class in the Dining Hall (IG)
Snacks
All students are encouraged to bring in a healthy vegetarian snack from home to have during their morning break. They are also welcome to bring in an additional snack if they are staying for an after school club. Please ensure that your child does not bring sweets, chocolate bars or fizzy drinks to school, and that any snacks are vegetarian, nut free.
Cake Day
We hold a Cake Day each Friday as a treat for the students, who bring in 20p each to buy their cake, with all proceeds going to the Junior School Playfund, which buys new play equipment for the playground. Each class takes it in turn to provide the cakes; the rota (which is published at the start of each term) can be found on the calendar and the teacher will also remind the class when it’s their turn. We ask that students bring in 10-12 cakes which can either be homemade or bought. Please respect our vegetarian policy and ensure that cakes are nut free. (Please be aware that jelly sweets and other foods containing gelatine are often not vegetarian.)
If parents prefer, they can pay for the term upfront by giving the money to the class teacher.
Birthdays
We are happy for students to celebrate their birthday with us. Students may bring in something special to eat (a birthday cake or treat) to share with their class if they wish. Please speak to a member of staff if you are planning a birthday treat, so you can be made aware of any allergies.
Start and End of the Day Information
For all students in the Junior School in Reception to Year 6 (K to D Group), the school day starts at 8.30am and finishes at 3.30pm, unless a child is attending a club or Wraparound Care (please see below).
We offer a staggered start to the school day with our gates opening from 8.00am to ease traffic congestion.
Absence Reporting
Unplanned absences, due to an emergency, medical appointment or illness, should be reported to the Junior School Office before 9.00am by emailing jsattendance@stchris.co.uk or by calling 01462 650962. Please copy your class teacher into your email. Absence can also be notified by My School Portal which will inform the Office.
We follow-up on any absences that we have not been notified about.
Lateness should be avoided whenever possible; it disrupts a child’s learning routine and the school day as a whole. Late arrivals for the Junior School should report to the Junior School Office.
If your child is unwell and unable to participate in a PE or a swimming session, please ensure that the class teacher is informed in writing or by e-mail beforehand.
Morning Drop Off
For students from Reception to Year 2 (K to H Group) drop off in the morning is at the classroom door.
For students in Year 3 to Year 6 (G Group to D Group) drop off in the morning is at the school front gate.
Collection After School
All students from Reception to Year 6 should be collected from the front of the Junior School (in front of the main entrance) at the end of their school day.
Year 6 (D Group) parents who live nearby may request that their child walks home on their own or they may wish to meet them at the back gate of the School. This must be agreed in advance with the Junior School – please contact Joanna Pitts in the Junior School Office for further information: junior.school@stchris.co.uk
If parents have made alternative arrangements for collection, we ask that the class teacher is informed by email. In case of emergency regarding collection or drop-off, please contact the Junior School Office. Any child who is not collected by 3.30pm will be taken to After School Care.
Access
The Junior School has a keypad for entry. Please press the buzzer which will alert the Junior School Office.
During the school day, all visitors (including parents) must report to the Junior or Senior School Reception on arrival, where they will be given an identity badge and made aware of our Safeguarding and fire procedures.
Car Parking at St Chris
In the mornings, please can all Junior School parents use the Main Entrance and drop their children off from the Junior School playground. This car park can be found at the following location: https://w3w.co/remedy.lions.woven
Please do not drive down to the main roundabout of the school. Please park in the playground and walk your students to the Junior School entrance gate. Drop off is staggered between 8.00 – 8.30am to help ease congestion.
Please see the map indicating where car parking is available at other points of the school day.
When turning into Barrington Road using the Main Entrance to school, if there is no room for both you and the car driving in the opposite direction, please wait at the top of the road and do not mount the pavement so that you can drive down the road towards school.
In addition, please:
Adhere to a maximum speed of 10 mph when accessing the roads within the school.
Remember to park and drop off considerately and to be aware of pedestrians – some of whom are students and are learning about road safety so may need some extra time/consideration.
Do not double park in any of the school car parks.
Only use the disabled bays if you have a Blue Badge and are entitled to do so.
Be considerate to our neighbours – please do not: Block driveways;
Mount or park on footpaths (as prams, wheelchairs, Junior School students on scooters, etc cannot get past without going on the road); park or drop off too close to road junctions in a way that breaks the Highway Code. This is particularly a problem around the Cloisters Entrance or on Cloisters Road as people are parking in a way that obstructs the T-junction, thus blocking the traffic and making it dangerous for pedestrians.
Do not leave car engines idling either on our site or in neighbouring roads in consideration to the environment, and to our neighbours and pedestrians.
Members of staff are on duty at the beginning and end of the day in our carparks to support site safety. Please do follow their guidance.
School Bus Transport
St Chris has a partnership with a bus company so that students can travel from a number of areas directly to school. Normally, we are happy for students from Year 5 (E Group) and above to travel on the school bus, but we ask that parents check first with the Head, Katie Wright.
For more information about bus routes and prices, or to book a space on the bus, please visit the website of our School transport provider, Zeelo.
Bus bookings for September open in June and the Admissions Team will contact parents/carers new to the school to let them know when bookings are open, and the process for booking a place.
After school, buses leave from the swimming pool car park at 3.50pm and there are staff on hand to ensure students are on the correct bus. There is also a late bus which departs at 5.15pm to enable students to take part in co-curricular activities. Students who are booked onto the bus can go into After School Care on the days they are using the bus at no additional charge.
For more information on buses visit the link
Wraparound Care
St Chris Wraparound Care provides extended on-site childcare in a happy and homely environment from 7.30am in the morning to 6.30pm after school as follows:
Breakfast Club
Morning Care
7.30 to 8.00am Breakfast Club is available from 7.30am and includes a hot or continental breakfast each day of the week. Breakfast Club takes place in the Senior School Dining Hall (IG). Students are dropped off with a member of the Junior School team who supervise them at the Senior School.
At around 8.00am, after they have finished eating, students are taken to the Junior School for Morning Care where they are able to play and get ready for the day ahead, which starts at 8.30am.
Students can attend as many or as few mornings per week as you wish, subject to availability and Breakfast Club needs to be booked in advance, and the session is chargeable in addition to school fees. (Please see the school Fee Sheet for further information).
8.00 to 8.30am All students can be dropped off between 8.00 and 8.30am at the Junior School for Morning Care.
Students should go straight to the Junior School Hall where they will be registered and take part in supervised play.
Children then go to their classrooms for the start of the school day at 8.30am.
There is no additional charge for Morning Care and no need to book.
After School Care
3.30 to 6.30pm Junior School and Nursery students can join After School Care from the end of the day until 6.30pm.
At the end of the school day, or after they have taken part in their after-school club, students are taken to the After School Care rooms, where they take part in supervised activities.
On arrival, students are offered a healthy drink and snack. Students who stay between 5.30 and 6.30pm are accompanied to the Dining Hall (IG) in the Senior School for dinner and they can be collected directly from there after 5.30pm.
Please note, students booked on a school bus attend After School Care between 3.30pm and the departure time of the bus without charge. Students can attend as many or as few sessions per week as you wish, subject to availability.
After School Care needs to be booked in advance, and the sessions are chargeable in addition to school fees. (Please see the school Fee Sheet for further information).
Collection from After School Care
Students should be collected promptly at the end their session; if a child is not collected within 15 minutes of a session finishing parents will be charged the full rate for the following session.
After School Care closes at 6.30pm, and students picked up at this time must be collected punctually.
When collecting your child after 3.30pm, please come to the Junior School and ring the After School Care option on the gate.
After 5.30pm please collect your child directly from the Senior School Dining Hall.
If you are going to be late or need to contact the After School Care team after 3.30pm, please call 07496 803780
What does it cost?
Fees for Wraparound Care can be found on our school Fee Sheet.
How to Book
Breakfast Club and After School Care need to be booked in advance by emailing jswraparound@stchris.co.uk or calling the Junior School Office: +44 (0) 1462 650 962
You are welcome to book both regular and occasional ‘ad-hoc’ sessions depending on availability.
Places are limited and bookings are accepted on a first come, first served basis. Cancellations with less than 24 hours’ notice are charged in full.
Clothing and Equipment List
Equipment List
Please ensure that students bring the following items into school each day from the start of term.
School bag
a small rucksack or similar (a small book bag is provided for Reception students)
Reusable water bottle
In Year 4 and 5 (F and E Group), black or blue handwriting pens
In Year 6 (D Group) a pencil case containing: pencils
black or blue handwriting pens
rubber scissors
small (15cm) ruler
pencil sharpener
coloured pencils
felt tip pens
glue stick
Clothing
There is no uniform at St Christopher School, but clothes must be appropriate for a school environment, clean and mended. Camouflage and military-type clothing are not allowed.
All students are asked to have indoor shoes to change into and these must be non-slip. The ideal indoor shoes are Crocs, sensible slippers, trainers or similar.
In the winter, students need an outdoor coat as we always try to get outside at break times! In the summer, please ensure your child applies sunscreen before they come into school and that they have a hat for break times.
All Reception (K Group) students should bring a spare set of labelled clothes, waterproof clothing and wellies; they go outside come rain or shine!
For PE / games, jewellery must be removed to a safe standard. Long hair should always be tied back and nails need to be sufficiently short to prevent injury to self and others.
Forest School
Students from Reception to Year 4 (K to F Group) take part in weekly Forest School sessions.
In the winter for these sessions they need to bring in a coat, wellies, waterproof trousers, a hat and gloves. In the summer please ensure that they have wellies, a sun hat and suitable clothing – this could still be a coat!
PE Kit
All students are expected to attend PE and Games lessons and any sports fixtures they take part in with the correct kit. This ensures their own and others’ safety, as well as enabling students to participate to their full potential. Please note that kit and equipment varies per term in line with the sports that are played (see table).
Students in Reception to Year 2 (K, J and H Group)
Students in these year groups do not need to purchase a St Chris PE kit. However, they will need the following:
• shorts (navy without loops, pockets or a belt)
• white T shirt
• sports trainers (not fashion trainers or plimsoles) that students can put on and take off themselves
• navy sweatshirt and tracksuit bottoms for colder days
• swimsuit/trunks, swim hat and towel, optional goggles
Students in Years 3 to 6 (G, F, E and D Group)
All students require a St Chris PE kit which is available through our suppliers, SWI; https://www.swischoolwear.co.uk/
PE kit list (available via SWI)
• Performance SS Training Top (fitted or loose fit)
• Performance Training Pants or Shorts (or Skort)
• Performance Tracksuit Top (full zip or ¼ zip) OR ProTec Rugby Top
• Performance Coolmax Socks (football/rugby socks)
• Base layer (a plain white version is available from SWI, or students may wear their own)
Additional equipment (not from official suppliers)
• well-fitting trainers or astros providing effective grip and support for indoor and outdoor usage (not fashion shoes)
• football boots (plastic studs only)
• gum shield for hockey and rugby. These can be purchased through the PE Department for £3
• shin pads for football and hockey. Any type allowed.
Swimming kit
A swimsuit or trunks – can be any colour. We support students’ confidence in the water and allow a wide variety of styles. Swimming trunks can be Speedos, Jammers or looser shorts which finish above the knee.
One-piece Swimsuits can be styles such as razor, atom or t-back, hydrasuits, legsuits to the knee. swim hat (preferably silicone): this is essential for taking part towel goggles
optional rash vest/t-shirt to wear in addition to costume/trunks
Please ensure all items of PE kit are named.
What do I need when?
Normal St Chris PE kit is required for all PE/Games lessons, alongside some additional equipment for specific team sports (see table below) for students from Year 3 to Year 6.
Junior School students swim all year round – please see their timetable for days of lessons.
Personal Belongings
Students should not bring valuable items into school. They are welcome to bring in toys and games, although we ask that no toy weapons are brought in. Scooters may be used at playtimes; however, a helmet must be worn.
Mobile Phones
We understand that some parents may wish for their child to carry a mobile phone to and from school. If this is the case, the phone should be left with the Junior School Office during the day. Students in the Junior School are not allowed to have mobile phones in the classroom or in their school bags.
Lost Property
Please ensure that all belongings are named, including water bottles, shoes, coats and PE kit. Belongings do get mislaid but using the cloakroom and ensuring everything is named helps prevent problems. Lost property is handed in to the Junior School Office.
Health
St Chris has a School Nurse who needs up-to-date medical information for your child. To ensure we have the correct details, please share any updates with the nurse as soon as possible, either by emailing nurse@ stchris.co.uk or passing them on via the class teacher.
Injuries and Accidents
If a pupil has an accident or sustains an injury at school, you will receive a Medical Tracker email notification. In some cases, the School Nurse may need to assess the injury and will update you accordingly. Depending on the nature of the injury, it may be passed on to the Operations Manager for further investigation and reporting.
If your child experiences a head bump or injury, you will be contacted based on the severity. In some cases, we may ask you to collect your child and seek a medical review. Alternatively, you will be notified via the Medical Tracker system. The notification will include details of the injury, the treatment provided, and any follow-up advice, such as how to monitor for concussion and when to seek medical care. If your child remains in school, they will be given a head bump sticker to alert staff to monitor them closely.
Chronic Health Conditions
(Diabetes, Epilepsy, Sickle Cell Disease etc.)
Parents/guardians should notify the School Nurse upon enrolment or following a diagnosis of any chronic health conditions their child may have. The School Nurse will collaborate with parents/ guardians and relevant hospital teams to develop and maintain Individual Healthcare Plans (IHPs) tailored to their needs. The School Nurse will oversee the administration of medication, and will provide healthrelated training and support to staff.
Anaphylaxis
For pupils with known Anaphylaxis, parents/guardians should provide two labelled Adrenaline Auto Injectors (AAIs), which will be stored in a secure emergency box in the classroom. The box will be accessible to all staff but kept out of reach of pupils. It is the responsibility of parents/guardians to ensure that the AAIs are in date. Additionally, an Allergy Action Plan must be completed for any pupil with anaphylaxis.
Asthma
For any pupil with an Asthma diagnosis, parents must provide a labelled inhaler, which will be stored in a secure emergency box in the classroom. The box will be accessible to all staff but kept out of reach of pupils. Parents/guardians are responsible for ensuring that inhalers are in date. Pupils in older year groups may be assessed as responsible for carrying their inhaler, and the School Nurse and Class Teacher will discuss this with you. Parents/guardians are also responsible for keeping the school informed of any updates to their child’s condition. An Asthma card must be completed for all pupils with a diagnosis.
Illness at School
If a pupil becomes unwell while at school a member of staff may contact home and ask for them to be collected. If your child has suffered from vomiting and/or diarrhoea, as a general principle, they should be regarded as potentially infectious unless there is good evidence to suggest otherwise. As per Public Health England advice and our school policy, your child should not attend school until 48 hours after symptoms have stopped and they are well enough to return. If your child has a high temperature, please keep them home from school until it subsides naturally, without the use of medication.
Medication
Prescription medication can be administered at school if necessary, but parents/guardians must complete an ‘Administration of Medication to Pupils: Parental
Request Form,’ available from the Junior School Office or School Nurse. Medication must be in its original pharmacy-labelled container, clearly stating the pupil’s name, date of birth, and full prescription details. Loose or repackaged tablets (e.g., in envelopes or unlabelled containers) will not be accepted or administered.
Junior School staff do not administer over-the-counter (OTC) medication, such as Calpol, and parents/ guardians are asked not to request them to do so. However, the School Nurse can administer OTC medication if necessary, a phone call home will always be made to obtain consent before administering any medication and to confirm whether any medication has already been given prior to school.
Counselling
St Chris offers a counselling service for pupils, with appointments that can be scheduled during the school day. If you would like to discuss this, please get in touch with the Junior School Head: katie.wright@stchris.co.uk
Our Parent Body
All parents and guardians are automatically enrolled as members of the Parents’ Circle – our name for the PTA.
The St Chris Parents’ Circle has a long history within the School having played an active role since 1920. The group provides a welcoming environment where parents can get to know one another, share ideas, socialise and have fun! They also run fundraising initiatives for their chosen charities.
Throughout the year the Parents’ Circle organise several events, including quiz nights, Easter egg hunts and support the Summer Fair (St Christopalooza). Such occasions provide a school-wide inclusive environment to get to know other parents and support the sense of community that St Chris provides. Each class has its own Parents’ Circle Class Rep –another parent at the School. When a student starts at the school we ask their parent/carer if they would like to be put in touch with their Class Rep. The Class Rep usually creates a WhatsApp group to share information with their class. These groups are an efficient way to stay up to date and enable social engagements to be planned.
For more information about the Parents’ Circle, or if you have any questions, comments or suggestions please email parentscircle@stchris.co.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
Please find below answers to some additional questions you may have. If you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us. Before your child starts at school please contact Lucy in the Admissions Team via admissions@stchris.co.uk
Once you have started at St Chris, your class teacher or the Junior School Office is your first port of call. We aim to respond to all emails within two working days.
What do I do if I have concerns about my child?
If you have any worries, questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact your child’s class teacher in the first instance. They are experienced in supporting students through the transition to a new school both in terms of their general wellbeing, changing friendship patterns and academic progress.
Most friendship patterns sort themselves out naturally without adults getting involved, and students form lasting, happy relationships. However, parents should contact the class teacher if their child becomes unhappy or withdrawn, or if they are struggling to settle in, and students should also feel free to speak to their teacher at any time. Parents should also contact the class teacher if they suspect that behaviour towards their child may be deliberately unkind.
Marcia Bonanni, Lead of Junior School Pastoral (marcia.bonanni@stchris.co.uk) and Katie Wright, Head of Junior School (katie.wright@stchris.co.uk) are responsible for supporting all students within their care, and can be contacted directly by email.
Where can I find our more information about the PSHE/RSHE curriculum?
Personal, Social, Health and Economics Education (PSHE) is delivered in weekly lessons, following a programme created with the PSHE Association. Each year, we explore a range of topics under the three themes; Health & Wellbeing, Living in the Wider World and Relationships.
These are taught in a spiral curriculum, building in an age-appropriate way, to cover the knowledge and skills needed by young people to make safe, well-informed choices. Lessons encourage students to reflect on topical issues and develop social skills through discussion.
Signposting to support is also a key element of PSHE so that students and young people know how to make healthy decisions and seek appropriate help with difficulties. Further information about PSHE and Relationships and Sex Education (RSE) can be found in our policies on the school website and through regular newsletters which update parents on what we have been learning about.
What is the Silence?
The Silence is a tradition at St Chris where the staff and students take a moment together to pause, think and listen. It’s an important part of our Morning Talks and school meetings and in the Junior School, students ring a bell at lunchtime to signify a moment of silence. There is a bell in the Dining Hall (IG) that anyone can ring to start a moment of silence.
Can I bring my dog to pick my child up from school?
Other than guide or hearing dogs, dogs are not allowed in the School buildings. Please keep dogs on a lead at all times and under your direct control, and be aware that some of our students are scared of dogs or may be allergic to them.
Can I book additional swimming lessons for my child and can our family use the pool?
Parents can book additional swimming lessons through the St Chris Swim School; these take place after school hours and at the weekend. You can find further information on our website: stchris.co.uk/swim-school
We also run regular weekly Family Swim and Adult Swim sessions for those families who have a child at St Chris. Further information is sent out in The Roundup at the start of each term.
Who do I need to tell if my child needs to leave School for a medical appointment?
If parents would like to request their child leave school for a medical appointment, this request can be made by the parent to the class teacher by email.
If a student has an appointment during the school day, they need to sign out and back in again with the Junior School Office. Parents can come to the Junior School Office to meet them.
What do I do if my child is going to be late to school or is off ill?
Unplanned absences, due to an emergency, medical appointment or illness, should be reported to the Junior School Office before 9.00am by emailing jsattendance@stchris.co.uk. Please copy your class teacher into your email.
If your child is unwell and unable to participate in a PE or a swimming session, please ensure that the class teacher is informed in writing or by e-mail beforehand.
How do I request time off for my child during term time?
If parents wish for their child to miss school for any reason other than illness or an emergency medical appointment then they should write to the Head of the Junior School, Katie Wright, in advance, requesting permission for the absence: katie.wright@stchris.co.uk. You can also request time off via My School Portal.
How do I visit the school to see a member of staff?
If you wish to meet with a member of staff, please contact your child’s class teacher in advance, to arrange a convenient appointment.
All visitors (including parents) must report to the Junior School Office on arrival at the school, where they will be signed in and given a visitor’s badge, and made aware of our safeguarding and fire procedures.
What are the school’s bank details?
Account Name St Christopher School (Letchworth) Limited
Account Number 90800643
Sort Code 20-41-38
The bank details are the same for all payments to the school, so please include a reference for your payment e.g. SURNAME FEES or SURNAME TRIP.
Where do I find the school’s policies?
A comprehensive list of our policies and procedures can be found on the school website: https://www.stchris.co.uk/policies
Alternatively please contact the Head’s PA, who can send you a digital or hard copy: toni.warner@stchris.co.uk
How do I make a complaint?
The open climate of St Chris encourages parents, along with students and staff, to voice their concerns. Usually, discussion of the matter allays or removes the worry without the need for formal procedures.
All complaints are carefully considered, and it is usually helpful for there to be a discussion at an early stage about the issue, the procedures and the possible outcomes. In the first instance, please contact the Head: head@stchris.co.uk
A copy of our Complaints Policy can be found on our website. stchris.co.uk/policies
How do I contact the Governors?
The Chair of the Governors may be contacted in confidence by email at alison.burrows@stchris.co.uk or c/o the main school address: Chair of Governors, St Christopher School, Letchworth Garden City, Hertfordshire SG6 3JZ.
Key Contacts in the Junior School
Main School Switchboard
Junior School Office
A full staff list can be found on the website: stchris.co.uk/meet-the-team
+44 (0) 1462 650 850 hello@stchris.co.uk stchris.co.uk
Junior.school@stchris.co.uk
+44 (0) 1462 650 962
Absence Reporting jsattendance@stchris.co.uk
+44 (0) 1462 650 962
Wraparound Care
jswraparound@stchris.co.uk
+44 (0) 1462 650 962
Out of Hours: +44 (0) 7496 803780
Head Rich Jones head@stchris.co.uk
Deputy Head Nat Baker nat.baker@stchris.co.uk
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Assistant Head (Pastoral Care)
Alistair Phillips alistair.phillips@stchris.co.uk
Head of the Junior School
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, Junior School
Katie Wright katie.wright@stchris.co.uk
Junior School Secretary Jo Pitts joanna.pitts@stchris.co.uk
Junior School Curriculum and Assessment Lead
Iain Wheeler iain.wheeler@stchris.co.uk
Junior School Pastoral Lead
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, Junior School
Marcia Bonanni marcia.bonanni@stchris.co.uk
Assistant Head, SEND
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead
Kirsten Rockey kirsten.rockey@stchris.co.uk
Inclusion Strategy Lead Zoe Woodhouse zoe.woodhouse@stchris.co.uk
Chief Operating Officer
Simon Holmes simon.holmes@stchris.co.uk
School Nurse nurse@stchris.co.uk
Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, Junior School
Carly Ougham carly.ougham@stchris.co.uk
Admissions Team
Lucy Coddington admissions@stchris.co.uk
Finance Team billings@stchris.co.uk
Chair of Governors Alison Burrows alison.burrows@stchris.co.uk
Parents’ Circle (PTA) parentscircle@stchris.co.uk